Pikes Peak Writers December Events

December Write Brain 

What: Loglines & Holiday Hangout

Who: Come One, Come All

When: December, 20, 2016, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Venue Room at 21C – Upper Floor, to the right if coming in the Upper entrance. 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920

More Information: For our December Write Brain, we’re hosting a super fun activity around developing a log line for your book, a White Elephant book exchange, and the opportunity to hang out with your fellow writers… and eat lots of cookies!

We’ll be having multiple door prizes, giving away books from all four of our Keynote Speakers coming to Pikes Peak Writers Conference in April: Kevin Hearne, Darynda Jones, Tess Gerritsen, and Donald Maass. Don’t miss your chance to win!

First, our PPW President, J.T. Evans, will present a short class on log lines: quick and dirty tricks for nailing down those all important few sentences that capture the essence of your story. Then we’ll be practicing writing log lines, and reading them out loud. You can give it a try on your own story, or even one published by other authors.

For the White Elephant Book Exchange, bring any book you choose to trade in, whether one you’ve published yourself or another. It doesn’t have to be a brand new book as long as it’s in good condition. Wrap the book in either brown paper bag or the back side of wrapping paper. The idea is to write a log line for this book on the outside. We’ll try to identify the title from your description and do a White Elephant style exchange to see who gets to take which book home!

Come mingle with the PPW staff and volunteers for a relaxed Holiday Hangout. Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring cookies or snacks to share but please help us honor the library contract with the snack cart by limiting your goodies to dry snacks such as cookies (regular or gluten free), crackers and cheese, chips, etc.

See who else is coming: Connect on Facebook

FREE Writers’ Night

Because of the near proximity of the December Writers’ Night to Christmas, we are cancelling the Writers’ Night for this particular month.

We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season. We’ll be back in full swing in January. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and steal some moments from the merry making for writing.

Pikes Peak Writers July Events

Welcome to July!

PREVIEW:  2017 PIKES PEAK WRITERS CONFERENCE  

INTERESTED IN PROPOSING A WORKSHOP?

Pikes Peak Writers 25th Conference!

Keynotes: Kevin Hearne, Tess Gerritsen, Donald Maass

To be considered as a presenter for PPWC 2017 propose a workshop by September 15, 2016: http://www.pikespeakwriters.com/events/proposing-a-workshop/


July Open Critique

6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts
427 East Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

This FREE program provides a critique experience for a small number of writers who seek feedback on manuscript pages and who want to learn how to have positive critique group experiences.

PPW’s Open Critique program is facilitated by Donnell Bell with the occasional experienced guest critique partner. During Open Critique, Donnell and the guest critique partner will provide comments, criticism and suggestions on participants’ manuscript pages, as well as model positive behaviors, techniques and procedures for critiquing.

It is our hope that participants will not only receive valuable feedback on their writing, but will also learn how to create great critique groups of their own, or learn how to improve existing critique groups.

Each month Open Critique will accommodate up to eight participants with a maximum of eight manuscript pages (double spaced, one side) per person. Bring at least 8 copies. To request a slot to participate, email your request to critique@pikespeakwriters.com. Slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and are only considered for the month in which they are received. Participants will receive confirmation and instructions via email.

PPW reserves the right to give priority to new participants over those who have attended multiple times.

July Write Brain

What:  How to Write Authentic African-American Characters
Who:  Jason Evans
When: July 19, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Venue@21c (upper floor, to the right if coming in the upper entrance) of Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920

More Information: Diversity is a buzz word in the writing industry today. Yet in order for diverse characters to be authentic, writers must do their research and ask the hard questions. It is the intent of this workshop to help writers start that process by introducing them to African-American culture and history. We will also explore how literature and cinema have done in creating authentic African-American Characters.

About the Presenter:  Jason Evans wanted to be a writer his entire life. He just didn’t know it. He has been an educator in public & private schools for twelve years. He has earned Double bachelors from UC Santa Barbara, a teaching credentials from Cal-State Los Angeles, and an MA from UC Denver. He has two short stories published and is the editor-in-chief for Man-gazine. He lives in Denver with the Fetching Mrs. Evans and his three dogs and one haughty cat.

