A Call for Stories: "My Mom Is My Hero"

The "My Mom Is My Hero" anthology editor reports being very short on quality entries; thus, the deadline for submissions has been extended to December 15th.

The anthology is in need of solidly written stories, particularly with strong characterization and compelling story lines. The heroism doesn't have to be spectacular by any means, but the story does need to be well told.

A mother figure, grandmother, or a mother you know qualifies. The publisher will only allow five illness/death stories in the total work so I'm encouraging everyone to
write about everyday heroism.

Here are the Guidelines.

For Adams Media's new Hero series, we seek fifty 850-1200 word true stories no later than DECEMBER 15, 2007. We pay $100 per story (one per volume), plus a copy of the book, and we will also award three prizes $100, $75, and $50 for the top three stories—and a free copy of the published book.

A summary of what we want, formatting requirements, and story tips follows. Please follow them carefully. Also, please click on www.literarycottage.com and carefully review all the text under: "Hero Series Guidelines" where sample stories are
available.

My Mom Is My Hero

Being a mother often proves the most difficult, and the most important, job in the world; one that includes conflict but also brings rich — albeit often unspoken — rewards. In this anthology, we seek to honor real-life mothers and, therefore, want inspiring, true, personal stories that speak to the challenges, ultimately positive experiences, and extraordinary relationships between mothers and their children (mothers of all ages, i.e., grandmothers count). Also a woman who served as a mother figure, who played a significant role, or who performed a heroic deed may also be honored. Heroic deeds range from rescuing a child from physical peril to holding down a steady job and raising children with exceptional values or work ethics. As we will print very few stories focused on illness or dying, we encourage authors to choose another time that illustrates your mother's unique character, drive, strength, dedication, tenderness, generosity, intelligence, humor, etc. Bring your mother to life on the page and show the world why she is worthy of accolades.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2007

Please e-mail entries to sreynolds@literarycottage.com as a separate Word attachment. If you don't have Word available, embed the copy in your e-mail message (Times New Roman, no special formatting, please).

BASICS: 850-1200 WORDS, tightly written, focused, true, uplifting

• Formatting 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 the top 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 focused three-sentence bio. Bios may include selected writing credits, but limit self-promotion to mention of a website. Humor is good. Link it to 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/end
• If you write an essay or profile, they must include dynamic characterization
• Keep the focus on your mother/mother-figure; she's the heroine of the story!
• Use description, characterization, action, and dialogue to bring your mother to life on the page
• Focus on a momentous event that illustrates your mother's heroic character
• Show us why your mother is/was unique, exceptional, colorful, dramatic, heroic
• Cut right to the chase, open with a scene; do not open with "My mom is my 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 tales
• Make all the characters in the story dimensional, memorable
• Please use active voice and strong verbs. Avoid "It was" and "There was" sentences.
• Use potent, succinct modifiers.
• Employ a strong voice
• Humor is welcome