Friday, January 14, 2022

A NEW RELEASE by SHANNON LAWRENCE! THE BUSINESS OF SHORT STORIES ...

Hi All,

Today, I am thrilled to announce Shannon Lawrence's  forthcoming book, THE BUSINESS OF SHORT STORIES...

Blurb: Whether you're looking to add short stories to your repertoire as a solo pursuit or in addition to novel writing, The Business of Short Stories covers every aspect from writing to marketing. Learn the dynamics of short story writing, where to focus your editing efforts, how and where to submit, how to handle acceptances and rejections, what to do with reprints, and how to market yourself and your stories online and in person. The information in The Business of Short Stories has been distilled from over a decade of short story publishing experience so you don't have to learn the hard way. You'll find information on submission formatting, cover letters, querying a collection, sending proposals to writing events, how to create a website, SEO, social media, and so much more. This is an invaluable resource for short story writer

"There's never been a better time to get into short stories!" 

I couldn't agree more, that is why I preordered my copy. For those of you, who like me, is finding it hard to get your novel published, why not start with short stories and build up your writing experience and portfolio. Often, agents and publishers ask for writing credentials and if you have a few short stories published, it may help...it certainly couldn't hurt. I can't wait until the end of the month to start my short story journey. Why not start yours as well? 2022 is forecasted to be an excellent publishing year. Now is the time to get your stories out to the readers who will enjoy them.

Here is more information about Shannon and her collected works.


Author Bio: Shannon Lawrence has made a career of short stories, with over a decade of experience and more than fifty short stories published in magazines and anthologies. In addition, she's released three horror short story collections with a mix of new and previously published stories. Her true crime podcast Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is going into its third season. 


Book: The Business of Short Stories: Writing, Submitting, Publishing, and Marketing
Author: Shannon Lawrence
ISBN: 978-1-7320314-5-6
Format/Price: Print ($13.99) and e-book ($3.99)
Release Date: February 1, 2022


(**Note: Shannon is waiting on the pre-order for the paperback, and will send that out when she receives it)

The book will also be available after the release date from Ingram, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other sites.

Shannon's website and social media:





Wednesday, January 5, 2022

A GREAT WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR... AN IWSG POST


 Hi All,

First, I would like to wish everyone a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS new year!   is incredible how quickly 2021 passed us. I know it has been a long year for many, but even though it was a trying year, we managed to get through it. 

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and the illustrious IWSG team, we were able to vent our anxieties all through this troubling year. Please sign up at Alex's site if you would like to join us.

During the closing months of 2021, I decided to write an essay and a few short stories to submit into various venues...well, I am DELIGHTED to say that my first published work will be featured in the IWSG-FIRST LOVE ANTHOLOGY! My story, Oliver's Girl, was selected! It has been a very long journey for me to publication, and I am honored to have my story chosen. This is my first step, and I hope an pray this is the begining of many more to come. 

I plan to submit a pitch for the IWSG Twitter Pitch on January 26th. Mark that day if you have a polished and completed work to pitch! You never know, your pitch may be picked! I have queried my latest WIP with no luck, so this is my last "pitch." So many of my collegues have selfpublished and have been very successful. Perhaps it is time for me to do the same. The publishing world has changed dramatically since I started to write over ten years ago and the forcast for this year is very positive. With Covid still amongst us, many people have turned to reading. I have certainly read more. There was an amazing article that I read on Anne R. Allen's blog about the 2022 publishing forecast. It was very insightful and a must read. Here is the link

Well, my friends, thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful January. Stay warm and safe.

HAPPY IWSG DAY!