MOTIVATIONAL TONIC: The Winning Mentality by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

 

Attitude is Eveerything

Life is tough. Staying relevant requires a lot of sacrifice. Nobody conquers the world alone. You are expected to fit into a system before you can considerably effect any change. If you don’t fit in nicely, there are chances that you may never make it. A winner is the fellow that carefully engages every necessary tool at his disposal to achieve extra ordinary things. A star is born only when he does what is right and not what he likes.

Giving everything you have got in order to win, also in the face of adversity is the winning mentality. You will need to be in the right frame of mind to get the best out of life. Build yourself. Live like every day is a final. It is at this threshold that a champion is born. Released into the world to stand in the gap, hold its own and make the crooked ways straight. Not doing enough, will not give you enough of the things that you desire. This is way you must operate from the position of strength.

Winning Mentality by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

In reality, there is something much basic to winning—something that accounts for consistent success. It is to have enough self-belief in your abilities to know you can achieve what it is you are setting out to do.  

Don’t take a slow start for tragedy. Stay focused. The show of strength and self-belief are contagious. Once they part of your daily routine, you are surely headed for the very top.

There is power in having a winning mentality because it easily produces dominance. Operating at this level, will make you conquer all frontiers. You are expected to be consistent even when it hurts, take initiative, give your best effort, persevere and be the rallying point. Stick out your neck and lead.

Nobody achieves much at the bottom. When a war is won, people easily remember the name of the leader. Not much is said about the foot soldiers. They are exactly what their name implies—they are at the bottom of everything. It is possible they fought the hardest. But the problem is that people easily see those at the top. You cannot blame the people. If you don’t like your position, all you need is change. Move from the bottom to the top. Then you will be treated differently. This is where your mentality comes to play. It is not easy navigating from the bottom of the ladder to the top. It takes guts. It takes everything you can imagine. Sometimes, it could cost your life.

I hate to say this but it is true. Those who participate at the rear, rarely get mentioned. So also is life. People who don’t give much, are hardly recognized. To be at the top of the food chain, you must be very attractive and at the same time tough.

Life can sometimes be cruel. It is in your hands to bend any circumstance to your favour.  You must set the conditions for success, set goals and make sure you remain motivated. If these elements are lacking, you are going to struggle. It is in your hands to make people want to do business with you. It is in your hands to make the world worship at your feet. These things don’t happen overnight. They require many weeks, months and sometimes years of consistent hard work and labour. Whatever is not a product of sincere labour, will not last.

Ruyi's World of Books and Stories

Nothing happens by chance. The more time you spend trying to push for change, the more likely you are going to win. The world reverberates around beautiful people. Don’t get exhausted being you because it is your ticket to greatness. Challenges only draw the fellow who can bend any circumstance to his favor to his goal and not away from it.

From the book The City Heroes and other
stories from the heart of Africa by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

Spend more time on your talent and make sure you are efficient. It is a foundation on which great things are laid. It is easy to build a future around a talent. Since it is natural, you will easily flow. Push for great things by pushing yourself hard enough. No weakling has ever emerged a conqueror. If he survives to see the rising sun, he may never see the setting sun. Guard your talent jealously. If this foundation is broken, your future will be threatened. A winning mentality and a great talent are inseparable. They complement each other. If you can strike a balance, you are a winner.

          Set your eyes on the goal. It is true that miracles do happen but it is more likely going to happen to the man that is prepared. The good thing is that you do not need a certificate to develop a winning mentality. It takes discipline to be the best.  Once you are able to sustain the momentum, there are chances that you will achieve your goal.

          Many negative things do happen on the path to greatness. So don’t fear when you suffer. It is part of the process. It is an essential part of the journey. Frustration is part of your success story. Take them on board and bend any circumstance to your favor.

Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

Nothing is more rewarding like having the right attitude. In the game of life, attitude is everything. Cultivate a good attitude and it will sustain you. When there is a lifting, it is attitude that sustains it. As you know, if you want to survive public life, you must hide your imperfections. By being circumspect, you are deliberately creating a beautiful image for yourself. Your survival depends on how well you can play your role in this ever changing world.

          You suffer more significantly if you run away from your challenges. Sometimes, there are no guarantee that solving any problem will bring instant success. You just have to get the job done irrespective of where it will lead you. One thing is certain, a problem solved leaves you with wealth of experience.

