Fiction Inspired by Real-Life Characters and Events/Calls for Submissions

Real people and events inspire many fictional stories. The advantage of this type of writing is that those images produce authentic sensory details to bring the setting and characters to life. The disadvantage is that the writer may develop an emotional attachment to a person or event and experience difficulty letting go of reality in creating the fictional story. 

Allow the actual event or character to plant the seed of the story idea, but when you begin writing, give the characters opportunities to take on their own story and evolve. If that means a particular character plays a lesser role in the fictional tale, so be it. Let the story unfold and see what happens. Focus on the characters and not reflect on the real-life situations that inspired the story. You'll have more flexibility and freedom to take the story in different directions to determine the best route for the characters.

My book, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, is based on an actual story told to me by my husband  and told to him by his grandmother. Neither of them is mentioned in the book. Their stories simply inspired my story.

So when writing fiction inspired by a real-life, focus less on the actual events and more on the imaginary tale to develop a smooth, well-crafted story. 

 Next week, I’ll discuss rewriting the first draft.

   Call for submissions for adult writers:

HISTORY MAGAZINE. Chronicling everything from the fall of the Roman Empire and the start of the Second World War to the sinking of the Titanic and the exploits of Al Capone, the articles in History Magazine are accompanied by breathtaking archival images and detailed maps. You’ll read fascinating stories and discover facts you never knew about the development of government, medicine, technology, trade, crime, the arts, the art of war, and everything in between! Pays up to $250.

Submission guidelines at http://www.history-magazine.com/

Call for submissions for young writers:

New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams
34 E. Superior St. #200
Duluth, MN 55803
Send to: Julie Hoffer
 
75% is written by girls aged 8-14. Uses fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book reviews, articles about historical women and girls, letters. Uses only work by girls except letters.

Submission guidelines at www.newmoon.org

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Rewriting a Manuscript/Calls for Submissions

My critique buddy, Sandi, and I have worked together on numerous manuscripts over the past few years. She helps me polish my work, and I help (hopefully) spit shine hers. She is currently working on a rewrite by editor request.

When a writer receives a rewrite request from an editor, emotions overflow the psyche: with me, excitement and joy gush first. This is soon followed by an outpouring of doubt and fear. I wonder if I can actually follow through with writing that works for the publisher. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail, so the fear is warranted. Once I start the actual rewrite, the task gets easier, but never easy. I find that Sandi experiences the same trepidation. Here’s Sandi’s reaction to rewriting the first draft:

I’ve begun again. Whoever said writing is easy definitely doesn’t write. I climbed over that solid brick wall—you know, the one with black tar cascading down its surface—and  I’m starting with a scream and dialog.

Tell me why again I’m doing this?????

Sandi's comments SHOW (vs. TELL) her emotions—fear, frustration, anxiety—and her efforts—beginning is the hardest part—expose quality writing, are packed with humor, use analogies, and she says she’s starting with a scream (action). These are excellent writing techniques, and they’re heartfelt and authentic. Heartfelt and authentic: two more goals to strive for in writing. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with Sandi as she delivers the goods to her editor…and then on to readers.

 Next week, I’ll discuss fiction inspired by real-life characters.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Seventeen
300 West 57th St., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
     For more than six decades, Seventeen has been the prototypical teen girls’ magazine. It covers fashion and friendship, popularity and pop culture, family and fiction. The editors look for strong writers who can connect with girls ages 12 to 19. Articles offer sound advice, and inform 2 million girls a month about news and trends. They include self-help, profiles, and personal experience.
    Email a query with outline and clips or writing samples for nonfiction to the appropriate Seventeen editor. Send complete manuscript for fiction. For relationship/love stories, email Devin Tomb, dtomb@hearst.com; for Your Life and fitness and nutrition, Ashley Mateo at amateo@hearst.com; for general health, sex education, and Buzz, Kim Tranell at ktranell@hearst.com; for fashion, Gina Kelly at gkelly@hearst.com; for beauty, Yesenia Almonte at yalmonte@ hearst.com.
      Articles, 650–3,000 words. Fiction, 1,000–3,000 words. Buys first rights. Pays $1–$1.50 a word, on acceptance.

Details at www.seventeen.com

Call for submissions for young writers:

• Silver Pen, publisher of the former Kids'Magination ezine, is planning a new publication for older readers called Youth Imagination. This online magazine will be a paying market.

Their website says,"We are open for submissions, and are particularly interested in creative fiction by teens, but will also accept YA stories by adult authors."

Submission guidelines at http://www.youthimagination.org/index.php/publish/submissions

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Illustration Notes in Picture Book Manuscripts, part II/Calls for Submissions

Today’s blog is part II of a series.

