Shadow Swans by Laura Thomas

I never do this, but today is a day for exceptions. My cousin Laura Thomas recently published her first novel, Shadow Swans, and I just finished reading it this morning. After finishing this amazing adventure of human emotion, I feel compelled to tell others about it.

So today instead of a blog post on writing, you are getting a recommendation to read Shadow Swans (and to be clear, I will not receive any financial reward for this plug). I am not giving a full review or a synopsis. You can see those on Amazon. Here I want to focus on the writing process and craft.

Why read this book? Because as a writer, you are in a quest to learn about craft, hone your skills, defy the rules, and break new ground. Laura Thomas has succeeded in immersing the reader into the characters and the world of a New York you have never imagined. The underworld becomes alive with vivid descriptions as the characters effortlessly become people you care about and long to follow.

In short, reading a book so well crafted will help you as a writer. Learn from the methods of coloring a room with a tuned mixture of sound, sight, and smell. Relationships that are complex to all parties involved, and yet clear in their parts.

I know you will enjoy the book, but that is not the point in this blog. Use the book to take your writing to another level. Study the way voice is employed. Examine the incredible use of simile. Grow as a writer by reading great writing.

And enjoy.

Buy Shadow Swans on Kindle
Buy Shadow Swans on Nook
Buy Shadow Swans in Print

Scrivener Public Beta for Windows

If you are looking for software to help you organize your writing efforts, Scrivener is a great choice. If you are a Mac user, you may have been using this for quite a while. If you are a Windows user, you are now lucky enough to join the club.

I am not posting a full review here because I have not downloaded the software yet, but on reputation alone, I think the Public Beta is worth a test drive. If you have feedback on the product, please post comments.

Literature and Latte - Scrivener for Windows

Until next time, keep on writing.

100 Free Online Tools for Writers

Thanks to the Writing Fiction blog for posting this great list of tools.
http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/fiction/2010/03/web-apps-for-fiction-writers.html

Short Story Contest

Looked like a good contest, free to enter.

http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com/2010/02/short-story-contest-on-bookrix.html

Writing Contest Websites for 2010

Happy New Year! 2010 is upon us so it is time to start thinking about a new year of writing goals, project possibilities, and writing contests.

In my last post I listed some specific contests with detailed information about prizes and rules. In this post I want to list other websites that contain lists of writing contests, so a jumping off point for you to stroll through your options.

My advice for the new year, be intentional. Do not allow the year to just happen to you. You shape the year. Make a small list of specific goals, and if they may be difficult to complete even better. If you aim for a 300 foot drive on the green, you are much more likely to hit 250 feet.

Aim big! And remember, you will never win a contest unless you enter. Best of luck to you all.

Poets and Writers
Creative Writing Contests blog on Wordpress
OnceWritten.com
Writers-editors.com
FreelanceWriting.com

New Author Writing Contest

I read this in the Writers and Authors blog and wanted to pass it along.

http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-author-writing-contest.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WritersAndAuthors+%28Writers+and+Authors%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

yWriter5 Writing Software Review

I decided to start the year out by trying to be more organized in my writing. I have a system, but it consists of individual files for things like character summaries, plot outline, and chapter summaries. Knowing that there is software out there for writers, I decided to search and see what I could find.

After reviewing a long list of possibilities, I focused in on yWriter5. I watched the video demo and I was sold. It is feature rich, very light-weight, and FREE! And as an unpublished writer, I am a big fan of free.

I formatted my latest writing project in rtf format with chapter headings as required by yWriter5, and was able to import my whole project and have it automatically create the chapter division files.

You have options to add characters with character details, locations, items, and scenes which make up your chapters. Because of the "scene" approach, it is easy to drag scenes between chapters or rearrange them as your story fleshes out.

The reports are helpful, and you can even do a word-count report to help you stick to your writing goals.

I am really amazed at how much this free program offers, and from what I have seen so far, you are getting a top quality program.

Check it out at http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com

Writing Contests 2010

The new year is just around the corner. If you want to enter writing contests in 2010, start scanning the contest options and find one or more that fit you. Here's my annual summary of some contests that look promising. Good luck!


