VOLUME 24, ISSUE 35 | AUGUST 23, 2024 |
COVID FOR THE FIRST
TIME Yes, I've got COVID, and it's for the very first time. A fan told me that someone must have some super germs to get through my super immune system. Well, kudos to them, I guess. Take it from someone who writes through just about anything, writing through those first few days of COVID
was NOT happening. So this week I have no pearls of wisdom or bright missives to open with here. My tired fingers are typing, attempting to connect with a brain that doesn't want to work, just to get the newsletter out. So thanks for being patient with this patient for simply saying hello this week. My best wish for you, however, is this . . . do not get COVID. (Below is a sample of my vantage this week. The pups are taking good care of me.) |
KEEP OR THROW AWAY?
Many writers are afraid to throw away work. It could be something they can't seem to sell, or it could be the original version of a chapter rewritten. It could be that perfect sentence that someone told you to cut out,
that you can't see to let loose of. It could be a scene you played with once, and it was perfection . . . you just didn't have any idea what to do with it. We've all written those pieces we could not throw away. I used to save them. And I occasionally cut out a section of a chapter and keep it just in case. The truth is, however, out of the 20 books I've written, I've only gone back and salvaged two
of those little pieces. One was a six-hundred-word scene. The other was a long paragraph. Today, I throw things away. The chances of me using them again are slim to none. It's just hoarding. Once traveling cross country, I wrote on a novel to occupy my time. I created an entire chapter and edited
several others. When I arrived at my motel room, however, the flash drive was gone. I had not saved it in the cloud. All that work . . . gone. After an hour of fussing, and another hour of stewing, I faced up to the fact I had to write the chapter over, from scratch. Truth was, what I wrote was every bit as good, if not better. We hate waste like that, but is it waste? Really? As writers, we are an endless supply of words. Each line we write improves us. And the more we have to practice at our craft, the better we get. So if fate robs you of a page, a scene, or a chapter, let it go. Fretting won't change a thing. Look at it as the universe telling you that you were capable of something
even better.
Snag 18% off the custom cover design for your next book from Karolina Wudniak Book Design! Her biz just turned 3 and this is a Special Birthday Offer!To grab the offer, book a quick 15-minute call to check if we're a match and see which book cover package fits your needs best. ----Karolina Wudniak is a Book
Designer who turns manuscripts into books that can fly high. She helps self-publishing authors with book cover design, layout formatting and book marketing design. You can find out more on her website.*Book before the end of August and use within the next 12 months. A 50% payment is
required during booking. -September 29, 2024 - Newberry Opera House - "Artists 5" - 2PM (tickets required - music, art, wine, and sample plates to match the readings of three authors, to include C. Hope Clark) -October 5-12, 2024 - Edisto Bookstore, exact dates in that week TBD -October 28, 2024 - St. Andrews Church Women's Club, 6952 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29212 - 2PM
(tentative) -October 29-30, 2024 - South Carolina Library Association's Annual Conference, Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201 - TBD -November 12, 2024 - Bennettsville, SC book club - time and place TBD -November 23, 2024 - Irmo Chapin Holiday Market, Chapin, SC - 8AM - 2PM -May 17, 2025 - Pelion Library Book Club, 206 Pine St, Pelion, SC, Saturday, 1-2PM
Email: hope@chopeclark.com to schedule events, online or otherwise.
"I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you."
