What is Your Definition of Writing Success?

Hello Fellow Writers

I read an article this week asking the above question. Today, I received a Facebook post that warmed my heart and answered that question for me. 

In 2007, I wrote a children's story, Meet Sandy Gull and opened an ice-cream and candy shop called, Sandy Gull's Sweets. The book was the theme for the decor of my business. Along with the "sweets" I sold books and Sandy Gull tee-shirts for children and adults. Fast forward to May 2021 and the Facebook post which included this photo.

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The post explained, this spunky little boy, Jacob, was the last of four cousins, (a set of brothers and a set of sisters), who get to wear this Sandy Gull tee. They wanted me to know before the tee-shirt is retired.

I know this family, the little boy is my great-nephew. They live very far away and I haven't seen them in years. They are my family and they've treasured the book. Through the years, I've received an occasional picture of one of the children sitting on the couch reading the book or a note saying one of the kids took the book to school for show-and-tell and told the class that it was their aunt who wrote it. I am touched deep down inside my heart that the children would share that with the class.

I am amazed and proud the children have taken such great care of the book and imagine my surprise to see they still have one of the shirts. I had no idea the parents had been handing it down to each child in the family. I can't tell you how special that is to me.

When I had my shop, I received little cards and notes from children and parents not only here in the USA, but from other countries, telling me how their children enjoyed the book and the visit to the ice-cream shop. Each and every time, I was honored to receive the cards and notes.

This pictures I've been sent of children enjoying Sandy Gull, always warm my heart. But today, my little nephew reminded me that I'll always be a success in their eyes.

Big Hugs and Kisses to you Jacob for wearing your Sandy Gull tee shirt and making me feel special. 

I hope you all find your own measures of success.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

 

Waiting to hear about a submission is like waiting for the fisherman to return!

Sometimes news of the catch is good and sometimes not so much, but always worth the anticipation.

Comparing the wait for news of a submission's status with pelicans waiting for fishing boats to come in is a stretch; but isn't it fun!

I mentioned in an earlier post, that two of my contest flash fiction stories were chosen for publication in a local authors 2020 anthology, sponsored by our public library system. Unfortunately, the latest news from the library reported delays, (I'm guessing Pandemic delays), and the book publication date is on hold. I checked in a second time, and the news was possible publication in December 2020. It didn't happen at that time. As of this post, it's been a year. I decided to submit the work in two other flash fiction contests with WOW-Women on Writing. I was excited when both pieces made it through first phase judging. They didn't win prizes, but I received great feedback from an editor/judge. Although I didn't catch the big fish prize, I do feel like I received the smaller bait fish, just as nourishing from encouraging feedback.

Another story I submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul has made it through the first phase of consideration and I was sent a contract to read, sign, and return. I was told the story has to go through one more person before it's a sure thing. I was told most pieces that make it this far do make it into the book. I was as happy as the pelican who is tossed an even bigger fish. I'll keep you posted when I receive the final update. 

I have two more stories submitted for consideration to Chicken Soup for the Soul future books. No word yet. Submission periods are still open.

I've submitted two short story pieces for the 2021 contest through the FWA, (Florida Writers Association), the prestigious RPLA awards, and a poem for the annual FWA themed anthology contest. The guidelines for these two contests are strict and I was thrilled to receive an email saying the submissions qualified and moved on to judging. Although I've been a member for three years, I've never entered due to being intimidated by the many rules. Fortunately, this year, the guidelines were reviewed and cut by 50%. Qualifying for this particular contest may seem to be a small fish to some, but to me it was a wonderful accomplishment.

Please note: Always, Always, Always, read the guidelines for every contest and submission. Follow the guidelines or risk being disqualified. You've worked hard on your piece and you want it read. Many guidelines will state, if you get disqualified, you lose your contest submission fee.

The RPLA contest will send feedback either way. Always appreciate professional feedback. It's important to accept the feedback graciously and to give it serious consideration. 

I had a few pieces that didn't toss me any fish at all. Like fisherman, we have to take the bad days with the good. But every new day brings a new opportunity to put yourself out there, submit, and work hard for the great catch of your life!

I'd love to read how your submissions are going. Leave me a comment.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!   

Have you been writing your heart out? It's time to submit those stories!

