Social Networking for Writers

Social networking for writers. Hmmmm. To tell the hard truth, "social" and "writer" don't always belong in the same sentence. But everyone's talking about it, and I look at it this way: I want to know what it is so I can decide if it's going to help my career.

John Kremer's Book Marketing Tip of the Week mentions a site that lists free teleseminars and webinars (there's a stupid word). One of the freebies is "Publicity Through Social Marketing: Why Every Author Should Be Involved with Web 2.0." You can listen to the piece, which originated June 4, 2008.

OK, the bottom line is that discussions about social networking for writers assume that you have written a book because you're an expert on a topic and that your focus remains on that topic. Therefore, it makes sense for you to post comments and articles on that topic far and wide; these comments and articles mention in an offhand way that you've written a book on the subject and list your Web site. On your site, you provide interesting content and overtly market your book.

For nonfiction writers whose books stay in a particular field, this social networking approach can work. For writers like me, who hop, skip, and jump from topic to topic (biotechnology to food to screen doors), I'm thinking there are two approaches: 1) set aside time to social network for each book; and 2) try to network in the same pool as other creative nonfiction writers.

What do you think?

By the way, Scott Fox is the guy who created the Web site that lists these freebies. According to Kremer, Fox is an author conducting research for his next book about online marketing. The Web site offer listings of free teleseminars, webinars, webcasts, and online classes for marketing technology, publishing, search engine optimization, sales, training, and education. Sharing the listings with people proves the wide and inexpensive reachof the Internet. To submit your free teleseminars and online classes, go here: http://www.freeteleseminarlist.com/submit-webinar.html. Kremer notes that "Fox is also making money from the online ads, Google ads, and links to his other websites where he sells books and services."

category: resources

Bad Habits to Avoid (or Break)

Wanna be a successful writer? Ten habits to avoid on Freelance Writing Gigs.

Immersing Your Reader

In creative nonfiction we hear a lot about immersion--how the writer plops herself into the action and re-creates that on the page. One problem that comes in describing an environment is in handlling unfamiliar terms.

Most lines of work have words, phrases, usages, sometimes equipment, that are unfamiliar to people outside that field. For example: To doctors, a patient presents with symptoms. A quilter miters corners. A newspaper zones its metro tabs.

I've been thinking about this matter as read Court of the Air, a fantasy novel. The writer plops you down in a blizzard of new words. Some are new words for objects we recognize; other words are as original as the thing they refer to (steammen being a "people" whose bodies are machines). Maybe I should be flattered that the author believes readers can sort out what is meant. Instead, I'm feeling assaulted by having to figure out so many words before I can figure out what's going on in the story.

Most people can figure out a term by its context. Court of the Air just takes this approach to the extreme.

One trick is to describe something, then introduce the term itself. I like this better than using a word, then describing what it is in a clause set off by parentheses or dashes.

Another approach is to paraphrase instead of using a direct quote when a person uses technical terms.

You want to immerse readers in the environment, but think about whether you want to lead them in gradually or throw them in to a world of unfamiliar words. Once you've decided, make sure you show the manuscript to someone who is a stranger to that environment you're writing about--and be prepared to throw a few life preservers into your manuscript if needed.

Aren't Agents Always on Our Minds?

Many writers seem to see agents as more of a mystery than how the universe got created. Because I've been a journalist (at least, that's what I chalk it up to), I refuse to be intimidated by anyone, including agents.

The September issue of Poets & Writers has a Q&A with Molly Friedrich. Most of her clients write fiction, but the piece sheds light on how people can approach agents, how agents make decisions, and . . . stuff. Just read the piece, OK?

Contests for Creative Nonfiction

This list is pulled from the September 2008 Poets & Writers. Notice that several are from state art councils--you should check into what's available from your own state's council.

Although you may not be ready to submit for some of these opportunities, such as the Princeton fellowship, tuck these away for future reference. It's always good to know what's out there.

