WRiTE CLUB is back with a vengeance, and it’s not too late to fight.

As some of you may remember, last year one of our very own was crowned.  Now, DFWWW member Tex Thompson swings onto the other side of the ropes to judge, along with a distinguished panel that includes: Jonathan Maberry, Katie Grimm Margaret Bail, Sarah Negovetich, Brittany Booker, Candace Havens, Lydia Kang, and Tiana Smith.  (For those who just can't be bothered to click on the links, that's a list of some industry elite.  Agents, authors, editors, and the like.  Fancy stuff.)

Wondering about the rules of WRiTE CLUB?

1. You MUST talk about WRiTE CLUB – Spread the word


2. You DON’T talk about WRiTE CLUB – Once the bell sounds for round one, keep it quiet.


3. If someone taps out, WRiTING is over.


4. Only two people to a WRiTE.


5. Two WRiTE’s per week.


6. No shirts, no shoes…well, actually, your WRiTE attire is up to you.


7. WRiTES will go on until Aug 18th.


8. Anyone can WRiTE, but you have to have your submission in by May 31st.

With guidelines like these, how can one resist? To get the finer details, visit DL Hammon's site.

We can’t wait to see you in the ring!

We like this one, so we feel compelled to mention it…

You could win a $10,000 fellowship with the first 50 pages of your manuscript, and here’s how:

The James Jones Fellowship Contest is put on by Wilkes University, and even the runners up get a nice cash prize and recognition.  To enter, you’ll need a track record of being unpublished, a novel-in-progress, $30, a postage stamp, and some moxie.   March 1, 2014 is the deadline.

If you're a DFWWW member, chances are you have 50 pages lying around waiting to earn its keep.  If entering gets you writing, then you can't lose!

More details can be found at the following link: http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/1159.asp
photo credit: Jonathan Kos-Read 

Here's a fun, free pitch contest to combat the doldrums of summer.

Pitchmas is a two-day event where you will have the chance to pitch your manuscript to your dream editor or literary agent.  Last year, there were over 108 requests from blog pitches alone.

Details:   Sunday July 7th AND Monday July 8th.  Blog pitches must be 35 words or less.  Twitter pitches must be 140 characters or less (naturally).

DFWWW members are invited to support each other through a forum on our internal website.  But, the contest is open to everyone who has a finished manuscript with a swell logline!

Good luck!

Have you boiled your book down to a two page summary?  Did you cook it some more and turn it into a two paragraph query?  Further still, an elevator pitch?

Here is the ultimate challenge -- the logline.

If you've always imagined your book as a movie, this free contest is for you.

On May 20th, Scott Myers will be accepting your logline.  If he likes it, you'll join him for a 24-week Screenwriting Master Class.  And, if you play your cards right, at the end of it you'll have a completed script along with access to Hollywood insiders.

That's fancy.

If nothing else, this competition forces you to encapsulate your story so that it fits into a single breath.  It's hard as hell to do, but a good work out for any writer.

So, good luck!

Key dates and some instructions can be found here at THE QUEST.

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dee_gee/2599026376/

Here's an opportunity to build that writing resume.  A chance to pad those few lines which you're allowed inside the query letter.  A possible occasion to gloat.

The Columbus Creative Cooperative is offering a novel competition.  Dust off those finished manuscripts.  Even the one you're currently querying is fair game.  Have it reviewed by Harvey Klinger's team of judges and see how you stack up against other unpublished novelogists.

It's $40 to enter with a grand prize of a publishing contract with Columbus Press  or a $1,000 cash.  The runner-up will receive a free publishing consultation to help improve the manuscript.

They're only accept 200 submission to the contest, and we say those odds aren't too shabby.

Make sure to click the picture to enter before January 31st.

Are things slow at work as you head into the holidays?  Consider a little writing distraction to pass the time.  Here are a few free contests which require nothing more than a pen, paper, and your skills.  Odds are in your favor, DFWWW members.

In a fantastical mood?    Marvel Comics and Harley Davidson have teamed up to offer prizes for the best 500 word essay about you, a superhero, and your hogs.  Prizes include cash and, of course, a motorcycle.  Ride off into the sunset by clicking here.

Want to sharpen your non-fiction chops?  Clorox wants a flash (non)fiction story under 120 characters about your most bleachable moment.  Prize includes a cool 15K.  Go clean up the competition by clicking here.

Feeling romantic?  Villa Sandi Winery wants your 800 word engagement story, and will reward the best with a trip for two to Italy.  Vivere e amare!  Share the love by clicking here.

Good luck.  Hopefully these will carry you into 2013 and get you ready for your inevitable New Year’s writing resolutions.

 The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival is open to submissions for their annual fiction contest.

The cliff notes are as follows:

Deadline:  Nov. 15, 2012

Grand Prize:  $1500, VIP Pass to festival, airfare, accomodations AND PUBLICATION.

Guidelines:  You cannot have a published novel, your submission has to be under a mere 7000 words, and you have to have $25 to your name.

Get crackin'.  Hopefully it's THE BIG EASY for you.

(Click the picture to enter...)

Entry Deadline: Oct, 31 2012

If you write fiction and need a break from the ol' manuscript -- consider writing a short story to enter into the Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards.  Categories include science fiction, thriller, YA, romance, crime, and horror.

Entry deadline has recently been extended to Oct. 31, 2012.  Plenty of time for you to compose a story (4,000 words or less), bring it in for a read and critique, and send it off.

Click here for more details on the Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Contest

Good luck!

Four visitors and one new member joined a good-sized crowd at the March 23 meeting of the Workshop.

In the news, Nik Holman announced he is among 500 Quarter Finalists in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest for his book, The Boy Who Wasn't There. Pat Hauldren is teaching an online class and needs test subjects to help her work out the bugs. Rosemary Clement Moore is participating in Operation Auction, an online event to help a family in need. Rosemary is offering a copy of her novel The Splendor Falls, an advanced reader of her newest book, Texas Gothic, and up to 20-pages of critique.

Finally, President Donna Lasko reminded everyone of the importance of keeping the new building clean. She also asked for volunteers to serve as ambassadors to greet the increased number of weekly visitors.

The June 23 meeting of the DFW Writers' Workshop was full of momentous news from several people.

Leading the pack, Rosemary Clement-Moore announced she's signed a two-book deal with her publisher, Random House. Jason Myers received a partial request for his manuscript, Mayhem Inc., from literary agent Robert Thixton. Merris Doud won second place in the Brazos Writers' Writing Contest in the category of memoir / personal essay. Writer's Digest has contracted with Kyle White to write a feature-length article on the use of social networking to land an agent or secure a book deal.

Finally, members were reminded of the vote to be held on Wednesday, July 7 to amend the Workshop's Bylaws. Also, Larry Enmon encouraged new members to pick up a copy of a pamphlet titled 20 Hints for Workshop Critiques for an upcoming class on the subject.