Attention, North Carolina poets! Information on the 2006 NC State Poetry Contest (sponsored by the NC State Creative Writing Program and the Brenda L. Smart Fund for Creative Writing) is now available.
The Brenda L. Smart Grand Prize for Poetry will award $500 and is open to all NC residents except tenured faculty in the UNC system, poets who have previously published a book, and previous winners. "Winner must be available to read the poem and receive the prize at the NC State Poetry Festival on Wednesday, March 29th."
This year's guest judge is Kathryn Stripling Byer, NC Poet Laureate.
Deadline for submission is March 1, 2006. There is no entry fee.
For more information, including submission instructions, click here.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Wendy Wasserstein (1950-2006)
I was really saddened to see this news come across my screen a few minutes ago.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
February Newsletter Available
Our February newsletter went out to subscribers earlier this week. Archives are available only to subscribers, but the current issue has been republished here. Check it out (and remember subscriptions are absolutely free--subscribe at our web site).
By the way, I don't know why the link to the CRWROPPS list below and within our links list is not working right now. I hope that will resolve soon.
By the way, I don't know why the link to the CRWROPPS list below and within our links list is not working right now. I hope that will resolve soon.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Prizes for Student Writers
(This opportunity I learned about via CRWROPPS.)
Collision Literary Magazine, a publication of the University Honors College of the University of Pittsburgh, is accepting nonfiction, art, and photography for its next issue. "Send us your best personal essays and narratives, travel pieces, profiles, and poems. Or, send us your favorite art and photography." The top three submissions will win cash awards: $150 (first prize); $100 (second prize); $50 (third prize). "All published writers will receive a copy of Collision's Spring 2006 issue and an invitation to read at our April release party."
There's no submission fee. The only "major stipulation" is that writers must be current undergraduate or graduate students. Students need not be U.S. residents to submit.
For full information and submission instructions, click here.
Collision Literary Magazine, a publication of the University Honors College of the University of Pittsburgh, is accepting nonfiction, art, and photography for its next issue. "Send us your best personal essays and narratives, travel pieces, profiles, and poems. Or, send us your favorite art and photography." The top three submissions will win cash awards: $150 (first prize); $100 (second prize); $50 (third prize). "All published writers will receive a copy of Collision's Spring 2006 issue and an invitation to read at our April release party."
There's no submission fee. The only "major stipulation" is that writers must be current undergraduate or graduate students. Students need not be U.S. residents to submit.
For full information and submission instructions, click here.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Thumbs Up for Oprah
I don't normally watch Oprah Winfrey's television show. Nor do I usually tape it. In fact, I don't even know how to set the VCR timer on the television I recently acquired. Though it's a hand-me-down from its previous owners--my generous parents--it's still much newer than my truly "old" television and includes ultra-modern "built-ins" for VHS cassettes and DVDs.
But knowing that James Frey would appear on yesterday's show, I found a solution. I simply left the tape running while I was out. And last night, after I fast-forwarded through preliminary scenes from General Hospital (Oprah follows the soap on the ABC station here in Boston), I settled down to watch.
I didn't take any comfort in Frey's obvious suffering. But I was heartened and impressed by Oprah herself. It takes a lot of courage to apologize and to tell your critics that they are "absolutely right" (in this case, for criticizing her impassioned defense of Frey and his book during her now-famous call-in to the Larry King show). Which is what Oprah did.
And she did more. She explained exactly why she is "embarrassed" and upset, and she emphasized the responsibility of publishers (and authors) as they present nonfiction to the reading public. At the same time, she showed Frey compassion, acknowledging that she knew this wasn't an easy time for him and saying she appreciated his presence on the show.
I also noted her comments about her next book club choice, Night. I'm glad she clarified the history of this choice--that it indeed preceded l'Affaire Frey. I'm one of those who had been a little skeptical about that, and I'm happy to learn that I was wrong. I agree with the commentator who noted the particular importance of yesterday's show and its emphasis on the primacy of truth given the fact that Night is coming next.
There's one (hopefully last) point I want to make. I'm not sure I've ever understood where people have come up with this idea (still floating around) that a memoir is by definition less "true" than, say, an autobiography.
Way back when I started learning about memoirs, I learned that what differentiated them was scope, not degree of veracity. A memoir examines a portion of a life, an aspect of a life. It doesn't provide a birth-to-old age chronological account. But the account it provides is, theoretically at least, true to the best of the author's recollection. It's not "embellished" just to make the story "better," meaning, of course "more marketable."
I'm not entirely alone in my understanding of what defines a memoir. There's a Brooklyn schoolteacher who's telling her pupils the same thing: "a memoir is a piece of our personal history highlighting a real-life experience in a specific point in time." So thumbs up for Mrs. Clarke, too.
But knowing that James Frey would appear on yesterday's show, I found a solution. I simply left the tape running while I was out. And last night, after I fast-forwarded through preliminary scenes from General Hospital (Oprah follows the soap on the ABC station here in Boston), I settled down to watch.
I didn't take any comfort in Frey's obvious suffering. But I was heartened and impressed by Oprah herself. It takes a lot of courage to apologize and to tell your critics that they are "absolutely right" (in this case, for criticizing her impassioned defense of Frey and his book during her now-famous call-in to the Larry King show). Which is what Oprah did.
And she did more. She explained exactly why she is "embarrassed" and upset, and she emphasized the responsibility of publishers (and authors) as they present nonfiction to the reading public. At the same time, she showed Frey compassion, acknowledging that she knew this wasn't an easy time for him and saying she appreciated his presence on the show.
I also noted her comments about her next book club choice, Night. I'm glad she clarified the history of this choice--that it indeed preceded l'Affaire Frey. I'm one of those who had been a little skeptical about that, and I'm happy to learn that I was wrong. I agree with the commentator who noted the particular importance of yesterday's show and its emphasis on the primacy of truth given the fact that Night is coming next.
