Conjunctions is accepting submissions for the Fall 2016 issue, Conjunctions: 67, Other Aliens, a collection of works of literary science and speculative fiction: innovative short stories, poetry, and essays that explore the vast precincts of unfamiliarity, of keen difference, of weirdness and not belonging. “’Alien’” is a powerful and flexible word. Aliens are Other, aliens are the stuff of science fiction and fantasy, aliens are traditional literary figures who, when we witness our ‘normal’ lives through their strangers’ eyes (think Frankenstein), cause us to see ourselves anew. Indeed, we become the unfamiliar ones. ” “Conjunctions on the Web features an ever-expanding constellation of innovative fiction, poetry, drama, interviews, and other work by some of the leading literary lights of our time. . . We are always adding new selections to our current inventory of contemporary writing. ”
Author: mcullen
Marlene Cullen is enthusiastic about encouraging people to write, even those who think they can’t write. Her series of books, The Write Spot anthologies, features writing that entertains as well as inspires writing. Every story, vignette, and poem in The Write Spot books include writing prompts motivating readers to become writers.
Marlene hosts The Write Spot Blog, a treasure chest of inspirational gems for writers.
Fulfilling her passion for writing and sharing with others, Marlene has created unique writing environments such as Jumpstart Writing Workshops, where participants often experience transformational changes. Her workshops provide essential elements for successful writing.
Marlene is the founder of Writers Forum of Petaluma, a monthly literary event featuring presenters talking about the craft and business of writing.
Marlene's awarding winning short stories and essays have been published in literary journals, anthologies, and newspapers, including Tiny Lights, Building Bridges, More Bridges, Redwood Writers anthologies, and The Write Spot anthologies.
She is a member of the California Writer's Club.
Know your characters intimately. Prompt #255
How to flesh out fictional characters . . . Give them depth . . . Get to know them intimately. Let’s say your fictional character has just received devastating news such as a job loss, death of a family member or close friend. How does he react? What are her immediate thoughts? What actions does he take next? Imagine your fictional character had an epiphany about a betrayal, a loss, an old grievance. . . something new has been revealed. What does he or she do? Take a few minutes to write about the purpose this character serves in the story. Ready? Just write!
Components for a great story – by Guest Blogger Francis H. Powell
Guest Blogger Francis H. Powell writes about creating a great story. Confronted with a blank screen, poised to tap away, how to go about creating that great story. Perhaps one primary consideration is the theme. Maybe the theme should be a ghostly shadow within the confines of the story, not screaming at the reader, but there none the less. It may make the reader think about their own lives, there might be a moral to be learned, but a writer should not take on the role of a preacher. Then there has to be a plot, all the conflict or struggle that the main character or characters go through. The conflict should develop in intensity and excitement, reaching some kind of climax. If you are writing a novel there may be a number of conflicts interspersed, but a short story will have only one principal conflict. Moving onto story structure, …
No one knows . . . Prompt #254
Today’s prompt: No one knows. . . You can write from real experience, or respond as your fictional character would respond. No one knows . . .
Broad Street seeks writing that shows the truth in a new way
Broad Street magazine is “always looking for more talent . . . so if you have an interesting piece of nonfiction—poetry, essay, reportage, memoir or other writing—or art” . . . Submit! “Nonprofit semi-annual magazine featuring true stories told in many different ways. Seeks beautiful crafted poetry, essay, reportage, memoir or other writing that present the truth in a way that’s new and special.” — The Writer magazine, June 2015 Submisssions/themes, see if there is something just right for you. Upcoming theme: Birth, School, Work, Death (submit until April 1, 2017 for spring/summer 2017 issue). The Seven Ages of Man have become the Four Ages of Humankind. We’re born, we learn, we work, we die. Broad Street has conceived of a four-part magazine with several features exploring each phase of life. Give us your origin stories, your schoolroom struggles, your cubicle frustrations, your tales of passing on. Where has this road taken you? …
Survival Kit . . . Prompt #253
What would you put in a survival kit?
Literary Agent Mary C. Moore has personal experience with The Rejection Form
Guest Blogger Mary C. Moore (literary agent) writes about the rejection form letter. I recently wrote a short story, my first in over a year. Inspiration struck and I listened. Unlike novel writing, short stories are short-term rewarding because you reach “the end,” while you are still loving that muse whispering in your ear. I was particularly excited about this story, as I knew exactly which magazine I was going to submit it to. A few years ago, said magazine had rejected another story of mine, but with glowing praise and a request to see more of my work. I kept that in mind, because this magazine is a professionally paying market and one that would be quite a feather in my writing resume. Thus after some furious late nights, anxious waiting for the beta reads to come back, and a lot of editing, I sent off my beautiful 3k-word…
Dead End . . . Prompt #252
Today’s Writing Prompt: Dead End OR: One Way
“I really don’t believe in a wasted draft.”
Novelist Téa Obreht: “I don’t believe in a wasted draft . . . Even work you consider to be your worst is good for something. Every effort teaches you about your desires and tendencies, or guides you toward some new possibility . . . every line you wrote . . . has value.” —Téa Obreht, author of The Tiger’s Wife, interviewed by Gabriel Packard, “Writers On Writing,” The Writer magazine, May 2016
Find the right magazine for your article.
Rachael Herron wrote an article, soon to be published in Vogue magazine. Not about “fashion, beauty, culture, living, runway, met gala.” Rachael’s article is about clearing out craft supplies. Imagine that. What a brilliant idea! I imagine most crafters would benefit from an article about how to organize material and/or encouragement to let go of scraps of fabric, wisps of ribbon, etc. Do you have a special skill, a hobby, a special interest? Write about it. Think about a magazine that might seem an unusual fit. Tweak your essay to fit the magazine’s demographics. Research the magazine’s mission statement, purpose, intent, masthead. Do you have a pet peeve, an obsession, a unique collection? Turn your thoughts into an article, then research and submit! Browse magazines at the library. Search online for potential magazines. Find the right magazine for your piece: Every Writer Wikipedia List of American Magazines How a Freelance…