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Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Behind that Brevity Byline

by Erika Dreifus on
9

Last week, the online journal Brevity launched its latest issue. I’m proud that my essay, “Before Sunrise,” is part of it.brevitylogo435

As mentioned in the bio note that follows the piece, “Before Sunrise” is one in a series of linked essays that I’ve been working on. At the moment, there are four essays in the sequence. Each essay treats an element of an assault that took place four years ago. The opening piece, “Sunday in the City,” was published in carte blanche last fall. Another essay, essentially “about” the medical/surgical treatment that followed the attack, is the one that, as I’ve mentioned here on the blog, was recently accepted for publication later this year.

Meantime, the fourth essay, which centers around the ensuing police investigation, has begun circulating in search of a home. All of you practicing writers will surely appreciate this fun fact: Within barely an hour of the Brevity essay going live, I received an initial rejection (via email) for that fourth essay. Ah, technology! (At least, though, it was a personalized and encouraging rejection.)

Another practice-related note: This is my first byline in Brevity after many, MANY submissions that I’ve sent in over several years. All of that advice that you hear is true: You can’t let one or two (or more) rejections stop you from submitting your work.

One last thing: I’ve been moved (and overwhelmed) by the response to “Before Sunrise.” Thank you all for your kind messages and comments.

Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Paying for My MediaBistro AvantGuild Membership (Many Times Over)

by Erika Dreifus on
9

ag_logo_large
I don’t know how many of you have purchased MediaBistro AvantGuild memberships or have considered doing so. I bought a membership a number of years ago, and then let it lapse—until last year, when, determined to build up my freelance practice, I renewed it.

In fact, I purchased a two-year membership (I’m one of those consumers more likely to fall for the discounts offered for long-term commitments!). And late last week, I received a contract—for a personal essay—that will pay for that extended membership multiple times over. (more…)

Monday Markets for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

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

  • The Nelson Algren Short Story Award competition is open for submissions until February 1. This competition is open to all legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are over 18 years of age, and there is no entry fee. Stories may run up to 8,000 words. Prizes: “One grand prize winner will receive $3,500. Four finalists will each receive $1,000. Five runners-up will each receive $500.” Note also: “All contest entries may be considered for eventual Tribune publication pending notification of the author.” (Thanks to the PayingWriterJobs list for reminding me of this imminent deadline.)
  • “Established literary publisher Pushkin Press is is looking for an experienced publicist to work part-time to publicize and market its list in the US and Canada. We are seeking a dynamic US-based publicist to promote and market Pushkin Press and our large backlist (over 100 titles) and exciting and growing program of frontlist titles (c 20 new titles/year across adult and children’s lists).” Apply by January 31, 2013.
  • “The New Republic is looking for reporter-researchers for its 2013-2014 program. Job duties include reporting, researching, writing, and fact-checking for the politics section of The New Republic’s print magazine and website; as well as assisting with web production and performing occasional clerical tasks. Reporter-researchers work closely with writers and editors, and are strongly encouraged to write articles. Most reporter-researchers finish their program with a substantial portfolio of clips and have gone on to work almost everywhere in journalism—including The New Republic itself. The year-long job will begin in summer 2013 and will include a salary. Graduating seniors as well as recent graduates and graduates from post-grad programs are welcome to apply.” Deadline: February 8, 2013.
  • Brevity has announced a flash essay contest that it is running in conjunction with the release of its latest issue. The contest builds on Philip Graham’s writing prompt in the recently released The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Nonfiction (which is republished in the new issue of Brevity). Follow the instructions and submit your flash piece by February 14. There is no entry fee. Prizes: “First prize is a copy of The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Nonfiction: Advice and Essential Exercises from Respected Writers, Editors, and Teachers and $50, second prize and third prizes will be other books from Rose Metal Press.  All three winners will be published on the Brevity blog.”
  • Ramapo College of New Jersey is advertising for a temporary Assistant Professor of Creative Writing and Literature (fiction specialist).

    • Friday Finds for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    3

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

  • “Many first manuscript attempts are not publishable, even after revision, yet they are necessary and vital for a writer’s growth.” That’s my favorite line in Jane Friedman’s “How Long Should You Keep Trying to Get Published?”
  • On The Artist’s Road, Patrick Ross has been sharing lots of “nuggets” from his latest residency in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program.
  • Susan Shapiro explains why, over a long teaching career, she has made “the humiliation essay” her “signature assignment.”
  • Wondering what an Intro to Creative Writing course might be like? Check out the course syllabus for the students lucky enough to study with Salvatore Pane at the University of Indianapolis this spring.
  • Weekend listening: I’m going to conserve some time this weekend to listen to this fiction podcast from The New Yorker: Tony Earley reads William Maxwell’s “Love.” Plus, a conversation between Earley and The New Yorker‘s fiction editor, Deborah Treisman.

    • Happy weekend, all. See you back here on Monday.

    Friday Finds for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2

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

  • For those of us with strong opinions and the urge to share them in writing (ahem): a helpful set of “10 Rules for Writing Opinion Pieces.”
  • Wise words for writers from Sharon Bially on “Marketing and the Spirit of Giving.”
  • Grant-getting tips from Jillian Keenan.
  • There is a lot of advice if you drill down through all of the links in this post on “What Writers Need to Know About Goodreads.” I, for one, can’t see myself devoting sufficient time and energy to making use of every tip. But the key take-away is this: “The key to goodreads is to become a member of the community first…and mention your writing only in context and when appropriate.”
  • And to conclude: some interesting details in this year-in-review post from Ploughshares, including data on submissions, payments, and more.

    • Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here on Monday for the final post of 2012!