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The Recurring Nightmare

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Nightmare

The sound came from far away reaching deep into her dreams. She twisted underneath the covers and listened for the disturbing sound. A frown creased her brows.

There it was again – louder. The temperature in the room rose. She tossed from side to side and kicked at the covers. The chilly night air mingled with the sweat covering her body. The sound grew more frantic. She groped for the comforter and pulled it to her chin, shivering.

A whimper escaped her lips. Oh my, God. It was the baby. Get up, get up. Her heart pounded against her chest as the cries tore at her heart. Kicking the covers to the floor, she called out, “I’m coming.”But, she couldn’t move. She thrashed against the force keeping her in place.

“Honey, wake up, wake up.” The firm touch and steady words of her husband broke through the fog, and she opened her eyes.

“You’re having a nightmare,” he said.

“Let me go,” she said pushing at his hands. “The baby’s crying.”

He held her in place. “Look at me, look at me.” She stopped struggling and turned to him. He shook his head, no. “It was a nightmare.”

Tears flowed from her eyes. “It was real. The baby was crying. I heard it.” Her whispered words faded into the night.

He pulled her to his chest.”I’m so sorry, honey.”

“Oh, God. What did I do?” Choking sobs filled the silent room.

“Ssh, it’s okay,” he said, stroking her hair; it was all he knew to do.

 

Care and Feeding of Beta Readers

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

Stephanie Snow’s post, Care and Feeding of Beta Readers, could not have come at a better time. I’m currently working with a few beta readers on a story collection I’m in the process of self-publishing. Her tips are excellent. Give Stephanie a shout out at Bare Knuckle Writer and as always, I’d love to hear your comments.Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

bareknucklewriter's avatarBare Knuckle Writer

Writers Tears DO: give thematically-appropriate gifts.

DO give them a properly formatted, grammatically-correct, spell-checked manuscript.* It’s annoying as hell to wade through someone’s poor grammar to try and understand their story.

DON’T respond to critiques about poor formatting, poor grammar, misspellings, or misused words with “that’s just how I like to do it.” That’s fine if you’re journalling just for yourself, but the second you give someone a manuscript to read you’re on their time and you owe it to them to follow the rules of engagement. Also, you sound like an entitled twat.**

DO include any relevant reference material. Maps (especially for alternate world settings) and glossaries are useful for understanding some stories.

DON’T foist your whole world-building bible off on them so they can be awed by your genius. They won’t be.

DO offer compensation. Some don’t want it, but you should still offer. It doesn’t have to be money…

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Do You Find The Submission Process Stressful?

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 13 Comments

SylvesterI don’t know about you but submitting my work has become very time-consuming, confusing, and stressful. The sheer number of journals, magazines, and contests from which to choose is overwhelming. Where to start? Which one is the best fit for me?

In the past, I’ve used Duotrope, NewPages, and The Review Review to help narrow my selections, but hell, by the time I get through reading and researching, I’ve missed the deadlines. And, it seems I’m not alone feeling so frustrated with the process.

In the June issue of the Literary Hub, Erika Dreifus discusses the submission process and provides a list of 13 questions to ask before submitting to any literary journal. You can read her article and the questions, here.

Want a way to stay up to date? Get the details on awards, contests, general submissions, and deadlines? Now you can.

Download your free copy of the 2016 Literary Calendar from The Master’s Review. Click to Tweet.

What methodology or resources do you use when deciding where to submit? Share your pointers with us.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Darkness has Descended

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

DAILY PROMPT: Darkness

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Darkness has descended on our nation, but it didn’t arrive on its own accord. The horror that happened in Dallas last night is a new low for our country, and now we find ourselves more divided as a people than every before.

I want each one of us to stop and think for a moment – What would our world look like without the brave men and women who wear the badge and walk the beat every day to keep each one of us safe? I can tell you, without police officers, the world we know would turn into chaos and anarchy.

I’m not minimizing the concerns of officer-related shootings. I understand people are upset and want answers about the shootings in Baton Rouge and Minnesota, but we don’t know what happened. It’s time to reserve judgment and let the investigation and the facts speak the truth.

Darkness has indeed descended on out country. We have a choice, to buy into the dishonest rhetoric, blame it on guns, or band together as citizens and support those who run toward the danger so we might stay safe.

I stand with every officer and first responder. I pray for the families who lost a mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, husband, or wife. I stand with each officer during this dark time and say, thank you for your service. Thank you for keeping me and my family safe. You are my hero.