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The J. Anthony Lukas Prizes Honor the Best in Nonfiction Book Writing. 

EDITOR'S THOUGHTS

WHY NOBODY CAN TELL YOU HOW AND WHEN TO WRITE

A few weeks ago, I mentioned one of the questions I am often asked, one that I feel uncomfortable talking about. "What advice would you give another writer?"

Similar questions in that arena are:

1) How do you avoid writer's block?
2) Where do you get your ideas?
3) Don't you run out of ideas?

No two writers do much of anything the same in this business. Is it interesting to hear someone writes standing up or after they swam a mile at dawn or drank coffee if they wrote in the morning and tea in the afternoon? I want to turn around and ask a question of my own: "How does this apply to YOU as a writer?"

Why do people want to know the tangible details of someone's creativity?

Because they hope that modeling something, anything, after a successful writer who's gone before them, will similarly connect them to that creative genius. They are wondering if something tangible and readily reproduced can tap into a more imaginative well than they have now. It's trying to find the 1, 2, 3 steps of writing successfully and publishing smart.

Everyone has a left brain and a right brain. The left brain is your logical, how-to-do side of things. The right side is creative and involved the arts. The left involves sequencing and linear thinking, while the right is about imagination, intuition, and rhythm. 

Frankly, all too often, you searching for the most productive way to do things is a right brain endeavor. Instead, to boost your creativity, study the creative ideas of others, not how they got there. Look deeper within yourself, maybe even meditate, to give your creative side time to gel in a different way. Attempt something fresh. While that last one feels more right brain, it is not. It instead introduces you to new creativity in different settings, cultures, food, or even reading material that may prompt you to create in a fresh manner. 

But emulating how someone creates is rarely going to help you. Instead, open your mind to new creative ideas. That's where the magic lies.

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As a six-figure freelance writer and Certified Educator in Personal Finance, Dana Miranda has you covered!

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HOPE'S APPEARANCES

 
SUCCESS QUOTE

“

 

SUccess Story

Dear Hope Clark,

I went over your recent newsletter quickly and read the section about not listing poetry submissions (and your response to the criticisms). You.have.NO.reason.to.explain.yourself here. As a poet I have become painfully aware of the odds being against poets getting paid for work. As an active husband, dad, and working writer (writing is not my full-time career unfortunately) it's a tough road to travel as a writer. 

I have seen one publication pay (almost two), and yet I am learning how to use my poetic voice in more than poetry alone; so, it's alright. I am simply another guy trying to change the atmosphere and pace for my family and I through writing and the impact and income it can provide for us. I just wanna reach out and say thank you for supporting writers (such as myself) through all you offer (especially the Charlotte Lit contests recently listed in your newsletter). That means more than you know; thank you!

Grateful for your help and support,

Matt Berg 

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If you have a success story you believe was prompted by FundsforWriters, please share with us! Send to hope@chopeclark.com 
 

Featured article

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCIES FOR CREATIVE FOLKS

y Laura Lee Perkins, MS

Travel can be exhilarating, especially when we can give back to that location. In America, the United States National Park's Artist-In Residency (A-I-R) Program offers creative folks a chance to enrich the parks' interpretive programs. Artists of all persuasions - writers, painters, sculptors, photographers, fiber artists, musicians, composers, glass artists, woodworkers, book-makers and more - are encouraged to apply. If you love to create, especially in a beautiful outdoor setting, you are a viable candidate. The residencies are both humbling and honoring. International applicants are encouraged. 

Artist-In-Residency opportunities for private, focused time are often based in some of the world's most scenic locations. Most offer private living and are free of charge, and transportation costs are sometimes covered. You'll be offered free housing for two-to-four weeks in most parks. 

They are searching for applicants who have:
•    a clear vision of a creative project
•    a personal history of intent and commitment
•    a past record of productivity
•    two letters of recommendation 

The U.S. National Park opportunities have expanded during the last decade. Now there are hundreds of opportunities each year. Most offer free housing for 10-30 days and some cover transportation costs. The accommodations are always more than adequate, and the park rangers are willing to help with anything you need throughout your stay. The only requirement is a 60-90-minute public presentation about your work. Sometimes there will be a one-day public event when you can sell your work. These are usually sponsored by "Friends of the Park" organizations. 

