Literary Cottage Looking for Dog and Woodstock Stories for Anthologies

Dog Dreams by bobmarely753

Thanks to Margo for this info. They really need Woodstock stories, so if you were there, it might be a great opportunity to get published.



Dear Writers,



Literary Cottage is currently seeking entries for two, exciting new anthologies to be published by Adams Media: Woodstock Revisited and My Dog Is My Hero. Please click on our website http://www.literarycottage.com/ for full details.



For Woodstock Revisited, we are seeking fifty true stories written by people who attended the 1969 Woodstock Festival. This anthology will document the event itself, but will also provide a portrait of America as that tumultuous decade came to a close. Stories should be historical within the context of 1969, and yet unique to your experience. Stories must be TRUE, 850-1100 words, vivid, and substantive. Adams Media pays $100 and one copy of the book. Literary Cottage offers prizes of $100, $75, and $50 to top three stories respectively.



Please carefully review the guidelines and sample story provided on the "Woodstock '69 Guidelines" page available on www.literarycottage.com. HURRY - DEADLINE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008





For My Dog Is My Hero, the fourth book in Adams Media's Hero Series, we are seeking fifty 850-1100-word stories featuring a remarkable dog in your life. Yes, about dogs and only dogs, not cats, or other pets. Adams Media pays $100 per story (one per volume), plus a copy of the book, and Literary Cottage will also award three prizes $100, $75, and $50 for the top three stories respectively. Please review the spelled out guidelines and sample stories on the "Hero Series Guidelines" page available on www.literarycottage.com. DEADLINE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008.



Please, please pass on the word to any and all writers, friends, neighbors, bosses, etc., etc., etc., particularly regarding Woodstock Revisited, as we need fifty solid stories from people who attended the festival in 1969 an, due to the tight deadline, need to reach the largest audience possible in a short amount of time. You can write an "as told to" story if you have friends or family who attended.THANKS!



Susan



P.S. My Teacher Is My Hero has been selling quite well, hence the approval for the new volume. My Mom Is My Hero has been proofed and all the "final" finalists have been notified. My Dad Is My Hero is still being reviewed by Adams. When they give me the word, I'll let the finalists know their status, i.e., if they are "final finalists." Both of those books will be distributed next spring in time for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Thank you for your patience and for helping the Hero Series get off the ground. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

Poets and Writers' Anthologies Seeking Submissions July/August 2008

Poets and Writers magazine has a list of anthologies currently seeking submissions. Just remember to check out any publication before you submit. They should pay you, not the other way around.

And remember this great advice on submitting to anthologies.

How to Get A City To Promote Your Book - The Lace Reader

Talk about marketing. For all you self-published people who feel like second class citizens, check out Brunonia Barry's self-publishing story. HarperCollins picked bought her popular book, The Lace Reader, in a cool 2 million dollar deal. The new edition debuts today.



Her story is set is Salem, MA and when she suggested a promotion partnership with the city, they wisely jumped on it. There's now a tour map of Salem based on locations used in the book and restaurants are thinking up Lace Reader themed dishes to market to new tourists brought in by the story.



 The novel's premise uses an old piece of lace to read fortunes much in the same way people use tarot cards or crystal balls. And fortune tellers are now starting to use lace to read people because of the story.



So where to your characters live?

Even if you can't get the whole town promoting your book, is there a business you have contacts with that might join forces for some cross promotion? A restaurant that might create a sandwich named after your main character? Would it be too crass to feature their establishment in your next book? In these days where the author is responsible for much of the promo, is this kind of product placement too much?



Methinks it looks like smart marketing.

Cup of Comfort Seeking Dad Stories and Real Simple Wants Life Lessons

Write by The Trial Creative Commons

The Clermont Christian Writers Group says Cup of Comfort is looking for stories that honor fathers.



They also have a post on an essay contest from Real Simple Magazine asking for 1,500 word essays on life lessons.

August Coffee and Critique Schedule

From Donna V.:



Hi Everyone,





Just a reminder there will be no scheduled C&C meeting tomorrow because it's the 5th Tuesday of the month. Can you believe July is almost over?



Our schedule for August will be:



Aug 5 &19 - 10 a.m. to noon (day meeting)

Aug 12 & 26 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. (evening meeting)



All critiques are at B&N in St. Peters.



