Essays Wanted

Call for Stories"For Adams Media's new Hero series, we seek fifty 850-1200 word truestories no later than DECEMBER 15, 2007. We pay $100 per story (oneper volume), plus a copy of the book, and we will also award threeprizes $100, $75, and $50 for the top three stories—and a free copy ofthe published book. A summary of what we want, formattingrequirements, and story tips follows. Please follow them carefully.Also, please click on http://www.literarycottage.com/ and carefully review allthe text under: "Hero Series Guidelines" where sample stories areavailable.My Mom Is My HeroBeing a mother often proves the most difficult, and the mostimportant, job in the world; one that includes conflict but alsobrings rich—albeit often unspoken—rewards. In this anthology, we seekto honor real-life mothers and, therefore, want inspiring, true,personal stories that speak to the challenges, ultimately positiveexperiences, and extraordinary relationships between mothers and theirchildren (mothers of all ages, i.e., grandmothers count). Also a womanwho served as a mother figure, who played a significant role, or whoperformed a heroic deed may also be honored. Heroic deeds range fromrescuing a child from physical peril to holding down a steady job andraising children with exceptional values or work ethics. As we willprint very few stories focused on illness or dying, we encourageauthors to choose another time that illustrates your mother's uniquecharacter, drive, strength, dedication, tenderness, generosity,intelligence, humor, etc. Bring your mother to life on the page andshow the world why she is worthy of accolades.SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2007Please e-mail entries to http://www.blogger.com/ as a separateWord attachment. If you don't have Word available, embed the copy inyour e-mail message (Times New Roman, no special formatting, please).BASICS: 850-1200 WORDS, tightly written, focused, true, upliftingFormatting Requirements:Send all stories as a separate WORD document. If you don't have Word,embed the story into the body of the e-mail.Single-space all contact info (name, address, phone, e-mail) at thetop left of the document.No headers or footers; No page numbers.Use 12 pt. Times New Roman; single or 1.5 spacing.Make Paragraphs flush left with one extra space between them. No indentations.Only use ONE space after a period.Do not put titles in all CAPS; Do not include byline.Do not put "The End" or anything else at the end.At the bottom of your document, please provide a tightly focusedthree-sentence bio. Bios may include selected writing credits, butlimit self-promotion to mention of a website. Humor is good. Link itto the story if relevant.Story Tips:Story must be true and uplifting. We are honoring mothers.Tell a story—utilizing classic story structure, i.e., beginning/middle/endIf you write an essay or profile, they must include dynamic characterizationKeep the focus on your mother/mother-figure; she's the heroine of the story!Use description, characterization, action, and dialogue to bring yourmother to life on the pageFocus on a momentous event that illustrates your mother's heroic characterSHOW us why your mother is/was unique, exceptional, colorful, dramatic, heroicCut right to the chase, open with a scene; do not open with "My mom ismy hero because…."Come up with a snappy, evocative title; avoid "My Mom, My Hero," etc.Avoid death and illness stories (we'll get way too many)Strive for unique, fascinating, entertaining, distinctive talesMake all the characters in the story dimensional, memorablePlease use active voice and strong verbs. Avoid "It was" and "Therewas" sentences.Use potent, succinct modifiers.
Employ a strong voice
Humor is WELCOME