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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 3:12 12,700 subscribers June 12, 2003
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SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS AT END OF NEWSLETTER
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SPECIAL NOTICE: Please DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail; any messages
sent to the listbox address are deleted. If you wish to contact
the editor, please e-mail Moira Allen.
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CONTENTS
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From the Editor's Desk
CLASSES! CLASSES! CLASSES!
News from the World of Writing
FEATURE: Five Top Tips for Freelancing While on
Unemployment Insurance, by Shannon Muir
The Write Sites -- Online Resources for Writers
WRITING DESK: What kind of writing job should I get?
by Moira Allen
JUST FOR FUN: Do's and Don'ts for Writing Parents
by Janet Thompson
WHAT'S NEW at Writing World
MARKET ROUNDUP/Writing Contests
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Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Get published! Get published! Get published! Get published!
Visit http://www.1stbooks.com/getpublished/no_rejection.html
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EARN AN MFA IN WRITING through the brief-residency program at
Spalding University in Louisville, KY. Call (800) 896-8941x2105
or e-mail gradadmissions[at]spalding.edu and request brochure FA90.
For more info: http://www.spalding.edu/graduate/MFAinWriting
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WRITERSCOLLEGE.COM has 57 online courses. Prices are low.
If you can reach our web site, you can take our courses.
http://www.WritersCollege.com
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DISCOUNTED WRITERS' SOFTWARE -- PowerStructure, DramaticaPro,
StoryView, WritePro, MovieMagic, InkLink, plus many more.
HUGE SAVINGS! GREAT SELECTION! Visit us online:
http://www.MasterFreelancer.com/ww
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FreelanceWriters.com is the only global online directory of
freelance writers. Your writing skills, experience and contact
information can be listed in the database so that clients and
editors will have your information at the touch of a button. Go
to: http://www.freelancewriters.com/writers_faqs.cfm
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1500 ONLINE RESOURCES - UPDATED WITH HUNDREDS OF NEW LISTINGS!
Get your copy with any contribution of $5 or more to Writing-
World.com (normally sells for $6.95). Contributions accepted via
Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P2UTPRKYGU4AA1) and
PayPal; for more details about this info-packed e-book, visit
http://www.writing-world.com/books/moira.shtml#1500
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
=================================================================
A Bit Late, A Bit Short...
--------------------------
Sorry for the lateness of this issue; relatives were visiting,
and life was a bit more frantic than I expected. The newsletter
fell through the cracks, I'm afraid. I'll keep this short, so
as not to delay matters any further!
Testing, Testing...
-------------------
Over the next week, you may receive one or two "test" messages
as I run some tests on the Listbox system. Please ignore them!
(And please don't send me angry e-mails demanding to know why
you're getting test messages!)
New "Writers Wanted" Format
---------------------------
We've just switched our "Writers Wanted" section over to a new,
automated "classified" format. The section is now divided into
two subsections -- a section for paying opportunities, and a
section for non-paying opportunities. Ads will automatically be
deleted after 12 weeks (or sooner if the advertiser chooses). To
view the listings, or to post a call for writers, go to:
http://www.writing-world.com/cgi-bin/suite/classifieds/classifieds.cgi
-- Moira Allen (Moira Allen)
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LEARN TO MAKE $50,000 A YEAR WRITING NONFICTION!! Not a get-rich
-quick scheme, but lots of hard work. If you have the true
desire to make it as a full-time, nonfiction writer, consider
this online course: http://www.sheldononline.com/50000course.htm
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THE WELL-FED WRITER by Peter Bowerman - Learn how you can make
$50-100 an hour as a freelance writer and easily earn $1000 a
week or more working 2-3 good days. Details:
http://www.writingcareer.com/pb001.shtml
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CLASSES! CLASSES! CLASSES!
=================================================================
Announcing our summer course line-up! All classes begin August 4.
(To enroll via PayPal, please click the link after each class. To
enroll with a check or money order, please download our "check
payment" form at http://www.writing-world.com/classes/check.pdf).
