The Grind
Writers June 2015
side side side side side Royal City Writing Sew, you want to write Literary Bran – joy of regularity The Fed votes in a new exec BC writers autonomous fan region SUBMIT! (You know you want to) Constance Rook contest, big bucks Book Launch Gang - new Happy anniversary TWS!
Main Street. store widow
Photo: Margo Lamont
Word stuff Turning on the tap Word Wenches Great BC Novel Contest Where we meet The free-write photo prompt: Just do it!
Cover
The West Point Grey public library in Vancouver, supporting BC writers and BC books.
Did you go to LitFest New West? Compare your experience with this Mayne Island, BC writer, Leanne Dyck, who’s blogging her ‘wild author journeys’ here.
Why not make this your summer to “read BC?” 2
Royal City WritING Lots of regular goings on for writers in New Westminster, courtesy of The Royal City Literary Arts Society. Full calendar here.
WOR PLAY I N
N E W
W E S T
presented by the Royal City Literary Arts Society Free monthly, poetry-generating drop-in Prompts provided. Not a critique group: “Let’s have some fun!” B.Y.O.T. (bring your own tools) in the Back Room at the Heritage Grill, 447 Columbia St.
Sundays 3-5pm Poetic Justice The Heritage Grill, Back Room, 447 Columbia St., New Westminster near Columbia Station. Sundays – 7-9 pm Songwriters’ Open Mic Night for New & Emerging songwriters Join hosts Enrico Renz and Lawren Nemeth at Renaissance Bookstore, 43 – 6th Street, New Westminster. Writing for Kidz - a writing group created for adult writers in any genre related to children Facilitator: Max Tell. At Renaissance Bookstore, 43 – 6th Street, New Westminster. Info http://rclas.com/events/writing-kidz-max-tellwriting-group-created-adult-writers-any-genrerelated-children
More info: secretary@rclas.com
Every 2nd Wed. of the month, 7-9 pm Short Story Open Mic Night Host Margo Prentice. Next session: Feb 11th at Renaissance Bookstore, 43 – 6th Street, New Westminster. Bring your short stories. Poetry Wars: a study group. Host Carol Shillibeer. New Location at 100 Braid Street Studios,100 Braid Street, New Westminster. Info: http://rclas.com/events/poetry-wars
More info on any of this - Contact Janet Kvammen - Royal City Literary Arts Society www.rclas.com
Sew, you want to write: embroidering in other ways It’s often good to have something else to turn to when the writing is getting sticky, perhaps something contemplative that allows your mind to freewheel while you do it, and to do things like work out those plot snags. Grind Writer Tara does embroidery and writes: If you didn't already know this, one of my main passions is embroidery - needlework of all forms. This has been a huge passion of mine for many, many, many years now - with me doing my own personal needlework pieces and making pieces for my family and friends. I have been part of the Vancouver Guild of Embroiderers ,which is part of the Embroidery Association of Canada, since 2006. It’s been amongst the best aspects of my life, belonging to an embroidery guild and being with other stitchers who share the same passion as I do. I have really improved myself over the years and my needlework has become really good - of excellent quality.
In 2017, we’re going to have our 150th anniversary in Canada. A design for a tapestry has been approved by Parliament and embroidery guilds all across Canada will have an opportunity to stitch a part of the it. Those who contribute sign a book and their names will be displayed along with the tapestry which will eventually hang in the Governor General's office in Ottawa. I was asked by Pat Ross of the Vancouver Guild of Embroiderers to contribute to the stitching of the tapestry, so of course I said yes. I’m really excited: this has been on my bucket list for a very long time - to actually contribute something historical to Canada's government and be part of history - to have my name displayed alongside others in Parliament for a contribution that's something I've always dreamed of and now this dream is being realized. -- Tara Kimberley Torme
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photo: Margo Lamont
Literary Bran: The Joys of Regular Literary Events in Vancouver Tuesdays Burnaby Writers' Society/Spoken INK 8:00 PM -- 3rd Tuesday of the Month @ La Fontana Caffe 101-3701 East Hastings Burnaby BC Wednesdays Pandora’s Book Club 2nd Wednesday of the month 6:30–8:30 pm - Britannia Branch Library 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver Bring your favourite passages, points of interest, and share your reading experiences. Drop-ins are welcome. Presented by Pandora’s Collective. Hosts: Mary Duffy & Sita Carboni. More info here. And see page 5. Twisted Poets Literary Salon Wednesdays 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of every month at The Cottage Bistro 4468 Main Street, Vancouver More info Thursdays TWS Readings Evening at the Cottage Bistro on Main St. Come early to ensure a seat, and enjoy the food, refreshments, and top-notch company. Twisted Poets Literary Salon 4th Thursday (and 2nd Wed) of every month at The Cottage Bistro 4468 Main Street, Vancouver More info
Main Street house
Creative Expressions Art Nights 7–9pm Check with Editor for dates Rising Star Housing Co-op Common Room, 1556 East 5th Ave., Vancouver A free, inclusive event open to all artistic skill levels, ages, and demographics. Event participants , however , must identify as having either a mental health and/or addictions issue. A celebration of
meeting and making to share your passion for craft, art, and design with your community. Drop in any time, bring anyone, and any creative endeavour you are working on, or come and just check out what everyone else is up to. A free event, although please RSVP to attend. (Ed note. You may need to join here to get an invite and be able to RSVP.)