There's one (hopefully last) point I want to make. I'm not sure I've ever understood where people have come up with this idea (still floating around) that a memoir is by definition less "true" than, say, an autobiography.
Way back when I started learning about memoirs, I learned that what differentiated them was scope, not degree of veracity. A memoir examines a portion of a life, an aspect of a life. It doesn't provide a birth-to-old age chronological account. But the account it provides is, theoretically at least, true to the best of the author's recollection. It's not "embellished" just to make the story "better," meaning, of course "more marketable."
I'm not entirely alone in my understanding of what defines a memoir. There's a Brooklyn schoolteacher who's telling her pupils the same thing: "a memoir is a piece of our personal history highlighting a real-life experience in a specific point in time." So thumbs up for Mrs. Clarke, too.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Job Announcement: KHN Center for the Arts
This just in from the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts:
Executive Director
Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts
801 3rd Corso, Nebraska City, NE 68410, 402-874-9600
The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts has an immediate opening for the Executive Director position to manage the operations of its artist-in-residence program. The Executive Director reports to the Center’s Board of Directors. The KHN Center seeks a creative, energetic individual with a passion for the arts dedicated to teamwork with strong organizational ability; excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills with familiarity and comfort with computer programs.
The KHN Center, which hosts 40 artists, writers and composers annually, is located in the center of historic Nebraska City, settled during the Civil War on the western bank of the Missouri River approximately 130 miles north of Kansas City and 50 miles south of Omaha. The community of over 7,200 is surrounded by apple orchards and is the home of the national tree-planting holiday, Arbor Day. The Center is housed in a renovated luxury triplex.
Responsibilities:
* Manage all aspects of Resident selection process, including scheduling residents, arranging selection meetings, and oversight of application processing, develop Selection Committee objectives and pool of future jurors.
* Serve as liaison between artists during residency sessions; advise the Board on Resident, facility and personnel matters.
* Manage communications with Residents including development of alumni relations; maintain Resident photo album and visual art collection.
* Assist with new Resident arrivals, provide orientation session, and assist with Resident requirements during their stay.
* Provide the Board with various reports in a timely manner.
* Arrange Resident community events such as readings and workshops and exhibitions as needed.
* Keep abreast of contemporary arts world and assist the Center in development of artist recruitment.
* Plan special community events as needed that bolster the Center’s mission, and assist in producing communications such as newsletters and brochures.
* Manage all special projects and programs such as the Art Gallery, special events, and communications.
* Maintain the Center’s art collection.
* Promote the Center and its programs, locally, regionally and nationally.
* Supervise and work in collaboration with the Development Director, and supervise the Resident Caretaker.
* Manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Development Director.
Qualifications:
Minimum: B.A. in the arts or related field.
Preferred: MFA or MA in the arts. Experience in arts administration.
Salary:
$36,000 per year. Health insurance benefits are not provided.
Screening of applicants begins March 31, 2006.
To apply, send via email PDF or Microsoft Word files only.
1. A letter of application
2. A vita that includes names, addresses, telephone and email addresses of three references.
Email to: jruffo(at)KHNCenterfortheArts.org
Joseph M. Ruffo, Interim Executive Director
www.khncenterforthearts.org
Executive Director
Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts
801 3rd Corso, Nebraska City, NE 68410, 402-874-9600
The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts has an immediate opening for the Executive Director position to manage the operations of its artist-in-residence program. The Executive Director reports to the Center’s Board of Directors. The KHN Center seeks a creative, energetic individual with a passion for the arts dedicated to teamwork with strong organizational ability; excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills with familiarity and comfort with computer programs.
The KHN Center, which hosts 40 artists, writers and composers annually, is located in the center of historic Nebraska City, settled during the Civil War on the western bank of the Missouri River approximately 130 miles north of Kansas City and 50 miles south of Omaha. The community of over 7,200 is surrounded by apple orchards and is the home of the national tree-planting holiday, Arbor Day. The Center is housed in a renovated luxury triplex.
Responsibilities:
* Manage all aspects of Resident selection process, including scheduling residents, arranging selection meetings, and oversight of application processing, develop Selection Committee objectives and pool of future jurors.
* Serve as liaison between artists during residency sessions; advise the Board on Resident, facility and personnel matters.
* Manage communications with Residents including development of alumni relations; maintain Resident photo album and visual art collection.
* Assist with new Resident arrivals, provide orientation session, and assist with Resident requirements during their stay.
* Provide the Board with various reports in a timely manner.
* Arrange Resident community events such as readings and workshops and exhibitions as needed.
* Keep abreast of contemporary arts world and assist the Center in development of artist recruitment.
* Plan special community events as needed that bolster the Center’s mission, and assist in producing communications such as newsletters and brochures.
* Manage all special projects and programs such as the Art Gallery, special events, and communications.
* Maintain the Center’s art collection.
* Promote the Center and its programs, locally, regionally and nationally.
* Supervise and work in collaboration with the Development Director, and supervise the Resident Caretaker.
* Manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Development Director.
Qualifications:
Minimum: B.A. in the arts or related field.
Preferred: MFA or MA in the arts. Experience in arts administration.
Salary:
$36,000 per year. Health insurance benefits are not provided.
Screening of applicants begins March 31, 2006.
To apply, send via email PDF or Microsoft Word files only.
1. A letter of application
2. A vita that includes names, addresses, telephone and email addresses of three references.
Email to: jruffo(at)KHNCenterfortheArts.org
Joseph M. Ruffo, Interim Executive Director
www.khncenterforthearts.org
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
E-book requests
As of 10AM (U.S. eastern time) all 12 complimentary gift e-books, as offered in our newsletter (which went out this morning), have been ordered! Thanks to all of you for participating. More later--must get back to fulfilling the requests!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Elie Wiesel and Night
Here's another topic I didn't necessarily want to address publicly, so I'll be brief.
