VOLUME 24, ISSUE 36 | AUGUST 30, 2024 |
A NEW ARTISTIC
EXPERIENCE Recently, I was invited to participate in an artistic event that sounds like a crazy fun time. First, I was honored to be invited. Second, the event takes place at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry, SC. It's a renovated historic building that is gorgeous. Third, I am paired with others who are interpreting my words into other forms of art. How cool is that? On September 29, at 3 PM, Newberry, SC, South Carolina and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, collaborate to create a unique, immersive experience. They interpret an author’s published story through corresponding works of music, visual art, and culinary creations. The various artists come from both the US and Canada. I will be reading on stage, then the glass art representing my reading will be revealed, then the song created in the like of the reading will be presented. After three readings and three sets of art reveals, the attendees get to share in the plated meals prepared by three chefs, also representing the read work. In case any of you are wondering, I am reading the prologue to Edge of Edisto. If any of you are interested in this wonderful evening, consider signing up
quickly before all seats are gone. The max seating is 400. Signed books will be available. |
BOOK BANNING
This article caught my attention this week, when I was laid up with COVID and reading everything in sight. Publishers Weekly has some good articles here and there, and this one grabbed me. Survey Finds Most Americans Unengaged with Book Banning Efforts in Public Schools "The survey, based on a sizable national sample of more than 4,500 adults, found that most Americans feel
informed about efforts to ban books in schools. But just 3% of respondents said that they have personally engaged on the issue—with 2% getting involved on the side of maintaining access to books, and 1% seeking to restrict access. Overall, a solid majority of respondents expressed support for the freedom to read, and expressed high levels of trust in their local teachers and school librarians." One
is not for or against all book banning everywhere. That's where the media has done us wrong in its exaggerated use of slanted reporting. There is banning for elementary school, middle school, high school, collegiate, and public libraries, as well as book stores (which includes online sales). As the article said, people trust their teachers and libraries to handle what is appropriate in the schools. Our public libraries are answerable to, um, the public, and those flares have been few and far
between in relation to the number of libraries out there. Those stories ought to be more along the line of a geographical social study of the area, not ALL libraries everywhere. Again, our media at play. I think, however, that since books are obtainable, regardless what kind of ban you place on any level, that people are saying what's the big problem? You can get the book next day from Amazon, and
almost any bookstore would be happy to provide a banned book. Book banning hasn't really happened. We can get our hands on the books. Let's move on.
I don't know about you, but the approach of back-to-school season makes me nostalgic. I want to buy four-subject notebooks, Pilot pens, and Lisa Frank folders—and I want to be in a writing class. So I made one! The Back to School Writing Challenge starts on September 1 and includes four weeks of writing prompts, advice on strengthening your writing habits, and revision tips and tricks. You'll receive assignments from me, plus built-in writing days (with some fun surprises), right in your inbox. If you are also feeling the back-to-school nostalgia, I'd love to see you in class! 📝 I'm your instructor, Dr. Bailey Lang. I'm a writer, editor, and coach who's worked with everyone from middle school storytellers to
professional authors, professors, and executives. Over at The Writing Desk, I help writers build sustainable, enjoyable writing habits and tell stories that matter. -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 10, 2024 - Edisto Bookstore, Edisto Island, SC - 3-5 PM -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.
