Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 38
December 19, 2011
Thinking in Pictures/Calls for Submissions
The sage words of poet Frank O'Hara: "If you think in pictures, write. If you think in words, paint."
O'Hara's words may seems strange, but if you're writing picture books, thinking visually is critical. Picture books are composed of about 14-15 spreads. The scenes are pieces of action that are shown not only through words but pictures. Each written scene must have enough action to create an illustration.
Many of the visual details of a picture book are not in the text. Since the story is told in both words and pictures, elements that can be illustrated don't belong in the words. The illustrations carry the story beyond the words. As a writer creates a story, consider the visual details of each spread. Each spread will become a page of the picture book. Picture books are 32 pages and 28 of those pages are devoted to the story. Approximately 28 pages or 14 spreads become the text and illustrations. [The other three pages are used for title and publication information.]
Limit the details. Illustrations will show the color of the dress or the furniture in the room so these details aren't needed. Concise, sensory writing with loads of action is needed for 14-15 spreads.
Keep the amount of text equally spread among the pages.
When the text is finished, divide the manuscript into 14 spreads. Is there enough action in each spread for an illustration and to keep the reader interested? Is the amount of text per page about the same?
What must be told in words and what can be told through illustrations? Those are two questions I ask with every line I write. Think visually when writing picture books and see how your writing changes.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
The Cincinnati Review
CURRENT NEEDS: "Really, all we'd like is your best work, a
brief cover letter, and a SASE so we can send you our
response." Pays $30/page for poetry, and for fiction(max of
40 pages)/expository prose (max of 40 pages) $25/page.
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
Young Voices
PO Box 2321
Olympia, WA 98507
Quarterly publication. stories, poems, art and essays.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
O'Hara's words may seems strange, but if you're writing picture books, thinking visually is critical. Picture books are composed of about 14-15 spreads. The scenes are pieces of action that are shown not only through words but pictures. Each written scene must have enough action to create an illustration.
Many of the visual details of a picture book are not in the text. Since the story is told in both words and pictures, elements that can be illustrated don't belong in the words. The illustrations carry the story beyond the words. As a writer creates a story, consider the visual details of each spread. Each spread will become a page of the picture book. Picture books are 32 pages and 28 of those pages are devoted to the story. Approximately 28 pages or 14 spreads become the text and illustrations. [The other three pages are used for title and publication information.]
Limit the details. Illustrations will show the color of the dress or the furniture in the room so these details aren't needed. Concise, sensory writing with loads of action is needed for 14-15 spreads.
Keep the amount of text equally spread among the pages.
When the text is finished, divide the manuscript into 14 spreads. Is there enough action in each spread for an illustration and to keep the reader interested? Is the amount of text per page about the same?
What must be told in words and what can be told through illustrations? Those are two questions I ask with every line I write. Think visually when writing picture books and see how your writing changes.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
The Cincinnati Review
CURRENT NEEDS: "Really, all we'd like is your best work, a
brief cover letter, and a SASE so we can send you our
response." Pays $30/page for poetry, and for fiction(max of
40 pages)/expository prose (max of 40 pages) $25/page.
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
Young Voices
PO Box 2321
Olympia, WA 98507
Quarterly publication. stories, poems, art and essays.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
December 11, 2011
Improving Word Choice/Contest/Call for Submissions
In children's writing, especially picture books, every word must be necessary so the importance of word choice is paramount. How do we learn to develop a writing style in which we select the best words for the story?
Read widely. Let books by numerous authors serve as a learning experience. Notice how authors choose particular words to convey an idea.
Write in a variety of styles. Try using figurative and lyrical language in all types of writing.
Keep sentences clear. Short sentences are less confusing. If you use longer sentences, retain the meaning by writing in a direct manner. Clear, precise, detailed writing gives life to words. The goal is communication.
Avoid clichés and stereotypes. "Mad as a wet hen" is a cliché and the words don't resonate with a fresh expression. If you write your first thoughts when describing something, you may be using clichés. Play with the words to develop your own phrases for comparison. Avoiding stereotypes isn't easy but aim for writing original phrases and descriptions.
Vary sentence length. A paragraph composed entirely of long sentences tends to bog down a story. Varied sentence lengths adds interest to the flow and pace of the words.
Experiment. Try writing the same story using different perspectives. If the story is about a lost cat, try telling the story from the child's point of view. Retell the story from the cat's perspective. Which works better?
Have fun. After you get past the dreaded first draft, have fun with the words. If the story is playful, choose upbeat words. The best choice of words will reflect the tone of the story.
Contest for Adult Writers
Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest.
Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story,
5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double-line spacing,
neatly hand printed or typed.
Writing First Prize: $500, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $100
Poetry First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.
Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2011.
