Last week, I introduced you to a new productivity concept I called my Task Tree as a way to turn my overflowing to-do list into something more organic and sustainable. Roots, trunk, branches, leaves, fruit, compost… suddenly my responsibilities made sense in a way they never had before.
So, how’s it going a week later? Honestly, better than I could have imagined.
I’ve been tending to my Roots and Core Trunk tasks first, trimming back a few Branches, adding to my Compost folders… and most importantly, I’ve been pruning. Because I can see my workflow in a way that feels intuitive, I’ve been making real progress without the old weight of overwhelm.
And here’s the best part: simplifying has given me the most productive and joyful week I’ve had in a long time. I even finished a few Branches, including finally publishing Soft Deadlines!
“Simplify to Amplify”
One of my favorite quotes by Marie Forleo, “simplify to amplify” summed up my week. I felt like I was doing much less, but somehow accomplishing way more.
Here’s how last week’s tangle of tasks turned into something I could actually enjoy:
Roots. I started each day by hydrating, exercise, and personal projects. Non-negotiables.
Trunk. Once my roots were strong, I tackled the big, dreaded-but-essential tasks like paperwork, bills, taxes. Done.
Branches. Buoyed by my big wins, I scanned my major projects and chose the easiest to finish. That’s how Soft Deadlines got pruned right off the tree, along with three other big projects.
Leaves. Social media, interviews, blurbs, reviews. These are exchanges of energy, but losing a few doesn’t collapse the tree. I used to start my day here, then wonder why there was “no time” left for Branch, Trunk, or Root care.
Fruit. Finished projects got filed neatly into my Fruit folder along with any relevant contracts, notes, with everything tied up and easy to find later.
Compost. While digging for my Soft Deadlines manuscript, I unearthed a few abandoned projects. Not ready to delete, but not urgent either. They went into Compost, where they can break down into nutrients for future projects.
Seeds. Simple notes and sparks of inspiration got dropped into my Seeds folder, waiting for the right time to grow. I will actually be able to find them again now. My old system involved taking the time to joy the idea so I could lose the post-it notes.
Saplings. In writing some notes to a friend, I realized I’d started the beginnings of a memoir. Into the Saplings folder it went, where I can keep adding until it’s ready to grow into a Branch.
Tangible, Tree-driven Results
Here’s how I used to work: wake up, sit down, and attack the most visible tasks first. That usually meant Leaves… emails, posts, busywork. But it would never end.
The problem is that chasing leaves is like raking in the wind. Gusts would come in the form of minor emergencies, surprise visitors, and forgotten errands. With every gust my pile scatters. By evening, I’d be exhausted, dehydrated, stressed… and still staring at the same heavy Branches as yesterday.
Rinse. Repeat. Regret.
Now, with the Task Tree, my days feel different. Grounded. Productive. Joyful.
Still growing
A week in, I’m still tweaking, but this system works. It feels alive in a way no flat checklist ever did for me.
So, I’m thinking about running a Task Tree Workshop at the end of the month, to walk through the system together, tailor it to you and share exactly how I’m using it. Supporting Subscribers would get it as a free perk. Regular Subscribers could join for $8.88 (the cost of one month’s subscription).
What do you think? Vote in the poll below and let me know. If enough people are interested, I will schedule it.
I had a lot of great comments about this last week. Has anyone else tried it yet? How is it going for you? Let me know in the comments.
Hello September!
Here is what we will learn this month with our theme, “Focus to Flow.”
Grow with the Flow – Simplify to amplify!
Anchoring Your Attention – Staying on task even when your world won’t.
Tools for Flow – Using scent, sound and song to get instant flow.
Flow to Freedom – Using your flow to befriend your inner imposter.
I’m so excited for this month. We had a month to recharge. Now let’s start ramping up for the busy months on our terms.
Download: Simple Habit Tracker
Want to track your own roots, branches, and fruit? I’ve created a simple habit tracker to help you clear space and grow your flow. I’ve been using it myself to keep track of the new habits I’m building, and it’s made the process feel lighter and more intentional.
Subscribers: Your download is available for just $8.88 here.
Supporting Subscribers will find your free download in the chat here.
Whether you’re already in the free Authortunities NeighborHub or ready to step up into the Authortunities Co-op, I hope you’ll join us to have your best year ever. Makers aren’t built in isolation. They’re nurtured in community.
Join the community and find your flow.
My authortunities are organized by emoji!