American Antiquarian Society
Fellowships for Historical Research
At least three fellowships are given annually to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers for monthlong residencies at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts, to research pre-twentieth-century American history and culture. A stipend of $1,100 and on-campus housing is provided; fellows residing off-campus receive $1,600. The fellowships support research on any subject as long as it produces high-quality creative work for the general public, such as historical poems and novels. Residencies may take place any time in 2009. Submit 10 copies of up to 25 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, a resumé, two letters of recommendation (sent directly to AAS by the references), and a five-page project proposal by October 5. There is no entry fee. Send an SASE, call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
American Antiquarian Society, Fellowships for Historical Research, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1634. (508) 471-2131. James David Moran, Director of Outreach.
jmoran@mwa.org
www.americanantiquarian.org/artistfellowship.htm

American-Scandinavian Foundation
Writing Fellowships and Grants
Fellowships of up to $20,000 and grants of $4,000 will be given annually for study and research in Scandinavia to poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, and translators of literature. Submit up to 15 pages of poetry, up to 20 pages of prose, or up to 10 pages of translated text in English along with the original work, a project proposal, a resumé, and three letters of reference with a $20 entry fee by November 1. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
American-Scandinavian Foundation, Writing Fellowships and Grants, 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016. (212) 879-9779.
grants@amscan.org
www.amscan.org

Arizona Commission on the Arts
Artist Project Grants
Up to five grants of $5,000 will be given annually to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers to support the completion of a project. Residents of Arizona who are not enrolled for more than three credit hours at a college or university are eligible. Submit up to five pages of poetry or prose, a resumé, and a project description by September 18. There is no entry fee. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
Arizona Commission on the Arts, Artist Project Grants, 417 Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1326. (602) 771-6501. Christopher Burawa, Literature Director.
info@azarts.gov
www.azarts.gov

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference
Bakeless Literary Publication Prizes
Publication by Graywolf Press and a fellowship to attend the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Middlebury, Vermont, is given annually for a first book by a poet, a fiction writer, and a creative nonfiction writer. Linda Gregerson will judge in poetry, Percival Everett in fiction, and Sue Halpern in creative nonfiction. Submit at least 50 pages of poetry, a novel or short story collection of 150 to 450 pages, or a creative nonfiction manuscript of 150 to 300 pages with a $10 entry fee between September 15 and November 1. Send an SASE, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines. (See Recent Winners.)
Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, Bakeless Literary Publication Prizes, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753. Jennifer Bates, Coordinator.
bakelessprize@middlebury.edu
www.bakelessprize.org

Briar Cliff Review
Writing Contests
Three prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Briar Cliff Review will be given annually for a poem, a short story, and an essay. The editors will judge. Submit three poems or up to 6,000 words of prose with a $20 entry fee, which includes a copy of the prize issue, by November 1. Call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Briar Cliff Review, Writing Contests, Briar Cliff University, 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA 51104. (712) 279-1651. Tricia Currans-Sheehan, Editor.
tricia.currans-sheehan@briarcliff.edu
www.briarcliff.edu/bcreview

Chautauqua Literary Journal
Writing Contest
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Chautauqua Literary Journal is given annually for a poem or group of poems, a short story, or an essay. This year’s contest is open to poets. Robin Becker will judge. Submit up to three poems totaling no more than six pages with a $20 entry fee by November 15. Send an SASE, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines. (See Recent Winners.)
Chautauqua Literary Journal, Writing Contest, P.O. Box 28, Chautauqua, NY 14722. Jill Gerard, Editor.
clj@uncw.edu
writers.ciweb.org

DIAGRAM
Hybrid Nonfiction Contest
A prize of $1,000 and publication in DIAGRAM will be given annually for an essay that incorporates writing in other genres, or unique textual or visual elements. Ander Monson and Nicole Walker will judge. Using the online submission system, submit an essay of up to 10,000 words with a $15 entry fee by October 30. E-mail or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
DIAGRAM, Hybrid Nonfiction Contest, 648 Crescent Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Ander Monson, Editor.
editor@thediagram.com
www.thediagram.com/contest.html

Georgetown Review
Literary Prize
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Georgetown Review is given annually for a single poem, a short story, or an essay. All entries will be considered for publication. Submit a poem, short story, or essay of any length with a $10 entry fee ($5 for each additional entry) by November 15. Visit the Web site for complete guidelines. (See Recent Winners.)
Georgetown Review, Literary Prize, 400 East College Street, Box 227, Georgetown, KY 40324. Steven Carter, Editor.
georgetownreview.georgetowncollege.edu

Graywolf Press
Nonfiction Prize
An advance of $12,000 and publication by Graywolf Press is given annually for a book-length work of creative nonfiction by a writer who has published no more than two books in that genre. Robert Polito will judge. Submit a manuscript of 175 to 400 pages by October 1. There is no entry fee. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Graywolf Press, Nonfiction Prize, 2402 University Avenue, Suite 203, St. Paul, MN 55114. Katie Dublinski, Editorial Director.
www.graywolfpress.org

