AlònTala Publishing

16/01/2025

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! 🌟

Think back to the first story you ever finished or your first attempt at a novella. How did it feel to complete it? Was it a sense of pride, relief, or something unexpected?

Share the moment that marked the beginning of your writing journey, and let’s celebrate the milestones—big or small—that have brought you here!

15/01/2025

Short stories pack a powerful punch in a small space, and getting the structure right is key to leaving a lasting impression on your readers.

In short stories, every word counts. Don’t waste space with unnecessary details—focus on the essentials that push the plot forward and deepen the reader’s connection to the character.

14/01/2025

When it comes to writing a compelling story, your characters are the heart of it all. Before you dive into plotting, take time to really understand your characters’ motivations.

Why?

A character’s motivation drives everything they do in the story—from their actions to their decisions. If you understand what your characters truly want, you’ll naturally know how they’ll react in different situations, and this will guide the rest of your plot.

Once you have a clear understanding of their motivation, let that shape the rest of your plot and the obstacles they’ll face. Your story will be more cohesive, and your character’s journey will feel authentic.

13/01/2025

This year is all about growth, progress, and making dreams happen—both for us at AlònTala Publishing and for all of you.

One of our big goals for this year is to officially launch our publishing journey with Between Tides, our first anthology. We’re excited to see the incredible stories that will come to life through this project and begin a new chapter of creative collaboration.

But now, we want to hear from YOU! ✨

What’s one thing you want to achieve in your writing this year? Whether it’s completing a novel, writing a short story collection, or simply making time to write every day, every goal matters. Let’s keep each other accountable and motivated throughout the year!

Drop your writing goals in the comments, and let’s support one another as we chase our dreams!

12/01/2025

Writing is an incredible creative outlet, but it can also be mentally and emotionally draining. It’s important to remember that taking care of your mind and body is just as important as writing the next chapter.

Taking care of yourself as a writer isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about maintaining the energy, joy, and passion that drew you to writing in the first place. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

11/01/2025

Q: What’s the theme of the anthology?
A: The theme is love—its beginnings, endings, and everything in between. We're looking for stories that reflect the transformative power of love in its many forms.

Q: Does it have to be romantic love?
A: Yes, we’re focusing on romance for this collection. That being said, romance can intertwine with other themes—self-love, familial relationships, or friendships—as long as the central focus remains on romantic love.

Q: Does my story need to have a happy ending?
A: Not at all! Your story’s ending can be as uplifting, tragic, or ambiguous as you feel fits the narrative.

Q: Can it be a painful story?
A: Definitely. Love is complex, and we want stories that capture all its facets, including the difficult and painful ones.

Q: Can my story include mature content?
A: Yes, but no NSFW content. Keep it tasteful, ensuring it serves the story and reflects emotional depth rather than explicit content. We’re focused on meaningful storytelling.

Q: Are stories in the BL (Boys’ Love) or GL (Girls’ Love) genre allowed?
A: While we have great respect for the BL and GL genres, these stories unfortunately do not align with AlònTala's focus. We encourage writers to explore other platforms that specialize in these genres.

Q: Can I use Taglish in my story?
A: While we are open to the use of Taglish, we are looking for a more traditional and formal tone in the language. Please ensure that the mix of languages is seamless and does not detract from the overall authenticity of the story. The language should align with the characters and the world you are creating, maintaining a polished and coherent style throughout.

Q: Does it have to be based on my own experience?
A: No, your story can be entirely fictional, inspired by real events, or a combination of both.

Q: Can my story be set in a fantasy or sci-fi world?
A: Of course! Your story can take place anywhere—by the sea, in a city, on another planet, or even in a magical realm—as long as it centers on romance.

Q: Is it okay if my story is a one-shot?
A: Yes, this anthology is designed for standalone short stories. A one-shot format is perfect!

Q: Do I need chapters?
A: No, chapters are not necessary for this anthology. We’re looking for short stories, and you can present your narrative in one complete piece without the need for chapter breaks.

Q: What if my story is too long?
A: Please try to stick to the word count range (2,000-5,000 words) specified in the submission guidelines. If your story is longer, consider trimming it to fit while maintaining its essence.