🟢 opening for submissions
🔴 closing for submissions
🖼️ visual art submission
⭐ events, classes, networking
♻️ reprints
🟢 WEEKLY· Reedsy Prompts is open until the following Friday for short fiction between 1,000 - 3,000 words based on one of five prompts. Writers have until the following Friday at 11.59 pm EST to enter. No fee to enter and have work posted. $5 fee to be eligible for the $250 cash prize. This week’s prompt is: The Monster Within with RJ Valldeperas 💀.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 SEP 7 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions open to all for speculative flash fiction until the last day of the month at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
⭐ SEP 7 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 SEP 07 · Stories Out of School Flash Fiction Contest is closing for original flash fiction featuring a K–12 teacher as the protagonist or narrator (6–499 words, unpublished). Entry fee: USD $5 (waived for Academy Fellows). Prize: USD $1,000 and publication in A Public Space (print for winner, online for runners‑up). Submission via online form.
https://academyforteachers.org/contests
🔴 SEP 7 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing regular submissions of horror flash fiction and short stories but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Extended deadline until September 14 for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors.” Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Gnaw.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴♻️ SEP 10 · Vellum Mortis (Memento Mori Ink) closes submissions for flash fiction up to 1,000 words for their August 2025 issue themed “The Unmaking.” This theme invites horror stories that delve into fae horror, exploring the eerie and unsettling aspects of the fae realm. Payment is $5 per story. Submission is via email. Reprints accepted.
https://www.mementomoriinkmag.com/vellummortissub
⭐ SEP 11 · Speaking to Sell Books: How to Become a Professional Speaker You might be surprised how effective (and easy!) it can be to become a professional speaker. If you’re interested in leveraging speaking to sell more books, this session will show you how to make it a powerful part of your marketing strategy. Presented by Stephanie Chandler, CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, frequent speaker, and author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan. Free.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8517570872396/WN_PpRdjCQLS_u1nqTYZ6NMUw#/registration
⭐ SEP 11 · Indie Culture and Author Nation What fuels indie author success beyond the page? In this conversation with Joe Solari of Author Nation, we explore how connection, insight and inspiration shape the heart of indie author culture. From building authentic community to sharing hard-won knowledge, discover why gathering together—online and in person—empowers authors to thrive. RSVP now, and get reminders of the live show date!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indie-culture-and-author-nation-tickets-1669501356499
🔴 SEP 12 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
🟢 SEP 13 · Shenandoah is open until October 15 for fiction submissions. Accepts flash fiction up to 1,000 words (up to 3 pieces), short stories between 1,000–7,500 words, and novelettes up to 8,000 words. Payment is $80 per 1,000 words, up to $400. Reprints are not accepted. Submit via Submittable.
https://shenandoahliterary.org/submissions/
🔴 SEP 14 · Fahmidan Journal's Winter Issue submissions close for poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose. Payment: $25 per piece.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
🔴SEP 14 · Grain Magazine – Summer Submission Period is closing for fiction (up to 3,500 words), literary nonfiction (up to 3,500 words), poetry (up to 6 pages or suites), and queries for other forms (plays, comics, translations). Open to under-represented/marginalized writers internationally; simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Payment: CAD $50/page (max CAD $250) plus two print copies; visual art inside (B&W) or cover (color) paid same page rate (max CAD $500). International submitters pay a CAD $5 reading fee via PayPal or cheque.
https://grainmagazine.ca/submit
🔴 SEP 14 · Fraidy Cat Quarterly is closing the extended deadline for “LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Palestinian authors” but remains open to submissions of black and white art from all. Payment is $10 for flash fiction and art artwork and $20 per short story. Work should be created with the theme of “Gnaw.”
https://fraidycatpress.com/submission-guidelines/
⭐ SEP 14 · Inspirational Indie Authors podcast with the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and Howard Lovy. Dive deep into personal stories of indie authors, understanding their pathways to success, challenges faced, and lessons learned. 1 pm GMT.
https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/inspirational-indie-author-interviews-podcast/
⭐ SEP 14 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ SEP 14 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🔴 SEP 15 · Plott Hound Magazine – Fall 2025 Issue is closed for submissions of original, unpublished speculative fiction (1,000–5,000 words), flash fiction (up to 999 words), poetry (1–5 poems, up to 5 pages total), and nonfiction essays (1,000–2,500 words). All works must feature animal protagonists—real, mythical, or invented—and explore their cultures, societies, or sensory experiences. Human characters may appear but should not be the focus. Payment is $0.08 per word for fiction, $50 per poem, and $100 per essay. Submit via Moksha.
https://plotthound.moksha.io/publication/1
🟢 SEP 15 · The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts is open until DEC 15, accepting fiction and creative nonfiction focused on the concept of compression. They pay $50 per accepted piece, respond in 1–5 days, and accept simultaneous submissions.