—Oprah Winfrey <<If you have a success story you believe was prompted by FundsforWriters, please share with us! Send to hope@chopeclark.com >>
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NOVEL WRITING AND WORD PROCESSOR SOFTWARE
By Alex J. Coyne Novel writing software and word processors are faster, fancier, and more feature-filled than your old typewriter. However, are they any better than your old word processor for getting jobs done? Here’s a look at various
writing software, what they cost, and how they work. Scrivener Scrivener gets rave reviews, and it’s a favourite of bestselling thriller author Deon Meyer. Scrivener costs $19.99 to $49
depending on your operating system. Features include the ability to create a “flip-file” style database for characters, plot twists, or changes. There’s a separate section for outlines (Outliner), and a Corkboard for notes. Surprisingly, Scrivener doesn’t use artificial intelligence. Novlr is similar, but it is freeware and
cloud-based. NovelWriter: Free NovelWriter is a freeware novel writer software. Notes can be displayed alongside your main document, and users can keep track of “story elements” with a notes and storyboarding feature. Writers can make a “decision
tree”-style representation of their work on one page. It’s described as a “multi-document plain text editor” that’s particularly handing for referencing one file (e.g. notes) with another two actively open. Fade-In Pro Fade-In Pro is designed as a
powerful screenwriting processor. At the cost of $79.95, it is beneficial above word processors with its ability to keep track of stories and plots. A “Navigator” organizes your screenplay’s content, while you have control over sheets, tags, notes, color-coded sentences, and scenes. Styles, layout, and appearance changes take one keystroke or click. It’s meant for professional-style speed. There’s no AI assistant, but it uses “autocomplete typing”. As a benefit, it’s linked to a mobile
app. Celtx, Trelby, and Fountain are three open source, free screenwriting programs that make strong competitors for paid, professional software. Microsoft Word Microsoft Word is a widely popular word processor, and it’s grown since
the nineties. MS Word is paid for via Microsoft Services, which also gives you access to a custom cloud storage space. MS Word has built-in power for authors, with beefed up capacities for design (eliminating the need for tools like Publisher). However, it lacks the more specific features authors or screenwriters might want like outlines, collaboration, and sticky notes. Can you write
a manuscript (or format an ebook) using MS Word? Yes, but there are easier ways. By the way, Microsoft comes with added Artificial Intelligence, but you can disable it manually. Google Docs Google Docs is part of the Google productivity suite, which also includes Sheets and Presentations. It’s a word processor with online capabilities, useful when you’re working in a group or sharing multiple changes over the same document. However, there’s an unseen drawback: users have to opt out from using documents for AI training. That’s right: documents stored on your Google Drive(s) can be used to train artificial intelligence models. Toned Down Word processors can also be “distraction free,” or deliberately include less features than fancier, larger programs. Distraction free processors are great for making notes and writing first-drafts, and they can be superior for security reasons since there’s usually no cloud. FocusWriter is
a favourite of mine, a simple typing terminal with zero bells - and a “dark mode” lighter on the eyes. Picture The Matrix. There’s also FreeOffice, often cited as one of the best free office suites. It’s great, though lacks .docx capabilities. Apache OpenOffice is another free,
useful office suite; however, I’ve found it lags. The above word processors also create “backup files” in case of resets and power outages which can be a lifesaver. From simple to message board connected to the cloud, there’s a word processor suitable for your writing style.
About the Author: Alex J. Coyne is a journalist, author, and proofreader. He has written for a variety of publications and websites, with a radar calibrated for gothic, gonzo, and the weird. Sometimes he co-writes with others.
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FRACTURED LIT ELSEWHERE PRIZE
https://fracturedlit.com/2024-elsewhere-prize/
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 15, 2024. For this
contest, we want writers to show us the forgotten, the hidden, the otherworldly. For this prize, we are accepting micro, flash, and sudden fiction, so we’re inviting submissions of stories from 100-1,500 words. The winner of this prize receives $3,000 and publication, while the second- and third-place winners will receive publication and $300 and $200, respectively. All entries will be considered for publication. The entry fee allows submission of two stories. THE GALLEY BEGGAR PRESS SHORT STORY PRIZE
https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/prize
£11 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 13, 2024. Winning story £2500. Shortlist £200. Longlist £50 book vouchers + subscription. Submissions must be no longer than
6,000 words. The competition is open to both unpublished and published writers, and from anywhere in the world. TADPOLE PRESS 100-WORD WRITING CONTEST
https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest
$15
ENTRY FEE. Hosted twice a year with deadlines every April 30 and November 30. Word Limit: 100 words or less per entry. All ages. All genders. All nationalities. You may enter pieces that are brand-new or have been previously published elsewhere. Any genre. No theme. 1st place $2,000 USD. 2nd place publishing and marketing package with Compassiviste Publishing ($6,000 USD value). 3rd place manuscript assessment package with Compassiviste Publishing ($1,500-$3,000
USD value). 4th place editing package with Tadpole Press ($1,450 USD value). 5th place writing coaching package with Tadpole Press ($600 USD value). 6th-10th place $100 USD. CREATIVE WRITING INK SHORT STORY CONTEST
https://creativewritingink.co.uk/creative-writing-ink-short-story-competition-2024/
£9 ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 15, 2024. Entries can be on any subject, theme or genre. Maximum word count is 3,000 words. First prize: £1000, plus a free creative writing course of the winner’s choice and publication on the site. Two runners-up: £200 each. THE HENSHAW SHORT STORY COMPETITION
https://creativewritingink.co.uk/competitions/the-henshaw-short-story-competition/
£6 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 30, 2024. A short story on any subject up to 2,000 words. First prize £200,
second prize £100, third prize £50. Prize winners published on the Henshaw Press website and in the next anthology. LATINO VOICES IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE WRITING CONTEST
https://go.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit/latino-voices-childrens-literature-writing-contest
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 14, 2024. Latino writers residing in the United States can submit unpublished children's stories for ages 0–4 or 4–8 featuring authentic, realistic Black characters and culture. Three prizes: $1000, $500, $250. All entries are considered for publication. GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL CREATIVE CATALYST GRANTS
https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/creative-catalyst-grant.html
ROLLING DEADLINE. Creative Catalyst Grant is a new IAC grant program that offers support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for arts-related projects, programming, events, and/or professional development. An open deadline grant program with an award amount up to $12,000 per applicant. NEBRASKA ARTS PROJECT GRANTS
https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/arts-project-grant/
Next deadline October 2, 2024. Open to nonprofits, but artists/writers can partner with nonprofits for this grant. Arts Project Grants support arts programming, productions or events open to the general public. Support is limited to an arts project taking place within a
defined period of time. The program or event may have multiple components and/or performances. Examples of project types include exhibitions, performances, poetry readings, commissions and/or support of new work development, arts festivals, community murals, and ethnic heritage projects. This category may include projects supporting artists and cultural activities that broaden opportunities for underserved communities. Amount $2,000 – $7,500. JOHN LEWIS WRITING GRANTS
https://www.georgiawriters.org/john-lewis-writing-award
Deadline October 28, 2024. The John Lewis Writing Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The purpose of the
grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of Black writers in Georgia. Winners in each genre will receive a grant of $500 to present a workshop or reading at a selected Georgia venue, and a scholarship to the next annual Red Clay Writers Conference. Applicants must be 18 years of age and emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of
the award. HAMBIDGE RESIDENCY
https://www.hambidge.org/guidelines-apply
Apply by September 15, 2024 for the Spring 2025 Residency Session (mid-February through May). Open to visual artists, writers, dancers,
musicians, ceramicists, chefs, scientists, arts & culture administrators - creative thinkers of all kinds for two- to eight-week self-directed residencies. Located on 600 acres in the north Georgia mountains, each resident is awarded a private studio & living space, with no responsibilities except attending communal dinners four nights a week.
