Tag Archives: short stories

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 →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, creativity, encouragement, essays, ideas, quotes, rejection, short stories, the writing life, writing | 2 Comments

Accepted! Published!

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Lida Bushloper

I’m thrilled to report that my story “The Wannabe” will be included along with 22 others in the newest Guppy anthology. Something Fishy will be out towards the end of the year. The Guppies (a sub chapter of Sisters In Crime) create and … Continue reading →