The world of writing promotion is a strenuous task and strain on the brain. I've started to find this out frequently in my online ventures. While researching markets for short stories, I found a few useful links which allow writers to submit their work at:

www.associatedcontent.com

www.anthologiesonline.com

Online publishing is in rapid growth period. With the rise of e-zines and blogs there are better chances to break into print. You'll discover also that the numerous writing forums, discussion boards, ad postings available for sites grant permission to promote writing, list literary works for sale or services, add your own link, and post articles/short stories/screenplays while receiving feedback from interested site members or visitors. This also can mean a ton of traffic is looking at your writing.

For anyone who enjoys reading sampling short stories or critiquing such work, posted below is the first page of my short story,"Fitness Guru." It gives a interesting perspective on exercising.


Fitness Guru

By Pete Harvey

Geraldo Enriquez was dedicated to exercising. His daily routine consisted of 200 pushups, 300 sit-ups, and walking 3 miles. Every other day he worked out at the YMCA, where he also taught a fitness class. The terrific shape and condition he maintained was awe inspiring and made overweight people feel guilty. The low self-esteem of those whose bodies were unhealthy sometimes rattled the fitness instructor. These compulsive eaters and junk food-addicts had tried hard in the past to lose weight, but found themselves more absorbed with fatty foods than a daily exercise regimen. Geraldo hoped to change their perspective on eating and living healthy. The question was how? Presenting a good positive image to the obese and rotund individuals in the group, explaining ways to prevent compulsive eating would surely provide essential help. Changing people's minds wasn't going to be easy. He knew some folks were set in their ways and no matter how much coaching and encouragement they would always remain lazy couch potatoes.
For years Geraldo prided himself on regular fitness and sticking to a well balanced diet. Class members he’d try to reach out to before, refuse to listen to you or follow his workout plan for success. These people ate their way into an obliverarion. Several died from high cholesterol and blood pressure while others fed up with their out control eating habits, committed suicide. No one could help because they allowed their obsession for food to control their life. Treatment in health centers and hospitals were available, but it was up to the patient to the first step in starting a healthy lifestyle. Geraldo, saddened by the discouraging news of former fitness members and their continual declining health. This was tragic, especially for a middle-aged instructor who was dedicated to getting people in shape each year.
At 9 a.m. Monday morning the physical fitness and well being class is about to begin. Several of the staff members at the YMCA greet Geraldo and talk briefly before he goes into the gym. He is wearing his black, spandex work out clothes with a head band. He carries a bottle of water and a blue duffel bag. The fitness instructor is slim with muscular biceps and calves, displaying an angular body and is noticed by the prominence of his black, bushy eyebrows. Marty, a member in the fitness class slowly waddles inside, entering through the front doors. Dressed in all black clothing he breathes heavily as he proceeds to the gym. Geraldo turns around and notices the late arrival. He smiles and says, “Hello Marty, how are you today? Late again I see. You know better than to delay those muscles from getting a good workout. Don’t deny your body those extra energy cells. Come on, follow me."
"I had to go to the post office to mail some letters, you understand?" Marty tries to explain
"Sure, whatever you say. Remember though, denial is a ugly cousin to obesity."
The two opposite pairs walk into the gym as Geraldo is about to start off by getting his class to do warm-up drills and stretching. The blank faces all around show their dissatisfaction with the presence of their instructor. The thought of over exercising to most of the group is nauseating and uncomforting. They are in for a workout like no other.