CONTESTS - NO ENTRY FEE

Ladder Writers Competition - Short Story competition with a prize of approx. $100.
Deadline: January, 14, 2010

http://www.ladderwriters.com/

The Eric Hoffer Award - Here you will find two contests.
1) A winning work of short prose will earn you $500, and you can win other honors or distinctions.
Deadline: March 31, 2010
2) Submit your independent book, which includes self-published books, and you could win $1,500.
Deadline: January 21, 2010
http://www.hofferaward.com/


Career Transition Story Contest - Write a non-fiction story about your real life career change experiences and you could win $500.
Deadline: January 30, 2010
http://www.worklifegroup.com/contests/career-transition-stories/


First Annual Spirit Meditation Poetry Contest - Submit your unpublished poem for a chance to win one of three prizes between $50 and $150.
Deadline: January 31, 2010
http://www.spiritfirst.org/spirit_first_news.html#poetry

Christian Poetry Contest - You could win $3,000 in this poetry contest.
Deadline: February 28, 2010
http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/

The William Saroyan Society Contest for 1st Grade through College - Submit your short story for a chance to win up to $100 in several grade groupings.
Deadline: March, 8, 2010
http://williamsaroyansociety.org/


CONTESTS - MODEST ENTRY FEE

American Short Fiction - Submit a short story and you could win up to $1,000 and publication.
Deadline: January 1, 2010
Entry Fee: $20
http://www.americanshortfiction.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp%3bview=article&amp%3bid=38-contest&amp%3bcatid=6-announcements


Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize - Write a short story on the theme Apartments and Neighbors under 750 words, and you could win $1,000.
Deadline: January 10, 2010
Entry Fee: $25
http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/the-2010-stella-kupferberg-memorial-short-story-prize/

Iron Horse Literary Review Competition - Submit a collection to try for a $1,000 honorarium.
Deadline: February 15, 2010
Entry Fee: $15
http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/iron-horse-literary-review-single-author-issue-competition/

Limnisa Short Story Contest - Write an original short story up to 3000 word and you could win a two week writing class in Greece or a one week vacation in an apartment in Greece.
Deadline: March 1, 2010
Entry Fee: £5.- (€6.-)
http://www.limnisa.com/pageID_7585721.html

Westmoreland Poetry and Short Story Contest - Submit unpublished short story or poems for prizes ranging from $75 to $200.
Deadline: March 15, 2010
Entry Fee: $10 - $20
http://www.artsandheritage.com/poetry-short-stories.htm


Once Bitten Contests - Here you will find a variety of poetry and other fiction contests with prizes from $150 to $5,000.
http://www.oncewritten.com/WritingContests.php

Frustrated by Real Life

I have read repeatedly that the way you know if you are a writer is how much you write. If it is in your top three to five priorities, you may be a writer. Lately the extremely long weeks at my day job (although more nights are involved these days) have been making it impossible for me to move beyond my basic family and chore obligations into my writing.

Today I am trying to break out of that rut, but I know we have an office move coming up in a week so I will probably have a long couple of weeks. In reality, I think there does come a point where you have to realize writing will always be an extreme challenge while working a full-time job. Sometimes will be harder than others, but that is the point. You will never be able to really settle into a routine because your primary obligations will change your schedule.

While I am frustrated, I am trying to be an adult and recognize that it is just something to roll with and get over. I will try to write some more today, and hope to write more this week. If it does not happen, I know I will pick it up the following week.

Does it make continuity of plot and style and flow difficult? Absolutely! That leads me back to truth of life number 87, there is a reason that not everyone writes a novel... it is hard.

So wishing you all the best of luck in your writing, while sprinkling some luck in my direction as well, I bid you farewell to go write.

www.jhughthomas.com

www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Preparing Plot Archs and Character Archs

One of the most satisfying plot twists in The Empire Strikes Back is the moment when Luke and Darth Vader are finishing and intense light saber battle and Vader reveals a life altering piece of information, "I am your father."

For those of us that saw this in the theater before the information was leaked, it was a powerful moment that was emotionally jarring and instantly opened up new avenues for the plot and character development. You were left wondering what would this mean? How will Luke react? Is it true?

