WriteSuccess Reader-Submitted Resources
May 28, 2010 by Mary Anne
Filed under WriteSuccess Resources
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Hello!
Due to the Memorial Day holiday here in the US, there won’t be a Monday Miscellany next week.
I wanted to take this opportunity, though, to pass along a few resources sent to me by readers of WriteSuccess:
Kay Millward e-mailed me to let me know about Writers New and Old, a relatively new UK-based site for both new and established writers. For a small first year membership fee, they offer writing competitions, advertise member websites, provide free critiques upon request, include writing tips and advice, and publish articles by well-known agents, publishers and authors. Check it out today at http://www.writersnewandold.com/.
Writing the Heartache Workshop is my writer-friend Alice Wisler’s one-day event (and the realization of one of her dreams) on how to write through grief. Alice is a sensitive and compassionate writer herself, so her workshop should be truly memorable. It’ll be held in at the Country Inns and Suites near the airport in Durham, North Carolina, US on July 17th. For more information click here or email Alice at info@alicewisler.com.
Humor writer and long-time friend Georgia Richardson (a.k.a. Queen Jaw Jaw) has launched a blog on the musings, experiences and observations of humor writer Georgia Richardson! Once you begin reading her sometimes reflective, sometimes gently self-deprecating, always engaging writing style, I think you’ll enjoy getting to know and love Georgia as much as I do. http://allthingsroyal.blogspot.com/
Oh, and then there’s my dream-come-true: The International Association of Professional Ghost Writers at http://iapgw.org. Come visit, sign up for the free newsletter and/or join us!
Have a wonderful weekend. Here’s to your writing success.
Mary Anne
Monday Miscellany for May 24, 2010
May 24, 2010 by Mary Anne
Filed under Writing Contest News
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Hello and happy Monday:
Are you a daily or weekly to-do list type of person, or do you wing it? I’m a long-time member of the former group who took to using a Franklin planner several years back like a duck to water–I thought they’d been invented just for me!
To-do list maintenance does have its downsides, as those of you who keep them as faithfully as I do may already well know. Sometimes, they can get exhaustingly, paralyzingly long. Moreover, there’s the tendancy to zip through the “easy” tasks rather than the most important ones in order to experience some sense of accomplishment or satisfaction from seeing all the items I’ve crossed off. Yes, the Franklin folks tell you to prioritize your tasks, but checking off several “C” priorities still has a greater visual impact than getting one “A” priority accomplished.
I know I probably should abandon the to-do list habit all together, but what then would I use to measure my progress and ensure that I don’t lose sight of any of my projects, goals, responsibilities or ideas? I have considered starting a “ta-da” list, one where I only list what I’ve actually done in a day rather than what I want or need to do, but what if I forget to get to a specific thing day after day? And how does one prioritize with no to-do list to start with? Any suggestions?
At least Monday Miscellany is on time again this week! Here’s to your writing success!
Mary Anne
Multiple Categories
2010 Annual PWP Writing Contest
Fiction and non-fiction entries are not to exceed 3,000 words. Poetry must not exceed 5 poems with a five page total per entry.
Prizes: 1st: $100, 2nd: $50, 3rd: $25 per category
Deadline: May 29, 2010
Fees: $10
http://www.prescottwriters.com/WritingContest.html
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Spring 2010 Story Contest
Submit your short shorts, short stories, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, any form of literary nonfiction or excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Word count not to exceed 15,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: $3,250, 2nd: $1,500, 3rd: $750, and ten finalists will receive $100 each.
Deadline: July 31, 2010
Fees: $20 – Includes three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage.
http://www.narrativemagazine.com/node/86956
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Fiction
2011 Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition
Submit a full-length manuscript of no more than 80,000 words. The entry should be suitable for a worldwide children’s audience aged between 9 and 16.
Prizes: Offer of a worldwide publishing contract, with a royalty advance of £10,000.
Deadline: October 29, 2010
Fees: None
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article7074710.ece
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2010 Thomas A. Wilhelmus Award
Entries should consist of no more than 45 manuscript pages (double-spaced) per each individual submission.
