SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

IT ISN'T ABOUT LUCK

"You were lucky to have FundsforWriters to sell your books. I don't have that luxury."

I hear this so much, in one version or another. First of all, there is no serious luck in this business. It's a matter of constantly putting yourself out there in terms of writing, publishing, appearing, working social media, fighting to be current, taking chances. There is no one right way or best way, only the way that happens to work for you at that moment in time. 

Frankly, I started FundsforWriters because I could NOT sell my mysteries. I wanted to be a writer and make an income from writing, so I figured any sort of reputable recognition could only help me in becoming a professional writer. As someone who loved stringing words, I walked through whatever door opened for me, wrote whatever might help me take one step further in my career.

However, I had my conditions and parameters in who I wrote for and what I wrote and how I proceeded:

1) Markets had to pay. Even as a beginner, I recognized that being paid mattered not only in my pocketbook but also in the eyes of editors I pitched. They knew who paid and who didn't, and that mattered in their judgment of me. I wrote a column once for nothing, hoping to aid my resume, but after several issues, when the editor still could not afford to pay, I stepped away. And I learned that nobody cared that I'd written that column.

2) I had to build and retain a following. I couldn't just write and build up credits. I had to have someplace to flaunt those credits (website, then social media) and some means to retain those people who read my work and liked it (newsletter).

3) Repetition matters. I wanted to become Google-able, which meant frequent and reputable appearances. If I wasn't on the first page of a Google search for my name, I strived to submit to enough magazines, websites, newsletters, and blogs to improve my search ranking. A book a year wasn't going to work. 

4) Quality matters. It's a given that your writing quality matters, but be careful where you make your appearances. I wish I knew way back when what I know now about that. I would've been a tad more selective in some instances as to whom I wrote for. 

You might be new. You might be a struggling mid-lister. You might be seasoned and coming back into the fold, trying to remain pertinent. Fight to present yourself as strong, diligent, and reliable. Keep putting yourself out there, but don't give it away. People will respect you so much more. 


 





WE HAVE 2 NEWSLETTERS - THE FREEBIE and THE PAID SUBSCRIPTION . . . 

Remember that FundsforWriters, this newsletter, is free. Send it to whomever you like and share it liberally. But if you are serious about writing income resources, and your time is limited, consider subscribing to TOTAL FundsforWriters. It comes out biweekly, with 70 contests, markets, grants, retreats, publishers, freelance gigs, magazines and more, It's huge, but it saves you a lot of time searching. It's $18.75 for a year, or 26 issues. To subscribe, simply go to www.paypal.me/chopeclark/18.75 . It will be sent to the email you used unless you specify otherwise.

NOTE TO THE WISE: Send a receipt for one of Hope's books and receive TOTAL for free.    
(**and feel free to steal this graphic for your own site!)
 

 WORDS OF SUCCESS

Humility in response to an experience of failure, then, is at its core a form of therapy, the beginning of a healing process.

- Costica Bradatan 
 

Success Story

Hope - 

I just wanted to thank you (yet again). I'm sure it was from FundsforWriters that I saw the opportunity to apply for the Highlights Foundations scholarships. Well, four people won and I was one of them. I was awarded the Jerry Spinelli Scholarship, so I get to have a few days of writer's retreat vacation in a cabin and just create with no distractions, a writer's dream. Thank you... I'm hoping to meet you when you come down to Clearwater. I was waiting for you to come to Florida!!!!

Rod Martinez
Author of "The Juniors", "Cassie's Curse", "Gleema 3" (Graphic Novel) 
"Chasing Butterflies" , "Who is The Gray Man?" and "Dead Boy Walking"
Winner - 2017 Jerry Spinelli Scholarship
http://rodmartinez.us

featured article

Great Writing is a Goal, Not a Destination

By Dixiane Hallaj

One of my favorite short poems is “Now We Are Six” by A. A. Milne. For anyone out there who is not familiar with it, it is told from the viewpoint of a six-year-old boy who looks back on his previous five years, and realizes how far he has come. 

But now I am six, I’m as clever as clever.
So I think I’ll be six now and forever.

It makes everyone smile because all adults know that the boy may be as clever as clever in his own eyes, but he has barely started his journey. Now those words make me smile for another reason. I recognize that feeling. It is the same feeling I had when I held the proof copy of my first novel in my hands. 

Now I am an author, as clever as clever.
And I will write novels now and forever.

It was a moment of hubris, embarrassing in retrospect, but powerful at the time.

Ask any writer about his or her first novel—not the first published novel, but the first novel (s)he ever wrote. I’m sure most of them will laugh and say little more. The novel that gave me my moment of triumph was not the first novel I wrote, but the first one that went out into the world. My moment of triumph lasted for several days until one of my best friends called to tell me what a great book it was…and to point out that I was really fond of run-on sentences. That let the air out of my balloon. 

That was many years ago, and I have since consumed many books, blogs, courses, and workshops about writing. I continue to write, and deep inside I think every book is better than the ones before it. Whether or not my books are better, I will continue to learn and sharpen my craft. 

I no longer think I’m as clever as clever, but I’m working on it.


