Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 40
July 31, 2011
Motivation for Writers/Contest
This week, I'm continuing to discuss ways to stay motivated.
Many writers tell me they have started a manuscript but haven't finished it. Momentum is the force that carries us forward to complete what we start. Figure out what works for you. Keep your writing momentum on track.
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to attend a writing conference. Not only do you get a personal glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of other writers, you leave with a better understanding of the writing process. Writers are open with helpful advice because each published writer is making the same journey to publication as every other writer. Some are a farther down the path and have more experience. Reap the benefits of that experience by spending time with writers in an atmosphere where writing reigns supreme.
Select a writing project that fits your interest and lifestyle and has a subject or theme you're passionate about. Since you'll be spending so much time on the project, your interest will keep you focused and excited about the work.
Some writers use deadlines to keep them motivated and to enact the BIC (Butt in Chair) approach. Knowing the deadline hovers, time is allocated to finish the writing.
Next week I'll continue the discussion on motivation.
The Tenth Glass Woman Prize will be awarded for a work of short fiction or creative non-fiction (prose) written by a woman. Length: between 50 and 5,000 words. The top prize for the tenth Glass Woman Prize award is US $500 and possible (but not obligatory) online publication; there will also be one runner up prize of $100 and one runner up prize of $50, together with possible (but not obligatory) online publication.
Subject is open, but must be of significance to women. The criterion is passion, excellence, and authenticity in the woman's writing voice. Previously published work and simultaneous submissions are OK. Authors retain all copyright is retained by the author.
There is no reading fee.
Previous winners are welcome to submit again for any subsequent prize.
Submission deadline: September 21, 2011 (receipt date). Notification date: on or before December 21, 2011
Many writers tell me they have started a manuscript but haven't finished it. Momentum is the force that carries us forward to complete what we start. Figure out what works for you. Keep your writing momentum on track.
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to attend a writing conference. Not only do you get a personal glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of other writers, you leave with a better understanding of the writing process. Writers are open with helpful advice because each published writer is making the same journey to publication as every other writer. Some are a farther down the path and have more experience. Reap the benefits of that experience by spending time with writers in an atmosphere where writing reigns supreme.
Select a writing project that fits your interest and lifestyle and has a subject or theme you're passionate about. Since you'll be spending so much time on the project, your interest will keep you focused and excited about the work.
Some writers use deadlines to keep them motivated and to enact the BIC (Butt in Chair) approach. Knowing the deadline hovers, time is allocated to finish the writing.
Next week I'll continue the discussion on motivation.
The Tenth Glass Woman Prize will be awarded for a work of short fiction or creative non-fiction (prose) written by a woman. Length: between 50 and 5,000 words. The top prize for the tenth Glass Woman Prize award is US $500 and possible (but not obligatory) online publication; there will also be one runner up prize of $100 and one runner up prize of $50, together with possible (but not obligatory) online publication.
Subject is open, but must be of significance to women. The criterion is passion, excellence, and authenticity in the woman's writing voice. Previously published work and simultaneous submissions are OK. Authors retain all copyright is retained by the author.
There is no reading fee.
Previous winners are welcome to submit again for any subsequent prize.
Submission deadline: September 21, 2011 (receipt date). Notification date: on or before December 21, 2011
July 24, 2011
Motivation for Writers/Call for Submissions
This week, I'm continuing to discuss ways to stay motivated.
Relish in the feedback of the critique or writing group. You'll receive praise for what you've done right and suggestions for making your manuscript better in areas in which it is lacking. Appreciate the opinions of those who take the time to read and critique. They may seem picky and hard to please, but remember, editors will be even harder to please. Keep in mind, too, that the critiques are for your benefit. Use the ideas, or some of them, to improve your manuscript.
Write each day, even if it is only in your mind, plotting out a scene. Try to get the scene written as soon as possible so you won't forget it.
Make writing a habit. End a writing session in the middle of a paragraph or in the middle of a scene so you can easily pick up where you stopped.
