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Hi I blog about writing and interview a new author each month. Email me at [email protected] for a chance to win a signed copy of each month's featured book.
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After a previous “Dear Lucky Agent” contest, the agent judge, Tamar Rydzinski (The Laura Dail Literary Agency), signed one of the three contest winners. After Tamar signed the writer, she went on to sell two of that writer’s books! How cool! That’s why these contests are not to missed if you have an eligible submission.
HOW TO SUBMIT
E-mail entries to [email protected]. Please paste everything. No attachments.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
The first 150-200 words of your unpublished, completed book-length work of middle grade fiction. You must include a contact e-mail address with your entry and use your real name. Also, submit the title of the work and a logline (one-sentence description of the work) with each entry.
Please note: To be eligible to submit, you must mention this contest twice through any any social-media. Please provide a social-media link or Twitter handle or screenshot or blog post URL, etc., with your official e-mailed entry so the judge and I can verify eligibility. Some previous entrants could not be considered because they skipped this step! Simply spread the word twice through any means and give us a way to verify you did; a tinyURL for this link/contest for you to easily use is http://tinyurl.com/pwbds3q. An easy way to notify me of your sharing is to include my Twitter handle @chucksambuchino at the end of your mention(s) if using Twitter. If we’re friends on FB, tag me in the mention. And if you are going to solely use Twitter as your 2 times, please wait 1 day between mentions to spread out the notices, rather than simply tweeting twice back to back. Thanks. (Please note that simply tweeting me does not count. You have to include the contest URL with your mention; that’s the point.)
Here is a sample tweet you can use (feel free to tweak): New FREE contest for writers of middle grade fictionhttp://tinyurl.com/pwbds3q Judged by agent @petejknapp - via @chucksambuchino
WHAT IS ELIGIBLE?
Middle grade fiction. The agent judge did not choose to exclude any subgenre, so everything is fair game.
CONTEST DETAILS
This contest will be live through the end of July 30, 2014, PST. Winners notified by e-mail within approximately three weeks of end of contest. Winners announced on the blog thereafter.
To enter, submit the first 150-200 words of your book. Shorter or longer entries will not be considered. Keep it within word count range please.
You can submit as many times as you wish. You can submit even if you submitted to other contests in the past, but please note that past winners cannot win again. All that said, you are urged to only submit your best work.
The contest is open to everyone of all ages, save those employees, officers and directors of GLA’s publisher, F+W Media, Inc.
By e-mailing your entry, you are submitting an entry for consideration in this contest and thereby agreeing to the terms written here as well as any terms possibly added by me in the “Comments” section of this blog post. (If you have questions or concerns, write me personally at chuck.sambuchino (at) fwmedia.com. The Gmail account above is for submissions, not questions.)
PRIZES!!!
Top 3 winners all get: 1) A critique of the first 10 double-spaced pages of your work, by your agent judge. 2) A free one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com ($50 value)!
MEET YOUR (AWESOME) AGENT JUDGE!
Peter Knapp joined the Park Literary Group in July 2011, where he represents authors of middle grade and young adult fiction. His recent sales include a contemporary YA to Scholastic, a contemporary MG to Penguin, and a YA fantasy series to Entangled. He does not represent picture books or nonfiction. Prior to joining Park Literary, he was the story editor at Floren Shieh Productions, where he consulted on book-to-film adaptations for Los Angeles-based film and TV entities. He graduated from New York University with a B.A. in art history.
International Anti-Street Harassment Week begins in 8 days. One easy way to participate and help bring awareness to street harassment and empower yourself is by going to a place where you were harassed and reclaiming it with sidewalk chalk messaging! My mom, Beckie Weinheimer, (pictured on the right) tried this out last night. She went to a place where she’d been harassed before in Florida and took back the sidewalk, took back the street, and reclaimed her right to be there un-harassed. She said, “It felt great!” This act can also raise other people’s awareness about the problem. My mom said, “A lot of people stopped and two people took Stop Street Harassment stickers and said they will look your site up.” I love how just one person can have a big impact with this method and I love that it’s easy and quick to do. Last year, four women from Hollaback Brussels did a chalk walk to reclaim the places where they were harassed and they were able to empower themselves and generate a lot of conversations and consciousness-raising among passersby. View their We Chalk Walk Tumblr of photos! This year for International Anti-Street Harassment Week, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Hollaback! London, and others are asking people in London to chalk their streets with slogans, experiences and messages of solidarity throughout the week and send them to [email protected] to be tweeted and shared on social media. No matter where you are for International Anti-Street Harassment Week (April 7-13), you can do the same. Take a photo of your sidewalk chalk message (either with you in the photo or just of the message) and send it to StopStreetHarassment AT yahoo DOT com and let me know where it is, and, if you feel comfortable, share the harassment story that happened to you there. Share on Facebook
0 Comments on Taking Back the Streets Cross Posted from Stop Street Harrasment as of 3/30/2013 4:19:00 PM
The Next Big Thing Blog Hop celebrates what the writers are working on or what they have coming up next. Welcome to my stop!
Greetings from West Palm Beach Florida, my new hometown! (At least for Winter--Maine for summer). Yes, because of my husband's new job we are officially snowbirds!
Photo by the great Melissa Lewis
I was tagged by a dear friend and National Book Award Winning Author, Kathy Erskine author of Mockingbirdand many other wonderful books for teens and adults.
I have two books I’m going to cover — although I’m working on many more — one which is being marketed by my agents at Pippin Properties and the other that began as a NANO project last November thanks to my librarian Sam who inspired me to write like crazy for a month. I’ll do them sequentially …
1. What is the working title of your book
Better Than Chocolate
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
From an amazingly spunky girl named Heidi who has Cerebral Palsy and is deaf. She is not afraid of anything but a suction machine, loves to cause mischief by knocking things over just to see them crash, and selects the strangest people as friends.
3. What genre does your book come under?
Middle grade contemporary fiction
4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I think Sandra Bullock would make a great mom. I'm not sure about the rest.
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Angie admires her sister Lindsey who isn't afraid of anything but a suction machine, while fifth grade Angie is afraid of a new school, eating alone, her crabby neighbor Mr. Davidson, the neighborhood bully, Cockroach Baxter, and most of she is worried that Lindsey will end up in ICU at the hospital again.
6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
My good friend and author Lynda Taylor suggested I write a book inspired by the real events in Heidi's life.
10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Better than Chocolate takes place in a small town near Hershey Pennsylvania. Angie loves chocolate so Hershey World does come to play a part in this story. Also Angie is a budding young architect and a neighborhood spy with Lindsey and best friend British-wannabe Melissa who calls her mom Mum and reads the British classics, like Sherlock Holmes and Jane Eyre. Angie, Melissa and Linsey converse in sign language and use Lindsey's talking pad. Lindsey loves lights, and Christmas. Here's a picture my friend Lynda Taylor painted of her looking out at her Chirstmas present from Angie--lights.
