I’m not quite sure how many of my readers are aware of Common Ties. It is an amazing story blog that publishes real stories from real people and I can’t say enough good things about it. For quite a while now, I’ve enjoyed quality stories at this site–stories that evoke strong emotion and sometimes tears.

I was elated to discover not too long ago they were seeking stories for a new category–Quickies. What an excellent opportunity! A writer could either submit a longer piece, over 700 words, or a short “Quickie”, under 300 words. The Editor is a dream to work with and payment is something to be proud of. And… I was honored when they published my Quickie, Moses or Man? (Story # 2).

There was more good news recently when I found a call for submissions to an even newer category titled, “20 Questions.” I haven’t had as much time lately to splurge on reading, but I had a few extra minutes today and thought I’d stop by to find a good story to enjoy. I found this first…

I’m astonished.

In a post titled, “Common Ties to Focus Exclusively on 20 Questions“, Editor, Elizabeth Armstrong Moore writes:

“Dear readers:

Effective Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, Common Ties is only accepting submissions to our 20 Questions project and will no longer review stories and quickies. We will continue publishing stories, quickies, and our podcast through the end of January based on our current publishing commitments, and we will continue to review all submissions we have already received and purchase the best of those.”

Click here to read more.

She goes on to explain why this change is taking place. I urge you to read the rest of her post. On a positive note, there is still a wonderful opportunity for writers who pursue this great market. The answers to the questions are only approximately 50 words.

Here are the payment details (as listed on their site):

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We pay for:

1. Answers ($50 per accepted answer; to see answers we’ve bought but that still need artwork, go here)
2. Recordings ($50 per accepted recording; we will approach you if we want you to record your answer; recordings are optional)
3. Artwork (if you submit artwork with your answer, and we choose to publish it, you will receive additional compensation, to be determined per circumstance; artwork is optional)

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What are you waiting for?

If you’re interested, here are the 20 Questions guidelines.

Hope you had a great week writing the cyber highway! Enjoy your weekend.

By

Michele L. Tune

I just discovered that Parade has “ceased payment” for Your Space essays, effective September 14, 2007. Since it’s the weekend, I had the notion to write an essay and submit it to Your Space at Parade. Of course, that notion faded as soon as I read that update, found here. Oh, I’m still going to write an essay. I just won’t submit it to them.

“They may not have even bought your essay!” You might be thinking. True. BUT if they did I’d want to be paid for it, wouldn’t you? Are they working for free? I seriously doubt it!

Writing the cyber highway (for a fee!)….

By

Michele L. Tune

Have you ever noticed a “Progress Edition” in your local newspaper? Well, this is an avenue to pursue your writing! Granted, it probably won’t pay. But if you’re looking to create a list of clips and just get something published, this is a wonderful opportunity! And, who doesn’t love seeing their name in print?

The Progress Edition in my newspaper comes out in November. Another newspaper, runs theirs in Spring. Progress issues usually have a theme of some sort. Last year, our newspaper chose the theme: “Old & New”. I had several pieces published in that issue. One of my articles was longer and wouldn’t fit within the boundaries of the inserted Progress issue, so the newspaper chose to print it on page 3-A!! So, right when I opened the paper, there was my article! Such a blessing, considering I had never had anything published at that time.

That article happened to be about the night Mom and I were stuck out in the harsh elements of the tornado that came through our town. We were trying to get home from church, but couldn’t get to our house because of fallen trees and power lines. Of course, we eventually made it home.

The anniversary of that tornado happened to be the very month the Progress Edition came out. I think that’s one of the reasons that piece was chosen for publication. The editor even had photos of tornado damage from the previous year when they first reported on it, and they added those photos to my story–those photos and the cut line were the icing on the cake!

My Mother was published as well in last years’ Progress issue. She had previously been published in a newspaper before, though, so she wasn’t quite as ecstatic as I was (smile). One of her poems was chosen because it touched on family and weaved the “Old & New” theme throughout. She also had a few articles in that issue.

So, what are you waiting for? Do a little digging and see if you can figure out when your newspaper publishes a Progress Edition. Most newspapers even run ads asking for writers to contribute their stories/photos. They especially love local information and old photos.

Good luck!

By

Michele L. Tune

I’m no seamstress, and I can barely sew a button that’s fallen off a shirt but I came across the guidelines for Sew News magazine. You can study them here. If you sew or interview someone who does, the pay is pretty nice.

If you’re query is accepted, you can expect to receive (according to Sew News’ guidelines at the time I checked them):

“…from $50 to $500, new writers generally $50 to $150, depending on the length and complexity of the subject, and the garment(s), samples, photography, illustrations or sources to be supplied.” –Sew News magazine’s guidelines

‘Sew’, if you’re interested in thread and needle, or just love to write about new things, you may want to shoot for publication in this magazine! Look around, anyone you could interview?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

‘Sew’ long, I’m off to write the cyber highway….

By

Michele L. Tune

This is Sarg, my pet rabbit.

Do you have pets? Have you ever thought of sending a cute photo of them into a magazine, or writing a story/article about your kind of pet? Well, you should consider it. There is a great market for articles about pets, how to care for them, what animals make the best pets for children, etc.

Before you give up on writing, look around. You might just be surprised at how many interesting things there are in your life to write about–especially your fuzzy (or scaly) best friend!

Grab your pet and keep writing the cyber highway!!

By

Michele L. Tune

While searching for markets today, I came across guidelines for Sew News magazine. It looks like a great market. They offer their readers how-to articles with step by step instructions on sewing projects.

Their guidelines can be found here. They even offer a sample query letter in their guidelines. How very kind of them!

I don’t personally sew but some of my family members and friends do, so my thoughts are swirling with story ideas.

I hope you enjoy exploring this market. Here’s to ’sew’ much success writing the cyber highway!