Volume 10, Issue 16
April 18, 2010

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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, 2010

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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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Jack Canfield Shares Strategies for Authors
Free telephone seminar on Thursday, April 22nd
with Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

http://www.MillionDollarAuthorClub.com/call743

                 
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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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PULLING WEEDS

As many of you know, I adore nature and the outdoors. If I'm
not sore, bruised and scraped from working in the open air,
I feel guilty I haven't scratched enough ground for the day.
I have more yard scars than a biker has tattoos.

This time of year is addictive for me. The greens are greener,
the plants are young and exploding to life, and my mind reels
with thoughts of projects, renovations and sprucing up the place
after its winter's sleep.

Also this time of year, I weed. I find weeding therapeutic.
While it's not something I awake chomping at the bit to do,
it does allow my thoughts to wander, often finding great
wisdom as I perform this simple task. I've written many scenes
with sow thistle, wild strawberry and nutgrass in my hands.

I find I weed in one of three ways:

1. Rushing to get the job done. Weeding, like most chores, is
less effective when done fast. With a degree in agriculture,
I know enough about weeds to call most of their names, but I
also know how to grab each one to remove the most root and
decrease any future weed return. Moving fast results in
missed patches, giving me more work to clean up another time.

2. Wandering eyes. Caught myself this week doing this one.
I go out intending to remove the thistle along the creek bank
and wind up following the dandelions to the other side of the
yard. Then I see bermuda inching into the mulch and do that
for a while. Wait, there's vetch creeping into the azalea bed...
there, there, and over there, too. When I stand to stretch my
back, the thistle still thrives way on the other side where
I started.

3. Focused. On the good days, I walk outside with purpose,
not taking my eyes off the job until it's done. Or I'll
list three items on my to-do list, and scold myself not
to do anything else until those chores are complete. I find
myself most accomplished on those days.

As I stooped over, extracting Carolina geranium weed from my
junipers, I realized I weeded like I wrote. Some days I hop
from project to project, not taking the time to complete any one
without abandoning it for something that looks more inviting.
At the end of the day, nothing is completed. When I rush my
work, it's tooth-gapped, half-done, unworthy of public presentation.

But when I dive in with a goal, with a plan of what to complete
by dinner, whether the writing or the yard, I can stand back
and take tangible measurement of my achievement.

And gosh it's nice to sit back in a rocker on the porch, drink
in hand, admiring what I've finished . . . all because I
tackled it with a plan.

     Hope

MAKE TOTAL TOTALLY YOURS

If you enjoy our free newsletters, you'll LOVE our paid
subscription. TOTAL has all the flavor of FundsforWriters,
except with 75 grants, contests, markets, publishers and jobs
instead of 15. It's immense, it's exciting, it's chocked full
of opportunity. Take your freelance writing seriously and
consider the largest newsletter in the FundsforWriters family.

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APRIL SPECIAL!
 
Our Tweetebook library is growing. You'll find 35 ebooks
now, each containing 20+ niche markets. Romance Publishers,
Children's Markets, Outdoor Markets, Seniors Markets, you name
it! Purchase one or two to try them out - they're only $1.99.
 
Or you can tap the April special - purchase all the Tweetebooks,
all 35, for $50 . . . AND get a subscription to TOTAL
FundsforWriters, a $15 value. That's almost a $30 value.

See all our Tweetebooks at www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

Last month we offered Memoir Publishers Tweetebook for free.
This month it's General Short Story Markets (Book One).
Spread the word!

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

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you
the strength, the patience, and the passion
to reach for the stars to change the world.

~ Harriet Tubman
 
 
 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Dear Hope:

I just wanted to thank you for posting the information
regarding the Highlights Foundation Scholarship for their
Chautauqua Conference. 

I was especially excited about this conference because I am
writing a children's historical novel and my heroine was born
in Chautauqua, New York.  When I saw that the conference was
there, I immediately thought not only of all the benefits of
the classes and connections I could make, but also of the
further research I could do for my book!

You cannot imagine my excitement when I received an e-mail
back that I had been awarded $1,500 toward the nearly $2,000
tuition for the conference.  According to my understanding,
part of the conference includes one-on-one interviews with
editors and/or publishers who will review the manuscript of
my choice.  I am pressing forward so that I can bring as
much of my novel as I can.

I am so thankful I looked on your blog that day!! Thank you so
much for all you do to encourage us in our endeavor to keep
working on our skills and to be as fruitful as we can.

