Deadline: April 25, 2007
Type: Name a forthcoming nonfiction book
Theme: Companion volume to DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, this one for all genres.
Eligibility: United States resident, 18 or over
Prizes: A professional edit worth over $800 by Chris Roerden, an editor in niche publishing for more than 40 years and the author of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, of the first 200 pages of a novel-in-progress or one or more complete short stories, plus credit in the forthcoming book for the winning title.
Entry Fee: none
Description: Entries will be evaluated for creativity and ability to interest intended readers of the forthcoming book, the purpose of which is the same as for DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, though more inclusive. Contest details; reviews of original book.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Wake Up Writing
If you're looking for writing ideas or want to take a break from a long-term writing project, check out Wake Up Writing, a website that offers daily writing exercises.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Author Visit Lauren Myrackle
Lauren Myracle, best-selling author of “ttfn”, “ttyl”, and now “l8r g8r” has added a stop in Oshkosh for her national book tour. She’ll be at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh, from 3 to 4pm on Thursday, March 29th. Don’t miss her or her new books, “Twelve” and “l8r g8r”!
Lauren Myracle holds an MA in English from CSU and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. Her first novel, "Kissing Kate," was selected as one of ALA's "Best Books for Young Adults" for the year 2004. It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers." Her next novel, "Eleven," was called "lighthearted and well-observed" by Publisher's Weekly, and "ttyl" (Talk to You Later), was praised in a starred review by School Library Journal for being "fully realized and wonderfully realistic."
Lauren Myracle holds an MA in English from CSU and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. Her first novel, "Kissing Kate," was selected as one of ALA's "Best Books for Young Adults" for the year 2004. It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers." Her next novel, "Eleven," was called "lighthearted and well-observed" by Publisher's Weekly, and "ttyl" (Talk to You Later), was praised in a starred review by School Library Journal for being "fully realized and wonderfully realistic."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Writing the Breakout Novel Workshop
Early-bird registration for The Writers Institute in Madison (WI) ends April 6. The annual conference, held April 27-29, features top-notch speakers as well as opportunities to meet one-on-one with agents and authors.
The keynote program options include an all-day seminar on Saturday, April 28, with Donald Mass, author of “Writing the Breakout Novel.” Cost for the single program is $135 if you register before April 6.
The intensive workshop is designed to bring a novel-in-progress to breakout level. This is a hands-on brainstorming and writing workshop. Participants should bring the manuscript of a novel-in-progress, plus writing materials.(Of course, if you're at the idea stage for your next novel, that's fine, too.)
Each segment involves character and story development exercises that focus directly on a novel-in-progress.
Some of the topics covered:
• Adding heroic qualities right away
• Opening extra character dimensions
• Constructing inner conflict
• Creating larger-than-life qualities
• Raising personal stakes
• Deepening the antagonist
• Secondary character development
• Raising public stakes
• Building plot layers
• Weaving layers together
• Combining roles
• Heightening turning points
• Building high moments
• Measuring change (the secret behind telling not showing)
• Backstory placement
• Tension on every page
• Theme development
• First lines
• Pitch (synopsis) reduction
For a complete schedule of workshops and activies, click here.
The keynote program options include an all-day seminar on Saturday, April 28, with Donald Mass, author of “Writing the Breakout Novel.” Cost for the single program is $135 if you register before April 6.
The intensive workshop is designed to bring a novel-in-progress to breakout level. This is a hands-on brainstorming and writing workshop. Participants should bring the manuscript of a novel-in-progress, plus writing materials.(Of course, if you're at the idea stage for your next novel, that's fine, too.)
Each segment involves character and story development exercises that focus directly on a novel-in-progress.
Some of the topics covered:
• Adding heroic qualities right away
• Opening extra character dimensions
• Constructing inner conflict
• Creating larger-than-life qualities
• Raising personal stakes
• Deepening the antagonist
• Secondary character development
• Raising public stakes
• Building plot layers
• Weaving layers together
• Combining roles
• Heightening turning points
• Building high moments
• Measuring change (the secret behind telling not showing)
• Backstory placement
• Tension on every page
• Theme development
• First lines
• Pitch (synopsis) reduction
For a complete schedule of workshops and activies, click here.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tom in the News
OAWC member Tom over at Persistent Ambivalence had an article in the Sunday, March 18 issue of the Oshkosh Northwestern regarding his story in Cup of Comfort. While some of the details are wrong, (click here for details) the article is available online for a limited time here.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Harry Potter Party in Oshkosh
Come and join in the fun as downtown Oshkosh transforms into the world of Harry Potter for Harry Potter: Oshkosh Main Street Magic from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 20, 2007.