https://matter.submittable.com/submit
🟢 SEP 15 · Fahmidan Journal's Spring Issue submissions open for diverse poetry, fiction and nonfiction prose. Payment: $25 per piece.
https://www.fahmidan.net/journal-submissions
🟢 SEP 16 · Three-Lobed Burning Eye closes for “original, unpublished speculative fiction: including horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction.” Payment is US $.08 per word for short stories or (1,500–7,499 words) or flash fiction (500–1,499 words); plus one copy of the print anthology.
https://www.3lobedmag.com/submissions.html
🔴♻️ SEP 17 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is closing for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
💼 SEP 17-21 · Novelists, Inc. (NINC) Conference is a unique experience that brings together multi-published, professional authors who publish traditionally, independently, or both. Speakers are selected from the top echelons of the industry, and the conversations and networking opportunities rise far above what you’ll experience anywhere else. Costs $575, though tickets are open to Novelists, Inc. members only. Annual membership dues are $95. In St. Pete Beach, Florida.
🔴 SEP 19 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ SEP 21 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
🟢 SEP 22 · Astrolabe is open until October 22 for up to 150 submissions of fiction and creative nonfiction (up to 3,000 words total, up to 3 pieces) and photography/art (up to 5 pieces). Payment: $50 honorarium upon publication. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no multiple submissions; unpublished work only. Submit via email.
https://www.astrolabe.ooo/submissions
⭐ SEP 25 · ZapConnect is Zapier’s free virtual conference for automation enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Learn how to harness the power of automation to save time, scale your work, and connect the tools you already use. Features keynote speakers, expert-led sessions, and practical workshops designed to help you build smarter workflows.
https://zapier.com/zapconnect#hero
⭐ SEP 25-28 · WIT 2025: Words, Ideas, and Thinkers Festival A weekend in the Berkshires where writers, thinkers, and readers explore “The Power of Words: Authors & Activism.” Join in-person or via livestream for urgent, high-impact conversations—beloved literary voices like Marilynne Robinson, Hanif Abdurraqib, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Torrey Peters, M. Gessen, and more in dialogue on literature, freedom, and justice.
https://authorsguild.org/foundation/wit-words-ideas-and-thinkers/
⭐ SEP 25-28 · Colorado Gold Writers Con A nonprofit, volunteer-run community devoted to encouraging, educating, and supporting writers on their journey toward commercial fiction publication. RMFW hosts a wealth of resources: free monthly workshops, an annual Colorado Gold writers conference, local and online events, writing retreats, anthology publication opportunities, critique groups, and a vibrant community across genres. Membership also includes perks like discounts on education, conference access, and professional services.
🔴 SEP 26 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online
⭐ SEP 28 · Bi-Weekly Open Mic Night Join The Mad Poet and host Jordan Francis for a NeighborHub community open mic every other Sunday at 8 pm EST. Prose and poetry readings welcome. A welcoming and supportive group that encourages creative growth. For members of the Authortunities NeighborHub. Membership is free.
https://www.authortunitieshub.com
⭐ SEP 28 · Rattlecast livestreams, is part interview and open mic with a prompt-based open mic. Hangout with Rattle editor Timothy Green and Katie Dozier. Each Rattlecast begins with an interview, a writing prompt, and poets reading from the last week’s prompt. | Rattlecast at 8 pm EST.
⭐ SEP 30 · Free Masterclass: How to Dictate Your Novel (Without the Overwhelm) A powerful 60-minute live session with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, founder of FictionCourses. She’ll show how she’s written 14 fiction books through dictation and how you can too, using her Fictation™ method. This masterclass will help you bust through common dictation hurdles (yes, even if you’ve tried and given up), write faster, more confidently, and with less physical strain and speak your story instead of typing.
https://authortunities--fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/how-to-dictate-your-novel-sept-2025/
🔴 SEP 30 · Ghastly Goings-On Press closes for submissions to the “To Whom It May Not Concern” anthology of fictionalized or unsent emails/letters to schools and institutions. Accepts fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry (500–2,000 words, flexible). Payment is $20 for prose and $10 per poem. Reprints accepted. No AI-generated work. Submit via Google Form.
https://www.ghastlygoingson.com/submissions
🔴 SEP 30 · Riddle Fence closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. Payment: CAD $50 per published page (written work); CARFAC fees for art. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://riddlefence.com/submit/
🔴 SEP 30 · The Writers College Short Story Competition closes for submissions of short stories (1,000–2,000 words) on the theme "All the things we didn't learn." Payout: NZD $1000 for the winner. Open to unpublished writers or those with fewer than four publications. No reprints; simultaneous submissions policy unspecified. Submit via email.
