FundsforWriters - September 28, 2008
Published: Sat, 09/27/08
Volume 8, Issue 39
September 27, 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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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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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
=====
WHOA NELLY...
Tried a mid-week solo ad and everyone went ballistic.
But the feedback is educational, and I hear you...I really
hear you. No more mid-week solo ads for you wonderful people.
We want your feedback with Fundsforwriters, good and bad.
As a result of your responses, we've cancelled a solo ad
from another potential sponsor as well. Hands washed. Period.
The reader comes first.
Hope
=====
THE NEW WRITER'S HANDBOOK
Every once in a blue moon, I do a book review. Scarletta
Press contacted me about The New Writer's Handbook, Volume 2,
and I said sure, but I'd never heard of Volume 1. So they
sent me a copy of both.
THE NEW WRITER'S HANDBOOK:
A Practical Anthology of Best Advice for Your Craft & Career,
Volume 2, edited by Philip Martin
Scarletta Press, www.scarlettapress.com
ISBN 10: 0-9798249-2-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-9798249-2-0
Book of the Year Award in the career category. Since I'm a
contest/award junkie, I was impressed. But then I started reading.
Friends, this book and its prequel sit next to my recliner
as I speak, and every time there's a commercial on television I
grab it and read a chapter. When I know I'll have down time in the
car or prior to an appointment, I take it with me. Sometimes
I take it to bed. I prefer my sage advice in small doses, and
this book doles it out in just the right measure, and it goes
down sweet.
You've read ON WRITING, by Stephen King. Don't you love the
personal voice and down to earth advice in lieu of the
"do this" and "don't do that" dry, how-to messages in most
writing books? Well, THE NEW WRITER'S HANDBOOK falls into the
ON WRITING category, only you read many voices, on many writing
topics.
Barbara O'Connor has published 14 novels and biographies for
children. In the chapter "Show, Don't Tell" she teaches the
classic lesson through the eyes of elementary school students.
The message is clear as ice water, simple as A-B-C.
From Gerald Grow, I learned what "metaskills" are. We cram
our heads full of writing skills, but it's the metaskills
that separate the average from the remarkable craftsman.
I wanted to shout "hallelujah, amen" when I read Tess Gerritsen's
chapter "Action is Boring." Writing instructors and critique
groups beat into our heads about action writing, setting the
fast-pace. Thriller books bore me to tears if they are page
after page of car chases, bombs and fight scenes. Real suspense
lies in the buildup, the hidden threat, the verbal confrontation
and sexual undertones. Like she says, "It takes far more
skill to write a suspenseful novel with no action."
See what I mean? Sixty-four chapters embrace you with tricks,
advice and personal suggestion from writers who've paid their
dues and know how to talk the talk. Don't think it's all about
fiction, either. The sections consist of:
Creativity & Motivation
The Craft of Writing
Pitching Your Work
Internet Marketing Skills
Business Savvy
Last Words & Literary Thoughts
Whatever you write, this book has you covered in terms of
grounded guidance. I read a lot of books. I donate many
of them to the library when I'm finished. Not only will I
keep this one on my shelf, but I'm likely to watch for Volume 3.
It's almost October, writers. Add this one to your holiday wish
list, or buy it for a friend. Buy the set.
I won't let you borrow mine.
Hope
QUARTERLY CHAT THIS SUNDAY
www.writerschatroom.com
7PM - Sunday, September 28, 2008
Come chat with Hope. Sometimes it's a real hoot.
=====
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com
People are raving about the new look...and the new opportunities
offered four-five days a week.
=====
FundsforWriters and its annual sponsor IdeaWeaver, creator
of writing and creativity software, announce the 7th Annual
FundsforWriters Essay Contest.
THEME: "The Best Advice I Ever Had."
