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Tag Archive for ‘Fiction’ rss

The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

  • If you’ve read our latest newsletter, you know that the application deadline for the 2012 Sozopol Fiction Seminars is approaching. You can learn a lot more about this fascinating program–which brings together fictionists writing in Bulgarian with an equal number of colleagues writing in English–from Fiction Writers Review, where several participants have shared their experiences and insights. (Cool photos from Jeremiah Chamberlain, too!)
  • Speaking of Fiction Writers Review, that’s where you’ll find my latest review–of Mark Yakich’s A Meaning for Wife (Ig Publishing).
  • Philip Graham shares some observations on titles in this blog post (adapted from a craft lecture he gave at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA residency last year). Too bad the Kardashians weren’t there to listen!
  • Any current or potential freelancer is likely to benefit from this New York Times article with tips for putting a price on your work.”
  • On a related note, Kelly James-Enger shares the results of her 2012 Freelance Income Survey.
  • And for further more on this topic: Carol Tice’s “How I Made 6 Figures as a Freelance Writer in 2011.”
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    Monday Markets/Jobs/Opportunities for Writers

  • ‘Tis the season to be preparing those financial aid applications for the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference: “Thanks to the generous support of Middlebury College and to an endowment fund established by past Bread Loafers and other donors, we are able to offer financial aid in three categories: fellowships, tuition scholarships, and work-study scholarships. Financial aid is awarded in recognition of published work or literary promise; financial need has no bearing on our decisions. Awards must be used in the year they are granted.” Deadline: March 1; early application is “strongly encouraged.” No application fees.
  • In case you missed it, last week’s Friday Find was a resource list for writers of flash nonfiction/micro-essays.
  • Over on The Writer magazine’s website, they’ve posted an online version of my article on “niche contests” and awards. A slew of no-fee competitions in poetry and prose for you over there.
  • “Booktrust and the BBC’s annual showcase of outstanding short fiction [has launched] with an expanded worldwide quest to find the best international short story of 2012 to mark the Olympic year. The judging panel for the one-off BBC International Short Story Award will be chaired by broadcaster and comedy writer Clive Anderson and the winner announced on BBC Radio 4′s Front Row. For the first time since it launched in 2006, the BBC Short Story Award will see stories from home and abroad going head-to-head for the £15,000 cheque for first place. For one year only authors from across the globe will be eligible to enter alongside UK practitioners.” There will be a runner-up award of £2,500 and eight awards of £250 for the other shortlisted stories. Note that all entering authors “must have a record of prior publication in creative writing in the United Kingdom.” Be sure to read the detailed guidelines for further specifications. No entry fee. Deadline: February 27, 2012. (via @SarahSalway)
  • “Adelphi University’s (N.Y.) English Department is seeking applicants for a Visiting Assistant Professor position to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in literature and creative writing during academic year 2012-13, replacing a fiction writer on leave. 3/3 teaching load with thesis advising duties. Published fiction writer with publications in additional genre preferred.”
  • “Mercy College’s (N.Y.) School of Liberal Arts is seeking faculty in Creative Writing, tenure track or multiple year track, rank open. This position involves teaching at all levels of the composition sequence. It includes teaching prose fiction and non-fiction as well as poetry.
  • The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (Washington) is looking for a Senior Officer, Executive and Internal Communications; the Duke University Development Office (N.C.) seeks a Senior Writer; and Milwaukee Magazine (Wisc.) invites applications for a position as Assistant Editor.
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    The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

  • Looking for a way to to develop your characters? Check out Sarah Salway’s 100-question character interview.
  • Yesterday was Edith Wharton’s birthday, and David Abrams wrote a post rendering homage.
  • Literary tourism, through Daniel Nester’s eyes.
  • Great advice from Diane Lockward on “the right time” to submit your poetry. (Not sure why the link keeps taking me to comments; please scroll up to read the full post.)
  • Some tips on deciding your story’s destiny: memoir or fiction.
  • Lots of Publishers Weekly‘s content is hidden behind a paywall, but if you’re looking for forthcoming titles to consider for your reviewing practice, you may want to look through these online announcements for the spring 2012 season.
  • The 2012 Virginia Festival of the Book schedule has been posted. (I’ll be there–will you?)
  • And in case you haven’t heard: My story collection, Quiet Americans, was just named a 2012 Sophie Brody Medal Honor Title. Details here.
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    The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

  • There’s a lot to absorb in this Fiction Writers Review interview with Joan Leegant. Stick with it to the end–especially if you’re one of us writers who didn’t have a first book published in our twenties (or thirties).
  • Daniel Nester asks, “What are the ‘rules’ of a creative writing workshop?”
  • On a related note, Lily Hoang presents the syllabus for the first MFA workshop (fiction) that she’s teaching.
  • And while we’re still talking about pedagogy: Congratulations to Stephanie Vanderslice, whose book Rethinking Creative Writing is now available in hard copy as well as in e-book version. (Stephanie is running a contest to mark this milestone: check her blog for details, and revisit our interview here.)
  • There are some real gems in this issue of Nieman Reports, “Writing the Book.” Given the source, the material will appeal especially to nonfiction writers, but there’s likely something useful for all practicing writers in these virtual pages. Sections include:”Concept to Content,” “Platform to Audience,” and “Voice to Visual.”
  • It’s the last day for you to become eligible to win a free copy of Quiet Americans!
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    Quotation of the Week: Edith Pearlman


    Q: What is your best piece of advice to new and emerging fiction writers?

    A. Read. Read everything. Read all the time. Write every so often.

    Source: Interview with Ether Writer, Edith Pearlman.

    I’ve just finished reading Pearlman’s latest (and much-lauded) collection, Binocular Vision. It’s outstanding.

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