Hope Lost

The people at Thin Threads had me hoping that I might actually be accepted for print. I submitted a story called The Trouble with Tarot. I know, probably not the best title, but it is what I came up with at the time.

I made it up to the finals with 149 other writers. The Thin Threads people said they were looking for 75-100 stories for their first collection of stories. I figured that maybe I just might have a chance.

I wasn't disheartened when I didn't win the first place spot, after all I have problems writing non-fictional personal stories. Still, the hope was there.

So, when I checked the list of authors who were selected, I was a bit disappointed. Though after examining the categories and titles of the winners, I don't know where my story would have fit. I mean mine was a bit supernatural, albeit true.

I will continue to submit my work! I will work on making my personal accounts of my life more interesting.

Submissions

I have been submitting my flash fiction stories to paying markets. I keep getting shot down, but not because they don't like the stories.

I get, 'I enjoyed reading your story, but we can't use it at this time.'

I have gotten one that told me what I needed to improve the story. I am working on that one now.

Today, the rejection said, 'While the premise of this story is intriguing, it readsmore like a scene than a fully developed tale with character and plotarcs, which is something we do look for even with flash-stories.'

I can work with this one as well. I just need to write more.

Fortunately, I am at a time in my life that I can accept rejection for what it is and not as a rejection of me. I can take criticism. Where as several years ago, I wouldn't have been able to handle it.

I applaud young writers who put themselves out there.

Wall Papering the Bathroom

I have been submitting my stories to various magazines and e-zines. It was only a matter of time before I received rejections. In the past few days, I have receive two. Fortunately, they were kind.

One offered some suggestions on making the character more believable. You know, the old show, not tell story. Yes, I need to work on this. The story is written in the first person and I just need to find the characters voice. This editor loved the story, only wants some changes and some more story. I am working on it.

The other editor liked my story, but could not use it at this time.

I will not be broken. I will persevere!

I am still writing and submitting.

I am trying to write a story for my writing groups prompt on displaced maternal instincts. The story is in my head and kind of on paper, well the PC. It just needs work. A lot of work.

The moral of this story is should I start wall papering the bathroom with my rejections? -RS

Another Rejection

Oh, oh. They are coming in quick now.

I received another rejection today. This one said they enjoyed reading it, but couldn't use it at this time. Best of luck with placing it in another market and they sincerely hope I will submit more stories in the future.

So, I am still looking for a market for Wishing Well. I am still, re-writing Hitching a Ride.

I am submitting other stories as well. I am not feeling defeated, only encouraged by the responses, I have received.

Keep on writing, editing and submitting.

Rejection

I received my first refection letter Friday. It did not hurt as badly as I thought it might. The editor was nice and said she liked the story, but it needed some more work. I need to show more and tell less. At least, she responded to my submission. So many out there don't.

I am in the process of revising the short story I sent out. It may become a longer piece. I think it will be fun to develop a novel out of it.

I am still writing. I submitted another short to a magazine yesterday. I remain hopeful. If the short isn't accepted, hopefully I will receive more feedback from the editor. (No it's not the same editor!)

Keep on writing, editing and submitting.

Here is a link you might find helpful: http://www.writing-world.com/