As such they are not interested in views outside of the Christian Evangelical movement. However, within that area they publish resources for evangelism, Bible study, training, Christian living as well as for youth and children’s work.

They state “Our aim with all our resources is to get people directly interacting with the Bible.” You can get a good idea for how they do that, and what they publish by visiting their website here. Before submitting they ask that you spend time reviewing the books they previously published on their website and:

You should have a clear idea in your mind about what you want the book/resource to achieve, and who it is aimed at: ‘What do you want this to do, and for whom?’

Books should be accessible to the general Christian reader (ie we are not an academic publisher)

When telling or illustrating Bible stories, we do not like things to be added or taken away (we are concerned to be faithful to scripture).

We avoid subjects that have a particular denominational bias.

We do not publish poetry, fiction, biography or autobiography.

They ask that you not submit completed work to them. They very much prefer to work with authors and accept proposals and ideas, as opposed to finished manuscripts.

To learn more and read their complete guidelines go here.

They’re not looking for simple, sappy animal stories. They want layered, nuanced writing that explores the complexities of human-animal relationships. Honeyguide has provided plenty of tips for styles and themes to help authors submit successfully. It’s a good idea to read these suggestions before submitting.

Honeyguide is published twice a year, in print and digital formats. Right now through May 15, they’re seeking submissions for their second themed edition, “Mythical Creatures and Speculative Fiction.” Submitting authors can expect a response within three months.

Authors may submit short stories and works of narrative nonfiction, 4,000 words or fewer. Honeyguide also accepts flash fiction. Poets may submit up to five poems, twenty lines or fewer each.

Authors published in Honeyguide Literary Magazine may be selected for an online feature. Authors featured online will receive $25.

Honeyguide is also seeking blog posts—nonfiction snapshots about real-life realizations, experiences, and feelings. Authors may submit up to three pieces, 3,000 words or fewer each. For this category, reprints are welcome.

Each issue of Honeyguide also includes a column called, “Life Advice from An Animal.” Authors may submit articles on this theme, 1,000 words or fewer. Honeyguide pays $25 for this column.

In addition, each issue features an article about a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter. These articles should be 2,000 words or fewer, in a journalistic or interview style.

Honeyguide accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work (except for blog articles, which may be reprints).

Honeyguide only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Honeyguide, please visit their website here.

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

When I first started writing fiction, I thought it was as simple as having a good idea. Sure, there would be characters involved in a particular setting. The plot I had in mind would send my readers on a journey, but once I got deeper into crafting my work, I realized how important it was to have a strong narrative arc. 

What is the purpose of a narrative arc? What are the 5 elements you should cover from start to finish? How do your plot and narrative arc work together? Most importantly, when you get the narrative arc just right, how it will strengthen your story.

What is a narrative arc?

Every story ever told incorporates a narrative arc. In its simplest form, it encompasses the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Your arc isn’t to be confused with your plot. While both work hand in hand, they are not the same thing.

Your plot takes on the task of explaining it all. It will house your characters, their development, and what they’re going through. Your narrative arc, on the other hand, organizes your plot using 5 main segments. Let’s talk about the importance of your exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. 

Exposition

At the beginning of your story, when you lay the scene and give background information to give your reader context, we call it the exposition. Just like you may have gone to a trade expo or a craft expo to see what various vendors have to offer, the beginning of your story allows you to do the same. 

Here you will paint your reader a picture and engage them in the premise of what your story is about. Is this a tale of romance or suspense? Does it take place centuries ago or in a dystopian future? Will your characters be facing an inner dilemma, or will conflict arise among the cast? 

I find that historical fiction typically has very strong expositions. Authors of historical fiction have the burden of familiarizing their readers with different periods in time, sometimes spanning back decades or even centuries. 

If the author of historical fiction doesn’t have a strong exposition, there is more potential that they will lose their reader in the book they are currently reading and other work going forward. 

Rising Action

If your story is nothing but sunshine and rainbows, no matter how well you write it, it may not engage your readers the way you hope. 

The rising action is some type of conflict around your characters. Another name for this conflict is the inciting incident; it is a problem to be solved or a series of events that will cascade into something more.

Climax

This is the moment your reader has been waiting for. In the climax, everything comes together. Books with effective climaxes have literally taken my breath away. Internal struggles and external conflicts come to a head while the protagonist is faced with a decision that will determine how the remainder of the book will conclude. 

Falling Action

The falling action is one of the most important segments, in my opinion, as a reader. After the drama unfolds in the climax, you want to allow your reader to have all their outstanding questions answered. This is the perfect point to dot your I’s and cross your T’s, tying up any loose ends before your story comes to complete resolution. 

An example I recently experienced, where I felt the author missed the mark in their falling action, was in the 4th book (out of 5) in a YA series. The three previous books followed a traditional narrative arc, leaving the ending never fully resolved. In the 4th book, the author chose to end the series by flashing forward through several years that contained impactful events that read as more of a synopsis. Skipping out on the falling action and jumping straight to resolution left me feeling disappointed with a rushed ending. 

Resolution

In ending, the resolution to your book, things will come full circle for your characters. They will reflect on their experiences. You have an opportunity to show your reader their trials and tribulations, and their growth, or lack of it, and how it ultimately affected the outcome. 

Keep in mind, even though this one book may be part of a series, it’s essential to provide a resolution for your characters at that exact moment in time. This doesn’t mean the ending has to be a happy one, but it should be a solid one. Providing your reader a satisfying ending will encourage them to continue exploring your next book in the series or more of your writing in the future. 

Takeaways

Writing exceptional fiction takes much more planning than just having a good idea. Crafting a well-executed narrative arc can make the difference between a half-hearted review and a long-time loyal reader. 

To craft the best version of your story, make sure your narrative arc can answer the following questions: 

• Am I giving my reader enough background information on my characters to engage them and have them come along on their journey? 
• What problem will my characters encounter? What’s the event or incident occurring that is triggering them to have to problem-solve?
• What is the pinnacle of your story? What have you been building up to this entire time? What about these scenes will take your reader by surprise or take their breath away? 
• What loose ends do you have to tie up? Are there any questions you’ve left unanswered? Are you bringing your reader full circle with a satisfying ending?
• Is this where your character’s story ends? How have they grown? What have they learned? Is there another adventure you want to take your readers through with the same cast?

In this article, we’ve discussed 5 elements you should include from start to finish to execute an effective narrative arc. Nailing the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, you will be able to write a piece of fiction that satisfies your readers and keeps them coming back for more.

Bio: Holly Garcia is the author of a recently released poetry collection, All The Ways I Loved You, and is working through her debut historical fiction novel. For more creative inspiration, the writing life, and everything in between, subscribe to her weekly newsletter to keep in touch.