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Cathy C. Hallhttps://cathychall.wordpress.com/I write, write, write. Then I rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. THEN I submit all those polished-up words out into the world and sell 'em. It's a plan that's worked pretty well.

Tooting My Horn Tuesday For a Centerville Writer

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Just had to send a horn toot out there for Ann, one of the Centerville Writers. Just received an email from her saying that a piece she’d written had been accepted for publication! Though she didn’t win one of the money prizes, she still won. Because Ann put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard… or brush to canvas. Um, she’s a multi-talented gal.). The point is, Ann wrote something and submitted it. And considering that she’d been away from writing for a long while, that first step had to be difficult.

So, hooray for Ann! When her piece is online, I’ll go back and put a link to it. Meanwhile, I’m inspired. In fact, I’m downright perky with the possibilities floating around in my brain.

Guess I’d better put my own pen to paper. (Thanks, Ann!)

Finding Something Friday Finds The First Line and Mother’s Hen, Too

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Now if that’s not an intriguing title for a post, I don’t know what is. In fact, it would make a good first line if The First Line Magazine didn’t already have a spiffy one for this upcoming issue.

So, if you’re good at writing stories from a first line, you might want to try your hand at this one: While not the intended effect, the outcome was surprisingly satisfying (written by Matt McHugh). Your story can’t be shorter than 300 words or longer than 3,000 words if you want it to be considered for this market. Oh, and you have to use that first line exactly as it is written. I’m not sure I’ll come up with something; so far, I’m uninspired. The last issue’s line had to do with a drive-thru funeral business, which I found totally inspiring, but never got around to er, actually writing. Maybe you’re more disciplined. If so, check out TFL magazine here and get the details. You have till November 1, 2008 to think up something, write it, and send it in. You might find a surprsingly satisfying outcome if you’re published!

Now, on to The Mother’s Hen, a contest sponsored by The Muse Marquee. You’ll need to dash over to the ezine now if you want to get something in for this contest. Entries won’t be accepted after October 10th. And you’ll need to read everything carefully before you start writing. ‘Cause honestly, I don’t remember the details. But c’mon. Who can pass up something called Mother Hen’s Contest?

In the words of Tim Gunn, “I’m intrigued.” So, start writing and make it work.