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Archive for November, 2011

30 Second Interview with….J. Carson Black

Posted in 30 Second Interview With...., tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 30, 2011 | 16 Comments »

James Lipton and the Actors Studio did it for fun with the actors…..Now, I’m doing it for fun with the writers.

J. Carson Black photo

Margaret Falk (you can call her Maggy), was born and raised in the El Fuerte area of Tucson, Arizona, and wrote her first book when she was just a child. ‘The Easter Egg’, both written and illustrated by Maggie, was scrawled in crayon on the back of her teacher father’s test papers.
 
But writing wasn’t the first profession Maggie embarked on. Being somewhat of a decent singer, the opera beckoned. Luckily for her ever growing fan base, she returned to writing.
 
Growing up in Tucson meant lots of farms and ranches. Among those was a little desert cemetery which haunted Maggies dreams. Maybe this is why her love for horror was so great. A huge fan of Stephen King, The Shining was the inspiration behind her starting to write horror herself.
 
In 1990, Maggie sold her first book to Kensington Publishing Corp. Being a huge Stephen King fan, and inspired by the novel The Shining’, it’s no surprise Darkscope was a ghost story set in the historic mining town of Bisbee, Arizona. 
 
But, even though Maggie went on to publish a further six books with New York publishers Kensington and Dorchester, payments were poor; amounting to no more than $3,500 per book. 
 
In 2002, Maggie wrote her first crime thriller. Darkness on The Edge Of Town was the first of three Laura Cardinal books. She contacted a previous editor, who’d moved to New American Library, and who loved the book. Maggie signed a two book deal, changed her name, and received a deal worth eightneen times more than the her last $3,500. J.Carson Black was born.
 
When Maggie wrote The Shop, her agent, Debora Schneider shopped it to every publisher available. Two and a half years later and each one had declined.
 
In 2010, Maggie decided enough was enough and with the blessing of her agent, decided to self publish. Darkness On The Edge Of Town was listed in June – and sold only one book. The following month, two books were purchased. It took eight months to hit sales of 100; with 137 in February 2011.
 
Then things began to change. In March sales hit 1,280, and in April, she sold a staggering 10,000 books. If this wasn’t enough to make her scream with joy, in May sales hit more than 70,000 books. She was selling at a rate of 2,000 books a day.
 
Now Amazon’s mystery and thriller imprint, Thomas & Mercer,  has signed J. Carson Black to their growing team of authors.
 
To date (November 2011), J. Carson Black has sold over 300,000+ copies.
 
The Shop is due to be re-released by Thomas & Mercer December 22nd.
 
Hmmm, after this rise to fame, what would Maggie make of our ten questions?
  
1.  What is your favorite word?  Glissando
 
2. What is your least favorite word?   Patriot
 
3. What turns you on?   Writing
 
4. What turns you off?   Writing
 
5. What sound do you love?   “They’re Off”
 
6. What sound do you hate?   Screaming
 
7. What is your favorite curse word?   Fuckhead
 
8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?   “Conditioner”
 
9.  What profession would you not like to do?  Cottonpicking
 
9a. Most! – Writing
 
10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?   Family
 
   

Contact Information

For information regarding J. Carson Black books and please visit her Website:
http://jcarsonblack.com/
Twitter:  
http://twitter.com/jcarsonblack

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JCarsonBlack.authorpage

If you want more of me, I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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Competitions and Writing Opportunities Round Up #14

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 28, 2011 | 1 Comment »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

Emerald Writing Workshops
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   28th February 2012
Fees:   £1.80 for one entry. £5 for three entries (maximum).
Prizes:   £65 for first place. £20 second; £15 third; three runners-up win a book of short stories.
Details:   Maximum 500 words excluding title set on a train. Postal entries only. Open to anyone in the world of any age.
Contact:   Eddie Walsh, 4 Abbott Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1DF
Country: United Kingdom
Email: edwardjohnwalsh@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.emeraldwritingworkshops.co.uk

Crazyhorse Fiction Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th January 2012
Fees:   $16 for one entry.
Prizes:   $2,000 for first place. Also magazine publication.
Details:   For short stories up to 25 pages.
Contact:   Fiction Prize, Crazyhorse, Department of English, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston SC 29424
Country:   United States
Website:  
http://www.crazyhorsejournal.org/page.php?id=108

ITF short story competition!
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   14th February 2012
Fees:   £0 for one entry. This competition is free to all!
Prizes:   £0 for first place. The winner gets a tree planted in a name of their choice and the top three stories get ITF goody bags!
Details:   The competition is open to published and unpublished authors writing in any genre anywhere in the world. Stories must be original and not have been previously published. Maximum of 1,500 words. Theme: Simply Trees and Forests. You can submit more than one entry if you wish. Send entries as an attachment to your email. Email title: Short Story Comp. Inc: Story title, name, address, phone number, brief biography.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@internationaltreefoundation.org
Website:  
http://www.internationaltreefoundation.org/competitions

West Country Writers’ Association Comp.
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   12th December 2011
Fees:   £5 for one entry.
Prizes:   £50 for first place.
Details:   For short stories up to 1,200 words which include the name Jane Austen at least once.
Contact:   Diney Costeloe, Glebe House, Shipham, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 1TW
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:  
http://www.westcountrywriters.com/events.html

