Rod Raglin's Blog, page 3

Thin White Line featured in FBCW readON newsletter

With my membership of $55 (senior rate) Federation of British Columbia Writers (FBCW),

I received among other benefits, a discount to list one of my novels in their monthly  readOn newsletter that  publicizes works by BC authors.

“With over 4,000 subscribers and above-average open and click rates, readON is your means to reach a dedicated audience. Our open-rates are consistently over 50%.”

They limit entries to a maximum of 8 books per newsletter, list the entries alphabetically by book title and charge only $15.00.

I booked my latest novel, The Thin White Line – Culture War with Deadly Consequences. I’ve spent way more money (and got no results) marketing my books, and I can even justify it by saying I’m supporting the FBCW.

The June 2025 edition of readON, Vol. 51, arrived and there it was my book with its cover graphic, a brief description of 50-80 words written in the third person, and a purchase link.

My work was accompanied by seven other titles including the works of:

– 4 other self-published authors,

–  one author whose publisher charges a reading fee (always a bad sign),

– one who used a hybrid publisher (charges author fees but at least they’ll read your manuscript for fee – though the reading fee is probably built in), and

– two traditionally published.

All of us are unsuccessful (IMO), with the exception of one title that has 576 four-star reviews on Amazon, which makes me wonder what’s he doing among this sampling of mediocrity.

Here’s the link; https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/120378/156372592518759486

Five book sales from this promotion will cover the cost. I’m not holding my breath.

They, has been published in The Miserere Review

My short story, They, has been published in The Miserere Review, an international online Arts & Literary Magazine created to showcase artists, writers and performers from around the world.

Back in the 90’s, the original Miserere Review website received well over a million visitors. However, the original web host no longer exists, so it has now been relaunched as a new publication in an attractive, eclectic online flip-book format.

Excerpt from They.

“You infer you have a life, you’re not a weird loner bent on undermining the system. You’re satisfied, get along, are content. You embrace order, want nothing more than to conform, to be normal. No one would suspect that beneath the bland exterior, you’re a force for justice and equality.”

Read The Miserere Review, Issue 3, May 2025 at https://www.miserere-review.com/

Story and poem of defiance

Heuristic Halo Press has included my short story, They, as well as my poem, Small Acts of Defiance, in their May 2025 Edition.

Heuristic Halo Press is a free literary magazine based in Myanmar (Burma). It was established in 2022 with two main purposes: to foster the culture of expressing oneself to the world through art and literature and to spark public conversation on matters obscured by the information overload in today’s media.
In this issue, the editors asked for works that “broke free from limits…Like the tide going against the lunar pull” and submit “stories of defiance or that embody the spirit of defiance.”

Download your free edition at
https://hhpresscom.wordpress.com/may-2025-issue/

Read the poem Small Acts of Defiance at
https://hhpresscom.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/small-acts-of-defiance/

The American novelist William S. Burroughs alleged to have said, “A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what’s going on.” My short story, They, embraces this dark cynicism. Is it a game or has the protagonist accidentally stumbled onto something everyone is subliminally aware of, but afraid to admit. And what are “They” going to do about it?
Read, They, at https://hhpresscom.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/they/

@heuristichalopress #worksofdefiance #shortstories #poetry #freemagazine #freeliterarymagazine

911 submissions – 5 accepted.

In the last two years I’ve sent out over 200 submissions of my work including short stories, flash fiction, poetry and photographs. Duotrope, a submission manager platform I use to help track this activity, says my success rate at 11% is somewhat better than average, though I have yet to have any luck with the more prestigious magazines.

Not all online literary publications are created equal, and it doesn’t take long to realize a great many of them are a Word Press site run by creative writing students or a platform for an unsuccessful author to promote their own work alongside other (more worthy?) writers.

I’ve up-ed my game and now only submit to legitimate publications that don’t discriminate in favour of marginalized authors, have a professional websites, a publishing history and/or pay. I’ve never submitted to publications that charge a reading fee. Who pays to get rejected.

Merganser Magazine is a free online literary magazine, featuring a variety of prose and poetry. They aim “to publish many writers and artists whose work transcends disciplines and genres.” It checked all my boxes and so I sent them my short story, They.

I received a prompt rejection, which was disappointing though not unusual. However, what was unusual was the editor, Jake Ott, included the following stats for that edition: submitted – 911, withdrawn – 19, accepted – 5, or .6%.

I was astounded! I knew the competition was tough but 911 submissions! And an acceptance rate less than one percent! I sent Jake an email asking for details and he kindly responded.

He began by admitting that “April was a bigger month than usual for us in terms of submissions,” and then explained their submission review process.

