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W R I T I N G W O R L D
A World of Writing Information - For Writers Around the World
http://www.writing-world.com
Issue 5:07 15,400 subscribers March 31, 2005
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SPECIAL NOTICE: Please DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail; any messages
sent to the listbox address are deleted. See the bottom of this
newsletter for information on how to subscribe, unsubscribe, or
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CONTENTS
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From the Editor's Desk
News from the World of Writing
FEATURE: Writer's Block: Is It All in Your Head?
by Leslie What
The Write Sites -- Online Resources for Writers
WRITING DESK: How do authors start writing a novel?
by Moira Allen
WRITER TO WRITER: Online writing workshops
by Peggy Tibbetts
WHAT'S NEW at Writing World
MARKET ROUNDUP/Writing Contests
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
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Better Late Than Never...
-------------------------
Yesterday was one of those days... I call it a "Red Queen" day,
the kind where you seem to be running as fast as you can yet
stay in the same place. I'm not quite sure where the day went,
but by 8:30 in the evening, I realized that the newsletter just
was NOT going to go out until Friday.
And so, for obvious reasons, I'll keep the editorial blather to
a minimum this time! I'll simply leave you with the following
announcement:
SPRING CLASSES ARE NOW UP ON WRITING-WORLD.COM!
This spring, we're offering five courses, all "back by popular
demand." These are:
Breaking into the Magazine and Periodical Market,
by Moira Allen
Introduction to Speculative Fiction, by Bruce Boston
Writing and Selling Erotic Fiction, by Catherine Lundoff
Writing and Selling Mystery Short Stories, by John Floyd
Writing and Selling Personal Essays, by Isabel Viana
These classes all begin on May 2.
In addition, we're promoting two courses that formerly were
hosted by Writing-World.com, and are now being offered
independently by the instructors:
Freelancing for Newspapers, by Sue Fagalde Lick
Fundamentals of Fiction, by Marg Gilks
These two classes are offered on an "ongoing" basis -- you
can sign up and begin the course at any time during the year.
Some of these classes have maximum enrollments and tend to fill
up quickly (particularly Boston's workshop), so sign up soon!
-- Moira Allen, Editor
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SPRING CLASSES ON WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
BREAKING INTO THE MAGAZINE AND PERIODICAL MARKET
* Instructor: Moira Allen
* Eight weeks; $125
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/magazines.shtml
INTRODUCTION TO SPECULATIVE FICTION: LECTURES AND WORKSHOP
* Instructor: Bruce Boston
* Eight weeks; $125
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/boston.shtml
WRITING AND SELLING EROTIC FICTION
* Instructor: Catherine Lundoff
* Six weeks; $100
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/erotica.shtml
WRITING AND SELLING MYSTERY SHORT STORIES
* Instructor: John Floyd
* Seven weeks; $100
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/mystery.shtml
WRITING AND SELLING PERSONAL ESSAYS
* Instructor: Isabel Viana
* Four weeks; $75
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/essays.shtml
We also recommend the following classes, which are taught
independently by former Writing-World.com instructors.
FREELANCING FOR NEWSPAPERS
* Instructor: Sue Fagalde Lick
* Eight weeks; $100
* Ongoing; enroll and start the course at any time!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/newspapers.shtml
FUNDAMENTALS OF FICTION
* Instructor: Marg Gilks
* Eight weeks; $150
* Ongoing; enroll and start the course at any time!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/fiction.shtml
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NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
=================================================================
Settlement reached in writers class-action suit
-----------------------------------------------
On March 29, a final settlement was reached that will award
between $10 and $18 million to thousands of freelance writers
whose articles were used in electronic databases without their
permission. The settlement is for damages in a series of class
action infringement suits filed in 1997, four years after the
National Writer's Union filed its original suit, Tasini v. The
New York Times, that made similar claims. The Supreme Court had
ruled in 2001 in favor of the writers in Tasini and had doled
out damages in that case last summer; this settlement is for the
class-action suits and covers any English-language article that
has appeared in an electronic database after August 1997. Kay
Murray, general counsel at the Authors Guild, which along with
the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National
Writers Union had filed the suits, says that she estimates there
may be as many 10,000 writers eligible for compensation. But she
also emphasized that the new settlement must be approved by the
court; the court will hold a hearing this week to give
preliminary approval and allow 60 days for members of the class
to file objections. Once the settlement receives final approval,
freelance writers will have 120 days to file a claim. For more
information: http://www.freelancerights.com
New York Times Company buys About.com
-------------------------------------
Primedia has announced the sale of About.com to The New York
Times Company, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately
$410 million. The New York Times Company's websites, which
include NYTimes.com, Boston.com and more than 40 other sites, are
visited by more than 13 million users each month. The acquisition
is expected to extend the Times Company's reach among Internet
users. Based on Nielsen/Net Ratings, About.com's 22 million
monthly users combined with the Times Company's 13 million users
will form the 12th largest entity on the Internet. The Times
Company expects to enhance and expand the About.com content
offering and improve the visibility of the About.com brand name.
