Here's Wishing You and Yours A Safe And Happy 2010!

Leah Michaels and Rochelle Chases' Chase The Dream Contest

Tomorrow, January 1st, is the official start date for the fourth annual 2010 Chase The Dream Contest presented by Romance Author's Leah Michaels and Rochelle Chase.

This is an awesome contest and a great opportunity to get your work in front of Agents and Editors, and the best thing about it is, it's FREE!

This year (and every year) they have a great panel of agents and editors. Just look at the lineup!

• Alex Logan of Grand Central Publishing
• Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks
• Theresa Stevens of Red Sage
• Susan Swinwood of Harlequin/Mira/Spice
• Esi Sogah of Avon Books,
• Kelli Martin of Kumani
• Christine Witthohn of Book Cents Literary Agency
• Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency
• Elizabeth Pomada of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency

and more yet to be announced.

Also, they've added a new feature to the contest website, which I think is pretty cool. Videos from each of the agents and editors on the panel, telling what makes them request more after reading a contest entry.

To enter, submit the first 1,000 words or less of an unpublished romance, chick lit, or mainstream fiction with romantic elements novel/novella. Each Wednesday, from January 13, 2010 to March 3, 2010, Rachelle Chase will select a finalist from that week’s entries and post it on the Finalists page. Visitors are invited to post comments.

So, even though the official date to enter your submission begins tomorrow, you can submit your entry every week until March 2, 2010 (as long as it doesn't get chosen).

I entered Dangerous Desire in the 2007 contest, and although I didn't win, I was the Week 6 Mini Critique Winner and I received some great critiques from Leah and Rochelle.

So, if you're interested in entering, go here for rules and guidelines.

Best of Luck, and Happy New Year!

Chase The Dream Contest
Rochelle Chase
Leah Michaels

A Few Contests

Need something to get your mind off the holidays? How about entering a contest? Below are a few I recently ran accross and thought were interesting.

Good Luck!

~Carol
(Note: I'm not familiar with any of these contests. Please do your research before entering.)

 Announcing the 2010 FlashFiction Contest Of the Pikes Peak Branch of National League of American Pen Women

Deadline: March 1, 2010 (postmarked)

Entry fee: $10 per manuscript

Theme: “The Power of Three”. Prizes: 1st -$75; 2nd - $40; Judge’s Merit Award - $20. A complete but very short story of 100 words or fewer (titles not included in word count). Multiple entries may besubmitted, $10 entry fee for each entry, check or money order payable to PikesPeak Branch NLAPW (a non-profit organization). Entries must pertain to the theme, should benarrative in form, that is, should “tell a story.” All genres welcome, no poetry. Submitters need not live in Colorado orbe a member of Pen Women to enter; male writers are welcome to participate. Obtain an EntryForm, with rules for submission, by accessingon-line at: www.ppb-NLAPW.org Click on “Contests,” then on “Click Here”for Entry Form and submission rules. Forquestions or further information, e-mail dodeq@msn.com(inquiries only/no submissions). Winners will be notified byApril 15, 2010.
 

NEW MILLENNIUM WRITINGS semi-annual writing awards

Deadline: January 31, 2009

Entry Fee: $17.00
Categories: fiction, poetry, short-short fiction, & creative non-fiction
Prizes: $4,000 ($1,000 for first prize in each category) plus print & online publication
For Contest Rules & Online Submissions: http://www.newmillenniumwritings.com/

William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

Submission deadline: January 31, 2010

Nominations for the 2010 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing will be accepted through January 31, 2010. This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and non-fiction with a $5,000 award for the winner in each category. The prize is designed to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan literary legacy of originality, vitality and stylistic innovation. For more information, including official entry forms, contest rules, a press release, and other information on the prize, visit the Saroyan Prize website: http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan/

SUMMERFIELD G ROBERTS AWARD

DEADLINE: January 15, 2010
GENRE: Poetry, short stories, nonfiction and books
DETAILS: Literary manuscripts or published books that "best portrays the spirit, character, strength, and deeds of those who lived in the Republic of Texas" (1836-46). Entries may be fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, plays, short stories, novels, or biographies (all genres compete together).
PRIZE: $2500

http://www.srttexas.org/sumfield.html

HIGLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN FICTION CONTEST

DEADLINE: January 31, 2010
GENRE: Short Stories
OPEN TO: Anyone 16+
DETAILS: Write a children's story based on your family. Stories may be any length up to 750 words. Stories for beginning readers should not exceed 475 words.
PRIZE: 3 prizes of $1000 or tuition for the Highlights Foundation
Writers Workshop at Chautauqua. http://www.highlights.com/highlights-fiction-contest

Postcard contest with cash prizes

Deadline: January 15, 2010
Entry Fee: $20
Deadline extended. Geist (Vancouver, BC) invites entries for their 6th Annual Geist Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest. First prize: $250. Submit a postcard along with a story that relates to the image. 500 words max. Entry Fee: $20 (includes subscription), $5 for each additional entry.

http://www.geist.com/contest/6th-annual-geist-literal-literary-postcard-story-contest

Here's Wishing You and Yours A Very Merry Christmas

Myspace Comments

An Early Christmas Present

Woo-hoo, I'm soooo excited! I'm getting a FREE Dell Mini Netbook and it's on its way to my house right now! Woo-hoo!

Let me explain. Back in the summer I was having IP problems so I decided to switch (back) to Comcast. Well, at the time (which I didn't even know until a customer rep told me when I signed up) Comcast was running an awesome promotional special. New customers who signed up within a certain time frame would get a Free Dell Netbook 10v! Awesome, right?

But (you knew there was going to be a butt but, didn't you?) the stipulation was, after signing the contract you had to be a customer in good standing for 90 days before you were eligible to receive the Netbook. It is a great deal, however, I couldn't help but think it was probably too good to be true. I figured Comcast would somehow find a way to re-nig.

Well, long story short, I signed at the end of August, which was within  the promotional time frame, so when my 90 days were up last month, I began wondering when/if I'd receive my "gift", so to avoid calling them and being switched from one person to another and holding forever, I decided to check online first.

I went to Comcast's website and without much luck, looked for something, anything about the Netbook promotion, but I could find nothing, nada. I was just about to give up and call the Comcast office when I accidentally discovered a forum that was discussing... you guessed it, the Netbook promotion!

At first, it didn't look good. All the post's were negative. People bad mouthing the company, complaining about the service, etc., etc., etc., but then, all of a sudden it started to actually look ... promising.There, near the very bottom of the page was a post by someone who actually gave some positive and helpful feedback. They even posted a link to a website you could go to and check the status of your promotion and everything (I wonder why Comcast just couldn't have put that information somewhere on the website where you could actually find it?).

Then, just when I was making a bit of progress, on Friday I got a letter from Comcast confirming that my Netbook was scheduled to ship on 12/04/2009. The delivery date is Tuesday,  12/08/09, and guess what? They even had the tracking number! Woo-hoo! Well, you better believe I went straight to the UPS site and I've been tracking that baby ever since.