Prizes: $1000 and 25 complimentary copies
Deadline: Postmark July 1, 2010
Fees: $15 for initial entry. $5 per additional manuscript
http://www.usi.edu/ropewalk/wilhelmusaward.asp
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Perfectly Formed Short Story Competition
Submit a short story of 2,000 words or less. Your short story can be about any subject and in any fiction genre. Entrants must be over 18 and residents of the UK or Ireland.
Prizes: 1st: Publication in Books Quarterly to a readership of more than a quarter of a million, publisher’s lunch with Will Atkins, registration on a week-long Arvon Foundation creative writing course and £200-worth of books from Pan Macmillan. 3 runners-up receive £50-worth of Pan Macmillan books and online publication.
Deadline: July 1, 2010
Fees: None
http://www.wbqonline.com/feature.do?featureid=505
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International Aeon Award 2010
Entries should be no more than 8,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: €1000 and publication in Albedo One, 2nd: €200, 3rd: €100
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: €7 (euro) per entry
http://www.albedo1.com/html/aeon_award.html
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Meridian Writing Summer Short Story Contest
Submit your published or unpublished story of up to 3,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: £100, 2nd: £50, 3rd: £25
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: £5.00 GBP per entry
http://www.meridian-writing.co.uk/competiton_2.html
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“Scare The Dickens Out of Us” Short Story Contest 2010
Submit a ghost story consisting of 5,000 words or less. One entry per person.
Prizes: 1st: $1000.00 and a trophy. 2nd: $500.00 and a ribbon. 3rd: $250.00 and a ribbon.
Deadline: Postmark July 1 – October 1, 2010
Fees: $20
http://www.clarklibraryfriends.com/
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“Scare The Dickens Out of Us” Junior Short Story Contest 2010
Submit a ghost story consisting of 5,000 words or less. One entry per person. Entrants must be age 12-18.
Prizes: 1st: $250.00 and a trophy.
Deadline: Postmark July 1 – October 1, 2010
Fees: $5
http://www.clarklibraryfriends.com/
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Nonfiction/Essay
The Hartford 200 Contest
Submit an essay explaining why your vehicle is such an important part of your daily routine.
Prizes: One (1) Grand Prize: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, Trip for two (2) To Fontana, California on October 8-11, 2010, and $6,000 Cash
Deadline: June 15, 2010
Fees: None
http://www.angelsweepstakes.com/2010/05/the-hartford-200-essay-contest-6-15/
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The Emergency Press International Book Contest
Submit a book-length manuscripts (at least 80 pages) of an interdisciplinary, cross-genre, and/or multimedia nature.
Prizes: 1st: $1,000, and publication.
Deadline: July 1, 2010
Entry: $20 per entry – The first 50 entrants will receive a published copy of the winning book.
http://www.emergencypress.org/contest.html
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What’s In Your Ziploc Contest
In 100 words or less, describe the creative ways you use Ziploc Brand bags or containers.
Prizes: $25,000
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: None
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Contests/Ziploc-contest
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The First Annual Objective Standard Essay Contest
Essays must be on the topic of “The Moral Foundation of Capitalism” and consist of 6,000 words maximum. Entrants must be ages 18 to 35.
Prizes: 1st: $2,000 plus publication in TOS, 2nd: $750, 3rd: $300
Deadline: August 15, 2010
Fees: None
https://www.theobjectivestandard.com/essay/?ref=header_banner
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The Last 72 Writing Contest
What would you do if you had 72 hours to live? Describe actions that could have a long-term, constructive impact on your life and others. Entries should be 1,000-1,500 words. Entrants must be age 18 or older.
Prizes: 1st: $5,000, 2nd: $2,000, 3rd: $1000. Plus possible publication
Deadline: July 30, 2010
Fees: None
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Poetry
RockSaw Press’ Blue Skunk Poetry Series Contest
Submissions of poetry manuscripts should be less than 24 pages.
Prizes: 1st: $100 and 20 copies of chapbook
Deadline: August 31, 2010
Fees: $7
http://rocksawpress.com/submissions.html
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Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Awards
Send up to 3 poems per entry. Maximum of 30 lines per poem.