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
BREAKING INTO THE MAGAZINE AND PERIODICAL MARKET
Instructor: Moira Allen
Eight Weeks - $100
Have you been trying to market your work to magazines with no
success? Are you just getting started, or trying to change your
freelance field? Find out how to develop marketable topics and
ideas, prepare a query, and outline and develop the article
itself. By the end of the class, you'll have an article "ready to
go" and a selection of markets to approach.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/magazines.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/moira.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
COLUMN-WRITING WORKSHOP
Instructor: Mary Emma Allen
Four Weeks - $75
Want to write a column but don't know where to start? Learn from
a writer with more than 30 years' experience. She'll help you
query editors and use columns as a springboard for other
ventures.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/columns.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/allen.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HEROES, HEROINES & VILLAINS: USING ARCHETYPES TO CREATE
DYNAMIC CHARACTERS
Instructor: Tami Cowden
Six Weeks - $80
If you've been struggling to create characters that connect with
your readers, this is the class for you. Cowden will explain the
16 heroic and 16 villainous archetypes, guide you in creation of
dynamic, well-motivated characters, and show you how to convey
their personality to your readers.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/heroes.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/cowden.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
FLASH FICTION WORKSHOP
Instructor: Pamelyn Casto
Four Weeks - $80 (textbook required)
These powerful and memorable short-shorts look simple to write --
but appearances are deceiving. This course will be a virtual
workshop where instructor and students interact and work with
each other. After completing this course, you'll be creating
"infinite riches in small rooms".
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/flash.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/casto.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
FREELANCING FOR NEWSPAPERS
Instructor: Sue Fagalde Lick
Eight Weeks - $120
Many freelance opportunities exist in the newspaper field. Local
papers are a great place for new writers to break in and
accumulate clips. Fecause newspapers come out daily or weekly,
they need more articles more often, and publish and pay more
quickly. Participants will develop a list of freelance
opportunities, brainstorm ideas for articles, and pursue an idea
from query to completion.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/newspapers.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/lick.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PICTURE BOOK SPARKLE!
Instructor: Peggy Tibbetts
Eight Weeks - $120
Whether you have a brilliant idea for a children's story or a
finished manuscript you want to submit, Tibbetts will help you
determine whether your story is strong enough for the picture
book market. Learn how to make your story "sparkle" as you write
your manuscript.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/children.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/children/sparkle.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
PUBLISHING YOUR MEMOIRS
Instructor: Kathleen Walls
Four Weeks - $100
Whether you just want to share your history with your
grandchildren, or whether you feel you have the next "Roots,"
this class will show you how to turn your memoirs into a book.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/memoirs.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/walls.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
UNDERSTANDING COPYRIGHT LAW: AN OVERVIEW FOR WRITERS
Instructor: Charles E. Petit, Esq.
Eight Weeks (seven sessions) - $100 (textbook required)
This course covers issues of rights, copyright, fair use,
contracts, collaboration and co-authorship, permissions, wills
and more. Student responses to problems will be posted for
discussion in a protected electronic forum.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/copyright.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/pirates.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING GREETING CARDS
Instructor: Karen Moore
Six Weeks - $120 (textbook required)
Karen has published over 5000 greeting cards and many licensed
property lines. Learn the basics that will give you the
professional edge in this highly competitive field. Karen will
give you insider tips and help you craft your writing style into
saleable greeting cards.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/cards.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/poetry/moore.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING MYSTERY SHORT STORIES
Instructor: John Floyd
Seven Weeks - $100
Wondering whodunnit, or how, or why? Or just "how to do it?" If
the art of the mystery story is a mystery to you, don't miss this
introductory course, offered by a writer who has sold more than
400 short stories. Perfect for beginners and for established
writers who want to hone their skill.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/mystery.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/floyd.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING SPECULATIVE FICTION SHORT STORIES
Instructor: Paula Fleming
Eight Weeks - $120
We'll be focusing on story structure -- on beginnings, middles,
and ends and how to pull them all together. We'll work on the
challenges of speculative fiction, such as orienting the reader
to strange or magical worlds, developing believable alien
characters, the role of research, writing from alien points of
view, and using fiction to ask questions without clear answers.
Each student receives feedback on at least one story.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/specfic.shtml
Read Paula Fleming's "Imagination's Edge" column!
http://www.writing-world.com/sf/edge/current.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING FOR TRADE PUBLICATIONS
Instructor: Mark Lamendola
Eight Weeks - $120
Freelance opportunities in trade magazines have never been better
-- for the freelancer who uses the correct approach. But trade
magazines are hard to break into! This course shows you how to
get those plum assignments.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/trade.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/lamendola.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING LOCAL HISTORY
Instructor: Patricia Fry
Four Weeks - $60
History writing can be a lucrative and enjoyable pastime.
