Volume 10, Issue 35
August 29, 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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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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KEEPING UP IS EXHAUSTING

If you aren't careful, you'll spend your day reading blogs,
Tweets, websites and newsletters. I'm not talking about
wasting time on non-writing topics, either. You can waste
an entire day on simply trying to keep up with changes in
your profession.

We are writers. We turn to others more successful and
knowledgeable than us in our attempts to stay on top of
news. Don't all professionals in all fields do that? Sure,
they do, but what you have to remember is the fact that
professionals in our business write for a living. Therefore,
they tend to be more prolific in opinion, lessons, and
general commentary about the latest, greatest, worst and
best in their industry.

Additionally, we've had it beaten into our brains that we
have to be heard and seen in order to fight our way to the
forefront . . . to be recognized . . . to be taken seriously
...to land a contract. So we post more, link more, befriend
more.

There has to be a line drawn in the sand where you stop
reading and put pen to paper. You should write at least
twice as long as you read online. Add up all the time you
spend reading Facebook, Twitter, blogs and newsletters,
then double it as your mandatory time to actually compose
new works or polish existing ones for submission.

No wonder so many writers resort to submitting first
drafts or never finish a novel. They are too busy learning
how to write, eating up time they should spend writing.

Reading doesn't teach you how to write right.
Only writing does.

     Hope

 9TH ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST

FundsforWriters.com and Literary Database.com team up to
co-sponsor the 9th Annual FundsforWriters Essay Contest.

Theme: Writing that made a difference.

Both entry fee and no entry fee categories. First place
winner receives $300. Six awards given. Limit 750 words.
Deadline October 31, 2010. Winners announced December 1, 2010.

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TWEETEBOOKS - JUST ADDED NEW ONES

 Our Tweetebook library contains 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.

www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

2011 Missouri Writers' Guild "Just Write!" Conference
April 8-10, 2011
Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel
St. Louis, Missouri
 
Early-Bird Registration opened August 15, 2010.
 
Early Arrival Seminar given by
FundsforWriters' C. Hope Clark on Friday, April 8
 
Online registration at www.missouriwritersguild.org
or email mwgregistration@yahoo.com

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THE BLOG - http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark

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

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

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

 
The secret of discipline is motivation.
When a man is sufficiently motivated,
discipline will take care of itself.

~ Sir Alexander Paterson

 
 
 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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My poem, "Red Sun Rising," didn't win a prize in the Balticon
competition for science/science fiction poetry, but one of the
judges, the editor of a literary publication, contacted me to
say she was impressed with the quality of the piece and wanted
to include it in the 2010 edition of "The Gunpowder Review"
due out in October. I was pleased with publishing without a prize!

Norma Laughter
psalm411@yahoo.com

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ARTICLE
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The Cure for Magazine Rejection

by Hunter Liguore

I talk with writers daily about the craft of writing, and
while much goes into rewriting and the process of editing,
I don't think there's a thorough discussion about curing the
woe of rejection. Rejection and criticism is part of the
gamble. In recipe equation a writer's life might look something
like this:

Writer's Life 
1 part inspiration
1 cup imagination
2 cups rigorous writing (daily)
1/2 cup research
2 rounded scoops of editing 6-8 heaping cups of rejection

At the end of the day it's all about moving past the rejection.
The more work you send out, the more that can potentially come
back to you with a red stamp of "no." 

What's the cure?

How can writers continue to pick themselves up, dust off the
negative sentiment, take the criticism, regroup, and redeploy? 

There are obvious mantras. Edit, edit edit. Rework, reform,
revise. Read it aloud. Read to a friend. Read it to your
stuffed teddy-bear. Have others critique you. Put your story
in a drawer and come back a dozen weeks later with a feather
duster. Keep writing. Hone your craft. Take classes.

While all these methods are part of the process, sometimes they
feel less than immediate. 