**And here’s the novel still in progress…
1. What is the working title of your book?
What Annie Told her Granny
2. Where did the idea come from for the book
My great great great grandfather was born in Penally Wales and he left behind a lively journal about his life, stealing a house, getting whipped for skipping school to watch a big schooner arrive from America, living in a workhouse, and hunting and shooting. I was able to travel to Wales and using his journal to track my way to a small town, the estate he worked on, the local church where he was listed at bastard child and visit the workhouse. I thought how fun it would be to have a 14 year old girl from small town Utah (where I was raised), time travel to find her great great great grandfather when he was her age--14.
GGG grandfather's church in Penally Wales
3. What genre does your book come under?
Tween historical fiction
4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I have no idea!
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? (I made it two)
14 year old Annie, the oldest child in a family of nine, including three sets of younger twins, is always in trouble, and hates being a girl in a world in her small Utah town where boys get all the breaks. Little does she know when she stumbles off to the Brighamsville Tabernacle in tears, upset because she's been grounded for wearing her GGG Grandfather William Bates' lucky cap and dressing in her brother's clothes that she will soon get her wish.
6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
Pippin Properties
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still not done, but half of it was done in November! Thank you NANOWRIMO
8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Movies? Back to the Future
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My own life. I am the oldest of 9 children, with two sets of twins and a set of triplets as siblings. I grew up babysitting, diaper changing, and folding clothes before the dryer quit the fluff cycle. My brother's chores were to weed the garden and mow the lawn while I had to learn to make whole wheat bread and sew. I just wanted to cut the grass and help tomatoes grow!
10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Annie will encounter pirates, learn how the working class in Great Britain was treated in 1840's and discover that she wishes people knew she really was a girl when she develops a crush on her ggg grandfather, Willie Bates' (age 15) best friend.
My husband just started a new job today in West Palm Beach, Florida. That means, me his free-lance, have laptop, can travel, wife got to move away from gray, icy NYC in January and ended up in--as my cousin in Germany commented when I posted this photo--Paradise.
What a lovely treat. Guest speakers included Bruce Coville, Toni Buzzeo, and Ellen Hopkins.
For figidty people like myself I was thrilled to find a small packet of crayons and notepad at my chair. So as I listened to Bruce Coville talk I doodled. Okay I'm a horrid artist, but it helps me consentrate. Thank you crayon giver!
To make a good book great you must take risks. Not taking a risk is a risk.
And quoting Cole Porter, "Courage is freedom."
He talked about leaving our comfort zones and his message made me reflect and agree.
While at Vermont College pursuing and MFA in Creative Wrting and working on my creative thesis which later became Converting Kate, my mentor, M. T. Anderson, Tobin, as we called him, told me that my book wasn't about Kate going to the prom, but it was about the disagreements between Kate and her Mom. He encouraged me to go deeper. I went home from Vermont scared. I knew if I went deeper and published what I really thought it would hurt people I loved, people who believed in the relgion I had rejected. But determined to face my fears and speak the truth I took my laptop, kissed my husband and two teenage daughters good bye and drove to Ocean City Maryland, walked the beaches, locked myself in an inexpensive hotel room and wrote and wrote, and sobbed and sobbed and did it.
And yes, I've made people sad, but I get so many letters and read reviews like this one I came across just last week, that the fear I faced was well worth it.
I could not have read this at a more opportune time. I was raised in a conservative Muslim environment, and my experiences and thoughts were almost identical to those of Kate's. This book is spot on with the doubts and uncertainty experienced when trying to get out of an extreme religious upbringing, and my praise and sympathies to the author for having to deal with this kind of stuff firsthand and then be able to write so eloquently about it.http://ya-bookaholic.blogspot.com/2013/01/converting-kate.html
This is the best book i have read in my life. Nevermind words cannot explain. Beckie Weinheimer is just so inspirational. the way she made kate was perfect. how she had to stick up for what she felt inside, how deep the words are, it's like the words jump at you from the book. i've read second corinthians chap 13 :12 many times, and NEVER have i looked at it the way pastor browning described it. God Bless you Beckie. this book has done so much.
Listening to Mr. Coville, made me want to come home and be brave all over again. Thank you Bruce Coville!
Toni Buzzeo (who is very cool and also summers in Maine and when we spoke actually knew where Tenants Harbor, ME is!) took us through an idea she had and how it became a first draft--which she read, then a second draft--which she read and then to a much later draft--which she read, then took us through rejections and finally a sale. It is hard work to write a picture book. Or write anything. Determination, rewriting, and stick to it was her message. And it gave me new heart, to keep going and to remember as Bruce Coville also said, "First drafts don't have to be good, they just have to exist."
I stopped my NANO at 17,000 words because of the move and family issues. But now thanks to Toni Buzzeo I'm determined to continue, to just get it down, just get those 50,000 words on the computer, just let them exist. Thank you Toni Buzzeo.
Ellen Hopkins let us know that she doesn't believe in overnight successes. Her first book reached the New York Times Best Seller list after 2 1/2 years. Unheard of. She faxed every newspaper in the country, contacted other media outlets, she never gave up, she wasn't afraid to sell her book. She spoke with such passion for her books, all which have been banned. Talk about courage and writing from the heart. Go Ellen Hopkins and thank you for the shot of coruage your speach gave me to speak out about things people would rather pretend didn't happen. But they do! I took such heart.
I love SCBWI. I didn't know a person in the room of 200 when I entered, but by the end of the day, as Anne Shirley would say, I found many kindred spirits.
0 Comments on SCBWI Florida Conference --Message: Be Brave, Write From Your Heart as of 1/21/2013 3:36:00 PM
I am an avid follower of +Holly Kearl and her blog http://stopstreetharassment.com/. It has empowered me and heightened my awareness of my vulnerability on the streets simply because I am female.
Just a few weeks ago when I was walking near my apartment in the well lit bike trail in Forest Hills Park, in Kew Gardens, Queens NYC, a slight boy of maybe 15, dressed in nice school clothes, carrying a typical school backpack tapped on my shoulder a little after dusk, and interrupted my tranquil walk with an "Excuse me ma'am."
I took out my headphones and paused the audio book I was listening to. "Yes?" I thought he needed probably directions, or needed to borrow my phone to calla parent to pick him up.
The very last thing I expected was what followed. "Will you give me a blow job?"
I stood back, frowned, sure I had misunderstood. "What?" I asked.
"Please, Ma'am can you give me a blow job?" This kid, shorter than me repeated. He looked scared. Desperate. "Please?"
I was horrified. "No. I. Will. Not." I pulled my phone out of my coat pocket. "You better leave right now or I will call the police and take your picture and post it on line. "Do you want that?"
He took steps backwards still facing me. "Leave." I pointed. "Go."
And he did. Of course the rest of my walk was ruined. I wasn't frightened. I could have taken on this kid. And I was close to the road and cars and people. As I walked home, I called my daughter. The more we talked, the more I decided, this kid was being initiated, given a dare, and he was more frightened of the guys waiting in the bushes than he was of me. I actually began to feel badly for him. I even said a prayer to the universe aksing that this kid wouldn't get beaten up just because I said no. But what kind of universe do we live in, when this is initiation, or bullying? Ane why is it that so many males see nothing wrong harassing an unknown female they come across in public?
