May News & Events

Compiled by Shannon Lawrence


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

The May Write Brain will be Discovering the Power of Your Unique Voice, presented by Barbara Samuel. Voice is one of the most misunderstood aspects in all of writing--and possibly the most powerful. By working with hands-on, interactive exercises, Barbara Samuel will help you explore the many aspects that create a writer's unique fingerprint--and ways to fit that voice into the marketplace. Tuesday, May 20, 6:30-8:30 PM. Penrose Library, Carnegie Room.  

Sign-up is now open for the June 7th half-day workshop, Writing a Fiction Synopsis That Sells, presented by Pam McCutcheon. 1-5 PM, Space Foundation. Cost is $25. Every writer must know how to write a strong synopsis–a good one can get your piece in front of the right set of eyes; a bad one can get it rejected without a read-through. Pam McCutcheon, author of Writing the Fiction Synopsis, will  teach you how to break your synopsis down into manageable pieces by looking at the vital elements of a synopsis one-by-one. Classroom instruction, plus one-on-one feedback and hands on activities will make this an interactive workshop. You’ll leave with a rough structure for your synopsis that you can refine from there. Space is limited to allow for personal feedback. GO HERE TO REGISTER.

Open Critique is Wednesday, May 21, 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, May 26, 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 I Got a Send It! Now what? Chris Mandeville will be teaching this course. Price is $49, discounted to $35 for PPW members. 9:30 AM to noon, MT. It is online only and live. 

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers monthly free programming will be Social Media & Marketing Domination: A Writer's Guide to Social Media, Branding & Guerrilla Marketing in the Digital Age, presented by Julie Kazimer. May 10, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Check their page for three other classes being held this month. Their Colorado Gold Writing Contest is now open, with a deadline of June 1 and registration for their conference is now open.

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 Q&A With David Keil, a Veteran Detective. Thursday, May 8. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $25 for non-members, dinner and program included in price.

Pikes Peak Pen Women will present Create Students Who Soar Higher Through Poetry, presented by Nancy Jurka, Virginia Franklin Campbell, and Diana Alishouse, May 17, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Location will be given upon RSVP. $23 for non-members, lunch and program included in the cost. RSVP required.

Springs Writers will be presenting How to Power Edit Your Manuscript Mini-Bootcamp, with speaker Scoti Springfield Domeij, Saturday, May 10, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM PM, at Woodmen Valley Chapel. Cost is $15. They will also hold a free workshop Tuesday, May 27, entitled Memoir, Essay, and Personal Experience: How Real Life Stories Can Power Your Writing, by Liz Duckworth. Check website for more details.

Arapahoe Community College holds various writing events. Check their website for upcoming events.

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.

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.

February News & Events

Compiled by Shannon Lawrence


PPW Events

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

Write Your Heart Out is a free half-day conference preview, tomorrow, Saturday, February 8, 1-5 PM, at the Colorado Springs Marriott. Our speakers are Cindi Madsen, Tom Adair, DeAnna Knippling, Aaron Ritchey, Todd Wallinger, and Becky Clark. RSVP is required (rsvp@pikespeakwriters.com).

The February Write Brain will be Sex is Not a Four-Letter Word: Tearing Down the Taboo Walls of Sexuality to Create More Interesting Primary and Secondary Characters in All Genres, presented by NYT and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones. Tuesday, February 18, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. It will be held at Penrose Library, but in a different room than usual, the Adult/Children's meeting room. This event is free.

Open Critique is Wednesday, February 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, February 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 Write Your Life as Fiction, presented by Anne Randolph, February 22, 11-1 PM. They are holding an online class via Yahoo Groups entitled Editing & Revision for Fiction Writers, presented by Cindi Myers, February 3 through 23. They are taking submissions for their anthology through March. They are taking conference workshop proposals through March. 

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 Deb Courtney, as she presents Publicity and Promotion. Thursday, February 13. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $25 for non-members, dinner and program included in price.

Pikes Peak Pen Women will host Jane Rigler, who will present Interpresence: The Process of Bringing Art and Writing Together, February 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.

Pikes Peak Library District is holding A Novel Evening: TheGreat Gatsby at Briarhurst Manor, Friday, February 28, 6 PM, to benefit the Manitou Library. 3-course dinner, silent auction, dancing, period costumes welcome.

Springs Writers will be presenting The Flip-Side of a Writer, with speaker Susan Mathis, Tuesday, February 18, 6-8 PM, at Woodmen Valley Chapel.

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, and Beyond 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 at www.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.  

