Missouri Writers' Guild 2014 Conference Contests--Enter Today!

Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock . . . Watch the Date! Watch the Clock!

Time groweth short to send in your entries to the 2014 MWG Conference Contests! The postmark deadline is a little more than a week away—March 1, 2014. But still plenty of time to enter.

This year, there are several MWG Chapter and Sponsor contest options—the Short Story (open topic), the Humorous Short Story, YA Short Story, and the Sci Fi Short Story contests. Additionally, a Flash Fiction contest, as well as an Inspirational Essay and Free Verse Poetry contest are open for submissions. And you don’t have to be present at the conference banquet to win!

All submission guidelines can be found at http://missouriwritersguild.org.

So, don’t delay! Polish your story, essay, or poem and send it in. Why not try more than one? Or all?! The distinguished panel of contest judges are waiting in the wings to read your submissions.

DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF CONTEST JUDGES

The 2014 MWG Conference Committee now would like to take this opportunity to introduce some of the distinguished panel of judges who have volunteered their time and expertise to judge all contest submissions this year. Kudos and thanks to each and every one of you!

Drum roll, please!

Laura Biagi, an agent at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc (JVLNA) will not only be judging the Short Story contest, she will be attending the 2014 MWG conference to present a workshop, sit on the Slush Pile Panel, and take pitches from writers during the conference. Ms. Biagi graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in creative writing and anthropology. Her interests are many. Of particular interest to her are dynamic characters, vivid writing, complex narrative arcs, and psychological twists. Learn more about Biagi and her ‘wish list’ at JVLNA.

Dr. Christie Hodgen has graciously accepted to judge the Humorous Short Story contest this year. She is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Among other notable successes, Dr. Hodgen is the author or Elegies for the Brokenhearted, Hello, I Must Be Going, and A Jewelers Eye for Flaw: Stories. Awards include two Pushcart Prizes and a Guggenheim Fellowship in Fiction. Read more on Dr. Hodgen and her books at W.W. Norton & Company.

Winnie Sullivan, Founder and Executive Director of PenUltimate Press,  an independent non-profit literary press, will judge the Young Adult Short Story contest—the first MWG contest   in this genre. Ms. Sullivan has worked in the field of publishing since 1988, and has held positions in print and broadcast journalism. Since founding PenUltimate Press, she has overseen the publication of several works of nonfiction and poetry. Visit her FB page here.

George Sirois, author of Excelsior, a self-published YA/Science Fiction novel will judge the Sci Fi Short Story contest. His novel was named “Top Pick” by Night Owl Reviews, and was a quarter-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Thereafter, the novel was acquired by Rocking Horse Publishing. Two sequels to Excelsior are planned. For more    on Sirois, visit his website: http://www.georgesirois.com.

In addition to the contests, MWG has a great line-up of agents, speakers, and workshops.   Chuck Sambuchino, "an editor and published author who runs the Guide to Literary Agents Blog, one of the biggest blogs in publishing" at Writers Digest, will be the keynote speaker at the Saturday night banquet. 

New York Times best-selling author, Mary Buckham, will offer the luncheon keynote in addition to offering workshops and a Sunday Master class. Other speakers,agents, and workshop and Master class presenters include Sorche Fairbank of Fairbank Literary Representation, Ken Sherman, Ken Sherman & Associates, Gina Panettieri, president, Talcott Notch Literary Services, Laura Biagi, of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc., and Danita Allen Wood, publisher and editor of Missouri Life magazine, and Margie Lawson, Lawson Writing Academy.  Agents  will also be taking scheduled pitches.

To register for the conference, enter the contests, and see all workshops and details, visit the MWG website at http://www.missouriwritersguild.org. Registration can either be done online or via email.

Don't wait! Register today!

Until next time . . .  

Bristol Short Story Contest Open For Submissions

For those of you who are short story writers, here is some information on a contest I recently received on The Bristol Short Story Contest in the UK. As always, I like to check out the contests before recommending them to others--and make sure there is a monetary reward for your work.

