Switch It Up

photo by saralonde

        No, this is not me having a bad hair day. Actually, if this was me, it would be a good hair day. My hair is notoriously uncooperative.

        However, I have been working on a "bad hair day" story for Mozark Press. The deadline is July 15.

         When I got the information about the guidelines, I failed to read it carefully, because I was quite excited. I had the perfect story--I had a wild experience that involved a sink--so I started writing it.

        Then Alice Muschany reminded several of her blogging groupies that Mozark wants fictional stories. Ooooh.

        However, I proceeded full-speed ahead anyway, figuring the story could be told in first person.  But it just didn't feel right.

        Last night, I switched it up. No longer told in first person, this story is about Maggie (which happens to be my go-to name, since it was the name I was given at birth) and the story just came together. Or at least I think it's a new cure for insomnia halfway decent. 

       So, check out the Mozark's call for submissions. You'd be in good company if you get your story accepted. Cathy C. Hall has been published by them, along with Donna Volkenannt.

        And if you're having trouble with a story, switch the perspective. If it's longer story or a novel, you could even alternate the perspective. (Jodi Picoult uses this technique a lot.) That might be all you need to get the story flowing...