The New Life Issue

Because Spring is *still* on its way, but we're forging new life nevertheless.

Both Ostara and Easter have come to pass now. Nature’s life cycle of rebirth is here despite what the UK weather makes us feel. I’m feeling much better than I was last newsletter (not in the hospital), and my writing is seeing some new life, too. I finished a magical realism short story, and actually submitted it for publication in a literary magazine.

A slow beginning of fresh action towards my writing goals can sometimes become the frustration that halts my progress altogether. Have you ever experienced that? I can find myself thinking, thinking, thinking too much about what I wish I was accomplishing instead of putting any real effort in my words. Waiting on outside circumstances is a trap.

So what gives me new writing life? Certainly the change of seasons affects my energy. I’m longing for warmer temperatures that boost my mood. The best thing I’ve done for myself, though, is to not expect myself to write well only when I’m in a good mood. Will writing in a different mindset give me new ideas, a new style, some variation that piques my interest? Yes, it will. It has. I’m planning an upcoming workshop, Writing in Your Moods, if you’re interested in digging into this concept a little deeper. (Workshops are included in the paid subscription, but you can also purchase a one-off session.)

Writing with other people in the same room is also a tried and true way to increase my enthusiasm for blasting out some words. It’s really time I started up the free write-ins again. As of next Tuesday, I’ll open up the studio so we can write together. Remember, you can always link in online. I’m also thinking of a daytime session, so let me know if that interests you.

Some submission/freelance/job Opps:

Local to me literary magazine, Seaside Gothic, is in the middle of a short open submissions period. But you’d better hurry, it’s only until 16th April. You don’t have to be local to submit your short fiction, poetry, or photography, but it does have to be coastal themed. Read up on their guidelines here.

The prestigious international creative writing Bridport Prize is open until 31st May for poetry, short story, flash fiction, and novel writing. Memoir opens in June!

Stephanie Hope at Reader’s Digest is looking for home writers. Think furniture, appliances, etc.

Have you seen the Super Mario Bros. movie? I personally love how the franchise crosses so many ages, and my family thoroughly enjoyed seeing it together. Anyway, this guy is looking for pitches for features on Wario and what makes him so great to include in his book.

Trusted Housesitters is hiring a remote-working copywriter.

Some things you didn’t know you needed:

New Wave Film website with a library of information and recommendations for getting into vintage French films.

The song “Onda” by Cassiano, Brazilian music from 1977.

And of course, this writing prompt: Describe the next sound you hear or one of your choosing so that the reader feels like they can hear what you’re hearing. Get someone to read it and see if you made it work! I’m happy to be the one reading this challenge and giving you feedback, just send it over.

Hey, have some fun with your words, won’t you?

Christie x