The Grind
Writers
November 2017
The post-Hallow’d issue
Page
1
Fun’s over. Time to write.
Inside I’ve been looking for an excuse to use a Gothic font in a modern setting. Though, why would you, really? And yet, without a word, the Gothic font just conveys old, decaying, medieval and Halloween doesn’t it? And that’s this post-Halloween season. Everything’s falling of the trees, rotting. With Gothic, you don’t have to say anything. Whereas this font, Arial, what does it convey? Plain. No nonsense. Much more readable (read: scanable) on a screen. Gothic’s fine on paper, on posters. Like I said, it has an atmosphere. But it’s 2017. Same thing with Roman numerals: why do we persist in WW II when WW2 is so much more readable? Why do we use Roman numerals THREE THOUSAND YEARS after they started being used - in about 900BC? A three millennia-old numbering system. M, V, L, X. They’re not even numerals. Can we stop now and give credit for the much more comprehensible numbering system – our wonderful 1, 2, 3s – to the Hindu mathematicians in India who actually invented them, circa the first to fourth centuries AD. And let’s also thank those Arab merchants (hence they are called Arabic numbers) of the time who disseminated them around the Mediterranean basin in the ninth century so that, by their peripatetic-ness, we were freed from decoding “numerical” monstrosities like MMMMDCCXXVII (which is my birthday in Roman numerals), and even back then bored schoolboys were released from having to labour over equations on their tablets like this: MIVCXXVII + XVCII + XIVMLIVXVI = ____________ (show thy work) So, enough about Gothic and numerals. What’s inside this issue?
2
Mind Mapping revisited
4
“How to Write Your Memoir: A 3-Step Guide”
5
Submit (you know you want to)
8
Crime does pay in Canada
8
Why should writers read their work for others?
9
Workshops
2
The photo writing prompt Page
11
. . . A Vancouver winter begins.
Mind Mapping
(well, sometimes)
Great fun.
Try a one-word prompt – say RAIN – and see what happens
Here’s the link to an article to get you started again Good when you’re stuck
3
And, as Sly Stone said at Woodstock: “What was good in the past is still good…”
or Branching.
Page
We all remember it from the ‘90s.
How to Write Your Memoir: A 3-Step Guide by Jerry Jenkins
“
In the blog Writing Life by Amber Lea Starfire Memoir is not just a fancy literary term for an autobiography. I say that
from the start, because I hear the terms used interchangeably so often. Your memoir will be autobiographical, but it will not be your life story. Confused yet? Stay with me…..
”
Page
4
Read the full piece here.
Submit. (y o u kn o w yo u wa n t to )
Poems: any subject, any style, any length: Great American Poetry Show Submit any subject, any style, any length, any number, any time by email or by mail with SASE. Previously published poems and simultaneous submissions are welcome. The Great American Poetry Show, P.O. Box 69506, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Email: info@tgaps.net. Website: www.tgaps.net (Caveat emptor – check it out). Wants stories based on their prompts The Quotable This online magazine wants writer-readers to submit stories based on their monthly prompts. Info here.
Wants dark…. Shock Totem We consider original, unpublished stories within the confines of dark fantasy and horror—mystery, suspense, supernatural, morbid humor, fantasy, etc. Read the guidelines.
Wants flash fiction and art text literary magazine We’re interested in literature composed with brevity and punch: short, snippy poems, razor-sharp flash fiction, and art and photography that tread the line between purpose and chance, making us see the innate beauty in the world around us. Guidelines for text submissions. We will frown or smile upon your piece, and reply within 1 week (2 weeks max) with a muffin or a tumbleweed. Multiple submissions are allowed, but single submissions are preferred. All things minimalistic and mind-slicing wanted. The occasional selfless snark and sneer accepted. True wit appreciated, along with foldable grit, pocketsize memoir moments and frame by frame congeniality. Perspective: any, as long as artfully executed and selfreflecting; avoid sending ego balloons and unintended mirroring. Mirrors and led wanted. Gates, doors, and attics most appreciated. There’s yet more. Read the submission guidelines.
Geist Emerging Writer-of-the-Month Emerging writers are invited to submit short written works online. Read the FAQ. Wants highest quality literature from talented unpublished writers; experimental pieces Dead Beats The Beats are dead; long live Dead Beats, focused on bringing you the highest quality literature from talented unpublished writers. We are happy to receive submissions from everyone, regardless of experience -poems, short stories (max. 2000 words), experimental pieces and reviews, the best of which we will publish on the site. If you would like to submit some of your work please send it in the body of an email to: deadbeats@live.co.uk. We aim to reply to all emails, though this may take some time given the number of submissions we receive. Read the guidelines.
Wants stuff from people over 60 Wit and Wisdom of the Sages Have insightful stories you’d like to share? Great Depression/ WW2/ Vietnam era? Seeking narratives up to 3,500 words. Send manuscripts, or for guidelines email jnjscher@yahoo.com. continued…
5
Ongoing submissions
Page
Destinations for your work
Rolling submissions year-round Holler Box All submissions are completely free. You may submit in multiple genres. If so, send a separate submission per genre. If your submission does not get accepted you may continue to submit, we encourage it. Read the guidelines here.