Prizes: Adults – $1,000, Youth 13 to 18 – $200, Youth 12 and under – $200
Deadline: July 1, 2010
Fees: Adults $15, Youth 13 to 18 – $5, Youth 12 and under – Free
http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/programs/awards-&-contests/bmk-contest/
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2010 Crab Orchard Series in Poetry First Book Award
Manuscripts should be 50-75 pages of original poetry.
Prizes: 1st: Publication contract, $1000 and $1500 as an honorarium for a reading.
Deadline: Postmark July 1, 2010
Fees: $25
http://craborchardreview.siuc.edu/firstpo.html
Monday Miscellany for May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010 by Mary Anne
Filed under Writing Contest News
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Hello everyone, and happy Monday (for real!):
I have been taking advantage of a few fitness programs offered through my day job in order to drop the weight I’d gained since I quit smoking over two and a half years ago, as well as to pump up my energy levels. One of the programs focuses on changing (that is, improving) eating habits, another has us striving for 10,000 steps a day (granted, I’ve only hit or exceeded that mark a handful of times, but I do manage to get a walk in nearly every single day) and the third is a “Biggest Loser”-style team competition.
In truth, the changes I’ve seen over the past several weeks have not been all that dramatic; still, I’ve found satisfaction even in the small improvements–like feeling the rings I wear get looser on my fingers–and find a sense of fulfillment from taking regular, consistent action towards meeting my fitness goals.
At times like these I draw the obvious comparison between my physical goals and my writing, much as my writer friend Shaunna Privratsky compared writing to physical activity in her book Pump Up Your Prose. When our writing time gets relegated to short intervals stolen from or found among the other demands on our time, it can seem like we’re not making much, if any, progress towards achieving our long-term writing goals. But as days turn into weeks turn into months, with steady and persistent effort, you will see the fruits of your labor. You simply need to stay focused on your writing objectives–not on how long it will take you to accomplish them. Eventually, you’ll “feel the rings get looser” on your fingers, too; that is, your writing will begin to take shape and your efforts to pay off.
Here’s to your writing success.
Mary Anne
Multiple Category
The 2010 Autumn House Poetry and Fiction Contests
Poetry submissions should be full-length collections of poetry 50-80 pages in length. Fiction submissions should be approximately 200-300 pages.
Prizes: Publication of a full-length manuscript and $2,500 to the winner from each genre
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $25
http://www.autumnhouse.org/contest-submissions/
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Robert and Adele Schiff Prizes in Poetry and Prose
Submit up to 8 pages of poetry or 40 pages of prose, per entry.
Prizes: $300 per genre
Deadline: Postmarked June or July
Fees: $15 or $25 to include one-year subscription
http://writesuccess.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
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Room Magazine’s Annual Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Non-fiction Contest
Submissions for poetry are limited to 3 poems or 150 lines. Fiction submissions limited to 3,500 words maximum.
Prizes: 1st: $500, 2nd: $250. Prizes per genre and winners receive publication.
Deadline: Postmark June 15, 2010
Fees: $27 per entry. Non-Canadian entries: $39 Canadian dollars. Includes a one-year subscription
http://www.roommagazine.com/news.html
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The 2010 Bechtel Prize
Submissions should relate to creative writing education and/or literary studies. Submissions must be previously unpublished and under 5,000 words in length.
Prizes: 1st: $1,000 honorarium and publication. Finalists: Honoraria totaling $500 to be shared.
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $20. Includes one-year subscription.
http://www.twc.org/publications/bechtel-prize
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Fiction
Aura Estrada Short Story Contest
Stories should not exceed 4,000 words and must be previously unpublished.
Prizes: 1st: $1,500 and publication
Deadline: October 1, 2010
Fees: $20 USA or $30 for international entries
http://bostonreview.net/about/contest/
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Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction
Submissions can be a combination of short-shorts, short stories, and novellas, from 100 to 200 book pages in length (word count between 27,500 and 50,000).
Prizes: $1000 and publication
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $25
http://web3.unt.edu/untpress/potential_authors.cfm#subkap
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Wordstock Short Fiction Competition
There are no genre restrictions, and comics are acceptable. Stories should be no less than 1,500 and no more than 3,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: $1000. 10 finalists’ stories will receive publication.