Here's a new method to try:
 
First, pick the one magazine you wish you were published in.
Read it. Critique it the same way you would your own story.
Decide what you think has merit and what could be reworked.
Have an idea what the magazine is taking or accepting. In
most cases, there's no formula. One month they want stories
featuring the color red, the next month black. 

Now, here's the hard part. Envision a story idea for this
magazine that is slightly off-beat, absurd, original, or a
bit ridiculous. With this idea, the key is to not feel attached
to it. To simply not care one way or another about the story.
If you can remove yourself from the equation, take away your
feeling for it, you'll come to write a story that you aren't
invested in.  

Let's take an example. A silly idea... a story about a girl
who can't put her socks on. On the surface, this may sound
foolish, but the idea is to flesh out a story that moves from
the absurd to something serious.

The story always starts with a question. Who is the girl and
why can't she put on her socks? Is she blind? Is she learning
for the first time to put her socks on at the age of four? Is
she a tiny fairy new to this world and never heard of socks?
Could she never afford socks before, and now she has her first
pair? Do you see how the ridiculous can move into a place of
exploration, of understanding?

If as a writer, you start with an absolutely imprudent idea,
then you won't feel attachment to the story. You'll write with
freedom, and careless adventure. It's like driving a car without
a destination, and for the pure thrill of it. This is what
writers lose with constant rejection.

Even if you try to trick yourself to not feel attached, you'll
invest the right amount of time in the piece. In the end,
you'll have something you're proud of, and in the event it's
still rejected, you can stop and say in honesty, "It started
out as an exercise, grounded in a silly idea, that flourished
into something I didn't expect."

Try it. Dare yourself to let go, to write with freedom, without
critique or purpose. Write for the sake of writing. Write to
show yourself you can take the mundane and turn it into something
credible. It will empower you over the mountain of rejection,
uplift and motivate you.

Bio:
Hunter Liguore is the Executive Editor for Sword & Saga Press,
a publisher of SF, fantasy, and speculative fiction. She teaches
Writing for SF and Fantasy in New England, as well as a six-week,
online intensive workshop. Her work has appeared in numerous
publications, including most recently, "Katie Ireland," forthcoming
this fall in Bellevue Literary Review, " Her short story collection,
"Travels of an Unquiet Mind" will be published by IFWG Press later
this year.  For general inquiries: Editor@SwordandSagaPress.com.

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COMPETITIONS
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MISSOURI REVIEW WRITING PRIZES - FICTION, ESSAY, POETRY
http://www.missourireview.com/contest/editors_prize.php
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
$5,000 first prize for each category of fiction, poetry, and
essay. Deadline October 1, 2010. Please include no more than
25 typed, double-spaced pages for fiction and nonfiction.
Poetry entries can include any number of poems up to 10 pages
in total. Each story, essay, or group of poems constitutes
one entry. The entry fee of $20 includes a year-long, 4-issue
subscription. Encourages electronic submissions.

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CAFE WRITERS OPEN POETRY COMPETITION
http://cafewriters.awardspace.com/competitions.htm
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ENTRY FEE £4 per poem; or £10 for 3 poems
Deadline November 30, 2010.
1st prize £1,000. 2nd prize £300. Five Commended Prizes of £50.
Funniest Poem not winning another prize £100. Norfolk Prize
£100 awarded to best poem from a permanent Norfolk resident
not winning another prize. Maximum of 40 lines (excluding
title). The Prize is open to anyone other than Café Writers'
committee members.

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11th ANNUAL NEW VOICES AWARD
http://www.leeandlow.com/p/new_voices_award.mhtml
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NO ENTRY FEE
Given for a children's picture book manuscript by a writer
of color. The Award winner receives a cash grant of $1,000
and our standard publication contract, including our basic
advance and royalties for a first time author. An Honor Award
winner will receive a cash grant of $500. Must be a US resident.
Writers who have published other work in venues such as
children's magazines, young adult, or adult fiction or
nonfiction, are eligible. Only unagented submissions will be
accepted. Work that has been published in any format is not
eligible for this award. Submissions may be FICTION,
NONFICTION, or POETRY for children ages 5 to 12. Folklore
and animal stories will not be considered. Manuscripts
should be no more than 1,500 words in length. Deadline
September 30, 2010.

