NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION BRANCH (NCR)

Weekly Notices for the week of Jan. 20 to Jan. 26, 2014

19 ITEMS 8 NEW plus & 3 NEW CONTESTS

 

Please send all submission & event notices to Carol Stephen at cstephen0@gmail.com####Find writing-related services offered by our members at our CAA-NCR website   http://www.canauthors-ottawa.org/hire-a-member.shtml

CAA-NCR EVENTS: NOTE TO CAA MEMBERS: Recently published a novel, won a writing award, had a spectacular book signing or in some other way been recognized within the writing community? Write a short blurb about it & we’ll publish it in Byline, the CAA-NCR branch Magazine. We’re all excited, and encouraged, when someone in our writing family shines. Send a note to Sharyn Heagle, Editor, Byline at <sharyn_40@yahoo.com>

 

ITEM 1:  CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TO CAA-NCR’s BYLINE MAGAZINE                                                   

If you have an article of interest to writers contact the Editor, Sharyn Heagle, at sharyn_40@yahoo.com. Byline pays 2-1/2 cents per word to a maximum of $25 on publication.   Member promotional material is included in Byline at no cost. Contact the Editor for details.

 ITEM 2: 27TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CAPITAL WRITING CONTEST  

 

CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION–NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION WRITERS HELPING WRITERS

 

CATEGORIES: Short Story • Poetry Prizes in Each Category: $300, $200, $100

Guidelines for 2014 NCWC

 

The contest is open to members of CAA–NCR and/or residents of the National Capital Region

http://www.canauthors-ottawa.org/contests.shtml

 

CATEGORIES: Short Story (max. 2500 words) and Poetry (not Haiku) (max. 60 lines including title & blank lines)

ENTRIES must be the original, unpublished work of the entrant. Winning entries and/or Honourable Mentions may be published CAA–NCR’s e-mag, Byline, in a CAA–NCR anthology,

or in the Ottawa Citizen. Copyright remains with author.

 

Finalists are requested to attend CAA–NCR’s 25th Annual NCWC Awards Night, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at 7 PM, Ottawa Public Library auditorium, 120 Metcalfe Street at Laurier.

Your presence is important to the celebration of your success with fellow entrants, families and friends. First place winners will be asked to read their entries.

·       Entries postmarked after midnight FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014 will be disqualified.

·       Submissions not accompanied by entry fee will be disqualified.

·       Submissions will be neither acknowledged nor returned.

·       Entries not conforming to rules will be disqualified.

·        Overpayment of entry fees will not be returned.

·       Entry fee: $15 per story; $15 for up to three (3) poems (poems will be judged individually);

·       number of entries unlimited.

·       Each prose entry must be in English, typed, on 8 1/2 x 11paper, one side only,  page-numbered consecutively on bottom right of pages. No extra-large type, please!

·       Indicate category and title on top left corner of every page.

·       Stories must be double-spaced; this is not required for poetry.

·       Contest is blind judged. Entrant’s name must NOT appear on the submission(s).

·       Include a separate cover page with contest category, story/poem title, name, address,

·       phone number, and e-mail address.

·       Members of CAA–NCR are entitled to one (1) free entry in one (1) category.

·       Make cheques payable to CAA–NCR and designate NCWC.

·       CAA–NCR reserves the right to withhold any prize should entries fail to meet expected standards.

Mail entries to: National Capital Writing Contest, 163 BELL ST., N., Box 57081, Ottawa ON K1R 7E1 Attention: Sharyn Heagle, Receiver

Information: Sharyn Heagle, CAA–NCR Contest Coordinator – sharyn_40@yahoo.com.

 

ITEM 3: THE CAA-NCR FIRST ANNUAL BOOK FEST                NEW!

 

DATE: Sat. April 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (lunch break 12:30–1 p.m.)

LOCATION: Clark Hall, RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa (free parking++)

ENTRY: $5 coupon which can be used towards purchase of any book!

 

·       RAFFLE: Raffle of donated books, to be held during inter-panel breaks.

·       FOOD: Full restaurant/bar within the centre.

·       READING: Participating authors will have the opportunity to read x 2 minutes.

·       Video tapes of such readings may be possible, at no extra cost.

 

 CAA-NCR is really pleased to announce it will hold its First Annual Book Fest on Saturday April 12, 2014. This will not only display books for signing and sale, but will also permit readers to hear our CAA-NCR authors and other authors in Ottawa and surrounding area read from their books, and possibly discuss them in public discussion groups, to be selected according to genre. This will depend on the number of participating authors in each genre, such as: Canadian fiction, international fiction, gender issues, politics, children’s books, and erotica. List and sequence of panels will be determined and published, once all authors and genres are known.

 Half hour long moderated panel discussions will alternate with half hour periods of browsing by readers, who will be able to interact with their favourite authors and ask questions privately at the authors’ tables. Q & A will also be permitted at the end of panel discussions, thus stimulating interest and sales.

 ·       Authors will rent half tables at $40. No sharing. (co-authors may also attend). 

·       They may have a chance to participate in the discussions, and in 2 minute videos

·       of their reading, usable on YouTube.

·       Those who pay early will be assigned the best positioned tables.

·       Local bookstores may be included ONLY after individual authors have been accommodated, depending on table space, which is limited.

 

Authors: Please e-mail ghanems@rogers.com Qais Ghanem, VP Electronic Media a list of your books including genre, to reserve a half table or more. You will then be asked to mail your $40 cheque, payable to CAA-NCR to our treasurer (address will be supplied at the time).

 

THANK YOU!

 

 BRANCH MEMBER NEWS

 ITEM 4: BRANCH MEMBER QAIS GHANEM UPCOMING EVENT                                                                                            

MIDDLE EAST DISCUSSION GROUP (‘MEDG’) NOTICE OF LUNCHEON MEETING                                   

DATE: Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, 12:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  FU Carling Buffet, 2583 Carling Av. Ottawa K2B7H7 – $15 per person

 TO REGISTER FOR THIS LUNCHEON MEETING PLEASE CALL BILL SILVER AT 613-7292037 OR EMAIL JOSEPH DEBANNÉ AT j.debanne@sympatico.ca only, NOT at j.debanne@gmail.com

 

 Dr. Qais GHANEM, our invited speaker will speak about his book: T My Arab Spring My Canada 

 Dr. Qais Ghanem is recently retired associate professor of medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. He is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He immigrated to Canada in 1970. His professional credentials are very impressive. It would suffice to mention that he was President of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (2003-2005) He hosts a monthly discussion circle called Dialogue for Democracy.and created a popular website, http://www.dialoguewithdiversity.com/  which builds bridges and develops dialogue among the ethnic and religious groups that form the Canadian mosaic.

 Dr. Ghanem is the author of a book of verse entitled From Left to Right, and of a new novel about democracy and women’s rights entitled Final Flight From Sanaa — BAICO Publishers, Ottawa. His second novel published by iUniverse is Two Boys from Aden College. He co-authored a non-fiction book published by Create Space My Arab Spring My Canada, which will be the topic of his talk at the MEDG luncheon of Monday, January 20, 2014.

 

CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL NEWS

 ITEM 5: CANWRITE! 2014 – SAVE THE DATE!     

     Early Bird Registration for CanWrite! 2014 ENDS JAN. 27, 2014. Stellar line up of workshop facilitators, panelists, and guest speakers, ensuring that this annual writers’ conference and treat is the one event you don’t want to miss! Special rates for early-bird registrants, members, and affiliates. This year’s conference will again be at Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus in sunny Orillia, Ontario, from June 19 to 22. (Master Classes June 18). Whether you’re a beginning writer or a long-time professional, you’ll find what you’re looking for at CanWrite! 2014, June 19 – 22. Be sure to register early, as there are limited seats available for  pitch sessions, some of the workshops and master classes (held June 18).   This is your opportunity to network and mingle with agents, publishers and fellow writers from across Canada. For the best conference rates and workshop selections, visitwww.canadianauthors.org/conference now!

