FREE Writing Seminar

Do you know Darlene Hartman? What about her pen name, Simon Lang? Darlene was a well-known scifi author, and a writer for the origional Star Trek TV series. Yes, she ate lunch with Gene Roddenberry!

Darlene is offering a series of telephone seminars for anyone who wants to join in. They will run for the next five Thursdays. First seminar is March 1 at 7:30 CST. The sessions will last for approximately 1 1/2 hours and there will be an open forum for Q & A's, a chance for you to bring up problems in your writing, questions for readers who want to know the "how and why" of what writers do, and why books are as they are, etc.

Here's the info for your dial-in:


Dial-in number: (605) 475-4700

Access code: 1062253#

Please remember, if you do not enter the "#" sign, the conference will not admit you.

No cost, good info, and everyone is welcome. What more could you ask for?

Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction

The Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction is an annual national short fiction contest. The prize includes a $2,000 cash award, and includes an invitation to an awards dinner in October. The winning story appears in the winter print and online issue of Philadelphia Stories. The Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction is made possible by the generous support of the McGlinn family.

Details here. http://www.philadelphiastories.org/marguerite-mcglinn-prize-fiction-0

BIFF BAM POP! ANNOUNCES OPEN CALL FOR SHORT HORROR/THRILLER/SUSPENSE ANTHOLOGY SUBMISSIONS

January 23, 2012, Toronto, ON – Writers of horror, thriller and suspense… take note! The publishing team at BIFF BAM POP! has announced an open call for submissions to be considered for their Short Story Ebook Anthology.

“For any contributing writer, the BIFF BAM POP Short Fiction Anthology is a prime opportunity to have your stories read by thousands of readers and collaborators,” says Andy Burns, Editor-In-Chief, BIFF BAM POP!. “We’re specifically looking for imaginative fiction with elements of the horror, thriller and/or suspense genres… with an open call for submissions, we’re sure our audience will deliver something amazing.”

Please see the official submission guidelines for complete information about submitting to the BIFF BAM POP! Short Story Anthology.

Saturday Evening Post Contest

THE SATURDAY EVENING POST LAUNCHES FICTION CONTEST IN SEARCH OF NEXT GREAT AMERICAN WRITERS

Indianapolis (February 6, 2012) — On the eve of the 110th birthday of John Steinbeck, a contributor to The Saturday Evening Post and the acclaimed author of classic novels including The Grapes of Wrath—the Post announces its first ever “Great American Fiction Contest.” The competition offers aspiring novelists the opportunity to join the ranks of other renowned Post contributors including F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Louis L’Amour, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London and Edgar Allan Poe.

“Good writers help us understand who we are. And The Saturday Evening Post believes that supporting and encouraging writing is all the more vital in a universe where media is evolving so rapidly,” said Editorial Director Steven Slon.

Sponsored by the nonprofit the Saturday Evening Post Society, the contest is designed to promote fiction and creative writing, while seeking America’s next great, unpublished voices. The winning story will be published in the January/February 2013 issue of The Saturday Evening Post and on the magazine’s website. The winner will also be awarded $500, while five runners-up will receive $100 each and have their stories published on the Post’s website.

Entries must be character- or plot-driven stories in any genre of fiction that falls within the Post’s broad range of interests. Entrants must be previously unpublished authors (excluding personal websites and blogs) and stories must be 1,500-5,000 words in length. All submissions should be made electronically in Microsoft Word format with the author’s name, address, telephone number and email address on the first page. The Saturday Evening Post editorial staff in consultation with the magazine’s fiction advisory board will judge the stories. There is a $10 entry fee and all entries must be postmarked by July 1, 2012.

For more information, or to submit a story, please visit saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest.