• MAILING LIST •
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• OUTSTANDING SUBMISSIONS •
June 27th:
Barrelhouse
June 22nd:
Paper Street
June 16th:
The Strange Fruit
And:
Collectanea
May 31st:
Painted Bride Quarterly
May 9th:
The Missouri Review
And:
American Short Fiction
March 20th:
The Nation Magazine
March 15th:
Night Train
February 25th::
The Dos Passos Review
February 22nd:
Ballyhoo Stories
January 14th:
Oxford Magazine
January 13th:
The Gihon River Review
November 9th:
Swink Magazine
June 29th:
Roux Magazine
June 17th:
Tertulia Magazine
May 2nd:
Swink Magazine
April 20th:
Bad Fiction
• BULLETIN BOARD •
Reading:
Blaze, by Richard Bachman
Listening to:
Nine Inch Nails, "Year Zero "
Velvet Revolver, "Libertad"
Watching:
"Rome"
"Momento"
"Manhattan"
Writing:
Untitled Novel
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• WELCOME •
 Robert Judge Woerheide is a writer of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. He has studied writing at Virginia Tech and Cal State San Marcos (BA in Literature and Writing Studies), under the tutelage of Edward Falco, Nikki Giovanni, and Brandon Cesmat.
Robert is the recipient of the American Astronautical Society's first-place
award for nonfiction. He has been a writer for San Diego's INSPORTS
Magazine, served as Online Editor for his college newspaper,
and as a writer for the San Diego
Troubadour newspaper.
In May of 2003 Robert founded Perigee,
an online publication for the arts featuring verse, prose, and
visual art.
Robert's poetry and fiction have been published in several collegiate literary journals including three editions of Cal State San Marcos' The Pride Literary Supplement. He was a featured poet in Triplopia's spring 2005 issue. Robert's stories have appeared in the 36th volume of the Coe Review and the 2006 summer issue of Miranda Literary Magazine. His fiction is forthcoming in the premiere issue of Cadillac Cicatrix. His first book, a collection of short stories entitledTraveling Sitting Still, is due out in early 2007.
The question most asked of him is "what do you write about?" Robert's stories deal with humanity—usually in contemporary settings. His fiction explores the darker aspects of the human condition and our ability to exist within them. Indeed, even to excel within them: to love, forgive, empathize, learn, and change. His stories are often bold and brutal, but always human.
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• NEWS •
August 3rd:
Kirkus Discoveries reviews Traveling Sitting Still, calling it an "engaging collection," full of "vibrant detail and insight." The full review is available at www.kirkusreviews.com.
July 15th:
Perigee's impressive 17th issue is released. The issue is the first to include Perigee's new fiction editor, Duff Brenna. This is one issue not to miss, and it includes an excerpt from Robert's book, as well as an introduction to Traveling Sitting Still by the AWP Best Novelist winner.
July 14th:
The Literary Review announces that Duff Brenna's review of Robert's book will appear in their autumn issue! This means Traveling Sitting Still will gain some well deserved exposure, and hopefully a bump in sales.
July 12th:
Robert moves to Saint Louis! He and his wife settle into their very cool downtown loft, a few blocks from the Mississippi and Busch Stadium. He is very happy!
June 26th:
AWP Best Novelist winner and Professor Emeritus (CSUSM) Duff Brenna writes a glowing review of Traveling Sitting Still. The review is submitted to The Literary Review for their consideration.
June 1st:
Traveling Sitting Still is now AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! The wait has been long, and the anticipation growing, and now the book can be ordered online and in book stores across the nation. Check the official web site for the latest news, release information, and purchase options.
May 30th:
Traveling Sitting Still is selected as a Publisher's Choice book! This means the collection--Robert's first book--will be marketed in brick and mortar Barnes & Noble stores. The distinction is quite an honor.
 April 15th:
Perigee's 16th issue is released. The special commemorative, 4 year anniversary issue is double sized, features a unique cover, and is jam-packed with poetry, fiction, and memoir. The issue also includes the winning entries from the 2006 Poetry Contest, as judged by renowned poet Marvin Bell!
March 21st:
Traveling Sitting Still earns Editor's Choice and becomes eligible for the most prestigious distinction offered by its publisher, Publisher's Choice. The extra recognition means TSS will get a little extra attention from readers and critics, and may receive more aggressive marketing if it should be selected as Publisher's Choice.
February 18th:
Robert clicks over to a new decade. He celebrates his 30th birthday with a hot air balloon ride and an excellent steak dinner. Yummy. Although his collection of stories is still under production, he is optimistic that it will only be another month or two before the collection is available in bookstores.
 January 15th:
Perigee's 15th issue is released. The all-new content includeds dozens of new poems, and stories. Plus artwork from the Swedish artist Zlatko Vasic.
December 4th:
Publication of Traveling Sitting Still continues. The book is currently in the "editorial evaluation" stage, where several editors proof the content and the copy.
November 14th:
Traveling Sitting Still gets its own web site: www.travelingsittingstill.com. The site contains advance praise, back cover marketing copy, and information about the book itself. Check it out soon!
November 13th:
Traveling Sitting Still officially enters the publication process. It will be published through iUniverse, and should be available in early 2007. It will be available in trade-paperback and eBook formats. It is an exciting day, as three years of work is put into book form. The collection of short stories contains 12 works of fiction. Some have been previously published, but most will be meeting the public for the first time.
October 25th:
Robert launches a new literary blog, Pict Grooving, and promises to fill it with new content every single day. Regular contributors will be invited to participate, and visitors are welcome to submit work of their own and to comment on existing pieces. The blog focuses on poetry, flash fiction, and editorial style rants. Check it out soon!
October 24th:
Robert publishes his fourth "3by3by3" poem on Lance Newman's excellent new poetry blog. The poems are linked from Robert's "Works" page, and are of course viewable in their published form on the web site itself. Keep an eye on the blog for future contributions.
 October 15th:
Perigee's 14th issue is released. The new issue contains 12 new poems, 6 short stories (including the 3 winners of the 2006 Fiction Contest), and 2 memoirs--plus an Editor's Corner containing some of Robert's recent photography.
September 9th:
Robert and his wife Kate help construct a house for a rural Mexican family. The project lasts a single day, thanks to the hard work of many. The family moves from a one room shack to something resembling a modern home. They are provided with a gravity tank, which serves as their only source of "running" water. Robert discusses the experiences, and includes a few photos on Perigee's blog.
August 8th:
Most submissions of existing work are suspended, as Robert puts together Traveling Sitting Still, his collection of short stories. The collection is to be polished this autumn and ready for publication sometime this winter. To avoid conflicts, the works can no longer be marketed.
New works will be marketed as they are developed.
August 3rd:
Robert completes "Traveling Sitting Still," the last story in his collection, which will share the title. This is a big day. Now the publication process begins.
July 18th
"Addressing Amy" is published in the summer issue of Miranda Literary Magazine. The issue is available, in its entirety, free-of-charge. Robert comments on the story, its inspiration, and its theme, in this blog post.
 July 15th:
Perigee's 13th issue is released. The issue contains the names of the 2006 Fiction Contest winners, as well as all new works of fiction, non-fiction, and verse.
July 13th:
Robert works with the editors at Cadillac Cicatrix to polish and perfect "Noam Chomsky for President." The experience is rewarding and enlightening. The story is scheduled to be published in the imminent premiere issue.
Work on Perigee's 13th issue continues. The issue is set to be published in just over 24 hours. Robert is busy!
June 24th:
Miranda Literary Magazine has accepted Robert's fiction piece, "Addressing Amy," for publication in their upcoming summer issue. The fiction acceptance is Robert's second in the month of June. He is honored to have his work selected for both publications.