"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
—Thomas Edison
<<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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Writing Lessons from Hip-Hop
By Alex J. Coyne I’ve written about international rap artists and hip-hop crews for several years, including Isaac Mutant, G-Boy, Die Antwoord, and producer Lil2Hood (touring in 2024). Here’s what you can learn about genre writing from lessons from
hip-hop. Negotiating interviews Almost any market can publish genre pieces if the angle suits the readership. For Vrouekeur, a mainstream woman’s publication, I interviewed Isaac Mutant with comedian Melt Sieberhagen about financial advice. People Magazine allowed the genre when I was writing about famous tattoos. LitNet accepted an interview about Isaac Mutant’s European tour as a literary publication. Frame your niche ideas, and they could fit mainstream markets rather than rarer, specialized, or niche magazines. Cultural Impact Sometimes you’re pitching for cultural impact, to make a difference, and not just for the idea. I wrote about fair royalties in 2024 when hearing rumours that musicians didn’t get their share of the profits after their music featured on a show’s soundtrack. After the piece, HemelBesem (Simon Witbooi) met with Isaac Mutant and others to reach a resolution. The resulting article, I covered as HemelBesem and Isaac Mutant breaking bread over beef. Integration Hip-hop writing, and other comparative niches, require insider’s knowledge and an ear to the ground. Attend
events, join appropriate Facebook groups, connect with authoritative figures - in this case artists and producers. Don’t fall out of thin air and act like everyone’s friend for a story. In the movie Almost Famous, the band calls journalists “the enemy” for this reason. Instead, integrate into your niche (whether hip-hop or anything else) and speak to people often, get to know people, don’t pretend. I
wrote something short about hip-hop producer Lil2Hood, and I was elated when they shared it. The Wayback Machine The Wayback Machine (Internet Archive) is used to roll back websites or headlines, and it can still access things that have been changed or removed. Great research for stories here. I dug around for the early MaxNormal.TV website in 2008, and wrote about the rare plush toys the band custom-made before their fame as Die Antwoord. Niche Co-Writing I don’t know everything! Sometimes I’ll ask my co-writer
to help with their experience or research. LitNet wanted me to cover Beyoncé and Cowboy Carter, and it was time for some help. Beyoncé meets country music at the crossroads was the result. Suzannah added her thoughts on music. LitNet’s editors were happy. We followed up with a piece on Generative AI and art,
interviewing animator Scott Sava (Netflix/Animal Crackers). Co-writing can be symbiotic. Don’t Believe Everything Don’t believe everything other journalists write: find
out for yourself. Hip hop artist Die Antwoord has been the subject of many allegations and controversies. However, very few journalists followed the story through with more research. I watched their documentary (‘ZEF’) and wrote their side of the allegations for MSN. Sometimes it’s best to research than judge. The other side might have serious merit to make for a good story. Mistakes I’ve made mistakes and learned hard lessons, too. I accidentally included a producer in a list of ‘Best Rappers’, because they were featured as vocals on someone’s first album. I was tired, assumed something,
and clicked post. What happened? I corrected the mistake and apologized, but also took fire from their supporters. They reminded me that good journalism is accurate. Connecting with Social Media How do you know someone’s dropping a new song? Usually, they’ll tell you. The question, for a writer, is how to
acquire this information before they tell their contact at any other newspaper. Meet musicians on social media, like TikTok and Facebook. Branch out to resources like Soundcloud and YouTube, where I’ve met artists like Slagysta (featured in Die Antwoord’s song Baita Jou Sabela)
and G-Boy. I don’t always go in “chasing a story.” Sometimes I just check out what’s new, or we share resources until something newsworthy happens. Whatever your niche, seek a deeper level of expertise. That earned respect goes a long way in acquiring
stories.
