Category: Newsletter

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: May 2026

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • Latest piece out today! (More Below).
  • 400 Rejections! (More Below).

Prime Number Magazine

My latest piece, Home, published today in Prime Number Magazine, a Pushcart Prize-winning publication. Check it out here. The Pushcart is kind of a big deal, and if I ever win one, you will know it! LOL In the meantime, you can learn more about it here.

400 Rejections!

Since I first began submitting to literary magazines for publication in June 2023, I have garnered over 400 rejections! This is a hug accomplishment, for me, because it means I’ve been mostly-consistently writing, editing, and submitting for three years. Some of my acceptances never saw the light of the day as the publication went under after accepting, and I’ve had to roll that piece back into the submissions queue, while others have been rejected by an average-ordinary publication and then gone on to be accepted by an award-winning publication. There’s no real rhyme or reason and it truly does come down to luck of the draw. You happened to catch the right editor on the right day in the right mood. All in all, it’s been a hell of a ride so far, and I look forward to all to come.

May Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the latest prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: April 2026

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • I’ve been selected as a Reader for the High Plains Book Award! (More Below).
  • I’ve been selected as a Judge for the Women’s Fiction Writers Star Award! (More Below).
  • Join me for the last Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club April 15, 2026 to discuss The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré! (More Below).

High Plains Book Award Reader!

The High Plains International Book Award is a prestigious award honoring books published in the previous year about the high plains area from USA to Canada. Volunteer readers determine which books become finalists and judges then determine which finalists win each award. There are several categories and it’s all very exciting! I’m reading now and winners will be announced in June.  

Star Award Judge!

The Women’s Fiction Writers Association gives out a Star Award every year for general and debut novels, and I’ve been selected as a Judge for this years entries. I just finished up reading and sending in my extensive reviews. Winners will be announced in September.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom April 15, 2026 at 6pm MT to discuss The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré.

April Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the latest prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: March 2026

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • Bluestem published one of my fiction pieces, Narluga (More Below).
  • One of my columns was picked up by a national syndicate! (More Below).
  • Join me for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club March 18, 2026 to discuss The City of Thieves by David Benioff! (More Below).

Narluga on Bluestem

My fiction piece, Narluga, was rejected nine times before finding a home in the winter 2026 issue of Bluestem Magazine. You can read it here.

Sunday’s Snapshots Goes National!

National Today, an online syndicate, picked up my latest Sunday’s Snapshots from The Sanders County Ledger and blurbed it (or whatever the appropriate newsy-term for that is). You can check it out at National Today by going here, or read the original column at The Sanders County Ledger here.

March Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the latest prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom March, 2026 at 6pm MT to discuss The City of Thieves by David Benioff.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: February 2026

sundaydutroLeave a comment

Whatcha Up To?:

  • Join me online today and every Friday this month for writing workshops! (More Below).
  • Timed writing prompt available now! (More Below).
  • Join me for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club February 18, 2026 to discuss The Testing of Luther Albright by MacKenzie Bezos (Scott)! (More Below).

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. Find them on my Events Page, Facebook, or register to attend via Zoom and get automatic reminders:

February Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the latest prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom February 18, 2026 at 6pm MT to discuss The Testing of Luther Albright by MacKenzie Bezos (Scott).

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: January 2026

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • Two outlets published me in December! (More Below).
  • Join me online this February for writing workshops! (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club January 21, 2026 to discuss Be A Man by Russell Rowland and speak with the author who will be our guest! (More Below).

Where You Can Find Me

So grateful to be in these printed anthologies/collections right now. Find me in nunum’s Done in a Hundred 2025, Vine Leaves Press’ 50 Give or Take.

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. You can register to attend and have Zoom automatically remind you by checking out my Events Page or finding the events on Facebook.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom January 21, 2026 at 6pm MT to discuss Be A Man by Russell Rowland.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: December 2025

sundaydutroLeave a comment

Whatcha Up To?:

  • Happiest of Happy Holidays family and friends! I appreciate you so much and I’m so glad you’re here.
  • Join me online this February for writing workshops! (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club December 17, 2025 to discuss The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman! (More Below).

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. You can register to attend and have Zoom automatically remind you by checking out my Events Page or finding the events on Facebook.

December Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the November prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom December 17, 2025 at 6pm MT to discuss The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: November 2025

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • Need a Tax Donation? Our little Thompson Falls Public Library has added to their Amazon Wishlist! (More Below).
  • October Writing Prompt Winner Heather Saint! (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club November 19, 2025 to discuss The Wild Why with the author, Laura Munson! (More Below).

Tax Deductible Library Support

Last year, I became a trustee on the Thompson Falls Public Library Board and it has been a rollercoaster! Our little library in Thompson Falls, Montana has been hit by all the same massive cuts that other institutes of culture have been hit with across the country, and the grants we rely on for our new materials budget have also been slashed. So we’re getting with the times and creating an Amazon Wishlist with quarterly rolling asks. Check it out here and please share!