If you have any questions, e-mail me at dvolkenannt@charter.net or Lou at louturn@aol.com



Hope to see you soon, and happy writing!



Thanks,



Donna

Book Promo Snark

Happy Friday, all.

Here's a great little mockumentary about authors and book promotion by Dennis Cass and an interview Bella Stander did with the author about his super successful video.

Mighty River Short Story Contest and Wilde Hearne Flash Fiction Contest

Bike Against Mississippi River Sunrise by Adam Chamness Creative Commons

Southeast Missouri State's Literary Magazine Big Muddy is seeking stories for it's Mighty River Short Story Contest and the Wilde Hearne Flash Fiction Contest.

For the Mighty River Contest:

"We're searching for the best short story relating in some way to the Mississippi River, the River Valley, or a sister River: its landscape, people, culture, history, current events, or future."



Length: Maximum of 30 double-spaced pages

Entry fee: $15 (includes the copy of Big Muddy with the winning entry in it)

Prize: $500

Deadline: September 1, 2008



Mail Submissions to:

MRSS Contest

Southeast Missouri State University Press

MS 2650, One University Plaza

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701





For the Wilde Hearne Flash Fiction Contest:

"We're searching for the best short-short story of any theme."



Length: 500 words, maximum

Entry fee: $15 (includes the copy of Big Muddy with the winning entry in it)

Prize: $200

Deadline: September 1, 2008



Mail Submissions to:

Wilda Hearne Flash Fiction Contest

Southeast Missouri State University Press

MS 2650, One University Plaza

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Tor's Free Books Soon Going Bye Bye Plus Jason Pinter's The Mark

Donato Giancola’s cover detail for City by Clifford D. Simak

Thanks to my friend Michael over at Classics and Cheese, I know that a selection of Tor's books and wallpapers are available free for a limited time only (until Sunday, July 27th) for download.

Plus Jason Pinter is offering free access to browse a complete copy of his mystery, The Mark, on his website, through August 5, 2008.



It's summer time, and the book getting is easy.

Contests for Ben Franklin Fans and Travel Writers

Ben Franklin by Mike Parker Creative Commons

C. Hope Clark has deets on a writing contest based on Ben Franklin's pearls of wisdom and how they affect the world today. The 2008 theme is ethical journalism.



There are two categories - young writers (under 25) and the rest of us. Ironically it's hosted by the Brits. Hey, let the weak dollar make a double-the-prize winner out of you. The younguns get 500 pounds (where the heck is that pound symbol on the keyboard, anyway?) and the old pros get 1000 pounds. No entry fee. Deadline is September 30, 2008.

And the LAWritersgroup has a post about a travel writing contest seeking entries about little-known travel destinations. Again, no entry fee I can see. Deadline is October 31, 2008.

Sex and Shoes Anthology Seeking Submissions

High Heeled Shoes by Porcelaingirl Creative Commons

                                         Lit Agent Lori Perkins is looking for submissions for a Sex and Shoes Anthology. Stories should be between 1000 - 5000 words and emailed to lperkinsagency@yahoo.com.  May the Manolo Blahniks be with you. Always.



Oh and I forgot, there was an interesting discussion over at Smart Bitches, among other places, about a controversial picture of pink shoes. A sailors's wife wore them to welcome her husband home when she greeted his ship. Apparently many people equated these shoes with unquestionable sexual innuendo. Ah, the power of four inch heels.

My Two Giggles for The Week: Act II of Dr. Horrible and Snarking Romance Covers

Dr. Horrible Act II. First ten seconds. ROF. LOL. Caution - it helps to watch Act I to see why the first few seconds of Act II is are just...priceless.

Smart Bitches is doing what they do so well - cover snarking. Cost of smart bitches website 0 dollars. Sara's comment on the third book cover. Priceless.

Romance Author Patricia Rice to Speak at Saturday Writers

From the Saturday Writers website:

On July 26 PATRICIA RICE will host the workshop, "Writing Realistic Fiction." Be sure to bring a pen and paper for this hands-on workshop.

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA PATRICIA RICE is one of romance's hottest authors.

MYSTIC RIDER, her forty-fifth book and the second in her Mystic Isle trilogy is a July 2008 release about an ancient island invisible to anyone except the mysteriously gifted people who live there.

