Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

All you need is a pen and a notebook

Multi-talented writer Neil Gaiman shares why he loves being a writer:

I love being a writer because it is something you can do anywhere. Some jobs like for example being an astronaut you can only do in special places like in for example space rockets or outer space or somewhere like that eg the moon. If you were trying to be an astronaut in the supermarket people would just laugh at you and say What Is He Doing Is He Absolutely Barking Mad Or What? The same thing goes for people who pick grapes and the people who show you to your seat in theatres after the light is all gone down. They can only do it in their special place.

But I can write anywhere.

Posted by Cindy on October 25, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Inspiration

Writer's Digest 5th Annual Short Short Story Competition

WritersDigest.com Short Short Story Competition

We're looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant...but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it ? the deadline is December 1, 2004!

For complete guidelines and an entry form, visit www.writersdigest.com/contests/short_story.asp

The Prizes:
1st Place: $3,000
2nd Place: $1,500
3rd Place: $500
4th through 10th Place: $100

Plus, the names and story titles of the 1st-10th place winners will be printed in the June 2005 Writer's Digest, and the winners will receive the 2005 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market.

Posted by Cindy on October 24, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Calls for submissions

412: The Pittsburgh Creative Nonfiction Literary Festival

An event you won't want to miss: 412: The Pittsburgh Creative Nonfiction Literary Festival.

I'll be part of a panel discussion Sunday morning, talking about online publications. Fat Plum will have items available in the Media Fair over the weekend, so stop in and see us!

From the webpage:

The Pittsburgh Creative Nonfiction Literary Festival
For Readers, Writers & Publishers
Featuring John Edgar Wideman, Richard Nash, the 412 Media Fair and More
November 12-14, 2004

WHAT IS 412?
The First Annual Pittsburgh Creative Nonfiction Literary Festival

412 is a week of readings, lectures, parties and workshops featuring literary Pittsburgh, from colleges and universities to city magazines and newspapers to indie and online publications.

412 expands the local audience and introduces new publishing projects that represent the future of Pittsburgh and creative nonfiction.

412 showcases Pittsburgh's great writers, independent publishers and venues.

412 encourages locals to support local literary initiatives by volunteering, attending events and submitting their work.

412 is the place where students, teachers, authors and readers converge in an atmosphere of creativity, optimism and celebration of Pittsburgh's unique place in the literary world.

Creative nonfiction is shorthand for an exciting genre that encompasses the hard-hitting honesty of journalism and the dramatic techniques of fiction. Creative nonfiction is no oxymoron; it?s gripping stories that happen to be true.

In addition to the presentations and media fair over the weekend, 412 is sponsoring a variety of parties and gatherings the whole week leading up to it, culminating in a book party on Friday, November 12.

Full details can be found here. I hope to see you there!

Posted by Cindy on October 17, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Coming attractions, What's up with us

New publisher: Behler Publications

We've just learned of Behler Publications, a new publisher accepting manuscript submissions. From their website:

We are currently accepting the submission of completed fiction, science fiction, Westerns, and fantasy. Minimum word count is 60,000. Please, no young adult, horror, short story collections, romance (as in Harlequin), or sexual violence. Every effort will be made to render a decision in a timely manner. You will be informed of our receipt of your submission via e-mail and/or self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE).

See the website for full submission guidelines and other information.

Posted by Cindy on October 05, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Calls for submissions

How to read your writing in public

From the New York Times Magazine:

Notes to a Reader by Amanda Stern

What to wear: Take everything out of your closet. Try it all on. Worry that you look pretentious. Change. Worry that you look sloppy, a touch unhinged. Now you are late. Panic.

Posted by Cindy on October 04, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Diversions

Finding your inner Agatha Christie

Over at Fiction Fix, Sue Raines gives us "The Rules - And Bending Them," a fine list of tips for beginning mystery and crime writers. Here's a sampling:

As a background for murder: The setting can be an exotic location, full of wealthy tourists, or a quiet suburban home, a gambler's den or a disco, an art gallery or a large convention centre. Wherever you decide to locate your scene of the crime, do sufficient research to keep your credibility intact. You may select the location of a large building which currently has another use but in your story becomes your convention centre with a number of important overseas guests. One by one they are being murdered. Your protagonist works this area of the city as part of his investigation, which means you need to know the streets, laneways, parks, landmarks of your area where the story is set, factual or fictitious. Feel comfortable with your surroundings and your story will flow.

Posted by Cindy on October 04, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Writing tips