Saturday, November 29, 2008

Writer's Market 2009 50% Off


You can get the new Writer's Market 2009 for half off until November 30, 2008. Use coupon code WDTHANKS on your order.

That makes it $15 plus tax and shipping. I prefer the online version 'cause it gets updated thoroughout the year and has a place where I can keep track of query letters and such, but I know some of my peeps like those things called.... what are they? Oh yeah, books.

Plus the subscription ($29.99) is not on sale, so if you're economizing you might want to go for the print version by tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Fictional Characters Are Imaginary Friends

NPR.org has a thought provoking audio clip from Pulitzer prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri on how fictional characters are like imaginary friends for writers. Her new book is Unaccustomed Earth

It does make us writers sound a wee bit dysfunctional.

Made any good friends lately? :)

Monday, November 24, 2008

Blue Mountain Seeking Book Submissions for New Publishing Line

Blue Rich Mountain by Kecko Creative Commons

Blue Mountain Arts has a new book division that is seeking submissions for gift books, teens and tween books, inspirational, motivational and so on.

Check out the post on Freelance Writing Jobs.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Free Christmas Gifts for Writers

Golden Christmas by krisdekurtis Creative Commons
Feeling a little destitue as a struggling writer? Collect these freebies and you'll be feeling richer in no time.

1. A pen for those random bursts of genius.

2. Free Entry in Hallmark's "Your Parenthood Contest." Deadline December 7, 2008.

3. Free ebooks. To go with the ereader you're hoping to get for Christmas.

4. Free postage and digital scale at the post office for sending out all those query letters.

5. Free coffee for when you need something to throw at the wall.

6. Free tea for the calmer, more benevelant essays.

7. Free snack for the munchies.

Some annoying surveys may apply. Don't sign up if you don't want junk mail. I, however, have recently begun collecting all the coupons on planet earth, so it's all good for me.

Or if you're looking for stuff to actually buy, check out my Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Writers list from last year.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Woohoo for Pat Wahler and Her New Blog Critter Alley

Congrats to Coffee and Critiquer Pat Wahler whose six word memoir on Love and Heartbreak will be in the book of the same name in Feb 09. She found the submission info about Smith Magazine's fun six word tomes on this blog and was kind enough to tell me so.

She's also taken the brave foray into blogging, so go check out her blog Critter Alley where she blogs about cute critters (do not confuse these with critique group members, although we can be as fluffy as woodland creatures at times). And don't forget to congratulate her.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Essay Market: Skirt Magazine Themes for 2009

Vintage Skirt by tajai Creative Commons

Have a personal essay burning a hole in your pocket? Check out Skirt Magazines 2009 themes to see if it fits one.

Be sure to read their contributor's guidelines. The submission deadlines are the first of the month for the following month's issue. So submit by December 1st if you want in the January issue.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Amazon and Penguin Group: Second Annual Breakthrough Novel Competition

Pencils by The Trial Creative Commons
Amazon.com and the Penguin Group have announced their second annual Breakthrough Novel Competition searching for new voices in fiction. Polish your manuscript for the February 2, 2009 start date.

From the article:
"Between Feb. 2 and Feb. 8, 2009, writers with an unpublished English-language novel manuscript can submit their work at www.amazon.com/abna. Up to 10,000 initial entries will be accepted, from which Amazon editors will select 2,000 to advance to the next round. Expert reviewers from Amazon will then review excerpts of these 2,000 entries and narrow the pool to 500 quarter-finalists. Reviewers from Publishers Weekly will then read, rate and review the full manuscripts, and 100 semi-finalists will be selected. Penguin editors will evaluate the manuscripts from this group of 100 and choose three finalists. A panel of esteemed publishing professionals -- including mega-bestselling authors Sue Grafton and Sue Monk Kidd, literary agent Barney Karpfinger and Penguin Press Editor-in-Chief Eamon Dolan -- will read and post their critiques of the top three manuscripts on www.amazon.com. Amazon customers will then have seven days to vote for the Grand Prize Winner.The winner will be announced on May 22, 2009, and will receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $25,000 advance."

Many of the Top Ten Finalists also received writing contracts, so it's worth checking out.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Kudos to Donna on publication of her story in A Cup of Comfort for Military Families. I meant to post this yesterday, but I was swamped. Donna is having a contest and giving away a free copy of the book.

From her website: "To enter, send an e-mail by Thursday, Nov 13 [by midnight central time], to dvolkenannt@charter.net with Welcome Home in the subject line. Include your name, e-mail and mailing address. I will announce the name of the winner on Friday, Nov 14."

She also has a great post today on critique groups that mentions yours truly. Thanks and congrats, Donna.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Chicken Soup New Call for Stories 2009

Wiltshire Chicken by Protohire Creative Commons

Chicken Soup is asking for submissions for new book topics including:

"...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.

A Book of Miracles
Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Perhaps the only explanation is divine intervention. The true stories in this multi-faith book will awe you with examples of amazing coincidences and prove to you that miracles do happen every day. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

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.

College Campus Chronicles
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

Dysfunctional Families
These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Endurance Sports (run,cycle,swim)
Whether you are a triathlete, a duathlete, or you just love to swim, run, or cycle, we want to hear about your sports, your races, and how endurance sports fit into your life, whether you are an amateur, a student athlete, or a pro. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

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.

