Novel and Novella Submission Opportunities

I started writing a novel once, but I lost interest in the whole idea I was working on (not a good sign!). In the process, I also realised the sheer logistical challenge of writing such a large work. I couldn't dip in and out of it, and setting it aside for a while seemed to leave me behind constantly. Eventually I realised that I was trying to write it at the wrong time in my life - maybe someday, but just not now. It didn't fit with the pattern of  time I'd available - nothing changed there... 

Anyway, it did give me a renewed respect for those who persevere and achieve the writing of a novel. So, for those of you out there battling with the novel/novella form, here are some current and upcoming submission opportunities. See below:

The Greenhouse Funny Prize...any funny, funny, funny children's authors out there? Woo-hoo...yes you!

Another competition for you. The Greenhouse Funny Prize is open to unpublished and unagented authors in the UK, Commonwealth (excluding Canada) and Europe. The closing date is 30th June 2014. It's time to get funny...

World Book Night 2014 - Verbal Arts Centre Derry Event 23rd April

Wednesday 23rd April 2014 is World Book Night 2014. Verbal Arts Centre Derry is running a flagship event with Jennifer Johnston, Brian McGilloway, Kenneth Gregory, Carlo Gebler and Bernie McGill 7-10pm. There are free books on offer and they are hosting a 'Book Swap Shop', so bring along books to swap on the night. The event is free. See  website   twitter   facebook 

Looks good to me.

Happy Easter, and some upcoming arts festivals

The sun is shining in Ireland (even in Donegal), and it's a holiday weekend - wow! If you're not outside enjoying the heat, how about exercising the brain on some upcoming festivals in the North to counter all those Easter Egg calories? See below...

Writing to 5K

I began to run when I got fed up walking, and when I discovered that getting up at 6 a.m. to make an hour to write in didn't mean I had any more to say. In the last year I have run a nice loop around where we live and there is no accounting for the entire benefits. I definitely feel fitter, many a lesson plan and idea for the day ahead has formulated itself. Its the peace at that early hour I appreciate most though. Sometimes an idea that is slow burning or stuck resolves itself and I have the best of both worlds.  I compromise now, split the time between writing and running. Here is a poem.

April North West Words - Thursday 24th April 8pm

I didn't get to last month's NWW which is a pity as I always enjoy it immensely. This month the featured writers are the Galway poet Kevin O'Shea, and local writer Finbar Rafferty. Music by Rosie Carney. It should be another good night in Cafe Blend, Letterkenny.

The Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing

Today I came across The Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing competition. This is for unpublished authors writing for children aged 7 - 12 years. Full details on the link above...closing date 2nd June 2014! That's quite soon!!!!

Racial diversity in children's books

I came across the topic of racial diversity in children's books listening to this recent radio podcast (the topic starts about 11 mins into the podcast). The podcast follows on from an article published discussing this issue and which in turn prompted me to read an article for the New York Times. The New York Times article in particular has made me think more about the books I read as I child (or didn't read as the case may be) and why. I think relating to the identity of a character and recognition of yourself in their voice or their experiences can make all the difference to an adult reader, but for a child it could be the catalyst for a lifetime enjoyment of reading which is priceless.

April, and lit mags looking for submissions

Gee, the daffodils have made an appearance in my garden. That makes it sound semi-cultivated, but truth be told my Dad kindly planted them once upon a time and they've survived the Donegal climate despite my neglect.

Anyway, time for a Spring motivator maybe - on writing that is, not gardening. So, what's new or pending on the writing front. Here are some ideas for submissions for all those Spring cleaned writings.

The Irish Literary Review - poetry, flash and short story, submissions until May 1st. See here
 
New Irish Writing - this one pays, and publishes work monthly in the final Saturday edition of The Independent, and then leads to the Hennessy awards. I managed to achieve this once in 2004/5 when it was in The Sunday Tribune, and I've tried a number of times unsuccessfully since. Poetry and short stories (2,200 word max.) chosen by Ciaran Carty see here   

The Moth - open submission of poetry or short story (2,000 word max.) see here

The Caterpillar - sister publication of The Moth - for children's writers see here

The Linnet's Wings - Short story (7,000 word max.), micro, flash, poetry, essay, creative non-fiction - reading period for summer issue 1st-14th May see here

Number Eleven - short story (3,000 word max.) and flash - open submissions see here

The Weary Blues - poetry, short story (3,000 word max.), visual arts and photography - open submission see here

The Bohemyth - an ezine that publishes poetry, short story (2,000 word max), flash fiction, and photography monthly. It issues on 7th of each month and  takes submissions 1st-23rd of the previous month see here  

Burning Bush 2 - a twice yearly ezine that publishes flash fiction (500 word max) and poetry. Deadline 1st May 2014 see here 

Sunday Miscellany - open submission of short scripts (700-750 max) see here  This pays also.

The View From Here - currently open to fiction submissions (5,000 word max.) see here

So no excuses now, and lots of choice - happy writing. But, if you still really want more see Tania Hershman's fab list of lit mags at ShortStops


And, here are my hardy daffodils..... hmm

Damn it, in Donegal the whins win hands down...

Launch of Boyne Berries Issue 15

This Thursday 27th March is the launch of Boyne Berries issue 15 in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath. And, I'm proud to say that I've a story included in it called The Visitor - the visitor being a very large, but portable, statue of the Virgin Mary. I'd love to attend the launch and read, but I'm working late and then early Thursday and Friday, so no go I'm afraid. Sometimes Donegal does seem very far from everywhere - though it has it's compensations too.

This issue of Boyne Berries marks the end of Michael Farry's editorship. He is handing over the role to Orla Fay who like Michael is a member of the Boyne Writers Group 

I met Michael recently at the Christmas Arts Night for North West Words in Cafe Blend, Letterkenny. He was the featured reader that night, and by his own account  it was a thoroughly enjoyable night for all. I was delighted to meet and spend time with him, and to listen to his poetry reading. Like all change I suppose there's some sadness that a particular contribution has ended, but I'm sure Michael has plenty of projects in mind to keep him occupied - keep an eye on his blog for details and other writing based news. 

But, it also means that there's a new editor on the Irish literary magazine scene - Orla Fay. All the best to Orla in her new and exciting venture. I read at the same event as Orla in the Irish Writers' Centre - what seems now like a very long time ago. We had both been chosen to read a short story in the Lonely Voice Short Story Competition that used to run monthly in IWC. It was nerve wracking for me to read on such an occasion, but really ejoyable too, and wonderful to hear the other three readers that evening. On that occasion, Orla was being recognised for a short story, but she has also published many poems, and a chapbook of poetry. I look forward to reading the new issues under her care. 

 Meanwhile issue 15 is available to buy after the launch on the Boyne Writers Group website here