PRISM international Short Fiction Comp.
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   27th January 2012
Fees:   $28 for one entry. $7 each additional story.
Prizes:   $2,000 for first place. $200 x 2.
Details:   For unpublished stories up to 25 double-spaced pages.
Contact:   PRISM international, Short Fiction Contest, University of British Columbia, Buchanan E462, 1866 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Country:   Canada
Website:  
http://prismmagazine.ca/contests

Kingdoms of Desire
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   $50 for first place. Anthology publication and one-off payment of $50-$70.
Details:   For fantasy stories with an erotic element between 3,000 and 6,000 words.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   submissions@mitziszereto.com
Website:  
http://mitziszereto.com/blog/writers-call-for-short-story-submissions

The One Week Fiction Writing Challenge
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   14th January 2012
Fees:   £5 for one entry. Free to CC Premier1 Members.
Prizes:   £200 for first place. 2nd Prize £150.00 3rd Prize:£100.00 4th Prize:   £75.00 5th Prize: Course 6th Prize: Membership.
Details:   On the 14th January an email will be sent to all participants detailing the writing challenge. The competition will be challenging in terms of creativity, but is not a serious word count challenge. Competitor numbers are restricted for this competition so it maximises the chance of winning for those who enter.
Contact:   Creative1 Publishing, 15 Rue Canigounenc, Ceret 66400
Country:   France
Email:   info@creative-competitor.co.uk
Website:  
http://creativecompetitor.com/competitions/writingcompweeklychallenge/

Hayward Gallery: Short Story Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   18th December 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Winner is published on website and wins signed catalogue and playing cards.
Details:   Inviting members of the public to create 300 word short pieces of fiction, inspired by Condo’s portraits. The best stories will be published on the blog, with the overall winner receiving a limited edition playing cards, signed catalogue and other prizes. Entries should be submitted by email.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   competitions@southbankcentre.co.uk
Website:  
http://thehayward.southbankcentre.co.uk

Million Stories Project
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   27th January 2012
Fees:  £24 for one entry. Enables entry into all 5 competitons.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Writing holiday to Spain.
Details:   Write between 400 and 1000 words in this creative life writing competition. Every day people like you and I do amazing things. They may not be the things that make the national news, but in your communities they matter and you are changing lives. Your story is your legacy. Sit comfortably, pick up pen, open notebook, relax, write, meld into short story, enter…
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:  
http://millionstoriesproject.com

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

Merritt Contest
Sponsor: San Antonio Romance Authors
Fee: $25–35.00
Deadline: February 14, 2012
Eligibility: Unpublished or published but not PAN-eligible.
Entry: 25 pages total, including synopsis; electronic only.
Judges: published, unpublished and/or PRO.
Categories and Final Judges:
Contemporary—Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Historical—Tessa Woodward, Avon
Paranormal—[TBA]
Romantic Suspense—Patience Bloom, Harlequin
Women’s Fiction (has separate scoresheet)—Kate Seaver, Berkley
Top Prize: certificate, plaque and subscription to chapter newsletter.
FMI, e-mail saramerritt.coord@gmail.com or visit www.sararwa.net.

SCRIPTS:

LIFF – London Independent Film Festival
Submissions are now open for the 2012 LIFF Screenplay Competition
The London Independent Film Festival is proud to host the UK’s top screenplay competition. Enter now and get your writing discovered.
Website:  
http://www.londonindependent.org/screenplay.htm

SCRIPT WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Via ISA:

FEATURE LENGTH GLORIA STEINEM BIOPIC
We are looking for completed feature-length biopic scripts about the feminist leader Gloria Steinem. Budget is open. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.
 
Our credits include “Trust” with Clive Owen, the upcoming “Playing the Field” with Gerard Butler and “Lovelace” with Amanda Seyfried.
To submit to this lead, please go to
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
 and enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s ffree email newsletter) and enter this code: 8agek3gv08. Thank you.

QUIRKY, OFFBEAT FEATURE SCRIPTS WANTED
We are looking for completed feature-length quirky, offbeat scripts in the vein of “Being John Malkovich,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” or other Charlie Kaufman or Coen Brothers style scripts. We are looking to take advantage of specific locations, so we are not open to scripts set in international locations or period pieces. Also, we are NOT open to scripts about screenwriting/Hollywood (like “Adaptation”) or stories that are too stagnant in energy or “slice of life” scripts. We prefer the offbeat worlds of the above scripts over the flood of indie festival films about a single dysfunctional family. We are not open to road trip stories. Budget will not exceed $300,000. WG and Non-WG writers may submit.
 
We are a non-profit film center in Miami that provides resources for directors and for-profit feature films. Our credits include “Historias de la urbe.” We recently optioned a script through InkTip.
To submit to this lead, please go to
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
 and enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s free email newsletter) and enter this code: ve6j9s2p9b. Thank you.

CONTAINED CRIME THRILLERS 
We are looking for completed feature-length crime thriller scripts where the story takes place in just one location, like an office building, a house, or a school. Budget will not exceed $1 million. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit. Our credits include “XRMNTR.”
To submit to this lead, please go to
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
 and enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s free email newsletter) and enter the code: vvb9g5f112. Thank you.

SEEKING WRITER/ACTORS
CultCamp Studios is a Delhi based media startup. We created India’s first web-series – Company Bahadur –
http://companybahadur.com/
. We are looking for intelligent, high IQ, smart & funny young men & women who can write as well as act. At CultCamp you will be scriptwriting for & acting in comedy sketches for YouTube; writing scripts, developing characters & voice acting for an animated show (possibly for TV); coming up with ideas for internet videos/shows; and being an active part of production.
As a writer+actor you are expected to be widely knowledgeable about popular culture. You should apply if your idea of a perfect job is watching & discussing Youtube videos and TV shows, thinking up characters & stories and indulging in improv comedy sessions. Email us @ cultcrew@cultcamp.com marked to the attention of Pratik Arora. Thank you.