Main Street will be closed for the big event while fans countdown to the release of the final Harry Potter book. There will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The Business Improvement District, sponsor of the event, is still finalizing the details but activities in the works include:
Watch for more details!
Main Street will be closed for the big event while fans countdown to the release of the final Harry Potter book. There will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The Business Improvement District, sponsor of the event, is still finalizing the details but activities in the works include:
- A Marauder’s Map (including a scavenger hunt)
- Hogsmeade Passes
- N.E.W.T ($50) which includes:
- 10% discount for participating Downtown stores
- Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities
- Character Dinner—an end of term feast featuring Dumbledore and other Hogwarts professors! Your ticket includes a free photo.
- A raffle ticket for a trip for 4 to London to ride the Hogwarts Express, etc.
- A trip through the Shrieking Shack and a short presentation before you receive . . .
- A copy of the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—to be given out at midnight.
- O.W.L. GUEST PASS ($25) includes everything above except a copy of the book—to be purchased by N.E.W.T Pass holders for those families who do not want multiple copies of the book.
- Gringotts Goblin Pass ($28) includes a copy of the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—to be given out at midnight; a 10% discount to participating Downtown stores; Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities.
- Muggle Pass (FREE) includes 10% discount to participating Downtown stores; Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities.
- 10% discount for participating Downtown stores
- The Weird Sisters (band)
- HP Movie in the Park
- Street Vendors
- People in costume
- Crafts / games / activities for kids
- “Get a sock for Dobby” and support the Winnebago County Literacy Council – $1
Watch for more details!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Call for Submissions
The publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational book series is accepting submissions (guidelines) for the following subjects:
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection. These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. The deadline date for story submission is March 31, 2007.
Tea Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Christmas Collection
A timeless collection of stories that celebrate the magic of the season. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2007.
Coffee Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Chocolate Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
American Idol Soul
Some people can't understand why we love American Idol! Here's your chance to share your story of how an American Idol moment touched your heart and transformed your life. The deadline for story submissions is April 15, 2007.
Adopted Soul
A collection of stories that share the unique experiences of adoption from the points of view of the birth family, the person who has been adopted and the adopting family. The deadline date for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Divorced Soul
Stories of hope and encouragement for divorced people or people going through a divorce to let them know that they are not alone. The deadline for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Father and Son's Soul
A collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a father and a son. The deadline date for story submissions is August 1, 2007.
Football Lover's Soul
Stories of inspiration and resilience from football players and from the fans who love football. The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2007.
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection. These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. The deadline date for story submission is March 31, 2007.
Tea Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Christmas Collection
A timeless collection of stories that celebrate the magic of the season. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2007.
Coffee Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Chocolate Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
American Idol Soul
Some people can't understand why we love American Idol! Here's your chance to share your story of how an American Idol moment touched your heart and transformed your life. The deadline for story submissions is April 15, 2007.
Adopted Soul
A collection of stories that share the unique experiences of adoption from the points of view of the birth family, the person who has been adopted and the adopting family. The deadline date for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Divorced Soul
Stories of hope and encouragement for divorced people or people going through a divorce to let them know that they are not alone. The deadline for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Father and Son's Soul
A collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a father and a son. The deadline date for story submissions is August 1, 2007.
Football Lover's Soul
Stories of inspiration and resilience from football players and from the fans who love football. The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2007.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Author Visit - Daniel San Souci
Children's author/illustrator Daniel San Souci will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Oshkosh Public Library.San Souci is the author of the popular children's series, "The Clubhouse Books."
Daniel San Souci is the author and illustrator of nearly 50 children's books including Two Bear Cubs, illustrated for the National Parks System & coauthored with his brother, Robert San Souci & his series of Clubhouse books including Space Station Mars, based on his own childhood adventures.
Books sales/signing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 236-5208.
Daniel San Souci is the author and illustrator of nearly 50 children's books including Two Bear Cubs, illustrated for the National Parks System & coauthored with his brother, Robert San Souci & his series of Clubhouse books including Space Station Mars, based on his own childhood adventures.
Books sales/signing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 236-5208.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Congrats Dixie!
Congratulations to Dixie Jarchow for taking top place in the Curtis L. Brown Writing Challenge, sponsored by the Fox Valley Writers’ Club.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Nelligan Short Story Contest
The Colorado Review is currently accepting entries for the Nelligan Short Story Contest.
Submission guidelines:
* $1,000 will be awarded for the best short story, which will be published in the Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Colorado Review.
* This year’s final judge is Charles Baxter; friends and students (current & former) of the judge are not eligible to compete, nor are current Colorado State University employees, students, or alumni.
* Fee is $10 per entry, payable to Colorado Review; there is no limit on the number of entries you may submit.
* Stories must be previously unpublished.
* There are no length or theme restrictions.
* All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced.
* No submissions via e-mail.
* Include two cover sheets: on the first, print your name, address, telephone number, and the story title; on the second, print only the story title. Your name should not appear anywhere else on the manuscript.
* Provide SASE for contest results.
* Manuscripts will not be returned.
* Contest opens January 15, 2007.
* Deadline is the postmark of March 15, 2007.
* Winner will be announced in July 2007.
* All submissions will be considered for publication.
Entries must be clearly addressed to:
Nelligan Prize
Colorado Review
Department of English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Submission guidelines:
* $1,000 will be awarded for the best short story, which will be published in the Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Colorado Review.
* This year’s final judge is Charles Baxter; friends and students (current & former) of the judge are not eligible to compete, nor are current Colorado State University employees, students, or alumni.
* Fee is $10 per entry, payable to Colorado Review; there is no limit on the number of entries you may submit.
* Stories must be previously unpublished.
* There are no length or theme restrictions.
* All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced.
* No submissions via e-mail.
* Include two cover sheets: on the first, print your name, address, telephone number, and the story title; on the second, print only the story title. Your name should not appear anywhere else on the manuscript.
* Provide SASE for contest results.
* Manuscripts will not be returned.
* Contest opens January 15, 2007.
* Deadline is the postmark of March 15, 2007.
* Winner will be announced in July 2007.
* All submissions will be considered for publication.
Entries must be clearly addressed to:
Nelligan Prize
Colorado Review
Department of English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Wisconsin Publishers - Poetry
WisconsinPoet.com has a great UPDATED link on their website of Wisconsin magazines and publishers that print poetry.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Mind Mapping with Jeanne Williams
Creative consultant Jeanne Williams will do a one-hour presentation on mind mapping at the 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 meeting, at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Mind mapping involves the use of key ideas or steps that are arranged around a single idea or task in diagram form. Jeanne will show how writers can use mind mapping as an effective way to plot or outline stories, poems, etc.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Mind mapping involves the use of key ideas or steps that are arranged around a single idea or task in diagram form. Jeanne will show how writers can use mind mapping as an effective way to plot or outline stories, poems, etc.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Author Spotlight Schedule
“Author Spotlight” allows writers to bring in pieces of work that are eight or more pages, or a compilation of pieces that are best read/reviewed together. The last hour of each Saturday meeting is devoted to discussing the works of the featured author; advance registation is required and authors must bring ten copies of their work prior to their turn in the “Spotlight.” Those who accept a copy of the author’s work must commit to reading it and showing for the review.
The upcoming Author Spotlight Schedule:
Saturday, March 17 - Bethany (?)
Saturday, April 7 - Bob B.
Saturday, May 5 - Dixie
Saturday, June 2 - Mike N.
The upcoming Author Spotlight Schedule:
Saturday, March 17 - Bethany (?)
Saturday, April 7 - Bob B.
Saturday, May 5 - Dixie
Saturday, June 2 - Mike N.
New Books
New books available from the Oshkosh Public Library (or any library in
the Winnefox Library System):
Extraordinary Poetry Writing
Ryan, Margaret
The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing
Neubauer, Bonnie
Writing to Change the World
Pipher, Mary Bray.
See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit
Mlynowski, Sarah.
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Clark, Roy Peter.
How to Get Ideas
Foster, Jack
How to Get a Literary Agent
Larsen, Michael
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents
The Writer Books
The Legacy Guide: Capturing the Facts, Memories, and Meaning of Your
Life
Franco, Carol
Bonding: A Journal to Bring You Closer to Your Mom
Lauer, Teresa M.
