a friend sent me an open call to write those stupid serial books that you see at the end of the sci-fi/fantasy section. The call requires that you submit the first three chapters, and then if they request, you need to be able to provide the rest of the book in 10 days. Is this usual?

I'm not sure what books you mean, Raquel, but I'm assuming that if the publisher is considering someone previously unpublished (or at least unpublished by them) they probably wouldn't contract unless the book was complete. So my advice would be, don't send the chapters unless you've got the book done, or actually can finish it in ten days.

(dying with laughter over the Happy Denial to Nic)

Thanks to all, and to all a good thanks.

Raquel, I'm with Amy - I'd write it first, then submit the first three, if I was going to go that route. But I have to admit, the very concept sounds like a sort of mass paperback meat market....

edit:

Well, you know, he can always claim 49. Any b-day plans?

Cake and sex. Yes, an Izzard moment...

Cake and sex.

Every day should include these.

I count it as a flaw in the theory of Intelligent Design that they do not, at least in Astarte World.

Wished elsewhere but it bears repeating: Happiest of Birthday wishes to Deb and Nic!

Many Happy Returns of the day to you and Nic, Deb!

And who knew how fast the phrase "cake and sex" could bring my muse running back? :)

(P.S. Happy Birthday Deb and Nic!)

Temptation

“Come on. You trust me, don’t you?”

“Of course I trust you. It’s just…”

She waffles. It did sound good… very good…mmm… but! It was so different! What if she didn’t like it? Or if he loved it, but she didn’t? Then he’d want it all the time…

He caught her eye. “Come on honey. Just this once. If you don’t like it, then never again.” Warm, inviting smile, with a hint of mischief. She is powerless.

“Yeah, you’re right.” The triple fudge cake mix hits the basket with an air of triumph. “But… could we still have vanilla icing?”

Heh. Of course, the trained cook over here is internally going "A MIX?!?!?"

Deb, they're only at the beginning of their forays. Soon they'll be wantonly sifting dry ingredients! Shamelessly kneading dough and allowing it to rise! She will be seduced by high culinary arts, just you wait.

"Why did you do that? Why did you hurt your friend like that?"

"You assume I had a reason. I didn't."

"So you thoughtlessly hurt her? You helped her husband cheat on her without any thought to it whatsoever?"

"Yeah, I guess I did."

“For absolutely no reason?”

“I suppose.”

“Not even children think like that. They have reasons, albeit often childish and selfish reasons, for doing things. But they’re children. That’s expected. You’re a full grown woman. How could you violate her trust like that? If this is how you operate, how can I ever trust you again?”

So very late that by now it's old and overbaked, but it does bear repeating:

Very, very happy birthday to you, Deb!!!!!!