I've owned a copy of Night for a long time. How long? The price on the cover reads $2.95. Fifteen years ago Wiesel signed the book for me when he came to speak at my college dorm. That book means a lot to me.
And I want it to mean a lot to others, too. I'm glad so many people will be reading it now that it's received the giant "O" stamp of approval. But I'm not happy to have Wiesel's name placed alongside that of a certain someone else (Mr. Frey, for those of you who can't guess), almost as if to loan Frey (and his benefactor) the protection of Wiesel's experience and reputation. I'm even less happy to have people lump Night with Frey's fiction and question how "true" Wiesel's story is.
Again, I'm not going to go on about this. There's plenty of good coverage around, and so far I'm particularly keen on (most of) what's being posted over at GalleyCat. In particular, I recommend for further reading:
Blake Eskin's Nextbook feature
and
TIME Magazine's "10 Questions for Elie Wiesel".
I've owned a copy of Night for a long time. How long? The price on the cover reads $2.95. Fifteen years ago Wiesel signed the book for me when he came to speak at my college dorm. That book means a lot to me.
And I want it to mean a lot to others, too. I'm glad so many people will be reading it now that it's received the giant "O" stamp of approval. But I'm not happy to have Wiesel's name placed alongside that of a certain someone else (Mr. Frey, for those of you who can't guess), almost as if to loan Frey (and his benefactor) the protection of Wiesel's experience and reputation. I'm even less happy to have people lump Night with Frey's fiction and question how "true" Wiesel's story is.
Again, I'm not going to go on about this. There's plenty of good coverage around, and so far I'm particularly keen on (most of) what's being posted over at GalleyCat. In particular, I recommend for further reading:
Blake Eskin's Nextbook feature
and
TIME Magazine's "10 Questions for Elie Wiesel".
Monday, January 23, 2006
Call for Contributors: Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy
The Editor of the two-volume Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy: An Encyclopedia (to be published by Greenwood Press in 2007) seeks contributors for unassigned entries.
The project includes thematic essays (5000 words) and entries ranging from 250-1000 words. "Preference will be given to college professors, published writers, and advanced graduate students, but others qualified to write about women in science fiction, fantasy, and related genres in work in English from the 19th century to the present, covering fiction, nonfiction, film, television, art, comics, graphic novels, music and poetry will also be considered."
Payment for accepted essays/entries will be the 2-volume encyclopedia set, plus an honorarium ($250 for thematic essays, $50-$100 for entries).
For more information, see the full call for contributors.
The project includes thematic essays (5000 words) and entries ranging from 250-1000 words. "Preference will be given to college professors, published writers, and advanced graduate students, but others qualified to write about women in science fiction, fantasy, and related genres in work in English from the 19th century to the present, covering fiction, nonfiction, film, television, art, comics, graphic novels, music and poetry will also be considered."
Payment for accepted essays/entries will be the 2-volume encyclopedia set, plus an honorarium ($250 for thematic essays, $50-$100 for entries).
For more information, see the full call for contributors.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Literary Journal News
Earlier this month, Dan Wickett announced a terrific offer via the Emerging Writers Network: "The offer is simple - pay for one less journal than your order. Subscribe to 3? Pay for 2. Subscribe to 4? Pay for 3."
As Dan correctly notes, these journals "are frequently where authors of literary writing first publish. Think about it. You pick up a book by a first time author and read the notes beneath his or her photo. They frequently mention having published stories, poems or essays in two or three journals, the names of which you recognize. Recognize, but perhaps have not ever read, or seen." And that's too bad. We writers rely on these journals; the journals should be able to rely on us. This offer really helps. Dan has assembled a truly impressive list of participating journals, so be sure to check it out.
And here's some related news: that list includes The Chattahoochee Review, which recently appointed me a Contributing Editor. As you can imagine, I am thrilled and proud!
As Dan correctly notes, these journals "are frequently where authors of literary writing first publish. Think about it. You pick up a book by a first time author and read the notes beneath his or her photo. They frequently mention having published stories, poems or essays in two or three journals, the names of which you recognize. Recognize, but perhaps have not ever read, or seen." And that's too bad. We writers rely on these journals; the journals should be able to rely on us. This offer really helps. Dan has assembled a truly impressive list of participating journals, so be sure to check it out.
And here's some related news: that list includes The Chattahoochee Review, which recently appointed me a Contributing Editor. As you can imagine, I am thrilled and proud!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Wedding Story Contest
From the announcement:
"Did things not go as planned on your Big Day? Did your Dad trip over your wedding dress while walking down the aisle? Perhaps a bumblebee took up residence in your wedding bouquet? Maybe a cousin of the groom enjoyed the open bar a little too much or there was a fender bender on the way to the reception. Tell us about it; we're here for you. At Love to Know Weddings, we understand. In fact, rather than lamenting those unfortunate events, we're choosing to celebrate your wedding catastrophes with a contest."
There does not appear to be any entry fee for this contest, although you must log in/register for an account on the website. "The Contributor with the most interesting wedding mishap as voted by the Love to Know editors will win $150 cash for his or her trouble. Runner up will receive an Amazon gift certificate worth $25."
Stories should run 200-500 words, and the deadline is February 28, 2006.
For more information, click here.
"Did things not go as planned on your Big Day? Did your Dad trip over your wedding dress while walking down the aisle? Perhaps a bumblebee took up residence in your wedding bouquet? Maybe a cousin of the groom enjoyed the open bar a little too much or there was a fender bender on the way to the reception. Tell us about it; we're here for you. At Love to Know Weddings, we understand. In fact, rather than lamenting those unfortunate events, we're choosing to celebrate your wedding catastrophes with a contest."
