tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30525051705139487232024-03-10T03:14:59.544-07:005x5 FictionStories Told Loud & ClearAngel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-4749296818877435662012-07-17T10:20:00.000-07:002012-07-17T10:20:04.322-07:005x5 Fiction Closes its Doors<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This is difficult to write. I wanted nothing more than to get another issue of 5x5 Fiction out into the world, but it appears it won’t be happening. There simply weren’t enough quality submissions to go forward with Issue Five.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I place the blame solely on myself as I wasn’t able to promote the submission calls via social networks like I did for the previous issues. I’ve just been too busy and a bit overwhelmed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I apologize to all of the writers who sent me their beautifully penned babies for Issue Five consideration. Please know I respect your work too much to put forth an issue I don’t 100% believe in. I know your work will find the welcome arms of another publication.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m very happy and proud of the writing that has appeared here at 5x5 Fiction. There have been four superb issues I will forever treasure. At this point, I don’t have the necessary time or energy to devote to this site and will be placing 5x5 Fiction on indefinite hiatus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If there’s someone out there who would like to pick up the 5x5 editing mantle and run with it, I’m all for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>READERS:</strong> I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you’ve given to me and all the authors who have been published here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>WRITERS:</strong> I encourage you to continue writing 5x5 Fiction pieces. Submit to other flash fiction sites. Keep the form alive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">-Angel Zapata</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">7/17/12</span></div>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-82523125611326168632012-06-12T07:32:00.000-07:002012-06-12T07:32:35.114-07:00Submissions are currently closed<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.</em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>All of the submissions we received for 5x5 Fiction: Issue Five are under review.</em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>A blog post announcement will be made when we are once again accepting work for the next issue.</em></strong></span></span>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-70111426677030411782012-06-04T10:45:00.001-07:002012-06-04T11:57:55.006-07:00AN EROTIC UPDATE: 5x5 Fiction Issue Five and Submission Call<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m on the tail end of reviewing submissions for our special erotic fiction issue. Writers, expect a response by this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All-in-all, submissions were few and slow in coming (forgive the pun), but the quality was stellar. That said, I’m still short on word count. Each issue of 5x5 contains exactly 25 stories = 625 words total . Right now, I’m coming up short. In order to give you more bang for your buck (don’t worry, I’m still giving it away for free)… I’m going to re-open submissions for a period of one week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What am I looking for?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have one week to create either a 50-, 75-, or 100-word erotic story. I’m loosely dubbing these double, triple, and quadruple 5x5’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rules?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Disregard the 5 word, 5 sentence structure and send in your best 50-, 75-, or 100-word erotic story. That’s it. The only catch? It must be exactly one of the aforementioned word count lengths and it must be your very best. That’s it. Write it, proofread it, and send it in the body of your e-mail to <em><strong><span style="color: yellow;">loudandclearfiction (at) yahoo (dot) com</span></strong>.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ll be closing this call either a week from today, <strong><span style="color: yellow;">June 11th, 2012</span></strong> or the moment I reach my 625 word issue total.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond", "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s do it, people. And please Facebook, tweet, blog about this. Hell, scribble the website address on bathroom stalls. Whatever you can do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">To be clear: I'm looking for erotic fiction not porn or smut. My 100-word story, <strong>The Robotics of Sex,</strong> which appeared in Erotica Quarterly last year may help to provide an example.</span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">The Robotics of Sex</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">By Angel Zapata</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Felicia tells me that all men are robots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;">I slide my fingertip against the touch screen of my heart and launch a more suitable program.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;">She tells me that once, while away in college, she shared software with a girl in her science class. “Her character was of no particular font,” she recollects. “And she was a control freak. I quickly pushed escape.”<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;">I remind her I was created for pleasure, nothing more.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I know,” she says sadly, stroking my keys. “I do possess such a passion for hardware.” She removes her clothes.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">As I lean forward, she hits enter.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Copyright © 2011 Angel Zapata</span></em></div>
