Fairy Tales are Hot, So Why Not Write One?

Once upon a time, life was very grim.

In case haven't noticed, fairy tales are hot. In the fall television line up alone I've found two network programs that are about fairy tales.

NBC has Grimm on Friday nights. I've watched a few episodes, and I find myself strangely attracted to the show. One of the main characters is a St. Louis native, so that got my attention. David Guintoli plays Nick Burckhardt, a detective and "Grimm-creature profiler." So far in the series, we've seen Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and a Jagerbar. Okay. That's one I hadn't heard of before. The program is scary and so far interesting, but with some violent scenes. When those come on, I cover my eyes and peek through my fingers.

Over on ABC, there's Once Upon a Time. It's a modern-day adaptation of Snow White, Prince Charming, and the Evil Queen. The action takes place in Stonybrooke, where the mayor is a controlling, evil, well - witch. Then there's Mary Margaret, the sweet teacher, and Emma Swan, the stranger who comes to town, and don't forget Jiminy Cricket and Rumpelstiltskin. The series is more sugar-coated than Grimm, but so far it's been entertaining.

If you're into writing fairy tales, here's a call for submission for adult writers from Vestal Review that caught my eye (it didn't really catch my eye; my eyes are still intact, but you know what I mean). 

* Theme - A twist on classic fairy tales. "About the yet unheard adventures of Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White or any other well-known fairy tale character. Interpret the theme broadly and imaginatively, but incline toward a literary story."
* Flash fiction (limit 500 words)
* Deadline November 30, 2011
* State the source tale’s name before the title.
* No more than two submissions per author.
* Pay rates vary, depending on story length.
* "Stories of great merit receive up to $25 flat fee; 3 cents a word is a minimum pay in any case.”

** For complete details and to submit your story, click on their submission guidelines.

Good luck.

The End.

Becky Povich in Vestal Review's The Dirty Dozen

Today in St. Peters, MO: Mostly sunny, high 69. Bring on the sunshine!

Here's some good news from a writing friend and fellow member of Saturday Writers: A flash fiction story by Becky Povich has just been selected by Vestal Review as one of three winning entries for the month of October 2009. Becky's story can be read online and will be included in their next print edition. The reason for the name Dirty Dozen is that the story can only have 12 words, plus a one word title. For more about the Dirty Dozen visit http://vestalreview.net/dirtydozenOctober2009.html

Way to go, Becky!

Monday's Market: Vestal Review

Today in St. Peters, MO: Foggy and misty this morning, expected high of 85 degrees.

If you like to flash--that is if you like writing flash fiction--Vestal Review is a print and on-line publication that accepts submissions up to 500 words. The have two submission periods: February-May and August-November and accept only two submissions per person during each period.

They do not accept porn, racial slurs, excessive gore, or obscenity. On the other end of the spectrum, no children's or preachy stories either. They love humor, and the title is an important part of the story. Make it pertinent but don't tell too much. They generally don't favor one-word titles.

Payment is in cash and contributors' copies.

Stories up to 100 words (excluding the title)--10 cents a word.

Stories between 101 and 200 words--5 cents a word.

Stories between 201 and 500 words--3 cents a word.

Stories of great merit receive up to $25 flat fee; 3 cents a word is a minimum pay in any case.
In addition, every contributor will get one free copy. For complete guidelines, visit their website.

I've submitted a few flash pieces and have gotten some kind rejection e-mails from Editor/Publisher/Webmaster Mark Budman. Maybe I'll try again this submission period. How about you? I know some of my regular visitors are great at writing humor.