CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS AT PRP AND IMPRINTS by Cheryl Pierson

We have a lot of really good submissions calls open right now in several of our imprints. The first one is A SONG TO REMEMBER--an innovative new series we're launching in 2016. These stories are paired up in "duets"--two stories under one cover. Each book's stories will take place in one particular decade, and they're all different! Take a look and see if any of these might be something you'd be interested in writing a story for! We're very excited about this series.

A SONG TO REMEMBER SERIES--FIRE STAR PRESS

Some song titles evoke memories not only of the song, but also of the time…the era…the place. They call for stories all their own. At Prairie Rose Publications imprint Fire Star Press, evocative songs from days gone by inspired a new line of novella-length stories: A Song to Remember. Each book in the series will be what we call a “duet,” because each will contain two romantic tales. The two stories in each volume will be set in the same decade.

Theme: The music of life and love
Length: 15,000 to 25,000 words
Deadline: FEBRUARY 28, 2016
Heat: sweet to spicy (no erotica, please)

Someone to Watch Over Me: 1940s—Paranormal
When you think of the song "Someone To Watch Over Me," you probably think of the comfort of a safe haven in the arms of your true love. But what if the “someone” was not what he or she appeared to be? What if he were a ghost from the past, or a figment of the future? What if she were an alien from another world or a shapeshifter? This novella duet lends itself to all kinds of intrigue. Stories should be set in the 1940s. We’re not looking for graphic horror or sex—just an “aha” moment and the inevitable decision: What will your hero or heroine do when they discover exactly who—or what—watches over them?

If I Loved You: 1950s—Misunderstood love
If I Loved You will contain two stories of misunderstood love set in the 1950s. This could be anything from a series of events that are misunderstood by one partner or the other to one big misunderstanding that could cloud the issue of a relationship forever. A man sees his intended bride kiss another man on the cheek and gaze into his eyes and calls off the wedding, only to discover later the man is her brother. A woman learns her boyfriend’s tumultuous break up with her happens because he’s found out some devastating news: He’s suffering from an illness that will take all his energy to battle, and he doesn’t want to burden her. The possibilities are endless.

This Magic Moment: 1960s—A revealing moment changes everything
This Magic Moment will contain two stories set in the 1960s, one of the most turbulent times in American history. "Free love," rock-and-roll, and the civil rights movement changed society daily. In these stories, a revelation changes everything. Maybe a civil rights worker must decide between his passion for his job and his passion for his woman. A Woodstock musician realizes the love he feels for his girlfriend is stronger than the music he makes with his band when he sees her leaving the festival. A preacher’s daughter becomes pregnant and her boyfriend, whom her parents despise, shows them what love truly is when he learns he’s going to be a dad. These are just a few examples of the kind of thing we’re looking for in This Magic Moment. What “magic moment” will drive your story?

Wonderful Tonight: 1970s—Can true love happen in just one night?
Eric Clapton's “Wonderful Tonight” tells the story of what happens to a couple in one single night. That’s what we’re looking for in this novella duet, set in the 1970s, with a twist. In the song, the couple has been together a while, but in these two stories, we are looking for tales about couples who may be barely acquainted, or maybe just met. An incident throws them into a situation where they find love. We’re not talking about just lust, but also a mutual caring that blossoms into the fragile beginnings of love between two people. These stories should be no hotter than spicy, given these parameters. We’re eager to see what kind of wonderful—or maybe not so wonderful—night brings your characters to the brink of true love.

I'm On Fire: 1980s—Unlikely love blossoms
Bruce Springsteen’s hit "I’m On Fire" is the inspiration for this duet of 1980s-set stories about love between two people who are a highly unlikely match. Remember Pretty Woman? Trading Places? The real-life romance of Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson? If you have a story about an interracial couple, a librarian and a party guy, a rock star and a schoolteacher, a wealthy heiress and her chauffeur—any unlikely pair for the decade—we’d love to see it. Make the story sizzle: This duet will be spicy to hot, but no erotica, please. What would make your hero or heroine say "I’m on Fire"?

Wicked Game: 1990s—Circumstances aren’t always what they seem
Chris Isaak’s haunting hit “Wicked Game” makes us wonder about the things people will do for desire. The two stories in this volume will feature characters who do something they wouldn't ever have done ordinarily…but are driven to do for the love or desire of another person. Maybe the “wicked games” people play trap two people in a web of deceit. Perhaps a faulty news report threatens to destroy one or both lives, or maybe friends, family, or life itself conspire against the couple to keep them apart by playing one against the other. Could be the hero sets out to destroy the heroine for some reason, only to realize the object of his hatred is not the monster he thought she was.It’s up to you to determine the reasoning and rules for love’s "Wicked Game."

If you have a novella-length story idea for one or more of the “duet” books, e-mail editor Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com and let let her know your interest so she can plan accordingly and “pair up” potential stories. Please put DUETS INQUIRY in the subject line. Both published and un-published storytellers are encouraged to submit.

The line will debut in 2016.


We're also looking for submissions in our SUNDOWN PRESS imprint for the next MEMORIES FROM MAPLE STREET, U.S.A. anthology. This one is called PAWPRINTS ON MY HEART and is, as you may have guessed, a collection of stories about animals that have been special to us in our lives. Yes, it does include horses.



MEMORIES FROM MAPLE STREET, U.S.A.—PAWPRINTS ON MY HEART--SUNDOWN PRESS
To be released in March, 2016
We’ve all had a pet that left indelible pawprints—or hoofprints—on our hearts. Our next edition of our successful series, Memories From Maple Street, U.S.A., will be all about animals! Pawprints On My Heart will include stories about special pets we’ve had in the past that can still evoke loving memories of days gone by when these animals played a huge part in our lives—either as pets we had as children or adults. We especially love rescue stories!
This book will be chock full of stories about animals that had a special place in the lives of the authors. Anatole France once said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” This collection of heartwarming stories will serve to prove him right!
This third volume of Sundown Press’s MEMORIES FROM MAPLE STREET, U.S.A is sure to be another winner—we want YOU to be a part of it!
Please remember, we are looking for TRUE stories. No “as told to by” stories.

Word length: 1500-3000
Please send your submissions to: Cheryl Pierson, Editor in Chief, PRP at: prairierosepublications@yahoo.com or fabkat_edit@yahoo.com
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 22, 2016

LARIATS, LETTERS, AND LACE--PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS

YOU STILL HAVE TIME! If you are working on a story for the PRP Valentine's Day anthology, LARIATS, LETTERS, AND LACE, I can extend the deadline to the 15th of January. Just let me know you have something in the works and on the way!


LARIATS, LETTERS, AND LACE
Prairie Rose Publications is looking for some tender, touching Valentine stories for our Valentine anthology, LARIATS, LETTERS, AND LACE.
These submissions will be western historical romances, 10,000-15,000 words, and will involve the receipt or sending of a letter. Here’s a bit of inspiration, taken from one of the most famous love letters of all time. It was written by Union officer Sullivan Ballou to his wife, Sarah, one week before he died:

I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.


Your letter can be anything from a true love letter to a letter that announces a break-up of a relationship; maybe the death of a family member that signifies a change for the hero or heroine, or summons one of them back home in a difficult time…use your imagination and write a story about the consequences of the letter you come up with for your tale.

We don’t necessarily need to see the actual letter—only know that it brought the news that created the story your characters are living through—for better or worse.

Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate love—and we’re anxious to see what you come up with for us, the true love that came about as a result of a single piece of paper…the letter that set things in motion and brought your characters their very own HAPPY EVER AFTER ending!

Stories can be re-issues, with proper rights reversion documentation.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2016
MORE DETAILS? CLICK HERE: http://www.prairierosepublications.com
WHERE TO SUBMIT: cheryl@prairierosepublications.net OR fabkat_edit@yahoo.com

COMING SOON! Get ready ladies, because we have another medieval anthology we're looking for stories for! This is going to be one of those summer reads that everyone will want to get their hands on--title is ONE HOT KNIGHT. We have not unveiled the cover yet, but will do so shortly--the story length we are looking for will be 10K-15K, as usual. Stories will need to take place in the summer. Easy enough, right? Everything hot--hot men, hot season. More details to come soon!

If you have questions, please e-mail me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com or prairierosepublications@yahoo.com

Round 'Em Up and Send 'Em In!

Deadlines are fast approaching for submissions to a gaggle of Prairie Rose Publications anthologies. Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Pierson is still looking for submissions for the following:

Memories from Maple Street, USA: Leaving Childhood Behind

Theme: childhood memoir
Length: 1,500 to 3,000 words
Deadline: September 1, 2015

Growing up is a miraculous time. The journey from the freedom of childhood to the workaday life of modern adults is filled with both poignance and wonder. Along with fond memories of pedaling bikes through honeysuckle-scented streets with a pack of neighborhood friends, playing “kick the can” and stickball on warm summer evenings alight with fireflies, and the inevitable loss of people and places dear to the heart, everyone experiences a seminal moment when he or she knows they’re leaving childhood behind.

Was there a turning point in your life when you realized the world had shifted and nothing would ever be the same? We want your story. From the touching to the humorous, the inspirational to the adventurous, if you have a childhood memory you’ll never forget, now is the time to put pen to paper and recount that special moment.

We seek original manuscripts from women and men across the spectrum and at all levels of writing experience. Unpublished writers are encouraged to submit. All stories must be true, first-person memoirs of 1,500 to 3,000 words. Do not send fiction or “as told to by” accounts.

Attach the completed story to an email addressed to cheryl@prairierosepublications.net and include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. All manuscripts should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

A Mail-Order Christmas Bride 

Theme: western historical romance
Length: 10,000 to 15,000 words
Deadline: October 1, 2015

Christmas is the season of good cheer, family, and tradition. Imagine leaving the familiar comforts behind to marry a man you don’t know. Would that bring a bride long-awaited happiness or sorrow? Why would a man send for a bride during the season of joy?

Perhaps one or both of them have never known the spirit of Christmas, and they’re eager to discover what they’ve been missing. Maybe they’re desperate to escape the pain Christmas evokes. Did her family disown her? Is he isolated...or alone in a crowd? Whether they’re running to or from all that makes the holiday season special, it’s up to you to give them the most memorable Christmas ever with the best gift of all: love that will last a lifetime.

Send us your tale about a happily-ever-after Christmas in the old west. Manuscripts should be 10,000 to 15,000 words long and may have a heat level of sweet to spicy. No erotica, please. Attach the completed story to an email addressed to cheryl@prairierosepublications.net and include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. All manuscripts should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

One Christmas Knight 

Theme: medieval holiday romance
Length: 10,000 to 15,000 words
Deadline: October 1, 2015

Many of today’s Christmas traditions saw their genesis during the Middle Ages, when kings, knights, lords, and ladies lived in splendor while serfs and vassals endured squalid conditions.

What would make Christmas special for medieval heroes and heroines? Whether they’re fighting to retain all they own or battling to change their personal circumstances—or maybe the world at large—it’s up to you to unite a hero and heroine with the lifetime love of their dreams.

Prairie Rose Publications wants to see your story about Christmas love in a medieval land. Send your completed manuscript of 10,000 to 15,000 words to cheryl@prairierosepublications.net. Include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. Tales may be sweet to spicy, but no erotica, please. All manuscripts should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

Memories from Maple Street, USA: The Best Christmas Ever 

Theme: Christmas memoir
Length: 1,500 to 3,000 words
Deadline: November 1, 2015

Christmas is a time of wonder and joy—especially for children. Can you remember one special Christmas that stood out from all the rest when you were growing up? Maybe you got a present you’d wanted more than anything else, or perhaps a loved one came home unexpectedly. Amidst all the excitement and good cheer with family and loved ones, maybe you had a quiet moment or two to think about the true meaning of Christmas…and that was the best gift of all.

We’re looking for these stories for the second volume in our Maple Street series: Memories from Maple Street, USA: The Best Christmas Ever. So wander back down Memory Lane and put your pen to paper to recount the very best childhood Christmas you remember. We’d love for you to share it with us.

Please remember: We are looking for true, first-person stories of 1,500 to 3,000 words. No “as told to by” accounts. Women and men across the spectrum, published or unpublished, are encouraged to submit. Attach the completed manuscript to an email addressed to cheryl@prairierosepublications.net and include a brief synopsis in the body of the email. All manuscripts should be in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.

PRP enjoys working with both new and established storytellers. We look forward to seeing your short memoirs and holiday tales!

Calls for Submission: Kids and Cats and Christmas

Deadlines are creeping up on us, but there’s still time to submit to the following Prairie Rose Publications anthologies. Three are Christmas-themed, two seek short memoirs, and one is just plain fun. All will be published in 2015.