</div>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-82233706073786938002012-03-07T09:31:00.003-08:002012-03-07T09:37:24.122-08:00Call for Submissions: 5x5 EroticaI’ve reviewed all the work recieved for this quarter, but was unable to glean twenty-five stories from the pool of submissions. So, rather than extend the deadline and ask for writers to send in more work, I’m going to do something different. I’m going to provide a theme ahead of time for Issue Five. Drum roll, if you please.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction Issue Five<br />Theme: Erotica<br /></span></strong><br />That’s right, I’m looking for 25-word stories of erotica told in five sentences of five words each. Oh, and please read the <strong><a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/5x5-stories-told-loud-and-clear-now.html"><span style="color:#ff9900;">guidelines</span></a></strong> (pretty please, with sugar on top), and the past four issues. Remember, I want complete stories, not poems or a bunch a feelings without substance.<br /><br />Notice I said “erotica,” not porn. I’m not looking for a string of filthy words or throbbing members (at least not here and now). Give me the suggestive, the emotive; let me slip inside (so to speak) the characters and experience their desires.<br /><br />I’m so excited. You know, in a non-sexual way.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Deadline is June 1st, 2012.<br /></span></strong><br />Please spread the word on all those Facebook and Twitter accounts.<br /><br />-Angel<br />3/7/12Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-80421785628964782012012-03-07T04:10:00.002-08:002012-03-07T04:12:52.640-08:005x5 Issue Five UPDATEI'm in the process of reviewing submissions. I think my editor eye has slowly grown more critical. Thus far, very few acceptances.<br /><br />I may have to opt for a Plan B on this issue...<br /><br />Stay tuned.Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-32743235948193567982012-01-08T17:29:00.000-08:002012-01-08T17:35:35.559-08:005x5 Fiction Presents ISSUE FOUR: Smoke<div align="left">Issue Four is live! The theme is Smoke...<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>Smoke </strong><em>\'smōk\ n<br />“Something insubstantial, unreal, or transitory;<br />Something used to conceal or obscure;<br />To detect and bring to public view; expose or reveal;<br /><strong>Slang:</strong> To kill; murder.”<br /></em>-The American Heritage® Dictionary<br /><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7Hm0ONsacINYmI5NmJjNTktYjE4NC00ZjI5LWFjNDgtNzRlOWQzNDIyZDdk&hl=en_US"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">ISSUE FOUR: Smoke<br /><br /></span></strong></a>Please do take the time to provide feedback here. As always, I want to know what you do and don’t like. At the very least, let these amazing writers, artists/designers know how much you appreciate their work.<br /><br />-Angel Zapata<br />1.8.12</div>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-26650387733497320252012-01-03T12:11:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:23:45.664-08:005x5 Fiction Issue Four UpdateWow... a huge, huge thanks to all the folks who answered my call for help regarding cover art, additional stories, and the like. Jesse Campbell has provided a smoking hot cover design and I can't be more pleased! You are going to love it!<br /><br />At this point, responses have been sent out to all writers included in Issue Four. If you haven't heard back from me yet, your work will be considered for Issue Five.<br /><br />Due to my hectic schedule, I was unable to release Issue Four during the holiday season. I'm really sorry. And although publication release is now slated for the second week of January, I promise it'll be worth the wait.<br /><br />Get ready for another smashing issue!Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-21788422566782732192011-12-14T04:36:00.000-08:002011-12-14T04:47:09.096-08:00Issue Four submissions closed! and in need of Cover Artist or Graphic DesignerMy thanks to all the writers who sent in those last minute submissions. Issue Four now has its 25 stories. All writers have been contacted. If you haven't recieved an acceptance or rejection from me yet, your submission will be considered for Issue Five.<br /><br />Also, we are in need of a cover artist, graphic designer, or photographer for the Issue Four cover. And although we don't have money to pay you, we will promote the heck out of you and your work to the best of our ability. If you have the talent, time and desire to provide the help, we can sure use it.<br /><br />Contact us at loudandclearfiction (at) yahoo.com.Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-19525376380760159932011-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-08T16:45:02.107-08:00We're still accepting submissions for Issue Four!Write 'em and send 'em to me people! Got a handful of open spots for 5x5 Fiction: Issue Four. There's no set theme, so let your muse loose!