From the October 2014 issue of Writer Magazine, “Writers on Writing,” Roxane Gay:
“Writing, at its best and truest, can offer solace and salvation for both readers and writers.”
Marlene’s Musings: Sometimes we want to read something good, just like we want comfort food. We need you, Writers, to do your best to create those words that soothe and settle us.
Use the prompts sprinkled throughout The Write Spot Blog and Just Write!
Fireside Fiction Company publishes original, previously unpublished flash fiction of 1,000 words and short stories of 1,000 to 4,000 words. Fireside’s goal is to publish great storytelling, regardless of genre . . . stories that go somewhere. Fireside pays 12.5 cents per word.
Fireside will be open to submissions in October 2014.
Kevin Larimer, editor of Poets & Writers magazine, in the Sept.-Oct issue:
Full Grown People publishes personal essays that explore what it means to be an adult . . . essays that explore those moments in life when you wonder, what’s next?
“Essays should be between 800 and 4,000 words and have a literary quality: engaging and smart without being academic or schmaltzy. Work hard on your endings—if you’ve built up some good momentum, ending it on the right note is sometimes the difference between a contender and an acceptance.”
Click here for submission guidelines.
The subject of death may be uncomfortable or difficult for some. And yet, we are all going to die . . . some time. . . somehow. Here’s a quote from Steve Jobs.
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs
Note from Marlene: Writing. . . letting others read your writing . . . can make you feel vulnerable, afraid and weak in the knees. And yet, when we pay attention to our desire to write and when we write. . . it’s such a satisfying feeling. So, I say, let go of your fears. . . be brave. . . write and share your writing. Go for it and Just Write.
Wineglass, dustpan, wooden spoon, smartphone case, belt, soda-can tab, balance/fitness ball, melon baller, coffee cup sleeve, DVD case, cutting board, rolling pin, magnets, shoelaces, garment bag, shot glass, coffee K-Cup, contact-lens case. 
Winners will be published in a future issue and receive a $100 gift card.
Email your ideas for “New Uses For Old Things” to: newusescontest@realsimple.com
Include the name of the item and how you repurposed it. Photos welcome.
Editing is writing, too.
Do you resist editing your writing?
Does the idea of polishing your writing make you feel uncomfortable?
I hear ya!
Do you resist sharing your writing with others?
Does putting your writing “out there” feel like you’re sending your precious child into the (cold, cruel) world?
Yep, I hear that, too.
I used to be very nervous about showing my writing to others. And I still am a bit nervous sometimes.
But then I joined writing groups here and there and I began to share my writing.
When my writing was published — it happened sort of by accident — I didn’t seek to be published. A friend encouraged me (thank you, Pat Tyler) and . . . now I’ve been published in 6 anthologies. And I have to tell ya . . . it’s fun.
Here are my thoughts about the writing process of going from the creativity of a new idea to editing to final product.
When you first write something. . . it can be creative and fun. Then, when the possibility of publishing comes up. . . that precious, personal writing becomes . . . A Product.
And that can be a difficult shift to make. But, here’s the thing. . . editing and polishing your writing for publishing can be fun. Although it’s challenging to select the exact right word or phrase choice, when you have success, it’s a fabulous Eureka moment! It can be fun to shape the writing so others can understand what you are trying to say.
Finally, it can be rewarding to share your writing and receive positive feedback that helps strengthen your writing.
Editing is like pruning a fruit tree or a rose bush. Make a few snips (changes), step back, take a look . . . make a few more changes until the shape gets better and better, and more pleasing. Until, finally, you like the final product and you’re ready to send your precious writing into the world.
Give it a twirl . . . post your writing here, on The Write Spot Blog, and see what happens. I predict good things for you.
Thank you, Kelly and all my friends, for the inspiration for this post.
Just Write!
Photo by Jeff Cullen
The Southern Review welcomes unsolicited work during reading period, Sept 1 – Feb 1.
They consider fiction, poetry, and essays, including creative nonfiction and literary essays. Only previously unpublished work will be considered. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that you notify them promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere. They recommend that before submitting work you familiarize yourself with the journal’s aesthetic by subscribing.
Click here for submission guidelines.
You have ideas what to write about. But how do you get started? Do you sit at your computer, fingers poised above the keyboard . . . ready. . . but your mind swirls, goes blank. . . at a loss how to get started.
How about starting your writing time like many famous author do? With warm-ups, using writing prompts.
There are many blogs and websites with ideas for writing. One of them is my interactive blog, The Write Spot Blog. You can post your writing (~600 words) and receive comments on your writing.
You can also use prompts posted on my Facebook Writing Page and writing prompts on my website. http://www.thewritespot.us/writingprompt.html
The joy of writing freely . . . that’s what these prompts are about.
How do you start your writing time? What are your rituals? Your writing habits? Or, do you Just Write?
I facilitate Jumpstart writing workshops in Petaluma, California and here, online, with you. People new to writing have a hard time saying “I’m a writer.” So did I, until my writing teacher, Pat Schneider, made me say it out loud.
And now I’m encouraging you to say it out loud. Come on. I’ll say it, too.
I am a writer.
Again, louder. I AM A WRITER.
There now. . . and if you weren’t able to say it louder, fake it until you make it.
No need to fake your writing. . . Just fake having confidence in your writing.
And now . . . select a prompt and Just Write!