SEEKING EXPERIENCED SCREENWRITER
Seeking experienced screenwriter who has written screenplays that have already been produced. Need someone who can help polish work I have written. I need someone who can write action, comedy, drama, horror, and short films. Screenwriter must send me their credits and works they have done. Must give me a list of producers you have worked with. This is not a paying job. But if we can get my work made I will split the profits 50/50. Contact me, BJ Anderson, at ladsonb190@bellsouth.net. Thank you.

SCREENWRITER / SCRIPT DOCTOR WANTED
NEW YORK: I need a professional screenwriter / script doctor for screenplay I already have. Candidate must be able to rewrite the screenplay on Final Draft, help strenghten the plot, and get the script ready for productions. Please email me at anothercountry74@gmail.com

HORSE RACING SCREENPLAY WANTED
Onward Films is seeking to option and produce a screenplay about horse racing, preferably (not required) about the Triple Crown. Financier is lined up for the right project. Please inquire with us at inquiries@onwardmotionpictures.com. Price paid TBD upon interest. Please do not submit any other projects. Thank you.

COMEDY SCRIPTS WANTED FEATURING THREE MALE LEADS
KDI Films is looking for completed feature-length ensemble comedy scripts featuring three male lead characters between 25 and 30 years of age.  Can be off-beat, in the vein of “The Hangover,” “Pulp Fiction,” or even in something like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”  Be advised we are not open to reading any scripts unless they meet those specific criteria. Budget is open. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit. Our credits include “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”
Note: To submit go to InkTippro.com/leads and enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s newsletter) with this code: 0hye9um9vm. You will be submitting a logline and synopsis only. Thank you.

NASSSER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP – BOXING SCRIPTS
We are looking for a boxing movie in the vein of the Oscar-nominated classic “The Champ” or more recently something like “The Fighter” or “Million Dollar Baby.” Budget is open. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.
 
Our company Nasser Entertainment/NGN Productions is producing the film “For a Good Time Call” w/Seth Rogen & Justin Long and “Fortune” directed by Clark Johnson w/Rose McGowan, Kim Basinger, Heather Graham & Catherine O’Hara. In addition we’ve produced several films written by writers discovered on InkTip, such as “Knockout” w/Steve Austin.
To submit to this lead please go to
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
. Enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s free newsletter) and enter this code: fr2d030m3h
 
NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren’t sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

GTMG – CONTEMPORARY ESPIONAGE
We are looking for completed feature-length espionage scripts. Stories can be set anywhere, but they must be contemporary, we are not open to cold war period pieces. Budget will not exceed $5 million. Only non-WGA writers may submit. Our credits include “Death and Cremation” and the upcoming “The Employer.”
To submit to this lead, please go to:
http://www.inktippro.com/leads/
. Enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s free newsletter) and enter this code: 7dxy6btc72..
 
NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren’t sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

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.

If you want more of me, you can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin

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Learning To Write The WWBC Way

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 26, 2011 | 20 Comments »

 

A few weeks back, Karen McFarland asked if I could guest on her blog. And I thought you guys may like to read it, too.

Three years ago, I made a decision. To step away from writing articles and write that ‘book’ I’d always planned to write.

Okay, that wasthe easy part sorted out.

I sat down, and for a couple of months scribbled in my note pad and tapped away on my laptop. I gave my finished story to friends, all of who liked it, and began plotting the sequel.

Then I met Kristen Lamb.

Kristen stumbled upon the first chapter, which I’d posted on a blogger site, and proceeded to hunt me down. She pointed out where I was going wrong and offered to help me. Naturally, I jumped at the chance.

We stripped back my story to its very core, and I wrote a background for my antagonist – something I had never done before.

Kristen’s reply, after I nervously emailed it across to her. “Crap, do it again.”

And again I did. Several times in fact. Until, finally everything clicked into place and I created a psychopathic alter-ego.

  Be wary if Kristen invites you over for dinner.

I’m very good friends with Kristen now. She has the most amazing way of making you pay for her kindness (see picture). I’ve since written two teleplays and currently adapting one into a novel. I’ve plotted my second book, and lead WWBC Team Delta. I apply the Warrior Writer method to every story I plot and wouldn’t consider doing it any other way.

So, without further ado, here is the way to write – Warrior Writer style.

Your Story

First and foremost – you must have an idea of what your book is about. Knowing the genre is extremely helpful, and what your protagonist wants and who’s trying to stop he/she from getting it will also make things a lot easier for you. 

Log Line

Once you know the basis of your story, you can write that log line. Now, don’t be scared. They are easier to write if you follow this simple rule:

An ADJECTIVE NOUN (protagonist) must ACTIVE VERB the ANTAGONIST before  SOME REALLY HORRIBLE THING HAPPENS (stopping the protagonist from reaching her goal).

See my post on Log Lines

Backgrounds

A background is a little like a biography. Imagine you were writing your own life story. You’d start from the moment you were born and take the reader up to the current day. Well, a background is the same thing. Write all about your character from the moment they were born, right up to the moment you are about to start your story.

This is a fantastic way to get to know your character, and give you time to flesh them out. Once done, you will have no trouble writing them, or writing their dialogue.