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $25 per entry
http://www.wordstockfestival.com/#/page_id=956&article=129/
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Perfectly Formed Short Story Competition
Submit a short story of 2,000 words or less. Your short story can be about any subject and in any fiction genre. Entrants must be over 18 and residents of the UK or Ireland.
Prizes: 1st: Publication in Books Quarterly to a readership of more than a quarter of a million, publisher’s lunch with Will Atkins, registration on a week-long Arvon Foundation creative writing course and £200-worth of books from Pan Macmillan. 3 runners-up receive £50-worth of Pan Macmillan books and online publication.
Deadline: July 1, 2010
Fees: None
http://www.wbqonline.com/feature.do?featureid=505
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Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize
Submit one piece of fiction, not to exceed 10,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: $1000 and publication. Two honorable mentions receive $100 each.
Deadline: Postmark June 30, 2010
Fees: $20
http://www.hungermtn.org/short-fiction-prize/
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100 Words or Fewer (Original) Writing Contest
Submit 100 words or less on any subject.
Prizes: 1st: $500, 2nd: $100
Deadline: July 18, 2010
Fees: $15.00
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com/
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100 Words or Fewer (New) Writing Contest
Submit 100 words or less. Stories will revolve around either (a) “The Old Man” or (b) “Home.”
Prizes: 1st: $150, 2nd: $50
Deadline: July 18, 2010
Fees: $15.00
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com/
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Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing
Submit one story or novel excerpt (should be stand-alone) up to 10,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: $1,000 and publication. Three runners-up receive $100 each.
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $20
http://www.hungermtn.org/katherine-paterson-prize-for-young-adult-and-childrens-writing/
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2011 Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition
Submit a full-length manuscript of no more than 80,000 words. The entry should be suitable for a worldwide children’s audience aged between 9 and 16.
Prizes: Offer of a worldwide publishing contract, with a royalty advance of £10,000.
Deadline: October 29, 2010
Fees: None
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article7074710.ece
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2010 RRofihe Trophy
Submit an unpublished short story of up to 5,000 words.
Prizes: $500 and trophy
Deadline: October 15, 2010
Fees: $10
http://www.opencity.org/rrofihe.html
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Gemini Magazine Flash Fiction Contest
No restrictions on content, style or genre. Submit your best unpublished flash consisting of under 1,000 words.
Prizes: 1st: $1,000, 2nd: $100. 1st, 2nd & 4 honorable mentions receive publication
Deadline: August 31, 2010
Fees: $4 for first entry and $3 per subsequent entry
http://www.gemini-magazine.com/contest.html
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Nonfiction/Essay
California Closets Contest
Press Facebook’s “Like” button to start telling your story.
Prizes: 1st: $20,000 in custom storage solutions, 2nd: $10,000 custom solution, 3rd-6th: $5,000 custom solution. Daily DVD & book prizes are also awarded.
Deadline: Unknown
Fees: None
http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaClosets
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Poetry
Spire Annual Spring Chapbook Contest
Submit 21-30 pages. One poem per page.
Prizes: $500 + 20 copies and publishing contract
Deadline: May 31, 2010
Fees: $20
http://www.spirepress.org/submissions.html
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ABZ Poetry Prize
Submit an original poetry manuscript between 48-76 pages.
Prizes: Publication
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $28 – Includes one copy of the winning book
http://abzpress.com/2010contest.aspx
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Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival Poetry Contest
Submit 2-4 original poems of any style or theme, written in English, with a combined length of up to 400 lines.
Prizes: Grand Prize: $1,000, VIP All Access Pass ($500 value) for the “CenTENNial” Festival, publication in Louisiana Cultural Vistas magazine, Public Reading at the 2011 Festival
Deadline: August 15, 2010
Fees: $20
http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/article.php?story=20100310014753640
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Open Chapbook Competition
Submit up to 26 pages of poetry (one poem per page).
Prizes: $1000 and publication
Deadline: June 30, 2010
Fees: $15
