Finally a Productive Day

I've been a bad writer lately. I haven't been doing much, other than thinking about stories and germinating plot bunnies. Not exactly the most productive thing for a writer to be doing... after all, I should be writing! Not just thinking about writing!

But yesterday, I submitted several short stories to different pro magazines. 3 short stories and 4 flash pieces. Which brings my short stories out in the horrific land of limbo to 16. Plus I have 5 or 6 more that I want to polish up some before sending them back out. Writing shorts is easy enough for me... it's getting them accepted that is giving me problems. lol But I keep trying and revising and submitting. That's all I can do. If all the pro markets reject the stories, I'll move down to semi-pro.

An update for Hidden in Shadows:

I received a personalized handwritten rejection from Laura Bradford:

Dear Nicole,

Thanks so much for sending me a sample of Hidden in Shadows and it was a pleasure meeting you at the Lori Foster gathering. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, I have decided to pass on the project. While I love the premise, I just didn't feel swept away by te writing. I wish you all the very best luck finding a great home and enthusiastic champion for your work.

A;; Best,

Laura Bradford


Not a bad rejection letter. I'll take anything that isn't form, lol

I'm still tweaking Hidden in Shadows query letter. Once I'm finally happy with it, I'll be querying agents for it. Wish me luck!

Yet another rejection... and a submission contest

I received an email this morning that the short story that I submitted for the Demon Clash of Steel Anthology was rejected. "The opening scene meets - even exceeds - my guideline request to hook me...but then the ensuing page and a half unhooks me. Don't give up on that action-oriented, engaging start."

The opening scene is one of my best. It introduces the demon and how he is released from Hell. The next scene introduces the hero, and he learns about his quest. I think I'll leave the story as is as I send it out to a magazine but if I get more rejections, I may have to change the second scene. We'll see.


I also found another submission contest that some of you may be interested in. Do you write sweet romances? Inspirational stories? Then check out the White Rose Publishing Page on Hearts Crossing. The story has to be between 20-25k and follow the synopsis listed (there are some holes for you to fill in). The deadline in September 30th. If you decide to enter, good luck!

Rejection

Well, Doomia's Treasure received a rejection letter.

"This is a perfectly good story, but it doesn't quite have the feel I want for Sword & Sorceress. Try it on another market."

So I need to find another market. I'll let you know whenever it does get accepted. When, not if!