Facebook Event: Want to see who else is coming? Check here.

July Writer’s Night

FREE Writer’s Night

Location: Kawa Coffee

Address: 2427 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Fourth Monday of every month

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join fellow writers for PPW Night on the fourth Monday of every month.

PPW Night is two full hours of discussion, laughter, and fun with other local members of Pikes Peak Writers.

The direction of the meeting is decided by the participants and can include discussions about query letters, obtaining and working with an agent, writing conferences, or other specific points of the craft.  If nothing else, we talk about books!

If you have any questions, or if there is a specific topic you’d like to get on the agenda, send an e-mail to the host, Deb Courtney, or call her on her cell phone at 719-337-9049.

Meetings are scheduled to start at 6:30 and run until about 8:30. These are drop-in meetings, so feel free to attend all or just part of them.

See you soon!

April News & Events

Compiled by Shannon Lawrence, Managing Editor

PPW Events

Note: More information can be found on each of the below events on our Events tab, above.

The April Write Brain will be PPWC 2014 Conference Prep, with the Conference Director, M.K. Meredith, Programming Director, M.B. Partlow, and Faculty Coordinator, Jason Henry. They'll give you tips and teach you the ins and outs of conference. The second half of the workshop will be pitch practice, where our facilitators will split off into groups to give feedback on pitches. Tuesday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 PM. Please note that this event is at The Marriott, the location of PPWC. 

Open Critique is Wednesday, April 16, 6-8:30 PM, at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Get the first 8 pages of your manuscript critiqued. RSVP required for those wanting a critique. 

Writer's Night is Monday, April 28, 6:30-8:30 PM, at Ivywild. Open forum. Come discuss whatever writerly topics you'd like. Food and drinks available for purchase at the venue. 

Other "Local" Events

Delve Writing is holding an online workshop entitled Say it Like a Pro: How to Talk About Your Book Articulately and Enticingly at PPWC or Anywhere. Chris Mandeville will be teaching this course. Price is $20 if you register before February 8. This is a 2-session camp, to be held Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM MT. It is online only and live. While this is not a February event, the discounted price ends tomorrow, so we wanted to pass it along to you.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers monthly free programming will be The Writer's Conquest: Marketing for Today's Author, presented by Thomas A. Fowler. April 12, 11:00AM to 1:00 PM. They are holding an online class via Yahoo Groups entitled The Connection Between POV and Your Storyteller's Voice, April 7 through April 20. Their Colorado Gold Writing Contest is now open, with a deadline of June 1.

Colorado Springs Fiction Writers has various meetings throughout at the month at different locations. Visitors are welcome. 

The Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers of America will host Laura Manuel, as she presents Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Law Enforcement. Thursday, April 10. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $25 for non-members, dinner and program included in price.

Pikes Peak Pen Women will present Tapestry of Letters, Lines, and Legato: Discovering the Artist Within, presented by Joyce Gregor, Diana Alishouse, Nancy Jurka, Deb Upton, and Virginia Franklin Campbell, April 19, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, at the PEO Chapter House. $23 for non-members, lunch and program included in the cost. RSVP required.

Friends of Pikes Peak Library District is holding their annual Mountain of Authors program, Saturday, April 5, 12:00-6:00 PM, at their East Library branch, on Union Blvd. This event is free.

Springs Writers will be presenting How to Write Back Cover Copy That Sells, with speaker Shelley Ring., Tuesday, April 8, 6-8 PM, at Woodmen Valley Chapel. They are also holding a Scrivener Mini Bootcamp Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, presented by Debbie Allen. Cost is $15.

Arapahoe Community College is holding their Writers Studio 9th Annual Literary Festival Saturday, April 19. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. $45 for non-ACC students.

If there is a local writer's group you'd like to see included in this listing, please feel free to let me know in the comments!

About the Author: Shannon Lawrence enjoys writing mainly urban fantasy and horror, examining the darker side of life. Her flash fiction piece, “The Family Ruins,” is included in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, andBeyond the Binding, an anthology including her piece, "Spes et Libertas," was just released in e-book only. While her main focus is fantasy and horror, she is working on a Young Adult fantasy novel and also enjoys photographing Colorado scenery, wildlife, and her children. She is also the NCE Director for Pikes Peak Writers, and the managing editor of Writing From the Peak. You can find her atwww.thewarriormuse.com and on Twitter as @thewarriormuse.

