Submission Call for Inaccurate Realities

Have you ever noticed that there isn't a lot out there for YA short stories? After some searching I found a literary magazine for young adults called Inaccurate Realities. They felt the lack of YA short-fiction and decided to do something about it, YEAH! Inaccurate Realities accepts speculative fiction in all its forms. Science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, horror, dystopian, steampunk, cyberpunk, alternate history and everything in between. Their first issue is on fear, and their second is on time travel. You can check them out here.

Submissions
Inaccurate Realities has some exciting calls for subjects like Magic, Superpowers, and Monsters. They are looking for short fiction between 2,000-5,000 words. You can find more details on their Submissions Page. So grab your papers and your pencils and get ready for some inspiration! They even included Pinterest boards for each of the calls to get the mojo flowing.

Excitement!

How to Make a Story Inspiration Collage

Step 1: Gather Materials

• Clip pictures from old magazines of whatever reminds you of your story, the characters, the mood etc, or what interests you.
• Find pictures on the internet.
• (If you want) go out and take pictures of your own and print them.
• Clip out words from magazines or print any words that are related to your story, catch your eye or inspire you.
• Gather sequins, stickers or other artsy stuff you might want to use.

 Step 2: Make the Collage 

Arrange pictures and words on a piece of paper or in a journal. When you are happy with how it looks, paste them down (I use glue sticks). Add stickers or other accents. Have fun! When you are done with your collage post it by your desk or somewhere you can see it often.

What to do with the leftover pictures and words? Use them!

A Writing Journey

“Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery.” – Henry Miller

First Lines

A Writing Discovery Exercise:

Use one of these as your first line and continue to write where it leaves off. Try to write continuously, without stopping or editing. See where it takes you. Enjoy!

• She was right.
• It was the end of Spring when it happened.
• He couldn't take it anymore.
• I had a bad feeling about today.
• It was the night of...
• I could see them.
• Dating can be hard for a...
• Tomorrow I'm going to..
• It began years ago. 
• He was afraid.
• It was a dark and stormy night. 
• She never expected it.
• Its strange to be here.
• Above all else, this is what I wanted.
• Once upon a time
• It all started with the cat.

Can you think of some more first lines to add to the list?

Liza from Middle Passages started with "I could see them." Check out what she wrote here.

Dreams of Becoming a Full Time Writer

I dream about becoming a full-time writer. I would write, write, write and work a part-time job for income. I want to publish, I want to make writing my life's work. I would love to teach writing workshops.

If someone wants to go into computer science, or become a doctor we don’t question if they are going to make it in their field. We question the people that go into the arts. The ones that want to be a painter, a dancer, a writer. We ask them, what are the odds you are going to make it? How are you going to make any money?

I’ve been reading this wonderful book called, The Right to Write by Julia Cameron. She believes that if you really want something and you are willing to do the work then the odds are in your favor, not against you. If you write often, and continue to hone your craft, then you will get published. For that matter, why not self-publish? Julia self-published The Artists Way and that made it big.

She suggested writing two letters. One letter is from your inner writer to your practical self, the other letter is from your practical self to your inner writer. I highly recommend this exercise if you are like me, struggling with the desire to become a full-time writer.  This could be great to do anytime you are struggling between different options in your life. You will be surprised what comes out of you, and the clarity you can find if you just write it out.

Start a Free Writing Journal

And I’m free, free writing

Yeah, I’m free, free writing...

Free writing gets us comfortable with allowing ideas to flow, and can be very therapeutic in its own right. When you free write it allows your subconscious to open, and thoughts will come from you that you didn't even know where there. I know of know better cure for Writers Block. The possibilities of discovery are endless!

Ways To Start Your Free Writing Journal

• Pick a journal or notebook out that you really like, you can find really good ones at book stores, or you can even find them at places like Target.
• Start a journal folder on your computer and open up a document file.
• Start a blog – no one has to see it but you.
• Start an online Journal or Diary at http://www.livejournal.com/ or  http://www.opendiary.com/

This space will be used for free writing, to let yourself write whatever you want, generate ideas, and be as creative as you want!