I imagined that some submissions might be rejected out of hand for not adhering to guidelines but this is not the case with Merganser Magazine. Ott and his team of reviewers “code” all submissions into a database. Each reviewer independently applies several different categories of codes to each submission during review.

Only about 10% correspond to “standout” quality. In the case of the last edition, that got them down to about fifty submissions. From there they narrowed it down to 5 by comparing editorial comments/re-reading those fifty submissions.

Interestingly, they don’t give special consideration to marginalized authors. Many of their submitters write under pen names, and they don’t ask questions about backgrounds. They do, however, “have a mission of publishing and promoting important stories. That very much includes stories representing marginalized groups. This needs not be direct. We’re talking about art, so subtlety has its place with us.”

Merganser Magazine is currently open for submissions at https://mergansermagazine.com/about.html

@mergansermagazine #literarymagazine #submissions

Squat The City! How To Use The Arts For Housing Justice

Author, musician, playwright, actor, poet, educator, rabble rouser and East Vancouver alumnus, Norman Nawrocki has a new book out.  Squat The City! How To Use The Arts For Housing Justice is based on his four decades of work as an activist artist and community organizer.  

Hailed as “an inspiring and practical resource for anyone anywhere curious about how the arts can help navigate the current housing crisis,” Squat The City! is full of lessons, strategies and examples based on Nawrocki’s decades of ongoing work as an activist/artist/organizer and educator across Canada using music, theatre, comedy and poetry to address the issues. Order your copy from

https://leftwingbooks.net/products/squat-the-city-how-to-use-the-arts-for-housing-justice                                   On May 24, at 7pm, join Norman for west coast launch of Squat The City! at Spartacus Books, 1983 Commercial Dr.

Free Thin White Line E-book for honest review or rating

The Thin White Line – Culture War with Deadly Consequences (TWL) is my most controversial book, and it’s proved to be a hard sell. One of the reasons is that it doesn’t fit in any specific genre, but rather it’s a hybrid including aspects of politics, thriller, literary and interracial. There’s also likely something in this story that will offend everyone. I’d like to think that means I’ve written an unbiased book about a very sensitive subject, but it’s more likely that I’ve just pissed off a lot of potential readers.

I’ve done a lot or marketing, even spent some money. In a free e-blast with Written Word Media, TWL got over 2000 downloads in one day and was riding high in the free Kindle Store at #1 in Terrorism Thrillers, #1 in Conspiracy Thrillers and #33 in Literature and Fiction. Unfortunately, free downloads don’t necessarily translate into reviews.

Reviews, of course, are important not only to encourage sales (the good ones), but also to point out where the story has failed, which in my opinion is equally important.

To encourage this feedback, I’ll send anyone a free e-book edition of The Thin White Line in hopes you’ll take the time to read it and post an honest review or rating. All you have to do is send me an email at rod_raglin@yahoo.com

This offer will end on June 30, 2025.

Here’s the blurb for the book followed by a very complimentary review – written by the AI platform ChaptGPT. If only robots bought books…

Book Blurb:

In the midst of our culture war, journalist Matt Bennett, has uncovered an inconvenient truth, one that has made him a racist to some and a cultural hero to others. He wants to explain he’s neither, just someone who feels morally obligated to declare his findings, but the only person prepared to give him that opportunity is Lane North, a right-wing commentator. Trying to make it right goes from bad to worse to murder.

Book Review: The Thin White Line: Culture War with Deadly Consequences by Rod Raglin

Rod Raglin’s The Thin White Line: Culture War with Deadly Consequences is a bold, high-stakes political thriller that explores the volatile intersection of race, politics, and identity in contemporary society. Set against the backdrop of a country torn apart by division, Raglin’s novel digs deep into the culture wars that have increasingly defined political discourse, crafting a narrative that is as intense as it is provocative.

Plot Overview: At the heart of the story is a tense political struggle between a group of radical activists and a government grappling with its own legacy of racial injustice. The protagonist, a sharp, conflicted journalist named Matt Bennett finds himself at the crossroads of this battle after stumbling upon a conspiracy that could change the course of the culture war in the country.

As Bennett digs deeper, he uncovers a series of interconnected events that tie the rise of white nationalist groups, and media manipulation into a sinister plot with deadly consequences.

The central theme of the novel is the unraveling of societal norms under the pressure of ideological extremism, where what is right and wrong is often blurred by partisan interests. Raglin does not shy away from addressing issues such as racial tensions, systemic oppression, and the weaponization of media narratives, showing how these forces are played out in a contemporary political arena.

