Diary of a Flash Fiction Editor/Writer

Call for Flash Fiction Submissions/Anthology

2009-07-13T12:37:00.007-05:00

What I find particularly attractive about this publication opportunity for this Microfiction/Prose Poetry Anthology, which will be edited by Holly Howitt and Jan Fortune-Wood, is that writers may submit pieces that have been published online or in journals/magazines--as long as they own full copyright.

Deadline: August 15^th, 2009

Payment: All those whose work is selected will receive a copy of the anthology.

Submit pieces of flash/micro fiction that are no longer than 600 words—no minimum length.

See full guidelines at Microfiction/Prose Poetry Anthology - Call for Submissions!

Revenge-Lit Flash Fiction Contest

2009-05-29T11:11:00.017-05:00

I apologize for the short notice on this flash fiction contest opportunity, but it sounds like fun--and there is NO ENTRY fee :-)

DEADLINE : June 12, 2009
Revenge-Lit Contest http://revengelit.blogspot.com/

In celebration of the launch of Terry Griggs's "Thought You Were Dead", Biblioasis and Seen Reading are teaming up to help writers unleash the proverbial murder in their heart.

Write a flash fiction piece of 250 words or so on the (fictional) literary critic whose body once filled the chalk outline and what he or she did to get there and send it to http://revengelit.blogspot.com/ by June 12.

The best of the entries will be published as they are received at Revenge-Lit Contest http://revengelit.blogspot.com/ Winning entry receives $100 (presumably in Canadian funds), publication in *CNQ: Canadian Notes & Queries*, and about $1,000 worth of Biblioasis books.

Check the site for details. Revenge-Lit Contest http://revengelit.blogspot.com/

The Bulwer-Lytton Contest--give it a try!

2009-04-01T16:58:00.011-05:00

The Bulwer-Lytton Contest

DEADLINE: April 15, 2009

GENRE: Short stories within a 50-60 word limit

DETAILS: Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote "It was a dark and stormy night..." and this competition seeks the best (as in worst) opening lines in any genre of fiction. The line must be a single sentence as long as you wish, but a limit of 50 - 60 words is recommended.

You may enter as many times as you wish.

PRIZE: "a pittance"
URL: http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/

Give it a try. Who knows where it could lead . . .

All the way back in 1996, I entered the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, and my piece was selected for inclusion in the Ol’ Blue Wasn’t Much of a Huntin’ Dog chapter.

I wasn’t really thinking, Oh, I think I’ll write a flash fiction piece for the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. Back then, I had never even heard of flash fiction. And more importantly, my only writing credit to date had been a letter to the editor of the Vincent Bros. Review, but it wasn’t for lack of trying to get my work published. I tried. And tried. And tried. And then I tried some more.

Then I heard about the Bulwer contest, and I figured, why not. Why not try to get my work published—under the false pretense that I was trying to write something bad. When truly, at the time, I was beginning to think everything I wrote was destined to be bad.

And of course, with having my story placed in the Dark and Stormy Rides Again Anthology of 2006, I had the confirmation I needed . . . I could write badly, and more importantly with little to no effort!

This was my winning entry in 1996 . . .

On that dusty day when the Wild Thing Diner surrendered its access road to the new Route 9 interchange, Gus the cook, and Fritzy the waitress, got it on across the cigarette-scarred top of table 8, while the spoon and fork dials on the grease-splattered wall clock served up the noonday special—and afterwards they toasted to better times, and vowed to squeeze the juice out of life, and keep their smiles sunny-side up, while Ramos, the dishwasher, filled his jittery vein to the brim with a rich Columbian brew.

Geeze! That piece is even worse then I remembered it, but what followed after I entered the Bulwer contest, was a steady stream of additional contest wins and more publication of my work.

But why? Why do I keep getting my work published? Maybe it is because I am a writer—good or bad—who keeps trying. And trying. And trying. And trying some more!

So go ahead . . . TRY! I dare ya :-)

Writer Advice Flash Prose Contest

2009-03-14T14:58:00.004-05:00

As featured on the Writer Advice site . . .

Writer Advice is searching for flash fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction that grabs, surprises, and mesmerizes readers in fewer than 750 words. If you have a story or memoir with a strong theme, sharp images, a solid structure, and an unexpected discovery, please submit it to the WriterAdvice Flash Prose Contest.

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I’m not familiar with this contest, but I felt it was notable in that entries will include flash memoirs, a prose form I am currently working in, and a topic I hope to cover here . . . in one of my upcoming blog entries.

I don’t see many flash fiction contests that include the category of memoir, and I welcome any additional flash memoir contest leads that can be sent my way.

As always, I'd love to receive news from anyone who enters and wins this contest.

The Best of Every Day Fiction 2008 (Anthology)

2009-02-16T13:59:00.008-05:00

Check this out . . .

One hundred flash fiction pieces selected from Every Day Fiction's first year of publication.

Authored by writers from around the world, and encompassing several genres and literary styles, this is a great way for writers and readers of flash fiction to review contemporary accomplishments in the flash fiction form.

Update on The Binnacle's Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition

2009-02-16T12:30:00.003-05:00

BUMPING THIS BACK TO THE TOP OF THE BLOG WITH AN EXTENDED DEADLINE UPDATE . . .

The deadline has been extended to March 15th.

The Binnacle: Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition
I entered this contest in 2004 and received an honorable mention. All of the winning stories were published in a unique bookmark/flashcard-like boxed collection, making it one of my favorite “think outside of the box” anthology collections of flash fiction--or as UMM has labeled the form "Ultra-Short".

The Binnacle: Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition
The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Literary & Arts Magazine, The Binnacle will sponsor its Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition in the 2008-2009 academic year.

No submission feeDeadline for submissions: February 15, 2009Accepting submissions of prose work (150 words or less) & poetry (sixteen lines or less)A minimum of $300 in cash prizes will be awarded, with a minimum prize of $50. Complete submission guidelines are located at http://www.umm.maine.edu/ultra-short-competition.html

Call for Romance Themed Flash Fiction

2009-02-01T16:16:00.008-05:00

The Long and the Short of It is now a paying market for flash fiction romance stories with a HEA (Happily Ever After) ending.

Payment for stories of approximately 1000 words, is $5 (payable on acceptance via Pay Pal) and a free one month book cover or banner ad (a $10 value). The author will also receive a link on The Long and the Short of It website to their personal webpage and/or blog.

Also, for an interesting and very informative look at HEA (Happily Ever After) endings read Happily Ever After? an article written by Anne Marble, a reviewer and list moderator, at All About Romance: The Back Fence For Lovers of Romance Novels, a comprehensive resouce and active site for romance readers, writers and serious collectors.

Ten Reasons to Try Flash Fiction + One More

2009-01-21T15:06:00.009-05:00

In Kay Marie Porterfield’s article, 10 Reasons to Write Flash Fiction she states, “In addition to being fun to write, flash fiction boosts your writing skills.” It’s a good article, with some very fine points regarding the benefits writers garner when they write flash fiction, but . . .

I think the root of the problem of why I receive so many poor submissions in the slush pile of the flash fiction zine I help edit, is the perception that writing flash fiction is fun.

Writers may indeed enjoying writing flash fiction, but they need to be mindful before they submit their creations—mindful that their work has more substance than the mere joy of creation.

Camille Renshaw’s article The Essentials of Micro-Fiction contains one more essential element of writing flash fiction that writers need to address that isn't fully addressed in 10 Reasons to Write Flash Fiction. In The Essentials of Micro-Fiction, Renshaw refers to a key requirement of literary short short fiction: implication. “There’s no room for life stories. Just enough for resonance,” she writes. And she’s right!

I see far too many life stories disguised as flash fiction in my submission files. And what is worse, these life stories or slices-of-life vignettes don’t even display a “resonance” or have any sense of implication—an implied meaning; implicit significance; an indirect indication: something that is suggested . . .