The Times Company also expects to market its products to the
About.com user base. "We are very excited about this acquisition,
which furthers our strategy of delivering news and information to
local and national audiences with multiple media products," said
Janet Robinson, president and CEO, The New York Times Company.
Magazine publisher goes on the auction block
--------------------------------------------
F+W Publications, which publishes Writer's Digest and several
other specialty magazines, is up for bid by Credit Suisse First
Boston and JP Morgan Chase. The company, which is headed by
publishing veteran William Reilly and backed by Providence Equity
Partners is expected to fetch $600-$650 million. Preliminary bids
are due in mid-April. Likely bidders include established industry
giants, such as American Media, Hachette Filipacchi, and Meredith
Corp., and other cash-flush private equities seeking publishing
deals. According to industry insiders, JP Morgan Chase & Co. is
offering a financial package to potential buyers. F+W generates
$250 million in revenue. F+ W's collection of specialty consumer
titles includes Writer's Digest, Horticulture, Popular
Woodworking, Antique Trader, Scuba Diving, Deer Hunting, Old Cars
Weekly, Watercolor Magic, and Turkey & Turkey Hunting.
France leads push to put European literary works online
-------------------------------------------------------
This month, President Jacques Chirac told France's national
library to draw up a plan to put European literary works on the
Internet, similar to Google Print. In an official statement,
Chirac asked National Head Librarian Jean-Noel Jeanneney and
Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres to look at ways "in
which the collections of the great libraries in France and Europe
could be made more widely and more quickly accessible by
Internet." Support among other European countries is currently
being sought for a larger, coordinated push to get Europe's
literary works online. Jeanneney has said that Google's choice of
works was likely to favor Anglo-Saxon ideas and that he wanted
the European Union to balance this with its own program and its
own Internet search engines. Culture Minister de Vabres said the
French move was not a direct challenge to Google's project: "It
is simply the wish for a diversity of influence."
Mexican police officers required to read
----------------------------------------
Police in the Nezahualcoyotl district of Mexico City, one of the
most crime-ridden capitals in the world, have been told they must
read at least one book a month or forfeit promotion. Mayor Luis
Sanchez believes he can fight low standards in the force by
encouraging higher levels of literacy. One hindrance is that
about 20% of the police were not educated beyond primary level.
According to the mayor, classes will be given to those with
reading difficulties. The police officers will be regularly
tested to make sure they have read the books they name. The list
of recommended titles includes such literary classics as "Don
Quixote", "The Labyrinth of Solitude" by Octavio Paz, and "The
Little Prince".
Novel use for cell phones
-------------------------
Japanese cell phone owners are reading novels on their tiny
screens. Several web sites offer hundreds of novels -- classics,
best sellers and works written especially for the medium. Cell
phone novels are downloaded in short installments and run on
handsets as Java-based applications. Users are free to browse as
though they're in a bookstore or library. By phone, readers can
write reviews, send fan mail to authors, and request books. The
US may not be far behind. Random House recently reached licensing
arrangements with Vocel, a San Diego-based company that provides
mobile-phone products, to provide cell phone access to the Living
Language foreign language study programs and Prima Games video
game strategy guides. Cell phone books are also gaining
popularity in China and South Korea.
NEA announces National Poetry Recitation Contest
------------------------------------------------
On April 19, the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership
with the Poetry Foundation, will hold the Washington (DC) Region
Finals for the pilot phase of the NEA's National Poetry
Recitation Project. To encourage the nation's youth to learn
about great poetry, the NEA and the Poetry Foundation are jointly
supporting the National Poetry Recitation Contest. Together they
have developed a program curriculum including a teacher guidebook
and an original audio CD featuring poetry readings and commentary
by distinguished actors and writers such as Anthony Hopkins, Rita
Dove, and Alyssa Milano. "By performing great works of
literature, students can master public-speaking, build
self-confidence, and learn more about their literary heritage,"
said Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.