Details at http://www.dreamquestone.com
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
New Moon Magazine
34 Superior Street, Suite 200
Duluth, MN 55802
800-381-4743
www.newmoon.org
75% written by girls, ages 8-14: fiction, non-fiction,
poetry, book reviews and articles.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
Read widely. Let books by numerous authors serve as a learning experience. Notice how authors choose particular words to convey an idea.
Write in a variety of styles. Try using figurative and lyrical language in all types of writing.
Keep sentences clear. Short sentences are less confusing. If you use longer sentences, retain the meaning by writing in a direct manner. Clear, precise, detailed writing gives life to words. The goal is communication.
Avoid clichés and stereotypes. "Mad as a wet hen" is a cliché and the words don't resonate with a fresh expression. If you write your first thoughts when describing something, you may be using clichés. Play with the words to develop your own phrases for comparison. Avoiding stereotypes isn't easy but aim for writing original phrases and descriptions.
Vary sentence length. A paragraph composed entirely of long sentences tends to bog down a story. Varied sentence lengths adds interest to the flow and pace of the words.
Experiment. Try writing the same story using different perspectives. If the story is about a lost cat, try telling the story from the child's point of view. Retell the story from the cat's perspective. Which works better?
Have fun. After you get past the dreaded first draft, have fun with the words. If the story is playful, choose upbeat words. The best choice of words will reflect the tone of the story.
Contest for Adult Writers
Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest.
Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story,
5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or double-line spacing,
neatly hand printed or typed.
Writing First Prize: $500, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $100
Poetry First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.
Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2011.
Details at http://www.dreamquestone.com
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
New Moon Magazine
34 Superior Street, Suite 200
Duluth, MN 55802
800-381-4743
www.newmoon.org
75% written by girls, ages 8-14: fiction, non-fiction,
poetry, book reviews and articles.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
December 4, 2011
The Right Word/Call for Submissions/Contest
Mark Twain once wrote, The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.
Imagine a manuscript as a window for readers. The wrong words distort the view, leaving streaks and smears that make the reading difficult. Every writer experiences this in the first draft, but in revision we can create a spotless window by revising with words that make the meaning clearer and add resonance to the piece.
When choosing words consider the following:
Audience. Is the text age appropriate? Can a child understand the story? Could another word better describe the action or situation?
Setting. Do the words vividly describe the character's world?
Dialog. Do the characters sound realistic? Does each piece of dialog carry the plot forward or help develop the character?
Subtleties. Does each word convey the exact meaning you want? Instead of hot, you might consider fiery, flaming, or feverish? Each word has a slightly different connotation and can give a more vivid detail.
Voice. Do the words form colorful phrases or make an emotional connection with the reader?
Writers have many choices in word selection. The difficult part is choosing the best words for the story.
Next week, I'll discuss ways to improve word choice in writing.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
STRAND MAGAZINE We are interested in mysteries, detective stories, tales
of terror and the supernatural as well as short stories.
Stories can be set in any time or place, provided they are
well written, the plots interesting and well thought.
We are interested in stories of almost any length, but
preferably the 2,000-6,000 word range. However, we may
occasionally publish short shorts of 1000 words, and
sometimes we may consider even a short novella. At the
moment, our payment rate for stories is $25-150. No
submissions accepted by e-mail.
Details at http://www.strandmag.com/htm/strandma...
Contest for Student Writers:
CARPE ARTICULUM YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION: YOUTH TRUTH
For those under 18, grades 6-12 by US Standards. No reading
fee. Poetry or Short Fiction (under 20 pages). Deadline
February 1, 2012. First place $500. Second place $300.
Third $200. Entrant must be sponsored by a teacher in a
traditional high school or middle school classroom.
Deadline: February 1, 2012
Details at http://www.carpearticulum.com/submiss...
Imagine a manuscript as a window for readers. The wrong words distort the view, leaving streaks and smears that make the reading difficult. Every writer experiences this in the first draft, but in revision we can create a spotless window by revising with words that make the meaning clearer and add resonance to the piece.
When choosing words consider the following:
Audience. Is the text age appropriate? Can a child understand the story? Could another word better describe the action or situation?
Setting. Do the words vividly describe the character's world?
Dialog. Do the characters sound realistic? Does each piece of dialog carry the plot forward or help develop the character?
Subtleties. Does each word convey the exact meaning you want? Instead of hot, you might consider fiery, flaming, or feverish? Each word has a slightly different connotation and can give a more vivid detail.
Voice. Do the words form colorful phrases or make an emotional connection with the reader?
Writers have many choices in word selection. The difficult part is choosing the best words for the story.
Next week, I'll discuss ways to improve word choice in writing.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
STRAND MAGAZINE We are interested in mysteries, detective stories, tales
of terror and the supernatural as well as short stories.
Stories can be set in any time or place, provided they are
well written, the plots interesting and well thought.