A few days later, I was dressed to the hilt, faux ankle length fur coat, dressy boots, nice jewelry, walking in Manhattan with my husband on Fifth Avenue heading toward a concert of Handel's Messiah. As we walked and talked a street vender we were passing called out to us, "You have a beautiful wife, sir." My husband and I were in the middle of a covnersation and he didn't even blink. I stopped several feet past the vendor and faced my husband. "Did you just hear that man? That was street harassment."
"He just wanted to sell us something," my husband replied. And then went on with our conversation.
"Are you not hearing me?" I stood in front of him so he couldn't walk. "That is street harassment. He is objectifying me. He didn't say Ma'am what a fine looking husband you have there, did he?"
And my hsuband who is a strong male ally, a suporter of equal rights for women, and for stopping street harassment, finally got it. "You're right. I'm sorry."
I've heard men say, "I'd be happy if a female stopped to tell me I was good looking." But because that rarely if ever happens, and it almsot never turns into something more dangerous, like groping or rape, they have no clue. Really no clue.
Fast forward to this morning. I find myself in Palm Beach, Florida. Its beautiful. My husband and I drove to the beach at sunrise. He ran on the sidewalk above the beach, I walked barefoot on the sand letting the crashing waves wash over my feet. I walked past the public beach to the un-lifeguarded beach where the road above is so high up that there is a 25 ft cement retaining wall, with steps down every so often from the private homes above. I was walking along enjoying the waves, the sun dancing on the navy blue water of early morning when I felt more than heard something. I was alone on the beach. I looked up to the wall, and there at the top of one of the stairways stood a tall, dark man. He stared down at me. He waved. I looked around. Totally alone. Not another person in sight. I had no where to go but to race away down the sand five or ten minutes from the public more populatee beachm or option two, jump into the water.
Should I try to save my iphone in my pocket or just race into the water? I knew the water was my best option. The man still watching me was fully clothed, long pants, shoes allt hings that would weight him down in the water while I was dressed in only a tank top and shorts. The waves were wild. I am an avid swimmer, but I've had a few close calls in tidal waters with undertow and waves, so I ahd opted for a walk rather than a swim this morning. But the thought of that man coming for me, alone on the sand, was much more scary than the thought of plunging into the ripping ferosious waves.
In the end the man didn't come down. Maybe the rod iron gate he stood at was locked. Maybe he too was simply out enjoying the sunrise and waved to be friendly.
The point is I didn't know.
The point is females never do know when it will escalate.
My husband, running on the street above had no clue. He never will know the fear most of us females who dare to walk alone face every single day. He doesn't have to plan escape routes whenever he ventures off the beaten path. I envy him and every other male that privledge. I hate it that I have to plan. I hate it that because a man waved to me my calm morning was sent into a frensy.
Because yes, in my past, once on a quiet morning when I was fourteen, and a boy from my high school who I only knew by sight asked if he could walk with my on the shortcut through the fields to school tried to rape me. I didn't have an escape plan that day, but I shoved him away as he reahed around me and unzipped my dress. I shoved him adn ran-the fastest run of my life.
I ran for three mintues, through sagebrush that scratched at my legs and finally down a steep grassy hill wet with morning dew. I skid to the bottom where the neighborhjood started and people were out walking their dogs and up retreiving their morning papers. Lovely, wonderful people. Gasping for air I turned back to see him at the top of the hill bent over hands on knees watching me adn gasping for air too. It never occured to me to tell one of these blessed strangers what had just happened or to call the police. I told my mother that night. "She said, "But you got away, you are fine."
Forty years later and I'm still planning escape routes.Sti ll on the watch for a stray male who may be eyeing me. People who say a strange man complimenting a woman in public is nothing, haven't had a past like mine, or sadly like most females.
I will always be planning an escape route. I've taught my daughters to plan for their saftey in public places. My hope is that one day that if l have a grand daughter maybe she will be able to walk off the beatne path without fear, without planning an escape route. Maybe things will change. I believe they can change if we continue to share our stories, to support each other and to stand up to harassers when saftey allows.
0 Comments on "Excuse me Ma'am Could You Give Me a Blow Job?" as of 1/21/2013 3:36:00 PM
-I'm taking a cross country trip to visit family in November.
-I'm hosting family at Thanksgiving in our new little cottage in Maine!
(Yes after more than a decade of traveling to Maine, writing about Maine--see Converting Kate, my husband and I own a tiny bit of Maine. We closed on our place in July. The plan was for me to stay a few weeks and then rent it out to help pay for it. But I'm still here. Can't leave. Too in love. My husband, Saint Alan, drives up six hours each way from NYC each weekend.)
-I have company coming to visit me in NYC (Yes, I'm finally leaving the beloved cottage) in November. How can I write every single day?
Pros:
-I've practiced my speech. "I'm sorry. Excuse me, I'm on a writing deadline. I'll have to hide away in my room for two hours. It's NANO."
-Maybe my family, guests, and friends will think I'm writing some top secret project for NSA, or the CIA, because NANO sounds official doesn't it?
-What I've realized is if I don't do NANO this November my schedule is so crazy, I wouldn't get any writing done.
-Because writing is something done on one's own schedule, I often put off my writing because "its more important to spend time with family and I can write tomorrow." Being a writer with a flexible schedule means I'm available 24/7. Which I love. But also hate. When is my time? NANO seems to be empowering me to say my writing time is every single day.
-I'm feeling so pumped, that maybe I'll invent DENO (December Novel Writing Month) and JANO and FEBO! I'm hoping to get brave enough after thirty days to finally say to my family and friends, "Excuse me, I need to write EVERY SINGLE DAY. See you in a few hours."
20 Comments on NaNo National Novel Writing Month--Write an ENTIRE Novel in 30 Days, last added: 11/15/2012
NaNoWriMo is a great exercise--I really should make myself do it again. And practicing saying, "I will see you in a couple of hours because I have to write," is something I really need to do, NaNoWriMo or no!!!
Guarantee you can do it! I've read your writing and words seem to "flow like endless rain into a paper cup" (thans John Lennon). Looking forward to reading the words which have been swirling in your head just waiting to be pounded into a keyboard. Love reading your work, keep it up!
Anonymous said, on 10/25/2012 12:14:00 PM
Febo is my favorite of the bunch! But seriously, I'm so inspired by this undertaking. Can't wait to read the updates, Beckie. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Karen in Los Angeles
Oh how wonderful. AFter NANO I will certainly need a national Editing Month. You are such a great resource! (Sam is my librarian and she has ALL the answers!!!)
What you cook dinner? :) Thank you! You are the best!
Anonymous said, on 10/27/2012 8:39:00 AM
Inspiring to witness such drive. Can't wait to read what you write in 30 days. At 1,660 words a day it really is possible to cough up a short novel - right? Wow ... but in November? Now that's determination. You're braver than I. Think I'll wait until new resolutions January to spur me on, or cozy up February, or better still a fresh-faced March... No - you're right - the insistent demands of November is what's called for! I wonder if you'll have time to blog about it ... would reallllly love to follow the updates. Lynda in Venice.