Think about your story when you're not writing. Try different plot angles and allow yourself to wonder what would happen to your character if…
One sure way to add interest to your story is to rev up the conflict. Don't let the story get boring or bog down by letting the character off too easily. Make the character work, and work hard, to overcome the problem. Place your character in a situation that you have to work hard to get him/her out of. Add a surprise for the character. You'll enjoy the new twists and turns your story is taking.
Next week, I'll continue to discuss ways to stay motivated.
Call for submissions for adults:
Nemesis Publishing. Are you an unpublished writer? With a piping-hot manuscript ready to blow readers' socks off? If you can answer 'yes' to both of those questions, then we want to hear from you. This is our first debut novel competition, with publication for the winning book scheduled for 2012. A shortlist of six manuscripts will be announced by 15 October 2011, with the winning manuscript announced by 30 November 2011.
Deadline: 14 August 2011
Details at http://nemesispublishing.com/Debut-No...
Relish in the feedback of the critique or writing group. You'll receive praise for what you've done right and suggestions for making your manuscript better in areas in which it is lacking. Appreciate the opinions of those who take the time to read and critique. They may seem picky and hard to please, but remember, editors will be even harder to please. Keep in mind, too, that the critiques are for your benefit. Use the ideas, or some of them, to improve your manuscript.
Write each day, even if it is only in your mind, plotting out a scene. Try to get the scene written as soon as possible so you won't forget it.
Make writing a habit. End a writing session in the middle of a paragraph or in the middle of a scene so you can easily pick up where you stopped.
Think about your story when you're not writing. Try different plot angles and allow yourself to wonder what would happen to your character if…
One sure way to add interest to your story is to rev up the conflict. Don't let the story get boring or bog down by letting the character off too easily. Make the character work, and work hard, to overcome the problem. Place your character in a situation that you have to work hard to get him/her out of. Add a surprise for the character. You'll enjoy the new twists and turns your story is taking.
Next week, I'll continue to discuss ways to stay motivated.
Call for submissions for adults:
Nemesis Publishing. Are you an unpublished writer? With a piping-hot manuscript ready to blow readers' socks off? If you can answer 'yes' to both of those questions, then we want to hear from you. This is our first debut novel competition, with publication for the winning book scheduled for 2012. A shortlist of six manuscripts will be announced by 15 October 2011, with the winning manuscript announced by 30 November 2011.
Deadline: 14 August 2011
Details at http://nemesispublishing.com/Debut-No...
July 17, 2011
Writing Motivation/Writing Contest
As I meet aspiring writers, many tell me they have become discouraged because the publishing market is so difficult to break into. Their assessments are correct. Difficult, but not impossible. I look back on my first seven years as a training ground. I didn't sell a manuscript, but I kept writing and reading and learning. The practice paid off when I received "the call." I discovered that seven years is the average number of years it takes to get a book accepted by a major publisher. Why so long? For most writers we're learning our craft. The competition is fierce so our writing has to be of high quality but it also has to fit the publisher's list of books. Becoming acquainted with the various publishers, editors, and they types of books published at each house is another time consuming task that takes time to learn.
Build writing time into your schedule. You may not have time to devote three hours per day, every day, to writing. If you have down time, like waiting to pick up a child at school, use those few minutes to work on your story. Some people write entire novels in twenty-minute time blocks because that's the only free time they have.
Find writer friends, either locally or online, and form a critique group. Set a schedule to send manuscripts to each member of the group. My group sends a maximum of 1,000 words every two weeks. Knowing that you have to send a manuscript or a chapter every two weeks is motivating.
Next week, I'll discuss more ways to keep the writing momentum going.
Good Housekeeping Short Story Contest
Applicants must submit an original short story, 3,500 words or less, on a theme that reflects an aspect of women's lives today. Winner Selection: One (1) grand-prize winner and two (2) runners-up will be chosen at the sole discretion of Good Housekeeping's judges panel. All entries will be judged on artistic merit and originality. In the event of a tie, whichever story the judges deem most suitable for publication in Good Housekeeping will be the winner.