Patricia Rice's emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and the Bookrak Bestselling Paperback award. Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky, a past resident of North Carolina, she currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, and now does accounting only for herself. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Authors Guild, and Novelists, Inc., as well as numerous professional accounting organizations and local charities. Here’s her website http://www.patriciarice.com/

St. Louis Wash. U Creative Writing Class

Missouri Writers' Guild Conference by Tricia Grissom



Want to get serious about your writing? See this class announcement from Cathering Rankovic. (All bolding is mine).



INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING – University College at Washington University in St. LouisU11 EComp 225 Fall 2008 Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.



Instructor: Catherine Rankovic, M.A., M.F.A. Phone: W (314) 935-4807; H (636) 587-2257 E-mail: clrankov@wustl.edu



This course introduces and explores three types of creative writing -- poetry, short fiction and the writing of personal essays -- through studies and writings in each genre. Each genre is given equal time and weight. This course is for people who want to try out creative writing in general, or creative genres they've never written in before. You do not need experience in creative writing or a degree in literature. But competence in writing plain English, and an above-average desire to do so, are expected.



You will need time during the week to do the homework assignments. Consider whether you can give your writing class four to six outside-of-class hours per week, because the one thing every writer quickly learns is that writing takes time. Otherwise we begin study of the language's artistic possibilities -- "creative writing" -- from square one.



Our work consists of: -Some self-exploration. (Who are you, and what might you write about?)-Readings in literature and in handbook-type material.-Discussion and evaluation of readings.-Acquiring the vocabulary, habits and techniques common to creative writers.-Writing exercises, in class and as homework.-Reading and evaluating your own and others' work.-Revising and polishing your writing.-Developing a writer's approach to reading and writing.-Possible visits by and talks with guest writers.



This is an introductory course, so we will not be delving into highly specialized writing fields such as horror fiction, performance art, songwriting or screenwriting. This course focuses on producing literature for a general reading audience -- and this experience will help you no matter what kind of writing you wish ultimately to do. 15 weeks, beginning August 28, 2008. Tuition: $1,485; Over age 60: $742.50



To register: to go http://ucollege.wustl.edu, click on Courses and Registration button; course is titled EComp 225 (U11-225), Introduction to Creative Writing.Email the instructor with any questions at clrankov@wustl.edu

Margo Dill on Getting a Book Published

Margo Dill, former Missouri Writers Guild president, children's book author, and freelance writer is guest blogging again today at Scribe's Tribe.

Today Margo describes her journey in getting her middle-grade novel, Finding My Place, published by White Mane Publishing in 2009. It's definitely not an overnight process, and Margo gives a realistic view of the time it takes to get a book to press. But she did it!

So don't give up. Query on.

Guide to Literary Agents Blog on Non-Fiction Agents and Memoirs

Check out the Diana Finch Literary Agency profiled on the Guide to Literary Agents Blog. It also has a great post on four things you should do when writing your memoir.

I'm really liking the Guide to Literary Agents Blog. They have an Agent Advice series that Q&A's agents on the publishing industry.

My Grandma should have written a memoir. This  is her as a Harvey Girl, peeking over the woman third from left.

The Evil Dr. Horrible Has Overcome His Technical Difficulties

Despite a website crash, Dr. Horrible will prevail. Most of the technical difficulties seems to be resolved if you're trying to view it in the U.S. If you're out of the country, I don't know. If you miss this installment you can download it on iTunes. There is a link at the bottom of this article.

Don't miss Nathan Fillion with his hair blowing in the wind (roflol) as Dr. Horrible makes his debut in Act I.

Chicken Soup Wants College Stories, Resolutions Stories, and Extraordinary Teen Stories

Wiltshire Chicken by Protohiro Creative Commons

Chicken Soup for the Soul is seeking stories in the following categories: (quoted from their website)



...Results Stories...



Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.



Cancer Stories



We are collecting stories of support and discovery from people diagnosed with cancer and their families and support networks. The book will cover everything from the diagnosis, to planning the treatment, to living through the treatment, to coming out the other side. Stories from patients, medical professionals, family members, and friends are welcome. The deadline date for story submissions is September 1, 2008.



