Third Annual Beginner's Short Story Contest
A contest that is truly for beginner's only! If you have been fortunate enough to sell a book or a short story, congratulations - but you don't qualify for this contest. If you have self-published, you do qualify. This is an honor system.
RULES:
1. Any genre (Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Drama, Children, etc.)
2. 1,000 - 1,750 words
3. There is no entry fee, but since Creative Writing Institute is a non-profit charity that sponsors cancer patients in writing courses, we're asking entrants to donate $1 - $5 donations through credit card or PayPal at http://creativewritinginstitute.com/donate.php. If you can't donate, you're still welcome to enter.
4. Short Story rights remain the property of the author
5. Entries must be G-rated. That means no swearing or vulgarities.
6. Contest ends midnight, USA Eastern Standard Time, October 20, 2011
7. Mail to head judge, jopopek@gmail.com
8. Put WRITING CONTEST in the subject line
9. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, style, and technique
10. NOT following instructions may lead to disqualification
11. Up to two entries per person
12. Winners will be notified by email on or before December 15, 2011.
Prizes: 1st place winner will receive cash (up to $100, depending on donations received) OR a free, tutored writing course at Creative Writing Institute, valued at $200. In addition, the winner will receive two books, Word Magic by Cindy Rogers and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Our thanks go to both Cindy and Barbara for making these prizes available. Winning entry will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and our blogs, along with the winner's bio and picture, if provided.
Second place: Two free tutoring sessions with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and a copy of Word Magic by Cindy Rogers. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Third place: One free tutoring session with CEO and Founder, Deborah Owen, and an autographed copy of Word Trippers by Barbara McNichol. Winner's name will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
Honorable mentions: Names will be published on http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com and its blogs and we will provide a link to your story.
This is a small contest and your chances of winning are good. Enter now!
If you haven't signed up for The Writer's Choice Newsletter, which is chock full of writing tips, you can do that here: http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com. Fear not - we won't spam you.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Journaling with Your Writing Voice
Use Your Writing Voice to Journal
by guest blogger, Annie Evett
Journaling gives a writer the opportunity to exercise their voice. We all have a story to tell. What better way to express your writing voice than through journaling?
Journal your observations on everyday life. Don't shy away from committing your words to page because you feel your contribution to life is unimportant. What is pedestrian to you will most certainly be exotic to at least a small audience somewhere on the globe.
• Let your writing voice out. Journal first. Worry about getting a publisher or a book deal later. Write to just prove you can do it.
• We are surrounded by those who talk about books they want to write. There are far fewer individuals who actually complete that vision. Write more, talk less.
• Accept your past and all of your experiences as key to shaping who you are. Instead of comparing your writing voice to others, embrace where it is taking you.
• Write from your whole self and from your passions. A clear writing voice will reach your audience. Flavor it with humor. Learn to laugh at yourself. If you like to talk about new ideas, liberally sprinkle them in your writing. Anything less will be unsustainable along your journey as a writer.
• Start journaling the passions and perceptions of events that shape your existence. Do more than write a series of personal events. Put effort into your writing.
A myriad of venues that simply includes surroundings and experiences can stop creative flow. Similarly, a writing voice that holds no structure or theme leaves the audience little to identify with. Even when you write only for yourself, let your writing voice shine.
Can anyone write or is it only for the chosen few?
Perhaps it is for the few that choose to hone their writing voice.
by guest blogger, Annie Evett
Journaling gives a writer the opportunity to exercise their voice. We all have a story to tell. What better way to express your writing voice than through journaling?
Journal your observations on everyday life. Don't shy away from committing your words to page because you feel your contribution to life is unimportant. What is pedestrian to you will most certainly be exotic to at least a small audience somewhere on the globe.
• Let your writing voice out. Journal first. Worry about getting a publisher or a book deal later. Write to just prove you can do it.
• We are surrounded by those who talk about books they want to write. There are far fewer individuals who actually complete that vision. Write more, talk less.
• Accept your past and all of your experiences as key to shaping who you are. Instead of comparing your writing voice to others, embrace where it is taking you.
• Write from your whole self and from your passions. A clear writing voice will reach your audience. Flavor it with humor. Learn to laugh at yourself. If you like to talk about new ideas, liberally sprinkle them in your writing. Anything less will be unsustainable along your journey as a writer.
• Start journaling the passions and perceptions of events that shape your existence. Do more than write a series of personal events. Put effort into your writing.
A myriad of venues that simply includes surroundings and experiences can stop creative flow. Similarly, a writing voice that holds no structure or theme leaves the audience little to identify with. Even when you write only for yourself, let your writing voice shine.
Can anyone write or is it only for the chosen few?
Perhaps it is for the few that choose to hone their writing voice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
