The Official LAwritersgroup.com Blog

Groovy Software for the Writer

2009-11-10T14:48:00.001-08:00

I just got back from lunch with my writer friend, Adele Slaughter. She told me about this great tool on Scrivener that counts your word usage - not just the number of words, but the number of times you use a specific word. And it gives you an entire list of words that are repeated and the number of times they are used.

In other words, how many times does the word "love" come up in your poetry manuscript? Why is this important? Well, if you want to be a more specific writer and, even more important, a more interesting writer, this tool is invaluable. Find the word you repeat, replace it with a more specific word or even better, cut it altogether - all in the name of clearer communication.

I actually purchased Scriveners about a month ago. It's inexpensive, $39.95 and it offers a screenwriting format, index card feature and the ability to move things around; like change the order of your poetry manuscript at the touch of a button instead of the tedious cut & paste, or re-order chapters in the same way. I also love its short story template (ready for submission).

L.A. Review Call for Submissions

2009-11-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Review, a twice-yearly literary journal published by Red Hen Press, invites our members to submit work during their reading period for their Spring 2010 issue.

Many magazines solicit work primarily from academic programs or from writers in their immediate regions, but The Los Angeles Review takes pride in reaching out to writers wherever they may be working, and actively encourages submissions from writers who may not be well-served by other publications.

Submissions are open until December 1. Full guidelines are available here.

Tweetlove

2009-11-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

A. How can we not love someone who uses an interrobang as their logo?

B. Fake anything often rules. Hello... Fake fur. Fake purebreds (muts). Fake milk (soy). Fake eyelashes (ok maybe not so much fake eyelashes).

C. Fake AP Style handbook on twitter? We're in love.

Check them out: http://twitter.com/FakeAPStylebook. Here are a few sample @FakeAPStylebook tweets:

To denote air quotes, "use quotes."

"Buggy jockey" is an insulting term to the Amish and should only be used in the online edition.

And while you're in the mood to laugh, run on over to our other favorite tweeter: Justin from http://twitter.com/Shitmydadsays. It's a 29 year old guy who moved in with his with his dad (so he says) and tweets what his dad says, which rumor on the internet street says it apparently got him an agent and a possible book deal. The tweets are hilarious. The guy has nearly 700,000 followers. Impressive.

Submit yourself to mythium

2009-10-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

How can we not love a litmag that says: "Submit! ...seriously, we mean surrender to us. Right Now!"

Click on over to mythium and do as they command: Send them original, unpublished fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or even novel and memoir excerpts.

Their reading period for the Spring 2010 issue began on October 1st.

LA Comedy Scripts Screenplay Competition Deadline Approaching

2009-10-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

For all you screenwriters out there, don't forget that the deadline for the L.A. Comedy Scripts Screenplay Competition is November 2nd. Details below:


Editor/Contact Name	: Jeannie Roshar
Contact E-Mail	: jeannie[at]lacomedyshorts.com
Deadline Date (if any)	: 02-Nov-2009
Publication Type	:
Website URL	: L.A. Comedy Scripts Screenplay Competition
Genre(s)	: Comedy Short Screenplays Comedy Feature Screenplays Half-Hour Comedy TV Pilot Scripts
Details	: L.A. Comedy Scripts is now accepting submissions for the 2010 season! The L.A. Comedy Scripts Screenplay Competition is held in conjunction with the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival. Comedy screenwriters from around the world compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes, including travel, accommodations and two VIP passes to the festival in Los Angeles, CA. In 2009, winning scripts were read and requested by some of the biggest names in the industry, including: * The Gersh Agency * Mosaic Media Group * Benderspink * ICM * UTA * Principato-Young Entertainment * Generate * Underground Films * The Gold Company * 3 Arts Entertainment * Larger Than Life * Stars Road Entertainment * Manus Entertainment * Gunn Films So, you think you're funny? Submit your feature-length/short comedy screenplay or your half-hour comedy TV pilot script today! Regular Deadline: November 2nd, 2009.

