Volume 9, Issue 49
December 6, 2009

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

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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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THE WELL-FED WRITER

In less than four months, Peter Bowerman built a lucrative
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No, this isn't a huge course on how to get rich writing.
It's a reality story, condensed in a book that teaches
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know-how that many pay hundreds of dollars to learn.

Read this note from a FundsforWriters reader after reading this ad:

His mantra? "If I can do it, you can do it." Writers need each other. Here it applies.

Steve Sears
www.SGSWrite.com
Sea598@aol.com

 
                 
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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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HOLIDAY TIMES

I find holidays stressful. The order of the day is to be
jovial, but often we face orchestrated schedules, relatives
we haven't seen in ages, financial struggles and the dusting
off of awkward social etiquette. Events can turn out
heartwarming and memorable, or painful and . . . memorable.

Many times we build up the dates, expecting perfection and
bliss, only to be disappointed at the chaos and clutter.
Other times we can expect nothing special only to be ambushed
by a glowing touch of holiday spirit that's remembered for
decades to come.

To avoid sabotaging your holidays, do this. Maintain your
writing schedule. If you don't have one, shame on you . . .
start one. But adhering to your writing, making yourself
write or journal, diligently refusing to let the holidays
tear you away from your craft, will help. Not only will you
keep normalcy in your days of holiday madness, but you might
find some poignant, funny, crazy stories to record for future
use.

What if family, friends or guests comment about you abandoning
them to write? Instead of telling them you are trying to remain
sane, inform them you are recording the moments so you can
remember the celebration years from now. They'll change their
tune, walk away, and wish they could write, too.

We spend the year seeking stories in everyday moments. Chicken
Soup and Cup of Comfort anthologies are full of them. Christmas
anthologies are common, but who can recall those squabbles,
mismatched gifts, burned dinner rolls or toppling Christmas
trees from five years ago? Sure, you might recall the climax
of the scene but what about the details leading up to the
moment, the dialogue, the tears of laughter after? We lose
the minutiae that make an average story grand.

Need to get away from the holidays for an hour? Step outside
the parties, television football, kitchen chaos and wrapping
to write. It will make the holidays more palatable as well
as more preserved.
 

TWEETEBOOKS

Mini-ebooks. 20 markets in selective niches for $1.99.
www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

=====

THE BLOG, THE BLOG!
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER ME
http://twitter.com/hopeclark

CONSULT WITH HOPE
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ConsultHope.htm

I JUST JOINED FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark

=====

TIS THE SEASON EBOOK

Twelve months of holidays, seasons and markets for
your seasonal writing. One of our most popular and
inexpensive ebooks. $4.95

www.fundsforwriters.com/ebooks.htm
 

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that
one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong
won't."

-- Henry Ward Beecher

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hope,

I wanted to let you know I have had my first book published
thanks to your newsletter. "The Something That Happened in
Pepperville" is available on Amazon.com  through Virtual Tales,
a publisher you had featured.
 
Thank you again for the valuable "windows" you open for new writers.
 
Joann Keder

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ARTICLE
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Success within Convention: Using Genre Conventions to Boost your Opportunities
By Trisha J. Wooldridge
 
If you write genre fiction, particularly science-fiction,
fantasy, horror or paranormal, conventions offer opportunities
to meet agents, editors, and fans. Attending and meeting people
in this casual atmosphere is the first step for fun networking
strategy, but as a presenter or guest, you can grab a piece of
spotlight and make an impression. 
           
As a guest/participant (terminology changes between conventions),
you introduce yourself to the fan community. You find customers,
and you meet editors and agents who attend panels as fans.  Most
of my convention sales happen after panels when people approach
me because they liked how I spoke; these same people subscribe
to my newsletter and join social media networks.
           
This role is good for shy writers. While you introduce yourself
and your work, the purpose is a moderated, easier public discussion
shared with one or more people. Topics vary: believable villains,
successful blogs, the Bella-Edward relationship in Twilight, or
why Cthulu should be the next U.S. President.  
           
