Volume 8, Issue 12       
March 23, 2008

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

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Editor:  C. Hope Clark
Mailto:    Hope@fundsforwriters.com
Website: http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Newsletter: 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.

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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EDITOR'S THOUGHTS
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Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/FFW.htm
Read past issues at: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?fundsforwriters

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NOTE: HOOKED ON THE OUTDOORS - http://www.ruhooked.com/
      No longer in business.

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FINDING RETREATS

Courtney Mroch writes a wonderful piece for us this week about
do-it-yourself retreats. She states getting away to write isn't
possible with her family obligations. I loved the piece, but
warned her I might take a tangential stance, a bit in opposition
to her message. She gave me the okay to do so.

Courtney dreams of escaping to write. Don't we all! I often tell
writers via email that they have no excuse not to write. Even
at home, one can find ten minutes to scribble even if it's
sitting in the bathroom, taking care of other business.

My writing started in ten minutes increments. I told my family
that when my bedroom door was shut, I was off limits. The
only exceptions were if someone was bleeding or throwing up, or
the house was on fire. Even the dog wasn't allowed to scratch
on the door. They were to keep the dog away.

Those ten minutes became a focal point of my day - time that
was purely mine without obligations. Because I respected it
enough to carve it out of my day, my family began respecting it.
In turn, I respected their personal time. My writing and their
understanding of my need to write, became a conditioned response
to my closing that door.

So what happened when I decided to go to a conference? I told
them that the trip was important to my writing. I put food in
the kitchen, gave them a number to reach me, and I took off.
Kids had to feed the animals and husband had to feed the kids.
Amazingly all parties came through my escape unscathed.

A lady in one of my online groups had a scholarship to a
three-day writing retreat. She began having reservations, worried
how badly her children would miss her. I turned it around on her.
She had a daughter. I asked her this: If your daughter had a
chance to attend a retreat, for no cost, to improve her talents,
would you want your daughter to stay home because the family
might have to adapt to her absence?

Amazingly, she took the opposite stand. Of course her daughter
needed to go, she said. To grow, to learn, to become a better
person. Ah, she admitted. The light came on. She went to her
retreat.

You were an individual before you were a parent. If you do
not nurture that individual, others do not respect that
individual nearly as much. The stronger you are, the more
confidence you develop as YOU, the better you can contribute
to the lives of others.

Find temporary homes for your pets, get someone to water your
plants, find sitters for your children and tell your spouse
to please get along without you for a few days. People will
not respect you as a writer...nay, as a person...until you do.

    Hope

GOT YOUR CALENDAR YET FOR ALL THOSE 2008 GOALS?

Once again FundsforWriters is offering the Bylines Calendar
for your writing needs. I've used one for going on four years
now, and I'm addicted to it. Listing a writer (like Hope)
for every week along with the writer's personal points of
wisdom makes you realize you aren't alone in this struggle
to make a living at what you love. Order yours today!

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/Bylines.htm

=====

http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

People are raving about the new look...and the new opportunities
offered four-five days a week.

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THE NEWEST EBOOK UPDATES

Lots of our readers like to know when we update our ebooks.
This time of year, we update them a few at a time and announce
them each week in the newsletters. The newest updates are:

TIS THE SEASON - seasonal writing
THE NO FEE CONTEST BOOK - contests without entry fees
SHORT & SWEET: MARKETS FOR FILLERS
COOKING UP RECIPES - writing for food markets

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ebooks.htm

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

Art isn't easy. It probably shouldn't be. We do it because ...
well, because. The answer "because we have to" is too pat,
too simple, it smacks of egotism. I make art because I'm
driven, you don't because you're inferior. Simple answers
aren't becoming, or truthful.

The Burry Man Writers Center
www.burryman.com

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ARTICLE
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A DIY Writer's Retreat

By Courtney L. Mroch

I love dreaming about getting accepted for one of the writer's
retreats Hope often includes in her newsletters. She recently
listed one that was particularly tempting for a residency at
the Chateau de Lavigny in Switzerland, described as "situated
in a small village between Geneva and Lausanne, overlooking Lake
Geneva and the Alps. It is able to host a maximum of eight
writers per three-week session."