It appears that my Netbook is in transit. It shipped from LAWNSIDE, NJ on the 4th and right now it's in NEW STANTON, PA, where it has been since yesterday. Slowly but surely it's making its way to my front door step in Michigan. What a relief. *sigh*

I can't help but wonder what color it will be. On the Dell Netbook 10v web page I saw that you could choose from some really pretty colors and designs, but they never asked what color we wanted (yeah, right). I bet they'll send them in basic black or maybe white. If I had my choice I'd pick red, it's just so pretty. But, beggars can't be choosers. I'm just thankful I'm actually getting a Netbook. And just in time for Christmas, too. What a great Christmas present!

I've heard a LOT of good things about Netbooks. It seems everyone who owns one just loves them. What about you? Do you have a Netbook, and if so, how do you like it? 

AudioLark Romance Audio Book Publisher Open To Submissions

AudioLark* is open to submissions for romance shorts (10,000 – 20,000 words), novellas (20 – 40,000 words) and novels (40,000 words and up) in a multitude of genres and heat levels. Your story is the key to being published by *AudioLark*. Ask yourself; if every sex scene was cut out of my novel, would my story still be compelling to readers? If so, we want to take a look.

*AudioLark* ONLY publishes audio books. We only contract audio rights. We match your manuscript with the perfect narrator and create a seamless, professional audio book to sell on our site and through our distributors.

*AudioLark *offers authors 15% of gross sales on our site, and 25% of net sales through distributor sites. Royalties are paid quarterly within 30 days of the end of the quarter in which the sales were made.

We prefer manuscripts that have already been published as ebooks or in print. At this time, we do not have the capability to edit novels. We will make an exception for unpublished works by previously published authors (for example, we'll gladly take a short story if you've published novels and novellas before). Authors should realize that publishing with us first may make it hard to find an electronic or print publisher afterwards for their manuscript. Most ebook publishers, however, do not mind if you retain your audio rights.

Authors MUST have audio rights to their work or we will not consider it. Do NOT approach us if you haven't yet secured audio rights to a published manuscript.

We are interested in all sorts of romance genres, from contemporary to historical, chick lit to paranormal, suspense to science fiction to novels with romantic elements. We are not accepting young adult at this time.

Check back to see if this changes.

We are accepting all heat levels, as well, and would like to offer our readers a full range of story options, from ultra sweet to scorching hot.

Our guidelines mirror most other romance publishers. Erotica is fine, pornography is not. We reserve the right to draw the line where we will. We will not accept stories that include rape, bestiality, sex with anyone under18, incest, necrophilia, racism, sexism, intolerance of others' religion or sexual preference.

Please submit all manuscripts to support@audiolark.com. *Include in your email your name, pen name, manuscript length, genre and steaminess level.*

Manuscripts may be submitted as a pdf if published (preferred), or as a MicroSoft Word 2003 doc file. If we encounter any errors, we will ask for another format. Please send the entire manuscript as we make decisions quite quickly. Our response time is generally one – two weeks.

AudioLark
Submissions Guidelines

Do You Tweet?

Okay, you guys, I did it. I joined Twitter. I'd been hesitant to do so, because really, I belong to way too many social networks as it is and I didn't want to add another to my already way too big list of social sites, but, I've heard SO much about Twitter, I just had to check it out.

Now that I joined, the thing is, I really don't know what to Tweet. I've been watching and reading the people I follow so as to get an idea what it's all about, and what I've discovered is that you basically just Tweet about anything.

Some Tweet about personal stuff, like what they're doing or what they've done, where they're going or what they ate. Some market their books, some post links to blogs, websites, contests and such, and some Tweet about nothing in particular. In other words, you can Tweet about whatever floats your boat. :)

I'll admit I really like the short and to the point info. Love it. You don't have to read through tons of stuff just to get to the meat of the subject like you sometimes do on email groups. That's a HUGE plus.

I'm a little shy about Tweeting. Don't know why. I've been blogging for over a  year, and I belong to tons of writers eloops (where I lurk a LOT). So far I Tweeted once and I did one retweet (Woo-hoo. You go girl!). Guess it's going to take me a little while to get used to it.

So, do you Tweet? If so, feel free to follow me. And please bear with me, as I'm new to this and am just learning the ropes. :)

Happy Tweeting!
http://twitter.com/CarolBurge

P.S. FYI, I ran across some good blog posts about tweeting. I've listed them below if you're interested.

Twitter Articles
How To Use Twitter - Tips For Bloggers
Rajesh Raina [dot] net

Fiction Flyer e-Magizine Submission Call

For those of you who are interested...

Call to Writers: The Fiction Flyer, a quarterly free ezine is seeking qualified articles and fiction stories, including articles on the craft of writing, short fiction stories and flash fiction, poems and/or artwork (the last for our Other Author Art feature) for the first issue of 2010.

The ezine is provided as a free service to writers, and in this spirit, we can offer you what we get from it: exposure. Currently, we have about 1,000 subscribers, so your work will be read. We welcome reprints as well, and you retain all copyright to your work. New subscribers get a free ad featuring your book or book event.

Submission Guidelines:

A. Contest submission guidelines are listed individually for each contest. If we are sponsoring a contest, you will find it in the Table of Contents.

B. Flash Fiction submission guidelines Email submissions. In the Subject Heading: Flash Fiction Submission. In the body of the email include: Your name, story title, email address, word count, bio (up to 50 words), purchasing link to your book(s), blog or website (optional) and your story. Please use size 10 arial font. Send to Raymond Grant at raygogo@sbcglobal.net.

C. Short Fiction Stories Same as Flash Fiction above, but word count is up to 1,000 words and email submissions to kgogolewski@sbcglobal.net. Write Short Story Submission in the subject heading.

D. Advertising Submission Guidelines

1. A short blurb under 100 words about your book or event
2. A jpeg or gif of your book cover as an attachment.
3. A link to your publisher.
4. A short bio under 50 words.

D. Article Submission Guidelines:

Each issue of The Fiction Flyer is packed with information for readers and writers of fiction. We welcome article submissions that will stimulate, motivate, persuade, entertain or inform our readers on topics pertaining to the craft of writing.

We are accepting original work as well as reprints for articles. Please advise us if your article is a reprint and provide the particulars for the first publication so we can credit the publisher. The author retains all other rights. Up to 2,000 words.

E. General

1. No obscene language, pornography or excessive violence.
2. Length: 500 to 2,000 words.
4. Use Arial 10 point font
5. Electronic submissions only -- include in the body of your
email. No attachments
6. We reserve to right to edit work (don't worry – it's light if we
do it at all)
7. Simultaneous submissions accepted
8. All articles/stories are archived at http://www.tri-studio.com/ezine.html

Fiction Flyer Website

Happy Thanksgiving

Submission Call From Wild Rose Press Crimson Rose Jewels of the Night

*snipped from the Behind the Garden Gate blog*

The Wild Rose Press Introduces a Special Submission Call from Crimson Rose Jewels of the Night…

WHAT MAKES THIS SUBMISSION CALL SPECIAL?

One submission will be chosen at random to launch the series. The selected contract will be given a premium publishing slot during Crimson month (November, 2010) as well as a featured review and interview with the review site Once Upon a Romance. The selected story will be showcased on the Crimson Rose Page of The Wild Rose Press website and the Behind the Garden Gate blog. The Wild Rose Press will provide an advertising book banner to the author. Once Upon a Romance will also display this book banner without charge for a thirty day period beginning with the day of book release.