https://www.thewriterscollege.com/the-writers-college-annual-short-story-competition/
🔴♻️ SEP 30 · The Lascaux Prize in Creative Nonfiction is closing for submissions of previously published or unpublished memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, or discovered up to 10,000 words. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🔴 SEP 30 · Flash Fiction 500 Competition is closing for original flash fiction up to 500 words. First place winner receives £300, second place winner receives £200, and third place winner receives £100. Entry fee is £5 for one story, £8 for two stories, £11 for three stories, £14 for four stories.
https://flash500.com/flash-fiction/
🔴 SEP 30 · Apex Magazine Monthly Flash Fiction Contest Submissions close to all for speculative flash fiction at midnight. Winner will be announced no later than the 15th of the following month and be paid $0.08/word or $10, whichever is more, and published on the Apex Magazine Patreon as an exclusive the month following and will be included in the forthcoming issue of Apex Magazine.
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/apex-magazine-flash-fiction
🔴 SEP 30 · Thalia Press: Cat-Themed Mystery Anthology closes for mystery/crime short stories prominently featuring cats. Cozy, dark, and neo-noir styles encouraged. Original works only (up to 7,500 words), no reprints. Payment: $25, three author copies, and promotional ad space in the anthology. Submit queries, nominations, or stories via email to thaliapress@gmail.com.
https://thaliapress.com/now-accepting-submissions-for/
🔴 SEP 30 · The New Quarterly closes fiction and poetry submissions. Literary excellence required; seeking balanced, innovative work in approachable language. Payment: $275 for fiction, $50 per poem, plus contributor copy. Submit via online portal.
🔴 SEP 30 · Heartlines Spec – Autumn 2025 Issue closes submissions for original, unpublished speculative fiction (500–3,500 words) and poetry (up to 5 pieces per submission) that center on long-term relationships—platonic, romantic, or familial. They seek stories with strong speculative elements from the start, prioritizing earned, emotionally resonant endings (happy or bittersweet). Themes of queer platonic bonds, ace/aro love stories, and polycules are especially welcome. Payment is $0.08 CAD per word for fiction and $60 CAD per poem. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; reprints, AI-generated content, erotica, and extreme violence are not. Submissions are accepted via Moksha.
https://www.heartlines-spec.com/submission-guidelines/
🔴 SEP 30 · Short Story Substack closes for submissions of short stories (any genre, 6–10,000 words). Payment: Base pay $100 plus 50% of subscription revenue. One winner per month. Reprints accepted if distribution rights are available. Submit via email.
https://shortstory.substack.com
🔴🖼️ SEP 30 · Split Lip Magazine is open until September 30 for free submissions in fiction, flash, memoir, poetry, art, interviews/reviews, and micro reviews. Payment: $75 (fiction, flash, memoir, poetry, art), $50 (interviews/reviews), $25 (micro reviews). Submit via Submittable.
https://splitlipthemag.com/submit
🔴 SEP 30 · Haven Spec Magazine closes submissions exclusively for authors of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented groups. Submissions are open for original, unpublished speculative fiction (1,000–6,000 words) and poetry (up to 5 poems). Haven Spec seeks stories and poems with a strong voice and a sense of adventure, aiming to publish works that resonate emotionally and intellectually. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; reprints are not. Payment is $0.08 per word for fiction and $20 per poem. Submit via Acolyte.
https://www.havenspec.com/submit
🔴 SEP 30 · The Big Book of Quantum Fiction is closing for speculative fiction exploring quantum theory and reality shifts. Submit up to two original stories (2,500–7,500 words). No reprints or simultaneous submissions. Payment: $100 per accepted story.
https://www.tracyshew.com/blog/the-big-book-of-quantum-fiction
🔴🖼️ SEP 30 · FreeFall Magazine is closing for original, previously unpublished prose (up to 4,000 words), poetry (1–3 poems, ≤ 6 pages each), and black & white artwork (6”×4” at 300 dpi). They also accept proposal queries for interviews and reviews. Payment: $10/page for prose (up to $100); $25/poem; $100 for cover art/photos; $50 for approved interviews/reviews. All contributors receive one print copy. Simultaneous submissions accepted; no reprints.
https://freefallmagazine.ca/submissions/
🔴♻️ SEP 30 · Dalliances Anthology Series is closing for original romantic short fiction (2,000–6,000 words). Stories may be sweet or steamy and should emphasize emotional connection. Payment is semi-pro USD $0.02/word. Reprints are allowed. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Submission method: email to Cupid’s Arrow Publishing.
