News Got You Down? Check Out these Magazines that Highlight Positivity!
News Got You Down? Check Out these Magazines that Highlight Positivity!
Several magazines focus on stories about good people (and animals) doing great things.
October 3, 2024
Dear Writers,
Welcome to StoryCellar: News & Opportunities for Writers. I’m glad you’re here!
I’ll email paid subscribers with a link to a complimentary online lesson teaching you my process of prewriting a personal essay; this practice gets the organization out of the way and frees you up to make the creative writing practice painless and FUN!
It’s not too late to become a paid subscriber; click here for details:
Magazines Publishing Positive News
As the U.S. Presidential election nears, and as wars around the world flare, reading the news feels increasingly fraught. As a balance, I’d like to introduce you to a trio of publications (and one newspaper section) that showcase uplifting and inspiring stories. This is not to suggest that we bury our heads in the sand, but rather, that we balance the negative news surrounding us with more positive stories that leave us feeling energized rather than deflated.
Without further ado, here are the publications! (Note: You can often bypass the firewall using Firefox as your browser.)
Yes! Magazine is solutions-based journalism published with the goal of building a more sustainable and compassionate world. Recently, the magazine has published stories on how to end childhood poverty, how happiness affects voters, and Jenn M. Jackson’s essay “How Black Women Can Protect Their Peace This Election Cycle.” Interested in submitting a story to Yes! Magazine? Here are the editor’s submission guidelines.
Upworthy notes that they’re “a media brand on a mission to share uplifting stories that foster positive connections — with the community, the world and our partners. The editor, Eric Pfieffer, has published a few of my stories, including “Changing the false stigmas about black cats requires patience, knowledge and a lot of love” and “The new digital program that's revolutionizing the adoption of teens from the foster care system.”
Good Magazine publishes upbeat stories about people and science. Recent headlines include “Man who single-handedly planted 550-hectare forest is planning to do it all over again on another barren plot,” “Mom praises teen boy for the way he helped her daughter with a period emergency," and—my personal favorite—”Family adopted a baby raccoon that fell out of a tree and gave her the best life ever.”
“Inspired Life” runs in The Washington Post with the tagline “Stories about humanity.” Recently, they’ve published “The G.O.A.T. of a Canadian half marathon was — an actual goat,” “Moms nationwide are leaving gift cards in diaper boxes—here’s why,” and “UPS driver helps save woman’s life on his route, now visits her weekly.” Here are the submission guidelines for “Inspired Life.”
Where I’ll Be Soon
I’m one of the featured presenters at the lovely intimate conference Write Doe Bay on October 24th-27th on Orcas Island in Washington State. Register here; some scholarships available!
I’ll be moderating at least one panel at the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference March 26th through 29th. Details forthcoming! This is one of the largest writing conferences and bookfairs in the country; AWP offers work exchange programs for those who need help with the registration fee.
What I’m Publishing
Pour yourself a shot of apricot brandy with an apple cider vinegar chaser and enjoy my essay from Business Insider: “My great-grandmother was a vaudeville comic and lived to 96. Here are her secrets to longevity.”
My newest book, Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ Stories to Change Your Mind about Disability, comes out next year. The publisher made this splendid graphic for the cover reveal; I’ll give you a peek at it. Here’s the link for pre-order!
Would you like to be part of my Launch Team for Down Syndrome Out Loud?
You’ll get an advance review copy of the book, plus super-fun swag, and you’ll get to be part of the private Facebook group devoted to making sure this book gets into the hands of everyone who needs it! Email me for details at melissahartsmith(at)gmail(dot)com .
A Few Cool Resources for Writers
Erica Berry’s written a smart piece for Outside Magazine titled “Why We Need More Climate Change Love Stories” with the subhead: Reading about romance and relationships in speculative fiction about scary futures reminds us that a better world is always worth fighting for. Have a look!
Kathleen Schmidt’s got a thought-provoking article for authors up on Substack titled “Do You Want Reviews or Sales: You Often Can’t Have Both.” I appreciate her pro-tips!
I’ve just discovered the “About Face” personal essay section of The Wall Street Journal. I’m eager to submit stories to this department, especially after reading some of the most recent essays!
Thanks to “Practicing Writer” author Erika Dreifus for pointing me in the direction of Teresa Wong’s personal essay “Why Write Your Family Story” in Writer’s Digest!
NPR recently broadcast this fascinating short piece: “The Poison Book Project is Looking for Victorian-Era Books Made with Toxic Dyes.” (Watch out for yellow wallpaper, while you’re at it.)
Workshops, Awards, Retreats & Calls for Submissions
The writers’ conference Write on the Sound takes place this weekend in Edmonds, Washington. There’s still time to register for the in-person event; there’s a full day of online workshops, as well!
Why not apply for a self-directed writing residency at the lovely Playa at Summer Lake in the Oregon desert? I did this earlier this year, and I was blown away by the gorgeous location, as well as by the kind and supportive camaraderie of other writers and artists.
Evelyn Sky at CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is giving away scholarships to writers in the amounts of $1,000 and $2,500. Details here!
Slate editor Tony Ho Tran wants personal and reported essays examining how technology impacts your life, work, or worldview, as well as stories about the surprising ways in which tech is affecting our lives. Pitch Tony at tony.tran@slate.com .
Frank Olito at Business Insider wants personal essays from parents about college issues—are you anxious about your college kid? Would you prefer not to pay tuition? Does your kid reject the idea of college? Pitch Frank at folito@businessinsider.com
Writing Class Radio wants fresh, compelling personal essays up to 1,000 words. Email Andrea Askowitz at andrea@writingclassradio.com with “Submission” in the subject line.
The Open Notebook offers an incredible fellowship for early-career science journalists to work on stories with the guidance of seasoned writers. Deadline to apply is October 31st.
Okay, that’s all for now. Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!
—Melissa
P.S. Here is me with my accidental, illegal rooster. I Just wrote about him for Ambrook Research Magazine. I’ll send the link as soon as the story is published. Know anyone who wants a rooster? JoJo desperately needs a new home!
