July News and Announcements
Summer was off to an overcast start here in California. Just when I started thinking we were never going to get any sunshine, the clouds parted and out came the sun in all its hot, bright glory.
So I’m ready to pack up a tasty lunch, lots of cold drinks, an armful of books, and just go veg out on a beach somewhere. Preferably a beach that slopes into warm, salty waters.
Last month, we unveiled the new design at Writing Forward and announced a new service for writers – the writing coach program. This has given way to plenty of questions about the program, so sometime this month I’ll publish a post that addresses some of the questions that are coming in consistently. Other than that, since there are no more monthly themes, we can all look forward to a well-rounded month covering lots of writerly subject matter from better writing to good grammar.
The 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition
The 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! They’re looking for fiction that’s bold, brilliant … but brief. Send your best in 1,500 words or less. But don’t be too long about it—the deadline is December 1, 2009.
The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that’s $2—or more—per word).
Get the full guidelines, learn more about prizes and enter online.
Book a Brighter Future
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is launching an exciting campaign in partnership with Macy’s: Book A Brighter Future (TM). From July 1 through August 31, Macy’s customers can give $3 and receive a coupon for $10 off a $50 in-store purchase at any Macy’s nationwide. Macy’s will give 100% of every $3 to RIF.
For every $3 gift, $1 will support local RIF programs near the Macy’s store; $1 will support RIF’s Multicultural Literacy Campaign; and $1 will help RIF’s ongoing efforts to provide reading resources to millions of underserved children across the country. Macy’s has already helped RIF provide over 3 million books to 1.2 million kids and has donated 750 hardcover multicultural book collections to schools, Head Start centers, and libraries in every state and U.S. territory.
Macy’s is also RIF’s lead partner for volunteer engagement and has supported the development of an interactive map on RIF’s website. This tool helps connect local RIF programs to local volunteers. The map also allows users to learn about RIF’s impact both in their community and nationwide. To view this online tool, go to: http://maps.rif.org.
Have a happy July and keep on writing!
Thanks for sharing these. I’m definitely going to see what I can do to help RIF and perhaps even enter a story in the contest.
Positively Present´s last blog ..life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
I didn’t know RIF was still around — too cool.
Is your writing coach program focused on pure writing skills or do you have themes such as business results? It seems to me there are plenty of writings looking for ways to make a living from their writing.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Lessons Learned from Bruce Lee
Yep, I remember RIF from when I was a kid, and it’s nice to know they’re still doing the good work. I haven’t thought about coaching for specific business results, like guiding writers to profitability. For this program, the real purpose is to help writers improve their writing and to help them set and reach their goals, which is an enormous challenge for many writers from novices to seasoned professionals. I’ve thought about offering coaching for blogging as well. If someone approached me to improve their business writing, I would happily oblige. I may launch different versions of the writing coach program in the future, so stay tuned!