We are interested in stories of almost any length, but
preferably the 2,000-6,000 word range. However, we may
occasionally publish short shorts of 1000 words, and
sometimes we may consider even a short novella. At the
moment, our payment rate for stories is $25-150. No
submissions accepted by e-mail.
Details at http://www.strandmag.com/htm/strandma...
Contest for Student Writers:
CARPE ARTICULUM YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION: YOUTH TRUTH
For those under 18, grades 6-12 by US Standards. No reading
fee. Poetry or Short Fiction (under 20 pages). Deadline
February 1, 2012. First place $500. Second place $300.
Third $200. Entrant must be sponsored by a teacher in a
traditional high school or middle school classroom.
Deadline: February 1, 2012
Details at http://www.carpearticulum.com/submiss...
November 27, 2011
Creating Character Motivation, Contest, Call for Submissions
Fictional characters must be motivated to make a change. The motivation determines how the characters respond to the world around them. Interesting characters take action that creates change.
The character should desire something. Maybe it's winning a blue ribbon or the heart of the girl of his dreams or finding something s/he lost. The possibilities go on and on. The quest to fulfill that desire is the story.
The path the character takes in fulfilling the desire is based on the background you develop: personality traits, view of the world, setting, etc. Is the character strong and powerful, weak but determined, easy going or defensive? Figuring out the background of the character before beginning the story helps the writer make plausible choices that fit the character. The reader will understand why the characters made those choices.
Reveal the motivation slowly through action and dialog rather than in large chunks, called backstory. If the character has a purpose for his/her behavior, the reader is more interested in following along.
Have you ever seen a friend act in a way that was unusual for that person? You might thing s/he was acting out of character. Of if the friend does something that was full anticipated, you might say, that's Karen being Karen. Apply the same viewpoint to fictional characters. Is the behavior consistent with the character? If the character isn't behaving typically, readers have to know why. Make the motivation clear and readers will connect.
Contest for Adult Writers:
PIXELHOSE FICTION AND NONFICTION WRITING CONTEST
Categories fiction, nonfiction (creative or essay). $300, $150 and $50 prize monies in each category. Limit 5,000 words. Previously published works are accepted so long as pixelhose.com can legally obtain free, one time, one site, permanent web publication rights. The contest may be extended at pixelhose.com discretion until a minimum of 500 entries have been submitted.
Deadline December 7, 2011.
Details at http://pixelhose.com/fiction-and-nonf...
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Seventeen Fiction Contest
Open to female writers, ages 13-21, in the US and Canada. Word Count: 500 words. No entry fee.
Grand prize: $5000 and publication in Seventeen.
Deadline December 31
Details at http://www.seventeen.com/fun/articles...
The character should desire something. Maybe it's winning a blue ribbon or the heart of the girl of his dreams or finding something s/he lost. The possibilities go on and on. The quest to fulfill that desire is the story.
The path the character takes in fulfilling the desire is based on the background you develop: personality traits, view of the world, setting, etc. Is the character strong and powerful, weak but determined, easy going or defensive? Figuring out the background of the character before beginning the story helps the writer make plausible choices that fit the character. The reader will understand why the characters made those choices.
Reveal the motivation slowly through action and dialog rather than in large chunks, called backstory. If the character has a purpose for his/her behavior, the reader is more interested in following along.
Have you ever seen a friend act in a way that was unusual for that person? You might thing s/he was acting out of character. Of if the friend does something that was full anticipated, you might say, that's Karen being Karen. Apply the same viewpoint to fictional characters. Is the behavior consistent with the character? If the character isn't behaving typically, readers have to know why. Make the motivation clear and readers will connect.
Contest for Adult Writers:
PIXELHOSE FICTION AND NONFICTION WRITING CONTEST
Categories fiction, nonfiction (creative or essay). $300, $150 and $50 prize monies in each category. Limit 5,000 words. Previously published works are accepted so long as pixelhose.com can legally obtain free, one time, one site, permanent web publication rights. The contest may be extended at pixelhose.com discretion until a minimum of 500 entries have been submitted.
Deadline December 7, 2011.
Details at http://pixelhose.com/fiction-and-nonf...
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Seventeen Fiction Contest
Open to female writers, ages 13-21, in the US and Canada. Word Count: 500 words. No entry fee.
Grand prize: $5000 and publication in Seventeen.
Deadline December 31
Details at http://www.seventeen.com/fun/articles...
November 20, 2011
Writer Motivation, Part II, Calls for Submissions
This week, I have more tips on ways to stay motivated when receiving rejection after rejection from publishers.
1. Protect your writing time. If possible, set aside time each day or week to devote to your writing project. Some people have as little as twenty minutes; others longer.
2. Everyone has moments when motivation is fleeting. Don't allow those moments to hinder your goals. Try writing just one sentence. Often that sentence will lead to another; then another.