October Writing Prompt Winner: Heather Saint

I know I have cancer, why doesn’t anyone believe me.  Blood tests, antibiotics that don’t work and upset my system. More blood tests, more antibiotics.  Now I am getting frustrated and angry. Finally, more tests scheduled, ultrasounds, CT, cystectomy, TURBT surgery catheter for two weeks. And then, finally, yes I have bladder cancer. Why does it take so much to prove to doctors and medical professionals we really do know our own bodies and what is wrong or right with them?  Why can’t they trust us? Are they so emboldened by big Pharma that only their special degrees and pills will actually fix us?  Why does talking with family and friends who understand finally lift the despair and anger and maybe just maybe see progress towards healing?  

Heather Saint is a world traveled native Montanan, settling into retirement in NW Montana.

November Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the November prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. You can register to attend and have Zoom automatically remind you by checking out my Events Page or finding the events on Facebook.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom November 19, 2025 at 6pm MT to discuss The Wild Why with the author, Laura Munson.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: October 2025

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Whatcha Up To?:

  • This weekend is the Authors of the Flathead Writing Conference! (More Below).
  • Free online writing workshops coming this winter! (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club October 15, 2025 to discuss The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (More Below).

Authors of the Flathead Writing Conference

The first writer’s conference I ever attended, The Authors of the Flathead hold a special place in my heart. Their conference was where I was first introduced to Chris La Tray, and I couldn’t be more grateful. This weekend, I’ll be learning from authors like Shelley Read, Debbie Burke, and Robert Petrone. You don’t need a degree or a published book to attend, and I’d love to see you there!

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. You can register to attend and have Zoom automatically remind you by checking out my Events Page or finding the events on Facebook.

October Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the September prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom October 15, 2025 at 6pm MT to discuss The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: September 2025

sundaydutroLeave a comment

Whatcha Up To?:

  • Free online writing workshops coming this winter! (More Below).
  • Do you ever get obsessed with a particular writer? (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club September 17, 2025 to discuss How to Read a Book by Monica Wood (More Below).

Online Winter Writing Workshops

My local library has been wanting me to do more writing workshops, but it’s hard to schedule, because our library is (thankfully) extremely full of programming already. We’ve agreed an online workshop might work best, especially in the harder month of February when people are starting to get cabin fever. There will be four sessions, all free and all online via Zoom, and anyone can attend. You can register to attend and have Zoom automatically remind you by checking out my Events Page or finding the events on Facebook.

Author Obsession

Last month I was tearing through Matt Haig books as quickly as possible. This month, I’m on to Alain de Botton. I first heard about Botton from Jane Friedman, a kind and brilliant woman who knows everything there is to know about publishing. She mentioned in one of her talks that she will always immediately buy anything by Alain de Botton, without even reading the dust jacket, and so began my deep dive. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by his book for kids, Happy Healthy Minds, which I’ve been reading with my littles and wish I’d had when I was young.

September Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the September prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom September 17, 2025 at 6pm MT to discuss How to Read a Book by Monica Wood.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com

Sunday's Scrips: A Monthly Newsletter

Sunday’s Scrips: August 2025

sundaydutroLeave a comment

Whatcha Up To?:

  • A writing retreat in Homer, Alaska? Yes, please! (More Below).
  • Join us for Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club August 20, 2025 to discuss Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (More Below).

Storyknife Writer’s Retreat

Storyknife is a woman’s writing retreat in Homer, Alaska where they feed you and leave you alone to write. It sounds like The Salty Quill which I thoroughly enjoyed in Maine (I was unbelievably productive at that retreat). Before I’d done too much research, I applied. Only afterwards did I find out how distinguished it is. So, while I’m not holding my breath, there’s always a possibility. Applications for Storyknife are open through August 31, 2025 if you’d also like to apply. Please do! Who knows, maybe we’ll end up there together!

August Timed Writing Prompt Available Now!

Want a chance to have your work featured on my website, social media, Patreon and Substack accounts? Become a supporter and you’ll have access to my monthly timed writing prompt. Send me your unedited, timed writing response for your chance to be featured! Find the August prompt on Patreon or Substack.

Flashlights & Firelight Online Book Club

Join us on Zoom August 20, 2025 at 6pm MT to discuss Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood.

Monthly Book Talks!

Love to read but never know what to pick up? Check out my monthly videos for my local Thompson Falls Public Library here. Remember to Subscribe for free so you never miss one. Book talks: like book club, but shorter.

Readings

Did you know I occasionally remember to record readings of my published pieces. You can check out the latest one here. Be sure to Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

Please forward this to those you think may enjoy it. As always, thanks for joining me. I appreciate you’re here.

NOTE: You can email me directly at sunday (at) sundaydutro (dot) com