SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest - Last Call!

22nd year. $3,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for the best story and $1,000 for the best essay. Send prose submissions up to 6,000 words each. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com and announced in the Winning Writers Newsletter, with over 50,000 subscribers. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Fee per entry is $16. Deadline: April 30. Judge: Arthur Powers. Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2013). See guidelines, past winners, and enter at www.winningwriters.com/tomstory

Editor’s THOUGHTS

Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/fundsforwriters
Read past issues at: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?fundsforwriters

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WALL BUILDING

A couple of comments in emails, on Facebook, and yes, even in person, made me sad this week. When a person was confronted with an opportunity, they spoke first about how they could not do it. Without flinching. Without a thought about trying to find a way to learn.

They are building walls across a flat piece of ground that could lead to success.

Examples:

"I am afraid to publish because I don't understand the difference between self-publishing and traditional."

"Darn, I don't know how to write a short story to enter that contest."

"Someone will tell me I'm bragging if I tout my writing in public."

"I'm afraid someone will steal my idea."

"I don't have enough money to publish."

So many writers see the obstacles before they envision the opportunity. They feel the pain before they get injured. They flinch before they are pricked.

As I told the Nebraska Writers Guild last week: "Go ahead and be afraid. Go ahead and hold back, fearful of what to do next, because that just gives me and all these other people the chance to pass you by and make something of ourselves."

Whatever you think, do, or hold back doing, takes energy. You can infuse your energy into being proactive and learning how to proceed, or you can expend your energy worrying about what might go wrong. With the first, you might gain headway. With the second, you get nowhere.

Make a decision, then pursue the solution or march toward the goal.

Read short stories and learn how to write them. Study the difference between publishing opportunities until you are comfortable in your choice. Decide if you're worried more about publishing or what people might say about you. Dare to submit, realizing the odds of someone stealing your work is miniscule. Save your money or start a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter.com and earn the money you need.

There are options. There are opportunities. But you have to reach out for them. They do not come to you.

~HOPE

WEBSITE - http://www.chopeclark.com
BLOG - http://www.chopeclark.com/blog
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/hopeclark
FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/chopeclark
GOODREADS - http://www.goodreads.com/hopeclark

Hope at the library! Come see me on April 22, 2014 at 410 Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach, SC 29579 - 3 PM. OR on May 1, 2014 at 1040 Calabash Rd NW, Calabash, NC 28467.

WORDS OF SUCCESS

One has to be just a little crazy to write a great novel. One must be capable of allowing the darkest, most ancient and shrewd parts of one’s being to take over the work from time to time. Or be capable of cracking the door now and then to the deep craziness of life itself … Strangeness is the one quality in fiction that cannot be faked.

~John Gardner

TOTAL FUNDSFORWRITERS

TOTAL is the paid subscription to FundsforWriters. 70+ grants, contests, markets, publishers and more for the serious writer. $15 annual subscription for 26 biweekly Friday issues to your email. www.fundsforwriters.com - Or receive a free subscription with the full-price purchase of a Carolina Slade Mystery or The Shy Writer Reborn - ebook or print.

	The Carolina Slade Mystery Series http://www.chopeclark.com/ Book Three is out!!!!! Carolina Slade is the real deal – Southern charm, a steely determination, and a vulnerability she’ll never admit to. Slade is at her absolute best in C. Hope Clark’s Palmetto Poison so hold on for the ride! ~Lynn Chandler-Willis, best selling author and winner of the 2013 Minotaur Books/PWA Best First Private Eye Novel Competition Clark’s intensely lush and conversational writing will keep you…turning the pages faster than you can read them. ~Dish Magazine Comment on Dru's Musings after reading A Day in the Life of Carolina Slade celebrating the release of Palmetto Poison: This is the very best interview I’ve read on a blog. Ever! Can’t wait to head on over to Amazon and order up the book. Nice to meet you Ms Slade! Now to check out this dude in the cowboy boots and a five o’clock shadow. Autographed copies available: see www.chopeclark.com

Success Story

If FundsforWriters has helped you, let us know. We want to share your success with the world! Send it to hope@fundsforwriters.com

featured article

This Simple Change Will Make You a Better Writer

By Glori Surban

In this fast-paced world of instant messaging and one-click shops, honest-to-goodness patience is almost unheard of. But as many experienced freelancers will tell you, you need to be patient in order to be a better-versed, better-paid writer. So how exactly can we practice this virtue without losing our impatient minds?

Accept and understand the nature of freelance work.

Freelance writing work, especially if you're very new to the business, tends to ebb and flow. Building your portfolio, finding clients, promoting your services, and reaching out to other writers takes a while. There will also be times when you need to wait weeks and months at a time to hear back from an editor or constantly follow up on a client because of their overdue invoice.

The sooner you accept that there’s a lot of waiting involved, the faster you can focus on important things, like improving your craft and knowing what to do while you wait.

Enjoy the process of writing.

Learn (or relearn) to enjoy writing, the actual act of putting words on paper (or on screen). Enjoy researching and compiling sources. Enjoy coming up with blog topics and pitching them to editors. Enjoy planning your projects or outlining your blog posts. Enjoy these processes and not just the rewards.

When you enjoy writing for the sake of writing, waiting for results and compensation becomes easier because your satisfaction and happiness won’t hinge on other people’s responses.

Besides, using money and recognition as motivation may be good in the beginning, but not in the long run. Extrinsic motivation may be detrimental to your creativity - something you need a lot of in writing.

Plan your next step.

You’ve heard what they say about idle hands. So instead of doing the devil's work, busy yourself with activities that’ll help you grow your business and improve your skills. Maintain daily and weekly to-do lists to keep you focused and provide you direction.

Here are a few examples of what you can do while waiting to hear back from people:

•Start reading those books and ebooks you’ve always wanted to read.

•Look for blogs that pay for guest posts and pitch them.

•Keep in touch with old clients and check if they have more work for you.

•Research and outline your next blog posts.

•Engage in unnecessary creation to keep your creative juices flowing.

•Streamline your social media management.

Know when to stop waiting.

There’s a limit to the amount of time you spend waiting. Some blogs and websites are kind enough to indicate how long it’ll take for them to respond to your queries, while others aren’t so clear. When it isn’t clear, wait for a few weeks before politely following up (unless their guidelines indicate otherwise) on your query.

Being impatient for results is a reflex reaction most of us have. But with the right mindset, a plan, and genuine love for writing, you can learn to take the time and enjoy the journey and and the challenges along the way.

BIO Glori Surban is a nurse turned freelance writer. She now helps small business owners grow their online presence by providing quality blogging and writing services, specializing in health, marketing, and personal development topics. You can follow her on Twitter.

competitions

SOUTHERN WRITERS MAGAZINE SHORT STORY CONTEST http://www.southernwritersmagazine.com/contest.html --- $15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline May 1, 2014. Grand prize $250, publication in short story bonus issue, photo on cover, year's subscription, five free online subscription to friends/family, guest appearance on radio show and full access to promos Mic Nite, Take Five and Must Read TV. Second place $100 plus publication, photo, online subscription, three guest online subscriptions, access to promos Mic Nite, Take Five and Must Read TV. Third place $50 plus publication, photo, online subscription, a guest online subscription, access to promos Mic Nite, Take Five and Must Read TV. Ten runners-up receive publication, online subscription, access to promos Mic Nite, Take Five and Must Read TV. Manuscript must be 1500 words or less.

SONORA REVIEW NONFICTION CONTEST http://sonorareview.com/contest/ --- $15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline May 15, 2014. Essays and nonfiction up to 6,000 words. Hybrid projects warmly welcomed. Winner receives $1,000 prize and publication, and finalists will be considered for publication in Issue 66 of Sonora Review.

PROUD TO BE: WRITING BY AMERICAN WARRIORS CONTEST AND ANTHOLOGY http://www6.semo.edu/universitypress/Contests/PTB_Contest.htm --- NO ENTRY FEE. Open to all military personnel, veterans, and their families. Call for Submissions and Contest for Volume 3, Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors. Deadline: June 1, 2014 (postmarked). Five categories for the contest, $250 prize in each. Poetry, Short Fiction, Essay, Photography, Interview with a Warrior. Poetry: up to 3 poems (5 pages maximum). Fiction, essay, interview: 5,000-word limit. Interviews are with military or veterans.