Backgrounds – Who To Start With?

Antagonist – Why? Because they are the biggest problem. Without them in our story, we have NO story.

Protagonist – Yep, you’ve guessed it. Now do the same for your protagonist. Oh, and don’t make them too perfect. Flaws are good! Flaws make us human.

Love Interest and Supporting Cast – Mentors, Minions, Allies and Love Interests all fit under this section. Note: These are characters that aid your main characters. I’m not talking about the guy who shows up in one scene and delivers the post.

Your Story

You need to ‘bullet point’ your story from beginning to end. Walk yourself through your story step by step. It’s better to hit your dead ends now so you can re-plot, rather than get 40k words in and realise you have to axe 10,000 of them.

Start with:

Normal World
Inciting Incident
Turning Point Act I into Act II
Turning Point Act II into Act III
Darkest Moment
Dénouement 

Get to this point and voila! You have a story to write.

I know most of you may read this and think “Huh? What a waste of time.”

I’ve met people like this and guess what? They are still at the same stage they were a year or so ago. My team mate Piper Bayard and I are living proof this method works. Agents have requested fulls on both our manuscripts.

It’s like building a house. Do the prep-work: dig footings, add cement, lay bricks, and your building will be standing for decades to come.

Good luck with your writing.

Now, let me know if you are a ‘plot and plan‘ writer, or if you just ‘make it up’ as you go along. What works best for you? Have you ever written yourself into a corner?

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

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30 Second Interview with….L.J. Smith

Posted in 30 Second Interview With...., tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 23, 2011 | 18 Comments »

James Lipton and the Actors Studio did it for fun with the actors…..Now, I’m doing it for fun with the writers.

Mention the names Stefan and Damon Salvatore, and teenage girls (along with most middle-aged woman), will squeal in delight. But who’d have thought these two dreamy vampires were the creation of a kindergarten teacher.

Lisa Jane Smith, or L.J. Smith as she is known worldwide has had an amazing, if not strange route into writing.

While attending high school, L.J. wrote The Night of the Solstice, and in 1987, she passed the handwritten novel, which filled seven lined note books, to a first time agent who typed the scribbles into manuscript form and sold it to MacMillan.

Although it received good reviews, sales were poor. And in 1990, second book Heart of Valour was released.

The following year, HarperPaperbacks released a novel, which would go on to become one of the 21st Century’s biggest paranormal hits. Four volumes of The Vampire Diaries hit bookshelves in 1991: The Awakening, The Struggle, The Fury, with Dark Reunion released a year later in 1992. Immediately, the Salvatore brothers were instant hits.
 
L.J. Smith followed this success with The Secret Circle triology, and Nine volumes of the ever popular NightWorld Series.
 
But in 2005, another vampire inspired novel hit bookshelves across the world, and within weeks of it’s release, Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight was number #5 on the NYT Bestsellers list.
 
Over the years, the success of Twilight has been clouded by much controversy, and it’s uncanny resemblence to The Vampire Diaries has fans asking ‘Did Meyer steal the story?’ L.J. Smith declines to comment. 
 
In 2009, following Twilight’s  2008 box office success, The CW network released The Vampire Diaries onto the TV screen. The pilot attacted the largest audience of any series premiere since the network began in 2006.
 
The 2011 TV adaption of The Secret Circle was an instant hit with fans, clearly making L.J. Smith a force to be reckoned with within the world of writing.
 
So, for a lady who refuses to even divulge her age, what would we find out about her in 30 Seconds?
 
1.  What is your favorite word?  Sisterhood
 
2. What is your least favorite word?   Slut
 
3.   What turns you on?   Starlight
 
4. What turns you off?   Clowns
 
5. What sound do you love?   Zhay
 
6. What sound do you hate?   Ach
 
7. What is your favorite curse word?   Spit
 
8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?   Physicist
 
9.  What profession would you not like to do?  Plumber
 
10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?   “Welcome Wanderer.”
 
   

Contact Information

For information regarding L.J. Smiths books and publishing company please visit the website:
http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/

Blog:
http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/blog

 

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

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Competitions and Writing Opportunities Round Up #13

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on November 21, 2011 | 5 Comments »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

K. Margaret Grossman Fiction Awards
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th January 2011
Fees:   $10 for one entry. $15 for two.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. $300; $200.
Details:   For unpublished stories up to 8,000 words. Any subjects and styles.
Contact:  Literal Latté Awards, 200 East 10th Street, Suite 240, New York, NY 10003
Country:  United States
Website:  
http://www.literal-latte.com/contests/#fiction_awards

CNW Something a little different
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   15th December 2011
Fees:   £4 for one entry. Entry and critique £9.
Prizes:   £0 for first place. Estimate £20 plus for first place.
Details:   All entries must be between 1000 and 3000 words and based on the theme either directly or indirectly moving home.
Contact:   CNWriters c/o 6 Fox Close, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5BY
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   cnwriters@btinternet.com
Website:  
http://cnwriters.webs.com/currentcompetitions.htm

Children’s Chapter Book Competition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   £20 for one entry.
Prizes:   £500 for first place. Full manuscript reviewed by agent.
Details:   Fresh, original and unpublished stories are sought for competition. Entry requirements: First three chapters or prologue and first two chapters; one page synopsis; chapter titles; author biography; contact details on separate sheet. Word count: 5000 words. Judged by talent scout for children’s publishers. Postal and online submissions accepted.
Contact:   Canterbury Court, 1 – 3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@chapteronepromotions.com
Website:  
http://www.chapteronepromotions.com

