Five hours ago I received an email from Narrative magazine congratulating me on having my teensy story accepted for publication. I’m so happy that I feel like puking.
Narrative magazine! How I love that publication.
If you don’t already have the phone app, you really should, because it’s rad.
So what, you might ask, would anyone want to read on a tiny phone screen?
Well a tiny story, of course.
Which is what I wrote. A mere 150 words. I am sick excited.
I really got an acceptance. Me. For reals. Should I tell people?
Or is it like right after you pee on the stick and a plus shows up and you know you’re pregnant, but you have to wait three months because you might lose the baby in the first trimester?
Will I lose this baby?
I just checked the email again and it’s still in my inbox. There’s a formal-looking pdf contract I have to sign and mail (yes, snail mail or fax) back.
The letter says the editors would be pleased to publish my story in an upcoming issue. Pretty straightforward. Legit. And I even get $250. Like a real writer!
It’s only 150 words, but it still counts as being published, right?
I mean, I LOVE Narrative’s tiny istories. That’s why I sent one in the first place. I’m a tiny story lover.
Check out this super delicious istory called Ravishing Pink in the current issue.
I love this one; I read it on my phone. And also these four.
Soon my little story’s gonna be there, too. It may be small, but it’s big to me.
talesfromthemotherland-
Wowza! Way to go Meagan! This totally counts… so excited for you. When are you going to share the story, or when can we read it in Narrative??
meagan mac-
Thank you so much, Dawn! I’m not sure when it will be published yet. The letter says “in an upcoming issue.” I’m not sure what that means, but I’ll keep you posted.This is my first time, so I’m completely ignorant.
talesfromthemotherland-
Hardly ignorant… you are a published writer! 🙂
meagan mac-
aw, shucks. *blushing*
talesfromthemotherland-
Cheering, in Bellingham! :-O
yellowlancer-
Congratulations 🙂
meagan mac-
Thank you!!
idlelore-
I remember when I got my first short story published. I was so excited! It was in my university’s honors journal, but that got circulated around a lot of different universities in America. Well done! Everything counts. People like what you have to say, and want to read the thoughts that you have. Keep it up!
meagan mac-
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m already starting to worry…what if I can never do it again? What if this was a fluke?
idlelore-
haha it isn’t! Of course it isn’t. You put a little piece of yourself into that work, and sent it fluttering off into the void, and lo! It found a home. It will happen again. Your voice will resonate, and people will listen. Don’t ever, ever give up.
elamonster-
Congratulations! Wow, this is such wonderful news. Makes me feel all happy and tingly. So excited for you. I don’t have a phone that can display stories, but I sure want to read yours.
Don’t puke–celebrate!
love
Ela
meagan mac-
Thanks, Ela! I’d be curious to hear your take on the “story.” It’s really more of a prose poem (which is what it started out to be). The thing is so stinking tiny!
And I still feel like puking.
elamonster-
Meagan, can you send it to me? I don’t have the hardware for the software, barely know what an “app” is! But would _love love love_ (or should I say “heart”?) to read it!
love
Ela
meagan mac-
Check your gmail account, Ela.
Emily-
OH! WOW! SO big! We’re SO proud of and excited for you!
meagan mac-
Thanks, Em. But I’m feeling a bit stressed over the content of this one…
Carrie Mesrobian-
Okay, first off, you are amazing. Really. Second, 250 smackers is a very very nice payout. Third, of course it counts! So thrilled for you. Now, I’m off to get the app!
meagan mac-
Oooh! Hope you like the app. Are you familiar with Narrative?
Truly, Carrie, thank you so much for all your support this past year. This piece wouldn’t even EXIST without you. I know it’s corny, but you’ve made a big difference in my writing life. I think the world of you,
Suzanne-
You must be walking on air. I’m so happy your excellent work has been recognized and is about to be published!
meagan mac-
Yes, Suzanne, I’m cautiously excited. Until the deal’s done, I’ll still be a bit nervous about the whole thing, but it feels good to have a bit of validation (even if it’s tiny) along this somewhat grueling writing road. I know you understand. And I thank you so deeply for the role you’ve played in my growth over the last few years. Big hugs to you, my friend.
Impower You-
It’s definitely share worthy. It’s proud shout it out loud news. Congratulations.
meagan mac-
Thank you!
Impower You-
Denada.
PB Rippey-
Great credit! Be proud and keep shouting about it.
meagan mac-
Thank you, PB Rippey! I noticed on your bio that you’ve been a finalist for a Glimmer Train contest. That’s awesome. I love Glimmer Train.