There does not appear to be any entry fee for this contest, although you must log in/register for an account on the website. "The Contributor with the most interesting wedding mishap as voted by the Love to Know editors will win $150 cash for his or her trouble. Runner up will receive an Amazon gift certificate worth $25."
Stories should run 200-500 words, and the deadline is February 28, 2006.
For more information, click here.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
From My Bookshelf
Drivers
Stories by Nathan Leslie
Hamilton Stone Editions, 2005
Everyone who knows me knows I don't particularly like to drive. Many people--ranging from friends and family to the guy who inspects my car each year--routinely tell me that given how infrequently I use the car the fact that I own one makes absolutely no financial sense. A few years ago I thought I'd write a short story about someone who either didn't like to or was simply afraid to drive. I started that story, but, as can happen, the piece soon turned into a story about something else; a story truly "about driving" eluded me.
So I wasn't quite sure how I'd react to Nathan Leslie's new collection, Drivers. In the end, I was a little surprised and quite delighted by this group of 23 stories, most of which have previously appeared in print and online magazines. (Leslie, the author of another story collection, A Cold Glass of Milk, is himself fiction editor for The Pedestal Magazine. He also teaches at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, Virginia.)
It's tough to assemble a story collection, and it can help if you have a theme connecting the components. Leslie definitely has that. The "drivers" of this book, while mainly residing in Middle Atlantic states (Leslie was born in Minneapolis but raised in Ellicott City, Maryland) illustrate a variety of compelling "driver" characters and situations. That's also an admirable achievement, because it's far easier to write not-very-variable variations on a theme than it is to create distinctive yet related stories.
In "Stuck on Woodrow Wilson," for example, a woman seethes behind the wheel while caught in accident-exacerbated traffic on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge leaving DC. In "Shape," a car salesman evinces a surprising sales approach as well as a deep--if conflicted--concern for his troubled sister, to whom he lends a car (with problematic results).
The main character in "The Hit and Run" is a driving instructor making money off parents' fears. He's a pretty disturbing instructor: he makes it to his class through ice and snow "at 65, skidding all over the road and blaring right through the stop lights, stop signs, and anything else in the way." He's also responsible (though apparently not particularly remorseful) for killing a mother and her daughter in a hit-and-run.
Some stories reflect a sheer love for and/or knowledge of cars. Again, I'm no expert even when it comes to my poor neglected Honda, but the references to Duryeas and Hillmans seem authentic to me.
Whether you like cars, or like short stories, or both, you're likely to enjoy Drivers. Find out more here.
Stories by Nathan Leslie
Hamilton Stone Editions, 2005
Everyone who knows me knows I don't particularly like to drive. Many people--ranging from friends and family to the guy who inspects my car each year--routinely tell me that given how infrequently I use the car the fact that I own one makes absolutely no financial sense. A few years ago I thought I'd write a short story about someone who either didn't like to or was simply afraid to drive. I started that story, but, as can happen, the piece soon turned into a story about something else; a story truly "about driving" eluded me.
So I wasn't quite sure how I'd react to Nathan Leslie's new collection, Drivers. In the end, I was a little surprised and quite delighted by this group of 23 stories, most of which have previously appeared in print and online magazines. (Leslie, the author of another story collection, A Cold Glass of Milk, is himself fiction editor for The Pedestal Magazine. He also teaches at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, Virginia.)
It's tough to assemble a story collection, and it can help if you have a theme connecting the components. Leslie definitely has that. The "drivers" of this book, while mainly residing in Middle Atlantic states (Leslie was born in Minneapolis but raised in Ellicott City, Maryland) illustrate a variety of compelling "driver" characters and situations. That's also an admirable achievement, because it's far easier to write not-very-variable variations on a theme than it is to create distinctive yet related stories.
In "Stuck on Woodrow Wilson," for example, a woman seethes behind the wheel while caught in accident-exacerbated traffic on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge leaving DC. In "Shape," a car salesman evinces a surprising sales approach as well as a deep--if conflicted--concern for his troubled sister, to whom he lends a car (with problematic results).
The main character in "The Hit and Run" is a driving instructor making money off parents' fears. He's a pretty disturbing instructor: he makes it to his class through ice and snow "at 65, skidding all over the road and blaring right through the stop lights, stop signs, and anything else in the way." He's also responsible (though apparently not particularly remorseful) for killing a mother and her daughter in a hit-and-run.
Some stories reflect a sheer love for and/or knowledge of cars. Again, I'm no expert even when it comes to my poor neglected Honda, but the references to Duryeas and Hillmans seem authentic to me.
Whether you like cars, or like short stories, or both, you're likely to enjoy Drivers. Find out more here.
Magazine for International Students Seeks Submissions
Maybe it's just me being hypercautious (something I've been called many times!) but I'm always a little skeptical of online job announcements from publications that don't include a link to a website. Sometimes, however, just a little extra research can reassure me. Not only do I come to feel that I know the publication a little better (which certainly helps me if I actually do want to pitch an idea its way) but it just makes the publication itself seem more legitimate and professional.
Today, for instance, I saw an announcement on FreelanceWriting.com for World Scholar, "a news and lifestyle magazine for the over 13 million international students studying and living in the United States." The magazine accepts articles, student profiles, and columns. As you'll see if you read the announcement, columns (up to 900 words) pay $45; features pay $.10/word.
I thought about posting this for others who might be interested, but I didn't want to do that without at least looking for the magazine first. And I think I found it. Here.
Today, for instance, I saw an announcement on FreelanceWriting.com for World Scholar, "a news and lifestyle magazine for the over 13 million international students studying and living in the United States." The magazine accepts articles, student profiles, and columns. As you'll see if you read the announcement, columns (up to 900 words) pay $45; features pay $.10/word.
