I heard about the new literary magazine, Sparkler, and was curious about it, so talked with Laurie Sibley, one of the founders. This magazine is new and actively seeking submissions. They aren’t a paying market, but can offer valuable experience and exposure for aspiring authors.
DJS: What are some of the benefits authors gain by writing for magazines?
LS: The main benefit authors gain from submitting to magazines is publishing credits. Having your writing validated by a publication shows that your work has been found “worthy.” Especially when it’s a debut publishing credit, you might find that it lends legitimacy to your writing for both yourself and your friends and family. You finally have something you can point to and say, “Look, I wrote that! And someone important thought it was good.”If you’re planning to query literary agents, having a stack of magazine publishing credits can only help. Agents are often looking for a proven track record, and even smaller bylines can be evidence that you are a professional writer. Plus, it’s addictive.
Once you’ve got one magazine publishing credit under your belt, you’re going to want to keep writing and submitting. And writers who submit to magazines get the word out about their writing. If you’re able to publish your work consistently and often have pieces to share about, you signal yourself as someone to watch. That debut publishing credit can be a kick in the pants to finally get your website up and running or to start that author newsletter you’ve been putting off.
For Sparkler in particular, flash fiction is a unique form of writing that allows writers to complete a piece more quickly. In about a week, you can brainstorm, write, polish, and ask writer friends for feedback. Instead of spending ten years writing a first novel, writers can experience the submission process on a smaller, faster scale.
Another fun benefit of writing flash fiction is that you can experiment with a new-to-you genre or try out a trope you’ve been curious about. After all, you can do anything for as long as it takes to write 1,000 words.
DJS: Writing shorter pieces is certainly less daunting, and that’s how I started.
Can you tell us a bit about how Sparkler came into being?
LS: Our idea was to create a hub for fun stories that teens and parents can feel good about, by authors who want to get the word out about their writing. We want to share book recommendations and introduce new-to-you authors. We want to provide a place for teens to flex their writing muscles. And we want to read great YA stories!
DJS: That sounds wonderful. What types of stories is Sparkle looking for?
LS: All genres of fiction for 12- to 18-year-olds are welcome here. Bring your space operas, rom-coms, historical suspense, fantasy, and everything in between. We’re interested in any original YA story between 700-1,000 words. Flash fiction is a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. We do not publish poetry, fanfics, or excerpts from longer stories. Each year, two of our issues will feature stories by adult authors, and the other one will be a Teen Takeover issue where writers age 12-18 can submit.
DJS: If you could accomplish one thing with Sparkler, what would it be?
LS: We want to be a sizzling light that will spread the word about authors who are busy writing clean, exciting, age-appropriate YA books. We’d love to prove to Christian publishing that the market is bursting for these kinds of stories.
Thank you, Laurie, for sharing this opportunity for writers of young adult stories!
Laurie Sibley and Christine Boatwright became friends through the Christian Mommy Writers group and now they’re business partners. Laurie has three teens and Christine has four future-teens. They love Jesus, books, and the french fries at Firehouse Subs.
Link: http://www.sparklermagazine.com
Sparkler doesn’t pay authors, but loves to highlight them on social media. This could look like graphics of your first line, an interview, or an IG author takeover. Something they get really excited about is being the first-time publisher for a new writer.
Donna Jo Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre author. She writes contemporary young adult, historical fiction, and southern fiction. Finding the faith to carry on through hard battles in a common theme in Donna Jo’s books. Her novel When the Wildflowers Bloom Again is a 2025 ACFW Carol Award Winner.
Her contemporary young adult novel, Promise Me Tomorrow, received a 2025 SCWC Notable Book Award. Promise Me Tomorrow is available in ebook, print, and KU.
For the latest news on upcoming releases and other author news, sign up for Donna Jo’s newsletter at donnajostone.com.
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