Carpe Articulum Novella Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   7th January 2012
Fees:   $25 for one entry. $10 each additional entry. 5 entries maximum.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. $300; $200.
Details:   For stand-alone fiction up to 150 double-spaced pages.
Country:   United States
Website:  
http://www.carpearticulum.com/submissions

Writer’s Toolkit Flash Fiction Comp
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:   £3 for one entry. £5 for two.
Prizes:   £50 for first place. £25; £15.
Details:   For flash fiction up to 150 words (not including the title).
Contact:   10 Woodward Close, Pershore, Worcs WR10 1LP
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:  
http://www.writers-toolkit.co.uk/blog/?p=259

NaNoWriMo First Line Contest
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   4th December 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry.
Prizes:   $100 for first place. $50 second, $25 third, 7 honorable mentions win copy of Your Writing Coach book.
Details:   Whether or not finish your National Novel Writing Month entry, if you get as far as the first line you can win a cash prize or free book! Prizes will be awarded for the best first sentence of a novel being written for this year’s NaNoWriMo. It can be funny, dramatic, scary or otherwise outstanding.
Contact:   85 Ridgmount Gardens, London WC1E 7AY – but submit via email to link below.
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   jurgenwolff@gmail.com
Website:  
http://www.NaNoWriMoContest.com

Multi-Story Flash Fiction
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   29th February 2012
Fees:   £5 for one entry. £8 for two entries.
Prizes:   £300 for first place. 2nd place £100. 3rd place £50.
Details:   Open themed Flash Fiction competition. Word limit 600. The judge had eleven novels published before turning to writing screenplays for film and TV and remains a regular contributor of short stories and serials in magazines around the world. Her work has been translated into thirteen languages. Entries to be submitted on-line.
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:  
http://www.multi-story.co.uk

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

2012 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest
Sponsor: The North Eastern Ohio RWA
Fee: $15–25.00
Deadline: February 14, 2012
Eligibility: Entrants must be unpublished in book-length fiction (minimum 40,000 words) in the last five years.
Entry: The first chapter, maximum of 7000 words. A one-page synopsis is optional and will not be counted as part of the entry. The synopsis is not judged.
Categories: Contemporary Series Romance, Single Title Contemporary, Historical Romance, Mainstream with Strong Romantic Elements, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult.
Judges: Experienced, published/unpublished. The top three finalists in each category will have their entry judged by an editor/agent final judge.
Top Prize: Winners of each category will receive a refund of their entry fee, a winner’s certificate and a contest winner logo graphic.
FMI, visit www.neorwa.com or email NEOContest2012@gmail.com.

SCRIPTS:

International Student Playscript Comp
Category:   Scripts
Closes:   30th December 2011
Fees:   £0 for one entry. £5 to enter by email.
Prizes:   £1,000 for first place.
Details:   For plays in English by students of any age, studying anywhere in the world.
Contact:   The International Student Playscript Competition, c/o The World Student Drama Trust, 9 McIntyre Court, Studley Road, London SW4 6RX
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   phil@isplayscript.org
Website:  
http://www.isplayscript.org

BBC WRITING OPPORTUNITIES:

BBC Radio 4: Opening Lines

The BBC Radio Drama Readings Unit welcomes unsolicited submissions from writers new to radio for their annual series, Opening Lines which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4.  

As well as broadcasting the three strongest stories in the summer of 2012 they will be publishing transcripts of the shortlisted stories on a new Opening Lines webpage.

The next window for sending in material is October 17th – December 2nd, 2011.  Stories submitted outside this time-frame will be returned unread.  Your story will be read and responded to within three months of the submission deadline.

Content and format:

They are looking for original short stories which work being read out loud i.e. with a strong emphasis on narrative and avoiding too much dialogue, character description and digression.  Pay particular attention to how the story opens and closes.  They’ll be looking to see whether the beginning of a story successfully links to how it ends.

The Readings Unit are interested in seeing stories which cover a broad range of subject-matter but material which explores particularly dark, harrowing themes is not best suited to Opening Lines.

The BBC has a rigorous taste and decency policy and cannot accept stories of a sexist or racist nature, or those which use the stronger swear words. The time allotted for each story is around 14 minutes, which means stories must be between 1,900 and 2,000 words in length.

Submissions must be typed and double-spaced on A4 paper and it is important to put your name and address on the script itself.  Please do not send a recording of the text.

Submission details:

When submitting your work, please include a SAE and a brief covering letter giving your name, e-mail address (if applicable), the story’s title, word count and details of writing track record. We regret that we can only accept one submission per writer and if we intend to broadcast your story we shall contact you.

Stories that fall outside these guidelines will be returned unread.
 
Please send us a copy of your story, not your original work.

If you would like to submit work to the London office please send it to:

BBC Radio Drama Readings Unit
Room 807, South East Wing
Bush House
Aldwych
London
WC2B 4PH

Deadline: December 2nd 2011

SCRIPT WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Via ISA:

Screenwriter with interest in ghosts wanted
Director/dp, planning to produce a short or micro-budget feature film within the next two months. Specific interest for this project is the phenomenon/shared experience most commonly referred to as “ghosts.” Would like to set the story in the slums of Brooklyn. Not interested in shooting a “found-footage” movie. Thinking more along the lines of Hitchcock or Japanese horror/thriller. See work samples at
http://www.waltersdp.com/
. Contact via email at christopherwalters@mac.com. Minimal pay. Thank you.

