Every book begins with an idea. Sometimes the idea needs minutes, hours, and days to take shape; sometimes weeks and months. The idea may gush forth like a flood with the characters and plot quickly following; others form as slowly as a tree growing from a tiny seed.

Years ago, my husband and I visited Niagara Falls and I was enchanted with the beauty, roar, mist, and majesty of the waterfall, nature’s handiwork at its finest. Still, I didn’t consider writing a picture book about the subject. One morning about four years ago, I watched a program on TV that featured Niagara Falls. Like magic, the idea of a book grabbed hold and refused to let go. I checked out armloads of books from my public library—anything and everything that centered on Niagara Falls. I was most intrigued by the daredevils who challenged gravity as they tightrope-walked across the Falls and those who enclosed themselves in various types of containers and plunged over the Falls, taking risks with calculated emphasis on survival. Most of all I was interested in someone who was the first person to perform a stunt.

That someone was Annie Edson Taylor. She was 62 years old, definitely an unlikely candidate to be the first person to ride a barrel over the Falls. The more I read about Annie, the more intrigued I became.

Hooked, I was. Annie’s story was one children would enjoy. Since boys tend to not read books about females, I added a section about other Niagara Falls daredevils, primarily males who performed stunts. Some succeeded; some did not. My goal was to include facts that would fascinate children in the same way I was fascinated.

Today, four years later, I hold that book in my hands for the very first time. From idea to story, my book was born.                                                                                                               

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Big Fiction’s Knickerbocker Prize. Online submission deadline is February 28, 2013 for Big Fiction’s Knickerbocker Prize. Open to long-form fiction, between 7,500 – 30,000 words. First- and second-place entries will receive $500 / $250 and publication. Lauren Groff (author of the novels Arcadia and The Monsters of Templeton, and the story collection Delicate Edible Birds) will judge. All entries will be considered for publication, and all participants will receive a copy of the contest issue. The winning entries will be announced on our website in May 2013. For complete guidelines: www.bigfictionmagazine.com/writers_guidelines.

Call for submissions for young writers:

Speak Up Press publishes Speak Up Online quarterly, featuring the original fiction, nonfiction, and poetry of teens (13-19 years old).  IN 2013, SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED APRIL 1, 2013-AUGUST 31, 2013. Send Submissions in the body of an email to: submit@speakuppress.org

Submission guidelines at http://speakuppress.org/submissions/

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

Rewrites/Calls for Submissions

Rewrites are daunting tasks. Editors ask for the changes for a reason. One reason is simply to make the manuscript become a better fit for that particular publishing house. This happens often with magazine articles and stories. The editor wants to bring out a writer’s best talent and that can take several rounds of revision in many cases.

The suggestions may seem overwhelming. As often happens with me, I read through once, maybe twice, and set it aside for the remainder of the day. During this time, I attempt to channel my muse (who can frequently be contrary and unchannelable) and mull the ideas presented in the editor’s notes. The next morning, I reread the notes and tackle the rewrite, one word at a time.

If you question a change, go ahead and make it anyway. Tackle the small changes first. As you accomplish those, your confidence will built and the larger tasks won’t seem so daunting, after all. Once all the changes are made, you may decide that you agree, or at least don’t strongly disagree, with the editor. However, if you still strongly disagree with the revision, talk with the editor. You will probably be able to work a compromise. If not, you can always pull the manuscript and submit to another publisher.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

2013 South American Short Story Writing Contest is open for submissions. We are looking for the best possible short stories from writers located in any country. Winning prize is $100 USD and publication in Southern Pacific Review. Deadline is 30 March 2013. Candidates must have previous writing experience either in a print publication or on-line in a blog. Submit entries along with links to any work you have published to editor@gringolandiasantiago.com. There is no reading fee. We are interested in quality writing.

Deadline: Online submission deadline: March 30, 2013

Call for submissions for young writers: 

Skipping Stones. 50% of magazine is written by young people. Accepts Spanish/English  check this site for topics, or themes, for future issues short fiction and plays (500-750 words)poems, jokes, riddles, proverbs (250 words or less)

Submission guidelines at www.skippingstones.org

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

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

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

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

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

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

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

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

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

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

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/