Greater than scene . . . is situation. Greater than situation is implication. Greater than all of these is a single, entire human being, who will never be confined in any frame.—Eudora Welty

When writing flash fiction, it’s fine to have fun, but the end result of enjoying the process has to be the creation of a piece that resonates.

The Binnacle: Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition

2009-01-16T09:44:00.011-05:00

I entered this contest in 2004 and received an honorable mention. All of the winning stories were published in a unique bookmark/flashcard-like boxed collection, making it one of my favorite “think outside of the box” anthology collections of flash fiction--or as UMM has labeled the form "Ultra-Short".

The Binnacle: Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition

The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Literary & Arts Magazine, The Binnacle will sponsor its Sixth International Ultra-Short Competition in the 2008-2009 academic year.

No submission fee

Deadline for submissions: February 15, 2009

Accepting submissions of prose work (150 words or less) & poetry (sixteen lines or less)

A minimum of $300 in cash prizes will be awarded, with a minimum prize of $50.

Complete submission guidelines are located at http://www.umm.maine.edu/ultra-short-competition.html

The 2009 Pikes Peak NLAPW Flash Fiction Contest

2009-01-12T17:45:00.015-05:00

As a former (2005) winner of an Honorable Mention in the Carolyn A. Clark Soul Making Literary Competition sponsored by the National League of Pen Women, San Francisco Bay Branch, I would like to share the details of another National League of American Pen Women affiliate contest. . .

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The 2009

Pikes Peak Branch National League of American Pen Women

Flash Fiction Contest

Theme: “Everything was perfect.”

Submission guidelines: A complete, short story of 100 words or fewer (all genres welcome)

Deadline: Postmarked by March 2, 2009

Entry fee: $10.00

1st Place Story $75.00
2nd Place Story $40.00
Judge's Merit Award $20.00

In addition to cash awards, all entries will receive a brief critique from members of the Pikes Peak Branch of National League of American Pen Women.

Submitters need not live in Colorado to enter or be a member of Pen Women.

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For complete guidelines visit The 2009 Pikes Peak Branch NLAPW Annual Flash Fiction Contest information page .

And stay tuned for more of my flash fiction contest leads throughout the year.

Flash Fiction: Not Merely a Literary Experiment

2009-01-12T16:15:00.007-05:00

Authors of flash fiction that treat the form purely as a literary experiment are missing a powerful opportunity to develop a solid understanding of how to create dynamic and memorable stories, no matter the forms abbreviated 50 to 1,000 range of words.

True flash fiction stories are far more developed than mere literary experiments or slice-of-life vignettes—the likes of which I have seen far too many of in the submission files in my various roles as a flash fiction editor.

Well-developed flash fiction stories—or as they are also sometimes referred to as short-shorts—must also contain the same basic elements of all well-crafted storytelling: strong characters, a sense of place i.e. setting, a story problem or challenge, resolution etc.

Moreover, there is nothing experimental about creating a flash fiction story that requires authors to be mindful of every single word they use to convey their story within the limited srange of words—it is mandatory.

Last year, in my role as a flash fiction editor for an ezine, I saw far too many “literary experiments” in my submission files, far too many slice-of-life vignettes and pieces that barely rose above the status of character sketches or in some cases read like prologues or summaries of larger stories. In general, I received far too many submissions that seemed to indicate the authors did not understand the form, and missed the opportunity to create a story in which the power of well-chosen words was fully realized.

I suspect the solution to the problem of so many authors misunderstanding the challenges of writing powerful flash fiction is for editors and devoted readers of flash fiction to keep repeating what flash fiction is and isn’t, and to keep suggesting that would-be authors of powerful flash fiction continue to seek out and read powerful flash fiction.

Writing flash fiction is a demanding writing task, not a literary experiment or exercise, and the editors that publish flash fiction are actively seeking the best of the form.

Throughout this New Year, I will begin to build and post a list of these flash fiction markets, as well as offering an array of tips to help authors create well-crafted flash stories, in the hopes that authors will embrace the challenges of the form in lieu of merely experimenting with it.

Howdy to eHow

2008-07-23T15:23:00.006-05:00

OK. So I admit it, it's been a long, summer, and it ain't over yet. It's hot, and I've had more disappointments than successes on the writing front.

So, being the perpetual optimist that I am, and because I hate being bored and unproductive, I followed an eHow freelance job lead http://www.ehow.com/make-money-online.aspx?tcid=email_wow that I spotted on the WOW! Blog http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html .

I figured, what the heck! So I posted my article How to Determine if the Story You Have Written is Literary vs. Mainstream/Genre Fiction http://www.ehow.com/how_4448317_written-literary-vs-mainstreamgenre-fiction.html I chose the screen name Alphabetty, cause that's just the sort of mood I've been in lately "numbed silly".

Like I said, it's been a long, hot and dry--literally and creatively--summer.

Although dry spell aside, I do have one new editorial kudos to report--I've recently been hired as a book reviewer for Afterthoughts. And my first book (a poetry collection) arrived today . . . City of Corners by John Godfrey. So I'm going to pour myself an iced coffee, put my feet up, dig in and hope I can reverse the summer writing slump, I have reluctantly allowed myself to slip into.

Flash Fiction from Contemporary China

2008-06-15T20:25:00.015-05:00

What I'm reading this summer . . .

The Pearl Jacket and Other Stories: Flash Fiction from Contemporary China http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Jacket-Other-Stories-Contemporary/dp/1933330627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213579613&sr=8-1

According to the book's description on Amazon, flash fiction is poised to be the most exciting new development in contemporary Chinese literature in a decade.

Some of these contemporary Chinese flash fiction stories originally appeared in major Chinese literary magazines, while some originated on blogs and other digital media.

I'm really looking forward to reading this new collection; lately, the submissions being sent my way have been woefully undeveloped and unpublishable.

Stay tuned for my review of The Pearl Jacket and Other Stories: Flash Fiction from Contemporary China which features 120 short-short stories (from 100 to 300 words each), written by some of China's most dynamic and versatile authors.

Poetic Idol Victory

2008-06-01T18:39:00.007-05:00

The results are in, and my poem In the Coming Light won third place in Artella's 2008 Poetic Idol Contest. http://artellacafe.com/forums/t/3539.aspx

Thanks to any and all Diary of a Flash Fiction Editor/Writer readers who took the time to register on the Artella site, read and then vote for their favorite poem.

You Be The Judge

2008-03-26T14:56:00.003-05:00

The good news is that my poem In the Coming Light has been selected as one of 12 finalists in Artella's Spring Poetic Idol Contest.The less than good news is that I didn't read the fine print when I entered the contest They have recently changed the format for the final judging. The final winners are selected via a community vote.

I'm uncomfortable with the concept of what amounts to a bit of a popularity contest, though on some level I do think I understand why Artella has changed to this format.But just because I understand the possible reasoning behind the change in the voting process, that doesn't mean I fully embrace it--I'm simply not comfortable asking people to vote for my poem.

However, I am comfortable providing the link and asking my peers to vote for their favorite poem.You be the judge . . . http://artellacafe.com/forums/t/3539.aspx
__________________

My First Publishing Kudo for 08

2008-02-15T15:38:00.003-05:00

One of my stories THE WHIRLPOOL GALAXY is going to appear in SHALLA Magazine: Winter Blooms Issue 2008. They accept reprints, which is great, because the story originally appeared in Cezanne's Carrot in 06.

This particular submission victory means a lot to me, because I've been dealing with a really sticky and depressing situation with one of my editing gigs. I've been driving myself nuts, trying to work with these people, but then yesterday a dear friend counseled me to "just let it go". She's really into the "law of attraction" philosophy, and she said until I let go of the chaos I was trying to resolve, I wouldn't have room in my life to attract new and better opportunities. She said it was like cleaning out the closet to make room for a new dress.