Characters: Raglin’s characters are multifaceted, adding both nuance and depth to the narrative. Matthew Bennett is an interesting blend of idealism and cynicism—a journalist who wants to uncover the truth but is increasingly disillusioned by the corruption he sees in both the political and media landscapes. His internal struggles make him a relatable and complex protagonist, and his development throughout the story is gripping.

The supporting cast, from activists to politicians to covert operatives, serve as a microcosm of the polarized world Raglin is describing. Each character is motivated by their own personal and ideological stakes, which keeps the narrative unpredictable and suspenseful. However, the most interesting character in the novel is, perhaps, the culture itself—Raglin skillfully uses the social landscape as both a stage and a character in its own right.

Themes and Political Commentary: Raglin’s treatment of race is perhaps the novel’s most controversial and impactful element. By weaving in real-world tensions with a speculative, high-stakes plot, The Thin White Line is a chilling exploration of the consequences of political and racial polarization. Raglin confronts the uncomfortable reality of how deep-rooted racism and identity politics have infected modern discourse, and how these issues are often manipulated for personal or political gain. The novel doesn’t just portray these issues; it actively challenges readers to reflect on their own place within this fractured society.

The idea of a “culture war” is explored in brutal detail, with Raglin demonstrating how it can lead to real-world violence, both physical and emotional. The “deadly consequences” referenced in the title are not just a metaphor for the breakdown of civil discourse—they are stark, tangible events that unfold throughout the book.

#thriller #conspiracy #terrorism #racism #publishing #BIPOCs #politics #culturewar

Three of my photographs, have been included in Pearview Gallery’s current online “Regeneration” Spring Art Competition.

Three of my photographs, Pussy Willows, Spring Bud, and Lilac Rain, have been included in Pearview Gallery’s current online “Regeneration” Spring art competition

The Pearview Gallery is a hybrid online gallery space that “celebrates the creativity and diversity of artists from around the world”. Their mission is “to provide a platform for emerging and outsider artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience.”

The virtual gallery offers multiple ways to view the art accompanied by artist statements and purchase options. To view this current exhibition, go to https://www.pearviewgallery.com/current-exhibitions

To view more of my photos, visit https://rodraglin.smugmug.com/

A Battle Worth Choosing – has been published in Green Magic: Stories of Hope and Power,

My short story, A Battle Worth Choosing – The Fight to Save the Fairy Portal in Jones Park, has been published in Green Magic: Stories of Hope and Power, an anthology edited by Cassandra Arnold.

Matt and Merri are neighbours. He’s and elderly widower and she’s a precocious six (almost) year-old. The one thing they have in common is they both love trees.
Merri wants him to help her protect two Western Red Cedars that have grown to maturity within a metre of each other at the edge of a local park. She says they’re a portal and if they’re cut down the fairies won’t have access to our world.
Matt’s impressed by the child’s conviction but doesn’t know if he’s got the energy for another save the trees campaign. Merri says not to worry, the fairies will provide the energy and other assistance – if necessary.

In Green Magic, Cassandra Arnold has compiled works that present a future that’s not just survivable—but wondrous.
Step into worlds where science meets sorcery, where technology and magic intertwine, and where innovation fuels possibility.
From quantum fairy godmothers to time-traveling dendrologists, from spirit catchers to post-apocalyptic survivors forging new beginnings, these stories explore how humanity—and the universe—can evolve for the better.
Featuring visionary inventors, dreamers, bureaucrats, thieves, and yes—witches—this anthology blends cutting-edge technology with ancient spells, weaving together tales of resilience, ingenuity, and hope.
If you love solarpunk, hopepunk, eco-fiction, mythic sci-fi, or optimistic futures, Green Magic will take you on a journey through worlds where magic and possibility flourish.

Purchase a copy now at
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Magic-Stories-Hope-Power-ebook/dp/B0F4387QD8?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WO_i-gv2VC95BxjVuVzByzzRZneermR5lhHS9Uqhdnc45aj3yButztjISukmt58AOURGvJYAIbtT6PiMRq-vUgv6jTknElKAtuxMRqli61tBIQcljXb6WFNuZmiQbH66WHuaU2GHIbUuDJe5rbkVLDpJ7TlAZX-6WmMUiA12Cg1DDaoxUh7CGx29-BOPapVa.x38QXWs94qipI7b_5rambGGrmQT1R7pjHlS0dhaiKr4&dib_tag=AUTHOR

#ecofiction #environmentalfiction #greenmagic #trees #conservation #fairies

Free resource book for writers looking to market their writing

One of the best resource books for writers looking to market their writing is Submit, Publish, Repeat: How to Publish Your Creative Writing in Literary Journals, by Emily Hartstone and offered free from Authors Publish.