People are spending more time in the house during this pandemic and looking for ways to be entertained.  More people have taken up writing. Some write for publication, some as stress relief, some to document this historic time around the world. Whatever your reasons are, I hope you will consider submitting your work. There are more opportunities to enter contests than I've ever seen.

I put down my novel in progress and took a break to write for contests. Not only was I ready for a break and needing to put some distance between my novel characters and myself, I was ready for some fun. Everyone needs some fun during these rough times. 

I loved the flash fiction and flash nonfiction contests as well as short story opportunities. There are so many online right now. Some have themes or prompts and some are open to most genres.

So I brushed the dust from some old pieces of writing to edit/update and wrote a few new pieces. (In case you didn't know, I love the challenge of a word count as well as finding short story writing to be fun.) I guess I entered four flash fiction contests and a short story contest. I also wrote and submitted a short story for consideration of an upcoming 2021 Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It'll be awhile before I know if it is selected or not.

One contest, WOW-Women on Writing, offered a written critique of the entry pieces for an additional nominal fee of $10. How amazing to have a professional editor critique your piece for $10?!  I took advantage of that with two

of my pieces.  I'm happy to report, the critiques were worth every penny. They not only told me where the pieces went wrong, but also where the pieces went right, which is just as important.

At the time of this writing, two of my pieces were selected to be published in an anthology, which should be out locally some time this month. I also have a flash nonfiction piece that has made it as a Finalist with the winners being announced by December 21st. I will keep you posted. I had 2 pieces that did not place but one received such an encouraging critique, I felt like I'd won.

All in all, I'm doing pretty well and it feels really good. I wish for all writers to feel really good.

So put your writing out there and I wish you smashing success in 2021. 

Drop me a comment and let me know how it goes.

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Holiday Season 💖

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling! 

       

Holiday Madness!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Is your writing desk piled high with stacks of gifts, bows, and wrapping paper? Is your work in progress taking a backseat to the mad dash of last-minute shopping? If so, then join the club.

Tonight I took a look across my room and noticed the typewriter peaking out from behind the packages. It seemed to be saying, "Hey, did you forget about me?" 

I guess I did. It's been over a week since I opened my laptop. It's been over a week since I could see the top of my desk. So I cleared it off and sat down to write this blog post. It's the least I can do to apologize to my muse.

This post is a nudge to all of my writer friends out there to throw down the scotch tape and ribbons. Do your best to find a few minutes in all of the holiday madness to jot a few words onto the page. Trust me, you'll feel really good about it. In fact, let the Holiday Spirit inspire you!

Keep Writing, Keep Smiling, and Keep Submitting.

 

  

 

Dusting off a forgotten old manuscript is a real eye-opener!

Hi Writers 🙋

Do you have old writing projects saved on your computer or yellowing in a hanging file folder in a rusty metal filing cabinet? Many of us do. As a matter of fact, my current WIP is one of those old manuscripts.

I challenge you to dust off an old project. Pour yourself a strong cup of coffee or tea and find a comfortable place to relax. Thoughtfully, read through a manuscript you previously thought was unworthy of submission or one that failed in the submission process.
As you read, your first reaction will most likely be ... ugh! Don't fret! It's a good thing.
           You are realizing how much you've grown and how much you've improved.
If you've been studying the craft, joining writer's groups, attending conferences, and participating in online workshops/podcast; you've been learning and growing.

Today, I read a post from an author who found success by resurrecting an old project. She "changed it up a bit", then submitted the piece into a contest. She did not place in the contest. The story doesn't end there. The author tucked it aside again. She let it sit for a year or more. Recently, she resurrected the piece again. She corrected the grammar errors and tightened it up. She submitted it into another contest. This time she won first place including a monetary prize. The point is, her years of studying and experience paid off in a big way.

This challenge is also a great way to fight off writer's block. Never sit staring at a blank page. Take a break from the struggle and be productive. Pull out an old dusty project and work on it ruthlessly. Pat yourself on the back for seeing the mistakes and improving the piece. Submit your hard work to a magazine or contest. With your creative brain in high gear, you just may find you're ready to get back to your current work in progress with an excited mind. (Working on a short story contest is how I take a break from my novel in progress. It helps me to keep submitting during the long novel writing and editing process.)

Why not give it a try?!
Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!