March News & Events

Compiled by Shannon Lawrence, Managing Editor


PPW Events

Note: More information can be found on each of the below events on our Events tab, above.

Early bird pricing for PPWC 2014 has been extended through March 22 due to our website having been down for several days. Be sure to get in while the price is $395! Pricing goes up to $455 after that.

The March Write Brain will be a Q&A with an Agent, that agent being Eddie Schneider, of JABberwocky Literary Agency. He will give a short presentation then take questions after that. Tuesday, March 18, 6:30-8:30 PM, this Write Brain is online only. You must RSVP in order to attend. To do so, go to www.delvewriting.com/rsvp.

Open Critique is Wednesday, March 19, 6-8:30 PM, at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Get the first 8 pages of your manuscript critiqued. RSVP required for those wanting a critique. 

Writer's Night is Monday, March 24, 6:30-8:30 PM, at Ivywild. Open forum. Come discuss whatever writerly topics you'd like. Food and drinks available for purchase at the venue. 

Other "Local" Events

Delve Writing is holding an online workshop entitled Say it Like a Pro: How to Talk About Your Book Articulately and Enticingly at PPWC or Anywhere. Chris Mandeville will be teaching this course. Price is $20 if you register before February 8. This is a 2-session camp, to be held Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM MT. It is online only and live. While this is not a February event, the discounted price ends tomorrow, so we wanted to pass it along to you.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers has a lot going on! Their monthly free programming will be Think You're Ready for the Colorado Gold? It will be presented by Chris Devlin, March 15, 2:30-4:30 PM. They are holding an online class via Yahoo Groups entitled RMFW Screenwriting 101, presented by Trai Cartwright, March 4 through April 22. They are taking submissions for their anthology through March 14. They are taking conference workshop proposals through March 31. Their retreat is March 16-21.

Colorado Springs Fiction Writers has various meetings throughout at the month at different locations. Visitors are welcome. 

The Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers of America will host Kirk Mitchell, as he presents Cold Cases. Thursday, March 13. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $25 for non-members, dinner and program included in price.

Pikes Peak Pen Women will host Nancy Jurka, who will present Getting to Know You, an intermingling of autobiography and music, March 15, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at Blue Sage Cafe. $23 for non-members, lunch and program included in the cost. RSVP required.

Friends of Pikes Peak Library District is holding their annual Mountain of Authors program, Saturday, April 5, 12:00-6:00 PM, at their East Library branch, on Union Blvd. This event is free.

Springs Writers will be presenting How to Write Back Cover Copy That Sells, with speaker Shelley Ring., Tuesday, March 11, 6-8 PM, at Woodmen Valley Chapel.

Metropolitan State University is holding their Auraria Writers Week, starting Monday, March 10, with On Writing With Jamaica Kincaid. Tuesday there will be a panel: The Publishing Curve: Staying Ahead of it Before You're Thrown One. Wednesday is the Denver Writer's Spotlight.

If there is a local writer's group you'd like to see included in this listing, please feel free to let me know in the comments!

About the Author: Shannon Lawrence enjoys writing mainly urban fantasy and horror, examining the darker side of life. Her flash fiction piece, “The Family Ruins,” is included in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, andBeyond the Binding, an anthology including her piece, "Spes et Libertas," was just released in e-book only. While her main focus is fantasy and horror, she is working on a Young Adult fantasy novel and also enjoys photographing Colorado scenery, wildlife, and her children. She is also the NCE Director for Pikes Peak Writers, and the managing editor of Writing From the Peak. You can find her atwww.thewarriormuse.com and on Twitter as @thewarriormuse.

January News, Events, & Links

PPW Events

The January Write Brain is Against the Clock, presented by Jax Hunter. Tuesday, January 21, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Penrose Library, Carnegie Room. Jax Hunter will help you jumpstart your new year by sharing tips for getting your work done and increasing your productivity. Topics will include scheduling, goal setting, writer's block (or lack thereof), and getting yourself going when you're stuck. More information can be found on the Events Tab.