The updated version for 2025 includes twenty-two chapters (196 pages) brimming with commonsense information essential to finding a publisher for your short story, flash fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, essays and articles. Think of a question and this book answers it including:

Why submit to literary journals in the first place?How to know your work is ready to submit.Seven tips for submitting your work.How to choose where to submit your work including lists and links to journals for unpublished writers as well as those that publish genre writing, and ones that pay.Are contests worth the fee?

Download your free copy of Submit, Publish, Repeat: How to Publish Your Creative Writing in Literary Journals by clicking here

Free Book: Submit, Publish, Repeat — How to Publish Your Creative Writing in Literary Journals (2025 Edition)

Authors Publish was founded in 2014 by Caitlin and Jacob Jans. Their initial mission was to help writers find homes for their short creative work without paying a fee. They wanted to push back against resources charging for information and publications requiring writers to pay fees for their work to be considered. Fees represent a form of gatekeeping that reduces real diversity and accessibility. Authors Publish regularly reviews literary journals, as well as manuscript publishers that are open to direct submissions. This up-to-date and invaluable information is provided free in their newsletter.

You can subscribe here: https://authorspublish.com/welcome-to-authors-publish/?Errors=%3Cbr%2F%3E-Please+enter+a+valid+email+address.&E=

Common sense beginning to prevail on publishers’ submission pages.

About two years ago, I began submitting my short fiction and poetry to online publications and anthologies. The plan was to see if I could build a portfolio of published work that might enhance my chances at attracting a traditional publisher for my next novel. The previous thirteen had failed to do so and were eventually self-published.

Almost immediately, I was disturbed by what appeared to be a bias in favour of marginalized authors on the submission pages of publications. In some cases, it was articulated as encouragement and support for “historically underrepresented communities”. Others went as far as suggesting they were “actively seeking” or “looking to engage” marginalized writers, while a few declared they were committed to correct “the historical and societal imbalance of representation in literature” and, furthermore, “If you require an accommodation to submit your manuscript, please contact us.” In some cases, fees were waived and a special submission queue available for authors who identified as marginalized.

The definition of marginalized was confounding and seemed to depend on the degree of moral validation the publisher needed.

Not only did these statements appeared to be blatantly discriminatory they were also misdirected, demeaning the talent of those they attested to want to help as if marginalization was an impediment to talent.

When I approached some of these publishers and asked them to specifically explain what these statements meant the few who deemed to answer were ambivalent.

Simultaneously, I noticed a disproportionate number (to their percentage of the population) of prestigious literary awards going to marginalized writers.

For example, of the twenty authors shortlisted for the 2022 Giller Prize, the richest prize in Canadian literature, nine, or forty-five percent were BIPOC while six, or thirty percent were white. If represented proportionately by their percentage of Canada’s overall population 4.6 BIPOCs would make the shortlist as opposed to 14 white authors. The shortfall of twenty-five percent was made up of Asian (non-white) authors.

Then there were the 30 stories longlisted in that year’s Canada Writes Short Story Contest of which eleven of the authors were non-white authors (36%), six percent greater than their representative population (Stats Can say 30.2% of the population identify as non-white).

This didn’t sound like under-representation to me.

It culminated last year, when the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Awards finalists in fiction were all authored or co-authored by marginalized authors as were all the finalists in the 2024 City of Vancouver Book Prize.
When I brought this subject up with other writers on social media or individually, I was cautioned, criticized and ultimately cancelled. No one felt the way I did, or if they did, were too intimidated to speak out about it.

Despite the lack support or even acknowledgement of this issue, I decided that when confronted with a discriminatory message on a submission page I would do the following:
– not submit to that publication,
– call out the publications for the discriminatory message and ask for its removal,
– advocate on behalf of blind judging – editors having no information about the author (including their name) and judging the submission is on its creative merit alone.

At the time, this severely restricted the number of publications I could (morally) submit to.

Gradually, I’m beginning to see a change in attitude. More publications are now stating they accept work from all authors regardless of race or gender and double-down by implementing blind judging.

Even the CBC Short Story Contest is coming around. This year their long list of 32 finalists, usually heavily weighted in favour of marginalized authors, has only six.

I’d like to take credit (even a little) for this shift, but you only have to look around to realize the zeitgeist of the times is changing. My hope is it will find a commonsense equilibrium without over correcting.

In the meantime, I now have more publications to submit my writing to.

#writers #authors #discrimination #submissionpagesdiscriminating #BIPOCs #marginalizedauthors #affirmativeaction #publishersdiscriminating #blindjudging #unfairadvantage