THE STORY:

Must involve a blue diamond. It could be a treasure hunt or a midnight thief or… Let your imagination take flight!

• Must involve a high level of danger 
• Can be in any region of the world
• Can be any timeframe as long as the most prevalent elements are romance and intrigue

Guidelines:

• Stories must be complete. With a word-length between 20,000 and 60,000 words (miniature rose or rosebud length) 
• Must be an original, never-before published work and you must own the rights to it.
• To qualify for the launch, submission must arrive on or before March 31, 2010
• Manuscripts must be formatted per standard formatting rules (Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, 1 in. margins, numbered pages) 
• Submission call is open to both published and unpublished writers 
• Story content must adhere to posted Crimson Rose guidelines as posted on the submissions page of www.thewildrosepress.com

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Email your manuscript as a single Word .rtf attachment to Lori (at) thewildrosepress.com

Put: “Jewel of the Night Series: Manuscript Title: YOUR NAME” in the subject line In the body of the email, include:

• The synopsis 
• Your Real name 
• Pseudonym, if applicable 
• Your contact email 
• Word-count

Submissions received that do not follow these guidelines will be discarded without notice. The Wild Rose Press is not responsible for submissions lost in cyberspace and not received.

Upon receipt, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have not received a confirmation email within five working days of emailing your submission, please send us an email.

Direct questions regarding this submission call to: Lori (at) thewildrosepress.com.

If you have received receipt of your submission, please do not inquire about status until after standard response wait time. All entrants will be reviewed per our normal submission guidelines which are available at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ .

The Wild Rose Press
WRP CR Submission Page

Blog Pitch Contest With Kensington Assistant Editor Peter Senftleben & Marcel Lyon Literary Agent Kevan Lyon

Here's an AWESOME contest for those of you who are UNPUBLISHED and have a COMPLETED manuscript(s). On November 30th, Historical Romance Author Beverly Kendall will host a pitch contest on The Season blog. Judging will be by Beverly's own editor and agent, Peter Senftleben at Kensington and Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Lit Agency.

THE SEASON PITCH CONTEST rules are as follows (snipped from the site): 

1. Accepting only pitches for novel length manuscripts that are complete. And I mean complete as in polished and ready to go within a week of any possible requests.

2. The winner or winners will receive a critique of the first 25 pages of your manuscript. If Kevan and Peter pick the same manuscript as the winner, then the winner will receive a critique from both.

3. The pitches will be posted on this blog (on The Season Blog NOT here on RWW) in the comment section on November 30th. Posting will be open at 7:00 am (for active forum members, it will open 6:00 am). The max number of pitches being accepted is 200 or 6:00 pm, which ever comes first.

4. The top 10 pitches will be chosen by both Kevan and Peter. The finalists will be asked to furnish the first 3 pages of their manuscript and proof that the manuscript is complete. There is no wiggle room here. The manuscript MUST BE COMPLETE. If you cannot furnish proof of a complete novel length manuscript, you will be disqualified.

5. The pitch cannot be more than 150 words in length. Again, there will be no wiggle room on this word count. Your pitch will be disqualified if it goes over.

6. Only one pitch per person. If it’s discovered that you entered two using different names, you will be automatically disqualified. The only exception is that if we are shy of 100 entries by 6:00 pm, you will be eligible to post another pitch until 100 pitches is met.

7. The winner will be asked to furnish the first 25 pages of their manuscipt or 5000 words, whichever comes first. Please end at the end of a chapter. There is some wiggle room in page and word count in order to achieve this.

8. I’ve linked Peter and Kevan’s name to their respective websites where they list the genres they are accepting. Please check to make sure they are acquiring your genre or sub-genre.

9. This contest is for unpublished authors and by unpublished I mean has never been published by a traditional print publisher. If you have been published by an e-publisher and your book has a print edition, you are still eligible to enter.

10. The finalists will be notified the week of November 30th. The winner will be announced December 7th.

If you have any additional questions regarding this contest, you can either leave a comment on the blog post, or email Bev at historicals at historicalromancereleases.com.

See the blog for rules and guidelines.

Good Luck!

The Season Blog
Beverly Kendall
Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Kevan Lyon
Kensington Publishing
Peter Senftleben, Kensington Assistant Editor

Candy Haven's Writing Game Starts Tomorrow

I know everyone is busy doing NaNo, but for those of you who aren't, here's something you can do to boost those pages and words.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Candy Haven's Fast Draft Challenge. If not, I blogged about it here. Well, in addition to Fast Draft, Candy now also host's another challenge called The Writing Game.

What is The Writing Game, you ask? Okay, I'll tell you. The rules are simple. Here's is how it works...

Each day for about a week, Candy will draw a number out of a hat and you write that many words that day. It could range from 250 words, which is one page, to 5000 words, which is 20 pages. The good thing is, you can bank pages. So, say you write 500 words on a 250 page day, you can bank those extra 250 words/extra pages for another day. Simple, huh?

And for those of you who are stuck in revisions, Candy does a daily page count (instead of word count), only these pages can range from two pages a day to 30. If you revise more than the required pages, you can bank those pages for another day as well.

It really is easier than it sounds.

Candy's Rules
1. No whining (This is one rule that you should take very seriously.)
2. Post your word count each day, including any banked numbers, on the
Write_WorkshopChat@yahoogroups.com This is a separate loop from the main group we post to (Write_Workshop@yahoogroups.com), so you'll need to join if you aren't already a member. This is also the place you can ask questions.

Revising
If you are revising, it's a slightly different process. You won't get a word count number, you'll get a page count number. Anywhere from 5 to 30 pages. You do the same thing. You can bank pages and you'll post your counts on the Write_WorkshopChat@yahoogroups.com. The same rules as above apply to you.

So each day you will see something that looks like this:

New Words: 450

Revised Pages: 12

If you play the game, you'll have a significant amount of pages done by the time we are finished.

We'll begin tomorrow (Monday Nov. 2nd).

Come play with us, and you'll be a winner!

Candace Havens
Go here to join the main loop - Write_Workshop@yahoogroups.com
Go here to join the challenge - Write_WorkshopChat@yahoogroups.com

Happy Halloween!

NOR Under The Mistletoe First Kiss Contest

NOR (Night Owl Romance) Under the Mistletoe - Kiss Scene - Writing Contest

Please Carefully Read The Entry Information

* Free To Enter - 400 Word Max - Romance Novel Kiss Scene - those submissions that are over 400 words will be cut down to meet our requirements

* There Is Only Space For Up To 50 Entries. 1 Entry Only Per Person.

* Published and Aspiring Authors Can Enter

* Entrants Need To Promote The Contest To Readers & We Will Promote The Contest As Well

* First Round Voting Will Start 11/12/2009 and end 11/30/2009 (The top 10 Entries will go onto the finals)- Readers Will Vote.

* The Finals will start 12/3/2009 and end 12/20/2009- Readers Will Vote.

There will be 3 Main Prizes!!!