If you aren't already a "con-goer", the first step is to attend
conventions. Hundreds exist in North America. Locus Magazine, a
major publication for genre fiction, lists some here:  http://www.locusmag.com/Conventions.html 

Other resources include:
 http://www.scificonventions.com/
 http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/i_conlist.htm
 http://www.sfsite.com/depts/cons01.htm

But the best way to find a convention is to ask other genre
writers. Visit their websites. Do an Internet search for a city,
state, your preferred genre, "convention," and find local events. 
           
Once you've found a convention, be an active attendee. Ask
intelligent questions during panel Q&As. Attend parties.
Most conventions have a "Con Suite," for socializing. Because
it's a genre convention, you already have something in common
with other attendees. In many cases, a panelist, volunteer, or
organizer for one convention attends others.
           
After a panel, talk to the panelists. How did they become a
part of the convention? Many panelists develop a relationship
with the convention and its organizers. If you hit it off with
the panelists, ask them to introduce you to the panel or track
organizer. 
           
After the convention, as with any networking, follow up - even
if you didn't meet an organizer. Most conventions have websites
and at least one social media platform: follow them on Twitter;
friend them on Facebook, LiveJournal or MySpace; comment on their
blog. Often, organizers ask for panel suggestions or what people
want to see next convention. Make suggestions and offer to be on
panels. On their websites, most conventions have participant sign-
up forms. Fill them out. If you are active in the convention
community, the committee will remember you when they select
participants.
           
Once you're on panels, maintain your position as a desired
participant. Be polite, thoughtful and a team player. Thank
people on the panel, speak in turn and don't speak too long. 
Choose your words with respect to fellow panelists and the fans
listening to you. Basic manners and respect make a panel
successful - and a successful panel is what the convention
organizers want.
           
Conventions are a great promotional resource for a genre writer. 
Being a presenter brings you positive attention from the industry
and potential readers who will buy your work. It's also a lot of
fun.
 
BIO
Trisha J. Wooldridge is the owner of A Novel Friend Writing
& Editing.  She's published non-fiction in more places than
she can keep track of and fiction at Fantasy Gazetteer and
in the EPPIE Award-winning Bad-Ass Faeries 2: Just Plain Bad.
For more information, visit her at www.anovelfriend.com or
follow her on Twitter @novelfriend.

 
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COMPETITIONS
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THOROUGHBRED TIMES FICTION CONTEST
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/competitions/fiction-contest/thoroughbred-times-fiction-contest.aspx
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The fiction contest awards the winner $600 and their work
will be published in a weekly edition of THOROUGHBRED TIMES
in the spring of 2010. The contest is designed to encourage
fiction writing about Thoroughbred racing and to recognize
outstanding work. The authors of the second- and third-place
selections will receive $300 and $200, respectively, and their
works will be published in the weekly magazine. The work of
fiction can pertain to any aspect of the Thoroughbred industry
and must be 5,000 words or less. Entries must be submitted by
December 31, 2009.

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SOUND MONEY ESSAY CONTEST
http://atlasnetwork.org/programs/sound-money-project/sound-money-essay-contest-2009/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
You must be a legal resident of the U.S. or engaged as a full-
time student in the U.S. You must also be no more than 35 years
old on the date of the contest deadline of January 15, 2010.  
Essay Topics:

"Money and the Free Society: Can Money Exist Outside of the State?"
"The Ethical Implications of Monetary Manipulation"
"Monetary Policy and the Rule of Law in the United States"

The overall winner of the Essay Contest will receive a cash
prize of $5,000. Two additional prizes of $1,000 each will be
given to outstanding essays written by junior faculty, graduate
students, or policy writers. Three additional prizes of $500
each will be given to outstanding essays written by undergraduate
students.

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STARCHERONE PRIZE FOR INNOVATIVE FICTION
http://www.starcherone.com/prize.htm
---
$30 ENTRY FEE
Offering $1,000 and publication with Starcherone Books.
Open to short story collections, novels or indeterminate
prose works up to 400 pages. Deadline February 15, 2010.