 
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GRANTS
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THE ISLAND INSTITUTE
http://home.gci.net/~island/residents.htm
---
The Island Institute's residencies provide opportunities for
at least four writers to each spend a month in Sitka, Alaska,
pursuing their own work and getting to know this unique island
community in the forested coastal mountains of Southeast Alaska.
Each resident is provided living accommodations including a
kitchen and a stipend of $75/week toward food costs. Travel to
and from Sitka, as well as all other incidental costs, are the
responsibility of the resident. There is a single application
deadline of April 15 for positions in September of that year,
and January and April of the following year. Next application
date is April 15, 2011.

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SOARING GARDENS ARTISTS' RETREAT
http://lermantrust.org/application1.html
---
Soaring Gardens Artists' Retreat offers residencies to visual
artists, writers and composers between May and September.
Located in rolling hill country dotted with dairy farms
approximately one hour west and slightly north of Scranton,
Pennsylvania. From the house and studios you can see the
northern end of the Appalachian mountains. Any actively working
visual artist, writer or composer may apply. We particularly
encourage applications from emerging women artists. Applicants
must be working at a professional level in their fields and will
be judged on the quality of their work and a proven commitment
to artistic excellence in their practices.

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WORMFARM RESIDENCIES
http://www.wormfarminstitute.org/artistrez.html
---
Seeks artists and writers with an interest in sustainable systems
and our place in the natural world. The Wormfarm can host up to
three visiting artists at a time, with residencies running from
two weeks to six months (May to October). Center prefers a minimum
of two months, but will consider shorter stays. Each artist is
provided with accommodations, use of our growing facility and
time and space to create. In exchange, we ask each to participate
in farm operations for 15 hours per week and to share the results
of their creative efforts with the local community.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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GEORGIA MAGAZINE
http://georgiamagazine.com/contactus.asp?menu=7
---
"GEORGIA Magazine is the most widely read magazine for and
about Georgians.  Each issue celebrates the Georgia lifestyle
in word and photo, revealing the spirit of its people and the
flavor of its past in a friendly, conversational tone. Feature
articles and departments focus on what's in it for the reader,
bringing home the story in a useful, personal way that touches
their lives directly." Word length for major features is 1,000;
departments and smaller features, 500-800. Pays starts at $500
for features. Photography required. Shorter articles and
departments range from $300 to $500, depending on subject matter
or time involved. Second-use rights pay one-half the usual fees.

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GULFSHORE LIFE
http://www.gulfshorelife.com/About-Us/Contact.aspx
---
Captures the vibrant spirit, style and natural beauty of Southwest
Florida's Gulf Coast, from Fort Myers and Cape Coral down to
Naples and Marco Island. Covers local personalities and pursuits,
from arts and entertainment to fashion, real estate and the luxury
lifestyle. Pays up to 30 cents/word.

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MISSISSIPPI MAGAZINE
http://www.mississippimagazine.com/
---
Mississippi Magazine is a bimonthly publication that celebrates
the positive points of the state--from interesting people and
places to homes, gardens, food, history, culture, special events,
and more. All topics that appear in the magazine have a direct
and obvious link to Mississippi. Feature articles $250-350.
Southern Scrapbook $25-75. On Being Southern $150. Other
department articles $150-250. Expenses $35 limit. (Guidelines
under Contact)

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JOBS
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COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
Location Washington DC
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/395196-102
---
The Communications Associate takes a lead role in the
implementation of e-communications efforts including web strategy,
content development and the management of the website's outreach
to constituents. Focus areas include web content creation and
management, e-newsletter production, engaging the public via
social media, email outreach to constituents, media outreach,
database management, desktop publishing, graphic design and other
forms of communication. Pays $39K to $41K.

