VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 | january 2, 2026 |
BE GENUINE 2026 is the year of the Horse according to the Chinese. Last year was the year of the Snake, a year of shedding. The Horse is
symbolic of being methodical and strong after enduring the previous year of controversy and change. People disappoint me easily. If I give you my trust, I do so 100 percent. If you take advantage of me, or prove me wrong, I get deeply hurt, and it takes me a long time to trust you or anyone else, for that matter, again. Someone close to me said never to trust anyone and you
never get disappointed. While that is rational, it isn't possible. Another person close to me said something similar in a softer way. People will be who they are, and they are out of your control. Believe in yourself first. I am not the only person who feels this way. Your potential readers feel the same. They open your story (whatever it is you write), and they expect to be pleased, enamored, wowed, entertained, or educated. They
expect you to be the author, a hundred percent. Keep your promise to readers. Give them your all. The first time you don't, they are gone. Write as if you're beholden to them. Write as if you want to retain that friendship forever. It isn't about you. |
The Story Unlikely Annual Short Story Contest is back, and for our 5th year, we're giving away $5,000! What we're looking for: great stories regardless of genre or author pedigree. Unlike other outlets, we're laser-focused on the quality of the writing, not the author's background (or social media
following). Can you tell a good story? Great, then submit today! Basic info below: - $3,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd, $750 for 3rd, and $250 to the winner of our new REPRINT category
- All placing stories will be published in our magazine and professionally illustrated (by real, human artists!)
- NO entry fee
- NO
restrictions on genre, open to fiction and creative non-fiction
- 7,000 word limit (or 10,000 if you're a Member)
- Submission period runs from October 14th through January 14th (Members can submit until January 31st)
- View contest details here: https://www.storyunlikely.com/#contest
NOTE: We offer a coupon code for anyone coming from FundsforWriters for 10% off Writer Level ANNUAL membership. The code would just be HOPE (all caps), and will be valid for 7 days, starting January 2, 2026. FRESH IN 2026
A lot of people do not like January. I, however, consider it a fresh new year, my favorite time of the year. This is when you can see life as a clean slate without all the baggage of the previous year. These are my suggestions for 2026. Do not look at them as
resolutions. Instead, look at them as priorities. 1) Learn to write well. You might be amazed at how many people breeze through this one, thinking it's all about the story. No, it's about a well-written story, written in a voice that is not like others. No, it doesn't happen overnight, but that is no reason to avoid this first step. This also isn't a reason to start using AI because it's taking you so long, or it's so
hard. If you do not have the patience to learn, then find something else. Any profession, and writing is a profession, demands learning the skill before launching out on your own. Professionals can spot those who cut corners. You can burn bridges that way. 2) Learn to read well. Whatever genre or writing path you choose, become well-versed in who the successful writers are in your arena. They went through all the pains
and struggles and ultimately succeeded. Your purpose is to identify why, and you can only learn that via reading the good stuff and dissecting it in your mind. 3) Learn how to get your work published. Whether you write features for magazines, websites, and newsletter, or you pen books, whether you write scripts or you craft poetry, don't sling your work out there to anyone in order to get published. Study that side of
the profession. Who is well-known? Who is novice? What is credible in terms of publishing and what isn't? You cannot shortcut this step. Know them all before choosing one. 4) This number 4 is a spinoff of number 3, only solely related to book-length work. Do not self-publish because you have been rejected too many times, because you don't want to understand traditional publishing, or because you think
your work needs to get out quickly. All of this is short-cutting. All of this is disrespecting your craft. Publish with strong purpose. Know all the pros and cons of ALL types of publishing and ALL resources of publishing before you push to place it into print. 5) Lastly, if writing isn't part of your heart and soul, quit now. Those who are sincere about being notable would appreciate it. You only have one chance to make a good first impression. If it appears you took short cuts in any of the above, you've lost a reader, editor, publisher, agent, etc. permanently.
