It's a Gamble

Here's a little writerly tip for any of you who happen to be of the writer persuasion.

Let me preface this tip with a question: do you want the good news or the bad news first? I often ask that of my students. I write the basics of the day's assignment on the whiteboard for them to gander at while I'm in the hall looking for speeders and lovers and horseplayers. When the bell rings, I walk to the board, point to the assignment, and ask which they want first. Most often, they request the bad news. Except for those cockeyed optimists who live with the hope that a sudden snowstorm, earthquake, or fire drill will disrupt the lesson before class time is over. The good news is usually that they may have a partner to work with. The bad news is that a worksheet is two-sided, or must be turned in before they leave class, or that there will be a quiz on the material the next day. C'mon. It's not like I'm giving away cash and prizes, or taking their firstborn child.

So...in keeping with my most common request, I'll give the bad news first: a submission costs $22. But the good news is that you may earn $250 if your story is selected. If you're good at writing succinct stories with a beginning, middle, and end, and have reaped success with prior publishing credits, this may be for you. Or not. Depends if you want to pay to enter. Kind of like the lottery. You may be out your money, or you may win your money back tenfold. It's not a sure thing like plopping down $2.25 plus tax, and receiving a gas station chicken breast.

Narrative Magazine is looking for iStories. They have to be short. You can read some examples here. If you have an iPhone, you can already get the free app here. They are working on an android app to come out later this fall.

I don't have an iPhone. I rarely read stuff on my android. And I don't know if I could write a good enough story to make it worth a $22 wager.

But I'm passing on this info. Because I'm a giver, not a taker.