Patricia Fry guides writers in locating article and book markets,
identifies possible research sources, and teaches techniques of
research, interview and fact-checking. Finally, she instructs the
writer in creating a query letter and ultimately the article or
book.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/history.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/localhistory.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING SHORT STORIES: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Instructor: Sally Zigmond
Six Weeks - $80
Have you always wanted to try a short story but didn't know how
to start? Are you confused by the jargon, such as viewpoint and
narrative structure? And what the heck do they mean when they
tell you to "show and not tell"? Then sign up for this
user-friendly course. Sally will show you how to develop your
ideas, create memorable characters, and construct a piece of
short fiction.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/shorts.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/zigmond.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Instructor: Linda Shertzer
Eight Weeks - $125
There's more to historical romance than heroines in long skirts,
heroes on horseback, and fiery embraces. This course will show
you how to give your plot, characters, dialogue, and narration
the special touches that put the historical romance in its own,
significant genre. Each lesson helps you to discover your own
writing strengths, and how to improve your manuscript.
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/romance.shtml
Read a lecture excerpt!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/excerpts/shertzer.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
NOTE: These will the last courses offered in 2003. Courses will
resume on Writing-World.com in the spring of 2004.
*****************************************************************
Our team of professional editors -- including a Pulitzer Prize
nominee and an author published by Dell, Warner, Fawcett, etc.
-- specializes in novels written by first-time, novice writers.
See us at http://www.a1editing.com for prices, references, etc.
*****************************************************************
YOU CAN MARKET YOUR BOOK by Carmen Leal. Endorsed by Dan Poynter.
Tips and strategies guaranteed to sell your published book. THE
definitive help for marketing your published book. Sign up for
FREE marketing tips. http://www.writerspeaker.com//YouCan.html
*****************************************************************
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
=================================================================
Help needed to establish maritime artists retreat in Seattle
------------------------------------------------------------
What could be more appropriate than a maritime artists retreat at
a lighthouse in the middle of Puget Sound at the mouth of a
shipping canal in a metropolitan city that calls itself "the
Portal to the Pacific"? The US government is surplussing West
Point Light Station in Seattle for free. Light Keeper Retreats is
a nonprofit organization created to acquire the light station (a
lighthouse, two keepers' houses, and a garage on two acres) to
turn it into a retreat that offers residencies to writers and
artists. Because maritime cultural use is one of the government's
requirements, we are specifically proposing a maritime artists
retreat. This will be a retreat available to those who are
interested in, or willing to work on maritime themes -- including
painters and poets, writers, photographers, composers, etc. What
we need most: skilled volunteer workers to help with restoration;
a local person with significant art event programming experience;
letters of support from other art organizations in the region;
help with fundraising. It's all available free to any cultural
group that can pull together the funding for restoration and for
its own programming as well as the team of volunteers needed to
carry out the work. We have until July 1 to bring it all
together. For more information, email Executive Director David
Haggith: haggith[at]earthlink.net
Freelance job market shrinking
------------------------------
When Guru.com shuts its virtual doors on June 30, the job market
for America's 25 million freelancers will shrink further.
Guru.com's competitors, Ants.com and eWanted.com, have already
folded for lack of job postings. The number of available jobs
continues to decline, pushing freelancers to compete for fewer
projects at lower rates. At Emoonlighter.com a reported 316,000
contractors vie for jobs from only 30,000 businesses. "There are
definitely more people looking for this type of work than there
are jobs available," said Diane Connell, an independent web
designer. She added that companies are using this to their
advantage to negotiate low fees for high skill sets. "It's
becoming more dog-eat-dog."
Reading Rainbow fights for survival
-----------------------------------
"Reading Rainbow," the seven-time Emmy award-winning show that
has introduced kids to books for 20 years, is in danger of
disappearing from the PBS-TV lineup. Over the past several years,
Executive Producer Levar Burton and his backers have been
producing fewer episodes because money was short. Only four new
shows were made for the current season. The production company
has a $2 million annual budget, and no money to go forward. The
Corporation for Public Broadcasting has contributed to the show
in the past. But it generally doesn't foot the bill alone, said
John Wilson, chief programming executive at PBS. The network
wants to keep the show alive, and will have the summer to hunt
for more money before a decision must be made. "It is clear we
have had an impact," said Burton. "Not a day goes by where
someone doesn't come up to me and mention how important the show
has been for their children or themselves in terms of encouraging
them to read."
