I would love to submit a short story to The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. However, paper publishing seems to be dying so I've looked at some online substitutes. With the addition of the online version of Fantasy & Science Fiction, there is Strange Horizons, Locus Online, SciFiDimensions, and Analog Science Fiction & Fact. All these look very good and I would be lucky to get published on any of these websites. So, how to proceed?
The first thing is to write the short story. The story I have in mind isn't really sci fi, but it certainly falls into a similar category. The story is called Knightrunner, and the plot-line is as follows:
A middle aged software programmer is miserable in his role as a mediocre code monkey at a company that doesn't recognize him or his work. His personal life is no better. He is stuck in a loveless marriage, with three kids that take more that they give. Depressed and actually thinking of suicide, he stumbles out one night and upon an elderly woman being robbed. He manages to chase away the robber and receives a thrill he has never experienced before. Consequently he starts to dress up in a home made uniform and go out at night to perform heroic deeds. He calls himself Knightrunner, but realizes the being a hero is easier said than done.
I know it's not very original but I find this plot fascinating and really want to explore it. Additionally I do think a story like this belongs in a sci fi / fantasy environment. And if no website will publish it, I will simply post it here :-)