* First Place - ($50 Cash or $70 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Second Place - ($30 Cash or $50 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Third Place - ($20 Cash or $30 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Cash paid out by check* You need to be 18 or older to enter.

* Entries Must Be In By 11/08/2009. When we hit 50 no more will be added.

Go here to learn more and to enter.

Night Owl Romance
NOR Blog

Contests

Below is a list of contests I've run across that I thought looked interesting.  If you decide to enter any, please make sure you check them out throughly. I haven't entered any so I can't vouch for them. The reason I've listed them here is because they are contests I might consider entering if I were going the contest route.

Good Luck!

~Carol

VIEW HOUSE PUBLISHING SHORT STORY CONTEST

 $8 ENTRY FEE

The theme is open to short stories from all genres. We are looking for original, creative, and poignant pieces featuring convincing characters and great plots. Each story can be no longer than 2,500 words and must be written in English. Deadline November 17, 2009. First place $250.Second place $150. Third place $50.
http://www.viewhousepublishing.com/contest.html

 FAILBETTER NOVELLA CONTEST

NO ENTRY FEE

Deadline May 15, 2010. Prize $500. One entry allowed per person. Stories must be at least 8,000 words but less than a novel. Send only the first 5,000 words. All entries will be considered for publication.
http://www.failbetter.com/Novella.php

 WRITING CONTEST FOR STUDY ABROAD

$25 ENTRY FEE

The University of New Orleans, the pioneer in writing programs abroad, is pleased to announce the sixth annual writing contest for study-abroad, Summer, 2010. This year the contest is co-sponsored by The Pinch Journal, who will judge the entries and publish the winners in Fall, 2010. Full fee waivers, including housing allowance, will be granted to one writer each in the genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction. Partial awards and honorable mentions may also be granted. Winners may attend any of UNO’s 2010 study-abroad writing programs:

• Writing Workshops in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico  
• The Ezra Pound Center for Literature, Dorf Tirol, Italy

Deadline: January 31, 2010. Open to anyone writing in English who has not yet published a book of 45 pages or more in the genre of application. Prose submissions should not exceed 4,500 words (about 15 pages double spaced). Poetry submissions should not exceed 5 pages and may include a maximum of 3 poems.The submitted work must be unpublished at the time of submission.

http://lowres.uno.edu/contest.cfm

WAG'S REVUE - FICTION, POETRY, NONFICTION

 $20 ENTRY FEE

Wag's Revue invites you to enter its second round of biannual contests in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Submissions of electronic writing are also encouraged in any of the above genres. First prize in each category receives $500 and publication in Wag's Revue, and all submissions are considered for publication. The contest deadline is November 30, and winners will be announced December 21. Submissions of poetry may include multiple poems but should not exceed 10 pages. Fiction and nonfiction submissions should not exceed 8,000 words.
http://www.wagsrevue.com/submit.php

 WINTER 2010 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST

The WritersWeekly.com Winter 2010 24-Hour Short Story Contest is now open for entrants! Each contest is limited to 500 entrants so don't delay if you want to participate.

• 1st Place: $300 
• 2nd Place: $250
• 3rd Place: $200

Start time is January 23rd , 2010 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) central time. Held quarterly and limited to 500 entrants. Don't miss out on the ultimate source for creative stress...and tons of fun!

Entry fee is $5. You can see the complete list of 85 prizes and sign up here:

http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php

WOW-WOMENONWRITING FLASH FICTION CONTEST

$10 ENTRY FEE

We are limiting the amount of entries to a maximum of 300 stories. Deadline November 30, 2009. Maximum: 750 words. Minimum: 250 words. The title is not to be counted in your word count. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English.
http://wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

First Paragraph Writing Contest For Unpublished Writers

PERMISSION TO FORWARD:

Are you an unpublished writer with a complete romance manuscript?

October 28th Kensington Romance Author Lori Brighton will be accepting first paragraphs from unpublished writers for her contest, The First Paragraph Writing Contest. Participants will be allowed to enter the first paragraph of their romance manuscript. From these first paragraphs, twenty finalists will be picked to send in their first page. Those finalists will be narrowed down to five who will send their first chapter to KENSINGTON EDITOR MEGAN RECORDS. Megan will pick one winner from these five.

Completed manuscripts only. Author's who are presently contracted with a NY print publisher are not eligible.

Visit Lori's blog for complete contest rules!

http://www.loribrighton.blogspot.com/

Good Luck!

Just The Facts, Please

A friend sent me this list of goofy "facts" and I thought I'd share. I haven't checked to see if any of these things are ture or not, so you're guess is as good as mine. If by chance you happen to know if something on this list is actually true, please leave a comment and let me know.

~Carol

1.) A shrimp's heart is in its head.

2.) The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.

3.) Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.

4.) Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.

5.) If the government has no knowledge of aliens, then why does Title 14, Section 1211 of the Code of Federal Regulations, implemented on July 16, 1969 make it illegal for U. S. citizens to have any contact with extraterrestrials or their vehicles?

6.) In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.

7.) A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

8.) 23% of all photocopier faults world-wide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts.

9.) Most lipstick contains fish scales

10.) Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.

11.) If you sneeze too hard you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. If you keep your eyes open by force they can pop out.

12.) In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single ca se where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.

13.) It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

14.) A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

15.) More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.

16.) Horses can't vomit.

17.) Butterflies taste with their feet.

18.) In 10 minutes, a category three hurricane releases more energy than all of the world's nuclear weapons combined.

19.) On average 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.

20.) On average people fear spiders more than they do death.

21.) Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived immigrants.

22.) Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.

23.) Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.

24.) Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.

25.) It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.

26.) Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

27.) It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.

28.) The Main Library at Indiana University sinks ov er an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.

29.) A snail can sleep for three years.

30.) No word in the English language rhymes with "MONTH."

31.) Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

32.) The electric chair was invented by a dentist.

33.) All polar bears are left handed.

34.) In ancient Egypt , priests plucked EVERY hair from their bodies, including their eyebrows and eyelashes.

35.) An ostrich' s eye is bigger than its brain.

36.) TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters on only one row of the keyboard.

37.) "Go," is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

38.) If Barbie were life-size, her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand 7 feet, 2 inches tall.

39.) A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

40.) The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

41.) Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

42.) Almost everyone who reads this email will try to lick their elbow.

CJ Lyons Query Contest

In honor of her upcoming release URGENT CARE,  Author CJ Lyons is hosting a contest where one lucky person will WIN a critique of your query package by Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Agency!

PRIZE: one lucky commenter will win a critique of your query letter, two page synopsis, and first three chapters from Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Agency.

HOW TO ENTER: leave a comment on this post, including your name, email address, and a short blurb of your project. If you want to say something nice about CJ's books, that’s fine as well, but the winner will be determined by a random drawing.

RULES: Odds of winning depend on the number of entries. Entries must be posted prior to midnight EST on November 8. The winner will be announced on November 9 and contacted via email by CJ and Barbara Poelle.

Good Luck!

CJ Lyrons
Irene Goodman Agency

Comment SPAMer's - Grrrrr!

It seems I've been spammed on several posts in the comments section(s) here on my blog, therefore, I've been forced to change my comment settings to moderation. It's a darn shame people do this, but I guess it comes with the cyber-territory.