<br /><br />And for the love of Mike, read the guidelines...Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-21638015802880095942011-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:53:23.634-08:005x5 Fiction is the Answer to the Short Attention SpanHave a short attention span? No problem. <strong><a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff9900;">5x5 Fiction</span></a></strong> stories are only 25 words long. Stop by <strong><a href="http://www.trestlepresspublishing.com/"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Trestle Press</span></a></strong> and read my article.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.trestlepresspublishing.com/2011/12/5x5-fiction-skillfully-shortening-short.html"><span style="color:#ff9900;">5x5 Fiction: Skillfully Shortening the Short Story</span></a></strong>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-89883599963496834742011-11-29T11:37:00.000-08:002011-11-30T04:01:53.066-08:00Issue Four Submission Deadline Reminder and More NewsThursday, December 1st is the deadline for Issue Four of <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction.</span></strong> Get moving, people! And read the guidelines...<br /><br />Also, this Thursday, I will have a <a href="http://www.trestlepresspublishing.com/"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Trestle Press</span></strong></a> guest blog post entitled, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction: Skillfully Shortening the Short Story. </span></strong>I'll be blogging, in general, about the short fiction form, a bit about the so-called origin of the 6-word story, and sharing several 5x5 Fiction works that have appeared in our pages from authors: <a href="http://spellmaking.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Simon Kewin</span></strong></a><span style="color:#ff9900;">, <strong><a href="http://www.13visions.com/"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Scott Cole</span></a></strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">, <strong><a href="http://buftonsblog.wordpress.com/"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Kevin G. Bufton</span></a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/debbisland"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Debbi Antebi</span></a></strong></span>,</span> and <strong><a href="http://lenamunozmadness.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff9900;">L. Muñoz</span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;">.</span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />And, as I'm a guest author on Giovanni Gelati's <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">GZone Radio Show</span></strong></a> on this same day, I'm sure I'll be making mention of 5x5 Fiction as well.<br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><br />I'll post a link on Thursday.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">ADDENDUM (11/30/11):</span></strong><br /><br />My 5x5 Fiction blog post will definitely be up at Trestle Press on Thursday, December 1st, but I won't be a guest on GZone until late December or early next year. I was reading from the wrong schedule posting. My bad.Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-17372189739839899262011-09-25T15:27:00.000-07:002011-09-25T16:12:22.052-07:005x5 Fiction Presents ISSUE THREE: Avoidance, Allowance, and AnimosityIssue Three of <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction</span></strong> is live! Another twenty-five outstanding stories await your eager eyes. You have the option to view the issue online or download the pdf file. If you’ve missed any of our earlier issues, just click the links to your right.<br /><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7Hm0ONsacINM2MwYTA2ZDUtY2ZjNC00ODRkLWIwYWYtNTY5ZjZmZDBkNGQ2&hl=en_US"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">ISSUE THREE: Avoidance, Allowance, and Animosity<br /></span></strong><br /></a>Please do take the time to provide feedback here. As always, I want to know what you do and don’t like. At the very least, let these amazing writers know how much you appreciate their work.<br /><br />-Angel Zapata<br />9.25.11Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-21472522058603039372011-09-13T05:02:00.000-07:002011-09-13T05:06:18.183-07:00ISSUE THREE UpdateAt this point, all submission responses have been sent out to authors. Check those inboxes.<br /><br />Issue Three should be complete and made available within the next two weeks. Get ready for some more outstanding micro goodness!<br /><br />-AngelAngel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-90200223463223441422011-09-06T04:11:00.000-07:002011-09-06T04:14:04.042-07:00Editing has begun for Issue ThreeWRITERS: Expect to receive a submission response in about a week.
Also, I'm looking for an artist and/or graphic artist or photographer to create a cover for this issue's theme. I don't have any money to pay you, but I will promote all of your sites and print/online work. Let me know.
Thanks!Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-36810381876019994422011-09-01T12:18:00.000-07:002011-09-01T12:20:55.190-07:00ISSUE THREE Deadline is midnight tonight!You have until midnight tonight to submit work for <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction: Issue Three</span></strong> consideration. Get those pens moving!! And be sure to read the guidelines...
