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Archive for October, 2011

The Myth of the Pumpkin

Posted in Other Stuff, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 31, 2011 | 12 Comments »

My kids Pumpkin masterpieces

Halloween is here again. Ah, the best time of the year!

Out come the witches, the dead rise from their graves, and Jamie Lee Curtis is plucked from the DVD shelf and dusted down to go yet another round with Michael Myers.

Last night my kids carved their pumpkins (or Jack-O-Lantern’s as my American friends like to call them). Nice, traditional faces – a little different to the pictures I’ve been emailed of late.

So, where does the Halloween pumpkin originate from?

Well, it dates back to the ancient Celtic religion, when 31st October was the Pagan holiday of Samhain and the official end of summer.

The Celts believed that during this time, the realms between the living and the dead were are their weakest, and that the dead were able to rise; appearing as apparitions or in the form of animals including the black cat.

The Celts lit bonfires and disguised themselves in costumes hoping to confuse spirits and hence stop them from re-entering.

Over the years, this legend has evolved.

An Irish myth about a man called ‘Stingy Jack’ who invited the Devil for a drink then refused to pay. He then tricked the Devil into climbing a tree for some fruit. While the Devil was up the tree, Jack carved a ‘cross’ into its bark and thus prevented the Devil from getting down. Jack only let the Devil down after he’d promised not to bother Jack for ten more years. A year or two later, Jack died but God would not allow someone so devious into Heaven. As the Devil was still angry at Jack’s deceit, he too would not take Jack’s soul. So Jack was forced to walk between heaven and hell with only a burning coal inside a carved turnip for light.

In the mid-nineteenth century, Irish immigrants fled to America, taking the ’Stingy Jack’ fable with them.

The Americans loved it, and as pumpkins were cheaper than turnips, they soon became the carved tradition we know and love today.

Well, almost…..

So, do you like the Halloween tradition? Do you carve pumpkins? If so, what do your pumpkins look like this year? Add some pictures to my FB page. I’d love to see them! What are the best photos you’ve seen so far?

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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Competitions and Writing Opportunities Round Up #10

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

The British Writers Awards (BWA) 2012
Entering the Brit Writers’ Awards is easy! To give you the best BWA experience possible, we’ve created a simple process for submitting your story, poem, script or song for consideration by our judges.
Closes:   30th March 2012
Fee:   £10.95
Prize:   £10,000
Website:  http://www.britwriters.com/how-to-enter-your-story-poem-song-or-script-into-the-brit-writers-awards-unpublished-2012/

Brighton COW Autumn Short Story 2011
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   £4 for one entry.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. Second prize £50 and third prize £25.
Details:   Send us your best stories. Open theme. 3000 word limit. Top ten stories will be published on site and recorded for broadcast on local hospital radio network. This competition is open to writers all over the world. Past competitions have featured entries from writers in over thirty countries. Payment by cheque or through paypal.
Contact:   Flat #10 Montpelier Lodge Montpelier Terrace Brighton East Sussex England BN1 3DF
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   comps@brightoncow.co.uk
Website:   http://www.brightoncow.co.uk

The FFW Flash Fiction Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   9th December 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £25 for first place. 2nd – £15.00, 3rd – £10.00.
Details:   For flash fiction stories of between 400 and 1000 words. Any theme in any genre.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   comp@flash-fiction-world.com
Website:   http://www.flash-fiction-world.com/flash-fiction-contest.html

A. E. Coppard Prize for Fiction
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   $15 for one entry. Additional entries $10 each.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also publication and 25 copies.
Details:   For longer short fiction 8,000 to 14,000 words.
Contact:   Long Story Contest, International, White Eagle Coffee Store Press, P.O. Box 383, Fox River Grove IL 60021
Country:   United States
Website:   http://whiteeaglecoffeestorepress.com/page4.html

New Bridge House Short Story Competition
Category:F   iction
Closes:   1st November 2011
Fees:   £5 for one entry.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Anthology publication; mentoring; critiques.
Details:   For short stories up to 5,000 words. Enter online.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   submissions@bridgehousepublishing.co.uk
Website:   http://bridgehousepublishing.co.uk/ShortStoryCompetition2011.aspx

Santa Fe Writers Project (SFWP) Comp
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   $25 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,500 for first place. $1,000 x 2.
Details:   For short fiction, essays, and unpublished book excerpts.
Contact:   Santa Fe Writers Project, 369 Montezuma Ave, #350, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Country:   United States
Website:   http://www.sfwp.com/awardsguidelines

pixelhose.com Writing Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   7th December 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry. Fiction and Non-Fiction Categories.
Prizes:   $300 for first place. $300/$150/$50 – in Each Category.
Details:   We are looking for works of up to 5000 words in each category. Previously published work are accepted so long as we can legally obtain free, one time, one site, permanent web publication rights. EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ONLY. Full info on site.
Contact:   POB 1476, San Mateo, CA 94402
Country:   United States
Email:   pixelhose@live.com
Website:   http://www.pixelhose.com

Momaya Short Story Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th April 2012
Fees:   £8 for one entry. Payment can be made as US $12.
Prizes:   £155 for first place. 2nd place £55. 3rd place £30.
Details:   Heat is the theme. Submit your short story (3,000 word limit) by 30 April 2012 in order to compete for prize money and publication in the Annual Review 2012. The judging panel includes members from Random House, Penguin, Reuters and a novelist who has published six books.
Contact:   Momaya Press, 189a Balham High Road (Rear Building), London SW12 9BE
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:   http://www.momayapress.com

Southport Writers’ Circle Fiction Comp
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st October 2011
Fees:   £3 for one entry. £10 for four.
Prizes:   £200 for first place. £100; £50.
Details:   For unpublished short stories up to 2,000 words. Online entries accepted.
Contact:   Short Story Competition, Southport Writers’ Circle, Flat 3, 35 Saunders Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0JH
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   southportwriterscircle@yahoo.co.uk
Website:   http://www.swconline.co.uk