Oh, what it'd be like to be one of those eight! I've always
wanted to travel to that part of Europe, and to do so with
the intent of devoting hour upon glorious hour to my craft? 
The shivers that race through me at the very prospect such an
opportunity exists!

Except...it doesn't take long before I snap back to reality. My
husband's job requires long hours and frequent travel. Who would
care for our animals?  I wouldn't want to risk traumatizing my
three fur kids, who I'm a full-time stay-at-home mom to, with an
extended absence.

But what if I created my own writer's retreat right here at home?
Or at least in my hometown.

I did, and here's how you can too.

* Find a place that stirs your muse. Consider libraries, coffee
shops, parks, or cafés.

For me, it's the Brentwood Public Library situated smack dab in
Concord Park. Floor-to-ceiling stained glass panels and intricate
quilts hung on the wall greet visitors in the entry, lending a
homey air. Books galore are nestled within row upon row of wooden
bookshelves. Green glass-topped banker's lamps grace every desk.

Most desks sit right next to a window, each of which has a view.
It might not be as spectacular as a Lake Geneva or the Alps, but
the rolling green hills blooming with daffodils in spring, or the
trees on fire with reds and golds in autumn are breathtaking in
their own right.

My favorite desks are the ones at the back, which glimpse the
library's courtyard garden and Bunny Hill beyond. (In the mornings
and early evening, in addition to foraging squirrels, there are also
plenty of rabbits hopping about. It always makes me think of Beatrix
Potter. I'm sure it would inspire new friends and adventures for
Peter.)

* Opt for a retreat that's far enough you'll feel "away from it all,"
but near enough it's not a chore to get there.

Any longer than a 25-minute commute might have you finding excuses
why you can't go. (Especially if gas prices keep rising as they're
expected to.)

* Make sure your surroundings inspire, not distract, you.

I often see people with their laptops at Starbucks and Panera's,
but I'd be too distracted. I prefer the library because for the
most part people are quiet and inconspicuous.

* Block out two hours for your first "retreat" and commit to it on
your calendar.

If you're like me, bogged down by demands (I'm a freelance writer in
addition to being a full-time stay-at-home animal mom), time is
precious -and rare. It's easy to find excuses not to do something.

But if you allot yourself the two hours the same as you would to an
away retreat (i.e. committing to X amount of days on your calendar),
you'll stick with it.

Then you can adjust as need be. For example, increase it to four
hours one day each month, or two hours every other week.

* Be prepared for the consequences.

Once you find your retreat, going becomes addictive. A relaxed,
inspired, and motivated muse is such a productive one --and that
means you're going to be one busy writer.

---
COURTNEY L. MROCH
http://members.families.com/petscribe/blog
http://www.courtneymroch.com
http://www.myspace.com/courtneymroch

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COMPETITIONS
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DON RUSS POETRY PRIZE
http://www.kennesawreview.org/artman2/publish/contests/Don_Russ_Poetry_Prize_2007.php
---
$15 ENTRY FEE for 3-5 previously unpublished poems
$500 prize for one winning poem, to be published in KR
April 23, 2008, deadline for receipt (hard copies only).

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FLASH FICTION PRIZE FOR KENNESAW REVIEW
http://www.kennesawreview.org/artman2/publish/contests/Flash_Fiction_Prize_2006.php
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
$500 prize for the winning story, to be published in KR
June 1, 2008, deadline for receipt (hard copies only). 750
words or less.

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FUGUE POETRY AND PROSE CONTEST
http://www.uidaho.edu/fugue/contest07.htm
---
Fiction - $20 ENTRY FEE
First place winner receives $1,000 and publication. Second
and Third prize winners receive publication. Story submissions
should not exceed 10,000 words in length. Deadline May 1, 2008.

Poetry - $20 ENTRY FEE
First place winner receives $1,000 and publication. Second
and Third prize winners receive publication. Poetry submissions
should not exceed 3 poems or 5 pages. Entry fee guarantees
consideration and a copy of the journal that includes the contest
winners. Deadline May 1, 2008.

