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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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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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PURPLE SNOWFLAKE

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snowflake in a snowstorm? Learn frugal, effective marketing
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with 21 appendices and well over 500 direct links, authors
can begin promotion activities with a click of their mouse
and design a marketing plan for every book they write.

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WWW.sunshinecable.com/~drumit/purple.html

                 
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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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KNOW THY AUDIENCE

We walk this tightrope between our reclusive writing identity
and our public, promotional persona. Anyone who's ever heard
me speak, knows I don't believe in compromising one's personality
to do the sales bit. In other words, "fake it till you make it"
doesn't fly with me.

"Sell your words, not your soul" is the mantra of The Shy Writer.
Be yourself, be comfortable with your product, and sell through
your passion. Solid message. However, you can't be static.
You can't use the same sales method with your entire audience.

A few teachers know what I'm talking about. They don't choose
their audience. As a matter of fact, at the collegiate level,
the students choose the teacher. An educator has to be able to
adjust to the environment thrown at them, adapt to the eagerness
of the students, the varying personalities who happen to fill
the desks in the room. We've all had the teacher who used the
same lesson plan for the past ten years. Boring. Then we've had
the teacher who moved with the students, shifting with their
feedback and interest while still presenting the curriculum.
Exciting and memorable. A good educator reads the audience.

On the other extreme, you have the subject matter experts.
They have experience, degrees or publishing credits that label
them as astute in their fields. People ask me about grants
and markets. However, I'd be remiss giving the same spiel to
everyone I spoke to.

Last year, I spoke on author branding. I was supposed to
connect The Shy Writer with the presentation. As a result,
the room was full of shy writers. The feedback was minimal
as I spoke, because my listeners disliked public display. In
the first five minutes, I tossed my speaking cards and winged
the talk. I'd read my audience, realizing that the average
discussion about branding didn't apply here. These folks wanted
to know how to brand from their viewpoint, not from a generic
viewpoint applicable to all writers. Almost every person in
the room bought my book.

You might know your book and subject matter well and practice
it with deep passion. That's great. But if you cannot deliver
your message to a precise audience, adapting to their needs,
recognizing their passions, you won't sell. Be willing to adjust
your presentation, blog entry, forum message, and your promo
article depending upon the audience.

Get rid of the templates in your writing and promotional life.
When you respect your readers enough to reach them on their
terms, in unique ways, they reach back...and become fans.

    Hope

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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WRITER'S DIGEST'S TOP 101 BEST WRITING WEB SITES TAKING NOMINATIONS

Writer's Digest is now accepting nominations for next year's list.
Refer sites for 2009 by sending a nomination to:
writersdig@fwpubs.com  with "101 Websites" as the subject line.

Hope FundsforWriters has aided you in some way in 2008 to
prompt your nomination of us to this wonderful competition.
Much thanks for your consideration.   ~HOPE

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

People who are able to do their own thinking
should not allow others to do it for them.

~ Elbert Hubbard

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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope-

Just wanted to let you know about a few successes that I have
had lately after many rejections. My poem "No More Dogs" has
been published in the Summer 2008 issue of Lucidity. One of
my short stories, "Libby's Choice" will be published on
www.storiesthatlift.com . Another short story "Chinese House"
will be published on www.longstoryshort.us in January. Your
web site has kept me going in a way that no other web site for
writers has. Your articles give me the will to keep trying
and improve.

Thanks again,
Rosemary McKinley

NOTE:
Each week we'll highlight a thank-you or success story from
a FundsforWriters reader. E-mail your FFW success to
hope@fundsforwriters.com  ~HOPE

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ARTICLE
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Small Publishers: The Good, the Bad and the Fine Print
 
By Christine Cristiano
 
Every writer dreams of being published by a major publisher;
however, most will find their way to a small publisher
instead. In the past, small publishers have received bad
publicity - unpredictable or in constant need of financial
rescuing but they've remained competitive by specializing
in niche markets and producing works of merit and quality.
 
