FundsforWriters - May 4, 2008
Published: Sun, 05/04/08
Volume 8, Issue 18
May 4, 2008
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FUNDS FOR WRITERS
Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
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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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PAID SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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WAR POETRY CONTEST - LAST CALL!
Seventh year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,000. Top prize 
$2,000. Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on the theme of war, up
to 500 lines in all. Winning entries published online. Sponsored
by Winning Writers. $15 entry fee payable to Winning Writers.
Postmark deadline May 31, 2008. Judge: Jendi Reiter. Include
cover sheet with contact information. No name on poems. Submit
online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: War Poetry Contest,
351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning
Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Web Sites for Writers"
(Writer's Digest 2005-2008).
More information: www.winningwriters.com/war
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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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FOCUS ON THE NOW
Been spending more time this week kissing and loving on a
nine-month-old granddaughter I haven't seen since she was
six-weeks old. Of course, I enjoy the parents, too, but
there's something about baby sugar that grabs my attention.
Add to that she's adopted me as her idol, and hey, what can
I say? I've let my writing slip this week.
A couple of times I've let my straying aggravate me. I see
the weeds thumbing their little green noses at me as they
double in size thanks to spring showers. I'm dying to rip
them up or weed whack them to oblivion. I'll be paying the
bills at the last moment instead of ahead of time. I'll be
up until wee hours meeting a few writing deadlines while
everyone else sleeps.
Sometimes life throws you more to juggle, and we have to
gracefully know how to keep all those balls up in the air.
Or not.
Why not juggle one ball at a time?
I had to juggle one ball this past weekend when that angel
granddaughter arrived from the plane with a stomach virus
we thought was hers alone. Hours later, her parents are
throwing up sick. Half a day later, my husband. Then my
son. Then me. Of course, my parents show up to visit and
they leave with it two days later. I nicknamed the child
Typhoid Baby. Hey, what a better way to spread a plague?
Everyone touches, cleans, strokes and kisses on babies.
Sounds like a good novel concept. Good way to contaminate
politicians, too, come to think of it.
Anyway, moaning on the sofa, I realized that my focus for
the next day was reaching the bathroom in time. Simple.
But we don't have to wait until we are sick to use our
single-focus talent.
Pick one project and just do it. Ignore the emails, the
other enticing writing queries, the laundry and the weeds,
and just write until that lone project is complete. Put all
else out of your mind. You will put more of your energy
into that project, ensuring a higher quality product, than
if you dabble here and dabble there.
You have kids? Find a sitter.
You have weeds? Let them grow.
You have a dirty floor? So be it.
You have a golf game? Reschedule it.
Channel all your energies into a project, and you'll be
amazed at what evolves. That's why my nights are usually
reserved for my novel. That's my focus time...the time
my characters come out and play their best game.
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
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http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com
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NEW EBOOKS!
AGENT IN YOUR POCKET - 140+ agents including those personally
researched by Hope for her personal use. Also, advice for how
to query and seek that perfect agent for your novel.
SHORT STORY WRITER - 100 pages and 240+ paying markets for
your short stories.
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ebooks.htm
=====
HOPE'S LATEST INTERVIEW
~~~~~~****~~~~~~
WORDS OF SUCCESS
"Life must be understood backwards;
but it must be lived forward."
~Soren Kierkegaard
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ARTICLE
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Let the Writing Speak for Itself
By Eve Nicholas
To some writers, marketing is everything. Not to me. I don't
network. I don't list my writing services at the bottom of
every e-mail message. I certainly don't have a blog.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not speaking out against any of these
things. Many writers build respectable careers through
assertive marketing practices. Hundreds of resources exist
to help writers market their books, articles and services.
I applaud them. It's just not my personality.
Instead of marketing myself and my services, I spend my time
researching and creating quality work. I never miss a deadline.
I make it my priority to learn the objectives of my client -
whether it is the editor of a magazine or the marketing
director of a corporation - and I develop content that fits
his or her needs, on target and on time. Every time.
The result? My copywriting clients return with new projects
and consistently refer me to their colleagues and friends.
Editors give me unique and challenging assignments. One editor
even gave me a "raise" because he thought I deserved more
money than we agreed upon in our contract.