Short film script wanted
We are looking for a short film script (5 to 20 pages) to bring to life under director Michael Ferns. We prefer drama, but will consider sharp comedy. No horror or thriller. Commissioning for this script begins now and ends on Nov. 30th. We will film the script by year’s end. Email all scripts, premises, questions to Murray Alford at Scripts4.Upon.A.Wheel@gmail.com. Thank you.

Arabic scriptwriters needed
We are a fast growing media company specialized in content creation, content production and media management with offices in Beirut, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and most recently in Abu Dhabi. We are recruiting Arabic scriptwriters who have studied in the US. Based in Abu Dhabi. Good package offered including monthly salary. For questions and further information please contact Rita Hachem at ritahachem@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Producer/Director looking for short film script for production
Established director/producer is looking for writer with a short film to be produced next year and submitted to a workshop for production. Short would also be submitted to film festivals. A small flat fee would be given to writer for rights to produce the project and would be filmed in 2012 with funding production company. Looking for projects that could be done with moderate budget but nothing that requires over $20,000 to produce. Scripts must be no more then 15 pages or have the ablity to be shorten in that page range.
All genres accepted but priority for:
Fantasy
Romantic Comedies
Drama
Action Adventure
Please submit script for consideration with log-line to info@jninemedia.com. Writers with top scripts will be contacted for further discussion.

Action script, hockey – Flow Pictures
We are looking for a low budget COMMERCIAL Feature Action film script with a HOCKEY theme to produce. The selected script will be marketed to investors during the American Film Market in Nov 2011 and Cannes Film Market in May 2012. If you believe you have a strong script please send us your pitch at filmscripts@flowpictures.com, attention Gilbert Khoury. If yours is selected an agreement will be put in place and you will be paid a fair price for your script.

Screenwriter – Love and Crossbones Productions
We are looking for a screenwritier that is in tune with pop culture from the past few decades. More details will be given about the film when chosen. This is a paid job. All interested in this position please submit samples of your writing (or further questions) to us at shawnlcp@gmail.com. Thank you.

Screenwriters and scripts – NRI TV Film Club
Screen writers wanted to develop scripts. We are a production company looking to make films in India for Indian audiences in Indian languages. Please submit resume and a two sample complete scenes. Apply to Tirlok Malik at info@nritvfilmclub.com.

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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POV – How Many Should You Use?

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 19, 2011 | 19 Comments »

At the moment, my life is busy.

Scripts, Warrior Writers, Social Media, and blogging – and that’s not to mention my kids, school runs, after school activities, the house, etc, etc, etc,…..it leaves me – yes, extremely exhausted and very little time to write my novel.

Still, we’d all rather be busy than have nothing to do, right?

So, last weekend I sat down to write and this is where I hit a snag.

I have three POV’s (Point Of Views) in my novel and all are from protagonists. I don’t use my antagonist POV - I prefer to show his evil ways through his actions. That leaves one other character; Billy the cop.

Up until now, Billy has always been in the company of a protag. But now I need him on his own and that means adding his POV. I’ve looked at approaching this scene from different angles, but there is absolutely no way around it: Billy has his fifteen minutes of fame and his own scene.

I feel totally comfortable with Billy having his own POV. He is a strong character with a main part to play in my story, but it did raise the question of how many POV’s are we supposed to have? Is there a limit?

I’ve trawled the internet tirelessly and this is what I’ve found:

* Most authors (writing in third person) use no more than three or four POV’s.
* Each scene should only have ONE point of view.
* There should be absolutely no ‘head-hopping’.

But, there are also downsides to multiple POV’s. Many readers find them confusing. But, Lord of the Rings managers to pull this off, so, are multiple POV’s really the problem, or just down to poor writing?

My view now? I am very nervous about adding a fourth POV, but as long as it’s justified (which it is), and keeps the story moving (which it does), then I think I’ll get away with it.

So, how about you guys? How many POV’s are you using in your current novels? Does the genre make any difference to how many you use? What is the most/least you’ve used in third person? What about when reading? How many do you prefer the auther to use? Does multiple POV’s confuse you. What limit do you think is the right amount?

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

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30 Second Interview with….James Rollins

Posted in 30 Second Interview With...., tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 16, 2011 | 22 Comments »

James Lipton and the Actors Studio did it for fun with the actors…..Now, I’m doing it for fun with the writers.

What does a Sacramento Veterinarian and Indiana Jones have in common?

Answer: James Czajkowski.

Who?

Oh, sorry. You’ll know him better by his pseudonym, James Rollins; the SIGMA Force Series and New York Times bestselling author.

Chicago born James grew up with comic book hero Doc Savage. Years later, a fan pointed out the similarities between his childhood hero and his writing. James had not even realised.

Graduating from the University of Missouri in 1985, James moved to Sacramento, California and established his own veterinary practice. A thousand miles from the successful author he is now, James’ love for science would prove to be the foundation for many future novels.

In 1999, James sold his first novel under the name James Clemens when he entered a writing contest at the Maui Writers’ Conference. He caught the eye of Publisher and Judge,  Terry Brooks and Wit’ch Fire was the first of five books in the The Banned and the Banished series. A year later, James released Subterranean; his first stand alone book under the name ‘Rollins’.

Never far away from his love of Doc Savage, in 2007 James was asked to adapt Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull into a novel. And, as an added bonus, he was given the go ahead to add several new scenes - thrilling Indie lovers worldwide.

