My First Success! Beneath the Lubbock Sky

Oscar Chavira Jr
Jul 10
4 min read

Hello everyone, I want to say that writing is a journey that brings both struggles and triumphs, but nothing compares to the joy of seeing your work in print for the first time! I am thrilled to share that one of my short stories has been included in the newly released anthology, Beneath the Lubbock Sky, now available on Amazon! This collection celebrates the rich stories and experiences that resonate with the heart of Lubbock, Texas, and I am proud to contribute my first officially published piece to this extraordinary project.

I had the help of an extraordinary friend who informed me about this contest to submit to the anthology. Although I was hesitant at first, she helped me gain the confidence to challenge myself to write a contemporary story set in Lubbock, Texas. The short story in the anthology has never been posted on the blog. If you would like to read it, a link at the bottom of this post will take you to Amazon, where you can choose between an ebook or a physical copy.

I'll give you a peek into my story, my writing process, and the exhilarating experience of publication. Let’s dive in!

The Journey to Publication

As you have seen, if you have followed some of my previous posts, becoming a published author often feels like climbing a steep hill. I've dedicated hours to refining my writing—crafting, revising, and facing moments of self-doubt. Even to this day, I continue to learn and face self-doubt about whether what I am writing is any good or worthwhile. When the chance arose to submit a story for Beneath the Lubbock Sky, an anthology set up by the Caprock Writers and Illustrators Alliance. I knew I had to take it. I live close to Lubbock and have friends and family who live there, so it felt both natural and important to try to see what my imagination could come up with.

My short story follows a group of teens just out of high school as they embark on the exciting journey of college life at Texas Tech University. Their experience takes a dramatic turn when they get caught up in a gripping ghost story that haunts the campus. Inspired by the many tales that are part of Lubbock’s culture and the Red Raider mascot.

Captivating Characters and Haunting Tales

At the center of my story are five teenagers who become friends over their shared love for the paranormal and ghost hunting. Each character reflects aspects of youthful curiosity and excitement as they embark on a new chapter of their lives. They show enthusiasm and school spirit by joining clubs and making friends with their peers by sharing ghost stories. They soon become obsessed with a ghostly legend of an entity haunting the campus, adding intrigue and suspense to their journey.

The backdrop of Texas Tech serves as more than just a setting; it shapes the characters’ experiences. As my characters delve into the legend of this entity, they inadvertently expose themselves to chilling truths and make decisions in their life that perhaps they usually wouldn't otherwise. In fact, as I crafted the plot, I found that more than 60% of college students report feeling some anxiety about transitioning to campus life and missing home, something I sought to address in my writing.

Thematic Depth and Personal Connection

While my story can be enjoyed as a ghost tale, it also dives deep into themes of self-discovery. Each character confronts their fears differently, and the outcomes are not all positive. The aim was to create a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced uncertainty during major life changes and how these changes can shape your life forever.

Writing this story brought back memories of my own experiences as a college student, although I did not go to college in Lubbock. The excitement often mingles with anxiety, especially for those embarking on this journey away from home for the first time. I hope to evoke nostalgia and connection in readers who have traveled similar paths.

The Thrill of Seeing My Story in Print

Receiving the news that my story would be published in Beneath the Lubbock Sky was surreal. Initially, I doubted my story would be selected, given that judges scored the entries and awarded prizes to the top three. The mix of disbelief and joy was overwhelming when I found out that, despite not placing, my story was still selected. My words would now be part of a book alongside other talented authors. Authors who have published novels and won other awards. I was eager for the anthology's release.

Contributing to this anthology fulfills a personal dream while highlighting a sense of community. Collaborating with fellow writers who share a love for the craft and are close to Lubbock resulted in a tapestry of stories reflecting the city’s diverse experiences. This project showcases not just individual talents but also highlights the strength of our local literary community.

The anthology is available as an ebook on Amazon, easily accessible for readers worldwide. You can dive into a collection that celebrates Lubbock and its people.

To everyone who has stood by me, thank you! Your support has been invaluable.