I've read short stories that are as dense as a 19th century novel and novels that really are short stories filled with a lot of helium.
Ideas aren't magical; the only tricky part is holding on to one long enough to get it written down.
I'm always trolling for trivia.
One of my great passions is the collection of historical trivia.
Editors of open anthologies actively seek submissions from all comers, established and unknown. They are willing to read whatever the tide washes up at their feet.
It's been a long time since I've written old-fashioned sword and sorcery; I'm hoping it's like riding a bicycle.