Show, don't tell.
In writing classes, instructors often tell young scribes
"show, don't tell." This advice helps them prepare vivid,
stand-out fiction and nonfiction. I believe that this little
tidbit applies to marketing as well. Here's what I mean:
I can toot my own horn as loudly as I want, shouting out to
the world that I am a reliable and gifted writer. I scream,
yodel, paste flyers all over town. But it's all hogwash if
my writing stinks, and I'm just a fool if I miss my deadlines.
I count on the quality of my work to do my shouting for me.
I show my clients and editors what I can do, rather than tell
them. So far, so good. Minimal revisions. Plenty of repeat
assignments. Lucrative employment as a freelance writer.
You are not an expert.
I mentioned earlier that I applaud marketing resources and
the writers that use them. This statement is only partly
true. In my opinion, too many writers cross the line. I mean
the integrity line.
Not too long ago, I read an article that instructed young
writers to scour their lives for expertise. Do you cook
everyday?, it asked, then you are a cooking expert!, advising
people to exaggerate their knowledge in order to make a sale.
I have done lots of things in my life, just like everyone
else in the world, writer or otherwise. Some of these things
I do every day, like brush my teeth, feed my cat, talk with
my husband, eat food. I am not an expert in any of these
things, and neither is my cat, and - forgive me - in most
cases, neither are you.
Here's the thing. We don't have to be experts to write well.
In fact, some of the greatest non-experts in the world write
national newspaper columns, engaging feature stories and
best-of-the-best nonfiction books.
Our world consists of so few genuine experts, and so many
people pretending to be something that they're not. There's
simply no reason for it. Look around. There's tons of authentic
work out there, tons of money to be made, tons of writing to
get done.
Let the writing speak for itself.
My marketing strategy (for lack of a better term) consists
of the following: First - research, write and submit my best
work, meet deadlines and stay open to feedback. Second -
present myself with professionalism and a positive attitude
at all times. There is no third.
By letting the writing speak for itself, I have built a
successful full-time writing career, one that I developed
from the ground up through integrity and hard work. Does
that make me an expert? Certainly not. But I'm proud of it
all the same.
BIO
Eve Nicholas is a freelance writer.
She lives on Whidbey Island, Washington State.
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COMPETITIONS
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TAMARACK AWARDS
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/Join-In/Tamarack-Award-Submissions/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The competition is open to residents of Minnesota, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Maximum
length: 4,000 words. Must be an original, unpublished work of
short fiction. Deadline May 15, 2008. The author of the winning
manuscript will, upon signing Minnesota Monthly's standard
publication contract, be published in the November 2008 issue.
Minnesota Public Radio will reserve the right to broadcast a
reading of the winning story.
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BRADT TRAVEL-WRITING COMPETITION 2008
http://www.bradt-travelguides.com/infopage.asp?PageID=32
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The competition is open to all writers, published or
unpublished. The theme this year is 'The Heart of the City'
and entries must contain a strong travel element. The maximum
length is 800 words. The competition also includes a prize
category specifically for unpublished writers. The Independent
on Sunday will publish the winning entry and offer a commission
for a 1,200-word article based on the winner's prize holiday.
The fabulous prize is a seven-night holiday for two in
Kyrgyzstan. The prize in the unpublished writers' category is
a place on a travel-writing course in Granada, Spain.
Deadline May 16, 2008.
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WIN A HOUSE ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.pixnpens.com/
---
$50 ENTRY FEE
Pix-N-Pens is pleased to announce a one-time only special
ESSAY contest with the theme: "Small Town, U.S.A." Your entry
should focus on "Small Town, U.S.A." but the interpretation
you choose is up to you. The entries will be judged on
originality, creativity, personality, and overall writing
ability, as well as how closely it fits our theme of "Small
Town U.S.A." 500 words or less, by NOON, Friday, May 30, 2008.
All entry fees are final and non-refundable, unless the 1,500
entry limit is not met - then all fees will be refunded.