Speakeasy Open Fiction Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st October 2011
Fees:   £4 for one entry. £10 for three.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. £50; £25.
Details:   For short stories up to 2,100 words. Entry form available on website.
Contact:   SPEAKEASY COMPETITION 2011, 46 Wealdstone Place, Springfield, Milton Keynes, MK6 3JG
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   speakeasy@writerbrock.co.uk
Website:   http://www.mkweb.co.uk/speakeasy/displayarticle.asp?ID=78828

Phoebe Winter Fiction Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   $15 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also magazine publication.
Details:   For fiction up to 7,500 words. No novel excerpts.
Country:   United States
Website:   http://www.phoebejournal.com/?p=1522

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence
Sponsor: Southern Magic Romance Writers
Fee: $30 first book; $25 subsequent books
Deadline: January 15, 2012
Eligibility: All published authors of novel-length or novella-length romance fiction.
Entry: Books must have a copyright of 2011. Ebook-only publishers accepted (non-subsidy/non-vanity/no self-pub).
Categories: Historical; Romantic Suspense; FF&P; Contemporary; YA; Inspirational; and Novella (20,000 – 40,000 Words).
Judges: Avid readers of romance, booksellers, and/or librarians.
FMI, http://www.southernmagic.org; Contest Coordinator Callie James, GWContest@southernmagic.org.

2012 Marlene Awards
Sponsor: Washington Romance Writers
Fee: $20–30.00
Deadline: January 15, 2012
Entry: all electronic submissions, 35 pages maximum (story opening and synopsis).
Judges: trained, published and unpublished.
Final Judges: editors and/or agents.
FMI, www.wrwdc.com.

2012 Winter Rose Contest for Unpublished Authors
Sponsor: Yellow Rose RWA
Fee: $25.00
Deadline: January 16, 2012
Eligibility: RWA members in good standing, unpublished in the previous 5 years.
Entry: First 25 pages of your romance manuscript (projected 50K and up).
Categories and Final Judges: Contemporary Single Title, Alicia Condon / Kensington Publishing; Historical (Includes Regency), Amanda Bergeron / Avon; Mainstream with Romantic Elements, Paranormal, Heather Osborne / Samhain Publishing; Romantic Suspense, Deb Nemeth / Carina Press; Series Contemporary, Young Adult, Kari Sutherland / HarperCollins Children’s Books; Erotic.
Top Prize is a partial read by agent Maura Kye-Casella of Don Congdon Associates.
FMI, www.yellowroserwa.com.

SCRIPTS: Via International Screenwriters Association (I.S.A.)

Submit Your Original Sitcom Screenplay!
Submit your half-hour comedic format screenplay@comedywritercontest.com
Grand Prize: $5000 plus direct input and creative guidance on the winning script from acclaimed writer/producer/director John Wells.

The Writer’s Place Screenwriting Contest
 The Writers Place co-founders have raised over $50 million for film and entertainment projects. Winners receive cash awards and PR worth $3,000. Honored scripts presented to 6,500+ managers, agents and producers. Features, shorts and teleplays OK.
 
Please put (I.S.A.) after your last name to obtain the $5 discount.
http://thewritersplace.org/screenplay_contest.shtml

$50,000 KAIROS PRIZE FINAL DEADLINE APPROACHES
Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, the KAIROS PRIZE was established in 2005 for first-time and beginning screenwriters. In addition to $50,000 in prize money, winning scripts are read by top execs. One film has been released with several in the production pipeline. 
http://www.kairosprize.com

Accepting Feature and Short scripts!
Over $20,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the winners of the 2011 OFF! During the festival you can attend our conference, which always features great speakers/writers creating a great resource for learning and networking!http://www.omahafilmfestival.com

Wanna Go to the SUNDANCE Film Festival?
You get to participate in the SUNDANCE experience where you can see great indie films, you can network with producers and filmmakers from all around the world, you can party with celebrities, you can go skiing, see more films, it’s up to you. The town will be yours for a few glorious days!
(Value = PRICELESS)
SAVE $10 on FEATURES/TV PILOTS: CLICK HERE    Use this code: ISA99A           
http://www.tablereadmyscreenplay.com/#/submit-now-discounted-fp/4549545247

Win an Agent for Your Screenplay!
Top Hollywood Literary Agents will read, consider and meet the winning writers & discuss representing their screenplays.  This type of access to agents is the most difficult to accomplish in the industry, until now! 
http://www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com/content/sunscreen-opens-screenplay-category

Videotaped, Live Readings-Marketing Bootcamp
Enter the 10th Annual Script-2-Screen Competition and WIN an opportunity to Direct Actors performing key screenplay scenes during the Bare Bones International FilmAnd Music Festival. Top 20 finalists receive 2-FREE Festival passes and Marketing Bootcamp. 
http://www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org

WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Via ISA

Seeking Crime/Thriller scrips with limited locations
Brooklyn Reptyle Films is looking for completed feature-length, crime/thriller scripts with limited-locations and characters. We are NOT interested in procedural stories or any police or law enforcement and legal characters.  We prefer up to four principal characters and six or less locations.  Examples of films we like are “The Disappearance of Alice Creed,” “Funny Games,” and “Blood Simple.”  However, the characters should have life and death stakes, which is to say, we’re looking for stories that deal with crime, but not about criminal justice or crooked cops. Budget will not exceed $250K.  Only non-WGA writers should submit at this point in time. Our credits include “Junkie Nurse” and “Audie & the Wolf.”
TO SUBMIT:
1. Please go to www.InkTippro.com/leads
2. Enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s newsletter – FREE!)
3. Copy/Paste this code: vb9pfgs5rq
4. You will be submitting a logline and synopsis only.
IMPORTANT:  Please ONLY submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for EXACTLY.