In addition to the Washington, DC pilot, the Poetry Foundation
will manage a similar pilot program and regional competition
among Chicago-area high schools, to culminate with an April 11
recitation event at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The
Washington-area finals are part of a pilot program that the
Endowment plans to implement nationally in 2006. For more
information: http://www.nea.gov/news/news05/PoetryRecitation.html
Poetry Festival returns to Seattle
----------------------------------
After a two-year hiatus, Seattle will be home to the Poetry
Festival hosted by Eleventh Hour Productions, April 29-May 1,
2005. Events include poetry readings and interdisciplinary
performance pieces. Poets interested in being immortalized in
grilled cheese at the National Grilled Cheese Poetry Booth are
invited to send couplets using "cheese". For more information:
http://www.poetryfestival.org
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WRITER'S BLOCK: IS IT ALL IN YOUR HEAD? (PART I OF II)
=================================================================
by Leslie What
Nearly every writer has an opinion about the causes or treatment
of writer's block, even when that writer doubts the condition
actually exists, either because she or he hasn't experienced it
personally, or because the symptoms resolved without outside
assistance. Is writer's block real or is it all in your head? The
answer could be both. As neuropsychologist Elkhonon Goldberg
points out in his book "The Executive Brain": "The distinction
between the 'diseases of the brain' and 'diseases of the soul' is
becoming increasingly blurred."
Goldberg and others have written about something known as
"Executive Functions", complex mental functions that are
controlled by the pre-frontal cortex, also known as the frontal
lobes. Executive functions are those higher-level thought
processes that enable us to plan, sequence, prioritize, organize,
initiate, inhibit, pace, self-monitor, and sustain behaviors --
despite distractions -- in pursuit of our defined goals.
Executive functions allow us to make adjustments and refine
strategies along the way, so that if the roof caves in while
you're writing Chapter Four, you can take a break and return to
the project after arranging for roofers.
In a chapter called "Prefrontal Cortex, Time, and Consciousness"
from "The New Cognitive Neurosciences", Robert T. Knight and
Marcia Grabowecky propose that our mental ability to think beyond
the moment, to remember the past or muse about the future, is a
function of the frontal lobes. "A central feature of
consciousness is the ability to control the fourth dimension,
time. Humans can effortlessly move their internal mental set from
the present moment to a past remembrance and just as easily
project themselves into a future event."
The process of storytelling -- envisioning a present or a past and
working to create continuity to some imagined story future --
requires the same mental set shifting.
"Executive Dysfunction" is the term used when these processes are
interrupted. Neuropsychologist Russell Barkley describes
executive dysfunction as an inability to inhibit present behavior
in deference to demands of the future, i.e. you want to write a
novel, but you spend all your writing time checking email.
Executive dysfunction has been linked to disorders such as
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD, with or without hyperactivity)
and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with ADD report
difficulties controlling executive functions, notably focus,
impulse inhibition, and the ability to prioritize. People with
OCD frequently find themselves stuck doing repetitive behaviors
(perseveration) that prevent them from completing other tasks.
Writers with writer's block report a failure in many areas of
executive function. We can't initiate projects, we're easily
distracted, we cannot pace ourselves or efficiently prioritize
our tasks. In short, we just can't write.
While self-help books promoting cures for writer's block remain
popular, medical and psychological research about block has been
limited, and scientific studies are rarely cited by the lay
press. An article titled "A Reticulo-frontal Disconnection
Syndrome" can be challenging reading, but I believe it's worth
the effort, as adopting a medical model could be the key to
better understanding writer's block and why some "cures" work for
some and not all writers.
Unlike diabetes, arthritis, or pregnancy, there isn't a lab test
to confirm clinical symptoms, so blocked writers diagnose
themselves based on subjective experience. Writers report
similarities in their symptoms (often the inability to start or
finish projects) but there can be great variance in the duration
and severity of block.
In numerous interviews and informal discussions with writers,
I've noticed a tendency to generalize based on personal
experience. A writer who was able to "snap out of it" may believe
another writer capable of doing the same. Writers who struggle
for one afternoon to transfer their thoughts to paper earn little
sympathy from writers who go for years without writing a word.
