Flash fiction publishers?

*or places that would look at collections of short stories

Dear SundaysChild, if you look at the previous forum posting "Submission to magazines" you may find some answers.

Grazie Luigi :)

The reason I posted this is because I am 25 now and (as some of you may remember me saying in the past) have suffered from depression on and off for the last 8 years and I'm really trying to kick my life into action with regards my writing. I want to show myself and my family that I can achieve some goals.

I listened, as a child and teenager, to my mother telling me about her youth and adventures in the 70s and early 80s, and how she went about in London and just kind of 'fell into places' that were dusty and a bit eccentric and contained quirky characters who opened this door or that (not with money or power, but with creativity and a touch of anarchy!) and remained loyal friends. My mother is a talented heraldic artist and worked at the College of Arms in odd little rooms with faded decor and creaking floorboards. How she came to work there was due, no doubt, to her abilities, but I believe also that the people she met and the era itself helped. I went there with her on a few occasions aged about 3 or so and it must have done something to me because I am now somewhat obsessed by the idea of finding similar places where I might show some kindly bespectacled man (who may or may not be a wizard in his spare time) my writing and it would all be very personal and old-fashioned.

Now while I recognise this is likely nothing but a fantasy, I am very keen on the idea to try and put together a collection of what I think to be my bestest, bestest work and get on a train with dear mother (she would like it too) and actually wander about going to various (short story- which I am sure narrows all this down even more) publishing houses and getting person to person feedback, be it positive or negative.

Is this nothing more than a pipe dream? In today's world it is all very computer orientated- which I have adapted to as best I can- (joining abctales was one of the most productive things I have ever done) -and I admit I am very remiss when it comes to entering competitions online etc- but I am a little envious of the times when it seemed people could have more random things occur if they found the right building or door. (I am aware I may well be romanticising things somewhat!). Anyway, I feel strangely nostalgic for a time I barely knew.

I have every intention of submitting more work online- I really am just curious if places like the ones I dream about exist.

I've been having a bit of a weird day and I was getting very (ridiculously) stressed out with a sentence in the last piece I posted, and now I'm musing on here about this.
But it feels ok to do so, dear abctales.

heya Sunday

Depression is a real bitch.

For long term sufferers it can take years of work to get to a point where you have learned enough to live a near normal life.

You've been reading "Life Just Got better"... heh.. a lot of that is drawn from personal experience.

Remember to exercise and eat right. I know its hard with depression and I should practice what I preach more often, but I can say from personal experience it is the best method for maintaining. (Along with medication and support)

Anyway, yes, you are waiting on a pipe dream. Sorry.

You can't walk into a publishing house and expect much at all. Read up on submitting material to publishers. I can get you some great reading on the subject if you are interested. Ebooks.

What you can do is find writers groups in your area and get as involved as you can. Workshops, reading groups, volunteering for writers festival events. The more you do the better your chances of finding what it is you're looking for. Check you local papers, Internet, and go to your local library for community information.

ox
Luke

Hey White Dwarf.
I see what you are saying. I probably knew it all along really- I'm just a bit of a dreamer!
Thanks for the advice- I will indeed do as you suggest.

Thanks also for the feedback re depression. A healthy diet and lifestyle does make a big difference. I think I suffer more in the winter what with the hours of daylight being much decreased. I'm half Italian and require the sun!

Sunday xx

hi sundayschild and all :)

I agree with Luck, but I would also like to add Sunday that some times walking in to a place wether ita publishers or in to a person home that as connections can work!!! with finding out a background check on who or what and where you want to go or see and do it, the worst thing that could happen is that they reject you which we all or most expect. I like you want to know the right places to go and when I do I will go full armed to the person who may be able to help because without trying and believeing we give up. good luck xxxxxxxx