Fiction and "Short Shorts" Fiction:

All pages must contain the title of the work. Also, in the header, include the author’s name and contact information, as well as page numbers. If you don't know what is meant by the term "header," please ask Chuck Tabb (ctabb919@gmail.com).

Be sure to follow the "GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES" on the Journal instructions page (where you were to click the link to this page).

So...

Let us gather round to hear your story.

Enthrall us with a well-organized and unified tale from start to finish. Use effective transitions.

• Employ an appropriate tone.
• Craft sentences that are fluid, interesting, and varied.
• Include exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Make your POV clear.
• Use an appropriate mix of natural dialogue.
• Show us conflict and tension.
• Pace the story.
• Engage us with authentic, memorable characters.

Demonstrate your mastery of grammar and spelling.

• Use arresting vocabulary.
• Let the language fit the context of the story.
• Edit your work to make it as polished as possible (typos, etc.)

Be original, fashioning a unique voice.

• Draw us into your perspective.
• Surprise us with the result.
• Let us visualize the scene.

Above all, make sure your magic engages and connects with the reader.

Short Shorts fiction is fiction no more than 500 words long. All other fiction is considered by the editors to be in the longer "Fiction" category. Please submit to the proper editor, according to the length.

Have us remember your tale long into the future!

Save the file using only the title of the work as its name. For instance, if you write a story (short short or full length) titled "My Story," save it as that, creating a file named "MyStory.docx" for submitting.