How did Hurricane Katrina affect you? Were you living it in person or glued to CNN and MSNBC? Did you flee, send money, work for the Red Cross, start your own collection of goods, or stay home and hug your family tight? Were you concerned, stunned, or overwhelmed?

In a story, poem, essay, or letter, show yourself, someone you know, or a fictitious narrator coping and surviving. Share your insights about powerlessness, preparation, fear, help, and loss. Share thoughts about Americans as refugees or survivors or helpers or opportunists. If you are looking for a fictitious narrator, pretend you are a survivor, a reporter, or a concerned relative across the country.You are not limited to these ideas. They are thought starters.

Pick whatever idea(s) resonate and let the first draft go wherever it wants. Then rewrite, tighten, add details that show, delete repetition, and polish, polish, polish. Allow your narrator to change between the beginning and end of the story.

PRACTICAL STUFF:

1. Suggested length: 400-1500 words. Remember, less is more.
2. Send your final draft in the body of an e-mail. I DO NOT OPEN FILES.
3. DEADLINE: Sunday, September 18, 2005 -- midnight -- Pacific Time

If your submission is used, you earn a credit for your writing resume. You retain the copyright.

SPECIAL NOTE: If I've accepted something you already submitted for "Slice of Life" it may be moved to a later issue. Thank you for understanding.

Won't you share your insights about Katrina and coping with others? Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lynn
B. Lynn Goodwin

Managing Editor of WriterAdvice www.writeradvice.com WriterAdvice!
Danville Weekly Freelance Reporter
Small Press Review (Dustbooks) Reviewer
CWC (California Writers Club) Columnist

Thanks Dotsie! This looks interesting. A good chance to write about something that is bothering us and start to heal.

Dotsie, what publication will this be for? Maybe I just overlooked it.

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