Seeking collaborator for short
I’m looking for someone to collaborate on the script for a short which I will soon be shooting. My initial idea was that I wanted to write a script which would take place in a really limited space- just one or two rooms, the idea being to keep the shooting really simple. In short, it’s about a woman who realises one day that she’s never had a close black friend. Ultimately I think the situation is an interesting one. There are lots of people who probably live lives with a very narrow circle of friends, like Margaret, and realise that they are the worse off for it.
I am really looking for someone with screenwriting experience, who is not scared to try something quite experimental. This is supposed to be funny, so someone with a sense of humour! Any collaboration welcome. Willing to work by skype/email. Although if there was someone london based who would be able to meet-up to workshop it a bit, that could be great. You will get full accreditation for any participation. I have assembled a fantastic cast and crew, I just need to get the script right! Email Stella Ramsden for additional information: stellaramsden@gmail.com

Screenwriters Wanted
Production Company seeks new and emerging screenwriters to tackle a number of projects in its development slate.  We are looking for talented writers who wish to learn from an experienced production team with over 1000 hours of produced television and 20 major feature films between them.  Great foot in the door opportunity for someone wishing to get read by agencies, get notes from seasoned producers, and ultimately work towards writing a project that our company has the resources and full intention to produce.
Please respond with “Screenwriter Inquiry” in the subject line. 
Tell us 1:  What genre you feel you excell at.  2: What film made in the last 3 years do you wish you had written.  3:  What are your three favorite films of the last 5 years. Or which films do you admire most of the last five years and why.  4:  A SHORT screen writing sample (15 pages or less please).
PLEASE NO CV’S we’re interested in your taste and writing talent, not in your professional history.
Please send all Inquiries to TriangleProducer@gmail.com
Paid Upon Commencement of Principal Photography + Back-End ParticipationPlease remember to check out legitimacy of all contests before you enter and to copyright all work.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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What Is A Log Line – Screenwriting Style

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 24, 2011 | 12 Comments »

A while ago, we talked about how a novelist should write a log line (see: What is a Log Line). Well, today I thought we could talk about how a screenwriter should write a log line.

Wouldn’t the log lines be the same? Well, kind of, I suppose.

A literary agent wants to know what your novel is about. Here’s mine for my current novel.

“A vengeful Reaper, hell-bent on finding the key to unlocking Heaven’s Gateway, must choose between good and evil before the town mayor sacrifices the girl he loves and overturns God himself.”

But, a producer wants to be hooked from the outset. Hook them and you’re on your way.

So, how can we do that?

Basically, a log line consists of three things. Seems simple doesn’t it?  Nothing in life worth having is simple. *Cheesey grin*.

So, lets take a closer look at what these three things are.

1.     A main character, who
2.     Has a mission or a goal, but
3.     Faces a major problem or some kind of opposition.

First, our protagonist is our main character . The goal is what he/she wants and the obstacle is what is stopping he/she from reaching it. 

Two things to remember,

1.     The main conflict MUST be clear.
2.     Main logline is 25 words or less.

Remember, a log line is usually one sentence, 2 at the very most.

For example:

In the movie, ‘The Crazies’, the protagonist is the town Sheriff.
His goal is to find out why some towns folk are going ‘crazy’.
His obstacle is he must fight off hundreds of ‘infected’ people to do it.

This can also be turned around and looked at like this:

In Wrong Turn, the protagonist is a newly graduated doctor.
The problem is he’s crashed his car in the middle of the wilderness and is being hunted by the local inbreeds.
His goal is to find a way out of the woods so he can get help.

In my story, The Legend, the protagonist is a Reaper.
His goal is to open the gateway to heaven and exact revenge on the entities that imprisoned him.
The problem is, to do this, he will have to kill the girl he has come to love.

Now we have that down, is there anything else we need to create that great log line? Hell, Yes!

First, we must be perfectly clear. We may understand what is going on, but the agent/producer is reading our log line for the first time. They have absolutely no idea what our story is about.

And, we must reveal our biggest hook. What is the most exciting or compelling thing about our screenplay? The log line is your time to reveal it.

Last but not least, we want our reader to picture our movie the moment they read the log line.

Here’s an example from the movie Law Abiding Citizen:

The protagonist and the goal:

A family man killed the member of a gang who murdered his wife and child. 

The hook is:

Once jailed, he escapes to kill off the rest of the gang, one by one, before returning to his jail cell and thus having the perfect alibi.

So my log line would be: “After centuries of searching, a vengeful Reaper finally uncovers the secret that will open the Gateway to Heaven, only to find that in doing so he has to sacrifice the woman he loves.”

The hook is what will have your reader wanting more. It’s what will make it stand out from everybody else’s.

So, how do you start to write a log line?

Write the hook first. Then you will be able to write the log line so it’s delivery is clear and precise.

Remember, an agent or producer will only request our script if our log line is good. Only then do we have a chance at selling it.

There is a really cool video via ScreenWritingU which will tell you all about this in a super fast three minutes.

Well, what are you waiting for?  Start writing those log lines in the comment section.

Have you had a script requested of the back of a log line? Do you find writing log lines hard or easy? Come on, don’t be shy….you know how I love talking to you guys.

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Competitions and Writing Opportunities Round Up #9

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 24, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

 

The CWA Debut Dagger

Fancy a stab at crime writing?

All these authors were short-listed for the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Competition. Think you’ve got what it takes to be a published author? Read on.

The 2012 Competition opens on 22 October 2011 and closes on 21 January 2012. The shortlisted entries will be announced at Crimefest in May. The overall winner will be announced at the CWA Awards ceremony in July.

