The Hug Me/Kick Me House

Lizardmaker · Nov 12, 2011

Hi, everybody. I haven't been on this thread in a while, which means things are generally going well.

But, wow, am I frustrated about a story that keeps getting rejected. This story won an award. A nice, fat cash award, but without publication.

I just can't get the darned thing published. Now I'm seriously out of markets to try. (It's middle-grade historical fiction, a good field for novels but very limited for short works.)

All I can think to do is make it the centerpiece of a collection of middle-grade short stories on Smashwords. Can anyone talk me into or out of that idea? I've never self-pubbed before. Thanks.

Sai · Nov 13, 2011

First off, that's great that it won an award. Plenty of stories never even get that level of love.

Have you tried querying non-fiction markets? For example, if it say, had a strong female lead, why not try querying Girl's Life magazine or something to see if they were interested? Maybe there's a magazine that focuses on the specific time peroid that your story takes place in? Sometimes magazines will run fiction pieces if it's relevant. Just an idea. You could also take a step back from it and just leave it alone for a little while. Sometimes I do that with stories and find that new markets appear in the meantime. At the very least it makes me less exaspearted

.

Lizardmaker · Nov 13, 2011

Thanks, Sai. Maybe I'll figure out a new approach to selling it, but I can't say I'm hopeful at this point.

ShadowFox · Nov 13, 2011

Lizardmaker said:
Hi, everybody. I haven't been on this thread in a while, which means things are generally going well.

But, wow, am I frustrated about a story that keeps getting rejected. This story won an award. A nice, fat cash award, but without publication.

I just can't get the darned thing published. Now I'm seriously out of markets to try. (It's middle-grade historical fiction, a good field for novels but very limited for short works.)

All I can think to do is make it the centerpiece of a collection of middle-grade short stories on Smashwords. Can anyone talk me into or out of that idea? I've never self-pubbed before. Thanks.

Have you tried the podcast markets?
Have you tried going up high, to places like the new yorker?

Izz · Nov 13, 2011

Comets and Criminals publishes historical short fiction. There's still a few hours before subs close.

Tales of Old publishes only historical fiction, in podcast format, if you haven't tried them already.

Lizardmaker · Nov 13, 2011

Shadowfox and Izz, I appreciate your suggestions. It's too short for Tales of Old. And the fact that it's for children makes it inappropriate for most high-end markets. (I've tried Cricket group, obviously.) I'll see if I can find any kids' audio markets. Thanks!

AllieKat · Jan 1, 2012

Try my publisher, Muse It Up: http://museituppublishing.com/
It might not be long enough for this market either, but it might. I believe the word count for children is 10,000 words, though. Hm, I don't see it listed anymore, however:
http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=97

alexshvartsman · Jan 8, 2012

I'm so upset with myself right now...

Just logged on to Shock Totem forums to find that I missed the contest deadline. I thought that I had until the end of the night tonight to submit the story, but apparently the deadline was yesterday.

So now I have a prompt-based story that's half-written and that I spent a LOT of time on (nothing good was coming to mind for a while), and I can't even participate in my favorite contest. Not sure I event want to finish writing it anymore.

I don't normally wait until the last minute, and would have written and submitted it yesterday, if I didn't have to leave for work at 6:30am and run an extremely large and stressful event all day long, to get home past 1am - and then go back to work at 10am this morning.

Sigh.

Izz · Jan 8, 2012

Aww

Finish it anyway. Then sell it somewhere else.

faerydancer · Jan 8, 2012

So sorry, Alex! This sort of thing happens to everybody. Don't beat yourself up. I think you should definitely finish it. But now, you're not restricted by the prompt. If the story decides to not be specifically about something from it, run with it. At the very least, you'll have another story under your belt.

KitCat · Jan 8, 2012

What Izz and faery said. Don't let it get to you, you still had an idea that you worked hard on, the prompt did its job then and you have something to show for it

mhaynes · Jan 8, 2012

Blargh. Sorry to hear about that Alex, that's got to be so frustration. But I think Brenda's suggestion is spot-on. Something about that prompt spoke to you to get you (finally) started on it.

Besides, you'll never sell a half-story, right?

alexshvartsman · Jan 8, 2012

Thanks, guys,

I rage-wrote a very small story for another contest tonight. And, because I was able to conceive, write down and polish a complete story (even a little one) after such a horrid weekend, I feel a lot better.