This particular idiot SPAMer happens to have a "Website Design" site and a Blogger account, but their blog is set to private so I couldn't find out any information on them. Ironic, isn't it? :) But, I went to their so called design site and found their contact information and sent an email instructing them to STOP SPAMMING MY BLOG! We'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I went through the spam comments (I know which ones they are because I have my account set to send me an email every time someone comments), and I manually deleted the idiot's SPAMer's posts. What a bunch of aggravation. Grrrrr!

Since they have a Blogger account, I'll notify the Power's That Be about the idiot SPAMer as well. I could alert the domain site their page is located through, too.  I believe that's just about all I can do.

Below is a link to a brief and awesome blog post on the blog Lorelle on Wordpress  entittled What is Comment Spam? The post explains what Comment Spam is, and the different types.

According to the post, there are Pittiful Time Wasters, Link Needers, Comment Spam Robots and Sneaky Comment Spammers. It seems my idiot SPAMer falls somewhere between  the category of a Sneaky Comment Spammer and a Link Needer.

*snipped from the post:

The sneaky comment spammers are the ones you really have to look for. They require more work to determine if they are legitimate. These are the nice comment spammers. They say things like:

• “I really like your site, keep up the good work.”
• “This is a beautiful site.”
• “It looks like you worked hard to create this site. Good work.”
• “I like what you have to say. I’m going to tell my friends.”
• “This is really good information. I’m going to mark it as a favorite.”

These are the kinds of spam comments are usually get here on the blog (and I immediately  delete).

I will say, I don't get a lot of spam (knock on wood). Email or comment-wise, but when I do get them, I get angry!

So, any suggestions? Anyone else getting spammed on their blog?

What is Comment Spam?
Wiki Article: Spam in Blogs
Six Part Guide to Comment Spam

WOW! Fall Flash Fiction Contest W/ Judge Noah Lukeman

WOW! (Women On Writing) Fall 2009 Flash Fiction Contest

DEADLINE: November 30, 2009 Midnight, Pacific Time.

GUEST JUDGE: Literary Agent, Noah Lukeman

About Noah: Noah Lukeman is President of Lukeman Literary Management Ltd, which he founded in 1996. His clients include winners of the Pulitzer Prize, American Book Award, Pushcart Prize and O. Henry Award, finalists for the National Book Award, Edgar Award, and Pacific Rim prize, multiple New York Times bestsellers, national journalists, major celebrities, and faculty of universities ranging from Harvard to Stanford.

Mr. Lukeman is also an accomplished and bestselling author. His books for writers include: The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile (Simon & Schuster, 1999); The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life (St. Martins Press, 2002); A Dash of Style: The Art and Mastery of Punctuation (W.W. Norton, 2006 and Oxford University Press in the UK, 2007); How to Write a Great Query Letter (free e-book); How to Land (and Keep) a Literary Agent.

We're thrilled to have him as our honorable guest judge this season!

PROMPT: Open Prompt

WORD COUNT: 750 Max; 250 Min

LIMIT: 300 Entries

Don't wait until the last minute! Enter Today. Visit our Contest Page and download our terms & conditions ebook.

Good luck!

WOW!
Contest Page
Noah Lukeman

New Young Adult Line At Sourcebooks, Inc

Good news for those of you who write YA. Sourcebooks will launch Sourcebooks Fire, a new young adult imprint this spring 2010.

SOURCEBOOKS FIRE will officially launch with seven titles, including a bestselling paranormal romance series from the UK, a novel based on the true life story of teenage sisters who invented the séance in 1848, a romantic mystery set against the backdrop of the civil war, and a YA supernatural thriller set in New York City, among others.

Three years ago they launched their children's imprint, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. The line has since had three New York Times Bestsellers.

FYI, the following was posted on their Casablanca Submissions (Romance Line) page:

We are actively acquiring single-title and single-title series Romance fiction (90,000 to 120,000 actual digital words) for our Casablanca imprint. We are looking for strong writers who are excited about marketing their books and building their community of readers, and whose books have something fresh to offer in the genre of Romance.

To learn more about Sourcebooks and their new line(s) and/or guidelines see the links below.

Sourcebooks Home
Sourcebooks Blog
Sourcebooks Fire (YA Line Info)
Sourcebooks Casablanca (Romance)
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Childrens Line)

Happy Writing!

Free Catholic Online Writer's Conference 02/26/2010 - 03/05/2010

**Permission to forward ** Please pass this along to your friends or include in any applicable newsletter. (Non-Catholics: You do not need to be Catholic to attend, but you do need to respect our beliefs.) Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the third annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010. Develop your skills with forum-based workshops, or tap experienced writers and editors for their knowledge in live chats. Do you have a Catholic book to pitch? Prominent Catholic publishers will be holding pitch sessions! (Limited attendance.) To register or get more information, go to www.catholicwritersconference.com. Catholic Writer's Guild

10 FREE Ebook Downloads From Mills and Boon

To celebrate the first anniversary of Mills & Boon’s eBook program, M&B is offering a Free download of one book from each of their series. There are10 titles to choose from. While you're there, sign-up for their monthly newsletter and enter a contest to win a new Sony eReader. Visit their site Everyones Reading for more info. And for those of you who haven't heard, Harlequin is offering total of 16 free downloads in celebration of their 60 year anniversary. Go here to get your Free download. Harlequin.com Happy Reading!

Call for Submissions

Shades of Romance Magazine

PAY: $10 - $25 Shades of Romance is published bi-monthly. We are a magazine that caters to the readers and writers of multi-cultural literature. This is a great vehicle for getting exposure for your name, your web site and your books. New writers are especially encouraged to submit their work. We also welcome submissions and inquiries from published authors. http://www.sormag.com/guide.html

Short Stories Wanted

PAY: $50 Page Forty-Seven online anthology has been created for the new or not-yet-published writer. The purpose of this anthology is to help you establish yourself as a writer by providing an early publication credit, possibly your first.

Length: Short story submissions up to 10,000 characters (approx. 8.5 pages)

Payment: $50 flat fee on acceptance.

View website for details. http://www.writergazette.com/sendstudio/users/link.php?UserID=21484&Newsletter=189&List=1&LinkType=Send&LinkID=9005

Writer’s Digest

We are actively looking for authors on the following topics:

Please e-mail Executive Editor Kelly Nickell (Kelly.Nickell@fwmedia.com) if interested, or if you have further questions about any of these book concepts.

Writing the Paranormal Novel This comprehensive how-to book should feature step-by-step instruction, a look at some bestsellers in the genre and what makes them work, a discussion of clichés to avoid, unique exercises writers can do to practice the discussed techniques, etc. This book should cover character, plot, setting, tone and mood, and so on. Estimated word count: 80,000 to 100,000. Author should be a published paranormal novelist.

The First 50 Pages This book should talk readers through the development of the first 50 pages of a novel, covering such topics as the opening page, the inciting incident, character introduction and development, rising action, and so on. Estimated word count: 70,000 to 80,000. Author should be a published novelist and/or writing instructor.