I thought about posting this for others who might be interested, but I didn't want to do that without at least looking for the magazine first. And I think I found it. Here.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Birthday Preparations
I'm preparing the next issue of The Practicing Writer, our free monthly newsletter, which always goes out to subscribers during the last week of the month (the February issue goes out next week). It's hard to believe but this forthcoming issue will mark the newsletter's second anniversary. (Subscribers--stay tuned for a special celebratory surprise!)
Subscribers can always read through our archives. And the current issue (at the moment, that would be for January 2006) is available to all at freelancewriting.com.
Back to work!
Subscribers can always read through our archives. And the current issue (at the moment, that would be for January 2006) is available to all at freelancewriting.com.
Back to work!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Fee-Free Contests
Writing contests. You see them advertised everywhere. And they can sound so promising.
The trouble is, many, if not most of them, charge fees to participate. And those fees sure can add up fast.
But there are lots of "no-cost" competitions--awarding cash, publication, residencies, and conference attendance, among other plums--for writers in every genre. They don't charge fees. The Winter 2006 edition of The Practicing Writer's Guide to No-Cost Literary Contests and Competitions profiles 221 such opportunities. And the complimentary preview includes several sample listings. Check out this great resource for your writing practice today (it's updated semiannually to remove "dead" programs and revise links as needed while adding new opportunities).
The trouble is, many, if not most of them, charge fees to participate. And those fees sure can add up fast.
But there are lots of "no-cost" competitions--awarding cash, publication, residencies, and conference attendance, among other plums--for writers in every genre. They don't charge fees. The Winter 2006 edition of The Practicing Writer's Guide to No-Cost Literary Contests and Competitions profiles 221 such opportunities. And the complimentary preview includes several sample listings. Check out this great resource for your writing practice today (it's updated semiannually to remove "dead" programs and revise links as needed while adding new opportunities).
Monday, January 16, 2006
Boot Camp for Journalists
Writing about public health? "The six-day CDC Knight Public Health Journalism Boot Camp offers a crash course in the basics of public health and biostatistics." This year's Boot Camp will take place June 25-June 30, 2006, in Decatur, Georgia. "Approximately 15 journalists will be selected for the Boot Camp, which is made possible through lead funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The camp will provide housing, breakfast and a per diem stipend of $25 for other meals. Participants are required to finance their own transportation to and from the camp." The application deadline is March 15; there is no application fee. I checked over the list of past participants, and among them are several freelancers/book authors. You'll find much more information, and the application form, right here.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
More Resources for Hurricane-Affected Writers
Just a quick note to remind you about our blog page listing emergency resources for writers. This page began in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was updated this past weekend to include two more programs:
1) Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation Program
Post Office Box 44202
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Tel. 225.342.8196
(Deadline: April 3, 2006)
"In an effort to defray the costs related to physical loss or property damage, relocation, or other specific economic harm suffered as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Foundation has earmarked designated relief funds to aid Louisiana's cultural economy in its recovery." Grants funds may support individual artists; cultural economy small business; and galleries, museums, collectives and nonprofit cultural organizations. Grants to individual artists may not exceed $5,000; grants to artist businesses and small/medium-size organizations generally may not exceed $10,000; and grants to nonprofit cultural organizations may not exceed $25,000. Download the application/full guidelines at the website, and/or contact the Foundation for complete information.
2) A Studio in the Woods Restoration Residencies
13401 River Road
New Orleans, LA 701131-3204
info (at) astudiointhewoods.org
(application fee on a sliding scale, $5-$20)
"As our response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, A Studio in the Woods has created eight four-week residencies during February 2006-January 2007...for New Orleans visual artists, musicians, composers, writers and performing artists who have lost their homes in the hurricane and are displaced into other cities and communities." In addition to food, lodging, and studio space, the residency awards include transportation costs to and from New Orleans and within the city (up to $1350), a $2000 stipend, and assistance from staff members. Visit the website for full guidelines/an application. Note that applications must be postmarked (or received by e-mail) "on the 25th day of the second month preceding the residency you want." (As an example, January 25, 2006 for a March 2006 residency. However, the deadline for February residency applications has been extended to January 22, 2006.)
1) Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation Program
Post Office Box 44202
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Tel. 225.342.8196
(Deadline: April 3, 2006)
"In an effort to defray the costs related to physical loss or property damage, relocation, or other specific economic harm suffered as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Foundation has earmarked designated relief funds to aid Louisiana's cultural economy in its recovery." Grants funds may support individual artists; cultural economy small business; and galleries, museums, collectives and nonprofit cultural organizations. Grants to individual artists may not exceed $5,000; grants to artist businesses and small/medium-size organizations generally may not exceed $10,000; and grants to nonprofit cultural organizations may not exceed $25,000. Download the application/full guidelines at the website, and/or contact the Foundation for complete information.
2) A Studio in the Woods Restoration Residencies
13401 River Road
New Orleans, LA 701131-3204
info (at) astudiointhewoods.org
(application fee on a sliding scale, $5-$20)
"As our response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, A Studio in the Woods has created eight four-week residencies during February 2006-January 2007...for New Orleans visual artists, musicians, composers, writers and performing artists who have lost their homes in the hurricane and are displaced into other cities and communities." In addition to food, lodging, and studio space, the residency awards include transportation costs to and from New Orleans and within the city (up to $1350), a $2000 stipend, and assistance from staff members. Visit the website for full guidelines/an application. Note that applications must be postmarked (or received by e-mail) "on the 25th day of the second month preceding the residency you want." (As an example, January 25, 2006 for a March 2006 residency. However, the deadline for February residency applications has been extended to January 22, 2006.)
Friday, January 13, 2006
An Assignment for an Adventurous Writer
This sounds fun--and a little scary. To me, at any rate. I am not brave enough to try to take this on, but maybe you are.
Here's the deal. Scuba Diving magazine seeks "a talented writer to become a certified recreational diver—at our expense—and then tell the world all about the experience in a 'great read` feature. Your article will be the centerpiece of a newsstand special designed to introduce non-divers to the sport."
They'll pay to send you to a resort, they'll pay for the training, and they'll pay for the piece.
"We want a great—make that insanely great—personal narrative writer. Someone who can tell the story of their transformation from an absolute novice to a certified diver with a funny and insightful feature-length piece that will inspire others to take up the sport."
You must apply for this assignment by January 27. Full details posted over at JournalismJobs.com.
Here's the deal. Scuba Diving magazine seeks "a talented writer to become a certified recreational diver—at our expense—and then tell the world all about the experience in a 'great read` feature. Your article will be the centerpiece of a newsstand special designed to introduce non-divers to the sport."
They'll pay to send you to a resort, they'll pay for the training, and they'll pay for the piece.
"We want a great—make that insanely great—personal narrative writer. Someone who can tell the story of their transformation from an absolute novice to a certified diver with a funny and insightful feature-length piece that will inspire others to take up the sport."
You must apply for this assignment by January 27. Full details posted over at JournalismJobs.com.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
L'Affaire James Frey
A few people have asked me what I think about the current literary scandals, particularly the memoir-oriented James Frey case. Actually, a few of those who asked did so admitting they could already guess my take on it. They know I've never had much patience for what I consider nontruth in nonfiction. And by the way, I still consider memoir a sub-genre of nonfiction, with all nonfiction's attendant characteristics, rewards, and responsibilities.
Maybe that explains, in part, why I really haven't wanted to take on l'Affaire Frey myself. And maybe today's Publishers Lunch summarizes even more clearly why I haven't focused on the subject here: "It would be an understatement to say there is an abundance of stories on James Frey, his Larry King appearance last night, and Oprah's dramatic last-minute blessing of the 'emotional truth' of however it is that he told his tale. We presume that if you're interested, there's little new we can tell you, just as our subjective assumption is that you've probably already formed a firm opinion on the matter."
Yes. Which isn't to say that I won't comment later, once I've had more time to think about all this. Maybe I'll decide I have something original/potentially new and interesting and enlightening to contribute. I'm also looking forward to Mary Karr's editorial on the subject, which, according to today's PW Daily, is in the works.
But for the moment, I'm confident that you're following the news yourself. In the unlikely event that you aren't, here are just a few recommended readings:
A transcript of last night's Larry King Live Interview with James Frey;
An editorial published in the Los Angeles Times;
And though it's dated (from 2003), this article, "Memoirs: The Novel Approach to Facts", published in The Age, is also highly relevant.
ADDED JANUARY 15, 2006:
Here are two articles/commentaries from today's New York Times with which wholly agree. You'll need to register to read the full pieces; registration is free.
1) Randy Kennedy's "My True Story, More or Less, and Maybe Not at All," which appears on the cover page of the "Week in Review" section.
2) Mary Karr's op-ed, "His So-Called Life".
Maybe that explains, in part, why I really haven't wanted to take on l'Affaire Frey myself. And maybe today's Publishers Lunch summarizes even more clearly why I haven't focused on the subject here: "It would be an understatement to say there is an abundance of stories on James Frey, his Larry King appearance last night, and Oprah's dramatic last-minute blessing of the 'emotional truth' of however it is that he told his tale. We presume that if you're interested, there's little new we can tell you, just as our subjective assumption is that you've probably already formed a firm opinion on the matter."
Yes. Which isn't to say that I won't comment later, once I've had more time to think about all this. Maybe I'll decide I have something original/potentially new and interesting and enlightening to contribute. I'm also looking forward to Mary Karr's editorial on the subject, which, according to today's PW Daily, is in the works.
But for the moment, I'm confident that you're following the news yourself. In the unlikely event that you aren't, here are just a few recommended readings:
A transcript of last night's Larry King Live Interview with James Frey;
An editorial published in the Los Angeles Times;
And though it's dated (from 2003), this article, "Memoirs: The Novel Approach to Facts", published in The Age, is also highly relevant.
ADDED JANUARY 15, 2006:
Here are two articles/commentaries from today's New York Times with which wholly agree. You'll need to register to read the full pieces; registration is free.
1) Randy Kennedy's "My True Story, More or Less, and Maybe Not at All," which appears on the cover page of the "Week in Review" section.
2) Mary Karr's op-ed, "His So-Called Life".
New Travel E-zine Seeks Published Authors
Another market lead from Jen Leo at WrittenRoad.com. This time Ms. Leo spreads the word about Perceptive Travel. According to its writer's guidelines, this e-zine "will be published bi-monthly, with four to six articles per issue, plus at least one travel-related book review and a few world music reviews." Note that the editor is seeking submissions only from published book authors/anthology editors. Pay, for now, is $50 per article, on acceptance.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Go (Write) Wild!
You have until March 15, 2006, to submit a (previously unpublished) essay to the Second Annual Wild Iowa Essay Project, which "encourages thoughtful, effective writing about the wild in Iowa. The Project is not a contest so much as an organized opportunity to inspire people of all ages to think and write about what the wild is and could be in Iowa."
According to the essay and submission guidelines (which you of course need to read in full), entries should address "one or more of the following questions. Authors are encouraged to use specific examples and personal experiences.
*What does/should 'wildness' mean to Iowans?
*How have we moved away from the wild in Iowa, and what harm has that caused?
*Where does the wild still exist in Iowa now?
*How can Iowans 'rewild'?
*What would a 'wilder Iowa' look like?"
Note that there are two submission categories, "Youth" and "Adult." Entries "may be in any prose essay form, ranging from expository to creative nonfiction." Word limit: 3,000 words.
