Ok, so I've been feeling like I need to slow down and get more experience in the writing world before I continue with my current WIP. Well, actually I asked for a blessing and you know your not going to like the answer when your husband has to pause to hide a snicker. Anyways, I was told to be patient. After much prayer and temple worship I have realized that I need to slow down and learn more about the craft of writing. So I have been looking for contests, especially ones that offer feedback. There are so many out there, it's completely overwhelming! So far here are just a few that I found.
Dame Throckmorton Fiction Contest – www.coffehousefiction.com
Deadline Jan. 1, 2010
Sherwood Anderson Short Fiction Award – www.bgsu.edu/midamericanreview
Deadline Oct.1, 2009
Carolyn A. Clark Flash Fiction Prize – www.soulmakingcontest.us
Deadline Nov. 1, 2009
Here's my question to you. Have you entered the world of writing contests and how was your experience? Do you know of any contests that you would suggest? Have you submitted articles or stories to magazines? How was your experience and how would I learn of the submission requirements?
I plan on posting contest links on our "Where MMW's Hang" page. Be sure to send me any you know of so I can post them as well.
P.S. Mary-my daughter thinks you look like the actress that plays Esme on "Twilight".
Elizabethe-she thinks you look like America Ferrera.
I thought about telling her that of course these famous actresses are my personal friends, but that whole burning in heck for lying thing stopped me!!
I've had good success submitting stories to magazines, especially LDS-related publications. I've sold a story to the Friend, one to The Leading Edge, and one to BYU Magazine. It is good practice to prepare a manuscript and a cover letter, and then when I get paid I have a little money to cover my annual membership in the SCBWI.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing, though, is that it proves to myself that someone out there thinks my words are worth paying for.
I haven't entered a writing contest since I turned twelve and became too old for the one sponsored by Cricket Magazine. Now one of my life's ambitions is to sell them a story. I've got something in mind but I haven't started working on it yet.
Great post, Nikki! Recently I've been looking into contest information too. I found some I'm interested in, but I don't have the info with me to post. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'm submitted an essay to Segullah a few weeks ago. And they have another deadline in December I'm writing towards.
ReplyDeleteWriting contests are a good experience, I think. The more experience, the better.
Tell your daughter thanks :) I feel like the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man and won't dare post new pix of my 3rd trimester body/face/etc. :)
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