This short story contest began in 2007 by the editors of Bristol Review of Books. They specialize in book reviews, publish feature stories, and comment on events, history, and arts. I like, too, that the magazine is a free publication.

The contest is open to UK and non-UK writers, new writers and published writers, all genres--even children's, which is great! As I like to write children's literature, it is sometimes difficult to find a contest that includes this genre.

So, if you're interested, here is the link to the website: http://www.bristolprize.co.uk. The entry fee is  minimal (about $13/US dollars), with an award of about $1600 USD.

Good luck!

Until next time. . . .

Follow me on twitter @djessner

Open for Submissions for Missouri Writers' Guild Conference Contests

Okay, it's that time again. The Missouri Writers' Guild contests are again open for submissions.

Here are the links to each of the contests, along with submission guidelines.

This year, there's been an increase in the prize money awarded to winners of the Sponsor and Chapter contests awards. First place $50--up from $25. Second and Third place winners will receive $25 and $15 respectively. With that, there was a need to increase the entry fee from $5 to $10. Still a minimal amount.

In addition to the Sponsor and Chapter contests, the President's contests are open for submissions, too.

Here is the link to each of the contests, along with submission guidelines. http://missouriwritersguild.org/2014AnnualContestRules.pdf

Additionally, this year, contest judges and their bios are posted on the conference website. Here is that link: http://missouriwritersguild.org/2014AnnualContestJudges.pdf. As you'll note on the listing, some of the judges are still to be determined.

So, don't wait. Start working on your submissions now. The contest deadline is March 1.

And if you haven't registered for the conference, there's still time.  Register here.

Until next time. . .

Happy New Year!

Missouri Writers' Guild To Host Another Slush Pile Reading

Heads up.  The infamous Slush Pile Reading at the annual Missouri Writers' Guild conference is ready. Here's the link to the MWG conference blog for information on bringing a piece of your work to be critiqued.

Here you go! http://missouriwritersguild.org/MWG%20Conference%202014/index_files/Page1413.htm

Stay tuned for more MWG conference updates!

Until then. . .

Keep Current on 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference

Want to keep current of all the happenings until the April 11-13, 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild conference in St. Louis, Missouri?

Here you go! The 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild blog! http://mwgconference.blogspot.com

Right now, check out the first part of USA Today bestselling author, Mary Buckham's interview with Brian Katcher.

While at the conference, Buckham will present two Saturday workshops. In her workshop, "Analyze This: Scene Survival Test: Test Your Scene's Strength," attendees will learn the three key elements to a powerful scene. Another of Buckham's popular workshops, "Active Settings: For All Genres and Sub-Genres," among other craft techniques, she'll spell out the difference between active and passive setting, as well as offer other craft techniques to bring your story to life.

And if you want to learn strategies for "Super Power Openings," Buckham will discuss techniques on characterization, hooks, and pacing that can be used throughout your story for a Super Power manuscript!

Complete details on Buckham's workshops, as well as other workshops offered at the 2014 MWG conference can be found here.


The second segment of Mary Buckham's interview will be on Monday, December 9, 2013.

So, stay tuned!

Until next time. . . .

2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference Contests

2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference Contests

Get Ready, Get Set, Write! 

It’s almost time again—for the 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference contests, that is—so get ready, get set, write! Below are the current categories for the President’s, Chapter, and Sponsor contests. This year we have two new additions to the contests—a YA Short Story contest, and a Sci Fi Short Story contest. Also new this year is an increase in the entry fee to $10 for all contests. Along with this increase in fees is an increase in awards. Winners of the President’s contests will receive $100/$50/$25 for First, Second, and Third place, respectively. Awards for First, Second, and Third place winners for the Chapter and Sponsor contests will be $50/$25/$15.

2014 President’s Contests

1. Walter Williams Major Work Award – Sponsored by Missouri Center for the Book

2. Best Newspaper Article or Column – Sponsored by Missouri Press Association

3. Best Magazine Article – Sponsored by Missouri Life Magazine

4. Best Anthology – Sponsored by Blank Slate Press

5. Best Poem – Sponsored by Mozark Press

6. “Show Me” Best Book Award – Sponsored by Blank Slate Press

2014 Chapter Contests

1. Flash Fiction – Sponsored by Saturday Writers

2. Inspirational Essay – Sponsored by Saturday Writers

3. Free Verse Poem – Sponsored by St. Louis Writer’s Guild

4. Short Story – Sponsored by Southeast Missouri Writers’ Guild

5. YA Short Story – Sponsored by Southeast Missouri Writers’ Guild (NEW CONTEST)

2014 Sponsor Contests

1. Humorous Short Story – Sponsored by Jo Anna Dale

2. Sci Fi Short Story – Sponsored by Walrus Publishing (NEW CONTEST)

All contest categories will accept entries beginning January 1, 2014. The President’s contest will accept entries until January 31, 2014, and entries to the Chapter and Sponsor contests will be accepted until March 1, 2014. Also, no later than January 1, the names and bios of each contest judge will be listed on the conference website.

And last, but not least, the MWG conference committee is still seeking contest sponsors for several Chapter and Sponsor contests. Also, if you, your chapter,or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a new contest, email Donna Essner at mwgsecretary@gmail.com. Write “Contest Sponsor” in subject line. Contact Donna with any contest questions as well.

Complete contest guidelines and contest descriptions will be available on the MWG website within the next few days. So, keep your eyes peeled, your pens poised, and your fingers nimble, then get ready, get set, write! 

In the meantime, check out our great lineup of agents, editors, speakers, workshops, and Sunday Master classes at the 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference site. Best selling USA Today author Mary Buckham will also be our luncheon keynote and will teach several workshops. Also on board is Margie Lawson of Lawson's Writing Academy and Architect and author, Matthew Frederick.  Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest will present several workshops, and will conduct one-on-one critique sessions. He will also present the keynote at the Saturday night Awards Banquet.

And don't forget about pitch sessions!  Click on the agents' websites below to review their bios and see what they are looking for from writers.

Ken Sherman, Ken Sherman & Associates www.kenshermanassociates.com 

Danita Allen Wood, Missouri Life www.missourilifecom

Laura Biagi, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency Inc. www.jvnla.com

Sorche Fairbank, Fairbank Literary Representation www.fairbankliterary.com

Gina Panettieri, Talcott Notch Literary Services talcottnotch.net

Until next time. . . .

JUST OUT! Chuck Sambuchino, Editor at Writer's Digest Books, to Headline 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference

Okay, line up!

The 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference  line up of faculty, agents, and speakers is set. And boy, what a lineup!

Thanks to Sarah Patsaros, MWGs Publicity Chair, here's a sneak preview of what's in store for all of us!

So, line up and register NOW!

 Chuck Sambuchino, Editor at Writer’s Digest Books, to Headline Annual Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference
Register before Dec. 31 to receive a chance to win a query letter critique from Sambuchino or a One-on-One practice pitch session with Author Matthew Fredrick

SAINT LOUIS (Nov. 6, 2013) – Writer’s Digest Books Editor Chuck Sambuchino will headline the 99^th Annual “Fifty Shades of Writing” Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference from April 11-13, 2014 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel St. Louis Downtown Convention Center. Early registration opens today and runs through Dec. 31.

 “This year’s conference reflects the many ‘shades of writing’ through our conference line-up, which addresses topics like non-fiction, query letters, agent etiquette, mystery writing, character building and more,” said 2014 Conference Chair Lisa Miller who is also the owner of St. Louis-based Walrus Publishing, Inc. “Regardless of whether they’re published or not, conference attendees will have an opportunity to network with writing professionals from around the country who can help them reach their writing goals.”