The Good
 
Most inexperienced authors will seek publishers that accept
unsolicited manuscripts. Most small publishers encourage
submissions from writers sans an agent. A small publisher is
more willing to take a chance on a new author or an unusual
topic and generate a small print run of new work. With careful
manuscript selection, they can attract a targeted audience
wanting similar topical books thus creating a lucrative
'following' for all.
 
An author's vision and input in the creative process is
encouraged and essential to a small publisher with limited
resources and financial capital. Likewise, most authors are
eager to participate to ensure that their manuscript remains
true to its form and the initial content remains intact.
 
A small publisher is likely to participate in inexpensive book
fairs, readings and events and be eager to involve their authors.
If you hook up with a local small publisher, you can attend
these local events without incurring any travel expenses or
organize your own events and invite the publisher to
participate.
 
Ironically, many small publishers have produced some literary
award winning books that had been ignored by the big
publishers. Although most won't make the bestsellers list
-a literary award bestowed on an author and publisher is
pretty impressive. 
 
The Bad
 
Unfortunately, there's a negative stigma attached to the
term 'small' with the biggest threat being financial instability
to continue production and pay their authors and many close
unexpectedly without any notice. This factor affects their
distribution to the book retailers because the booksellers
are wary that the publisher won't be around in 6 months to
honor any product returns if the titles don't sell.
 
Lack of sales and appropriate distribution channels are major
obstacles for small publishers although online bookstores
like amazon.com are becoming a viable selling outlet. For
the small publisher who's successful in stocking the
independent bookseller, the small quantities don't hold much
of a physical presence on the bookshelf. The major publishers,
via the book distributor, create the illusion that a title is
noteworthy and increases sales by stocking the shelves with
multiple copies; unfortunately the small publisher lacks
the funds to compete.
 
Choosing a Small Publisher
 
To begin, research various publishers, their guidelines,
titles and release dates. Does the publisher cater to a
niche audience and is their growth stagnant or increasing
steadily? Beware, a sudden expansion can cause a publisher
financial strain if production costs outweigh book sales.
 
Obtain, contact and verify a list of booksellers who carry
the publisher's titles. Consider it a warning sign if the
publisher is hesitant to provide you with one. Finally,
obtain copies of the publisher's titles so you can see the
quality of their product.
 
The Fine Details
 
Most small publishers don't offer an author's advance upon
acceptance. The contract terms should outline who owns the
rights and the royalty paid per book rate. Never sign over
the full rights to your manuscript enabling the publisher to
legally own your work including any clauses regarding
merchandising, TV production or movie rights. The contract
should also specify who owns any images that were not
provided by you if the publisher ceases operation. Be sure
to hire a literary lawyer to examine any publishing contract
that you receive.
 
A small publisher can be an author's dream come true or their
worst nightmare so be smart and do your research first.

BIO
Christine Cristiano hangs her hat in Ontario, Canada. Her
work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications
throughout Canada and the US. Please visit her website at:
www.freewebs.com/christinecristiano

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COMPETITIONS
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100 WORDS OR LESS CONTEST
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
We want short fiction that will make us shiver, any genre:
whimsy, allegory, mystery, romance, fable, humor, love,
fantasy, even horror.  Awards: $500, $200, $100 plus
publication in the literary review Drash: Northwest Mosaic.
All entrants will receive free checkmark evaluations and
comments on their submitted stories. Deadline: December 30,
2008. Winners will be determined by Jan. 30, 2009 and will
be notified by mail before Feb. 8, 2009. Prizes will be
issued by registered mail within 8 days of the Final
Judge's decisions.

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SONORA REVIEW SHORT SHORT CONTEST
http://www.coh.arizona.edu/sonora/contest.htm
---
$15 ENTRY FEE INCLUDES ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
The contest will look for and reward the best of the brief.
Remember, however, in submitting your short-shorts that
brevity alone does not a short-short make. Like all short
fiction, the work must be a complete entity, whole unto
itself; we want a complete work in 1,000 words or fewer.
Dazzle us, razzle us, make us wonder at your compression,
cheer at your ability to contain the power and beauty of
the longest long story in the shortest short space. Deadline
January 1, 2009. The winning short-short and select runners-
up will be published in Sonora Review No. 56. For the winner:
$1,000 (USD) and publication in Sonora Review, including 2
(two) contributor's copies. The authors of any published
stories will each receive two contributor's copies.

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DAME LISBET THROCKMORTON FICTION CONTEST
http://www.coffeehousefiction.com
---
$17 ENTRY FEE
Seeking submissions now through January 31, 2009. Original
short stories, or chapters that stand on their own, should
use 3,500 words or less to dazzle the judges. Our guest
judge this cycle is Ms. Ally Peltier - formerly of Simon &
Schuster and currently editor of the newly-released anthology
New Lines from the Old Line State.  There are four cash prizes:
$500, $125, $75, and $50.  Winning stories will be published
onsite with pictures and bios.  We also offer a critique
service for those who wish to see their story's score and
comments from the judges.  This is an additional $25. 
 

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GRANTS
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THE AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY (AAS)
185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609
http://www.americanantiquarian.org/artistfellowship.htm
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Fellowships for historical research by creative and performing
artists, writers, filmmakers, journalists, and other persons
whose goals are to produce imaginative, non-formulaic works
dealing with pre-twentieth-century American history.

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THE CABIN AT SHOTPOUCH CREEK
http://springcreek.oregonstate.edu/residencies.html#Cabin
---
The Cabin at Shotpouch Creek is a lovely cedar-and-hemlock,
two-bedroom cabin nestled in the Oregon Coast Range on a 40-
acre nature reserve about 25 miles west of Corvallis.
Applicants may request any consecutive 14 days between
March 15 and April 15, 2009. Application deadline for
Spring retreats: December 31, 2008. The Cabin at Shotpouch
Creek is a two-weeklong retreat for two participants who
wish to pursue a collaborative project, or two participants
who each have individual projects and who anticipate a
synergistic benefit from each other's presence. At least
one of the applicants must be a writer who takes inspiration
from the natural world. Location Oregon.

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BLACKLOCK NATURE SANCTUARY
http://www.blacklock.org/fellowsartists/fellowsannc2008.html
---
The purpose of the Blacklock Nature Sanctuary Artist
Fellowship Programs is to provide artists with uninterrupted
time in a quiet natural setting to initiate or develop an
artistic project.  Professional artists in all media are
eligible to apply as individuals or in collaboration with
another artist or naturalist. Month (4 Available) - Emerging
artists who wish to work solo or in collaboration with others,
or with a mentor (defined as an established or mid-career
artist) on an artistic project may apply for the month-long
residency. Stipend: $2,000 to cover food & supplies.
Two weeks (2 Available) - Emerging artists who wish to work
alone, in collaboration, or with a mentor for two weeks.
Stipend: $1,000 to cover food or supplies. Professional
emerging artists, at least 21 years of age, who are not
currently enrolled in a BFA/MFA program, and who are
residents of Minnesota for at least one year may apply.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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NURSES WORLD
E-mail: nursesworldmag@yahoo.com
http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job5058.htm
---
Nurses World Magazine (NWM) is recruiting contributors for
a new webzine to launch in early 2009. Opportunities for
feature writers and bloggers for the website are available
now. Contributors with published clips in these areas will
be given priority consideration:

Clinical Practice, Clinical Research, Disease Management,
Healthcare Regulation/Regulatory Reform, Healthcare Unions/
Labor Management & Relations, Hospitals, Infection Control,
Medical Safety/Error, Nursing Specialties/Subspecialties,
Patient Advocacy, Patient Care, Public Policy, Public Health.

