Tag Archives: short stories

So, How Was the Play?

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Lida Bushloper

I had another story accepted. It won’t come out till next year. But, how did it get written? I wish I knew. Then I could write more and get more stories accepted and published. I can only tell you (and … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, writing | Tagged anthologies, creativity, publishing, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing | Leave a comment

The Antidote to Panic

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Lida Bushloper

I saw a call for a new anthology. I thought had a story in inventory that would work. I had written it a few years ago and run it by my critique partner. Stephanie made some astute comments and I revised the story … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, anthologies, authors, experience, feedback, revision, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing | 2 Comments

It Depends

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Lida Bushloper

Back when I was a Girl Scout, I went to camp every summer. Even the littlest campers were expected to help out with chores, both in their individual units and in the larger campground. One week, I was assigned to … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, anthologies, authors, contests, feedback, Girl Scouts, persistence, short stories, submissions, submitting, the writing life, writers, writing | 1 Comment

I Did It Anyway

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Yesterday I put my last submission of the year in the mail. (This was one of those rare markets where you actually send in a paper copy.) And I did it despite all contrary conditions. Despite the printer running out … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged authors, perseverance, short stories, submissions, submitting, the writing life, writers, writing | 2 Comments

The Least I Can Do

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Writing can be overwhelming. It’s like any other huge job. Getting a college or advanced degree. Cleaning out the garage. Getting your affairs in order, for when you die. All the advice books tell you to break it all down … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, blog posts, blogging, creativity, essays, getting started, ideas, novels, productivity, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing | 6 Comments

Process: The Short Story

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

I can only speak about how it works for me. I am impelled to start a story in several ways. The first way is that a story just springs to mind, something I have to write, or perhaps a character … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged anthologies, authors, creativity, getting started, ideas, process, productivity, publishing, resources, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing, writing the first draft | 8 Comments

Gosh, Thanks!

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Last evening, I went to Vroman’s, my favorite independent bookstore, for the monthly Trivia contest. While there, I picked up the latest copy of Mystery Scene Magazine. I am a faithful reader. I love the articles on historic figures or events … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged anthologies, book reviews, encouragement, gratitude, mystery fiction, Mystery Scene Magazine, mystery stories, publishing, short stories, Sisters In Crime, success, the writing life, Vroman's Bookstore, writers, writing | 8 Comments

Bragging Rights

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Every issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine includes a fun contest. They print a picture, and writers are challenged to come up with a 250 word maximum story inspired by or based on the picture. Winners get $25.00. The winning … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, contests, mystery stories, short stories, the writing life, writing | 8 Comments

Harder Than I Thought

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Lida Bushloper

I mentioned a while back that I had a story accepted for an upcoming anthology. So far, so good. Then the editor sent to all the contributors her comments and suggestions for improvements, fixes and edits. I was pleased that she … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged authors, creativity, editing, editors, hard work, publishing, quotes, revision, short stories, the writing life, writing | 5 Comments

Don’t Reject Yourself

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Lida Bushloper

I wrote a short story. It’s a pretty far out fantasy, not what I normally do. Okay, it’s weird. But it’s a story I had to write. Now, where can I possibly place it? I tried a couple of markets … Continue reading →