Outlining Your Novel This book should offer a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow approach to outlining a novel. Also acceptable: a book that focuses on several different outlining approaches (in this case, each part of the book could focus on a different method, explaining the pros and cons of the given method and how it works). Estimated word count: 80,000 to 100,000. Author should be a published novelist and/or writing instructor. Ideally, the author also will be an outliner him/herself.

Write Great Fiction: Theme, Premise, Mood & Tone This book would be part of the well-respected Write Great Fiction series, which includes the following five titles: Plot & Structure; Dialogue; Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint; Description & Setting; and Revision & Self-Editing. This book would need to follow the series structure with sidebars throughout and chapter-closing exercises, while offering readers a thorough understanding how to work with theme, premise, mood, and tone. Estimated word count: 75,000. Author should be a published novelist and/or writing instructor. Please review series before querying.

The Plotter’s Guide to Novel Writing This book should offer a fun and interactive approach (or multiple approaches) to plotting a novel from start to finish. The book should cover such points as story concepting, the inciting incident, key plot points, climax, denouement, etc. The ideal book will feature how-to instruction and engaging exercises or worksheets. Estimated word count: 75,000. Author should be a published novelist and/or writing instructor.

The Perfect Protagonist This book should provide comprehensive instruction on character development from the protagonist on out to the rest of the cast, including how to create a strong and original protagonist, how to create supporting characters who complement or in some way accentuate an aspect of the protagonist, how to create an appropriate antagonist, etc. The book should include solid step-by-step instruction, exercises, and discussions of successful characters from best-selling and classic works. Estimated word count: 75,000 to 80,000. Author should be a published novelist and/or writing instructor.

Writing the Memoir This comprehensive how-to book should feature step-by-step memoir writing techniques, a look at some bestsellers in the genre and what makes them work, a discussion of clichés to avoid, unique exercises writers can do to practice the discussed techniques, a discussion of what makes a memoir salable, etc. Author should be a published memoirist. Also willing to consider a co-authored structure similar to Your First Novel, where a published memoirist would write Part I: Writing Your Memoir, and an agent specializing in memoirs would write Part II: Selling Your Memoir. Estimated word count: 80,000 to 100,000.

4700 E. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236 http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JaneFriedman

I DO TWO!

After the huge success of I DO, an anthology in support of Marriage Equality, we’re delighted to announce that there’ll be a second volume, I DO TWO, with a planned publication date of 14th February 2010.

The project has an editorial team – Alex Beecroft, Charlie Cochrane, Sophia Deri-Bowen, Lee Rowan – and not forgetting Kris Jacen at MLR who have kindly agreed to be the publishers again.What we now need are stories; heart warming, thought provoking, life affirming, most importantly top quality stories.

The deadline for submissions is December 1st 2009, with decisions announced on 1st January 2010. (Please adhere to the submissions guidelines given below.)

Feel free to pass this on.

The I DO TWO Team.

Submissions guidelines:

The anthology, titled "I DO, TWO", is a sequel to *the January 2009* charity anthology "I DO!" *All authors donate their stories* to benefit the Lambda Legal Fund. The *collection *cover*s* a range of times, places and people, and illustrate*s *the universality of love *and commitment**.*

To date, I DO has raised over $1500 for the cause of equal *rights* in marriage.

I DO TWO *will *be a similar, companion volume, published by MLR Press . (Contracts will be in line with their standard contract.)

We're looking for stories between 1,000 words and 10,000 words long. M/M, F/F, Bi and transgender stories are welcome. There is no strict theme, but we have certain things we do *not* want to see, for example stories which undermine the purpose of the anthology – that is, no stories which are about how gay people do not want to get married or do not deserve to get married. We do not want anything that reinforces negative stereotypes – no snuff fiction, scat, golden showers, necrophilia or underage sex.* *Because of the potential copyright issues, we *cannot accept* fanfiction, either.

If you possess the copyright for your story and it isn’t currently under exclusive contract to anyone else, we are happy to consider stories which have been published before. Please make a note in the covering e-mail.

As long as your story follows these guidelines and comes within the word-count, please send it to Lee_Rowan@localnet.com <mailto:Lee_Rowan@localnet.com>*. * Your story does not need to have an explicit marriage-related plot *or even a happy ending**!* Any story that celebrates the theme of love as valid, no matter the genders of the players, is welcome.

This is for a charity anthology, so you will not get paid. All profits will go straight to the Lamdba Legal fund. Through education, litigation and public policy work, Lambda Legal works to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people, and persons with HIV. Since their founding in 1973, Lambda Legal has become an active and vital part of the GLBT civil rights movement instrumental in the fight for same-sex marriage rights both nationally and, most notably, in the fight to strike down California's Proposition 8.

Deadline for submissions is 1st December 2009

Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards

A Short Story Competition from Writer's Digest

Compete and Win in All 5 Categories!

• Romance
• Mystery/Crime Fiction
• Science Fiction/Fantasy
• Thriller/Suspense
• Horror

The Grand Prize-Winner will receive $2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Entry Deadline: Monday, November 02, 2009.

For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online.

Entry Fee: All entries are $15.00 each

Prizes

Grand Prize: $2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

First Prize: The First Place-Winner in each of the five categories receives $500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Honorable Mention: Honorable Mentions will receive promotion in Writer's Digest and the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Entry Deadline: Monday, November 02, 2009

http://www.writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards

Until The Day Is Done

I have a new favorite song. UNTIL THE DAY IS DONE by R.E.M. I've always liked R.E.M., they are one of my fav bands. Losing My Religion and The One I Love are my favorite songs by them... until I heard this one. I believe Until the Day is Done came out a few years ago, but I'm not sure. I don't keep up with music like I used to. Oh, I have my fav's I listen to once in a while, but honestly I don't listen to the radio that much anymore, unless I'm in my car, so I can see how I missed this song. Truly, my loss. Anyway, I saw R.E.M. preform this on Austin City Limits Sunday night, and was just blown away. I think you will be, too. Enjoy! Until the Day is DonebyR.E.M. The battle's been lost, the war is not won An addled republic, a bitter refund The business first flat earthers licking their wounds The verdict is dire, the country's in ruins Providence blinked, facing the sun Where are we left to carry on Until the day is done Until the day is done As we've written our stories to entertain These notions of glory and bull market gain The teleprompt flutters, the power surge brings An easy speed message falls into routine Providence blinked, facing the sun Where are we left to carry on Until the day is done Until the day is done A voice whispers "Son,The blessed vision comes." What have I done What have I doneSo hold tight your babies and your guns Forgive us our trespasses, father and son Providence blinked, facing the sun Where are we left to carry on Until the day is done Until the day is done Until the day is done Until the day is done Until the day is done Until the day is done

Want to Write A Novel Together?

I ran across a new blog the other day called Let’s Write A Novel … Together. The point of the blog is just as the title says. To write a novel, together. 

Starting today, September 1st, Jean Lauzier, the blog owner, will (snipped the following from the blog):

… be posting about creating characters, writing dialogue, setting scenes, hooking the reader, tension, conflict, pacing, taming the inner editor and so much more. 

In Oct., we'll start an intensive month long novel planning session.  It'll include more indepth posts on topics such as story arc, structure and scene development along with some brainstorming and possibly real time chats.