Details at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/win/f...
Deadline: 1st September 2011
Build writing time into your schedule. You may not have time to devote three hours per day, every day, to writing. If you have down time, like waiting to pick up a child at school, use those few minutes to work on your story. Some people write entire novels in twenty-minute time blocks because that's the only free time they have.
Find writer friends, either locally or online, and form a critique group. Set a schedule to send manuscripts to each member of the group. My group sends a maximum of 1,000 words every two weeks. Knowing that you have to send a manuscript or a chapter every two weeks is motivating.
Next week, I'll discuss more ways to keep the writing momentum going.
Good Housekeeping Short Story Contest
Applicants must submit an original short story, 3,500 words or less, on a theme that reflects an aspect of women's lives today. Winner Selection: One (1) grand-prize winner and two (2) runners-up will be chosen at the sole discretion of Good Housekeeping's judges panel. All entries will be judged on artistic merit and originality. In the event of a tie, whichever story the judges deem most suitable for publication in Good Housekeeping will be the winner.
Details at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/win/f...
Deadline: 1st September 2011
July 10, 2011
Momemtum/Call for Submissions
I've been writing for the professional market for 22 years. For the first seven loooooong years, I made a few sales to the magazine market, especially academic journals. Those first seven years were dry, actually desert-like, in manuscript sales. It seemed that "the call" from an editor would never come. There were times when I grumbled, mumbled, and wondered why I even tried to get a book published. Then I'd receive a rejection letter with a note from an editor with a few encouraging words or for a request for more manuscripts as she told me the one I had sent didn't meet the publisher's editorial needs. The fact that an editor took the time to praise my work affirmed I was on the right publishing track or so I hoped. Those notes and reading children's books to students on a daily basis kept my momentum going, kept me enthused, and kept me determined to trudge onward toward my goal.
Then the unbelievable happened. "The call" came. An editor actually offered me a contract. There is nothing like the publication of a book to keep the momentum going in a writer's psyche. Two years later I finally held the book, Once Upon a Dime, in my trembling hands for the first time.
As overwhelming as it seems, getting published is not impossible. The harder task is probably learning to stay focused and to keep momentum in your writing program.
Next week, I'll discuss ways to persevere with a positive attitude in order to keep the momentum going.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Best Fiction is an online publication of brilliant stories by new, emerging writers alongside the work of established authors." Pays: "a minimum honorarium of $25 US for first electronic and print publication rights," though "established authors may negotiate a fee for their stories.
Details at http://bestfiction.org/guidelines/
Then the unbelievable happened. "The call" came. An editor actually offered me a contract. There is nothing like the publication of a book to keep the momentum going in a writer's psyche. Two years later I finally held the book, Once Upon a Dime, in my trembling hands for the first time.
As overwhelming as it seems, getting published is not impossible. The harder task is probably learning to stay focused and to keep momentum in your writing program.
Next week, I'll discuss ways to persevere with a positive attitude in order to keep the momentum going.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Best Fiction is an online publication of brilliant stories by new, emerging writers alongside the work of established authors." Pays: "a minimum honorarium of $25 US for first electronic and print publication rights," though "established authors may negotiate a fee for their stories.
Details at http://bestfiction.org/guidelines/
July 3, 2011
Series Characters/Call for Submissions
Do you enjoy reading books about a particular character and wonder how the author keeps the character from going stale? Children's books—picture, chapter, and novels—are filled with characters in series. In a book festival I attended with several authors of series books, I asked them how they confronted the challenge of keeping a character compelling and interesting. Many of the answers were similar so I've condensed them here.
Allow the characters to age. We watched Harry Potter grow up in the series. As characters grow, they face new problems relevant to their age and their skills, perceptions, interests, and relationships change as they face new situations. This rule does not always apply. In some popular series, such as Nancy Drew, little aging takes place.
Make the characters part of your fictional family. Some authors based characters on someone close, a husband or child, and write with a deep caring for the character. The emotional bond between a writer and the character can be strong.