Work continues on a new project.
June 15th:
"Noam Chomsky for President" has been selected for publication by Cadillac Cicatrix. This is Robert's second fiction acceptance of 2006. Details will be posted when the issue is available for purchase.
June 6th:
Robert receives some enthusiastic and helpful rejections this week. Read his post on Perigee's weblog for more details, and to read his thoughts on editors who take an extra couple minutes when responding.
April 28th:
Robert's work of fiction, "Razing the Dead," is published in the 36th volume of Coe Review. The issue is available for $10.00, by contacting Coe Review at Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
 April 15th:
Perigee's twelfth issue is released. For the first time, Perigee is requiring readers pay $1 to read the complete issue. The third anniversary issue contains 36 poems, 6 prose pieces, and 6 works of visual art.
April 9th:
Robert's time is monopolized by the creation of Perigee's twelfth issue--the third anniversary issue. Robert is also busy contacting writers with notification of their submission status. A few submissions are made, but writing is put on hold until after the new issue is released.
April 6th:
Two new short stories are worked on. Robert writes in his sleep (quite literally), and is still feeling intense inspiration these days. More stories are sure to follow, and more acceptances too.
 March 24th:
Robert receives an acceptance for "Razing the Dead." The Coe Review has decided to publish the work of short fiction in their upcoming spring issue. It is an exciting day: after many fiction rejections Robert is glad to receive an acceptance letter.
March 22nd
In a flurry of inspiration Robert begins and completes two new short stories in ten hours of writing. "Ausgraben" is 1,749 words in length. "Dig, Hadji, Dig" is 1,699 words. Both stories will be revised and submitted shortly. Although the stories stand on their own as complete works, they are interrelated, and grew from the same seed of inspiration.
March 21st:
"Extra Postage Required" is retitled "Addressing Amy." The first full draft is completed, and stands at 2,191 words. Robert is fairly pleased with the first complete version and looks forward to considering revisions over the next several days. The story will be submitted, first to Zyzzyva, soon.
March 20th:
"At What Cost Democracy" is finished after many, many revisions. The essay is submitted to The Nation Magazine for consideration in their essay contest which closes March 31st.
Work continues on "Extra Postage Required." The story stands at 1,500 words and Robert expects to write another 500 to 700 words. Check back soon!
March 16th:
A muse visits. Things click. Robert gets elbow deep into a story he is definitely feeling, so to speak. The story is tentatively titled, "Extra Postage Required," and is expected to run about 1,500 words.
February 18th
Robert turns 29. Submissions come and go, mostly go; few editors are timely in responding. Robert tends to a few irons in the fire.
January 14th:
Several submissions are made to various publications, with more planned for next week. At the same time the editors meet to decide on which submissions will be published in the new issue of Perigee—to be released January 22nd.
 December 24th:
A cruise to the Bahamas is in order for Robert. He lets the rest of the world go about celebrating Christmas and says to one and all, "Festy Hapmas!"
December 21st:
The Perigee Poetry contest grows hot and heavy. That is to say, submissions pour in at a daunting pace. Robert attends to editorial duties and faces the inevitable reality that January's issue will need to be delayed a week thanks to the holidays.
November 15th:
The Pride newspaper features an interview with Robert. The three page interview touches on topics from Perigee to writing to the current state of artistic integrity in the modern world. The article is available in its entirety by clicking here.
November 9th:
A work of "Flash Fiction" is completed. The term refers to fiction of (typically) less than 1000 words. Revision begins and the work will be posted and submitted shortly. The story is titled "Send in the Clowns."
November 7th:
Robert is a guest lecturer at CSUSM. He speaks about his experiences with Perigee, its development, his burgeoning writing career, and online publishing in general. His primary handout is available in PDF format by clicking here.