When I was offered A-I-R positions at Sleeping Bear Dunes (MI), Acadia (ME), Crater Lake (OR), and the Great North Cascades (WA) Parks, my friends without an artistic bent seemed a bit confused about what I would be doing. "Writing and offering one public program," I replied. "Is that all?" some questioned. Yes, that was all, and that was enough. 

Before you apply, you develop a proposal for your A-I-R project, gather references, and complete an application. Create a plan for your park presentation that demonstrates why you should be chosen to spend weeks in a place most Americans are lucky to visit briefly. (Most national park visitors stay only four-to-six hours.) Perhaps you might choose to offer an evening campfire talk or a Visitor's Center presentation. Whatever you choose to offer, park visitors will remember you. You might be featured on their Facebook page or in a travel blog online. You'll be an integral part of the park's offerings to visitors during your stay. 

Each of the four parks I've experienced offer different enhancements. Sleeping Bear Dunes reflected Native American legends of the Great Lakes, Acadia's scenic rockbound coast and islands strengthened one's soul, the Great North Cascades offered majestic mountains, wild rivers, and huge trees, while Crater Lake's mystical quality was downright magnetic. 

Artistic inspirations take many forms through these experiences. I am a musician and a writer; sound affects my writing. Nature's aural inspirations inspire my words. Emotional experiences flow during an artist-in-residency. The sense of personal satisfaction that comes from honoring our passions is almost indescribable.  

After spending weeks exploring these mystical lands, this beauty was then expressed through my work. I was able to produce more work during the A-I-Rs than at any other time in my life. Once I took a manuscript and left with an edited book (Lighting Your Spiritual Passion). Another experience produced all of the background material for a project that honored the Ojibwe people. I would work four to five hours, then walk sacred lands and return to write until late at night. Years later, I still return to those inspirational experiences when I need new ideas. 

A-I-R programs offer time for your mind to wander, expanding the heart. These memories of beauty and serenity will enrich an artisans' work for years to come. There is something truly unique about exploring your inner life in a new location, free from the distractions of home and unbridled by responsibilities. These opportunities expand your resume, offer new internal vistas, and bring you in direct contact with others who might love your work. The U.S. National Parks I've visited have even made it possible to have a book-signing day at their Visitors Center. 

Explore https://www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/air.htm to find a residency that suits your passions. I highly recommend applying for this gift of time and space. 

Bio: Laura Lee Perkins, MS has authored 150+ published poems/articles and 16 books. Laura's been awarded five artist-in-residencies, won third place in the 80th Annual Writers' Digest Contest (Inspirational Category), won third place in the 2017 Creative Writing Institute's Short Story Contest, and received 13 grants. Laura Lee Perkins writes from the inspiration of the beautiful Maine coast May-October and from the stillness of the Arizona desert November-April. Her public lectures and classes draw 5,000 attendees each year in Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Arizona.
 

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COmpetitions

BRIDPORT PRIZE
https://thebridportprize.submittable.com/submit
£11-£24 ENTRY FEES. Deadline May 31, 2023. Categories poetry, short story, flash fiction, and novel open for this deadline. Our short story, poetry, flash fiction and memoir competitions are open to international applicants, whilst the novel award is open to writers living in Britain and Ireland, British writers living overseas and writers living in British Overseas Territories. Poetry first prize £5,000. Limit 42 lines. Short story first prize £5,000. Limit 5,000 words. Flash Fiction first prize £1,000. Limit 250 words. 
Novel winner receives £1,500 plus package. Limit 8,000 words and a synopsis - initially. Up to a year’s mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse scheme (worth £2,640) and a detailed critique from the novel judge. Runner-up receives £750 plus full manuscript appraisal and Industry Day place from The Literary Consultancy. 