ITEM 6: CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION EMERGING WRITER AWARD                                                                                              

    The Canadian Authors Emerging Writer Award honours a Canadian writer under 30 who shows exceptional promise in the field of literary creation. Genre doesn’t matter: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, scripts – published or unpublished. The winner may be selected based on a body of work in a variety of forms, or on a body of work in a single genre or writing form.

 Nominations may be made by creative writing instructors, Canadian Authors branches and TWIGs, professional writers, and publishers.  

 Deadline: March 31, 2014 (postmark). Entry fee: none. Prize: $500 plus a one-year membership with Canadian Authors  Details: http://canadianauthors.org/national/caa-literary-awards/

 ITEM 7: CANWRITE! 2014 SHORT STORY CONTEST                 

It’s back! Canadian Authors’ short story anthology contest is back – and so is your chance to win cash, attend a great conference and get published.

 The top 10 stories will be published in an anthology to be launched at this year’s CanWrite! conference and retreat. Download entry form as well as guidelines for details.

 Deadline: April 1, 2014 Entry fee: $20 per entry

Prize: 1st prize: $200 plus a free conference registration; 2nd prize: $100 plus a free conference registration; 3rd prize: free conference registration  

Details: http://canadianauthors.org/conference/canwrite-contest/  or 866 216 6222

 OTHER WORKSHOPS

 

ITEM 8: OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH  JANUARY AND FEBRUARY                                                                   NEW!

 

Local authors Tudor Robins, Michel Lavoie and JC Sulzenko will each host writing workshops for kids and teens to help them get ready to participate in the Ottawa Public Library´s 19th annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest.

Short Stories: Tudor Robins, Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe

 ·       Saturday, January 25, 3-4 p.m. Ages 9-12

·       Saturday, February 8, 3-4 p.m. Ages 13-17

Poetry: JC Sulzenko, Sunnyside branch, 1049 Bank

 ·       Saturday, January 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Ages 9-12

·       Saturday, January 18, 2-3 p.m., Ages 13-17

—

Poésie et nouvelles : Michel Lavoie, Succursale Gloucester-nord, 2036 Ogilvie

 ·       Le samedi 25 janvier, de 14 h à 15 h, Pour les 9 à 12 ans

·       Le samedi 8 février, de 14 h à 15 h, Succursale Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line, Pour les 13 à 17 ans

 Online registration is required but programs are free to attend.

 OPL invites aspiring young authors to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French before the contest deadline, February 9, 2014. Participants can win awesome prizes which will be presented in the Spring. For contest details, visit

www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors<http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors  or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or mailto: InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca

 

ITEM 9: UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY CONTINUING EDUCATION WRITING CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS                                             

 Registration: First come, first served 

Do you have a passion for creative writing? Perhaps you work in a field that requires strong writing skills? Whatever your reasons for wanting to be a better writer, University of Calgary Continuing Education can help.

Three writing certificate programs are offered, all of which are delivered completely online. When you enroll in a course, you will be required to work within scheduled start- and end-dates and will be expected to meet assignment timelines. During the duration of the course, you will work whenever – and from wherever – you choose, as long as you have a computer and a reliable internet connection. Each program requires 200 hours of instruction time, and in some cases, courses can be applied to more than one certificate. 

 Two new courses in winter 2014 – Dramatic Storytelling and Writing Poetry

 Details: http://conted.ucalgary.ca/writing/

 

ITEM 10: WRITING RETREAT IN ICELAND                                   

 

DATES:  APRIL 9 TO 13, 2014

LOCATION: ICELANDAIR HOTEL REYKJAVIK NATURA

 

FEES Registrations received on or before January 31, 2014 are USD $2100 / GBP 1300 based on a single room.** Registrations received from February 1 onwards are: USD $2300 / GBP 1500 based on a single room.** FEES DO NOT INCLUDE COSTS OF TRAVEL AND TRANSFERS

 

*Develop your writing

*Explore wild and wonderful Iceland, the land of the sagas

*Find inspiration and time to write in an unforgettable setting

*Meet and mingle with famous authors and like-minded writers

 

You’re invited to participate in a series of workshops and panels led by an esteemed team of international writers. The 2014 retreat will be loosely focused on the theme of travel and journeys.

The retreat will be based out of Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, a recently renovated, modern four-star hotel next to a popular wooded area, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre and five minutes from a geothermal beach.

Between intimate workshops and lectures, we’ll offer the chance to tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafes of Reykjavik, soak in geothermal hot springs, listen to new Icelandic music, meet contemporary Icelandic writers, and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition.

 

Our workshops will be led by published writers from around the world whose works feature a theme of travel or journeys. These include Pulitzer Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks, New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean, Scotiabank Giller prize winner Joseph Boyden, Ryerson University professor and author Randy Boyagoda, National Geographic’s Digital Nomad Andrew Evans, award-winning memoirist Iain Reid, acclaimed travel writer Sara Wheeler, and Man Booker Prize nominee James Scudamore. We’ll be announcing our Icelandic writers in the coming months. For more info: http://www.icelandwritersretreat.com/

 

ITEM 11: THE WRITERS’ UNION OF CANADA WORKSHOPS   

 

DATE: Feb. 18, 2014 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Ottawa: University of Ottawa, FSS Building (Social Sciences Building), 120 University, Room 4004 Cost: $95.00 (TWUC members $80.00) includes materials & lunch

 

The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is holding a series of one-day professional development workshops for writers called Publishing 2.0 – Tips and Traps. Registration is now taking place for workshops in Moncton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto in February 2014.

 

Authors Mary W. Walters and Caroline Adderson, along with author and executive director of TWUC, John Degen will discuss writing in the digital age. The workshop will consider both the Traditional Path to Publication and Independent Publication including topics such as working with agents and editors, keys to successful submissions, crowdsourcing, contract terms, royalty rates, copyright, managing your digital rights, design work, distribution, and promotion.

Workshops will be held from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The registration fee is $95.00; TWUC members pay only $80.00. Both prices include any materials and lunch.

 

For registration go to http://www.writersunion.ca/pd-workshops#register

 

 ITEM 12: BANFF INTERNATIONAL LITERARY TRANSLATION CENTRE (BILTC)  CALL FOR APPLICATIONS                                       

Program dates: June 9, 2014 – June 28, 2014

Application deadline: February 15, 2014

 

Program Information HERE: http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=1415

Directors: Hugh Hazelton, Katherine Silver

About Banff International Literary Translation Centre (BILTC)

 Inspired by the network of international literary translation centres in Europe, the Banff International Literary Translation Centre (BILTC) is the only one of its kind in North America. The primary focus of the residency is to afford working and professional literary translators a period of uninterrupted work on a current project. Many past participants have found that the most enriching and lasting rewards of the program are the deep personal and professional connections they have made with their international colleagues.

 SUBMISSION CALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 ITEM 13: BYWORDS.CA SUBMISSION CALL                     

DEADLINE:  The 15^th of every month for the following month’s issue

Bywords.ca considers previously unpublished poetry from emerging and established poets for our online monthly magazine. We consider work by current and former residents, students and workers of Ottawa. We also publish poems by contributors to our predecessor, the Bywords Monthly Magazine.  FOR SUBMISSION INFORMATION VISIT www.bywords.ca and click on Guidelines.  Amanda Earl, Managing Editor.  Check out Bywords.ca’s literary events calendar here:http://www.bywords.ca/calendar/index.php, with up-to-date info on NCR readings, book signings, writers’ circles, literary festivals, spoken word showcases & slams. Event submissions can be sent to events@bywords.ca.

