Poetry should move us, make us think, even make us laugh (we’ve selected some great comic poems here). But poetry can also inspire us and motivate us. Below, we introduce ten of the most inspirational and motivational poems ever written. These are poems which spur us to achieve great things, […]
The post 10 of the Most Inspirational and Motivational Poems appeared first on Interesting Literature.
When I was a child, my parents took my sisters and me apple picking in the Hudson Valley, though we thought of it only as upstate, a place with enough open space to astonish girls from Brooklyn, where running is done from curb to curb.
That was as much as I knew about the Hudson Valley until I went to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Coming and going from class or the library, I’d walk along the edge of campus for the view of the river with the mountains rising behind it. In late in October, the first flush of color appeared, as though the veins of the leaves were lit with a thousand slow-moving fires. To see the mists rising off the Hudson on bitter winter mornings was to see a river of ghosts. In spring, the mountains were green and the river sparked with sunlight. In summer, I was gone. Two hours—the length of the ride on the Metro North from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Station. Two hours, but it was leaving one world for another.
At Marist, I learned that the Hudson Valley is a region of New York with its own distinct history, art, architecture, and literature. My novel, Ghosts of the Missing is set in the fictional Hudson Valley town of Culleton. The book follows Adair McCrohan goes to live with her uncle in the Culleton after the death of her mother. Her uncle is both caretaker and poet-in-residence at a writers’ colony, housed in what was once one of the grand estates of the region.
The books below are either expressly about the Hudson Valley, or they are set there. As Ghosts of the Missing, the past and present often intersect and where they meet, there are hauntings, literal and figurative. Whether fiction or nonfiction, each portray the vibrancy of the region, its folklore, its tragedies, and its beauty.
This book explores how the Hudson Valley gained its reputation as an especially haunted region with ghost stories that span centuries and cultural backgrounds. Richman deftly explains how tales of hauntings often have less to do with the dead and more to do with the living, searching for a way to understand their own world.
Ask Again, Yes is set in the fictional Gillam, based on Pearl River, where author Mary Beth Keane grew up. Two New York City police officers live next door to each other, both having moved away from the city to remove their families from the violence of 1970s New York. The families’ lives remain entangled in ways none of them could ever predict.
TC Boyle won the Penn/Faulkner for World’s End, in which he tells the story of Walter Van Brunt, whose family of Dutch descent, have been settled in the Hudson Valley for generations. The novel spans from the 17th century through the late 1960’s as the heavy-drinking, lost-soul Walter searches for his father and is haunted, literally, by his family’s ghosts.
It’s 1987 and fourteen-year-old June Elbus lives in suburban Westchester with her parents and her older sister. Sensitive June only feels truly at home with her Uncle Finn, a renowned artist who lives in New York City. When he dies of AIDS, she is lost, until her uncle’s partner reaches out to her. This book contrasts safe, even sedate, suburbia with Manhattan, a world June saw on her visits to Finn but one she only begins to experience after he is gone and she begins to visit his grieving boyfriend on her own.
In this memoir by journalist Gwendolyn Bounds, she recounts an experience that is the opposite that of the fictional June Elbus. When Bounds’s Manhattan apartment is badly damaged on September 11, she finds a temporary home in Garrison and a new community in Guinan’s, the Irish bar known locally as the Little Chapel on the River. For Bounds, the Hudson Valley is the opposite of the city, a place of peace and solace. It is what she needs to regain her balance in a world completely changed.
A married couple move from Williamsburg, Brooklyn to their Hudson Valley college town where they become caretakers to an old estate, home to their former writing professor. Here again, the Hudson Valley is a respite to city life. Only in The Widow’s House, Clare Martin’s peace does not last as she begins to believe the old house may be haunted by the ghosts of the family who once lived there.
Kaaterskill Falls is a small town in Greene County, where a robust Orthodox Jewish community spends its summers, alongside the secular, year-round “Yankee” population. Elizabeth Shulman, wife and mother of five, begins to wonder about the world outside the only one she’s ever known.
Light Years is about a couple named Nedra and Viri who are raising their two daughters in their beautiful Hudson Valley home. Salter frequently evokes the serenity of their surroundings, “The river is a reflection. It bears only silence, a glittering cold.” Yet this is one sentence of many can stand as a metaphor for the slowly failing marriage at the center of the book.