OMNIDAWN FABULIST FICTION CONTEST
https://omnidawn.submittable.com/submit
$18 ENTRY FEE. Deadline December 7, 2022. The winner of the annual Omnidawn Fabulist Fiction Chapbook / Novelette Contest wins a $1,000 prize, publication of the perfect bound pocket series chapbook / novelette with a full color cover by Omnidawn, 20 free copies of the winning chapbook / novelette, and extensive publicity through social media, our subscriber lists and more. For this contest, Fabulist Fiction includes magic realism and literary forms of fantasy, science fiction, horror, fable, and myth. Stories can be primarily realistic, with elements of non-realism, or primarily, or entirely non-realistic. Open worldwide. Total length of your manuscript must be between 7,500 and 17,500 words, consisting of either one story or multiple stories. 

THE WRITER 100-WORD CONTEST
https://www.writermag.com/the-writer-contests/100-word/
Deadline January 2, 2023. Can you tell a story in 100 words or less? This is no simple feat. Showcase your ability to harness the meaning behind every word in our third annual 100-Word Contest. Write anything under 100 words – nonfiction or fiction – for a chance to win the grand prize: $1,000 and publication in The Writer magazine. Second prize is $500 and publication. Third prize is $250 and publication. 

EUNICE WILLIAMS NONFICTION PRIZE
https://herstryblg.com/herstry-contest
ENTRY FEE $9-15. Deadline December 16, 2022. HerStry has long been a place for women identifying and nonbinary folks to tell their stories. We are a brave space for brave stories. There is no theme to adhere to for this contest, simply nonfiction written by you, about you. Give us your best work, the stuff of your heart. All essays must be true and about you and previously unpublished. Essays must stay under 5,000 words. First place $400, second place $250, third place $100. 

STRINGYBARK OPEN AWARD
https://www.stringybarkstories.net/competitions/open---open-short-story-awards.html
A$15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 12, 2023. The theme is open, the only constraint is that there must be a reference to Australia somewhere in the story. It doesn't matter how small a link there is (it could be a jar of vegemite on the counter), there just needs to be one! Limit 1,500 words. First prize A$500 cash + publication + e-book + paperback + choice of any two Stringybark anthologies. Second prize A$300 cash + publication + e-book + paperback + choice of any two Stringybark anthologies. Third prize A$150 cash + publication + e-book + paperback + choice of any two Stringybark anthologies. Fourth prize A$50 cash + publication + e-book + paperback + choice of any two Stringybark anthologies. 

 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

 

BRIDPORT PRIZE BURSARIES
https://bridportprize.org.uk/writers-room/bursaries-for-under-represented-writers/
Our bursary scheme gives under represented writers a free entry to the Bridport Prize competition in any category. In order to support as many writers as we can, applications are limited to one per year per writer. Applications for bursaries for poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel will open on 1st December 2022 and close on 10th May 2023.

FINE ARTS WORK CENTER
https://fawc.org/apply/
$60 ENTRY FEE. Deadline December 15, 2022. The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown has supported emerging writers and artists for over 50 years, granting 10 annual fellowships to writers and 10 annual fellowships to visual artists for a seven-month residency that runs from October 1 - April 30. Fellows are selected through a rigorous jury process. Fellows are awarded a $1,250 monthly stipend plus a $1,000 exit stipend to support relocation at the end of the Fellowship. Location Provincetown, MA. 

FOLGER INSTITUTE ARTISTIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
https://www.folger.edu/institute/artist-research-fellowship
Folger Institute Artistic Research Fellowships are open to artists working in all media whose work would benefit from significant primary research. This includes, but is not limited to, visual artists, writers, dramaturgs, playwrights, performers, filmmakers, and composers. Artistic fellowships may be conducted either as a virtual fellowship for one month or as a residential fellowship at the Folger for one, two, or three months. Location Washington DC. 

FULTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE 
http://www.fultonarts.org/index.php/contracts-for-services/about-contracts-for-services
Deadline December 21, 2022. The Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture (FCAC) announces funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 for Fulton County-based arts, cultural and community-based non-profit organizations, and artist collectives for the 2023 funding cycle. The Contracts for Services (CFS) Program provides unrestricted general operating and project support to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, arts & culture organizations, cultural institutions, colleges, and universities, as well as units of government that produce or present ongoing arts programming open to the public. Contractors present programs that reflect Fulton County's cultural diversity, and capture the imagination of adults, families, and youth, invigorate neighborhood growth, support economic development, and provides jobs. Location Fulton County, Georgia. 

