Writing Contests | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Here’s the thing about the South: One minute, you’re sitting out on the porch, as cool as you please. The next minute, it’s so hot, the only way to beat the heat is to stuff your face into a watermelon. So, to celebrate 90 degree temps in my sunny backyard, I offer you a few writing hotspots you might want to visit. They won’t exactly cool you off, but they’re definitely cool.

Karen, one of my writing online buddies, sent me a note about her new blog, The Absinthe Road. She’s planning to post a prompt every Monday to inspire your writing mind, body and soul. Sometimes a prompt is exactly what you need to get those writing muscles moving, and besides, Karen is quite the interesting person. So, why not check out her interesting blog?

And Donna, over at her Book Pub, is sponsoring a short story contest to motivate us during May, which just happens to be National Short Story Month (who knew?). You can write whatever you want, but there is a word limit and a no whining rule (I’m assuming she means no whining to her). There’s a prize, too!

Wait a minute! I’ve just had the MOST splendiferous idea! Why not zip over to The Absinthe Road, get your writing groove on, then zip over to Donna’s Book Pub and send in your prompt- inspired short story?

Off you go and no whining. (I just find cool stuff. The hot mess writing’s up to you.)

Phot courtesy of stock.xchng

Do you ever wonder how something like The Beverly Hilbillies became such a hit? I mean, besides the fact that the show had one of the all-time greatest theme songs? It was a simple premise: the old fish-out-of-water story. Plus, the show had colorful characters. Which just goes to show that’s it all about finding the gold.

So, here’s a few newsletters where you can find writing gold. All for free!

1. Writing-world: Moira Allen’s terrific site is jam-packed with tons of resources, and she always throws in a few submission opportunities, as well as a great how-to article.

2. Funds for Writers: C. Hope Clark’s free newsletter says it all in the name: she’s giving you ways to make your own gold! Plus, Hope always throws in grant opportunities. She also has a paid newsletter, which if you’re savvy, you can get at a bargain price when she runs specials. (Hint: Now would be a good time to check it out here. And get a free Tweetbook, too!)

3. Children’s Writer E-News: If you write for children, or want to write for children, get this nifty newsletter. See where writers are getting published. Pick up great tips, and find out about contests. You never know who you might read there. (Okay, you do know. I was going for coy.)

The best thing about these newsletters is that someone else is doing the investigating work for you and delivering it to your Inbox, twice a month. All you have to do is the writing work. Assuming you want to make gold.

(So they loaded up their truck and they moved to Beverly. Hills, that is. Swimming pools, movie stars. Cue the banjos. And if you have a favorite free newsletter, why not share the wealth?)