Place the characters in school or in a certain location in which they have access to new situations to test their spirit and determination and to provide them with the opportunity to face challenges and grow.
Build in conflict and challenges that force the characters to prove him/herself by facing self-doubt and overcoming fears.
Avoid formulaic devices and surprise the reader with the unexpected occasionally. Maybe the shy character is outspoken when provoked.
Let me know if you have other ideas about how to keep serial character fresh and interesting.
Snag Today Poetry Contest. Any type of poetry-maximum of 50 lines-is eligible.
Submission Period: Entries accepted April 1, 2011-July 31, 2011. Early submission is encouraged.
What to Submit: Any work of poetry up to a maximum of 50 lines. There are no restrictions on style or theme. Each entry should be your own original work. You may submit the same work simultaneously to this contest and to others, and you may submit works that have been published or won prizes elsewhere, as long as you own the online publication rights. Please title your email "Snag Today Poetry Contest".
Details at http://snagtoday.com/
http://snagtoday.com/dolph/blogs/entr...
Allow the characters to age. We watched Harry Potter grow up in the series. As characters grow, they face new problems relevant to their age and their skills, perceptions, interests, and relationships change as they face new situations. This rule does not always apply. In some popular series, such as Nancy Drew, little aging takes place.
Make the characters part of your fictional family. Some authors based characters on someone close, a husband or child, and write with a deep caring for the character. The emotional bond between a writer and the character can be strong.
Place the characters in school or in a certain location in which they have access to new situations to test their spirit and determination and to provide them with the opportunity to face challenges and grow.
Build in conflict and challenges that force the characters to prove him/herself by facing self-doubt and overcoming fears.
Avoid formulaic devices and surprise the reader with the unexpected occasionally. Maybe the shy character is outspoken when provoked.
Let me know if you have other ideas about how to keep serial character fresh and interesting.
Snag Today Poetry Contest. Any type of poetry-maximum of 50 lines-is eligible.
Submission Period: Entries accepted April 1, 2011-July 31, 2011. Early submission is encouraged.
What to Submit: Any work of poetry up to a maximum of 50 lines. There are no restrictions on style or theme. Each entry should be your own original work. You may submit the same work simultaneously to this contest and to others, and you may submit works that have been published or won prizes elsewhere, as long as you own the online publication rights. Please title your email "Snag Today Poetry Contest".
Details at http://snagtoday.com/
http://snagtoday.com/dolph/blogs/entr...
June 26, 2011
Trends, Trends, Trends/Calls for Submissions
Writers can never keep up with all the trends. By the time we write, revise and polish a manuscript that fits a particular trend, the market is flooded with that genre and the trend has passed. So why bother looking at trends? It's to our advantage to study the market to see what publishers are buying and learn why those books garnered a contract. Also, if we know the market is over saturated with a certain type of book or subject matter, we can avoid it. The more we educate ourselves with what publishers are buying and why, the better we can devise our own writing and marketing strategies.
Here are the top genres for multi-book deals in 2010. Young adult and middle grade are still strong sellers. Picture books are a harder sell, but editors and agents predict that the tide is beginning to turn, and picture books will soon be on the up swing.
Top genres for multi-book deals with major publishers in 2010
Romance – 108 deals
Mystery & Crime – 73
Young Adult – 56
Middle Grade – 53
Science Fiction – 31
Thrillers – 29
Paranormal – 27
Call for submissions for young writers:
BRASS MAGAZINE . Our contributor team is made up of young adult writers from
around the country. We're looking for people with varied experiences to join this team: from financial gurus,
entrepreneurs and avid investors to those sharing experiences about managing debt, budgets, and their first foray in the real world.
Are you between 16 and 29 years old? Are you passionate about
writing, savvy with research, and up-to-date on current trends?
Are you able to meet deadlines?
Details: http://www.brassmagazine.com/legal/co...
http://www.brassmagazine.com/user/reg...
