Stop Blending In!
Define Your Signature Style | Authortunities 110 | April 19 — May 17
A few years ago I had the pleasure and privilege of working at my local library. To me, librarians have always represented intellectual freedom. They oversee the safe havens that I have so often relied on in my life. They are the keepers of the magical realms such as Oz and Hobbiton. To actually work in a library (and have people refer to me as “a Librarian”) was a dream job. It also was the closest I had ever come to quitting as a writer. Cue the existential crisis.
It was the first days of COVID and the library was only open for the drive-thru window and curb service. Because we weren’t letting patron peruse the stacks in person anymore, we were keeping the main lights off. It was my break and I had gone off to explore the rows of books, feeling extremely privileged to have all this to myself… a personal kingdom of kingdoms.
Unbidden, a toxic thought chain emerged in my brain like tell-tale bubbles in a swamp showing where the body is hidden. So many books… I thought. So many books and and this is just a glimpse into the massive cosmos of words we have created as humans. Who am I to think I can add to this? Maybe I should stop.
In a crowded literary landscape, how do readers instantly recognize your work? Think of your favorite authors—what makes their writing uniquely them? It isn't just their plots or settings; it's the unmistakable rhythm of their words, their distinctive choice of language, and the consistent emotional core that resonates deeply.
If you read the past month’s posts, you know I wrestled with finding my voice. My stories were reflections of what I thought I should write as opposed to who I was. It wasn't until Bryan Thao Worra dropped his career launching question that I started exploring beyond genre trends and market demands and allowed my authentic voice began to shine through.
Developing a signature style isn't about choosing fancy words or complex sentence structures—it's about understanding your identity as a writer and expressing it confidently. Your style is the fingerprint of your writing. It should be distinct, identifiable, and completely yours.
So, how do we move from generic to iconic? By focusing on three essential elements:
Explore Your Tone Tone is the emotional flavor of your writing. Whether playful, serious, introspective, or conversational, consistency in your tone builds familiarity. Readers come back because they connect deeply with the emotional landscape you create.
Master Your Language The words you choose shape your readers' experience. Develop a language palette of phrases, imagery, rhythms that reflect your personality. Experiment and discover what feels natural and expressive to you.
Find Your Consistency Recurring themes anchor your work and create resonance. Themes aren’t restrictions—they're guides that lend depth and coherence to your writing. Identify what truly moves you and weave it intentionally into your stories.
Ready to Define Your Signature Style?
What emotional response do you consistently evoke?
What phrases or words are uniquely yours?
Which themes keep surfacing in your work?
As I’ve personally experienced, when you embrace your authentic voice, your writing transforms from generic to iconic. Your readers won't just recognize your work—they'll seek it out.
This Week’s Download: How to Create a Custom Gmail Signature
Speaking of distinctive signatures… your email is some of the most valuable marketing real estate you own — and it’s just sitting there, waiting to work for you. I use mine to promote this newsletter, and honestly? It’s been one of my most effective (and effortless) growth tools.
Want to give your emails a professional polish? Check out my quick, step-by-step guide on how to create a custom Gmail signature using Canva. You’ll learn how to personalize your design, add clickable links, and turn every email you send into a reflection of you. Includes a tutorial video (excuse my hoarse voice!) and a customizable Canva Template.
Ready to uncover the power of your authentic vision? Download your copy below!
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Authortunities Hub community | 24/7 writer support
Space and Time Magazine #147 | April 2025
Space & Time: Celebrating 50 Years of Speculative Fiction | April 2026
Space and Time Flash | July 2025
14 Spooky Stories for Boys and Girls | October 2025
Coven of the East: Reclaiming Asian Women’s Magical Histories | Fall 2025
Angela Yuriko Smith | 24/7 working writer
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My authortunities are organized by emoji!
🟢 opening for submissions
🔴 closing for submissions
⭐ 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: Funny Story with Fran Lebowitz 🍿.
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
🟢 APR 19 · Saros Speculative Fiction is open until April 22 for marginalized creators of dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction (up to 3,000 words; flash welcome) and cover art. Payment: CAD $40 for original fiction and cover art; CAD $20 for reprints. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints accepted. Submit via Moksha.
https://sarossf.com/submissions/
🟢 APR 19 · Mascara Literary Review is open until April 30 for their Disability Anthology, seeking poetry (up to 200 lines), flash prose (up to 1,500 words), and creative nonfiction essays (up to 3,000 words). This anthology centers on the perspectives of disabled and neurodivergent writers, particularly First Nations and CaLD individuals, aiming to challenge dominant power structures through a disability justice approach. Payment: AUD $500 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints not accepted. Submit via email.
https://www.mascarareview.com/submissions-open-for-disability-anthology/
🟢 APR 19 · Blue Marble Review is open until May 1 for fiction (flash up to 1,000 words; short stories 1,000–1,500 words), nonfiction (memoir, personal essays, travel writing, up to 1,500 words), poetry (up to 3 poems), and visual art (up to 4 pieces). Open to writers and artists aged 13–22. Payment: $30 per published piece; $75 for cover art. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via online form.