Federation of BC Writers: elects new board at recent AGM President: Coco Aders-Weremczuk Vice-President: vacant Past President: Ben Nuttall Smith Secretary: Edi DePencier Treasurer: Loreena Lee Youth Rep: Shaleeta Harper Volunteer Coordinator: vacant Director at Large: George Opacic Director at Large: Paul Seesequasis Director at Large: Rosemary Rigsby
Regional Reps around BC: Vancouver Island: Ann Graham Walker Lower Mainland: Sheilagh Simpson Fraser Valley: Doug Reid; Loreena Lee Central: Dawn Renaud East: Dawn Renaud. North: vacant
The Federation’s executive director or your regional representative can help you connect with writers, writing programs, and events in your area.
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au/to/no/mous An idea whose time is launch New Meetup group
Vancouver Book Launch Gang - For Readers and Writers They say: “Hey Vancouver book people! Launching your book into a crowded marketplace and reaching readers with busy lives is a tough job. This group is for people who believe in new voices, good writing and local writers. [We] will support the journey of new local books and authors by: (1) cheering wildly from the sidelines all the way through; (2) reading galley copies for writers pre-release; (3) agreeing to post reviews on Amazon and Goodreads prepublication and during the first week after publication; (4) using our own social media networks to give a shoutout to the brave new voices stepping up to the plate; (5) attending the writer's book launch event and smiling supportively, applauding loudly and making sure the room feels full of goodness; (6) generally enjoying new voices making their way.
Glenn Mori
Our has a nonfiction piece up on Everyday Fiction. Hey, how’d he do that? See for yourself here.
Canadian travel journalist and local historical fiction author
Ruth Kozak is reading all over the map. You ca keep up with her literary perambulations on her Facebook page, “Introduction to Shadow of the Lion.”
maps
Speaking of , the VPL has launched, with a little help from BC BookWorld’s
Alan
Twigg, a Literary Landmarks map of Vancouver -- “the intersection of notable authors, their compelling stories and the unique geography of our communities.” See the interactive map here.
BC BOOKS
Happy Anniversary to The Writer’s Studio Simon Fraser University’s The Writer’s Studio is 15 years old this year. “The Writer’s Studio (which we also offer online) is a oneyear, part-time creative writing program with an emphasis on learning in community. If you’re ready to develop or finish a novel, a book of poetry or lyrical prose, a collection of nonfiction, or another manuscript, you are an excellent candidate for the Studio. Our writers have diverse writing sensibilities and experience, ages, educational, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and lived experience.” 6
s tu f f TYPOGRAPHY: Things you need to know. Yes. You do. (This page recklessly breaks all the rules by the way)
4 videos and a few of the absolute basics you need to know as a writer:
Resources for turning on the creative tap PLOTTING, PLANNING, AND SCHEMING TRAVEL WRITING e-PUBLISHING
SELF-PUBLISHING
1. Wake Up and Smell the Fonts. UK graphic designer Sarah Hyndman’s witty & charming (but don’t let that fool you) TED-X TALK. “Fonts turn words into stories.”
“Please Stop.” - “Here is the problem. You all seem to think selfpublished authors are bad writers, because bad writers are selfpublished. The thing is, bad writers are everywhere. I agree, it's easy to find examples of self-published authors who are very, very bad, but if you think the traditional publishing industry isn't also full of hacks and terrible writers, you're either delusional, or you've never spent more than ten minutes in a bookstore.” Full story here.
2. Font Psychology: How Typefaces Hack Our Brains. 3. How Typefaces and Fonts Affect Your Subconscious. 4. The Best & Worst Fonts to Use on Your Resume. - “Using Times New Roman is like going to the interview in your sweatpants.” Good, basic info even if you’re not making a resume.
Historical fiction writers’ blog: The Word Wenches “Eight historical fiction authors plotting in the present, writing about the past… and improvising the rest.”