Website: http://www.thecwa.co.uk/daggers/debut/

A Woman’s Write Good Read Fiction Book
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   $40 for one entry. Includes Professional critique
Prizes:   $500 for first place. Annual Prize.
Details:   A fiction book competition for aspiring women writers, each entry receives a thorough, professional and prompt critique and the chance to re-enter the contest after making suggested changes. Now in our 10th year, we have inspired many new writers to take the plunge. We highlight the success of our authors and support them as they pursue their dreams.
Country:   United States
Email:   editor@awomanswrite.com
Website:   http://www.awomanswrite.com

American Short Fiction Short Story Comp.
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   8th December 2011
Fees:   $20 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also publication. $500.
Details:   For unpublished short fiction up to 6,000 words.
Country:   United States
Email:   editors@americanshortfiction.org
Website:   http://www.americanshortfiction.org/index.php?option=com_content&%3bview=article&%3bid=38-contest&%3bcatid=6-announcements

Wanna win €100?
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   €5 for one entry.
Prizes:   €100 for first place.
Details:   Just write a story to make us laugh and send it to our next quarterly competition. Maximum length is 1500 words. For the full list of rules and regs, visit our website, where you can also read the winning entries from the first three competitions. Get writing, have fun, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Country:   Portugal
Website:   http://cheerreader.co.uk

Flash 500
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st December 2011
Fees:   £5 for one entry. £8 for two stories.
Prizes:   £250 for first place. 2nd £100. 3rd £50.
Details:   500 word flash fiction story open-themed. Open to 18 years and over. The results will be announced within six weeks of each closing date and the three winning entries each quarter will be published on this website.The winner will also be published. Optional critiques available at £10 per story. Highly Commended a copy of The Writer’s ABC Checklist.
Country:   France
Website:   http://www.flash500.com/

The TRYAngle Project Short Story
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   10th November 2011
Fees:   £5 for one entry. £8/2 stories, £11/3 stories
Prizes:   £150 for first place. 2nd Prize £75.00, 3rd Prize £40, High Commendation £10 x 2
Details:   For previously unpublished short stories on the theme of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Stories must be in English Language up to 1,500 words long. Top 5 stories will receive first publication. A third of net entry fees goes to help the charity helping victims of domestic violence.
Contact:   Excel for Charity, Eastern Light EPM International, Unit 136, 113-115 George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1AB
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   excelforcharity@easternlightepm.com
Website:   http://easternlightepm.com/excelforcharity/tryangle-short-story-competition-2011/

Robert J. Demott Short Prose Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st December 2011
Fees:   $15 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also publication.
Details:   For short prose up to 500 words.
Contact:   Quarter After Eight, Ohio University, 360 Ellis Hall, Athens, OH 45701
Country:   United States
Website:   http://www.quarteraftereight.org/submissions.htm

Halloween Horror Story
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. The winner will be published online on the blog.
Details:   The kind of story we’re looking for will be heart-thumpingly thrilling, spine-tinglingly scary, and maybe just a bit stomach-churningly gory. If you think you can step up to the challenge, get writing and send us your story!
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   ongoingworlds@gmail.com
Website:   http://ongoingworlds.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/halloween-story-competition/

In Development Anthology
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   20th May 2012
Fees:   £0 for one entry. Free to enter.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Selected works will appear in an anthology. Authors receive free copy.
Details:   We’re looking for stories between 3-8,000 words by aid workers, development workers, international volunteers and disaster relief personnel. Have you got a story to tell? Then we’d like to read it. Follow the website link for more information. All entries will be treated in confidence. Pseudonyms are accepted.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@authormgw.co.uk
Website:    http://tinyurl.com/6exxzw9

FictionGarden Ghost Story Writing Comp.
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   29th October 2011
Fees:   £3 for one entry. £5 for two.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. £40; £20.
Details:   For stories up to 2,500 words on a ghostly theme.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   GhostStoryComp@yahoo.co.uk
Website:   http://www.fictiongarden.co.uk/ghoststorywritingcontest.html

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

2012 Award of Excellence
Sponsor: Colorado Romance Writers
Fee: $20.00
Receipt Deadline: January 13, 2012
Eligibility: Books published in 2011. Bound hard copies of e-books also eligible.
Categories: Short Contemporary (60,000 words or less), Long Contemporary (over 60,000 words), Historical, Romantic Suspense, Single Title, P/TT/F/F, Inspirational, Mainstream w/Romantic Elements, Erotic Romance.
Judges: Readers, booksellers, published authors.
Top Prize: Award of Excellence Trophy and certificate; letter congratulating the editor.
FMI, contact Jessica Aspen (aoecoordinator1@yahoo.com) or see www.coloradoromancewriters.com.

2012 Booksellers Best Award Contest
Sponsor: Greater Detroit RWA
Fee: $27.00, add’l $6.00 Best First Book
Deadline: January 15, 2012
Entry: See Website for criteria, published authors only
Judges: booksellers and librarians
FMI, www.gdrwa.org/contests.html#bba or email pattishenberger@comcast.net.

Please remember to check out legitimacy of all contests before you enter and to copyright all work.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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Competition and Writing Opportunities Round Up #8

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 17, 2011 | 4 Comments »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

Facebook Short Story Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st December 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry.
Prizes:   First Prize: iPad 2.
Details:   Australia’s first Facebook Short Story Competition. First prize is an iPad2. Entry is free and anyone can enter. Winning entry judged by highest number of Facebook likes. Stories must be no longer than 420 characters.
Country:   Australia
Website:   http://thewritinglab.com.au

TF Worldwide Short Story Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   4th January 2012
Fees:   £0 for one entry. Submissions are free to TFW members.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Publishing Opportunities.
Details:   This 5000 word Short Story competition is quite unique as all entries reaching the required standard could be Winners and appear on the website as well as be e-book published in a special compendium of Short Stories. This is seen as a great initial opportunity for budding authors to Be Published. Note all stories on TFW are for family consumption therefore any subject considered to be inappropriate by the Editors will not be accepted or published.
Contact:   TFW, Bramcote, Mont Cochon, St Helier,
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   contact@travellersfriendworldwide.com
Website:   http://www.travellersfriendworldwide.com

Trosher short story competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   29th October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. £50; £30.
Details:   For short stories up to 1,000 words on a Norfolk theme and including some Norfolk dialect.
Contact:   Rosemary Cooper, Tyddyn, Swanton Avenue, Dereham, NR19 2HJ
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   fond@norfolkdialect.com
Website:   http://www.norfolkdialect.com