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GRANTS
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NEW MEDIA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
http://www.newmediawomen.org/
---
NMWE will fund three women-led start-ups that will generate
new ideas in the world of news and information and model a
spirit of journalistic entrepreneurship. Winners will be
given $10,000 to launch their ideas and blog about the process
over the next year. Deadline May 1, 2008.

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THE GIVENS FOUNDATION
http://www.givens.org/
http://www.thedwellinginthewoods.org
---
A retreat for emerging and established black writers who are
at critical junctures in their artistic development, who
desire an opportunity to "get away" to focus on the honing of
their literary craft, and who seek to receive mentoring and
peer support. When:  May 1-3, 2008 (4 days, 3 nights). Located
at the Dwelling in the Woods, McGrath, MN. Ten black writers
living in Minnesota to be selected. Cost:  Free (writers'
lodging, food, and transportation costs will be paid for by
the Givens Foundation). Deadline April 4, 2008.

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GOLDFARB FELLOWSHIP
http://www.vcca.com/goldfarb.html
---
The Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Nonfiction Writers supports
a fully funded two-week residency to enable a nonfiction writer
to concentrate solely on his or her creative work. The deadline
is May 15. Location Amherst, VA.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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PRECAST INC
http://www.precast.org/publications/precastinc/writers_guidelines.pdf
---
Our primary freelance needs are general business or technology
topics that correlate to the precast concrete industry.
Remember more than anything, precast manufacturers are
small business owners. The departments section is more
conducive to general business. The features are more
technical in nature. Pays up to $750.

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HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
http://www.masterteacher.com/publications.cfm
http://www.helpingyourchildsucceed.com/
---
The easy-to-read monthly brochures provide parents with
practical suggestions for boosting student motivation,
improving study skills, building strong character, connecting
with teachers, and much more. The companion web component
provides additional support to parents whenever they need it.
Twenty cents/word.

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THE PROGRESSIVE
http://progressive.org/mag_guidelines
---
We strive to expose corporate malfeasance and governmental
wrongdoing. Detail the problem, relying as much as possible
on public documents and on interviews. Use plenty of
quotations. Be sure to give fair comment to the corporation,
government agency, or individual you are covering. Payment:
$500-$1,300.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location New York, NY
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/269963-114
---
Weill Cornell Medical College seeks a highly motivated
individual, under direction, to write and edit materials
for the Chairman, including letters, speeches, lectures,
reports, grants, manuscripts for medical journals and medical
textbooks; edit correspondence for the Chairman's Office
including acknowledgements/solicitations for all FFM donors
as well as various other donations made to the Department;
write and edit materials for various Departmental
publications, brochures, booklets, pamphlets and manuals.

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FREELANCE WRITER
Location Tucson, AZ
http://tucson.jobing.com/job_details2.asp?usecache=0&jobid=1386077&utm_source=indeed&utm_medium=link&utr
---
Tuscon West Publishing is seeking freelance news reporters
with at least one year of experience or a bachelor's degree
in journalism. Must have knowledge of AP style and have
experience working under deadline. Must have knowledge of
libel and privacy law. Must own a digital camera for reporting
use. Occasional weekend assignments. Coverage area includes
the northwest and northeast side.

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EDITORS FOR SOUTH REGIONAL DESK
https://careers.ap.org/viewjob.html?erjob=7823
---
The Associated Press seeks 13 Editors for its South Regional
Desk in Atlanta. Editors on the South Regional Desk edit and
file the top news in a 13-state region stretching from Delaware
to Florida, including the District of Columbia, and west to
Louisiana. They are part of a dynamic, 24/7 operation and work
with editors from photo, multimedia, video and broadcast to
ensure AP owns the coverage in all formats.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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CUMBERLAND HOUSE PUBLISHING
http://www.cumberlandhouse.com/submissions.html
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Publishes nonfiction and cookbooks.

