Update: February 22, 2010

Greetings, all:
The Maryland Voices team had been receiving manuscripts on a near-daily basis before the blizzard-twins paid us a visit. Since then, our mailbox has been, well, a little empty.

We understand, of course. And that's why we've extended the deadline a few weeks to March 15 (that's for online submissions as well as for postmarked snail-mail entries). Don't worry about the spring delivery, though. We'll make sure that we do everything possible to ensure Volume 8 releases on time in early May.

If you *haven't* thought about submitting because the deadline was just a week away, may we give you a few more suggestions to get the creative pens flowing and, possibly, make you reconsider?

1. WHAT DID ONE SNOWMAN SAY...Although we don't want the volume to be all about bad weather, one of the reasons Maryland Voices exists is to document your lives, as you are living them, with the events that are happening right now. Historic snowstorms fall very nicely into this category. Therefore, we will certainly be looking for a few good "Snowmageddon" stories to run in this issue. Remember, though: make sure your story has that deeper subject. We all experienced life in 4 feet of snow; what makes your story unique?

2. INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE...One of the features of some more prominent literary journals is running stories with an international setting. Perhaps you spent your winter break (or even some time last summer) in another country. What was that experience like? What changed in your life? How? Why? When you returned to Maryland, what was life like for you? Did your friendships change? What about you attitude? Share with us what it was like to travel around the world for friends, family, mission work, or just plain vacation.

3. WITH THESE FIVE RINGS...The Olympics have dominated both prime-time television and lunch-time conversations. Watching the games reminds me of when I was much younger and my friends and I used to pretend we were Olympians. As much fun as it was to pretend, each of us truly believed that we had the potential to be the best at something. What memories do the Olympics stir in you? Or, better yet--what do the Vancouver Olympics stir in you right now?

Good luck, everyone. Please don't hesitate to contact us for any reason. We're always excited to hear from you.
Writingly yours,
rvw, founder of Maryland Voices

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.