So, 2 days ago, I let go, and cut my ties with the chaos brokers that were driving me nuts. Ever since then, my email box has delivered nothing but good news regarding making it into a final round of a short story contest, an invitation to apply for a position as a book reviewer for writing related books, an offer to collaborate on a flash fiction writing tips ebook, and now this news of my story being accepted for publication on SHALLA. It's worth noting I submitted to this market all the way back in July of 07, and today's news was very unexpected.

I'm off to clear out more chaos from my virtual closet. This "law of attraction" thing really works!

Defining Flash Fiction: Mission Impossible

2007-12-17T09:56:00.002-05:00

Many of the pieces I find in the slush pile are rejected because they fail to stand-alone as flash fiction. And even though I work with an editorial team that offers brief rejection comments, I suspect many authors still don't grasp why their story was rejected.

Here is one of the rejection notes I wrote last week . . . although the first person narrative structure displays a keen sense of observation, the story is anecdotal and lacks dramatic tension.

What I really wanted to write was . . . this isn't flash fiction.

So what is?

Well, it isn't as easy as saying what is and what isn't flash fiction and for good reason . . . as stated in Pamelyn Castco's article:

Flashes On The Meridian: Dazzled by Flash Fiction:
http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/casto.shtml

. . . defining or stating exactly what flash fiction is would be comparable to defining or stating exactly what a poem or novel is. It just cannot be done to anyone's satisfaction.

For my taste/satisfaction, pieces that read as if they have been extracted from a larger work, or stories that have a great deal of static, prologue-style exposition and or an anecdotal, journal/memoir tone, fail to make the cut unless they can effectively convey a complete story in a nutshell--with a beginning, middle and end.

That is not to say many of the well-written, memoir-like pieces I have rejected are not publishable. Indeed they are, but only if submitted to the right markets.

I too, accept that fact that I will never be able to define what flash fiction is to everyone's satisfaction. However, I am more than willing to direct writers to markets that are a good match for their well-written flash memoir pieces.

I welcome any flash memoir market leads, and I will be publishing them here early next year.

Coming soon . . .
Big news about my editorial promotion :-)

Mining the Flash Fiction Slush Pile

2007-12-03T17:12:00.004-05:00

Each and every time I mine the slush pile, I am eager to discover a compelling piece of flash fiction.

Unfortunately--most of the time I come up empty handed. And as someone who both edits and writes flash fiction, I do genuinely understand the challenges associated with writing a compelling flash fiction story.

But the problem with most of the submissions I receive is that they aren't even meeting a quarter of what I consider to be the core criteria for creating compelling flash fiction.

Compelling flash fiction . . .

conveys a complete story—with a beginning, middle and end

requires a setting, situation/conflict and theme

contains (typically) no more than two characters, three at most

begins in the middle of the action and moves swiftly and efficiently to the end

encompasses a verbal, physical or mental conflict, difference of opinion or tension

contains a resolution and/or change in the protagonist, the antagonist or the reader’s mind

provides an ending with a strong narrative insight or opinion

enlightens, humors, saddens and/or ruminates and lingers in the reader’s mind

assembles a story in which every word is essential

intensifies verbal tone and emotion with tight active sentences, concrete nouns and strong verbs
avoids unessential modifiers and details that are not relevant to the story

avoids rambling exposition, redundancies and cliché themes

avoids the structure of a slice-of-life depiction, literary sketch, chattering essay or poem

may contain a dynamic twist ending

may embrace an experimental writing style that effectively pushes the boundaries of the reader’s imagination and expectations

The more elements of my core criteria that a flash fiction submission meets, the greater chance I will select it for publication and or an award--when I am asked to judge.

Back to the slush pile.

Coming soon . . .

I'll share some of my rejection notes

Choosing dynamic themes

My New Editing Gig

2007-11-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

I have accepted an editorial position with an on-line flash fiction magazine.

Full-disclosure . . . I've been in a creative funk ever since autumn of 06 when I decided to resign from my previous position as a fiction editor with Andwerve Literary Magazine--which then ceased publication in the winter of 06.

I tried to regroup--revamp the blog--and keep going, but my vision of what I could accomplish by blogging about my behind the scenes experiences as an on-line fiction editor wasn't feasible without an editorial platform to base my content on.

But I'm back, recharged and eager to relaunch my blog and accomplish my original goals of sharing the details of what it's like to sift through hundreds of submissions in search of compelling fiction.

My short term plans are to post my rejection notes and crafting tips so other writers can avoid the same pitfalls in their flash fiction submissions.

I love to read well-crafted flash fiction, and I've gathered a number of awards and publication credits for the flash fiction that I write http://www.writers.net/writers/40817 .

But, I'm also eager to share my crafting tips, because in all honesty . . . the more I help other writers perfect their writing craft, the more it helps me to keep my creative energy, momentum and crafting skills engaged in a way that directly benefit my writing.

Coming soon . . . my tip sheet for creating compelling flash fiction.

Stay Tuned for Some Exciting News

2007-11-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

I'll be back to update my blog early next week with some exciting news, new features and yet a new title . . . Diary of a Flash Fiction Editor!

Scuba Diving in My Bathroom Sink

2007-05-27T16:28:00.002-05:00

This week, another writer on a writing forum I frequent alerted me to an interesting Washington Post article Self Taught: For the Long Disparaged Art of Short Fiction, A Widening Appreciation of the Form

There is one quote in particular from the article that I feel is a very good example of the sort of prejudice short story writers encounter in a culture where novels are central and short stories are often just considered a writer's "warm up" act. Former Book Review editor, Charles McGrath, once compared short story writers to "People who learn golf by never venturing onto a golf course, but instead practicing at a driving range."

Several years ago I encountered a writing professor with a similar attitude. When I turned in a portfolio of short stories as my final writing project, this is what she wrote on my cover page. "The problem I have with short stories is their shortness makes one feel like trying to learn how to scuba dive by putting one's head in a bathroom sink full of water each night."

I guess I'm destined to be shallow, because I'm still writing and publishing short stories in addition to starting my second novel.

No news yet, regarding my near year long search for an agent to represent my first novel. I'm still waiting for word regarding several partials still out there with a few top agents. And I still have not heard back from the editor at Knopf that requested my full. It's been nearly nine months, but it was a wild card query I sent, sans an agent. So while I am patiently waiting, I continue to write, because that's what I do--write and wait. Write and wait. And of course scuba dive in my bathroom sink :-)

Gotta Love a Writer With Spunk

2007-05-15T15:52:00.005-05:00

I have to share this Seattle Post Intellegencer article, because I think it gives writers a very good idea of the level of commitment that is needed from authors if they intend to succeed in a grueling publishing environment.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/books/315650_macomber15.html

I truly admire Debbie Macomber's commitment and spunk, not just now after she's been published, but throughout the five years when she wrote her first novels on a rented typewriter!

Slated for January 1st 2009 Release . . . Married in Seattle.

M is for May. M is for Mothers Day. M is for Mothering Mother: A Daughters Humorous and Heartbreakng Memoir.

2007-05-02T18:14:00.004-05:00

I read an interesting article online today from The New York Times, Are Book Reviewers Out of Print?

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/books/02revi.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

After reading these two quotes . . .

“While I’m all for the literary bloggers, and I think the more people that write about books the better, they’re not necessarily as regionally focused as knowledgeable, experienced long-term editors in the South or Midwest or anywhere where the most important writers come from,” said Sam Tanenhaus, the editor of The New York Times Book Review in a recent .

Also from the same article, there is this quote from Richard Ford, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. “Newspapers, by having institutional backing, have a responsible relationship not only to their publisher but to their readership,” Mr. Ford said, “in a way that some guy sitting in his basement in Terre Haute maybe doesn’t.”

. . . I was left with an overwhelming urge to post my very first book review. Be forewarned; I am not as regionally focused as knowledgeable, experienced long-term editors in the South and Midwest. And, I am not some guy sitting in his basement in Terre Haute either. But, as Martha Steward would say that is probably a good thing.

Mothering Mother: A Daughters Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir, by Carol D. O’Dell, Kunati Inc. (April 1, 2007) http://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Mother-Daughters-Humorous-Heartbreaking/dp/160164003X

I typically do not write creative nonfiction, because I can never quite sort through my emotions enough to get them onto paper in a coherent way that would amount to anything of value to anyone other than me. If I try to look back on an emotional event in my life and then write about it, there always seems to be a sense of detachment—a failure to portray my emotions in an authentic way. On the other hand, attempting to write about an emotional event as it is unfolding in my life, usually results in a narrative that is too emotional—nearly inaccessible to others, let alone helpful.

Carol D. O’Dell has no such problems with presenting a very engaging and accessible work of creative non fiction—a moving chronicle of the time she spent caring for her mother in her final days of Parkinson disease and the onset of Alzheimer’s. Remarkably, Mrs. O’Dell wrote her book in near real-time, while the daunting task of caring for her mother was simultaneously churning her emotions and interrupting the myriad of responsibilities she was already juggling as a wife and mother to her own family.

The audience for Mothering Mother reaches way beyond the obvious population of readers that comprise the ‘sandwich generation’, boomers taking care of both their own children and their elderly parents. This moving chronicle of one woman’s experience of mothering her mother taps into the very core of our greatest fears of illness, infirmary, abandonment, and death. It conveys a universal truth about the way people think, act, feel, and it does it with honesty, humor and love, exposing the authors emotional strengths and weaknesses in near real-time. This book is more than a memoir; it is an amazing, accomplished, work of creative non-fiction.

My Novel Revision Camp Update

2007-05-01T12:02:00.004-05:00

After subjecting my manuscript to a lengthy revision process/workshop, I have come to the realization that my novel’s failure to progress all the way through the submission process may be the result of having unintentionally created an unlikable protagonist.

So, in an effort to create more reader empathy for my protagonist, these are the things I assume about people/readers that I hope to infuse into my protagonist’s characterization.

1. People feel empathy for people who are haunted by an unfortunate tragedy in their life, like the death of a parent, a previous illness, or unwarranted misfortune.

2. People feel supportive of people that are at the beginning of their realization that their hardened shells may be their weakness—not their strength.

3. People long to simplify their lives, to become more child-like, but they dislike childish people.

4. People root for the underdog, as long as the underdog is worthy, and making some attempts—however misguided—to fight back.

5. People want to see other people realize happiness, if they deem them worthy and genuine, not winy and smug.

6. People are capable of developing empathy for people who have made mistakes in their lives, as long as the mistakes are not merely a series of bad decisions that seem to indicate that someone is hell bent on self-destruction.

7. People are encouraged by stories of a weak person that becomes stronger.

BUT . . .

People are NOT going to see those things in my story, if I do not shine a narrative spotlight on them.

Interestingly enough, in the book I just finished reading, Little Children, by Tom Perrotta, the 2nd and 5th elements where the only elements of developing reader empathy that I could identify, yet that proved to be enough to keep me reading a book populated with unlikable protagonists.

I am encouraged by the changes I have made in my manuscript, and I just received several new requests for partials from agents I continued to query while undergoing my revision. I should know soon whether I have made the right changes.

COMING SOON . . . M is for May. M is for Mother’s Day and M is for Mothering Mother, my book review of a great new memoir http://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Mother-Daughters-Humorous-Heartbreaking/dp/160164003X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-6809464-7483068?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178038115&sr=8-1 Kunati Publishing http://www.kunati.com/ A MUST read for members of the “sandwich generation” Boomers taking care of both their own children and their elderly parents.

Recipes as Poetry?

2007-03-28T12:18:00.002-05:00

Can a recipe be a poem? Sure. Why not!

Along with the blooming of the Azaleas in my back yard, I am welcoming this spring with a new poetry kudo from Mom Writer's Literary Magazine. http://www.momwriterslitmag.com/Poem9.htm

Not only is the inspiration for my poem a recipe, but the poem is also an excerpt from the narrative in my novel in progress.

Speaking of my novel in progress, I am nearly half way through my novel revision workshop. I am not going to comment on and or review the content and usefulness of the class, because it is not over yet, and it wouldn't be fair. But, I will say I am very disappointed in the level of class participation from the other seven students.

I am not a newbie in regards to on-line writing classes--this is my fifth. And I have taken these classes on-line for credit from major universities as well as for fun from small literary zines. They have all been in the spring, all ran for about the same length of time--12 weeks, but all had very good student participation by way of bulletin board sytle discussions and postings regarding various writing topics. I have absolutely no idea why this particular mix of people has such a low level of participation, but I'm doing my best not to let it get me down, though it's hard, because not only is this my fifth on-line class, it was the most expensive.

I hope to be back with news of more writing kudos later this spring.

I Feel Pretty, Oh Sooooo Pretty . . .

2007-02-27T12:37:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was sent what has to be, by far, the best rejection I have ever received, not entirely because of the content, but as a matter of timing.

Yesterday I also started a 12 week novel revision workshop with a notable women's literary fiction author. I've known all along that I was straddling the lines between literary fiction. mainstream and a romance novel; that's what I am as a person, versatile :-) But versatile is not fairing well in my efforts to find an agent and or publisher for my first novel.

This particular rejection convinces me that a revision is needed to firmly plant my novel's roots aka plot, pacing and tone into a specific category.

Here's the letter (minus the title of my novel and the editor's name. . .

Dear Author,

Thank you for allowing me to read the first 3 chapters of your novel --- While this is a really great idea for a book, I’m afraid I will not be requesting the full manuscript at this time.Your writing is pretty, but I’m afraid that the tone and style of the writing just isn’t right for the (Publisher's name withheld) list, which is quite commercial. I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you, but I wish you the best of luck in finding the right home for your project.

Kindest Regards,
Editor

I should note here that earlier this month, these very same three opening chapters were deemed as " Very awkward in writing, flawed in construction" on a judges scoring sheet in a novel contest. Apparently "pretty" is in the eyes of the specific editor beholding the manuscript!

Off to Revision Boot Camp

2007-02-20T10:49:00.002-05:00

Of the 62 queries I have systematically sent out since June of 06, so far (23) have generated positive replies leading to a review of partials and or the full manuscript, and (24) have resulted in flat out rejections of the query. I'm still waiting for replies to the remaining (15).

Though I can hardly complain about the interest my query letter has generated so far, for me it’s NOT about my query letter; it’s the accumulation of the rejections to the requests for partials and or the full manuscript that troubles me.

Rejections of various requested portions of the material break down as follows . . .

Full manuscript (2)
First 30-50 pages (9)
First 10 pages (4)
First 5 pages (2)
First 500 words (2)

Requests for materials that are still pending responses breakdown as follows . . .

Full (1)
Partials (3)

Understandably, the path to revision varies for every author, each of us reaching some sort of reality check at different points along the path to bringing our first novel length work of fiction into print. For me, that breaking point, that reality check, came last week when I received my ninth rejection on the first three chapters. It wasn't reaching the number of (9) rejections of the first three chapters that got to me, it was the fact that it was the first rejection I have received that actually sighted a specific weakness: pacing.

PACING is huge; it is a byproduct of a whole host of crafting points, and without a more specific breakdown of where the pacing is flawed, I have no idea where to focus. This very same selection of material--the first three chapters--also placed second in ByLine's Novel Beginning Contest, and I would think "pacing" was a major part of the criteria for judging.

In regards to this particular agent's comments, I also have to consider the differences in the pacing between literary women's fiction, mainstream and the romance genre. My manuscript draws on the strengths of the story telling elements of ALL three! That leaves me with the daunting task of trying to categorize it, and the even more difficult task of finding someone to help me categorize it.

I've come too close with my queries to merely wait around for the "right" someone to connect with the pacing and overall tone of my novel. Ultimately, I want my novel to connect, be accessible, to as many people as possible, because hopefully that will be reflective of the variety of readers my work will appeal to. But I have also exhausted my ability to remain objective about my manuscript.