Not everyone accepts the current trend of giving a medical
diagnosis to perceived failures of personality, but evidence
exists that personality may be as genetically determined as eye
color.
Writers with block report decreased motivation. They simply
cannot will themselves to work. As Elkhonon Goldberg says, "Drive
has a biological basis. The frontal lobes are central to the
maintenance of drive." He suggests that outside forces may be
required to initiate action in cases of executive dysfunction.
Outside forces may also be needed to help guide or terminate
unhelpful behaviors. Robert Boice, in his article "Combining
Writing Block Treatments: Theory and Research" speculates that
one reason an exercise like "free writing" works to stimulate
creativity is that it interrupts the inhibited processes and
provides a new direction. Many cures for writer's block follow
this example, redirecting the stalled writer and allowing him to
initiate a new task.
Adding to the confusion, there's plenty of wiggle room in the
definition of what, exactly, constitutes writer's block. A
medical condition called agraphia refers to the physiologic
inability to write and is sometimes a result of traumatic brain
injuries, or stroke. The etiology of writer's block is more
difficult to ascertain, and unlike agraphia, blocked writers are
physically capable of typing, keyboarding or handwriting.
So what is writer's block and how do you know if you have it?
I'll go with Kate Wilhelm's succinct definition: "Writer's Block
is when you want to write but can't."
Causes of Writer's Block - The Writer's Perspective
---------------------------------------------------
"There once was a time when I didn't know what writer's block
was. I'm still not sure I know. Is this it? I somehow imagined it
must involve not having an idea of what to write, and that sure
isn't my problem. But not writing much of anything for 3 years
sounds like writer's block, doesn't it? Guess I'd better admit it
so I can get over it." -- Molly Gloss
"... There are two main categories of blocks: the block of the
artistic poseur who earns sympathy for the struggle without
needing to take the risks. For someone like that, the advice to
write even if you're blocked is good advice ... The second kind
of block is when other things in life interfere with the desire
to be writing right now ... Something else needs your attention
more than your manuscript, like your marriage." -- Bruce Holland
Rogers.
"Writer's block is far more commonly found in the presence of too
much, not too little will." -- Victoria Nelson
"I think writer's block is really burnout, just like one can get
burnout in any other field, but by calling it writer's block we
turn it into something bigger and badder -- and perhaps give it
more power. Not that burnout itself doesn't feel wretched, of
course." -- Janni Lee Simner
"Sometimes writer's block is simply not knowing where to go next
and this is where the rapidwrite (From Henriette Klauser's book
"Writing on Both Sides of the Brain") helps. Sometimes, it is
deeper, I think, connected to fear and lack of confidence -- the
feeling that any combination of words you put on the page will be
stupid or flat -- and this is harder to shake. The writer can get
a distorted image of her writing -- like an anorexic's distorted
body image -- and can't gain enough confidence to keep writing."
-- Susan Kroupa
"Lying fallow is part of the process." -- Jean Knudsen Hoffman
Severity and Duration
---------------------
If you suffered from a throbbing headache one Tuesday afternoon
in March, it's probable you would treat yourself, either by
resting or by taking two aspirin and going to bed. If that
headache continued for a few weeks, it's likely you'd seek
diagnosis and treatment, if only to reassure yourself that you
weren't ignoring a brain tumor or another life-threatening
problem. But let's say you experienced writer's block lasting for
a year. If you made an appointment with your doctor and asked for
treatment for writer's block, would the physician have a clue
about what to prescribe?
Patricia Huston, MD MPH, describes writer's block as a
"distinctly uncomfortable inability to write," and categorizes
the severity of as mild, moderate, and recalcitrant. Mild
blockage, Huston believes, is easily resolved by revising
expectations, breaking big projects into small ones, and giving
oneself positive feedback, among other things. Moderate blockage
can be addressed by practicing creative exercises, talking about
your work with another supportive writer, or taking a break. In
her experience, recalcitrant blockage can often be resolved with
medical intervention or cognitive restructuring, i.e. therapy.
Examining block strictly in terms of duration, temporary,
resolvable block lasting one hour to six months could be called
"Acute Writer's Block", and resistant blocks that continue beyond
six months from initial symptoms could be termed "Chronic
Writer's Block".