INTERVENXIONS
https://www.latinxproject.nyu.edu/submission-guidelines
Intervenxions accepts pitches on a rolling basis—except for scheduled publishing breaks in the summer
(June and July) and winter (December and early January). Intervenxions publishes reviews, criticism, reporting, interviews, and essays on U.S. Latinx art, politics, and culture between 1,500 and 2,500 words. Currently, we do not publish fiction or poetry, or personal essays, unless they tie into a broader theme. Pays $300-400. FOSTERING MEDIA CONNECTIONS
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzfEn-BBGw-BplOMwWtnyCEV5ZLUooy11H1KpwizLV0y9L7g/viewform
Fostering Families Today is a magazine for resource families and kin caregivers, and Youth Voice is a journalism training program for young people with lived experience in foster care or youth justice
systems. The writer will be responsible for creating compelling op-eds related to child welfare, using their lived experience to inform their writing. The daily tasks include conducting research, drafting op-eds, collaborating with the editorial team, and meeting deadlines. Pays $250 per piece. MUST live in California, New York, Minnesota, Washington and/or identify as Indigenous. GRIFFITH
REVIEW
https://griffithreview.submittable.com/submit/303438/gr-online-contributor-pitches
Deadline September 8, 2024. We’re currently accepting non-fiction pitches for GR Online, our online publishing platform. This is where we showcase short (1,000–1,500 words)
pieces of commentary and critique that engage with contemporary culture, literature, politics and more. We want new perspectives, original thinking and a healthy dose of stylistic flair. We’d particularly welcome pitches from First Nations writers. We’d also welcome pitches from members of the d/Deaf and disabled writing communities. We pay $500 per article. FLAME TREE FICTION - TWO
THEMES
https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/achilles-submissions-call-0
https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/morgana-le-fay-submissions-0
Deadline September 22, 2024. Short pieces needed on one or both of two themes. Achilles and Morgana le Fay. Stories submitted for consideration need to explore new or expanded angles to the character: have them follow alternative paths, present different viewpoints, give deeper background, or perhaps pursue story lines that are
hinted at in the original tales and poetry. For accepted stories we pay Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) rates of 8 cents/6 pence per word for original stories, 6 cents/4 pence for reprints. Story length is most likely to be successful at 3,000-4,000 words.
WOODHALL PRESS
https://www.woodhallpress.com/submissions
Woodhall Press welcomes agented and un-agented manuscript submissions. Our submissions are open for all genres. CREATURE
https://creaturehorror.com/submit
Creature accepts both agented and unsolicited submissions of feminist horror, dark speculative fiction, women-driven thrillers, spooky fantastical fiction, literary fiction, or genre-defying prose. You
may submit manuscripts in the range of 20,000–90,000 words; 40,000–60,000 is the sweet spot. UNSOLICITED PRESS
https://www.unsolicitedpress.com/guidelines.html
We are actively seeking essay collections, poetry of all
lengths, experimental, hybrids, literary novels, novellas, short story collections, memoirs, and nonfiction (literary criticism, history, cooking, health, science, and long-form journalism). With regards to nonfiction, we aren't looking for your every day nonfiction book...we want there to be an edge to it, so don't come at us with a book proposal you came up with for Random House. No boilerplate genre fiction. Your book can be a mystery, but it shouldn't be a mystery novel. Maybe the character
needs to solve a crime, but that facet is one piece of the whole book. No previously published or self-published works. We take at least six months to respond. BAEN BOOKS
https://www.baen.com/submit
We publish only science fiction and
fantasy. Writers familiar with what we have published in the past will know what sort of material we are most likely to publish in the future: powerful plots with solid scientific and philosophical underpinnings are the sine qua non for consideration for science fiction submissions. As for fantasy, any magical system must be both rigorously coherent and integral to the plot, and overall the work must at least strive for originality. Preferred length: 100,000 - 130,000 words. FOX CHAPEL PUBLISHING
https://foxchapelpublishing.com/pages/author-inquiries
Fox Chapel and its imprints publish illustrated, nonfiction, instructional books for children and adults, as well as three quarterly magazines.
Please do not submit proposals for novels, short stories, or poetry.
Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission. Do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish out of ours.
C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com Copyright 2000-2024, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326 Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. Use information listed at your own risk. FundsforWriters gives no warranty to completeness, accuracy, or fitness of the markets, contests, and grants although research is done to the best of our ability. FundsforWriters finds open submission calls, contests, and markets from a wide variety of sources, including Erika Dreifus' Practicing Writer newsletter, Erica Verrillo's blog, Authors Publish, Poets & Writers, Duotrope,
Winning Writers, Write Jobs Plus, LinkedIn Jobs, Emily Stoddard, and other newsletters and online sites. Many announcements are submitted directly to FundsforWriters. All must be paying opportunities. Contests must pay a minimum of $200 first place. Submit potential listings to hope@chopeclark.com **Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter. ALL ads are related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. While the mailing list is not sold to third parties, other parties do advertise in the newsletter, to include
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