3. Writing is a job. It's exciting, fun, and worthy, just like other jobs, but remember that it is a job so there will be moments when the words don't come easily and the excitement will dwindle along with the fun. Be realistic in viewing writing as a job.
4. Some writers, including me, like to change genres to keep the writing exciting and different. If you've only tried novels, give chapter books or picture books a try. Or if you're writing historical pieces, try something else. You might find the new venture stimulating.
5. Write works that interest you. If you don't love it, others probably won't either. If you love your characters, you'll want to spend more time in their world.
These are some of the ways I stay motivated to write. What motivates you?
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
"Ninth Letter is accepting submissions of fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews from September 1 to April 30 (postmark dates). Ninth Letter is a published semi-annually at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. We are interested in prose and poetry that experiment with form, narrative, and nontraditional subject matter, as well as more traditional literary work." Pays: $25/printed page, on publication.
Details at http://www.ninthletter.com/
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
Cyberkids
Ages 13 and under: games, reviews and contests.
Cyberteens
Ages 13-18: poems, fiction and non-fiction
Details at www.cyberteens.com
To see more contests, check out my blog at http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
1. Protect your writing time. If possible, set aside time each day or week to devote to your writing project. Some people have as little as twenty minutes; others longer.
2. Everyone has moments when motivation is fleeting. Don't allow those moments to hinder your goals. Try writing just one sentence. Often that sentence will lead to another; then another.
3. Writing is a job. It's exciting, fun, and worthy, just like other jobs, but remember that it is a job so there will be moments when the words don't come easily and the excitement will dwindle along with the fun. Be realistic in viewing writing as a job.
4. Some writers, including me, like to change genres to keep the writing exciting and different. If you've only tried novels, give chapter books or picture books a try. Or if you're writing historical pieces, try something else. You might find the new venture stimulating.
5. Write works that interest you. If you don't love it, others probably won't either. If you love your characters, you'll want to spend more time in their world.
These are some of the ways I stay motivated to write. What motivates you?
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
"Ninth Letter is accepting submissions of fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews from September 1 to April 30 (postmark dates). Ninth Letter is a published semi-annually at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. We are interested in prose and poetry that experiment with form, narrative, and nontraditional subject matter, as well as more traditional literary work." Pays: $25/printed page, on publication.
Details at http://www.ninthletter.com/
Call for Submissions for Student Writers
Cyberkids
Ages 13 and under: games, reviews and contests.
Cyberteens
Ages 13-18: poems, fiction and non-fiction
Details at www.cyberteens.com
To see more contests, check out my blog at http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
November 13, 2011
Writer Motivation/Calls for Submissions
Last Saturday, I spent the day at the Kentucky Book Fair meeting and talking with authors and readers extraordinaire. The experience was fun, exciting, informational, and motivating. Many of the people I talked with were interested in writing children's books. Some had experienced rejection numerous times by publishers. The recurring question was How do I stay motivated to write when I cannot get published?
I understand that question completely since contracts don't come easily for most writers, including me. Here are a few tactics, some psychological, I use.
1. Avoid negative thoughts. I'll never get a contract or My writing is as good as another author's work to bring us down emotionally and do nothing to foster our careers as writers.
2. Read like a writer. If you read another book and like it, try to figure out the techniques used by the author to draw you into the book. If you don't like a book, try to determine what doesn't work with the writing style.
3. Write a logline, a one-sentence description, of your story. This is your road map to keep you focused so you won't veer off track.
4. When you get to a place in the story and don't know what to do with a character, don't freeze. Think logically about what the character would do or add another problem for the character to overcome and set the character free to choose different courses of action.
5. Get the story written. Don't over analyze, revise, or judge the manuscript until it is written. Then you'll have time to make it shine.
Next week, I'll include more tips to keep writers excited about their work.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
The Iowa Review receives unsolicited submissions only September through November. The journal "publishes short stories, flash fiction, graphic novels, self-contained novel excerpts, and plays; poetry of all kinds, including verse plays and longer work; and all manner of creative nonfiction, including personal essays, lyric essays, memoirs, and literary journalism. We pay $1.50 per line for poetry ($40 minimum) and $0.08 per word for prose ($100 minimum)." Also pays for interviews (query first). NB: "We have begun publishing reviews of book-length fiction (novels, short story collections, plays, and graphic novels), literary nonfiction, and poetry on our website, with the goal of helping new and emerging writers develop an audience." For reviews, payment is $50, and reviews are accepted year-round. "TIR often receives complimentary review copies. If you're having trouble coming up with a title, we'd be happy to suggest
one."
Details at http://iowareview.uiowa.edu/
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Highlights for Children
Ages 2-12: short stories, art, poems, jokes and riddles
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
717-253-1164
Details at www.highlights.com
I understand that question completely since contracts don't come easily for most writers, including me. Here are a few tactics, some psychological, I use.