As is the FundsforWriters trademark, applicants enter with
or without an entry fee, their choice. Prize monies range
from $10 to $200. Limit 750 words. Deadline October 31,
2008.
www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm
Questions to hope@fundsforwriters.com
Also sponsored by:
Shelley Lieber
4Ps to Publishing Success:
Get Your Manuscript Off Your Desk & Into Print
www.shelleylieber.com/work1.htm
and
Original Impulse - Cynthia Morris
Creativity & Life Coaching Resources for Writers
www.originalimpulse.com
~~~~~~****~~~~~~
WORDS OF SUCCESS
"To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.
No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea,
though many there be who have tried it."
- Herman Melville
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ARTICLE
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Creative Collaborations: Two Heads are Better than One
By Jennifer Brown Banks
Creative collaborations can be a great way to expand your
portfolio, increase your bottom line, and partner with
someone whose artistic strengths complement your weaknesses.
Whether the union involves a graphic designer teaming up with
a writer for the creation of a website, several authors coming
together to pen an anthology, or a lyricist providing just the
right words to complement a musician's score, the team can
become a win-win situation for everyone involved.
But much like a marriage, approach these alliances sensibly
and with great caution. The wrong partnership can harm the
creative process like Kryptonite to Superman.
This epiphany came to me after working with folks who had
the best of intentions initially, but little compatibility
in key areas. I learned the hard way what makes for a good
personal union does not necessarily make for a good business
relationship. The price for the mismatch? Strained relations,
frustration, and lost productivity.
If you're considering joining forces with someone for future
business growth and better opportunities, take heed. Here
are ten ways to make your vision a reality and create a
winning combination.
1. Get your project off to a good start by providing for
the "right fit." Don't be fooled. Not everyone we like, or
with whom we enjoy a friendship, makes a good business partner.
Is he or she like-minded? Do you have a similar work ethic?
Are your temperaments compatible? Choose wisely.
2. Not sure where to start? Get recommendations for
partners from people whose opinion you value--people in your
creative circle or writers' group.
3. Put in writing who will be responsible for what and
when. The more parameters you have regarding roles, the
better.
4. Make sure your strengths and weaknesses complement
and do not conflict.
5. Learn the art of compromise. Even in the best
scenarios people disagree. Be willing to see your partner's
perspective, and to find a happy medium.
6. Carry your weight. Nobody likes a slacker. Not only
does laziness create internal strife, but it can also be a
detriment to future referrals.
7. Brainstorm individually and collectively. (Some of
my best creative ideas come to me when I'm in the solitude
of a bubble bath, when my muse is not being pressured.) Your
"genius" may come to you while working in your garden. On
the other hand, the energy of another mind might set your
muse free. Whatever works, work it.
8. Make sure that you and your partner not only have the
same agenda, but also the same sense of urgency. If you are
very deadline oriented and the other person has to wait for
the "right mood", expect tremendous stress, and potential
sabotage to the collective success.
9. Remember to treat your partner with respect and as
a valued professional. In too many scenarios, one person
wants to act like a parent or supervisor. Let go your ego.
"You are not the boss of me."
10. Cheer each other on. The support keeps you both
motivated and bonded, and gives you a sense of fun until
you reach that finish line.
Not only can creative collaborations enhance your
professional horizons, but many have actually resulted in
romantic relationships, or long-term friendships. And
certainly there's no better profit than that.
BIO
Jennifer Brown Banks, Corporate and Creative Communications
Veteran Freelance Writer, editor and Consultant
http://www.writergazette.com/jenniferbrownbanks.shtml
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COMPETITIONS
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E.L. DOCTOROW and PETER MATTHIESSEN in NY
http://www.twwoa.org
---
$25 ENTRY FEE
Deadline December 30, 2008. Contest winners are eligible for
a free trip to New York to personally meet National Book
Award-winning authors E.L. Doctorow and Peter Matthiessen.
