Erika Dreifus

For many years—since long before Substack arrived on the scene—I’ve been curating “Monday Markets and Jobs” posts on the Practicing Writing blog, where everyone can still find them (albeit slightly later in the day than in the past). But I’ve begun sharing this #MondayMotivation early every Monday morning via Substack, too, as a benefit for paid subscribers.

Quick reminders: Unlike the monthly newsletter, which filters out listings that may be limited to writers in single city/state/province, these weekly posts do include such localized opportunities. In all cases, calls and competitions must not charge submission/application fees, and they must offer payment for winning/published work (or, in the case of residencies, they must not charge fees for attendance/participation).

Herewith, the latest gleanings:

It may just be the time of the year—plus, of course, the fact that I’m trying to avoid amplifying offerings from any outlet or organization that appears on “Writers, Beware”—but this week’s opportunity batch is significantly slimmer than usual. (Never fear—there’s already a healthy set of listings in the works for the next monthly edition of The Practicing Writer 2.0.)

• “Bundanon’s Artists in Residence program is the largest initiative of its kind in Australia. Operating as an annual call-out for applications, the program provides a unique opportunity for artists and researchers from all creative disciplines, both domestic and international.” The current call (which I only very recently learned about), closes May 23. NB: “Both the application and residency are free. However, artists are responsible for their own travel, catering, equipment, and material costs. If selected for a residency, we can provide a Letter of Support upon request, for any grant or funding opportunities you wish to pursue to assist in offsetting these costs. There are also several Fellowships and Awards available. Successful applicants must pay a $250 bond to secure their residency spot. This must be paid within 14 days of the invoice issue date. This bond will be returned upon completion of the residency but will be forfeited if the residency is cancelled or if damages are incurred.”
• “Time for another Story Street flash fiction contest. The theme this time is Summertime Sadness.” Limited to 100 words (and the first 1000 entries, “so it pays to be early,” although the listed deadline is May 30). Winner receive “a $100 prize as well as publication in the Story Street Review online. The three runners-up will also be published, each receiving a $25 prize.”
• “Calling all horror writers! The Delta Literary Arts Society’s 5th annual Killer Verse is upon us and that is making us feel nostalgic! What gave you nightmares as a child? As you trick or treated through crisp falls leaves, what sent a chill up your spine? Did you tell ghost stories at a sleepover? Step into a time machine and travel back to the Halloween of your nightmarish memories.” NB: “Killer Verse is DLAS’s Halloween-themed show of dramatized narrations produced every October at the North Delta Centre for the Arts.” Deadline: May 31. Compensation: $50 CAD per piece chosen.
• “Do you have a story to tell about work? At Lux magazine and Dirt we’ve been thrilled to publish essays about the jobs we love, hate, and suffer through in the 21st century. Whether it’s the diary of an abortion fund worker, waitress or an elder care worker; advice for evading a bullshit job; what we learned about corporate pinkwashing or finance or writing as labor; or a psychoanalytic meditation on what it takes to work under patriarchy, we stay fascinated with the meaning and makeup of work. We’d love to hear about yours.” On offer: “a $1,000 prize for the best narrative-driven cultural criticism about work. We are especially interested in personal stories about the ways labor shapes our lives, health, politics and perspectives. All essays should be submitted complete in the 1,500-2,000 word range and previously unpublished….The winning entry will be published in both Lux and Dirt.” Deadline: June 1.
• Applications are welcome until June 6 for the Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence program, which provides “an emerging children’s writer with the financial support, editorial assistance, and office space needed to complete one literary work for children or young adults.” The award package includes a $70,000 stipend and other benefits. NB: “There is NO residency restriction to apply, but you must be able to spend at least nineteen (19) hours per week at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square. Must be legally eligible to work in the US, as a U.S. citizen or green card holder.”