> We will be open from March 15-March 31.

> I will be buying a few stories immediately, so I can start podcasting immediately, and then some more stories from the hold pile in April. Not sure how many yet.

> At this time, I am ONLY looking for stories that fall on the hopeful end of the spectrum. A few descriptors might be: optimistic, funny, fun, hopeful, lighthearted, joyful, loving, quirky, delightful. (But as always, do not self-reject.)

> <3

> Toasted Cake is a speculative fiction flash fiction podcast. At this time, please only send stories between 650-1200 words. (Sweet spot is 700-1000.)

> A few descriptors I like are weird, quirky, twisted, funny, fun, literary, puzzling, bizarre, tongue-twistable, singable, patter-friendly, elocutionary, experimental, witty, and wistful.

> I mostly run reprints. Original stories fine too (given that I like rather odd things, and sometimes these are hard to place, feel free to try me.) You may send stories that have been previously podcast if it has been at least 2 years since they aired. Please let me know all publication details.

> I am incredibly interested in stories told from all the myriad diverse perspectives of our world. Please send them to me.

> Send your submissions to tinaconnolly at gmail.

> Subject line should be “Toasted Cake Submission: [Your Story]”

> You may send up to three flash during the submission period (all in one email is fine), as text in the email or as attachments.

> Please include the word count.

> Please include a short bio that could be run with your story.

> During the reading period, I read submissions once or twice a week. At that time you will hear “Not for me” or “Hold” (Or occasionally, “SALE”, since I’m gonna start up again immediately.) I go through the hold pile after the window is closed. You will hear on any held submissions by at least the end of April.

> Please query immediately at the end of the submission period if you heard nothing at all, or at the end of April if you heard nothing from a hold. (And I DO respond to everything, so if your email is not reaching me, you can always @me on twitter at @tinaconnolly.)

> I am paying $15, generally via paypal.

> I buy non-exclusive audio rights.

First: Read more about Toasted Cake, or see the list of stories run so far.

Second: Why are you no longer paying in drinks? Answer: Because that was super fun, but an accounting nightmare.

Third: I’m not sure yet how many stories we’ll run in the Run of Hope! But at least a couple months worth. This is a small thing I can do, so I would like to do it. <3

Fourth: Because of the Patreon, Toasted Cake is now able to increase the word count to 1200, and the pay rate to $15. Thank you so much to all of you who have supported the podcast! <3 The donations go to support payment to the authors, hosting costs, and to your friendly host with her glamorous narration booth quilt fort. There will be extras available to patrons AND followers (you can follow for free!), so check it out!