<br />Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-56576631243539803422011-08-03T03:57:00.000-07:002011-08-03T04:07:53.310-07:005x5 Fiction ISSUE THREE reminderDon't forget, 5x5 Fiction is always open to submissions. Quarterly deadlines are <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">March 1st</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">June 1st</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">September 1st</span></strong>, and <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">December 1st</span></strong>. Work accepted after deadline dates will appear in the following issue.<br /><br />Also, please read the <a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/5x5-stories-told-loud-and-clear-now.html"><strong>guidelines</strong></a>, <strong><a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2011/03/5x5-fiction-presents-issue-one-murder.html">ISSUE ONE</a></strong> and <a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2011/06/5x5-fiction-presents-issue-two-secrets.html"><strong>ISSUE TWO</strong></a> to truly understand what I'm looking for. Surprisingly, I still get submissions that are not exactly 25 words or 5 sentences or 5 words per sentence.<br /><br />On a positive note, I'm receiving some powerful little gems from some ridiculously talented authors. ISSUE THREE is gonna be a knock-out.<br /><br />-AngelAngel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-47584653140884312702011-06-10T17:50:00.000-07:002011-06-10T17:55:21.591-07:005x5 Fiction presents ISSUE TWO: Secrets, Scuffles and SurprisesOnce again it’s my pleasure to present you with another spectacular issue of<strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction.</span> </strong>Get ready for some familiar names alongside some new blood. You have the option to view the issue online or download the pdf file.<br /><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7Hm0ONsacINNjZjYjM3NjEtNjcxMi00OWVhLWI2MTgtYjczOGFiMzNiOTMy&hl=en_US&authkey=CLigkBM"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">ISSUE TWO: Secrets, Scuffles and Surprises<br /></span></strong></a><br />Please do take the time to provide feedback here. I want to know what you do and don’t like. At the very least, let these amazing writers know how much you appreciate their work.<br /><br />-Angel Zapata<br />6.11.11Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-81674127591268189822011-06-06T09:27:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:25:50.537-07:005x5 Fiction ISSUE TWO Update...and moreAt this point, responses have been sent out to all writers who submitted work for Issue Two. So check those mailboxes.<br /><br />We're looking at a release date of on or before <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">June 11th.</span></strong> Mark those calendars and spread the word. The Issue Two theme is...<br /><br />...you'll just have to wait and see. Aw, don't you hate that?<br /><br />Regarding submission guidelines, there will be two changes. One: submissions will be accepted year round without a cut-off date. Quarterly deadlines will be March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st. Work accepted after deadline dates will appear in the following issue. Two: I will accept up to 5 works per e-mail (no need to send 5 separate e-mails anymore).<br /><br />What else?<br /><br />Oh, yes. Submission guidelines exist for a reason. I am, by nature, flexible. As many of you know, I am more than willing to work with you on editing and revising your work. I want you to succeed and see your work published. But, as of this day forward, if you send me work that doesn't adhere to the guidelines (i.e. wrong word count, more or less than 5 sentences, sentences with more or less than 5 words, multiple spelling errors...<em>yes, this is happening!),</em> I will unleash the claw on you. For those of you unaware of the claw...<em>it tells me you haven't read the guidelines!.</em>..god help ya!<br /><br />Anyway, I can't wait to show you this issue!Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-24638260694651057872011-06-02T06:37:00.000-07:002011-06-02T06:40:25.660-07:005x5 Fiction Submissions are Officially Closed…BUT…<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">5x5 Fiction</span></strong> submissions are officially closed, <strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">BUT </span></strong>as I won’t begin editing ISSUE TWO until this weekend, I am willing to consider submissions until midnight June 3rd. That means if you missed the deadline, it now has been extended until this Friday. That gives you 2 more days to create a masterpiece! But don't forget to read the <a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/5x5-stories-told-loud-and-clear-now.html"><strong>guidelines.<br /></strong></a><br />This also means that at some time next week acceptances and rejections will be sent out.<br /><br />For those curious, I rarely read any of the submissions prior to the deadline close. This allows me to review the entire body work individually and as a collective. Usually, this increases the chance I’ll accept a writer’s work.