BECOME AN A+ FELLOW AT A+ SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA
https://www.ncarts.org/aplus-schools/engage/become-fellow
A+ Fellows conduct high-quality professional development for A+ schools and partner organizations. Because A+ professional development is based on a strong practitioner model, the fellows are leaders in the arts and education. Our current cadre of fellows is comprised of practicing classroom teachers, arts and special area teachers, administrators, artists, and writers. During the first year, Apprentice Fellows consider how their strengths might be used and what areas they need to develop. A+ Fellows are then assigned to work on teams that allow them to use their expertise. Apprentice Fellows are selected biennially, and we are currently accepting applications for the 2023 cohort. If you would like to be considered for the next Apprentice Fellows cycle, please contact A+ Schools Program Coordinator Jennifer Huggins at jennifer.huggins@ncdcr.gov to express your interest or for more information. This is a part-time opportunity. Apprentice Fellows are paid $275/day plus expenses. Experienced Fellows are paid $550 per day plus expenses. 


  

FREELANCE MARKETS / JOBS

PIPE WRENCH
https://pipewrenchmag.com/submissions/
Every issue of Pipe Wrench is made of one longform feature story and a constellation of conversation pieces — shorter contributions in a range of styles and media that springboard off the core story. Features come from pitches; conversation pieces are commissioned. We’d love to hear from longform writers with feature ideas, and from anyone who’s interested in doing a conversation piece. Longform stories start at $1,800. Conversation pieces start at $200.

MEDSCAPE
https://www.medscape.com/
Seeking more writers for their freelancer roster for Medscape/WebMD business of medicine stories. Seeks for folks with metro or legal reporting experience. Get in touch at bostrov@webmd.net. Rates are between .50 and $1 per word, depending on complexity of reporting. 

PERPETUAL SPORTS NETWORK
https://www.perpetualsportsnetwork.com/
Perpetual Sports Network is looking to add to its freelance pool for writers and photographers. We operate two storytelling platforms that focus on the athlete’s journey. Pitch Matt Fults, Chief Creative Officer at mfults@perpetualsportsnetwork.com. Long-form feature writers: You can take the reader on a journey by painting a picture with words. Your writing has nuance and depth. It has detail and keen observation. Stories up to 3,000 words. Feature writers: You’re tasked with doing 800-1,200 words. Placing the collegiate athlete at the center of the ecosystem where technology, engaging content, and brands all come together to deliver an enduring future. Pays up to $2,000 per article. 

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS
https://www.bhg.com/about-better-homes-and-gardens-5525299
Better Homes & Gardens is looking for new, experienced freelance writers for upcoming evergreen commerce articles. Previous experience is required; rates start at $600. Please email resumes and press clips to Brittany Romano, Senior Editor at BRomano@DotDashMDP.com. Better Homes & Gardens is a go-to resource for home ideas, food and recipes for everyday and special occasions, and garden know-how that can't be rivaled.

NONPROFIT QUARTERLY
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/submissions/
NPQ is a leading national nonprofit publication that covers civil society—that is, nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy. Pitches should not exceed 200 words. We generally publish articles of 1,500 to 3,000 words, but this is not a rigid rule; hyperlink citations are preferred over footnotes. We especially want: articles and pitches covering one or more of our four justice areas—economic, racial, climate, and health justice—as well as leadership, management, and philanthropy. Pays about $400 per article.

TRAUMA, TRESSES, AND TRUTH: A NATURAL HAIR CONFERENCE - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
https://asalh.org/call-for-submissions-trauma-tresses-truth-a-natural-hair-conference-august-4th-5th-and-6th-2023/
TRAUMA, TRESSES, & TRUTH is a three-day virtual conference examining the politics, policing, and perception of African American and Afro Latina women’s natural hair in American society. Accepted panelists will receive a $150 honorarium. Workshop leaders will receive honoraria of $200.