Forever Grateful,

Kim Sullivan

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ARTICLE
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Third World Freelancing
By Melissa Koosmann

About two years ago, I decided to change my life. No longer would
I drift along in a dead-end job, wishing to be a writer and doing
nothing about it.  No longer would I devote tiny scraps of time to
lackluster articles and stories that had little hope of getting
finished, let alone published.  I wanted to live my dream and have
an adventure, too. 

My husband, fortunately, loved the idea, as long as he could come
along.  So we researched the most far-flung places around the world
where he could continue his career in the astronomy field.  After a
whirlwind of discussions and preparations, we found him a job and
left our old life behind.  I started a full-time freelance career...
from South Africa. 

Crazy as it may sound, freelancing from a developing country works
great.  From the beginning, life in South Africa gave me dozens of
new writing ideas.  I researched the travel and educational markets--
two areas I'd never felt qualified to approach before--and pitched
stories about my new home.  Now that I had all day, every day to
write, I dared to pitch big projects as well as small ones.  Almost
before I knew it, I landed contracts to write travel articles and
educational books.

I was finally getting paid to write--but not much.  Because of my
location, my small income wasn't a problem.  The cost of living in
South Africa is relatively low, so money stretches further than in
the United States.  I can't get by on a dollar per article, but I
can survive when I need to spend a little longer than I expect on a
project, or when it takes a few extra weeks for a check to come
through.  I have time to develop my craft and produce work that
makes me proud. 

For an unfettered freelancer with a certain thirst for adventure,
moving to a developing country is a real option.  However, it does
come with extra challenges.  I make (and frequently enact) multiple
back-up plans for meeting deadlines in case my Internet service fails
or my power goes out.  Overseas mail takes longer and costs more, so
I keep a stash of United States stamps and use them on my SASEs, which
I address to my mother-in-law in Montana, who kindly opens my mail
and relays editors' responses to me.  Because my editors and I live
in different time zones, I occasionally have to arrange a business
call at midnight. 

Moving to South Africa changed my life and affected my writing,
but it wasn't the key to my success.  In the end I succeeded for a
more mundane reason:  I changed my behavior.  I stopped allowing a
lack of confidence to sabotage my writing process.  I cultivated a
habit of hard work, devoting hours every day to research and writing. 
Looking back, I realize I should have done those things at home in
the first place.  What I lacked--and what I've gained during my
improbable journey--was commitment.

Bio: 
Melissa Koosmann is the author of Meet Our New Student
from South Africa, Monumental Milestones:  The Fall of Apartheid,
and Going to School Around the World (all from Mitchell Lane
Publishers, 2009).  She has also published many articles about
South Africa and other topics.  You can read about some of her
experiences in South Africa at www.capebulbul.blogspot.com. 
If you have questions about freelancing from overseas, you
may e-mail her at melkoosmann@yahoo.com

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COMPETITIONS
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SMORIES.COM
http://www.smories.com/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
Smories.com is an exciting, independent and free online channel
for kids (3 - 8 years old) to watch great new stories being
read by other kids. It's also a place for children's story
writers (published and unpublished, professional & amateur)
to get their work published online, whilst retaining all rights.
We are offering US $1,500 worth of prize-money for the 5 best
best stories submitted every month. Entries accepted from
anywhere in the world. Submission is free. The current competition
closes 30 April 2010. The next competition closes 31 May 2010.
If you have a story hiding in the depths of your computer
somewhere, we'd love to see it!

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X INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION
http://www.poetryonthelake.org/main/page_competition_2010.html
---
ENTRY FEE
UK: £8 first poem, 2nd & 3rd £6; then £5 per poem.
Euro: €20 for 2 poems ; then €10 per poem
US & CA dollars: count fees in dollars as for euro.

Deadline May 15, 2010. Three Categories: Silver Wyvern (max.60 lines),
Formal Verse (max 40 lines), Short poems (max. 10 lines). Suggested
(but not obligatory) theme for all categories: "Mediterranean".
Prizes are:
Silver Wyvern €500; €100 x 3 runners-up
Formal Verse  €100           
Short Poems   €100
and Alessi designer bowl to all winners present at awards. 

First prizewinners in each category will also receive a year's
subscription to ORBIS , offered by Carole Baldock, editor of
Orbis and Kudos - www.kudoswritingcompetitions.com and their
winning poems be published therein. 