In Washington Irving’s short story, published in 1820, Sleepy Hollow as a “sequestered glen” that is part of Tarry Town, where “a drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere.” Ichabod Crane is a schoolteacher and purveyor of ghost stories who becomes one himself when he vanishes in the night, possibly at the hands of the Headless Horseman. Ichabod and the Headless Horseman live on in local lore, both in the story and in life, as Irving’s story is so emblematic of the Hudson Valley, that part of Tarrytown was re-named Sleepy Hollow in its honor.
The post 9 Books Set in the Hudson Valley appeared first on Electric Literature.
Your dog is the smartest and cat is the cuddliest. Surely, you have a tale or two about the time Charlie ate the couch cushions, or Daisy unboxed the UPS delivery.
Pets can be a wonderful inspiration, and there are many outlets looking for your stories.
Study the magazine or website to get a feel for the tone and content. If you’re writing an expository feature, be sure to research fully and use accurate citations. If you are working on a personal story, write from the heart. Good hi-res photos are usually welcome.
Why not combine your love of animals with your talent in writing? Here are 18 outlets to pitch.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of publications that will consider your pet articles, as well as tips on how to pitch the editor, how to contact and, whenever possible, how much the outlet pays. The details of payment often depend on each editor, the amount of work involved and your experience.
Here are 18 opportunities for pet writers.
This national magazine features heartwarming stories about the animals who share our lives. They publish true first person accounts, interviews and inspiring articles. One way to break in is by submitting much-needed material to these columns: Is This for Real? Their Mysterious Ways, Creature Comforts and Should I Be Worried? (Study the magazine for examples.)
Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.
How to pitch: Pitch allcreatures@guideposts.org. Include as many specifics in the subject line as possible. (i.e. “Submission: Mysterious Horse Sighting Confirmed Mom Was Watching Over Us”).
Simply Pets is a lifestyle magazine for the whole family, available digitally or in print and sold in Barnes & Noble stores. The website describes the magazine as “one that represents you as a pet parent, as well as your petkids, your values and your interests as a pet-loving person.”
Payment: No monetary compensation, but author bio and links will promote you to their audience.
How to pitch: Check out their submission guidelines and email info@simplypetsmagazine.com with “Great story to be told” in the subject line.
The brand’s popularity and the high volume of stories in each book make Chicken Soup for the Soul an exciting market for authors. Each volume features 101 true stories submitted by writers just like you. For animal lovers, there are opportunities to contribute to a new dog book and a new cat book each year. All stories should be true and written in first person.
Payment: $200, plus 10 free copies of the book where your story appears.
How to pitch: Submissions are accepted only through the website form.
Well-researched, journalistic articles are most likely to find a home in this magazine, seeking to publish “literate and entertaining” dog-centric articles and stories. They also accept shorter web articles (less than 600 words).
Payment for magazine: Varies according to complexity and length of article, and is individually negotiated. Payment for website only, plus a one-year complimentary subscription to The Bark.
How to pitch: Submit magazine article or queries to submissions@thebark.com, submit website articles to editor@thebark.com with “YOUR LAST NAME and WEB ORIGINALS SUBMISSION” in the subject line.
This website posts entertaining, highly shareable animal videos and stories. Writers have an opportunity to tell stories that go along with their videos and slide shows. Think popular, trendy, and amazing!
Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.
How to pitch: Send your pitch here.
Dogster is a popular magazine and website where dog lovers come together for expert advice on everything from dog breeds, to barking, to training issue, to dog cancer treatments.
Payment: Varies.
How to pitch: Submit queries only (no fully written articles) here.
Cat lovers will find informative articles in this magazine and website, on topics such as cat breeds, vocalizations, feeding and health and wellness.
Payment: Varies
How to pitch: Submit queries only (no fully written articles) here.
Articles in this magazine focus on holistic healing and provide readers with information to help them make health care choices for their dogs and cats. They’re looking for articles on topics including physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. To break in, consider writing short features such as Animal Passages, Warm & Fuzzy, and Tail End. (See magazine for examples.)
Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.
How to pitch: Send complete articles or story outlines to ann@redstonemediagroup.com.
This inspirational magazine is always looking for great animal stories. Guideposts publishes true, first person stories about people who have attained a goal, surmounted an obstacle or learned a helpful lesson through their faith. When writing about your pet, be sure to write about how that pet has helped you heal, physically or emotionally.
Payment: Varies with pitch, length of article, research involved, etc.
How to pitch: Submit your query here.
You’ll find multiple opportunities for submitting to this print and digital pet magazine. They’re looking for informative articles, profiles of local rescue organizations, articles on breed profiles, training how-to’s, seasonal tips and informational guides on exotic pets.
Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.
How to pitch: Query with a short synopsis of your article to Editor@PetsInTheCityMagazine.com with “Submission: article/store title xx word count” in subject line.
You can also submit these short features:
Do you have an uplifting, true story about you and your cat? Or an expert post about natural cat health and wellbeing? This site is looking for helpful posts including DIY eco cat toys, green cat care options, and helpful or inspiring content about cat healing, behavior, and healthy and holistic feeding. Articles that are 500-1,300 words is the ideal range.
Payment: No monetary compensation.
How to pitch: Submit your full article in email to liz@naturalcatcareblog.com with “Guest Post Submission” in the subject line.
This website offers a wide range of perspectives on a variety of pets and pet subjects. They’re looking for helpful articles, as well as posts from nonprofit organizations and pet vendors about their work and products.
Payment: $20/article
How to pitch: Query managing editor Jessica Smith at managerjessica@yourpetspace.info.
The Chronicle of the Horse is a national bi-weekly magazine focused on dressage, jumping, foxhunt, steeplechase racing and other sport horse news. In addition, they publish articles on horse care and profiles of prominent horse people. They occasionally accept humor, human interest and historical articles.
The Chronicle of the Horse Untacked, a sister publication, is looking for articles on fashion, travel, product reviews and other elements of the equestrian lifestyle.
Payment: News stories (approximately 1,500 words) offer payment of $165-$220. Feature articles offer payment of (approximately 1,500-2,500 words) $150-$400.
How to pitch: Submit stories to brasin@coth.com.
It’s hard to imagine an aspect of equestrian life and horsemanship that isn’t covered on this website. Subjects include horse sports, trends, training, health, cowboy culture, fashion, art, literature and more. They are currently seeking articles on horse health, profiles, interviews, and human interest stories.
Payment: $50 and up for an article. In addition, you’ll receive extra compensation ($100) if your post becomes popular on social media.
How to pitch: Submit your work here.
Reptiles is a bimonthly magazine catering to reptile and amphibian hobbyists at all levels of experience, from beginner to veteran. They are seeking articles on pet reptile husbandry, breeding “herps” in captivity, field herping/travel, conservation and health.
Payment: $300 on average, for 2a ,000 to 2,500 word piece with photos.
How to pitch: Email your query to reptileseditorial@gmail.com.
If your hobby involves aquariums and fishkeeping, you may find just the right outlet for your writing in Tropical Fish Hobbyist. They’re seeking articles about freshwater fish, saltwater fish, aquatic plants, aquarium basics, food and feeding. Articles should be between 10,000 and 20,000 characters-with-spaces.
Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.
How to pitch: Submit manuscripts as email attachments to associateeditor@tfh.com.
The CKC audience includes dog breeders, dog owners, canine professionals, puppy buyers, affiliate clubs and event participants. According to their website, “If you’re as passionate about dogs as we are, we would love to feature your work on our site.” They are looking for articles on responsible breeding, training, health, nutrition, grooming, lifestyle, travel, DIY projects, recipes, and opinion pieces.
Payment: No monetary compensation.
How to pitch: Submit your work to editor@ckcusa.com.
This website is devoted to “finned, feathered and furry fun.” The site is full of sharable photos and videos, and you can also submit your true stories.
Payment: This information is not disclosed on the website.
How to pitch: Send your story to IHeartPetsOnline@gmail.com.
Have you pitched any of these pet publications? Do you have other favorites you’d add to the list?
Photo via 4 PM production / Shutterstock
The post Write About Your Furry Friends: 18 Pet Publications That Want Your Stories appeared first on The Write Life.
You’ve spent countless hours writing and revising, crossing every “t” and dotting every “i.” Your work is, without a doubt, publication-ready. So why aren’t you submitting it? Perhaps you’re afraid of rejection. Maybe you don’t have the time for all the research involved, or you’d rather be reading or writing! At Writer’s Relief, we know all the reasons why writers resist making creative writing submissions—and all the reasons why you should make those submissions anyway! If you want to get published, it’s time to get motivated, stop revising, and start submitting.
Reason #1: You’re afraid your work will be tossed aside and rejected.
Solution: Change how you think about rejection letters!
Putting your work out there can feel like sharing a piece of your innermost self with every editor or literary agent you contact. But remember, rejection isn’t personal—and many times it has nothing to do with the quality of your writing!
