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Volume 15, Issue 24, JUNE 12, 2015 |
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Message from the Editor
Thanks for all of you who inquired about Roo. After a month of keeping her either caged or in a lap, and on a strict diet, she's recuperated from her slipped disc. Winnie is very happy now that she has her friend back and up to speed. It's amazing how pets can become such a huge part of your life. We're back to being our fun selves again, romping and enjoying the outdoors.
Editor, FundsforWriters
Email Hope | Visit Website
Newsletter: ISSN: 1533-1326
FFW has proudly been on the Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers list every year since 2001
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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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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Back by popular demand! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity:
A three-week online retreat that guides and inspires through
daily discussions, meditations, and exercises to help you heal
and let go of what doesn't nurture you, embrace your writer-self,
find your voice, and be the writer you were meant to be.
Invest in yourself with an experience participants have
called "illuminating," "nurturing," and "life-changing."
"Retreat for the Writer's Soul” starts June 15.
Scholarships are available. Sign up now >>
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EDITOR'S THOUGHTS
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ON BEING TENTATIVE
If you are afraid to write, then don't.
If you are afraid to submit, then don't.
If you are afraid to publish, then don't.
You're getting in the way of the glut of writers out there who've decided fear is not an option.
I get riled at programs, classes, and blog posts that tell you how to overcome fear, how to make yourself do any of the writing tasks required of a serious writer. If a writer has to pay someone else to remove that fear, then chances are that fear will return after payment has been rendered and the writer is left alone again. In other words, when the crutch is gone, the writer flounders again, seeking someone, something, some entity that will prop him up again and hold his hand to the finish line.
I'm not making light of the fear involved in this profession. We bare out hearts and souls to strangers then hold our arms open for the potential lashing. Yes, it's hard. Everything that tests us, challenges us, strengthens us, is an obstacle, and in the end, we are the only ones that can decide to dig in and make it happen.
So when I see the titles that say something like "How to get over the fear of publishing," ...I get mad. The lone writer is the only soul who can fix fear. By himself. By herself. Alone in front of that screen. Alone with pen and paper. If you have to have someone continually stroke you to keep going, this is not the profession for you.
This job is lonely. The only way you can get inside your head and tap those luscious words that sell is to be alone, edit alone, submit alone. You make the choices. You make the changes. You make the long-term decision to stick this crap out and make it happen.
At the moment I hear a hundred voices shouting "But..." followed by their individual reasons for why their situation is so much harder than someone else's. It doesn't matter. And frankly, nobody cares how hard it is for you. Publishers want a good story. Readers want a good story. Nobody gives a darn what it took for you to make it happen.
This editorial might raise the blood pressure of a few readers, but writing is not a group effort. Sure, you hire people or sign contracts with along the way, but the bottom line is that you pen the words.
This is all on you. We all like the pat on the back and the positive reinforcement. That's human nature. But if you need someone patting you on the head every day to keep going, maybe this isn't the job for you. There are too many others out there who show up everyday to make their dream happen. And they left their mommas in the other room.
P.S. TOTAL FundsforWriters is the extended version of this newsletter, with 70 markets, contests, grants, etc. and still at the ten-year-old cost of $15 for 26 issues. A great way to find opportunities to make money, without the hours of searching. Some subscribers have been around since TOTAL's origin a decade ago...they swear by it that much.
-Hope Clark
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Upcoming Book Signings and Classes!
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WORDS OF SUCCESS
Anyone can hide.
Facing up to things, working through them,
that's what makes you strong.
~ Sarah Dessen
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MURDER ON EDISTO
A big city detective
A Lowcountry crime
When her husband is murdered by the Russian mob, Boston detective Callie Jean Morgan suffers a mental break and relinquishes her badge to return home to South Carolina. She has no idea how to proceed with her life, but her son deserves to move on with his, so she relocates them to the family vacation home.
But the day they arrive on Edisto Beach, Callie finds her childhood mentor and elderly neighbor murdered. Her fragile sanity is threatened when the murderer taunts her, and the home that was to be her sanctuary is repeatedly violated. Callie loses her fight to walk away from law enforcement as she becomes the only person able to pursue the culprit who's turned the coastal paradise into a paranoid patch of sand where nobody's safe. But what will it cost her?