To me this is still one of the best examples of how a writer that plans into the future is capable of bringing more to the table than one who just writes in the moment. When you go back to the first movie, you see clues like when Uncle Owen responds to a statement that Luke has too much of his father in him by saying, "That's what I'm afraid of." I remember in the theater thinking this was an obscure thing to say but after Darth Vader's revelation, it all made sense.

I wish I could say I know how to pull this off in a magical and compelling way, but as you know, I am only learning. Here are the things that do seem important to me when approaching a story which you are sure will span over several books.

1) Write Detailed Character Sheets. This helps when you only plan to write one book with the characters, but when the story will stretch on, it is critical. The more time you spend developing these characters on paper, giving them an interesting background, the more material you have to sprinkle through the books ahead.

2) Write History Overlap Sheets. Consider this an addendum to the Character Sheets. Here you will document the ways in which the various characters have crossed paths in the past, before the beginning of your first story. These interactions will provide insight to you as the writer to explain why Judy hates Steve, or Phil is tortured when he is around Judy.

3) Write a Goals Sheet for each Character. This is from the character's perspective, and can include an old set of goals and then a newer set that changed due to some events that occurred. This gives you a clear starting point for motivations of your characters. Whenever you get stuck writing a scene with that character, go back to their goals and see if it helps you find the character's next move.

4) Write an Author's Goal Sheet for each Character. This is a guideline that you may have to scrap as your plots unfold, but it can be a useful guideline. Within each story, you want a character to make some movement as a person. It may be the realization that they will never reach their goal, or it could be the fulfillment of something unexpected. Whatever it is, if you write it down and modify it as you work on your plot, it will be a helpful reference.

5) Map the Big Pieces out for the Series of Novels. I don't know how many writers actually do this, or have the time for that matter, but I can see how good initial planning will result in a richer more fulfilling plot. If you know which pieces of character background will be revealed in which book, and which major plot points will occur and when, it can allow you the freedom to fill in the blanks knowing that you have a strong overall story map for both plot and character development.

I can only hope these steps will prove true as I work on my story and characters. If you read this blog regularly, I am sure will find out if I was right or wrong about my instincts.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com

www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Writing Contests and Some Good Blog Entries

I have been busy lately so as usual, unpaid activities like blogging take a back seat. I'll try to make up for it with some great links to great writing contests, articles, and blog entries on writing.

WRITING CONTESTS

Halloween Writing Contest

Submit a 300 word Halloween story and if you make the top three, win a prize. Age categories from Kindergartners all the way to Adults.



Short Writing Contest

The struggling Writer points to an interesting 500 word writing contest, any genre, that must use three out of a list of ten words.



Teen Writing Contests

A great resource if you are a teen looking for some street cred as a writer.



Winter Short Story Fiction Competition

This one comes with a $15 entry fee, but you can win up to $500 for a 1000-3000 word story.



Science Fiction Writing Contest

Poetry, one act play, or short story up to 5,000 words for this contest.



WRITING BLOGS



How To Write Action Scenes
Nice blog post by Author James Scott Bell on writing a good action scene.

5 Excellent Writing Blogs
Enough said.

Writing That First Draft
A good reminder to just write.

How To Write A Novel In Three Months
Sound crazy? You be the judge.

How To Write A Novel
Nice detailed article on the topic.


Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com
www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

How To Handle a Character's Thoughts

I recently received the following email question from one of the blog readers. Below is our exchange in case anyone else has the same question. As always, this is just my amateur opinion.

Hugh,
How do you show what a character is thinking in a novel? I don't want to write (he or she thought) every time. Can I place a character's thoughts in single quotation marks, and then place a character's words in the traditional double quotation marks?
Thanks

My first reply:

Joe,
All I can give you is my perspective. I think the best way is to shift seamlessly into the character's thoughts without attribution. In other words, allow the perspective to simply become closer to the character, reflecting thoughts as they happen. This can be tricky but it seems to be the best method of keeping the reader engaged. If you require a directly quoted thought, I would recommend italics followed by "he thought." I think that most often the simple method is best, just as "he said" is better than "he shouted." Writing "he thought" does not take the reader out
of the reading flow, which is the real goal. You want it to be invisible. Hope that helps some. Best of luck.
Hugh

Joe Responded:

So if a character is thinking, write their thoughts in italics?

I Replied:

Here are two examples. First is one where you are communicating thoughts without attribution.

Jake walked into the room slowly, guarded. The single bulb cast shadows across the table. The smell was strong and rancid. A dead animal? Or... no, probably just an animal.

He continued through the room.

The second one uses attribution.

Jake walked into the room slowly, guarded. The single bulb cast shadows across the table. The smell was strong and rancid.

A dead animal? Jake thought. Or... no, probably just an animal.

He continued through the room.

In my opinion, the version without attribution is better. As you read the passage, you more directly get the thoughts of the character without really noticing the deepening perspective. I am not saying that I really know how to do this well, but I definitely think it is the right approach when it is done well.

I see it as creeping perspective. You may start out with simple observations, more narrative description than written from a specific perspective. Then slowly, as the emotion needs to ramp up, you make it more clear that the perspective is from the character, maybe drawing in life experiences as part of the context for the current events. Finally, you begin to slip into the thought process, the emotions, and even some specific thoughts of the character. When done properly, the reader never realizes the shift is taking place, the reading flow is not broken, and at the same time the reader is becoming more emotionally connected to the events taking place, and to the character.

Hope this helps those of you struggling with this issue. If you have other opinions, please share them will us all in the comments.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com
www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Articles, Blogs, Cover Art, and a Writing Update.

I am sorry for the delay in my post. Things have been crazy lately and I just could not find the time. Because I am starting a technical blog on SQL Server, it just means I have more to juggle, and I have not learned how to juggle yet. In addition, I just wrote my first technical article that will appear in the September 3rd newsletter from SQLServerCentral.com. This is an exciting new avenue for me to expand my professional profile, but it once again takes more time.

I will begin with a writing update on my Novelette/Novella. I am currently at 11,689 words which means I am making some progress but not at the speed I would prefer. Anyway, I am trying to finish the first draft by the end of September so I can have it edited by the end of the year. I may not reach that goal, but I will try to have my book available in 2009.

I am pretty sure I have the title locked down as well, "Closing Gitmo," which is the first book in a series named "Within Our Borders."

At the same time, I have started to work on cover art so that hopefully by the time the book is done, the cover art will also be done. I will risk posting a first draft for feedback, so please be brutally honest if you leave feedback. Otherwise I will not be able to use your comments to make improvements.

Next time I hope to have more written words to report and some helpful tips.

Until then, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com

www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Some Good Writing Articles and Blog Entries

Here are some more links to interesting blogs and articles I found on the web.

Tweet a novel?
http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2009/08/09/writing-a-novel-just-tweet-it/

Approach the blank page.
http://writeanything.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/approaching-the-blank-page-part-3/

Fifth time's a charm.
http://hubpages.com/hub/NaNoWriMocom-Can-You-Write-a-Novel-in-a-Month

For young writers.
http://www.examiner.com/x-19400-NY-Gifted-Education-Examiner~y2009m8d10-Gifted-Education-101-Expert-advice-for-the-aspiring-young-author

Road to publication getting harder?
http://www.zeriously.com/1412/get-a-book-publishedthe-roadto-publication-might-be-getting-a-little-rougher-3/

Great article about podcasting novels.
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2009-08/07/novels-by-podcast-how-to-make-money-from-free.aspx

9 ways to promote your books online.
http://www.examiner.com/x-16045-Portland-Writing-Examiner~y2009m8d5-9-ways-to-promote-your-books-on-the-internet

Hope these help you out.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com
www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Novel Writing Contest Due September 1st

If you have a novel ready to go, check out this contest.

http://www.anderbo.com/guidelines.html

The winning author retains all literary rights and receives a $300 honorarium upon publication.

How Story Time Can Develop Your Novel Writing Skills

Another day is coming to a close. The kids hug mom and jump in the bed ready for a night of happy dreams. After I tuck them in and kiss their heads, the familiar request spouts in unison from their mouths, "Story!" In my benevolent mood, I acquiesce to their request.

I have repeated this routine countless times. However, I have never repeated a story. Every night I make up a new story, from scratch, on the spot, as I go. Some have been engrossing and surprising, and others have fallen flat. The content is not what I want to focus on, but rather the process.

