You know... your first rejection rolls in and you feel defeat? That's when I find myself stuck. I can't write anything and when I do, I hate it all.
Guess what? I found the silver lining. This novel-length-diva found herself an opportunity of a lifetime.
Still Moments Publishing just happened to fall in my twitter feed and it was there I embarked on a journey to prove something to myself.
That I was worthy of publishing.
Turns out, they had just as much faith in me as I did. In January I released my very first published works, Snowbanked (in the Snowbound Hearts Anthology). Coming soon is Latte Love (in the Valentine Delights Anthology). Even more exciting, I'll be having my very first single short in March titled When Love Aligns. That's right, just me and my beautiful baby! I am so excited!
Each month they have a fresh new idea for an anthology. With summer months approaching they're diving into Wedding Territory. What I love is they give you a few stipulations but let your mind do the rest of the work!
Do you have a bachelorette party idea? How about a character finding love before the bride & groom get to the alter? Check out details for these stories at Still Moments Publishing. They're wonderful to be a part of. They also do more than short stories so stop in today!
Their Romance Categories are: Chick lit, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary, Fantasy, Inspirational, Sensual, Suspense & Western.
It's kind of funny how inspiration is as simple as getting the small ideas out of your head to make room for the bigger ideas. Are you a short story writer? Ever though of dabbling?
25 comments:
That's wonderful, Jen! Love the cover. And I think there is a lot to learn from writing short stories!
I'll probably have to write short stories one day, but they really aren't my thing. They're too, well, um, short. I love the complexity of a novel, both to write and read. :)
I know a lot of writers who started writing novellas and short stories for the same reason you listed, Jen.
Not much of a short story writer. Glad you found Still Moments. Now you're all inspired again!
I've never written a short story. Congrats! Sounds wonderful.
I know what you mean about 'the rut', I'm sort of in one now.
Congrats again!
Congratulations, Jen! That's so exciting for you. I'm happy you found something wonderful to get you out of the rut!
I write short stories and have submitted them to literary journals, but no luck yet. I should check out anthologies and see what comes of that.
Have a great weekend, Jen!
Just AWESOME Jen! I'm so happy for you!
Congrats on both your releases and your renewed inspiration, Jen. The Still Moments family is a warm one. As a newly welcomed member of the team, I'm thrilled to start this new journey surrounded by such a talented group.
Though I work on the other side of the publishing stream at Still Moments Publishing as an editor, I struggled and went through the same defeat and doubts you did, Jen. Was I good enough? And, like you, an opportunity fell in my lap to write a novella for The Wild Rose Press. I, too, wrote only full length stories, could I possibly write a short story and make it make sense? I didn't think very hard before jumping in and writing my story to see if I could. In December my first published work, HOME released! Writing short wasn't my only challenge with that book. I write contemporary and HOME is a Vintage historical. Even more surprising to me is how much I want to write more from this era.
Though I work on the other side of the publishing stream at Still Moments Publishing as an editor, I struggled and went through the same defeat and doubts you did, Jen. Was I good enough? And, like you, an opportunity fell in my lap to write a novella for The Wild Rose Press. I, too, wrote only full length stories, could I possibly write a short story and make it make sense? I didn't think very hard before jumping in and writing my story to see if I could. In December my first published work, HOME released! Writing short wasn't my only challenge with that book. I write contemporary and HOME is a Vintage historical. Even more surprising to me is how much I want to write more from this era.
What a great writing avenue to journey down. It's interesting how as we move along with our writing, we're able to take it in directions we hadn't thought of when we began. Congrats on your upcoming stories!
I've thought about it, but I can't seem to wrap up a story...quickly. I just can't. The characters take over and go down their own paths, and it takes 80k to bring it all to a close. :) Doesn't mean I don't love reading short stories though, which is why your book's on my wish list. :)
Wow! Great post, Jen! This is awesome. And for all those out there that say, "I can't write short." I feel your pain. I thought I couldn't either. But consider this -- a series! Shorts or novella length stories done in parts. I recently approached that arena and I love it. Satisfies both the long winded author in me PLUS the market demand for shorts. Food for thought! Thanks for the plug, Jen!
I've been wanting to write a short story--I haven't written one since high school. I'm so excited for all of your stories coming out! How fun!
Glad it's been such a great experience for you Jen!
I love that you found something that helped to buoy you up when you felt down. Rejections definitely flatten a writer sometimes! Sometimes the perfect opportunity doesn't come along until you're caught up in the stress of something else. Then you think "Why didn't I think of this before?"
I started out writing short stories, then a family member told me I was making my story so complicated I should shoot for a novel. So I did, and it's what I'm querying now. I definitely believe in shorts!
Woo-hoo! Congrats, Jen. I'm so happy you found an outlet for all that creative energy while you trudge through query yuck. I never liked short stories in school, so I've avoided them as an adult. :-)
Jen's awesome...I can't say this enough. What a sweetheart.
Thank you for the plug, and I wish you much continued writing success!
SMP is an awesome place to be. I'm proud to be in 4 anthologies and I think three of them are with you, Jen.
When I was a young mother I never had time to read a full length novel, but since reading was a very important part of my life I couldn't give it up, so I read short stories.
Now I am once again raising toddlers and I find I do not have the time to write full length novels. Writing shorts has saved me from the dejection I was feeling.
Writing for Still Moments Publishing is a joy. There is a family feeling with the group of authors the publisher has gathered. The editors are professionals. Still Moments publishes high quality stories.
Congratulations! It must be amazing when your hard work finally pays off!
Still Moments Publishing looks interesting, I will have to check it out!
Jen - you're an inspiration - I'm in the middle of your first anthology and loving it - read your story at lunchbreak today - and I'll give you a big squishy review on Tuesday :)
I'm in love with writing shorts - flash fiction at the mo, and am going to have a fist collection of flash fiction up on kindle for valentines day. I'll certainly check out still moments though!
Best of luck with the next collection
Laura x
I love writing for anthologies. Short stories are different to write than novels but definitely help to make your novels stronger.
I'm more of a novel writing, but I'm not above dabbling if I get an idea that's contained enough for a few thousand words.
:-)
Congrats on the published stories! I love writing short fiction. And the turnaround time is so gratifying!
Wow. Congrats. Happy Dance time. I admire anyone who can pull off a short story. Trying to lasso a tale in so few words gives me a tummy ache.
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