HAY HOUSE INSIGHTS NONFICTION WRITING CONTEST http://www.balboapress.com/NFpublishingcontest/Rules.aspx --- NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline May 1, 2014. Minimum of 30,000 words. Must be in English. One Grand Prize winner will receive Hay House Insights contract and $5,000 advance. First Place winner will receive FREE Discover publishing package with Balboa Press, video press release and distribution upon publication, Hay House Radio Interview. Second Place winner will receive FREE Connect publishing package with Balboa Press.

THE WOLFE PACK BLACK ORCHID AWARD FOR THE NOVELLA http://www.nerowolfe.org/htm/literary_awards/black_orchid_award/Black_Orchid_award_intro.htm --- NO ENTRY FEE. Entries must be 15,000 to 20,000 words in length, and submitted by May 31, 2014. Each entry must be an original unpublished work of fiction that conforms to the tradition of the Nero Wolfe series. The mystery should be "traditional" in flavor. The crime must be solved using the deductive abilities of the sleuth. No coincidences. The detective could be a professional or amateur. The setting could be NYC or Boston or wherever. We're not looking for anything derivative of the Nero Wolfe character, milieu, etc.

GRANTS / CROWDFUNDING

SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER GRANT http://aroomofherownfoundation.org/awards/shakespeares-sister/ --- The Shakespeare’s Sister Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for a female playwright to be supported by three extraordinary institutions over the course of a year while she writes and develops a new play. In addition to a cash prize of $10,000, the playwright will receive residencies at three geographically distinct institutions—AROHO, Hedgebrook, and the Lark Play Development Center—each one providing a different kind of support at successive stages in the playwright’s process. The fellowship seeks to make possible for the playwright a breakthrough into the kind of new work she would not have had the freedom or the resources to create otherwise. Deadline July 1, 2014.

EUGENE C. PULLIAM FELLOWSHIP FOR EDITORIAL WRITING http://www.spj.org/a-pulliamfellow.asp --- The Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship was established to enable a mid-career editorial writer or columnist to have time away from daily responsibilities for study and research. The cash award allows Pulliam Editorial Fellows to take courses, pursue independent study, travel, pursue other endeavors that enrich their knowledge of a public interest issue. The Pulliam Fellowship awards $75,000 to an outstanding editorial writer or columnist to help broaden his or her journalistic horizons and knowledge of the world. Deadline June 22, 2014.

ARTS IN EDUCATON ARTIST ROSTER APPLICATONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE http://www.nh.gov/nharts/grants/artists/aieroster.htm --- The Council invites applications from professional artists in all disciplines who are experienced in their field/s and can make a strong personal commitment to working in an educational setting with students, educators, administrators and parents to apply to the Arts in Education (AIE) Roster. Interested artists should contact the Arts in Education (AIE) Coordinator Catherine O’Brian to discuss their application prior to submitting it. Deadline May 2, 2014.

ILLINOIS ROAD SCHOLAR PROGRAM http://www.prairie.org/roadscholars --- Deadline May 5, 2014. From the history of Motown to the moral tribulations of Albert Einstein, our curiosity can lead us to unexpected places. As an IHC Road Scholar, you'll have the freedom to wander….take Illinois along with you!

PUBSLUSH http://pubslush.com/ --- Founded by mother and daughter entrepreneurs, Hellen and Amanda Barbara, Pubslush is a global, crowdfunding and analytics platform only for books. Our platform allows authors to raise money and gauge the initial audience for new book ideas, and for readers to pledge their financial support to bring books to life. Pubslush is entirely about giving: giving an opportunity to authors, giving a voice to readers, and giving books to children without access to literature.

FREELANCE MARKETS

ADOPTIVE FAMILIES http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=259 --- Adoptive Families is the leading information resource for families before, during, and after adoption. The award-winning national bimonthly magazine provides independent, authoritative adoption information in an accessible and reader-friendly format.