Selected essays will win cash awards "of up to $300." Winning essays that are submitted electronically will be published on the Wild Iowa Essay Project website. There's no entry fee.
According to the essay and submission guidelines (which you of course need to read in full), entries should address "one or more of the following questions. Authors are encouraged to use specific examples and personal experiences.
*What does/should 'wildness' mean to Iowans?
*How have we moved away from the wild in Iowa, and what harm has that caused?
*Where does the wild still exist in Iowa now?
*How can Iowans 'rewild'?
*What would a 'wilder Iowa' look like?"
Note that there are two submission categories, "Youth" and "Adult." Entries "may be in any prose essay form, ranging from expository to creative nonfiction." Word limit: 3,000 words.
Selected essays will win cash awards "of up to $300." Winning essays that are submitted electronically will be published on the Wild Iowa Essay Project website. There's no entry fee.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Paying Markets Galore
Important update for poets and essayists. Check out the very latest directory of paying poetry markets and directory of paying essay markets. "Dead" markets have been removed from the last editions (dating back to September); nonetheless, we've managed to expand both e-books--nearly 100 markets in each! Be sure to download the previews--complete with free sample listings. Enjoy!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
And Still Another Low-Residency MFA Program
These low-res programs just keep on multiplying. Here's the latest one I've discovered: a program in fiction and non-fiction at Southern New Hampshire University.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
A Winter Weekend's Reading
If you're looking for some writing-oriented reading this weekend you can find plenty to keep you occupied (and thinking) in online offerings from the January-February 2006 Poets & Writers magazine. I found so much of direct interest to me in this issue I'm still marveling over it.
My interest was piqued first when I saw that the magazine had published a complimentary letter penned by a friend of mine. That was a good sign! (No, that's not one of the online offerings I'm pointing you to. But I have to say it made me smile as I read on.)
I can't say I've read all of David Foster Wallace's work, but his story, "The Depressed Person," remains a favorite. So I was more than just intrigued to find Joe Woodward's piece, "In Search of David Foster Wallace," in the magazine.
Then, because I'm a pretty active book reviewer (I should probably be writing a review right this minute instead of blogging--the book in question is reprovingly within my peripheral vision) and try to help others learn about book reviewing I was also interested in Timothy Schaffert's Q&A with David Ulin, who now edits the Los Angeles Times Book Review.
As if that weren't enough, Daniel Nester's article on Stephen Elliott's new anthology addresses one of my favorite topics: "politically inspired fiction."
And finally, there's Kevin Larimer's report on the outcome of the most recent Winnow Press First Fiction competition. Or maybe lack of outcome is a better term, since no prize was awarded. I certainly can't say I'm an uninvolved party here, both because I know very well which little bird alerted Mr. Larimer to this piece of news and because yes, I am one of the 300 people whose manuscripts the press found, in the words of publisher Corinne Lee, "so disappointing." I suppose I'll just remain grateful to (and perhaps in a very human way will prefer the judgments of) the editors of the five journals and two contests that published and "prized" the stories included in this manuscript collection (a shortened one, due to the contest's page limits) in the past. And I'll be grateful, too, to Winnow Press for returning my contest fee.
My interest was piqued first when I saw that the magazine had published a complimentary letter penned by a friend of mine. That was a good sign! (No, that's not one of the online offerings I'm pointing you to. But I have to say it made me smile as I read on.)
I can't say I've read all of David Foster Wallace's work, but his story, "The Depressed Person," remains a favorite. So I was more than just intrigued to find Joe Woodward's piece, "In Search of David Foster Wallace," in the magazine.
Then, because I'm a pretty active book reviewer (I should probably be writing a review right this minute instead of blogging--the book in question is reprovingly within my peripheral vision) and try to help others learn about book reviewing I was also interested in Timothy Schaffert's Q&A with David Ulin, who now edits the Los Angeles Times Book Review.
As if that weren't enough, Daniel Nester's article on Stephen Elliott's new anthology addresses one of my favorite topics: "politically inspired fiction."
And finally, there's Kevin Larimer's report on the outcome of the most recent Winnow Press First Fiction competition. Or maybe lack of outcome is a better term, since no prize was awarded. I certainly can't say I'm an uninvolved party here, both because I know very well which little bird alerted Mr. Larimer to this piece of news and because yes, I am one of the 300 people whose manuscripts the press found, in the words of publisher Corinne Lee, "so disappointing." I suppose I'll just remain grateful to (and perhaps in a very human way will prefer the judgments of) the editors of the five journals and two contests that published and "prized" the stories included in this manuscript collection (a shortened one, due to the contest's page limits) in the past. And I'll be grateful, too, to Winnow Press for returning my contest fee.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Axton Fellowship Deadline Approaching
January 15, 2006, is the postmark deadline for applying for an Axton Fellowship in Creative Writing at the University of Louisville. The fellowship is open to writers who have received their terminal degree (M.A., M.F.A., or Ph.D.) in creative writing within the past five years. Two fellows (one in poetry and one in fiction) will be appointed for the next two academic years. They will be awarded stipends ($25,000/year) and benefits. "Each fellow will give a reading in the Axton reading sesries once during his or her tenure, will run one, two-day literary seminar, and will teach one course each semester. Of the four courses, one will be of the fellow's design, one will be on the teaching of creative writing, and the other two will be upper level creative writing or literature courses. The fellows will be expected to be in residence in Louisville during their fellowship period." The fellowship is intended to offer recent graduates time to work on their own writing, as well as to "associate them with a distinguished faculty, and to allow them to contribute to a vibrant creative writing program." Download the full description (with application instructions) at the bottom of this page.