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
Writing Fellowships
Guggenheim Fellowships are awarded annually to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers “on the basis of stellar achievement and exceptional promise for continued accomplishment.” Submit a career summary, a statement of intent, and up to three published books by September 15. There is no entry fee. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Writing Fellowships, 90 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016. (212) 687-4470.
fellowships@jsgmf.org
www.gf.org

Harvard University
Radcliffe Institute Fellowships
Fellowships of up to $70,000 each, an office space at the Radcliffe Institute, and access to the libraries at Harvard University are given annually to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers to allow them to pursue creative projects. Fellows are expected to reside in Boston during the fellowship period, which lasts from September to June. Poets who have published at least 20 poems in the last five years or a book of poetry and who are in the process of completing a manuscript are eligible. To be considered for a fellowship in fiction or creative nonfiction, applicants must have a contract for publication of a book-length manuscript or at least three shorter works published. Writers who are graduate students at the time of application are not eligible. Submit up to 10 poems, one or two short stories, a recent book chapter, or an essay totaling no more than 30 pages; three letters of reference (sent directly to the institute by the references); a curriculum vitae; and a project proposal by October 1. There is no entry fee. Call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines. (See Recent Winners.)
Harvard University, Radcliffe Institute Fellowships, Fellowship Office, 8 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. (617) 496-1324.
fellowships@radcliffe.edu
www.radcliffe.edu/fellowships

Missouri Review
Editors’ Prizes
Three prizes of $3,000 each and publication in Missouri Review are given annually for a group of poems, a short story, and an essay. Submit up to 10 pages of poetry or a story or essay of up to 25 pages with a $20 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Missouri Review, by October 1. Send an SASE, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Missouri Review, Editors’ Prizes, 357 McReynolds Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. (573) 882-4474. Speer Morgan, Editor.
www.missourireview.com

New Rivers Press
MVP Competition
Three prizes of $1,000 each and a standard royalty contract are given annually for book-length manuscripts of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction by emerging writers. The winning works will be published by New Rivers Press and distributed nationally through Consortium. This year, the prizes in prose are only open to writers who reside in Minnesota or New York City; the prize in poetry is open to all U.S. writers. Submit a poetry manuscript of 50 to 80 pages; a collection of short stories, novellas, or personal essays of 100 to 200 pages; or a novel or memoir of up to 400 pages with a $20 entry fee between September 15 and November 1. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
New Rivers Press, MVP Competition, 1104 Seventh Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56563. Donna Carlson, Managing Editor.
carlsond@mnstate.edu
www.newriverspress.com

New York Foundation for the Arts
Artists’ Fellowships
Fellowships of $7,000 each are given biennially to poets and creative nonfiction writers on the basis of the excellence of their recent work. Grants alternate yearly with fellowships in fiction. Writers who are at least 18 years old, have lived in New York State for at least two years prior to application, and are not enrolled in a degree-granting program are eligible. Using the online submission system, submit up to 20 pages of poems by October 6, or up to 20 pages of creative nonfiction by October 8. There is no entry fee. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines. (See Recent Winners.)
New York Foundation for the Arts, Artists’ Fellowships, 155 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10013-1507. (212) 366-6900, ext. 240. David Terry, Awards and Creative Development Officer.
fellowships@nyfa.org
www.nyfa.org/afp

North Carolina Arts Council
Writers’ Fellowships
Fellowships of $10,000 each are given biennially to North Carolina poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, and literary translators. Applicants must have lived in North Carolina for at least one year prior to the application deadline and may not be enrolled in an academic or degree-granting program during the fellowship year. Fellows must maintain their residency throughout the grant period. Submit up to 10 poems or 20 pages of prose, a resumé, and a statement of purpose. Literary translators should also submit the original work. The deadline is November 3. There is no application fee. Call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
North Carolina Arts Council, Writers’ Fellowships, Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC 27699-4632. (919) 807-6512. Debbie McGill, Literature Director.
debbie.mcgill@ncmail.net
www.ncarts.org

Princeton University
Hodder Fellowships
Three fellowships are given annually to writers of exceptional promise to pursue independent projects in the humanities at Princeton University for an academic year. Each fellowship includes a $60,000 stipend. Typically the fellows are poets, novelists, creative nonfiction writers, and translators who have published one highly acclaimed work and are undertaking a significant new project that might not be possible without the “studious leisure” afforded by the fellowship. Fellows are required to live in Princeton during the 2009–2010 academic year. Preference is given to individuals outside of academia, and PhD candidates are not eligible. Submit up to 10 pages of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, a resumé, and a project proposal of two to three pages by November 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Princeton University, Hodder Fellowships, Lewis Center for the Arts, Program in Creative Writing, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. (609) 258-4096. Janine Braude, Contact.
jbraude@princeton.edu
www.princeton.edu/arts/fellows

