I love new beginnings. Five days ago, our pencils were sharpened and new pens were waiting in their holders with a stack of pristine composition books at the ready! Maybe you had your keyboard air blasted and wiped down, your screen dusted and your laptop freshly charged and ready for National Novel Writing Month–Hands On Keys, Butt In Chair (HOKBIC). By now you’re five days into your novel.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re screaming along in the first 10 thousand words of your story idea, you’re in the writing zone, coffee steaming, creative juices flowing, words rushing to mind like a waterfall and suddenly…. a story idea completely unrelated drops into your mind? Maybe not a novel-worthy idea. Maybe just a quick essay, or a short story—for later. But sometimes, it won’t let go of you. What are you supposed to do with that?

GOOD NEWS!

Nancy Grecu, a second year student at The Company is releasing the first volume of a new literary magazine—The Abalone–in Spring 2025. Submissions are open for those who wish to be part of the groundbreaking launch! 

The theme is Philippians 4:8 and will be split into eight sections. Each section will highlight one of the virtues Paul cites in this verse: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Even if you don’t have an idea yet, check out this opportunity in case an idea comes to you in the middle of writing your novel. Did I mention they have a bunch of cool incentives and they’re paying? With a December 17^th deadline, you still have time to get your 49, 999 words completed and submit a piece between 1,000 to 5,000 words.

Interested in submitting but need more details? Check it out here.

Before you go, throw into the comments where you are submitting your novel this year. Wishing you much writing success! See you next time!