Poetry Submission Opportunity (No Fee)
This is a fun opportunity to submit poems to a Minnesota event. Follow directions closely and remember the deadline is July 22, 2011. Good luck! You Are Invited to Participate IN NORTHWOODS ART & BOOK FESTIVAL POETRY DISPLAY/RECOGNITION, AUGUST 20th, 2011 HACKENSACK, MN The Book Arts Committee of the Northwoods Art & Book Festival is soliciting original, unpublished poetry by Minnesota writers for our display and recognition at the festival this year. We will accept one or two original, unpublished poems from each poet. See Submissions Requirements below. We have a limited display area and unsure how many poems we will receive so we ask that you number your poems #1 & #2 if you are sending in more than one. If we receive more pieces than we...
Read MoreThe Thrill of Victory
Last year I was a finalist for the Cambria Eisteddfod competition. My twelve-year-old son accompanied me on the three hour drive to New Ulm the morning of the poetry reading. After a long wait for road construction crews to wave us on and a frustrating turn that led no where, we finally arrived at the winery where the event was held. Jordan watched from the crowd as I stood on the wooden stage under the giant “Wisdom Oak” and read my poems. After my reading, I sat next to him to watch the other finalists perform. Jordan nudged my arm and whispered, “I think you got this one, Mom.” When I was named “Bard” and awarded the hand-carved oak chair, it was a triumphant moment—a memory I will cherish forever. A memory made even...
Read MoreWords Like Water
“If you’re going to be a writer, the first essential is just to write. Do not wait for an idea. Start writing something and the ideas will come. You have to turn the faucet on before the water starts to flow.” – Louis L’Amour After two days without Internet, I’m finally back on-line. I had forgotten how often I use Google to look something up while writing. Gathering information has certainly changed for writers, but good advice never goes out of style. That’s why I posted the above quote from Louis L’Amour. His sage advice to turn on the faucet to begin the flow of ideas reminds me of the advice I like to give my students–put your butt in the chair! Sometimes the simple act of showing up is enough. Happy...
Read MoreLink to TED
I like to listen to different talks on the TED website. Here’s a link to one given by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. It’s nineteen minutes long and worth every second. If you’ve never heard of this website, you’re missing something. It’s all free and if you have a fast enough Internet connection, you’ll be able to watch some great videos. Here’s the link:
Read MoreWriting Contests—Which Ones are Worth the Fee?
So you’re thinking about entering a writing contest but the entry fee is $15. Is it worth it? Contests are a great way to build your writing resume and measure your skills against others, but be careful! Here are a few things I like to consider before I part with my money. 1. Is the contest reputable? Has it been around for at least a few years? Who runs it? It’s easy to Google a contest and get a feel for the history. Chances are if a well-know person has served as a judge, the contest will be reputable. 2. Is the entry fee 10 percent or less of the prize money? If the fee is $35 and the prize is only $100, it’s probably not worth it. 3. What type of entries have won in the past? If you’ve written a nice story about growing up on a farm...
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