Additionally, NWM needs lifestyle contributors who can
maintain a wellness focus in the areas of:

Fashion, Fitness and weight management, Relationships,
Skincare, Travel.

NWM will consider skilled first-time writers who are building
a portfolio, but preference will be given to those with
published credits. Pay range is 5 - 45 cents per word for
professionals, depending upon the assignment. Feature articles
typically command rates at the higher end of the stated range.

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FRONT PAGE MAGAZINE
http://www.frontpagemag.com
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=996646
---
Front Page Magazine seeks freelance reporters and writers to
cover and provide commentary on national politics and foreign
affairs. Successful candidates will have experience writing
and reporting on politics and share the magazine's editorial
vision of smaller government, individual liberty, academic
freedom, and American leadership in the world. They will have
a familiarity with foreign and domestic politics and will be
able to write cogently on these subjects while developing
timely and hard-hitting stories.

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WINE INDUSTRY WRITERS
http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job5061.htm
---
Individual produces a newsletter (magazine style) for FMR
group. This is a high quality 35-45pg 4-colour publication,
featuring not only our imported products but many other articles
adverts etc. It is viticulture based. Seeking contributors for
articles on anything to do with the wine industry, organics,
alternative energy, frost protection etc. Profiles two wineries
per issue, with phone interviews, required. The newsletter is
personally addressed to anyone connected with the grape industry
in NZ. Articles from overseas would be considered.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR (Several positions)
Location Washington DC
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=77556534&aid=27015391-24118&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline December 8, 2008. Employer Department of Homeland
Security. The incumbent supports the OCFO by providing accurate,
complete, and timely written material on policy issues,
executive or tracked correspondence, briefings, point papers,
etc. related to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. 
Makes recommendations for the development of procedures for
standardization of disseminated internal and external written
products.  Develops, writes and publishes internal and external
weekly summaries and reports.  Information is drawn from a
variety of different sources and analyzed and screened for
Executive-level officials.

=====

PART-TIME TEMPORARY INSTRUCTOR POOLS FOR CUESTA EMERITUS COLLEGE
Location San Luis Obispo County, CA
http://academic.cuesta.edu/humres/employment.htm
---
Deadline December 10, 2008, 1:00 p.m. Selected applicants
will be interviewed to establish a pool of approved Creative
Writing instructors for possible part-time teaching assignments
in the Emeritus College. Available courses for Spring 2009:

ECOL 401 - WRITING BITS AND PIECES OF PERSONAL HISTORY
Introduces the use of memoirs, essays, vignettes, and letters,
to write six to eight pieces of personal history. As part of
the process, students read and discuss works by authors who
model these approaches, and revise and edit writing in small
groups.

ECOL 411 - CREATIVE WRITING FOR SENIORS
Introduces the writing of creative nonfiction, plays, poetry,
OR short fiction. Students read and discuss published writing
and workshop their own writing.

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COPYWRITER-EDITOR
Location Philadephia, PA
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/319223-182
---
Employer The University of the Arts. Expected to contribute
to all phases of the editorial process, from concept through
final proofreading for University print and digital
publications, to ensure accuracy of content, effectiveness of
message and consistency of style. This position works
collaboratively with an internal team and other internal
departments, as well as outside vendors. The University
Communications editorial team produces content for a variety
of print and electronic vehicles, including: a weekly campus
email; four annual editions of the University's printed alumni
magazine; e-mail newsletters; the University Web site; program
guides; brochures; and print and broadcast advertisements.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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JACANA MEDIA
http://jacana.co.za/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=27
---
Jacana Media publishes a wide range of books and materials.
These include general fiction books and novels; and non-
fiction field guides, maps, wildlife books and primary health
and medical books. As an independent South African publisher,
our focus is on South Africa and Africa. We do not, however,
publish in the following areas: Poetry, short stories, science
fiction, fantasy, teen fiction / young adult fiction, scripts
(drama, film or television), religion.