          Nobody becomes great by standing aloof. You have to be involved in the process of getting the best out of your life from the start to the finish. You must be ready to sacrifice for your own good even when you are not sure of winning. The lesser you think about winning, the higher your chances of becoming a loser.

          In the game of life, failure is not final. What you must not do is to remain trapped in the corridors of hell. You can run but you cannot hide. The problems you refuse to confront will mess you up. Get yourself out of the hole and celebrate your greatness. Start today by consciously taking the right decision to fix your problems.

          One easy way to start the journey of greatness is to identify with successful people and have a winning mentality. Tag along with them and learn how they got to the top. These things don’t happen overnight. Greatness is achieved overtime. Nobody succeed in isolation. Get all the help you can. Learn from successful people. Get in touch with the light that is higher than you for help. The truth shall set you free. With the right mindset, you are set for great things.

Connect with 

Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

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EXCERPT: Caught Pants Down. When you realize many people are involved. (unedited draft)

 Written by 

Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

The walls were painted with several layers of attractive colors and the floor lined with beautiful tiles to match. The wooden furniture were perfect for the office. There was a split air conditioner unit on the wall, TV set and next to them was Jim’s portrait. Chairs and table were in a corner. His computer sat comfortably on one side of the table. The window blinds were neat. The curtains slightly drawn and the atmosphere smelled nicely. Jim Paterson has good taste. It was easy to see the world that the man belongs. He must be eternally grateful for what life has given him. He was neither rich nor poor. But of course, he was in the middle of both extremes.

Jim Paterson went round the large table that was the size of an Olympic stadium and sank into his favorite seat. He glanced up at the woman who had followed him into the office. It was easy to tell from her look that she was impressed. “Please, sit down. What can I offer you?” Jim took his remote on the table, he faced the TV set on the wall and put it on.

The lady’s eyes travelled round the office and then back to Jim before she quietly sat down on the empty seat in front of him. She slammed her bag on the table. She adjusted her beautiful frame as he fixed his gaze on her. “Actually,” she began. “I don’t think I need any drink now but if you can give me the money, I will appreciate it.”

“No problem,” Jim said. He brought out his wallet. He took out some cash and gave them to the lady.

“Thank you,” she said almost a million times. She stretched out her hand and took the money from him. She grabbed her bag and placed the money inside. She lowered the bag and placed it on the floor beside her.

Her move seemed a bit awkward. Jim swallowed hard and asked, “Do you have a name? I am impressed the way you greet me. Sadly, I have never bothered to ask your name.”

“You are right. My name is Elizabeth.”

“That sounds nice. I am Jim Paterson. Can we be friends?”

“Yes, we are already friends,” she smiled. She rubbed her hands gleefully together.

“Thank you!” he sat up. “Can you tell me more about yourself?”

“Of course, I can. But I will start with you first.”

Jim laughed. “I don’t understand. Why do you want to start with me?”

“Isn’t it a good idea?”

“I don’t know.”

“I want to tell you how I knew you,” she said.

“Me? I thought the greetings were just one of those things. There was no strings attached.”

“I know you will be surprised if I say this. But it is true. I have someone who knows you. He told me so much about you,” she revealed.

Jim sat up curiously and crossed his hands over his body. “What did the fellow tell you about me?”

“Calm down. They were kind words. If what he said about you were not pleasant, I won’t be here.”

“Oh! Who is this person?”

“Frank!” she disclosed.

“Frank?”

“Yes! He’s my uncle!” she smiled and their eyes met.

Jim sank into his seat and sighed. “Frank promised to see me today but I’m not sure he will make it again.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “It is getting late. He’s the one I was waiting for.”

“I doubt he will come here this evening because he told me he will be travelling tonight. He should be out of town now.”

“I am aware of the trip. We planned to meet briefly this evening before he leaves.”

“I won’t be surprised if he finally show up.”

“So you and Frank live under the same roof and I never knew?”

“That’s because you hardly visit him. The only time you came to the house, I was not around. When I came back from work, Frank told me you came. He is all over the moon with you. That man can’t stop talking about you. I must confess, he truly loves you!”

“Yes, I know he loves me,” Jim giggled. “The only time I came to him, we spent nearly the whole day together in that house. He told me he lives with a relation. I never knew it was you.”

“That is life,” she smiled.

There was silence momentarily as Jim was distracted by the good music on the TV.

Elizabeth glanced at her wrist watch. “I have been on the road all day,” she slowly said.