September News, Events, & Links

PPW News

The September Write Brain will be "Advanced Plotting," with speaker Chris Eboch. Many books and workshops teach the basics of plotting: conflict, complications, climax. Now learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Start with a "grab you by the throat" opening to pull readers into the story. Learn how to pack the plot full by complicating your complications. Control your pacing through sentence and paragraph length. And finally, cliffhanger chapter endings ensure late-night reading under the covers. Learn techniques to make any story or book better. Novelists will benefit from these insights, whether they are just starting out or have years of experience. Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. **Please note: This is an online only Write Brain. You must RSVP to rsvp@pikespeakwriters.com to receive a link to the online forum in which you can view and interact during the Write Brain. You can find more information on the PPW Events tab above.

You can listen to the August Write Brain, "Writing a Winner: Tips & Tricks for Entering Writing Contests" on the PPW Events tab, along with the May, June, and July recordings.

Writer's Night has a new location. The next one is Monday, September 23, 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, September 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. More information on the Events tab.

Other "Local" Events

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers has three events this month. Their Writer of the Year Panel will be September 12. The Colorado Gold Conference is the weekend of September 20-22. And their retreat will be directly following the conference, from the 22 to the 26.

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

Pikes Peak Romance Writers will welcome Courtney Milan on self-publishing this Sunday, September 8, 2-4 PM, at the BAC. Cost $5 for non-members.

Pikes Peak Pen Women is returning from their summer hiatus with a program on the journey with bipolar disorder, presented by Kathy Brandt. September 21, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Blue Sage Café, $23 for non-members. RSVP to info@ppb-nlapw.org.

Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America are also back from their hiatus with a publicity panel. Presenters will be Deb Courtney, Susan Mitchell, and Jennifer Lovett. Evening of September 12. $25 for non-members.


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 Zebulon, the new Pikes Peak Writers fiction contest, opens for submissions on September 16.

The Hugo-winning Clarkesworld Magazine is currently seeking submissions of short stories, non-fiction, and art. Pays 10 cents per word for the first 4000 words, 5 cents for each word over that. Science fiction and fantasy.

Highlights Magazine for children is seeking a variety of pieces for their magazine. Each type pays a different amount. Examples include $150 for short fiction and non-fiction articles, and $25 for crafts. They also seek verse and various puzzles and games.

Storm Cellar is a literary arts magazine seeking submissions year-round. They're eclectic, and want to receive varied submissions. They want art and writing of all creative kinds, including creative non-fiction, poetry, flash fiction, etc. Pays in a contributor copy.

Four Chambers Press is looking for submissions for the inaugural edition of their literary magazine, so they're holding a contest. They want good work of any kind in any form. $100 first prize.

Kazka Press holds a monthly themed flash fiction contest, 713 Flash. Their theme this month is Outsiders. Submission window is September 1-20. Pays $10 per accepted story.

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine is open for submissions, seeking both new and previously published authors. They take all kinds of mysteries, and pay .05 and .08 cents per word. Lengths can be anywhere from minute mysteries (250 words) to novellas. Short stories seem to be the general format, though.

Fantastic Frontiers is open for submissions year-round. They're looking for science fiction and fantasy short stories, serials, comics, videos, voice recordings, and other media. Pay varies per format. Fiction pays .03 cents per word.

Writing Tomorrow is taking submissions of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, novel excerpts, and artwork. Pays $50-100 for fiction/nonfiction, and $25 for flash and poetry. Open submissions; no deadline.

The Fountain is holding an essay contest. They want to know about your motto for life. Open worldwide. 1500 to 2500 words. First place gets $1500, with cash prizes for 2nd, 3rd and 2 honorable mentions, as well.

Martinus Publishing is accepting submissions for their sci-fi adventure anthology, VFW-Veterans of Future Wars. 2000-6000 words. Deadline December 31. Pays in royalties. Additionally, they're seeking submissions for Altered America, an anthology. Deadline is the same, as is pay.

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.   

 

August News, Events & Links

PPW News

The August Write Brain will be "Writing a Winner: Tips & Tricks for Entering Writing Contests," featuring MB Partlow and Dawn Smit. Tuesday, August 20, 6:30-8:30 P.M. at Penrose Library. Want to improve your odds of winning a writing contest? Insure you're judged on the quality of your writing, not the mistakes you made in following the guidelines? Dawn Smit and MB Partlow will address tips, tricks, do's and don'ts for writing contests. In addition, you'll get advice on writing synopses, query letters, and formatting your entry. Plus, you'll have a leg up on your competition for the 2014 Zebulon Writing Contest (note the official new name of the Pikes Peak Writers Fiction Writing Contest!) We'll teach you everything you need to know about entering a writing contest, and give you the tools to meet all the guidelines they lay out. RSVP to rsvp@pikespeakwriters.com. You can find more information on the PPW Events tab above.

You can find the recording of the July Write Brain, The Outer Limits of Inner Life: Bringing Characters to Life by Looking Within, presented by David Corbett, on the PPW Events tab.

