Thursday, February 2, 2012

Project 52 Update, Open Anthologies, Community Websites

It has been an overwhelming week, so the links are a bit sparse today, but I do have a couple. First, though, how about a Project 52 update?


I can now cross out:
20. Make query/submission spreadsheet
28. Organize and edit scenic photos

I can technically cross this one out:
34. Submit 1 photo to a contest/publication

But I'm not going to. I had two photos in a paper and they credited them as Courtesy Photos instead of putting my name in. By the time I discovered it, it was too late to do anything about it, though I imagine if I fought I could make it happen. They were not scenic photos like I enjoy taking, but were of people, and I don't feel like they were very good, so I'm letting this one slide in order to not ruin a specific relationship (so yes, I have my reasons, but I'm still not necessarily happy about the situation). I am going to take this as a learning experience and go from there.

On a positive note, I was delighted to see that I officially have 400 followers as of this evening! So cool! I appreciate each and every one. I'm thinking it's time to start planning a giveaway when I reach 500 followers.

And now...the links:

Writers Unite is a writer's community I heard about this week. I have not yet joined, nor have I checked it out in-depth. However, it sounds interesting, so I'm passing it along, as it never hurts to find a supportive community, especially in such a solitary pursuit as writing.

The Denver Women's Press Club is running their Unknown Writer's Contest. You must be a Colorado resident (both men and women can enter) and you cannot have been paid for published work before.

Renee Rongen is accepting submissions for an anthology on the spirit of a woman. I do not believe you have to be a women to enter this, just to follow the theme of "What is the Spirit of a Woman?" Though it is not reflected on the webpage, the deadline has been extended to February 18.

I came across a second online community, this one called the WAE Network (or Writers, Agents, Editors). I did sign up to look at a pitch fest they are having, but didn't find much information on it. I haven't explored the site further (NO TIME!!). I like their cute little characters at the top of the page (featureless except for sneakers and socks).

And here are the weekly reminders:

The Pen Women Flash Fiction contest is ongoing. You can find more information on the Flash Fictiontab at the top of this blog. The theme is Are you Devious at Heart?


The A-to-Z Challenge is up to 430 sign-ups as of the writing of this post! You can sign up on the A-to-Z Info and Sign-up tab at the top of this blog.


Pikes Peak Writers is still accepting submissions (unpaid) for an anthology, to benefit their scholarship program. The theme is Moving Mountains.

And, of course, the Pikes Peak Writers Conference is open for sign-ups, and has scholarships available for those who need help with the fee. The sooner you sign up, the more likely you are to get a pitch session and/or a Read & Critique session. I'll be doing some volunteering, including in the pitch room, and I'd love to have an introduction to any of you who might be attending, as well.

That's it for today, everyone. Have a wonderful weekend! I hope to see you back here on Monday for the final portion of the Write Brain notes on New Models in Publishing, where I'll discuss information from DeAnna Knippling on e-publishing. You don't want to miss it!

Any helpful links to pass along? Are you familiar with any of the websites mentioned?

May you find your Muse.

17 comments:

Jennie Bennett said...

Congrats on 400 followers! You deserve it!

Rek Sesh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rek Sesh said...

Congrats on 401 followers. :)
I have checked Writers Unite earlier, not sure if I joined, I liked the looks of critiquecircle.com
Sent them a sign up application.
I think Renee's submissions is US specific but looked interesting.
I check Ralan.com just for the fun of it.

Christine Rains said...

Congratulations on over 400 followers! Like Rek, I check Ralan for anthologies. I put up a few links on my blog today. Thanks for the ones here! :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your accomplishments, chica! Well deserved!

Arlee Bird said...

Your follower roll is bound to increase as the A to Z Challenge progresses.

I like the concept of the 52 week thing. It's probably something I need to help me get more organized. It seems like I'm always in the process of trying to get organized.


Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge

Sue said...

Hi Shannon, just stopping by to introduce myself from the A-Z challenge. I'm planning to be a bit more organised than last year! Sue

hehe, I like Lee's comment above :)

Tania. F. Walsh said...

Love your links... going to check them all out now:)

Anonymous said...

I've had to put a cap on new networks. I signed up for Google+ but am doing nothing with it. Just too busy. Writers Unite looks interesting, but I just don't have the time. Maybe I need to make time. Oh heck, I'll check it out.

Deana said...

These are some great links! Thanks:)
And congrats on getting things crossed off your list!

j.a. kazimer said...

I'm so proud of you for the follow through on project 52. 400 followers that's very cool too. So where were the pics posted?

Melissa Sugar said...

Congratulations on reaching the 400 followers milestone. That is very impressive. I am not familar with project 52, but as long as you are crossing items off your list then you deserve praise, so congrats on that as well.

Thank you for sharing so many useful sounding links. I know what you mean about not having enough time to really check them out.

Thank you for visiting my blog as well.

DL Hammons said...

I would LOVE to attend the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, but I'm already registered for the DFW Conference in Dallas and I can't spring for two.

Congrats on the 400 followers! I'll bet you'll be at 500 before A to Z kicks off! :)

F. Stone said...

Hi Shannon. I like your blog. Anywhere that I can gain some knowledge on marketing my book is aces. If you are interested in inteviewing me, I'd love to fit into your schedule. And, I'm gearing up for the A-Z blog challenge. Half done the alphabet.Feather of The Guardian's Wildchild
featherstoneauthor@blogspot.com/

Shannon Lawrence said...

J.A., thank you so much!

Rek, thank you! I haven't joined yet, but need to look into it again.

Christine, I'll definitely be by to check those out.

Alyssia, thank you!

Lee, I feel exactly the same way. I think true organization is a myth.

Sue, I hope to be, too! So glad you've joined!

Tania, I'm glad!

Stephen, I know that feeling, too. If I don't get emails from a group (like my reminders from She Writes) I can't keep up.

Deana, thanks! Sometimes there is nothing better than to feel like you accomplished something, even if it was small.

Julie, thank you! The pics were posted in The Tribune, here in Colorado. I think it serves the Tri-Lakes and Woodland Park?

Melissa, thank you! I think if you click on Project 52 on the right hand side of my blog (probably a bit down) it will take you to the origin site of it.

DL, I'm curious about the DFW, though right now I definitely can't do more than one, either! I have friends in the Dallas area, so I might even be able to bum a guest room or sofa.

Feather Stone, wow, way to go on being half done with your A-to-Z posts! I am feeling like a slacker. I will be in touch!

Anonymous said...

These links are new to me, although I know a number of writers from Colorado who have mentioned the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. One of these days I'll have to make it to a writers conference.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Stephen, I think a writer's conference is something each writer should get to partake of at least once. You meet so many authors, and even agents and editors.