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SOMETHING DIFFERENT . . .

BOOK TITLE CONTEST

NO ENTRY FEE
I am giving a $500 prize for coming up with a title for
my book.  I originally had a title:  YOU CAN ACHIEVE HAPPILY
EVER AFTER AND IMPROVE YOUR LOVE LIFE TOO.  It has been
suggested that perhaps this was not the best title. Receive
contest rules and chapter excerpts plus a detailed synopsis
for the book by emailing me at marriagecoach1@yahoo.com. Just
be sure to put contest in the Sub line and request the contest
package.  Thanks, John Wilder.

 
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GRANTS
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VERMONT STUDIO CENTER FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org/
---
Provides 2- to 12-week studio Residencies. VSC accepts 12
writers each month for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction
Residencies. Writers working in journalism, screen and
playwriting, children's literature, or translation may also
apply, but are not eligible for Full Fellowship awards.
Requires a $25 application fee.

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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN FELLOWSHIPS
http://creativewriting.wisc.edu/
---
To be eligible for a Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing
fellowship you must have completed an MFA or a PhD in Creative
Writing by August 15th of the fellowship year. Must not have
published a book. Deadline February 28, 2010. Fellowship is
$27,000. $45 application fee. The fellows chosen will spend
one academic year in residence teaching one creative writing
course each semester and giving one public reading from a
work-in-progress. Send up to 10 pages of poetry or one story
up to 30 pages. Location Madison, WI.

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PRAGUE SUMMER PROGRAM FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.praguesummer.com/content/view/4/18/
---
Deadline February 15, 2010. The winners of these fellowships
will be honored members of the Prague Summer Program community.
They will attend the Program "tuition-free," except for a $150
registration charge, $75 insurance charge, and the cost of
housing and travel. They may earn up to seven hours of academic
credit, or attend as auditors. All finalists in each genre will
be considered for publication in WMU's literary magazine, Third
Coast, with special consideration given to the winner in each
genre. Third Coast editors will select one winner, judged best
overall submission, for publication in the journal's fall 2010
issue. Any writer who has not published more than one book with
a university or commercial press is eligible to enter. Each
scholarship applicant must submit the name and e-mail address
of a writer who has published at least one book in his or her
respective genre and who has expressed a willingness to nominate
the applicant. $20 application fee.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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ROWING NEWS
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=1127419
---
Rowing News, a monthly magazine for rowers, by rowers, serves
readers around the world with a lively mix of news and opinion,
service journalism, and compelling features. We are currently
seeking experienced feature writers with a demonstrated knowledge
of the sport to bring the magazine's editorial calendar to life
in 2010. Pitch us your profiles, adventure narratives, packages,
and stories on the issues facing our sport--fixed seat or sliding,
flat water or ocean. We pay $500 per story, and within 30 days of
publication. Send hard copy writing samples and story ideas to:
Editor, Rowing News, Rivermill Suite 440, 85 Mechanic Street,
Lebanon, N.H. 03766.

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AOL NEWS
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=1127379
---
AOL News is seeking sharp, Web-savvy freelance writers for our
new site Sphere.com. Much of what is on AOL News will fold into
Sphere in the coming weeks. We have openings right now for mornings,
afternoons, evenings and weekends. Ideally, we'd like writers to
work in 4-hour shifts, but we can also be flexible. Send us a
brief cover letter, your resume and a couple clips. Better yet,
take a stab at a story from today's news that you find interesting.
Write a piece under 500 words that summarizes the news, links to
other sources, and puts everything into context.

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PASTE MAGAZINE
http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article/4214/writer_guidelines
---
Paste magazine is a monthly publication focusing on music, film,
books and other forms arts and entertainment. We focus on a
variety of musical genres?-rock, singer/songwriters, alt. country,
Americana, indie rock, world music, electronica and whatever
else we think will grab music-lovers seeking something a little
deeper. Cover stories are 3,000 to 4,500 words; Features are
1,500 to 4,000 words; front of book pieces are 50 to 800 words;
Film Reviews are 200-500 words; Book Reviews are 200-500 words;
CD reviews are 100 to 800 words. Features, essays, reviews,
profiles and history accepted. Pays 25 cents/word.
 