1. Avoid negative thoughts. I'll never get a contract or My writing is as good as another author's work to bring us down emotionally and do nothing to foster our careers as writers.
2. Read like a writer. If you read another book and like it, try to figure out the techniques used by the author to draw you into the book. If you don't like a book, try to determine what doesn't work with the writing style.
3. Write a logline, a one-sentence description, of your story. This is your road map to keep you focused so you won't veer off track.
4. When you get to a place in the story and don't know what to do with a character, don't freeze. Think logically about what the character would do or add another problem for the character to overcome and set the character free to choose different courses of action.
5. Get the story written. Don't over analyze, revise, or judge the manuscript until it is written. Then you'll have time to make it shine.
Next week, I'll include more tips to keep writers excited about their work.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
The Iowa Review receives unsolicited submissions only September through November. The journal "publishes short stories, flash fiction, graphic novels, self-contained novel excerpts, and plays; poetry of all kinds, including verse plays and longer work; and all manner of creative nonfiction, including personal essays, lyric essays, memoirs, and literary journalism. We pay $1.50 per line for poetry ($40 minimum) and $0.08 per word for prose ($100 minimum)." Also pays for interviews (query first). NB: "We have begun publishing reviews of book-length fiction (novels, short story collections, plays, and graphic novels), literary nonfiction, and poetry on our website, with the goal of helping new and emerging writers develop an audience." For reviews, payment is $50, and reviews are accepted year-round. "TIR often receives complimentary review copies. If you're having trouble coming up with a title, we'd be happy to suggest
one."
Details at http://iowareview.uiowa.edu/
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Highlights for Children
Ages 2-12: short stories, art, poems, jokes and riddles
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
717-253-1164
Details at www.highlights.com
November 6, 2011
Conveying Emotions/Calls for Submissions
One of the best ways to bring a character to life is to show how the character feels. Telling readers that a character is angry doesn't provide enough details to be believable. However, showing emotions through action, feelings, and dialog creates a life-like character.
Writing Norman was angry adds little to enhance character development. Instead, place the reader inside the character's mind and emotions to see and feel the turmoil Norman is experiencing. Norman slammed the door and kicked the chair out of his way. He felt his arm muscles flinch as he tightened his fists and his face flush red as he stared at Homer. In a voice as threatening as a raging fire, he said, "Who wrote this ?"
Norman's actions allow readers to "see" his behavior. The feelings allow the reader to "feel" the body language as the character becomes angry, and the dialog reaffirms the built-up tension.
The goal in writing fiction is to place the reader INSIDE the story. If the characters, setting, and plot are realistic, the reader enters the make-believe world in the first few words. Keep readers engaged by using the senses to transport them inside the character's thoughts and feelings.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
"The theme of the next issue of Vestal Review is a twist on classic fairy tales. Please submit a flash fiction story (500 words or less) about the yet unheard adventures of Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White or any other well-known fairy tale character. Interpret the theme broadly and imaginatively, but incline toward a literary story. Please state the source tale's name before the title. No more than two submissions per author, as usual. Submit between August 1 and November 30, 2011." Pays (rates vary depending on story length; "stories of great merit receive up to $25 flat fee; 3 cents a word is a minimum pay in any case." See http://vestalreview.net/ for details (via Pam Casto's Flash Fiction Flash newsletter, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlashFi...).
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Who: If you are currently a student in grades nine through twelve, Crashtest wants to hear from you.
What: Crashtest publishes poetry, stories and creative non-fiction in the form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental interviews, or
whatever else you would like to call it. We're looking for writing that has both a
perspective and a personality. We're looking for authors who have something
to say. Our only request is that you don't send us work which you found boring or tedious to write. No enforced school assignments, please!
When: Crashtest accepts submissions all year long
Writing Norman was angry adds little to enhance character development. Instead, place the reader inside the character's mind and emotions to see and feel the turmoil Norman is experiencing. Norman slammed the door and kicked the chair out of his way. He felt his arm muscles flinch as he tightened his fists and his face flush red as he stared at Homer. In a voice as threatening as a raging fire, he said, "Who wrote this ?"
Norman's actions allow readers to "see" his behavior. The feelings allow the reader to "feel" the body language as the character becomes angry, and the dialog reaffirms the built-up tension.
The goal in writing fiction is to place the reader INSIDE the story. If the characters, setting, and plot are realistic, the reader enters the make-believe world in the first few words. Keep readers engaged by using the senses to transport them inside the character's thoughts and feelings.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
"The theme of the next issue of Vestal Review is a twist on classic fairy tales. Please submit a flash fiction story (500 words or less) about the yet unheard adventures of Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White or any other well-known fairy tale character. Interpret the theme broadly and imaginatively, but incline toward a literary story. Please state the source tale's name before the title. No more than two submissions per author, as usual. Submit between August 1 and November 30, 2011." Pays (rates vary depending on story length; "stories of great merit receive up to $25 flat fee; 3 cents a word is a minimum pay in any case." See http://vestalreview.net/ for details (via Pam Casto's Flash Fiction Flash newsletter, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlashFi...).