Sambuchino will welcome conference attendees Saturday morning with his “Pitch Perfect” presentation geared to help attendees with their agent pitches. He will spend 20 to 40 minutes talking about what a pitch is and what not to do when sitting next to an agent. He'll also break down what does and doesn’t need to be in a pitch. In addition, he will present the keynote address during the “Annual Show Me Awards Banquet” on Saturday night. Sambuchino edits the GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS and the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET. His Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary Agents Blog is one of the largest blogs in publishing.

“Writers and authors will want to secure their spot as soon as possible this year,” Miller said, “because, in addition to receiving a considerable Early Bird discount, everyone who registers early may enter a raffle for a chance to purchase one of a limited number of in-person query letter critiques from Mr. Sambuchino.”

Sambuchino has donated 10 in-person query letter critiques to the Guild, a non-profit organization. Early bird registrants may sign up for the raffle during the registration process. Ten names will be

randomly drawn in the first week of January. For a $50 tax-deductible donation to MWG, the winners

will receive one of the in-person query sessions.

In addition to Sambuchino’s sessions, Author Matthew Frederick will do 10, One-on-One Pitch Practice sessions with registrants. Early bird registrants must sign up for this session during registration as well. These sessions will take place on Friday afternoon. There is no charge for the pitch practice sessions.

The “Fifty Shades of Writing” Conference begins Friday afternoon with an early arrival session presented by Literary Agent Sorche Fairbank. Friday night sessions, include a Reading the Slush Pile agent panel, Night Cap Networking sessions and an Open Mic session, presented by The St. Louis Writers’ Guild. Friday afternoon activities will also include Sambuchino’s One-on-One Critique sessions and Matthew Frederick’s Pitch Practice sessions.

Conference breakout sessions, packed with craft-specific instruction and inspiration, begin Saturday morning. Additional activities included in the conference registration fees are agent pitch sessions on a first-registered, first-served basis and a luncheon keynote address by USA Today Best-Selling Author Mary Buckham. In-depth, 3-hour Master Classes are available on Sunday for an additional fee.

            The full speaker line-up is as follows:

o   Danita Allen Wood, Editor-in-Chief of Missouri Life Magazine

o   Ken Sherman, President of Ken Sherman & Associates Literary Agency

o   Laura Biagi, Agent at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency Inc.

o   Margie Lawson, of Lawson’s Writing Academy

o   Mary Buckham, USA Today Best Selling Author

o   Sorche Fairbank, Agent at Fairbank Literacy

o   Chuck Sambuchino, Editor at Writer’s Digest Books

o   Gina Panettieri, President of Talcott Notch Literary Services

o   Matthew Frederick, Architect & Best Selling Non-Fiction Author

Early Bird Registration runs through Dec. 31. Registration fees during this period are $135 for MWG members, $145 for chapter members and $165 for the general public. Prices will increase on Jan. 1.

“The breadth of experience and insight provided by this year’s list of writing experts, agents and successful authors will once again prove that the Missouri Writers’ Conference offers, not only Midwest hospitality, but provides the best value of any writing conference anywhere,” Miller said.

Registration information and payment through PayPal is available at www.missouriwritersguild.org.

Additional opportunities include the Saturday night banquet, Sunday Master Classes and book signing events. Tickets for Saturday night’s writing awards banquet, featuring Chuck Sambuchino, can be purchased for an additional $40 for conference attendees and $45 to the general public. For an additional $50, conference attendees can register for an in-depth Master Class to be held Sunday morning.

Additional information regarding speakers, classes or registration can be found at www.missouriwritersguild.org or http://mwgconference.blogspot.com.

Requests for additional information or questions, contact Conference Chair Lisa Miller at mwgconferenceinfo@gmail.com.

About the Missouri Writers’ Guild
Established in 1915, the Missouri Writers' Guild is a statewide, non-profit organization for professional writers in all genres. The Guild has 14 chapters throughout Missouri that provide regular opportunities to network with other writers, authors and publishers and learn more about the craft of writing. 

Until next time. . . .