Click the title to find out more about the anthology on our website, PrairieRosePublications.com.

Submit all manuscripts to Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Pierson at cheryl@prairierosepublications.net. Put the name of the anthology in the subject line of the email and a brief synopsis in the body.  Attach the completed story as a Word document in 12-point Times New Roman type, double-spaced.


Nine Deadly Lives: An Anthology of Feline Fiction
Imprint: Fire Star Press
Theme: cats
Length: 6,000 to 8,000 words
Deadline: August 15, 2015

Cats: charming, lovable creatures or deadly, razor-clawed predators? This mixture of the sweet and the dangerous is one of the things that makes cats endlessly fascinating and appealing. Got a story featuring one or more feline fiends? Send it in!

No graphic violence, sex, or excessive cursing, please.

Memories from Maple Street, USA: Leaving Childhood Behind
Imprint: Sundown Press
Theme: childhood memories
Length: 1,500 to 3,000 words
Deadline: September 15, 2015

The journey from child to adult is filled with wonder. Between the freedom of childhood and the workaday life of modern adults one learns a host of lessons, and everyone experiences a turning point when he or she knows the world has shifted and nothing will ever be the same.

From the touching to the humorous, the inspirational to the adventurous, if you have a childhood memory you’ll never forget, now is the time to put fingers to keyboard and recount that special moment.

A Mail-Order Christmas Bride
Imprint: Prairie Rose Publications
Theme: mail-order brides
Length: 10,000 to 15,000 words
Deadline: October 1, 2015

Christmas is the season of good cheer, family, and tradition. Imagine leaving familiar comforts behind to marry a man you don’t know. Would that bring a bride long-awaited happiness or sorrow? Why would a man send for a bride during the season of joy? Perhaps one or both of them have never known the spirit of Christmas, and they’re eager to discover what they’ve been missing. Maybe they’re desperate to escape the pain Christmas evokes. Did her family disown her? Is he isolated...or alone in a crowd? Whether they’re running to or from all that makes the holiday season special, it’s up to you to give them the most memorable Christmas ever with the best gift of all: love that will last a lifetime.

Send us your tale about a happily-ever-after Christmas in the old west. Stories may be sweet to hot, but no erotica, please.

One Christmas Knight
Imprint: Prairie Rose Publications
Theme: medieval love
Length: 10,000 to 15,000 words
Deadline: October 1, 2015
Many of today’s Christmas traditions saw their genesis during the Middle Ages, when kings, knights, lords, and ladies lived in splendor while serfs and vassals endured squalid conditions. What would make Christmas special for medieval heroes and heroines? Whether they’re fighting to retain all they own or battling to change their personal circumstances—or perhaps the world at large—it’s up to you to unite a hero and heroine with the lifetime love of their dreams.

Send us your tale about a happily-ever-after Christmas in medieval times . Stories may be sweet to hot, but no erotica, please.

Memories from Maple Street, USA: The Best Christmas Ever
Imprint: Sundown Press
Theme: childhood Christmas memories
Length: 1,500 to 3,000 words
Deadline: November 15, 2015
Christmas is a magical time, especially for children. Can you remember one special childhood Christmas that stood out from all the rest? Maybe you received a present you’d wanted more than anything else...or perhaps a loved one came home unexpectedly. Amidst all the excitement and fond memories of family and loved ones, maybe you found a quiet moment to think about the true meaning of Christmas...and that was the best Christmas of all.

Wander down Memory Lane and tell a true, firsthand story. We look forward to helping you share the best Christmas ever.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Nine Deadly Lives

Nine Deadly Lives: An Anthology of Feline Fiction

Theme: The magic and mystery of cats
Length: 6,000 to 8,000 words
Deadline: August 15, 2015

Cats...charming, lovable creatures or deadly, razor-clawed predators? The mixture of sweet and dangerous is one of the things that makes cats endlessly fascinating and appealing.

But no matter how well we think we know our feline friends... Do we really know them?

Nine Deadly Lives: An Anthology of Feline Fiction will present nine stories about extraordinary cats. Sinister or humorous, from detectives to murderers to cats with psychic abilities and felines that remember past lives, if you've written a cat tale with a delicious twist, Fire Star Press wants to see it.

Stories should be 6,000 to 8,000 words, with no graphic violence, sex, or language. Deadline is August 1.

Email the completed manuscript, along with a query letter, to Livia Reasoner at livia@flash.net. Please put NINE DEADLY LIVES in the subject line.

Don't forget: All submissions must be in Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.

What are you waiting for? Cat got your keyboard? Submit!

CALLS FOR SUBMISSION at Prairie Rose

In addition to accepting manuscript submissions for novels, novellas, and short stories whenever anyone wants to send them, Prairie Rose Publications currently seeks submissions for two anthologies and one series.

A Cowboy Celebration

Imprint: Prairie Rose Publications
Theme: love on the Fourth of July
Length: 10,000 to 15,000 words
Deadline: May 1, 2015
Heat: sweet to spicy (no erotica, please)

Fireworks, fried chicken, and true love…

What kind of Fourth of July cowboy celebration is going on at Prairie Rose Publications? Well, hold on to your Stetsons, because we’re bringing out another hot-as-a-firecracker bunch of stories that take place on American Independence Day.

This collection will contain some great Fourth of July stories for everyone, along with the mention of a “special recipe” in each story. The recipes will be included in the back of the book. We had great success with this in the past—and this time, we’re looking for a tasty dish that might be taken to a Fourth of July picnic. These will be western historical romance stories that have a happily-ever-after ending, just in time for an Independence Day release.

Rugged cowboys, daring heroines, and a Fourth of July holiday in the mix are a sure-fire way to get ready for a hot, hot summer.

Your story needs to include mention of a certain food, and the recipe will need to be submitted in a separate document for inclusion at the end of the book. Stories should be 10K-15K in length. Any heat level is fine for this anthology. (We do not publish erotica.)

Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015.

Email the completed manuscript, along with a query letter (in the body of the email), to Editor in Chief Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com. Please put COWBOY CELEBRATION SUBMISSION in the subject line.

Don't forget: All submissions must be in Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.

We look forward to reading the best summer love stories you can dream up, featuring heart-stopping cowboys, saucy heroines, and whatever excitement you can create for them during A Cowboy Celebration.

Nine Deadly Lives: An Anthology of Feline Felonies

Imprint: Fire Star Press
Theme: Cozy mystery
Length: 6,000 to 8,000 words
Deadline: May 1, 2015

Cats...charming, lovable creatures or deadly, razor-clawed predators? This mixture of the sweet and the dangerous is one of the things that makes cats endlessly fascinating and appealing.

If you have a cozy mystery story featuring one or more of our feline friends, Fire Star Press wants to hear from you. Nine Deadly Lives, an anthology of cozy cat mysteries, is now open for submissions. Stories should be 6000 to 8000 words, with no graphic violence, sex, or language.

Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015.

Submissions must be emailed as an attached Word document to Livia Reasoner at livia@flash.net.

We look forward to reading your submissions!

Duets Series

Imprint: Fire Star Press
Theme: The music of life and love
Length: 15,000 to 25,000 words
Deadline: November 1, 2015
Heat: sweet to spicy (no erotica, please)

Some song titles evoke memories not only of the song, but also of the time…the era…the place. They call for stories all their own, and at Fire Star Press they’ve inspired a new line of novella-length stories we’re calling “duets” because each book will contain two romantic tales.

Someone to Watch Over Me: 1940s—Paranormal

When you think of the song "Someone To Watch Over Me," you probably think of the comfort of a safe haven in the arms of your true love. But what if the “someone” was not what he or she appeared to be? What if he were a ghost from the past, or a figment of the future? What if she were an alien from another world or a shapeshifter? This novella duet lends itself to all kinds of intrigue. Stories should be set in the 1940s. We’re not looking for graphic horror or sex—just an “aha” moment and the inevitable decision: What will your hero or heroine do when they discover exactly who—or what—watches over them?

If I Loved You: 1950s—Misunderstood love

If I Loved You will contain two stories of misunderstood love set in the 1950s. This could be anything from a series of events that are misunderstood by one partner or the other to one big misunderstanding that could cloud the issue of a relationship forever. A man sees his intended bride kiss another man on the cheek and gaze into his eyes and calls off the wedding, only to discover later the man is her brother. A woman learns her boyfriend’s tumultuous break up with her happens because he’s found out some devastating news: He’s suffering from an illness that will take all his energy to battle, and he doesn’t want to burden her. The possibilities are endless.

This Magic Moment: 1960s—A revealing moment changes everything

This Magic Moment will contain two stories set in the 1960s, one of the most turbulent times in American history. "Free love," rock-and-roll, and the civil rights movement changed society daily. In these stories, a revelation changes everything. Maybe a civil rights worker must decide between his passion for his job and his passion for his woman. A Woodstock musician realizes the love he feels for his girlfriend is stronger than the music he makes with his band when he sees her leaving the festival. A preacher’s daughter becomes pregnant and her boyfriend, whom her parents despise, shows them what love truly is when he learns he’s going to be a dad. These are just a few examples of the kind of thing we’re looking for in This Magic Moment. What “magic moment” will drive your story?

Wonderful Tonight: 1970s—Can true love happen in just one night?

Eric Clapton's “Wonderful Tonight” tells the story of what happens to a couple in one single night. That’s what we’re looking for in this novella duet, set in the 1970s, with a twist. In the song, the couple has been together a while, but in these two stories, we are looking for tales about couples who may be barely acquainted, or maybe just met. An incident throws them into a situation where they find love. We’re not talking about just lust, but also a mutual caring that blossoms into the fragile beginnings of love between two people. These stories should be no hotter than spicy, given these parameters. We’re eager to see what kind of wonderful—or maybe not so wonderful—night brings your characters to the brink of true love.

I'm On Fire: 1980s—Unlikely love blossoms

Bruce Springsteen’s hit "I’m On Fire" is the inspiration for this duet of 1980s-set stories about love between two people who are a highly unlikely match. Remember Pretty Woman? Trading Places? The real-life romance of Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson? If you have a story about an interracial couple, a librarian and a party guy, a rock star and a schoolteacher, a wealthy heiress and her chauffeur—any unlikely pair for the decade—we’d love to see it. Make the story sizzle: This duet will be spicy to hot, but no erotica, please. What would make your hero or heroine say “I’m on fire”?

Wicked Game: 1990s—Circumstances aren’t always what they seem

Chris Isaak’s haunting hit “Wicked Game” makes us wonder about the things people will do for desire. The two stories in this volume will feature characters who do something they wouldn't ever have done ordinarily…but are driven to do for the love or desire of another person. Maybe the “wicked games” people play trap two people in a web of deceit. Perhaps a faulty news report threatens to destroy one or both lives, or maybe friends, family, or life itself conspire against the couple to keep them apart by playing one against the other. Could be the hero sets out to destroy the heroine for some reason, only to realize the object of his hatred is not the monster he thought she was.It’s up to you to determine the reasoning and rules for love’s Wicked Game.

If you have a novella-length story idea for one or more of the duet books, e-mail editor Cheryl Pierson at prairierosepublications@yahoo.com and let let her know your interest so she can plan accordingly and “pair up” potential stories. Please put DUETS INQUIRY in the subject line. Both published and un-published storytellers are welcome to submit.

Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2015.

The line will debut in 2016.

Here are today's burning questions:

 

Authors, which of the above sounds like the most fun?

 

Readers, what story would you like to see in any of the above? You just might inspire an author to write it!

SUBMISSIONS CALL OUT FOR NEW SERIES by CHERYL PIERSON

What? Another submissions call out? Didn't that just happen a few days ago? Well, yes it did! We put a call out for submissions for our PRP 4th of July anthology A COWBOY CELEBRATION just a few days ago. But this news is just so big we can't wait any longer to tell you about it!

Our FIRE STAR PRESS imprint is putting together a new series for 2016 based on music, and it's called (appropriately enough!) DUETS. Each of these books will contain two stories, both with the same basic requirements--but, oh...what will you do with those requirements? That's where the fun begins!

A SONG TO REMEMBER DUET SERIES CALL OUT FOR SUBMISSIONS


Remember When…The Song Remembers When…Memories…Try to Remember…Unforgettable…

All these song titles about memories gave us an idea at FIRE STAR PRESS. Some song titles evoke memories not only of the song, but also of the times…the era…the place…
They call for a story all their own, and at FIRE STAR PRESS, they’ve inspired a new line of novella-length stories we’re calling “Duets”—with two stories per book.