If you’re making one submission, waiting weeks or months to hear back, then submitting to the next name on your list, it may be time to change things up. Instead, try sending your submission to multiple carefully researched markets at once! And keep sending out work on a regular schedule. With this strategy, the occasional rejection won’t sting as much, because you’ll have plenty of fish left in the sea! And you’ll also boost your odds of getting an acceptance. Remember, all writers deal with a LOT of rejection—even well-known, successful authors!
Reason #2: You’d rather be reading or writing. (Well, who wouldn’t?)
Solution: Smart time management!
Schedule time for each activity you want to accomplish. You could also use reading or writing time as a “reward” for making submissions. For example: Tell yourself that if you make five submissions, you get to write for half an hour or read a chapter of that great new book you can’t put down. Bonus: The time you spend submitting will pass more quickly, and you’ll feel more rejuvenated when you go back to making submissions!
Reason #3: You have too many WIPs and other responsibilities.
Solution: Be realistic about how many projects you can juggle!
It happens to the best of us. You get sidetracked from making submissions because of a busy week at work, running errands, children’s after-school activities, or trying to write too many projects at once. While multitasking is a great way to fuel a writer’s creativity, all writers have a limit—and if you’re trying to do too much, your submissions are sure to suffer. Take an honest look at your to-do list and rearrange your priorities to give yourself more time to focus on your submissions.
You can also delegate! Share weekly cooking and cleaning responsibilities, or join a car pool and take turns picking up the kids. You could hire a service to mow the lawn or clean the gutters. You can even delegate the busywork of making submissions. At Writer’s Relief, we handle all the time-consuming tasks: researching and pinpointing where to send (and just as important, where NOT to send) submissions, formatting, and proofreading. Submit work to our Review Board today; Writer’s Relief clients have more time and energy for writing, salsa dancing, whatever!
Reason #4: You didn’t get any acceptances the first time, so why bother sending out more work?
Solution: Adjust your expectations—getting published is a marathon, not a sprint!
Many writers ask themselves, “If I’m not getting published, what’s the point of making submissions?” We all wish each submission resulted in an acceptance, but for almost every writer, it takes a lot more perseverance. Often, you need to cast a wide net and make a lot of submissions in order to get published. Even the best writing may need to be submitted to many literary journals or agents before it finds its perfect match—we advise our clients that on average, it takes up to 100 submissions to get one acceptance. Don’t sabotage your own writing career by giving up too soon!
Reason #5: You don’t think your work is ready to submit.
Solution: Let go of the drive to be perfect!
While it’s important to proofread and review your work and revise when necessary, many writers get held back because they want their work to be perfect before submitting it for publication. But often, a writer’s perfectionism is actually self-doubt in disguise. By and large, writers are far too critical of their own work! While reading your work, consider how you would look at it if it were written by your best friend or someone in your writing group. You may discover you’re judging your work too harshly.
Having a consistent submission schedule can help. If you have to send your completed work out by a certain date, the urge to constantly revise and rework will be outweighed by having to finish your piece before the submission deadline.
Today, practically all literary journals and agents accept submissions online—so sending your submission can be done in just a few clicks!
Where should you be clicking? On markets that have been researched and targeted to your writing style! Writer’s Relief has over twenty-five years of experience in pinpointing the best markets, kicking resistance to the curb, and helping writers boost their odds of getting published. And for some extra motivation, here are a few writers who’ve tried Writer’s Relief: See what happened!
Question: What’s the biggest reason why you don’t send out submissions?
As Writer’s Digest celebrates its 100th anniversary, the editors want to know, What are your favorite books? Comment for a chance at publication in a future post on the website or in an issue of the magazine.
In 2020, Writer’s Digest is celebrating 100 years of publication. As a result, we’re putting together lists of 100, and we would love your help. For this list, we’re trying to compile our favorite books, whether they’re fiction, nonfiction, poetry, literary, mystery, science fiction, romance, western, etc.
Pick one book (your absolute favorite), or pick several (because it’s so hard to pick just one). And share your answer below in the comments.
We’re interested in all genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s, and/or some other hybrid. So include the book title(s), author(s), and what you like about the book(s).
Here are the guidelines:
The post What Are Your Favorite Books? (From Our Readers) by Robert Lee Brewer appeared first on Writer's Digest.
In this week’s Dispatches from The Secret Library, Dr Oliver Tearle ponders the curious story of Philomela the nightingale from classical myth The story of Philomela is well-known. But a quick reminder never hurts, so here’s the story: Tereus … marries Procne, the daughter of Pandion. Tereus coming a second […]
The post Was Philomela Really a Nightingale? appeared first on Interesting Literature.