Gemstar will close ebooks division
----------------------------------
Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. is expected to shut down its
electronic book publishing division to save cash, says Chief
Executive Jeff Shell. Closing the division is the "most likely"
choice that Gemstar will make after it tries to sell the business
or find partners for it, Shell said at an investor conference in
New York. Gemstar has hired investment bankers for advice and
probably will make a decision shortly. The division, which
develops technology to distribute books through electronic
devices, is consuming $12 million in cash a year, Shell reported.
*****************************************************************
Tech Writers, Copywriters, Freelancers: Improve your writing and
your business. Subscribe to WriteThinking, the weekly newsletter
for professional communicators featuring articles, tips and an an
extensive jobs list. Send e-mail to subscribe[at]writethinking.net
or visit http://www.writethinking.net/ to subscribe.
*****************************************************************
FIVE TOP TIPS FOR FREELANCING WHILE ON UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
=================================================================
by Shannon Muir (shan[at]dm.net)
Freelance writers in the United States often start out by getting
a few gigs while still attached to a full-time job. But what
happens when the wage-based work ends and those "moonlight gigs"
are all that remain? Often, people file for unemployment
insurance to try and stay on their feet, but they may not be
aware how their freelance opportunities impact what they can
collect. To maximize your benefits and further your writing
career, it is important to be aware of rules and regulations
regarding the money you make for your writing in relation to
unemployment insurance. What follows are some things to consider
if you decide to freelance while on unemployment insurance,
whether you got gigs before the pink slip came, or are
considering freelance writing as an income alternative while on
unemployment.
1) Make sure you know what your maximum weekly allotment is, to
help you decide how much effort you want to devote to
freelancing.
Your freelance income, regardless of amount, likely won't impact
your ability to file for benefits, but be sure to inquire when
you file your claim to find out what your current state
requirements are. Often you are asked about other sources of
income, such as money expected from your last employer, including
holiday pay, sick pay, or pension payments. If your freelance
income is such that you'd make more than your maximum award only
one week out of a month, it should not be a concern. If you're
freelancing enough to make more than your weekly allotment (based
on your past year of earnings), or expect to land more gigs in
the future, you may bring in too much income to get anything out
of your claim. Don't forget that both freelance income and
unemployment insurance are taxable, though you can indicate
withholding for unemployment insurance. So plan ahead.
2) Your first goal while on unemployment insurance, by law, is to
look for full-time work.
Do not let this priority dissuade you from writing, but make sure
you are in step with requirements for unemployment insurance.
Some states require everyone to prove that he or she has applied
at a certain number of places every week, others only in certain
circumstances, but you can be asked for proof at any time. If the
unemployment insurance department finds out you have mainly been
writing articles during normal work hours for your profession,
benefits could be denied. While on unemployment insurance, I
wrote nights and weekends, but when I did any work in the day I
made sure it was material not under tight deadlines and that
could easily be put aside so I was still free to take on
full-time work.
3) Report the amount of money made from the sale of an article
when it is accepted, not when you receive the payment.
This definitely is the case in California, where I live. Be sure
to know the rules for your individual state.
4) Find out exactly how your state wants the income to be
reported on your claim form.
The first time I reported income from a freelance article,
instead of an unemployment check I received a telephone interview
notice to see if I truly was eligible for benefits. I'd filled
out the claim form by listing the full name and address of the
company that paid me for freelance work, while all the Employment
Development Department in California wanted to know was that I
had been "self-employed" that week. Be sure to check with the
rules for your state for each type of situation. This may require
actually calling your unemployment office if you don't inquire
during the initial claim process, as the information may not be
adequately explained in the benefits handbook.
5) If you earn less than your maximum weekly allotment, be
aware of the formulas that can subtract from your benefit check
for that filing period.
Each state uses varying formulas to determine how much they will
deduct from your weekly allotment when you earn a portion of your
maximum amount. For example, California's formula (as of 2002)
splits based on whether you earn under $100 or over $100. It's
best to know this so that you aren't taken by surprise when some
checks come in smaller than your maximum allotment. Some states,
such as Washington, provide charts that illustrate what will be
deducted if you bring in partial earnings.
Being between jobs should not stop writers from following their
passion while finding their next full-time employment
opportunity. Best of luck finding a job and a writing career, and
optimally, both rolled into one!
