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Friday Finds for Writers

by on Friday, September 21, 2012 (2) Comments

The weekly collection of writing-related resources, news, and reflections to read over the weekend.

  • First up: “Three Stories Unlikely to Make it Beyond the Slush”–at least at Indiana Review.
  • Next: I’m hoping to set aside some time soon to dig into The Open Notebook’s Pitch Database. It looks like a great way to see how other nonfiction writers–specifically, science writers–have successfully pitched features to major magazines and newspapers. (A tip of the hat to the member of the Upod group who shared this resource with the rest of us in response to another list member’s question.)
  • Let’s continue with some thoughts about poetry and our contemporary “mass-submission culture.”
  • And speaking of poetry: What are some of your favorite opening lines?
  • Among the highlights of the current issue of WOW! Women on Writing (which has a “Freelance Writing” theme) is this Q&A with Carol Tice, of “Make a Living Writing” fame.

    • Have a great weekend, everyone. As you read this, I’m already enjoying a mini-vacation in New England. See you back here on Monday.

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    Friday Finds for Writers

    by on Friday, September 14, 2012 (1) Comments

    The weekly collection of writing-related reflections, news, and resources to read over the weekend.

  • Let’s begin with something that’s been making the e-rounds: Philip Roth sets the record straight on the inspiration behind the protagonist in The Human Stain. (You thought the character was based on Anatole Broyard? Think again.)
  • Next up: This interview with Sarah Davies includes some important questions every writer should ask before signing with an agent. (via @occasionallyzen)
  • Ever find yourself facing Twitter-related dilemmas? Thankfully, Nina Badzin will be writing a Writer Unboxed column to help guide and advise you.
  • I don’t know about you, but I’m always fascinated to learn why editors choose a particular piece. In this post, The Kenyon Review‘s David Lynn explains why KR chose Segun Alfolabi’s story “Ezekiel,” which appears in the fall 2012 issue.
  • It’s mid-month, which means it’s time for another installment of the Fiction Writers Review “First Looks” column, where I present intriguing about-to-be published works of fiction.

    • Have a great weekend, all. I’ll be busy celebrating Rosh Hashanah on Monday, but I’ll make sure there’s a post up for you nonetheless.

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    Monday Markets/Jobs/Opportunities for Writers

    by on Monday, September 10, 2012 (4) Comments

    Monday brings the weekly batch of no-fee contests/competitions and paying gigs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction).

  • First up: News from Tin House magazine: “Starting September 1, Tin House will be reading for Spring and Summer, 2013. The Summer issue is open, non-themed. The Spring issue has a theme of “This Means War.” Conflict is at the heart of all stories, and these days it seems that the world’s major conflicts are portrayed in black and white, good and evil. We’re looking for the grey, the messy, the not-so-easily classified. We’re not just looking for work about armed conflict, but domestic, political, ecological, religious, and moral battles. If there is heat, we want to see the fire. The Spring, 2013 deadline is October 31. The Summer, 2013 deadline is January 14.”
  • Next: Interested in winning a copy of the new edition of the Guide to Literary Agents? Check the link for details.
  • This looks like a useful list for creative-nonfiction writers: book contests and publishers. Note that the contests all seem to charge fees, but many of the publishers appear to welcome submissions fee-free. (Hat tip to Hippocampus Magazine.)
  • Attention, Canadian writers: News about a new fiction prize (no fee indicated). Deadline: October 1.
  • The new academic year brings a wave of academic job announcements: Continue reading ›

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    Friday Finds for Writers

    by on Friday, September 07, 2012 (2) Comments

    The weekly collection writing-related reflections, news, and resources to read over the weekend.

  • First up: “Who needs to write every day? Only someone who feels they can, who wants to, who needs to (for deadline or other reasons), and for whom that kind of schedule is workable, enjoyable, nurturing, and possible.” Note the original emphasis in this post from Lisa Romeo.
  • Next: “5 Ways Writers Can Get the Most out of Goodreads.”
  • “8 Tips for Promoting Your Book Online.”
  • I’m sure we’re all sending healing thoughts to author Judy Blume.
  • And if you were intrigued by our Q&A with David Abrams–perhaps especially by David’s references to the Emerging Writers Network–please take a few moments to read this post from the man behind the EWN, Dan Wickett, on the occasion of the publication of David’s first novel this week.

    • Have a great weekend. See you back here on Monday.

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    Monday Markets/Jobs/Opportunities for Writers

    by on Monday, August 20, 2012 (0) Comments

    Monday brings the weekly batch of no-fee contests/competitions and paying gigs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction).

  • First, news from Gold Wake Press regarding its print series: “We are interested in expanding our catalog with drama, mixed genre works, & novels/novellas. We are ONLY open to these at the current time.”
  • Next: “The online literary journal http://www.anderbo.com is looking for a reader/screener for its 2012 Open City Magazine No-Fee RRofihe Trophy Short Story Contest @ Anderbo http://www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/no-fee-rrofihe-trophy2012.html now in its 9th year. This is a part-time, online, paying position. A recent winning story can be read @http://www.anderbo.com/anderbo1/afiction-057.html.” (The position, advertised on craigslist, pays $20/hour; if you’re more interested in entering the contest than reading/screening for it, the deadline is December 31, 2012.)
  • If you’re already familiar with Duotrope—”a resource for writers that offers an extensive, searchable database of current fiction, poetry, and non-fiction markets, a calendar of upcoming deadlines, submissions trackers (for registered users), and useful statistics compiled from the millions of data points we’ve gathered on the publishers we list”—take a look at the sleek redesign. And if you’re not yet familiar with Duotrope, now’s a perfect time to take a look.
  • “The New Writers Project, the MFA program of the Department of English at The University of Texas at Austin, seeks applications for a distinguished faculty position as Associate Professor with tenure in Creative Writing- Poetry to begin Fall 2013.”
  • “The English Department at the University of San Francisco invites applications for a tenure-track position in poetry at the Assistant Professor level to begin Fall 2013.”
  • “Ursinus College [Penn.] invites applications for a one semester position of Science Writer in Residence for fall 2013 (8/26/13 to 12/13/13).” Review of applications begins October 1.
  • Urban Land magazine (Washington) seeks an Online Editor, North American Media Group (Minnetonka, Minn.) seeks a Senior Editor for the Cooking Club of America, and Backstage (Los Angeles) is advertising a position for an Editorial Assistant “with social-media expertise.”

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