Janet Evanovich's How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
Evanovich, Janet.
A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words that Work
Hart, Jack
Write: 10 Days to Overcoming Writer's Block: Period
Peterson, Karen E.
How to Build a Great Screenplay: A Master Class in Storytelling for Film
Howard, David.
Street-smart Writer: Self Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the
Writing World
Glatzer, Jenna.
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those
Who Want to Write Them
Prose, Francine
the Winnefox Library System):
Extraordinary Poetry Writing
Ryan, Margaret
The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing
Neubauer, Bonnie
Writing to Change the World
Pipher, Mary Bray.
See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit
Mlynowski, Sarah.
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Clark, Roy Peter.
How to Get Ideas
Foster, Jack
How to Get a Literary Agent
Larsen, Michael
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents
The Writer Books
The Legacy Guide: Capturing the Facts, Memories, and Meaning of Your
Life
Franco, Carol
Bonding: A Journal to Bring You Closer to Your Mom
Lauer, Teresa M.
Janet Evanovich's How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
Evanovich, Janet.
A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words that Work
Hart, Jack
Write: 10 Days to Overcoming Writer's Block: Period
Peterson, Karen E.
How to Build a Great Screenplay: A Master Class in Storytelling for Film
Howard, David.
Street-smart Writer: Self Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the
Writing World
Glatzer, Jenna.
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those
Who Want to Write Them
Prose, Francine
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Ray Bradbury Interview
Ray Bradbury has some great writing advice in "Zen in the Art of Creative Writing," some of which he repeats in an interview with Janet Wellington. The interview appeared in the March 1999 issue of Romantically Speaking; you can read it here.
Congrats Tom!
Tom Cannon has a story titled “24/7” in the ezine Long Short Story. Tom also has a story in the new "Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism." Way to go!
Monday, February 12, 2007
David Sedaris
David Sedaris, NPR humorist and best-selling author of the books Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, will appear at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. He will read a selection of his work for 60 minutes followed by a 20-minute question and answer session and a book signing. Tickets: $38.50 / $33.50 / $28.50
Those "ly" Adverbs
Erick Emert has written a great article on why you should not use adverbs ending in "ly."
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Light Project
The Light Project, sponsored by The Green Bay Symphony, is a poetry contest based on the theme "light." The winning author will receive a cash prize and world-renowned composer Daniel Kellogg will set First Place Poem to music via an orchestral score with choir, performed by the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra in April of the 2007-2008 season!
The deadline is Jan. 31.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
The deadline is Jan. 31.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Anthology Update
For those who missed the Feb. 3 meeting, the following is an abbreviated outline of what needs to be done to complete the anthology:
1. The copy needs to be retyped with the corrections made at the proofing session. [Most of this is done.]
2. Each author will receive their work in a folder to review the changes that were made at the proofing session. Also included in the folder is a sheet of proofreader marks; please use those marks when making any corrections. Whether or not you make changes, please initial each page and return the folder to Ruth. [In progress.]
3. Once everyone has signed off on their own work, we will repeat the process of the first proofing session: each piece will be read by two people (not the authors). A third person, a former editor, will also review the entire manuscript.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Decide on a title and the order of the pieces. [In progress.]
6. All the copy gets turned over to a professional designer, Nicole. She will add the cover, title page, page numbers, table of contents, etc.
7. The club will review the entire, formatted manuscript one more time before Nicole uploads the manuscript to Lulu.
8. Party?
1. The copy needs to be retyped with the corrections made at the proofing session. [Most of this is done.]
2. Each author will receive their work in a folder to review the changes that were made at the proofing session. Also included in the folder is a sheet of proofreader marks; please use those marks when making any corrections. Whether or not you make changes, please initial each page and return the folder to Ruth. [In progress.]
3. Once everyone has signed off on their own work, we will repeat the process of the first proofing session: each piece will be read by two people (not the authors). A third person, a former editor, will also review the entire manuscript.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Decide on a title and the order of the pieces. [In progress.]
6. All the copy gets turned over to a professional designer, Nicole. She will add the cover, title page, page numbers, table of contents, etc.
7. The club will review the entire, formatted manuscript one more time before Nicole uploads the manuscript to Lulu.
8. Party?
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