A Writing Exercise

Are you in a slump with your writing? Here’s an idea I’ve used a few times with success. Follow these steps.

1. On Six Questions For.. ., scroll down until you see the list of magazines included on the site on the right
2. Select two or three zines you ARE NOT familiar with by name
3. On an index card (one per magazine):
1. Write down the name of the journal and the editor(s)
2. Next write down the genres published
3. Below that list what the editor is looking for
4. Beside that, list the things that turn the editor off
5. Finally, list any additional information that might be helpful
6. Now get ready, set, and GO. (Hint: In some interviews, I ask about a theme song. If one is mentioned, try playing it while you write your first draft to get you in the mood. Or it might help with selecting a theme.)
7. Once you’ve worked on a few drafts, go back to your lists and make sure you’ve included items on the “want” side and omitted any on the turn-offs. AND BE HONEST.
8. Next READ THE GUIDELINES for formatting instructions and other information not included in the SQF interview. According to a vast majority of the editors interviewed, not reading the guidelines is the most mentioned problem with submissions. And remember, the guidelines pertain to EVERYONE no matter how many publications you have.
9. Edit your piece one more time, if needed, then send it off.

But the magazine I chose publishes sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. I don’t write that kind of story. YOU DO NOW! The same goes for children’s lit, westerns, or any other genre. Be brave and stretch your writing muscles. You might surprise yourself. Yes, it may require research on your part, but I bet it’ll be worth it in the end.

I ran into this with a story I wrote for a zine that published ‘weird’ stories. There’s no real definition for ‘weird stories’

 that I could find, so I read a few pieces in the magazine (something one should do anyway), and actually came up with a story the editor liked! As far as speculative fiction (or any other genre), there are a number of sites online with definitions. Check out the Horror Writers Association (horror.org), or the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (sfwa.org). You might find the genre is not as mysterious as you think it is.

Okay, it’s time to get started on your new adventure. So, good writing, and good luck!