Then, starting Nov. 1st, we'll make daily progress posts, along with weekly encouragement and who know what else.  Plus, you'll be able to have a progress meter just like mine on the right.  I'll explain more about that later.

If you've always wanted to write a novel or if this is your second or third or even sixth novel, join us on this wonderful journey.  I can't promise you it'll all be fun but it'll be worth it.

This is great if you need a push, or encouragement, or if you’re having difficulty beginning on a new project, if you want to start a new project,  or if you just need moral support.  It’s also a great  head start on  NaNoWriMo, which, by the way is right around the corner (November 1st).

But that’s not all of the great resources Jean has to offer. She  has another blog, StoryCrafters, and a writer’s forum (also entitled StoryCrafters) where she runs challenges, offers craft articles, writing tips and much, much more. Oh, and there’s also a StoryCrafters private critique group, too (it’s a Yahoo group, it’s not on the public forum).

Lot’s of wonderful resources to check out, that’s for sure. If you’d like to learn more about Jean Lauzier, join in on the novel writing project,  check out her blogs and/or the forum, links are below.

Happy Writing!

• StoryCrafters Blog
• StoryCrafters Forum
• Let’s Write A Novel Together Blog
• Jean Lauzier Website

Secret Agent Contest At Miss. Snark's First Victim Blog

Miss Snark's First Victim blog is running a Secret Agent: Are You Hooked? Contest for the following genres:

• Young adult fiction (all genres)
• Middle grade fiction (all genres)
• Science Fiction/Fantasy
• Paranormal Romance (NO other romance; only paranormal)

The contest is for completed manuscripts only. See below for rules and guidelines or visit Miss. Snark's First Victim blog.

*(snipped the following from the blog) Submissions for the next Secret Agent contest will open at noon EDT on Monday, September 7. Submissions WILL NOT OPEN until NOON, EDT on Monday, September 7. Early submissions WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Submissions are for COMPLETED MANUSCRIPTS ONLY. If you wouldn't want an agent to read the entire thing, DON'T SEND IT. If an "entire thing" doesn't exist, you shouldn't even be reading these rules. Manuscripts THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN ANY SECRET AGENT CONTEST THIS YEAR will not be accepted. You may submit A DIFFERENT MANUSCRIPT if you've participated in any of the 2009 Secret Agent contests. If you are PAST WINNER, please DO NOT ENTER THIS CONTEST. Submissions are for THE FIRST 250 WORDS of your manuscript. Your submission for this contest should be formatted as follows: SCREEN NAME TITLE GENRE (Followed by the excerpt here.)

• No "chapter one," chapter titles, etc.
• You will receive a confirmation email with your post number. I don't always get through quickly. Don't resend.
• Submissions go to facelesswords(at)gmail.com. They DO NOT GO to my authoressmail address. Those of you who are subscribed to this blog via email will note the latter address as the "from." If you use this address for the contest, I WILL NOT SEE YOUR SUBMISSION.
• Erm, I think that's everything.

This month's contest will include the following genres:

• Young adult fiction (all genres)
• Middle grade fiction (all genres)
• Science Fiction/Fantasy
• Paranormal Romance (NO other romance; only paranormal)

Questions? Leave them in the comment box of this post. For those of you who have never heard of this contest, basically this is how it works. (Snipped from the blog)

There will be a call for submissions. When the call comes, follow the guidelines carefully and submit your excerpt before the deadline. All submissions will then be posted (anonymously) on the blog, and all readers are invited to leave critiques/feedback. Everyone who has entered the contest is expected to crit a minimum of five entries -- it's the mutual backscratch thing.

Our Secret Agent will join the panel of critters (that is, you) and will leave feedback for every entry. When the contest has ended, the Secret Agent will choose a winner or winners. That's it in a nutshell!

Check the side bar on the blog for a list of Agents who have participated in the past. One of the good things about this contest is, it's a great way to get your MS in front of an Agent. Even if you don't win you could receive a request for your ms. So get that manuscript polished! To learn more about this contest, visit the Secret Agent Contest Info Page. Happy Writing!

Free Query Letter Critique At Dorchester Publishing

To celebrate the launch of the new Dorchester Writer’s Corner (where you'll find advice for aspiring writers), Dorchester editors will chose and critique five query letter's from those posted in their new Writer's Forum. All genre's are welcome to submit (romance, horror, thrillers, and Westerns). Deadline is September 1, 2009, so hurry and polish that query letter! Visit the Dorchester message board to learn more. Dorchester Publishing Dorchester Forums Dorchester Writer's Corner

Free Workshop At Rose Colored Glasses August 9th - August 15th

Here's some workshop info I thought I'd pass this on. Enjoy! FREE Workshop!August 9-15, 2009 Join the Roses at Rose’s Colored Glasses for week-long workshop where we'll help you discover the more productive writer lurking inside you! Here's what you'll learn: 1. What do you want? 2. What's Stopping You? 3. Pre-writing Planning 4. Cranking out the Pages 5. Tools for Goal setting and Planning To join, send an email to RosesWriteFiftyBooks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or sign up from here. It's free, it's interactive and fun! Rose Colored Glasses Website

Agent Articles and Resources

There seems to be a lot of really good info floating around the agent blogs this past week. Check out these tidbits, if you're interested. The Guide to Literary Agents share's an excerpt from an article in the yet-to-be released 2010 Guide to Literary Agents by Agent Mollie Glick of the Foundry Literary + Media Agency, entitled Write a Killer Query Letter: How to Hook an Agent. Also on THE GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS is a post by Dorchester editor Leah Hultenschmidt entitled 12 Points of Contracts. Dystel & Goderich talk about the etiquette of submitting to an Agent. Agent in the middle says E.K., a junior agent at the L. Perkins Agency, is aggressively seeking Middle Grade and YA submissions. Check out what E.K.'s looking for here. On Bookends, Jessica Faust discusses Submissions 101. The post is basically a step by step process about submitting to an agent, and starts with making sure your book is written, edited, rewritten and polished before even thinking of sending off a query letter. Great info. And last but not least, agent Nathan Bransford wants to know how you deal with the "am-I-crazies?" Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Call For Submissions

I thought some of you might be interested in the following submissions call. Good luck! PILL HILL PRESS ANTHOLOGY Open to all mainstream genres (including action/adventure, cross genre, slipstream, experimental, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense/crime, western) as long as it fits within the theme of the anthology. Looking for horror/suspense/mystery/supernatural stories that take place in rural America. Especially interested in stories that take place in Nebraska or surrounding states, though any rural location is acceptable and will be considered. Fiction Length: 500 word minimum, 7,500 word maximum. Pays 1 cent/word plus 1 contributor's copy upon publication. Please visit the link below for more info: http://www.pillhillpress.com/writers-guidelines.html

Free Children's eBook Download(s)

FREE CHILDREN'S EBOOKS Sylvan Dell Publishing just released its NEW next generation eBooks. They are offering all 45 titles in a free eBook trial for the next 90 days. Below is a link to a 90-day trial of all 45 Sylvan Dell eBooks: http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/ebooktrials.php?e=MSBL9J Code expiration date: 10/31/2009 For guided directions: http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/documents/eBookOperatingInstructions.pdf