I'll probably get back to the would-be Shock Totem story in a day or two. For now, I really need to catch up on my rest.

Izz · Jan 8, 2012

alexshvartsman said:
I rage-wrote a very small story for another contest tonight. And, because I was able to conceive, write down and polish a complete story (even a little one) after such a horrid weekend, I feel a lot better.

Rage-writing. It's the new... rage!

Lillie · Jan 8, 2012

((((hug))) for you, Alex.

And good luck with the rage story

AllieKat · Jan 12, 2012

((pops into the room and hugs everyone))

Finished a story last night so I'm feeling happy.

Sam K. · Jan 12, 2012

AllieKat said:
((pops into the room and hugs everyone))

Finished a story last night so I'm feeling happy.

Congrats AllieKat!

Sam K. · Jan 12, 2012

I've been working on a story for over a year now - I came up with the idea during NaNo 2010, and started writing it around January last year. I've re-written just the opening four times now, getting only 1,000 or so words in each time before I stop. I don't know where to go. I know the plot like the back of my hand - loosely, the premise, the main antagonist (though I can never work out if he's the MC or not, or partially written in his POV, or not at all), where I want it to go, the world it exists in (its science fiction)...and loosely where I hope it will end up, though nothing concrete.

Despite all of this, I can't get anywhere. I've mind mapped, think about it at least once a day trying to sort it out...all the short stories I write end up with me trying to turn it into that story, in hopes that that is how I should angle it...

Basically, this one short story has consumed my writing life, and a little of my non-writing life, too. I would like a hug and some comforting words, haha, while I try to put it aside, or else write the damned thing!

Izz · Jan 12, 2012

Sam K. said:
I've been working on a story for over a year now - I came up with the idea during NaNo 2010, and started writing it around January last year. I've re-written just the opening four times now, getting only 1,000 or so words in each time before I stop. I don't know where to go. I know the plot like the back of my hand - loosely, the premise, the main antagonist (though I can never work out if he's the MC or not, or partially written in his POV, or not at all), where I want it to go, the world it exists in (its science fiction)...and loosely where I hope it will end up, though nothing concrete.

Despite all of this, I can't get anywhere. I've mind mapped, think about it at least once a day trying to sort it out...all the short stories I write end up with me trying to turn it into that story, in hopes that that is how I should angle it...

Basically, this one short story has consumed my writing life, and a little of my non-writing life, too. I would like a hug and some comforting words, haha, while I try to put it aside, or else write the damned thing!

I've got stories like that, too. There's this one novel i've been 'writing' since i was a teenager, but invariably i get a short ways in and find i can't get any further. There's also this novella that i've been trying to finish for about 4 years. Just two weeks ago i unearthed the outline and thought, 'let's have another go at this.' I haven't yet, though.

There's a short story i love that took me eighteen months to write properly (it hasn't sold yet, but that's neither here nor there; i still love it to pieces).

I'm not sure why some stories refuse to be written. Maybe subconsciously we feel we're not up to the standard we want the story to be told at (the whole weight of expectation thang), or maybe there's something intangible missing that we can't spot.

I've also got stories that i couldn't for the life of me finish, and so put them aside to work on other stuff. And then, when i came back to them later, getting them done was a lot easier.

So, maybe putting it aside for a while would be a good idea. It could be that you've worked yourself into such a lather with this story that you just aren't able to connect all the dots. Perhaps in a few months you'll be able to look at it with fresh eyes

Maybe. Here's another :Hug2:

fihr · Jan 12, 2012

I've been lurking on this thread recently. Chipping in because I can relate to your situation, Sam, though I haven't worked on any story for a year yet. (Began writing in May 2011.)

I'm a bit stuck on a story I'm writing now - my first attempt at anything sci fi, and its all over the place; I'm driving blind, which I don't always do. I'm writing scenes in different tenses, first person, third person, whatever seems to get me writing at the time, and its hard. I kind of know where I want it to end up though, which does help a bit, I suppose, and when its there, I'll probably go back (have to) and rework the beginning and middle. (I'm up to the middle, and should be writing it, not posting here.)