Purchase any of Hope's books and receive a one-year subscription to TOTAL FFW free. Send receipt to hope@fundsforwriters.com |
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SUCCESS STORY
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Hi Hope -
You just can’t beat a resource like FundsforWriters. I just WON FIRST PLACE (with cash!) in the Independent Book Publishers national contest for Regional Fiction with my novel WHEN DARKNESS FELL, and to top it off, I had an endorsement on the back cover from you. That's a win-win for sure.
~Susan Lindsley
www.yesterplace.com
www.susanmyrick-gwtw.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
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How I Make a Full-time Living as a Writer
By Dave Haslett
I’ve always been a writer, winning a school poetry competition at the age of 7 and writing my first book between the ages of 12 and 13. Ideas come to me easily, and, until I found an outlet for them, it bothered me to have far more than I’d ever be able to use - especially as many would-be writers seem to suffer from a lack of them.
I worked in government/financial administration and the computer industry, but wrote novels and short stories in my spare time. While perusing Writers' News magazine (UK) in October 2001, a small quote struck a chord with me. Philip Pullman was asked where he got his ideasfrom, and quipped that he bought them ready-made from ideas-r-us.com. He was obviously jesting, but I decided to start the actual site - and ideas4writers (www.ideas4writers.co.uk) was born.
The site went live in August 2002. Members could subscribe for 6 or 12 months at a time and access the complete collection of ideas, which they were free to use or adapt. I added new ideas and "what ifs" every month and included tips, advice, insider secrets, and so on. I also designed “writing engines” which generate characters and story outlines with a single click.
It was very successful: in September 2003 I went part-time in my job, and in May 2004 I left it.
I managed to write a book in 2005, The Fastest Way to Write Your Book, partly based on tips I'd collected over the past three years. I self-published it, and used what I learned to help some ideas4writers members publish their own books. But I hit a wall after that, because coming up with new ideas for the site was taking all my time. By the time I reached 5,000 ideas I had burned out.
I froze the site and gave the existing subscribers lifetime membership. New members could join for a one-off fee - double the price of the previous annual subscription. I turned the 5,000 ideas into 35 ebooks and made them available for non-members to buy. (New members can still join and download the whole lot.) And I repackaged the what ifs into an ebook: The Fastest Way to Get Ideas - 4,400 Essential What Ifs for Writers.
The ideas4writers website also lists newsworthy historic anniversaries, several months in advance. Members asked if I could expand this to cover a whole year at a time – and so The Date-A-Base Book was born. This series now generates the majority of my income. Each edition takes nearly five months to compile, but that leaves the rest of the year free for other projects.
It's been quite a journey to get where I am today, and not without worries. There was a year with almost no income when a project went wrong. I spent nine months mentoring a new writer and editing her trilogy. I nearly had to go back to my old job - and even had a chat with my former boss. I managed to recoup the lost income by giving talks and running writing workshops. But things are pretty settled now, and I’ve become active in the community where I live, chairing committees and so on. And I love what I do . . . I write.
BIO
I’ve since discovered a much easier way to make a good living as a writer. Learn all about in Ditch Your Day Job! – a free ebook (PDF) available on my blog (http://ideas4writers.wordpress.com).
NOTE FROM HOPE: Some innovative ideas are in this free ebook. Makes you wonder why everyone didn't have these ideas a long time ago! Enjoy.
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COMPETITIONS
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PRESS 53 AWARD FOR POETRY
http://www.press53.com/award_for_poetry.html
$30 ENTRY FEE.
Winner receives publication by Press 53 of winning poetry collection, $1,000 cash advance, travel expenses to Press 53 headquarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for a reading/book launch party weekend in April 2016. This contest is open to any writer, regardless of his or her publication history, provided the manuscript is written in English and the author lives in the United States. Deadline July 31, 2015. Manuscripts should be no less than 60 pages and no more than 120 pages in length.
WRITERS' VILLAGE CONTEST SUMMER 2015
http://www.writers-village.org
$24 ENTRY FEE.