-Feb 10, 2026 - Book Club, Mt. Horeb Church, Lexington, SC - noon-2PM -Apr 15, 2026 - Book Club, Noon to 2 PM - Elgin, SC (members only) -June 4, 2026 - Chapin Library, Chapin, SC - 1-2 PM
Email: hope@chopeclark.com to schedule events, online or otherwise. “When all's said and done, all roads lead to the same end. So it's not so much which road you take, as how you take it.” — Charles de Lint (1951), “Greenmantle”
<<If you have a success story you believe was prompted by FundsforWriters, please share with us! Send to hope@chopeclark.com >> How to Create Your Own DIY Writing Retreat on a Budget
By Dan Brotzel
The words ‘writing retreat’ might summon up images of a week in a lakeside cabin with a posh notebook, a pot of coffee, and birdsong for company.
But for many of us, work, family and budgets such images are pure fantasy. But there are ways to create your own retreat even if you have next to no money to spare and can’t leave home. It’s just a matter of setting boundaries and working with what’s possible. Decide you’re worth it – and set your goals If you’re serious about making money from writing, then there will be times when you need to take a break from routine and give yourself space to nourish your creativity and refresh yourself for future writing. Accept that you deserve this! Don’t set loads of big goals for this time, like finishing that novel draft or planning a whole year’s blog content. Maybe your mind is so full of other stuff you just need to think
about nothing for a while. Maybe you want a break from your manuscript. Set boundaries Figure out what you can realistically manage. Maybe you can book a few days off work, maybe just an afternoon. Whatever you do, this is your time. Ringfence it, plan for it, let others know you’re not available. Arrange for someone else to do school pick-ups, agree with your partner how to manage your time out, switch to out of office. Close the door and put your phone in a drawer. Set aside your space Even if it’s not a mountain lodge, changing your surroundings helps reset you creatively. It might be as simple as switching to a different room, borrowing a
friend’s flat for a day, or basing yourself in a public library or museum café. My sister who lives on the coast sometimes lends me her flat for a couple of days. I sit in a café by the sea and dream. I sometimes like to take my laptop and spend a day riding buses round London. I get inspiration from things I overhear or see out the window. I once wrote a whole short story sitting on a train going up and down a local line – two
hours each way. If you have a bit of cash, Airbnb stays in unglamorous or out-of-season locations can be reasonable, especially midweek. Also take a look at the growing trend for digital detox cabins and off-grid stays with device-lock options. When I used to travel a lot for work, I’d sometimes tack on an extra night’s stay wherever I was. The travel would be paid for
at least. A friend saves up Avios points to put towards creative city breaks in cities a couple of hours’ flight away. Find your rhythm Plan around how you’re wired. Mornings might be best for reading and journalling, while afternoons are reserved for deep writing or outlining. Don’t forget to build in creative ‘white space’, too. A lazy walk or a bubble bath
might feel too indulgent, but that’s often when the best ideas pop up. Nourish yourself Too much alcohol or junk food is probably not a great idea for a writing retreat. Eat healthy and include some exercise. You’ll want to nourish yourself creatively, too, perhaps by watching a documentary that sparks new story possibilities, or doing a creative exercise
like morning pages. Reflect and take forward When your retreat ends, don’t let that focus and freedom vanish. Review what you created or explored and identify an action or two to keep up momentum – send a pitch, revise a chapter, continue your journal. Sometimes the benefit comes after the retreat. I often find I may not have written much at the time, but I
read and journalled loads and feel renewed with energy and belief to get back to a manuscript. And don’t forget to schedule your next retreat, however modest. We all need things to look forward to. BIO - Dan Brotzel’s latest novels are Thank You For The Days and The Wolf in the Woods. He also writes widely on Medium
ASHEVILLE POETRY REVIEW PRIZE
https://ashevillepoetryreview.submittable.com/submit
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 15, 2026. Asheville Poetry Review offers a $1,000 prize for a single poem through its annual William
Matthews Poetry Prize. First Prize: $1,000 and publication in Asheville Poetry Review. Second Prize: $250 and publication.