"Someone To Watch Over Me"--1940's—PARANORMAL
When you think of this song, Someone To Watch Over Me, you probably think of the comfort of having a safe haven in the arms of your true love. But what if the “someone” who was watching over you was not what he appeared to be? What if he was a ghost from the past, or a figment of the future? What if he was an alien from another world, or a shapeshifter? This duet novella lends itself to all kinds of intrigue. Stories should be set in the time period that this song was popular, the 1940’s. We’re not looking for graphic horror or sex—just an “aha” moment and the inevitable decision…what will your heroine decide to do once she realizes exactly WHO watches over her?

"If I Loved You"--1950's—MISUNDERSTOOD LOVE
If I Loved You is a two-story duet that will be set in the 1950’s, dealing with misunderstood love. This could be anything from a series of events that are misunderstood by one or the other partner to one big misunderstanding that could cloud the issue of a relationship forever. A man sees his intended bride kiss another man on the cheek and gaze into his eyes—he calls off the wedding, only to find out later that the man is her brother. A woman learns her boyfriend’s tumultuous break up with her the week before happens because he’s found out some devastating news—he’s suffering from an illness that will take all his energy to battle, and he doesn’t want to burden her. What kind of misunderstood love story will you come up with? The possibilities are endless!

"This Magic Moment"--1960's—A “REVEALING” MOMENT CHANGES EVERYTHING
This Magic Moment will contain two stories that will be set in the 1960’s, one of the most turbulent times in American history. It was a time when change happened daily in our society. These stories will be about something that is revealed in a relationship that changes everything. Maybe a civil rights worker must decide between his passion for his job and his passion for his woman. A Woodstock musician realizes that the love he feels for his girlfriend is stronger than the music he makes with his band when he sees her leaving the festival. A preacher’s daughter becomes pregnant and her boyfriend, whom her parents despise, shows them what love truly is when he learns he’s going to be a dad. These are just a few examples of the kind of thing we’re looking for in This Magic Moment. What “magic moment” will your story be about?

"Wonderful Tonight"--1970's—Can True Love Happen In Just One Night?
In the Eric Clapton song “Wonderful Tonight” the story of what happens to a couple in one single night is told. That’s what we’re looking for in this novella duet, set in the 1970’s, with a twist. In the song, the couple has been together a while; but in these two stories, we are looking for tales about couples who may be barely acquainted, or maybe have JUST met—and an incident that throws them into a situation where they somehow find love. And no, we’re not talking about just lust, but also a mutual caring that blossoms into the fragile beginnings of love between them. These stories should be no hotter than spicy, given these parameters. We’re anxious to see what kind of wonderful night—or maybe not so wonderful—brings your characters to the brink of true love!

"I'm On Fire"--1980's—Unlikely Love Blossoms (think Pretty Woman or Prince Edward/Wallis Simpson)
Bruce Springsteen’s hot hit, I’m On Fire, is the inspiration for this duet of 1980’s-setting stories about love between two people that would be a highly unlikely match. Remember Pretty Woman? Trading Places? Or the real life romance of Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson? If you have a story about an interracial couple, a librarian and a party guy, a rock star and a schoolteacher, a wealthy heiress and her chauffeur—any “unlikely pair” for that decade, we’d love to see it—and make it sizzle. This anthology will be spicy/hot. No erotica. What would make your hero say, “I’m on fire…”

“Wicked Game”—1990’s—Circumstances Aren’t Always What They Seem
Chris Isaak’s haunting hit, “Wicked Game” makes us wonder at the things people will do for desire. These two stories will be about something that makes the characters do something they would not ever have done ordinarily…but are driven to do for the love or desire of another person. The “wicked games” people play trap two people in a web of deceit. Maybe a faulty news report—reported by one about the other—or perhaps friends, family, or life itself conspire against the couple to keep them apart by playing one against the other. Could be the hero sets out to destroy the heroine for some reason, only to realize the object of his hatred is not the monster he thought she was. It’s up to you to determine the reasoning and rules for love’s “Wicked Game”…

If you have a novella-length story idea for one of these “duet” books, please e-mail me and let me know which one you’d like to work on—this will help in the planning stages and “pairing up” of stories/authors. We can’t promise everyone will get what they ask for, or that every story will be selected, but as always, we will try our best. If you know of someone who might be interested in this submission call-out, PLEASE FORWARD. This line will debut in 2016.

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2015
WORD COUNT GUIDELINE: 15K-20K
SUBMIT TO: prairierosepublications@yahoo.com

PRP CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGIES! by Cheryl Pierson

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS IS ISSUING AN OPEN CALL-OUT FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR OUR 2014 CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGIES!


