Writerly Ways

[cornerofmadness]

I don't have much. Today was frustrating. My power went out every 10-15 minutes from 9-2, just flicked on and off but every time it interrupted me trying to make sure my online class components were ready so I had to go to work to do it. I've spiraled down into a pretty big depressive episode today.

I know I was going to talk about open calls etc so let me ask you this, those of you using Duotrope, do you like it? Is it worth the money? I'm giving it hard consideration because too many open calls are going the theater audition route i.e. they post acceptances to duotrope only.

I have two dozen short stories that I think are decent enough to try and find a home for so I need better ways of finding markets. If you don't use duotrope, what do you use? What do you like about it? Thanks

Open Calls


Author Applications for “Beyond the Galactic Tide” are Now Open! Aces in Space. I would love to put in an application but I am not at all sure I could do a story in the time allotted (which isn't fast but my brain is a bag of snakes right now)

Sinister Systems SF Horror

Tales to Terrify : Women in Horror Month Flash Fiction Flash fiction from *previously unpublished authors* who are female-identified or femme-presenting

Defying Death

ECO25 The most compelling and thought-provoking ecofiction published in 2025

Doom Scroll Horror that is rooted in social dynamics, absurdism, and mundanity.

5 Paying Literary Magazines to Submit to in January 2026

51 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for January 2026


From Around the Web

How to Get Rid of Filter Words in Your Writing (and When to Leave Them Alone) This is even better than the site I've been using

The Crucial Ingredient Your Story May Be Missing

A Tale in Two Parts: Top Tips for Writing a Duology

The One Book Every Editor Wants to Publish

Writing builds resilience by changing your brain, helping you face everyday challenges

Unlocking Unforgettable Characters

How to Write What You Love and What Readers Want (Write Big, Ep 6)

Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2025

How to Balance Research and Writing.



From Betty


How to Write a Tournament Arc (for me I'm SO tired of this trope because I DO watch anime)

How to Write Short Stories That Captivate Readers

Depicting Characters Held Back by Fear

How to Describe Layout & Position

2026 Is the Year Writers Stop Being Invisible

What Developmental Editing Does for New Authors

Lighten Your Creative Load: A New Year Invitation

What a Difference a Day Makes

Make Retreats Part of Your Writing Life

Coping Mechanism Thesaurus Entry: Keeping Relationships Superficial

Helpful Picture Book Tips and Tricks (Plus a Giveaway!)

Tricks For Fixing A Sagging Middle

Tips for getting your creativity on track

What Football Teaches Writers About Success, Wins, and Perseverance

Choosing the Right Words: Why Word Choice Matters for Writers

How Secondary Characters Strengthen Plot, Character, and Story Flow

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Independent Publishing and Long-Term Control

Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year

“Repair Shop” Your Manuscript

Comments

[spikedluv]

OMG, the power going out and coming back on like that over and over would be so frustrating! Sorry you had to go to work to finish up the exam, but at least you weren't interrupted by power outages. (I hope. o_O)

[cornerofmadness]

no I was fine and came home to find out the power had NOT gone off while I was gone