(NOTE: This article is not intended as a substitute for advice
from qualified professionals at your state unemployment
department, but rather a guide to help you open a dialogue with
them.)
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Shannon Muir writes monthly columns for Digital Media FX, and
previously for Suite 101, geared to non-artists in animation. Her
other writing credits include a feature at Netauthor.org's E2K
Journal, fiction at Mocha Memoirs, and information articles for
The Writers Store, where she formerly worked as an Administrative
Assistant. Visit her web site at http://www.dm.net/~shan
Copyright (c) 2003 by Shannon Muir
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UNDER THE VOLCANO 2003-2004 Join Magda Bogin, Nancy Milford,
Jessica Hagedorn, Russell Banks and Abigail Thomas for master
classes, nonfiction retreats and beginners fiction intensives in
the legendary Mexican village of Tepoztlan. Next workshops:
August, 2003; January 2004. http://www.underthevolcano.org
****************************************************************
THE WRITE SITES
================================================================
Poetry Planet
-------------
A home to all poets and to lovers of poetry.
http://www.poetryplanet.net
Writerswrite.com Self-publishing
-----------------------------------------------
Information about self-publishing, resources for self-publishers,
articles, advice and discussion.
http://www.writerswrite.com/selfpublishing/
The Deadly Directory Online
---------------------------
Search for mystery magazines, bookstores, book reviewers, etc. --
a huge compilation of international mystery resources.
http://www.cluelass.com/DDO/
FAST Glossary Center
--------------------
List of all kinds of glossaries and dictionaries online.
http://www.uta.fi/FAST/GC/
United Kingdom Parliament
-------------------------
Find out who's who and what's what with the House of Lords,
Parliament, House of Commons, and other British political bodies.
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/
Royalty Calculations in Book Contracts
--------------------------------------
Detailed article explaining how royalties are calculated based
on a variety of sales.
http://www.ivanhoffman.com/royalties.html
*****************************************************************
"The Easy Way to Write a Novel". This popular writer's resource
shows you, step by step, how to achieve your dream of writing a
great novel in the shortest possible time. Suitable for any level
of expertise. Free writing courses. http://www.easywaytowrite.com
*****************************************************************
THE WRITING DESK
=================================================================
by Moira Allen (Moira Allen)
What kind of writing job should I get?
--------------------------------------
Q: I am unemployed at the moment, and live in Adelaide,
Australia. I have written a young adult novel which I have
entered into a competition, and I am working on other novels. But
I have no idea where to look for writing positions that may be
suitable and that I can earn some sort of income from.
A: The first question you'll need to answer for yourself is what
type of writing position you are looking for. You are currently
writing fiction -- but there are no "jobs," really, for fiction
writers. That's something you have to do on your own. However,
the fact that you enjoy fiction doesn't mean that you'd
necessarily enjoy the type of writing for which you CAN find a
paid position.
For example, do you think you'd enjoy technical writing? There
are many job opportunities in this field, but would you really
like to write about how a computer is put together, or perhaps
how to operate a VCR? Or, do you think that you would enjoy
writing nonfiction -- such as articles for a local newspaper?
Another thing to consider when seeking WORK as a writer is that
when you write for a living, you may find that you have very
little time or inclination to pursue the kind of writing you
love. When you get home from a job where you've been writing all
day, your "writing urge" is pretty much used up, and the last
thing you want to do is sit down at your own computer and do
still more writing at night. For that reason, I don't always
recommend that someone who loves to write actually seek a writing
job.
Finding such a position in Australia may be a little more
complicated than in the US -- you'll probably have to rely more
on local, offline resources such as newspaper classifieds, or
contacting potential companies directly. However, I do have a
listing of online job sites, including several that offer
international information, at:
http://www.writing-world.com/links/jobs.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Moira Allen is the author of "The Writer's Guide to Queries,
Pitches and Proposals," "Writing.com: Creative Internet
Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career" (Second Edition), and
"1500 Online Resources for Writers." For details, please visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/moira/index.shtml
Copyright (c) 2003 by Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
FREE INITIAL EVALUATION! AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR will help improve
your MS. Critiquing, Line Editing, Submission Assistance.
info[at]writersconsultant.com, http://www.writersconsultant.com
*****************************************************************
JUST FOR FUN: Do's and Don'ts for Writing Parents
=================================================================
by Janet Thompson (jt[at]mochamail.com)
Do try to maintain the thought until you finish typing it.