The person submitting the winning entry will be awarded full
title to a 3 BR, 2 BA house in Selma, AL. Pictures of the
house are shown on the web site. Winner is responsible for
all taxes incurred as a result of winning. House is
transferred as-is, and will be stated as such in the closing
paperwork. Pix-N-Pens will provide a one-year Home Warranty
when the home is transferred to the winner.
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GRANTS
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ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM AT EARTHDANCE
(PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP/WORk-STUDY)
http://earthdance.net/waystobe.htm#artist
---
This is a call to dancers, improvisers, visual artists, writers,
and creators of all kinds. Do you have a piece that you have been
dreaming of completing surrounded by the quiet of forested hills?
Are you finishing your book or screenplay? Would you like to
spend a month in rural western Massachusetts, surrounded by trees,
land and sky? Earthdance offers artistic retreat residencies and
the opportunity to share your teaching treasures by offering a
weekly class to our residents and local community. In the
residency, we provide room and board and at least four hours of
studio time per day when available. The fee is $400 per month.
We ask for three hours of work exchange and one class per week. We
do not offer residencies in the summer months of June through August.
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ESPY RESIDENCY
http://www.espyfoundation.org/residents/index.html
---
The Foundation's goal is to provide writers and artists of all
genres from all over the world with an environment in which
they can pursue their work without interruption. Residents
share accommodations in bay view cottages in the serenely
beautiful village of Oysterville, a National Historic District,
located near the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula on
the southwest coast of Washington State. Residents also
receive a stipend for food. The month-long residencies are
offered in March, June and October. Both emerging and
established fiction writers, creative non-fiction writers,
poets, playwrights, screenwriters, painters, sculptors,
photographers, musicians, and composers are eligible for the
residencies.
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FREE LEGAL SERVICES - FORDHAM LAW SCHOOL
E-mail - Lindsey Bowen at lbowenjr@gmail.com
---
Fordham Law School is starting a free legal clinic for artists
and anyone else with copyright, fair use, or other kinds of
"information law" problems who can't afford a lawyer. The
school is looking for clients for this program and is
currently in the process of defining its scope of service.
A potential funder wants the school to concentrate on issues
that affect the public interest in the greater NY area. So
theater, arts, small media, and small tech are very much on
the radar. Also, any online projects. The school is particularly
seeking to serve documentary filmmakers (or filmmaking groups)
with fair use problems and bloggers with legal troubles. The
goal is to have this program running by January 2009. E-mail
if you are interested in using these pro bono legal services.
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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HOLIDAYS FOR COUPLES
http://www.graphicpublishing.com.au/magazines/pdf/H4CcontributorGuidelines.pdf
---
Readers are strictly couples. They love luxury but some
prefer to get off the beaten path, have an adventure. For
the Globe-trotting column, submit 100-200 words on any
restaurant, hotel, activity or tour. Spa Focus wants a
review of a resort spa. Features are 1,200 to 2,500 words
on a destination from The Americas, Europe, Indian Ocean;
uses one or two articles per issue on a destination from
Asia or the Pacific Islands. Up to four Australian destinations
are used in each issue. Payment is 40 cents/word.
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BRIO MAGAZINE
http://www.family.org/sharedassets/correspondence/pdfs/GeneralInformation/Brio_Writers_Guidelines.pdf
---
BRIO - For teen girls ages 12-15. Goal is to creatively teach,
entertain and challenge readers toward a healthy self-
concept and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
BRIO AND BEYOND - For teen girls ages 16-19. Content deals
with more mature subject matter.
500-1,200 words. Accepts fiction and nonfiction. Fiction
around 2,000 words. Likes short humor and quizzes. Pays upon
acceptance. Pays 15-35 cents/word.
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BP HOPE
http://www.bphope.com/writers.html
---
Speaking to the 2.5 million Americans who have been diagnosed
with bipolar disorder, along with their families and medical
caregivers. BP is not a medical journal, but rather, a lively
and information-rich consumer magazine. Main articles are between
1,500 and 2,500 words. They cover subjects of broad interest such
as emotional coping, health and/or bipolar treatment issues, the
history of bipolar manic depression, research, personalities,
lifestyles and creating a more stress-free pattern of living
with bipolar disorder. Each issue also contains regularly
appearing short features (approx. 650-750 words) on such topics
as: interviews with those living with bipolar; food and
nutrition; healthy living; spirituality; parenting with
childhood depression; exercise, wellness, and so on. Pays
up to 75 cents/word.