After exploring my options--ranging from giving up on this first novel and moving on with my second, to seeking some expertly guided tweaking for it--I have decided on the following course of action . . .

Next week I begin a 12 week novel revision workshop with Nicole Bokat, author of What Matters Most and Redeeming Eve. Now all I need is a bit of luck, because I’ve got the hard work and determination part covered.

A Blog by Any Other Name

2007-01-23T18:39:00.000-05:00

For the record, this blog has undergone two name changes since its inception on April 7, 2006. At the time, I was a newly appointed fiction editor for a monthly on-line literary magazine, thus the original title of this blog . . . Diary of a Literary Fiction editor.

But, life being what it is sometimes--a series of dead ends--I resigned from my position as fiction editor in September, 2007 when it become clear the newly appointed managing editor was taking the publication in a new direction--a direction I wasn't editorially on board with. The publication has since folded, or so it seems since it hasn't posted a new issue since November of 2006. Shortly thereafter I renamed my blog . . . Diary of a Literary Fiction Writer.

Now, with the manuscript for my first novel under review with Harlequin, I felt compelled to rename the blog once again to . . . Diary of a Fiction Writer. And I do know a little something about the differences between mainstream, genre and literary writing--enough to know the lines often blur. Wrote a little article about it once for Absolute Write Magazine. http://www.absolutewrite.com/specialty_writing/artless_fiction.htm

My blog by any other name is still my blog . . . the diary of my journey up, over, in, out, through, and around the many roads to publication.

Stay tuned for an update on my progress regarding seeking an agent and or publisher for my first novel. I may have to rename my blog once again to . . . Diary of a Literary Juggler. Just how many requested partials resulting from simultaneous agent queries can one writer handle before they all come crashing to the ground. I'm about to find out!

60-90 Days; it's all relative

2007-01-04T17:43:00.001-05:00

I received a self-addressed/stamped postcard from Harlequin today. I had tucked it into the shipping box when I mailed my full manuscript to them on December 21st. On the back of the postcard, where I had inquired about the estimated length of time needed to review my manuscript, the words 60-90 days were penciled in.

Right now, after unexpectedly discovering that a very gifted writer I once knew has died, 60-90 days is too long a time for me to grasp. Instead, I'm suddenly savoring life, one day at a time, forgoing the urge to rush through the whole process of placing my manuscript into the hands of an agent and or publisher.

I'm reluctant to name the author directly, for fear she will be linked to my blog via a Google search; IMHO that seems like it would be disrespectful. So I'm providing a link which will not directly reveal her name within my blog. http://www.independentmail.com/and/news/article/0,1886,AND_8203_5105824,00.html

We were once connected via a crit group we both attended, but had lost touch with each other over the past four years. I'm always anxious to read something new she may have written, so I eagerly Google her name from time to time, hoping to discover a new book or short story that she has had published. Because she was only 52 years old, the thought of discovering her obituary in a Google search of her name NEVER occurred to me.

She was the one writer that I have personally known that has had the greatest impact on my writing and writing goals. The exceptional quality of her writing; her distinct style and dedication to craft helped me set the bar very high regarding my expectations for my writing. I regret that I never had the chance to tell her that. I always assumed we'd reconnect again sometime in the future, when we weren't so busy with our respective family lives, writing projects and just life in general.

I'm patiently waiting for my first book to be published, patiently waiting 60-90 days to hear something from Harlequin. Patiently waiting to hear from the publisher and agent who currently have partial submissions of my manuscript. Patiently waiting for news regarding my dozens of short story and poetry submissions.

I'm patiently waiting . . . because I am so very grateful that I can.

Full Steam Ahead

2006-12-18T17:02:00.002-05:00

I just got back from a Steamboat Springs, CO ski trip with my family. What a wonderful place!

I packed my laptop, so when I received a whole slew of e-mail rejections from agents I queried at the start of the month, all I had to do to lift my spirits was look out the window at the gorgeous winter wonderland I was privileged to spend the week in.

Then came my mail carrier today, toting an overflowing bin of mail up my front stairs. With so many queries and partials pending, sorting through a weeks worth of mail had me feeling very anxious. The first thing I spotted was one of my SASE's--a form rejection letter from an agent I queried all the way back in July. The next thing I spotted was an envelope with the Harlequin logo emblazoned across the top. One of their editors from the NEXT imprint requested my full manuscript. Then I discovered a third delight in my e-mail box . . . a request for a partial from a DC area agent I recently became aware of and took an immediate interest in. She was quick to respond to my query, but graciously cautioned that it may take a few months for her to respond to the partial material.

Regarding my response from Harlequin, they are one of three publishers I have queried to date, sans an agent. The first, Knopf, has had my full manuscript since mid August. The second, an upstart Canadian publisher, requested a partial of my manuscript in early December. It's an odd position to be in, to have placed my full manuscript into the hands of three different editors at two separate publishing houses, without any representation from an agent. I have every intent of using an agent if I am offered a contract from either of these publishers. But, in the meantime, I can't help but wonder how many more editors would have my manuscript in hand right now if I did have an agent to represent me.

I don't mean to give the wrong impression, that I'm not a team player, that I don't play by the rules etc. etc. I'm very much a play by the rules gal. And I fully understand why an agent wouldn't want to represent a manuscript that a writer had already shopped all around to the big houses.

I had three very good reasons for querying the three publishers that have now ultimately requested my full manuscript. The editor at Knopf clearly stated in a literary magazine interview that she is occasionally open to unagented authors if a query stirs her interest. This particular editor represents my favorite author, so I took a leap of faith and queried her, while still actively trying to secure an agent. Regarding the Canadian publisher, my friend has a book with them, and she knew they were in acquisition mode for their fall line-up, and they accept unagented queries. I submitted without an agent to Harlequin, because their guidelines clearly state they are open to unagented submissions, and I knew my book was a match for their target audience. And, admittedly, because the process of querying agents is painfully dull and drawn out. Submitting directly to Harlequin gave me a sense that I was actually accomplishing something, and not just waiting upwards of six months for some agents to respond to just my query!

In no way am I implying I wouldn't welcome agent representation; I WOULD! Now, or at the point of being handed a contract, I might manage to secure on my own. Working in partnership with an agent to help build a solid framework for my writing career is my primary goal, but in the meantime I do seem to be benefiting from breaking the rules.

In keeping with my "steamboat" theme for the month, I'm off to the post office to send out yet another batch of agent queries . . . full steam ahead in pursuit of someone to help me do something it appears I don't really need any help in doing--placing my manuscript into the hands of editors at large publishing houses. Go figure :-)

If You Want to Win . . .

2006-12-08T16:24:00.003-05:00

. . . you've got to stay in the game.

OK, here's exactly why writers can't let defeat get to them. Wallowing in the misery of rejections and dejection might very well block a new opportunity.

Only two days after my recent submission setback, I got a request for a 50 page partial; I sent the query via e-mail yesterday morning--one of six. Gotta love the 24 hour turn-a-round.

It's an upstart agent, only a few sales under his belt, but he's keeping to the AAR guidelines with a goal to becoming a member. And he's building quite a reputation for being efficient and respectful of a writer's time throughout the submission process.

Honestly, I could use some respectable treatment regarding the time and effort I am putting into the process of submitting my novel. I've got over a dozen queries out to agents that I sent throughout the summer that I haven't heard a word back from yet; that's coming up on five and six months just to get a response for a query, that's ridiculous. Thing is, if these agents would just put something up on their websites stating they are running five to six month behind on responses, I would honor that and submit elsewhere until they catch up. I'm seeing several agents do just that, but not enough.

That concludes my submission blitz for the remainder of the year. I've got sufficient momentum going to get me through the holidays.

An Unfortunate Setback

2006-12-06T09:19:00.002-05:00

After working on two revisions of my novel with an associate agent at a reputable and very established agency, she did not offer me representation.