 Also check out the latest issue of experiment-o-: Issue 6 – to the others here: http://www.experiment-o.com/

 

ITEM 14: THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES IS LOOKING FOR A SENIOR EDITOR                                                   NEW!

Posted: January 9, 2014

Closing date: February 14, 2014, 4:00 PM

Start date: April 2014

Duration: This is a one-year, full-time contract with the expectation that it will become permanent thereafter.

Salary Range: $71,000 – $80,000 –

 Check out the requirements here:

 http://www.policyalternatives.ca/offices/national/employment-opportunities/senior-editor

 IN THE INTEREST OF WRITERS HELPING WRITERS

 ITEM 15: 2014 OPENER! OTTAWA YOUTH POETRY SLAM FEATURE: D-LIGHTFULL                                                                                      NEW!

 

DATE: Monday, Jan. 20   5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: UMI CAFÉ,  610 Somerset St. West, Ottawa

 

5:30 p.m. D-LightFull will be providing our FREE Youth Workshop!

6:30 p.m. Sign up & Slam Begins

 Youth who participate in the Workshop will have Priority Sign-Up and we will be done @ 9p, cuz it’s still a school night.

O.Y.P.S. is delighted to invite a true Diva on the mic. This Sister shares brilliantly, both, through harmonic melodies and the spoken word art form. In fact “D-LightFull” is a sweet and passionate poet who picks up on things most people overlook giving her a different perspective on life, as reflected in her poetry. She speaks her mind, shares her vision, and tells it like it is. Her goal is to bring light to issues on love, justice and beauty. So come on out to listen to the impact of her messages. For participating Youth, it’s another chance to share on the Open Mic list or Slam list in hopes to get your name on the rankings ladder to make your way to our Finals at the end of the season, in hopes to be on the 2013-2014 Ottawa Youth Poetry Slam Team.

 

ITEM 16: New ShiRt Slam Vol. 1                                                             NEW!

 

DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 21 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

LOCATION: AVANTE GARDE BAR 135½ Besserer St., Ottawa

Winner receives a new shirt and becomes a member of the New Shirt Slam Poetry Team, which will represent Ottawa at Slamtario!

 

RULES

 1st Round ” Niiiiiice ShiRt!”

1. All poets must use their shirt as a prop in at least one instance.

2. 1 minute poems with 1 minute grace period.

3. The audience is to be encouraged to clap as if they were on Kidstreet.

 2nd Round “Poem Swap”

1. All Poets will bring a poem that has been printed on a single sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. You must NOT put your name on the paper. These poems will be randomly distributed before the first round of the slam.

2. Poets scores will be determined by adding together the score of the poem they performed with the score of the poem they wrote.

You will find all the general rules for the slam in the notes of the main page. Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/new-shirt-slam/new-shirt-slam-rules/454798461312398

 ITEM 17: POETRY SHOW FEATURING b!WILDer AT THE GOLDEN ARROW, PERTH                                                                                 NEW!

 DATE: Thursday, January 23, 2014, 8:00 p.m. & runs until closing time

LOCATION: GOLDEN ARROW PUB & EATERY 71 Foster St, Perth, ON

 Jon Davidson has been hosting a poetry show at the Golden Arrow in Perth every month since November 2013. The next show is on Thursday, January 23, 2014.

 b!WILDer will be the Feature poet for the evening.  There will also be an Open Mic, poetry readings, and poetic performances.

 It is sure to be an evening of great fun & fantastic poetic delight. We hope you can take part or enjoy as an audience member.

 P.S.  While this is a community event, there are definite connections to LiPS: the host  & this month’s Feature performer are both members of the LiPS Collective.  It appears that members of the Live Poets Society tend to spread the spoken & written word of poetry, far beyond the boundaries of slam.  Poetry is indeed fun. :)

ITEM 18: Launch of ottawater #10 : Ottawa’s annual poetry pdf journal                                                                                                 NEW!

 

DATE:  Friday, January 24, 2014  7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong Street at Parkdale, Ottawa

 ottawater is now a decade old!

 The tenth issue of ottawater is soon online (somewhere in January, before the launch), featuring new writing by Sylvia Adams, Cameron Anstee, John Barton, Stephanie Bolster, Frances Boyle, Heather Brunet, Sara Cassidy, George Elliott Clarke, Stewart Cole, Anita Dolman, JM Francheteau, Richard Froude, Elisabeth Harvor, Jenna Jarvis, Nicholas Lea, Michael Lithgow, N.L. Lea, Anne Le Dressay, Sneha Madhavan-Reese, Karen Massey, Justin Million, Colin Morton, Andrew Oliveira, Roland Prevost, Adrienne Ho Rose, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Tim Mook Sang, jesslyn delia smith, D.S. Stymeist, Priscila Uppal, Will Vallières, Gabriel Wainio-Théberge, Matthew Walsh and Deanna Young.

 

Come out to the launch (featuring readings by a number of this issue’s contributors) on Friday, January 24, upstairs at The Carleton Tavern, Parkdale at Armstrong; doors 7pm, reading 7:30pm.

 

Founded to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the City of Ottawa, Canada’s glorious capital city, “ottawater,” and its chemical formula/logo “O2(H2O),” is a poetry annual produced exclusively on-line, in both readable and printable pdf formats, and found at http://www.ottawater.com/. An anthology focusing on Ottawa poets and poetics, its first issue appeared in January 2005, 150 years after old Bytown became the City of Ottawa.

 

ITEM 19: MEDIA CLUB OF OTTAWA MEETING WITH TIM REDPATH

 

DATE: MONDAY, JAN. 27 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M.

LOCATION: OTTAWA CITY HALL, HONEYWELL ROOM, 110 LAURIER AVE. WEST

 

Cost (which includes a light meal): Media Club Members -$15; students with ID – free; non-members $25. Please RSVP 613-521-4855 by January 24.

 

The Media Club invites you to hear Tim Redpath, president and co-founder of Train of Thought, an Ottawa-based consulting firm that works with national and international organizations to accelerate go-to marketing strategies. Redpath, who has over 25 years of marketing experience, will discuss Effective Marketing in a Noisy World.

 

 

MAGAZINE SUBMISSION CALLS:

 

NO DEADLINES SPECIFIED:

 

Strangelet Literary Journal Open to Submissions. Strangelet is a new journal of speculative fiction, accepting fiction, poetry, nonfiction, graphic stories/comics, and artwork. It is now open to submissions of short stories, graphic fiction, poems and essays. It is a paying market.Details: www.strangeletjournal.com/submit/

 

Stories About Grandmothers Wanted for Anthology. Robyn McGee is seeking true life stories about grandmothers for her upcoming anthology, Grandmothers Who Stand Watch During the Day and Howl at Night. All submissions must be original, not previously published anywhere online (including social media sites or personal blogs) and must be in essay format – no poems. Payment is $30 for stories between 500 and 2000 words in length.  The anthology will be published later in the year as either an ebook or traditional book. Details: www.writerswhorock.com/#/submissions/4571570498

 

Shakespeare-Inspired Prose Sought by Misfit Journal. Edition 3 of the Misfit Journal coincides with the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, and so the journal is seeking prose and poems with a Shakespearian inspiration. They are seeking poems, short stories, essays, memoir, creative nonfiction and artworks that are inspired by Shakespeare.

All work must be original. This is a paying market. Written work receives a $100 payment, artwork $25 per image. All contributors also receive a copy of the Misfit Journal.