Despite the child hanging off your arm, forge ahead and get to
that period.
Don't try to save your work while your mouse arm is rattled by an
impatient gnome. Trust me, I've done it. That delete button is
never far enough away from the save.
Do turn and face your child once in a while when they speak to
you. The keyboard will be there when you get back to it and the
child will go away happily under the delusion that his parent
really heard him.
Don't have your tubes tied because you have a fall deadline.
Do take a breather every now and then from writing to enjoy the
chaotic atmosphere of your home. Never mind the mess. There are
human beings under that laundry that would love some attention
from you.
Don't forget, until you finish that novel and get it contracted
you cannot afford to send the kids to boarding school. A vicious
circle, but one you can overcome.
Do make out a clear and concise will. When the sum total of your
earthly assets sits in a pile on the attorney's desk, your
children will gaze on this mound of scrap papers, notebooks, and
scribbles, and anxiously wait to see who gets stuck taking it
home.
Don't let the school list you as "writer." Your teen will never
live down society's view of the "linguistically unemployed."
Do let your youngest learn how to sign you in. When deadlines
loom and you're making pasta, she'll be a big help.
Don't let your oldest learn how to sign you in. He'll have more
email than you have pasta.
Do give your children their own desktops. You'll thank me in the
end. Each family member has his own space. You'll feel better
about that erotica you've been working on.
Don't publish that erotica under your real name. Your kids will
hate you until they move out.
Do let your children make dinner as often as possible. After all,
the sooner they learn to fend for themselves, the sooner they
move out on their own. Or would you really know what to do with a
free and quiet day?
Don't wean a toddler on the computer mike. There are small parts
that could be expensive to replace.
Do use a mouse pad when you can't find the diaper pad.
Don't let your deadlines interfere with your son's hockey games.
There is a very reliable "Mock-Mom Stand-in" site online. Contact
them for details.
Do write out your goals and deadlines and then toss them in the
trash. You know as well as I do that they are subject to change
without notice anyway.
Don't let your littlest see you stick that pencil behind your
ear. He'll poke his eye out when he tries it.
Do enjoy your writing, your kids, and writing about your kids.
Just don't read what your kids write about you. Trust me, you
don't want to know.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Janet Thompson is the author of two New Age nonfiction books and
a compilation of women's survival stories, two ebooks, and
hundreds of articles. She holds a university degree and is a
Master Herbalist. Visit her web site at
http://www.satiricquill.net
Copyright (c) 2003 by Janet Thompson
*****************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
NEW ARTICLES:
-------------
Flashes of Brilliance: Writing Flash Fiction, by Joan Popek
http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/popek.shtml
From Bananas to Blintzes: Writing about Diet, Nutrition and Food,
by Kelly James-Enger
http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/food.shtml
Seek and Ye Shall Find - How to Use Google Effectively,
by Alfred P M
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/google.shtml
How to Get Rejected (and Why It's a Good Thing), by Chris Gavaler
http://www.writing-world.com/publish/rejection.shtml
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Be more prolific! Increase your income! Write your book
faster than you ever thought possible. Learn to create your
book's blueprint in 2 hours, buy a best-selling plot and more.
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MARKET ROUNDUP
=================================================================
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: THIRD STREET PUBLICATIONS
Theresa Falzone, Creative Manager
601 W Fort Street, Suite 333, Detroit, MI 48226
EMAIL: submissionsforwomen[at]hotmail.com
URL: http://www.thirdstreetpublications.com
A new, as yet unnamed, women's monthly in metro Detroit is
looking for unique and provocative creative nonfiction to grace
its pages. This magazine will be published by Third Street
Publications. All nonfiction must capture the variety and
diversity of women's lives and interests. Surprise and charm us!
Essays, general interest, humor, personal experience, and
features on topics relating to women and women's interests. No
male bashing, ranting, preaching or tear-stained journal entries,
please. Write an intelligent, engaging, and thoughtful piece
inspired by your own personal experience. Queries with clips
and/or writing samples are accepted, but finished articles are
also considered for evaluation.
LENGTH: 800 words or less
PAYMENT: Essays: $100; Book/arts related reviews: $25
RIGHTS: First North American one-time rights plus all web rights
REPRINTS: No
SUBMISSIONS: All submissions must be pasted into the email and
attached to the email as a Microsoft Word document, .txt or .rtf.
Enclose a brief (2-3 sentences) biographical sketch.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: A CUP OF COMFORT
Colleen Sell, Editor
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, Massachusetts 02322
EMAIL: cupofcomfort[at]adamsmedia.com
URL: http://www.cupofcomfort.com
We are actively seeking submissions for the following anthologies:
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR COURAGE
Celebrating unsung heroes, of their own lives or in the lives of
others. Possible themes include: the extraordinary valor of
ordinary people; thriving (not just surviving) in the face of
challenge or tragedy; taking chances and taking control of one's
own destiny; doing the right and noble thing for others, against
the odds or against the grain; reaching the impossible dream.
DEADLINE: July 1, 2003
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR TEACHERS
Celebrating great educators and mentors; the joys and rewards of
teaching; and dedicated teachers who've overcome their own
challenges and/or helped difficult or exceptional students.
DEADLINE: July 15, 2003
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR SISTERS
Celebrating the magical and sometimes maddening bond between
sisters. Possible themes include: life-defining or cherished
experiences shared by sisters; finding or reconnecting with a
lost or estranged sister; amazing examples of kindness,
unconditional love, kinship, loyalty, devotion, fun and
adventures between sisters.
DEADLINE: August 1, 2003
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR SPIRITUALITY
Celebrating enlightening or inspiring, miraculous or simply
glorious experiences or teachers encountered along one's
spiritual journey. Other possible themes include soul-nurturing
practices or relationships; discovering a spiritual path, truth,
or kindred spirit; receiving and actualizing (putting into
positive action) a spiritual lesson or epiphany; divine
intervention and direction.
DEADLINE: October 2003
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR MOTHERS AND SONS
Celebrating the powerful bond between mothers and sons. Possible
themes include: positive impact of mother on son or son on
mother; cherished or challenging experiences shared; connecting
or reconnecting with one another; unique and uplifting aspects of
mother-son relationship.
DEADLINE: November 2003
LENGTH: 1000-2000 words
PAYMENT: $500 Grand Prize will be awarded to one story per
volume; $100 will be paid for each story published. Payment on
publication.
RIGHTS: The publisher (Adams Media Corporation) reserves limited
use rights for a specified period of time. Rights retained by the
author include serial (periodical) rights, live performance, and
film right. Authors also retain the right to publish the story in
a book comprised solely of her/his original works.
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: Email: In the subject line, cite the volume (for
example, Courage). Copy and paste the story, or type the story
into the body of the email. No attachments.
Mail: Send computer disk or CD and a printed copy
Fax: Include a cover sheet addressed to A Cup of Comfort, story
title(s), number of pages, and the volume(s) for which the (each)
story is being submitted, to: 508-427-6790.
GUIDELINES: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HIPS AND CURVES.COM NEWSLETTER
Rebecca Jennings, Editor
CMI Enterprises, 171 Pier Avenue, Suite 387, Santa Monica,
CA 90405
EMAIL: editor[at]hipsandcurves.com
URL: http://www.hipsandcurves.com
Hips and Curves.com is a plus size lingerie site publishing a
bimonthly email newsletter with stories about plus size women
and sexy lingerie. We are looking for steamy, flash fiction
stories with "well-rounded" women and sexy lingerie, especially
stories about women who have a positive outlook about their
bodies and their sexuality. We want smart, sexy stories that grab
readers' attention with the first sentence and leave them with
something to think about when its over. We want stories with
sizzle, romance, scandal, heat, obsession, lust, indulgence and
desire. Stories may include themes around body image and
sexuality.
Curvy Women: Stories must involve "well-rounded" women and may be
from the point of view of a full-figured woman or the admirer of
a full-figured woman. We prefer writing done in the third person
but it's not essential.
Lingerie: Since we are a lingerie site, lingerie must be an
integral part of the story. At least one item from our product
line must appear in the story in a natural and appealing way.
Don't say, "He took off her chemise, tossed it on the floor and
said he liked her better naked."
LENGTH: 300-800 words
PAYMENT: $50
RIGHTS: Non-exclusive copyright
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: In body of e-mail; no attachments.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
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. Send new
contest information to Jose Aniceto (jeb_aniceto[at]mail2me.com.au).
For more contests, check our online contests section (112 new
contests added this month!)
http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Michigan Literary Fiction Awards
DEADLINE: July 1, 2003
GENRE: Literary novels and short story collections
OPEN TO: Contestants must have previously published at least one
book (novel or story collection) of literary fiction in English.
LENGTH: No word limit
THEME: As major publishers become more and more driven by the
bottom line, they are willing to take fewer and fewer risks. For
many writers of literary fiction, this means they get only one
chance. When a first book doesn't sell in the tens of thousands
of copies, a second book will often get no farther than the
bottom desk drawer. We expect and desire to attract the work of
writers of literary fiction looking for, and deserving, a second
chance. Only literary fiction will be considered. Ultimately, it
will be up to the judges to determine what is, and what is not
"literary," but it's safe to say that genre fiction, such as
mystery, science fiction, romance, children's fiction etc., won't
qualify. Along with your manuscript and cover letter, you must
submit one copy of a previous book of literary fiction that you
have published. Without it, we will not consider your manuscript.
The book will not be returned.
PRIZES: $1,000 and publication for both categories: unpublished
novel and unpublished story collection
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Michigan Literary Fiction Awards, University of Michigan
Press, 839 Greene Street, PO Box 1104, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1104
EMAIL: ump.fiction[at]umich.edu
URL: http://www.press.umich.edu/fiction/
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
The Phobos Writing Contest
DEADLINE: July 31, 2003
GENRE: Short story
OPEN TO: US residents, 18 years and older
LENGTH: 7,500 words or less
THEME: Each entrant may submit up to 3 short stories. All science
fiction sub-genres are welcome; however, works of high fantasy or
horror that lack a science fiction theme or concept will not be
considered. No story may have appeared in a previous for-pay
professional online or print publication. The story must be
written by a single individual.
PRIZES: Twelve $500 prizes will be awarded
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes, as an email attachment in Microsoft Word
(.doc, .wrd, .rtf, .txt) only.
Submissions must include filled out entry form:
http://www.phobosweb.com/contest/docs/application_form.doc
EMAIL: contest[at]phobosweb.com
URL: http://www.phobosweb.com/contest/rules.php
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
4th Annual Distant Worlds Short Story Competition
DEADLINE: July 30, 2003
GENRE: Science fiction, horror, or fantasy
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 4,500 words or less
THEME: Submissions must be science fiction, horror, or fantasy.
They may not include or involve material or characters
copyrighted by another entity other than the author. No stories
of a "fan fiction" nature will be considered. Submitted works
must be original and all of the copyrights (including electronic
rights) must belong to the author on the date the submission is
mailed to the contest organizers.
PRIZE: 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: $200; 3rd Prize: $100
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes, as an attachment to the email, or text in
the body of email
EMAIL: chrisf[at]distantworlds.net
URL: http://www.distantworlds.net/DWSSC4.asp
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
EDITOR'S NOTE: An alert reader pointed out that the Iliad Press
poetry competition listed in the previous issue is sponsored by a
publisher of vanity poetry anthologies. The purpose of such
competitions is typically to entice entrants to buy an anthology;
for more information, see Writer Beware's "Contests and Vanity
Anthologies" page at: http://www.sfwa.org/beware/contests.html
*****************************************************************
New Listings on THE AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF:
---------------------------------------
Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing
Career (Second Edition), by Moira Allen
Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide (2003 Edition),
by Karen Wiesner
Weave Your Web, by Karen Wiesner
A Hard Dry Road, by Karen Brown
A Writer's Guide to Canadian Markets and On-line Resources,
by Diana Moes VandeHoef
You Can Market Your Book! by Carmen Leal
Find these and more great books at
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Advertise your own book on Writing-World.com:
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN WRITERS (NAWW) Get the new FREE
eBooklet, RESOURCES FOR WRITERS by subscribing to NAWW WEEKLY,
the FREE inspirational/how-to emagazine for women writers. Send
blank e-mail to: naww[at]onebox.com or visit http://www.naww.org
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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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Writing World is a publication of Writing-World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Editor/Publisher: MOIRA ALLEN (Moira Allen)
Managing Editor: PEGGY TIBBETTS (peggyt[at]siltnet.net)
Web Associate/Contests Manager: JOSE ANICETO
(jeb_aniceto[at]mail2me.com.au)
Researcher: JUDY GRIGGS
Copyright 2003 Moira Allen
Individual articles copyrighted by their authors.
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