Summer of Submissions Rejections

For the first time in my life, I am submitting in earnest to literary magazines. I have a killer submission tracker (I work on it when I'm daydreaming about being a real, honest-to-gawd author instead of actually writing or editing), a couple of pieces that I feel are ready to be seen by eyes other the kindly ones belonging to my fellow MFA-ers in workshops, and hope.

At least, I HAD hope.

It's a brutal world out there. My proudest babies are being kicked around like footballs in a world that suddenly seems full of mad elitist gatekeepers. I've always been the "glass is half-full" type, the flip-side of which involves failing to anticipate certain obvious facts of life. Example: when you increase the number of submissions, you not only increase the (slim) odds that you will be published, but likely increase as well the number of rejections you'll get back. The first several "no's" I met with a defiant smile, the next several an expression of grim resolve, the last few a slightly quivering lip.

The truth is that we're all of us staring down the long bleak tunnel of a lifetime of this rejection crap. Even the well-published, well-respected authors I am proud to know continue to receive a parade of impersonal and unexplained form letters.

Good thing writing is its own reward.

Writing for Writers

I'm trying to revamp. I'm going to update more often, work harder to connect with other writers, etc. I've even posted the link for my blog on facebook (egads!)

One thing that I thought might be helpful is a list of websites for writers. Here are some of my favorites:

HTMLGIANT

Calls itself "the internet literature magazine blog of the future." I think that says it all.

The Rumpus

Intense ADHD-friendly layout with tons of fun stuff from interviews and articles to funny videos to columns (LOVE "Ted Wilson Reviews the World", among others)

FictionDaily

Elegant and simple. Spotlights two or three pieces from small/unknown presses daily. Great way to find excellent writing and new journals.

NOTHING TO SAY

xTx, a mysterious, hilarious, somewhat shameless writer (I've mostly read her short fiction) posts commentary, stories, and links to good stuff. More of an author blog than a blog for all writers, but it's definitely worthwhile.

What are your favorites?

Two poems in blue

My first web publication, courtesy of ana c. at New Wave Vomit:

Two poems in blue (Waiting and Superimposed Natural)

Also check out my friends Matthew Mahaney (65) and Brandi Wells (31)!

That's all.