The most popular articles about writing in 2011

writers digest is a wealth of information. It is a good idea to begin by consulting the experts. And just now they have a download that will give you 101 best websites for writers.
Are you a writer.


If you are waiting for inspiration you're not a writer you're a waiter!

posts with attitude.

The Wits blog will now have links within its posts. so look out for more reading, more searching and more learning.
check out this post from Writing Spirit on how to maximize your potential.
have a read of this article Cross Marketing about marketing. Whether it be your work, your book or yourself as an author.

if you want to have an edifying read go here to the London Review of Books

  listening is just the beginning of what you can find. 

it's not snobbery or frippery just good writing, good essays and a great read.

advice to writers

You can get what you need to write (as opposed to what you need to make a big nuisance of yourself at cocktail parties) by shutting yourself in a room by yourself for twenty minutes a day and reading aloud from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web,

 and going on from that to other works of skill, until you begin to see, by hearing, how much the choice and arrangement of the words contribute to the impact of the story, even when no sound is uttered in its reading. And you will begin to see, very quickly—guaranteed.

GEORGE V. HIGGINS

thanks to Advice to writers

take a look at the Publishing talk daily for all things to do with the art of writing.

Poetry for Poets by M Fitzgerald-Clarke

this is an opportunity to get to know how poetry works, why it works and how to do it yourself. Michael F-Clarke has a black belt in poetry and this is a must for those wishing to rub shoulders with the master.... wax on ...wax off...
(apologies to the Kung fu kid)


This workshop will be in two, complementary, parts. Before lunch, we will discuss
several poems, with a view to learning some poetical techniques. After lunch,
everyone will be helped to write, then edit, their own poem, so that by the workshop’s
end, all present will have a finished poem.

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Venue: Meeting room, Aitkenvale library

Cost: Free, bring a plate to share for lunch

RSVP to Michael Fitzgerald-Clarke on 0400330914
Bookings essential, enquiries welcome

Short Story competition

Since Dr. Hurley laid the first foundation for his Snake-Oil Cure in March 2011, our little journal has come a long way, featuring poetry and art, tonics and photography, music, memoir and fiction. Although our editors are fans of many kinds of artistic endeavour, the good Doctor loves a rip-roaring yarn that includes passion, adventure, character study, and a minor note of melancholy.

To that end, he has requested that we announce Dr. Hurley’s Snake-Oil Cure‘s First Ever Short Story Contest, the winners of which will be announced to coincide with our first anniversary in March 2012.

You may have some questions, such as:

What can I submit?
Short fiction only, please. No flash fiction.

Is there a word limit?
Not strictly, but we prefer pieces that are at least 1000 words, and not more than, oh, 7000. Great stuff that is a little shorter or longer will still be considered.

Is there a genre the Doctor really doesn’t like?
He’s never been partial to westerns or bodice-rippers, but other than that, you can submit anything in any genre. If it is good writing, it will be considered.

Can I submit previously published work?
No, unless it is a piece you have previously published with Snake-Oil Cure. If you are already a contributor, and wish to nominate a previously published piece, please email us to let us know, at snakeoilcure[at]gmail[dot]com.

What is the deadline?All contest submissions must be received at the above-mentioned email address by February 29th, 2012. Please indicate in your subject line that you are submitting for the contest.

What do I win?You, dear winner, will be the inaugural short story in Dr. Hurley’s Snake-Oil Cure‘s First Print Edition. Also, you win the hearts and minds of our editors.

So get writing and submitting your best short stories now! Our first print edition will be published next year (before the Mayan calendar ends, do not worry), and we want great fiction!

The Editorshttp://snakeoilcure.com/

publishing opportunity

Morris Publishing Australia is a new publishing house. And they are looking for novels for their 2012 list via a competition. They also want books for their new ebook publishing venture. Do you have a manuscript that is ready to go. Then follow this link for the opportunity to get published.

Legend Press Advent Calendar snippets

this is the link to legend press who are giving away a story a day as an advent calendar. It's a grand idea and you can download and enjoy some snippets. dip in, dive in, or just wallow what ever takes your fancy.

Josephine Ulrick short story competition

Josephine Ulrick short story competition this is the link

This competition is the Uber one to enter. With a huge audience and a grand prize of $20 big ones we all should have an entry in this one.
$20k for 3000 words. Thats a cool $6.66 a word. Not bad. But it's not all about the money...is it.

The Josephine Ulrick Literature Prize 2012

For a 1000 - 3000 word short story

• First Prize: $20,000

Closing date 31 January 2012