Illustrators are creative artists who are trained to interpret text. They don’t need nor expect a great deal of detail in manuscripts. Editors, too, can visualize a story and do not expect illustration notes to accompany text.

Opinions vary on illustration notes in manuscripts. Some editors don’t want any notes at all; others accept them if the notes are absolutely necessary. At a conference I attended, an editor said a well-known illustrator refused an assignment to work on a story because the manuscript contained illustration notes. When an illustration note is critical to understanding the story, a note or two may be okay, but I usually try to avoid using them.

If the story is historical fiction or nonfiction, visual references can be helpful to the illustrator. Example: a photo of a Minie ball, a civil war bullet, could be attached or the photo source noted. Visual references aren’t used for art direction purposes; instead, they are merely a source for information.

To use illustrator notes or not, that is the question. The answer depends upon the text. My advice: use them sparingly, if at all.

Next week, I’ll discuss first draft revision.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Kasma is a digital science fiction magazine that is currently open to submissions. The magazine prefers stories 1,000 to 5,000 words, and is not closed to longer. Fantasy and other genres are not published often, but submissions of these stories are considered.

Kasma looks for “fiction that is intelligent, with well-thought out plots and characters. Beyond this, exactly what happens in your world with your characters is up to you. We enjoy a broad range and don't want to stifle author creativity by having elaborate expectations. Often enough, the best stories come as a surprise.”

Email stories in the body of the email to editors@kasmamagazine. com.

Submission details at www.kasmamagazine.com


Call for submissions for young writers:

Cuckoo Quarterly. An online literary publication of poetry, short fiction, rants, reviews, interviews, and more. Open to submissions from youth under 19 years, with no restrictions on genre or format. The theme for issue 6 is “Power”

For the themed section we will accept writing of any form (poetry/non-fiction/script/illustration etc) relating to the chosen subject. Interesting or unusual angles on this subject are encouraged! Please mention in the accompanying email that the work is intended for the themed section.

Deadline for issue 6 is 15 March 2013

Submission guidelines at http://www.cuckooquarterly.com/?page_id=114

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Illustration Notes in Picture Book Manuscripts, part I/Calls for Submissions

This one is for you, Rosi, and others who have questions about illustration notes.

A picture book story is told with 50% text and 50% illustration. The illustrations reflect the text but carry the story beyond.

Many editors and illustrators do not want illustration notes that specify art direction, and they especially don’t want it for every page. Illustrators prefer the opportunity to read the text without notes, regardless of how spare the text might be. However, if there is a surprise in the action that isn’t conveyed in the text, an occasional note is acceptable. Example: A character is playing in the yard and a monster is sneaking around, with no mention of a monster in the text. The writer is depending on the illustration to tell that part of the story. A short, bracketed note in italics is all that is needed [monster in background].

Illustration notes are NOT needed for descriptions of setting or characters, such as green tree, blue dress, red hair, etc.

Next week, I’ll continue with part II.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

The Tapestry of Bronze is sponsoring a series of international poetry contests to celebrate Greek and Roman mythology and the Olympian gods. The subject of the current contest is Hephaestus (also known as Vulcan), the God of the Forge. The deadline is April 30, 2013.

All poems remain the property of the authors. However, the Tapestry of Bronze reserves the right to post winning poems and those receiving Honorable Mention on the Tapestry of Bronze website.

Deadline: April 30, 2013

Submission guidelines: E-mail your poem (no more than 30 lines) to the following address: tapestryofbronze@yahoo.com

Call for submissions for young writers:

The Apprentice Writer. Categories for submissions are:

Fiction/Poetry/Essay/Photography.
We send copies of The Apprentice Writer to accepted contributors and their teachers.
Submit individually or have your teacher send to:
Gary Fincke, Writers Institute Director, Susquehanna University, 610 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164
Deadline: March 15, 2013
Submission guidelines at http://www.susqu.edu/academics/10602.asp

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Picture Book vs. Magazine article, part III/Calls for Submissions

Today’s blog is part III of a series.

Check out the following elements to determine if your story works better as a picture book or a magazine story:

Does the story have 14-20 scenes or pieces of action? Picture books have about 28 pages of illustrations; magazine stories have 1-8 illustrations. Did you allow enough leeway for the illustrator to tell part of the story? A magazine story will include details such as “red, polka dot dress.” A picture book manuscript usually doesn’t include such details because the illustrations will show this aspect of the story. In fact, some picture book texts can seem sparse and not always easy to understand without the illustrations, which not only reflect the text but carry the story beyond. A magazine story is told with numerous details because the text does not rely on illustrations to help tell the tale.

Does the story have a universal theme? A picture book has an idea or message that flows throughout the story.

Is the story different in some way? Does the author voice or writing style stand out? Does the text zing with rhythm? A picture book manuscript needs a distinctive element.