Pink Petal Books Call for Submissions

This was posted to a writers loop I belong to. Good luck! ***permission to forward granted and encouraged*** The next deadline for our Pink Petal Books Presents anthology is coming up on August 15. We seek 15,000-25,000 word novellas featuring male winter Olympic athletes. Pink Petal Books Presents: Men of Winter (Winter Olympic Athletes) Submission Deadline: August 15, decisions by Sept 1 Electronic Publication: January 2010, print May 2010 We’re looking for hot Olympic Athletes who love the snow. Think skiers, snowboarders, ice skaters, bobsled…the possibilities are endless. We welcome all orientations, so long as one of the male characters (or both!) are Winter Olympic Athletes. Stories don’t have to take place at the Olympics. For more information visit: http://www.pinkpetalbooks.com/index.php?/Submission-Guidelines/pink-petal-books-presents-special-project.html Pink Petal Books

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest

Here's a contest I ran across and thought I'd pass on. The deadline is July 31st, so hurry and get your entry in. Oh, and if you visit their website, make sure you check out the "Freebies" page and download a free creative writing guide (blurb is below). Legend Fire's Writers Guide is a short (54 pages) guide to creative writing. It was written to help all creative writers, though focuses mostly on the beginner. How To Write Creative Fiction Check it out, and good luck to those who enter! CALL FOR ENTRIES! Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story, 5 pages max., on any theme, single or double-line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed. Entry fees: Poetry Contest: $5 per poem Writing Contest: $10 per story Prizes: Writing Contest First Prize: $500, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100 Poetry Contest First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50. Postmark deadline: July 31, 2009. Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for details and to enter! Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest

Lyrical Press Call For Submissions: Steampunk

Call For Submissions: Steampunk Lyrical Press welcomes authors to submit their brilliant blending of 19th Century steam power with science-fiction/fantasy. In a word – Steampunk. What’s Steampunk? You know that movie/comic book series The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen? That’s Steampunk. It’s the perfect marriage of an era when steam power was in use and science-fiction/fantasy elements. It’s goggles, gears and corsets. It’s fun, adventure and excitement. Lyrical Press is accepting all forms of Steampunk, with a focus on romance and erotica. If you’re manically mad about mechanical masterpieces set during the Victorian age we’d love to hear from you. Sensuality level: All – with a focus on romance/erotica Length: 30,000 – 80,000 words Key Characteristic: 19th Century steam power blended with elements of science-fiction/fantasy Deadline: None Please follow Lyrical Press’ guidelines found here: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.lyricalpress.com/submissions when submitting. Send submissions to submissions @ lyricalpress (dot) com. Lyrical Press, Inc. is a New York based small press owned by the husband and wife team of Frank and Renee Rocco. Our goal is to provide authors with a reliable and pleasant home for their books and offer readers an eclectic mix of quality titles. LPI publishes in both electronic format and Print On Demand for select titles over 70,000 words. Lyrical Press Lyrical Press Blog Lyrical Press on Facebook

Writers Hodge Podge

I have a little bit of everything posted here today.  I hope you find something useful.

Happy Writing!

Ø RomanceUniversity.org

Today, Brooke Borneman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dorchester Publishing,  is at RomanceUniversity.org talking about Dorchester’s Next Best Celler contest.  Go here to check it out.

Here’s this weeks Romance University line up:

7/06 - Monday - Crafting Your Career: Brooke Borneman, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dorchester Publishing, will share the scoop on Dorchester's exciting new America's Next Best Caller contest co-sponsored with TextNovel.

7/08 - Wednesday - Anatomy of a Male Mind: Evan offers a gay man's perspective on women, sex and straight relationships.

7/10 – Friday – Chaos Theory of Writing: Author Victoria Gray guides us through the fascinating process of weaving historical facts into our fiction writing.

www.RomanceUniversity.org

Dorchester Contest Guidelines and Rules

Ø Lisa Logan’s Free Book Trailer Workshop

If you’re interested in making a book trailer, Author Lisa Logan offer’s a free basic course on her website. 

Check it out here:

Lisa Logan Website

Ø Susan Meier’s Free Workshop

Harlequin Author Susan Meier posted a condensed version of her CAN THIS MANUSCRIPT BE SAVED WORKSHOP on her blog.

Check it out at:
http://fivescribes.blogspot.com/

Also,  see her HOW TO ANALYZE THE BOOKS YOU READ workshop on her website.

Susan Meier Website

Ø Author Survey(s)

So, you are an author or aspiring author? Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What is your wish list? What do you consider when choosing a publisher? No personal information taken. Please pass along.

To participate,  go here.

And here’s another one…

How low does the  price of ebook readers have to go  before you will make that all important purchase?

If you haven't done so already, please take this survey and pass it on to any other interested parties.

You don't have to register, nor does this survey require your email address or any other personal data. A simple response is all that's required. The survey will be available until July 11th. 

Go here to participate.

*Permission is granted to pass the survey details on to any/all interested parties.

Ø 1^st Turning Point

1st Turning Point has a great article by Romance Author Rowena Cherry on eBook Piracy. There’s even a sample take down notice.

What is 1st Turning Point?

1st Turning Point is All About Promotion and is also A  Place Where Authors Teach, Share, & Learn.  We’re hoping this will be a pay-it-forward site, where those who learn today will teach tomorrow.

This is a fairly new site, and it  looks like it’s going to be a great resource.  Sign up to the newsletter for a chance to win an awesome bunch of prizes!

Contest drawing will take place July 31 at 11pm Pacific Time. All 1st Turning Point Subscribers are eligible to Win!

Learn more at the 1st Turning Point Website 

Ø HOUSTON WRITERS GUILD WRITING CONTEST

Snipped From Hope Clarks FundsforWriters Newsletter - 06/28/09 Issue

Novel Category - First 10 pages of your Novel, Book, or
Screenplay + Synopsis. Contest entries in English only.
Open to all unpublished and not under contract novelists
and screenwriters anywhere in the world. $500 first prize.

Short Story - Any Genre - $50 first place. Limit: 2,500 words.

Personal Essay - Something Personal -- your opinion on any
subject or a character study or a slice of life piece. Limit:
1,500 words. $30 first place.

Poetry - $30 first place. Three poems or six poems.

Lifetime Award Novel - Any genre - $100 first place.
Previously published novelists may enter.

ENTRY FEE $10 - $20. Deadline July 30, 2009.

Rules and guidelines at:
http://www.houstonwritersguild.org/Contests.htm

For more contests, writing tips and resources, sign up for Hope Clark’s FundsForWriters Newsletter.

Ø Submission Call: Working Mother Magazine

Working Mother magazine seeks freelance submissions for the following areas: You, Work and Family.  Writers can download
editorial calendar to enable them to pitch articles in advance.
See site for full guidelines.

Working Mother Magazine

Ø Stephanie Maclean, Literary Agent Looking For Submissions

PW announced that Stephanie Maclean has been promoted to Literary Agent at Trident.  She is actively seeking romance, women’s fiction and young adult.  But as with any agent, check the submission guidelines before sending.

Trident Media Group, LLC

Stephanie Maclean