Writing two novels a year, including the Jake Ransom children’s series, leaves little room for time off. Add to that the book tours, interviews, seminars and talks taking him across America, Europe and Australia, its hard to see how James finds time to relax. Then again, his idea of relaxation comes in the guise of spelunking, scuba diving, and hiking.

And, to top that, James’ skill and generosity at mentoring have made him a firm favorite with aspiring writers. A regular guest speaker for workshops and conventions, James is also among the core faculty of the annual Hawaii Writers Conference and Retreat.

Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx, debuted May 3, 2011 and The Devil Colony, was released June 21, 2011.

As unbelievable as it sounds, James found the time to answer these ten questions. Just as well it was a quick interview.

1. What is your favorite word?   Sluice

2. What is your least favorite word?   Phlegm

3. What turns you on?   Caving

4. What turns you off?  Colds

5. What sound do you love?   Laughter

6. What sound do you hate?   Jeering

7. What is your favorite curse word?   Frak

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?   Archaeologist

9. What profession would you not like to do?   Accountant

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?   Welcome

The Devil Colony (A Sigma Force Novel)    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull    Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx

Contact Information

For information regarding James books and publishing company please visit the my website:
http://www.jamesrollins.com/site

Twitter: @Jamesrollins

Blog:
http://www.jamesrollins.com/blog

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

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Competitions and Writing Opportunities Round Up #12

Posted in Classes, Competitions and Writing Opportunities, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on November 14, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

This weeks competitions that have caught my eye:

FICTION:

PEN/Bellwether Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   1st January 2012
Fees:   $25 for one entry.
Prizes:   $25,000 for first place.
Details:   For unpublished novels of at least 80,000 words addressing issues of social justice, by US authors with limited publishing experience.
Contact:   PEN/Bellwether Prize, PEN American Center, 588 Broadway, Suite 303, New York, NY 10012
Country:   United States
Email:   awards@pen.org
Website:  
http://www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/2145

The Oxford Editors Writing Comepetition
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   29th February 2012
Fees:   £3 for one entry.
Prizes:   £150 for first place.
Details:   Win £150 and see your story published on our website and as an e-book. The First Chapter Prize Win £100 and a 50 per cent discount on our assessment fee for your completed book.
Contact:   Suite 103, 266 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7GL
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   info@theoxfordeditors.co.uk
Website:  
http://www.theoxfordeditors.com

Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Comp.
Category:  Fiction
Closes:   31st December 2011
Fees:   $15 for one entry.
Prizes:   $1,000 for first place. $500; $250. Also possible publication.
Details:   For short fiction with Jewish content up to 7,000 words.
Contact:   Moment-Karma Short Fiction Contest, Moment Magazine, 4115 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 102, Washington, DC 20016
Country:   United States
Website:  
http://www.momentmag.com/moment/contests/shortfictionguidelines.html

The New Writer Micro Fiction Prize
Category:   Fiction
Closes:   30th November 2011
Fees:  £5 for one entry. One entry consists of up to two pieces (three if a subscriber).
Prizes:   £150 for first place. £100; £50.
Details:   For micro fiction up to 500 words.
Contact:   The New Writer PO Box 60 Cranbrook Kent TN17 2ZR
Country:   United Kingdom
Email:   editor@thenewwriter.com
Website:  
http://www.thenewwriter.com/prizes.htm

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA:

2012 Laurie Contest
Sponsor: Smoky Mountain Romance Writers
Fee: $25.00
Deadline: February 1, 2012
Eligibility: Published authors may enter if they have not signed a contract in the past three years.
Entry: Electronic Only. First twenty-five pages of unpublished novel-length (40,000+ words), no synopsis.
Judges: include published authors/trained judges.
Final Judges: Top three finalists in each category will have their work judged by top editors.
Winners to be announced at the 1st Annual Romfest in Gatilinburg, Tn. in June 2012.
FMI, visit www.smrw.org/contests.

SCRIPTS

Get Your Comedy Sketch Produced
Category:   Scripts
Closes:   16th December 2011
Fees:   $0 for one entry.
Prizes:   $0 for first place. Get your comedy sketch produced by an award-winning director.
Details:   Ever had an idea for a comedy sketch? We are back once again helping talented comedy writers get their sketches produced and distributed. This time we have teamed up with an award-winning filmmaker. The competition is part of a series, in which anyone can submit a script for free. Participants are encouraged to collaborate with one another to produce the funniest piece of comedy they can.
Country:   United Kingdom
Website:  
http://www.circalit.com/projects/competitions/jason

BBC WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

New Writing Talent Search: Heartlands
————–
Passionate about writing television drama for the BBC and live in the ‘heartlands’ of England?

BBC writersroom and the Doctors team at BBC Birmingham are searching for exceptional new and emerging writers from the Midlands who want to write drama for television.

Heartlands will provide an industry training and development opportunity for writers with some of the most experienced producers in the country.

The talent search opens on 14th November – find out how you can enter:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/heartlands_new_writing_talent_search.shtml

SCRIPT WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Via ISA

FOUND FOOTAGE SCRIPTS WANTED
We are looking for completed feature-length found footage scripts, i.e., scripts in the vein of “The Blair Witch Project,” “Cloverfield,” or “Paranormal Activity.” Budget will not exceed $2 million. WGA and non-WGA 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 and enter your email address (you will be signing up for InkTip’s free newsletter) with this code: pc9x62j643. 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.

