My First Lit Mag Publication – “My True Love Gave to Me” in Micromance Magazine
On the Monday of Christmas week, my true love gave to me…
My first lit mag publication!
My tinsel heart is bursting to share that “My True Love Gave to Me” was published today as part of Micromance Magazine’s 12 Days of Christmas.
And guess what?
You can read the story for free here.
The 12 Days of Christmas Submission Call
In August, I saw the submission call for Micromance Magazine’s 12 Days of Christmas. At the time, I had a lot on my plate, so I told myself I would need to sit this one out.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about this opportunity, and at the last minute, I decided to submit a story.
When I say last minute, I literally mean last minute. I remember being out to dinner the night before the deadline, and while I was eating my delicious steak and fries, I got an idea. So, I woke up in the morning, wrote the story, and sent it to a friend for feedback. She didn’t have any suggestions, so I obsessed over little line edits for a while, then submitted the story.
Basically, there were less than twenty-four hours between when I got my idea and sent the story. I have done some wild things, but this is definitely near the top of the list.
My Surprise Acceptance
When I received the news that “My True Love Gave to Me” was chosen for the 12 Days of Christmas, I couldn’t believe it. Who knew my chaotic choice to write a story the day of the deadline would lead to me getting my first lit mag acceptance? Maybe I should do last-minute submissions more often.
Actually, no thanks. In school, I was the student who always turned in homework early, and now, I’m the author who usually submits way before the deadline. Sometimes, though, I see opportunities I can’t pass up, even if that means I’ll need to board the chaos train. This time, the train took me to the North Pole because “My True Love Gave to Me” would be part of a 12 Days of Christmas series by my favorite literary magazine.
A Peek Into “My True Love Gave to Me”
This story was inspired by the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and specifically, the five golden rings.
Grace thinks she’s going out to dinner with her boyfriend, Douglas, to celebrate being together for five years, but turns out, the dinner plan was only a way to get her dressed up for the occasion. The tree is lit, flames are dancing in the fireplace, and Douglas surprises Grace with five black boxes, one for each of their anniversaries. At first, Grace wonders if Douglas got her five golden rings, but the gifts are way more meaningful and make her greatest wish come true.
The Significance of December 22
This morning, “My True Love Gave to Me” landed in my inbox, since I’m subscribed to Micromance Magazine. After reading the stories and poems published by Micromance for months, it was surreal seeing a subject line with my story’s title.
And yes, I read my story in the email because I needed the whole publication day experience. I wish I could relive that magical moment over again.
So, why is December 22 significant?
“My True Love Gave to Me” takes place on December 22, since that’s Grace and Douglas’ special day.
And what’s today’s date?
That’s right.
December 22!
“My True Love Gave to Me” getting published on the same day when the story is set made this experience extra magical.
Since my first lit mag publication was so special, I wanted to celebrate with a graphic. Thank you so much to my friend, Aaliyah Paolucci, for designing this for me.
Huge thank you to Gail and Katie for making “My True Love Gave to Me” part of Micromance Magazine’s 12 Days of Christmas. I hope readers love this story as much as I do.
Grace and Douglas sure have a lot to celebrate today, too.