Week 43! This week I wrote another practice flash for the next round of the Flash Fiction Challenge.
This week’s combination?
Drama / Mount Everest / a teacup
I almost didn’t do this. I mean, Mount Everest? Really? Then I pondered what might happen if I drew a similar combination in the actual challenge and decided it was in my best interest to at least try. I don’t know if it’s a story I’ll ever send out, but I did it, and in exactly 1,000 words, so there’s that.
I also spent some time this week shaping up stories to send out. Plus, I received a contributor copy for an anthology, signed a contract for audio rights, turned around a rewrite request, and had two acceptances–all in the span of 48 hours. It’s like I’m a real working writer or something.
And, in one of those weird coincidences, I had two acceptances this week, and both involve time. Keeping Time will appear in the November edition of Kazka Press. Just a Matter of Time will be part of volume 3 of Sucker Literary Magazine.
I’m excited about both, but especially Just a Matter of Time. Have you ever tried to find a home for a YA novelette? (The story is ~7,800 words long.) It’s no easy task, let me tell you. And also, let me tell you this:
Feedback I received from one market was I should dump the romantic aspect of the story (I’d been getting high marks for the “time” aspect of it). Yes, I know, I was trying to not only place a YA novelette, but essentially a paranormal romantic one at that. The trifecta of will not sell.
What aspect helped it with Sucker Literary? The relationship. I believe the editor may have used the phrase swoon-worthy.
I was going somewhere with this. Oh. Yeah. Editor feedback? Often very helpful. I did do some tweaks before my acceptance with Sucker Literary. However, it isn’t always right, or right for that particular story. Something to keep in mind.
Writing:
- The Cure for Love Sickness ~ 1,000 words
Submissions:
- Two Hammers
- A Most Marvelous Pair of Boots
- What Little Remains
Rejections:
- None
Acceptances:
- Keeping Time
- Just a Matter of Time
Writing Wrongs 