Jim gently turned to her. “It is written all over you,” he remarked. “You look tired. I guess you have to go home now.”

“Yes, I have to go but I wish I could spend more time with you. Now I know why my uncle is always here. You are fun to be with.”

“Thank you. If I invite you some other time, will you honor it?”

“No doubt. If I am free, I will come.”

“Okay,” Jim said. He grabbed a pen and paper from the table and passed them to her. “Please, leave your contact. I will get in touch with you.”

“No problem.”

As she took the pen and paper and put down her contact, Jim rose to his feet. He went to his new friend. He stood beside her. “You are here for the first time but it looks as if we have been friends for ages.”

Elizabeth smiled. She glanced up at him. “That is true,” she nodded.

“I hope you will give me a hug before you leave,” he said politely. “That’s what good friends do.”

“Yes.”

The look on his face was expressive. Jim was already dreaming of something. Whether it was going to prevail or not was down to the perception of the lady.

Elizabeth thought it was not a bad idea to embrace her new friend. Gently, she dropped the pen on the paper. She adjusted her dress and rose to her feet. Jim threw his hands open and she crawled onto his arm. Jim felt the weight of her boobs and hope things stayed that way into the foreseeable future.

Her large boobs filled the room and the walls fell on Jim. As she hugged him almost a million times, Jim felt her nipples. The pebbles were hard and sensitive. You can’t stumble on the pebble and not feel some discomfort between your legs.  

Jim could not believe that she was so endowed. He may never had known that beneath the purple shirt were large saggy tits begging for attention if he had not taken the long, hard road to request for a hug. Just like the handshake that exceeds the elbow and then cause all sorts of discomfort, his left hand travelled slowly up the river and finally arrived at the fountain. They were tempting. Whether it was deliberate to find out what stuff she was made of or how much strength she could wield at the slightest provocation, she was caught. Jim found her out. She began to breathe fast, panting like a terrified lizard. Jim thought it was an invitation to get everything under wraps. He took one of the large fountains in his hand. It was graceful and erotic. The weight of it nearly choked him. She had soaked enough of the pressure and could no longer hold herself together. The savory, the beauty and the strength kept Jim on the path to great things.

Mere getting his fingers on the boobs were simply not enough to achieve something remarkable. It was like scratching the surface of a goldmine. You may never get enough of the treasure underneath the earth until you work your way in. Jim had to dig deep because she was there for the taking. He raised her shirt. He had the luxury of seeing the shapes. Slightly tanned fruits dangled before the large balls that sat in the socket of his skull. They were massive, saggy tits. His fingers reached for the nipple. He squeezed and pulled it gently. Jim beamed with smile as if he had won a trophy!

“Oh, take is easy,” she moaned quietly. “I like it when you go slowly.”

“Okay,” Jim spoke and switched to the other nipple. There was a need to spread the pleasure to all corners of the earth. He applied a little pressure and her body vibrated. Jim leaned forward. He took the nipple in the mouth and wrapped his long and wet tongue around it. He began to twist and touch her body gently, cleverly and extensively.

The man seemed to have struck the right note as the lady shuddered. “Oh, god,” she cried. “You are so sweet! I have been missing a real man all my life!” Elizabeth wrapped her hands around Jim. As Jim worked on her, she moved her hand down his body. Jim was hard in his pants when her finger finally touched his dick. The gift was carefully wrapped in the bag and would need unveiling. She squeezed him gently. “You have something between your legs,” she remarked. “Your dick is big.”

“Hmm…I know,” Jim smiled and kissed her forehead.

“Wait,” she said. “I need to get the gift out of the bag!”

Jim paused to see what she was going to do.

She unzipped his trousers and took out his penis. “Oh, I said it! You are a man!” Elizabeth shook her head.

You can get the feeling of being told that you have potentials between your legs. It’s enough to drive a man crazy!

She went down slowly on her knees as Jim fixed his gaze on her. “I have never seen something bigger,” she glanced up and revealed.

“Are you sure?” Jim asked, quietly.

“Yes,” she cocked her head slowly.

Jim smiled as Elizabeth took his dick in her hand. It was growing bigger and harder as she stroke it mildly. Then she took it in her mouth. Jim’s cock filled her as she began to suck and pull his body back and forth.

“Ah,” Jim groaned. He shut his eyes and faced the ceiling. He placed his hands on her head and stroked her gently. Jim enjoyed the touch. It was graceful and the atmosphere was electrifying. Jim began to moan aloud as Elizabeth dominated and kept him under control. She went for his balls and licked it as if it was lollipop. Jim could not believe that the lady he thought was innocent was wild and free. “I never thought this was possible today,” he managed to croak. “You are killing me!”

“I love your dick,” she said. “It’s the kind of stuff I want inside my pussy.” As she worked on him, Jim tried to get his hand on her boobs but she held him. She raised her head, “No. Don’t worry about my boobs. Concentrate so that you can enjoy me.”

“Okay,” Jim cocked his head. He leaned on his table and watched her worked on his massive dick. She already had Jim where she wanted—under her control, shuddering at her feet. As his body vibrated vehemently, Jim felt he was going to erupt if she does not end the blowjob. “Please, stop before I mess you up,” he cried, panting.

“Hmm…I will,” she replied. She pinned him to the table and increase the intensity. The salty fluid were at the corridor, waiting to be unleashed. The salty creatures jostled to leave the station and embark on the journey of no return. They left Jim vibrating and saying all sorts of things that one could hardly hear. She leaned in to run her tongue across his cock, seeking the delicious, salty stuff that will be discharged from the tiny mouth. It was well orchestrated. Together, they make the journey memorable. His dick cried out to be touched and handled in an extraordinary way. She stroked him hard with each of her hand, feeling that something important was about to happen.

From the tiny mouth on the dick, a fountain of liquid, crystal clear like the river, but thicker than water—shot forth. When Jim started coming, a large drop of the cream sprayed into her mouth.

She jerked back. Her mouth opened and the thick white cum drooled out and ran slowly down her chin. Her gaze was on the tiny mouth on the massive dick between Jim’s legs which continued to spout portion of white liquid. The taste of Jim’s cum was wonderful.

Jim was exhausted but the lady carefully swallowed the liquid and licked her fingers. “You taste so nice,” she told him. Like a cat with nine lives, she looked as if she had only started. She was ready to drain every fluid out of him if given the chance. “I wanted you to fuck me,” she told Jim. “I need to be sure of what I am getting into. I don’t want to have a sick cock inside of me. But the time is far spent. We will do it some other time.”

“Sure,” Jim nodded his head as his penis progressively shriveled. “It is will be memorable.”

“Do you have a shower here?” she asked with an eye on his cock. Not sure whether her decision not to allow Jim drill her pussy today was the best.

“Yes,” Jim answered. He brought out his handkerchief and steadily cleaned his dick.  

“I need to use it,” she said.

He pointed to the door at the extreme. “Go there and get yourself cleaned up.”

As she rose to her feet and gathered her things, they heard a knock on the door. “Jim,” the voice sounded from the other side.

“That is Frank,” Jim whispered to her. “Go! Go to the shower quickly. And lock the door from the inside!”

Elizabeth managed to get into the bathroom and secured the door but Jim was unfortunate. His trousers still hung loosely to his waist when Frank opened the door and entered the office. He had his luggage with him, which weighed a ton.

Bad Santa by Kiru Taye

 Although Gina Badu is a good girl all-year-round, she knows her Christmas wish will never come true. Not with a recent divorce, late parents and a sister who courts trouble.

 

Then Santa abducts her in the middle of the night. Except this Santa is terrible—a silver fox of a tattooed fallen angel.

 

Osagie Peters is a ruthless, cartel boss whose dark soul threatens to consume her. He scares her as much as he fascinates her. It seems he’s got her on the naughty list. Still, there’s a chance she might have a Merry Christmas after all.

 

Osagie: Bad Santa is an Enders series romantic suspense novella and is the prequel to Osagie: King of Clubs. Osagie was first introduced in Xandra: Killer of Kings, Enders series book 2.

 

Content warning: kidnapping.

 

 BUY

 

 

 One More Night by Rosemary Okafor

A night with Grace’s ex husband reignites old feelings she thought long buried and provides a second chance for her dead marriage. With a world of uncertainty between them, they must determine if the reasons that tore them apart in the first place will do so again. Imelda has known one kind of love—hard, stressful and abusive. Then she crosses paths with Kolawole, a far cry from her usual taste in men. With an old debt to pay, forced loyalty and blackmail, can she walk away from an old relationship that threatens to tear her apart? Chinyeaka’s life has not been easy. But she’s determined to get the future she deserves by any means necessary.

