The First Line

I just sent off a story to The First Line. November 1st is the deadline for you to do so too...

The 91 word memoir contest

From the latest edition of Erica Dreifus's Practicing Writer newsletter that I received, I learned of this great little contest: All you have to do is write up to 91 words of memoir to enter. The contest is free and is running till October 15th. Come on, people. I know this isn't strictly a story contest, but this one seems doable. Check it all out HERE .

For some reason, I'm not able to get the subscription link For Erica's newsletter to work, but you can visit the Practicing Writer group HERE, and maybe you'll have a bit more success than I did.


 

Wire is Alive--Story Suggestions

My sister Julie made me aware of this great project by her friend Matthew Walden, called Wire is Alive. Remember how I devoted the month of April to suggesting story prompts that you and in reality more likely me could use to start a story? Well, this is kind of the reverse. You  write a sentence prompt and he, or, later, possibly one of his minions might just make a story out of it. So pop on over and send him a telegram. Or at least read the latest story, "Baptism for the Dead".  

Pea Green Boat

Haven't had an actual story you can listen to here for awhile. Adrian McKinty has been talking up Stewart Lee over at his place recently, and here is an audio he linked to of Lee's Pea Green Boat . I'd say it was mordantly funny, except I'm not sure I know what mordant means. Darkly humorous then. Very darkly humorous.

A great critique opportunity

Ru over at And Then She Was Like Blah Blah Blah has offered us a great critiquing opportunity for one lucky person. You can find out about it HERE.

Take advantage of this. Seriously. You know I will.

The last First Line of the Year

I explained what The First Line is back here, but wanted to remind you or tell any new passersby that the final sentence of The First Line contest is up and you can write a story using it by November 1st and maybe win a slot in their journal. Here it is:

Sometimes, when it's quiet, I can remember what my life was like before moving to Cedar Springs.

Check out their website, where they will explain it all for you.  

The Jeffrey E. Smith Editor's Prize Competition

I  got news about this contest the other day by email and thought I'd share it with you. I'm thinking about entering it myself, but I'll be happy if you win too! Drop me a line if you do--I'd love to hear.
 
Dear Writer,


I wanted to remind you about an exciting prize and publication opportunity available through The Missouri Review. There’s one month left to submit to our Jeffrey E. Smith Editor’s Prize Competition--for which we offer over $15,000 in prizes. We accept submissions in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Winners in each category receive a prize of $5,000, plus a feature in our Spring issue and paid travel to our gala reading and reception. Contest finalists will receive cash prizes and have their work considered for publication as well.


While the contest has a postmark deadline of October 1st of this year, we encourage early submissions. We accept submissions online or by mail. Winners will be announced in January of 2013.


Don’t forget that your $20 entry fee gets you a one-year subscription to The Missouri Review. Subscriptions are available in print or digital versions. Our downloadable digital subscription includes a full-length audio version of the journal.


You can find more information about the contest through our website: http://www.missourireview.com/tmrsubmissions/editors-prize-contest/.


Interested in reading a past Jeffrey E. Smith Editor's Prize winner? Check out the essays "Big Jim," "Letters to David," and "My Thai Girlfriends" on textBOX, the Missouri Review's free online anthology: www.missourireview.com/anthology


Thanks very much for your help in making this year’s contest a success. We look forward to reading your submissions!


Best regards,


Claire McQuerry

Contest Editor


The Missouri Review
357 McReynolds Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211


contest_question@moreview.com