Rural Fiction Magazine (RFM) would like to publish more writers from around the world, regardless of your country of origin. So far, RFM has readers and contributors from 46* nations.
RFM wants to develop talent, measuring it in a fair and equitable way to find hidden and disadvantaged talent in a world where not everybody has an equal chance to exhibit their abilities. RFM does not discriminate against anyone. The only personal criterium for publication is talent in use of English and in developing outstanding stories. Because RFM embraces the global community, RFM embraces differences, whether those are race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. RFM wants to see diversity in writing from around the world, from all time zones. RFM respects everyone’s voice and strives to create a culture in which people from all cultures, races, and backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives. You can help our contributors gain exposure by sharing their works widely and also by back linking to them and to RFM’s homepage.
RFM is seeking short stories, poems, reviews and press releases, on rural fiction books that reflect the beauty, tranquility, joys, anguish, sorrows, humor, tragedy, comedy, and drama of rural life. RFM believes that all stories are about people and that genre is secondary. Therefore, RFM is open to almost all genres such as mainstream, literary, romance, horror, western, mystery, thriller, historical, realist, coming of age (Bildungsroman for those who speak German), science fiction, magical realism, dystopian, etc, so long as they are connected to rural life and culture anywhere in the world.
Your work must be in English. It can a translation from your native language, but it must be in English, which is spoken around the globe and gives the work and author substantial worldwide exposure.
Please note that there is no pay for this other than a publication credit and exposure to the English-speaking markets. However, all rights remain with the author.
Currently, RFM is publishing material within a few weeks of acceptance, though this may vary depending on the number of submissions.
Please share this announcement to give it maximum exposure.
Financial donations through either our GoFundMe or Buy Me a Coffee accounts will help expand our global reach by paying for advertising, more advanced WordPress plans, and expansion into more extensive Content Delivery Networks.
*These nations include Canada, United Kingdom, India, Austria, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Lithuania, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece, Singapore, South Korea, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Romania, South Africa, Mexico, Bangladesh, Italy, Palestinian Territories, Guatemala, Switzerland, Nepal, Portugal, Barbados, Kenya, Malta, Hungary, Spain, Ukraine, Turkey, Oman, Brazil, Estonia, and Pakistan.
Rural Fiction Magazine is on a mission to showcase the rich tapestry of rural experiences from around the globe. Whether you’re penning heartwarming tales, poignant poems, or insightful reviews on rural fiction books, we want your voice! Our open-minded approach means we welcome all genres—be it romance, horror, or magical realism—as long as it connects to rural life. Your story matters!
A Worldwide Platform for Diverse Voices
With contributors from 46* countries and counting, RFM celebrates the universal human experience. By submitting your work, you join a vibrant community that transcends borders. Share your unique perspective and connect with readers who appreciate the beauty and complexity of rural narratives.
RFM wants to develop talent, measuring it in a fair and equitable way to find hidden and disadvantaged talent in a world where not everybody has an equal chance to exhibit their abilities. RFM does not discriminate against anyone. The only personal criterium for publication is talent in use of English and in developing outstanding stories. Because RFM embraces the global community, RFM embraces differences, whether those are race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. RFM wants to see diversity in writing from around the world, from all time zones. RFM respects everyone’s voice and strives to create a culture in which people from all cultures, races, and backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives. You can help our contributors gain exposure by sharing their works widely and also by back linking to them and to RFM’s homepage.
Fast Publication for Your Creative Work
No waiting indefinitely to see your words in print! At RFM, we pride ourselves on our efficiency—most submissions are published within weeks of acceptance. Get ready to inspire others and gain well-deserved exposure in English-speaking markets including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Your Voice Matters – Take Action Today!
Ready to share your story? Visit our submissions page for detailed guidelines and join us in celebrating rural fiction’s diverse tapestry. Remember: while there’s no monetary compensation beyond publication credit and exposure, your writing will resonate with an audience eager for authentic voices like yours.
Please share this announcement far and wide to help us discover exceptional talent from every corner of the world!
Financial donations through either our GoFundMe or Buy Me a Coffee accounts will help expand our global reach by paying for advertising, more advanced WordPress plans, and expansion into more extensive Content Delivery Networks.
*These nations include Canada, United Kingdom, India, Austria, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Lithuania, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece, Singapore, South Korea, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Romania, South Africa, Mexico, Bangladesh, Italy, Palestinian Territories, Guatemala, Switzerland, Nepal, Portugal, Barbados, Kenya, Malta, Hungary, Spain, Ukraine, Turkey, Oman, Brazil, Estonia, and Pakistan.
Rural Fiction Magazine (RFM) would like to publish more writers from around the world, regardless of your country of origin. So far, RFM has readers and contributors from 46* nations.
RFM wants to develop talent, measuring it in a fair and equitable way to find hidden and disadvantaged talent in a world where not everybody has an equal chance to exhibit their abilities. RFM does not discriminate against anyone. The only personal criterium for publication is talent in use of English and in developing outstanding stories. Because RFM embraces the global community, RFM embraces differences, whether those are race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. RFM wants to see diversity in writing from around the world, from all time zones. RFM respects everyone’s voice and strives to create a culture in which people from all cultures, races, and backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives. You can help our contributors gain exposure by sharing their works widely and also by back linking to them and to RFM’s homepage.
RFM is seeking short stories, poems, reviews and press releases, on rural fiction books that reflect the beauty, tranquility, joys, anguish, sorrows, humor, tragedy, comedy, and drama of rural life. RFM believes that all stories are about people and that genre is secondary. Therefore, RFM is open to almost all genres such as mainstream, literary, romance, horror, western, mystery, thriller, historical, realist, coming of age (Bildungsroman for those who speak German), science fiction, magical realism, dystopian, etc, so long as they are connected to rural life and culture anywhere in the world.
Your work must be in English. It can a translation from your native language, but it must be in English, which is spoken around the globe and gives the work and author substantial worldwide exposure.
Please note that there is no pay for this other than a publication credit and exposure to the English-speaking markets. However, all rights remain with the author.
Currently, RFM is publishing material within a few weeks of acceptance, though this may vary depending on the number of submissions.
Please share this announcement to give it maximum exposure.
Financial donations through either our GoFundMe or Buy Me a Coffee accounts will help expand our global reach by paying for advertising, more advanced WordPress plans, and expansion into more extensive Content Delivery Networks.
*These nations include Canada, United Kingdom, India, Austria, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Lithuania, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece, Singapore, South Korea, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Romania, South Africa, Mexico, Bangladesh, Italy, Palestinian Territories, Guatemala, Switzerland, Nepal, Portugal, Barbados, Kenya, Malta, Hungary, Spain, Ukraine, Turkey, Oman, Brazil, Estonia, and Pakistan.
Rural Fiction Magazine is on a mission to showcase the rich tapestry of rural experiences from around the globe. Whether you’re penning heartwarming tales, poignant poems, or insightful reviews on rural fiction books, we want your voice! Our open-minded approach means we welcome all genres—be it romance, horror, or magical realism—as long as it connects to rural life. Your story matters!
A Worldwide Platform for Diverse Voices
With contributors from 46* countries and counting, RFM celebrates the universal human experience. By submitting your work, you join a vibrant community that transcends borders. Share your unique perspective and connect with readers who appreciate the beauty and complexity of rural narratives.
RFM wants to develop talent, measuring it in a fair and equitable way to find hidden and disadvantaged talent in a world where not everybody has an equal chance to exhibit their abilities. RFM does not discriminate against anyone. The only personal criterium for publication is talent in use of English and in developing outstanding stories. Because RFM embraces the global community, RFM embraces differences, whether those are race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. RFM wants to see diversity in writing from around the world, from all time zones. RFM respects everyone’s voice and strives to create a culture in which people from all cultures, races, and backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives. You can help our contributors gain exposure by sharing their works widely and also by back linking to them and to RFM’s homepage.
Fast Publication for Your Creative Work
No waiting indefinitely to see your words in print! At RFM, we pride ourselves on our efficiency—most submissions are published within weeks of acceptance. Get ready to inspire others and gain well-deserved exposure in English-speaking markets including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Your Voice Matters – Take Action Today!
