Workshop: Query Letters in NC

Writing the Perfect Query Letter with Laine Cunningham, presented by Alice Osborn

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27609

Saturday, March 9     Time:  1:30-4:30pm

Fee:  $55 (Early Bird till March 1st)/$75 after

Registration: Click here  

Your query letter is every bit as important as the opening pages of your novel. It’s your first opportunity to show your writing skills to a prospective agent or editor. Make it count! Make it shine! A good query letter should make that editor and agent want to read your material…and it should grab their hearts in the thirty seconds or so they give each query in their pile. In this class, publishing consultant and owner of the Writer’s Resource Laine Cunningham will discuss the three important elements to inject into your query so you can get published. Fiction and nonfiction authors writing books, stories or articles will benefit from this class.

Laine Cunningham’s clients consistently garner attention from the nation’s top publishers and agents. Several of her clients’ books have been shopped around Hollywood and have received film options. She has been quoted on CNN MoneyMedia Bistro, and The Writer Magazine for her opinion on the end of the Harry Potter series, the “Oprah Effect,” and Sarah Palin’s ghostwriter. She has presented workshops and lectures for The Loft, the nation’s largest independent literary organization; the National Writer’s Union; The Writer’s Workshop in Asheville and writing conferences across the country.

Switching Genres

Article about the author of books that were made into films starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Some critics said the fact that he wrote in many categories meant he never honed his skills in any one genre. Agree or disagree?
http://nyti.ms/VWvkey

Following in Father’s Footsteps

Great look at two brothers, the sons of Frank Rich and Gail Winston, and their own paths as writers.

When my first novel, Message Stick, was selected for the James Jones Fellowship, I met his daughter. She was kind enough to take me along to view some of her father’s archives, a moment that was reflective and moving. She has written about this same journey at different times of her life. Look up her essays and memoirs for more.

Link

Here’s a roundup of multiple literary magazines from Treehouse.

 

Short Story Collections

This article from Review Review is probably familiar to those of you who write short stories. Too often authors hear from agents and publishers that their collection is fantastic in so many ways…but they aren’t interested unless the author also has a novel.

I’ve sponsored a writing contest for the last four years. When I first approached the literary magazine that administers the contest, the publisher and senior editor both agreed that short story collections, linked or not, would be accepted and encouraged as submissions.

Last year a collection won first place, and in previous years, collections have placed second, third, or as honorable mention. The Blotter and I are very clear in our support of short stories as viable, living art.

Man Asian Contest

This article talks about the Man Asian award, which is now in its last year. It’s unfortunate that we’ve lost so many awards for novels and novellas in the last several years. Awards for book length fiction really haven’t numbered all that many to begin with, at least not ones that offer such a substantial prize or influence. But the committee has decided to put their efforts into supporting the Man Booker award. So at least there’s still support for an art form that is truly one of the most important to people from every walk of life.

Contest

Flash fiction contest.

We invite you to put yourself and the audience under pressure and submit to our FIRST ANNUAL 500 FLASH FICTION CHALLENGE! This year’s genre will be Fiction. Write a good piece in 500 words or less. and you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back, knowing you did something worthwhile and get paid for your sweet effort.

Contest

Nautilus Book Award for books published in 2011 and 2012.

The Director, Staff and Judges of the Nautilus Book Awards have announced that the 2013 Nautilus awards is now open for submissions. We appreciate your comments and are happy to answer your questions.

Contest

Short story and nonfiction contest.

The First Place winner will receive a $200 cash award and consideration for publication in the Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC’s upcoming anthology, entitled, Once Around the Sun: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Tales for All Seasons.* Our previous anthology, A Christmas Sampler: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales (2009), won two Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Best Anthology and Best Short Fiction. 

Contest

Cool contest with cash AND a glass of wine a day for a year as the prize!

Taking a page from the famous literary cafés of Paris, Crook’s Corner Café & Bar in Chapel Hill, North Carolina announces the first annual Crook’s Corner Book Prize, to be inaugurated with an award for best debut novel set in the American South.

Contest

Writing contest for nonfiction.

 

Literary Magazine

Writing Tomorrow is a brand new magazine. We launched our first edition October 1, 2012. We are seeking all types of quality literature and welcome submissions of original, unpublished short stories, novel excerpts, and poems. Our next issue will be out in early February.

Workshop

BUILDING AN AUTHOR PLATFORM
When: Saturday, January 19, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Downtown Thai Restaurant, 202 W. Fourth St.
Register: http://www.wswriters.org/creative-seminar
Cost: $30 (members) / $40 (non-members) (lunch included)
Dena Harris and Chris Laney will help you build your author brand in a seminar that could be critical to your writing career. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Writers.

Workshop

Writing workshop and retreat.

WOMEN, WRITING, AND SOUL-MAKING: A TWO-DAY FEARLESS WRITING RETREAT

This two-day, non-residential writing retreat for women in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, inspires women writers to explore creativity and give voice to their truth in a safe circle.

Workshop

Writing workshop from Alice Osborn

Immerse yourself in a weekend of writing without interruption in the mountains of Western Carolina. This is your answer to, “I’ll write when I can find the time!” Empowered women are powerful writers—grab your power so you can dream and accomplish your dreams of writing your story! Together over the course of this weekend, we’ll delve into our stories of defining moments, healing and self discovery.