Open Critique is Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Get the first 8 pages of your manuscript critiqued. RSVP required. More information can be found on the Events Tab.

Writer's Night will be Monday January 27, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Ivywild. Open forum. Come discuss whatever writerly topics you'd like. More information can be found on the Events Tab.

This is not a January event, but the next events email will only precede it by one day, and seating is limited. We'll have a free half-day event on Saturday, February 8, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the Colorado Springs Marriott. Write Your Heart Out is FREE to attend and will feature six PPWC 2014 speakers, leading short workshops. There will be giveaways! Must RSVP to reserve a seat. rsvp@pikespeakwriters.com. More information can be found on the Events Tab.

Other "Local" Events

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers will feature Shannon Baker, presenting Writing the First Pages of Your Novel, January 11, 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM. Free for all attendees. They also have an online presentation and a presentation that is for members only. Also, be sure to check out their writer's retreat and their anthology call.

Colorado Springs Fiction Writers has various meetings throughout at the month at different locations. Visitors are welcome. 

The Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers of America will host Greggory LaBerge, Director of Forensics and Evidence Division of the Denver Police Department. Thursday, January 10. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $25 for non-members, dinner and program included in price.

Pikes Peak Pen Women's president, Virginia Campbell, will present A Look at the Bayeux Tapestry on January 18, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. $23 for non-members, lunch and program included in the cost.

Publications Open for Submissions and Contests:
Please note: Inclusion of links in this post does not equal sponsorship by Pikes Peak Writers or a relationship between the two entities.  Please always be sure to pursue due diligence before submitting anything to a publication or contest.

Jamais Vu-Journal of Strange Among the Familiar is seeking dark fiction short stories, book reviews, film reviews, poetry, and non-fiction. They pay $.05 per word in most cases, plus a contributor copy. Current submission window open through January 15.

The Kenyon Review is seeking short fiction, essays, poetry, plays, excerpts, and translations of poetry and short prose. Submission window closes January 15. This is a paying market, but specific pay is not mentioned.

Lamplight Magazine is seeking dark fiction in short and flash forms. They pay a flat fee of $150 for short stories, $50 for flash. Current submission window closes January 15. Also, they accept reprints.

Chicken Soup for the Soul has several editions open for submissions. They pay $200 per accepted story. While I am going to list several deadlines for specific topics they're looking for, please note that they accept your heartfelt stories that are not geared toward one of the suggest book titles. Reboot Your Life closes January 30. The Cat/Dog Did What ends January 5. Check their website for specifics.

Lethe Press has several anthology calls out. Daughters of Frankenstein: Lesbian Mad Scientists closes January 31. 2500 to 12,500 words. Pays $.05/word. They are also looking for lesbian and gay fiction published in 2013 for their Best of Compilations.

Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly is looking for romantic sci-fi short stories. They only publish one quarterly. Must include steampunk elements, as well. Pays $25 per story. Current deadline January 31.

ChiZine Publications is putting out their Imaginarium 2014: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing collection. Deadline January 31. This is a best of anthology, seeking submissions of your work that was published in 2013. Pay is not listed.

Buttontapper Press seeks haiku. Cat & Dog Lovers Haiku closes January 31. Pays in royalties. Futuristic haiku closes same date, same pay. They are also reviewing novella-length ninja-themed manuscripts.

Great Old Ones Publishing is looking for horror. Can be other speculative fiction genres, but must contain an element of horror. $25 flat fee, plus contributor copy and discount on further copies.

Crossed Genres Magazine's current issue theme is "Food." Deadline January 31. Pays $.05/word. 1000-6000 words. Must be sci-fi and/or fantasy.

For the Love of Murphy is an anthology for Roane Publishing. They seek sweet romance stories with a twist born of Murphy's Law. Deadline January 31. Their erotic romance anthology, Bad Boys Rock, is open until filled. Payment not mentioned.

Mash Stories will hold a contest every quarter. This competition is about mashing randomness into stories, so they give you three words/terms that you must wrap into your story. This cycle's are tennis ball, animal rights, and bunker. 500 word maximum. No submission fee. Deadline January 15. $100 reward, with shortlisted stories being published on the website.

