Artist Date, Blogging, canadian authors, Country Life, Uncategorized, writers life, writing

Taking Time to Refill the Creative Well

April 30th, 2019

Hi everyone! It’s been a long time since I blogged about my writing journey. I didn’t write a lot in April. I did, however, spend time planting flowers, walking on the beach, and reading books.

In April, I noticed I was starting to feel stressed out about my novels. The words weren’t coming. I felt like I was scribbling empty words. I would write a chapter and go back and delete it. I know some people suggest you have to write something down so you can revise it. This time felt different.

I needed a creative break.

I took time off from my seafaring project, THE LOST SAGES, and dabbled in another story world for a bit. I wrote snippets of dialogue and explored the setting. I heard back from my wonderful critique partners who read TLS. I have a pile of notes 🙂

Now that we’re on the cusp of May, I’m working on a plan for revisions. I don’t feel burned out but instead excited to dive back in. What do you do when you’re feeling drained?

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Hopewell Rocks, NB (little Maggie May in the corner, haha)

I enjoy going to the beach and walking. I especially love finding sea glass.

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Happy writing, friends ❤

Until next time,

Loie xo

Artist Date, Blogging, Book Love, canadian authors, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing, Writing Submission

The Artist’s Way

January 17th

Hi everyone! I am rereading Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. In one month, I’ll write up another post about the workbook and exercises.

For those of you who don’t know about Julia’s book, stick around ❤

The Artist’s Way

This is a creative writing method separated into 12 weeks. Julia writes about what creativity is and how to harness it. She suggests you read one chapter a week. There are a series of exercises you should complete along the way 🙂

Morning Pages

Each day, write around three pages in a notebook. You don’t have to plan anything. Write whatever comes into your mind.

I picked up a notebook and reserved it for Morning Pages. I usually write these before I’m about to start work. I write down worries I have, bits of dialogue, or prayers. It’s a pure stream of consciousness.

Artist Date

Once a week, break your routine and take time for yourself. You might listen to music, go for a walk, explore ice caves or paint. Do something that allows you to relax and enjoy life.

Last weekend, I explored Cape Enrage. Wow! What a sight. Not only did I physically benefit from walking about, but I also came up with some new ideas for a short story.

I highly recommend both exercises.

Have Fun Writing

I hope you have a great rest of your week. In a month I’ll blog about my experience with The Artist’s Way.

What are you working on this month? I’d love to hear below ❤

Until next time,

Loie xo

Blogging, Book Love, canadian authors, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing, Writing Submission

Happy New Year

affection appreciation decoration design — Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

December 31st

Hi friends,

Short post here for now. I just wanted to say I’m thankful for everyone I’ve met this year and whose supported me with writing.

Huge shout out to #WriteMentor’s creator, Stuart White and my two mentors Amber R. Duell and M. Dalto.

Stuart, thanks so much for your generosity and heart. This program is amazing and has helped so many writers already. I can only imagine what the future holds.

Amber and MB helped me so much! They both helped me edit and bring my YA fantasy novel to another level ❤ I learned a lot about writing and storytelling from them. Big hug to you both ❤

Thanks to my writing pals at Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada. I’m excited to get to know you all more this year. Also to my friends at Genre Writers of Atlantic Canada. Go Atlantic Canada, haha 🙂

I met some wonderful friends via writing websites and fan groups. Lots of love to you all. I hope 2019 is a year of inspiration, growth, and success for all of you ❤

Best wishes and Happy New Year!

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, Country Life, writers life, writing

On the 9th & 10th Day of Writing: EC Fairytale Love Issue & Grumpy Old Gods Anthology

stone artwork — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

December 10th

Hi friends 🙂

I hope you had a good weekend. It was a full one but a fun one, for me. Today, I rested a bit and wrote a little. How are you all making out with writing this month?

So, I have two special submission opportunities seeing as I missed yesterday’s post.

Alas, have fun with these two ❤

Enchanted Conversation Magazine’s February “Love Issue”

OPEN until January 20th, 2019

They are looking for comics and stories that explore all aspects of love within myths, folktales, or fairy tales. Love can be tragic or magical, end happily ever after, or unrequited. Have fun with this submission!

You can use original characters or re-tellings of established stories. They seek stories set in locations around the world. You can go ancient or modern.

CLICK HERE for more details

Grumpy Old Gods Anthology

OPEN until January 13th, 2019

They are looking for stories about mythical Gods. They want stories about Gods who are retired, reborn, or missing from their assigned post.

Re-imagine old myths. The requirement for this submission is that the goddess or god must be waning in power, retired, planning to retire, or ignoring their responsibilities. They also love humor!

Submission Tips

They seek Speculative Fiction stories that are around 3000-4000 words. The rating should be PG13-PG17.

