What made me laugh was catching myself at a reversal of sorts earlier today, when I had to write a thank-you note. When I was a teenager, I used to write stories long-hand and then type them up on an old manual typewriter. Remember those?
chikkachikkachukkachikka-ka- DING!
zzhhoooooooop...
chikkachikkakachukkachikk...
Well, now I found myself composing a thank-you letter in Word, so that I could hand-write the finished, edited, proofread version in my own scrawl on a piece of paper. Usually when hand-writing letters and postcards, it's just off the top of my head, but this one required a bit of explaining, so I typed first to get it right. When I realised that I'd done a 180-turn in my writing life, it made me laugh.
Meanwhile, I owe everyone here an apology letter I think, for neglecting my blog again while I go enjoy the natural beauty all around me in WV. Here's a few more photos from our day out to Kanawha Falls and roundabouts; the motorcyclists are everywhere here and little wonder; it's a beautiful place for a drive of any kind.
If the pictures inspire you or if doing it by 'hand' is your thing, here are a few markets to consider:
The 2nd Hand publishes an online and print version of its magazine; if you make it into print they'll pay you somewhere in the ballpark of $75 to $300. Even if you're banished to the unpaid wilderness of the online version, you may be invited to join in one of their frequent readings in the South and Midwest. A lifetime subscription to the print version can be had for $30.
Right Hand Pointing wants some A.S.S. (In their case, that means Art, Short poems, and Short fiction.) Regular readers here know that once in a while, I just can't help posting a market because their submission guidelines are just too entertaining to pass up... RHP is such a publication. Hit that link and then view the slideshow halfway down the page: well worth it. Hmmm... what to send these folks... because I just have to send them something. They don't pay, but hey, they're charming and wanting short stuff, so ok.
Backhand Stories publishes stories and essays by new and unpublished writers in blog format so you'll likely get feedback via the comments, from a new audience for your work. And that's it... again, there's no pay. The editor prefers work to be short: "stories you can read in a few minutes that will stay with you the rest of the day".
Callused Hands is a blog of "ordinary literature for ordinary people", and if published there you won't be paid (I know I know, another one...) but at least you'll have a link to your own website or book in your bio note. Poetry and flash fiction welcome by e-mail.
A Handful of Stones will publish "a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment". And short they are: sometimes only a few words, or one or two lines. If you enjoy what you see on the website, you can pick up a widget which will display the day's 'stone' on your sidebar. Or, find them on Twitter. Published 'stones' include author credit and link. And guess what? They don't pay! Well, what do you expect for only a line or two?
Well, for all of us wanting to be paid, there's always Harlequin. But if you just can't bring yourself to write a romance, they now accept a wide variety of manuscripts and genres for their new 'Teen' line of young adult fiction: details are here at eHarlequin's website.
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22 comments: join in!:
Yeh that's all well and good but where's your sample? You serious? You do it in word first then copy it out? Crazy Susan! Loving the photo trip by the way! Out sunshine has left us today so I'm not heading out with the camera, nope. Have an appointment with the couch of soporific splendour and a good book!
Baino, today was the first time I ever did that, and when I caught myself I laughed. "The Couch of Soporific Splendour" should BE a book. Can I uh...borrow that title?
ROFL
Hey, I wondered what you were up to.
I used to write everything with pen and paper first, then put it on the computer. Now when I write thank-you notes I find I have to re-do them because I make mistakes and there's no backspace key for a pen.
Well in a week I'll be coming down to Hawk's Nest to see you! With jars of course, plenty of them. But see, that's exactly the problem I had, no backspace on the pen---and the memory of a rubbish bin overflowing with wadded-up first tries made me open the laptop instead. But when I thought about it, still funny!
Marvelous shots, Susan, so beautiful! I don't blame you for soaking it all up! I am loving the photo trip, too! Delightful! Hope you continue to share the fun and the beauty!
Sylvia
Sylvia, I might be showing you the beauty of my ongoing sunburn! LOL
Is this one of those that you had to be there? ROFLMAO. Could ya explain it a little more? oH nEVER MInd i GET it. RoFlMaO The pictures, Spock, are wonderful and I think no apology is needed. MySELF. Being back in Hillybilly USA has been and Utter (mooooo) delight. Even with the Yaris plowed into the side of a building and some MyStErY hOlE that well, who can figure out how to enter. *checks mail box sill no bumper stickers Nano Nano
CRAP I can't even edit my comment. Now the whole comment is going to fizzle. the and should be an CRAP CRAP CRAP and MORE CRAP
Gosh, here I was thinking I was all alone in doing the computer Word before putting pen to paper.
Lovely pics, keep'm coming, so glad your here.
Susan - -that is so funny! I thought it was MY weird brain, but I see that you've got the same affliction. When I first tried to compose on computer, I just couldn't, and would hand write everything first. Now I have that problem with a sheet of paper and a pen, and have to type anything before I can hand write it!
I haven't hand written anything in years, and the sad thing is my penmanship has got horrible. Computers have made this part of composing notes and letters obsolete.
Loved the pictures, glad you are having fun.
Oh the results are up, go and see how you did.
Thom, you know I'll never switch from Blogger now, just to get the extra comment from you each post, complaining about Blogger. Send me your mailing address and there WILL be bumper stickers (duh!)
Brighid, I think there's more of us than we know! Thanks!
Quilly, am I glad to hear you say that too! I'm in good company then. Typing+screen is just how my mind works now, I guess.
Bill, that's one drawback--my handwriting is a fright, partly from hand surgery last year but partly I think from lack of practice. Off to see the results!
I used to hand-write letters all the time but email seems to have taken over now. :(
I never had great penmanship skills but the computer has ruined them. I often wonder if I've been possessed by a chicken when asked to write more than a sentence. :)
I loved the computer because now my fingers can keep up with my brain a little better. Although, I do miss that silly sound of a manual carriage return. [But not cleaning up mistakes with White Out!]
Keep having fun....we'll still be here when you get back.
Akelamalu, sometimes I'd give anything for a real pen-friend again. There was something wonderful about getting letters in the mail, and sending them back again, even with the delay; even better to include photos and newspaper clippings etc.!
Hope, thank YOU for my first mail ever in my house here, your handwriting is better than mine anyhow! I'm hoping it stays fun; we're going to the zoo today after Mass if all goes well and we find it.
Susan;
I use word too, I find that I'm not a great speller... like I thought I was! Most of my thank you notes get written that way. Way to expensive for me to just freehand on a card ..then have to copy it on another card!
Loved your photo journey, I'm glad your enjoying it!
I know why you brought up the sound of a typewriter!!!! I am a horrible person...;-)
Peggy, I had to laugh at your comment--I have quite a few framed pictures on my wall at home that started out as cards for someone that I didn't send because I'd screwed up the message! ROFL So yes, Word now, then paper. Go figure.
Elizabeth, I must admit that occasionally, when I'm sitting in the back seat of someone's car, I'm suddenly tempted....
ROFLMAO
Stopping by for Click and Comment Monday from Sandy's blog. Thanks for all the links to the writing submission sites.
It is funny when you think of it. To compose on a computer so you can write something out by hand.
I remember the old typewriters. I hated them.
It looks as though I'm the nearly only one who still (hand)writes directly on a card? I don't think I could have come up with that idea! But it's brilliant! LOL!
Love your pictures! Are you having a good time then?
Blogs wait. Like good friends. Not to worry!
I don't think I even know how to hold a pen these days. Don't like to punish loved ones with my writing. This summer's postcards were tough going!
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