<br /><br />Of course, this also increases the chance I won’t have enough accepted submissions for the latest issue. Hmm, I’ll cross that bridge as it comes.<br /><br />I’ll continue to keep you posted.<br /><br />-AngelAngel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-21381128273632741622011-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:002011-05-03T06:29:20.235-07:00Submissions Open for Issue Two of 5x5 FictionA quick reminder: Issue Two submissions for <strong>5x5 Fiction</strong> are open until May 31st, 2011. Don't miss the deadline. Get those fingers tapping.<br /><br />There's been some very sparkling gems sent to me, and I can't wait to show them all to you.<br /><br />Guidelines can be found <a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/5x5-stories-told-loud-and-clear-now.html"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">.</span><br /><br /></strong>-Angel<br /><br />P.S. And if you haven't read Issue One, you can find the link to it in the column to your right.Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-29365332256355599432011-03-12T16:35:00.000-08:002011-03-12T17:10:08.765-08:005x5 Fiction presents ISSUE ONE: Murder, Monsters and MisfortuneAt long last, it is my honor to present the premier issue of <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>5x5 Fiction, Stories Told Loud and Clear.<br /><br /></strong></span><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7Hm0ONsacINNTU5MWZiODUtYjBmZS00MjU0LTkxZDYtZWNiY2QzNDhlNmQw&hl=en&authkey=CJ3kseAD"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">ISSUE ONE: Murder, Monsters and Misfortune</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;"><br /></span></strong><br />(You can view the Google.doc link and/or download the pdf to your computer.)<br /><br />Please do take the time to provide feedback here. I want to know what you do and don’t like. At the very least, let these amazing writers know how much you appreciate their work.<br /><br />-Angel Zapata<br />3.11.11Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-11456256340897558972011-03-11T04:31:00.000-08:002011-03-11T04:33:18.988-08:00UPDATE: 5x5 editing is complete. Issue One is around the cornerLet me first say, thank you to all the writers and readers who anxiously await the release of the premier issue. I know you’re going to be thrilled by the quality and passion of work.<br /><br />The editing is finally complete. Right now I’m working on formatting, and hopefully there will be a smattering of complimentary pics alongside a few select stories. I’ve also determined that each issue will include 25 stories, one of which will be featured as the “5x5 Spotlight.” This spotlight will highlight one author’s work on the opening page.<br /><br />Bear with me just a little while longer.<br /><br />It’s worth the wait.<br /><br />-Angel Zapata<br />3.11.11Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-1681350283960930942011-02-28T04:37:00.000-08:002011-02-28T04:42:04.459-08:005x5 Fiction submissions are closed! Review process has begunThe official review process has begun.<br /><br />I want to thank all of the writers who have submitted work. You not only accepted my challenge, you exceeded all my expectations. I’ve received some really thought-provoking, punch-in-the-gut pieces.<br /><br />Now for the meat and potatoes…<br /><br />Acceptances and rejections will be coming posthaste to your inboxes. Let me say this: rejecting work, especially from writers I’ve come to know and respect, isn’t an easy task. But it’s necessary in order to present the highest quality work for the reader based on the criteria summarized in the guidelines. Of course this is based solely on my own opinion.<br /><br />Please remember, as this is a new form, the first issue will hopefully clarify exactly what I’m looking for. So please submit again.<br /><br />I’m still in the process of determining presentation of the first issue. My preference is to offer it as a free downloadable pdf file vs. posting it directly into the blog. I’ll keep you posted.<br /><br />My sincere thanks to you all,<br />Angel ZapataAngel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-3108656640140406822010-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:002010-12-22T20:08:27.279-08:005x5 Fiction, Stories Told Loud and Clear: A PreviewLet me start by saying, I don’t intend for this e-zine to become a platform for my own work. I’m solely interested in seeing what the writing community can produce under such tight constraints. That being said, I’ve had many writers ask me what it is I’m specifically looking for. The best way to explain it is to provide examples. Remember, I’m not looking for writers to emulate my style (nor do I feel any of these examples are fantastic). No. But please be original, AND do follow the <a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2010/12/5x5-stories-told-loud-and-clear-now.html"><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">guidelines.