Put your writers block in The Vault

June Meeting

2006-05-31T09:34:00.000-04:00

Our next meeting is June 7th at 7 p.m. Bring a novel chapter or short story to read aloud for on-the-spot round robin critiques.

Starbucks
101 N. Hurstbourne
(corner of Hurstbourne and Shelbyville)

Novelists, don't forget to bring your "cover copy!"

20 Worst Agents

2006-05-24T14:35:00.000-04:00

I've recieved this from numerous sources. For those of you who missed it, our group merited a tiny bit of territorial comment flaming as a side-effect. I feel so special. Preditors & Editors is a great anti-scam resource. Anyone claiming otherwise doubtless has a beautifully restored historic home they want to sell you for pennies on the dollar in New Orleans.

Victoria Strauss and Ann Crispin run the Writer Beware scam watchdog agency. Two months ago, they published their list of the 20 Worst Agents. These so called "agents" make their money by scamming writers.

This list first appeared on the Absolute Write forums, and has been recopied widely across the internet. Barbara Bauer, one of the outed "agents," threw temper tantrums all over the internet (one is described here, by the highly professional, reputable, and respected Patrick & Teresa Nielsen Hayden). Bauer's scare tactics and harassment have shut down Absolute Write. Therefore, like many others, I am reproducing their list here.

THE LIST (in mostly alphabetical order):

* The Abacus Group Literary Agency
* Allred and Allred Literary Agents (refers clients to "book doctor" Victor West of Pacific Literary Services)
* Capital Literary Agency (formerly American Literary Agents of Washington, Inc.)
* Barbara Bauer Literary Agency
* Benedict & Associates (also d/b/a B.A. Literary Agency)
* Sherwood Broome, Inc.
* Desert Rose Literary Agency
* Arthur Fleming Associates
* Finesse Literary Agency (Karen Carr)
* Brock Gannon Literary Agency
* Harris Literary Agency
* The Literary Agency Group, which includes the following:

~ Children's Literary Agency
~ Christian Literary Agency
~ New York Literary Agency
~ Poets Literary Agency
~ The Screenplay Agency
~ Stylus Literary Agency (formerly ST Literary Agency)
~ Writers Literary & Publishing Services Company (the editing arm of the above-mentioned agencies)

* Martin-McLean Literary Associates
* Mocknick Productions Literary Agency, Inc.
* B.K. Nelson, Inc.
* The Robins Agency (Cris Robins)
* Michele Rooney Literary Agency (also d/b/a Creative Literary Agency and Simply Nonfiction)
* Southeast Literary Agency
* Mark Sullivan Associates
* West Coast Literary Associates (also d/b/a California Literary Services)

SF Poetry Contest

2006-05-24T09:38:00.000-04:00

PRIZES:

First prize: $15 and publication on SFPA's web site
Second prize: $10 and publication on SFPA's web site
Third prize: $5 and publication on SFPA's web site

We plan to archive the winning poems indefinitely, but authors may request removal from the web site after six months.

WHO MAY ENTER:

The contest is open to SFPA members and nonmembers alike, with the following exclusions. No members of the contest committee, no current SFPA officers or web site staff, and no family members of the judges may enter the contest.

CONTEST THEME:

Write a speculative poem of 14 lines or less on the theme of "mirror(s)." All forms welcome--haiku, cinquains, tanka, sonnets, free verse, etc., but poems must contain one or more of the following elements: science fiction, fantasy, horror, surrealism or straight science. Send previously unpublished poems only. No reprints.

SUBMISSION SPECIFICS:

Send a maximum of 5 poems per author. Paste each poem into the body of an email, one poem per e-mail. No attachments. Please include the word "Contest" in the subject heading, followed by the title of the poem. Include your full name and address with each poem. Send submissions to: contest2006@sfpoetry.com.

DEADLINE:

The deadline for receiving submissions is 11:59 EDT on June 30, 2006. Winners will be announced by August 1, 2006.

For our aspiring screen writers

2006-05-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

Copied from a recent email:

The Austin Film Festival is searching for the best Sci-Fi script containing one or more of the following elements: fantasy, myth/legend, horror, science fiction, surrealism and fantastical storytelling. Enter your script into either Adult/Family or Comedy category, and you may also choose to be considered for the Sci-Fi Award. Winner will receive $2500, and much more. Please email dawn@austinfilmfestival.com, or check out our website.

Postmark deadline: June 1, 2006

Cover Copy

2006-05-16T14:59:00.000-04:00

Half a dozen of us are working on novels right now. The longer they get, the longer it takes for us to summarize them. Therefore, I'm challenging all of our novelists to write a 250 word summary of their books. Treat it like the back cover copy - the teaser you use to generate interest.
Bring your summaries to the next meeting and share with the group.

May Meeting

2006-04-29T23:24:00.000-04:00

Our next meeting is May 5 at 7 p.m. Bring a novel chapter or short story to read aloud for on-the-spot round robin critiques.

Starbucks
101 N. Hurstbourne
(corner of Hurstbourne and Shelbyville)

For up to date RSVP's and a new file upgrade feature, please visit our Meetup site.

Jim Baen's Universe

2006-03-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Baen Books is putting together an impressive looking electronic magazine of SF short stories. They're paying pro rates, but are also reserving two slots per issue for unknown writers. This is a fantastic opportunity to break into the market. Read their detailed submissions guideline page for more information.

Fun with Forensics

2005-09-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

The University of Louisville's Continuing and Professional Education Program is offering a class titled "Fun with Forensics." Most of us have bodies in our books, so this could be a great opportunity. The course description reads:

Curious about forensic science? During this course, you'll gain some inside knowledge about the workings of forensic science and techniques you've seen on TV.

After exploring some of the basic scientific principles, you'll learn how to apply and authenticate them in realistic discussion scenarios and activities. You'll also learn types of common physical evidence, the process of fingerprint analysis, and basic types of blood stain and splatter evidence.

The 6 session class runs Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m. from September 29 - November 10, skipping October 6th. It costs $99

Theme Month - Oldest Work

2005-09-14T13:03:00.000-04:00

We had a great meeting in September. Colin, Nolan, Lizard, Geoffrey, Cindy, and myself nearly filled the Vault to capacity.

Geoffrey recently found a 17 year old briefcase full of old novels he hadn't seen since the 80's (back when a 24 pin tractor feed printer was high tech!) He shared a chapter from one of his earliest novels. We all agreed he'd shown incredible improvement in the last 17 years. The really interesting part, though, was seeing what strengths he's had for the last two decades and what weaknesses he still shows today.

We decided this would be great fun for us all. Bring the oldest short story or novel first chapter you can bear to let see the light of day. As impartial third parties, we'll tell you what strengths you've shown since you first started writing and what weaknesses we still see in your work today. This should give you a pretty good idea what you need to work on and where, frankly, you can just coast.

We did not pick a month for this project. I think January sounds good, as December is a stressful month for everyone and might limit our time for real work. Suggest your month of choice in the comments.

Local Novel Finishing Month

2005-09-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

Our September meeting was full of interesting theme ideas. The subject of NaNoWriMo came up - to gales of laughter. 50,000 words in a month is a lovely goal, but just isn't going to happen for us - especially not during the month of November.

It did inspire another idea, though. Most of us are working on novels, and most of those novels haven't had their fair share of attention lately. Instead of a National novel Writing Month, we proposed a Local Novel Finishing Month. The goal will be to write a chapter a week for one month with a final word count of at least 10,000 words. We'll meet once a week during that month, give each other mad crazy feedback, and hopefully push through to the end. For those more than 4 chapters from the end of their books, this will hopefully provide an inspirational kick in the pants to keep you just as productive after LoNoFiMo.

We couldn't settle on a month. November and December are swamped for everyone. January and March came up (February was ruled out because it was too short). Use the comments to let us know your preference.

NaNoWriMo

2005-09-04T17:25:00.000-04:00

November is National Novel Writing Month. What does this mean? Well, in their own words...

What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.

Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from your novel at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.

When: Sign-ups begin October 1, 2005. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Still confused? Just visit the How NaNoWriMo Works page!