The winners will also receive autographed books by the authors
- or, may opt for a combined $1,000 in cash prizes instead of
the trip. In addition, ten Honorable Mentions will receive
recognition. First place $500, or an all-expense paid trip to
meet the authors Spring 2009. Second place $300, or meet the
authors. Accommodation provided. Third place $200, or meet
the authors. Ten Honorable Mentions. Submit an unpublished
story or chapter of a novel (fiction or creative non-fiction),
of 5,000 words or less. Pages should be paper clipped. Your
name, address, email, phone and title of work should also
appear on a cover sheet. Double-space; use 12 point font.
Enclose legal size self-sealing SASE for critique and list
of winners. Do not use FedEx, certified mail, etc.
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE NATURE STORY CONTEST
http://action.defenders.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=9941
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NO ENTRY FEE
Defenders of Wildlife is looking for a few good nature stories
and if yours is chosen you'll earn $1,000 at REI. Defenders of
Wildlife is hosting the competition to garner support for
wild places from the people who use them. Entries can be
submitted to Your Lands, Your Wildlife until November 30,
2008 in the following categories: hunting; fishing; birding;
wildlife watching and photography; and backcountry adventure.
Prizes will also be given to the top five stories submitted
and will be awarded January 2009. 500 words or less.
=====
MONA SCHREIBER HUMOR CONTEST FOR FICTION AND NONFICTION
http://www.brashcyber.com/mona.htm
---
$5 ENTRY FEE
Writers of comedic essays, articles, short stories, poetry,
shopping lists and other forms are invited to submit. Works
up to 750 words in length accepted. All entries must be
postmarked by December 1 for a December 24 announcement of
three winners: 1st: $500. 2nd: $250. 3rd: $100.
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GRANTS
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WEST VIRGINIA COMMISSION ON THE ARTS
http://www.wvculture.org/arts/grantbook/direct.htm
---
Deadline February 1, 2009.
Emerging and professional artists are eligible to apply for
support to expand or improve their own work or to share their
expertise with others. Organizations are eligible to apply for
support to create, expand or improve programs that support
individual artists. This can include the following:
filed by master and apprentice)
primary tool used)
registration fees, meals and lodging)
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VIRGINIA ARTS COMMISSION ARTIST ROSTER
http://www.arts.virginia.gov/grants/ttk/index.html
(Click Guidelines for Funding)
---
The Commission maintains a roster of artists interested in
doing school and community residencies. These artists are
screened on the basis of artistic quality, professional
experience in their fields, and quality of their plans for
residency activities. The Roster includes the artistic
disciplines of architecture/design, computer art, crafts,
dance, film/video, folk arts, graphic art, music, poetry/
creative writing, theatre, and the visual arts. Residencies
may be from three full days to an entire school year. The
agency suggests paying at least $125 per day to artists,
but fees are negotiated directly with residency sponsors.
Residencies include core group workshops, at least one
formal teacher workshop, and performances, exhibitions, or
workshops for the full student body or for the public.
=====
UTAH ARTS COUNCIL
http://arts.utah.gov/funding/artists_grant/index.html
---
The only disciplines that are eligible to apply for 2009
funding are Performing, Literary, Music, and Dance Arts.
Visual Arts will be eligible in 2010. This grant is designed
for artists who are just starting their professional art career.
Amounts are available up to $500. For artists who are well-
established in their professional career, this grant is
available in amounts up to $2,000.
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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EATING WELL
http://www.eatingwell.com/about/contactus/page9.html
---
We are the preeminent magazine resource for people who want
to enjoy food that is delicious and good for them. Our readers
are interested not only in cooking and nutrition science, but
also in the origins of food and social issues related to food
networks. They appreciate eating culture and traditions. They
are well-read and discriminating--yet they don't take themselves
too seriously. EatingWell's "voice" is journalistic and
authoritative; it speaks to both men and women. We cover
nutrition with a newsy, science-based approach. Our recipes
emphasize high-quality healthful ingredients, simple
preparations and full flavor. Query first. Pays up to $1/word.
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EVENT
http://event.douglas.bc.ca/community/event-magazine/submissionguide.html
---
We publish mainly fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction. As
well, each issue contains a selection of reviews, and in these
we try to match book and reviewer. We occasionally publish
unsolicited reviews, but you should query us first. We publish
mostly Canadian writers, but are open to anyone writing in English.
We do not read manuscripts in January, July, August and December.
We pay $22 per printed page on publication, with a minimum of $25
for one page and a maximum of $500, and publication is within a
year of acceptance. We buy first North American serial print
rights; copyright reverts to the author after publication.
=====
FACES
http://www.cobblestonepub.com/guides_FAC.html
---
FACES® brings the world to kids. The coolest adventures await
young readers in each issue as they visit places and cultures
both far and near, explore new foods and customs, and meet other
kids all around the world. FACES is the greatest traveling
companion for the curious kid.
Feature Articles: about 800 words covering in-depth nonfiction
highlighting an aspect of the featured culture, interviews,
and personal accounts.
Supplemental Nonfiction: 300-600 words including subjects
directly and indirectly related to the theme. Editors like
little-known information but encourage writers not to overlook
the obvious.
Fiction: up to 800 words including retold legends, folktales,
stories, and original plays from around the world, etc.,
relating to the theme.
The above three pay 20 to 25 cents per printed word.
Activities: up to 700 words. Includes crafts, games, recipes,
projects, etc., which children can do either alone or with
adult supervision. Should be accompanied by sketches and
description of how activity relates to theme.
Puzzles and Games: Crossword and other word puzzles using the
vocabulary of the issue's theme. Mazes and picture puzzles that
relate to the theme.
Above pay on an individual negotiated basis.
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JOBS
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TV PROMO WRITER
Location Los Angeles, CA
http://www.mandy.com/1/jobs3.cfm?v=29872445
---
We need an inventive, daringly creative writer/producer,
strategic planner for a national daily television show
based in Los Angeles. We invite you to become part of the
dynamic team at Studio City® working on the marketing of
some of America's highest rated TV shows: Live with Regis
and Kelly, American Idol rewind, The Tyra Banks Show, Ellen,
Bonnie Hunt Show, Wendy Williams, According to Jim, American
Chopper, South Park, as well as promos for NBC, CBS, ABC,
Lifetime, plus gaming spots and much more. Visit our web-site:
studiocity.com to review our demo reels and learn more about
us. If you can craft a spot that will reach out and grab a
viewer's attention, if you constantly strive to raise the
creative bar, if you're up on the latest video effects,
graphics and music....if you live and breathe creative
advertising, we want to hear from you now. Prefer track record
of successful, innovative and contemporary on-air marketing
and promotion. Again, because of the demands and deadlines
inherent in working on this daily television show we are
looking for a West Side Los Angeles resident.
=====
SERIES WRITER
Location New York, NY
http://www.mandy.com/1/jobs3.cfm?v=29883566
---
Successful, ongoing clip-show/countdown comedy cable series
with 40-episode order seeks experienced writer to adopt,
shape, and evolve established series tone and to rewrite VO's
and segment-producer scripts to a uniform but multi-dimensional
voice and sense of humor. Must be quick and have the ability to
do immediate, in-edit rewrites and solve script problems on the
fly. Expires October 17, 2008.
=====
MARKETING COPYWRITERS
Location Boca Raton, FL
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/wri/846753117.html
---
Our marketing department regularly needs copy specialists to
lend their expertise as part of our marketing team. Projects
will be done at our Boca Raton office so you do need to be
local and capable of commuting daily. We are looking for five
or more years of verifiable professional experience and a solid
body of work. References as well as portfolio samples will be
expected during your interview. Please apply by email and
include your hourly rate and resume for immediate consideration.
Compensation: $30-$40/HR.
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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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RAVENOUS ROMANCE
http://ravenousromance.com/submission.html
---
Purchases world rights in all formats. We will work to sell
your subsidiary rights to a traditional print publisher on
your behalf, as well as in translation throughout the world.
We will pay you a percentage of any subsidiary-rights sale.
We are currently looking for new voices and story-tellers to
write erotic romance for our newly established company. Every
book must be a "dirty" romance, with a great love story and
passionate, explicit sex. While our stories do not have to
end happily- ever- after, we want the fantasy of "happy-for-
now" in every ending. Our novels run approximately 50,000 words
or 200 pages, no exceptions. Our short stories run between 10
and 25 pages or between 2,500 and 6,250 words. This is an
ebook publisher established by literary agents. They publish
the ebook and look to place your work with traditional print
publishers.
=====
LONG TALE PRESS
http://www.longtalepress.com
---
Long Tale Press was founded by three writers with the goal
of publishing great stories, well told. Our unique approach
is to have actual readers look at submissions and tell us
what they would buy. Writers get direct feedback during the
process, so you know where you stand and what it takes to
get through. For details, see our website.
=====
PARLOR PRESS
http://www.parlorpress.com/submissions.html
---
Parlor Press is an independent publisher and distributor of
scholarly and trade books in high quality print and digital
formats. The Press will consider submissions from prospective
authors or literary agents, subject to the guidelines below or
as otherwise indicated on a series node. All submissions should
be targeted specifically for one of our existing book series.
We are interested in submissions whose focus and readership
crosses traditional boundaries in the humanities. Our existing
series cover this range of topics and genres:
writing, rhetoric, communication, philosophy, cultural studies,
film and cinema studies, pedagogy, technical writing, literary
theory, digital culture, multimedia, literacy, art and visual
rhetoric, travel writing, poetry (see Free Verse Editions).
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SPONSORS
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FREELANCE WRITING COURSE
If you want to become a full-time freelance writer, consider
finding a mentor who has experience in the industry. For the
past five years I have been earning $5k + per month as a
freelance writer, and have helped hundreds of others do the
same.
Benefits of my freelance writing course include:
1. One-on-one assistance and training via email, instant messenger,
and/or telephone
2. Daily emails including tips, job openings, and much more.
For more information on the course or to sign up, visit:
Visit http://www.chrisblogging.com/freelance-writing-course/
=====
www.thewriterspond.com
Finally, a website not genre specific, for all writers!
And, with gifts just in time for the Holidays!
Find fun creative gifts and gift certificates on
The Writer's Pond. A special gift and desk item section
is devoted to unique items made by Jac Zagoory, Roger von Oech
and other out of-the-ordinary designers. Find special blends
of Tea and Coffee, plus, a new Script Ready Set for
screenwriters. Writers will find products like hand-sewn journals,
pens and paper, pens by the pound, plus, luxurious leather
portfolios and travel bags. Our gifts for writers are unique,
hand picked and fun for writers of all genres.
Our goal is to give you a landing place for making your
writing essential purchases, but also a watering hole for
fulfilling your thirst for fine writing tools. We also do
imprinting on large orders and have access to most office
supplies. Just ask!
We offer Tools for the Trade and Fuel for the Passion.
Make a Ripple~
=====
FAST AND AFFORDABLE MANUSCRIPT EDITING
Need unbiased comments on your manuscript? Wondering if it's
ready for an agent/publisher? I can help!
I have more than 10 years of experience with writers of all
skill levels. Services offered: copyediting, proofreading,
manuscript critique, developmental assistance.
Visit http://www.jacquelincangro.com/EditingServices.htm
for rates and details or write contact@jacquelincangro.com
=====
CAN YOU TAKE A SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPH?
If yes, you could make $2,000 a week taking snap shots in your own backyard. on your family vacations. Or anywhere inhttp://www.thephotographerslife.com/ph2/b8a
BECOME A TRAVEL WRITER
Imagine sliding out of bed and knowing your "work" for the day
is to scuba dive along the Great Barrier Reef...mountain climb
in the Andes...or Kayak around the remote islands of the San Juans...
http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/twr/b8a
=====
Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
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$75 - four weeks in FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets
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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