But anyway, since May I've written solidly, and taken courses at a place where writing is fun, and the most recent short course I did there really got me out of my first period of blockage, by making me work on completely different stories - I did four different genres. (Romance, comedy, fantasy and thriller -- two I'd never tried before, one I write most of the time; I was particularly fearful of comedy.)

So maybe..., and I say this very humbly, realising that you've probably tried everything, ...maybe, it would help to pick a completely different genre from this story you are writing, and write a brand new short story in it, even if its crap, because then it might be harder for your new story to turn back into the one you are struggling with. Or maybe that won't work for you, but its just a thought.

Sam K. · Jan 12, 2012

Izz said:
I've got stories like that, too. There's this one novel i've been 'writing' since i was a teenager, but invariably i get a short ways in and find i can't get any further. There's also this novella that i've been trying to finish for about 4 years. Just two weeks ago i unearthed the outline and thought, 'let's have another go at this.' I haven't yet, though.

There's a short story i love that took me eighteen months to write properly (it hasn't sold yet, but that's neither here nor there; i still love it to pieces).

I'm not sure why some stories refuse to be written. Maybe subconsciously we feel we're not up to the standard we want the story to be told at (the whole weight of expectation thang), or maybe there's something intangible missing that we can't spot.

I've also got stories that i couldn't for the life of me finish, and so put them aside to work on other stuff. And then, when i came back to them later, getting them done was a lot easier.

So, maybe putting it aside for a while would be a good idea. It could be that you've worked yourself into such a lather with this story that you just aren't able to connect all the dots. Perhaps in a few months you'll be able to look at it with fresh eyes

Maybe. Here's another

Thank you, that's just what I needed :Hug2:

You pretty much hit the nail on the head there; I know that I don't yet have the ability (or believe, deep down, that I do) to write this the way I want to write it. It's my plot baby, and I know it could be amazing...but only if the writing accompanying it was top standard. And that expectation is too much for me to even do a rough draft.

It's also a great comfort to know you've had short stories in the work so long - I know of people with novels who have taken a long time, but you rarely hear of short stories taking years to complete. I'm going to take yours and firh's suggestion of putting this aside. I may hide it away in folders so that I'm physically putting it away, too. Thank you!

fihr said:
I've been lurking on this thread recently. Chipping in because I can relate to your situation, Sam, though I haven't worked on any story for a year yet. (Began writing in May 2011.)

I'm a bit stuck on a story I'm writing now - my first attempt at anything sci fi, and its all over the place; I'm driving blind, which I don't always do. I'm writing scenes in different tenses, first person, third person, whatever seems to get me writing at the time, and its hard. I kind of know where I want it to end up though, which does help a bit, I suppose, and when its there, I'll probably go back (have to) and rework the beginning and middle. (I'm up to the middle, and should be writing it, not posting here.)

But anyway, since May I've written solidly, and taken courses at a place where writing is fun, and the most recent short course I did there really got me out of my first period of blockage, by making me work on completely different stories - I did four different genres. (Romance, comedy, fantasy and thriller -- two I'd never tried before, one I write most of the time; I was particularly fearful of comedy.)

So maybe..., and I say this very humbly, realising that you've probably tried everything, ...maybe, it would help to pick a completely different genre from this story you are writing, and write a brand new short story in it, even if its crap, because then it might be harder for your new story to turn back into the one you are struggling with. Or maybe that won't work for you, but its just a thought.

That's a really good idea, thank you so much! I don't know how I hadn't come to that conclusion in the last year, but somehow I've only written science fiction, even when not (at first) writing a story. Hopefully, eventually, my brain will realise I don't want to work on that damned story anymore, and will stop trying to insert it into everything!

Tomorrow, I vow to write something that won't turn into my attempt to get it to be this story!

Sea Witch · Jan 12, 2012

Hugs to whoever needs them. Sam? fihr? :e2grouphu

:

Since last week I subbed 3 totally different types of flash stories, and I only committed to 1 per month. My first attempts at fiction. EVER. First rejection received tonight. I'm a grown-up. I write NF for magazines. And I feel like a FAILURE. Maybe the fiction I write is CRAP. I forgot what rejection feels like.