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TWO CONTESTS AND A WRITING CLASS!
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com
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ENTRY FEE: $15; checkmark evaluation + $3=$18; critique + $20=$38.
Deadline July 18, 2010. Entries must be fiction, 100 words or
less. No poems or anecdotes.

Contest 1: "Original" Any subject, any style (not poetry or anecdotes).
Contest 2: "The Old Man" and "Home"

"Original" -- First Prize, $500, Second Prize, $100.
"The Old Man"/ "Home" -- 1 First Prize, $150, 1 Second Prize, $50.
 
CLASS: "LET'S LEARN FROM THE MASTERS." 4 weeks online: $130, 4/11-5/9/10.

 
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GRANTS
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LOUISIANA FILM AND RADIO GRANTS
http://www.leh.org/html/grants_docfilm_guide.html
---
Any project producing film, television programming, or radio
broadcast is eligible for a Documentary Grant. For funding
consideration, documentary projects either must apply the
humanities--interpretation and analysis--to the history/culture
of Louisiana, or subjects and/or issues impacting life in
Louisiana. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to secure
in-state sponsors and are required to obtain letters of
interest from Louisiana television or radio stations. There
is only one annual deadline--April 25.

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CEI FELLOWSHIP FOR WRITERS
http://www.ceinet.org/content/call-applications-cei-fellowship-writers-residence-deadline-1-june-2010
---
Awarded by the  Central European Initiative in co-operation with
the Slovene Writers' Association, the CEI Fellowship for Writers
in Residence aims at encouraging cross-border cooperation and
promotion in the field of literature for young writers from non
EU Central European countries. This winner will receive a cash
award of EUR 5,000 for a three-month stay in any of the Central
European Initiative Member States, selected by the candidate.
Deadline June 1, 2010.

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MONTANA FILM AND MEDIA GRANTS
http://www.humanitiesmontana.org/Grants/grants.php
---
Humanities Montana has just issued new guidelines and an application
for its Film and Digital Production Grants (formerly "Media Grants").
Applicants are no longer required to submit a Letter of Intent for a
film or digital project; instead, applicants can seek funds under one
of three stages: 1. Research and Script Development; 2. Principal
Photography, Source Material Acquisition, and Rights Clearance;
3. Completion of Product, including post-production. ALL Film and
Digital Production Grant applications will be due August 20 each year
and applicants must contact staff before applying. Note that small
video and radio programs are no longer included under this grant
category (applicants seeking funding for these projects can apply
under Regular and Major Grants).

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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RAILWAY MAGAZINE
http://www.ipcmedia.com/brands/railway
---
A clear and trusted voice for the railway community, covering
all aspects of the scene from steam through to modern rail
developments.

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PARK HOME
http://www.ipcmedia.com/brands/parkhomeholiday
---
The UK's definitive and best guide for those who own, or are
planning to buy, a park or leisure holiday home. Everything you
need to know to discover this new way of life, from reviews of
the best parks to legal advice and essential buying tips.
Published every four weeks.

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LOADED
http://www.ipcmedia.com/brands/loaded
---
A magazine that continues to head the men's monthly market in
innovation. Aimed at 18-30 year-old-men, Loaded presents the edited
highlights of a young man's interests and aspirations: sport, cars,
grooming, beautiful women and gaming in clearly signposted sections.

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JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
NOTE: Short deadline of April 21, 2010
Location Durham, NC
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=87387122&aid=27015391-13410&WT.mc_n=125
---
Employing agency Veterans Health Administration. This is a
full-time,TEMPORARY (not-to-exceed 13 months) position. This
appointment may be renewed for additional service in accordance
with Agency needs. Develops and disseminates messages on new
research findings. Initiates, develops and writes technical
reports, background statements, news releases, feature stories,
program highlights and brochures on the causes, consequences,
treatment and prevention of medical conditions. Creates information
products for health care professionals, researchers, Veterans and
their families that include publications, e-newsletters, multimedia
training, videos, public service announcements and exhibits. Issues
news releases and holds teleconferences and media briefings. Updates
and manages the content website and develops new web pages.

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Location Ft Benning, GA
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=87389909&aid=27015391-13410&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline May 2, 2010. You will write and/or review speeches,
formulate theme, message, and philosophy to be presented in
speeches, addresses, briefings and testimonies by the MCOE
Commanding General and Command Group.