Odd Contest, held by OdysseyCon annually, is open for submissions through January 15. Accepting speculative fiction poetry and prose. Adult first prize is $500, youth first prize is $50. Winners pieces will be read a the Con and published in the program and on their website.

Commonwealth Writers and the British Council are holding the BBC World Service International Radio Playwriting Competition. The winner will receive 2000, a trip to London to see your play being recorded, and an awards ceremony. Must be 53 minutes long, any subject welcome. No entry fee. Closes January 31.

Cecile's Writers Magazine is open for submissions year-round. They seek authors with intercultural voices (see the link for an explanation of this). They accept flash fiction, short stories, novel excerpts, personal essays, and memoirs. I didn't find mention of payment, so you'll want to look into that.

Essence Magazine is looking for stories. Must send proposals first, not actual stories. Payment is not mentioned. See link for descriptions of types of articles.

Mystichawker Press has reopened their anthology, Campfire Howls, for submissions until it is full. Combine the mystique of the cowboy with the terror of the werewolf. Pays $5, plus a contributor copy.

American Style Magazine accepts articles from art lovers. Fee is negotiable upon acceptance of article.

Submission and Contest links originally posted on The Warrior Muse.

About the Author:  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, Shannon Lawrence has recently thrown herself back into it. Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel. She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, and her short horror story "The Blue Mist" will be in the March 2014 issue of Nightfall Magazine. She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children. She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.  

December News, Events, & Links

PPW Events

Quick note: PPWC 2014 registration is open! Check out the details, our fabulous keynotes, and registration information at the PPW website.

The December Write Brain will be online only, and is a Q&A on Short Stories with Carrie Vaughn. Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Bring your questions; you'll be invited to ask any questions you might have concerning the writing, editing, publishing, and marketing of short stories. We require a reservation at www.delvewriting.com/rsvp. It's the only way we can get you the link for the online event venue.

PPW Open Critique will occur on Wednesday, December 18, 6:00 to 8:30 PM, at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts. The first 8 to RSVP may bring 8 pages of their manuscript to critique. 

Writer's Night is canceled for the month, due to proximity to Christmas. It will return in January.

Other "Local" Events

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers is having their RMFW Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. They're also offering an online class, presented by Trai Cartwright.

Colorado Springs Fiction Writers has various meetings throughout at the month at different locations. Visitors are welcome. 

The Rocky Mountain Chapter of Mystery Writers of America will be holding their RMMWA Holiday Party in the form of their 4th Annual Noir at the Bar. Come enjoy readings by various established authors. December 12, 8 PM. Not at the usual location.

The Pikes Peak Pen Women will hold The Magnificence of Creativity: Sharing a Present of Writing, Art, or Music December 14. 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. You are asked to bring a gift of your creativity, such as a story or painting of yours to share. RSVP required to receive the location.

Publications Open for Submissions and Contests:
Please note: Inclusion of links in this post does not equal sponsorship by Pikes Peak Writers or a relationship between the two entities.  Please always be sure to pursue due diligence before submitting anything to a publication or contest.

The Capilano Review publishes "venturesome experimental writing and art" and is looking for submissions. Submission deadline is February 28 for the spring issue. Pays $50 per printed page. The theme is languages.

Workers Write is seeking poetry and prose from the cubicle dwellers point-of-view. 500-5000 words. December 31 deadline. Pays $5 to $50.

Angelic Knight Press is taking submissions for their anthology Demon Rum and Other Evil Spirits. Deadline December 31. I didn't find any indication of payment for this particular anthology, but their overall submission guidelines state quarterly royalties and a copy of the book. More information on this specific publicationhere.

Infinite Acacia is seeking short stories for a collection, Infinite Science Fiction. Deadline December 31. 2000-6000 words, Science Fiction. Pays $.01/word. They also have a short story collection entitled Mother Knows Best, same deadline. Pays 10 Euros, plus a contributor copy.

Firbolg Publishing is seeking environmental horror short stories for the fourth entry in their Enter At Your Own Risk series. Pays a flat $40 fee. Deadline is December 31.