Call for submissions for adult writers:·
The Brooklyner , to be published quarterly, is "currently reading for our inaugural issue, which will largely include fiction and nonfiction. We will also consider poetry, commentary on relevant pop culture, and reviews of the following: books, food, cruises, amusement parks, concerts, field trips, underwear, holidays. Also translations. We are not seeking novellas or novel excerpts."
Here are the top genres for multi-book deals in 2010. Young adult and middle grade are still strong sellers. Picture books are a harder sell, but editors and agents predict that the tide is beginning to turn, and picture books will soon be on the up swing.
Top genres for multi-book deals with major publishers in 2010
Romance – 108 deals
Mystery & Crime – 73
Young Adult – 56
Middle Grade – 53
Science Fiction – 31
Thrillers – 29
Paranormal – 27
Call for submissions for young writers:
BRASS MAGAZINE . Our contributor team is made up of young adult writers from
around the country. We're looking for people with varied experiences to join this team: from financial gurus,
entrepreneurs and avid investors to those sharing experiences about managing debt, budgets, and their first foray in the real world.
Are you between 16 and 29 years old? Are you passionate about
writing, savvy with research, and up-to-date on current trends?
Are you able to meet deadlines?
Details: http://www.brassmagazine.com/legal/co...
http://www.brassmagazine.com/user/reg...
Call for submissions for adult writers:·
The Brooklyner , to be published quarterly, is "currently reading for our inaugural issue, which will largely include fiction and nonfiction. We will also consider poetry, commentary on relevant pop culture, and reviews of the following: books, food, cruises, amusement parks, concerts, field trips, underwear, holidays. Also translations. We are not seeking novellas or novel excerpts."
June 19, 2011
Spirit of Kentucky:Bourbon Cookbook/Call for Submissions
My latest literary adventure has taken me on a new and exciting route, which led to me researching and writing Spirit of Kentucky: Bourbon Cookbook. Each of over 500 recipes has a note about the history of the recipe or information about an ingredient. If you prefer not to use bourbon in a recipe, you have that choice. Most recipes have a subsitute for bourbon or the option of omitting the ingredient. Bourbon balls are the exception. I know of no way to make bourbon balls without bourbon.
I love research because I'm always learning something new and interesting. One tidbit I learned is that we can make vanilla flavoring oh so easily—and cheaper. That's an idea I had never considered.
I approached the research for the cookbook the same way I approach writing a nonfiction children's book. I wanted to make the Notes section a fun read-aloud. As I researched I kept thinking about what a cook would enjoy learning about a recipe, food, or ingredient. In doing so, I accumulated more information than I would ever need. A surplus of facts gave me the luxury of picking and choosing the most interesting pieces to use in the book. Reseaching a subject is like digging a well. The more we dig, the more information we gain. As we dig we uncover interesting bits that surprise us.
For adult writers:·
From Robert Lee Brewer: "I will consider poetry submissions for the 2013 Poet's Market . 20 previously unpublished poems will be selected for publication in the book, and the poets will receive a paycheck for their poems." Deadline is August 15. Pays: "publication, $50 payment, and a contributor copy of the 2013 Poet's Market." For more information/detailed guidelines, see http://bit.ly/lpLaGQ.
Note: I'll resume posting for young writers in September.
I love research because I'm always learning something new and interesting. One tidbit I learned is that we can make vanilla flavoring oh so easily—and cheaper. That's an idea I had never considered.
I approached the research for the cookbook the same way I approach writing a nonfiction children's book. I wanted to make the Notes section a fun read-aloud. As I researched I kept thinking about what a cook would enjoy learning about a recipe, food, or ingredient. In doing so, I accumulated more information than I would ever need. A surplus of facts gave me the luxury of picking and choosing the most interesting pieces to use in the book. Reseaching a subject is like digging a well. The more we dig, the more information we gain. As we dig we uncover interesting bits that surprise us.
For adult writers:·
From Robert Lee Brewer: "I will consider poetry submissions for the 2013 Poet's Market . 20 previously unpublished poems will be selected for publication in the book, and the poets will receive a paycheck for their poems." Deadline is August 15. Pays: "publication, $50 payment, and a contributor copy of the 2013 Poet's Market." For more information/detailed guidelines, see http://bit.ly/lpLaGQ.