By committing to tell a story without a guideline or a starting point, I am using the "jump in and see where it leads" form of writing rather than the "outline, summarize, and then write" approach. It requires thinking quickly on your feet and using intuition and free-form creativity to get you from a beginning to an end in your story. It may seem like an innocent parental duty that people execute all around the globe, but it can be much more.

It can be a teaching ground for learning craft.

Perhaps you are strong in the outlining method of novel writing, but you struggle with bringing spontaneity to your story as you write. Telling improvised stories will stretch you to be creative, think outside the box, and not have time to worry that it does not make sense. Once you say it, you then have the obligation to make it work in the story and you will be surprised at the creative ways you make your twists and turns work.

Another good side-effect is the collection of story ideas that you produce. I have several ideas for books and short stories that have been birthed from story time with my two girls. One of them I think has real promise for a series. And there is no guarantee that I ever would have found the idea without the constraints of story time.

If you do not have kids, borrow some. I know most parents will be glad to loan them out for a while. Seriously, nieces and nephews or kids in your neighbors work just as well. Story time can happen any time of the day, not just at bed time. And if your subject matter is adult material, tell stories to your friends.

There are many ways to hone your craft that require reading, study, and intense focus. I think you deserve a break from all the hard work. Remember how to have fun with your stories, and continue learning about craft in the process.

J Hugh Thomas is a database developer and a programmer who is writing his first novel. Read his blog http://onwritingmyfirstnovel.blogspot.com to see all of his writer's resources and free advice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Hugh_Thomas www.jhughthomas.com www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Resources and writing update

Here are some links that I found interesting over the past week. Regarding my writing, I submitted a new article to ezinearticles.com and wrote a few paragraphs in my Novelette prequel to the main novel I am writing. This was a busy week with July 4th and my oldest daughter's 13th birthday, so I did not write much, but I am getting back on the horse.

A quick read to inspire you to get started on your novel.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4764267_write-novel-quickly.html

This is a funny and practical approach to finding an idea for your next story
http://goodexperience.com/2009/07/how-to-write-a-novel.php

A good article on 8 steps involved in writing your novel
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1901182/how_to_write_a_novel_in_8_simple_steps.html

Here is an encouraging question/answer for any young writers out there
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090705134726AAXjDur

Mighty Mur Lafferty talks about self-publishing
http://isbw.murlafferty.com/2009/07/01/revolutions-and-pitfalls/

Here's info on a Screenplay writing contest
http://screenwritingtips.com/the-rogue-knight-of-cinema-why-screenplay-contests-matter/

If you have some writing that is "contest ready" you have a couple of days to submit. This one is due July 15th.
http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/grandmother-earth-xvi-national-writing-awards/

Here's a good article on setting your rates as a freelance writer.
http://copywriter.typepad.com/copywriter/2009/07/freelance-writing-3-tips-to-help-you-to-set-your-rates.html

The next time I blog I hope to have another chunk of the story written. Until then, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com
www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Choosing the Best Writing Tools

Although some writers still insist that their muse will vacate the premises unless they are writing on paper, that is not the case for most of us. We typically like the "type once" approach that a device provides. Today there are more choices than ever before. Here are a few that work for me.

Quickpad - The Quickpad is a small, keyboard sized device with a small four line LCD display window. It starts up very quickly, saves quickly, and shuts down quickly. That combined with long battery life and and light weight make this a great device for writing on the go. I have found this to be perfect for writing a first draft. The four line screen is not very helpful for editing.

Smartphone - That's right, I said smartphone. I would not recommend writing a novel on a phone-size device, but it is great for blogging, social networking, and even writing articles. Take advantage of those fifteen minutes you wait for the oil change or sit in a waiting room. I use a T-Mobile Shadow and have written more than fifty of my blog posts from the phone.

Netbook - The most popular computer devices on the market are also great for writers on the go. The small form-factor, light weight, and Wi-fi connectivity make them perfect for blogging, writing articles, social networking, and writing novel length fiction. I recommend a screen ten inches or larger, less for the screen size than for the larger keyboard which allows for comfortable typing.

Laptop/Desktop PC/MAC - Most writers today use a PC/MAC as their primary writing tool. It is my top choice for serious writing and my only choice for editing. Why mess with a good thing.

Word Processing - I still prefer MS Word over most of the competition, but I have used the free OpenOffice package and it did what I expected from a word processor. Google Docs has been my recent tool of choice which is helpful if you find yourself writing from different computers or internet enabled devices.

