Newsletter

Get to know “Ozzie” – or help us get to know him – in our new serial novel.

True to life will take on new meaning when WSW debuts another installment of our popular serial novels.

This time, we’re launching a serial autobiography in which ten writers will tell the (not)-true life story of a (not)-real person.

Only the imagination will limit the adventures of our newest hero. As an exclusive benefit for WSW members, writers will have the opportunity to participate in a writing project and have their work publicized. See sign-up details below.

So, who is our new hero?

We asked acclaimed author and historian Randell Jones to create our character since he’s an expert in profiling memorable men. Jones is the author of the award-winning In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone, and the highly praised In the Footsteps of Davy Crockett, and Before They Were Heroes on Kings Mountain.

In his free-wheeling first chapter, Randell introduces us to Ozzie – not his real name! – his family, and some philosophy to get us going. Check out chapter one at the WSW website.

“I write history, but it still takes a little creativity…to bring the facts together in a way that pulls the reader through the story,” Randell says. “Autobiography is history, for sure, but the challenge here is to create a fictional life.”

Jones is releasing two nonfiction books in 2012. He also travels and lectures frequently as a member of the Road Scholars Speakers’ Bureau of the North Carolina Humanities Council.

A serial novel is the collective effort of many writers who write the book in installments. The books is also released one chapter at a time on the WSW website.

Our new autobiography starts with a chapter establishing the main character of Ozzie and some elements of a plot. This is passed on to the next writer who will further develop Ozzie’s life story, as told in first person. The author can recount any part of his life and times, except (of course) his death. The process continues until the novel has been distributed to all the authors who’ve signed up. Writers have two weeks to complete their chapter, though one week is preferred.

Writers have 1,000 words for each installment. The entire novel will be finished by June.

So sign up!

If you’d like to write a chapter, contact series coordinator Jennifer Stevenson by Wednesday, Feb. 22. Preference will be given to authors who haven’t written for WSW serials before. You are encouraged to sign up if you have participated before, but you might be placed on a waiting list. Please include your name, e-mail address, and phone number. Also include if you won’t be available for a two-week block during the next three months. E-mail Jennifer (jstevenson@wswriters.org) with any questions or if you want more information.

Just two weeks remain in our essay contests.

Both WSW and Preserve Historic Forsyth are holding essay contests now, and the deadline for both is quickly approaching.

The topic for both is “Illuminating Preservation.” Entries to PHF’s contest are limited to 100 words, while ours has a 750 word limit. The deadline for both is February 24, 2012.

The winners of our essay contest will be published in our upcoming anthology of award-winning poetry and prose. The complete rules and entry formats for our contest can be found on our website here. Go here for PHF’s entry rules.

Piedmont Plus Senior Games include a SilverArts literary category.

Our local entryway into the North Carolina State Games includes a literary category for those age 55 and above. Entry categories include poetry, short story, essay, and life experience. Entries must be received by March 15, and be accompanied by an official entry form, available at Winston-Salem recreation centers. See complete entry guidelines at the North Carolina Senior Games website.

Wake Forest presents Words Awake! A Celebration of Wake Forest Writers and Writing.

From Friday March 23rd through Sunday March 25th, Wake Forest will engage the community through workshops, readings, seminars, a banquet and – a pastry slam! Look for the WSW table as we lend our support to this celebration. For more information on the wide variety of events planned, visit the Words Awake! website.

MEMBER NEWS

Lots of good news from Claudette Cohen. Her short story, The Mayor of Biscoe, won first place in fiction at the Southern Writers Symposium. It also made the finalist list for the North Carolina Humanities Council’s Linda Flowers Award, and has since been made into a screenplay. In addition, her poem Telling the Loved Ones earned Honorable Mention at the Southern Writers Symposium. Her short story, Raven’s Wing, was shortlisted for ZenFri Inc.’s upcoming anthology, Warpaint, and the poem, Venus, has been selected for an upcoming anthology titled Testing the Waters. Finally, her short story, To Step Into The Flood, recently appeared in Cream City Review.

Ever wonder how you can work better with bookstores? Find out how on Tuesday night!

This evening we get the opportunity to hear from Thais Black, an owner/manager at Barnill’s Books*Wine*Arts*Gifts. Barnhill’s opened almost two years ago as Winston-Salem’s only independent bookstore. It’s comprised of seven individual owners (Thais and her husband, Randy, are two of those owners).

