Searchlights & Signal Flares

Tiny Lights' On-line Writer's Exchange

As writers, we spend a lot of time alone in the dark, wondering where we are and what we're going to step on next. Most of us carry nothing more than a book of damp matches or a flashlight with failing batteries to illuminate the path. And most of the time, that's the way we like it.

But there are times when the darkness is lonely, frustrating, scary, boring. That's when we start squinting toward what we hope is the horizon, looking for the glimmer of a friendly campfire or the gleam of a candle in the window-reminders that there are others nearby who might greet us with nods and knowing eyes.

"Searchlights & Signal Flares" is an opportunity to support and be supported by a community of writers, to let a flash of your own light be seen and shared. You are invited to respond to the following questions (deadlines in parentheses), and if your answers adhere to the posted guidelines, they will be published on the website-no fuss, muss or editing.

Read Responses to Questions

Latest Question

What is the past? Where is it located? (06/15/10)

Previous Questions

How do you make your intentions clear? (05/15/10)
What is the difference between lying and pretending? (04/15/10)
What is a secret? (03/15/10)
Where does your mind go when it wanders? (02/15/10)
What is a writer's Golden Rule? (01/15/10)
What is the role of memory in memoir? (12/15/09)
Where do memories come from? (11/15/09)
How do you know when something is true? (10/16/09)
How do you keep track of your work? (09/15/09)
What helps you remember? (08/15/09)
Give six words of advice to a new writer. (07/15/09)
Are you ever satisfied with anything you write? (06/15/09)
What are your stories made of? (05/15/09)
What makes a story meaningful? (04/15/09)
What is the purpose of revealing yourself in memoir? (03/15/09)
Is it ever okay to compromise your work? (02/15/09)
What's the worst thing you can say to a writer? (01/15/09)

Upcoming Questions

What is the past made of? (07/15/10)
When an unexpected memory comes calling, who answers? (08/15/10)
Is being reminded the same as being remembered? (09/15/10)
How do you know what your story's about? (10/15/10)
What makes us forget or remember? (11/15/10)
How would you describe writer's block? (12/15/10)
Who sees your work in progress? (01/15/11)
What's your idea of an effective cover letter? (02/15/11)
How do you deal with writer�s envy? (03/15/11)

Guidelines for Searchlights & Signal Flares

All business with this department of Tiny Lights will be conducted via email. Send to editor@tiny-lights.com
Responses must be fewer than 500 words and clearly related to the topic, but they may appear in any literary form--as letters, poems, journal entries, snatches of dialogue, etc.
We reserve the right to reject submissions we deem offensive or disrespectful.
Include a bio: your name, city and state, and, if you wish, a brief description of yourself at the bottom of your response. This information will appear in the publication. You may include an email, website address and links.
A PC compatible Word attachment works best, but Richtext is a suitable alternative. Please avoid exotic fonts. If your machine doesn't handle attachments, you may SINGLE SPACE and paste your text directly into an email.
You may respond to as many topics as you wish, but submit each piece separately. Type the question you are responding to in the Subject box of your email. This is how your material will be sorted and stored, and may prevent your words from being lost.
All material submitted to this column will be considered for use for Tiny Lights' online and hard copy "Searchlights & Signal Flares". Participation constitutes permission to use and/or edit your work.
Proofread and edit carefully.
Enjoy yourself. Check in often. Encourage your friends to contribute!
Keep writing!