Dark Tales Short Story Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st March 2012
Fees:   £3 for one entry. £6 to include crit;£15 to include crit and edit
Prizes:   £500 for first place. £250 for 2nd, £100 for 3rd.
Details:   Previously unpublished horror and sci-fi of up to 5000 words. All winning stories also published in our professionally produced anthology. Subscribe and enter for free.
Contact:   Dark Tales Short Story Contest, 7 Offley Street, Worcester WR3 8BH
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:   http://www.darktales.co.uk

Mississippi Review Fiction Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st December 2011
Fees:   $15 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place.
Details:   For short stories 1,000-5,000 words.
Contact:   Mississippi Review Prize 2012 118 College Drive #5144, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
Country:   United States
Email:   elizabeth@mississippireview.com
Website:   http://www.usm.edu/mississippi-review/mrcontest.html

Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Story Comp
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   28th October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £30,000 for first place. £1,000 x 5.
Details:   For stories up to 6,000 words by authors with a previous record of publication in creative writing.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   hannah.davies@booktrust.org.uk
Website:   http://www.booktrust.org.uk/Prizes-and-awards/Sunday-Times-EFG-Private-Bank-Award

Walker Percy Prize in Short Fiction
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st December 2011
Fees:   $20 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also publication.
Details:   For short stories up to 7,500 words.
Country:   United States
Website:   http://neworleansreview.submishmash.com/submit

Home-Start Bridgwater Short Story Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st February 2012
Fees:   £7 for one entry. 100% going to charity’s work.
Prizes:   £500 for first place. Also £200 and £100.
Details:   Original stories on any theme up to 2200 words. Judging by award-winning novelist. Entry by post or online. Full details and downloadable form from website.
Contact:   Short Story Prize, Home-Start Bridgwater Area, Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 7AS
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:   http://www.homestart-bridgwater.org.uk

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

Write Touch Readers’ Award Contest (published) 2012
Sponsor: WisRWA (Wisconsin Romance Writers)
Fee: $25.00 (WisRWA members are entitled to one free entry.)
Deadline: January 10, 2012
Entry: Novel-length romances w/ 2011 copyright, first printing, first North American printing date (ten categories).
Judges: Romance readers.
FMI, www.wisrwa.org or contest chair, Donna Kowalczyk, paulck1225@aol.com.

Golden Quill 2012: Published
Sponsor: Phoenix Desert Rose RWA
Fee: $30.00
Deadline: Received by Friday, January 13, 2012
Eligibility: Romance novels authored by RWA members in good standing. Titles must have a copyright date, first North American printing/release date, OR electronic print release date between January and December 2011.
Entry: Five autographed copies of each title. E-book submissions printed and bound OR PDF readable format on five separate CD’s. No ARCS (advanced reader copies) accepted. No entry limit. If you would like to donate books for the Golden Quill Basket to be given away at the 2012 Desert Dreams Writers’ Conference, please send six books.
Categories: Best First Book, Traditional, Long Contemporary, Mainstream/Single Title, Short Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Novella, Historical, Regency Historical, Paranormal/Fantasy/Science Fiction, Inspirational, Inspirational-Romantic Suspense, Hot/Sexy/Erotic, GLBT.
Judges: Romance readers, librarians.
Top Prizes: Plaques for winners in each category, certificates for finalists. Representation in a full-page RWR ad, lapel pin, and website graphic.
FMI: goldenquill@desertroserwa.org or visit www.desertroserwa.org.

SCRIPTS: From The Screen Writers Cove

Eclipse TV – BBC 3 (UK)

Eclipse TV have been given a Blank Commission by the BBC for a pilot Sitcom or Comedy Drama. We are looking for ideas for a sitcoms or comedy drama set to the style of shows such as; Benidorm, Pheonix Nights, Shameless and The Royle Family.

Our production team are looking to make a programme about one of the following subjects:
1. A sitcom about two rival Drag Queens.
2. A Comedy Drama about staff at a Butlins style holiday camp in Blackpool (NOT HI-DI-HI) Must have drama elements.
3. A sitcom about a Young Male Escort (Gay or Straight).
4. An affectionate sitcom about ‘chav’ culture set in Liverpool.

If you would like to work with us please write a spec script or short scene for one of the ideas above OR you could send us an idea of your own including a treatment. (SCRIPTS MUST BE NO LESS THAN 5 PAGES AND NO MORE THAN 30 PAGES)

Send material to eclipsetalent@aol.com

Independent Production Company Seeking Screenplays

Attention all writers ROULETTE PICTURES is currently accepting scripts of all genres. Roulette Pictures is a Canadian Independent Production Company and are looking for possible scripts to begin developing. If you are a writer and have a script either short or feature that you would like to sell or pitch to Roulette Pictures email us at joe@roulettepictures.ca. We’re open to all ideas!!! Roulette Pictures Website – www.roulettepictures.ca and also visit us on facebook- http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Roulette-Pictures/117530024959980. Contracts and pay will vary dependent on script. This is a contract job. Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster. Please, no phone calls about this job!

Gritty Scripts With Female Leads Wanted

AKA Motion Productions is looking for completed feature-length gritty female-driven scripts.Scripts submitted can involve the drug trade or sex trafficking or other difficult topics. We prefer something set in an exotic location, like India or Cuba, although that is not a requirement. However, it is absolutely a requirement that the story submitted have a strong female lead. No co-leads or females partnered with male characters who are the actual leads. Basically, we’re looking for something in the vein of “City of God,” “Pi,” “Sin Nombre,” “Memento,” or “Pusher,” but with a strong female lead. Budget will not exceed $2 million. WG and non-WG writers may submit.

Please note that in order to protect this company from unsolicited calls and emails, and because this lead is exclusive to InkTip subscribers, we’re keeping their name anonymous.

