I'm done :)

I finished my writing sample for FamilyHow.com. They asked for 600 - 1000 words. My article is 870 words. Now to find out if they are going to continue giving the assignments or if they are going to allow me to write whatever in the categories they wish to cover.
They're asking for 20 articles each month, so I need to get started soon to meet their goal. I'll try to be patient as I don't want to write whatever and find out I've wasted my time.

No other writing was accomplished today, but I did mull around a story. Need to get it on paper soon since it's about to get lost. (been thinking it over for about a week now)

At the author's meeting with the "The Lamplighters" Harriet gave me the greatest idea for a title for the story--'Do You Even Have a Clue?'. It was the ninth story I wrote and posted on fanstory.com, a writing community. I'm including it in my ebook Short, Shorter, Shortest

I read a really good story the other day. Here's a link so that you too may enjoy this heartwarming story.
Hunting with Orion. Take a read and cheer him on. He's entered it in the Micro Award contest.

Happy writing, revising and submitting. May the contest be in your favor.

Found a website that is looking for writers

FamilyHow.com

Deseret Digital Media (owned by the LDS church) is launching a new site called FamilyHow.com. It is all about building and strengthening families throughout the world.

They are looking for writers who can produce 20 articles per month. Pay

is $10 per article, dependent on quality. This is an ongoing, freelance position.

If you are interested, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to support@familyhow.com by December 3rd.

In your cover letter, please specify your native language AND which of the following topics you are qualified to write about: pregnancy, baby, kids, teens, character, activities, school, marriage, family fun, safety, money wise, health, addiction, home life, personal growth, grandparents, and memories.

For your writing sample, please write a 600 – 1,000 word article about how to show love to your children. For examples, please visit FamilyHow.com.

Also, If you've written a picture book, go here and sign up to win a free edit

http://deareditor.com/2012/11/29/newsflash-free-full-picture-book-edit-giveaway/

Good luck.

Happy writing, submitting and finding a writing job.

The Orion Sky

is published in the newsletter so it's time to share it with you. Maximum 500 words, this story comes in at 495. With no further ado, here's "The Orion Sky"

Mary paced, agitation growing each time the short distance between walls required her to turn. Like a caged tiger, her muscles begged for the freedom outside her imprisonment. Her feet, raw and bleeding from the constant motion and attempts to escape, sent pain up her calves into her thighs. Mentally, she once again prepared to leap to the lone, open, barred window located about ten feet above the floor.

The metallic stench of fresh and old blood filled the small room and stuck to her tongue with each breath. She stopped momentarily to test the strength of the forming blood-bond. She shivered from the cool autumn air snaking in the window and slithering down the valleys created by the adjoining
rocks.

She smiled and leaned against the opposite wall. Breathing deeply, she fought nausea and prepared to run the four feet. She ignored her tired muscles, squatted and relished in the explosion of her calves and thighs. Her hands stuck to the sill and her feet to outcropping rocks. Pushing upward and inward, she ignored the pain as her arms scraped against the rough surface. The
bars, her target, were deep in the opening and she wanted to grab them before the blood-bond broke.

Yes! She hung, her hands clamped on the cold bars, her breathing fast and shallow and her feet slipping from fresh oozing blood. Determined, she ignored her body's complaints over the lack of sleep, meager meals, and blood loss. Shear will helped her pull until her chest rested on the sill. One by one she greeted her friends located within the Orion Constellation.

"Betelgeuse, how are you my friend? Are you ready?"

"Bellatrix, how beautiful you are. It's almost time."

Alnitak, Alnilam, Mintaka, my young friends, time to stop playing and get ready."

"Salph, I hope I find you well."

Rigel, my bright friend, ready to get things moving?"

Her laughter ricocheted off the trees, buildings and expanded toward the heavens. The cool
autumn breeze shook the paper-dry leaves and chilled her face and chest as it further entangled her matted, golden hair.

"You thought to stop the prophesies by locking me in this cell," she shouted to the empty streets.