Postal Rates Change
Here's an important reminder for all practicing writers in the U.S.: postal rates change as of January 8, 2006 (this Sunday). I managed to buy a bunch of 2-cent stamps to use with my trove of 37-centers yesterday (and also extended my P.O. Box rental for another year). So if you plan on mailing any submissions or taking care of other postal business in the immediate future, make it very immediate to take advantage of the current rates, and be sure to remember to include appropriate added postage for any SASE's (last time the rates went up I ended up having to hunt for submission responses months later from more than one journal that simply did not use the old SASE, and wouldn't/couldn't make up the difference on its own).
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Please Vote!
No, it isn't November. We're still in January. And it's time for the Preditors and Editors annual Readers' Poll.
If you're a fan of our free monthly e-newsletter, now two years old, please express your support by taking just a moment to vote for your friendly e-zine editor (me, Erika Dreifus), right here. I don't want to fill all the e-mailboxes of our 1200 subscribers with a notice just about this poll (which is open until January 15), so please vote and spread the word to your fellow Practicing Writer subscribers! Thank you so much!
If you're a fan of our free monthly e-newsletter, now two years old, please express your support by taking just a moment to vote for your friendly e-zine editor (me, Erika Dreifus), right here. I don't want to fill all the e-mailboxes of our 1200 subscribers with a notice just about this poll (which is open until January 15), so please vote and spread the word to your fellow Practicing Writer subscribers! Thank you so much!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Market Lead from Jen Leo (WrittenRoad.com)
Here's something Jen Leo has just posted over at WrittenRoad.com. It's a newsy market lead about a new magazine called Wend. According to the media kit, Wend "is the new voice for the adventure lifestyle generation" that is "targeted at the urban adventure seeker residing in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver BC and all cities in between." A quarterly publication, it will launch this spring. And, says Jen, it pays.
In Case You Were Wondering...
I'm happy to report that my auto-response message is now disabled. The crisis is over!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
A Short Rant
OK. I just need to vent. The web hosting services I pay for from one of the big companies have been, to put it mildly, less than dependable. I really try to pride myself on being organized and effective in all my correspondence and it is so frustrating when a "higher power," so to speak--especially one I'm paying hefty monthly fees for--lets me down.
The latest glitch (and there have been many!) is that I cannot remove/disable my auto-response message. It was in place from the middle of last week to yesterday, telling anyone who contacted me that I would be away from my e-mail through January 2. Last night I tried to remove that message. The trouble is all my correspondents--including, this morning, no fewer than five editors (at last count)--now must be thinking that I don't know enough to turn the auto-response off. That I am not detail-oriented. That I don't know what day it is.
Yes, I've checked with the web hosting company. Yes, they're having a problem which is interfering with my ability to be--and appear--professional. No, they haven't yet announced it on their own Web site. No, they don't know when it will be fixed.
Well, I just hope it's fixed soon. I don't like being made to look sloppy. And I don't like thinking that something I am already aware of and *want* to fix may negatively affect my writing practice, even in a small way.
Rant over. Thanks.
The latest glitch (and there have been many!) is that I cannot remove/disable my auto-response message. It was in place from the middle of last week to yesterday, telling anyone who contacted me that I would be away from my e-mail through January 2. Last night I tried to remove that message. The trouble is all my correspondents--including, this morning, no fewer than five editors (at last count)--now must be thinking that I don't know enough to turn the auto-response off. That I am not detail-oriented. That I don't know what day it is.
Yes, I've checked with the web hosting company. Yes, they're having a problem which is interfering with my ability to be--and appear--professional. No, they haven't yet announced it on their own Web site. No, they don't know when it will be fixed.
Well, I just hope it's fixed soon. I don't like being made to look sloppy. And I don't like thinking that something I am already aware of and *want* to fix may negatively affect my writing practice, even in a small way.
Rant over. Thanks.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Attention, Writers from Washington State!
Artist Trust has made available its application for Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) awards. These awards (maximum, $1,400 each) "provide support for artist-generated projects, which can include (but are not limited to) the development, completion or presentation of new work." There's no application fee, and you have until February 24 to postmark your application.
Applicants "must be a practicing artist, 18 years of age or older by application deadline date, a generative artist, and a resident of Washington State at the time of application and when the award is granted. Applicants may NOT be a graduate or undergraduate matriculated student enrolled in any degree program. See application for more information on eligibility." Note that the projects themselves need not take place in Washington State.
Note also that writers from a wide array of disciplines may apply. For this program, "literary arts" includes but is not limited to Creative Non-Fiction, Experimental Works, Fiction, Graphic Novels, and Poetry. "Media Arts" includes but is not limited to film, video, animation, screenplays, and teleplays. "Performance Arts" includes but is not limited to musical theater, playwriting, and theater (and others). And applicants practicing in emerging fields or with cross-disciplinary interests (such as digital arts) are also welcome to apply, though they are advised to "call if you have questions about whether to apply in this category."
You can find out much more, and download the 2006 application, right here.
Applicants "must be a practicing artist, 18 years of age or older by application deadline date, a generative artist, and a resident of Washington State at the time of application and when the award is granted. Applicants may NOT be a graduate or undergraduate matriculated student enrolled in any degree program. See application for more information on eligibility." Note that the projects themselves need not take place in Washington State.
Note also that writers from a wide array of disciplines may apply. For this program, "literary arts" includes but is not limited to Creative Non-Fiction, Experimental Works, Fiction, Graphic Novels, and Poetry. "Media Arts" includes but is not limited to film, video, animation, screenplays, and teleplays. "Performance Arts" includes but is not limited to musical theater, playwriting, and theater (and others). And applicants practicing in emerging fields or with cross-disciplinary interests (such as digital arts) are also welcome to apply, though they are advised to "call if you have questions about whether to apply in this category."
You can find out much more, and download the 2006 application, right here.
New Year, New Program
Among the new developments for writers in 2006 will be the launch of another low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program. This time, Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, will serve as the program's home. Concentrations will include fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and writing for children and young adults. For more information, you can now visit the program's website.
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