* A WRITING COMPETITION *

Hello writer friends! How many of you entered the 2016 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition? I actually managed to get an essay written and submitted before the deadline...which was yesterday. Whew!

I don't remember when I first became aware of the contest, but I know I entered once or twice, way back when I was a novice at writing...I'm talking a real neophyte. Reading through one of those entries was downright painful & embarrassing, but it was also something else...a verification that I've grown as a writer. I definitely believe that being part of a good critique group(s), and writing associations, and having encouraging friends...writers and non writers both, has had a profound effect on me. All of those elements have helped make me a better writer.

Have I grown enough, though, to be a winner in such an eminent competition? Only time will tell....around March 17th, that is!

~~~

 

P.S. I just have to mention that one of my writing pals, Donna Volkenannt, was the First Place Winner (Global Humor Award) in the 2012 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition! I think I was almost as excited as she must've been! I wrote about Donna on my blog: http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-friend-won-erma-bombeck-contest.html

 

And here is her winning story: http://www.wclibrary.info/erma/winners_detail.asp?id=881&color=&year=2012

 

 

I can only hope that I, too, will become a member of such an elite group of writers.

 

 

Just one of my favorite Erma quotes:

 

“My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.” - Erma Bombeck   

* All Things Writerly *

I attended my Coffee & Critique group again today. Most of the time I don't have anything to read, but I always get so much from listening to others read, and then the critiques given as we go around the table. Two of the writers are currently working on stories to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul, which made me think to remind everyone about all their Calls For Submission. Right now they have 12 books they need stories for. (There are various deadlines.) If they accept yours, you receive $200.00, plus 10 free books! Give it try. You've got nothing to lose!

Then I remembered Thin Threads and the stories they're currently looking for. They pay $100.00 for an accepted story. (Different deadlines here as well.) Wonderful blogger friend, Susan, of Writing Straight from the Heart, recently had TWO stories accepted and published in two different Thin Threads anthologies. Congratulations, Susan!!

And please don't forget about the Joplin, Missouri anthology, Storm Country. This one does not pay its contributors because all money raised will go to Joplin's school libraries to purchase books damaged or destroyed in the horrible May tornado. *Although you won't receive any money if your story is accepted, this is a wonderful opportunity for a beginner to be published in a printed publication, if your story is well written, of course. Be sure and read all the requirements....must be a weather related story. Deadline is July 15th.

A brand new journal I just came across, Adanna Literary Journal is having a love poem contest. There's a $10.00 entry fee and 1st Prize is $100.00

I'm not promoting any particular anthology, website, journal, contest, etc. I just like to let people know some of the things I come across... when I remember them! ☺

Welcome to my newest follower: Claudia Schlottman!   I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!


"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" -- Audrey Hepburn

All Things Writerly

On Sunday's post, I mentioned attending a writers workshop the day before. One of the best tips I came home with was to find a Writing Buddy, someone who would help me stay motivated, on track and keep me accountable. I asked my good friend Sioux if she would do that for me and fortunately she said yes. I won't go into all the particulars yet, because we just started, but I can tell you that it has already helped my immensely! (And no, despite rumors you may have heard, she didn't threaten to take away all my diet soda, hand lotion or chapstick if I didn't reach my daily goals!) Another bonus of that afternoon was meeting three new writers, which reminds me, I need to e-mail those lovely women.

(photo courtesy: google)

A few days ago, I asked one of my male writer buddies to critique one of my memoir chapters. All I can say is "Wow." Having other people....who you trust, and who aren't your family members....read your work and then say what they liked and didn't like, plus offer suggestions and ideas....It's THE BEST!

Monday night, our writing group Saturday Writers, hosted its first "Meet & Greet." Usually we members only get together once a month, which is at our meeting and is more of a class room atmosphere. It was great to just talk with other members and find out what's going on with them, etc.

Which brings me to a post I want to share with everyone, written by blog buddy Paul Joseph. This is SO true and funny and insightful and semi-sad and, did I say "SO TRUE"? This is why I LOVE to hang out with writer friends, and realizing that it doesn't matter what age we are, whether we're male or female, what genre we write...."we are writers"....and we "get each other"!! Happy, happy. Joy, joy! You keep on keepin' on, Paul Joseph! You are one cool guy!

** Oops. I forgot to say Hello & Welcome my newest follower: Thisisme! Thank for your wonderful comment. I'm happy to hear you love the quotes...as you can tell, I LOVE quotes! I hope you always enjoy your visits! ** (added at 11:25pm)


"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day that your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad