[Christine B. Posts: 450 Status: Offline WWW]

I have a short story ms that I wrote a while ago. I keep coming back to it because I think it's a strong piece. However it is a "theft story": a little girl solves a mystery of a musical instrument that has been stolen. It's all very lighthearted and the thief ends up having a good reason for having taken the instrument. But it still deals with theft and so I am thinking this excludes the manuscript from consideration from any mainstream pub like Highlights, Spider, etc., that specifically state "no crime" in their guidelines. What would you do with such a story? It is definitely not a potential PB manuscript.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Vijaya Posts: 6,943 Status: Offline BEAUTY WWW]

Hmmm, I would try Highlights or Spider or Pockets even if they don't want 'crime' because kids learn nuances regarding theft. For example, I thought it was perfectly okay to steal mangoes from a neighbor's tree because they had so many and I was hungry. When my mom found out (hello sticky mango mouth), she made me go apologize and I had to do some small chore. The lady of the house would've gladly given me the mangoes had I asked for them. Lesson learned. Alas, the temptation remains.

By the way, I remember a story by Rosemary Wells in her YOKO series that is about theft. It's very well done. You might want to check it out.

Vijaya

[Christine B. Posts: 450 Status: Offline WWW]

Vijaya, thanks for saying that. Actually your post made something click for me, a way to make the thief a little softer and a little sillier, which might help. Thank you.

[lrzajac Posts: 71 Status: Offline I write science as a story, sprinkled with art WWW]

Christine, years ago I wrote a true story about theft. After a robber stole money, she hurled three bags worth $70,000, into a creek.  Beavers ripped into the bags and wove the money in their dam. I don't remember the reason, but Highlights rejected the piece. They gave me some tips on how to revise it, so I did. It was published in Spider and awarded a letter of merit in the SCBWI magazine contest. So, I'd try Highlights and if they don't want it, maybe they'll give you some tips. Then move on from there.     

[Sara Posts: 347 Status: Offline WWW]

Christine, I'm pretty sure I've seen stories about "stolen", or at least missing, items in Highlights recently (one about a stolen pie comes to mind). I agree with the others to try them, at least.

[Vijaya Posts: 6,943 Status: Offline BEAUTY WWW]

That's a cool story, Linda!
Christine, I'm glad something clicked.
V.

[lrzajac Posts: 71 Status: Offline I write science as a story, sprinkled with art WWW]

Thanks Vijaya! You could also do some research on EBSCO into back issues of Highlights or other magazines. You could search for the word "stolen" or "thief" or "robber," and see if anything comes up.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 5,882 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

In my experience Highlights is a lot stricter than the other magazines, but I'd try them too. After all, it costs you nothing but time. Check out Evelyn Christensen's magazine markets listing and her e-zine. http://www.evelynchristensen.com/mags.html