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JOBS
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INSURANCE WRITER
Location Virtual
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=1127359
---
An ambitious insurance industry publication devoted to life
insurance, annuities, health and benefits markets seeks a
freelance reporter/editor with thorough knowledge of the
business to write a front-of-the-book star monthly column.
Please do not apply if you do not have experience in this
field. Send a cover letter, resume and no more than three
clips to INNsteve@gmail.com.

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SCIENCE WRITER
Location New York, NY
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/359326-259
---
Harlem Children Society ( www.HCS2k.org ) is a non-profit
organization dedicated to promoting an Innovative Science
Education Program for Children and Youth living in under-
resourced and under-served communities and school districts.
The Science Writer will be responsible for researching,
preparing and submitting articles in peer reviewed journals
and other media related outlets and releases in support of
HCS's ongoing needs and priorities. S/he will assist with
strategies in planning and implementing a proactive and
effective program of fund development.

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REPORTER
Location Sebring, FL
http://www.journalismnow.com/viewJob.php?jid=1013
---
Reporter needed for Highlands County's hometown newspaper.
The News-Sun, a three-times-a- week newspaper, has just been
redesigned in print and online. Looking for an experienced
reporter to cover local government and general assignment.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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BEAUTIFUL BOOKS
http://beautiful-books.co.uk/submissions.html
---
Submit to one of three imprints - Beautiful Books, Burning
House or Bloody Books. No longer accepting submissions of
books for children and do not accept submissions of the
following categories: Science Fiction; Fantasy; Poetry;
Short Stories.

Burning House: the home of bold, contemporary, challenging
fiction. Bloody Books: horror fiction. Beautiful Books
publishes general, literary and historical fiction under
its main imprint. The non-fiction list covers the arts,
popular culture, current affairs, and memoirs.

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RAVENOUS ROMANCE
http://www.ravenousromance.com/general/about-ravenous-romance.php
---
Founded by literary agent Lori Perkins, Ravenous Romance is
currently looking for storytellers to write erotic romance.
Every book must be a compelling 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. 50,000-60,000 words, no
exceptions. Short stories run between 1,500 and 5,000 words.
All genre. These are e-books. Sample short story available
for no charge on website.

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HARD CASE CRIME
http://www.hardcasecrime.com/about.shtml
---
Hard Case Crime is dedicated to reviving the vigor and excitement,
the suspense and thrills -- the sheer entertainment -- of the
golden age of paperback crime novels, both by bringing back into
print the best work of the pulp era and by introducing readers
to new work by some of today's powerful writers and artists.
Determined detectives and dangerous women...fortune hunters and
vengeance seekers...ingenious criminals and men on the run for
their lives...Hard Case Crime novels offer everything you want
from a great story, all in handsome and affordable mass-market
editions.

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SPONSORS
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you need for a stay of anywhere from a week to four months.

www.sbm.osb.org/studium

=====

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES!
 
Dream Quest One Writing Contest is now accepting short
stories, 5 pages maximum length on any subject or theme,
single or double line spacing, neatly hand printed or
typed. Entry fee: $10 per story. First Writing Prize is
$500, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100. All contest winners will
be published online in the Dare to Dream pages.
Postmark deadline: December 31, 2009.

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for details and to enter!

=====

Winner of the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from
UNC Chapel Hill, Richard Krawiec has published novels,
story collections, plays, memoirs, poetry, feature articles,
and Young Adult biographies.  He's won NEA and NC Arts Council
grants, been nominated for the National Book Award and
Pushcart Prize. He was a Finalist for the 2009 Indie Book
Awards for Poetry.
 
It's hard to publish these days. 
Let someone who knows what they're doing help
you prepare your work for publication.

http://home.mindspring.com/~rkwriter/

=====

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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 2000-2009, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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