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QUILL DRIVER PRESS
http://www.quilldriverbooks.com/qdb_guidelines.htm
---
We publish nonfiction books only and if you have one that
has a large, identifiable and reachable audience, we'd like
to hear from you. We do not publish poetry, children's books,
or fiction. We prefer to receive a query letter along with
a book proposal.

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ANDREA HURST AGENCY
http://www.andreahurst.com/submit.html
---
Represents wide variety of fiction and nonfiction. Three
agents on staff. Please query the particular agent interested
in your style work.

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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WE NEED YOUR TRADITIONS

My friend and I are collecting personal stories from people
around the US.  Your story, if chosen, will be added to a book
we are writing along with your name, date & home town/state.
We would especially like to hear about its origins, what
it means to you & why.  (There is no word count limit)

Please send your story to us at TraditionsUS@yahoo.com about:

--Traditions ~ any type, family or non-family, holiday
  traditions or those which surround key events in your life.

--Heirloom recipes ~ recipes that have been passed down to you
or one that you make for special occasions. 

--Practical tips ~ how did you teach your children how to  ____,
how you organized your book club, etc. 

--Your signature gift ~ for what occasion do you buy it for and why.

If you story is chosen we will notify you and you will receive
a copy of our book.

=====

THE MORNING NUDGE --
'When your pen won't budge, read The Morning Nudge.'
Sign up for free daily inspiration and motivation for your writing.
Go to: http://www.workingwriterscoach.com

=====

WRITERS RESEARCH GROUP

Freelance writers needed for several large web content projects. 
Set your own hours and work from any location that offers high-
speed Internet access. Must have writing or other relevant
experience and be able to work independently, consistently meet
deadlines, adhere to client style guides and respond in a timely
manner to editor feedback . Candidates must have their own
computer with high-speed Internet access. SEO, business and
journalism writing experience a plus.  Pay is approximately
$10.00-$30.00 per hour average depending on your speed and
efficiency as a writer.

Email your resume to info@writersresearchgroup.com.

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HERO JOURNEY WORKSHOP

Good stories grow into enduring works when they are built on
the hero journey. Learn how you can incorporate into your
writing the basics of this powerful plot structure. The Hero
Journey Workbook includes exercises and guided writing
assignments to help fledgling stories become unforgettably
powerful.

Order the $10 workbook.
Available on Amazon or just send a check to Gwynne Spencer,
PO Box 525, Monmouth, OR 97361

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MANUSCRIPT EDITING SERVICES - Fast and Affordable

Need to get unbiased comments on your ms?
Wondering if it's ready for an agent/publisher? I can help!
Services offered: copyediting, proofreading, ms critique,
developmental assistance. More than 10 years of experience
with writers of all skill levels.

Visit www.jacquelincangro.com/editingservices.htm
for rates and details.

Or write: contact@jacquelincangro.com

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CATHOLIC WRITERS ONLINE CONFERENCE

Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals
from around the world are gearing up for the first annual
Catholic Writers' Conference Online, which will be held May
2-9, 2008, and is sponsored by the Catholic Writer's Guild
and Canticle magazine. The online conference is free of
charge and open to writers of all levels for those who
register by April 25. Early registration is recommended,
as some courses will have limited openings that will be
filled on a first-come, first serve basis. For more
information, go to -

http://www.conference.catholicwritersguild.org

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WORLDWIDE FREELANCE WRITER - Download a free list of writing
markets if you subscribe this week. Our database has almost 2,000
writing markets from USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia.

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com

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ARE YOU A STARVING POET?

Even if you're not, how would you like a free resource coming
to you monthly via email?  Subscribe to the free newsletter,
The Poetry Market Ezine, by logging onto www.thepoetrymarket.com
and using the sign up box, or send any email to: 
poetrymarket-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The newsletter features poetry markets, contests, and news.
Listed as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for
Writers 2007, The Poetry Market ezine has been exclusively
catering to poets for over 6 years! 

For general info, send any email to tpme@thepoetrymarket.com

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Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
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http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm

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BUSINESS STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com

140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036

http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2008, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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