Writing Flourishes-Fishing Suffers

Think of a hobby or recreational activity you enjoy doing. Got it? Now ask yourself what it would take to set it aside. Another obligation? A fun activity? More family time?

For me it has been writing, early in the morning. On my day off from work I might make plans to go fishing very early—before sunup. Then I wake up and have a great idea for writing; I just can’t let it go. I must put it down on paper, or on my laptop screen. Especially if it relates to a submission window that is closing soon. I know I will enjoy fishing, but the nagging thought that I missed an opening would taint the fun of early morning angling.

I have submitted 40 pieces for publication so far this year, and three have been accepted (still waiting to hear from 5 or 6...) I know this is less than a ten-percent acceptance rate, but each time I received that “yes—we will use it” email I could have done a somersault. Like when I catch that first-of-the-year salmon or trout, it is sheer elation!

This month (November 2025) my story, Of Snakes and Flip-Flops, will appear in the Pure in Heart Literary Journal. (If you go to the website you can read the online version, or click to buy the print version—my story is on pages 95-97.) In the acceptance letter from Pure in Heart, I read these words:

Thank you for the opportunity to read your poetry and story. While we decided to pass on the poetry, we loved your story "Of Snakes and Flip Flops," and would be excited to publish it in our next issue!

Then, after some legal/contract issues, this closing line:

Thank you again! I'm excited and hopeful to share your work with our readers.

This kind of email makes it all worthwhile. How thrilling to be able to share a story that will bless many families around the world who read such a good magazine.

Next month my devotional is available in Unlocked (a daily devotional for teens, published by Keys for Kids.) It is titled: Jesus Prayed for You, and is found on the December 4 page. This will be available to read online starting December 4, and then afterwards, as it will be archived.

After I received the acceptance from Unlocked, they mailed me a copy of the quarterly devotional in which my piece appears.

They also had a note with these words:

Thank you for writing for Unlocked! …We’re grateful for your voice and the way your words share the love of Jesus with teens, and we hope you write for us again….

Early next year, my story titled: Answered Prayer – 25 Years Later, will appear in another magazine. (More on this in another blogpost…)

All this to say: I did not catch that elusive salmon this year. I did land my personal best smallmouth bass and a personal best pumpkinseed.

Next year I do hope to get that April salmon (the season in NH starts April 1.) And I do plan to keep writing and submitting pieces for publication. I’m not saying that I want fishing to flourish and writing to suffer—maybe more of a balance! We will see…and will keep you posted!

Check out the November 2025 edition of Pure in Heart to read my story on pages 95-97.

Starting December 4, you will be able to read my devotional in Unlocked, either at their website, or on the phone app.