The bottom line is you have a lot of options. Choose wisely and you may even increase your writing productivity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Hugh_Thomas

Novel Writing Contests 2009

I have received some feedback on my Writing Contests post that most contests are for short fiction, not a full Novel length work. So in response, here is a post of what I could find for those who want to submit full Novels to writing contests, or at least submit from your completed novel. My list is short since most of the contests I found have already expired for 2009.


If you are aware of any more Novel contests, please post them with links in the comments for everyone to take advantage of.

ChristianWritersGuild:
If you write Christian Fiction and are a first time novelist, here is a chance to win $20,000 plus publication from the publishing house and author behind the Left Behind series, Jerry B. Jenkins and Tyndale House.
http://www.christianwritersguild.com/Contest.asp

Writing Room contest:
This contest is for work between 50,000 and 125,000 words. There are a range of prizes including cash prizes maxing out at $500 and including publication through PublishingRoom.com and some publicity. I would not consider this a traditional contest, but rather more of a "promoting our services" contests. You are required to publish your manuscript through PublishingRoom.com if you enter this contest (you can choose the free publishing option with no frills). Read the fine print before you make a decision on this one.
http://www.writingroom.com/Writing-Contest-Authors-Choice-2009.aspx


A Woman's Write:
Submit the first 75 pages of your novel in this contest to win a $500 prize along with publishing aids and a letter of recommendation.
http://www.awomanswrite.com/rules.html


NanoWrimo:
I know this requires you to write a new novel for the contest, but it is still a good contest with a high profile.
http://www.nanowrimo.org/

3-Day Novel:
That's correct, 3 days. This is a great contest to help you focus on writing volume and ignoring your inner editor. You may find that after producing a lot with a little time, you have some good material in the middle.
http://www.3daynovel.com/


Until next time, let's keep on writing.

www.jhughthomas.com
www.facebook.com/jhughthomas

Summer Writing Contests for 2009

Here are some great writing opportunities over the summer. If you already have some stories written, or you plan to write over the summer, take advantage of writing contests to raise your profile and give you an advantage in the writing marketplace. If you have a specific type of writing that you want to submit, Google search for a contest that fits the type. Chances are there are one or more contests out there that fit the bill.


For Young Writers, K-12:

If you are a student who has what it takes, enter this contest to prove yourself to the rest of the world.
Due Date: July 31, 2009.
http://www.youngvoicesfoundation.org/writingcontests.html


For High school Seniors:

You can receive a $500 college scholarship for 500 word (or less) essay.
Due Date: August 28, 2009.
http://www.essaylady.com/scholarship_essay_contest.shtml


For All Writers:

Write the most gripping first paragraph of a story in one of the following genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Western, Ghost Story/Gothic. "...you could win a prize package from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts or a Walrus prize package, and have you work published at walrusmagazine.com!"
Due Date: July 31, 2009.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/blogs/2009/05/29/enter-our-guilty-pleasures-writing-contest/


If you write middle-grade or young adult novels, you could win the ultimate prize, publication of your novel with Random House!
Due Date: June 30, 2009.
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/

Writer's Digest holds a recurring contest called Your Story. Based on a writing prompt, you write a 750 word short story and the possibility of being published in Writer's Digest.

Next Due Date: July 10, 2009.

http://www.writersdigest.com/yourstory

Other sites with writing contest lists:

Here is a listing of many writing contests courtesy of Barton County Poets and Writers.

http://bartoncountypoetsandwriters.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/spring-summer-writing-contest-deadlines/

Beware, most of these cost a fee to enter, but some of them are free to enter.

http://www.oncewritten.com/WritingContests.php


Sign-up for this feed and get ongoing updates on contests.
http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/


Ready to enter quickly? Here are contests with deadlines in June 2009.
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/thebusinessofwriting/a/JuneContests.htm


I realize I have barely scratched the surface of a comprehensive list, but I hope it helps. I wish you all the best of luck in your contest submissions.


On the writing front, after a week at the beach I have written just over five thousand words in my short story. I like the way it is coming together, and I hope to finish the first draft in the next few weeks.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

http://www.jhughthomas.com/
My Facebook Account