 

Publishers/agents

HERA
https://www.herabooks.com/submissions/
We're looking for crime and thriller, romance, saga and general fiction. Please note we are not publishing non fiction, young adult or children’s fiction, poetry, science fiction and fantasy or short stories. Please send a one-page synopsis, the whole manuscript as a Word document and contact details to submissions@herabooks.com. 

SHADOW MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING
https://shadowmountain.com/
Shadow Mountain Publishing will open to unagented and unsolicited manuscripts ONLY during the following dates: March 1 - 7, June 1 - 7, September 1 - 7, December 1 - 7. Shadow Mountain Publishing is passionate about clean content and empowering values. We publish general fiction and nonfiction for all ages. Currently looking for:

Fiction - empathy-building, contemporary middle grade novels, middle grade fantasy, historical romance(Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, etc.), women’s fiction, YA fiction, general fiction, historical fiction. 

Nonfiction - historical nonfiction, inspirational nonfiction, cookbooks, religious content for non-denominational audience. 

We are NOT interested in the following genres: science fiction, business and finance, family histories/personal journals, poetry, children’s picture books, or previously self-published projects.

AM INK PUBLISIHNG
https://aminkpublishing.com/contact%2Fsubmissions
We do not accept Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Middle Grade, YA, Sci-Fi, Military, Poetry, Gothic Fiction, Children's Chapter Books, Religion, Literary Fiction or Politically-based books. All other genres are open for submissions. Our main focus is mainstream fiction and horror. Novels, Nonfiction and Short Story Collections must be over 60,000 words to be considered. Children's books must be over 24 pages. Children's book must be fully illustrated to be considered. 

BHC PRESS
https://www.bhcpress.com/BHC_Press_Submissions.html
We're interested in new, fresh, and innovative work in young adult and adult fiction for most genres. We enjoy discovering emerging writers and also working with more established authors interested in growing their platform. We get especially excited for genre-defying work and characters we can’t stop caring about, debut fiction, and diverse #ownvoices. We’re not currently interested in poetry, children’s picture books, middle grade, nonfiction, previously published or self-published work.

DEEP HEARTS YA
https://deepheartsya.com/submissions/
Deep Hearts YA is a publisher of LGBTQ+ young adult fiction. We focus on quality rather than quantity – we would much rather have a handful of top-notch stories than a full catalogue of mediocre books. While we are primarily a romance publisher, romance need not be the primary plot; submissions need not have a romance plot, provided there is some theme of self-empowerment, self-acceptance, or other related message. Given that the characters and target readers are underage, there is to be no erotic content.

PAGE STREET PUBLISHING
https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com/submission-guidelines
Publishes young adult (YA) fiction (for ages 12 and up), in all genres, and a variety of nonfiction books in such categories as cooking, sports, science, nature, interior design, crafts, and parenting. Also publishes picture books in all genres for ages four to eight with particular focus on new talent, artist-led narratives, engaging story arcs, and visually driven concepts. Does not publish board books, early readers, chapter books, or middle grade at this time.

LYRICAL PRESS
https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/pages/lyricalsubmissions/
We are looking for fresh stories in a variety of categories including all romance genres (specifically suspense and historicals with unique settings), compelling psychological suspense fiction, thrillers, women’s fiction, new adult, and cozy mysteries. We’re hoping to find edgy and daring voices that readers will love. We welcome novellas, serials, and full-length novels as long as they tell a satisfying and well-written story. Allow at least three months for response.

FAMILIUS
https://www.familius.com/author-submissions/
Our categories include children’s picture books and board books, parenting, relationships, self-help, family fun, education, cooking, and health and wellness for both adults and young adults. Basically, if your book can help us achieve our mission of helping families be happy, we want to talk to you.

CASABLANCA
https://read.sourcebooks.com/submissions-casablanca.html
We are actively acquiring agented and unagented Romance fiction for our Casablanca imprint including Own Voices, marginalized voices, inclusive and diverse romances. We look for strong writers of all ethnicities, races, sexualities, gender identities, abilities and ages, who are excited about marketing their books and building their community of readers, and whose stories have something fresh to offer in the genre of Romance.

 

FUNDSFORWRITERS CONTACT INFO

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C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
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ISSN: 1533-1326

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