1/17/11

Contests, Bogus Contests, and Fun Links

A lot of stuff is going on in my head right now--no, the 'voices' aren't telling me to do bad things--it's more to the point of me  taking control of my career.  For the past mumble, mumble years, I have been trying to attract the interest of an agent or editor for my stories.

Uh, not much luck there. 

Though GNOME is out with two publishers one publisher (just got an 'R' last night) and one agent, I'm not holding my breath.  And reading numerous blogs by J.A. Konrath and Dean Wesley Smith, I decided to take a step toward self-publishing . . . a small step.  This week I'm going to be studying up on Smashwords and how to self-publish my short story, LOST LEPRECHAUN LOOT.  Now, I don't expect to make a lot of money, but I didn't set out writing to make a lot of money--the side effect would be nice, but I'm realistic here (Okay, it would be nice to make enough to pay for vacation.  See, I'm not asking for much!).  I want to share my stories with youngsters who enjoy being transported to another place, to a place where gnomes, faeries, and dragons exist. 

The only way that I can accomplish that is to do it on my own.  Publishing is changing.  And if writers let publishers and agents call the shots, we are giving our power away.  I'm tired of giving my power to another's whim and bias.  There are numerous writers who self-pub too soon.  I feel that my writing is ready, my stories are ready, and most of all, I AM READY. 

Contests:

Secret Agent contest:  There's a VERY narrow window of time to enter this contest.  READ the rules and don't enter unless you have a finished story!
http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-secret-agent-eary-info.html

Writer's Digest monthly contest.  Deadline Feb. 10
http://www.writersdigest.com/YourStory

NPR 3 minute short story contest.  Deadline Jan 23
http://www.npr.org/2011/01/08/132744031/three-minute-fiction-round-6-laughing-and-crying

A link to a list of contests:  *WARNING* Do you own research.  Be wary of PAYING to enter a contest.
http://www.manuscriptediting.com/contests.htm

Bogus contest:  *WARNING* This contest will take your money and all rights to your story, see #13
http://ht.ly/3EazK

Fun links:

Liturature map:  put the name of your favorite author in the blank and click enter.  The site will 'discover' new authors that are similar to your interests.
http://www.literature-map.com/

Gender Genie:  Ever wonder if you write like a girl or a guy.  Or are you writing in  a male character's POV and wonder if you 'nailed' the guy voice?  Check this link out.
http://bookblog.net/gender/genie.php

Thousands of Names: Sometimes it's hard to come up with a name for your character's.  Try this link.
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/Names.htm

Dr. Wicked write or Die:  (desktop editon button on right)  Having a hard time focusing and just writing?  Depending how evil you make it, this site will start deleting your words if you don't write fast enough!
http://writeordie.com/
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10 comments:

  1. Cynthia D'AlbaJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Best of luck, Margaret.

    I have huge respect for you and Edie for jumping out there!!cro

    ReplyDelete
  2. MAGollaJanuary 17, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Thanks, Cyndi.

    I feel like I'm mired in Jell-o. This week will make me or break me with trying to figure this stuff out!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarilynJanuary 17, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Good for you, Margaret!!

    I read not too long ago about a woman who Kindle-published her first couple books, got enough attention to snag a big-name agent, who's sold her to NY print pubs. The exception: she'll continue to first publish her books to Kindle, because that's where she made her name.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Twisted SisterJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I'm glad I did the self-pub route. It was right for me. I wish you the very best and let us know when you are published. I happen to know 3 young men who are readers!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Edie RamerJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Margaret, that's great! I've got to admit that I'm not selling many copies of my short story, but I'm not promoting it, either. And I'm selling more than if I didn't do anything!

    ReplyDelete
  6. MAGollaJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    That's good news, Marilyn! I just want people to read my stories--the little bit of money that I make would simply be a nice little perk. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. MAGollaJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Thanks, Meg! I really want to get this story up. Yes, St. Paddy's day inspired it, but I think it's a lot of fun, too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MAGollaJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Edie, you are my inspiration!
    The only difference is this isn't really a 'short story' so much as it is a 'chapter book'. My audience is a little different than yours, but we'll see how things are going to work.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jody WernerJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    I'm glad you're finally catching up to the way I've thought about self-publishing the whole time. :)

    Also, since kids are so technology-savvy these days, parents might be able to interest them more in reading in general if they can download/read stories on something like a Kindle rather than read them in 'real' book form. So who knows? You might find a broader audience this way.

    ReplyDelete
  10. MAGollaJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Too true, Jody. Many of my writer friends have grandkids who are far more savvy than their grandparents. I decided to publish my short stories first, since I didn't think they would ever have a 'traditional' home.

    ReplyDelete

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