12/12/11–As reported last week, I am moved into the new digs and ready tomorrow to host my Tuesday workshop in the new apartment. Last MOnday I reported on contests and markets and want to remind you of the Chicken Soup Anthology subjects open for submission.  These deadlines are far enough in the future that fulfilling them will not  interrupt your Christmas shopping and plans.  See www.chickensoup.com for future openings and details on these subjects:  New Friends (deadline March 31) Parenthood (deadline June 30).

Open to entries on January 15, 2012 are two contests put on by Leapfrog Press;  One for children's fiction–middle grade and young adult;  and adult science fiction.  For full information go to www.leapfrogpress.com/contest.htm

You have until Jan. 2 to enter the "Scent of Ending" contest.    "Submit the title of an imaginary novel and the final 25-125 words.  Entry must be original and unpublished.   No restrictions on subject matter.  Send to scentofending@aol.com.  Money prizes.  I sent in three "endings"  lots easier than finding the right words to begin a novel!  I got a nice reply from editors saying they have received my entries.  I'll report later on this.

Until next Monday: Happy Writing, Willma

Dec. 5, 2011–The good news from here is that I am comfortably moved in to  the new-to-me apartment, next door to the one I've occupied for two years.  I promise:  This is the last move before I take up residence behind the Pearly Gates or behind those other gates we don't mention.

I had a pleasant email from a purchaser of Iron Grip where I made my last presentation:  "compelling–couldn't put it down."

Here are market/contest suggestions for you:  OCEAN MAGAZINE  publishes "stories, articles, essays and poetry about the ocean–scientific, creative, environmental, recreational, spiritual–in keeping with its celebration and protection of our ocean.  see: www.oceanmagazine.org/contributorguidelines.asps

ANGELS & DEVILS POETRY COMPETITION,  "Write a poem of no more than 30 lines about family relationships–looking at one's relatives in an original way–personal experience, create empathy, etc. "www.hollandparkpress.co.uk/magazine_detail.php?magazine_id=1248&language=English

THE PREMISE  "On the Premises magazine aims to promote newer and/or relatively unknown writers.  No reading fee.  Payment from $40 to $180 for short stories that fit each issue's broad story premise–realist, mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. for adults.  Current contest  subject is "Home."  Deadline, Jan. 2012" www.onthepremises.com/index.html

Good luck–until next Monday.  Willma

Nov. 7, 2011–First a little personal news.  As the guest speaker for a branch of the country-wide  Philosophical Educational Oraganizations  (PEO) last Tuesday, I was rewarded with a most gracious reception and enough interest in my books to sell ten copies–four titles.

I'm intrigued by the following:  Second Annual Holiday Hint Fiction Cotest.    They want "25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story."  Make the reader of your 25 words want to know "what happens next? They offer as a sample, last year's first prize ($75) winner:  "Careless smoking caused a fire in the little circus tent.  Every performer perished.  They were only trained fleas, but my husband loved them like brothers."   Send your entry(s)–three per person, max–by email to: bkfidlin@hotmail.com by December 1.  Winners announced the second week in December.

Chicken Soup Themes are open (www.chickensoup.com/) : "Finding My Faith," Deadline, Dec. 31 2011; "Hope/Healing–Breast Cancer Journey,"Deadline, Dec. 31; "I Can't Believe My Cat (or Dog) Did That" (Deadlines Nov. 30); "New Friends" deadline Mar. 31 2012, "Parenthood" deadline, June 30, 2012.   For an entry published in any one of these anthologies, you receive $200 and ten copies; WORD LIMIT for all: 1200 words.

Meanwhile, always let me know if you have questions I may be able to answer.  Willma

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