TO SUBMIT:
Please go to www.InkTippro.com/leads
Enter your email address
Copy/Paste this code: snyuhp6jy4
You will be submitting a logline and synopsis only.

Psychological Thriller Scripts with Female Leads Wanted

Pacifica International is looking for completed feature-length contemporary female-driven thriller scripts. Your story should be set in the present day. The focus should be on psychological thrills, an element of physical danger is acceptable. However, it should NOT be an action script. Budget will not exceed $2 million. WG and Non-WG writers may submit. Our credits include “The Ring.”

TO SUBMIT:
1. Please go to www.InkTippro.com/leads
2. Enter your email address
3. Copy/Paste this code: z9hptmw25k
4. You will be submitting a logline and synopsis only.

Ogus Film – High Brow Comedy Scripts

We are looking for completed feature-length smart idea-driven comedy scripts. By idea-driven, we mean where the humor comes from the situation and not jokes or gags or one-liners or pratfalls, i.e. something in the vein of “Being John Malkovich.”

Budget is open. WGA writers may submit.
This will be for a first feature film project for a Cannes Gold Lion winning commercial director whose clients include Visa, Nestle, Newcastle Brown Ale, Asics Running Shoes, etc.
To submit to this lead, please go to:
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
Enter your email address.
Copy/Paste this code: qknx3048rz

Claudio Faeh Films – High-Finance Set in Europe

We are looking for completed feature-length thriller scripts about the world of international high finance. By international, we mean the story must be set in Europe, ideally parts in Switzerland. We are not interested in scripts about bank robber heists, etc. Also, we are not looking for action scripts. It should be more dramatic, such as films in the vein of “Boiler Room” and “Wall Street,” but set in Europe. We are not open to scripts that are currently set elsewhere.

Budget will not exceed $10 million. WG and Non-WG writers may submit.
Our credits include “Hollow Man 2” and “Sniper: Reloaded.”
To submit to this lead, please go to:
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
Enter your email address.
Copy/Paste this code: 7v5sh5t2c7

Please remember to check out legitimacy of all contests before you enter and to copyright all work.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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What’s In A Name?

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 16, 2011 | 21 Comments »

Last week I was listening to Heart Essex Radio and the realisation that many traditional names we once used are being abandoned for much more ‘funky’ ones.

For example, David, Jean, Margaret, Sally, Theresa, John and Tracy are a thing of the past and being replaced with names such as Mercedes, Chantelle and River.

This got me thinking about the names we, as writers, choose for our characters. Does the traditional ‘us’ stick with traditional names for our heroes, or like the totally normal named David and Victoria Beckham,  do we take this opportunity to go a little crazy and name our little darlings Brooklyn, Cruze, Romeo and Harper?

Maybe he just found out what his name is.

According to the Bounty Parenting Club, children nowadays are being named purely because their parents feel the wackier the name, the more their children will stand out.

I gues that does have an element of truth to it. Afterall, look at movies such as the Step Up franchise and its leading men. Tyler, Chase and, okay, Luke (I’ll let the last one slide), are not what you would call traditional names. Or are they?

75% of parents who choose traditional names for their children, such as Jennifer and Robert believe these ‘extreme’ parents who insist names like Armani are cool are setting their children up for a school life of misery and bullying.

But, if you watch shows like Disney’s ‘Suite Life on Deck’, you’ll see characters named London, Bailey and Woody. Again, not the normal names you usually see on a school register, but also not characters who are tormented by their peers.

The 1995 film ‘Clueless’, shows the protagonist as a school girl named Cher and someone who is not only caring and popular, but also who proves to be extremely smart.

But, back to Bounty’s poll. Six in every 10 people reckon a good strong name is sensible and the best way to go, and parents which proceed to use these outrageous names are nothing by selfish and not considering their children at all.

Disagree?

Hmmm…. Bruce Willis’ portrayal of John Mclane in Die Hard. Now you don’t get much stronger than that. Well, okay, James Bond played by Daniel Craig.  All traditional names which conjure up handsome features, rugged jaw line and muscles to die for – *slaps face* quick, change the subject before I pass out.

And, just to prove how wacky they are getting, here Bounty’s “Most Unusual Names of the Decade” list:

1.  Shy
2.  Unity
3.  Bean
4.  Zowie
5.  Puppy
6.  Ice
7.  Victory
8.  Porsche
9.  D’Andre
10. Denim
11. Diesel
12. Armani
13. Rooney
14. Bowie
15. Cobain
16. Stone
17. Gift
18. Echo
19. Heaven
20. Maroon

So, what do you name your characters? Do you go for the traditional, strong names, or do you take a more unusual and exotic stance? Do you think that traditional names are more stronger? Do you take into consideration the era your character was born and the most popular names at that time? Do you know anyone who has named their children Romeo, Cruze or Levi? Let me know. I want to find the most wierdest name EVER!

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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Competition Round Up #7

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , on October 10, 2011 | 3 Comments »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

Write a Story for Bedtime
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   28th October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £500 for first place. £300; £100.
Details:   For bedtime stories for grown-ups by UK writers over 18. 1,500-3,000 words.
Contact:   The A.Vogel Dormeasan Short Story competition, Your Healthy Living, JHN Productions Ltd, Unit2, Three Hills Farm, Ashdon Road, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4SD
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:   http://www.avogel.co.uk/story

Third Annual Short Story Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   20th October 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry. Donations appreciated for non-profit charity.
Prizes:   $0 for first place. up to $100. Or Free writing course.
Details:   1. Any genre, up to 1,750 words 2. No fee, but donations will help cash prize 3. Submit as Word attachment, or in .rtf format, or paste in email 4. No swearing or vulgar language. 5. Put WRITING CONTEST in subject line 6. Judged on originality, creativity, style, and technique. Cash prize or free writing course. See website for more guidelines.
Country:   United States
Email:   jopopek@gmail.com
Website:   http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com

