If you write “literary” stories that are also genre stories, here are some markets to consider.

http://www.helbell.com/blog/?p=1442

I’m seriously considering doing the Ray Bradbury Challenge: write a story every week for a year, and submit them for publication. 

Bradbury claimed that it was impossible to write 52 bad stories in a row. I’m sure it is possible, but it would be hard. 

There’s another part to the Bradbury Challenge, which is to read a short story, a poem, and an essay every night for 1000 nights. Not sure if I’m up for that part, though I can see how it would help. 

Originally shared by Karen Woodward

Write 1 Sub 1:

“Here’s the challenge, should you choose to accept it:

“Write and submit a short story or poem every week (or month), starting the first week of January and ending the last week of December.

“Goal: 52 new submissions in 52 weeks (or 12 in 12 months).

“You don’t have to write and submit the same story within the same week — although that’s what Bradbury did. Often it pays to set a story aside for a while and come back to it.

“The length of your story can be as short as Twitter fiction (140 characters) or as long as a novelette (15,000 words). Any style, any genre: whatever you write.

“Every week, we post a “check-in” where you can tell the world about your progress. Share your triumphs and disasters — we’re all in this together.

“Ray Bradbury is reported to have finished a story each week, mailed it out to a magazine, then got to work right away on his next story. We’re going to spend this year in his shadow.

“Up to the challenge?”

I just discovered this site. What a useful, productive, idea!

http://www.write1sub1.com/p/details.html

In today’s email: An acceptance (“Antimirus”, a little flash piece that I’ve been trying to sell for ages) and a personalised rejection (“Mail Order Witch” – they liked it, but it didn’t meet their guidelines as a contemporary story). 

“Antimirus”, by the way, will appear in Stupefying Stories Showcase.

The work progresses. 

I would probably do this if I could guarantee that I’d be able to make the interactive class times every week.

Originally shared by K Tempest Bradford

One further enticement: use this coupon code for $15 off the Short Fiction class: SHORTFICTIONFALL205 

———————

The Brainery provides the framework for speculative fiction writers looking to produce submission-ready short fiction (this may be in the form of flash fiction, short stories or standalone novel excerpts). Participants will deepen their theory and practice of spec-fic through the discussion of course readings, a continually evolving feedback loop from me and their peers, as well as the kind of accountability that a community of peers can provide. At the end of the course, we will work on cover letters, as well as target publications for writers to submit the work produced during The Brainery Workshop.

By connecting you with fellow readers/practitioners of speculative fiction, The Brainery helps you recognize that your writing is important by connecting you to peers in meaningful ways, which, ideally, will allow you to realize that your writing is important and that there is a market for your work. By investing in your writing in these ways, it is my hope that The Brainery gets you to make your writing a priority.

http://www.transmography.net/brainery/syllabus-schedule/short-fiction-fall-2015/

“Interactions with others that challenge your ego are opportunities for personal growth. In this regard, submitting short stories creates an opportunity-rich environment.”

Yes, I’ve started writing The Craft and Commerce of Short Story Writing in odd moments here and there. That’s from the chapter “Rejections, Editors, Critique and You”.

My short story “Lock and Key” is up at The Sockdolager. 

An alchemist in an Arabian-Nights setting must find out who is attempting to assassinate the Sultan, while avoiding being arrested for it herself.

http://www.sockdolager.net/summer-2015/lockandkey/

Originally shared by John Ward

K Tempest Bradford has written an interesting piece on i09. It’s more than an article. It’s a manifesto, a call to action, and something I think everyone who enjoys short fiction should consider.

Currently, she is using her quarterly column on i09 to highlight the best short fiction that she has read during that quarter, but she has bigger dreams. She dreams of a site dedicated to chronicling short fiction and allowing signed-in users to rate and discuss the merits of the various stories submitted to the site. Kind of like a Goodreads for short stories and novellas.

This seems like a brilliant idea to me. She’s hesitant to jump into it because of concerns about funding. I’m not sure how much money something like this would cost, but I hope someone is able to make it happen. 

I believe short fiction is experiencing a bit of a re-birth due to e-books. It would be great if there was an easier way to find the really good stuff.

What do you folks think? Any interest in something like this?

http://io9.com/io9-newsstand-has-one-last-thing-to-say-about-the-hugo-1728796923

I’m working on an outline for a projected book on short story writing. Won’t be out for a while (since, until I have pro sales, I lack some credibility); but I’ve already learned enough to begin the outline, if not to fill it in completely.

Friday (my next writing day) is clearly going to be a short story day. Four of my stories have come back to me and need a going-over before I send them out again. And one or two of my story ideas are ripening towards the point where I can pick them. 

Someday I will get an acceptance from Urban Fantasy magazine.

But this is not that day.