</span></strong></a> Any further questions, please feel free to contact me at <em>loudandclearfiction (at) yahoo (dot) com.<br /></em><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">The 5x5 Fiction Preview<br /></span></strong><br /></span><strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">At the Park Fountain<br />By Angel Zapata<br /></span></strong><br /><em>My name’s Penny,</em> she sobbed. <em>Like the coin,</em> I thought. She was allowed one wish. <em>Don’t kill me,</em> she begged. I held her head down.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">A Matter of Insurance<br />By Angel Zapata<br /></span></strong><br />Daniel received an anonymous e-mail. <em>Gonna kill you,</em> it read. <em>Try it, asshole,</em> he responded. The bullet entered his head. His wife destroyed all evidence.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;"><strong>The Inhabitants<br />By Angel Zapata<br /></strong><br /></span>Their spacecraft landed at night. At first, we were frightened. But eventually we overcame fear. We entered their ventilation system. The human cargo was delicious.<br /><br /><a href="http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="color:#ff9900;">Angel</span></em></a><em> has little to say. </em>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052505170513948723.post-78536240379412733752010-12-11T15:20:00.000-08:002012-06-12T07:28:20.722-07:005x5 Fiction: Stories Told Loud and Clear now accepting submissions<strong><em><span style="color: yellow;">Updated 6.12.12</span></em></strong><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED. A blog post announcement will be made when we are once again accepting work for review.</strong></span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">5 by 5 Fiction: Stories Told Loud and Clear</span></strong> is a quarterly flash fiction e-zine.<br />
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I’m looking for exceptional stories to shout from rooftops. Complete stories (not rantings or poems) must be exactly 25 words long, told in exactly 5 sentences, with each sentence comprised of exactly 5 words. Read<span style="color: yellow;"> <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7Hm0ONsacINNTU5MWZiODUtYjBmZS00MjU0LTkxZDYtZWNiY2QzNDhlNmQw&hl=en&authkey=CJ3kseAD&pli=1"><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;">ISSUE ONE</span></strong></a></span> because it's amazing and it'll help you understand exactly what I'm looking for.<br />
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Quarterly deadlines are <strong><span style="color: red;">March 1st, June 1st, September 1st,</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: red;">December 1st.</span></strong> Work accepted after deadline dates will appear in the following issue.<br />
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Any variation from these short, sweet, strict guidelines won’t even be considered. <strong><span style="color: red;">All genres are welcome.</span></strong> Write it, proofread it, and send it in the body of your e-mail to <em>loudandclearfiction (at) yahoo (dot) com.</em> Subject line should read: 5x5_Story Title_Author's Name.<br />
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I only ask for one time publishing rights. Otherwise, all rights remain with the author. And don’t even think about plagiarizing, ‘cause you will be found out and prosecuted to the full extent of the claw. That’s right, I said<em> “claw.”</em> As in having your eyes clawed out. I’m deadly serious. For reals.<br />
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I have no money, so won’t be giving any away as payment. Sorry, wish I did have money for you. Hell, I wish I had money for me.<br />
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<em>But how do I style my work, Angel?</em><br />
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As you would any story. I don’t want to see your work broken into poetic verses. I love poetry, but don’t want to have any submitted for this venue. Yeah, really. For God’s sake, didn’t you read the bit about the claw?<br />
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<em>How many stories can I submit for an issue?</em><br />
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No more than five. I will accept up to 5 works per e-mail.<br />
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<em>Should I provide a bio?</em><br />
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Yes. Make it exactly 5 words (and yeah, that includes your name). You can provide a link to your website or blog and I’ll hyperlink it to your name, so it doesn’t count toward your 5 words.<br />
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Okay.<br />
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Am I making myself loud and clear?<br />
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Then get going.<br />
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<em>-Angel Zapata, editor</em><br />
<em>December 11, 2010</em>Angel Zapatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166540490117426226noreply@blogger.com34