Third Prize: Publication. Submit 3 poems in a single file, any style, any subject, any length. CAT'S EYE FICTION CHAPBOOK CONTEST
https://purpleinkpress.com/cats-eye-fiction-chapbook-contest/
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 18, 2026. This is a fiction Chapbook Contest open to everyone. We are accepting works between 16 and 35 pages. You can submit several shorter pieces (stories or flash fiction) or one longer work. Hybrid pieces are welcome. All manuscripts are considered for publication. The prize is $500, publication, plus twenty copies of the chapbook. We encourage both new,
emerging, and established writers to submit! NOT QUITE WRITE PRIZE FOR FLASH FICTION
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/?utm_source=funds+for+writers&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=comp+list
Choose a
team and write a 500-word story based on your team’s three prompts to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and print publication. Then stick around for the podcast afterparty, where your judges will unpack the competition stats and read the top stories! Next round kicks off: Midday Friday 23 January AEDT. Deadline: Midnight (end of day) Sunday 25 January AEDT. 1st Place AU$1,500. 2nd Place AU$1,000. 3rd Place AU$500. 4th Place AU$350. 5th Place AU$250. 6th Place
AU$200. Wildcards (2) AU$100. SWAMP PINK PRIZES IN FICTION, NONFICTION AND POETRY
https://swamp-pink.charleston.edu/prizes/
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 31, 2026. Submit short stories and essays of up to 25 pages or a set of 1-3 poems. Winners in each genre will receive
$2,000 and publication in an upcoming issue of swamp pink. Stories and essays up to 25 pages. Poetry one to three poems. ALPINE FELLOWSHIP WRITING PRIZE
https://alpinefellowship.com/
£10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline to be announced. Opens January 2, 2026. Awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme TBD.
The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts: First place: £3,000, Second place: £1,000, Third place: £1,000. A maximum of 1,250 words per entry. All genres of writing are permitted, including fiction, non-fiction, and non-academic essays. Open to all nationalities. GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/nysca-nyfa-artist-fellowship
Deadline January 27, 2026. In the 2026 cycle, we will award unrestricted cash
grants of $8,000 to New York State-based artists working in the disciplines of Craft/Sculpture, Digital/Electronic Arts, Nonfiction Literature, Poetry, and Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts. NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS - ANYONE IN OR OUTSIDE NY CAN APPLY
https://www.nyfa.org/fiscal-sponsorship/
Deadline January 15, 2026. Our fiscal sponsorship program serves individual artists, arts groups/collectives, and emerging arts organizations who are leading arts-focused public benefit projects. NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship is a financial and administrative tool that helps these groups fundraise. Through our program they can access some of the benefits typically reserved for 501c3 organizations, such as receiving grants
restricted to 501c3s and offering donors a tax deduction, and receive feedback from NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship staff. The program is open to all artists with an employer identification number (EIN) or social security number (SSN). Artists who live in the U.S. but work overseas are welcome to apply. TENNESSEE GRANTS
https://tnartscommission.org/news/fy27-annual-grant-applications-open-november-3-2025/
The Tennessee Arts Commission is now accepting Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Grant applications for projects and activities starting July 1, 2026. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations, local governments, schools, and individuals for a variety of arts activities
and services taking place in all 95 counties of the state. Grant applications are due on various deadlines in January 2026 in the online grants system. LONDON LIBRARY EMERGING WRITERS
https://www.londonlibrary.co.uk/about-us/ll-emerging-writers
The
London Library Emerging Writers Programme, now in its seventh year, is a unique opportunity which offers writers, in all genres and disciplines, one year’s free membership of The London Library and includes writing development masterclasses, networking opportunities, peer support, access to and guidance in using all the Library’s resources and publication in the cohort anthology. Two bursary funds are available to support members of the cohort who may face financial, health, or any other
barriers that would prevent them fully accessing the Programme. The Emerging Writers Programme Access Bursary helps support those participants most in need and the Virago Participation Bursary has been generously funded by Virago Press to support Black women and Black writers from under-represented genders. Applications for 2026/27 Programme open in January 2026. There is no application fee and participation on the Programme is funded. DUNE SHACK RESIDENCIES
https://thecompact.org/dune-shacks.html
Deadline January 15, 2026. Dune Shack residency applications are now open for C-Scape and Fowler Dune Shacks in the Cape Cod National Seashore, available April through November. The historic dune shacks are among the nineteen shacks located within Peaked Hill Bars
National Register Historic District of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The shacks are primitive — no electricity or indoor plumbing — and isolated, allowing for uninterrupted solitude and refuge. WINE ENTHUSIAST
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/how-to-pitch/
At Wine Enthusiast, we’re enthusiastic about wine. But we’re also deeply committed to telling stories that span the beverage landscape, from spirits and cocktails to beer and beyond.