Anonymous said, on 10/27/2012 9:42:00 AM
Thank you for understanding my problem! I thought I was the only one who's writing is considered a hobby. I'm the go-to-girl for my family and friends 24/7. You have given me the courage to shut my study door, let my calls go to voicemail and ignore the husband tapping at my window. I will carve out time for my writing and NOT feel guilty! Thank you, Beckie
Beckie -- I'm so glad you're doing this! CONVERTING KATE was so wonderful... touching without being maudlin, honesty tempered with heart. And I've been waiting with 'bated breath for your next opus. Will this do it? I say, "Please!"
Great idea! Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated. I think you should do it!
Anonymous said, on 11/4/2012 8:36:00 AM
Like Robin - I loved Converting Kate! I'm so happy that you have a new one in the works. I bought copies of Kate for myself and all 4 granddaughters. Keep going!!
It's been tough Lynda in Venice. I've been on the road almost every day this month. What has happened is some days I miss and the next day I double write. I have never been able to write on a plane before, but this time with people on either side of me, headphones on with my music playlist picked for this book, I went into Annie's world with no problem at all. I'm a little behind right now, but hope to play catchup this afternoon.
Leave a comment below to be part of the contest to win a signed copy of Converting Kate! Converting Kate Viking Books*2008 ALA Best Books *Kliatt:Editors' Choice *Books of the Teen Age-NYPL*CBC Notable Book www.Beckieweinheimer.org
Have you ever wonder what inspires a story? For me it was visiting Maine for the past 15 summers (counting this summer--I leave on July 7th and YES I AM SO COUNTING THE DAYS!!!!)
In my book Kate and her mother run Aunt Katherine's Whispering Woods Inn inspired by the real life Grey Rock Inn in Northeast Harbor, which is surrounded by Acadia National Park and was the town that inspired Kate's Puffin Cove. The Grey Rock in is a bit pricey but if you are looking for a five star B & B to stay in, this is the place. And is just as wonderful as Kate's fictional inn.
2 Comments on Win A Signed Copy of Converting Kate and Read about the real places in Maine that Created Kate's World, last added: 7/6/2010
Hi, today I'd like you to meet a internet friend of mine--we've never met but we are both passionate about helping young writers have a voice and Bobbi is so totally cool. Just read all the exciting events she hosts! She is a multi-published short story writer, a feature
columnist and she is currently writing a creative nonfiction book. She teaches
creative writing to people of all ages, from elementary school to senior
citizens. Bobbi is on the Board of Directors of Pennwriters, Inc. Her first
children’s book is scheduled to be published later this year. And she has writing contests for k-12 grade writers!
Beckie: What is the Young Voices Foundation and how did it
get started?
Bobbi: The short answer is that we mentor young writers. The
long answer is best said in our mission statement.
1 Comments on Writing Contests for Teen Writers Guest Blogger: Bobbi Carducci, Director of Young Voices Foundation, last added: 6/28/2010
Meet Brianna Kratz. She's 19 years old and majoring in English Writing. And leave a comment below to be part of my new contest. I will critique ten pages of your writing if you win!
"I write mostly short fiction as of right now, but I dream of writing a novel one day. I tend to leave my stories unfinished, except for the stories that I end up writing for classes. The attached story is one that I wrote for a fairy tale class that I took last semester, and it's a gender reversed, contemporary version of Snow White. I absolutely adore fairy tales, and I have written a couple stage adaptations of fairy tales that I directed during the past two summers! When I'm not writing, I'm reading or finding some way to procrastinate, like knitting a scarf for my grandmother (I've started on her Christmas present because I know it'll take me that long to knit it.)"
Can you tell us a bit about yourself in three sentences? I am terribly contradictory. Though I procrastinate, I'm also a perfectionist. And I have a strange fondness for penguins and inanimate objects. What is your home town? Chicago, IL! Cool one of my all time favorite cities, wish I could pop over right now and visit the Science and Industry Museum, take a swim in Lake Michigan and top it all off with some Chicago Pizza! What university do you attend? Illinois Wesleyan University! (Go Titans!)
When did you first get interested in writing? In 3rd grade all of my classmates and I took a creative writing class with a visiting teacher, and I was really interested in writing about the things that I was reading at the time, mostly fantastical and magical stories. I wrote a number of stories about witches, and I was told that I should keep going because I had something so I just kept writing! My interest only grew as I continued reading. Glad you did you are quite the writer!
What kind of writing is your favorite to write? I absolutely love writing stories packed with description and twists. I also love writing poetry and short fiction that "knows" it's a poem or a story because that's the type of writing I like to read.
What kind of writing is your favorite to read? I have always loved fantasy, but I dabble in sci fi and mystery and I branch out into more contemporary fiction and classics (every now and again) as well. Can you list three of your favorite books or authors? It's difficult, but if I absolutely had to pick: J.K. Rowling, Cornelia Funke, and Douglas Adams.
Three favorite movies? The Princess Bride, Stranger Than F
5 Comments on Meet Brianna Kratz College Writer and Fairy Tale Revsionist, last added: 6/27/2010
Jena, Can you tell us a bit about yourself in three sentences? I love to spend time with my friends and family. I try to make friends with everyone and I fall for guys easily. I try to live life to its fullest.
Where do you live? I live in a small town in southern New Jersey. Half way between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Not only does Jena live in a small town but she lives on a real live farm. See photo.
What grade are you in? I am currently in seventh grade When did you first get interested in writing? When I was in third grade when I was first exposed to writing>
What kind of writing is your favorite to write? I like to right about drama and romance because that is what I can best relate to.
What kind of writing is your favorite to read? I like to read many types of books; it depends on what type of mood I am. I like books that have to do with romance or a mystery. It keeps the book suspenseful and if it is a book about romance and mystery that is 400 pages long, I will probably read it in a day. Wow that is one fast reader! Can you list three of your favorite books or authors? Most people are sick of this but I really enjoyed the twilight books and Stephanie Meyers really inspired me to write about romance. In my English class this year we read war of the worlds. I am not exactly a fan of sci-fi but I was interested by the way H.G. Wells wrote “in between the lines.” By reading this book I learned how to write descriptively and how to decipher and comprehend the constant words on the pages. I also liked the “Dead is the new black “series.
Three favorite movies?
Devil wears Prada Me too! School of Rock Love it too! My sister’s keeper I'll have to check it out Three favorite bands? I am not very big on a specific band besides the Jonas Brothers. My iPod consists of today artists who are high on the charts What hobbies do you have besides writing? I take dance class, girl scouts, and I am very involved with my community. I am on the honor society and student council at my school. Impressive! Do you have a favorite place or time to write? I write when I am filled with emotions. I like to write about midday when it’s raining. The rain comforts me or makes me emotional. Nice! If you could spend time with anyone from history for a day who would you pick and why? I may sound like a nerd right now but probably Benjamin Franklin. He was a man of many accomplishments and was very successful. Plus he had a sense of humor! ") I you had three days to live what would you do? Spend time with my friends and family and document everything.