Does your story have the “read it again” factor? Is there a satisfying conclusion in which the character solves his/her problem? Does the ending have a surprise or twist that delights the child? A favorite picture book may be read over and over. A magazine story is usually read fewer times.

Both picture books and magazines offer entertaining and informational stories to children and both claim important places in the literary world.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Jelly Bucket is open for submissions through June 1. Send us your best poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Jelly Bucket is distributed nationally and produced by the Bluegrass Writers Studio, which grants the MFA in Creative Writing at Eastern Kentucky University.
Submission guidelines at www.jellybucket.org.

Call for submissions for young writers:

Hanging Loose magazine welcomes high school submissions. As with other writers, we reply within three months, and high school authors whose work we publish receive the same small fee and two copies of the issue in which their work appears. We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked. Send 3 to 6 poems, or 1 to 3 short stories, or an equivalent combination of poetry and prose. This enables us to get a good idea of what your work is like.

Submission guidelines at http://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html

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Picture Book vs. Magazine article, part II/Calls for Submissions

Today’s blog is part II of a series.

Picture books and magazine stories have some attributes in common: they have a short text, can be written in rhyme or prose, and are geared toward the same audience. However, the differences are greater than the similarities. Consider the following elements to determine if your story works better as a picture book or magazine piece.

Is your story narrow or wide in scope? Picture books need to appeal to a wide audience. If the story has universal appeal, it will work as a picture book. Publishers invest about $50,000 into the first run of a picture book. With that type of investment, the story MUST work for a wide audience.

Is the story a quiet or mood piece, such as a bedtime story? This type of book is a tough sell in today’s picture book market. Most picture books start in the middle of the action with a hook to pull readers in.

Does the main character have an important problem to solve? If not, the story might be too slight for a picture book. The character should experience setbacks in attempting to solve the problem.

Next week’s blog will offer more tips on how to determine if your manuscript is a better fit for a picture book or magazine story.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Switchback is a publication of the MFA Program at the University of San Francisco and appears both online and in ebook format. We publish only the very best fiction, poetry, nonfiction and art. For issue 17, an Editor's Prize will be awarded in the amount of $200.00 to the submission best addressing the issue theme (Broken). Additional prizes in the amount of $75.00 and $50.00 respectively will be awarded to the first two runners up. There is no fee to enter. Submissions need not address the issue theme in order to be considered for publication. Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting.

Switchback 17: Broken will be published May 1, 2013.
Deadline: 2-28-2013
Submission guidelines at http://www.swback.com/call/

Call for submissions for young writers:

Cyberkids. Would you like to have a story, poem, article, picture or other creative work published in Cyberkids? To submit your work, email it to: editor@cyberkids.com. In the email, tell us your name, age
and country.

Submission guidelines at http://www.cyberkids.com/he/html/submit.html

Picture Book vs. Magazine Article, part 1/Calls for Submissions

I was recently asked the question about how to determine if a poem or group of poems should be submitted to book publishers or the magazine market. [This blog is the first in a series is for you, Krista, and others who are wondering about the differences between a picture book and short story manuscript.]

As for poems, they can be geared toward the magazine or book market. Submit individual poems to magazines. If you submit to a book publisher, send poems that are centered on a particular theme. Check Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, and Judith Viorst’s poetry books—and others, of course, to get an idea of how they used a theme for their work.

You’ll need enough poems for an entire book. The number varies with publishers. Boyds Mills Press has a poetry imprint, Wordsong, that publishes poetry books. Many of the big publishers do also.

Keep the content concrete, something the child can see in his/her mind. If you’re submitting one poem and the poem is long enough and filled with action, it might work as a picture book. Try dividing the poem into 14 scenes (pieces of action). Illustrators need to draw action with each double-page spread.

Next week, I’ll continue the series with part II.


Call for submissions for adult writers:

The Nelson Algren Short Story Award competition is open for submissions until February 1. This competition is open to all legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are over 18 years of age, and there is no entry fee. Stories may run up to 8,000 words. Prizes: “One grand prize winner will receive $3,500. Four finalists will each receive $1,000. Five runners-up will each receive $500.” Note also: “All contest entries may be considered for eventual Tribune publication pending notification of the author.” (Thanks to the PayingWriterJobs list for reminding me of this imminent deadline.)

Call for submissions for young writers:

Creative Kids Magazine. We are looking for the very best material by students (ages 8–16). Material may include cartoons, songs, stories between 500 and 1200 words, puzzles, photographs, artwork, games, editorials, poetry, and plays, as well as any other creative work that can fit in the pages of the magazine.

All work must be original. Upon acceptance of a work, we will request that a legal guardian sign our standard contract granting copyright permission. The contract will be mailed with notification of acceptance.

Submission Guidelines at http://www.ckmagazine.org/submissions/

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