https://bluemarblereview.com/submit/
🟢 APR 19 · Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction is open until May 1 for original fiction (up to 5,000 words) that illuminates the role of law and/or lawyers in modern society. Open to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents aged 21 or older. Prize: $5,000. Entries must be unpublished or published no earlier than December 1, 2024. AI-generated content is prohibited. One entry per person; joint entries not permitted. Submit via email.
https://www.abajournal.com/contests/ross_essay/
🟢 APR 19 · Spellbinder Literary & Art Magazine is open until May 1 for fiction (flash: 100–1,000 words; short stories: 1,000–3,000 words), creative nonfiction (up to 3,000 words), poetry (up to 2 poems, 40 lines each), drama (stage/screen plays up to 5 A4 pages), and visual art (up to 3 pieces). Visual art submissions should align with the theme "Other Worlds." Payment: £3 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via online form.
https://www.spellbindermag.com/submission-form/
🟢 APR 19 · Adi Magazine is open until May 4 for short fiction (flash up to 1,000 words; short stories 1,000–5,000 words) on the theme "Alternative political visions for a world in desperate need of them." Payment: $200 for flash fiction; $500 for short stories. Simultaneous submissions policy unspecified; no reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://adimagazine.com/submissions/
🟢 APR 19 · Cave Canem Prize is open until May 8 for debut poetry collections (48–75 pages) by Black poets of African descent who have not previously published a full-length book of poetry with a professional press. Prize: $10,000 and publication by Graywolf Press, University of Pittsburgh Press, or University of Georgia Press. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints; one manuscript per entrant. Submit via Submittable.
https://cavecanempoets.org/programs/
🟢 APR 19 · Electric Spec is open until July 15 for speculative fiction (250–7,000 words), including science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre. Payment: $20 per story. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via email in RTF format.
https://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 APR 19 · Arc Poetry Magazine is open until July 31 for general poetry submissions. Poets may submit up to 3 previously unpublished poems (totaling no more than 360 lines). Payment: CAD $50 per page. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. U.S.-based poets are asked to pay a $2 submission fee per poem (fee waivers available upon request). Submit via Submittable.
https://arcpoetry.ca/submissions/
🔴 APR 20 · Astrolabe closes for submissions of fiction, narrative nonfiction, and visual art. Payment is $50 per accepted submission. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via email.
https://www.astrolabe.ooo/submissions
⭐ APR 20 · 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.
🔴 APR 21 · Meanjin Quarterly closes for submissions of fiction and poetry. Payment: AUD $0.40/word minimum for fiction; AUD $250 minimum per poem. Submissions restricted to Australian writers. No reprints; simultaneous submissions policy unspecified. Submit via Submittable.
https://meanjin.com.au/about-meanjin/get-in-touch/contribute-to-meanjin/
🔴 APR 25 · 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
⭐ APR 26 · Indie Pub Scranton is a workshop which aims to bring together like-minded authors filled with passion, drive, and determination. This will be an intimate workshop with a limited number of participants, ensuring a personalized experience and greater opportunities for meaningful networking with fellow authors. Costs $150, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePJ3y21Qm74SouTQX_y8Y2OBGrmCIZAkq3opj0q3l389JGjQ/viewform
⭐ APR 27 · 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
⭐ APR 27 · 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.
🔴 APR 30 · FIYAH Literary Magazine: Black Isekai Issue closes today for speculative fiction from Black authors exploring "Black Isekai" themes. Short stories (2,000 – 7,000 words) and novelettes (up to 15,000 words). Payment is 8 cents per word.
https://fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/
🔴 APR 30 · Women of the Weird West anthology closes today for submissions of speculative fiction, poetry, and drabbles by authors of marginalized genders. Seeking Weird West stories set in or inspired by the Old West (circa late 1800s), featuring strong speculative elements like horror, fantasy, or sci-fi. Flash fiction up to 1,000 words, short stories between 1,000–5,000 words, poems up to 32 lines, and drabbles of exactly 100 words are welcome. No reprints or multiple submissions; simultaneous submissions are allowed. Payment is $0.10/word for fiction, $50 per poem, and $50 per drabble.
https://brigidsgatepress.com/submissions
🔴 APR 30 · Inky Bones Press-Creature Feature Anthology closes for creature feature horror (1,500–3,500 words). Payment: $0.01 per word. Must include bones and a scary creature. No reprints. Submit via email.
https://robinknabel.squarespace.com/submissions
🔴 APR 30 · The Forge Literary Magazine closes for submissions of fiction and nonfiction (up to 3,000 words). Payment: $100 per piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://forgelitmag.com/submit/
🔴 APR 30 · ResAliens Online Zine closes for submissions of space opera fiction (6,000–8,000 words) for themed volumes (First Contact, Alien Invasion, Generation Ship, Colony World). Payment: $50 per story, contingent upon successful Kickstarter funding. Reprints accepted; submit up to two stories maximum. Submit via email.