Writer's Night has a new location. The next one is Monday, August 26, 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, August 21, 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 will host Cindi Myers, as she presents How to Be Your Own Best Editor: Self Editing for Writers, on Saturday, August 17, from 9 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. There will be a continental breakfast at 8:45 A.M. The meeting will be in the Business Incubator Center. They will also have their Writer of the Year Event, Saturday, August 10, 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., at Denver's BookBar.

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

Black Cat Books and the BAC, located in Manitou Springs, have lots of programs for readers and writers alike.  Even knitters!  Check out the events page for more information.

The Pikes Peak Romance Writers of America will have a pot luck on Sunday, August 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the BAC. 

The Pikes Peak Branch of the National League of American Pen Women and Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America are both on hiatus for the summer. Programming for each will continue in September.

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.

Rose Red Review accepts submissions art, photography, short fiction, flash fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. The reading period for their Autumn 2013 issue ends August 12. They're looking for the dark origin of fairy tales and other beasties.

UFO Publishing is seeking submissions for Coffee: Caffeinated Tales of the Fantastic. Coffee must be a major plot element. Submissions close August 31. Pays $.05 per word. Short or flash fiction with an element of the fantastic.

Rhino's submission window closes August 31. They seek poetry, translations of poetry, and flash. Pays in a contributor copy.

Dreadful Cafe is soliciting query letters for their first anthology, Membrane. All genres, but there is a theme. Pays $125 for short stories, $250 for novelettes, $500 for novellas. Deadline is TBD, but I imagine the sooner you get it in, the better, as they'll close it when they've found what they want. It opened in April.

The theme for the Kazka Press 713 Flash contest for September is Warning Sign. The deadline is August 20. Stories must be between 713 and 1000 words. Pays $10.

The Sustainable Arts Foundation issues a Sustainable Arts Foundation Award of $6000 and a Sustainable Arts Foundation Promise Award of $1000 to writers and artists with families (children). You must submit a portfolio. The deadline to apply is August 31.

Dreamspinner Press has an open call for submissions for Dr. Feelgood is for romantic short fiction stories with a medical/physical health theme. Deadline is October 1.

The First Line has their next winter theme out. They give you the starting line, you finish it. Winter theme is due November 1. Click on the link to view the prompt sentences. Pays $30 for fiction, $20 for non-fiction, plus a contributor copy.

Emby Press has several upcoming anthologies about monster hunters: Blood Trails is looking for your standard monster hunter as part of a trilogy of anthologies, with a deadline of August 15; Doomsday seeks monster hunters with a focus on an apocalyptic scenario, an outbreak, an epidemic, with a deadline of September 15; The Dark Monocle seeks steampunk monster hunters, with a deadline of October 15. All pay $25.

Alaska Quarterly Review seeks short fiction, fiction novel excerpts, poems, short plays, literary non-fiction, and photo essays. They do not open for submissions until August 15.

Descant is taking part in the 25 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with an issue following the theme of Berlin. Pays $100 honorarium. Seeking fiction, poetry, essays, and art. Deadline August 16.

Horrified Press is accepting submissions for Until the End, an anthology featuring short and flash fiction based on a couple left behind in the apocalypse. Deadline August 20. Pays in royalties. May consider poetry. They're also seeking submissions for Tales of the Undead - Suffer Eternal, Volume III. Deadline August 25. Pays in royalties.

Chuffed Buff Books seeks poetry for Poetry and the City. Deadline August 31. Pays £4 per poem.

Wolf Willow Journal has four editions of their literary journal each year. They're thematic, but will accept things that don't follow the theme. Macabre Symphony will be their October 2013 edition. Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, artwork, and photography. Fall reading period ends August 31. Pays $20 for short fiction and creative non-fiction. Pays $10 for flash, photography, poetry, and art (cover art pays $20).

Live in Brampton? The Brampton Arts Council offers a grant to writers of any kind, as long as their ultimate goal is publication. Amount varies. Deadline August 29.

Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing has an anthology call out. The Cogs of Time is a steampunk anthology. Deadline October 31. Pay unknown.

The August theme for Crossed Genres is Young Adult, with a deadline of August 31. Pays 5 cents per word.

World Weaver Press is seeking submissions for a Krampus anthology (yet to be named). Krampus is St. Nick's nasty associate, who comes along to punish children deserving of some discipline. Pays $10 and a paperback copy of the anthology.

The Sleepers Almanac, No. 9 is seeking submissions. Closes August 4. Pay unknown.

Alban Lake Publishing is seeking submissions for their quarterly MG magazine, FrostFire Worlds. Open submissions throughout the year. Pays $15 for original stories, $3 for original poems, $6 for illustrations, $10 for articles.

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.