CNF Story Starters

Greetings, Fellow Writers.
The deadline for submissions is less than two months away, and writers across the state (we hope you are one of them) are already working diligently on their true stories to submit to Maryland Voices.

However, if (by some chance) you have NOT started writing your story, there's plenty of time to craft a creative nonfiction masterpiece. Here are just a few story starters to help you get that ink flowing.

1. TAKE US THERE....
We love stories that take us places where we're unlikely to journey ourselves, yet we're able to pull something personal and meaningful from the experience. For example, tell us about the lessons learned in the locker room at half-time, the drive to the nursing home to see your grandmother when your mom or dad tells you that this might be the time to say your goodbyes, or the first walk home from school with the guy (or girl) who was the main reason your GPA dropped to a 2.97 last quarter.

2. AFTER THE GOAL....
We love the game-winning stories (we get a lot of them), but if you really want to stand out, tell us what happened after you scored the winning goal. What story lies in the celebration and the aftermath? Is it what you expected? Did you get the girl? Or did none of that matter, and you realized anyway that what you had in front of you the whole time was more important? Hmmmm...

3. CURRENTLY EVENTFUL....
We don't get enough stories that integrate what's going on around us right now, but we'd love to. Things are changing in America--and dramatically fast. How is it changing YOUR life? Remember to tell us a story, though. If it's the economy that's hit you and your family hard, tell us about that first time when your mom took you shopping at Target for clothes instead of American Eagle.

4. I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST.....
What happens when you know that someone cheated, lied, or stole, and you can't do anything about it without the consequences falling back on you? What happened when you stepped up to that ethical line in the sand? What decision did you make?

5. I WISH I HAD THE NERVE...
Courage comes in many shapes and forms, and each of them deserves a good thousand-or-so words to shout your story to the rest of the world. What's your red badge? It doesn't have to be so intense as saving your friend from falling off a cliff. Sometimes, courage can be found in the smallest of acts, like trying out for a team, running for a position on the student council, or even raising your hand in math class. Bring that fear to life, and let us know: How did you overcome that fear--if you did at all?

Got a story idea? Want some feedback? One of the things we like to do is work WITH writers. The door's open, and you've still got several weeks before that final draft is due. Email us. Let us know what you're thinking. We look forward to the chance to work with you, writer-to-writer, about bringing your stories to life--forever.

Happy Writing!
rvw, founder, Maryland Voices

Welcome!

Welcome to the wonderful world of MV. We're getting our new site up and running, but check back soon for flyers, submission forms and more information!

Meanwhile, start those pens a-writin'! We look forward to reading your submission to Maryland Voices Volume 8.