I had an interesting revelation today, that's probably obvious to most seasoned writers:

When people know you, face to face, when they look into your eyes, when they are closer to you than your species or your pride, they read your writing differently. Of course. They're kinder in some ways. Might not tell you when you suck.

But, they also don't want to know too much. 
They already know you. They might not need to know the rest. 
What was left unsaid, was maybe silenced for a reason. 

So if you know me, and don't want to know, then don't read this.
​
But I am proud to share that I've been published as part of a blog post of mini-essays on the blog TRUE at Proximity Magazine. 

true stories of silenced women

So back in 2011, when I lived in Cairo I embarked upon a writing "adventrue"  whereby I entered 10 writing contests of any sort. I "won" 1 out of 10. I thought that was pretty good. 

I put that out there because rejections abound: I currently have 5 flash pieces that I have deemed worthy of submittle (2 of them are series of 99s). I've submitted each to 2-5 magazines. Pure rejection, though I admit I have not heard back from quite a few. 

Writing is a process, it's supposed to be deep and liberating like a swim in a dark pond.  
​But sometimes I just want everyone to love what I've written.

Lot's of rejections, but here's a totally flattering rejection.
I will use this feedback and submit the new piece elsewhere, and keep these things in mind as I write. I have already sent them another story.
​Keep the beatings coming!

"  Dear Trayle, 
Thank you so much for sending us your work. "Civil War" sparked lots of discussion among our editors. While we have ultimately decided to pass, we would love to see more of your work. 

Normally, we simply don't have the time to give individual feedback, but we try to do so when a story comes so close. Below are some of the editors' comments: 

1. This feels authentic and richly detailed. It also feels a bit too much like non-fiction, but it's good. 

2. I love the descriptions and sense of place. My one concern is that I'm not sure I understand the relationship between the three parts. I believe they're supposed to be three distinct flashes, which is fine with me, but then they need their own titles and should be formatted such that the delineation is clear. My gut says that they should all be linked in some way beyond setting, too. 

3. My issue is that I want more examples or stories from the elders. Two are not enough, IMO. However, I LOVE this. 

4. I would suggest cutting the opening set-up altogether and going straight into the voices--and yes, I'd like a bunch more of them. Together they would create a broader world and then the fragmented structure would work as plot for the story. 

Again, please keep us in mind for future submissions. "