PRESENT FOR A COWBOY—Got a sweet/sensual holiday romance story about a present for a special cowboy? That’s what we’re looking for in this Christmas anthology! It could be a material gift—or a gift of the heart. Put a hunky cowboy and a feisty heroine together during a Christmas holiday and see what kind of a story you might be able to come up with for us—but don’t forget that special gift!
WORD COUNT: 10K-15K
HEAT RATING: Sweet to Sensual
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2014
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submit in TIMES NEW ROMAN 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins, double spaced
We do not accept erotica.
ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS HERE: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com or prairierosepublications@yahoo.com



WILD TEXAS CHRISTMAS—Do you have a story that’s a bit “hotter”? Send your sensual/spicy submissions for consideration in this anthology! You know what they say about Texas—there’s no taming the men—or the women—from that part of the country! When Christmas comes along and cold weather sets in, a cozy cabin, a warm fire, and being alone together on the Texas prairie are circumstances that could bring some extra “heat” into the picture. Turn your imagination loose and see what you come up with—but remember, it’s got to happen in Texas, where everything is bigger, better, and wilder!
WORD COUNT: 10K-15K
HEAT RATING: Sensual to Spicy
SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2014
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Submit in TIMES NEW ROMAN 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins, double spaced
We do not accept erotica.
ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS HERE: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com or prairierosepublications@yahoo.com

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR SUMMER ANTHOLOGIES by CHERYL PIERSON

PRAIRIE ROSE PUBLICATIONS is open for submissions for stories for our summer anthologies in the historical western romance genre. As of now, two of the anthologies, LASSOING A BRIDE and COWBOY CRAVINGS have both been filled.

THERE ARE STILL AVAILABLE OPENINGS IN LASSOING A GROOM AND LASSOING A MAIL ORDER BRIDE!

LASSOING A BRIDE: This collection of stories will be sweet/sensual. The stories selected for this anthology will have to do with a summer wedding, or courtship leading up to a wedding—by a bride who might not be so willing in the beginning. How is her intended going to “lasso” her and woo her to be his bride? That’s what we want to know, too! Word count for each selection will be around 12K, more or less. We want you to tell a good story and not worry if you run over the word count by a few words. Spots are limited! ALL OPENINGS ARE FILLED IN THIS ANTHOLOGY.

LASSOING A GROOM: This collection of stories will be sweet/sensual. The stories selected for this anthology will have to do with a summer wedding, or courtship leading up to a wedding—by a groom who might not be so willing in the beginning. But as women all know, there’s more than one way to romance a man! Silken bonds and words of love can be just as binding as any lasso. Word count for each selection will be around 12K, more or less. We want you to tell a good story and not worry if you run over the word count by a few words. Spots are limited! OPENINGS ARE STILL AVAILABLE IN THIS ANTHOLOGY!

LASSOING A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE: This collection of stories will be sweet/sensual. The stories selected for this anthology will have to do with a summer wedding, or courtship leading up to a wedding—by a groom who needs a bride and is willing to order one by mail! What circumstances could lead to a man advertising for a bride, sight unseen—and a woman in such dire straits that she travels from her home and everything familiar to marry a man she doesn’t know? There are any number of situations that “might be”—and we’re waiting to see what can happen when love blossoms in the most unlikely circumstances! Word count for each selection will be around 12K, more or less. We want you to tell a good story and not worry if you run over the word count by a few words. Spots are limited! OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS ANTHOLOGY!

COWBOY CRAVINGS: This collection of stories will be spicy/hot. The stories selected for this anthology will definitely take place in the heat of the summer and will feature some hot western men—cowboys, outlaws, lawmen—who will make not only the heroine but the reader crave the happily-ever-after outcome that’s sure to happen! What’s not to love about these strong, tough heroes or bad boys finally getting what THEY crave—a good woman to love! Word count for each selection will be around 12K, more or less. We want you to tell a good story and not worry if you run over the word count by a few words. Spots are limited! ALL OPENINGS ARE FILLED IN THIS ANTHOLOGY!


SUBMISSIONS FOR ALL ANTHOLOGIES ARE DUE BY APRIL 15, 2014.
If you think you might have a story that would fit, please contact Cheryl at: prairierosepublications@yahoo.com