Details: http://misfit-inc.com/the-misfit

 

The Traveling Poet (US) is an ezine publishing poetry from writers ages 12-25, and articles on hitchhiking, traveling broke, poverty, and philosophy. Poetry about traveling is ideal, but any subject is welcome. No Beat Generation re-enactments. Deadline: Rolling  Guidelines:

http://travellingpoetblogzine.wordpress.com/

 

Entertainment and pop culture magazine A Bard’s Tales (Canada) is looking for contributing writers. Payment: $50 for features, $50 for reviews, and $25 for opinion pieces. All pieces must be first pitched (lead to the story, possible sources, rough length, etc) and approved by one of the ABT editors. Deadline: Open.  WEBSITE: http://abardstales.com/

 

Lunch Ticket, a literary magazine published by the Antioch University Los Angeles Creative Writing MFA Program, is accepting submissions for its monthly Amuse-Bouche feature. Submit creative nonfiction, writing for young people, fiction, poetry and art. Guidelines: http://lunchticket.org/about/submission-guidelines/

 

The Flexible Persona is calling for engaging, character-driven fiction and non-fiction submissions of up to 5500 words for their inaugural audio/online issue (Spring). Looking for stories showcasing “characters in contact with their world. How they shape that world and are in turn transformed by it.”    Guidelines: http://www.theflexiblepersona.com/submissions.html

 

The Anaphora Literary Press (US) is seeking single and multiple-author books in fiction (poetry, novels, and short story collections) and non-fiction (academic, legal, business, journals, edited and un-edited dissertations, biographies, and memoirs). Profits are split 50/50% with writers. http://anaphoraliterary.com/

 

The Singularity Review (US) welcomes fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, visual art, photography for their debut issue. Theme: future/forward thinking. No deadline provided. http://thesingularityreview.com/

 

New Toronto-based graphic arts mag, Archenemy Magazine, seeks editorials, reviews and creative writing related to comics, illustration and design. Creative pieces will be illustrated by a contributing artist. Also interested in potential regular writers/features. Length: 600–2500 words. Accepting freelance pitches and humour pieces, also. “Compensation is always awarded.” Deadline: Ongoing. Guidelines: archemag.com/contribute

 

Maelstrom, a US print literary journal, is currently seeking submissions of poetry, short fiction, art, and photography that is edgy, smart, funny, and/or weird. Length: 5000 words max. or 3-5 poems. Payment: one copy. Deadline: Open.   Guidelines: maelstromjournal.com/submission-guidelines

 

Poetry Space (UK) is looking for poetry, art, and writing submissions from young writers and artists. All ages welcome. Parents and guardians welcome to submit on child’s behalf. No fees.     Guidelines: poetryspace.co.uk/young-writers-space 

 

The Furious Gazelle seeks short stories, micro fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short plays, monologues, novel excerpts and art. Wants writing that is “good and well written” and art that is “artistic.” Length: 8000 words max. Deadline: ongoing.  Guidelines: thefuriousgazelle.com/about

 

Online literary magazine The Steel Chisel (Canada)is “perpetually looking” for prose and poetry submissions from Canadian writers. Include a short bio with location, occupation, and any relevant award/publication accomplishments. Deadline: Rolling, on 6th of the month.     Guidelines: http://www.thesteelchisel.ca/contact.html

 

Circa: A Journal of Historical Fiction (Ottawa, ON) is accepting submissions on a historical theme. Accepts fiction, creative non-fiction, book reviews, and articles that have a fresh take on history. Also appreciates genre-crossing, and speculative and alternative history. Length: 2500 words max. (fiction) and 800 words max. (reviews and articles). As a Canadian journal, Circa especially likes Canadian stories. Deadline: Rolling. Guidelines: circajournal.com/submissions

 

The Mackinac (Canada/US) seeks poetry that “bridges the strait between nostalgia and the immediate, the wilds seen and unseen, the best of emerging and established voices.” Submit up to 3 to 5 poems for consideration. Deadline: Ongoing.   Guidelines: themackinacmagazine.com/submit.html

 

Dentists on the Frontier (Canada) seeks short, pithy, provocative and even happy stories of dentists and dental procedures from practitioners and patients of dentistry. Filed under the title “Writing Home Again,” stories should be in the form of an anonymous open letter (Dear Dentist or Dear Patient). Accepting nonfiction and creative nonfiction only. Length: 600 words max. Deadline: ongoing.  Guidelines: dentistsonthefrontier.com/submissions/

 

Featured Fifty Poetry: We’re Seeking Your Best Poems for writers age 50 and older.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/24/featured-fifty-poetry_n_3489074.html

 

Ploughshares’ reading period is now open! We’re accepting submissions for Ploughshares literary magazine and for our Ploughshares Solos series of long stories and essays. You can now submit all those poems, essays, and stories that you’ve been working on and saving up since January. For guidelines and to submit, visit our website. http://www.pshares.org/submit/index.cfm

 

Dead Beats (Sheffield, UK), a student-run publishing and live poetry organization, seeks submissions. Accepting poems, short stories (max. 2000 words) and experimental pieces from everyone, regardless of experience. Seeks to “share inspired and inspiring works from around the globe.” No deadline. Guidelines:http://www.deadbeats.eu/submission

 

Independent hybrid lit mag The Holler Box accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, lyric essays, nonfiction, and artwork year-round. Each issue is published online and in the form of a limited release handmade chapbook. Welcomes the alternative and experimental, as well as new and unpublished writers. Length: 5000 words max (prose) and poetry (up to 3). Guidelines: https://thehollerbox.submittable.com/submit

 

Online arts review magazine The Coastal Spectator (Victoria, BC) seeks reviews of theatre, books, music, film, visual arts, and other cultural happenings around coastal BC specifically (but not exclusively). Submit pieces that are “short and sharp.” Length: 300-500 words. Payment: stipend of $25. Partial to views that reflect a coastal slant on things. Query the editor at lvluven@uvic.ca.

 

Quarterly journal Squalorly (US) welcomes submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, illustration, and photography. Submit story/essay (5000 words max), flash pieces (up to 3), and poems (up to 5). Appreciates work with emphasis on emotion: “Move, amaze, horrify, and educate.” http://www.squalorly.com/submit

 

Gervais Advertising is looking for short articles on a wide variety of subjects for their small shopping/tourism guides available at locations throughout central Ontario. Articles do not need to be location-specific and should have a casual slant based on fun, personal experience. Payment: $0.12 per word for accepted articles/stories. Contact Editor, Cyndy Gervais: syndy@bmts.com.

 

Running out of Ink, a new webzine, is accepting short stories of all genres. For more information, visit: www.runningoutofink.com.

 

Riddle Fence is currently accepting submissions for its spring issue. The publisher is looking for poetry, fiction, non-fiction and visual art. Info please visit http://www.riddlefence.com.

 

Fierce Ink Press Co-op Ltd. is currently open for submissions. The publisher is looking for books between 50,000 and 80,000 words long in all young adult genres.  For more information, please visit http://fierceinkpress.com/submissions/.

 

Decoded Past is looking for writers with expertise in history and/or prehistory. This internet site will showcase articles written by experts for the general reader: new interpretations of past events, new developments or theories, the past in the context of the present. Writers must hold a degree in the social sciences or historical sciences and be writing in an area of personal expertise, or have an established platform in professional historical writing. Contact Rosemary Drisdelle at info@rosemarydrisdelle.com.

 

CIRCA: A Journal of Historical Fiction is accepting submissions. Details are available at: http://circajournal.com/submissions/.

Dragon Ink Press is accepting submissions from comic artists, fantasy writers and poets for their new comics and literary anthology. Guidelines: http://dragoninkpress.tumblr.com/.