Wants women’s personal essays Changes in Life A monthly online newsletter is seeking personal essays from women of all ages. New writers are encouraged to submit their work. Read the guidelines. They only publish Canadian writers Signature Editions What we do and don't publish: Look through the titles on our website and you'll get a pretty good idea of the kinds of books we're interested in. Where to send your manuscript: We do not accept submissions by fax or email, and do not discuss concepts over the phone. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama - check website for submission guidelines. Wants prose and poetry The Evening Street Review The ESR is centered on the belief that all men and women are created equal. Reads poetry & prose submissions year-round. Replies in 3 months or less. Sometimes includes comments. Send 4–6 poems or 1–2 prose piece. 7652 Sawmill Rd., #352, Dublin, OH 43016 or editor@eveningstreetpress.com. Read more about contests and guidelines here. Wants original words and New Age art Subterranean Blue Poetry is an Internet Poetry and Art Publishing Café. We thrive on new original words and New Age art. All poets and their poetry are welcome and we are especially looking for homegrown poets from the Canadian First Nations/American Indian community; Quebec; small town Canada; international poets and
Not only do they want your work but they offer that you can tack $20 on your submission and they’ll send you back a detailed one-page critique. Note: do your due diligence. Read it all carefully. Full submission info here Wants poems – one a week Coastal Spectator A new arts-based review and commentary site operating independently out of the U. Vic. We want to publish, on our home site, one new poem each week for a year, so if you have a new piece of work -- that is a haiku or up to 25 lines long -- do submit. Read all about it here. Wants “gutsy narratives” Pithead Chapel We’re looking for engaging stories told in honest voices. Most of all, we want to feel something. We want to reach the last word and immediately crave more. We want your work to leave a brilliant bruise. Send us your gutsiest narrative and we’ll do our best to get your voice heard. Submission guidelines here. Wants creative nonfic 1966 An online journal of creative nonfiction, seeks pieces of literary nonfiction with a research component—anything from immersion memoir to nature writing to reportage to travel writing to—? Guidelines here. Wants text and audio Escape Pod is a science fiction market. Publishes in both text and audio; you are offering both of those onetime and archival rights to us when you send us your story. Our mandate is fun. We are fairly flexible on what counts as “science” We welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds. We are especially interested in seeing more submissions from people of backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented or excluded from traditional SF publishing, including, but not limited to, women, people continued…
6
Wants fiction, nonfic – new voices Anderbo.com -- “Best New Online Literary Journal.” Publishes writers in fiction, creative nonfiction), and poetry. We’re always looking for new voices. We’ll also consider nonfiction features, short memoirs, novellas, published-book excerpts, photography, essays, and photo essays. Now in our 9th year. Read the guidelines.
Page
don’t you?
anyone who was ever considered “the other.” New Age art offerings are for the masthead of each issue. Read all info here. continued… Wants short stories, poetry and performance writing: Regime magazine
Why. give. it. away? don’t you?
of color, LGBTQ or non-binary gender people, persons with disabilities, members of religious minorities, and people from outside the U.S. Guidelines here. Wants unique ideas for earning, saving or investing money The Penny Hoarder We’re always on the lookout for fun, unique ideas for earning, saving or investing money. We’d love to hear your personal experience, especially if you can share detailed numbers, strategies and advice.
Freelance markets Canada’s History Publishes well-written, well-researched, and informative articles about Canadian history that focus on all parts of the country and all areas of human activity. Subject matter covers the whole range of Canadian history, from social history, politics, exploration, discovery and settlement, to aboriginal peoples, war, culture, business and trade. Articles run various lengths: long features (from 1,500 to 3,000 words) that provide an in-depth look at an event, person, or era; short features (from 600 to 1,200 words) that provide a more narrow focus. Pays up to 50 cents/word. Guidelines here.
Do you have a story to share or an idea we haven’t covered? Read the guidelines . Wants satirical commentary The Lapine We’re all about poking people and things that deserve to be poked. It is satirical commentary written by all kinds of people from here, there and darned near everywhere. The Lapine is not limited to just trending topics. Our writers will guffaw at anything really. We always welcome new writers, so send us your story idea or article. Minimum 150 words …300 tops. Guidelines here.
Publishers Wants science fiction book manuscripts DAW Books (associated with Penguin) was the first publishing company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. Now more than 30 years and more than a thousand titles later, DAW has a well-deserved reputation for discovering and publishing the hottest talents in the industry. Accepts unsolicited submissions of science fiction and fantasy novels. A literary agent is not required for submission.
7
We do not publish short stories, short story collections, novellas, or poetry. The average length of the novels we publish varies, but is almost never fewer than 80,000 words. More information here.
Page
Wants concrete topics written by emerging and experienced writers in all genres The Writer magazine Our editors are interested in query letters on concrete topics written by emerging and experienced writers in all genres. We are looking for clear takeaway for our readers: What can they learn to improve their writing or advance their careers? What how-to tips and strategies will accomplish this? Read the guidelines and the magazine.