Stories about Cats



Another wonderful collection of stories about cats. No deadline date has been established



Stories about Christmas and holidays



We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting stories for our next holiday book. There is no deadline date for story submissions.



Stories About College



We are looking for true stories and poems about your experiences in college, whether you are in college now, or a recent graduate. Stories about everything from leaving home, to classes, to roommates, to personal growth, to funny moments, to travel abroad...anything you have done in college that you would like to share with other college students. The deadline for story submissions is December 31, 2008



Stories about dogs



Another wonderful collection of stories about dogs. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.



Stories about endurance sports



The stories in this book will be about running, cycling, swimming and all endurance sports. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.



Stories about Extraordinary Teens



Teenagers can do the most amazing and positive things. They can overcome obstacles and make wonderful contributions to the world. Do you know a teenager who has made a difference? We are looking for stories about these terrific teens. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2008.



Stories about resolutions



We all do it!! We make those New Year's resolutions each year and we try so hard to keep them. How did yours work out? We would love to hear from you about the resolutions you made, those that worked and those that didn't. What did you learn? The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2008.



Stories about seniors and retirement



This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" No deadline date for story submissions has been established.

Margo Dill Guest Blogging on How to Make Money as a Freelancer

Margo Dill, former Missouri Writers Guild president, children's book author, and freelance writer is guest blogging today at Scribe's Tribe.

Her blog article has great tips on where to find steady paying work as a freelancer, including links to some great resources. She's telling you how to live the dream people. Check it out.

If you leave a comment, you're entered to win a free ten-page critique from Margo, so be sure to add to the conversation with your tips about how to make money as a freelancer.

MMMMMM Marketing

Yes! M&Ms found a way to personalize the candy with logos and pictures. They've got all the sport team logos too.

Great promo opportunity. Can you squeeze your book cover on one of these? Looks like. Bookmarks are fine and dandy, but everyone likes candy. Tell me I did not just rhyme there. I'm going with it.



Only don't expect them to tap dance for you. Read this last sound bite from Entertainment Weekly and you'll understand. Happy Friday.

Titles Agents Are Looking For and Personalized Rejection Letters

Two agents at the L. Perkins Agency have posted wish lists of submission titles they'd like to see come across their desks. So if you have a book that matches or you like one of the ideas, you have the inside track.



Jenny is also offering personalized query rejection letters for a limited time. If you submit your project between now and July 23rd, you'll get a personalized letter explaining why you were rejected if they decide not to request a partial.



No one likes rejection, but it could offer some great insights into refining your project. But don't be a goober and email them nasty things if you don't like their comments. Dignity people.



Jenny Rappaport:

• A mainstream YA novel about a teenage girl living as an illegal immigrant in the United States.


• A non-Western society steampunk fantasy. Where are all the African steampunk books?


• A *good* YA science fiction novel that doesn't involve spaceships, portals, telepathic powers, or aliens.


• A novel about a Japanese woman working as a hostess; I want it dirty and power-intrigue filled.


• A British historical romance that doesn't involve a member of the nobility. Think Jane Austen gentry with sex.


• A contemporary romance with ice skating in it; either a male or female figure skater; I'm good with both.


• A novel about how one woman's obsession with the Food Network saves her life.


• An urban fantasy with an atypical male protagonist--no vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, or faeries allowed.


• A kick-ass AI based science fiction novel. Not just fancy robots with human-like characteristics; give me true AI and its ramifications.

Lori Perkins:

• AN OFFICER AND A LADY Turn the old Richard Gere classic on its head. Make her the officer and him the factory worker and still make it work.


• I want a chick lit stripper novel, damn it! I get so many stripper stories by men, or heart-wrenching stripper memoirs, but what I really want is Bridget Jones as a stripper. (By the way, there's a short story anthology I'm working on, so any stripper short stories and/or strippers who write fiction, please contact me).


• SEX AND SHOES I don't know what the story is about, but I would definitely pick up this book based on the title alone.


• A TALE OF TWO PRINCESSES I recently went to a lesbian wedding and they both wore wedding dresses. My best friend is getting married for the second time in her mid-50's and I have been hunting down the ultimate wedding dress. This made me think about how much fun it would be to be two women buying and undressing each other in these elaborate clothes.

Query on.