And now a poem and a sample of Jena's fiction writing
Have you ever had that feeling of pure, unconditional love? I absolutely love every little aspect of him. From the way he smiles, to the
0 Comments on Meet Jena, Young Aspiring Author as of 1/1/1900
Alicia Afterimage is a lovely tribute to a young woman from her friends, family and most shockingly from the driver of the car in which Alicia lost her life. A moving story.
*Alicia Afterimage ,was selected a 2009 honor book by the Society of School Librarians International, SSLI.
And now to my interview with Lulu-- Q: What was your inspiration for creating this book? A: On the evening of September 24, 2004, my younger daughter, Alicia María Betancourt, was killed in a car crash. Alicia was one of seventeen teenagers who died in car accidents in the Washington, D.C., suburbs that fall. After the funeral mass I stood next to my husband and older daughter, Verónica, by the door of the church, hugging and greeting what seemed to be a never-ending line of people. I was struck by the hundreds of teens who were so touched by Alicia's passing and the fact that these teens were from a broad spectrum of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. I began to ask myself who was Alicia to her friends? How were they dealing with the loss? Why did this happen?
Q: What was the timeline from spark to publication, and what were the major events along the way? A: Sometime in November 2004 I started calling some of Alicia's friends to talk about her. I had a vague idea of wanting to write some sort of memoir of Alicia as seen through her friends' eyes. I bought a small tape recorder and, with permission, recorded the conversations I had with these young people. At the time of my interviews I had no idea of how I would weave the many memories and anecdotes told to me into a cohesive manuscript. Nor did I know if any publisher would be interested in my account. Along the way I showed the manuscript to two executive editors from different houses, a seasoned children's literature specialist and a well-known writer of young adult literature, among others. Everyone that read the manuscript encouraged me to pursue its publication. Q: How did you select the people to interview? How did you set up the interview process? A: Alicia kept records of her friends and their telephone numbers. I started by calling those I knew well, then moved on to contacting those I was referred to. To exhaust all possibilities I placed an ad in Alicia's high school newspaper enticing anyone that wanted to share any kind of story about Alicia to come forward. The interviews with twenty-two of Alicia's friends took place over a year and a half. I spoke with many of the teens more than once. I asked the expected questions, such as: What kind of friend was Alicia for you? How did you find out about the crash? And I asked more unusual questions: Have you ever felt her presence after she died? Do you think there was a reason for her death? Q: What are the events that spurred you to continue and complete the book? A: As the interviews progressed, I learned how isolated teens feel in their grief. I discovered how individualized their reactions are to the death of a loved one and that teens have very few models for dealing with their pain. I also learned that healing takes patience and time. Eventually I realized that the stories I had heard from Alicia's friends might bring
1 Comments on Meet LuLu Delacre Author of Alicia Afterimage--Win a signed copy of her Award Winning Novel, last added: 6/8/2010
Hi, Today I'm chatting with Katie Adams--who it seems wants to go to Paris. Me too, Katie and I've been before, but it was so fun and the food so yummy! Oh yes, an Katie has a pet--can you guess what kind? A rabbit you say? how very brilliant you are! Oh and Katie belongs to The Young Voices Foundation. If you haven't heard of it--check it out--a great site for teen writers!
Where do you live? I live in Southern Georgia and am extremely proud and honored to be an American. It really does mean a lot to live in this free country that was founded on such amazing principles.
What grade are you in? I currently am in grade 7, but will be going into grade 8 next fall. I am home schooled and absolutely LOVE it.
Have you always been interested in writing? Believe it or not, but I used to hate writing and looked as it as a chore, but when I was 12 years old, I came in contact with this amazing writing coach that really got me motivated to write and pushed me to write 6+ paragraph essays. I love you Mrs. Toni!! Thanks so much for your guidance!! Seriously we need more Mrs. Toni's!
Your favorite genre to write in? I love to write essays. I just think it is a great way to express my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and ideas. It really has expanded my knowledge of thinking as well!
Favorite genre to read? I love reading a different variety of books, but my favorite types are Mysteries, Sci-Fi, and Historical Fiction. I know, big variety right?
Three favorite books? I have many favorite books, but three of my favorites are "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart; I totally adore that book too. Check out the link to the book's website, totally fun!"Ashes of Roses" by Mary Jane Auch; and "Letters from Rifka" by Karen Hesse.
Favorite Bands? I don't really have an absolute "favorite" band, but one of my favorites is Barlow Girl.
Other hobbies? Besides writing, I love to sing! My sister and best friend sing songs from the 1940s in 3 part harmony. I love to read and I love to go shopping, if that's considered a hobby... :) Shopping is totally a hobby, one of my favorite things to do too. I'd love to hear you sing! How cool!
Favorite place to write? I don't really have a favorite place to write.... I usually do it at my desk on my laptop....
Where would you go if you could go back in time? I would live in the 1700s if I could go back in time. I just love learning about that time period and I just LOVE the clothing! How fun! I'd go to the 1800's so you could be my great great grandmother or something!
If I had to save the world, I probably wouldn't do anything.... I don't really think I could personally do anything. I think just by writing we help save the world every single day! What would life be without recording our thoughts and dreams?
Thanks for chatting, Katie. Andnow to Katie's essay!
Hi Katie, Thanks for mentioning the Young Voices Foundation in your interview here. We are always hoping to reach more young writers looking for a place to submit their work and, perhaps, win a cash award and see their work published on the website.
I hope you get to Paris! If you do, please send me a post card. I'll put up on the Young Voices Foundation website. Until then keep writing. Bobbi Carducci, Director Young Voices Foundation www.youngvoicesfoundation.org
Hi today I'm featuring Logan who is cool because--well--not to be too self-absorbed but he and I were born in the same state--Utah. And yes that's where the Mormon's live, but we also have the Rocky Mountains, several national parks and a really salty ugly lake called the Great Salt Lake.
(Myself in three sentences) I love to make people laugh and be around friends doing weird or crazy things. I have a passion for writing and playing the drums. I believe that if I work hard than I will be able to maybe have a career in writing or music.
(Where I Live) I live in Magna, Utah. You know, the small "city" not on the map. :P ha! I was born in Murray, UT 15.7 miles away from Logan according to mapquest. I've heard of Magna. All the coolest people absolutely know where Magna is!
(Grade) I'm in 9th Grade and I'm really excited that the school year's nearly over!
(Interested in writing) My passion for writing started when I was in 6th grade (before that grade I HATED to write). I began reading the Warriors series by Erin Hunter because my friends were (they looked really interesting) and I loved them so much! She inspired me to write stories and I started thinking of many different ideas for stories. Ever since 6th grade, I've been writing my heart out!
(Favorite writing to write) Writing poetry and fantasy are my favorites. Poetry, I've come to know, is the only way I can let out my emotions. I seriously can't do it any other way, no matter how hard I try. This is why I've come to love writing poetry. My most favorite thing to write about, though, is my own creations, worlds, and ideas. I love giving my characters life and also adding twists to my stories. I also like to write down my views of the world and my opinions of certain things, no matter how mad it makes other people.