All the while I was making her suggested changes to my manuscript, I was mindful to only make revisions I felt would truly enhance the story; that turned out to be an even wiser decision than I originally thought.

In the first revision I made for her, the focus was on creating a stronger opening by infusing a more specific "inciting incident" into the story. In the second revision, the task was to raise the dramatic stakes and introduce more playful prose and clever narrative strategies into the story. My novel, right from the very start, has always contained playful prose and clever narrative strategiies. Expanding those elements and heightening the dramatic tension were useful suggestions.

However, her rejection stated that she would most fully fall for something darker and with far more twisted thematic elements. Those are not "useful" suggestions for my particular story. To add those elements would be changing the story to suit this one agent's personal taste and vision for my book, and I don't think it's ever wise for an author to do that. I didn't exactly need to go through that four month long revision process with this particular agent to learn that lesson; I already knew that.

I wasn't looking for a free developmental critique of my novel; I was looking for someone to represent it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't grateful for her solid feedback. Clearly my manuscript has been strengthened by her input. However it's not clear to me what this particular agent got out of the experience. And I'd be lying if said I wasn't disappointed.

Back to the mailbox . . . to send out a whole new batch of queries.

Still In the Game

2006-11-20T09:05:00.002-05:00

Still no additonal news since my last post regarding my progress toward securing an agent and or publisher for my novel, but with my brain in a bit of a holiday buzz mode, I'll resort to cliche' . . . no news is good news.

However, I do have good news this month regarding two of my shorter pieces. The Boston Literary Review http://www.bostonliterarymagazine.com/ published one of my quick fiction pieces in their fall issue, and Mom Writer's Literary Review http://www.momwriterslitmag.com/ will be publishing one of my poems in their spring issue.

A Few Updates

2006-10-30T11:49:00.002-05:00

Regarding my quest to secure a publisher . . .

I'm still waiting to hear from a senior editor at one of the large publishing houses--she requested the full manuscript on August 18th.

And

I recently received a request for a partial from a promising new boutique publisher based in Canada--their first catalogue of seven books due out in the first quarter of next year looks very promising. A couple of the books in the line-up have already received great Kirkus reviews.

Regarding my quest to secure an agent . . .

I have just resubmitted the entire manuscript to an agent that has been working with me regarding a couple of developmental changes regarding plot and theme.

She's been very generous with her time. And to say she is my first choice for securing an agent is a given, seeing how much of her time, energy and editorial savvy she has shared since I first queried her in July.

And

I just received a request for a partial from an agent I queried all the way back in June! I've been querying six agents every month--good thing, because the response times are lengthier than I had anticipated. To date, only a quarter of the agents I have queried have responded.

Regarding my quest for a new position as a fiction editor at a small lit magazine . . .

I've stepped back from my search and have chosen instead to get back to writing. I've nearly completed the final edit on my short story collection, and I've started a second novel.

Yes. I'd love to hook up with another lit magazine and get back to helping bring new voices into print. And YES. I'd love to secure an agent and publishing contract, but first and foremost I continue to focus on writing.

That said

I have a new short story published in the fall issue of The Boston Literary Review.

Slow News is No News

2006-09-23T08:49:00.001-05:00

I'm putting my search for another editorial position on hold, Though I would eagerly entertain any opportunities that were presented to me.

Also, I've changed the title of the blog to reflect my shift in focus from my adventures as a fiction editor to tracking the publication progress of my first novel and any other writing related news, information and/or new projects I undertake. Broadening the focus of my blog will likely be a better match for my high energy level and sincere interest in helping other writers get recognition for their work.

I have no specific news regarding the publication status of my first novel. It is a painfully slow process, all the more reason to broaden the focus of my blog. That said, here are the latest updates.

Regarding the first batch of queries I sent out on June 15, there are still several agents that have yet to respond, and a couple others that did respond with "not for me" rejections.

Still no word from the editor from a large publisher that did request the entire manuscript, as per her receipt of my query. She has only had the manuscript for four weeks, hardly enough time to nudge her for a response.

My first batch of queries also yielded a full read from an agent who made two revision suggestions which I agree with and have almost completed. I should be able to have the manuscript back in her hands within a week.

A second batch of queries sent in mid August yielded another agent request for two sample chapters. She responded within a week, stating my writing and dialogue in particular were very snappy, but it just wasn't her kinda story--her words, not mine.

I state in my query letter that I have a five-page synopsis available, but I haven’t had anyone make a request to see it. I'm left wondering if perhaps I missed the memo announcing the death of the synopsis!

More news, as I get it . . . slow as it may be.

Plan B & C

2006-09-16T16:48:00.001-05:00

Well, it's been over a week since I resigned from my position as a fiction editor of an on-line literary fiction magazine. I've sent a couple of feelers out, regarding my interest in joining the staff of a few other lit magazines I feel would be a good match for me. I just have to wait and see what develops. But, I'm not really a wait and see kind of person. I like action! And right now, though I'm not actively editing the work of other writers, I am deep in revision on my first novel.

I hadn't intended this blog to be about my writing, but in light of the unexpected developments, I am going to turn my blogging energy toward documenting a bit of what is happening regarding my adventures in seeking publication for my first novel.

Here's where the status of my manuscript stands right now . . .

After sending my first batch of six query letters out on June 15th, I have had two requests for a full read and one request for a partial read. The results of the first read from an agent affiliated with a very well respected and experienced agency came in at the end of August. She felt I needed to weave in more of one of my major thematic elements into the story, so the end result didn't feel "tacked on". I agree, and I am actively making those changes.

She also suggested the plot be ratcheted up--creating higher stakes drama to add more appeal for the big publishing houses. I'm not completely on board with that revision suggestion, though I am addressing it to a certain degree. Most importantly, this agent did request I resubmit the entire manuscript if I saw fit to make the revisions she suggested, and I will be doing that within the next week or so.

The second request for a full read is very exciting to me. On a complete whim, I researched the identity of the editor of my favorite author, and I sent my unsolicited query to this editor at one of the major publishing houses--major enough for the publisher to clearly state in the submission guidelines that they do NOT accept unsolicited queries and or manuscripts. But, I read a recently published on-line interview given by this particular editor, and she stated that occasionally she does read unsolicited queries, and she does request to see the manuscripts if her interest is peeked enough. I GOT LUCKY and peeked her interest. I landed my full manuscript in her hands via my unsolicited query, sans any agent intervention. If my luck continues and I do snag a contract, I will bring an agent on board to work with me on the contract.

Then, just to sweeten my journey a little bit more, this week a second agent, from a second batch of queries I sent out in mid August, requested a partial read of the first two chapters. I couldn't be more delighted with the responses I have received so far regarding my query. But, whether or not I can bring the manuscript up to par and make it appealing enough for the first agent or subsequent agents to offer a contract is yet to be seen, but like I said, "I'm not a wait and see sort of person" so I'm spending all my time an energy on getting my manuscript to gleam.

The way I look at things, maybe it's a good thing I'm not actively involved in editing the work of other writers right now, reserving my exclusive attention to seeing to it that my first novel gets published.

There was one more interesting development regarding my resignation from the literary magazine . . . it turns out I wasn't the only editor that resigned! The two of us are fast forming a networking friendship. Stay tuned for a possible collaboration between her blog and mine, regarding an on-line, tag team editing duo featuring the two of us helping a few readers polish up their flash fiction pieces in an open forum format.

Be back soon, with more news regarding the journey of my first novel and a possible opportunity to submit flash fiction pieces directly to me for some voyeuristic on-line editing, by not one, but TWO fiction editors.

Effective Immediately

2006-09-05T22:17:00.000-05:00

After a two month summer hiatus from my Diary of a Literary Fiction Editor, I am sorry to say I have resigned from my position as the fiction editor of an on-line literary magazine. After submissions to the magazine fell off drastically over the summer, and a new managing editor was brought on board without a solid operating structure in place for the receipt and publication of the fiction content, I found it increasingly difficult to perform my duties in a professional manner.

