Monday Musings

First, I'd like to welcome two new followers. Greetings and hello to BJ and PJ who became followers over the weekend.

Secondly, I would like to thank all the people who commented or emailed me about my Centus this week. I have had some most encouraging comments. Yes, that is my great great grandfather in the picture, and no, the story is pure fiction. Sometimes writing ideas just pour out, slick as olive oil  from a decanter. When I read the first Centus pieces and prompt on Saturday morning, I thought I had nothing to say. So I jumped up from the computer and headed to fetch my tomatoes and cantaloupes from the farmer's market.

All the way to town, scenes kept moving in my head like slides in a projector. When I came home, the story would not leave me alone. So I sat down and wrote it. Like many of you, I guess that story wanted to be told. It flowed out and even I was surprised where it went. I loved it myself though! Again, thanks for all your appreciation.

Today the air is actually cool! The air conditioner actually cycles to the off position occasionally, creating an absence of noise we haven't noticed for a long while. While there is only a smidgen of rain now and then, steely gray clouds come and go while thunder rumbles today. The moving air is delightful, reminding us that autumn stands in the wings. At 6:00 a.m. this morning it was dark outside reminding me the days are already becoming shorter, a very sad realization for me. I watched skies lighten about 6:30 while I worked on my second western!

 I have a few markets I know some followers will want to know about:

Past Loves Day Story Contest, 2011. Write your true story of a former sweetheart, in 700 words or less. Awards: $100, $75, $50, Honorable Mention(s). Winning stories will be published in an upcoming anthology. No entry fee. Authors retain all rights.

Deadline: August 17, 2011.
Info: www.ourpastloves.com/contest


Short fiction wanted: Uncle John's Flush Fiction

Uncle John's Flush Fiction wants your short story! The editors of the
bestselling Uncle John's Bathroom Reader series are looking for entertaining
short fiction, suitable for bathroom (or anyroom) reading, for our new
fiction anthology. 1,000 words maximum. All genres, themes, styles, and
hybrids considered; humor is appreciated, but not mandatory. Previously
published OK. Payment: $50 honorarium plus two contributor copies.
Publication date: Spring 2012. Deadline: August 31, 2011. For guidelines,
visit http://bathroomreader.com/flushfiction


Mixed Fruit is accepting submissions through September 10 for the October issue. We're looking for works of literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, translation, and visual arts. Please read our submission guidelines before sending your work.
http://mixedfruit.submishmash.com/SubmitCider Press Review is accepting poetry submissions until August 31.




CPR considers only previously unpublished poetry or translations of poetry in English, and reviews of poetry books of approx. 500 words. CPR does not accept simultaneous or email submissions. Submit up to 5 poems at a time, preferably via our online submission form (available online between April1 and August 31) or by postal mail. Cover letter is preferred with mailed submission. Include short bio (50 words maximum). SASE required for reply. Do not send unsolicited disk or e-mail submissions. Poems are circulated to an editorial board. Responds in 1-6 months.
Full guidelines and our submissions manager are available at http://www.ciderpressreview.com