(Favorite writing to read) As I've read, I've really enjoyed reading fantasy, no matter what happens. I love the creativity in it. Reading what goes on in another world is always fun, but I like to read historical fiction as well, but I guess it all depends. Oh! And mystery is amazing as well!
(Three books or authors) It's really hard for me to list my favorite books, so I'll list my authors. The first is probably Agatha Christie because I love her mystery novels. Second would have to be Erin Hunter because she got me to start writing. Last would be Brent Weeks, because I can relate to him in certain ways.
(Three favorite movies) For movies, I would have to say "Edward Scissorhands" is my all-time favorite movie because of the creativity and how sad it is; I think there are too many happy endings in movies. I agree. I'm like please don't tie up all the lose ends in a pretty Hollywood bow. I like Edward Scissorhands too, but mainly because I like Johnny Depp, and the weirder he is the more fun it is to watch!"9" would be next in line as far as favorites go, another sad movie, but still amazing. My third favorite is "St
0 Comments on Meet Logan Waechtler Aspiring Author as of 1/1/1900
Hi Brigid, Can you tell us a bit about yourself in three sentences? I'm a 17-year-old aspiring author, living in a small house with my huge family (I'm the oldest of 6 kids).I can totally relate, I am the oldest of 9 yes NINE children! I've been writing full-length novels since I was 12; I've written six unpublished books: four fantasies/urban fantasies, and two science fictions. Okay no relating here, I barely knew what a novel was at age 12!People who don't know me think I'm really shy and quiet, and people who do know me know that I'm crazy, sarcastic, and opinionated.
Where do you live? I live in Lexington, Massachusetts. The revolutionary war started here; since then, nothing else has happened here. Haha :) Lots of big houses, banks, restaurants, and Dunkin Donuts. The library is very nice though.
What grade are you in? 11th grade, so I'm a junior in high school. Not the most fun year. There's a lot of homework, plus I need to start thinking about college. There's also the SATs to worry about; I'm taking them this Saturday! *bites nails* I hope it went well. I took the ACT's and the kid next to me had a bad cold and coughed and sneezed and sniffed through the whole test. I tried to take it with pencil in one hand Finger in ear with other hand. I blame him to this day for my less than awesome scores! My school is like a giant pressure cooker, too. There's a lot of competition and obsession with grades, etc. I'm not too worried about grades but there's still a lot of pressure to do well. So it's hard to balance all the writing and the schoolwork.I feel for you!
When did you first get interested in writing? I don't remember a specific point where I first got interested. I always loved stories––listening to them, reading them, telling them. My mom has lots of pictures of me as a little kid just sitting on the floor looking through our huge dictionary. I used to flip through the pages … I couldn't actually read yet but I would be making up stories as I went. Haha. Then when I was about 5 and learned to write, I would make little picture books with crayons. I wrote comic books too. I think when I was about 9, that was when I first became attracted to the idea of writing chapter books or novels. I tried a few times but could hardly ever get past the first page. lol. So I stuck to short stories to a while. I joined a writing club at school when I was in 5th grade when I was 11. That was the point when I realized I actually had some talent. It was a small group, we were all girls. Like the moment when I looked up after the first time I read one of my stories, and seeing the expressions on their faces … that was when something really changed. lol. I knew I loved writing but now I also knew that people actually liked my stories! My 4th grade teacher (who ran the writing club) was really supportive too. I think she was the first person who suggested to me that I try to get published, and that also was a turning point for me. That's when I started to try writing novels again. I started what would be my first completed novel when I was 12; it took me about a year to write it. Since then, I've never stopped writing. It's a part of who I am. Very Impressive! What kind of writing is your favorite to write? I'm always exploring new styles, but mostly I stick to urban fantasy and science fiction. But I try to stray from clichéd worlds, creatures, plot-lines, etc. I'm not into writing "epic" fantasy/sci-fi. While all my books
0 Comments on Meet Aspiring Author Brigid as of 1/1/1900
Today I am going to be chatting with Tween Writer, Maria Stathopoulous.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself in three sentences? I am a kind of crazy girl who loves to write. Crazy, I love Crazy. You have to be sort of crazy to want to sit alone and make up things to write, correct?My name is Maria Stathopoulos, and I have two brothers and a dog. I am also really bad at writing about myself. So not true!
Where do you live? Near the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
What grade are you in? 6th! When did you first get interested in writing? When I was in kindergarten, because my dad writes and that was when he first introduced me to it. Wow! And I was just trying to learn my ABC's!
What kind of writing is your favorite to write? Kind of dark fantasy. Not like murder novels, but not super lighthearted.
What kind of writing is your favorite to read? Fantasy again, but historical fiction is a close second.
Three favorite movies? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Pinocchio, and The Blind Side. Oh, I adored the Blind Side too!
Three favorite bands? I don't really have a favorite band, because some songs are horrible from some bands and some are really good. I'm just going to go with the short answer: I don't have a favorite. Me either! What hobbies do you have besides writing? I do Greek dance, cello, photography, soccer, tennis, piano, just hanging out with friends, reading, weaving... I have many hobbies, but I don't do all of these in one day. Whew! That's good to know. I got exhausted as well as super impressed reading all your interests! Do you have a favorite place or time to write? Yes! It's kind of strange but I love writing at 10 or 11 o'clock at night. My mind is calm and I'm settled down from the day. The only downfall to writing that late is that sometimes I write the wrong thing. True example: I mattered under my bed. It was meant to say I muttered under my breath.Ha! Can totally relate! If you could spend time with anyone from history for a day who would you pick and why? Either Shakespeare or Julius Caesar. I couldn't decide. Shakespeare is such an amazing playwright, I'd just like to talk to him for a little to see what goes through his mind to make such amazing works. Julius Caesar just because I think he's cool and a great ruler who made good decisions and was brilliant. I've already done two projects on him at school by choice. =P
If you had three days to save the world what would you do? I would try to magically grow wings to fly around the world, but if that failed, I would go around doing my best to tell people to help save the earth from more pollution and global warming. Impressive! I you had three days to live what would you do? I'd put all of my writing notebooks in my brothers rooms, then run around everywhere and try to do everything before I died. That would probably fail, but I don't care.
And now to Maria's novel. Yes, Maria's in sixth grade a
0 Comments on Meet Tween Writer Maria Stathopoulous as of 1/1/1900
Have no feelings in my chest I'm empty And hollow There is no beat Poor lonely hollowed out me I gave away my heart And never got it back To a guy i thought would love me Only to find it was not returned He gave his heart to another girl She's lucky I'm not She's got what i want Now i'm alone My feelings are known Poor lonely hollowed out me
the eyes of a liar.
Those bright blue eyes they shine like stars they cut like knives they break my heart
They reach so deep that none can see how far they go not even me
They look like ice they glow with fire they make me cry - Sierra Colson
Blossoming Flower By Emma Garretson
I’m like a blossoming flower. Not sure what color I will be, Nor what size or shape. I’m just an anxious blossoming flower. I know I will be popular with different species, Just as the other blossoming flowers. I will grow to my fullest, Then I will give birth and die. My life may be full of regrets, But the only thing I can do is live on as one flower among billions.