Pulitzer Prizes
Prizes in Letters
Three prizes of $10,000 each are given annually to U.S. writers to honor the most distinguished books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) in the United States during the previous year. For books published between June 15 and December 31, 2008, submit four copies, an author biography, and a photograph with a $50 entry fee by October 15. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
Pulitzer Prizes, Prizes in Letters, 709 Journalism Building, 2950 Broadway, Mail Code 3865, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027. (212) 854-3841. Sig Gissler, Prize Board Administrator.
www.pulitzer.org

Southern Indiana Review
Mary C. Mohr award
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Southern Indiana Review is given annually for a poem, short story, or work of creative nonfiction. This year’s award is given for a work of creative nonfiction. Susan Neville will judge. All entries will be considered for publication. Submit an essay of up to 25 pages with a $15 entry fee ($5 for each additional essay) by October 1. Call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
(See Recent Winners.)
Southern Indiana Review, Mary. C. Mohr Award, University of Southern Indiana, 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47712. (812) 464-1855. Ron Mitchell, Editor.
sir@usi.edu
www.southernindianareview.org

Wisconsin Arts Board
Artist Fellowship Awards
Seven fellowships of $8,000 each are given biennially to Wisconsin poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers to support continued artistic achievement. Writers living in Wisconsin who are not full-time students pursuing a fine arts degree are eligible. Submit five copies of up to 15 pages of poetry or 25 pages of prose, a curriculum vitae, and a personal statement by September 15. There is no entry fee. Visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines.
Wisconsin Arts Board, Artist Fellowship Awards, 101 East Wilson Street, 1st Floor, Madison, WI 53702. (608) 266-0190.
www.artsboard.wisconsin.gov

CNF Contests; 1 Writing Job

English — Open Rank

The Department of English invites applications for a tenure-track position in Creative Writing - Creative Nonfiction. The ideal candidate would have a secondary expertise in fiction writing or some area of literature, along with a strong record of publication. Enthusiasm for teaching composition and general education literature is vital. Ph.D. or MFA. Open rank. Please see College website for more information: http://www.wheaton.edu/welcome/aboutus.

Position will begin with the 2009-2010 academic year. Send letter of interest, resume, and names of references by November 14, 2008 to:

Dr. Sharon Coolidge, Chair
English Department
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL 60187

Application forms will be sent to promising applicants.

Wheaton College is a highly selective Evangelical Protestant Christian liberal arts college whose faculty members affirm a Statement of Faith and adhere to lifestyle expectations of our Community Covenant. The College complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Send letter of interest and curriculum vitae (unless otherwise stated) to:
Office of the Provost
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL 60187

Applications will be mailed to promising candidates.

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Sheila Bender's Writing It Real, an online magazine for those who write from personal experience, is holding a poetry and personal essay contest. We seek previously unpublished essays up to two pages double-spaced on anytheme from personal experience.

Reading period ends September 30, 2008.

Complete guidelines at http://www.writingitreal.com/page.php?p=essay_contest

Everyone who enters the contest will receive a detailed response to their work from Sheila Bender. Three winners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, will be asked for permission to publish their work in Writing It Real and will receive a half-hour phone consult on writing and publishing with Sheila.

Three winners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, will be asked for permission to publish their work in Writing It Real and will receive a half-hour phone consult with Sheila on writing and publishing.

Submit up to six double-spaced pages of prose or three poems.
Reading Fee: $45 Reading Fee includes a $30 year's subscription to Writing It Real as well as Sheila's response.

=========================

2009 National Writing Contest in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry
Deadline: October 1st, 2008 (postmark deadline).
http://www.prescott.edu/highlights/alligator_juniper/submit.html

$10 Entry Fee
$500 First Place Prize
Postmark Deadline: October 1, 2008

Our annual contest awards $500 plus publication for the first place winner in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Additional winners selected for publication will be paid in copies. $10 entry fee, checks payable to Alligator Juniper. Every entrant receives one copy of the 2009 issue, a $10 value. The issue will come out in summer 2009. There is no theme for the 2009 issue. Work is selected upon artistic merit. By entering our contest you agree to allow us to select your work for publication even if it does not place first. We encourage submissions from writers of all levels, especially emerging or early-career writers. We accept simultaneous submissions; inform us in your cover letter and contact us immediately if your work is selected elsewhere.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions accepted May 1st through October 1st, 2008 (postmark deadline).

