Most people see the restrictions being placed on public gatherings and movement due to the coronavirus as a royal pain in the…well, you know what. However for those of us with the need to express ourselves through the written word, the enforced inactivity has a silver lining.
If you have been frustrated because there is a story or article in your head that has been fighting to get out – well now is the time! There are a plethora of short story and poetry contests going on for those who just want to sharpen their skills or need a “writer’s Block” diversion from a book project. One of the best is from SouthWest Writers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their contest has 11 categories with separate awards for prose and poetry in each category. First place in each category is $50 and 2nd place is $25, and that is not all. The authors of winning entries are given the option of having their work published in an anthology by SouthWest Writers! www.southwestwriters.com
As for books, this is an ideal time to finish your project – especially those who want to self-publish. Finish the fun part – the writing – and get serious about the steps you will need to take to get to publication including:
- Developmental or Content Editing
- Revision
- Critique
- Line Editing
- Adding the last minute pages
- Info page
- Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Dedication
- Author Bio
- Proof reading
- Formatting
- Book Cover Design
- Uploading to your chosen printing house
- Order a Proof copy
- Make corrections
- Re-upload
- Publish!
Remember if you need help with any of this, RMK Publications can help.
Also, for those engaged in either fiction writing or memoir writing there is an excellent book out entitled Revising Fiction by Kirt Hickman. (Even though Memoirs are not fictional, they are written in the same styles as fictional stories rather than non-fictional reference materials.)
Any challenge in life offers options – this one actually encourages you to succeed in something dear to your heart, because now you have the time to do it!