 

One More Night weaves the stories of these women as they search for love, second chances, forgiveness and self rediscovery. 

BUY

 

 

Excerpt: Ekwe Runs Wild by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

One morning, Obiefule woke up very sick and tired. He could not get on his feet. He called out to his wife and son. Ekwe was the first to get into the room.

“Father, you called me. What is it?”

“My son, you will go to the farm alone today.” He adjusted and coughed a bit.

“Why?” Ekwe asked and walked quietly to the bedside. He held his hand. “Be strong, father. You know we still have much work to do on the farm.”

Obiefule nodded slowly. He cleared his throat. He raised his head a bit, “You are right, my boy. I am feverish. I will need to get some medications to get back on my feet...”

Obiageli entered the room. “Good morning, my love,” she greeted and went down on her knees.

Obiefule placed his hand on her shoulder, he replied, “Good morning, darling. I have just instructed Ekwe to go to the farm.”

“What about you? Are you not going with us?” she inquired with a broad grin.

He shook his head. “I will not. I am very sick. My body aches everywhere. You will stay to give me some herbs. Or why are you here if not for such a purpose?” He tried to mask his pain with a smile.

“Sorry, my love. I know this will eventually happen, because you have been working too hard for some time now.” She went close to him and felt his neck with the back of her hand. “You are hot. You need rest to get over the fever.”

“Yes, I must rest. Please, prepare some herbs for me while Ekwe hurries to the farm.”

“Okay.” Obiageli turned to her son. “Ekwe, you heard your father. Be careful,” she warned. “Once it is sunset, make sure you return home. Anyone who calls you, tell them your parents are waiting for you. Don’t play on the road. The forest is not safe for anyone in the evening. Is that clear?”

“Yes, mother. I will get back on time. Goodbye!” He left the room in a hurry. Today, the boy will have the luxury of eating whatever he wanted. Roasted yam, fruits and even small animals will all be his. Unlike the days when he journeyed to the farm with his parents, Ekwe was restricted to rations imposed upon him. Sometimes such rations hardly quenched his large appetite. Like a bird that escaped from a snare, the boy grabbed hold of his freedom with both hands. He went to the backyard. Ekwe took his hoe and cutlass and walked briskly out of the compound.  

Ekwe walked happily through the bush paths that led to his father’s farm. Going to the farm alone was like the best day of his life. The thought of hunting squirrels, swimming in the stream and eat as many fruits as he wanted excited him. He could not wait to get to the farm. The forest had come alive for the birds were whistling aloud. At intervals, sparrows dropped from trees like stones to grab their breakfast on the wings of the morning. The birds continued to make a short work of insects as the boy walked to the farm.

 Ekwe got to the farm in a good time. He worked for long hours under the scorching hot day and was tired. When he could feel his skin had begun to roast, he took his hoe and cutlass and went to find a shade where he would rest. He found a spot under a shade created by a mango tree. The shade was comfortable enough for any poor soul to get over the overwhelming presence of the hot day. Just as Ekwe placed his cutlass at the foot of the tree and wanted to sit down, a big movement drew his attention to the nearby bush. He raised his head and flung a glance at the direction of the disturbance. The boy saw a grass cutter in the bush. The giant rat was seeking something to devour. Grass cutter is a good source of protein. No hunter would allow such a meal to slip on a good day. Ekwe imagined himself eating the roasted grass cutter and having a good time in the river. Just like a king having a memorable feast. Then he grabbed hold of his cutlass and gave chase.

Ekwe ran very fast. His pair of legs descended on the earth like survivors fleeing massacre. The bush meat was too big to let go and the thought of a good meal kept the boy in the chase. It was a rat race. They ran from one end of the farm to the other until they strayed away.

Obviously, the grass cutter was not running very fast. Yet, killing it was like a mountain too high for the boy. Maybe the creature had sustained injury in the course of the struggle. However, against all odds, the animal was not ready to let Ekwe have his way. On the other hand, the boy felt he could take his chance and end the day on a bright note. Then he wore the garment of determined spirit and faced the challenge head long. Ekwe was like a motivated four fisted wrecking bull. His eyes were full of hope as he raised his cutlass up to high heavens in a bid to bring down the creature. When the animal was within his reach, he changed his mind and decided to catch it alive. Ekwe dropped his cutlass and dived at the grass cutter. But his legs betrayed him and the move backfired. He lost his balance and was reduced to a heap of rubble on the floor. Before Ekwe could get back on his feet, the animal had run into a hole. The creature heaved a sigh of relief and disappeared from sight.