StoryFeedback.com Short Story Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   £3 for one entry. £6 to include crit; £15 to include crit and edit.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. 2nd prize £50, 3rd prize £25.
Details:   Previously unpublished stories of up to 5000 words required, in any genre and on any theme.
Contact:   StoryFeedback.com Short Story Contest, 7 Offley Street, Worcester WR3 8BH
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:   http://www.storyfeedback.com

Moving Stories
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   12th December 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry. Free to enter
Prizes:   £750 for first place. 2 x Runner Up prizes of Ł125
Details:   The theme is moving home.
Contact:   946 Green Lanes, London N21 2LL
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   movingstories@peterbarry.co.uk
Website:   http://www.peterbarry.co.uk/blog/2011/oct/06/moving-stories-peter-barry-short-story-competition/

Blue Earth Review Flash Fiction Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st December 2011
Fees:   $5 for one entry. One entry consists of up to three pieces.
Prizes:   $100 for first place. $75; $25.
Details:   For flash fiction up to 600 words.
Contact:   Blue Earth Review, 230 Armstrong Hall, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001
Country:   United States
Email:   blueearthreview@gmail.com
Website:   http://english.mnsu.edu/blueearth/contests.htm

Great American Novel Contest 2011
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st October 2011
Fees:   $35 for one entry.
Prizes:   $300 for first place.
Details:   Looking for the next Great American Novel! With $1350 in total prize money, our contest seeks the best unpublished work in 7 different areas of fiction including Literary, Mainstream, Young Adult (YA), Science Fiction/Fantasy, Romance, Suspense/thriller, and Historical. Deadline is Oct 31, 2011. Entry fee $35. Please visit the contest page of our website for more information and contest submission guidelines.
Contact:   TAG Publishing 2618 S Lipscomb Amarillo, TX 79109
Country:   United States
Website:   http://www.tagpublishers.com/Contest_FK0G.html

Fantasy Short Story
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   25th October 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry.
Prizes:   $0 for first place. Publication in our magazine.
Details:   Submit your fantasy or medieval short story, up to 6000 words. We are looking for stories that grab a readers attention and lure them in, leaving them craving for more. Great grammar and flow are important. We accept both new and published authors.
Country:   United States
Email:   adam@tavernsvault.com
Website:   http://www.tavernsvault.com

Graphic Short Story Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   14th October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £1,000 for first place. £250. Also publication.
Details:   For four-page graphic stories.
Contact:   The Observer/Jonathan Cape/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize, 2nd Floor, Random House, 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   CapeCompetition@randomhouse.co.uk
Website:   http://www.vintage-books.co.uk/about-us/jonathan-cape/Graphicshortstoryprize

SCRIPTS:

2011 TWNOLF One-Act Play Contest
Category:   Scripts
Closes:   1st Nobember 2011
Fees:   $25 for one entry
Prizes:   $1,500 for first place. Staged reading 2012, full production 2013, VIP Festival Pass, Publication.
Details:   See our website for full submission guidelines. We are accepting unpublished, original one-act plays of any theme that run no longer than one hour in length. Deadline is November 1, 2011. The top ten finalists of each contest will receive a panel pass ($75 value) to attend the 2012 Festival, and their names will be published on our website.
Country:   United States.
Email:   contests@tennesseewilliams.net
Website:   http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/contests

iChallenged Script Writing Contest
Category:   Scripts
Closes:   20th Nobember 2011
Fees:   $45 for one entry
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place.
Details:   Looking for scripts of any genre. Top six entries will have a webisode of one scene filmed in front of a live audience to be aired and voted on at our website. First Prize is $1,000 plus audience vote dollars. Winner grants the right of first refusal allowing to negotiate a license to produce a feature length film based on the winning script.
Contact:   Online entry preferred – Collaborative Movies, LLC -iChallenged Script Competition, 19785 W 12 Mile Rd. #470, Southfield, MI, 48076
Country:   United States.
Website:   http://www.producemyfilm.org/Contests/Script/Dec2011/Default.aspx

The Sitcom Mission
Category:   Scripts
Closes:   31st January 2012
Fees:   £10 for one entry. Final Deadline price after 24th January £15.
Prizes:   £5,000 for first place. Showcase in front of UK comedy commissioners.
Details:   15-minute sitcom-writing competition. Send us something Funny, Interesting, Marketable and Stageable. the shortlisted entries will go through to a public knockout stage and the Grand Final will be judged by the UK TV commissioners.
Contact:   12 Rushcliffe Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 8ED
Country:   United Kingdom.
Website:   http://www.sitcommission.com

RWA Competitions

Great Expectations
Sponsor: North Texas Romance Writers of America
Fee: $30 for RWA members, $35 for non-RWA members ($5 “early bird” discount for entries received by December 10)
Deadline: December 30, 2011
Eligibility: Open to entrants who (1) are unpublished or uncontracted in book-length romantic fiction; (2) are unpublished or uncontracted in the category entered; OR (3) have not been published, sold, or contracted in the category entered for the past three years.
Entry: All electronic. First 25 pages + micro-synopsis (300 words max).
Judges: Three preliminary-round judges (trained, one published). A fourth judge will be used for any entry whose two lowest scores differ by 30 or more points and the entry might final; under these circumstances, the lowest score of the four will be dropped.
Categories/Final Judges: Contemporary Series ~ Denise Zaza, Harlequin; Single Title Contemporary ~ Meredith Giordan, Berkley; Erotic Romance ~ Katherine Pelz, Berkley; Historical Romance ~ Sue Grimshaw, Random House; Inspirational Romance ~ Natalie Hanemann, Thomas Nelson; Specialized (FFTP) ~ Talia Platz, NAL; Mainstream with Romantic Elements ~ Emilia Pisani, Pocket Books; Romantic Suspense ~ Adam Wilson, MIRA; and Young Adult ~ Elizabeth Bistrow, NAL.
Top Prize: Cash prizes in each category ($50 for first, $30 for second, $15 for third).
FMI, visit www.ntrwa.org or e-mail Wendy Watson at gecoordinator@ntrwa.org.

