contests – Jean's Writing

Are you looking for writing competitions? Check these out

Published on November 9, 2016November 2, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

I haven’t submitted to any all year.

Just too busy with life events and trying to get my next children’s picture book published.

Image result for writing contest images — Image Source

But if you’re ready, brave and willing here are places to submit your story during November and December.

Good luck!

November 2016 Type: Fiction (Short Short Story) Hosted by: Writer’s Digest Deadline: November 15, 2016 (early-bird) Entry Fee: $20 Type: Fiction (Fall) Hosted by: The Masters Review Deadline: Novem…

Source: November/December 2016 Writing Contests

When was the last time you submitted a story for publication?

Do you submit to a lot of contests or magazines?

I’d love to hear from you, let me know how you’re doing! Leave a comment or click the “write me” tab or look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

A writing tip worth reading

Published on February 8, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Get your story pacing right.

I’ve read many writing tips on story pacing. Bet you have too. Wish it were as easy as moving to the beat of a good song. If it were, I’d set up a metronome next to my computer. For me though getting the pacing right in a story is often times a combination of magic, mystery and dumb luck.

However, this morning’s newsletter from On The Premises, a Web-based fiction magazine, was an ah-ha moment for me.

In spite of a story, submitted for publication, flooring the judges with a killer ending the story was rejected.

Why was that story rejected?

Tarl Kudrick, co-publisher of On The Premises, explains in plain English their thought process and provides helpful suggestions too.

… I found its first half predictable and slow [… .]

Get a couple of good writing techniques.

… If you find yourself writing “the boring part” just to get to “the good part,” here are two techniques that should help[… .]

This critique helped me and I hope it will help you too.

Mr. Kudrick goes into detail on how to cut the purple prose get to the point and keep the story moving.

… What’s the absolutely shortest possible way to get the critical information to the reader?[…]

Free to submit – Cash prizes

On The Premises challenges writers to produce a great story based on a broad premise supplied by the editors. Entrants pay no fees, and winners receive cash prizes in addition to exposure through publication. The winners are published in new issues every four months. Opportunity for feedback and critiques are available.

Please share this tip with your Twitter and Facebook friends. Thanks!

Publish or Perish, so the saying goes.

Published on January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

A writer must write.

Give away, post on Facebook, Tweet, blog and yes sell. It’s possible to get your words out there.

Looking for a place to sell your work?

Check out the markets listed at Brainstorms & Bylines and NewPages. I bet they have a place for just about every writer.

Connect with other writers. Find writing prompts.

Go to 100 Word Challenge for Grownups or Five Sentence Fiction or Describi. There you’ll find prompts and story games to stir your creative juices.

Did you find a place to submit?

Do you have a special place you prefer to submit?

Share, leave a comment and give us the scoop.

Good Luck!

Mark your calendar

Published on January 21, 2015January 24, 2015 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

Ready Set Go

Opportunities in Writing

With the New Year comes new opportunities to submit your writing. There’s something for everyone who writes. Have some fun and get those keyboards clicking.

`January 23^rd:`

Ann Summers. Whether you’re inspired by fantasies or personal experiences, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, we’re not fussy) and write us a steamy story of 750 – 1,000 words by 23 January 2015.

January 30^th:

deadline for Grey Matter Press, Dark fiction publisher Grey Matter Press has opened submissions to its next anthology tentatively titled, MONSTERS, featuring a collection of horror stories that explore the darkest monsters who dwell among us—mankind. – For additional info click here.

February 8^th:

Flash Fiction Chronicles GUIDELINES The contest is open for eight days only. Anyone may enter. All entries must be in English and submitted through our submission manager. Our regular daily prompts will be suspended during the length of the contest. The complete guidelines will be published with the prompt on February 8. Click on link for all the information.

Now through February 15^th:

MASH Stories. The second no-no is missing the deadline. MASH stories runs every quarter, meaning every three months and a total of four times a year. The deadline for the current competition is 15th January 2015, and the winner will be announced on 15th February 2015.

April 1^st:

Lascaux 250 The next 250-word fiction contest will take place 1 April to 30 June. We’ll begin accepting submissions on 1 April but won’t begin posting them until 15 June.

May 31^st:

Words with JAM First Page Competition 2015. It’s that time of year again. We’re looking for the most captivating first page (up to 400 words) of a story. Entries can be from a novel published, unpublished, a part written novel, or simply a first page written purely for the competition. Entries will be judged anonymously.