If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know that writing short fiction is a struggle for me. I keep trying though, and a few times, I’ve boldly submitted one of my stories to a literary journal. Oh, I was hopeful. This time for sure, I thought. Each and every time. No luck.
I had other things on my mind though, like polishing and publishing the novel I’d written, so I set aside the quest for seeing one of my shorts published. I ignored the emails from Duotrope, tempting me with notifications of journals seeking submissions.
However, somewhere somehow I heard about Vine Leaves Literary Journal, edited by Jessica Bell and Dawn Ius. When I read about its concept of publishing vignettes, something clicked.
Here’s their definition of the term:
“Vignette” is a word that originally meant “something that may be written on a vine-leaf.” It’s a snapshot in words. It differs from flash fiction or a short story in that its aim doesn’t lie within the traditional realms of structure or plot. Instead, the vignette focuses on one element, mood, character, setting or object. It’s descriptive, excellent for character or theme exploration and wordplay. Through a vignette, you create an atmosphere.
Occasionally, I play around with writing vignettes. I had written one that I loved, but never tried submitting because it wasn’t exactly a story, not even a flash story. At one point, I rewrote it as a poem, which did not succeed. Anyway. I had this vignette just sitting there, so I thought, Why not submit it?
Guess what? Yep! They accepted it. Unfortunately, they accidentally omitted the last line! They’ve apologized and will print it again in it’s entirety in the next issue (April), but since I was excited to share it with you today, I’ll give you the link anyway, but we’ll play a little game.
Can you guess the last line?
Read and come back here to give me your best guess: A Meditation
Linda Cassidy Lewis 
Oh! I’ve not yet read the issue, but looking forward to it – I recognized a couple of people I’ve seen on SN and that will make it even more “personal” as I read.
Congrats on your publication!
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Thank you, Kat. 🙂 You know, I’ve had my eye on Rose and Thorn for years. I’ve just never got up the nerve to submit. 😕
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An excellent piece of writing.
As they say when being promoted from Triple A to MLB, “You’re ready for the big show. Make ’em believe.”
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Thank you, fivecats. 🙂 Do they say that? Make ’em believe, huh?
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“Make ’em believe.” … sorta, yes. That you have the skills and the intangibles to be in the big show.
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I’ll do that, fivecats, as soon as I believe it. 😉
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I know, I know! But it would be unfair of me to say since it was ME that accidentally left it out. Thanks SO much for your understanding, Linda. And kudos to you for making this into a game. We’re proud to have you included in our first issue – and are happy to run the piece again – with the incredible last line – in April!
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Oh, Dawn, how sweet of you to comment here. 🙂 Believe me, I was just relieved to learn it was only a mistake. *lol* As one who regularly flubs, I could only be understanding, but I’m sorry for you that you had an error in your first issue. It’s still a great one though!
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Congratulations on your publication Linda. I have no idea what the line might be, but am sure it will be worth the wait!
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Thank you, Marcia. 🙂 Worth it or not, you should see it now.
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I have lived that vignette. Last line?
Now I have got you!
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Did you, Mary Jean? I hope it turned out well for you. And yeah, something like that. 🙂
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