Monthly Archives: March 2010

Mar 16 2010

Reading Writers Contest by The Verb

Guidelines: http://www.readingwriters.com/contest.htm

Entry Fee: FREE

Deadline: May 15, 2010

The Verb E-zine runs several writing contests every year, each with a different theme. The theme of this contest is “Once Upon a Day.” Using the idea, create a story in 1,000 words or less that describes a day that lives in infamy for your protagonist. Any genre is acceptable; romance, thriller, comedy, whatever you like to write. There are two specifications, however.

  1. The first line of the story must read, “The sun rose…”
  2. The last line of the story must read, “…just as the sun went down.”

The winner receives $100 and publication in The Verb. You must submit electronically and follow the guidelines carefully. It would be a sad day for a writer who was disqualified because he or she didn’t follow directions.

Have fun with this one, and happy writing.

Mar 14 2010

Eric Hoffer Award for Short Prose

Guidelines: http://www.hofferaward.com

Entry fee: FREE

Deadline: March 31, 2010

Eric Hoffer was known as a writer who was willing to express views that were unconventional and sometimes not well received. His insightful books and essays give a look into the human condition like no other. To honor his tradition of meaningful and influential writing, the Eric Hoffer award was established.

This contest for short prose calls for outstanding writing of less than 10,000 words that has never been published, or was published with a circulation of less than 500. The winner receives $500 and various distinctions and honors including the Montaigne Medal and Da Vinci Eye. Many pieces are chosen for publication in the Best New Writing anthology each year.

Submission are by email and the guidelines for submission are here.

Mar 14 2010

Who’s a Bold Faced Liar?

Definitely one to brighten my day, Genna Cockerham, the author of the Ideas by Genna blog, and talented Suite 101 writer, has chosen TeacherWriter for this highly esteemed and coveted award. Yes, folks, now you know the truth. I have been called a Bold Faced Liar. As such, I’m required to post seven outrageous things about myself, many lies, but at least one true.

Truth or Lies?

  1. I trained my dog to do yoga poses with me. She’s especially talented at Downward Facing Dog.
  2. I can play the piano with my toes.
  3. I once killed a black widow spider on a windowsill with a karate front snap kick.
  4. When I was five I fell asleep underwater with a snorkel in my mouth.
  5. I can write with both hands simultaneously. I will not testify as to the legibility of that writing.
  6. I used to lift weights before I started pushing papers.
  7. As a child, I wanted to be an astronuaut, (have there been any children who didn’t dream of traveling in space?) therefore, I memorized the all craters on a map of the moon hanging on my bedroom wall, thinking it would give me a job advantage at NASA.

If you think you know which one(s) of these are true and which are lies, I’ll deny everything. Just to keep you wondering.

Creative Blogger Award Recipients

Keeping in the spirit of the award game, I am happy to pass this award on to Cathy C. Hall,  a witty and funny writer, and VB Tremper,  a writer to watch as she makes her mark on the literary world.

So to my honored colleagues, here are the rules of the award game.

  1. Thank the person who gave this to you. Thank you, Genna!
  2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
  3. Link the person who nominated you.
  4. Tell up to six outrageous lies about yourself, and at least one outrageous truth. The key here is the “up to” and the “at least.” This means I might tell 4 outrageous lies and 3 outrageous truths, or any combination that equals 7.
  5. Nominate up to seven “Creative Writers” who might have fun coming up with outrageous lies.
  6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
  7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Also, if anyone knows who Lesa is, could you leave a comment and let me know?

Mar 3 2010

52PerfectDays.com Travel Writing Contest 2010

Entry Fee: FREE

Deadline: October 31, 2010

Guidelines: http://www.52perfectdays.com/2008-travel-writing-contest

Are you having trouble getting friends to sit down and view your vacation photos? Fuggedaboutem! Here’s your chance to let the whole world see and read the highlights of a perfect trip you’ve taken.

Creative nonfiction writers can strut their stuff by showing what they know about a National Park in the United States or Canada. Write up to 1,000 words about the perfect way to spend a day in a National Park, National Seashore, Historic Park, or National Monument, and you could win one of several different prizes, including a trip to Oahu or Palm Springs. (Giving you more fodder for travel writing!)

The editors would like to see photos, if you have them, and a sidebar with contact information such as web URL, address, and phone number for all places mentioned. With several months to get this entry ready, you have plenty of time to plan a perfect vacation to one of the National Parks and write about your trip.

Check the 52PerfectDays website for topic ideas and complete guidelines. In addition to the top four prizes, the winning four entries will be published online.

Good luck and happy writing!