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ARCADIA PUBLISHING
http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/about.html
---
Arcadia Publishing is the leading local history publisher in
the United States, with a catalog of more than 5,000 titles
in print and hundreds of new titles released every year.
Established in 1993, Arcadia has blended a visionary management
approach with the innovative application of state-of-the-art
technology to create high-quality historical publications in
small local niches. Location Charleston, SC.

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WALES LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.waleslit.com/
---
Although our authors live all across the county and overseas,
we are especially interested in writers from the Pacific
Northwest, the West, Alaska, and the Pacific Rim. We "minor"
in quirky and challenging projects. We take on very few genre
projects but represent the occasional psychological thriller,
mystery, or dystopian SF. We do not represent self-help,
children's or YA fiction, or specifically religious books.

If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing
just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to
be. Learn the secrets of this little-known, lucrative business.
 
http://www.thewriterslife.com/awi/b8a1

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Streamline, Target and Time your fiction, poetry and essay
submissions to 400 publications using this database.
Literary Database lets you know where you can submit your work
ONLINE, saving you postage. And you can CUT & PASTE addresses
to your cover letter and labels.  It also has 'hot links' to the publications'
websites, and always lets you know who will PAY for your work.
Fully updated 2009 version now over 30% off through the end of Nov.

www.LiteraryDatabase.com

=====

 
Are you struggling with plot? Don't know what to take out?
Learn the elegance and simplicity of using Joseph Campbell's
classic hero journey concept to build the perfect plot for your
novel, biography, screenplay, short story, or children's book.
Available as printed spiral-bound 50 page workbook or as an e-book
Order from Gwynne Spencer, PO Box 525, Monmouth, OR 97361. $15.
Also available on amazon.com.

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"Words of hope when life gets hard"

The Basic Card Line includes the categories:
Illness, Everyday Life, Asking for Help, New Life Phases,
and Tried but Failed. Each verse states the realities of life
but ends in conveying the strengthening power of God's hope.
 
Hand-stamped with nature designs on 80#,
30% Recyclable Royal Fiber cardstock.
 
Having trouble finding a card to commemorate a special event?
Through my Specialty Line, one can be written just for you.
 
Both card lines come with a Scripture card insert and envelope.
 
Contact information, verses and card examples at
www.prayfullyyours.com

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THE DESK DRAWER:  Tired of hiding your words in a closet?

Ready for a nudge to write more? 

We have both published and unpublished members - free membership,
but we do require participation.

http://www.winebird.com/

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www.thewriterspond.com

The Writer's Pond has tools for the trade; paper, pens,
writer's supplies, and research materials. You'll also
find fuel for the passion, in a special blend of New Orleans
style coffee, to sip from our chalkboard mug. Our gift items
are unique and all hand picked for interest and fun meant
for writers of all genres.

Can't decide? Go for the non-expiring, but, very inspiring,
Gift Certificate from The Writer's Pond. Great for the readers
and writers on your holiday list, just print it out and you've
wrapped it up! By purchasing a Writer's Pond Gift Certificate
you also receive a free gift.

Make a Ripple~
www.thewriterspond.com

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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

=====

LAST WEEK FOR OUR AD SPECIAL

FundsforWriters is offering its annual advertising discount.
Purchase advertising in November. Advertise your writing
business, how-to book, editing services, workshop, or other
writing-related opportunity to our readers...for ONE-THIRD OFF!
Ad doesn't have to appear in the month of November.

Why the discount now?

We want to introduce you to our advertising, and show you
how FundsforWriters readers are eager folks, anxious to
take their writing to another level. They're good people,
just who you need to reach with your product.

$ 6 - one week in FFW Small Markets
$20 - four weeks in FFW Small Markets

$13 - one week in FundsforWriters
$40 - four weeks in FundsforWriters

$17 - one week in both FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets
$50 - four weeks in FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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