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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"Happy Anniversary, My WRITEDAY Subscription Box" MyWRITEDAY Subscription Box for writers is celebrating one year in September with a treasure trove of writerly goodies sure to inspire your writing journey. For $59.00, My WRITEDAY is a bi-monthly subscription box containing curated products from authors, creators, and small businesses to writers and readers in the U.S. It's unique in that many products are sourced from writers who are also crafters and artisans. I love my WriteDay boxes; each one has been a fun surprise and has given me a lift when I most needed it! ~Gerry W. Each box
delivers a writing craft book and 3-7 items associated with the key concepts (journaling, fitness, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) of Writer Wellness, my flagship program. Click here to subscribe! THE SMOKELONG GRAND MICRO CONTEST
https://www.smokelong.com/the-smokelong-grand-micro-contest-2024/
$11 ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 15, 2024. The
grand prize winner of The Mikey is automatically nominated for The Best Small Fictions and any other prize we deem appropriate. In addition, we will also pay the grand prize winner $1000. Second place: $500. Third place $300. Finalists: $100. All finalists and placers will be published in the December ’24 issue of SmokeLong. Word Count: 250 words or fewer for each micro (excluding the title). Previously published as well as previously unpublished work will be considered. The competition is open
to anyone 18 years of age or older from anywhere, but please be aware that you must be able to receive funds through Paypal. Fiction, non-fiction, and hybrid narratives are considered. NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS
https://www.indiebookawards.com/
$75 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 13, 2025. The 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards is open to all indie book authors and publishers including independent publishers (small, medium or otherwise), university presses, self-published authors, e-book authors, seasoned authors and even first time authors in the U.S., Canada or internationally who have a book, a manuscript, or a galley proof written in English and published in 2023, 2024 or 2025 or with a
2023, 2024 or 2025 copyright date. First place in fiction and nonfiction $1,500 cash prize and trophy. Second place in fiction and nonfiction $750 cash prize and trophy. Third place in fiction and nonfiction $500 cash prize and trophy. Winner of each of the 80+ categories $100 cash prize and gold medal. Up to five finalists in each of the 80+ categories receive finalist medal. NEXT GENERATION SHORT
STORY AWARDS
https://shortstoryawards.com/
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline February 27, 2025. Stories must be no longer than 5,000 words. You may enter as many categories as you like. The Next Generation Short Story Awards (NGSSA) via Headline Books (Publisher) will publish a selection of Winning stories in an Anthology of
Winners. Twenty seven adult categories and five student categories. More than 30 cash prizes and gold medals awarded to Winners of the various categories plus even more awards for Grand Prize Winners. First grant prize $500. Second price $300. Third prize $200. Winner of each of the 30+ categories $75 cash prize. CHANGES BOOK PRIZE
https://changes.press/book-prize/
(NO NOTED ENTRY FEE, BUT CHECK AFTER SEPT 1) Deadline October 1, 2024 (opens September 1). Awards $10,000 and publication for a first or second collection of poems. In addition to the cash prize, winners receive a fairer-than-standard publishing contract, national distribution, extensive advertising and publicity, 50 copies of their
book, and a launch event in NYC. The Changes Book Prize is open to residents of the United States who have not published (or committed to publishing) more than one book-length collection of poetry with a registered ISBN. Manuscripts must be a minimum of 48 numbered pages and a maximum of 96 numbered pages in length. GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING ROBERT B. SILVERS FOUNDATION
https://silversfoundation.org/grants/
Anglophone writers of any nationality may apply for up to $10,000 to support long-form writing in the fields of literary
criticism, arts writing, political analysis, and/or social reportage. Grants may not be used to fund translation. Applicants must have an editorial agreement with a publication or publishing house for the work under consideration. We will accept applications for the 2025 Silvers Grants between February 1st to March 31st. SOCIETY OF AUTHORS CONTINGENCY FUND (UK)
https://www2.societyofauthors.org/grants/grants-writers-in-need/
It helps writers, illustrators, literary translators, scriptwriters, poets, journalists and others, whose author-related activities make up a substantial amount of their annual income. Grants range in value and are designed to meet immediate need. See examples at
the website. We are unable to offer grants for a specific writing project or to buy time to write (see the Authors’ Foundation), publication costs, or for authors who are in difficulty because they have contributed towards publication costs, authors who are not yet working professionally and receiving income from author-related activities, or student tuition fees. Applications are open to all professional authors who are resident in the UK or British citizens – including all types of writers,