Crossed Genres is taking submissions of Science Fiction and/or Fantasy short stories with the theme of "Runaway" for their April issue. Pays $.05/word. Deadline December 31.

Suspense Magazine is holding the Terri Ann Armstrong Short Story Contest. Deadline is December 31. Must be in the suspense/mystery/thriller genre. No cash prize is mentioned. May be published online or in their print publication.

21 Peaceful Genders is an anthology on Transgender healthcare being run as a contest. December 31 deadline. First prize is $500. This appears to be run by two individuals, rather than a publishing house, so please do your research before entering.

The Dreadful Cafe is putting out their second anthology, Thresholds, and they're looking for submissions of fiction and art. Specifically, they'd like something that crosses genres and meets the theme of crossing boundaries/thresholds. Short stories pay $125, novelettes pay $250. Art pays on a scale. Open deadline, but will close when the desired number of entries has been reached.

Weird Tales just opened for submissions this last week. They're seeking entries with the theme of either Nikola Tessla or Ice. They will also be holding a flash fiction event online soon. Pays $.03 per word.

Writers Market has put out a call for entries for the 2015 Guide to Self-Publishing. They're taking pitches for topics through December 15. They aren't seeking writing craft pieces, rather the how-to's and tips for self-published writers. They pay competitive wages.

Red Paint Hill Quarterly is seeking poetry for their next issue. Deadline December 15. They also have an upcoming anthology focusing on relationships with mothers. Poetry, deadline February 1. I'm not sure about payment at this time.

This is a contest with an honorable backing. Story Share is holding a writing contest to find low-literacy stories to support beginning readers of all ages. Cash prizes for 11 winners.

Apex Publications is holding A Merry Little Apex Christmas Flash Fiction Contest. These should be Christmas stories with a dark Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror theme. Deadline December 16. 250 words. All entrants will receive a copy of Apex Magazine. The winning piece will be published on the Apex blog, with the winner getting a short story critique, payment of $.05 per word, and a year subscription to Apex Magazine.

The New Ohio Review is currently in their open submissions window. This one closes December 15, then is open again from January 15 to April 1. Paying market. Literary market for prose and poetry.

Picayune Literary Magazine is taking submissions through December 15 of short or flash fiction, poetry, black and white photography, and black-line art. Pays with one contributor copy.

The Lindenwood Review is taking submissions through December 15. Accepts fiction, poetry, and essay. Pays in a contributor copy.

Strange Musings Press is seeking romantic stories that make you laugh. They can be any genre, as long as they involve a romance and are humorous. Deadline is December 30. Pays in royalties and an e-book copy.

The Apalachee Review is always open for submissions. Fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. Pays two contributor copies.

Puritan Magazine is always open for submissions of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, interviews, and reviews. Paying market (pay differs per type of submission).

Martinus Publishing has a variety of anthologies taking submissions right now, with varying deadlines. The topics include: Veterans of Future Wars (December 31 deadline, pays in royalties); Altered America (December 31 deadline, pays in royalties); Life of the Dead (open until filled, pays in royalties); We Were Heroes (opens December 1, pays in royalties); To Hell With Dante (opens December 1, pays in royalties).

An open audition is being held for travel writers by Great Escape Publishing and International Living. No experience necessary.

The Head & The Hand Press is accepting submissions for multiple publications. For Asteroid Belt Almanac, they're looking for short fiction, narrative non-fiction, and visual art. Pay unknown. Deadline December 13. The Breadbox Chapbook Series is open to literary fiction and non-fiction essays of a certain length. Ongoing. They also take manuscript submissions.

Zizek Press is holding an ongoing contest for fiction and non-fiction, as well as a Bad Fiction Contest with the deadline December 10. Cash prizes.

Harper's Bazaar is holding a short story competition. Their theme is "Spring," and the deadline is December 13. The winner will get to choose an antique book and spend a week on a private island.

Submission and Contest links originally posted on The Warrior Muse.

About the Author:  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, Shannon Lawrence has recently thrown herself back into it. Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel. She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, and her short horror story "The Blue Mist" will be in the March 2014 issue of Nightfall Magazine. She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children. She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.  

October Letter From the Editor

Ah, October! Officially fall. Changing fall leaves, wood smoke pouring out of chimneys, crisp air, ghouls, ghosts, witches, and other creepy critters.