Preferably By Emma Garretson
I prefer movies at home over movies in the theater. I prefer to see animals in the wild than as a pampered pet. I prefer eating a home-cooked meal rather than take-out from Olive Garden. I prefer a book of poems to a book of fantasy. I prefer a small group of enemies to a large group of friends. I prefer a warm fire to an electric heater. I prefer a magnificent rainbow to a dull city. I prefer to confuse than to give. I prefer to stay up late than to go to bed early. I prefer a sleepless night to a doctor’s needle. I prefer original creation to the same idea done over and over. I prefer to write than to talk. I prefer confidence and embarrassment over cowardice and pride. I prefer the truth over cunning lies. I prefer an island over the world. I prefer quiet rather than whispers. I prefer stealth over a red carpet. I prefer to sit than to stand. I prefer to hide my existence than to have a film crew in my room. I prefer freedom of religion over a religious cult. I prefer truthful gore stories rather than the Walt Disney movies. I prefer thorns rather than helplessness. I prefer no makeup over a plastic surgeon. I prefer old souls to new ones. I prefer pockets over one big sack. I prefer outdoor nights with fireflies to seeing it on a movie. I prefer nature to zoos. I prefer to consider that we all prefer some of the same things.
Colors of Blue Shadows of the night sky creep into my room. I watch them, anxiously waiting for the bright sunrise. The small bed creaks under my weight as I shift positions. The foggy sea breeze flows into my room, reminding me of the rough, sandy, beach. I rub my sleepy eyes, trying to stay awake. The first light of the morning scares away the shadows of the dark night. My room is suddenly awake with colors of blue. -Emma Garretson
The Battle Of The Worlds The devil’s hair burns a red flame Creating a blinding light It scares the crows away Creating a dreadful sight. The devil itself appears, In a silk red tux, Causing all to cry tears, Dreading the days to come. An angel then flies from the heavens, Clothed in a silky white, Carrying a sword to do the task at hand. To cast the devil down in years, So that he may cry his own tears. The two fight and fight, Killing all in sight. Finally, A victory. A defeat. The victory goes to the angel, Carrying his proud sword high. W
0 Comments on Feaurting Past Writing from Young Aspiring Authors as of 4/30/2010 9:19:00 AM
Hi out there in blogosphere. Today I'm talking with a young aspiring author, Stephanie Dunham.
Stephanie, can you tell us about yourself in three sentences? I'm quiet and I love to read. I can get the oddest feelings sometimes (or so it seems). I love being with my family and staying up late.
Where do you live? I live in the United States.
When did you first discover you had an interest in writing? I first got interested in writing when I started to make a role playing game then changed it into a story- a story I'm still, ironically, trying to finish. Do you have a favorite genre to write in? I prefer to write fiction but I have written in other genres. A favorite genre to read? I read books in a variety of genres but my favorite genre of writing to read is fiction. Three favorite Books? One of my favorite books to read is the Book of Mormon. Two of my favorite authors are Brandon Mull and Dean Hughes. Three favorite Movies? Three of my favorite movies are: New Moon, Lord of the Rings the Two Towers, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Three favorite bands/musicians? I enjoy listening to Enya, Breaking Benjamin, and Owl City.
Other hobbies? I play piano, read, and use the computer up the whazoo. Where do you like to write? I prefer to write in a quiet place- like my bedroom, but there isn't a computer in there...(wow so do you like really write in long hand, because that is way hard. I heard Tolstoy wrote Anna Karina 17 times by hand, and that was not a short book!) I like to write at night the most because I think I do my best work at night...hehe. If you could meet one person from history who would it be? Hm, I think that I would like to spend time with...I don't know this is a hard one. Anyone from history...I suppose it'd be Abraham Lincoln, I've always liked him...(If you get to meet him, ever will you say hi for me, because the Gettysburg address always makes me cry, he was not only a great president, but a wonderful writer.) If I had three days to save the world? I'd try to save it, I suppose.
Three days to live? Hehe, get published. No, I'm just kidding, uh, I'm not sure, probably spend time with my family. (Seriously I hope that never happens but I know what you mean I have this story that I've been working on for years and my family know if I die their biggest job is to get my story published.)
And now some of Stephanie's writing:
Collision
Chapter One
She gazed at the ominous castle and heard the screaming. How long would she have to wait till they came? The village woman was scared out of her wits. She was part of the weekly payment the villagers gave the vampires. She knew they would be there soon. She just wondered if they’d be there soon enough. She stared at the forest surrounding the clearing she was in from the stake she was tied to. She heard cackling and her heart started working overtime.
“Well, well, well, look what the villagers forgot.”
The woman looked at the witch that had just appeared and gulped. The witch cackled then suddenly stopped and listened. They both heard growling. The witch sighed as the werewolf stepped out of the forest. Spit was co
0 Comments on Meet Young Aspiring Author Stephanie Dunham Read and Find Answers to Contest--ten pages of your writing critiqued as of 1/1/1900
To participate in contest leave a comment on Teens Read Too blog post . And a big shout out to Jen Wardrip from running this awesome site!
Today we're visiting with Beckie Weinheimer, author of CONVERTING KATE.
I had the chance to ask Beckie a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy her answers!
1) If you could bring any character from one of your books to life, who would it be and why?
Kate. I’ve spent so much time with her I’d like to meet her in the flesh and just give her a real hug for being brave enough to leave a religion that didn’t feel right to her!
2) Your own six-word memoir.
Mother, wife, author, friend, passionate, loyal.
3) Twitter your newest or upcoming release in 140 characters or less.
At the pioneer Parade 14 year old Annie races off to the tabernacle after another fight with her mom. Crying, she hears a strange accented man ask her if she’s okay. She smells salt and ocean. She’s in a Norman chapel in Victorian Wales What happened to Brighamville, Utah and 2010? What happened to her six younger annoying siblings—three sets of twins? (okay too long, I’d make it two tweets!)
4) You have the chance to spend the day with any character from one of your favorite books. Who would you choose and why?
Anne Frank. Because she seems like the most optimist wise teenager I’ve ever come across. I want to tell her how she changed the world. How she did make a difference.
0 Comments on reposted from TRT Teens Read Too Book Club--prizes! as of 4/23/2010 8:39:00 AM
Today we're visiting with Beckie Weinheimer, author of CONVERTING KATE.
Kate was raised in the Holy Divine Church—it influenced everything from her homeschooling to her handmade clothes. But ever since her unbelieving father’s death last year, she has suspected that there’s more to life than memorizing scripture.
Taking advantage of their move to a new town, Kate—to her devout mother’s horror—quits Holy Divine. She joins the cross-country team, wears shorts to public school, and even tries a traditional Christian church. As she struggles to come to terms with her father’s death and her mother’s unquestioning beliefs, Kate discovers there’s a big difference between religion and faith—and that the two don’t always go hand in hand.
