Are you writing for publication?

There are thieves and scoundrels everywhere, but intellectual property is so easy to steal I think we attract more than our share of them. I had a short story stolen many years ago (ex-boyfriend). I discovered it by reading my story in a nationally known, reputable magazine. I had no proof (no carbon, no reliable method of dating the item) so I was just stuck.

Since that early experience I haven't been nearly so eager to share my work with people, pre-publication. I'm upset by this because I do write for publication, and I do need pre-publication, pre-submission readers. Solution? I'll be picking my readers very carefully, and not posting my new stuff here for general free-for-all viewing.

The only advice I can offer others re: contests/competitions is to research them carefully, check references, and watch your back.

Chriswriter