PARENTLIFE http://blog.lifeway.com/parentlife/about-parent-life/#.U1AZ1-ZdVFQ --- A Christian parenting magazine designed to take parents from pregnancy through the preteen years. ParentLife brings a Christian worldview to today’s top parenting and cultural issues, covering topics related to health, development, education, discipline, and spiritual growth. Each issue of ParentLife gives practical ideas and insights to help parents meet the responsibilities and celebrate the joys of parenting. ParentLife is set apart from other secular parenting magazines in that it alone addresses the whole child: physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally … and spiritually. Pays up to $350 for articles of 350 to 1,200 words.

HOW http://www.howdesign.com/get-into-how-magazine/ --- HOW is the business magazine for graphic designers and a leading source of ideas and creative solutions for the industry. Published bimonthly, it’s about 75 percent freelance written. Articles include: detailed information on industry trends; outstanding examples of design / illustration / photography (whether in the form of printed material, identity design, videos, CDROM, Web sites, signage programs, etc.); profiles of noteworthy industry figures, usually in conjunction with a specific project they’ve completed; business tips; new technology; new disciplines for graphic designers; and pressing industry issues. Columns typically run around 1,200 words. Features run 1,500 to 2,000 words. Payment ranges $250-$800. 20 percent kill fee.

COLUMBIA KIDS http://columbia.washingtonhistory.org/kids/spring2010/guidelines.aspx --- COLUMBIAKids is a free online magazine that features exciting, interesting, and informative articles and stories based in Pacific Northwest history. Our target readers are children up to age 14 who live in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, but we also welcome subscribers from all over the world. All articles considered on spec. Features- Length: 800-1,200 words each; $200. Departments 200-800 words each; $50-$500.

FLW OUTDOORS http://www.flwoutdoors.com/contact-us/flw-outdoors-magazine/ --- Provides information to avid anglers to include techniques, tips, destinations, and tournaments. Has a children's pull-out section as well. Welcome family-oriented topics as well as competitive fishing information. Articles are up to 200 words. Fiction accepted up to 500 words. Several other columns open to freelancers. Pays $200 to $500.

JOBS

KPOPSTARZ - FREELANCE WRITERS Location Virtual http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=1580213 --- KMEDIA Group is hiring energetic and internet-savvy K-Pop news reporters/writers (I.C.) who have experience writing for online media, are willing to be passionate in this entertainment field, are willing to research, write and meet daily deadlines and goals. Reporters/writers will write about Korean pop and entertainment that are trending in real time. Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field. Minimum of 1 year of journalism experience for online multimedia. Proficient in AP Style.

COPY EDITOR/WRITER - VIBEVIXEN.COM Partial Virtual/part New York http://ed2010.com/whisper-jobs/vibevixen-com-freelance-copy-editorwriter/ --- Does bad grammar give you a grimace and careless copy make you cringe? Vixen, VIBE Magazine’s sister brand, is looking for a grammar-obsessed copy editor/writer to top edit (and cover) beauty, fashion, entertainment, and celeb interviews for vibevixen.com. Candidates must have a highly developed editorial voice with a distinctly feminine perspective and urban edge. We’re only looking for a part-time commitment of three days per week—two of which can be worked remotely!

PUBLISHERS / AGENTS / SELF-PUB PROFESSIONAL

MARCHER LORD PRESS http://www.marcherlordpress.com/for-writers/submission-requirements/ --- Marcher Lord Press publishes full-length novels for Christian adults, teens, and older YA readers (11 and up) in the speculative fiction genres. We will consider publishing a manuscript if it is a speculative novel (SF, fantasy, etc.–no books of poetry), is at least 60,000 words in length (no maximum wordcount limit), is for adult, teen, or older YA readers (no children’s, middle reader, or chapter books), arises from the Evangelical Christian worldview, and is a completed manuscript (no partials).

