In the last of my publication-related writing prompts, we sound a note of optimism, courtesy of Helios Quarterly Magazine.

Stories for this market should ‘illuminate the dark’, and examine the human condition. They are looking for a variety of lengths (anything from 100 word to 10,000) so check out the guidelines. The deadline for this issue is April 15, 2017.

The Prompt

How Far We’ve Come; How Far We’ve Yet To Go

Tips

• Read the submission guidelines closely to figure out how your ideas might fit into the theme.
• Write a first draft quickly, without worrying too much about whether it’ll ever be good enough to be published. (Chances are the first draft won’t be. And that’s OK.)
• Make sure your story has some ‘light in the darkness’ to fit this market’s stated aim.
• Work through your story, identifying the strongest parts and the central question you’re leading the reader towards.
• Rework the story with those strengths in mind.
• Find someone to read the story for you (preferably multiple someones) and take their comments under advisement. Don’t feel you need to change anything to suit them.
• If you’re planning to submit, do so by April 15, 2017.

 

Go!