$1,600 is the top prize on offer for short fiction in the Writers' Village International Short Fiction Award summer 2015. The second prize is $800, third prize $400 and there are five runner up prizes of $80. Ten further Highly Commended entrants will have their stories acknowledged at the site. Everyone wins because every contestant, win or lose, gains feedback on how their stories were graded - plus tips for improvement. Winners will be awarded the title ‘Winner, the Writers’ Village International Short Fiction Award summer
2015’ and see their work showcased online. Any genre of prose fiction may be submitted up to 3,000 words (no playscripts and poetry). Entries are welcomed world-wide. Deadline June 30, 2015.
KNIGHTVILLE POETRY CONTEST
https://thenewguard.submittable.com/submit
$20 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline August 20, 2015. $1,500 and publication for an exceptional poem in any form. Up to three poems per entry. Up to 150 lines per poem. Please submit all three poems in a single document.
BARTLEBY SNOPES CONTEST
http://www.bartlebysnopes.com/contests.htm
$10 FOR UNLIMITED ENTRIES.
Compose a short story entirely of dialogue. You may use as many characters as you want. Your entry must be under 2,000 words. Your entry cannot use any narration (this includes tag lines such as he said, she said, etc.). These are the only rules. A minimum of $500 will be awarded, with at least $300 going to the grand prize winner. Our five finalists will also appear in Issue 15 of the magazine due out in January 2016. Last year we awarded $2,380 in prize money. For every entry over 50, an additional $5 will be added to the total prize money. Deadline September 15, 2015.
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GRANTS
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MADRONO RANCH RESIDENCIES
http://madronoranch.com/?page_id=26
At Madroño Ranch, we understand that finding the time and space to work and dream can be extremely difficult. With the goal of inspiring creative people to find new ways to think about and express our relationship to the natural environment, we offer a place and time—two weeks, though we are open to longer residencies under exceptional circumstances—free of charge to writers working in any genre and artists who don’t require a traditional studio space. Location Medina, Texas.
ARTHUB
http://www.kingmanarthub.com/#!submissions/c20x9%20
ArtHub is a new organization that provides four visual and literary artists a chance to concentrate on their creative efforts by offering free space to live and work for three months. Submissions for the September 15, 2015 to December 15, 2015 cycle are due on July 15, 2015. Location Kingman, AZ.
18th STREET RESIDENCY
http://18thstreet.org/
Program hosts artists from across the United States and from around the world. There are three, rotating, live/work artist studios at the center where artists are in residence from 1 to 3 months (sometimes longer). This program hosts artists of all disciplines and occasionally invites art curators, writers and musicians. Location Santa Monica, CA.
360 XOCHI QUETZAL
http://www.deborahkruger.com/1/art-residency.html
Location Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Our aim is to support artists, writers and musicians who would benefit from having uninterrupted time to devote to their creativity. By providing free housing and a generous food allowance, we hope that our residents can make artistic progress without the stress and distractions of daily life. Has a winter and a summer residency. Sign up for the newsletter to keep up with the opening deadlines.
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: MILITARY FAMILIES
http://www.chickensoup.com
We are looking for true stories of no more than 1200 words from soldiers who defend and protect our country — both active and retired — and from their families: spouses, children, parents and other relatives. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it. Deadline November 30, 2015.
POWER FOR LIVING
http://www.davidccook.com/About/jobs/index.cfm?N=7,166,2,1
This weekly take-home paper for adults is filled with inspiring articles about famous and ordinary Christians whose insights demonstrate following Christ. Featuring reports on unique ministries, world missions, spiritual trends, and issues that affect families. Includes stories that are written by or about well-known authors on key faith concepts, social concerns, prayer, and much more. Well-suited as a church bulletin insert or in any doctor's waiting room. Power for Living is currently OPEN to feature article and short
poetry submissions. We are not currently accepting unsolicited submissions for: Into the Word, Church in the World, Patches of Grace, or devotionals. We accept submissions year round, but please not the following cut-off dates for quarterly issues. Power for Living pays up to $375 for lead articles between 1,400-1,600 words and $125 for stories between 750-1,000. Power for Living pays $50 per poem up to 20 lines.