Include a brief cover letter, including the statement below.

Include S.A.S.E for response only; manuscripts are recycled, not returned.

Include a $10 entry fee payable to Alligator Juniper for each story or essay (30 page limit per entry), or up to five poems.

Additional entries require additional fee.

Indicate category with a large F, NF, or P on cover letter and mailing envelope.

Manuscripts must be typed with numbered pages. Prose double-spaced.
0ADouble-sided copies encouraged. No email submissions.

Send to: Alligator Juniper, Prescott College, 220 Grove Avenue, Prescott AZ, 86301

IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, due to recent problems with misinformed entrants and withdrawals, we ask that you include the following statement in your signed cover letter: "I have read and understand the guidelines for Alligator Juniper’s national writing contest."

Back issues are available for all but 1995 (the premier issue) and 2001. Send $8 to above address and specify what year you would like to receive.

Selection Process

All entries are read and discussed by Prescott College students in the Alligator Juniper practicum class. This class is overseen each fall by two faculty members, each of whom is a working writer in the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.


All entrants receive a personal letter from one of our staff regarding the status of their submission. We usually inform in late January. The individual attention we devote to each manuscript takes time. We appreciate your patience.

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2009 Georgetown Review Contest
Submissions must be postmarked by on or before November 15, 2008.
http://georgetownreview.georgetowncollege.edu/grcontest.htm

$1,000 and publication to the winning short story, poem, or essay on any theme or subject. All genres welcome.

Entry fee is $10 for the first entry, $5 for each entry thereafter. One poem, story, or essay counts as one entry. Please make out checks or money orders to "Georgetown Review."

If you want your work returned or want to receive a notice about the winner and runners-up, you must send us a stamped, self-addressed envelope. However, we will post a list of the work we choose on our website after the contest is judged, and we will do our best to have this list up by February 2010.

The magazine’s editors will judge.

Simultaneous and multiple submissions are okay. Your name can appear on your work as well, and in fact, we prefer that your name, address and email address appear on your entries. We have a small editorial staff and would not award the prize to any colleagues, students, or friends. You do not need a cover sheet.

All entries are considered for publication. In the 2008 contest, 20 runner-up works were selected for publication. If your work is published, Georgetown Review acquires first North American rights, which means that after we publish the piece the rights to it revert back to you.

Send entries to:

2009 Contest
Georgetown Review
400 East College Street
Box 227
Georgetown, KY 403240A

======================

The Atlantic Monthly invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays for its 2008 Student Writing Contest.
deadline: DECEMBER 1, 2008
http://www.theatlantic.com/a/contest.mhtml

Categories
Poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays.

Prizes
First $1,000 | Second: $500 | Third: $250
and one-year subscriptions to The Atlantic Monthly for seven runners-up in each category.

ENTRANTS must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting U.S. institution. Submissions should be original, unpublished work (they may have appeared in student periodicals) demonstrating superior quality of expression and craftsmanship.

SUBMISSIONS should not exceed three poems or 7,500 words of prose. No entrant may send more than one submission per category, and entries must be postmarked by December 1, 2008.

MANUSCRIPTS should be typewritten (one side only, please) double-spaced, and accompanied by a cover sheet with the following information: title, category, word count, author's name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if available), and academic institution. Of this information, only the title should appear on the manuscript itself.

PLEASE PROVIDE a stamped, self-addressed postcard for acknowledgement of receipt. We cannot provide information on the status of a manuscript until winners are announced, in the May 2009 issue. Winners will receive notification in March 2009.

POSTMARK SUBMISSIONS BY DECEMBER 1, 2008, AND SEND TO:
Student Writing Contest
The Atlantic Monthly
The Watergate
600 New Hampshire20Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Submissions will not be accepted via e-mail or fax.

================

2009 Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest
deadline: January 31, 2009

OPEN AND STUDENT CATEGORIES

http://www.oregonquarterly.com/html/essay.htm

Oregon Quarterly invites entries to the 2009 Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest in both student and open categories. Entries should address ideas that affect the Northwest. The Oregon Quarterly staff will select finalists and the contest judge will choose the top three winners in each category. Past judges have been Kim Stafford, Barry Lopez, John Daniel, Karen Karbo, Brian Doyle, Lauren Kessler, Craig Lesley and and Kathleen Dean Moore.