Q: Can I submit more than one story?
A: You can submit up to two stories for consideration.

Q: Are you accepting poems?
A: No, we’re only accepting short stories for this anthology.

Q: Can my story be previously published?
A: No, we’re only accepting original and unpublished stories.

Q: Will the publication be a real, printed book?
A: Yes, it will be a fully published, printed book available for purchase.

Q: Will there be compensation if my story is selected?
A: Yes, selected contributors will be compensated with a complimentary copy of the book and royalties based on sales.

Q: How will I know if my story is selected?
A: We will notify all selected contributors via email. If your story is not selected, we will also inform you, but please don’t be discouraged—there will be other opportunities!

Q: What happens if my story isn’t selected?
A: Don’t worry! It’s not a reflection of your talent. We’d love to see more of your work in future projects.

Q: Can I ask other questions about the submission?
A: Absolutely! If we haven’t answered your question here, feel free to reach out to us directly.

11/01/2025

Working on a story and need a little help with plotting? Check out The Plot Blueprint—a quick, straightforward exercise book to help map out your ideas. Hope it helps!🌊✨

Download here:
https://tinyurl.com/theplotblueprint

11/01/2025

Here’s a little nudge to get your creativity flowing:

Imagine someone finding an old letter. What kind of letter is it—a love letter, a warning, or a long-buried secret? How does it change their life? Does it bring closure, stir chaos, or lead to something completely unexpected?

If this sparks an idea, feel free to share your thoughts or even a few lines in the comments. And if you’re feeling inspired, you could even write the letter itself. Who knows? Your story might just spark someone else’s imagination, too. 🌊✨

10/01/2025

One of the most powerful techniques in writing is mastering “Show, Don’t Tell.” But what does that really mean?

Tip to Practice: When you’re tempted to tell, ask yourself, “How can I make the reader feel this through actions, sounds, or visuals?” Try writing a scene where you show a character’s emotion rather than telling it. For example, instead of saying “She was angry,” describe her clenched fists, her red face, and the way her words came out in short, clipped bursts.

Writer’s Challenge: Go back to a scene you’ve written. How can you show more and tell less? Share your before-and-after versions!

09/01/2025

Let’s make today about you! Share your story:

💬 When did you first fall in love with writing?
💬 Was it a particular book, an author, or maybe a childhood moment that sparked your passion?
💬 If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, just starting out as a writer, what would you say?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s celebrate how far we’ve all come on this journey!

08/01/2025

In storytelling, the setting isn't just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. The world your characters inhabit shapes their actions, emotions, and choices. Whether it’s a bustling city street or a quiet, moonlit forest, the setting plays a key role in immersing your reader into the narrative.

💡 Writing Tip: Take a moment to focus on your setting. Describe not just the physical surroundings, but the atmosphere, the sounds, the smells. How does the setting make your character feel? Let the world come alive, and watch how it transforms your story.

08/01/2025

Anything feel like "tadhana" to you recently?

07/01/2025

Starting a story can be the hardest part, but once you find that spark, everything else falls into place. If you're thinking about submitting your work for Between Tides, here’s a simple guide to get the ball rolling!

And remember—every story is a journey. Trust the process and don’t be afraid to take risks!

We can't wait to read your submissions for Between Tides. Whether it’s a sweet romance, a heart-wrenching love story, or a twist on the classic, we’re excited to see what you come up with. 🌊✨

More details about Between Tides here: https://alontala.carrd.co/

07/01/2025

Each of us is poetry 💙

06/01/2025

Your turn! Can you use "mellifluous" in a sentence or a short piece? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's see how creative we can get! 🖋️💫

05/01/2025

Every great story begins with a blank page... and a question. 💭
If this untitled book was yours, what would you call it? Drop your title suggestions below—who knows, your idea might inspire something magical! 🌊✨

04/01/2025

Hi everyone! 👋 AlònTala Publishing’s page is still under construction as we get ready to share something special. We’re busy working on our website and exciting projects, including our first anthology, ‘Between Tides.’

Thanks for your patience while we get everything ready. Stay tuned for more updates. We can’t wait to share everything with you soon!

Send a message to learn more