ISO MAGAZINE
http://www.theisomagazine.com/#!submissions/c1cpp
New magazine seeks submissions for articles for both the print publication and the online publication. While we do not pay for articles for the website, the print publication pays $0.15 per word. Once this issue is completed, the magazine will be distributed in public areas (grocery stores, metro stations, fitness centers, office complexes, etc) throughout northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging and experienced writers and journalists alike. Please don't submit if you're not
willing for the article to be published online.
LIGHTSPEED
http://submissions.johnjosephadams.com/lightspeed
Lightspeed is seeking original science fiction and fantasy stories. All types of science fiction and fantasy are welcome. No subject should be considered off-limits, and we encourage writers to take chances with their fiction and push the envelope. Lightspeed pays eight cents per word for original fiction, or 2 cents per word for reprints. Open to stories of 1,500-10,000 words. Stories of 5,000 words or less are preferred. Cuts off
submissions on July 15, 2015.
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JOBS
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CREATIVE WRITER
Location Denver, CO
http://vsco.co/careers/creative-writer-denver
Work with the Artifact Uprising marketing and creative teams to coordinate, research and create content to be distributed across the site, blog, email marketing and social media. Develop editorial content – including interviews, long form essays and more. Review articles, marketing and press materials for accuracy and readability before they are publicly released. Support product and brand marketing through the creative use of copy.
EDUCATION WRITER-EDITOR
Location Iowa City, IA
https://jobs.uiowa.edu/pands/view/66688
Support communication strategy to targeted audiences through the creative development and delivery of the content. Research, write, edit, proof, and publish information that effectively and accurately supports the communications strategy for the University of Iowa College of Education. May write and publish information aimed at diverse audiences, ranging from the media to the lay public, tailoring the message and content to maximize effectiveness. May be responsible for one or more publications, media relations, social media, marketing materials, or specific projects.
PATHWAYS STUDENT INTERN (FOR CURRENT STUDENTS OR RECENT GRADUATES)
Location Washington DC
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/405477800
This student trainee position is located in the Office of the Administrator, Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in Washington, DC. The individual selected to fill this position will be provided the necessary supervision, guidance and training in order to prepare for the fulfillment of assignments of this position. The trainee's primary responsibility is to assist in writing and editing speeches, talking points, remarks, and multimedia presentations for top FRA and Department of Transportation officials relating to FRA programs. He/She will assist the Office of the Secretary in developing DOT speeches and materials relating to FRA programs. The incumbent may also assist with researching responses to incoming questions from reporters in the public affairs office and/or writing messaging that may be used by reporters. Deadline June 18, 2015.
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AGENTS / PUBLISHERS
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CROSSROAD PUBLISHING
http://www.crossroadpublishing.com/crossroad/static/for-authors
Our books are consistent with basic Judeo-Christian values, advocate the dignity of life, and aim to share the rich experience of the Catholic people, their brothers, sisters, and friends around the globe and in history. Our catalog includes the most stellar writings on spiritual tradition, discipline and formation; writings in support of family life, community building and personal and professional development; and writings of academic brilliance in search of theological and mystical truth.
BRASH BOOKS
http://www.brash-books.com/
We’ve got it all: psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, international espionage, and police procedurals from established masters of the craft – as well as premiere books from new voices who are sure to become crime fiction stars. They claim to publish the best crime novels in existence.
JOFFE BOOKS
http://www.joffebooks.com/submissions/
Joffe Books is a leading independent publisher based in Shoreditch, London. Joffe Books is currently accepting submissions from new and published authors. Thrillers, Mysteries, Detective, Romance, Horror, Suspense, and Literary Fiction are their favourite genres.
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SPONSORS
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HIPPOCAMP: A CONFERENCE FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION WRITERS
Three days of creative nonfiction goodness in a city rich in arts and culture, Lancaster, Pa. Dozens of break-out sessions, panels with publishing professionals and authors, social events, and optional craft and query workshops. Keynotes: Lee Gutkind and Jane Friedman. Lancaster is 2.5 hours from NYC; 1 hour from Philadelphia; 90 mins from Baltimore/DC area. Amtrak station less than mile away. Brought to you by Hippocampus Magazine. Get all the details here: conference.hippocampusmagazine.com. Just for FundsforWriters subscribers, save $10 using code FUNDS upon registration.
NOTE: 30 percent off for FundsforWriters readers for a short time. Click here.
Grammarly sucked me in and owned me after only ten minutes of using it on my latest manuscript, Edisto Jinx. Though my grammar skills are solid, Grammarly pointed me toward flow issues, awkward wording, repeated wording, and yes, the occasional grammar oversight. I caught myself changing sentences and enjoying the second set of eyes. Grammarly is truly one of the simplest and most useful editing tools I've ever experienced. ~C. Hope Clark, award-winning mystery author, www.chopeclark.com, and editor of FundsforWriters.com
David R. Collins Writers’ Conference, June 25-27, 2015
St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa
Presented by Midwest Writing Center
Celebrating the 10th anniversary with special events in addition to the three-day workshops on novel, poetry, freelancing, and more, along with pitches and critique sessions. Faculty includes C. Hope Clark and award-winning novelists and poets. Early bird and volume discounts offered. For details and registration, visit http://www.mwcqc.org/events-opportunities/david-r-collins-writers-conference/
Here's a free checklist of tasks and tools for successfully marketing your book. This site is full of cool tasks, tools, lists, and instruction to make this crazy writing gig work. Highly recommended. ~HOPE
Are you looking for a great writing workshop?
Join us at the Southeastern Writers Workshop, Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simon’s Island, GA
on June 19-23 (Fiction June 20-21 & non-fiction June 22-23). Attend both for maximum benefit!
Get the details at southeasternwriters.org. Register today.
NOTE: I'll be teaching fiction on June 20-21. Any chance I'll see you there? ~Hope)
Click here to visit Book Design Templates.- Instead of trying to decide what your books should look like, we've made all the decisions for you. Just follow our friendly instructional guide, pour in your text and your book will be ready to go. All your styles and formatting needs are coded into our templates for easy use. Enthusiastically endorsed by Hope!
Joel has created coupon code FFW35 for FFW readers. When you use FFW35 at BookDesignTemplates.com shopping cart, it will give you a 35% discount on anything on the site.
NOTE: This is my web designer, and I recommend Shaila highly. ~Hope
Winner of several AEP and Marcom design awards, Shaila Abdullah has over 20 years of experience as a graphic and web designer. She has assisted over 50 authors and writers with their design needs ranging from websites, books, marketing materials, social media banners, ads, to email campaigns (newsletters and announcements). Being an award-winning author herself, Shaila understands the industry, and will provide you with designs that reflects your unique style, genre, and personality.
MENTION THIS AD AND GET 10% OFF (NEW CLIENTS ONLY)
EXISTING CLIENTS EARN 8% REFERRAL FEE FOR SENDING IN NEW CLIENTS
“After months of collaborating on my vision of a website as a place to showcase my published essays and offer writing and editing services, Shaila Abdullah turned out a site design that is my dream come true. —Kate Meadows, writer and author
"Superb work, excellent customer service. Just marvelous overall.” —C. Hope Clark, FundsforWriters
“Nothing stands in Shaila’s way. From my design requests to technological needs–Shaila had a creative solution to offer at every turn. I value her design services as a trusted part of my business plan.” —Yvonne Pesquera, writer
"Shaila helped us redesign the website for our writers' conference. She went above and beyond, looking through thousands of our pictures to choose the best, and often wrote chunks of content for us to fill in gaps. Shaila was wonderful to work with and it was worth every penny." —Amanda Murphy, Managing Director of the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway
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Fine print
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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
Copyright 2000-2015, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326
**Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter, ALL ads being related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. But the mailing list is not sold to third parties. You will not receive this newsletter without your permission. It's physically impossible since recipients must opt-in, giving us permission to send the newsletter. If at any time you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, click the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of each newsletter. We want you to enjoy this newsletter at your pleasure, not be forced to read anything you do not wish to receive. The website is not advertised using unsolicited messages by Aweber, affiliates or other third parties. Direct any complaints, suggestions, and accolades to Hope Clark at hope@fundsforwriters.com. We are an anti-spam site.
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