Great Post on How To Approach Writing Contests & Calls for Submissions

There's a great post from the editor over at the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market blog. It's about what to consider before submitting your squirming wet bundle of writing joy in a contest or call for submissions. What does it take to win?

How do I submit thee? Let me count the ways.

A Little Reinterpretation of the Classics - Meg Cabot and Little Women

Snort. If you're a writer, you must watch this video by young adult author Meg Cabot. I found it through agent Jenny Rappaport's blog over at Lit Soup.

New Magazine Launch: Whole Foods Market Magazine

According to CNNMoney, Whole Foods, the organic/natural food store, will have a new magazine with recipes, health info, a wine column, beauty tips, and environmental news.

Issues premier in the midwest stores this January. They will go on to appear in the Rocky Mountain Region in March. Active Interest Media is producing the mag. The magazine will be customized according the area it's being sold in to appeal to regional interests.

I Humbly Beg Help of Thee - Need Parenting Quotes

Hello blog readers. I'm working on an article about how parents are starting to think they don't have to be parent martyrs - essentially they can have kids and still have a life. I'm looking for quotes to support this from parents of young children (4 and under).

Dad perspectives would be great. I could use more mom's too.

The Questions
So can you be a parent and still preserve your individual identity and pursuits? What specific things do you do that preserve your identity?

If you leave a comment (I shall kiss your toes in a totally virtual way) please include your state, ages of children, and email me at zeldadg@msn.com with contact info so I can prove to my editor you aren't a 80 year old guy yanking my chain. Can't guarantee I'll use your info, but sure would appreciate the help. I need all responses by Thursday. You can comment or just email me.

Bless you.

Second Annual Warren Adler Short Story Contest - New York Fiction

This announcement from Beneath the Cover - The Second Annual Warren Adler Short Story Contest wants fiction that captures what New York is all about. Any story about New York - even if you've never been there. Hey, use your imagination. Are you a writer or what?

• Deadline: January 15, 2008
• Entry fee: $15
• Word Count: 2,500

Winner take all :$1,000 plus publication on Amazon shorts
Five Finalists: Autographed first editions of Adler's books (The War of the Roses, Random Hearts. . . ) A People's Choice winner will also be available for sale through Amazon shorts.

Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Writers

Everyone is asking me what I want for Christmas, so I thought I 'd share some items the writer on your list might like. Forgive me if I'm a cliche, but it's fun to dream. If I won the lottery. . . Christina Katz also has a great list at her site.

1. Sony ebook reader ($250 -300) or Amazon's Kindle ($400.00)

2. Gift basket: paper (minimum 20lbs quality), gift card to an office supply store, pens, small notebooks to carry around and jot ideas, $5.00 gift card to Bread Co/coffee shop with wifi, bookstore gift card, #10 envelopes, 9x12 envelopes, stamps - any combo ($30-?)

3. Subscription to mediabistro.com: They have how to pitch articles with the inside scoop on magazines and a great freelance job board. ($49.00)

4. Subscription to writersmarket.com: Lists writing markets and contact info on countless magazines and book publishers (One year is $29.00, two years is 44.99. Or pay by the month at $3.99 so they can see if they like it.

5. Christina Katz book Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids - an outstanding book for beginning writers plus great tips for those already published. She also has a great list of other writing books on her website. (10.19 plus shipping)

6. Writer's Digest ($19.96) or Poets and Writers Magazine ($14.97)

7. Laptop, if you have the funds for such things (they have some great sales at Dell right now)

8. Glimmer Train subscription - great short story writing to inspire the writer within

9. If your writer is aspiring to magazines, an online course at The Renegade Writer would be a great start for the new year (around $120 for a basic course).

10. My manservant, Manolo

Link to Amazon's ereader Kindle

Looks like they finally have the info up for the new Amazone ereader, Kindle. And . . . they are sold out. Not amused. They say get your name on the list now if you want one any time soon.

They even have a video demonstration on how to use the wireless feature to download books. Pretty cool.