Writers' Service Announcements

I do have much to blog about, things going round in my head, but not quite ready yet, so in the meantime, a few writers' service announcements...

Circle of Misse Writing Holidays

What better combination than the glorious French countryside and a writing course? My writer pal Nicholas Hogg passed on info about his wonderful-sounding courses  in June: 

Creativity Jumpstart: Turn your travels into stories (June 16-20th): "Whether you want to write fiction, travel narrative or creative nonfiction, learning how to use your travels and observations about place in your work can reap huge rewards. For award-winning novelist and short story writer Nicholas Hogg a motorcycle journey across the emptiness of the Australian outback ended in a crash but inspired his first novel Show Me The Sky."
and

Novel Boot Camp: The Pleasure of Progress (June 21-27th): "Sometimes we just need a little sympathetic nudge to get started or to press on with that novel. And sometimes we need the structure, dedicated time and advice that simply never materialises in our daily lives. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then this boot camp is for you."

Both courses are being held in a heavenly-looking 19th century house in the southern Loire Valley. Wish I could go... there's now a 10% discount off Creativity Jumpstart - Click here for more information.

Winning Words

Another writer pal, Michelle Teasdale, has just launched a new website, Winning Words, "a directory of magazine deadlines and creative writing prizes, and a forum where members can get feedback on their work before submitting". I looks like a brilliant endeavour, something much needed, especially in the UK, although it's open to all. There will be a very small fee to avoid the need for advertising, which I think is a good idea. This is an enormous amount of work, we shouldn't expect to get everything for free, so do go and sign up.  The official launch party  is on May 27th in London, with the ever-fab Vanessa Gebbie as guest of honour, providing top tips! Best of luck, Michelle!

Science in My Fiction Short Story Contest (deadline June 30th)

There is one competition I do want to draw everyone's attention to, it concerning something after my own heart, science-inspired fiction. Here's what you do:

Authors write a science fiction or fantasy short story which is inspired by a scientific discovery or innovation made or announced within the past year. It can’t be peripherally added: the science must be integral to the story. Writers must include a link to a relevant article or study of the applied science when they submit their stories.” A panel of 6 amazing judges will vote on the finalists. There’s $400 of cash prizes to be won, plus subscriptions, books, etc.

Your story must be 2,500-10,000 words long, which means I need to up my word count if I'm going to enter. Where to find recent scientific discoveries? How about the always-inspired NewScientist.com or ScienceDaily, to start with? If you've never tried this before, then have a go, this isn't aimed at people like me who already know how fascinating science can be, but I imagine the aim is to open writers' eyes to new sources of inspiration. Good luck!

PS Don't forget about my list of UK & Ireland lit mags that publish short stories - we're up to 108 magazines, and this is not just for UK and Ireland-based writers. I am sure all these magazines would be delighted to consider your story, wherever you are!