Bethlehem Writers Roundtable
by Paula Gail Benson
A
writer never forgets the first place her work is published. The Bethlehem
Writers Group, in existence since 2006, gave me that opportunity through its
online publication the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable (BWR).
end of 2012, I had recently joined the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime and
decided to commit to serious writing by submitting my work. I read the BWR was
seeking 2000 or less word stories on the theme “Dead Valentine” for its
February issue. I sent in “Nectar of the Gods,” and, miraculously, it was
selected as February’s feature story, which meant I also had to come up with a “top
ten” list. (My topic: the top ten romantic Broadway musicals.)
Subsequently,
I entered the BWR annual short story contest. That year, it was being judged by
Hank Phillippi Ryan, who I unabashedly adore as a fabulous writer and
incredible human being. I wrote a story based on personal experience, drawn
from an incident that happened to my mother during her final days in the
hospital. I will never forget the joy I felt in placing third, behind K.B.
Inglee, another author I very much admire.
For
me, the BWR is the gift that keeps giving. My three stories published there
remain accessible through the online archives. My prize winner also was included in
a print anthology available in paperback or Kindle formats on Amazon.
I first submitted to the BWR, it was issued monthly and offered no payment. In 2017, it became a
quarterly publication that pays for accepted stories ($20 for featured authors
and $10 for &More selections). Submissions should be no more than 2000
words.
year, the short story contest is being judged by Carrie Vaughn, the New York
Times bestselling novelist of the Kitty series, featuring a werewolf who hosts
a radio talk show. Paranormal stories are being solicited and must be received
by March 31, 2017. There is an entry fee of $10 per story for the contest. (Regular
submissions require no fee.) In addition to publication, the top three prize
winners receive cash awards. Personally, I think the contest fee is very
reasonable and consider it a means of supporting an excellent organization.
story writer, please consider submitting to the BWR. I have found its editors
to be wonderful, caring individuals, and I am very proud to be among their authors
(including my Stiletto Gang partner, Debra Goldstein). Check it out at: http://bwgwritersroundtable.com
Thanks so much for this wonderful post on BWG and BWRoundtable. We are proud to have you as one of our authors.
Thank you, Marianne. It's a privilege to be published in BWR.