PRIZES:

Open Category

First place: $750
Second place: $300
Third place: $100

Student Category

First place: $500
Second place: $200
Third place: $75

In addition

First place essays will appear in Oregon Quarterly.

A selection of top essays will be featured in a springtime public reading on the UO campus.

Fifteen finalists (ten in the open category and five students) will be announced in the summer 2009 issue of Oregon Quarterly.

All finalists will be invited to participate in a writing workshop with the contest judge. The contest is open to all nonfiction writers, except: (1) first-place winners from previous years’ contests, (2) authors who have written a feature for Oregon Quarterly in the past calendar year, and (3) staff of Oregon Quarterly, University Advancement, or their family members. The student contest is open to any student currently enrolled and pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree at a college or university. Previously published essays will not be considered.

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Submit two copies of your manuscript.

Paperclip a cover sheet to the two copies that includes only the essay’s title; a word count; and the entrant's name, address, and phone number must be provided. Indicate whether the essay is for the student or open category.

Entrant's name must not appear on any pages of the manuscript other than the cover sheet.

One entry per person.

Manuscripts should be printed double-spaced on 8½-by-11-inch white paper with minimum 1-inch margins.

Word length is 2,000 words maximum for the open category, 1,500 words for the student contest.

Faxed or e-mail entries are not accepted.

Postmark deadline is January 31, 2009.

Entries will not be returned. Those that do not meet these submission guidelines are automatically disqualified. There is no entry fee.

Send entries to:
Oregon Quarterly Essay Contest
5228 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5228

Sponsored by Oregon Quarterly magazine and the University of Oregon Bookstore

======================

Essay Contest Guidelines

http://www.tiny-lights.com/essay-contest/

14th Annual Contest Deadline: February 16, 2009

Tiny Lights invites entries that feature a distinctive voice, discernable conflict and an eventual shift in the narrator’s perspective. We are looking for writers who weave the struggle to understand into the fabric of their essays.This year, we are introducing a special prize of $300 for short essays (no more than 1,000 words).We can only consider unpublished work, or previously published material for which the author holds rights. Rights revert to author after publication in Tiny Lights.

Each essay must be accompanied by an entry fee. $15 for first essay, $10 each additional essay. Make checks payable to:

Tiny Lights Publications. Mail to: P.O. Box 928, Petaluma, CA 94953.

SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) with sufficient postage required for contest notification and/or manuscript return. Multiple submissions OK.

Essays may be submitted in one of two categories:

STANDARD (no longer than 2,000 words) or

FLASH (no more than 1,000 words)

Please indicate preferred category on ms.

Entries should be typed and double-spaced.

Cover letters are optional, but the first page of the manuscript should include author’s name, complete address, e-mail, phone number, and essay word count.

Personal essay requires writers to communicate the truth of their experiences to the best of their abilities. While no theme restrictions apply to this contest, we will not consider essays that ce
lebrate brutalitiy or the explicitly pornographic. Tiny Lights does not accept poetry, short stories, or material written for children. Entry fees for inappropriate submissions may not be returned.

Entries must be postmarked by Feburary 16, 2009.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First Place: $400

Second Place: $300

Third Place: $200

Two Honorable Mention Prizes: $100.

Three FLASH prize of $100 also offered. Awards will be determined by a panel of judges. Final authority rests with the Editor-in-Chief, Susan Bono.

Winners will be posted at

www.tiny-lights.com by April 10th, 2009

Winning essays may be edited before publication. Final copy must be approved by writer. No essays published without author’s permission.

All contestants will receive Tiny Lights’ contest publication featuring the winning entries.

=========================

Inland Empire California Writers Club
deadline: September 26
website: www.angelfire.com/amiga/iecwc/08contestwinners.html

Short Story, Poetry, NonFiction Contest;
Prizes $100, $50, $25 Per Category
Theme- The Road Less Traveled

http://www.angelfire.com/amiga/iecwc/contest.html

***Your Short Story, Poem or Non-Fiction must touch on the theme, The Road Less Traveled in some way. Be creative; you are a writer.

The 2008 Inland Empire California Writers Club Short Story, Poetry and Non-Fiction Writing Contest is Open to All Writers

(Membership in the California Writers Club is not a requirement.)

Prizes ~ 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ~ $100, $50, $25 prizes will be awarded in each of the Short Story, Poetry and Non-Fiction Categories.

Word/line length ~ Short Story and Non-Fiction are not to exceed 2,500 words, Poetry is not to exceed 100 lines (including stanza breaks). Title is not to be included in the word or line count.