Not Really Retired
This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your new careers, your volunteer work, your sports, your travels, and those things you always wanted to do that you are finally doing. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Our Best and Brightest (soldiers and veterans)
An amazing collection of stories from soldiers who defend and protect our country – both active and retired – and from their families who make sacrifices when their loved ones are far away. You will be overcome with emotion as you read these stories that will acknowledge, entertain and inspire you and will leave you with admiration and gratitude for our nation’s best and brightest. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2009.

Teachers
We have all had that one teacher who has made a difference in our lives. And teachers, remember that one student who made you know why you decided to be a teacher and who you will never forget? We are looking for stories from both teachers and students that will tell that unforgettable story. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Dad
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Mom
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

The Golf Book
Chicken Soup for the Soul and Golf Digest are excited to announce a new book for golfers, edited by Max Adler of Golf Digest. Golf is a sport of passion and obsession like none other. We are looking for true personal stories that reflect what the game means to you. Think of the best stories you’ve told at the 19th hole and share them with us. The deadline for story submissions is December 1, 2008.

Tough Economic Times
We are all going through difficult times right now, some with more dire consequences than others. We would like to know what changes you are making in your lives that reflect the times. Are you downsizing, making do with less, discovering new joy in a simpler life? These stories will give you, our readers, inspiration and insight into how others are coping. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2009.

What I Learned From The Cat
Another wonderful collection of heartwarming and humorous stories about what we learned from our feline family members. The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2009.

What I Learned From The Dog
Another wonderful collection of heartwarming and humorous stories about what we learned from our companions and best friends. The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2009."

Friday, November 7, 2008

Salon & Friends Poetry Night and "Are We Feeling Better Yet" Anthology Event

Fountain Pen and Glasses by Bright Meadow Creative Commons
Congrats to one of my favorite bloggers, Catherine Rankovic, who has two big author events coming up.

Salon & Friends Poetry
Fri. Nov. 14
Regional Arts Commission

Salon Poets: Amy Debrecht, Robert Lowes, Nancy Powers, and Eric Schramm and Their Friends: Eamonn Wall and Catherine Rankovic
"Come and be blown away as we read our new poems, and be there to network with everyone! Friday, Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Ave (across from the Pageant Theater). Light refreshments. Free and open to the public."

Are We Feeling Better Yet?

"Why, yes! The timely new anthology edited byColleen McKee and Amanda Crowell Steibel, Are We Feeling Better Yet: Women Speak Out about Health Care in America will be launched Wednesday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the University of Missouri St. Louis/Institute for Women and Gender Studies, with readings (and autographs) by St. Louis contributors Denise Bogard, Cathy Luh, Catherine Rankovic, and Corrine McAfee.The publisher is the award-winning Penultimate Press of St. Louis."

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Poetry in Motion Contest From Metro Arts in Transit

Photo by lordsutch Creative Commons
I've already been to vote, and I didn't have to wait in line.

Hey locals, here's your chance to have your poetry motoring around the city of St. Louis.

Plus check out this ultra cool sidewalk poetry project going on in St. Paul, Minnesota. Wish we would do it in Missouri. Think about it. You're walking through a mundane day, living your life of quiet desperation and you find passionate words at your feet. Who couldn't use some these days?

From Metro Arts in Transit:

"Metro Arts in Transit and the Poetry Society of America are sponsoring a regional Poetry in Motion® contest open to all residents living within a 50-mile radius of the city of St. Louis. Metro Arts in Transit has sponsored various poetry and literary contests for the past decade. Starting with MetroLines, Arts in Transit's programming evolved into Literary St. Louis, and now Poetry in Motion®.

For 2009, fifteen (15) poems will be selected for publication and will be reproduced on posters that will include visual imagery that relates to the subject of the poem. The visual design will be created by Metro Arts in Transit at its discretion and will be displayed on MetroLink trains and Metro buses for up to one year. The winners will receive a $50 award and will be invited to read their poem at the Reading Ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Regional Arts Commission.

The contest is open to both published and unpublished work by poets of all ages. Previously published work must be provided with permission to reproduce.

Submittals will be judged by Jeanne Allison, Certificate in Writing Program Coordinator, UMSL; Edward Boccia, Professor Emeritus, School of Fine Arts, Washington University in St. Louis; Kris Kleindienst, co-owner, Left Bank Books, journalist with Vital Voice, News-Telegraph, and Gay News-Telegraph; Deanna D. Neely, teacher, Saint Louis City Public Schools; Howard Ramsby, teacher, English Language and Literature, Southern Illinois University.

The contest is open to all children and adults.

Please visit our website at www.artsintransit.org for contest rules, details, and to download your ENTRY FORM!

Sponsored by Metro Arts in Transit and the Poetry Society of America with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council."

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on February 2, 2009 (postmark does not count)
Length: Up to 3 poems with a maximum of 15 lines per poem
No Entry Fee
An entry form must accompany your submission.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Donna's New Blog & November 2008 Coffee and Critique Schedule

Be sure to check out Donna Volkenannt's new blog, Donna' Book Pub, especially her two entries about the Saturday Writers' Fall Workshop. Do's and Don'ts from Editor's Panel and Editor-Agent Submissions have excellent summaries of the editors' advice and submission information from the workshop.

She also emailed the November Coffee and Critique Schedule. It starts with tomorrow's meeting:
Nov 4 & 18 - Daytime 10:00 a.m. to noon
Nov 11 & 25 - Evening 6:30-8:30

Query on.