I was originally drawn to this particular publication because of its stated interest in publishing the work of writer's who would not necessarily find a place for their work in other literary venues. The new managing editor then proceeded to select and republish a piece of fiction that has already appeared in six other literary markets. That's hardly in keeping with the stated mission statement of the publication, and that hardly leaves me with the opportunity to help bring the fresh voices of new writers and their stories into the forefront. The pleasure of publishing the work of new writers was the only payment I received in kind for my services as fiction editor. So having the publication lean heavily towards a content which consisted of republished material is not something I was interested in investing my time in.

So I'm off to find a new editorial home.

Write on! And keep submitting. See you in my next editorial slush pile :-) Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Summer Pause

2006-05-31T11:22:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a pause from "the diary".

My summer calander is filled with writing deadlines related to completing the final draft of my first novel, as well as conference pitches to agents and publishers.

By August, I will have sent out my first batch of query letters, and I will return to posting---welcoming the diversion while waiting for the replies.

In the meantime, I will continue to receive short story submissions and make my selections for the June, July and August issues.

I've always found summer activities to be a distraction from generating new work, but it's a fine time to polish my submissions while many of the literary markets take a time out. It's also a great time to submit to markets accepting year long submissions--the competition can be a bit leaner.

Write on!

Literary vs. Mainstream/Genre Fiction

2006-05-26T08:35:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week, a writer queried me regarding my opinion of the difference between literary and mainstream/genre fiction.

The following checklist (excerpted from my article published at http://www.absolutewrite.com/specialty_writing/artless_fiction.htm ) identifies the key elements of literary vs. mainstream/genre fiction as I have come to understand them.

I don’t consider all of these checklist points to be set in stone, and I readily mix them to suit each new story I create.

Literary fiction . . .

contains complex thematic intents or ideas
explores universal themes of truths or humanity in general
broadens the reader’s impressions of the human experience
draws philosophical reflections from both the writer and the reader
relies on form vs. plot
presents complex views of life and/or multidimensional characterizations
confronts characters with internal, often moral, conflicts that will permanently affect them
involves subtle, though no less profound story resolutions and/or ambivalent endings
often involves more use of passive voice
affords slower, more introspective pacing
uses an array of figurative, symbolic, archetypal and poetic qualities of language
frequently embodies allusions to characters and/or story elements from familiar literary works

Mainstream and genre fiction . . .

generates entertainment for the reader by allowing them to escape life’s trivialities
casts the world and humanity in predictable terms of good and evil
satisfies the reader’s expectations of easily anticipated story paths and resolutions
fulfills a traditional understanding between writer and reader concerning formal story elements
provides a recognizable and forward moving narrative
challenges characters with temporary problems requiring easy resolutions
depicts stereotypical and satisfying characters that display predictable actions/decisions
offers detailed settings and/or interesting facts, about the story’s world and its inhabitants
employs an active plot driven structure
affords a fast pace, with strategic breaks in the action
commonly adopts a stylistic and moral tone
typically concludes with a happy ending

I often source a number of similar checklists when I am asked to judge fiction contests or when I am revising my work, and now as a fiction editor. In fact, my forthcoming book, The Fiction Writer's Book of Checklists: A Comprehensive Guide for Revising, Editing, Assessing and Selling Fiction, contains over a hundred checklists. From time to time, I will post a few of these checklists and welcome comments.

Why Some Good Stories are Rejected: Thematic Grouping

2006-05-19T09:34:00.006-05:00

The number of fiction submissions I am receiving is increasing, and my managing editor tells me that the viewing meter on the magazine’s web site has increased, "exponentially" in the last two months.

I’ve gone from receiving 2-3 stories a week, to 2-3 per day. More importantly, not only have I already made several story selections for June’s issue, but I have stories lined up for the July and August issues as well.

Also, I won’t be taking stories now that require as much editorial tweaking as the first few stories I had selected for publication. It would be rewarding to continue to give writers a "second chance", but it’s not practical.

Of course this all means that the number of rejection letters I am sending out is increasing, and my correspondence files are growing. I now have a file for the receipt of manuscripts, a pending decision file, a nay file, a yay file and a maybe file. The "maybe file" has taken me by surprise. It seems the stories coming my way are taking on a life of their own, seemingly imposing the grouping of a particular theme or tone.

For June’s issue, all the authors are women, and the unintentional theme that has emerged was generated by the story title of the first piece I selected for the issue.

July’s issue is shaping up in the opposite direction with a line-up of male authors with "manly themes". Never, I mean NEVER would have I set out to intentionally shape those two issues in such a stereotypical way, yet it happened. And one very good story is being held over for August’s issue because it’s simply not a good fit for July’s issue.

There is room for more stories in July and August and even June’s issue, but the emerging themes of each issue has influenced my decision to include or exclude other fine stories. Building an inventory of stories for future issues makes my job easier, but I don't think it is fair for me to be hanging onto stories for more than 2 or 3 months, pending my decision to allow a particular theme to emerge.

While I’m delighted to be a part of the growth of a wonderful literary magazine, as a writer I am a bit disappointed to discover "up close and personal", how even a strong, well crafted story may have to be set aside—or worse—rejected, because of the varying tone, themes and timing of the increasing number of other well-written stories coming in.

As a direct result of my "insider" experience as a fiction editor, I am now sending my work out at a record volume, because it’s looking more and more like I am going to HAVE to live to be a hundred years old, just to realize all my publishing goals.

If fiction writers want to have their stories published in an increasingly competitive publishing environment, they have to "exponentially" increase the amount of time they spend creating, refining and submitting their work. The competition is tough, even in a literary venue that has only been accepting fiction for the past two months

The Whole Story

2006-05-11T16:28:00.007-05:00

There is a book on my shelf, The Whole Story: Editors on Fiction, edited by Warren Slesinger. This book has become a tangible reminder of how far I have come on my journey as a fiction writer, and now as an editor.

The featured editors explain how they choose the stories they publish. They describe their editorial procedures and policies, but not in the often generic terms presented in the guidelines of their respective literary magazines. This is a collection of anecdotal and intimate essays written specifically for this book, and although the book is 10 years old, the magazines represented in this book are still of value to writers who are submitting today--still prominent sources for the publication of a refined cross-section of contemporary American Fiction, i.e., The Iowa Review, Prairie Schooner, The North American Review etc.

I remember pouring over the essays in this book, taking in all the tips and editorial insights of the submission process. I was grateful then, for the willingness of these editors to offer guidance to emerging writers, and now as I step into the role of a literary fiction editor, I welcome the opportunity to share my perspectives with writers who are eager to begin their journeys. The book will remain front and center on my desk, not only to remind me of where I’ve been, but to prompt me to continue to turn around and lend a hand to writers in back of me.

Yes, writers are a solitary lot, but we are never truly alone; there are many wordly paths, and there are always other writers just ahead and behind on the trailheads. There are snakes on these paths too, but I’ll save that for another post.

Home Sweet Literary Home

2006-05-04T18:49:00.005-05:00

May's issue is complete, and my first two story selections have been published. It's a great feeling, knowing I helped two writers share their work with the magazine's readers. It's also a very subjective process. Another editor, another time, another magazine, and the same stories may not have been chosen. As someone who regularly submits their work, I know this to be true, and I accept the process.

In a way, I feel like a decorator who has just chosen the perfect artwork to complement a client's home. Some homes are eclectic, some modern, or traditional etc. and even the loveliest of pieces are not always a good fit in every decor.

Like a decorator, a writer needs to sample a literary home before submitting their work--read the work the magazine has previously published, take measurements, match the tone, color and texture of the markets they submit to.

If the story is a good fit, then the writer, editor and publisher can all kick off their shoes, settle in and stay awhile.