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Location Hadley, MA
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=87012182&aid=27015391-13410&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline April 23, 2010. Employing Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Develop and implement communications strategies about
white-nose syndrome (WNS); Work with staff and managers in several
agencies and organizations to coordinate messages about WNS; Develop
news media relations; Produce written materials for print and
broadcast news media, for oral presentations, and for the Web.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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TYRUS BOOKS
http://www.tyrusbooks.com/about.htm
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We publish crime fiction: stories dealing with crime and its
repercussions. We want not only an affecting story and honest
characters, but also lyrical writing and attention to craft.

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SUSAN SCHULMAN LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/Schulman/
---
The agency's focus: commercial fiction and non-fiction, literary
fiction, narrative and political non-fiction and business/
investing/finance non-fiction, health related books, memoir,
self-help, wisdom and body/mind/sprit, non-fiction books about
the arts, in particular creativity and writing, and in particular
fiction and non-fiction for, by and about women and women's issues
and interests. The agency also represents its own writers for the
theatre, as well as film, television and foreign and translation
rights for other agencies and for publishers.

(from PublishersMarketplace.com)

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ASHLEY GRAYSON LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/CGrayson/
---
We represent literary and commercial fiction, as well as non-
fiction for adults (self-help, parenting, pop culture, mind/body/
spirit, true crime, business, science). We also represent fiction
for younger readers (chapter books through YA).

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SPONSORS
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If you're going to work with an editor, work with the best.
Have your writing edited by an award-winning, professional
writer and editor, someone who actually knows how to help you
prepare your writing for publication.  Richard Krawiec has
published novels, biographies, text books, plays, and a story
and poetry collection.  He won the 2009 Excellence in Teaching
Award from UNC Chapel Hill for his online writing courses. His
essays, feature articles, and reviews have appeared in major
newspapers and magazines across the US. The NY Times, LA Times,
Publishers Weekly have reviewed his work. His awards include
National Endowment for the Arts and NC Arts Council grants, as
well as nominations for the National Book Award, Best American
Short Stories, and Pushcart Prize.

Email: rkwriter@gmail.com  
Web - www.rkeditor.com

The second annual Self-Publishers Online Conference connects
entrepreneurial authors and independent publishers with book
publishing resources on May 12-14, 2010.

* Enjoy presentations from 15 book-publishing experts.
(Dan Poynter, Fern Reiss, Mark Victor Hansen, & 12 more!)

* Participate in Q&A roundtables and online discussions

* Browse the virtual exhibit hall

...all from the comfort of your desk!

Live attendance is FREE with a Basic Pass!
(Or upgrade for audio downloads or CDs mailed to you.)

Register now at:
http://www.SelfPublishersOnlineConference.com

Women writers, your time has come! Class size limited to 12.

Women Playwrights' Initiative (WPI) announces its 5th Annual
Playwriting Workshop. Award-winning playwright Deborah Brevoort
focuses on the hardest part of playwriting: getting started! 
Writers will examine audience expectations, theatrical conventions
and craft elements. Journalists, poets and prose writers - get out
that partial script and learn how to make it compelling with
Deborah Brevoort, June 5-6, 2010, in Winter Park FL .

Participants should bring 10 pages of a script (preferably from
the beginning of the play). Tuition is $400, with partial
scholarships available.

More info at www.womenplaywrights.com/play-writing-workshop.htm.
Registration deadline is May 15, 2010.

 

Noble Row, a journal of contemporary fiction, art, and music
is now accepting submissions for its annual Short Fiction
Award. The competition is open to previously unpublished
short stories, 8,000 words or less. Winner receives $500
cash and featured publication in Noble Row. Up to 3 finalists
will also receive publication in Noble Row. What are we
looking for? Stories that are personal and engaging,
uncompromising in their vision, provocative, and
thought-provoking. In short, excellence. Deadline is 5/15/2010.

To enter online, please visit: http://noblerow.com/fictionprize

MARGARET REID POETRY CONTEST FOR TRADITIONAL VERSE

7th year. Ten cash prizes totaling $5,550. Top prize $3,000. Submit
poem in traditional verse forms, such as sonnets and free verse.
Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished
work accepted. Entry fee $7 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning
Writers. Postmark deadline June 30. Early entries encouraged.
Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to:
Winning Writers, ATTN: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, 351 Pleasant
Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winnings Writers is proud to
be one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest,
2005-2009).

More information: www.winningwriters.com/margaret

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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 2000-2010, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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