Must. Have. This. Shirt. and Interview with Harry Dresden

So I'm a primo nerd. Sue me. I totally love Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books and his detective hero Harry Dresden was just interviewed by the demon Jezebel on Cat and Muse. And one of the interviewers was wearing this t-shirt. I must have it. Read the books.

7th Annual Saturday Writers' Short Story Contest 2008

It's time for Saturday Writers Annual Writers' Short Story Contest

Submission Guidelines:

DEADLINE: Postmarked by September 15, 2008



ENTRY FEE: $5 per entry, maximum of three entries. Submissions without entry fee or inadequate fee will be discarded or returned to contestant if SASE is provided.



PRIZES: 1st Place $100

2nd Place $50

3rd Place $25

4th Place – 10th certificates



RULES:

Open subject, open genre. (No pornography or gore.)



Unpublished at time of submission, original work of contestant.



Standard manuscript form: 8 1/2 x 11 paper, typed and double-spaced, pages numbered and title of entry on every page, 12 point Times New Roman.



No more than 2,008 words, excluding title.



Two copies of each entry, paper clips only—no staples.



Cover sheet for each story, with contestant’s name, address, phone number, email (if you have one), and title of entry. (Name may only appear on cover sheet, not manuscript.)



Postmarked no later than September 15, 2008. DO NOT SEND BY CERTIFIED MAIL!



Mail flat, not folded, with sufficient postage to:



Saturday Writers 2008 Short Story Contest

c/o Tricia Sanders

90 Westwood Trails

Foristell, MO 63348

Checks payable to: Saturday Writers.



Top ten winners may be given the opportunity to have a story included (one-time rights) in Saturday Writers’ literary anthology, published the following year.



Contest is open to everyone, both members of Saturday Writers and non-members. For a list of winners, check our website: www.saturdaywriters.org after October 31, 2008.



Decision of the judges is final. Not responsible for lost or misdirected entries. Winners will be announced in the Saturday Writers newsletter. Manuscripts will not be returned.

Looking for an MFA in Creative Writing

Spalding University’s four-semester, brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing combines superb instruction with unparalleled flexibility. At the beginning of each semester, students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency (in Louisville or abroad), after which they return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchange of 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester. Study fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, screenwriting, or playwriting. Request brochure FA35 by email:Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, by phone: (800) 896-8941, ext 2423, or see our website:Spaulding University,

Soft, What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks, he said: Dialogue Tags

People Talking By David Locke Creative Commons

Rules for dialogue writing abound. Here's one agent's advice on using dialogue tags besides "said" and "asked," and for some examples of dialogue, check out the Eavesdropping Blogger.

Book Publicity and Happy 4th

Nathan Bransford is soliciting book publicity ideas over on this blog. I like the one about creating a soundtrack and music videos for the novel about a rockstar.

Happy 4th to everyone. I'm taking a three day weekend for the blog. Don't blow your hand off.

Joss Whedon Runs Amuck and Falling in Lurve With Your Publisher

Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

Amuck, amuck, amuck. Sorry. Just like that word.

Apparently Joss and some of his friends had some time on their hands on during the writers' strike and decided to entertain themselves and "stick it to the man" by proving they can circumvent the writer slave trade.

And all of us get to benefit. As an eternal Buffy, Angel, and Serenity fan, I share the news.

Thanks to Arthur A. Levine editor Cheryl Klein for the heads up on her blog. She's another Missouri girl and Harry Potter fan, so how could I not love her? Plus I heard her give a great talk at the Missouri Writers' Guild Conference a couple years ago about how finding a publisher is a lot like falling in lurve.

Watch this trailer for Joss's upcoming internet miniseries and stay tuned for this supervillian musical on the following dates:

Act One: Tuesday, July 15th

Act Two: Thursday, July 17th

Act Three: Saturday, July 19th

You can only view all acts until midnight on July 20th. After that you pays.

Call for Stories About SAHMs and WAHMs

Chicken Rice Noodle Soup Creative Commons


According to Literary Mama, Chicken Soup is looking for stories from stay-at-home moms and work-at-home moms. The deadline is September 1, 2008.

This isn't limited to women. Guys can submit essays about their wives and your entries will stand out and have a better chance of acceptance. And remember this advice on submitting to anthologies.