In "Fishing With Pelicans: Lessons in How to Hook a Publisher," published on February 27 in "The Brevity Blog," book inc writer Liz deBeer draws an irresistible parallel between a pelican's relentless hunt for fish and a writer's pursuit of publication.
“Fishing With Pelicans: Lessons in How to Hook a Publisher”
by Liz deBeer
Published in the Brevity Blog on February 27
“Overhead, a pelican circles, exhibiting its huge wing span, big beak, guttural grunt, and prehistoric vibe. It glides above the cove, searching for flashes of movement before diving straight down. I hold my breath, silently cheering for the bird. But it’s a miss. The pelican tries again. And again. Finally, throat pouch bulging, the large bird swallows its prey. Watching from the shore, I’m struck by how this scene resembles my pursuit of publication and inspires me to keep trying.”
Liz deBeer's flash has appeared in BULL, Fictive Dream, Bending Genres, and others. A volunteer reader for Flash Fiction Magazine and a teacher and writer with Project Write Now, Liz's debut chapbook FAREWELL TO EMPTINESS will be released in April 2026. Follow Liz at ldebeerwriter.com and lizardstale.substack.com.