Note: I'll resume posting for young writers in September.
June 12, 2011
Writing Workshop for Children's Writers, Contest, Call for Submission
Anyone interested in participating in a children's writing workshop? I'll be conducting two different sessions July 12 in Berea, Kentucky, at the Festival of Learnshops. Sign up for these workshops and check out other classes at http://www.berea.com/?page_id=24. This summer from July 9-16, Berea is hosting the week-long event with a variety of classes, including writing, water color and pastel art, cornshuck art, blacksmithing, broom making and lots more. We'll have fun and learn at the same time. That's a promise. Here are the descriptions of my two sessions:
Writing for Children
Have you dreamed of writing a book for children? I will introduce you to the ins and outs of writing fiction and nonfiction children's book manuscripts. Learn solutions to plot problems, where to start the story, and how to add zing with descriptive language as I present my own books as demonstrative models. How do you polish a manuscript to a spit-shine? Revision, of course. I will help your tackle revision, one layer at a time. Join the fun and learn the know-how to develop your ideas into picture books. My latest picture book, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, was selected to represent Kentucky at the 2010 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. One book per state was chosen. Another book, On the Banks of the Amazon, won the 2005 Children's Book of the Year by the Appalachian Writers Association. I've written 20 picture books and one chapter book. More are in various stages of publication.
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Location: Broadway Center, 204 North Broadway, Berea, KY
Price: $30
Age: 15 years and up
Pathway to Publication of Children's Books
Polished writing trumps all, and that includes a bare resume. Do you have a written story or one in mind? Join me as I route you down the road to publication. I will introduce you to manuscript formats, information for cover and query letters, what to include in a synopsis, and the qualities of a good children's book. Get the lowdown on trends in today's literature for children and whether an agent is needed. You'll leave the session steps closer to publication.
Time: 2 pm-5 pm
Location: Broadway Center, 204 North Broadway, Berea, KY
Price: $30
Age: 15 years and up
Contest for Adult Writers
Cheerios is searching for the next great children's book author. It could be you! Just enter your original children's book story.
Deadline:July 15, 2011.
Details at http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest....
For Young Writers
Cobblestone, 20 Grove St., Peterbough, NH 03458. Publishes a variety of material; however, you are asked to write first and ask for guidelines and upcoming themes.
Writing for Children
Have you dreamed of writing a book for children? I will introduce you to the ins and outs of writing fiction and nonfiction children's book manuscripts. Learn solutions to plot problems, where to start the story, and how to add zing with descriptive language as I present my own books as demonstrative models. How do you polish a manuscript to a spit-shine? Revision, of course. I will help your tackle revision, one layer at a time. Join the fun and learn the know-how to develop your ideas into picture books. My latest picture book, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, was selected to represent Kentucky at the 2010 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. One book per state was chosen. Another book, On the Banks of the Amazon, won the 2005 Children's Book of the Year by the Appalachian Writers Association. I've written 20 picture books and one chapter book. More are in various stages of publication.
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Location: Broadway Center, 204 North Broadway, Berea, KY
Price: $30
Age: 15 years and up
Pathway to Publication of Children's Books
Polished writing trumps all, and that includes a bare resume. Do you have a written story or one in mind? Join me as I route you down the road to publication. I will introduce you to manuscript formats, information for cover and query letters, what to include in a synopsis, and the qualities of a good children's book. Get the lowdown on trends in today's literature for children and whether an agent is needed. You'll leave the session steps closer to publication.
Time: 2 pm-5 pm
Location: Broadway Center, 204 North Broadway, Berea, KY
Price: $30
Age: 15 years and up
Contest for Adult Writers
Cheerios is searching for the next great children's book author. It could be you! Just enter your original children's book story.
Deadline:July 15, 2011.
Details at http://www.spoonfulsofstoriescontest....