Submission Format: Word Doc or PDF (No Google Docs please, but we’re willing to work with you if you need to submit in a different format, just contact us!)

Submit to: grumpyanthology@gmail.com

Thanks, everyone 🙂

Have Fun Submitting

What are you guys working on this month? I’d love to hear below ❤

Until next time,

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing

On the 7th & 8th Day of Writing: Chicken Soup for the Soul and Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest

woman in red dress standing on gray road — Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Pexels.com

December 7th

Hi everyone! My apologies for missing yesterday’s submission post. Today, I have two opportunities to make up for the missed blog from yesterday.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is publishing stories about Running/Walking. They are due December 15th.

Blue Mountain Arts seek poems for a poetry card contest due December 31st.

Keep reading to learn more about both!

Running for Good – and Walking Too!

Chicken Soup for the Soul is teaming up with Dean Karnazes. He is the Ultramarathoner. This book will be about walking, running, and how steps toward taking care of the body have many benefits.

Guidelines

The upcoming book title refers to how running and walking are good for one’s health. You can also run or walk for an important cause or issue, to raise awareness.

They seek true poems or stories of 1200 words or less. It can be about all aspects of running, walking, and raising awareness for a cause. Stories can be serious, heartwarming, or funny and quirky.

Read more about potential topics here! You can submit your story here. Remember, stories are due December 15th.

Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest

Want to write a poem for Blue Mountain Arts 33rd biannual poetry card contest? First prize is $350, second prize is $200, and third prize is $100. The winning poems will be displayed on their website.

Guidelines

Poems can be non-rhyming or rhyming. Blue Mountain Arts noted that non-rhyming poems read better. They suggest writing about real feelings or emotions and think about a particular person while you write.

Poems are judged based on uniqueness and originality. They seek English only entries, and you can submit as many poems as you’d like!

Poetry Contest Rules

Poems must be an original creation. The rights to the entries will remain the property of the author. You’ll give permission to Blue Mountain Arts, Inc. to display and publish your entry on the Web, electronically, if you win.

Winners will be contacted within 45 days of the deadline date 🙂 Remember, they are due December 31st. Read more here.

Have Fun

Hope you enjoy these two submission opportunities, friends ❤

Until next time,

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing

On the 5th Day of Writing: Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores

shallow focus photography of yellow star lanterns — Photo by 嘉淇徐 on Pexels.com

December 5th

Hi everyone! How are you all making out?

I’ve finished my Weird Christmas story from Day 1 and started Day 2’s submission 🙂 I’m writing a short story about a robotic dog and a little girl. The dog is inspired by my own Maggie, a sixteen-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who happens to celebrate her birthday on Christmas Day 😀

Yesterday’s submission looks fun too. I think I’ll try and work on that today.

I thought this opportunity looked pretty unique because they are a Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) qualifying site. If you get a piece submitted, it will count towards your SWFA qualifications. Kinda cool, huh?

Let’s look at some more details.

Submission Notes

They have four submissions a year. For this season, it begins on December 21st at midnight E.S.T. and ends on December 28th at midnight E.S.T.

They pay 6¢ per word for new fiction, 2¢ per word for fiction reprints, 2 – 6¢ per word for new fact-based work, 1- 4¢ per word for reprinted fact articles.

Guidelines for Writers

They accept anything from 1000 word flash fictions on up. They do favor shorter pieces. Quality of writing, characters, plot, ideas, and storytelling ability all matter, even if you’re established or new.

Fiction

They seek original work in fantasy, myth, legend, science fiction, and eldritch. It can be written, podcast, graphic story form, or video.

Humor and serious work are welcome. Read the About Us page for more information.

Hard Sells: Anthro, robots with feelings, gritty and despairing post-apocalyptic worlds, vampires, werewolves, zombies, monsters in general, Lovecraftian stories.

They don’t accept explicit language, excessive violence, angst-ridden romance, sex, horror, hate, blood & guts.

Submitting

In the comments, share your name, story title, genre, word count, and if it’s a reprint or new. Don’t send a resume.

No simultaneous submissions, and no multiple submissions to the same genre.

Please follow standard manuscript format . They prefer text in .docx Times New Roman.

Scroll to the bottom of this page, and submit there 🙂

I hope you guys have fun with this submission opportunity! Remember, it opens up December 21st and closes at midnight on the 28th.

Until next time,

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing

On the 4th Day of Writing: Zizzle Lit

December 4th

Hi everyone! Today, I found a fun spot to submit your flash fictions. Zizzle is an international short story magazine. It’s devoted to publishing innovative and quality fiction for young minds.

They would love for the stories to engage mature readers as well 🙂

Submission Guidelines

They seek stories that will amuse, move, and surprise mature and young readers. Fiction that has meaning and new perspectives will be embraced. They love strong voices and tasteful humor.