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JOBS
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SENIOR EDITORIAL SPECIALIST
Location New York, NY
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=212000028
---
Weill Cornell Medical College seeks a highly motivated individual
to write and edit print and Web materials for diverse audiences
and vehicles in support of a $1.3 billion capital campaign.
Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred; major in
English or Communications preferred; must have two years
experience in communications; preferably in a non-profit
environment; must possess an understanding of fundraising,
preferably in an academic, medical or capital campaign
environment; experience in a healthcare setting is a plus;
proficient in MS Office Suite; excellent organization and
communication skills.
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EDITOR-WRITER
Location Washington DC
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=71192592&aid=27015391-2548&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline May 16, 2008. Researches, analyzes, coordinates and
prepares for publication a variety of material/information in
a form at a suitable level for the intended audience that
supports the mission, activities, and initiatives of the
Office of Safety and the FRA. Employing Agency: Federal
Railroad Administration.
=====
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIME REPORTER
Location Lubbock, TX
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=5488
---
Opening for full time reporter to cover police, sheriff,
public safety, Texas Rangers, fire department, FBI and
other federal law enforcement, as well as general assignment.
Job requires gathering daily information from law
enforcement and fire departments, as well as writing
stories related to public safety. We want a reporter who
can work a police beat, build sources and produce accurate,
relevant and compelling stories. Requirements include a
bachelor's degree in journalism or related experience and
a year of reporting for a daily or weekly newspaper.
Internships or college newspaper experience will be
considered.
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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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INKWELL
http://inkwellmanagement.com/about.php
---
InkWell was formed in the summer of 2004 through the merger
of three agencies, Carlisle & Company, Arthur Pine Associates
and Witherspoon Associates. In addition to its full-time
agents and their assistants, the InkWell team includes a
tireless foreign rights department, a dedicated marketing
and publicity expert, an experienced film and television
strategist, an in-house editor, and a meticulous contracts
manager. We also join forces with leading literary agencies
in every foreign market and we have a full-time agent based
in Australia. While we are proud to represent major literary
prize winners as well as many of the world's best-selling and
best-loved authors, we continue to be excited by and on the
lookout for original ideas, riveting stories and great writing
from new writers.
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HOWARD MORHAIM LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.morhaimliterary.com/
---
Agent Kate McKean looks for:
Literary fiction, contemporary women's fiction, paranormal
romance, urban fantasy, young adult and middle grade fiction,
narrative non-fiction, sports related books, pop culture,
craft, and health and wellness.
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PHILIP G. SPITZER LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.writersservices.com/agent/us/Philip_G.htm
---
General fiction and non-fiction; specializes in mystery/
suspense, sports, politics, biography, social issues.
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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LEARN HOW TO WRITE WINNING GRANT PROPOSALS
This online course offers interactive writing exercises that
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Curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
Work at your own pace and finish with concrete parts of an
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Taught by Katie Krueger-a grant writer with 9 years experience
and a past contributor to FundsforWriters.
Go to www.FindFunding.net/onlinecourses to enroll.
=====
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Visit www.jacquelincangro.com/editingservices.htm
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Or write: contact@jacquelincangro.com
=====
WRITE SUCCESS
Are you an aspiring writer? Is your writing struggling or stalled?
Subscribe to WriteSuccess, the fr.ee e-zine filled with ideas,
inspiration and resources to get you and your writing back
on track. Visit http://writesuccess.com and subscribe today!
=====
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
=====
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
=====
PROMOTE YOUR BOOK AT ONCEWRITTEN.COM
OnceWritten.com, a resource for new authors, offers a variety
of affordable promotional opportunities. From partnerships at
the West Hollywood Book Fair to online advertising starting at
$25, to free promotional opportunities, learn more about how
you can join our website, a Writer's Digest pick for three years
in a row. www.oncewritten.com/JoinUs.php
=====
Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
Advertise with FFW Small Markets!
ADS FOR $9 AND UP!
$ 9 - one week in FFW Small Markets
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http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm
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BUSINESS STUFF
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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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