https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/p/resaliens-online-zine.html
🔴 APR 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
🔴 APR 30 · Flash Fiction Online closes for submissions to the special call on the theme "Wilderness Horror" (500–1,000 words) up to 1k submissions and a general submissions call up to 400 submissions. Payment is $100 per story. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no multiple submissions; no reprints. Submit via Submittable.
https://ffo.submittable.com/submit/324555/special-call-wilderness-horror
🔴 APR 30 · Brigids Gate Press closes for submissions of gothic romances (novels 70,000–90,000 words; novellas 40,000–60,000 words). Payment: 50% royalties for ebooks/audiobooks; 40% for print. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via email.
https://brigidsgatepress.com/submissions
🔴 APR 30 · Dark Moments Drabble Monthly Challenge closes for submissions of speculative fiction or horror drabbles (exactly 100 words) on the theme "Japanese Myths & Monsters." Payment is $0.04 USD per word. No simultaneous submissions, no reprints, one submission per pen name. Submit via email.
https://www.blackharepress.com/submissions
🔴 APR 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
🔴 APR 30 · Trollbreath Magazine closes for submissions of speculative fiction (1,500–7,500 words), poetry, and nonfiction. Payment: $0.04 per word (original fiction), $0.005 per word (reprints). Simultaneous submissions policy unspecified; reprints accepted. Submit via online form.
https://magazine.trollbreath.com/submissions/
🔴 APR 30 · The /temz/ Review closes for submissions of fiction (up to 10,000 words), nonfiction (up to 10,000 words), and poetry (up to 8 pieces). Payment is CAD $20 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; reprints are not. Submissions via Moksha submission manager.
https://www.thetemzreview.com/submissions.html
🔴 APR 30 · Strange Horizons is closing for speculative poetry with Romie Stott (she/he) as April’s editor. Payment is $50 USD per poem, regardless of length or complexity.
http://strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines/
🔴 APR 30 · Mascara Literary Review closes for submissions to their Disability Anthology. Seeking poetry, flash prose, and creative nonfiction essays from disabled and neurodivergent writers, especially First Nations and CaLD individuals. Payment: AUD $500 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; reprints not accepted. Submit via email.
https://www.mascarareview.com/submissions-open-for-disability-anthology/
🟢 MAY 1 · BookLife is open until June 1 for submissions of self-published twisty mysteries, procedurals, thrillers, and works of true crime 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 books related to memoirs and autobiography, especially from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors.
https://booklife.com/about-us/booklife-s-indie-spotlight.html
🟢 MAY 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 semester.
https://www.kinsmanquarterly.org/teenquill-writing-contest
🟢 MAY 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
🟢 MAY 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/
🟢 MAY 1 · Three-Lobed Burning Eye opens until May 16 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
🟢 MAY 1 · Electric Spec is open until July 15 for speculative fiction stories of “science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre” between 250 and 7000 words for their August issue. Payment is $20 per piece.
http://www.electricspec.com/Submissions.html
🟢 MAY 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/
🟢 MAY 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/
🔴 MAY 1 · The Other Stories closes for submissions of horror, sci-fi, and thriller short stories (1,800–2,200 words) on the theme "World Horror." Payment is GBP £15 per accepted story. Reprints are accepted; simultaneous submissions are not specified. Submissions are accepted via an online form.
https://theotherstories.net/submissions/
🔴♻️ MAY 1 · NonBinary Review, Zoetic Press is closing for prose, poetry and visual art. Submissions may close before the closing date as there is an acceptance cap for each issue. Payment is $0.01 USD per word for prose up to 3k words, $10 for poetry and visual art $25 USD flat rate. Theme is “EPIPHANY.”
https://nonbinaryreview.submittable.com/submit
🔴 MAY 1 · Blue Marble Review closes for submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art from creators aged 13–22. Payment: $30 per published piece; $75 for cover art. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via online form.
https://bluemarblereview.com/submit/
🔴 MAY 1 · Ross Writing Contest for Legal Short Fiction closes for submissions of original fiction (up to 5,000 words) highlighting the role of law and/or lawyers in modern society. Prize: $5,000. Open to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents 21 and older. Entries must be unpublished or published no earlier than December 1, 2024. AI-generated content is prohibited. One entry per person; joint entries not permitted. Submit via email.
https://www.abajournal.com/contests/ross_essay/
🔴 MAY 1 · Spellbinder Literary & Art Magazine closes for submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, drama, and visual art. Visual art submissions should align with the theme "Other Worlds." Payment: £3 per accepted piece. Simultaneous submissions allowed; no reprints. Submit via online form.
https://www.spellbindermag.com/submission-form/
🔴 MAY 1 · Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest is closing for submissions of short fiction and nonfiction essays with prizes of $3,500 and ten Honorable Mentions of $500 each. The winner will also enjoy a two-year gift certificate from co-sponsor, Duotrope (a $100 value). $25 fee to enter.
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-john-h-reid-fiction-essay-contest
🔴 MAY 2 · 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
🔴♻️ MAY 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
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