BUYING SHORT AND FUNNY SCRIPTS
ADA Sport is a LA based animation production company. We are looking for short (1-3 minutes) funny, edgy (in the style of ‘South Park’), potentially viral scripts to be animated. Scripts should be about popular trends, popular people and popular events featuring topics that are of interest to people now and preferably always. If we like your script or idea, we will buy it for $300.
Here are good examples of the types of scripts we need:


 (iPhone vs HTC)


 (Relationships parody)
We only consider submitted scripts or ideas. If you have already submitted a script to us earlier that was rejected do not re-submitting it. If you have new scripts, we are happy to consider them. The number of times you can make a script submission is unlimited.
ADA SPORT respects all artists’ rights and will not illegally use the submitted materials. For more information, please review the full ADA Sport idea submission policy at
http://adasport.com/submission_policy
. Please contact us at adasport110@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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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Your Arms And Their Flirting Ways

Posted in Writing - Body Language, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 11, 2011 | 10 Comments »

Be aware  the next time you go to dinner or have a drink with someone. You may just be telling them exactly how and what you feel without opening your mouth.

How? Body language. Let’s take your arms, for example. They are chatty little things.

Usually, I have to do something stupid to catch a guy’s eye. Then I flutter my eye lashes and curl my index finger towards him. Then, I get out the lasso and drag him towards me. Now, it appears I don’t have to consciously do anything! My arms will do it all for me. How cool is that?

So, how do we do these unconscious acts? I’ll tell you.

Touching Your Arm

So there you are, standing at the bar when a guy (or girl) approaches you. Then, while chatting, they touch your arm. And, just to be clear, were not talking about them wrestling it behind your back (like I often do before forcing said person into my trunk). No, I mean the more subtle way they accidentally brush their hand against yours.

What does it mean? Well, if they do this, then it means they like you and want your full attention.

Stroking Their Arm

What if, while talking to you, this woman (men don’t usually do this), begins to stroke their own …. arm? (Come on, lets keep this out of the gutter). If you’re a guy, then congratulations – you’ve scored because it is the womans way of subtley letting you know she wants you to touch her.

Arm Around The Chair

A classic for that first date at the cinema. I think it has happened to everyone at some point or another and doesn’t really need an explanation. But did you know if the arm is kept there, especially after a conversation has finished, it is a sure sign that the person is ‘marking his territory’. And we all agree it’s a much better way than a dog does it. 

Leaning forward elbows on knees

By this, we mean from a sitting position; the person leans closer to you and rests their elbows on their knees. It’s another sign that someone is flirting with you. Only, with this signal you have to be careful they aren’t just hard of hearing.

Elbow Touching

Hmmm....Not quite exactly what I meant.

Being touched on this area means you’d better have ex-foliated all that hard skin away!

The elbow is a safe way for someone to show they like you and want your attention. Because the elbow isn’t classed an intimate part of the body, it is a subtle sign and if a stranger did it, we probably wouldn’t mind – unless it were in a darkened alley at the time.

Showing The Wrist or Forearm

This is a soft and vulnerable area of the body and classed as erotic. Usually a sign shown by the female when she is interested in dating.

So, what arm signs do you do when trying to show a person you like them? Are you even conscious you are doing it? Have you ever been aware of someone showing these signs to you? Let me know.

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

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30 Second Interview with….Linda Regan

Posted in 30 Second Interview With...., tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 9, 2011 | 4 Comments »

James Lipton and the Actors Studio did it for actors…..Now, I’m doing it for writers.
 

To some of you, Linda Regan may look familiar.

Born in 1959, Linda was just ten when she first stepped in front of a TV camera. Starring as an ’Island Girl’, for a TV movie called Carry on Again Christmas, little did she know it would prove to be the beginning of a showbiz career spanning forty years .

With movies such as Carry on England, Quadrophenia, and Confessions of a Pop Star under her belt, and household shows like The Bill, On the Buses, Dixon of Dock Green and Minder listed among her TV credits, it was no surprise Linda was soon to become a household name.

In 1984 Linda was cast as holiday camp Yellowcoat, April, in the hit TV show Hi-de-Hi! That same year, Hi-de-Hi! won a BAFTA for Best Comedy Series.

In 2006, Linda turned her attention to writing crime fiction, and Behind You!, a novel set in the world of showbiz, was published. 

In 2007, she followed this success with Passion Killers, a more raunchy crime novel set in London’s Soho district. And two years later brought DCI Paul Banham back for his third outing in Dead Like Her.

Her current novel, Brotherhood of Blades, was released by Creme de la Crime in September this year. And her fifth novel, Street Girls is due to be released early 2012.

Linda will next be appearing on stage in Simon Brett’s King Lear – The Panto, and is still very active at writers conventions. When not working, she likes to enjoy life with her actor husband, Brian Murphy.

So, here’s the ten questions posed. How do you think a lady like Linda answered?

1.   What is your favorite word?  Yes

2.   What is your least favorite word?  No

3.   What turns you on?  Smiling

4.   What turns you off?  Dirt
 

5.   What sound do you love?  Soul

6.   What sound do you hate?  Drilling

7.   What is your favorite curse word?  Bum

8.   What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?  Detective

9.   What profession would you not like to do?  Religion

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?  Welcome

Brotherhood of Blades (Creme De La Crime)Dead Like HerBehind You!

Contact Information

For information regarding my books and publishing company please visit the my website:
http://www.lindareganonline.co.uk/

Twitter: @Linda_Regan

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

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