Market | Cathy C. Hall Writes

My life can get very complicated. So when something simple comes along, I grab for the gusto. Today, I found a contest I intend to grab and not let go. That is, until I submit my essay to it.

It’s a Life Essay contest sponsored by Real Simple with a prize of $3,000! All you have to do is write 500 to 700 words about the most important day of your life. Everyone has one of those essays bouncing around in a document file, a sticky note, or even on a paper napkin. But it’s there somewhere. You have till September 9th to find it and make it win-worthy. Simple, huh?

And while you’re looking for that true-life essay, take a look around for a piece of fiction that’s been languishing. I just found a cool market listing page at the Fiction Factor website: http://www.fictionfactor.com/markets.html. I’ll bet you’ll find a market or two that interests you. Better yet, maybe you’ll find a market or two interested in you and your fiction.

Hey, it doesn’t get any simpler than that.

I’ve been waiting all day to find something. But now that I take a look around, if something were here, would I find it?

Cleaning up my files, folders, desk and drawers is not on my fun “To Do” list. Before I can file a paper, I have to remember which notebook binder to file it in. And before I can file a manuscript in the binder, I’ll have to find the clear sheet protectors. Then when I find the clear sheet protectors, I’ll probably find a note with mysterious scribbles on it. I’ll suddenly remember what the scribbles mean, which will lead to a Google search.

It’s all too If You Give A Mouse A Cookie complicated for me. The only good part of Writer Clean Up Day is the end, when everything’s organized and I can find things once again.

Well, whadda y’know? I found something, after all. Here’s a market I submitted to last year with no luck: ByLines Calendar. It’s a desk top calendar designed for writers (Byline, get it?). Maybe I’ll try again for a little Fame and Fortune.

I could write about “The Importance of Organization in a Writer’s Life: Cathy C. Hall style.” Now, if I can just find my notes…