November 5th:
Bad news. The story which Robert hoped would bring home a prize in the 2nd annual Arthur Edelstein Short Fiction contest ("Giving Up") only makes it to the finalist round. It is the second year in a row his work has been considered among the finalists. Robert is frustrated but all the more determined to produce new works which will garner attention from editors.
He also looks forward to recommencing his marketing of "Giving Up," one of his favorite works to date.
October 28th:
Several rejections arrive. Robert is happy to hear from editors who've had his work for a while.
October 19th:
Work begins on outlining a creative non-fiction book. Robert reconnects with a friend and award-winning creative non-fiction writer who offers to serve as mentor during the book writing process. The offer is invaluable. More details will become available as prudent.
 October 8th:
The tenth issue of Perigee begins to develop. A new section of the publication focuses on non-fiction. The poetry contest continues to draw submissions. The issue will be released on the 15th.
Work continues on several story ideas, but most writing is suspended for the moment. Art takes time. Editors remain slow to respond.
October 7th:
Robert spends several weeks serving on a Criminal Grand Jury. He handles almost 50 cases and enjoys the experience. Autumn approaches, despite a Santa Ana which pushes temperatures into the nineties; Halloween draws near.
September 8th:
Robert returns from a trip to Virginia to see family and friends. An exchange of stories between friends fosters story ideas. Work continues on an untitled story. Three editors respond to Robert's work in the negative, but after a long period without any responses even these are welcomed.
August 24th:
Work on a new short story continues (as yet untitled). Robert is experimenting with a new type of outlining to facilitate a swift write. He hopes to have a new work of fiction around the end of August.
August 9th:
The first draft of "Madness in Parts: A Eulogy" is completed and posted on Robert's works page. The story is the longest he's written recently, at 6,991 words. It was begun in April of 2004--sixteen months ago. It will likely be heavily revised before being submitted to editors.
August 7th:
The revised version of "Chiquita Lady" is sent to Howard Junker at Zyzzyva Magazine, in the new format. "Madness in Parts" takes longer to finish than anticipated, but work continues. The title may be changed a third time. The story is now 6,432 words long--the longest single story to date.
July 27th:
Most of Robert's fiction is converted to a new format (available on his Works page) in an effort to make his stories stand out among the slush piles. "Chiquita Lady," is heavily revised and posted. The ending to "Razing the Dead" is adjusted for clarity's sake. "Madness in Parts: A Eulogy" nears completion.
July 25th:
Serious revision begins on the longer story, "Stronger than Coffee." Robert expects the piece to be finished and fully revised by the end of the month. The story will be posted here and submitted to publications shortly.
"Stronger than Coffee" is retitled, "Madness in Parts."
July 15th:
The new issue of Perigee is released. Robert also hangs up his web design hat, notifying his clients that he cannot continue serving them and commit the kind of time necessary to write and produce a collection of short stories in the fall. He wraps up web design next week and returns to writing full-time, this time without any distraction.
June 29th:
"Housekeeping" is marketed to several publications which are new to Robert. Although the story may go through more revision, Robert is ready to begin marketing it and to start another story.
June 27th:
Robert's most recent story receives a title. "Housekeeping" undergoes final stages, including revision, and will be marketed as soon as it is up to snuff.
June 17th:
Work begins on a new story, as yet untitled. Robert ignores e-mails, shuts the doors and windows, brews his tea, and writes.
June 14th:
Perigee keeps Robert busy. The 2005 Fiction Contest winners are announced. As if his editorial duties weren't enough to distract him, a new version of his web site begins gestating. Something white with green accents.
Tinhouse rejects "Kissing Margery Clean." It will be marketed elsewhere. There is no such thing as discouragement; something is just around the corner.
April 28th:
"Noam Chomsky for President" is completed. The story will likely go through more revision before being posted on the works page, but it feels good to have another story complete.
April 20th:
Submissions made to The Cream City Review, Bad Fiction, and The Village Rambler. Robert revisits a memoir piece from his undergraduate days and revises it. Work continues on a new short story tentatively titled, "Noam Chomsky for President."
April 18th:
Inspiration hits; work begins on a rewrite of "Rabbit." Robert puts the heat on a few other kernels to see if they will pop. Submissions made to Rosebud, The Threepenny Review, Tin House, and Painted Bride Quarterly.
April 15th:
The new Perigee issue is launched. The two year anniversary issue includes the poetry contest winners, along with new fiction (including Robert's short story "Giving Up"), and more—all showcased in a newly designed web site.
Robert is a featured poet in Triplopia. Three of his poems are published.
March 29th:
Work continues on the April/May/June issue of Perigee. Another web design project (which pays the bills) keeps Robert otherwise-occupied. Lots of story ideas gestate; lots of catching up to do. Robert finds inspiration in Moby's new album, "Hotel," and Nine Inch Nails' not-so-new album "The Fragile." Creativity is brewing. |
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March 14th:
Triplopia accepts three of Robert's poems for publication in the April 15th issue. The issue's theme is "Time." These are the first acceptances of 2005, and are received with much excitement.
March 2nd:
Work begins on a new short story tentatively titled, "Color Blind."
February 22nd:
In search of a home for "Rabbit," Robert submits the story to two online publications which have recently caught his eye: FRiGG, and Lorraine and James. The story is good enough for publication—now if he can just find an editor who agrees.
February 18th:
Robert turns 28. The boxes are pretty much unpacked, and he is ready to resume writing. Expect several new works shortly.
Early February:
Relocating to Tierrasanta, Robert fills his days with boxes, wrapping paper, and those plastic bubbles that everyone likes to pop. He and his wife are looking forward to the move.
January 17th:
Robert submits several poems to Triplopia: "Tuesday, April 13th," "Horsehead," "re member childhood," and "Under Construction." The poems are intended to fit the submission theme of "time."
January 15th:
Perigee's seventh issue is published. The new issue contains an interview with Pushcart Winner Steve Kowit, features on two Perigee poets, and all new poetry, prose, and visual art.
www.perigee-art.com |
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December 20th:
Days filled with appointments, interviews, editorial responsibilities, and of course the holidays, slow Robert's writing down. Nevertheless, he continues to widdle away at a new story and hopes to market it in early January. Work on the January/February/March issue of Perigee is about to kick into high gear.
December 15th:
Robert interviews award winning poet Steve Kowit for a feature article in Perigee. It is a fun and informative interview.
December 3rd:
A 5,948 word story is completed over a three day period and revised. The story will be marketed to Playboy Magazine and entered in The Ledge's 2005 Fiction Award Competition. The story is tentatively titled, "Kissing Margery Clean."
December 1st:
Robert finishes revisions on "Confessions of a Horsepower Junkie," a short creative non-fiction piece regarding recent struggles with his beloved and vexing Camaro Z28. Just for fun, he markets it to Car and Driver and submits it to Car Talk for their enjoyment. Robert also submits the final version of "Aggravated" to the Salt Hill Short Fiction Contest. Winners and finalists are announced in the Zoetrope: All Story 2004 Fiction contest; unfortunately Robert's submission, "Razing the Dead," does not place.
November 18th:
Two short stories are completed this week. One will be marketed to Salt Hill's Short Short Fiction Contest (1,500 words) and the other to the 2005 Raymond Carver Fiction Contest.
October 27th:
Robert receives word from the editors of The Arthur Edelstein Prize for Short Fiction that his submission ("Razing the Dead") was among the contest finalists, and "although (his) story was not selected for a prize, it was seriously considered." There were only eight other finalists.
October 22nd:
"Giving Up," completed in 24 hours. Another short short for marketing, and Robert is quite excited about its prospects. This one could really get some attention from editors. The weekend will be used to revise "Stronger than Coffee," "Or Current Resident," and "Giving Up." It was a very productive week. |