 

From the Well House is accepting fiction, scholarly essays and poetry. Details can be found at: http://fromthewellhouse.org/?bu0Dd7M9.

Ruminate Magazine is now accepting submissions. Guidelines and deadlines are available at: http://www.ruminatemagazine.com/submit/submission-guidelines/.

 

Carousel is accepting submissions. Info: http://www.carouselmagazine.ca/submit.html.

 

Antiphon: accepting poetry submissions. Info: http://antiphon.org.uk/index.php/submissions.

 

Convert Publishing, a new digital publisher, is accepting manuscript submissions. For more details, visit: http://convertpublishing.com/?page_id=19.

 

Neon: A Literary Magazine accepting submissions, info: http://www.neonmagazine.co.uk/

 

Queen’s Quarterly is accepting articles, reviews, short stories and poetry. Details can be found here: http://www.queensu.ca/quarterly/correspondencesubmissions.html.

 

Event Poetry and Prose is accepting submissions. Guidelines are available at: http://eventmags.com/about-2/submission-guidelines/fiction-poetry/.

 

The Ottawa Arts Review seeks prose submissions (including short fiction, personal essays, reviews, and interviews) relating to literary and visual arts, poetry, drama, and visual art. oar.uesa.ca/submissions/submission-guidelines/

 

Sweptmedia.ca, an online youth-culture magazine based in Toronto/GTA, is looking for original contributions in all print mediums: journalism, short fiction, poetry, etc. Also willing to consider other forms of visual communication modes: photography, painting, comic strips, etc. info: sweptmedia.ca/index.php/contact-us

 

New online magazine The Island Review (international) seeks submissions of poetry, short fiction, non-fiction, photography and art from islanders, island-lovers, and those whose work is influenced by islands, or explores ideas of islandness. http://www.theislandreview.com/submissions/ 

 

The recently-launched Northern Cardinal Review (Canada) is seeking creative and vivid poetry, non-fiction essays, and book reviews. Open to writers living in Canada, Alaska, or the northern border states of the U.S. http://northerncardinalreview.wordpress.com/submissions/

Comedy website The Higgs Weldon (US) seeks forms of writing (1000 words max.) and cartoons. Deadline: Ongoing: http://thehiggsweldon.com/submit/

 

Kolaj (Montreal, QC) is a quarterly, print magazine about contemporary collage. Seeks critical reviews and essays, artist profiles, event highlights, articles on collage making, collecting, and exhibiting, and other contributions. Pays. kolajmagazine.com/content/submissions

 

Formalist poetry review The Rotary Dial (Canada) seeks poetry from Canadian and international writers. Looking for work that rhymes and/or scans but isn’t too versey: blank verse, syllabic verse, etc. Response within two weeks. http://therotarydial.ca/submissions/

 

Garbanzo Literary Journal (US) is published in limited-run copies as part of a hand-created series of chapbooks. Seeks stories (1172 words max.) poems (43 lines max.), micro-fiction, macro-faction, creative nonfiction, and a variety of verse forms. Appreciates writing that disregards the rules: http://www.garbanzoliteraryjournal.org/Submission_Guidelines.html

 

BareBacklit is an online bi-monthly magazine seeking poetry, prose, and visual art. Accepts poetry (4 poems max.), fiction (2500 words max.), and flash fiction (1000 words max.). Prefers work that is “unpretentious, minimalist… entertains first, and provokes thought later.” http://www.barebacklit.com/Submissions.html

 

LWOT (Lies With Occasional Truth) seeks fiction from writers in Canada “(and sometimes by Americans who pretend, in their cover letters, to be Canadian)”. The term fiction is open to interpretation.  : http://lwot.net/submission.htm

Online journal Pithead Chapel seeks fiction (short and flash) and nonfiction (experimental, personal, lyric essays) “that moves toward something bigger… takes chances.” Accepts stories and essays 4000 words max. Reads year-round.  : http://pitheadchapel.com/submission-guidelines/

 

The New Inquiry welcomes short- and long-form pieces “from anyone who wants to write.” Looks for well-written, original posts on ideas, books, art, culture, and more. No fiction or poetry.  : http://thenewinquiry.com/submit-to-tni/

 

Literary journal Revolver (US) seeks “short range” (up to 1000 words), “long range” (1000-5000 words), and art for its next issue. Welcomes fiction, poetry, essays, lists, and art. Also accepting bar stories for “Shots with Strangers”.  : http://www.around-around.com/submit/

 

Website strange bOUnce accepts short stories, satire, and poetry, that have been “lightly brushed with sport.” Send work to IWantToWrite@strangebOUnce.com. No payment. http://strangebounce.com/

 

Small circulation literary publication Cant Journal (US) seeks poetry and prose for Issue #5. Accepts poetry, short inventive prose (micro fiction, flash fiction, etc.; 300-1000 words), poetry book reviews, essays on poetry, and interviews with poets. Submit 3-7 poems, 1-3 short prose pieces, or 1 poetry book review or essay on poetry. Journal is small (5 x 11); writers are encouraged to keep this in mind when submitting. Publishes annually in April. Payment: Three copies.   Guidelines: cantjournal.com/submission-guidelines

 

Red Kitty is a webzine and limited run print zine based out of Austin, TX. Accepting poetry, prose, short fiction, personal narrative, humor, and experimental journalism; illustration, photography, and doodles; and sound portraits, video art, and spoken word. Prefers works that takes risks and gets messy, including the “strange, thought-provoking, funny, demented.” Deadline: rolling. Guidelines: redkittyzine.weebly.com/submit.html

 

Independent magazine Bitterzoet (US) is now looking for new poetry, fiction, and artwork for their monthly online zine and bi-annual print editions, and mini chapbooks. Publishes work that engages in the “interplay between bitterness and sweetness, light and darkness, salvation and damnation.” Accepts poetry (3-8) prose (6 pages max), and artwork. Also looking for shorter pieces (“bonbons”) of poetry (10 lines max) and prose (150 words max.). Deadline: rolling. Guidelines: bitterzoetmag.submittable.com

 

Independent online journal Black Heart Magazine (U.S) seeks short fiction for its weekday (M-F) publication cycle. Length: 1500 words max. All genres accepted, with a literary angle preferred. Appreciates ‘short-form modern literature, from pulp to literary fiction and everything in-between.’ Deadline: Ongoing. Guidelines: blackheartmagazine.com/submission-guidelines

 

GlassFire Magazine (US) seeks submissions of fiction and non-fiction (3000 words max.), poetry, and artwork for the Winter 2013 issue. Pays $5 per poem/artwork/photography and $10 per story/nonfiction Deadline: Rolling. http://www.peglegpublishing.com/glassfire.htm

 

JANUARY 2014 DEADLINES:

 

New online literary magazine The Trillium is looking for submissions of poetry, essays, short stories, flash fiction, and non-fiction for the debut issue (February 2014). Submit up to 5 poems, 2 short stories/non-fiction/essays, or 5 pieces of flash fiction. Send in the body (not as an attachment) of an email to thetrilliummagazine@live.com. Include max. 50-word author bio, written in the third person. No payment. All rights are retained by the author. Deadline: January 2014

 

Compose: A Journal of Simply Good Writing is seeking fiction, poetry, nonfiction, (up to 5000 words) and artwork for their Spring 2014 issue. Open to established and emerging writers. Deadline: January 31, 2014.  Guidelines: composejournal.com/submissions/

 

Room Magazine, Call for submissions to issue 37.3 Fall 2014 Geek Girls: Calling all geeks! Room wants your geekiest fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, graphic literature, and critical essays for our September 2014 issue, Geek Girls. The issue will be jammed-packed with Canadian geek culture, including superhero-inspired art by Sandra Chevrier, short fiction by science fiction author Larissa Lai, interviews with some of the wittiest geeks on the Internet and more! Deadline Jan. 31, 2014 Check out the guidelines here:  http://www.roommagazine.com/submit