Also, they pay professional rates for stories! Woohoo 🙂

Fiction Submissions

Flash fiction should appeal to children as young as ten years old and grown-ups 🙂
It’s okay to submit your stories elsewhere. Notify Zizzle as soon as your stories been accepted elsewhere.
Stories are welcomed from all around the world but must be written in English.
Length: 500-1,200 words and previously unpublished.
You can only submit one story per submission. Wait for thirty days after you’ve received a decision from Zizzle before sending a new story.
Submit double-spaced stories with 1″ margins in 12 pt font. Make sure you include your name and story title in the header on every page.
On the first page of your submission, include your full name and email address. Include your word count and a third-person bio (under 70 words) that is print-ready.
They only accept electronic submissions.
Submit for free until December 31st, 2018.
They pay a flat rate of $100 American for each flash fiction piece.

Scroll to the bottom of this page, and submit your story!

Have fun!!! I’m so excited to work on a flash fiction for this magazine later today ❤ 🙂

How are you all doing with your stories this month? I would love to hear below.

Until next time,

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, Country Life, Nature, Uncategorized, writers life, writing

On the 3rd Day of Writing: Enchanted Conversation Magazine

December 3rd

Hey everyone!

Hope you’re having a good week so far ✨❄️

Here is a fun place to submit: Enchanted Conversation Magazine.

Are you able to tell a myth, fairy tale, folktale in 100-500 words? Check out some examples:

Beerwood Stew – 364 Words – READ HERE

Stepsister – 214 Words – READ HERE
Beloved – 178 Words – READ HERE

Email submissions to EnchantedCSubmissions@gmail.com

The subject line of the email should be: FAIRY TALE FLASH – your last name – title of your work. Example: FAIRY TALE FLASH – Dunn – “Your Title”

Write a short cover letter with the approximate word count of the story. Pen a brief author’s bio written in third person and up to three links to your personal website or social media accounts. Don’t summarize your story in the cover letter.

Include a Paypal address.

Paste your submission in the body of your email.

Single spacing. No indents on paragraphs. Double space between paragraphs. Use Arial as the font. Try to use American English word forms and punctuation.

Have fun with this submission! One of my stories was accepted through Enchanted Conversation. Check it out here!

What story will you write for this submission? I would love to hear below 🙂

Until next time,

Loie xo

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, canadian authors, Country Life, writers life, writing

On the 1st Day of Writing: Weird Christmas Flash Fiction Contest

December 1st – Weird Christmas

Hello, my dear friends.

For those writing, check out this submission you could work on today.

Do you have a strange Christmas flash fiction story somewhere? Want to write one?! Well, I have the contest for you.

Weird Christmas is looking for 350 word flash fictions. Deadline is December 10th.

Things to Note

You want to write something that is odd, strange, or weird. It can be off-kilter and genres are fine (science fiction, fantasy, horror, etc).

If you write something sentimental, make sure it’s a little bizarre 😉

Secondly, it can be related to any winter holiday. Kwanza, winter solstice celebrations, “Yule”, Christmas, and Hanukkah, for example.

If you choose to include another holiday like Easter or Halloween, keep a strong connection to winter celebrations.

How to Submit

Email the story to: weirdxmas@gmail.com

Find out more details here!

Have Fun

Let’s have fun with this first story submission 🙂 I’m already thinking of some strange scenarios.

My First Line

The silver stag hated Christmas lights.

Until next time, friends 🙂 Tomorrow I’ll post a new submission! What are you working on today? Share a line below ❤

xoxo

Loie

24 Days of Writing, Book Love, canadian authors, Country Life, Nature, writers life, writing

24 Days of Writing

Hi everyone! Here’s a fun way to maintain the writing spirit throughout December: participate in 24 Days of Writing.

Every day in December until the 25th, I’m going to post a new place to submit a flash fiction, poem, or novel excerpt.

I think this is a fab way to step back from our NaNoWriMo projects and let them sit for a while. We’ll be able to switch gears and work on something different for a change 🙂

It’s exciting to work on a new story idea, particularly when it’s shorter than an entire novel 😉 You’ll have that satisfying feeling of finishing something. If you want, you can submit your completed story or poem.

Sometimes, I’ve found story diamonds in my little flash fictions that I later expanded into longer pieces. You never know what you might discover!

Then, when January arrives, we’ll still have kept the writing muscle active. That way we can dive back into drafting or editing our current WIP.

Are you with me?!

I hope you join me! Tomorrow, I will post the first writing contest or submission opportunity and perhaps share a line from my own short story.

Let me know if you’d like to participate! I’d love to hear in the comments below ❤ Use the hashtag, #24DaysofWriting on Twitter or Instagram. I think it’s going to be a blast.

Until next time,

Loie xo