I Know Stuff

2006-04-30T22:14:00.002-05:00

My second month as a literary fiction editor is off to a great start. My managing editor said I was doing an excellent job and had focused editorial savvy! I always knew I had something, just didn't know what to call it.

Reminds me of a time several years ago when someone in a crit group I had organized jumped up from her chair, leaned over the table and wagged her finger in my face, "What makes you think you can tell me how to make my story better?"

I'm usually not at a loss for words, but she was actually frightening. I stuttered a bit, and then answered her question. "Because I know stuff." Not a very eloquent come back-- I admit it-- but the other members of the group laughed, and she left in a huff without giving me a black eye for pointing out several confusing point of view shifts in her short story.

Now, thanks to my managing editor, the next time someone asks me what makes me think I can tell them how to make their story better, I'll have a great comeback--I have focused editorial savvy, that's why! That'll get me a black eye for sure :-)

My name will be added to the masthead this month, and I'm hoping to have plenty of opportunities to strut my stuff, when the submissions start filling up my e-mail box.

Each and Every Word

2006-04-27T16:57:00.003-05:00

As a newbie literary fiction editor, I was intriqued by Peter Selgin's article, Confessions of a Cranky Literary Editor, in the May/June 06 issue of Poets & Writers. And when I discovered his admission that he doesn't read every word of the three hundred manuscripts a month that he receives, I wondered if he was being cranky or just plain realistic.

In my first three weeks as a lit-mag fiction editor, I have received eleven submissions. Of that eleven, I actually read every word of four. And of that four, I chose two for publication in May's issue. So that leaves seven that I didn't read beyond the first paragraph. Does that make me cranky? Maybe. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say, "I know exactly what tone, style and level of craft I am looking for."

It's the same way when I'm the one submitting; I work extra hard to make sure I'm sending my work to the right markets, because I want every word to be read. Now, as a fiction editor, I want to receive stories that prompt me to read every word, and I'm going to work extra hard to convey what type of story I am looking for from the writers who submit their work to me.

I've created a checklist of the story criteria I am seeking for publication, and I will post it here before I add it to the submission guidelines in June's issue. I know it isn't realistic to think a story criteria checklist will guarentee that I won't get cranky, or that I'll only receive work that fits my specs, but it might help to keep me reading. . . each and every word.

My Great American Acceptance Letter

2006-04-24T07:11:00.003-05:00

By far, composing an enthusiastic acceptance letter has been my favorite task as a new fiction editor; and sending this newly crafted letter to a writer, who is being published for the first time, is pure joy!

Dear Writer,

I am delighted to select ??????? for publication in ???????'s May issue.

We receive a number of quality submissions—each strong in its own way, but only those stories which are well-crafted and well-suited to ???????'s progressive and innovative tone make the final cut.

Congratulations!
Fiction Editor

Future topics I plan to cover in the Diary of a Literary Fiction Editor. . .
(I am also open to other suggested topics as they are presented to me. )

Sending the right story to the right publication: Bull's eye marketing

The importance of supporting the markets you wish to be published in

Story craft vs. content/Why did you bother to write that so well?

The infamous first sentence, and why it means more than the entire story.

How I will determine what stories I select/my criteria

My name won't even be added to the magazine's masthead until the May issue is published. Open the gates and let the submissions roll in--I'm ready!

In Search of. . .

2006-04-21T07:58:00.002-05:00

In Search of. . . The Great American Acceptance Letter

Today I will compose my first acceptance letter; it will coincidentally be the first acceptance letter for a newly published author who's work I have selected for publication in May's issue.

For an American literary fiction writer, no doubt the most coveted acceptance letter would read. . .

The Pulitzer Prize

2006

—FICTION—

FOR DISTINGUISHED FICTION BY AN American author,
preferably dealing with American life, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000)
Awarded to "March" by Geraldine Brooks
(Viking)

...

To date, the closest I've come to a Pulitzer moment, are my two consecutive Writer's Digest wins. Both acceptance letters, written by Kristin D. Godsey, Editor of Writer's Digest, were warm and enthusiastic. My favorite sentence in the first acceptance letter reads as follows. . .

...

Your success in the face of such formidable competition speaks highly of your writing talent, and should be a source of great pride as you continue your writing career.

...

In her second letter to me, the following year, once again she focused on the enormous odds facing the writers who enter the Writer's Digest's annual contest. . .

,,,

The first-round judge, had a very difficult time narrowing her selection to 25 top entries from over 8000 entries. Finishing among those top 25 entries is an accomplishment of which you can be proud.

...

Although the writer's I will be selecting for publication will not be facing the same level of formidable competition, I want the acceptance letter I compose to be no less enthusiastic and complimentary.

...

I'm off to search my files for other stellar acceptance letters from which I can draw inspiration, and I welcome any and all suggestions and sharing of other writer's proud Pulitzer-like moments that were fostered via a particularly well written acceptance letter.

...

Back on Monday to post my Great American Acceptance Letter!

The Secret Handshake

2006-04-17T10:29:00.004-05:00

OK. I admit it; when I first started submitting my writing to various mainstream and literary magazines, I thought surely there was an ‘insiders’ club; what other explanation could there have been for my failure to place my stories and poems exactly where I thought they should be published? Even as I began to hone my craft and accumulate publishing credits, I still suspected there was a secret handshake I just wasn’t privy to.

In many ways, I began to develop my own ‘insiders’ club’, routinely exchanging publishing leads with members of my critique group and other networking channels that I continued to build. This secret networking did result in the placement of several of my pieces, as well as the work of other writers I knew. However, the sum total of our ‘insider’ information was nothing more than exchanging leads regarding calls for submissions and/or contests where we felt one of us may have had a specific product that was a match.

But, now I’m on the inside, and I can vow first hand, that there is no ‘secret handshake’, at least not as far as I’m concerned. In advance of my name and contact information being added to the masthead in next month’s issue, I have been sending out my own call for submissions within my networking channels. Several of my writing friends and acquaintances have sent me their stories, and even though they qualify as ‘insiders’, because they received my personalized invitation to submit, I now have to send all of them my personalized rejection letter; because none of them sent me anything that matched the tone and style of the magazine.

For me, it is a relief to discover there is no ‘secret handshake’. Friends don’t publish friends; friends publish quality work that is a good fit for a particular magazine. And my experience with having to pass judgement on work created by writers that I actually know, is a perfect example of why writers need to realize that when their work is rejected, they should never take it personally--once a writer begins to submit with the goal of publication in mind, their work becomes a product, and the act of correct product placement is critical, and not a reflection of a writer’s creative and artistic strengths.

By weeks end, I will have word of who’s work did make the cut--sans any secret handshakes. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to crafting my preliminary acceptance letter :-)

Regarding Your Submission Status. . .

2006-04-13T10:41:00.003-05:00

Ironically, as I was drafting my first, form rejection letter, I received word that one of my stories was rejected. That yellow Post-it with the lone word 'sorry' slapped onto the middle of my manuscript prompted me to delete the word 'sorry' from the draft of my rejection letter.

Dear INSERT WRITER'S NAME,

I'm sorry Delete I regret Yikes! Let's go with. . . Your submission INSERT TITLE was not selected for publication in ???????? Literary Magazine, but I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it. Though I'd like to add, it appears you didn't read the guidelines regarding the tone and style of the magazine, or perhaps you thought it didn't matter and sent whatever you had--tone and style matter!

Unfortunately, our high volume of submissions wishful/forward thinking create a very competitive playing field, forcing me to frequently pass on many fine manuscripts without adequate time to comment specifically Editors can't engage in critiques or serve as a writing coach--not that I wouldn't love to, but it's time prohibitive; I'm a writer too but I encourage you to continue to pursue your publication goals in a variety of venues. Seriously, I do.

Fiction Editor
???????? Literary Magazine

First Submission

2006-04-12T14:38:00.005-05:00

Today I received my first short story submission, and then I drafted my first rejection letter.