Thais initially got involved on the wine side with the publisher doing most of the “book” work. As the store progressed, Thais gradually took over running all departments in Barnhill’s to help solidify the cohesiveness of the business.

In the beginning, Barnhill’s started contacting local publishers and authors to get inventory, however as time has passed, they are contacted almost weekly by authors wanting Barnhill’s to carry their books. Barnhill’s accepts all genres, except pornographic. So basically any local author that has a published book can put their book in Barnhill’s and arrange a book signing event.

Thais will share some of the “behind the scenes” details of bookstores that are sure to be enlightening. Note that this event is on Tuesday evening rather than Wednesday, and will be at the Reynolda Manor Library, not the Central Branch downtown. See details under Upcoming Events, on the right of this page.

Don’t forget, our 2012 anthology contest is now open!

We’re eager to again showcase the creativity of the talented writers in the Winston-Salem area — so we’re creating an anthology of our best 2012 work. How can you have your talent showcased in this book? By winning one of the prizes in our Anthology Contest!

You’ll have twelve chances to win, because we’ll recognize 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in four writing categories:

• Poetry (submit up to 3 poems, 10 pages maximum)
• Flash Fiction (fiction up to 750 words)
• Short Story (fiction up to 2500 words)
• Memoir/Essay/Creative Nonfiction (up to 2500 words)

The Anthology Contest will close on March 15th, and the winners will be announced in June. For complete entry rules and fees, visit this page on our website.

Speaking of contests, only a couple of weeks remain in our essay contests.

Preserve Historic Forsyth encourages entries about how our community can be improved economically, socially, physically and politically through historic preservation. Entries to that contest will be limited to 100 words or less, and will be judged on content.

We’re holding a simultaneous contest for essays on the same subject, “Illuminating Preservation.” Entries to our contest, which may, but need not be, expansions of ideas submitted to the Preserve Historic Forsyth contest, will be limited to 750 words or less, and will be judged on literary merit.

The deadline for both is February 24, 2012. The winners of the essay contest will be published in our upcoming anthology of award-winning poetry and prose. The complete rules and entry formats for our contest can be found on our website here. Go here for PHF’s entry rules.

MEMBER NEWS

Susan Surman will be reading from and signing her newest novel, Dancing at all the Weddings, on Sat. Feb 11 from 2-4 p.m. at Barnhill’s.

It’s time for what’s become one of our most anticipated events – the 2012 anthology contest!

Last year when we initiated our first anthology contest, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. Here’s what happened: We created both a successful opportunity for our members to be published and a printed anthology of which we are immensely proud.

Now, it’s time for the second edition. And there’s no doubt that this year’s contest and book will create even more excitement and participation than in 2011!

We’re eager to showcase the creativity of the talented writers in the Winston-Salem area — so we’re creating an anthology of our best 2012 work. How can you have your talent showcased in this book? By winning one of the prizes in our Anthology Contest!

The anthology will be sold at the 2012 Bookmarks Festival as well as online and at area bookstores. Winners will receive a free copy, and the opportunity to purchase additional copies at a reduced rate.

You’ll have twelve chances to win, because we’ll recognize 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in four writing categories:

• Poetry (submit up to 3 poems, 10 pages maximum)
• Flash Fiction (fiction up to 750 words)
• Short Story (fiction up to 2500 words)
• Memoir/Essay/Creative Nonfiction (up to 2500 words)

Each entry must be original work and previously unpublished. Simultaneous submissions will be accepted, but authors must notify Winston-Salem Writers immediately and withdraw from the contest if their work is accepted elsewhere.

The Anthology Contest will close on March 15th, and the winners will be announced in June. For complete entry rules and fees, visit this page on our website.

Next Tuesday, learn more about our business from the bookseller’s point of view.

Thais Black, Owner/Manager of Barnhill’s Books*Wine*Art*Gifts, has developed experience working in all phases of bookstore management. And Barnhill’s is unique, with a refreshing commitment to local writers.
On Tuesday night, Thais will share some of the “behind the scenes” details of bookstores that are sure to be enlightening. Note that this event is on Tuesday evening rather than Wednesday, and will be at the Reynolda Manor Library, not the Central Branch downtown. See details on the right in Upcoming Events.