People who experience acute block frequently report their
symptoms resolve after self-treatment. I've heard scores of
testimonials from writers suffering an acute block who say
they've been able to work through their block after encountering
books such as "The Artist's Way" or "Writing Past Dark." At the
same time, people whose block has become chronic aren't always so
easily treated. Ralph Ellison, whose first book, "The Invisible
Man" was published in 1952, complained of intermittent writer's
block that prevented him from completing his second book,
"Juneteenth", before his death in 1994.
* Next issue: Writers Reveal How They Cured Their Blocks!
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Leslie What has won a Nebula Award for short story and a
bookstore award for creative sitting. Her first novel, "Olympic
Games", was published in 2004. She is married to physician Gary
L. Glasser and is grateful for his assistance with this article.
This article was first published in the SFWA Bulletin.
Copyright (c) 2005 by Leslie What
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WRITE IN STYLE AND SELL MORE! We edit and evaluate manuscripts,
proposals, synopses and more. Bobbie Christmas (author of Write
In Style) BZEBRA"at"aol.com. Sign up for our free tips/markets
newsletter! Zebra Communications: http://www.zebraeditor.com.
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THE WRITE SITES
=================================================================
Project Ferret
--------------
A Harry Potter Fan Fiction site that offers help for writers
seeking to perfect their craft, plus contests, support, and
feedback.
http://www.projectferret.org
Spizzerinctum
-------------
Maintained by Kevin Johnson, a news writer at USA Today, this
site takes little or unknown words used in news articles and
posts them for your review.
http://www.spizzquiz.net
Writers Resources
-----------------
A one-stop online resource site for aspiring and professional
writers, journalists and editors, providing information, writing
tips, tutorials, and writing news.
http://www.writersresources.com
PoemHunter.com
--------------
A database of poetry and lyrics, searchable by title, author or
text.
http://poemhunter.com
Chilling Effects Clearinghouse
------------------------------
Chilling Effects aims to help you understand the protections that
the First Amendment and intellectual property laws give to your
online activities.
http://www.chillingeffects.org
Surfers Surf
------------
News about web browsing and new websites.
http://www.surferssurf.com
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SUNPIPER PRESS is dedicated to giving exposure to new, emerging
and established writers. Showcasing poetry, short stories and the
works of self-published writers. Also offers two essay contest
for students. We want you to read AND participate. Join us at
http://www.sunpiperpress.com. Promoting the Voices of Our Future!
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THE WRITING DESK
=================================================================
by Moira Allen
How Do Authors Start Writing A Novel?
-------------------------------------
Q: I would like to start work on a suspense novel, but I am lost
as to where to begin. I have the beginnings of a plot. How do
authors approach writing a novel? Do most write out plot in
outline form? What are some tips to developing it? Also, I have
heard that one should have an agent who can work with publishers
for them. I do not have the money to hire an agent. How can I do
this myself? I imagine the manuscript is written first and
submitted to publishers, rather than approaching publishers with
an idea first. Do you know any smaller publishers that may take on
first time writers? Thank you for your help.
A: I'm not the person to ask about "how to write a novel."
Fortunately, there are books galore on this subject, so the best
thing I can do is refer you to what's already out there. I'd
recommend a trip to Barnes and Noble; check the bookshelf on
"Writing" for books on "how to write a novel." You'll also find a
number of books on novel-writing displayed in the different
fiction sections of Writing-World.com.
Some authors write a complete outline before beginning; others
just dive in. If you know where your plot is going, and how it
ends, jotting down a quick outline wouldn't hurt. I'm not a big
"outline" fan myself, preferring to dive in and see where the
novel takes me -- but everyone has their own preferred style. In
fact, every author who has written a "how to write your novel"
book seems to advocate a different approach, and swears by that
approach -- which just goes to show that there really ISN'T a
single "one size fits all" method to novel-writing. Again,
reading up on some different how-to books will help. One good
one is Donna Levin's "How To Get that Novel Started ... And Keep
Going Until You Finish."
Yes, getting an agent is a good idea. You should not pay for an
agent up front. You submit your work to an agent, just as you
would to a publisher, and if the agent considers it marketable,
the agent will take you on as a client. Generally, you submit an
outline and three sample chapters; also, generally, for a
first-time novelist, your novel needs to be finished before you
start looking for an agent OR a publisher. Most agents and
publishers won't even talk to a first-time novelist whose novel
is still in progress (because so many never DO finish). Our
"publishing" section has several articles on agents that can help
answer your questions, and we also list a couple of books on
finding an agent; also check our agent links section.