Ready to share your story? Visit our submissions page for detailed guidelines and join us in celebrating rural fiction’s diverse tapestry. Remember: while there’s no monetary compensation beyond publication credit and exposure, your writing will resonate with an audience eager for authentic voices like yours.
Spread the Word!
Please share this announcement far and wide to help us discover exceptional talent from every corner of the world!
Financial donations through either our GoFundMe or Buy Me a Coffee accounts will help expand our global reach by paying for advertising, more advanced WordPress plans, and expansion into more extensive Content Delivery Networks.
*These nations include Canada, United Kingdom, India, Austria, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Lithuania, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece, Singapore, South Korea, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Romania, South Africa, Mexico, Bangladesh, Italy, Palestinian Territories, Guatemala, Switzerland, Nepal, Portugal, Barbados, Kenya, Malta, Hungary, Spain, Ukraine, Turkey, Oman, Brazil, Estonia, and Pakistan.
Desiree Permian’s vision blurred with tears when she found the page. Encircled in red pencil was Introduction to Veterinary Science. How could it have been eighteen years since that Junior College class launched her plan to be a veterinarian? She had been sure her love of critters and straight-As in high school would sail her through the biology and chemistry courses. But another kind of chemistry had diverted her—six-feet-two inches of it by the name of Will Permian. She hadn’t been in the course three weeks when he proposed and Desiree dropped her books to pick up pitchforks, crescent wrenches and eventually a seven-pound wriggler christened JoAnn Mae Permian.
She had no regrets about the life she had made with Will and the girls here in the Valley. It said right in the Good Book, though, there’s a time for all things under the sun. So she had announced her time had come to begin driving the 21 miles to the J.C. to resume her veterinary classes. Ellie and JoAnn said, “Cool, Mom.“ Will had offered no opinion until this morning when her hands were full of a mare’s forefoot and a hoof-rasp. “I had to let the hired hand go. Found him passed out in the haystack cuddling a whiskey bottle. Need you to drive barley truck.” Will’s voice was husky with genuine regret. “Sorry it shuts the gate on your college thing.”
“I’m already through the gate, Will.”
Will stared at his dusty boots. “Every available man or woman within fifty miles is on the harvest. Maybe next year.”
Desiree gently put down the mare’s foreleg and was out of the barn before Will could gather himself to trot after her.
She paused on the screened-in porch, Sampsonite suitcase in hand. She kissed Will, lay a finger across his questioning mouth. “I’ll be back in a few days.” He shuffled into her upraised palm. “I will be back. Please get the girls to town so they can buy their wardrobes for school.”
“I’m no good at that girl stuff,” he pouted.
Desiree restrained a giggle. “They‘ll teach you.”
The old Ford growled up the rocky road above the ranch. In the side mirror Desiree watched Will’s tall figure remain rigid with disbelief. Not once in all their years had she walked away from him. She held back tears, but never eased up on the gas pedal. Where exactly was she going? She had enough mad money to buy the distance needed to sort things out. She could catch the vomit comet out of the county air park and drift over to Denver. From there–where? Vegas? San Francisco? A bungalow up in the Canadian Rockies?
She slowed for the cattleguard, scanned a track dogging the fence line to the high pastures. Desiree wheeled onto the road. Just can’t leave, right Dezi? She could imagine Will’s gently teasing eyes. Not so, but she needed one clear view of what she was leaving.
She parked the Ford on Cain Mountain’s shoulder and walked through a stand of aspen tinged gold. From this perch most of Lansome Valley lay revealed: Resolute rectangles of alfalfa and barley fields flanked the creek and its ruffles of cottonwoods and willows. Far up-valley the Herm Ranch was a scatter of children’s blocks. She had been born in one of those blocks and her parents still lived there. A thousand feet directly below were glimmers of barn, machine shop, calving sheds, and her own house. Inside, Will and the girls probably huddled around the big oak table to decipher the mystery of the absent wife and mother.