OAK TARA PRESS http://oaktara.com/writersguidelines --- Inspirational fiction for adults, teens, and children in a wide variety of genres: Biblical, Children’s & Family Classics (ages 8 and up—no picturebooks), Classic & Allegory, Fantasy, Futuristic, Historical, Humor, Issues, Legal & Political Thrillers, Mystery & Detective, Romance, Romance-Suspense, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Young Adult, Selective nonfiction titles (no poetry, separate studyguides unless part of a book, plays/skits, memoirs/autobiographies).

SPLASHDOWN BOOKS http://www.splashdownbooks.com/submissions --- We publish the books that we love, so read some of our titles to see if your work is similar (You may request a free ebook to review, please use the Contact Form). Genres: Science Fiction, Supernatural/Paranormal, and combinations of these. Fantasy - Only if it's got a twist of something else also (possible exception: in-person pitches, e.g. at conferences). Both adult (not erotic) and YA. No agenda-driven stories, please - absolutely no preaching of any kind. Ethnic flavors sought, especially Maori and Pasifika. Experimental forms welcome, such as epic science fiction poetry or genre-mashups. Team relationships are important at Splashdown, so you are likely to get priority treatment if we know you already from your reviews of our work, interactions on our blogs or FB pages, etc.

ANVIL PRESS http://www.anvilpress.com/Submit/ --- Anvil Press is a literary publisher interested in contemporary, progressive literature in all genres.

DAWN PUBLICATIONS http://www.dawnpub.com/submission-guidelines/ --- Dawn publishes “nature awareness” titles for adults and children. Our picture books are intended to encourage an appreciation for nature and a respectful participation in it. We are seeking to inspire children as well as educate them.

SPONSORS

Think Something New, Write Something New

Crack Open Your Fierce, Original Voice This Summer

Just five spots remain for this unique writing retreat on a beautiful secluded island at Stout's Lodge, one of the most extraordinary historic lodges in the country. You will be guided away from repetitive thinking in order to break new ground in your work. Stout's is nestled on a wooded island all to itself amid a symphony of lapping waves and birdsong. But it's not just stepping back in time into deep peace, or the innovate writing workshops, or the daily yoga with live music, or the guided meditation that allows you to finally breathe, relax, and create. It's the journey back to your own fierce, original voice: that is the Elephant Rock Summer Solstice Retreat. All levels and genres welcome. Tuition includes 5 nights’ lodging and all vegetarian meals, daily writing and yoga sessions, nightly bonfires with live music, evening of readings, private guitar concert, Solstice Eve celebration, and more. Inquire soon. This retreat sells out.

For all retreat details, visit Elephant Rock Retreats at: http://elephantrockretreats.com/upcoming-retreats/

Contact: Jeannine Ouellette – elephantrockretreats@gmail.com or call 612-801-2566

A FREE Master Class in Creative Writing Success

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GET WEBSITES THAT ROCK, BOOK COVERS THAT SIZZLE

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"Superb work, excellent customer service. Just marvelous overall.” —C. Hope Clark, author, founder of FundsforWriters, http://chopeclark.com | http://www.fundsforwriters.com

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"When I first saw Shaila’s work, I was struck by the fact that each site she designs is not only beautiful but also perfectly reflects the personality of the business it represents. Her suggestions, insight, and artistic talent made the final product much better than what I’d envisioned on my own.” —Jacqueline Adams, writer, http://jacqueline-adams.com

The Henderson Writers’ Group Presents 2014 Las Vegas Writers Conference April 24-26, 2014

Join writing professionals, agents, publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. Limited to 150 attendees, the Las Vegas Writer’s Conference provides a unique and intimate setting for each participant to meet and mingle with publishers and agents, as well as participate in free pitch sessions. Take the next step to selling your manuscript. The conference offers:

• Formal pitch sessions with agents and publishers
• Workshops, seminars and expert panels
• Q&A panels
• Meet & Greet Cocktail party with faculty and fellow writers
• Opportunities to mingle and network with publishing industry professionals
• "First Read" panels

Visit our website at www.lasvegaswritersconference.com to see who is on this year’s faculty. Join us and your fellow writers for the best conference yet. And register before January 15 to take advantage of our discounted pricing.

Fine print

Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission. Please do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish.

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2014, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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