Looking for another opportunity to improve your 10-minute play skills?

The Lee Street Theatre (Salisbury, NC) is preparing its third annual 10-minute Play Festival. This year’s theme: “Six Feet Under.” Scripts are being solicited from residents of North and South Carolina. Submission Deadline is March 31, 2012.
Guidelines:
1. The play must be a comedy and incorporate the overall theme of “Six Feet Under.”

2. Play must be easy to stage on a small black box stage with limited sets and props.

3. Limited to no more than three characters.

4. Two stapled copies of each script, in proper format, must arrive on or before the deadline to Lee Street Theatre, Attn: Bill Greene, 201 Coventry Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147. No email entries.

5. Limit your entry to 3 scripts, please.

6. The script(s) must not have been previously staged by anyone in any way.

7. Enclose one cover sheet per playwright with contact information (include e-mail address) and the title(s) of the submitted script(s), along with a one-sentence synopsis. To ensure unbiased judging, the playwright’s name must not appear anywhere on the script(s), which will not be returned.

Only the winning playwrights will be notified (by email) on April 20, after which time open auditions will be held. Directed by Justin Dionne, Piedmont Players Marketing Director and Catawba College Theater graduate. Six Feet Under will be performed June 6-9, 2012. If you have questions, contact billgreene@fibrant.com.

The Randall Jarrell Poetry Competiton, sponsored by North Carolina Writers Network, is now open.

The North Carolina Writers’ Network is now accepting submissions for the 2012 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition. This contest honors the late poet Randall Jarrell.

The competition accepts one-poem submissions. The contest awards the winner $200, publication in Crucible literary journal, and an invitation to read his or her poetry at UNC-Greensboro’s Founders Day activities. See complete eligibility rules and guidelines at the NCWN website.

MEMBER NEWS

Susan Surman will be reading from and signing her newest novel, Dancing at all the Weddings, on Sat. Feb 11 from 2-4 p.m. at Barnhill’s.

Lots of time and effort went into the creation of our 2011 Yearbook – much like the year itself!

Winston-Salem Writers has enjoyed another busy and productive year. Contests, workshops, critique groups, parties, publishing, and more.

As he did last year, our president, Geoff Penney, has captured the highlights for several reasons. First, to reflect what a thriving and active organization we are. Second, to show those who haven’t yet joined WSW that we have a lot to offer. And third, to document what we — and our members! — have accomplished as the club moves forward.

So Geoff created our 2011 Yearbook, and you’ll want to read it (it’s a few seconds to download). We hope you enjoy it and join with us to make 2012 even more memorable.

Download the 2011 Yearbook here.

The deadline for our second annual 10-minute play contest is just five days away!

Maybe you’re the type of writer who works best under deadline pressure. You’ve had an idea for a 10-minute play, but you had other priorities. Or maybe you’ve had a draft of your play written for some time, but you wanted to polish it just a little more so it’s at its very best for the judges.

Either way, your time is about up. The deadline for entries is next Tuesday, January 31. Be sure you’ve followed all the submission requirements properly by checking the complete contest rules on our website here.

To submit your entry, you can either mail your manuscript along with a check ($10 for members, $20 for non-members) or you can e-mail your document to contests@wswriters.org and use the PayPal link on the website to pay your fee. See the link above for details.

Would anyone be willing to mentor a high school student who’s writing a book for a senior project?

A senior at North Davidson High School in Lexington writes, “I am sending an e-mail to ask if anyone is able to be a mentor in a project I am doing. I am creating a book for girls that play sports and I am targeting the age group between 5-11. My project is for graduation and for the girls out there as well. I would greatly appreciate anything that would help.” If anyone is interested, please e-mail us at info@wswriters.org.

MEMBER NEWS

Bonnie J. Doerr’s eco-adventure novel, Island Sting, received the 2011 EPIC eBook award for Outstanding Children’s Book. Her eco-mystery novel, StakeOut, is shortlisted for the young adult 2012 Green Earth Book award.

Ray Morrison will be speaking at the Central Library on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. about his experiences as a veterinarian and a writer. Click here for a write-up about Ray from the Library’s website.

We’ve made small changes to our website to make it easier to use. Coming later – a fresh new look!

One thing never changes about the Internet, and it’s this: Everything must change. