One Piece

Last year I made a resolution to re-read some of the books that have impressed me with their brilliant prose, their poetic insights, their ability to make me lose myself completely in another time and place. These are the books I hug after I get to the last line, unwilling to give them back to the library. Eventually, I will  purchase them to display on shelves where I can gaze upon their spines, and open them when the mood strikes me, to revel once again in the joy of fine prose. Why then, do I keep devouring Anne Tyler novels? Between reading Cloud Cuckoo Land and Piranesi , both of which are magnificent recent contributions to the literary world, I read Anne Tyler novels - ten of them, to be precise. Tyler has written twenty-four novels. She churns them out every year or so like a litter of kittens, barely taking a breath before the next one pops out. There is no need for her to research her books. They all take place in Baltimore, where she lives. They all revolve around some...

Here are four new literary agents seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients. Laura Stone is seeking: Romance, Mystery/Crime, Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA, MG, Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Thrillers. Carol Woien wants Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Suspense, True Crime.  Leslie Truex is looking for Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedies, Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Romantic Suspense/Mystery, New Adult Romance, YA Romance, YA Fantasy. Regina Bernard-Carreno represents Non-Fiction, Picture Books, MG, YA, Picture Books, and Graphic Novels. Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change.  NOTE :  Don't submit to two agents at the same agency simultaneously. If one rejects you, you ...

This January there are more than five dozen calls for submissions. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from short stories to poetry to essays. I post calls for submissions on the first day of every month. But as I am collecting them, I post them on my page,  Calls for Submissions . You can get a jump on next month's calls for submissions by checking that page periodically throughout the month. (I only post paying markets.) Also see  Paying Markets  for hundreds of paying markets arranged by form and genre. Happy submitting! (Image: Pixabay) ______________________ The Other Stories  (Audio).  Genre : Horror on theme of Victorian England.  Payment : 15 GBT.   Deadline : January 1, 2022. Antilang .  Restrictions : Open to Canadian writers.  Genre : Poetry, short/flash fiction, creative non-fiction (including, but not limited to: creative essays, ficto-criticism...

This January there are more than four dozen writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and short plays. Prizes range from $60,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. Some of these contests have age and geographical restrictions, so read the instructions carefully. If  you want to get a jump on next month's contests go to  Free Contests . Most of these contests are offered annually, so even if the deadline is past, you can prepare for next year. Good luck! (Image: Pixabay) ___________________________ Defenestration Lengthy Poem Contest .  Genre : Lengthy poem (at least 3 pages).  Prize : $300.  Deadline : January 1, 2022. Stacy Doris Memorial Poetry Award .  Genre : Poem, 3-10 pages long, that demonstrates a "truly inventive spirit."  Prize : $500 and publication.  Deadline : January 1, 2022. Vermont Writers' Prize .  Restrictions : Open to residents of Vermont.  Genres : Short story, poem, play or essay on t...

It's no accident that so many writing conferences are held in warm places during the coldest month of the year. We all dream of sunshine during those chilly, dark days. And wouldn't it be nice to spend those dark days doing what we like best - writing? Fortunately for us, there are a dozen delightful conferences this January held in places we would rather be.  If you miss your ideal conference this year, don't worry. Many of these are annual events, and quite a few offer scholarships. (Apply early!)  You can find a full list of conferences here:  Writing Conferences . (Image: Flickr) ______________________ Kaz Conference Keep Writing Nonfiction and Memoir Cohort  – JANUARY/FEB 2022 (5 weeks) meeting Wednesdays Jan 5 - Feb 2 from 2 to 4PM EST. Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For 5 weeks beginning 2022 just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 16 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. Virtual...