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Monday, January 24, 2011

Book Group in Traverse City

Hi Writers! We have some interest in starting a book group in Traverse City. If anyone is interested in joining this group, please let me know by e-mail or comment below. Book groups are great for writers because they give you an incentive to read outside of your typical genre, talk and analyze published novels and meet readers. Readers give you their specific insight, which may not be the same as your perspective as a reader. Additionally, book groups help writers, who often work in solitude, meet other people, make friends and network. What writer couldn't use a group of people who love to read? Perhaps they will be the same friends providing crucial feedback on that novel or article you've written.

Check out this article in the Huffington Post called: Why Writers Need Book Groups.

If you're looking to start a book group (in any location) let me know and I will try to help you find other writers, or just readers, who want to join. Also consider putting a post on Craig's List or putting the word out through Facebook or other social networking sites. Good luck and I hope to hear from you. -J.R.

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.  
~William Hazlitt





Sunday, January 23, 2011

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Writer's Fellowships and Residencies

It can be challenging to write creatively when you're buried in housework, kids, spousal expectations, work woes and just the many components of life. However, writers' residencies and fellowships offer individuals a chance to escape the stresses of their current reality and find writing solace in a space designed only for that. Residencies range from days to months, but their purpose is the same: to give writers the time and space to get creative without having to pay the bills. Of course, most writers will still have bills to pay elsewhere, but consider applying for a residency or fellowship anyway. It is gift for the writer within you and the community that benefits from your work. 

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Contests for Writers

I'm sitting here this morning sipping my coffee and realizing that the snow may be keeping all of us writers close to home. So let's, at least, get something done. Check out these contests and consider writing something out of your genre. If you always stick to horror, write some poetry. It's a great way to stretch your abilities and your mind. Also - I would love to hear your comments about success with contests, markets or jobs and if you have a blog, website or even Facebook page - let me know and I will link to your site.

Free




Entry Fee Required

Creative Nonfiction Essays - $25 fee - Deadlines Jan. 31st and March 16th

Michael Steinberg Essay Contest - $15 fee - Deadline Feb. 28th

Julia Peterkin Award for Fiction - $15 fee - Deadline Feb. 15th

2011 Confrontation Poetry Prize - $10 fee - Deadline Jan. 31st

Glimmer Train Short Fiction Award - $15 fee - Deadline Jan. 31st


And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.  ~Sylvia Plath