BIO:
Dixiane Hallaj lives in Virginia with her husband of 54 years and is the author of four novels and half a dozen published short stories. She currently produces the Short & Helpful Online Writer Workshops.http://ShortandHelpfulOnlineWriterWorkShops.com
http://ShortandHelpfulOnlineWriterWorkShops.com or http://showws.com
Follow her blog: https://DixieHelpsWriters.wordpress.com
Tweet: @ShortandHelpful 



 

COmpetitions

THE SCYTHE PRESS CONTEST
https://scytheprize.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/call-for-papers-2017-scythe-prize/
NO ENTRY FEE.
Seeking unpublished short stories and essays to be included in a printed collection. Looking for new voices from current undergraduate and graduate college students. No format, genre-specific, or stylistic restrictions. No word limit. English required. Deadline April 1, 2017. Submit via Word or PDF to the series editor, Eric Forrest, at eforrest95@gmail.com The top story and the top essay will each receive a $200 prize. Other selected submissions will be included in the print book. 



THRESHOLDS INTERNATIONAL SHORT FICTION FEATURE WRITING COMPETITION
http://thresholds.chi.ac.uk/features-competition/
FREE ENTRY.
Submit 750 to 2,000 words. First prize: £500. 2x runner-up prizes: £100 each. 3x shortlist prizes: four short story titles. Deadline March 5, 2017, 11:59pm (GMT). Calling for nonfiction feature essays on the short story form, either recommending a short story, collection or anthology, or profiling the life and writing of a short story writer. We look, above all, at the quality of prose, the insights offered, and your ability to really hook your readers. The focus must be on the short story form (short stories, though, are not eligible for entry). Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ShortStoryForum  Twitter: @ShortStoryForum



F(r)ICTION WINTER LITERARY COMPETITION
https://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest/
$8-$15 ENTRY FEE.
TBL is pleased to announce the F(r)iction Winter Literary Competition. There are four submission categories: 1) creative nonfiction ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words, 2) short stories of any genre ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words, 3) flash fiction with a word limit of 750 words, and 4) poetry no longer than three pages. Winners of the contest will be published in a future issue of F(r)iction alongside stunning original artwork from TBL’s talented team of artists. F(r)iction is dedicated to publishing the best writing of all kinds, and we encourage submissions that push boundaries and take risks in genre, plot, and style. First prizes pay from $300 to $1,000. Deadline March 1, 2017. 



F(r)ICTION CREATIVE NONFICTION CONTEST
https://tetheredbyletters.submittable.com/submit/74889/friction-creative-nonfiction-contest-winter-2017
$10 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline April 1, 2017. Criteria: Any genre ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words. First prize receives $500 and publication as the featured short story in F(r)iction, our triannual print collection. Five finalists will be considered for subsequent F(r)iction publications as well as in our online literary journal, F(r)Online. Each finalist will also qualify for free professional edits on their submission.

 

GRANTS

VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS RESIDENCIES - ALASKA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/home/?cid=stelprd3820977
The Voices of the Wilderness artist residency is a unique opportunity. It is modeled after traditional residencies in the national parks only with a twist. Instead of staying at a remote wilderness cabin, our participating artists are paired with a wilderness specialist and actively engaged in stewardship projects, such as research, monitoring, and education. The idea is to give artists a sense of the stewardship behind America’s public lands, fostering an artistic exploration of these natural and cultural treasures. The hoped-for result is artwork that communicates something of the meaning of these lands. Deadline Marech 1, 2017. 



SPECULATIVE FICTION WORKING CLASS GRANTS
http://speculativeliterature.org/grants/
This grant is awarded annually to assist working class, blue-collar, poor, and homeless writers who have been historically underrepresented in speculative fiction, due to financial barriers. We are currently offering one $750 working class grant annually, to be used as the writer determines will best assist his or her work. Deadline February 28, 2017.



TALEAMOR PARK
http://www.taleamorpark.org/
Located on a scenic farm near Chicago and Lake Michigan, Taleamor Park hosts two-week and longer residencies for artists seeking quiet time and ample space. The co-directors seek to create a loving, esthetic, and respectful atmosphere that balances needs for creative solitude and for community. There is a simple online application form due six weeks before the start of the month of the proposed residency, but later applications will be considered whenever space remains. However, assistantship applications for any 2017 date are due February 14, 2017.



CAN SERRAT RESIDENCY
http://canserrat.org/call_writers
Deadline March 1, 2017. Through this Open Call CAN SERRAT will select one writer for a residency of two months. This residency will include private acommodation, private working space, food supplies and material and human resources [The grant does not include travel costs]. A part from this, Can Serrat offers to a limited number of writers 70 percent, 50 percent and 30 percent grants. There are no age restrictions or nationality. Is located in El Bruc, at the foot of Montserrat and only 45 km from Barcelona. 
 

FREELANCE MARKETS

CHICKEN SOUP - POSITIVELY HAPPY! 
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
101 Stories about Positive Thinking and Living a Happy Life. Being happy is a state of mind. We can all find happiness in our lives and, even though we may have to look for it, we know that each day brings something to be grateful for. We want to hear your stories about finding your path to contentment. These success stories can be serious or funny and should inspire our readers to focus on hope, strength and optimism. The deadline date for story and poem submissions is May 31, 2017. Pays $200 and ten copies of the book for up to 1,200 words.