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BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS INSTRUCTOR
Location San Francisco, CA
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/395287-163
---
The Business Communications Instructor role is a year-round,
full-time position that incorporates teaching, curriculum
development, advising, group facilitation, and committee work.
The instructor will teach the basics of grammar, business
communications (professional emails, meeting notes and presentations)
and academic writing (summary, essay) from an existing but evolving
curriculum. Emphasis in the classroom is on the students learning
from each other and through their own curiosity.

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TECHNICAL WRITER
Location Grand Junction, CO
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90179487&aid=27015391-20810&WT.mc_n=125
---
Deadline September 3, 2010. Department of the Interior.
Pays $47K to $74K. Reviews, edits, and makes corrections to
technical reports, Resource Management Plan documents, and
documents related to planning and NEPA including correspondence,
scoping notices, Federal Register Notices, Memorandums of
Understanding, and other similar documents.  

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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CEDAR FORT
http://www.cedarfort.com/default.html
---
Latter Day Saints affiliated. Publishes uplifting and edifying
books that help people think about what is important in life,
books people enjoy reading to relax and feel better about
themselves, and books to help improve lives. Whether or not
a book is written specifically to the LDS market, all of the
books should be suitable and uplifting for any group. Currently
needs works on: Prayer, The New Testament, General Nonfiction,
YA Fiction, Historical Fiction, Social and Behavioral Issues
(i.e. Asperger's, ADHD, suicide) both nonfiction and fiction.

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LILLEY PRESS
http://www.lilleypress.com/submissions.php
---
Lilley Press seeks themed novellas and short novels! Current
themes: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day. Word length:
25,000-80,000 words. Genres: Paranormal Romance; Speculative
Fiction (Fantasy, Science Fiction, Cyberpunk etc; Mainstream
(Contemporary); Young Adult. DO NOT send "Fan Fiction" or
stories with copyrighted characters or worlds; Erotica; Plays;
Poetry; Nonfiction. Lilley Press is a Canadian Small Press
publishing in ebook and standard print formats. You do NOT
have to be a Canadian citizen, or a resident of Canada, in order
to submit your work. Lilley Press seeks the best fiction,
regardless of author's country of origin. However, all work
submitted must be in English.

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CLASS ACT BOOKS
http://www.classactbooks.com/About-Us_ep_7.html
---
CLASS ACT BOOKS is a royalty-paying, publisher of electronic
and trade paperback books. Dedicated to offering quality fiction
that fulfills all desires of the reading public. Publishes
romantic fiction.

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SPONSORS
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Offers $2,400 in total prizes.

www.houstonwritersguild.org

Deadline September 3, 2010
Seven first place winners by genre.
Winners announced at our Fall Conference October 9, 2010.
Featuring Sam Havens,  Michael Larsen, Elizabeth Pomado,
Jon Sternfeld, Nicholas Croce, & Jennifer Mattson

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The Liberty Ink Journal writing contest is meant to cultivate
the work of constitutionally conservative writers who love
America and who can artfully communicate what America is, who
Americans are, and how principles of liberty work in everyday life.

Deadline December 31, 2010

No Reading Fee!

Submit in these categories:

Article
Short Story
Chapbook
Novel (fiction and non-fiction)

To learn more please go to: http://www.libertyinkjournal.com/contest
Contact Cameron Cowan, Managing Editor,
E-mail: CameronCowan@LibertyInkJournal.com

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MARKETS PLUS: 2500 WRITING MARKETS

For 10 years Worldwide Freelance has been helping freelance
writers to find paying markets. Search or browse the free
database of 750+ markets. Or join Markets Plus and you will
have 2500+ markets at your fingertips.

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com

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

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