Non Fiction
Year in Review
by
Samantha Viles
This is to all of the friends we have had the pleasure to make while on this wonderful Pens on Fire journey. We have certainly come a long way since the beginning.
Pens on Fire started as an idea, became a writing group on yahoo, then with Justin’s help and insistence graduated to the international online magazine you see today. Our writers have come to us from Israel, India, England, Australia and all parts of the United States.
I have been writing stories and poems since I was in grade school and yet I have never pushed myself to the challenge of completing and submitting a work to a publisher. I decided perhaps I could find a way to help other writers get their works out for others to read. I’m not sure if I ever imagined we would have such great reception from our peers.
2007 has brought huge success for all of us. From our readers who may have found a new author to read to our writers who may have dared to submit their first piece of writing. There is nothing greater than taking a step toward a dream or helping someone else with their dream.
Our newsletter has grown from barely 100 readers to more than 350. It has been unbelievable to see the growth. With growth and change there are challenges. I truly appreciate everyone having patience. The goal is to keep Pens on Fire as a reputable quality publication that people are proud to have their work included in.
What are goals going forward? Expansion is good. I’d love to see the growth of audience and contributors continue. The writing groups sadly have taken a back seat to the website itself. I’d like to shock a little life back into them. MySpace will continue to be used to promote for the Pens on Fire Magazine and Editing services.
I’d like to challenge you all to set a goal for yourself to pursue this year. Whether it be to complete a work or submitting to a publisher, we should all take another step toward success. I will continue to ask for feedback from the audience as to what you feel will improve your experience with Pens on Fire.
Again, thank you all for being a part of this journey. I look forward to the great things in the year to come. Happy Holidays to you all.
Samantha Viles