Some days I feel a bit insecure about my choice to pursue genre fiction, rather than literary fiction. I see award winning books and wonder if my books will stand a chance. Are those award accolades what I want? Do I wish Oprah would pick me for her book club (is she still doing that in some way?)
Genre fiction sells, but does it have the same respect that literary fiction has?
I have so many ideas in various genres, but the ones that really peak my interest don't tend to be the more literary ideas. I did start one of them awhile back, though, and it still swims through my mind, but I had trouble deciding on a few of the details in that one. When I started it, I identified with it, and the character reflected that in her life situation. Since then, I've ceased identifying with her situation, and I've started wonder whether I should stick with her family/life or go with other ideas I've had. These are the things that need to be addressed before I write her story. Had I finished it then, I imagine it would have been different.
That story is powerful. It might even be something that could get a certain kind of attention. Yet my love is the fun and action of the stories I'm writing now. The dark sectors that show in them. And I can't help but be swayed back in their direction each time. Even if it means I never get that certain kind of respect for what I've written.
Now for some links!
Accepting Submissions:
On Impression has a listing of editions and deadlines that are taking submissions. Mix of poetry, art and literary.
Dark Moon Digest is always open for short horror fiction for their publications. Pays $10 and a copy of that issue.
This Mutant Life has reopened and is taking submissions for a 2013 neo-pulp/superhuman anthology. Pays $.01/word, plus royalty share (once costs are recovered) and e-book copy. Open for submissions through June 30.
Eye to the Telescope is looking for submissions for their April issue. Theme: Immigrations. Deadline: March 1. Poetry. Pays $.03/word.
Contests:
Author J.A. Kazimer is holding two contests to promote her new book, Froggy Style. Both go through March 30. Prizes include an e-books, books, $100 gift card, and being written into her next novel. Enter to win at her website. For bonus points, take a picture of you (or your child, pet, etc.) kissing a frog, real or stuffed.
Flash Fiction Chronicles has their String-of-10 FIVE Flash Fiction Contest going this week. Deadline is Saturday, February 9, at 11:59 PM PST. Prizes include cash, online publication, and books.
The Pikes Peak Branch of the National League of American Pen Women is hosting their annual flash fiction contest, with the theme Hidden Amongst These Worlds. Despite the group's name, this contest is open to one and all, not just women. $10 entry fee ($8 for each additional entry). Cash prize.
Blog Hops/Fests:
The Indelibles are hosting an Indie-Kissing Blogfest on February 14. You can make it your own, but suggestions include sharing a romance scene from your WIP/book, writing about how to write a romance scene, talking about a real date of yours, giving Valentine's suggestions for romance, etc.
Carrie Anne's Blog Hops will be hosting the Heartbreaker Blog Hop February 8-11. Three prizes available, and the ability to enter 200 times (if you hop around to the host blogs and comment).
Mary, Suze and Nicki are hosting the Back From the Future Blogfest March 1. Imagine you've received a box from 10 years in the future; what's in it?
Other:
Book Marketing Buzz Blog made a listing of book marketing and publicity tips.
The San Francisco Writers Conference Charity Auction is currently underway until February 11. Some great items to bid on for writers!
Pikes Peak Writers will be giving a free half-day workshop on Saturday, February 23, all about how to Write Your Heart Out. This will be a sampler of speakers from the Pikes Peak Writers Conference in April, including Robert Liparulo, Lisa Renee Jones, and Kathryn Eastburn. RSVP required. More information can be found HERE if you scroll down. This is my maiden voyage as NCE Director!
For those that can't attend Pikes Peak Writers events in person, we put up four online MP3 Write Brains per year. Author Stephen Koonts is our speaker this month. This month's MP3 can be found at the above link.
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry is presenting a workshop Saturday, February 23, on History and Science Writing for Teachers and Learners of All Ages (13+). 9 AM to 1 PM. $20 for adults, $10 for students. Presented by Steven W. Veatch.
Anything to share? Anything you're particularly interested in that I've mentioned today? What makes you feel insecure?
May you find your Muse.