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
Who: If you are currently a student in grades nine through twelve, Crashtest wants to hear from you.
What: Crashtest publishes poetry, stories and creative non-fiction in the form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental interviews, or
whatever else you would like to call it. We're looking for writing that has both a
perspective and a personality. We're looking for authors who have something
to say. Our only request is that you don't send us work which you found boring or tedious to write. No enforced school assignments, please!
When: Crashtest accepts submissions all year long
October 30, 2011
Dialog Tips, Part II/Contest/Call for Submissions
Dialog is one of the most difficult aspects of writing to do well. Here are more tips on writing interesting dialog.
Listen to how people talk. Some people phrase words in more interesting ways than others. If you hear a different turn of phrase, write it down so you won't forget it. You just might develop a character who could utter those exact words.
Alfred Hitchcock said that a good story was "life, with the dull parts taken out." Dialog is the same. In real life we stammer and repeat during conversations. Dialog should represent how we talk but get to the nitty-gritty with an economy of words.
Break up dialog with action.
"Are you staying the night?" Jody asked and he pulled out a chair.
Anne pulled her coat around her and stepped toward the door. "Probably not," she said.
This type of narrative with dialog is useful in long passages and it makes the character appear real.
Sometime dialog tags are not needed if the characters can be identified by their words.
"You never listen," Brad said.
Joan stared straight ahead. "I always listen."
"Never."
"Always."
When in doubt, consider the two purposes dialog serves: promote the plot and develop the characters.
Contest for Adult Writers:
Zocalo Public Square Poetry Prize is awarded annually to the U.S. poet whose poem best evokes a connection to place. 'Place' may be interpreted by the poet as a place of historical, cultural, political or personal importance; it may be a literal, imaginary or metaphorical landscape. We are looking for one poem that offers our readers a fresh, original and meaningful take on the topic. Like everything else we feature, we will most be on the lookout for that rare combination of brilliance and clarity, excellence and accessibility. The winning poet, as judged by Zocalo Poetry Editor Stephanie Brown, will receive $1,000." NB: "The winning poem becomes the property of Zocalo Public Square."
Details at http://bit.ly/pQHSt4
Submissions: September 5-November 5, 2011
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
FRODO'S NOTEBOOK actively seeks four types of submissions from teens.
1. Poetry. We prefer poems of under 36 lines. Address to poetry
editor Julia Shields and send in the body of an email to
poetry@frodosnotebook.com.
2. Creative/Personal Essays. Creative nonfiction, narrative-
driving and reflective; not journalism or opinion. Address to
editor in chief Daniel Klotz and send as a .doc (Word), .rtf,
or .txt attachment to essays@frodosnotebook.com.
3. Fiction. Almost exclusively short-short stories of under
1,200 words. We mostly want "literary" fiction, but send us
your fantasy or sci-fi if it's really good and not fan fic.
Address to fiction editor Timothy Rezendes and send to
fiction@frodosnotebook.com.
4. Articles. Reviews of current books, movies, and art, as
well as cultural critique, op-ed, and original journalistic
reportage, as long as it has a literary/artistic subject or
slant. Usually under 1,200 words. Send a writing sample or
two to editor at large Ben Carr at articles@frodosnotebook.com.
Details at http://frodosnotebook.com/submit.html
Listen to how people talk. Some people phrase words in more interesting ways than others. If you hear a different turn of phrase, write it down so you won't forget it. You just might develop a character who could utter those exact words.
Alfred Hitchcock said that a good story was "life, with the dull parts taken out." Dialog is the same. In real life we stammer and repeat during conversations. Dialog should represent how we talk but get to the nitty-gritty with an economy of words.
Break up dialog with action.
"Are you staying the night?" Jody asked and he pulled out a chair.
Anne pulled her coat around her and stepped toward the door. "Probably not," she said.
This type of narrative with dialog is useful in long passages and it makes the character appear real.
Sometime dialog tags are not needed if the characters can be identified by their words.
"You never listen," Brad said.
Joan stared straight ahead. "I always listen."
"Never."
"Always."
When in doubt, consider the two purposes dialog serves: promote the plot and develop the characters.
Contest for Adult Writers:
Zocalo Public Square Poetry Prize is awarded annually to the U.S. poet whose poem best evokes a connection to place. 'Place' may be interpreted by the poet as a place of historical, cultural, political or personal importance; it may be a literal, imaginary or metaphorical landscape. We are looking for one poem that offers our readers a fresh, original and meaningful take on the topic. Like everything else we feature, we will most be on the lookout for that rare combination of brilliance and clarity, excellence and accessibility. The winning poet, as judged by Zocalo Poetry Editor Stephanie Brown, will receive $1,000." NB: "The winning poem becomes the property of Zocalo Public Square."
Details at http://bit.ly/pQHSt4
Submissions: September 5-November 5, 2011
Call for Submissions for Student Writers:
FRODO'S NOTEBOOK actively seeks four types of submissions from teens.
1. Poetry. We prefer poems of under 36 lines. Address to poetry
editor Julia Shields and send in the body of an email to
poetry@frodosnotebook.com.
2. Creative/Personal Essays. Creative nonfiction, narrative-
driving and reflective; not journalism or opinion. Address to
editor in chief Daniel Klotz and send as a .doc (Word), .rtf,
or .txt attachment to essays@frodosnotebook.com.
3. Fiction. Almost exclusively short-short stories of under
1,200 words. We mostly want "literary" fiction, but send us
your fantasy or sci-fi if it's really good and not fan fic.
Address to fiction editor Timothy Rezendes and send to
fiction@frodosnotebook.com.
4. Articles. Reviews of current books, movies, and art, as
well as cultural critique, op-ed, and original journalistic
reportage, as long as it has a literary/artistic subject or
slant. Usually under 1,200 words. Send a writing sample or
two to editor at large Ben Carr at articles@frodosnotebook.com.
Details at http://frodosnotebook.com/submit.html
October 23, 2011
I often struggle with dialog and sometimes question if di...
I often struggle with dialog and sometimes question if dialog is needed. Some picture books have no dialog at all, but as readers grow older, dialog is important to bring the character to life. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you write dialog in your stories.
"Said" is the preferred dialog tag. These tags are used after a character has spoken. Avoid other words such as declared, vowed, remarked, whispered, shouted, or bragged. Those words stand out and sometimes get in the way of the story. "Said" is used so much it has become invisible and the reader hardly notices it. Don't be concerned that "said" is boring. Rev up the plot. That's what grabs the reader's interest.
Avoid using adverbs in dialog tags, such as she said excitedly. Show the excitement in the character's action or words, rather than telling the reader.
The conversation should carry the story forward. If "Hello, how are you?" and "Fine, thank you," doesn't add to the plot or character development, leave it out. Cut the chit-chat.
When characters talk, make it meaningful. They should have a reason for talking rather than merely provide information to the reader. Straight question and answer sessions are usually dull and boring. In dialog, the characters should reveal themselves so the reader understands them better.
Next week, I'll discuss more on dialog.
Contest for Adult Writers
Flash Fiction
For the Flash Fiction competition the top five entries will be selected by public vote, and the winning story chosen by the Judging Panel. To vote, individual must register on the Light Reading website. Each voter may vote for as many stories they wish, but can only cast one vote for each story. Any attempts by individual voters to vote multiple times for a single story, for example by registering with multiple email addresses may result in all their votes being disqualified. The use of robotic or automated devices for voting is strictly prohibited, and Diamond determines that this has been the case we reserve the right to disqualify both voter and contestant.
Details at http://www.light-reading.org/
Contest for Young Writers
Jack And Jill, P.O. Box 567, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Publishes stories, poems, riddles, and jokes written by students in grades 2-6.
"Said" is the preferred dialog tag. These tags are used after a character has spoken. Avoid other words such as declared, vowed, remarked, whispered, shouted, or bragged. Those words stand out and sometimes get in the way of the story. "Said" is used so much it has become invisible and the reader hardly notices it. Don't be concerned that "said" is boring. Rev up the plot. That's what grabs the reader's interest.
Avoid using adverbs in dialog tags, such as she said excitedly. Show the excitement in the character's action or words, rather than telling the reader.
The conversation should carry the story forward. If "Hello, how are you?" and "Fine, thank you," doesn't add to the plot or character development, leave it out. Cut the chit-chat.
When characters talk, make it meaningful. They should have a reason for talking rather than merely provide information to the reader. Straight question and answer sessions are usually dull and boring. In dialog, the characters should reveal themselves so the reader understands them better.
Next week, I'll discuss more on dialog.
Contest for Adult Writers
Flash Fiction
For the Flash Fiction competition the top five entries will be selected by public vote, and the winning story chosen by the Judging Panel. To vote, individual must register on the Light Reading website. Each voter may vote for as many stories they wish, but can only cast one vote for each story. Any attempts by individual voters to vote multiple times for a single story, for example by registering with multiple email addresses may result in all their votes being disqualified. The use of robotic or automated devices for voting is strictly prohibited, and Diamond determines that this has been the case we reserve the right to disqualify both voter and contestant.
Details at http://www.light-reading.org/
Contest for Young Writers
Jack And Jill, P.O. Box 567, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Publishes stories, poems, riddles, and jokes written by students in grades 2-6.