I'm delighted to announce that we have a new columnist, Jennifer Herbranson Lovett, who will be posting marketing tips. In addition, we have a new Sweet Success Coordinator! If you'd like to share your own Sweet Successes, such as book releases, placement in a publication, landing an agent, a book signing, or related news, email Kathie Scrimgeour at ppwsweetsuccess@gmail.com. You can find this information at the end of other Sweet Success posts, as well. Kathie will post occasional calls for Sweet Success news, but you don't have to wait for these calls to send your information in.

Welcome to Writing From the Peak, Jennifer and Kathie!

Don't forget our bonus Write Brain tomorrow night, online only. Information can be found on the Events tab, above. We've still got our usual Write Brain, third Tuesday of the month, next Tuesday, October 15, but it's at a different location than usual. Be sure to join Mario Acevedo an Jeanne Stein at the Business of Arts Center in Manitou Springs! Details can be found on the Events tab.

Pikes Peak Writers has some exciting stuff going on next month for NaNo. More information will be given out on that topic at the bonus Write Brain tomorrow. We'd love to see you at both Write Brains, both of which are free!

Speaking of free, have you taken advantage of our free Write Brain recordings? We record them each month and make them available online for those who wish to view them again or who might have missed them when they originally occurred. Thank you to our partners in this, Delve Writing!

Finally, The Zebulon writing contest is ongoing, and conference will soon open for registration. Stay tuned for more information about each here on Writing From the Peak.

~Shannon Lawrence
Managing Editor, Writing From the Peak
PPW Non-Conference Events Director

October News, Events, & Links

PPW Events

This month, we're delighted to present two Write Brains, both free, as usual! We request you RSVP to each (RSVP is mandatory for the online only in order for us to send you the link to the online venue). Please put the date or topic in the subject line so we know which one you're RSVP'ing to (or both, if you'd like to RSVP to both). RSVP to rsvp@pikespeakwriters.com.

October 8 will be the bonus Write Brain, thanks to our partnership with Delve Writing. Presented by Chris Mandeville, NaNo What? Everything You Need to Know About NaNoWriMo will be online only from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Since 1999 writers have been hunkering down for the month of November to attempt the monumental task of writing start-to-finish a 50,000 word novel in only thirty days: National Novel Writing Month, known affectionately as NaNoWriMo, or just "NaNo for short. November is just weeks away--find out now what NaNo is, what it can do for you, what you're "allowed" to do under the official NaNo rules, what NaNo "pirates" do, and how to have a successful NaNo experience whatever you do. Whether you're new to NaNo or a seasoned "WriMo," join us for tips and tricks that can help you be an uber-productive writer any month of the year.

In addition, we will be announcing the plan for NaNoTryMo at this bonus Write Brain! NaNoTryMo is the Pikes Peak Writers version of NaNoWriMo meant to encourage you, whether you're following the NaNoWriMo track or setting your own version. We'll be partnering with Delve Writing to bring a new twist to NaNoTryMo.

On Tuesday, October 15, we're pleased to welcome Jeanne Stein and Mario Acevedo at the Business of Arts Center in Manitou Springs. In conjunction with the Business of Arts Center and the Second Biennial Cross-Creations city-wide Gods & Monsters collaboration, they'll present Writing Monsters With Depth: Making Your Monsters Human. Vampires, werewolves, witches, fae—all traditional monsters that have become the heroes of their own stories. How does  a writer make a “monster” sympathetic, and who really is the villain when it’s a showdown between a mortal and a monster? Mario Acevedo and Jeanne Stein will bring their expertise on writing monsters with a depth of humanity to help you learn to do the same. The monsters aren't always the bad guys these days, and it's necessary to write them in a way that readers can identify with them.
More information available on the PPW Events tab above.

The September Write Brain, Advanced Plotting with Chris Eboch, can be found HERE. It will be transitioning to a password protected file soon, but we'll put that information on the website and the blog tab above.

Writer's Night will be Monday, October 28, 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., in the Principal's Office at Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave.