 

Understorey Magazine publishes fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction about motherhood: biological, adoptive, surrogate, co-motherhood, and the experience of not being a mother. Writers must be women who live in, or have a close connection to Nova Scotia. Payment: $25-$50 honorarium. Length: 1500. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Guidelines: http://understoreymagazine.ca/submissions/

The Nave Gallery (US) invites photographers, filmmakers and writers to explore the theme of “Chaotic Forms” for an exhibition celebrating the art of dance. Deadline: January 31, 2014. http://navegallery.org/wp/chaotic-forms-cfe/

 

FEBRUARY AND LATER:

 

PERSIMMON TREE The Editorial Board would like to devote the Spring issue to Politics and Activism. We were inspired to try this by the many responses to the topic Activism for Short Takes. If you are also inspired, send us stories — we need fiction as well as non-fiction — for us to consider. The deadline for submitting is February 21. Please send your submission as an attachment to submissions@persimmontree.org. Include a brief biographical statement (less than 50 words) in your email. The attached document should be saved in MS Word or a compatible program. If we can’t open it, we can’t read it. Submissions should be double-spaced, with 12-point type and numbered pages. At the top of the first page please enter author’s name, address, telephone, and email address. Type the title of the piece, labeled fiction or non-fiction, in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you. The Editors,

Persimmon Tree: http://www.persimmontree.org

 

Sunshine in a Jar Press. Looking to get published? Sunshine in a Jar Press is welcoming submissions to its new anthology “The Writing Spiral” which will be released in Fall of 2014. They are seeking poems, memoirs, stories and essays, and possible themes are love, loss, joy, decadence, deprivation, hope, fear, friendship, family, work, social responsibility, health, culture, light, and darkness. There is also the opportunity for monthly writing classes to feed your process at Trent University, Oshawa Campus. Deadline: March 1, 2014 Details: www.sunshineinajar.com/or call 289 252 1978

 

New Welsh Review (Wales) seeks dynamic, curious, lively, and outward-looking writing. Looking for short stories (2500 to 3000 words) and poems (up to six). Occasionally publishes shorter stories and microfiction. Payment: £100 per story and £28 per each poem, upon publication. Also welcomes submissions and ideas for online content (no payment): short reviews (600-800 words), opinion pieces (450 words) and author interviews (8-15 questions). Deadlines: December 12, 2013 and March 1, 2014.  Guidelines: newwelshreview.com/submissions.php

 

Speculative fiction submissions wanted for anthology Start a Revolution: QUILTBAG Fiction Vying for Change. Published by Exile Editions (Canada) in Spring 2015. International subs welcome. Length: 2,000-10,000 words (< 7.5k preferred). Payment; $0.05/word. Deadline: March 31, 2014    Guidelines: http://michaelmatheson.wordpress.com/start-a-revolution/

 

Cactus Press (Montreal) is looking to publish a series of poetry chapbooks from Montreal-based writers in preparation for their debut launch. Deadline: March 31, 2014. Theme/length: open. Guidelines: http://cactuspress.blogspot.ca/p/submit.html

 

Open access journal Beyond Borderlands: A Critical Journal of the Weird, Paranormal, and Occult (Canada) is a forum for the interdisciplinary, artistic, and critical exploration of topics relating to esotericism, paranormality, and the culturally weird. Accepting letters to the editor, scholarly and popular articles, music, art, creative writing, occult explorations, and reviews. No payment. Deadline: May 1, 2014. guidelines: http://www.beyondborderlands.com/index.php/submissions

 

The Potomac Review (Montgomery College, Maryland)accepts submissions of poetry (up to three), fiction and nonfiction (5000 words max.), photography, and artwork. Appreciates both realistic and experimental prose and poetry. Deadline: May 1, 2014.  Guidelines: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/EDU/Alt.aspx?id=19015

 

Online journal The California Journal of Women Writers seeks submissions from female writers/poets/students for its second biannual chapbook of short fiction and poetry. Theme: Home — the words, ideas, and images evoked when thinking about home. Length: 2000 words max. Deadline: May 24, 2014.  Guidelines: http://journalwomenwriters.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/seeking-creative-writingpoetry-submissions-for-our-2nd-biannual-chapbook/

Blind Dog Press seeks poems and short prose pieces about the life and work of Arthur Rimbaud for an anthology, Fierce Invalids: A Tribute To Arthur Rimbaud (publications June 2014). Send 1-3 poems along with a short bio to rimbaudsubs@gmail.com. Payment: one copy. Editor: Glenn Cooper. Deadline: May 30, 2014.

 

UPCOMING WRITING CONTESTS

 

2014 CONTESTS

 

MULTIPLE DEADLINES:

2nd Annual Story Starters Contest – Ontario Writers’ Conference. On the first of each month, our website will feature an extraordinary work by a local artist and we invite you to enter a piece of writing inspired by that work. Taking inspiration from the picture on our website, write a short piece (100 words maximum) and post it in the comment section of the entry page. It can be any form of writing (poetry, prose, dialogue, haiku, etc.) as long as it is original. Anyone may enter this contest. You may enter as often as you like. English entries only please. Deadline: the last day of the month that the artwork is featured Entry fee: none 

Prize: The top ten entries for each month will be sent to our final-round judge who will select a top 3 for each piece of art. The top three entries will be displayed at the 2013 Ontario Writers’ Conference (May 2nd & 3rd in Ajax, Ontario) for final voting by attendees. At the conference, delegates will review and vote for their favourites by ballot. The winning entries will be announced at the conference and each winner will be awarded a prize (tba).

Details: http://thewritersconference.com/whats-new/story-starters-contest/

 

JANUARY DEADLINES:

 

·       The Eric Hoffer Award for short prose and books: Winning stories and essays are published in Best New Writing, and the book awards are covered in the US Review of Books. Prizes: Two grand prizes are awarded annually: one for short prose (i.e. fiction and creative nonfiction) and one for independent books from small, micro, and academic presses, as well as self-published books. Prizes include a $250 award for short prose and a $2,000 award for best independent book. In addition to the two main grand prize awards, various other honors and distinctions are given for both prose and books, including the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, and the First Horizon Award. Submissions are accepted each year by nominating books and prose. The book deadline is January 21st. The prose deadline is March 31st. more info at: http://www.hofferaward.com/

·       The Dream Quest One.com invites international entries for their Poetry & Writing Contest. Accepting poems (30 lines max.) and short stories (5 pages max.) on any subject or theme. First prize poetry: US$250; first prize short fiction: US$500. Entry fees: $5 (poetry) and $10 (fiction). Deadline: January 16, 2014    Guidelines: dreamquestone.com

 

·       PRISM cover PRISM international (BC) invites entries for two contest in fiction and poetry. Submit fiction (6000 words max) or Poetry (up to 3 poems per entry). Grand prizes: Fiction – $2000 and Poetry – $1000. First prize winners will be published in PRISM. Entry fee: $35 (varies for international entrants; includes subscription). Deadline: January 23, 2014.     Guidelines: prismmagazine.ca/contests

 