Desiree turned her gaze to the mountain itself, to its sun-cured grasses and splashes of summer’s last wildflowers. “You’re all so very beautiful!” Heart-shaped aspen leaves rattled as if to confirm her praise. Her gaze returned to the valley and to a memory: A third-grade class project to make a paper mache relief map of the United States. The Rocky Mountains were globs prodded into toothy shapes. The teacher helped them daub on bright blue creeks and green fields. All the children placed a gold star on the map to stand for their birthplace and their connection to the greater, geographic scheme of things. Mrs. Stevens then said, “Sad to say, children, most of you will leave the protection of your little gold star to make your lives elsewhere between the shining seas.”
Desiree now whispered, “Not me, Mrs. Stevens. I haven’t left my gold star!” Her entire life was bounded by these mountains, these pointy dollops on the map of the nation, which lay beyond her experience. She lay back until the grasses curled around her like a lacy shawl.
She awoke shivering in the mountain’s shadow. The airport was an hour’s drive. She leapt up, squinted down at the shadow line which had crawled to the house. A rectangle glowed in the upper North bedroom–the girls’ room. Desiree had stood in that same tall rectangle with her fingers stretched over her belly the night before JoAnn was born. She had watched the sun disappear beyond the mountain named for her great-great grandparents. Their log homestead, impossibly small, still stood in rumpled dignity two miles up the valley. Likely, Grandma Cain had watched her own spot on the mountain crest and uttered prayers to the evening stars for the health of her child soon to breathe the sweet air of Lansome Valley.
The airport could wait. Desiree retrieved a bedroll and emergency kit from the Ford. The stars came on thick as frost crystals. She gathered dry branches from the aspen grove and kindled a small fire away from the precipice and the gaze of anyone in the valley who might glance this way. Reflection of flames gilded aspen under-leaves and she felt like some storybook princess in an enchanted forest. A Great Horned owl hooted thrice from the higher darkness. As if to answer, coyotes yipped from their lair across the valley. Crickets ratcheted up love songs and a breeze brought delicious fragrances of pine and spruce trees.
Desiree left the fire and sat near the cliff‘s edge, staring tenderly at lights strewn along the valley floor like a strand of pearls. These were the pearls of her life, her history. An outsider might proclaim Desiree’s life hopelessly hobbled. Desiree sometimes felt it too, especially when Will assumed demands of ranch-life always took precedence over her needs. It could be claustrophobic living under a tiny golden star. But it afforded something rare and good.
Hers was a life of rich connections. She was embroidered right into a quilt panel of bee hum and wild roses. Morning sun that warmed her shoulders in the garden had fallen upon shoulders of five generations of Cains, Herms and Permians. Generations of crickets had played their tunes for her ancestors under a starlit canopy that was an enduring roof–no matter what challenges life brought. Hers was a gift of continuity in a world bent on transforming itself every seven seconds. She recalled the old saw about not being able to appreciate one’s home until one left. Well, a thousand feet of altitude had done it.
She no longer needed to fly away, but she did need this place on the durable mountain’s shoulder to prospect for gratitude in a life whose value could get buried in the strata of endlessly busy days. How wonderful it would be to open an animal biology textbook up here on the mountain and read sentence after sentence without a teen-ager lobbying for maternal attention or a husband insisting that fence posts could not be properly tamped unless she were there to hold them. When she drove back down into the valley tomorrow she would carry within a new spaciousness to stand resolutely for her right to embark upon the greatest journey of all–her formal education.
Desiree stared into the campfire. Sparks rose to dosey-do with the stars. Anybody could run toward a new horizon. But if you hunker down in a place you know and love, it is the world that moves toward you. In a few hours the good earth would tip its forested crown to the flaming orb that touches all. Desiree gave up a coyote yowl of greeting to that unseen but steadily approaching light.
Terril says of his life: “My life has been spent in rural areas of Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. It has been blessed with experiences as a rancher, subsistence farmer, agricultural journalist, teacher, and as photographer and writer. My work has appeared in Range Magazine, Montana Mouthful, Projected Letters, The MacGuffin, QU Literary Journal, Cargo Literary Magazine, bioStories, and Green Teacher Magazine. “
Please share this story to give it maximum distribution. Exposure is our authors’ only pay. You can also help our contributors gain exposure by back linking to them and to RFM’s homepage.
