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Writing Contests Building Writing Credentials
One of the ways many writers can successfully add credentials to their portfolio if to participate in a variety of literary contests. This type of contest encourages writers to put their best foot forward in both creativity and attention to detail.
It is true that there are some contests that provide a cash award for their top finishers, but there are also publishing scams that will accept your work regardless of quality. When you receive notice that your work has been accepted for publication it can be a real boost, however, a quick look at many writers websites can help you define the contests that are essentially vanity publishers willing to print just about anything if they believe you will purchase copies of the book for friends and family.
Many cash award writing contests cover the cost of prize awards by charging an entry fee. This factor often discourages many writers who may not feel confident enough in their writing to pay a fee to submit. This allows those who do enter a better chance at placing.
There are also writing contests that present the opportunity to have their work published online, in a magazine or in an anthology. As a rule this type of contest does not require a purchase of the publication the work will appear in nor will they assume full rights of your work. The best writing contests only require a one time non-exclusive print right. This is important because it allows you the opportunity to sell or place the work in other venues.
Beware of forfeiting full (exclusive) rights in any writing contest. When this right is given the ownership of the work is no longer yours. You will have no right to use the material in any form without permission from the publisher. It is possible to pay to enter a contest, forfeit the rights to your work and allow a publisher to gain long-term financial benefit from your work.
Quality writing contests have the bonus feature of allowing you to fine tune your skills by reading the work of others. Reading can make a good writer even better. If you pay attention you can learn what works and what doesnt while using writing contests as a means of gaining valuable insight into unique styles and structure.
On a positive note, there have been numerous incidents in which individuals who entered a submission for a writing contest were able to use that same work for publishing in other book anthologies and magazines. The key is making sure to participate in writing contests that preserve your right to control the reuse of the piece.
BONUS : Writing Exercise 4: A Space Alien Might Make A Good Priest
As we develop our characters, we often fall into the habit of placing them in a single type of role and plot. For example, for years one of my characters was stuck on a California horse ranch. Having him on the ranch felt comfortable, familiar.
He became boring.
Now my character is a modern day pirate turned Catholic priest with an attitude you would not expect from a priest. He is unpredictable, sometimes shocking, and enjoys every second of it. I have discovered things about his personality I never suspected.
Write a scene involving your character in a completely new situation.
Has your gentle mother character been in the kitchen for too long? Let her have a wild night out on the town with the girls! Dancing on tabletops and stuffing money into a male strippers thong would be good for her.
If she is uncomfortable in a nightclub, have something happen that shakes her out of her uneasiness. Maybe she starts a brawl with a gang member? Hey, it could happen.
Have your mysterious dark hero, whether human or alien, attend a PTA meeting in place of his busy sister. Will he volunteer to bring the cupcakes for the next school function or will he upset the meeting in some manner?
Have the new situation force your character to do and say things he or she normally would not, even if stuck with a burning fork. You want your character to express his or her deepest self.
Doing so forces your character to overcome fears and inhibitions. Maybe he or she will develop new fears as a result?
This will open wide your choice of future plot lines.
Placing your characters into unexpected situations is a great way to add dimensional layers to your characters, as well as develop fresh plot ideas.
As we develop our characters, we often fall into the habit of placing them in a single type of role and plot. For example, for years one of my characters was stuck on a California horse ranch. Having him on the ranch felt comfortable, familiar.
He became boring.
Now my character is a modern day pirate turned Catholic priest with an attitude you would not expect from a priest. He is unpredictable, sometimes shocking, and enjoys every second of it. I have discovered things about his personality I never suspected.
Write a scene involving your character in a completely new situation.
Has your gentle mother character been in the kitchen for too long? Let her have a wild night out on the town with the girls! Dancing on tabletops and stuffing money into a male strippers thong would be good for her.
If she is uncomfortable in a nightclub, have something happen that shakes her out of her uneasiness. Maybe she starts a brawl with a gang member? Hey, it could happen.
Have your mysterious dark hero, whether human or alien, attend a PTA meeting in place of his busy sister. Will he volunteer to bring the cupcakes for the next school function or will he upset the meeting in some manner?
Have the new situation force your character to do and say things he or she normally would not, even if stuck with a burning fork. You want your character to express his or her deepest self.
Doing so forces your character to overcome fears and inhibitions. Maybe he or she will develop new fears as a result?
This will open wide your choice of future plot lines.
Placing your characters into unexpected situations is a great way to add dimensional layers to your characters, as well as develop fresh plot ideas.