·       CRAZYHORSE FICTION, NON-FICTION & POETRY PRIZES: Submit stories and essays of up to 8,500 words and sets of up to 3 poems through our submission manager from January 1 to January 31. All manuscripts entered must be original and previously unpublished. All entries are considered for publication in Crazyhorse. Contest submissions sent by mail or email, or outside the submission period, will not be read. Winners will be announced on our website by June 1. The winning manuscripts will be awarded $2,000.00 and published in the fall issue of Crazyhorse. Each manuscript entered requires a reading fee of $20 per manuscript, which includes a one-year/two-issue subscription to Crazyhorse. More than one manuscript may be entered. For each additional fiction or poetry manuscript entered and entry fee paid, your subscription to Crazyhorse will extend by one year/two issues. Subscriptions begin with Crazyhorse Number 84, Fall 2013. Recent judges include Joyce Carol Oates, Jaimy Gordon, Aimee Bender, Ann Patchett, Ha Jin, Carl Phillips, Richard Jackson, Larissa Szporluk, James Tate, and Billy Collins. http://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/how-to-enter/

 

·       Poetry School / Pighog Pamphlet Competition. We’re still poring over Kate White’s The Old Madness, the collection which won this year’s Poetry School / Pighog pamphlet competition … we’re also starting the search for next year’s winner. Now taking submissions for our second collaborative competition – details are here: http://www.pighog.co.uk/prize/pamphlet-competition.html and judges Simon Barraclough and Catherine Smith are waiting eagerly to read your entries. DEADLINE: Jan. 31, 2014

 

·       Robert Kroetsch Award for Innovative Poetry. Awarded annually to the best poetry manuscript by an emerging Canadian writer (a writer who has published fewer than two books). Each year the winning manuscript will be selected by an established poet in co-operation with Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint. The winner receives a trade paperback contract with Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint which will include the publication of the manuscript and a $500 advance. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: January 31, 2014 Info here: http://matrixmagazine.org/rkaward/ Each entry must be accompanied with a business size SASE and an entry fee for $30.00 Canadian. Please make all cheques and money orders payable to “Matrix Publications.” No cash please. Send manuscripts to: The Robert Kroetsch Award for Innovative Poetry, Invisible Publishing’s Snare Imprint, c/o Matrix, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. LB 658, Montreal QC H3G 1M8  Or via Submittable:  https://matrixmagazine.submittable.com/submit Alternatively, you may send you manuscript electronically to Kroetsch2014@gmail.com and send your payment via PAYPAL: RK Award Entry Fee $30

·       2014 William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Submissions are now being accepted for the sixth William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and nonfiction with a $5000 award for the winner in each category. The prize is designed to encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan literary legacy of originality, vitality and stylistic innovation. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Entry fee: $50. Prize: $5000 Details: http://library.stanford.edu/saroyan

   

·       1st Annual Junior Authors Poetry Contest. Contest is open to anyone between 9 and 21 years old as of January 31, 2014. Proof of age may be required. It does not matter where you call home. Entries from every country are welcome. All subjects and all forms of poetry are welcome. Go crazy and have fun. But submit your best work and choose a form of poetry that suits your subject. Deadline: January 31, 2014. Entry fee: none. Prize: varies. Details: http://laurathomascommunications.com/junior-authors-poetry-contest/

 

FEBRUARY DEADLINES:

 

·       2014 Novella Prize. The Malahat Review, Canada’s premier literary magazine, invites entries from Canada, the United States, and elsewhere for the Novella Prize. Previous winning entries have also won or been nominated for National Magazine Awards for Fiction and the O. Henry Prize. The Novella Prize is offered every second year, alternating with The Malahat Review’s Long Poem Prize. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Entry fee: $35; $15 is charged for each additional entry Prize: $1500 CAD. Details: www.malahatreview.ca/contests/novella_contest/info.html

 

·       ARC POETRY MAGAZINE’S POEM OF THE YEAR CONTEST. In 2014, Arc will be awarding one $5,000 grand prize to the winner of their Poem of the Year Contest. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Entry Fee: $32 (CDN), which includes a one-year Canadian subscription of Arc* Contest entry fees may be paid online AT http://arcpoetry.ca/?page_id=1295#contestentryfee or by cheque or money order mailed with contest submissions. Rules: http://arcpoetry.ca/?p=7349

 

·        Waxing PressWaxing Press (Ohio, US) invites entries for its inaugural contest for works of fiction, the Tide Lock Prize. Seeks new work in the form of a novel, novella, or collection of short stories. Length: 150 pages minimum. Prize: Publication in the journal’s print and digital editions. Entry fee: $5. Deadline: February 1, 2014. Guidelines: http://waxingpress.submittable.com

           

·       OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY´S 19TH ANNUAL AWESOME AUTHORS YOUTH WRITING CONTEST. DEADLINE: February 9, 2014. This contest, for aspiring young poets and short story authors, is open to writers between the ages of 9 and 17. They are invited to submit poems and short stories in English and/or French. The contest deadline is February 9, 2014. Participants can win awesome prizes which will be presented in the Spring. For contest details, visit http://www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors  or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or mailto: InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca Sponsored by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association. They annually publish pot-pourri, an anthology of the winning poems and stories. pot-pourri also makes a great gift. Visit the Friends of OPL website at http://www.OttawaPublicLibraryFriends.ca to place an order.

 

·       Submissions Open for Disquiet Prize. DEADLINE FEB. 15, 2014. Sponsored by Dzanc Books, the annual DISQUIET Literary Prize in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction is currently open for submissions. A winner in each category will receive publication in a participating literary journal, and one grand-prize winner will receive airfare, accommodations, and tuition—a prize worth approximately $5,000—to attend the fourth annual DISQUIET International Literary Program in Lisbon, Portugal, this summer. The winner in poetry will be published in the Collagist; the winner in fiction will be published in Guernica; and the winner in nonfiction will be published in Ninth Letter. Finalists in each category will be offered partial tuition scholarships to attend the DISQUIET program. Four full scholarships to attend the retreat are also available for writers of Luso descent. Submit up to ten poems or up to twenty pages of prose with a $15 entry fee by February 15. Entries may be submitted online via Submittable https://disquietinternational.submittable.com/submit    or sent by mail to Dzanc Books, the DISQUIET Prize, 610 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002. Previously unpublished works in English are eligible. Writers must live or have lived in the United States or Canada, but need not be citizens or permanent residents. MORE INFO: http://www.pw.org/content/submissions_open_for_disquiet_prize

 

·       Entries are welcome for the Friends of the Merril Short Story Contest. First prize: $500. Seeking original, inclusive, previously unpublished speculative fiction. Length: 5000 words max. Entry fee: $5 per entry. Unlimited entries. Deadline: February 15, 2014.  Guidelines: friendsmerrilcontest.com/guidelines

 

·       Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. Competition opens Monday, January 6, 2014, 8 A.M. (EST). Capture the essence of Erma’s writings and you could win $500 and a free registration to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop! 525 writers from 7 different countries and 48 states entered the 2012 competition. Erma Bombeck, graduated from the University of Dayton in 1949, lived with her husband and family in Centerville, Ohio, and inspired people worldwide with her columns and books about life’s trials and tribulations. Her memory lives on with the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition hosted every two years by the Washington-Centerville Public Library and the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop hosted by the University of Dayton. Deadline: Feb. 17, 2014 8 AM. More info: http://www.wclibrary.info/erma/index.asp

 

·       Switchback coverOnline and ebook journal Switchback (MFA-run, University of San Francisco, CA) is accepting poems, short stories, essays, and art. Three Editors’ prizes available, including a $200 prize for best piece. No reading fees. Deadline: February 28, 2014.    Guidelines: swback.com/call

 

·       Toronto Star Short Story Contest. The New Year marks the launch of the 36th Toronto Star Short Story Contest, among the largest in Canada and one of the top competitions in North America. With a first prize of $5000 plus tuition for the 30-week creative writing correspondence program at the Humber School for Writers valued at $3000, it’s also one of the most lucrative in the country.  This contest is only open to Ontario residents.  Deadline: February 28, 2014. Entry fee: none. Prize: 1st prize: $5000 plus tuition for creative writing correspondence program at the Humber School for Writers; 2nd prize: $2000; 3rd prize: $1000. Details: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/01/04/star_short_story_contest_seeks_entries.html