On Digital, we craft content that appeals to both the still-learning drinker and the seasoned aficionado. We cover basics, pop culture, travel, behind-the-bottle stories, industry news with takeaways for consumers, and more. Digital rates begin at $0.50/word. See our list of monthly themes and recurring series. In Print, we entertain and empower readers with a mix of reported features, travel stories, and recipes. We also publish wine and spirits recommendations, which are selected in-house.
From freelancers, we’re looking for previously unreported, meaty stories that go untold in other media outlets, such as profiles of innovative winemakers and other industry pros, colorful peeks into subcultures, opinionated essays, and more. We’re drawn to pitches with compelling narratives and human-interest angles. OPEN SECRETS MAGAZINE
https://opensecretsmagazine.com/p/lit-mag-personal-essay-writing-guidelines
We are closed to full-length submissions except on food insecurity; the food insecurity call for submissions will close once all slots are full. If you see the food insecurity guidelines listed on this web page, we are still open for submissions on the topic. (1,000-2,500 word essay with
$200 payment) We will issue a separate general call for submissions sometime in 2026. THE OVAL UPDATE
https://theovalupdate.com/pitches/
We’re primarily interested in track and field topics that have a global appeal. About 50% of our readers are in the United States, and about 75% are in North
America. We’ll occasionally consider local stories if we think they’ll resonate emotionally with a broader audience. Pays 10 cents/word. Each department has a different word count but same pay rate. IN DEVELOPMENT
https://www.indevelopmentmag.com/p/call-for-pitches-in-development-issue
Deadline January 12, 2026. Word count: 2,000-4,000 words. Payment: $2,000 per piece. In Development is a new magazine dedicated to exploring how progress actually happens in the developing world. We publish narrative-driven essays on ideas, policies, and technologies that have the possibility to, or are already, improving global well-being. We’re commissioning 2,000–4,000-word
longreads that tell a compelling story about how something works — or fails to work — in the developing world, combine deep subject knowledge with accessible storytelling, and surface important but underreported trends, people, or institutions.
DARLEY ANDERSON LITERARY AGENCY
https://darleyanderson.com/about-us/
Darley Anderson Agency & Associates specialises in bestselling commercial fiction. The DA list includes thrillers, mysteries, suspense, crime, horror, accessible literary, romance,
romantic fantasy, sagas and historical. FOREST AVENUE PRESS
https://www.forestavenuepress.com/submissions
Forest Avenue Press publishes literary fiction on a joyride. We’re currently seeking novels that dazzle us with language and humanity. We will not accept submissions for short
story collections, novellas, poetry, or nonfiction at this time. LIBRARY TALES PUBLISHING
https://librarytalespublishing.com/pages/submissions
Interested in self-help, drawing, nonfiction, memoirs, and fiction (contemporary, mystery, romance, and others). Not interested in
poetry or previously published works. STORM PUBLISHING
https://stormpublishing.co/what-we-are-looking-for/
Crime, thriller and mystery, Psychological thrillers, Historical, Multi-cultural fiction, Romantic fiction, Women's fiction, Science fiction and fantasy, Reading group
fiction. We aren’t currently acquiring non-fiction or children’s books. VINE LEAVES PRESS
https://www.vineleavespress.com/submissions.html
Open reading period starts on December 1, 2025, and ends on January 31, 2026. We are looking for: novels and novellas (all
genres accepted, but with a literary bent), memoirs/biographies/autobiographies, creative nonfiction, writing/publishing reference books, short story collections, and poetry and vignette collections. For shorter works, such as poetry and vignettes, we will not accept anything shorter than 60 pages.
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 2000-2025, 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 the occasional solo ad. You will not receive this newsletter without your permission. It's physically impossible since recipients must opt-in, giving us permission to send the newsletter. If at any time you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, click the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of each newsletter. We want you to enjoy this newsletter at your pleasure, not be forced to read anything you do not wish to
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