Mary watched with exhilaration as the townspeople, uncertain, exited their homes and businesses.

"Behold the Heavens," she commanded the people and then raised her voice to the
constellation, "Orion the Hunter, it's time to rid the Earth of all beasts."

Shaky gasps and exclamations of fear and wonder flew toward the heavens. The diamond ring-like brilliant display of Bellatrix's super nova and the foretold comet passing through the ring completed the wedding vows and stories of old.

Silent fear erupted into a loud roar that shook the earth to its very core. The walls freed Mary
and the stars went out. The last words the living heard and felt were these: "Welcome to the end of the world," followed by Mary's cackle.

And fire spread, consuming everything in its path.

As I stated, this is not a fluffy story. Happy reading.

Submission "Ten Little Gator Eggs"

I submitted "Ten Little Gator Eggs" to Adams Literary Agency. I submitted via of an online form. I like online forms and email because these types of submissions use less paper.

I'm still working on the Galley Cat challenge. I'm writing the story and then I'll make the adjustments to using only the common words. The list is too long to write using the words first. I've looked it over and I have a general idea of the what will be close so that hopefully I'll only have a few changes. I really like that their text box highlights the words that aren't on the list. When it's finished, I'll post it here.

I haven't done much with assignment 6 since I finished the research. I really need to get back to that. I'm not doing well getting a manuscript finished in a given time frame. Can't get into the habit of missing deadlines.

I've completed my list of previous manuscripts. I plan to revise, if necessary, and read them at the Lamplighters Meeting. I haven't decided which site--Wattpad or Smashwords to upload the book as I prepare it for submission.

I want to work more on writing with greater emotion. I feel my writing has a tendency to be dry in this area. I'm pretty sure that will be cured if I read more.

Happy reading, writing and submitting.

Okay, I took the day off

from writing, but spent a great deal of time in the kitchen with our oldest daughter. What a wonderful time we had and the meal was perfect. The family had a great time and the food was the best.

I found a challenge you might be interested trying.

Galley Cat--Write a short story only using the 1,000 most common words. From their site:

"The Up-Goer Five Text Editor will limit your vocabulary to the 1,000 most popular words in the English language. See the complete list at this link. The site was inspired by this xkcd cartoon that explained space travel using the simplest possible vocabulary."

The text editor will not allow you to use any other word. Check it out here:

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/write-with-the-1000-most-popular-words_b61048

Want to know the words? Check them out here:

http://splasho.com/upgoer5/phpspellcheck/dictionaries/1000.dicin

This is tempting. Will have to see if I have time.

I've also started rounding up the stories. Trying to decide whether or not I should revise them. I'm pretty sure I will since most were 2-3 years ago and before I took the writing course.

Wrote some musings I think I'll include in the ebook.

Happy writing, revising and creating your book.

Happy Thanksgiving and Are You Taking the Day Off?

I'm not sure yet. Here's what I've done the past few days.

Today I submitted Ten Little Gator Eggs to President Lauri Hornik of Dial for Young Readers. It's a four month turn around time, so this is another one for the long haul.

On a sad note: the first submission, sent to Laura Rennert of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency has timed out. Need to continue moving on.

I've decided to, and have been accumulating, my previous stories for an ebook. Tori will be the illustrator. It's been on my mind for a time and I finally realized what was being asked. I'm considering the title: Short, Shorter, Shortest: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry by Dennise Sleeper

Have a Happy and productive Thanksgiving, whether you plan to take the day off or not. (not sure if I am or not. Let you know later)

Submitted "No Laughing Matter"

Thanks to a great friend, I was able to submit No Laughing Matter to the Writer's Digest Short, Short Story Contest.

I also received notification that the October prompt, Orion Sky was received. They have been without electricity since Hurricane Sandy. Guess they finally got it back. As promised, once it's posted in the newsletter, I'll post it here.

The Lamplighters loved my story This is the Dog. Now I'm waiting for the organization to confirm I'm representing them fairly. I'm already researching places to submit this story.

Happy writing, researching and submitting.