Thursday's This and That

Came across these tidbits recently...

Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest is hosting The Homeric Writer's Retreat, August 2-8, 2012 in Ithaca, Greece. Featured speakers include author Jessica Bell. Check out details here. (Sounds like a great excuse to go to Greece!:)

For info on the annual Writer's Digest competition, click here. There are ten categories, including poetry, fiction, children/young adult fiction, memoirs, and magazine features. Entry fees start at $15, and the grand prize is $3000 and a trip to the WD conference in New York City. First through tenth place winners also receive some dandy prizes. Deadline is May 1.

This article, Want a Creative Boost? Stop Creating, by Tanner Christensen, offers an interesting angle on the writer's creative processes. Do you know how many calories are burned when we think?  Mr. Christensen has the answer, and shares his thoughts on tapping the potential of our imagination. 

The Coffeehouse for Writers offers online classes including Making a Scene, Blogging for Profit or Pleasure, SEO Savvy for Writers, Creating Characters, Stress Management for Writers, Your Personal Editor, Writing for Children, among others. Yours truly teaches Basic Boot Camp for Writers, which is a fun refresher of writing basics and lots more. Classes begin February 20, 2012. Click here for details and sign up info. 

In the mood for more contests? Hope Clark of Funds for Writers has a listing of current offerings on the Funds for Writers site. You might want to poke around the FFW site too, Hope shares great resources and links for writers of all levels and genres.

Speaking of Hope Clark, Jennifer Brown Banks posted a great interview with Hope over at Pen and Prosper this week. Good stuff!


Do you have any great links or tidbits to share? Any fabulous weekend plans?

Happy weekend,

Karen




Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Thursday's This & That

I can't resist sharing a few links every so often. Hope you don't mind. :)

Is children's poetry your thing? The Institute for Children's Literature is offering a Children's Poetry Contest. Hurry, deadline to enter is November 10, 2011.

If not poetry, then how about fiction for kids and young adults? Sue Bradford Edwards gives pointers on How to Avoid Parenting Your Characters at the Writer's Digest site in this article.

Jessica Bell's book, String Bridge, is making its debut this month. For info on this women's contemporary fiction novel, visit the String Bridge website, or stop by Jessica's blog. I am sure she would love to see you!

Never discount humble beginnings. Why? The proof is in this article - Before They Were Famous - The Oddest Jobs of 10 Literary Greats.

November/December 2011 classes at the Coffeehouse for Writers begin Monday, November 14. Most of you know that I am the instructor for Basic Boot Camp for Writers there. FYI: writers at any level are welcome to join Boot Camp, which is a refresher of the basics, the in between stuff, and a whole lot more, with interesting and fun prompts and assignments. Check out the other great Coffeehouse offerings, too. Classes are reasonably priced and there's something for everyone!

I am taking a break next week. Will be back on or about November 14. 

What are you doing this weekend? 

Thanks for coming by,

Karen

Photo Credit: Stock Exchange