Because Stories Are Meant To Be Shared

I’ve been a freelance writer for three or four years now, and I’m not afraid to admit that I have no clue what many outdoor publications are looking for these days. I’ve been published a few times, and I’ve been rejected more times than I can count. Don’t misunderstand me; rejection comes with the territory, and I’m not saying I haven’t earned it. What I am saying is that I really don’t understand why some outdoor publications publish what they publish. Or, more to the point, why they don’t publish what they don’t publish.

Let me explain. I’ve had multiple exchanges with editors either asking me to write something I can’t imagine someone wanting to read or explaining to me why they weren’t going to publish what I’d submitted.

The freelance submission guidelines of one well known magazine suggest that aspiring authors not even bother submitting articles about hunts for Wyoming pronghorn or African plains game as such hunts are far too mundane. Do the publishing powers that be truly believe that a hunt for a Shirley Basin speed goat or a South African springbok is too mundane? Man, I hope not.

One editor hit me up for ‘deeply reported pieces about conservation throughout the South.’ Is that what the majority of outdoorsmen really want to read? I’m for conservation as much as the next guy, but that’s not the kind of thing I want to read on my lunch break.

In a telephone conversation with another editor I was told, and I quote, “We don’t publish ‘bubba went huntin’ stories.” Do hunters and outdoorsmen really not want to read ‘bubba went hunting’ stories? I think they do. In fact, I’m betting on it.

Through this website, I want to hear your stories. I want to see your pictures. I want to feel what you felt. And I want to share those things with my readers.

So here’s what I’m asking from you. Type up the details of your hunt, and shoot me an email at wrightoutdoors@yahoo.com. Include a picture or two. I’ll make sure all your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed and publish on this website the story of your hunt for all the world to see. All I ask is that you then share a link to your story with your family and friends and maybe interact with those who might have questions or comments. Because stories are meant to be shared. And hunts are meant to be celebrated.