Entry Format ~ All entries must be previously unpublished. Please type entry using black 12 point Times New Roman Font (or any other standard font). Short Story and Non-Fiction must be double spaced, Poetry may be single spaced. All entries must be on one side only of white 8 ½ X 11 paper. Final copies only; be sure to check all spelling and grammar. Please put NO OTHER identification on your manuscript.

On a COVER PAGE type your name, address, phone number, email, category entered, entry title, and word count (for Short Story and Non-Fiction) or line count (for Poetry). Include separ
ate cover page for each entry.

Fees ~ Enclose one check made payable to Inland Empire CWC… $10 for each Short Story, Non-Fiction piece or Poem. You may enter as many categories, as many entries as you wish.

Deadline ~ All entries must be postmarked no later than September 26, 2008.

Winners ~ Winners will be announced at the November 22, 2008 Inland Empire CWC meeting 10:15 a. m. at the Borders Bookstore in Montclair, CA. (Winners will be notified by November 15, 2008 and asked to email their winning entry for publication purposes. Winners do not have to attend the November meeting to receive their awards.) All winning entries will be published in Inland Empire CWC’s journal Fresh Ink, December 2008 issue that will be available for downloading approximately December 10, 2008 from the IECWC

website: www.angelfire.com/amiga/iecwc/08contestwinners.html.

Authors retain all rights.

Submit to ~ Harold Ramage
IECWC Writing Contest
2378 8th Street
La Verne, CA 91750

Questions? Email Aleta (replace (at) with @)

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2009 Editors’ Prizes in Nonfiction, Fiction and Poetry
July 1 - October 15, 2008
http://isotope.usu.edu/pages/contest.htm

Isotope is looking for outstanding examples of literary nature and science writing. Below you will find our contest submission guidlines. Winners will receive publication and $300. All entrants will receive a subscription to Isotope and will also be considered for publication. Entrants will be notified in spring 2009.

Contest Guidelines

No more than 20 pages of prose (fiction or nonfiction), standard font, double-spaced, normal margins.

Simultaneous submissions are okay, so long as they are identified as such and we are notified immediately if work is taken elsewhere. We do not accept submissions of previously published material.

1-5 poems, totaling not more than 10 pages, single-spaced, no more than one poem per page.

Name should not appear on manuscript.

Include cover sheet with name, address, e-mail, phone number(s), genre and titles of work submitted.

Include genre on outside of envelope.

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for notification of results. You may also include a self-addressed, stamped postcard to confirm receipt of your entry at the magazine.

Pay the $15 contest fee for each entry. Payments can be made online here, or payments can be mailed to the address below. Fees will be credited toward a discounted two-year subscription.

You may enter only one submission in each genre but you may enter more than one genre.

Entries must be postmarked July 1 - October 15, 2008.

Note: Each entry requires the $15 fee, which will be credited to extended subscriptions if you enter two or three genres total. Pay your contest fees at

http://isotope.usu.edu/pages/contestfees.htm

Send entries to:

Isotope
Department of English
Utah State University
3200 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-3200

Manuscripts will not be returned. Those not selected will be recycled.

=========================

First Impressions National Story Competition
http://www.impressions.firstpersonarts.org/

To download competition guidelines and application form
visit http://www.impressions.firstpersonarts.org/

A National Competition for Memoir and Documentary Writers, Videographers and Photographers.

Each day countless stories unfold. Take a real life experience of your own and tell it in a way that only you can. Craft your story with words, photos or video. Make the ordinary magical, or the exotic familiar. Shock us, amaze us or make us pause to reflect. The only rule is that it's real.

All entries must be new works that have not previously been published, exhibited or screened in the US.

Film up to 5 minutes

Essay -1500 words or less

Photography up to 5 images. Single images are welcome; multiple images must be related, as in a photo essay.

Contest must be entered via e-mail.

Online entry instructions at

http://www.impressions.firstpersonarts.org/

============================

52PerfectDays.com invites you to enter our 2008 Travel Writing Contest with a first-place prize of $150 U.S. dollars.
http://www.52perfectdays.com/2008-travel-writing-contest

2008 Theme: "Undiscovered America"

Deadline: October 31, 2008

Whether you are a freelancer, professional writer or just looking for an excuse to finally write about your travels, you are invited to submit a travel article to the 1st Annual 52 Perfect Days Travel Writing Contest.

Many of our readers are travelers looking for travel ideas which take them to areas outside of the tourist hubs and into the most interesting and less discovered parts of the United States. Do you know of an off-the-beaten-track area in the U.S.? We are looking for submissions written by authors who have firsthand knowledge of an undiscovered section of city, or a relatively unheard of town or experience.