Ekwe did not give up. He felt all hope to get the animal was not lost. He jumped to his feet. He went for his cutlass. He returned swiftly and dug into the hole. Not long after, the boy realised that the animal had escaped through another way. His countenance fell and his shoulders sagged. He dropped his cutlass and sat on the floor as the sun gradually walked away.

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Get Paid to Write Short Stories: 22 Places That Will Buy Your Fiction.

Lots of us write short stories. But when we think of making money from our writing, we tend to get hung up on the idea of publishing a novel—or, better yet, a series of novels. Short stories are ways to explore new ideas and techniques or are giveaways for our email newsletter readers, but they don’t pay the bills.
Not so fast.
For a long time, short stories were actually a fiction writer’s best way to break into paying work, and they can still form a strong part of your author career. Selling short fiction into paying markets nets you exposure, new readers, and, oh yeah, some cash!
Sure, most literary magazines and fiction markets don’t pay a ton, but it never hurts to add another tool to your kit, giving you another distribution channel and a way to bolster your professional career.
There are new literary magazines opening all the time, especially online, and so it’s impossible to come up with a definitive list of all the paying markets currently accepting submissions—especially when you realize that there are dozens of venues for every imaginable genre.
Writers who are really interested in focusing on the short fiction opportunities out there might want to subscribe to Duotrope, Poets & Writers, or Writer’s Market to get more ideas of where to submit.
Here, though, we’ll take a look at 22 of the strongest paying markets for short fiction and what they’re paying.

Contemporary Literature

AGNI
About: The literary magazine of Boston University, AGNI specializes in publishing emerging authors. It accepts poetry, short contemporary fiction, and some critical essays or other nonfiction. There are two print magazines per year and other fiction is published online biweekly.
You can submit between September and May every year.
Pay: $10 per printed page for fiction, $20 per page for poetry, plus a year’s subscription to the magazine and several copies of the issue.
Black Warrior Review
About: Black Warrior Review is the graduate English department publication of the University of Alabama and is produced twice a year. This literary magazine seeks to embrace diversity and risky fiction; it welcomes both authors and stories with diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ, (dis)ability, and people of color. Although it prefers contemporary fiction to strict category genres, magical realism and futuristic stories are encouraged—anything that pushes boundaries and encourages deep thought is embraced.
Black Warrior Review also accepts graphic novels and visual narratives.
Pay: One-year subscription and a “nominal lump sum fee,” the amount of which isn’t made public.
Boulevard
About: Another longstanding, award-winning journal, Boulevard has been publishing contemporary short stories, poetry, and essays since 1985. It particularly encourages new writers to submit—authors who have already been published in another paying market are actually at a disadvantage here!
Boulevard doesn’t accept genre fiction, only contemporary literary fiction.
You can submit between October and May each year.
Pay: $100–$300 for prose, $25–$250 for poetry.
Carve
About: This literary ‘zine focuses on “honest fiction” published online, but also offers a print magazine that includes poetry, nonfiction, and illustrations. One unique feature is that the editors frequently respond to submissions with editorial critiques instead of just a rejection note.
Carve only publishes literary fiction, not genre fiction (so no horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, thrillers, etc.)
Pay: $100 per short story.
Glimmertrain
About: Glimmertrain champions new and emerging writers in its three annual issues. The magazine has several different submissions periods each year; check the website for details on what they’re currently looking for (categories often include unpublished writers, super-short fiction, and various topical themes).
Pay: $700 and up, depending on category.
The Iowa Review
About: Part of the prestigious University of Iowa writing program, this journal has been around since 1970 and specializes in publishing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction in a variety of styles. It publishes three times a year and accepts submissions in September, October, and November each year.
Pay: $0.80 per word for fiction, with a $100 minimum payment.
The Missouri Review
About: Another journal that welcomes contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction essays, The Missouri Review has been around since 1978. It publishes four issues per year and frequently publishes new writers.
Pay: $40 per printed page.
Ploughshares
About: Published three times a year as a high-quality paper journal, Ploughshares is one of the most respected literary journals in the world. They accept submissions during a particular window, usually from June through January each year. Contemporary literary fiction is preferred. There’s also an annual Emerging Writers Contest for previously unpublished or self-published writers.
Pay: Ploughshares pays $25 per page, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $250.
The Southern Review
About: The Southern Review publishes contemporary fiction, poetry, and selected nonfiction including essays and book reviews. Submissions are accepted between September and December each year.
Pay: The Southern Review pays $25 per page, with a maximum of $200. It also provides two copies of the magazine and a year’s subscription.
Threepenny Review
About: Pitched as a “general literary publication,” Threepenny Review publishes contemporary literary fiction, poetry, and a wide array of essays and other nonfiction. It publishes four times a year, in print and online.
Pay: $400 per short story, $200 per poem.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Analog
About: Analog publishes a wide range of science fiction, including welcoming hard science fiction. The technology, worldbuilding, and characters and plot must all be believable and seamlessly woven together—no tacking a plot on to a really cool world. New writers are encouraged to submit.
Pay: 8–10 cents per word.
Apex
About: Do you write edgy sci-fi, fantasy, or horror? Check out Apex! They actively seek boundary-pushing speculative fiction for their monthly online issues, which are available through a hybrid combo of free online access and paid eBook editions. Many now-famous writers got their start with Apex, which still regularly publishes new authors.
Pay: 6 cents per word.
Asimov’s
About: One of the most prestigious science fiction magazines around, Asimov’s concentrates on character-driven, rather than technology-focused, science fiction. Stories should “examine or illuminate some aspect of human existence.”
Pay: 8–10 cents per word.
Clarkesworld
About: Clarkesworld has won just about every award out there, and stories published in its pages also regularly win awards. It publishes monthly issues and also publishes story collections through its book program.
Clarkesworld welcomes fantasy, sci-fi, and horror of many types, but they have a long list of themes that they see too often; check it out before you submit.
Pay: 8–10 cents per word.
Fantasy & Science Fiction
About: Another longstanding, award-winning publication, Fantasy & Science Fiction accepts a broad range of speculative fiction, although stories should be focused more on characters than worldbuilding or technology. Science fiction and humor are particularly encouraged. The magazine publishes six issues per year.
Pay: 7–12 cents per word.
Giganotosaurus
About: Giganotosaurus likes long short fiction—yes, kind of an oxymoron, but unlike many markets, they welcome submissions ranging all the way up to 25,000 words. All kinds of sci-fi and fantasy are accepted, and a single story is published online every month.
Pay: $100 flat fee.
Strange Horizons
About: Every week, Strange Horizons publishes a broad range of speculative fiction, including horror, sci-fi, and fantasy—if you can imagine it, they’re probably open to considering it. They also produce podcasts of published stories and accept poetry, media reviews, and some nonfiction.
Submissions regularly open and close, so be sure to check the website to make sure they’re currently reading for your preferred category.
Pay: 8 cents per word.

