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Thursday, July 26, 2007
Confessions of a Former Non-reader
Whenever I get with a bunch of writers, the subject of reading often comes
up in the conversation. Most writers, it seems, were childhood readers, devouring volumes of Nancy Drew and classics
like Treasure Island and The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Not this writer. I confess, I was more of a childhood TV addict.
So how did I become a reader? I credit one teacher in particular--my
grade school English teacher, Miss Frain. Miss Frain possessed a passion for the story. In her class, I remember us reading The
Monkey's Paw, a haunting tale which has stayed with me all of these years. I remember another classic, Man Without
a Country, which moved me even back then. And how could I forget an O. Henry favorite like The Ransom of
Red Chief?
I won't say that I took to reading regularly at that point. But Miss Frain
planted a seed and nurtured my love of stories.
She's responsible for my current addiction--books!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Year of 300 Stories
A few years ago I made a New Year's Resolution to read one short story every day. While I was quite familiar with the
form already, my goal was to master it.
So I read and I read, then read some more.
I read stories from flash fiction to those that bordered on novella length. I read classic stories widely collected to
the latest Best American Short Story anthology. I read stories from literary journals and stole a few moments to
indulge my love of mysteries thanks to Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. I read the collections of famous
authors, like Hemingway, as well as the not so famous (but still a favorite) Tim Gautreaux. And of course, my friend
Flannery.
So what did I discover along the way? A deeper appreciation for the short story--and a burning curiosity as to why
most Americans don't seem to appreciate this form. Particularly in regards to the frenetic pace in which we travel. A short
story would seem to be the perfect fit, yet the novel remains the favorite.
Is it still worth writing short stories? Absolutely! Markets do still exist to publish them, and we fans of
short stories still like to read them. And just think of all the students in all the English classes scattered across
this great nation. Now there's a captive audience!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What's My Motivation?
A brutal night at the critique group. . .
Another rejection slip in the mail. . .
The polite form letter from an agent. . .
When discouragement abounds, I know quite a few of us struggle with staying motivated enough to write. So how
does a writer keep on keeping on? One solution is to enter contests.
Some of the benefits of entering contests are:
- A built in deadline--highly motivating!
- A finished, publishable piece that can be submitted to magazines.
- Friendly competition. You and your writing friends will inspire each other.
- The challenge of a contest will keep you writing.
- Validation from the outside world--meaning someone other than your mother!
- Prize money. All writers can use some monetary compensation.
- Positive affirmation in the midst of an avalanche of rejections.
So write your story and send it to the Amazing Story Contest today. You'll be glad you entered!
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Only 1 day left to enter our Amazing Story Fiction Contest with new, easy guidelines and longer word length. Only 45 entries received as of 7/31!
Results are in for our Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest! Congratulations to the winners.
Check out
our Past Winners for more great reads!
Need an editor?
Have
you written a story but are unsure what to do next? Do you find grammar and punctuation confusing? Let us fuss over your writing!
We will polish your work so that you communicate effectively, accurately, and creatively. For
more information, see our competitive rates.
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"Two
saxophone cases sat on the table. I rushed over and ran my fingers over the case that was clearly the more expensive. When
I lifted the cover, I gasped and my mouth went dry. I'd never seen anything so beautiful. The gold-lacquered saxophone, nested
in a plush velvet lining, shimmered like a rare jewel. I ached to own it and to run my fingers over the mother-of-pearl finger
pads whenever I wanted to. It was a dream. Would it come true?" [...] Read "The Saxophone" by George Thomas, winner of our 2010 Dead of Winter Nonfiction Contest.
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So why get a critique?
Every day we pay for small, trivial things, like a soda out of the vending machine at work or
a candy bar in line at the grocery store. A magazine or a manicure. A cup of coffee through the drive-thru.
But how much do we invest in enriching our lives?
Developing a talent that's been dormant for a long time? Realizing a dream, like seeing our name in print?
Why
get a critique? I say, why not?
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