Articles should appeal to those who enjoy U.S. travel and willing to get a bit adventurous. Whether you want to explore the ethnic foods in a certain section of town, backpacking in a remote location or know of a coastal town yet to be truly discovered we want to hear your story! Please offer engaging, descriptive pieces that really share the experience and not just a laundry list of things to do and where to go. We want the readers to be so excited reading your piece they can’t wait to visit themselves.

http://www.52perfectdays.com/2008-travel-writing-contest

Visit the site above for detailed entry instructions (no fee).

=========================

Nonfiction chapbook contest offered by Gribble Press
deadline: October 31
http://www.greymaredit.com/2715/2736.html

1. Send your chapbook manuscript of 20-30 pages of non-fiction.

2. Paginate ms. and include table of contents.

3. Individual pieces may have been published in literary journals, but the ms.has not been previously published before as a book. Include acknowledgement page for previously published pieces.

4. Send two cover pages, one with your name and contact information, one with the name of manuscript only.

5. Attach check or money order in the amount of $15.00 made to the order of Gribble Press.

6. Include an SASE for notification of winner

7. May be a simultaneous submission, but we want immediate notification if accepted by another press.


8. You may submit multiple submissions, but please include a $15.00 entry fee for each submission.

9. Manuscript must be postmarked by October 31, 2008. Winner will be announced by December 1, 2008.

10. Send through regular U.S. mail. If you want notification of receipt, include a stamped postcard, no postal return receipts, please.

11. Mail to Chapbook Contest, Gribble Press, PO Box 10307, Spokane, WA 99209-0307.

Note: We will run a contest with the intent to act ethically, provide clear guidelines, and make our process as transparent as possible. Our goal is to publish the most exciting and energetic literary work available.

Contact us at Gribble Press, PO Box 10307, Spokane, WA 99209-0307 or e-mail Gribble(at)greymaredit.com (replace (at) with @)

===========================

CNF's Bits of String

Today I looked out my kitchen's side window and noted a new spider web. Not one of those beautiful-with-the-dew-clinging-to-it webs. No, this is the work of some kind of spider that makes its webs the way I tend house, resulting in a big ol' sloppy mess. I repress a shudder at the thought of spiders, sigh when I remember that I'd noticed a web developing on our front-door wreath too, and hope my husband will dismantle them before I see one of their occupants.

There's probably an essay in these morning musings--something about dwellings or phobias or times when sloppiness and procrastination turn out OK--but what I've got isn't even a story yet. It's not even a real scene. It's a moment. I think of such a moment as a bit of string. You add it to a ball of moments, and one day something may be woven from it. Patience is important.

Listen and Learn

Have I talked about audio books yet?

You know how everyone tells you to read your writing out loud? You notice things when you're reading out loud that you never spot when you're looking at the words on the page. I totally believe in this. Then add that to the advice to read all the time. My current advice: Listen to audio books with the same perspective--i.e., as a writer--that you use when you read books. Listen for cadence, images, word choice.

With some books, I'm so anxious to find out what happens that I rush through the words. With an audio book, I can't rush. I have to pay attention to all the words; and as writers, we have to pay attention to all our words.

Nonfiction Writing Job Open

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Creative Writing - Nonfiction - #0603
Department: English College of Arts & Sciences

The English Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in nonfiction to join the MFA faculty, appointment to begin in Fall 2009. We seek a colleague with an active publication record in nonfiction, who will offer graduate and undergraduate courses in nonfiction literature and workshops in nonfiction writing. We hope for a colleague whose publications might focus on any approach to nonfiction (lyric essay, science writing, nature writing, travel writing, memoir, etc.), but who in any case is actively inquiring into the nature of nonfiction, and whose work as a writer and teacher will complement the interdisciplinary interests of current faculty and students.
MFA or PhD in creative writing or relevant field, or equivalent experience. One book or equivalent record of prominent national publication required. Our new colleague will maintain an active publication record, teach a range of coursework in creative writing and literature, and work closely with MFA students, including serving on and chairing thesis committees.

Application Materials Required:
Please send letter of application, c.v., writing sample, 3 letters of reference, and evidence of successful teaching to Beth Loffreda, Director, MFA in Creative Writing, University of Wyoming, English Department 3353, Laramie, WY 82071. Review of applications will begin November 1st, 2008. Interviews at MLA. The University of Wyoming is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.

Application Information

Postal Address:

University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071