Amazon Shorts

2005-08-23T17:14:00.000-04:00

Amazon Shorts features previously unpublished short-form literature for sale exclusively at Amazon.com. Fiction and nonfiction pieces on a wide variety of topics are available in a digital format only for just $0.49. This is a great way for authors to maintain a more direct and frequent communication with their readers as well as promote their backlist.

I have no idea whether authors get any of that whopping $0.49. However, if you've got short stories sitting around waiting for a publisher, this could be a fantastic way to build up name recognition and start a core fan base. You get the same benefits as everything else published on Amazon - reviews, Amazon Associates privileges, and full listing on what is arguably the most popular literary search engine in the world. I don't think it'll make you money, but it could help you gain valuable mindshare.

Check out the FAQ.

ConText

2005-08-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

ConText is a literary science fiction convention in Columbus, Ohio - about 4 hours away. This con is notable because, instead of people dressed like Stormtroopers, it has people enrolled in a notable SF Writing Workshop. Check the website for details.

Infinity's Friend

2005-08-07T08:10:00.000-04:00

Even if you don't normally read short stories, head down to your local bookstore and pick up the October edition (in bookstores now) of Analog Magazine so you can read our own Dave Creek's "Infinity's Friend." It's good stuff.

Preditors and Editors

2005-07-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

Since so many short story competitions have come our way recently, it seemed time to post a link to one of the better debunking sites on the web. If you're curious about a contest, publisher, etc, check with Preditors and Editors to see if they're listed as "not recommended." The site also has a whole section just for warnings, including good links to other sites with warnings. This is a nice resource.

City of Heroes Fan Fiction

2005-07-03T18:38:00.000-04:00

After our discussion of fan fiction at the last meeting, I just had to share. I got a free copy of the "City of Heroes" comic book (yes, a comic based on the online game) after signing up for a player account. In the back, I found the following ad:

Heroic Scribes Wanted

Time to dust off your trusty word processor and spin a heroic tale of fan fiction for possible posting or publication in a future community project (including we and comic book). What we want to see is a story that chronicles your hero's or team's (in-game or original characters) villain-busting adventures. Be as creative as you want, but keep it at least PG-rated. Doc or .txt format preferred. 1500 words max, please!Sending screenshots and/or original art for your fiction is recommended. Please send all submissions to cohsubmissions@plaync.com with the subject heading, "Fan Fiction Submission." The by-line can be your real name or a character name (or both!).

Oh my!

Next Meeting July 6th!

2005-07-01T18:36:00.000-04:00

Starbucks
101 N. Hurstborne
(corner of Hurstbourne & Shelbyville)
7:00 p.m.

Bring a short story or novel chapter to read aloud for critique.

SFF World Short Story Contest

2005-06-30T14:50:00.000-04:00

This one is right around the corner - deadline August 2005. It's no big loss if that's too soon, because winners recieve online publication, a copy of "The Twins" by Gary Wassner, and options for a future anthology. Authors keep all rights. Visit the website for more details.

Midtown Library Publishing Program

2005-06-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

The author is a mystery writer rather than SF, but a lot of her insights will be relevant to all publishing. This is a nice resource from the public libraries.

Louisville mystery author Laura Young will lead a discussion on The Mystery of Publishing: Getting Your Novel Published Without Killing Someone First.
Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 7 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Rummele at the Middletown Library.

The Library is located at 200 North Juneau Drive in the East Government Center off Shelbyville Road in Middletown.

Matt Rummele
Assistant Manager
Middletown Library
200 North Juneau Drive
Louisville, KY 40243
502-245-7332

Live SF Fiction Reading

2005-06-06T09:51:00.000-04:00

Fri June 10 -- Louisville -- Strange Fiction: Gwenda Bond, Christopher Rowe, Mark Rudolph, and musical guest Dennis Sheridan perform at the first-ever scifi/fantasy/speculative night at the InKY Reading Series. The Rudyard Kipling (422 W. Oak St.) in Louisville. Brief open mic included. 7-9 pm.

http://www.sensilla.com/inky/

According to Christopher Rowe (one of the featured authors):

I don't know if you've attended any of the readings in the InKY series or not but they're a lot of fun. It's at the Rudyard Kipling, which was my hangout bar of choice when I attended UofL and lived in Old Louisville. They start out with an open mic session that you or some of your friends might be interested in, then there's featured readers and a band. It's all on that website.