illustrators, literary translators, scriptwriters, poets, journalists and others – whose author-related activities make up a substantial amount of their annual income. SOCIETY OF AUTHORS DRUSILLA HARVEY ACCESS FUND (UK)
https://www2.societyofauthors.org/grants/drusilla-harvey-access-fund/
Giving authors support for travel, subsistence, childcare or access needs for events, residencies, and retreats. Usual grants will be £150 or less, but fair consideration will be given to all proposals. Open to UK residents and British citizens. ALBERTA FOUNDATION
FOR THE ARTS
https://www.affta.ab.ca/funding/find-funding/literary-individual-project-funding
Deadlines September 3, 2024 and March 3, 2025. This opportunity provides up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Alberta, Canada artists,
arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for a specific literary arts project. NEVADA PROJECT GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
https://www.nvartscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-PGA-Guidelines.pdf
Deadline October 1, 2024. Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application. Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status. Up to $3,000. GOING
https://tih07a8710j.typeform.com/to/pPC5BppP
"Looking for great stories of people doing amazing things with their points. Some examples: a person who retired and now uses points to
travel around the world; a person who used a home renovation to amass enough points for a dream trip; a couple who used their wedding spending to earn the points to cover a lavish honeymoon; someone who used their points to take their parent on a special trip, etc. We are not currently looking for stories that go into the details of booking an individual flight." Pay starts at $400. Going is a travel deal-finding service that helps members discover and book affordable flights to destinations
worldwide. TODAY
https://www.today.com/essays
Personal stories about parenting, health, pop culture and more. Looking for personal essays that fit into the lifestyle space — wedding tales, relationship stories, unique parenting and
health stories. This is an ongoing call for submissions of around 1,000 words. Pays $350. Pitch Rheana Murray, Senior Essays Editor at todayessays@nbcuni.com SASK DISPATCH
https://saskdispatch.com/articles/view/call-for-pitches-january-february-2025
Broadly, we're always looking for pitches covering provincial and municipal elections, grassroots activism, Indigenous rights, arts and culture, economic justice, ecology, gender equity, harm reduction, and more. This editor would like to increase reporting on rural Saskatchewan, arts and culture, and grassroots activism. $100 – Profiles, short essays,
and reviews (generally <1,000 words). $200 – Feature stories (generally 1,000-1,500 words), photo essays. $300 – Research-based articles and investigative reportage with extensive primary research (generally 1,500-2,000 words). PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/iPittsburghCityPaperiPitchGuidelines/Page
Pittsburgh City Paper is a freelancer-friendly alt-weekly with both a print and digital presence, and we take pitches on a rolling basis. We cover hard news, politics, social justice, arts & entertainment, culture, subcultures, food, nightlife, and much more — all with local ties to Pittsburgh. We publish reported pieces, profiles, essays,
op-eds, and beyond. Speaking of rates, they range from $250 - $750 based on the amount of work, reporting, sources, time etc. that a story requires. GEIST
https://www.geist.com/submission/submit
Geist is a magazine of ideas
and culture with a strong literary focus and a sense of humour. The Geist tone is intelligent, plain-talking, inclusive and offbeat. Each issue represents a convergence of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, comics, reviews, little-known facts of interest, cartography and the legendary Geist crossword puzzle. Emphasizes writers in Canada. They are extending the submissions deadline for non-fiction and comics to September 9, 2024. Short nonfiction around 800-1500 words.
Pays $300-500. Longer nonfiction pieces (up to 5000 words) are published as Features. Pays up to $1000. Comics pay $100 per page.
ABINGDON PRESS
https://www.abingdonpress.com/submissions
Abingdon Press provides resources that meet the needs of people who seek and would serve God. We produce and deliver resources for
use in ministry and for individual faith development. Among these products are leadership books, church supply items, church program resources, curriculum resources, and a host of other print and digital media. We do not accept submissions of poetry, memoir, fiction, biography, autobiographhy, occult, or children's books. DRAGONBLADE PUBLISHING
https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com/about-us/
Dragonblade Publishing is woman-owned, woman-run boutique publisher specializing in Historical Romance. FORESHORE PUBLISHING
https://foreshorepublishing.com/about/
We welcome submissions from both new and emerging authors; those writers who have not yet published a work of fiction or memoir by a publisher at the time of submission. We also sign work, previously unpublished in the UK, by established authors. We are particularly interested in publishing English language translations of books previously
published in foreign language territories. Foreshore Publishing is located in East London, UK and publishes quality fiction that strives to entertain, inspire, open and expand the mind beyond the five senses to a deeper understanding of the human condition.
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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