I wrote this declaration and posted it on the Fourth of July. I thought it might be worth sharing again as we in the USA approach our country’s 250th anniversary.
Continue reading “Repost: a writer’s declaration of independence”Tag: publishing
Joining the 100-rejection club
Embracing an unusual badge of honor
While analyzing my submission and publication activity of this year, I discovered than I am now a member of the 100-rejection club. I’ve actually surpassed that milestone by receiving 101 rejections of my submitted writing in 2025.
Should I be despondent about this high number of rejections? Not at all. In a twisted, perverse sort of way (and aren’t most writers twisted and perverse?), I see it as a badge of honor.
Continue reading “Joining the 100-rejection club”Friday Five: Q&A with Inventing Reality’s Rob Bignell
‘Allow yourself to write “poorly.” Later … you can edit out the junk.’
What better way to start the new year than with some writing advice from a seasoned professional? Rob Bignell is the man behind Inventing Reality Editing Services and the author of over 80 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and several guidebooks for writers.
Bignell’s company name, as he explains on his website, “is a play on British author J.G. Ballard’s quotation, ‘The writer’s task is to invent the reality.’ That is, writers must create a fictional dream and in doing so, show the truth via their art.” For writers wanting to increase sales, it also means “taking the fulfillment of your dreams into your own hands, that is, turning your dream into a reality through your own hard work.” Read on for more of Bignell’s thoughts about writing, self-publishing, and marketing your work.
Continue reading “Friday Five: Q&A with Inventing Reality’s Rob Bignell”What literary magazines are open for submission? That Book Chikka has the answer
Like a lot of writers who seek to get their work published in literary magazines, I go to several sources for intel, including Duosuma, Poets & Writers‘ list, Submittable, and of course my own, ever-expanding compilation of literary magazines on X/Twitter, Litmags, etc. (now up to 314 different litmags and litmag-adjacent accounts).
But my go-to source lately has become Jessica Kusisto’s weekly compilation of literary magazines that are open for submission.
Continue reading “What literary magazines are open for submission? That Book Chikka has the answer”If you knew…
Q: If you knew you would never be published, would you still write? Why or why not?
A: Yes, I would. Because to me, the act of writing is an important act of self-expression. While I love the ego boost and (modest) recognition of having my work published, it isn’t what drives me to write.
What about you? Comment below with your thoughts.
Image by Mira Cosic, Astrologer from Pixabay