Romance

East of the Web
About: East of the Web publishes a huge array of short stories across all genres, including romance (crime, sci-fi, fantasy, and children’s stories are also welcome). It has an open submissions period for most genres.
Romance stories here should include a thriller or mystery element. Previously published stories will be considered.
Pay: 5 cents per word.
Heroes & Heartbreakers
About: Heroes & Heartbreakers is actually an imprint of the publishing giant MacMillan. However, it specializes in short stories and novellas in the romance genre, making it a great place to get paid to start your romance writing career.
Pay: $1,000 advance against 25% royalties.
Shades of Romance
About: This quarterly print and digital magazine emphasizes diversity, including stories by and about people of color. It publishes short romance stories as well as tips and tricks about writing and motivational or inspirational nonfiction. Any genre of romance is acceptable, though erotica is not.
Query before submitting.
Pay: $25 flat fee.

Other

Flash Fiction Online
About: The shortest of short stories are welcomed at Flash Fiction Online, a digital publication. Pretty much any fiction story between 500–1,000 words will be considered, including science fiction, fantasy, romance, and literary fiction.
Pay: $60 flat fee.
Vestal Review
About: Do you write flash fiction? Then The Vestal Review is the place for you! It’s the oldest established market for super-short fiction (they only take stories of 500 words or less). It accepts every genre except children’s lit and hard science fiction and publishes twice a year in print, with some stories also published online.
You can submit between February and May and again between August and November each year.
Pay: $25 flat fee per published story, plus one copy of the magazine.

There are many, many more paying short story venues out there—no matter what, there’s a home for your work. Or you could always consider self-publishing your stories. When creating your author career, there’s no wrong choices, only what’s right for you.

Source: Tckpublishing.