FenCon SF competition

2005-05-24T22:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, I believe this one is credible, though if anyone has information to the contrary, please pass it along. Lots of SF conventions host a writing competition. If you've never participated in one, these can be a nice way to get some truly impartial critiques of your work as well as a line or two to add to a cover letter.

FenCon and the Dallas Future Society are proud to announce the launch of our first short fiction contest. We're looking for a science fiction or fantasy story on any topic. The only limits are your imagination, a maximum 5000 word count, and the short list of rules below. The first entry is free for members of FenCon and the Dallas Future Society and just $10 for non-members. Final judging will be conducted by top industry professionals and the winners will be published in our 2005 Program Book!

Entries must be received by June 30, 2005.

Prizes:

The first place winner will be awarded $50 plus a certificate, given a free FenCon 2006 membership, and the story will be printed in the FenCon program book.

The first two runners-up will each be awarded $25 plus a certificate, given a free FenCon 2006 membership, and the stories may be printed (space permitting) in the FenCon program book.

The other runners-up will receive acknowledgment in the program book.

See website for more details.

Specificworld SF competition opens May 15th

2005-05-23T15:26:00.000-04:00

Competitions are just pouring in these days. Here's another one with a reading fee - this time $7. That's half the price of the previous competition, but this is for an online only magazine. Again, use your discression and please let me know if you learn anything - good or bad - about the competition.

QuickFacts:

Opens: May 15, 2005
Deadline: Aug 15, 2005
1st Place: $125 + publication
2nd Place: $100 + publication
3rd Place: $75 + publication
10 Honorable mentions receive free subscription to SpecFicMe!
Entry Fee: $7

More details available online.

crossTIME SF short story competition

2005-05-22T15:20:00.000-04:00

I'm always a little dubious about competitions with a reading fee. I know some places really do need the fees in order to fund the competition while others see it as an easy way to make money. Since the prizes seem to fit the small pool of entrants, this one seems potentially credible, but use your own discression. If you hear anything either way - credible or un, please let me know.

The Paul B. Duquette Memorial
Short Science Fiction Contest

The CrossTIME Science Fiction Contest is named in memory of our friend & associate Paul B. Duquette, avid reader & scifi fan, who died April 26, 2001.

Final submission date for Volume 5 – January 15, 2006

Get those stories up to speed, & send them in! Here's a summary of the rules:

* Deadline: all submissions must be officially postmarked by the deadline date—to be fair to all writers, we will not consider any submissions beyond that date.

* A submission form is required, as well as the $15 reading fee.

* Awards: cash amounts for 1st through 4th, plus publication for 1st through 15th. Every accepted entry will receive a copy of the anthology.

* Judging: all submitted stories will be rated as to: fitting with the competition theme; quality as a stand-alone story; mechanical finish (spelling, grammar, continuity, etc.).

* Award letters will be mailed approximately four (4) months after the deadline, with the official release date of Volume 5 about three months later.

* You can request an entry packet with the submission form by sending a #10 SASE to:

Short Science Fiction Story Contest
Crossquarter Publishing Group
PO Box 8756
Santa Fe, NM 87504

More contest rules available online.

Authors - read your own audiobooks

2005-05-21T15:15:00.000-04:00

I just recieved the following from Doug Edmunds. If this is up your alley, drop him a line.

Hello,

I have just launched http://ReadByTheAuthor.com to help writers who want to make audiobooks of their works.

If you know of anyone in your writer's group who has an interest in making an audiobook, please pass along this note.

More info on WritersDigest.com at:
http://writersdigest.com/readercontribution_display.asp?id=510

Thanks.
---
Doug Edmunds
ReadByTheAuthor.com
rtba@readbytheauthor.com

Next Meeting May 4th!

2005-04-27T13:46:00.000-04:00

7:00 p.m.
Starbucks
101 N. Hurstbourne
(corner of Hurstbourne and Shelbyville)