CHICKEN SOUP - STORIES OF REDEMPTION 
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Redemption stories can be amazing. What starts out as a negative force can be turned positive and can change the world of ordinary people. There are countless stories of redemption and we want to hear yours. How did you use the negative in your life to move onto a more positive path? What did you do to make up for the wrongs in your past? We are looking for true stories of redemption that will inspire us, restore us, heal us, and make a positive difference to lead a better, more rewarding life because of the example they set. The deadline date for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2017. Pays $200 and ten copies of the book for up to 1,200 words.



CHICKEN SOUP - STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE 
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
We all have a tendency to get in a rut. We start to say no to new things, and that can only lead to a narrower and narrower life. When we try new things, we end up feeling energized and pleased with ourselves. There is tremendous power in saying “yes” to new things, new places, and new experiences. Tell us your own stories about stepping outside your comfort zone and how that changed your life. Deadline March 31, 2017. 
Pays $200 and ten copies of the book for up to 1,200 words.



CHICKEN SOUP - MY KIND OF AMERICA
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
101 Stories about the Land of the Free. We have always been known as a country filled with good people who volunteer in our communities, help people who need help, and pride ourselves on doing the right thing. Our huge and varied country is known for tolerance, energy, and spirit. We are proud of our inclusive and welcoming attitude, no matter our color, our country of origin, our sexual identity, or our religion. This is not a book about politics. This is a book about people — one at a time — doing what we do best. Tell us your positive and uplifting experiences about living in a kind America — the kind of America we know to be the true America. Deadline March 31, 2017. Pays $200 and ten copies of the book for up to 1,200 words.

 

JOBS

SACRAMENTO PRESS
http://sacramentopress.com/write-for-us/
Sacramento Press is a community-centric online newspaper of professional writers and community contributors coming together to uncover, highlight, and talk about what’s happening in the city. With the launch of our new website in 2016, we are looking for talented staff writers, columnists, and community contributors to help build our new brand and bring engaging content to our site.
 

Publishers/agents

LITTLE PICKLE PRESS
http://www.littlepicklepress.com/a-call-for-manuscript-submissions/
At present, we are most interested in receiving middle grade and young adult submissions. What subjects are most interesting to us at this point? They include (in no particular order and not exclusively):
Kindness — the power of it
Dare To Be Different
Choices: It’s Not All Black And White; Most of Life is Gray
Racism — the deleterious effects of it
Refugees
Adoption
Complex Family Structures
Anti-Princess Themes
Creativity ­ the importance of it, fostering it, etc.
Leadership and/or Entrepreneurship
Divergent (vs. Convergent) Thinking
Systems Thinking
Responsibility/Accountability/Moving Beyond Gen M Thinking
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Community/Planting the Seeds of Being a Locavore



PUBLISHIZER
https://publishizer.com/about/
Find the best publisher for your next book. Sell pre-orders and get your book proposal queried to publishers. A different way to crowdfund and publish with decent publishers. 



MB PUBLISHING
http://www.mbpublishing.com/submission-guidelines.html
Founded in 2003 and located in Bethesda, Maryland, MB Publishing offers engaging, educational, and colorfully illustrated books for children of all ages. Our beautiful, bright, and charming picture book illustrations capture the imagination of toddlers and early readers, opening up a world of discovery, learning, and enchantment. 
 

SPONSORS

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest

25th year. $4,000 in cash prizes, including $1,500 for the best story and $1,500 for the best essay. Submit short stories, essays, and other works of prose on any subject, up to 6,000 words each. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Fee per entry is $18. Submit by April 30. New final judge: Judy Juanita. Winning Writers is one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest). See guidelines, past winners, and enter online via Submittable at winningwriters.com/tomstory










GET WEBSITES THAT ROCK, BOOK COVERS THAT SIZZLE

Shaila Abdullah has designed websites, book designs, marketing materials, and email campaigns for over 60 authors, writers and speakers. Being an award-winning author herself, she understands the industry, and will provide you with designs that reflect 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 

E-mail Shaila: info@myhouseofdesign.com 
View portfolio: http://myhouseofdesign.com/author-portfolio/
Services for authors: http://myhouseofdesign.com/services-for-authors/

A few testimonials from happy clients:

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

"The site captures my spirit and passion, and it honors my dream since childhood." —Lyn Fairchild Hawks, author, http://lynhawks.com/

"Shaila is a terrific designer, highly professional and extremely creative and delivers amazing results. Her sense of humor and positive spirit has made the whole process of developing and launching my web site a pleasure. –James Hutchison, playwright, http://jameshutchison.ca/

"When I first saw Shaila’s work, I was struck by the fact that her designs are not only beautiful but also perfectly reflect 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/

Other websites:
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http://wagnerjulia.com/
http://lisakwinkler.com/
http://kbhyde.com/
http://meredithwargo.com/








I LOVE THIS LADY!!!!  ~C. Hope Clark



 

INE PRINT

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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 2000-2017, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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