Do not use an agent who charges a fee to the writer up front.
Fee-charging agents are generally considered rip-offs. Sure,
they'll represent you -- because they're getting their money from
YOU, whether they sell your book or not. A reputable agent won't
take on a book or author that he/she doesn't think will sell --
reputable agents make their money on commissions AFTER the book
has been sold, not before. If you don't make money, they don't
make money.
You're correct about writing the book first and then approaching
publishers. It's really your choice as to whether to look for an
agent or publisher first -- but a lot of fiction publishers no
longer accept unagented submissions, so I think in today's
market, it's better to find an agent if you can. Also, an agent
can do a lot of the work for you, leaving you free to write!
More information on agents:
Articles: http://www.writing-world.com/publish/index.shtml
Links: http://www.writing-world.com/links/agents.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Moira Allen has been writing and editing professionally for more
than 20 years. A columnist for The Writer, she is also the author
of "Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer", "The Writer's
Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals" (now available as an
e-book) and "Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to
Advance Your Writing Career". For more details, visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/moira/moira.shtml
Copyright (c) 2005 by Moira Allen
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WRITER TO WRITER
=================================================================
by Peggy Tibbetts (peggyt"at"siltnet.net)
Online writing workshops are extremely popular. When I googled
"online writing workshop" I came up with 2 million results, which
tells me that millions of writers are taking classes on
everything from resume writing, to nonfiction, to screenwriting,
and many more. In her article, "Getting the Most from Online
Classes", Moira Allen lists the many benefits including: "You
don't have to live near a major city or university to have access
to high-quality courses and reputable instructors; You can
conduct every portion of the class at your own convenience; You
receive one-on-one feedback from the instructor". She also points
out the disadvantages "that courses may vary widely in quality"
and "there is no class participation." For more benefits and
advice on choosing a class, be sure to read the entire article
at: http://www.writing-world.com/basics/classes.shtml
If you have taken an online writing workshop (or class), we would
like to hear from you. What did you find the most useful about
the workshop? What kind of problems, if any, did you encounter
in your experience?
Just so we don't leave anyone out of the discussion, if you have
never taken an online writing workshop, what might induce you to
sign up?
Please keep in mind that we're starting from the premise that
online writing workshops are indeed popular and valuable. We
don't want to get bogged down in a pro and con discussion about
whether workshops in general are good or bad. Instead we would
like your responses to focus specifically on your experiences,
both positive and negative.
Please send your responses to: peggyt"at"siltnet.net
Subject: Writer to Writer
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Peggy Tibbetts answers your questions about writing for children
in her monthly column, Advice from a Caterpillar:
http://www.writing-world.com/caterpillar/index.shtml
She is the author of "The Road to Weird" and "Rumors of War".
Visit her web site at: http://www.peggytibbetts.net
Copyright (c) 2005 by Peggy Tibbetts
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magazines. Check out http://www.smithpublicity.com or call
(215) 547-4778, ext. 111; e-mail: info"at"smithpublicity.com
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WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
APRIL COLUMNS:
--------------
Advice from a Caterpillar, by Peggy Tibbetts
What to Expect when Meeting with an Editor; Reading Fees; What
Is Magical Realism?
http://www.writing-world.com/caterpillar/cat51.shtml
Ask the Book Doctor, by Bobbie Christmas
Marketability, Showing vs. Telling, and Research
http://www.writing-world.com/columns/book/book06.shtml
Imagination's Edge, by Paula Fleming
The Ethics of Tragedy
http://www.writing-world.com/columns/sf/edge21.shtml
The Screening Room, by Laura Brennan
Pitches and Treatments; Finding a Screenwriting Class
http://www.writing-world.com/columns/screen/screen18.shtml
ARTICLES:
---------
An Exercise in Essay-Writing, by Sheila Bender
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/exercise.shtml
The CONTEST DATABASE is back online with updated listings for
April at: http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml
*****************************************************************
FIND 1700 MARKETS FOR YOUR WRITING! Writing-World.com's market
guides offer DETAILED listings of over 1700 markets, with contact
information, pay rates, needs and more. Fourteen themed guides
are available for $2.50 apiece or $25 for the set. For details,
see http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml
*****************************************************************
MARKET ROUNDUP
=================================================================
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: ANTHOLOGY
BASH DOWN THE DOOR & SLICE OPEN THE BADGUY: HUMOROUS TALES OF
SWORDS & SORCERY
Fantasist Enterprises, BDD Anthology, PO Box 9381, Wilmington, DE
19809
EMAIL: bash"at"fantasistent.com.