The worst of it is that the one that got rejected is the one I think is the BEST of the 3. And it's going to be really hard to place. It's weird, it's sort of horror and black humor but just weird (600wd). Like an episode of the Twilight Zone that makes you laugh out loud. I've read the markets on Duotrope and other sites forwards, backwards, and sideways. The horror markets want horror. The Humor markets want humor. The Sci Fi ones wants Sci Fi. Some want gore (no gore); some want sex (no sex). The only market I thought was a good fit for it was Jersey Devil Press and they rejected it.

Doesn't that make you nuts when you've got one little jewel that you can't place? Lizardmaker I feel your pain--and your story won an AWARD.

Izz · Jan 12, 2012

Sea Witch said:
Hugs to whoever needs them. Sam? fihr? :

Since last week I subbed 3 totally different types of flash stories, and I only committed to 1 per month. My first attempts at fiction. EVER. First rejection received tonight. I'm a grown-up. I write NF for magazines. And I feel like a FAILURE. Maybe the fiction I write is CRAP. I forgot what rejection feels like.

The worst of it is that the one that got rejected is the one I think is the BEST of the 3. And it's going to be really hard to place. It's weird, it's sort of horror and black humor but just weird. Like an episode of the Twilight Zone that makes you laugh out loud. I've read the markets on Duotrope and other sites forwards, backwards, and sideways. The horror markets want horror. The Humor markets want humor. The Sci Fi ones wants Sci Fi. Some want gore (no gore); some want sex (no sex). The only market I thought was a good fit for it was Jersey Devil Press and they rejected it.

Doesn't that make you nuts when you've got one little jewel that you can't place? Lizardmaker I feel your pain--and your story won an AWARD.

Firstly, congrats on your impressive output! 3 pieces in a week is great going

Secondly, you're not a failure. My estimate is that probably only 1 person in every 5 or 6 who love to write ever submits their stuff anywhere. So i'd say that your doing so (and not once but three times. In a week!) makes you a success.

And i'm sure your writing's not crap

It probably has areas that need improved, but everybody's writing has areas that need improved (and i mean everybody, even multi-best-selling award winners). Fortunately, we're here to help. Have you checked out the Beta Reader/Crit Requests thread here in W1S1? If you've got something that you'd like some fresh eyes on, ask there and i'm sure some of the W1S1 peeps would love to help out.

Unfortunately, as i'm sure you know, rejection is a big part of a fiction writer's life. In a typical year i'll get back over 100 rejection letters and i'm not nearly as prolific as i want to be. They all sting a bit, and some more than others, but you develop calluses sooner than you think.

As to markets for your story: that's somewhere else the Beta Reader/Crit Request thread can help. Peeps who look at your story might be able to suggest markets for it. Also, i'd recommend not pigeon-holing markets too much (and on duotrope, not selecting too many subgenres and styles; they're reliant on zines letting them know what subgenres and styles they like and most markets aren't really that niche or can't be bothered specifying). From your brief description i'd suggest, of the markets currently open that pay Pro down to Semi-Pro, trying Apex, Dark Discoveries, One Buck Horror, Pseudopod, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Brain Harvest (if it's under 750 words), Drabblecast and Kaleidotrope. But maybe get some fresh eyes on it first

Here's another :Hug2:

just because i can.

Sea Witch · Jan 12, 2012

Thank you Izz from the bottom of my heart for such a kind reply. And thank you for the market suggestions. I didn't think Brain Harvest was taking any submissions....and yes, I'm considering Drabblecast--the only thing I don't like about them is how long they take to reply......No I didn't know there was a crit request place here at W1S1...I'll crawl over there and see if I can get someone to read it. I'm the beta for 3 people right now, but I think I need more of a horror/dark fiction type to read mine. Thanks for all the tips and hugs. :Hug2:

Izz · Jan 12, 2012

Glad i could help

And yes, it does look like Brain Harvest is still closed, despite duotrope's saying otherwise. That's why we should always read the guidelines on the site!

The Hug Me/Kick Me House

practical experience, FTW

Book lover/Spy

practical experience, FTW

Doing the Space Operatic

practical experience, FTW

just a writer, unbranded

Doing the Space Operatic

practical experience, FTW

practical experience, FTW

Doing the Space Operatic

practical experience, FTW

just a writer, unbranded

Doing the Space Operatic

Stirring the word cauldron

Doing the Space Operatic

Stirring the word cauldron

Doing the Space Operatic