https://duotrope.com/anthology/dalliances-anthology-series-38358
🔴 SEP 30 · In the Words of a Flower: The Language of Flowers Anthology (Inked in Gray) is closed for adult fantasy short stories (2,000–7,000 words) that incorporate floriography, the language of flowers. International submissions welcome. Payment is $50 per accepted story for first edition exclusive rights (6‑month exclusivity).
https://inkedingray.com/work-with-us/
OCTOBER
🟢 OCT 1 · BookLife is open until November 1 for submissions of books on world and military history for their Indie Spotlight feature, a thematic roundup of self-published books both online and in print in Publishers Weekly magazine. Each Indie Spotlight is open to all types of books as long as they match the month's topic. Submissions close for self-published works of horror, mystery, and the supernatural.
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-s-indie-spotlight.html
🟢 OCT 1 · TeenQuill Writing Contest is open for poetry and play monologues from to students aged 12 to 19. Authors of selected works will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and publication in Kinsman Quarterly. Selected works will also be featured on its website, promoted on social media platforms, and included in printed advertisements. One student will be selected each season.
https://www.kinsmanquarterly.org/teenquill-writing-contest
🟢 OCT 1 · Split Lip Magazine is open until October 31 for tip jar submissions in fiction, flash, memoir, poetry, interviews/reviews, and micro reviews. Payment: $75 (fiction, flash, memoir, poetry), $50 (interviews/reviews), $25 (micro reviews). Submit via Submittable.
https://splitlipthemag.com/submit
🟢 OCT 1 · Write or Die Magazine is open for free submissions of essays and essays and fiction for the first week of the month. There is a $3 submission fee for the rest of the month. No fee for author interviews. “Payment is approx. $50.”
https://writeordiemag.com/submission-guidelines
🟢 OCT 1 · The Forge Literary Magazine is open for fiction and nonfiction, including flash and micro, until the free submissions quota is full. “If there is no free link, we’ve hit our quota.” Payment is for $100 flat rate, regardless of length.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🟢 OCT 1 · IHRAM magazine, a project of the International Human Rights Art Movement, is open until December 1 for fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art written to the theme “Echoes from the Street: Homelessness and the Unhoused.” Payment is $50 USD per piece, $25 for visual art.
https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-publishes
🟢 OCT 1 · Rattle Magazine’s Ekphrastic Poetry Challenge opens until the last day of the month for ekphrastic poetry in response to selected visual art posted on their page. Two winners receive $100 and publication online.
https://www.rattle.com/ekphrastic/
🟢 OCT 1 · Electric Spec is open until October 15 for speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their November issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 OCT 1 · Flame Tree Fiction Newsletter calls for monthly themed submissions from newsletter subscribers only (free to subscribe) up to 1k words for $0.08 per word USD for original fiction.
https://www.flametreepress.com/submissions/
🟢♻️ OCT 1 · The Lascaux Prize in Poetry is open until March 31 for submissions of previously published or unpublished poetry with no length restrictions. All genres and styles are welcome. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Winner receives $1,000, a bronze medallion, and publication in The Lascaux Review. Entry fee is $15 USD.
https://lascauxreview.com/contests/
🔴 OCT 1 · The Lindenwood Review (Issue 16) closes submissions for original, unpublished short fiction, creative nonfiction, and prose poems. Accepted formats include short stories and flash fiction; personal essays, lyric essays, and flash nonfiction; and prose poems in paragraph format (no line breaks or stanzas). Submit one piece per category per year (maximum 10 pages, minimum one paragraph).
https://thelindenwoodreview.submittable.com/submit
🔴 OCT 1 · The Last Line Literary Journal closes today for short fiction ending with the line: “I called back a week later and told them we were good to go.” Payment is $20–$40 per piece.
https://www.thelastlinejournal.com/submission.htm
🔴♻️ OCT 3 · Collaborature Monthly Contest is open until the 17th of the month for fiction and poetry “written by more than one author or include a collaboration of two people (i.e., art and poetry).” Reprints are allowed. Payment is $20 USD.
https://collaborature.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
🔴 OCT 3 · Rattle Magazine’s “Poets Respond” challenge calls for poems inspired by “a news story or public event from the previous week, and has been written in the time since.” Selected poems will appear as the Sunday poem at Rattle.com which appear to over 10,000 people via RSS feed and daily email service. Poets will receive $100 and a free print magazine subscription. Each week's deadline is Friday midnight PST.
https://rattle.submittable.com/submit/30232/poets-respond-online