My Tiny Love Story came out in the New York Times today! It’s called the Accidental Thief- about a stolen butter knife. You can read it here:😊
How did this come about you may be wondering?
For the last few years i’ve had it in my mind that I was going to make it a point to submit to the Times, and it was going to be a Modern Love/ Tiny Love Story piece. I went through a few iterations of different things I wanted to share. Distilling each piece down to just 100 words.
Micro essays are not for the faint hearted. They take a lot of work and practice. And so I kept at it for what has felt like forever. Ten days ago on a whim I decided I would take a chance and submit.
I’m part of a few writing groups and have heard lots of stories about how different authors have gone through the submission process so I had an expectation in my mind that it would probably take a while for it to happen.
I was wrong.
I heard from the editor (Miya Lee- who is AMAZING to work with) within 6 days of submitting. She loved it and wanted more details. I obliged right away and a few days later.. here we are!!
I don't have any sage wisdom to provide other than write and write and write some more. If you want to submit pieces there are lots of great resources and teachers out there who can help guide you! On Substack I subscribe to Jeannine Ouellette's Writing in the Dark- she’s a brilliant teacher and author and helped me hone my writing, and Sub Club - they post weekly updates on where to submit. A terrific craft book is Susan Shapiro’s Byline Bible- highly recommend. Join writing communities, find your tribe! That’s the best advice I can give!
Okay that’s all from me. I just wanted to share this HUGE tiny little love filled moment.
Thank you for being here and for your support and kindness. Big love to all of you ❤️
Sub Club link- https://subclub.substack.com/ca6c1b4f
I can't stop congratulating you Mesa!! YES!! I love this story and the photograph. Excellent work 🎉🎉🎉. You inspire so many people with your generous spirit. XOXO 🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍
Wooooooo hooooooo! Savor and celebrate! Just the beginning!