The number one way to stay motivated is to find
positivity in writing. For some, that means satisfying feedback from critiques,
a compliment from someone who has read your work, or the ultimate: a contract
that leads to seeing your work in print.
My critique partner, the awesome Sandi Underwood, and I are in the
fortunate positions of completing revisions for books that will be published
next year. Along with editorial notes are the myriad emotions that accompany
the task at hand: elation (I’m beyond thrilled.); doubt (Can I actually rewrite
this manuscript on a professional level?); fear (What if I fail? I’ve already
told people the book is in production.); confidence (Yes, I can. Yes, I will!);
and more too numerous to list, plus completing the revision with a deadline
looming. Underlying the mixed emotions is this powerful drive called motivation
(deadlines will give even the most reluctant writer a huge dose of
get-up-and-go).
Sandi and I work together on our manuscripts all
the time, but each of us working at the same time on final revisions for
forthcoming books is uncharted territory. The big positive here is that we’re
more excited than ever. She’s helping me. I’m helping her (I hope).
Positive moments in a writer’s life create
motivation, a yearning to push a little harder, a little farther down the path
to publication.
Nancy
Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF
KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com
Call
for Submissions for Young Writers:
One Teen Story publishes 4 stories a year and accepts submissions from teen writers ages
13-19.
Submissions are now open. What kind of stories is One Teen Story
looking for?
One Teen Story is
looking for great short stories written by teens about the teen experience. We
seek stories that deal with issues of identity, friendship, family, and
coming-of-age. Gratuitous profanity, sex and drug use are best avoided. We’re
open to all genres of well-written young adult fiction between 2,000 and 4,500
words. Because of our format, we can only accept stories that are strong enough
to stand alone (as opposed to excerpts from novels-in-progress). Proof of the author’s age will be required for all stories accepted for
publication.
Submission guidelines at http://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit&pubcode=ots
Call
for submissions for Adult Writers:
ASK: Ages 6-9. Nonfiction magazine with a focus
on science and the world. Each edition centers around a specific theme. Focus
on engaging nonfiction, not dry text. Humor, unusual questions. and unexpected
connections are encouraged. All articles are commissioned. Query first with
resume and writing samples. Feature articles: 900-1600 words. Humor
pieces: 200-400 words. http://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submission-Guidelines-for-ASK-magazine-for-children-ages-6-9
Submission guidelines at
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ask+magazine+submissions
