auria “Hussein” cortes

Earlier this week I posted a dialogue I had with a friend of mine where I mentioned that writers write because they have something to say to the world. I stand by that statement, but I’d like to expand on my thought.  

Writers sometimes don’t realize the impact that their words have on their readers. This is the case with Michael Watt.  

Miguel, as I like to call him, writes a weekly column for LongIsland.com. Or should I say used to. You see, he found a new job and retired his column, Banging the Drum. This saddens me for many reasons - most of them selfish.  

Every year on Father’s Day, Miguel recycled a tribute column he wrote about his father called Don’t Worry, Just Juggle. The reason I remain struck by this piece is because Miguel’s experience allowed me to see my father in a way I never saw him before – human.  

That’s the power of honest writing. It engages you. It moves you. It transforms you.

 Click here to read Don’t Worry, Just Juggle.

Cami asked about poetry publications. I mentioned that poetry and short stories are a tough market to crack. But there is always hope. There is a book called Poetry Market that writers may find useful. Here’s a description of the book: Includes over 1,800 completely updated listings

Features exclusive articles, interviews, and how-to guides, keeping readers up-to-date on trends in the poetry publishing world. Offers additional listings for the reader’s personal enrichment, including conferences and workshops, organizations for poets, print and online resources, state arts organizations, and glossaries.

Readers will find all the information necessary to research markets and submit poetry for publication. In addition to market listings, the 2008 Poet’s Market provides how-to material on preparing and submitting manuscripts, identifying markets, relating to editors, and other solid information that makes the book an ideal beginner’s resource as well as a trusted marketing guide that seasoned poets turn to year after year.

Includes the latest developments in poetry writing and publishing through Insider Reports by and about working poets and editors.  

From my experience, books such as Poetry Market are outdated before the book hits the bookstores. For this reason, I recommend borrowing the book from your local library and verifying submission requirements before sending your poetry and short stories to publications.  

One way to gain recognition is by submitting poetry and short stories to online resources. Most of the time there is no compensation but you can gain name recognition. In fact, that’s how Linda got her start. She provided articles for free, became recognized as an expert, and an agent called to offer representation. 

When submitting online for free publications, make sure that YOU retain copyrights to your work and that you are free to recycle your submissions to other publications. If a website owner asks for exclusivity, make sure that it’s not infinite. Meaning they can have exclusivity for a certain amount of time but after that you are able to submit your work elsewhere. At least that is my personal thoughts on the matter. The Black Willow Review is accepting submissions.

When people find out I’m writing a book most inevitably say that they always wanted to write one. Writing a book takes commitment so I can understand someone’s reluctance to begin putting words to paper.  For those of you who want to write but don’t have the time to or the inclination to write a novel, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series is seeking story submissions. This is a great way to begin writing and possibly published without committing to writing a complete book.  There is a topic for just about everyone, including cat lover’s, stay at home moms, green lover’s, teenagers, embarrassing moments, baking with kids, and runner’s soul (there are more on the Chicken Soup for the Soul site).

If you don’t see a topic that interests you, simply write and submit your story anyway. Here are the links to get started: 
Possible book titles  
Submissions guidelines 
Submit a story

In response to Prison Are the New Asylum, Rainlillie (visit her blog) provided the following comment:

If you suffering with a mental illness or know someone who is, visit the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

Tonight my brother is coming into town with his family. Though he’s staying with his in-laws, not me, I am required by Puerto Rican law to go to the airport for a meet-and-greet.  

I’m not sure how this tradition evolved. All I know is if you go to the airport when a flight from Puerto Rico is due to arrive, you will find the nuclear family as well as the extended family in tow to welcome the person arriving to town. My brother is from Florida, but this tradition still applies. 

The round trip drive to the airport will be an hour and a half. The wait at the airport around thirty minutes. The meet-and-greet five minutes.