PPW Open Critique will occur on Wednesday, October 16, 6:00 to 8:30 PM, at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts. The first 8 to RSVP may bring 8 pages of their manuscript to critique. More information on the Events tab.

Other "Local" Events

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers has two online classes this month, in addition to their monthly free programming Saturday, October 26, 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Diving In, Characterization and Motivation will be presented by Courtney Koschel.

Colorado Springs Fiction Writers has various meetings throughout at the month at different locations. Visitors are welcome. 

Pikes Peak Romance Writers will welcome Terry O'Dell on Sunday, October 13, at the BAC in Manitou Springs. She'll present "What is Voice?"

Pikes Peak Pen Women will feature Kerstian Lieff, who will talk about the memoir she wrote of her mother's life. October 19, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Blue Sage Café. $23 for non-members. RSVP required at info@ppb-nlapw.org.

The Rocky Mountain Chapter of Mystery Writers of America will have Dr. Jane Bock speaking about forensic botany and the Casey Anthony trial Thursday, October 10. $20 for the presentation and dinner.

KRCC/Radio Colorado College 91.5 FM welcomes Ira Glass of "This American Life" to the Pikes Peak Center October 12. Performance is at 8PM, doors open at 7PM. "This American Life" is an award-winning public radio program that "creatively documents the complexities and absurdities of life in contemporary America." Glass will talk about the program, what makes a creative story, and more, combining live narration on stage with pre-taped quotes and music.


Publications Open for Submissions and Contests:
Please note: Inclusion of links in this post does not equal sponsorship by Pikes Peak Writers or a relationship between the two entities.  Please always be sure to pursue due diligence before submitting anything to a publication or contest.

Pulp Empire and Metahuman Press have announced a set of ongoing anthologies accepting submissions. They're open until filled, except the Doc Claus Christmas anthology, which has a deadline of October 15. 10-15% of profits go to authors as royalties.

Vagabundo Magazine is seeking bloggers/columnists to write about adventure travel. You will not be paid as a blogger, but you will get dibs on writing columns, which do pay. They also expect photos with your stories.

Long Count Press is putting together an anthology with the subject of dying earth sword and sorcery fantasy. Deadline is October 31. Pays $20, plus e-book copy, plus royalties.

Kraken Press is seeking submissions for their 50's themed horror and dark fantasy anthology, American Nightmare. Short stories only. Deadline October 31. Pays in pro rata share of 15% of list price, plus one contributor copy.

Cease, Cows is holding a flash fiction contest. Guest judge is Stephen Graham Jones. Cost is $5 to enter. 1000 words or less. Prizes will be awarded as a percentage of the money brought in for the contest (details on the website). Deadline October 15.

Kazka Press holds a monthly flash fiction contest entitled 713 Flash. The October deadline is October 20, with a theme of Out of Time. Pays $15 per accepted story.

Bad Day Books is holding their 2013 Assent Publishing Rogue Writing Contest. Novella and novel submissions in horror, thriller, suspense, and apocalyptic. Deadline October 31. The prize pack is pretty phenomenal, including a publishing contract, marketing, author marketing coaching, etc. Aside from the contest, they are also open for regular submissions for publication in those same genres.

Mystery and Horror, LLC is seeking short stories for their Mardi Gras Murder anthology. They'd like mystery short stories set during Mardi Gras. Open submission period is October 21 to January 5. Pays a contributor copy, $5 advance on royalties, and discount on additional book purchases.

Contrary Magazine's winter issue deadline is December 1. They accept fiction, poetry, commentary, etc. Pays $20 per piece.

Pseudopod takes horror submissions of short stories for their podcasts. They also take flash, but prefer short. They pay $100 per story and your story is performed in audio format for their podcast. Flash fiction pays $20. They're always open for submissions.

PodCastle is the same as above, but takes fantasy stories. Same pay and open submission period.

Quirk Books is holding their Looking for Love Fiction Contest. Entries should be novel-length unconventional romance. First prize is $10,000 and publication.

Submission and Contest links originally posted on The Warrior Muse.

About the Author:  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, Shannon Lawrence has recently thrown herself back into it. Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel. She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, and her short horror story "The Blue Mist" will be in the March 2014 issue of Nightfall Magazine. She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children. She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.