≡ Menu

I’m Joining the Diner!

I’m thrilled to finally announce that I’ll be a part of Coach’s Midnight Diner New Editorial Team. From their website:

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to some new members of the Coach’s Midnight Diner Editorial Team:

  • Kevin Lucia – Author of “The Way Station” from the first edition of the Diner, providing wit and speed for the team- http://www.kevinlucia.net
  • Mike Duran – Author of “Polly’s Muse” from the first edition, solving for the experience and wisdom side of the Diner equation- http://www.mikeduran.com
  • Michelle Pendergrass – Bloggerina from the Misfits and Nanowrimo Spring Training Veteran, providing heart for the team- http://zanesmilkmachine.blogspot.com
  • Vennessa Ng- Editor Extraordinaire, back for a second round of keeping Coach in line – http://www.aotearoaeditorial.com/
  • Melody Graves, Author of “The Looking Glass” from the first edition, will be stepping up as our new Layout Editor – http://www.melodygraves.com
  • and of course, your friendly neighborhood fry cook, Coach Culbertson

As you can see, I’m enlisted to solve “. . .for the experience and wisdom side of the Diner equation.” Experience and wisdom? Okay, so Coach was on an espresso bender when he wrote that. Either way, I’m blessed to join this professional group and have my name attached to such a high-quality production.

Of course, it’s led to another round of thanksgiving and soul-searching. When I began writing seriously in 2004, I had no idea where it would take me. Really, I still don’t. Nevertheless, God has been gracious enough to bless me with moderate success and connect me with with lots of wonderful people — which includes you, my readers. Anyway, I’m looking forward to being on the other end of the submissions process, exercising my “experience and wisdom,” and never-ending nitpickyness. Thanks, Coach! Looking forward to a wild ride!

{ 11 comments… add one }
  • Ame November 30, 2007, 2:01 PM

    Congratulations, Mike!!! VERY well deserved :). We never do know where God will lead us … but it’s been fun to watch from afar … thanks for including us in your journey.

  • Michelle Pendergrass November 30, 2007, 2:20 PM

    You took the words out of my mouth, I started to seriously consider writing in 2003, but didn’t move forward much out of fear. It was in 2004 that I started testing the waters, but still not writing, more learning and observing. It was 2005 that I began the forward motion and I’ve been amazed practically every day since.

    Being asked to the editing team was such a huge surprise and I’m humbled and grateful to be working with each and every person. I can’t wait to dig in!

  • Mark November 30, 2007, 3:42 PM

    Congrats, everyone! When should the rest of us start kissing up?

  • janet November 30, 2007, 3:44 PM

    Uh oh. I’ve been in a crit group with Mike. I’m afraid no one will ever submit anything he’ll consider good enough… The Diner might have to close up shop.

    Maybe Michelle will save the day.

    Congrats Mike. As usual, no surprise!

  • Heather Goodman November 30, 2007, 4:12 PM

    Congrats, my friend! Very exciting. Sounds like a fun team.
    And congrats on the experience and wisdom side–is that a nice way of saying you’re old?
    Just kidding.

  • Nicole November 30, 2007, 4:34 PM

    Old and wise or young and dumb? Got somethin’ to offer big time. Congratulations to you and the others, too.

  • Melody December 2, 2007, 12:26 AM

    Congrats. So how do we go about reading “Polly’s Muse” anyway? Did I miss that the first time around?

  • Jeanne Damoff December 2, 2007, 1:06 AM

    Very cool, Mike! Congrats. Of course, I have no idea what most of you will be doing based on those descriptions, but I’m happy for you anyway. 🙂

  • Mike Duran December 2, 2007, 4:12 PM

    Thanks everyone for the comments! Ame, you’ve been a wonderful encourager from day one. Thank you! Michelle, I’m looking forward to working with you. Besides, I really need heart. Mark, a six pack of Guinness will go a long way toward “kissing up.” Janet, I’m confused: As an editor, should I raise my standards or lower them? Heather, perhaps aging does have it’s advantages. Nicole, I often feel “old and dumb” so even the inference of wisdom is appreciated. Melody, you can purchase a copy of Coach’s Midnight Diner HERE. (And I’ll even autograph it for you for a minimal fee!)Jeanne, Coach has scheduled a conference call with everyone, so I’m sure we’ll be discussing the details. But I think being the “experience and wisdom” part of the team should afford me with some privileges, don’t you? God bless you guys!

  • Ame December 3, 2007, 6:15 AM

    You’re welcome :). Your talent and determination for excellence are woven all through your work … it’s easy to encourage. (though … still like “supernatural suspense” over “horror;” and i think it’d sell better, too … imho ;0).

Leave a Reply