URL: http://www.fantasistent.com
Do dour-faced barbarians seem boring to you? That all-knowing
wizard remind you of your monotonous high school chemistry
teacher? Saving the world just doesn't sound fun anymore? Spice
it up! Be funny. Be extreme. Be extremely funny! Let the damsel
cause some distress. Make a wizard take sword-fighting classes,
'cause he's just tired of missing the limelight. Traditional
tales of heroes fighting evil baddies with naught but their
trusty sword -- with a funny twist. Make us laugh, and don't
track blood on the carpet.
DEADLINE: August 1. 2005
LENGTH: 10,000 words or less
PAYMENT: 4-6 cents/word upon acceptance of final draft, as an
advance on pro rata (based on final page-count) share of 35% of
net revenue
REPRINTS: No
RIGHTS: 1st World Publication Rights in the English Language for
a term of five years
SUBMISSIONS: By mail only
GUIDELINES: http://www.fantasistent.com/submissions/
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
MILITARY OFFICER MAGAZINE
Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret., Editor-in-Chief
Military Officers Association of America, 201 N Washington St.,
Alexandria, VA 22314-2539
EMAIL: editor"at"moaa.org
URL: http://www.moaa.org/Magazine/
Current military/political affairs; recent military history,
especially Vietnam and Korea; financial planning; health and
fitness; military family; retirement lifestyles; travel; and
general interest. No fiction, poetry, or fillers. Feature
articles normally are scheduled six months in advance. Submit
detailed query before sending manuscript.
LENGTH: Features: 2,500 words or less; Mini-features: 1,400 words
or less
PAYMENT: Features: up to $1,800; Mini-features: up to $1,000
RIGHTS: First rights, to include Internet and reprint rights
REPRINTS: No
SUBMISSIONS: Query first by mail or email, MS Word-compatible
file, no footnotes
GUIDELINES: http://www.moaa.org/Magazine/Guidelines.asp
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HOPEKEEPERS MAGAZINE
Lisa Copen, Editor
PO Box 502928, San Diego, CA 92150
EMAIL: rest"at"restministries.org
URL: http://www.restministries.org
Serves people who live with chronic illness or pain. Looking for
articles both secular and Christian faith. Need topical articles
that provide practical, Biblical encouragement and inspiration as
well as tools to be a good advocate for one's healthcare. Sample
issues online.
LENGTH: 350-750 words, depending on topic
PAYMENT: $50 and up for articles that require more research
REPRINTS: Yes
RIGHTS: First world serial rights, or reprint rights
SUBMISSIONS: Email preferred
GUIDELINES: http://www.restministries.org/admin-writersguide.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Please send Market News to: peggyt"at"siltnet.net
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "GL": guidelines. If you have
questions about rights, please see "Rights: What They Mean and
Why They're Important"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/rights.shtml
*****************************************************************
WRITING CONTESTS
=================================================================
This section lists contests that charge no entry fees. For more
contests, check our online contests section.
http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Olaudah Equiano Fiction Prize
DEADLINE: April 31, 2005
GENRE: Short story
OPEN TO: Any African living abroad
LENGTH: 3,000-10,000 words
THEME: This competition is a little effort aimed at encouraging
talented Africans abroad to revisit their gifts, reconnect with
their dreams and reassert their unique place in literary world.
All works must be an original and unpublished short story. Each
story shall center on the experience of Africans living abroad.
All stories will be considered for publication in an anthology of
new voices of Africa abroad. See guidelines for more information.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $1,000; 2nd Prize: $500; 3rd Prize: $100
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Iroko Productions LLC, 43 Beldon Lane, Bay Shore, NY
11706
URL: http://www.congoboston.com/olaudahequian.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism
DEADLINE: May 1, 2005
GENRE: Journalism
OPEN TO: Local and freelance journalists, see web site for
eligibility requirements
LENGTH: No word length requirements
THEME: Recognizes independent and professional reporting that
sheds new light on controversial issues. Established in 2002, two
prizes are awarded each year, one to a local reporter in a
developing country or nation in transition, and the other to a
freelance journalist covering international news. The stories can
focus on conflict, human-rights concerns, cross-border issues, or
any other issue of controversy in a particular country or region.