 

MARCH DEADLINES:

 

·       Grasmere Publishing (BC) invites entries for the Lynn Manuel Children’s Fiction Contest. Prize: $500 cash, $1000 advance against royalties, and publication. Open to novels suitable for children aged 7-16 years old. Looking for an engaging voice, well-developed characters, and a strong storyline. Length: 25,000-75,000 words. No theme, but no violence. Open to Canadian and US residents who have not previously published a novel for children. Deadline: March 1, 2014 (first chapter only). Entry fee: $30. Guidelines: grasmerepublishing.com

 

·       MSLEXIA 2014 WOMEN’S SHORT STORY COMPETITION.  A competition for unpublished short stories of up to 2,200 words. We accept work on all subjects, so write about anything and everything you fancy – we love to read it. 1ST PRIZE: £2,000 Plus two optional extras: a  week’s writing retreat at Chawton House Library, and a day with a Virago editor.  2nd prize: £500, 3rd prize: £250 Three other finalists each receive £100 Judge: Jane Rogers Closing date: 17 March 2014 All winning stories will be published in the Jun/Jul/Aug 2014 edition of Mslexia Before you enter, find out all you need to know in the competition rules. Ready? Enter the competition. https://mslexia.co.uk/shop/scomp_enter.php

 

·       The Eric Hoffer Award for short prose and books: Winning stories and essays are published in Best New Writing, Book awards are covered in the US Review of Books. Prizes: Two grand prizes are awarded annually: one for short prose (i.e. fiction and creative nonfiction) and one for independent books from small, micro, and academic presses, as well as self-published books. Prizes include a $250 award for short prose and a $2,000 award for best independent book. In addition to the two main grand prize awards, various other honors and distinctions are given for both prose and books, including the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, and the First Horizon Award. Submissions accepted each year by nominating books and prose. Book deadline January 21. Prose deadline March 31st. more info at: http://www.hofferaward.com/

 

·       NEW! Ascent Aspirations Publishing. Summer Anthology 2014 CONTEST. Call for submissions. Submissions Open From December 2013 to March 31, 2014. THEME: Our theme is the bizarre (as in strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance; odd) or (as in markedly unusual in appearance, style, or general character and often involving incongruous or unexpected elements; outrageously or whimsically strange), however there are word limits. Poetry is to be no more than 30 lines including the spaces between stanzas, so that the poem printed in 11 pt. font Times Roman will fit on one page. Flash Fiction prose is to be no more than 600 words, so that the prose printed in 11 pt. font Times Roman will fit on two pages. To clarify our criteria for this anthology, hone your words, and be a minimalist. FOR MORE INFO: http://www.ascentaspirations.ca/ascentsummer2014.htm

 

AND LATER:

·       Writers Digest Self-Published Competition: Writer’s Digest hosts the 22nd annual self-published competition–the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. This self-published competition, co-sponsored by Book Marketing Works, LLC, spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors. Early-Bird Deadline: April 1, 2014 A chance to win $3,000 in cash – National exposure for your work. The attention of prospective editors and publishers,  A paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference! http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/selfpublished?et_mid=652598&rid=239199236

·       The Ontario Poetry Society Arborealis Prize For Poetry. Deadline April 30, 2014. Theme: the people’s poetry tradition. $20 for up to 4 poems, $5. Each additional poem.  See website http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Arborealis%202014.htm

 

·       The Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton seeks short stories and poem for its annual Forget Me Not writing contest. Writers have until April 30 to submit stories of no more than 1,800 words, or poems of no more than 72 lines, in categories for writers 16 and older, and those who are younger. All entries, fiction or non-fiction, must begin with the words, “Remember when.” It’s the fifth year for the contest created to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, and raise money for the local chapter of the Alzheimer Society. Submissions by writers age 19 and older must be accompanied by a donation of $20 or more. Judy Doan, executive director of the local chapter, said the contest has attracted as many as 75 entries in a single year. Contest rules are available from the society’s office, 420 East St., N., 519-332-444.

 

·       NEW! MULTIPLE DEADLINES: The Antigonish Review’s 2014 Writing Contests: GREAT BLUE HERON POETRY CONTEST & SHELDON CURRIE FICTION PRIZE. $2,400 in Prizes! Deadlines: Fiction entries must be postmarked by May 30, 2014.  Poetry must be postmarked by June 30, 2014.

1.     Sheldon Currie Fiction Prize: Stories on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 20 pages. First prize:$600 & publication; Second prize: $400 & publication; Third prize: $200 & publication.

2.     Great Blue Heron Poetry Contest:Poems on any subject. Total entry not to exceed 4 pages. Maximum 150 lines. Entries might be one longer poem, or several shorter poems. First prize:$600 & publication; Second prize: $400 & publication; Third prize: $200 & publication

Guidelines:  Previously published works, works accepted for publication or simultaneous submissions are ineligible. As well, past winners are ineligible. No electronic submissions, please. Fiction entries must be typed, double-spaced, one side of page only – poetry must be single-spaced. Please include a separate cover sheet containing your identifying information as well as the titles of all entries. Your name must appear ONLY on the cover page. Entry Fee: Canada $25.00; the United States $30.00 (US funds); All others $40.00 (US funds) for either contest. Bonus: You may enter both contests for an additional $10.00. You may enter as often as you like; only your first entry in each category will be eligible for a subscription which will begin with the fall issue, 2014. Make cheques or money orders payable to The Antigonish Review. Mail submissions to: The Antigonish ReviewContest, Box 5000, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, B2G 2W5. For further information, email TAR@stfx.ca, Phone 902-867-3962 or visit our website at <www.antigonishreview.com>. ENTRIES WILL NOT BE RETURNED; only winners will be notified by September 1, 2014. List of winners will be available at our web site: www.antigonishreview.com.

 

·       Entries  invited for the third annual Arizona Mystery Writers Story Contest. First prize $200. Open to mystery, suspense, and thriller. Length: 2500 words max. Open to everyone. Entry fee: $10. Deadline: June 1, 2014. See guidelines at:  arizonamysterywriters.com/?page_id=1449

 

·       The Ontario Poetry Society Sparkle & Shine Poetry Anthology Chapbook Contest. Deadline June 30, 2014.  Various themes.  Fees: 1 poem for $2.00 or 3 poems for $5.00. See website: http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_sparkle&shine%202014.htm

 

·       Aesthetica Creative Writing Competition 2014: Now Open For Entries! Now in its seventh year, the competition champions and nurtures creative talent from across the world in a celebration of outstanding poetry and short fiction. Creative Writing Competition 2014 Prizes:  £500 prize money for the Poetry Winner,  £500 prize money for the Short Fiction Winner, Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual,  A selection of books from competition partner organisations. Writers are invited to submit their work into the categories of Short Fiction and Poetry. Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words each and poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines each. Both Short Fiction and Poetry entries should be written in English. Submissions previously published elsewhere are accepted. Visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting to enter.

·       The Ontario Poetry Society Food for Thought Contest. Deadline Sept. 30, 2014.  Food-themed poems.  Fees: 1 poem for $5.00 or 3 poems for $10.00.  See website for full details: http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Food%20for%20Thought.htm

 

·       The Ontario Poetry Society Ultra Short Poem Competition. Deadline Oct. 30, 2014.  Poems no longer than 8 lines, 8 words per line. Fees: 1 poem for $2.00 or 3 for $5.00. http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/contest_Ultra%20short%20poem14.htm