Now, one important note: the Finalists are listed in alphabetical order — there is no implied hierarchy. I know, it's a little petty, but I was curious. So it's basically a five-way tie for second place. Which, you know what? I'm thrilled about it.

Because frankly, my expectations were extremely low. When my publisher told me they were going to submit it to a small selection of awards, I said cool but I had zero real sense that White Mirror would come close to winning anything. 

Don't get me wrong. It's not because I don't think the writing and the stories are good enough. As a finished book, I'm very proud of it. I think it has a lot to offer. But it is an unusual book. First, it's written under the pseudonym Tinkered Thinking. I assumed somewhat that this would be a ding against my odds simply because it's unusual in a way that is reminiscent of online trolls and catfish. Second, it's an evolution from The Lucilius Parables, which already has an unusual set of constraints: the same character, an admittedly flat character, and it's devoid of your usual recipe for drama.

Perhaps the most interesting part of my reaction to this fantastic news was the thought that followed up the initial emotional excitement like a caboose on a long leash: well shit... White Mirror is GOOD, but like... I can do better...

So it makes me think about the dozen-plus chapters that I have written of a novel. The shame is that a novel requires big long blocks of time, and those just don't fit into my life very well right now. Essays and short stories — I can bust those out in an hour and be pleased for what they are. But a novel is a big, complex, organic monster that requires time to get into the flow with. Or, at least, that's been my sense of it as I work on it.

Regardless, WHITE MIRROR as a finalist. That's pretty cool. And my publisher says we can now put a shiny gold sticker on the front of the book now. And, who doesn't like a gold sticker for a job well done?