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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).
Submit. (you know you want to)
The Great BC Novel Contest Deadline September 1, 2015
Wants stories based on their prompts The Quotable This online magazine wants writerreaders to submit stories based on their monthly prompts. Info here. 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. Geist Emerging Writer-of-the-Month Emerging writers are invited to submit short written works online. Read the FAQ.
Avoid disappointment. I don’t get to read all the submission guidelines on all the items to see if Canadians are eligible, so you’ll want to check that out. CONTESTS AND CALLS FOR SUBMSISIONS
Ongoing submissions 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.
Read the guidelines here.
All things minimalistic and mind-slicing wanted Sassafras Literary Magazine 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, pocket-size memoir moments and frame by frame congeniality. Perspective: any, as long as artfully executed and self reflecting; 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. 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
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, of 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 with your grandchildren? Great Depression/ WW2/ Vietnam era? Seeking narratives up to 3,500 words. continued
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Submit.
(why not.)
Send manuscripts, or for guidelines email jnjscher@yahoo.com. 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 th essays. Now in our 9 year. Read the guidelines. 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 anyone who was ever considered “the other.” New Age art offerings are for the masthead of each issue. Read all info here. Wants short stories, poetry & performance writing Regime magazine - 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 one-time 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
MARKETS COMPENDIA SITES Aerogramme Writers’ Studio: This site has over 90 competitions, publication opportunities, fellowships Excellent resource Fiction Writing Markets Currently Open for Freelance Submissions (Paid writing opportunities: Fiction stories, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Speculative fiction, Romance, etc.) See more at: http://writingcareer.com/callfor-fiction-submissions How handy is this? Morgan Bailey’s Competitions Calendar Organized by deadline date. Places for Writers Listings for literary magazines of every type, everywhere, for everyone. Interesting resources – e.g., “Places to Publish: Can Lit” and “Publishers – Canada.” Plus continuous updates about who’s looking for what. If you have a piece to place, this might be a good place to start the hunt. Poetry contests roundup here Poets & Writers – an eminently
searchable database (Sent by Isabella Mori) For good leads to contests &
calls check out "Writing Contests Competitions" on Facebook Writing dark. Interview with
Irish writer, Noelle Harrison here. 19 short story
competitions in 2015 Read about them here.
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Submit. (yes.)
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 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.
Y’s Books – just up the street from the Grind on Main. In an effort to support local writers, they will stock self-published books – and they host some readings.
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. 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.
Why give it away? 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.
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. 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. We will not consider manuscripts that are currently on submission to another publisher unless prior arrangements have been made with a literary agent. More information here.
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Read a book. And talk about it. Face to face. With real people. BOOK TALKS BOOK CLUB 2nd Wednesday of the month - 6:30 – 8:30 pm Presented by Pandora’s Collective and Britannia Branch Library at the branch: 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
Each month we’ll discuss a pre-selected book, with the occasional session reserved for a discussion on a theme. Bring your favourite passages, points of interests, and share your reading experiences. Each person is responsible for either borrowing or buying their own copy to read. This is an open book club. Drop-ins are welcome. June 10 – The Diary of Anne Frank Hosts: Mary Duffy and Sita Carboni. More info contacts: booktalks@pandorascollective.com www.pandorascollective.com
Grind Writers Group Meeting schedule WHERE WE MEET The Grind Gallery Café - 4124 Main Street at 25th Ave. In the back room 10 am–12:30 pm WHY WE MEET Nobody knows. HOW WE MEET Thanks to Michelle & Jay Kim, the Grind’s owners. They’ve kindly let us meet in the Back Room for the last 7 years. And cudos to the Kims for their support of the arts in general. The Grind provides gallery space to many local artists. Appreciate if you buy something while you’re there to support the Grind and their support of us
Please email before you attend the first time: grindwriters@gmail.com
2015 Grind Writers meeting dates We skip holiday long weekends
Sun
June 21
Sat
July 11
Sun
July 26
Sat
Aug 8
Sat
Sept 12
Sun
Sept 27
Sat
Oct 17
Sun
Nov 1
Sat
Nov 14
Sun
Nov 29
Sat
Dec 12
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free-write photo prompt THE RULES Set the timer. Don’t think it. Just start writing. Keep going, no stopping. No editing (that comes later). Forget grammar, forget spelling. Forget any “rules” you’ve ever been told Forget everything else and just write. 15 mins. by the timer.
grind writers news ©2015 Margo Lamont
email: grindwriters@gmail.com blog: http://grindwriters.blogspot.ca/ previous issues : http://issuu.com/grindwriters/docs 12