Underwritten by the Kurt Schork Memorial Fund and Reuters, and
administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of
Journalism, the prizes were created to honor Kurt Schork, an
American freelance journalist who was killed in a military ambush
while on assignment for Reuters on May 24, 2000, in Sierra Leone.
PRIZES: Two $5,000 prizes
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No, but entry forms may be printed from web
site
ADDRESS: Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism, Graduate
School of Journalism, Columbia University, 2950 Broadway MC3800,
New York, NY 10027
EMAIL: schorkawards"at"jrn.columbia.edu
URL: http://www.jrn.columbia.edu/events/schork/
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Armed Forces Joint Warfighting Essay Contest
DEADLINE: May 1, 2005
GENRE: Essay
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 3,000 words or less
THEME: Combat readiness in a joint context. Essays may be heavy
in uni-service detail but must have joint application. Essays may
not have been published elsewhere.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $2,500; 2nd Prize: $2,000; 3rd Prize: $1,000;
plus publication of all winners in October "Proceedings"
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Armed Forces Joint Warfighting Essay Contest,
US Naval Institute, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402-5034
EMAIL: bjudge"at"usni.org
URL: http://www.usni.org/contests/contests.html#armed
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Coast Guard Essay Contest
DEADLINE: May 1, 2005
GENRE: Essay
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 3,000 words or less
THEME: Any subject relating to the transformation of the Coast
Guard.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $2,000; 2nd Prize: $1,500; 3rd Prize: $750;
plus publication of all winners in August "Proceedings"
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Armed Forces Joint Warfighting Essay Contest,
US Naval Institute, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402-5034
EMAIL: bjudge"at"usni.org
URL: http://www.usni.org/contests/contests.html#coast
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Commonwealth Short Story Competition
DEADLINE: May 1, 2005
GENRE: Short story
OPEN TO: All Commonwealth citizens
LENGTH: 600 words
THEME: The aim is to promote the Commonwealth through
broadcasting high quality short stories submitted by Commonwealth
writers. The competition is administered by the Commonwealth
Broadcasting Association with funding from the Commonwealth
Foundation. The stories may have any theme or subject, and should
not have been previously published anywhere.
PRIZE: £2,000
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, 17 Fleet Street,
London EC4Y 1AA
EMAIL: story"at"cba.org.uk
URL: http://www.cba.org.uk/competitions/short_story_rules.htm
*****************************************************************
2000 ONLINE RESOURCES FOR WRITERS -- links for every kind of
writer! Still only $5.
THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO QUERIES, PITCHES AND PROPOSALS - available
as an e-book! Find out how to write the perfect query, book
proposal, novel synopsis, column proposal, or grant application.
Only $8.95 (save $5 from the print edition.)
To order, visit http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml
*****************************************************************
New Listings on THE AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF:
---------------------------------------
Poetry of the Soul, by Alina Oswald
Writing a Novel that Sells, by M. R. Henderson
Find these and more great books at
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Advertise your own book on Writing-World.com:
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on how to reach 50,000 writers a month with your product, service
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Workshops, Contests, Ebooks, Articles and more! Subscribe at
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Success weekly newsletter.
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EXPAND YOUR NETWORK--DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS--NURTURE YOUR CREATIVE
LIFE! Visit the National Association of Women Writers Web site at
http://www.NAWW.org! Weekly Inspirational/How-To E-zine:
http://www.naww.org/homepage.html Membership Information:
http://www.naww.org/generic1.html
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SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is
launching local networking Chapters. Check with us to find a
Chapter near you. Contact us if you'd like to start one.
Patricia"at"spawn.org. Subscribe to newsletter http://www.spawn.org
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WRITERS: FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has a NEW
fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing markets from
North America, Europe, Australasia and other places. It's free,
so come and try it out here: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
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tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. FREE ebook,
83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to
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PUBLISH AND PROFIT FROM YOUR BOOK OR EBOOK: Learn how to write
and sell your book idea online. Join others from around the world
who are making a good living selling their book or ebook online.
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of writing. Fiction, poetry, business and technical writing,
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and much more, published biweekly. Completely renovated! Visit
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Managing Editor (Newsletter): PEGGY TIBBETTS (peggyt"at"siltnet.net)
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