Lung Poetry Journal Call for Submissions

2009-10-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lung Poetry Journal, a Los Angeles based literary journal, seeks poetry and flash fiction under 250 words for their upcoming journals.

Lung Poetry Journal : Submit:

From their site:

Issue 03 Submission Deadline: Dec. 5th, 2009
Issue 03 Publication Date: Dec. 10th, 2009

Lung seeks previously unpublished poetry that invokes emotion but avoids the trappings of mediocrity. We cater to fresh, innovative voices that have something original to say. We avoid didactic, esoteric or highly abstract material.

Literary Journals Associated With MFA Programs

2009-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

When looking for places to submit work, Poets & Writers put together a fabulous list of Literary Journals run by MFA students:

Literary Journals Associated With MFA Programs | Poets & Writers

Do you listen to music when you write?

2009-10-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering how many of us pop on the tunes when writing. I was doing this tonight and realized I have to be very careful what I listen to because my mood changes with each song, and my mood affects my writing. Verbs get darker with a depressing song. Characters feel suddenly empowered when an inspirational song cycles through the play list. A violent song will give a character the urge to stab the person they happen to walk past.

I can often write with background noise. TV on, no problem. Neighbors slamming doors and having obscenely loud conversations just outside my window - no sweat. But music? Music infiltrates. I've even caught myself absentmindedly injecting the words to a song into my prose - which I go back and change, of course.

I deeply connect with music, and yet I don't listen to it enough. I love it, but now I know why I don't turn it on as often as I think I should, especially when writing. It's an emotional experience for me. Each song crawls into my nervous system and takes control of my dopamine and serotonin receptors and adjusts them accordingly. Writing does the same thing to me. Maybe that's why they don't mix so well in my world.

Do you write with the tunes on in the background? What's your experience?

Writers Group Starts Wed Sept 23, 2009!

2009-09-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Wondering what we do in our groups?

Upcoming Los Angeles Writers Groups:
Our groups meet once a week from 7:30 - 10:00pm for eight consecutive weeks.

Wednesday, September 23rd in West Hollywood
Thursday August 20th, 2009 in Glassell Park

What can I expect from the group?

Our groups focus on finding new ways to create new and unexpected material through creative writing prompts. Our tagline, Fill Your Notebook (TM) says it all. We are about filling your notebook with new writing so you can go back, pick the pieces you like best, and refine them. You can either bring works-in-progress into the group for feedback or you can wait until the end of group and go through everything you've written. Our peer feedback process is a constructive and guided process. We have rules we follow that keep the feedback process from degenerating into arguments or defensive posturing and everyone participates in the feedback process, whether you bring work in or not.

What kind of work can I bring in for feedback?

You can bring anything in for feedback. Poetry, essays, non-fiction, chapters from your novel, short fiction, memoir, whatever. We've even had people bring in query letters for feedback. We've had people bring in notes for a project. We've had people bring in segments from a one-man show. Anything you're working on that you think feedback from fellow writers would be valuable, bring it on it.

For even more information on how our groups work, visit these links:

How our writing groups work
LAwritersgroup.com

Mid-American Review accepting poetry, fiction submissions

2009-09-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Ongoing

Website: http://marsubmissions.bgsu.edu/

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction

Accepts: Online submissions or snail mail submissions

From their site:

Mid-American Review is now accepting online submissions for its 30th anniversary
double issue. The journal will continue to accept snail-mail submissions as
well.
The MAR Submissions Manager site can be accessed through the MAR website, www.bgsu.edu/midamericanreview, or it can be accessed directly at marsubmissions.bgsu.edu.
Submissions are accepted year-round, although summer response times can be slower. The anniversary issue will feature a mix of work by former contributors and newcomers to MAR, and we have a special interest in introducing previously unpublished writers to a wide audience.
Traditional submissions will always be gratefully accepted at this address:
Mid-American Review
Department of English
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green OH 43403

Iowa Writers' Workshop No fee short story collection book contest

2009-09-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Website: http://uipress.uiowa.edu/authors/iowa-short-fiction.htm

Deadline: Sept. 30th, 2009

Type: No-Fee Contest

Reading Fee: N/A

Prize: Publication

Looking for: Collections of Short Stories

Accepts: Snail mail submissions only

From their site:

The Iowa Short Fiction Award & the John Simmons Short Fiction Award

Eligibility

Any writer who has not previously published a volume of prose fiction is eligible to enter the competition. Previously entered manuscripts that have been revised may be resubmitted. Writers are still eligible if they have published a volume of poetry or any work in a language other than English or if they have self-published a work in a small print run. Writers are still eligible if they are living abroad or are non-US citizens writing in English. Current University of Iowa students are not eligible.

Manuscript

The manuscript must be a collection of short stories in English of at least 150 word-processed, double-spaced pages. We do not accept e-mail submissions. The manuscript may include a cover page, contents page, etc., but these are not required. The author’s name can be on every page but this is not required. Stories previously published in periodicals are eligible for inclusion. There is no reading fee; please do not send cash, checks, or money orders. Reasonable care is taken, but we are not responsible for manuscripts lost in the mail or for the return of those not accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We assume the author retains a copy of the manuscript. Publication Award-winning manuscripts will be published by the University of Iowa Press under the Press’s standard contract.

Submission

Manuscripts should be mailed to: Iowa Short Fiction Award
Iowa Writers’ Workshop
507 North Clinton Street
102 Dey House
Iowa City IA 52242-1000

No application forms are necessary. Entries for the competition should be postmarked between August 1 and September 30; packages must be postmarked by September 30. Announcement of the winners will be made early in the following year. Previous Winners

Potential entrants wishing to read stories by previous winners may order The Iowa Award: The Best Stories from Twenty Years and The Iowa Award: The Best Stories, 1991–2000, both selected by Frank Conroy.

Paper Darts Magazine Call for Submissions

2009-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Fiction, Poetry, Plays & More

Website: http://www.paperdarts.org

Editor/Contact Name : Jamie Millard

Contact E-Mail : jamie[at]paperdarts.org

Deadline Date (if any) : n/a

Publication Type : Literary Arts Magazine

Website URL : Paper Darts Magazine

Genre(s) : Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Music, Video, Comics, Playwriting, Art.

What they're looking for in their own words:

Paper Darts is a Minneapolis based literary arts magazine looking to publish all types of genres from all types of people. We like unique, creative, sometimes disturbing types of work.

Sparklesoup seeks short fiction and inspirational manuscripts

2009-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Website: www.sparklesoup.com

Editor/Contact Name : Kailin Gow

Contact E-Mail : sparklesoup[at]aol.com

Deadline Date (if any) :n/a

Publication Type : Print and/or Electronic Book Publisher

What they seek in their own words:

1) Non-fiction - how-to, career, health, nutrition, diet, parenting, education, business, technology, inspirational, studying/school tips, beauty, fashion, biography of famous person, politics, science, home life.

2) Fiction - older tweens, teens, young adult, romance, mystery, chick lit, fantasy/adventure, science fiction, christian fiction.

Our books are distributed in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Europe, and South America, and recommended by Parents, Teachers, Schools, and Women's Groups. Because we have this core audience, we do not publish anything containing obscene scenes, lewd acts, degradation, anything that is beyond a PG-13 rating.
Details : Sparklesoup is expanding with new lines of books.

We are currently seeking shorter books (between 7,500 words to 40,000 words) based on 250 words per page for publication for our new Sparklesoup Sparkfire (romance books) and Sparklesoup SparkleLife (inspirational books) line (only as ebooks.) Longer length books (35,000 to 80,000) are currently sought in the fiction to non-fiction areas for print. Manuscripts must be completely written and edited.

Send an email inquiry with the following information in the body of the email to sparklesoup@aol.com.

1) 500 words synopsis
2) Why should this manuscript be published?
3) Number of pages and words of the manuscript
4) Author's bio, been published before, has an agent or rep?
5) 1st sample paragraph of manuscript

Please do not send manuscript. If there is interest, based on the inquiry, there will be a follow-up email asking for more material. If your manuscript is accepted for publication, please do not provide a cover for the book. We have a team of cover artists that will provide a cover for the book.

{out of nothing} call for submissions

2009-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Oct. 1, 2009

Website: http://www.outofnothing.org (as a note, the website is a work of art in itself)

Type: Call for submissions

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for:

Accepts: Electronic submissions, see http://www.outofnothing.org/809/guidelines-text.html

From their site:

call for submissions
{out of nothing}
no. 3 / that there were some ah-ness to things
Please view complete guidelines here:
http://outofnothing.org/809/
[out of nothing] (http://www.outofnothing.org) is an electronic
publication featuring new works in image, sound, text and the digital
arts, as well as works located at the inter-sections between these
media.
In general, [out of nothing] is interested in works that address, in
some manner:
* the vacuum
* salvage / remainders
* imaginary spaces possessed of imaginary dimensions
* darkness / lightlessness
* reduced or infinitesimal means
* the exponential
* self-abnegating symbols
* the blank
* obliteration
* the inconsequential
* refusal
* the contentless / general contentlessness
* the generic and / or undifferentiated and / or the contra-original
* adhesive agents in search of clients to bind
* none of the above or below
[out of nothing] is published in online installments, on an irregular but roughly quarterly seasonal basis that nevertheless remains chronically TBD. Each issue is theme-based, and is introduced by a special M.C.; or, emcee. Occasional print anthologies are also envisioned.
[out of nothing] is edited by Janice Lee, Eric Lindley & Joe Milazzo.

Boiling River online journal seeks poems

2009-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Sept 15, 2009

Website: http://www.boilingriver.com

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for: An eclectic mix of poetry--any form, any topic, but it must push its own boundaries.

Accepts: Electronic submissions, see website

InkSpotter Publishing seeks submissions for breast anthology

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 31, 2009

Website: http://www.inkspotter.com

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Accepts: Email submissions in body of email only NO ATTACHMENTS.

Looking for:

InkSpotter Publishing is looking for submissions for an anthology celebrating the most female of body parts, the breasts. From light-hearted memories of the first buds of puberty to heart wrenching accounts of breast cancer, these stories will run the gamut of experiences and emotions. Send to submissions[at]inkspotter.com. We are NOT looking for salacious material. Please keep your submissions tasteful. Think in terms of what you would want your young
daughter (or niece) to be able to read.

Unpublished submissions are welcome from both women and men. Maximum 3,000 words for both fiction and non-fiction. Poems are also welcome, though a limited number will be used (no specific length requirements, but please, no epics).

Send your submissions in the body of an email (absolutely no attachments) to submissions(at)inkspotter(dot)com with "Submission for Wait a Minute" in the subject line. You may also submit via postal mail to:

InkSpotter Publishing

163 Main Avenue

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Canada B3M 1B3

If you require confirmation of receipt, include either a stamped postcard or
your email address (preferred).

Manuscripts will not be returned. Do not send your only copy.

Writers chosen for the anthology will be entitled to a share of profits.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to a breast cancer charity in Canada.
Finding the right words

Ms. Betty Dobson
Owner/Operator

InkSpotter Publishing

New L.A. writer

2009-08-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

I started writing "for real" in January. Although I used an unusual process to get there, I now have a complete screenplay. Two weeks ago I began work on another one, and decided that one of Sanora's workshops might help ease me into my new effort. Grease the creative skids, if you will. Little did I realize how much the exercises would help stimulate the creative process. It's difficult to explain, but the exercises seem to be like watering a plant. In the past, the concept might have been there, but I needed a boost to begin that first sentence and it was always difficult for me to write with clarity. Or FINISH writing something at all! I especially love/hate the "freewrite" exercises. I always knew that "editing-as-you-go" was death, but the thought of surrendering to the freewriting process was terrifying! Don't lift the pen? Don't scratch out? No editing as I go? The truth is it enables the ideas to flow, by definition, unchecked. Don't get me wrong: writing is never (for me) smooth sailing, but I am now able to allow myself to just sit and write and see what happens. And what is happening seems to be pretty cool. Thanks, 'Nora!

Guest Blogger Coming Soon!

2009-08-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Carl Bartels, a Los Angeles cinematographer, is new student to LAwritersgroup.com and is joining our Official LAwritersgroup.com Blog roster! Carl recently joined the Thursday night writers group in Glassell Park and can't wait to share his experience and thoughts about writing. Keep an eye out for his postings!

Consequence Magazine call for submissions

2009-08-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: October 1st

Website: http://www.consequencemagazine.org/

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for: exceptional short fiction, poetry, non-fiction, interviews, and visual art

Accepts: Email submissions, Snail mail submissions, simultaneous submissions, but NOT previously published submissions

From their site:

CONSEQUENCE magazine, the literary, print magazine addressing the culture of war, publishes each spring. We focus on the personal and social consequences of armed conflict worldwide, and welcome multi-cultural perspectives.

Dossier call for submissions for online journal

2009-08-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Ongoing

Website: www.dossierjournal.com

Type: Call for Submissions for Online Journal

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for: Flash fiction, non-fiction, and poetry for the "Read" section of its website. Fiction and non-fiction should be under 1000 words.

Accepts: Email submissions

From their site:

Submissions of writing and art are welcome and should be sent to submissions@dossierjournal.com. For art, we strongly suggest that you include a link to your website. There are no guidelines or themes for submissions.

Interobang?! Zine call for poetry, prose submissions

2009-08-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Deadline: Sept. 1st - ooh only 5 days left!

Website: http://interrobangzine.com

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: N/A

Prize: N/A

Looking for: Poetry, Prose, and Photography Submissions

Accepts: Email Submissions, previous and simultaneous submissions

From their site:

Interrobang?! Zine, (http://interrobangzine.com) a small and independent arts magazine based in Providence, RI seeks poetry, prose and photography submissions for its second print edition, as well as multimedia (art, video, music) for its online edition at http://interrobangzine.com. Simultaneous and previously published submissions welcome. Send up to five poems and/or 3000 words of prose... unlimited multimedia submissions accepted.

Submit online with the genre of your piece in the subject line (for example, POETRY, if you're submitting poetry). Please put your name, address, and preferred email address in the message body so we can contact you to let know that we've received your piece, and for follow-up if your work is accepted. All photography and art should be submitted digitally. There are no constraints for the web, but for those who want to see their work in the print edition must submit line art, sketches, or black-and-white images with the understanding that we do not at present have sufficient funds to go above photostat/newsprint quality. Please note "For Print and Web" or "For Web Only" in your email.We ask that text submissions be submitted in .DOC or .RTF format. Photography and art should be attached as high-quality JPEG or PNGs. Music and video should be submitted in .MP3 and .MPG respectively.

Two New 8-Week Writers Groups Scheduled

2009-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

We've now scheduled our Fall 2009 writers groups. Both groups are our 8-Week General Writers Groups that are open to writers of all kinds and levels, including (but not limited to!) fiction writers, essayists, non-fiction writers, novelists, and even screenwriters.

Nicole's Group 8-Week General Writers Group in West Hollywood on Wednesday, September 23rd (this group is good for writers coming from West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Miracle Mile/Fairfax District and the Southwest and Northwest San Fernando Valley (Encino, Woodland Hills, Reseda, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood) and surrounding areas).

Sanora's Group 8-Week General Writers Group in Glassell Park on Thursday October 15th (this group is good for writers who want to join a writers group who are coming from Glendale, Burbank, Los Feliz, East Los Angeles, Atwater Village, the Northeast and Southeast San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas)

See http://www.lawritersgroup.com for further details, or read more about how our Los Angeles writers groups work in this previous blog post.

Land of Lincoln issue, Crab Orchard Review call for submissions:

2009-08-25T12:29:00.002-07:00

Deadline: Oct. 31, 2009

Website: http://craborchardreview.siuc.edu/guid2.html

Type: Call for submissions for writing from and about Illinois

Reading Fee: n/a

Prize: n/a

Looking for: Original, unpublished poetry, fiction, or literary nonfiction in English or unpublished translations in English

Accepts: Snail Mail Submissions

From their site:

Special Issue: Land of Lincoln ~
Writing from and about Illinois
CRAB ORCHARD REVIEW is seeking work for our Summer/Fall 2010 issue focusing on writing by Illinois writers and writing from writers outside Illinois about the people, places, past and present of Illinois.
All submissions should be original, unpublished poetry, fiction, or literary nonfiction in English or unpublished translations in English (we do run bilingual, facing-page translations whenever possible). Please query before submitting any interview.
For our general submission guidelines, check our Web site at
http://craborchardreview.siuc.edu/guid2.html
Mail submissions to:
CRAB ORCHARD REVIEW
Land of Lincoln issue
Faner 2380, Mail Code 4503
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
1000 Faner Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
United States of America
The submission period for this issue is August 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009. We will be reading submissions throughout this period and hope to complete the editorial work on the issue by the end of February 2010. Writers whose work is selected will receive $25 (US) per magazine page ($50 minimum for poetry; $100 minimum for prose) and two copies of the issue. Include SASE for reply or for manuscript return.

Ginosko Literary Journal call for submissions

2009-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for poetry, short-fiction, creative non-fiction & more:

Deadline: N/A

Website: http://www.ginoskoliteraryjournal.com , http://www.ginoskoliteraryjournal.com/submissions.htm

Type: Call for Submissions

Reading Fee: None

Prize: None

Looking for: Accepting short fiction & poetry, audio recordings, creative non-fiction, interviews, social justice concerns for the 9th issue of the literary journal ginosko, the summer issue.

Accepts: Email and Snail Mail Submissions

From their site:

Call for Submissions: Ginosko Literary Journal

Editorial lead time 1-2 months; accept simultaneous submissions and reprints; length flexible, accept excerpts.

Receives postal submissions & email—prefer email submissions as attachments in
Microsoft Works Word Processor or Rich Text Format. Copyright reverts
to author.Publishing as semiannual ezine, winter & summer. Selecting material
from ezine for printed anthology.

Check downloadable issues on website for style & tone:
http://www.ginoskoliteraryjournal.com/

Also looking for artwork, photography, to post on website and links to exchange.

Ginosko (ghin-océ-koe)
To perceive, understand, realize, come to know; knowledge that has an inception, a progress, an attainment . The recognition of truth by experience.

Member CLMP. Listed in Best of the Web 2008.

Theatre Company looking for One Acts

2009-08-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

www.abovethecurvetheatre.com

"We are Above the Curve Theatre Company, a four-year-old, non-profit organization looking forward to putting up our Fourth Annual One Act Festival, comprised of original pieces. We generally shoot for one acts which are approximately ten minutes in length. We do not discriminate but we do like plays which have more female roles than male. Please do not hesitate to send us any type of one-act with any number of male or female characters.

You can email them to abovethecurvetheatre[at]gmail.com and we will read them and get back to you.

To learn more about us, you can visit www.abovethecurvetheatre.com

The festival is in November this year (either the first two or second two weekends of the month).

Thank you all very much for your contributions!

-Above the Curve"

via Craigslist.