The Wonders of Duotrope

Just thought I'd share this little bit of joy with you fellow wannabe published writers out there. I came across a wonderful place one day while I was researching trying to get short stories published. Though an associated content article, I found duotrope.com... which, get this, lists a whole frickin' bunch of publishers out there for poetry, flash fiction, short storys, and upwards... and how or whether they pay.

And what's even better? Slinky discovered an awesome feature to the site that is at its top called "Deadline Calender" that lists all sorts of deadlines for submissions and whether what the publisher is looking for is themed or not.

Folks, this makes submitting a little bit easier. In fact, Slinky and I have both submitted stories already. It doesn't make publishing any easier, but at least you don't have to worry over what market to send your Sci-fi story to... it's easily found. And writing to try and meet deadlines is a great way to up your production, and maybe your pocket.

Challenge Twenty-Two: Valentine's 2010

Well, since poetry seems to be what everyone associates with Valentine's, this challenge is a poetry one!

• Write a 50-100 word poem on the theme of love or Valentine's Day.
• You must use at least 3 of the following prompt words: courtly love, cards, red, pink, paper, St. Valentine, fertility, champagne, flowers, chocolates, hearts, bird, lace, leather, white
• Deadline: Feburary 14, 2010

As usual, post the link to your complete poem in the comments under this post. Have fun, everyone!!

Announcing: Birthday Challenges!!

A new, fun feature to the Guild! Each member can now post "Birthday Challenges." Allow me to explain:

On your birthday, post a challenge entitled, for example, "Kim's Birthday Challenge." You can add a one, the year, or your age if you want as I'm sure we're all hoping this'll become a regular thing. Then, set a challenge that YOU would like to see especially geared towards you...using a favorite character, a favorite theme, whatever you want. Kind of like asking for a birthday gift from the Guild members ;).

You can post post a one-shot fanfic challenge, a one-shot original fiction challenge, a fanart challege, or a poetry challenge. So long as you give the Guild at least two options. Then, set a deadline. Easy as pie.

The known GFQ birtdays that are upcoming are:

Kimmi's: Feb. 4
Patricia's: March 8
Hillary's: March 18
Slinky's: April 3
Savannah's: May 15

If anyone else would like to post a Birthday challenge whose birthdate is not listed here, please comment with your birtdate on this post. Happy Challenging, and Birthday!

Challenge Seventeen: Trick or Treat!

Okay, it's that time of year again, boys and ghouls! Halloween is upon us. So, in honor of a most fun holiday, here's a challenge!

• Choose three of the following prompt words: witch, black, howl, ghost, candy, chocolate, zombie, vampire, midnight, blood, gore, fright, screech, scream, tomb, dead, or goblin
• Write a poem of at least 100 words!
• The word "Halloween" must appear at least once inside the poem!
• And finally, the end of the poem must be a "trick" (read: twist or surpise) or "treat" (read: nice; the way everyone would hope for).

Due Date for this challenge is by midnight, Oct. 31...the witching hour! Happy haunting...I mean, writing!!

A Bottle of Wine and Black Hair Dye

A Bottle of Wine and Black Hair Dye

I’ve seen the problems of this world

And to me has happened a few

But I’ll save this song for the ones that know

My woe is found in you

You take me for the ride of my life

With no direction where to go

The trail marked lightly down the map

The future no one can know

Laughing.

Singing.

Shouting.

Crying.

I gave my best

It was all I had

But it wasn't good enough for you

The problems of this world are far and wide

With my problems just a few

But I’ll solve mine with a bottle of wine

And black hair dye

So Baby, Here’s to you

Let me know what you think, it is already posted on Fictionpress. I dyed my hair to try to get out the red and it inspired the poem. Cause people think with my hair black it is like some kind of emo expression or something lol.

Savvy AKA LoneLilyintheGarden