For Young Writers
Cobblestone, 20 Grove St., Peterbough, NH 03458. Publishes a variety of material; however, you are asked to write first and ask for guidelines and upcoming themes.
June 5, 2011
Tribute to Paul Brett Johnson/Contest/Call for Submissions
This blog is dedicated to a wonderful friend, children's book author, illustrator, and artist, Paul Brett Johnson. He and I are from Knott County, Kentucky. We both write children's books and know many of the same people and places, so we had a lot in common. My friend and fellow writer passed away this week due to a sudden and unexpected illness. He'll be missed.
In one of my earliest conversations with Paul Brett, he told me he had struggled for years trying to get a book contract. At the time of his struggles, he was frustrated with all the rejections, but he kept writing, illustrating, and submitting work. The work paid off as his writing improved and he learned more about the publishing process. By the time his first book, The Cow That Wouldn't Come Down, was published, he was glad his earlier versions of the story had been rejected because those less-than-polished versions would not have garnered the acclaim the book received. His point was that writers should not get in a hurry with a manuscript. Revise, revise, revise until the story is the best it can be. With a more experienced eye, he looked back at his earlier writing attempts and saw that they were lacking in some way, but after years of practice and know-how, he developed the skills to polish the manuscripts. Another lesson learned: join a critique group so you, too, can have an experienced eye review your manuscripts.
Contest for Adult Writers
SPS Studios announces Its Eighteenth Biannual Poetry Card Contest
1st prize: $300 * 2nd prize: $150 * 3rd prize: $50
In addition, the winning poems will be displayed on our website sps.com. Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better. We suggest that you write about real emotions and feelings and that you have some special person or occasion in mind as you write.
Poems are judged on the basis of originality and uniqueness. All entries must be the original creation of the submitting author.
Deadline: June 30, 2011
Details at http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html
Call for Submissions 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.
In one of my earliest conversations with Paul Brett, he told me he had struggled for years trying to get a book contract. At the time of his struggles, he was frustrated with all the rejections, but he kept writing, illustrating, and submitting work. The work paid off as his writing improved and he learned more about the publishing process. By the time his first book, The Cow That Wouldn't Come Down, was published, he was glad his earlier versions of the story had been rejected because those less-than-polished versions would not have garnered the acclaim the book received. His point was that writers should not get in a hurry with a manuscript. Revise, revise, revise until the story is the best it can be. With a more experienced eye, he looked back at his earlier writing attempts and saw that they were lacking in some way, but after years of practice and know-how, he developed the skills to polish the manuscripts. Another lesson learned: join a critique group so you, too, can have an experienced eye review your manuscripts.
Contest for Adult Writers
SPS Studios announces Its Eighteenth Biannual Poetry Card Contest
1st prize: $300 * 2nd prize: $150 * 3rd prize: $50
In addition, the winning poems will be displayed on our website sps.com. Poems can be rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better. We suggest that you write about real emotions and feelings and that you have some special person or occasion in mind as you write.
Poems are judged on the basis of originality and uniqueness. All entries must be the original creation of the submitting author.
Deadline: June 30, 2011
Details at http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html
Call for Submissions 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.
May 29, 2011
Young Adult Books/Calls for Submissions
When I decide to write a book about a particular subject, I try to determine what the interest of the audience (age group). If the book is fiction, my goal is to entertain and write in a voice the audience will appreciate and enjoy. Reading a variety of books in the genre of which I'm writing is a definite goal. Each author approaches writing a little differently so I'm always learning and improving my craft.
For young adult writers, Teens' Top Ten offers a list of "teen choice" books. Teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! If you're writing for teens, these 25 books are a good start in learning what teens like to read.
The 2011 Nominees:
· Bachorz, Pam. Drought. Egmont USA. 2011. (978606840160).
· Beam, Cris. I Am J. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2011. (9780316053617).
· Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. 2011. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316077422).
· Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2010. (9781416989530).
· Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate. Tor Books. 2011. (9780765326577).
· Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry. 2010. (9781416975861).
· Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic. 2010. (9780439023511).