I had the chance to ask Beckie a few questions about her life and writing, so enjoy her answers!
1)
0 Comments on reposted from TRT Teens Read Too Book Club--prizes! as of 4/23/2010 8:39:00 AM
What is the Hunger Mountain Prize for Young Writers?
An annual contest for high school students. A chance for your fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction to be read by Hunger Mountain editors and guest judges!
What will the winners receive?
Three first place winners receives $250 and publication! Three runners-up receive $100 each. There will be a first place winner and runner up in each category: fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Who can enter the contest?
Any high school student with a piece of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
Who is this year’s judge?
The 2010 judge is M.T. Anderson, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; Burger Wuss; and Feed.
When is the deadline?
The postmark deadline is April 30.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The entry fee is $10.
What kind of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction is acceptable?
We accept all forms of poetry, and poets may enter up to three poems in one entry packet. Fiction can be experimental of traditional. Creative nonfiction can be a personal essay or a mini-memoir.
What are the guidelines?
$10 entry fee. Make checks payable to “Hunger Mountain”
Entries must be postmarked by April 30th
Writing must be original, written in English, and previously unpublished
Submissions should be under 8000 words.
Poets may submit up to three poems per entry.
Your name and address should not appear anywhere on the manuscript itself.
Instead, enclose a standard index card with essay title and your name, address, phone number, and email address
Enclose an SASE for notification of winners or plan on checking www.hungermtn.org for winners on a regular basis.
Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and on one side of the paper only. Use Times New Roman font, and please don’t staple!
Once submitted, entries cannot be altered
Multiple entries allowed—but each entry must include a separate entry fee
Send all entries to: Prize for Young Writers Hunger Mountain Vermont College of Fine Arts 36 College Street Montpelier, VT 05602 Include a check for $10.00 payable to “Hunger Mountain.”
0 Comments on Writing Contest for Young Writers as of 1/1/1900
This wonderful book comes out tomorrow. I promise your will laugh, cry and never want the story to end!! Leave a comment here and be considered to win a copy of Mockingbird Hot off the Press!
I have a friend whose son has Asperger's. I'd love to read more about it, especially from the eyes of a child who suffers from it. Cyndi [email protected]
I met Justyn on goodreads and he offered to be a featured teen writer on my blog. I'd love for you to meet him and for you to get a chance to see some of his (vampire alert!) writing:
So Justyn how long have you been interested in writing? Since I was five. One day I was running around in the rain, because I really liked to do that then. I heard a clap of thunder and I sprinted inside. I was so scared. I ran inside and cowered in the corner. It just so happened there was some paper and a pencil there, and I wrote until the storm was long over.
I see you are writing a vampire novel. Is it done? How many pages have you written? Well, it is not done yet, due to the fact that I have been editing and frankly, I have been very busy. I have done roughly 60 pages or so of it.
Where do you get your ideas from? Dreams usually. Or when I am relaxing in my bed.
I see your story starts in New Jersey. Have you lived or visited there? Why New Jersey? No, I have never been there, let alone lived there. I just felt like where I wanted it to be was New Jersey.
You live in Tucson now. Have you always lived there? Yes, I have. I love it here.
What do you like most about living in a desert? That it’s usually not freezing cold.
What do you like least about writing? I dislike writer’s block the most. It takes back on time I could be typing.
What helps you get in writing mode? I don't really have a writer’s mode; I just type away.
What are you favorite subjects in school? I'd have to say science and writing.
Do you have some favorite books? Would you name a few? I have two favorite books: Harry Potter 4 and City of Ember 1.
What do you hope to do with your writing? Will it be a hobby or something you will study in school and college? Well, I think it will be just a hobby. I am interested in being something else when I grow up, yet I could settle for being an author.
Do you have any tips for ot
0 Comments on Meet Justyn: A Young, Aspiring Writer (Plus Get a Sneak Peek of His Work-in-Progress Novel) as of 1/1/1900
Finch Goes Wild contest will run until Monday April 12. Then I'll be having a conversation with Lulu Delacre about her new book Alicia Afterimage and offering a signed copy to theckucky winner.
-- Post From My iPhone
0 Comments on Delays in young adult author contest as of 1/1/1900
NaNoWriMo is a great exercise--I really should make myself do it again. And practicing saying, "I will see you in a couple of hours because I have to write," is something I really need to do, NaNoWriMo or no!!!
Guarantee you can do it! I've read your writing and words seem to "flow like endless rain into a paper cup" (thans John Lennon).
Looking forward to reading the words which have been swirling in your head just waiting to be pounded into a keyboard.
Love reading your work, keep it up!
Febo is my favorite of the bunch! But seriously, I'm so inspired by this undertaking. Can't wait to read the updates, Beckie. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Karen in Los Angeles
Your guide to "official" writing months, including National Novel Editing Month (NaNoEdMo) http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node/415569
I think this is an excuse to get me to do the nightly cooking(!) but glad you are participating and proud of you! ...but really, FEBO?! c'mon
Yes, let's try to be more firm about how important our writing is to us and how everyone around us will like us better AFTER we write!
Hey Karen in LA, I will be writing a celebratory post if I make it through November.
Oh how wonderful. AFter NANO I will certainly need a national Editing Month. You are such a great resource! (Sam is my librarian and she has ALL the answers!!!)
Thank you Rock. I like the rain into a cup metaphor. I'll try to fill a cup every single day!
What you cook dinner? :) Thank you! You are the best!
Inspiring to witness such drive. Can't wait to read what you write in 30 days. At 1,660 words a day it really is possible to cough up a short novel - right? Wow ... but in November? Now that's determination. You're braver than I. Think I'll wait until new resolutions January to spur me on, or cozy up February, or better still a fresh-faced March... No - you're right - the insistent demands of November is what's called for! I wonder if you'll have time to blog about it ... would reallllly love to follow the updates. Lynda in Venice.
Thank you for understanding my problem! I thought I was the only one who's writing is considered a hobby. I'm the go-to-girl for my family and friends 24/7. You have given me the courage to shut my study door, let my calls go to voicemail and ignore the husband tapping at my window. I will carve out time for my writing and NOT feel guilty! Thank you, Beckie
Beckie -- I'm so glad you're doing this! CONVERTING KATE was so wonderful... touching without being maudlin, honesty tempered with heart. And I've been waiting with 'bated breath for your next opus. Will this do it? I say, "Please!"
Great idea! Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated. I think you should do it!
Like Robin - I loved Converting Kate! I'm so happy that you have a new one in the works. I bought copies of Kate for myself and all 4 granddaughters. Keep going!!
It's been tough Lynda in Venice. I've been on the road almost every day this month. What has happened is some days I miss and the next day I double write. I have never been able to write on a plane before, but this time with people on either side of me, headphones on with my music playlist picked for this book, I went into Annie's world with no problem at all. I'm a little behind right now, but hope to play catchup this afternoon.
It is hard, and I've not completely succeeded, but I've got almost 20,000 words I wouldn't have this month without NANO
oh, thank you Robin. I am doing it! Yay!!!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, IP Attorney!
Thank you. That means a lot!