Crime does pay in Canada Congratulations to Crime Writers Canada celebrating their 35th year. Look for the first of their regional anniversary celebrations in Author Events. More to follow between now and next May. Just look for the "35". Here’s a link to their regular publication Cool Canadian Crime.
CWC has a searchable database of Canadian crime writers and books. Check out Vancouver’s own Merrilee Robson and her recently released whodunit set in a co-op near Commercial Drive. Murder Is Uncooperative.
Why should writers read their work for others? This video from The Writer’s Studio at SFU tells you why it’s to your advantage, especially if you are writing a longer work. TWS have a regular monthly reading series, usually at The Cottage Bistro on Main St.
Page
8
Read all about it here, along with the schedule and what they want to know about you if you apply to read. You can also sign up for their newsletter and keep in touch.
workshops What’s Deep Story Design got for us ? Vancouver, BC Workshops Plot on the Spot & Time to Write Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 21 - 10 am to 5 pm - $95
April Bosshard
A day to write and plot. Most writers struggle with plot. It can be the most labour intensive part of the writing process, and the one that keeps us returning to the drawing board over and over to make the story better (or even workable). This day will be devoted to developing the plot for the story you’re working on. Come prepared to apply special exercises to your work in progress. There will be lots of time to write. Email to register: deepstorydesign@gmail.com Vancouver, BC Crafting Your Character’s Arc Tentatively scheduled for Saturday afternoon, January 20 2 to 5 pm - $50 We know that characters are meant to grow and change in a story, but how and when does that happen? In this hands-on workshop, you'll begin to design your character’s “arc” — that personal journey of transformation that lends meaning to narrative. As you explore your character’s outer desire and inner need within the context of beliefs and values, a map of growth will emerge that will guide your unfolding story. (I’ll be teaching a shorter version of this workshop at the San Miguel Writers’ Conference.) Email to register: deepstorydesign@gmail.com San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Creating Compelling Characters, Crafting Your Character's Arc, & Deep Story Design Intro Offered during the San Miguel Writers Conference Feb 14 to 18, 2018 "April reawakened my belief in myself as a writer and left me full of ideas on how to approach both structure and character design.” -- Shirley R., Vancouver, BC
Page
9
Website for more info on DSD and April Bossard: www.deepstorydesign.com
workshops continued
Marlene Schiwy Dear Writing Women,
During this year's March Retreat we wrote in perfect stillness with the fireplace aglow and huge snowflakes drifting thickly onto the ground.
I hope you have been enjoying the vivid colours and sunny skies of the past weeks. The transition from late summer to autumn has seemed especially dramatic and beautiful this year since my return from France a few weeks ago. We had a marvellous time during the Following the Gypsy workshop in Paris, with participants from seven countries sharing their poignant stories and wondrous writing. And now I want to send you details of two upcoming workshops in early 2018. * The Tuesday Morning Wild Women Writing Circle will begin during the last week of January.
We will meet Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 (no meeting on March 13 or 20). Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm. The final session will run from 10 am - 3 pm. Registration fee: $625, includes weekly muffins, coffee/tea, and materials. Please email or call if you are interested in joining the group, and send registration payment (by cheque or e-transfer) to hold your place; mailing address is below. The Sixth Annual Spring Body Soul Writing Retreat Writing the Body, Dancing the Soul March 12-16 - Loon Lake Retreat Centre If the idea of gathering in a small group of soulful women in a beautiful environment to devote time to your writing appeals to you, come and join us for Writing the Body, Dancing the Soul, a week of rejuvenation, inspiration, deep sharing, and delicious food. We will be housed in Loon Lake’s luxury accommodation, the Koerner Lodge. Ideally participants will have taken a course or workshop with me before, however anyone new may contact me to arrange an individual consultation hour ($150) in lieu of a previous course or workshop. Retreat brochure and registration form are attached below. Early registration extends until December 31st.
(Please note that 10 spacious double rooms at Loon Lake with private bathrooms will be single occupancy. There are also several large rooms with four beds on the top floor which will be shared by two participants, depending on enrolment. These rooms offer two separate sink areas, shared shower and toilet, and plenty of space for two writers to co-exist. In addition, cozy lounge areas are perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and notebook when we are not in session. Room preferences will be noted in order of registration.) If either of these offerings appeal to you I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, please contact me by email or telephone. With warmest autumn greetings to one and all!
Marlene (604) 734-3554 (studio) marleneschiwy.com 104-2890 Point Grey Road Vancouver
10
Please contact me if you are interesting in joining us in January.
There was something purely magical about the week and although I can't promise snow in March 2018, I can promise you that something magical will happen. It always does when women gather to deepen into soul space and find the stories that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives (not to mention dancing with brightly coloured scarves to gypsy music!).
Page
This 12-week series is appropriate both for anyone wanting to develop a regular writing practice and for those working on a specific writing project.
Free write rules Set a timer for 15 mins. Start writing whatever comes to mind looking at the photograph Full speed ahead: no stopping or going back. No editing while you write. Edit later.
Page
11
Start.
The Grind Writers Group (since 2006) Email: grindwriters@gmail.com Blog: Grind Writers Writing Magazines: Grind Writers News Wordworks magazine
Page
12
Š Margo Lamont