Please remember to check out all contests before you enter and to copyright all work.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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How Do You Cope With Writing?

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2011 | 24 Comments »

I’m currently in the middle of reading Kristen Lamb’s book ‘Are You There Blog? It’s Me, Writer‘.

Firstly, I have to recommend that all writers read Kristen’s books, the other one being ‘We Are Not Alone’ (you can read my review here).

Secondly, I have to excitedly brag that I am in it. Yay me, I’m famous! Page 24 and 25 for anyone who is interested :D

Ok, now down to business. Kristen talks about how writers have to juggle their writing with everyday life. Especially writers who already have a full time job. Their allocated writing time is squeezed in between a tuna mayo sandwich and a packet of cheese and onion crisps at lunchtime.

I am extremely lucky. Why? I’ll tell you. I am able to write full time. So, in theory, this should make my career as a writer a doddle, right?

Wrong!

Sitting at my desk all day piled on the pounds. I started having to tuck my belly in my trousers like I did my T-Shirt.

Now, I had two options.

Option A: I could go on a huge shopping spree and replace all my clothes, or

Option B: Do some exercise.

Option A was without  doubt my favorite choice. Afterall, I don’t have time to excercise……well, apart from when I run to the car. But, Option A did have a downfall. I have expensive tastes and my husband would have suffered open wallet surgery. And even I’m not that wicked :)

So, Option B it was. But now I had another problem. When could I squeeze in exercise?

My normal day is this: Get Up, Get Kids To School, Write, Collect Kids, Play Taxi to After School Activities, Return Home, Cook (my husband will argue this one), Help With Homework, Clean House (my husband will argue this one, too).

The truth is, I am on the go all day until I sit down at 8.30pm to eat my dinner. I then hold my eyelids up with match sticks and indulge in an hour of television before I crash out for the night.

No, my only choice was to get up earlier. Earlier! I must really like my clothes.

So, now I get up at 6.10am and watch the news while I pound my step machine and do a hundred crunches.

And you know what? I actually like it!

So, have you had to change your day to fit in writing? Have you had to sacrifice anything? Do you feel writing is worth it? How many hours a day do you get to spend on writing? Let me know. I love hearing your comments.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

 

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Competition Round Up #6

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:


Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   28th October 2011
Fees:   £15 for one entry.
Prizes:   £10,000 for first place. Also publishing contract.
Details:   For chilren’s books up to 80,000 words aimed at children aged 9-16.
Contact:   The Chicken House, 2 Palmer Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DS
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   chickenhouse@doublecluck.com
Website:   http://www.doublecluck.com/submissions

William Richey Short Fiction Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   $10 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. Also magazine publication.
Details:   For short stories up to 10,000 words.
Country:   United States
Website:   http://yemassee.submishmash.com/submit

Meridian Writing Winter Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   31st December 2011
Fees:   £5 for one entry.
Prizes:   £100 for first place. 2nd Place – £50, 3rd Place – £25 with firstwriter.com voucher for each winner.
Details:   Short stories wanted in any theme/genre. 3000 words max but with no lower limit. Open to new and published authors. Critique service available. See website for full submission details.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@meridian-writing.co.uk
Website:   http://www.meridian-writing.co.uk

Harvest the Cash Fall Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   21st October 2011
Fees:   $10 for one entry.
Prizes:   $400 for first place.
Details:   1500 Word Limit Entry fee: $10. Critique fee: $5 (optional) First prize – $400, Second prize – $150, Third prize – $50. See website for additional guidelines.
Contact:   Hamilton Writers Guild P.O. Box 1205 Hamilton, OH 45012
Country:   United States
Email:   ldswink@cinci.rr.com
Website:   http://www.hamiltonwritersguild.org

Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th October 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £750 for first place. £500.
Details:   For fiction and nonfiction by writers aged 18-25 on the theme: Light often arises from a collision of opinions, as fire from flint and steel.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Website:   http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/site/sections/news/literary_prize.html

BBC TELEVISION Opportunities

Collabor8te
Deadline: 03 October 2011
Win a budget of up to £10,000 to have your short film developed and produced.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/collabor8ate_2011.shtml

Newsjack
Deadline: 17 October 2011
BBC Radio 4 Extra’s topical sketch show is now open for submissions of sketches and short jokes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/newsjack_2011_2.shtml

Face 2 Face with Stephen Butchard
Deadline: 18 October 2011
An opportunity to put your questions to Stephen Butchard, one of the leading screenwriters of his generation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/face_to_face.shtml

Channel 4 Drama presents….4Screenwriting
Deadline: 01 November 2011
Channel 4 Drama are looking for 12 talented writers who currently have no broadcast credit.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/4screenwriting_2011.shtml

Immersive Writing Lab Competition
Deadline: 21 November 2011
Create a cross-platform storyworld and win a £6k development fund.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/immersive_writing_lab_2011.shtml

Steyning Festival Theatre Trail 2012
Deadline: 02 December 2011
Steyning Festival Theatre Trail 2012 is seeking 6 new plays from playwrights in the South East.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/steyning_festival_theatre_trail_2012.shtml

The BBC Writersroom Future Talent Award for Writers
Deadline: 15 December 2011
Opportunity for north-based student/recent graduate drama writers to access development opportunities and mentoring from the BBC.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/future_talent_award_for_writers.shtml

RWA Competitions

**The Write Stuff 2011/2012
Sponsor: Connecticut RWA
Fee: $20–30.00
Deadline: December 5, 2011
Eligibility: Non-PAN Recognized Authors
Entry: Electronic entry only. First 20 pages, no synopsis.
Categories: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Adult Mainstream Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Judges: Trained published and unpublished authors.
Final Judges: Editors & Agents TBA.
Top Prize: $100 for 1st place in each category.
FMI, http://ctrwa.org/writestuff/.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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