· Collins, Yvonne. Love, Inc. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423131151).
· Condie, Ally. Matched. 2010. Penguin/Dutton. (9780525423645).
· Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Penguin/Philomel. 2010. (9780399254826).
· Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo. Simon & Schuster Children's. 2010. (9781416989431).
· Grant, Michael. Lies. 2010. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books. (9780061449093).
· Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423121312).
· Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall. Disney/Hyperion. 2010. (9781423121305).
· Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King. 2010. Harlequin. (9780373210084).
· Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four. HarperCollins. 2010. (9780061969553).
· Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423116653).
· Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere. 2010. Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers. (9780142417805).
· Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061726804).
· O'Neal, Ellis. The False Princess. Egmont USA. 2011. (9781606840795).
· Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel. Little, Brown & Company. 2011. (9780316036207).
· Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red. Little, Brown and Company. 2010. (9780316068680).
· Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed. Candlewick Press. 2011. (9780763643263).
· Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth. Simon Pulse. 2010. (9781416971757).
· White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061985843).
Call for submissions for adult writers:
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES . We are currently seeking experimental nonfiction for our "Pushing the Boundaries" section ("experimental," "boundaries," yes, these can be loaded terms). We want writing that blows our minds with its ingenuity, essays that not only push the boundaries of the genre, but tear down the borders. Be ambitious and send us work like we've never seen before.
As always, there's only on stipulation--the pieces must be true.
Deadline: June 13, 2011, and "Pushing the Boundaries" must be clearly marked on the envelope and cover letter.
Details at http://creativenonfiction.org/thejour...
Call for submissions for young writers:
Bitterroot Poetry Magazine . P.O. Box 489, Spring Glen, NY 12483. Publishes poetry. ubmit up to 4 poems at a time.
For young adult writers, Teens' Top Ten offers a list of "teen choice" books. Teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! If you're writing for teens, these 25 books are a good start in learning what teens like to read.
The 2011 Nominees:
· Bachorz, Pam. Drought. Egmont USA. 2011. (978606840160).
· Beam, Cris. I Am J. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2011. (9780316053617).
· Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. 2011. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316077422).
· Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2010. (9781416989530).
· Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate. Tor Books. 2011. (9780765326577).
· Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry. 2010. (9781416975861).
· Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic. 2010. (9780439023511).
· Collins, Yvonne. Love, Inc. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423131151).
· Condie, Ally. Matched. 2010. Penguin/Dutton. (9780525423645).
· Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Penguin/Philomel. 2010. (9780399254826).
· Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo. Simon & Schuster Children's. 2010. (9781416989431).
· Grant, Michael. Lies. 2010. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books. (9780061449093).
· Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423121312).
· Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall. Disney/Hyperion. 2010. (9781423121305).
· Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King. 2010. Harlequin. (9780373210084).
· Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four. HarperCollins. 2010. (9780061969553).
· Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423116653).
· Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere. 2010. Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers. (9780142417805).
· Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061726804).
· O'Neal, Ellis. The False Princess. Egmont USA. 2011. (9781606840795).
· Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel. Little, Brown & Company. 2011. (9780316036207).
· Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red. Little, Brown and Company. 2010. (9780316068680).
· Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed. Candlewick Press. 2011. (9780763643263).
· Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth. Simon Pulse. 2010. (9781416971757).
· White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061985843).
Call for submissions for adult writers:
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES . We are currently seeking experimental nonfiction for our "Pushing the Boundaries" section ("experimental," "boundaries," yes, these can be loaded terms). We want writing that blows our minds with its ingenuity, essays that not only push the boundaries of the genre, but tear down the borders. Be ambitious and send us work like we've never seen before.
As always, there's only on stipulation--the pieces must be true.
Deadline: June 13, 2011, and "Pushing the Boundaries" must be clearly marked on the envelope and cover letter.
Details at http://creativenonfiction.org/thejour...
Call for submissions for young writers:
Bitterroot Poetry Magazine . P.O. Box 489, Spring Glen, NY 12483. Publishes poetry. ubmit up to 4 poems at a time.