October 16, 2011
Books for Boys/Calls for Submissions
Teacher, parents, librarians, and editors often say they want books that interest boys? Have you ever wondered about the differences in books that have boy appeal as opposed to those with girl appeal?
The differences go deep, all the way to plot and character. Boys like books that deal with action and adventure. Explosions reel them in. Fast cars, blood, and all things gross are sure winners. Boys like situations, fantasy, science fiction, heroic male characters, and all types of nonfiction [sports, humor, animals, biography, history, informational text, and hobbies]. They prefer shorter text and visuals accompanying text as in graphic novels.
What about girls? Some girls like those types of books, too. There's no distinct dividing line. What appeals to one child may not to another, regardless of gender. However, girls like to read about other girls, relationships, feelings, interesting characters, and human-interest stories.
The gender lines can become even murkier. Both boys and girls enjoy humor and nonfiction.
One of the best ways to learn what boys like to read is to talk with boys. Find out what books they have recently read and what type of TV show they like to watch. What interest them? What make them laugh? The answers vary with different ages. If you're interested in writing books for boys, read books that are popular books with boys and see how the subject matter was handled.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
Working Mother Magazine Pay: Varies Freelance assignments fit the three primary sections of the magazine: You, Work and Family. Features are also assigned to fit our initiative packages (100 Best Companies, Best Companies for Multicultural Women, Best Green Companies, etc). Features are usually 1,000 to 2,000 words. Basically, we look for articles that help moms successfully navigate the task of juggling job, home and family. We like tightly focused pieces that celebrate working moms while sensibly solving or illuminating a problem unique to our readers and/or their children and family. We also want to share personal stories for and about working moms who have experienced career triumphs and/or life changes--all while raising kids and working a job. Topics of interest include: career-related (work/life) issues; diversity in the workplace; family relationships; time, home and money management; and parenting. Most of our columns--news, lifestyle, activities, recommendations, parenting, travel, food, beauty and fashion--are staff written. But we might assign out:
Learning Curve--500-word, age-by-age (0-2, 3-5, 6-10, 11+) child development column.
My Story--1,000 word personal story from a reader that illuminates a working mother issue or scenario and how she triumphed over, solved, or dealt with it. Humor is good here.
Details at http://www.workingmother.com/?service...
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
GIRLS' LIFE wants to publish you online! The Girls' Life website, girlslife.com, accepts submissions of articles, poetry and short fiction from writers under the age of 18.
Details at http://www.girlslife.com/page/Writers...
…
The differences go deep, all the way to plot and character. Boys like books that deal with action and adventure. Explosions reel them in. Fast cars, blood, and all things gross are sure winners. Boys like situations, fantasy, science fiction, heroic male characters, and all types of nonfiction [sports, humor, animals, biography, history, informational text, and hobbies]. They prefer shorter text and visuals accompanying text as in graphic novels.
What about girls? Some girls like those types of books, too. There's no distinct dividing line. What appeals to one child may not to another, regardless of gender. However, girls like to read about other girls, relationships, feelings, interesting characters, and human-interest stories.
The gender lines can become even murkier. Both boys and girls enjoy humor and nonfiction.
One of the best ways to learn what boys like to read is to talk with boys. Find out what books they have recently read and what type of TV show they like to watch. What interest them? What make them laugh? The answers vary with different ages. If you're interested in writing books for boys, read books that are popular books with boys and see how the subject matter was handled.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers
Working Mother Magazine Pay: Varies Freelance assignments fit the three primary sections of the magazine: You, Work and Family. Features are also assigned to fit our initiative packages (100 Best Companies, Best Companies for Multicultural Women, Best Green Companies, etc). Features are usually 1,000 to 2,000 words. Basically, we look for articles that help moms successfully navigate the task of juggling job, home and family. We like tightly focused pieces that celebrate working moms while sensibly solving or illuminating a problem unique to our readers and/or their children and family. We also want to share personal stories for and about working moms who have experienced career triumphs and/or life changes--all while raising kids and working a job. Topics of interest include: career-related (work/life) issues; diversity in the workplace; family relationships; time, home and money management; and parenting. Most of our columns--news, lifestyle, activities, recommendations, parenting, travel, food, beauty and fashion--are staff written. But we might assign out:
Learning Curve--500-word, age-by-age (0-2, 3-5, 6-10, 11+) child development column.
My Story--1,000 word personal story from a reader that illuminates a working mother issue or scenario and how she triumphed over, solved, or dealt with it. Humor is good here.
Details at http://www.workingmother.com/?service...
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
GIRLS' LIFE wants to publish you online! The Girls' Life website, girlslife.com, accepts submissions of articles, poetry and short fiction from writers under the age of 18.
Details at http://www.girlslife.com/page/Writers...
…
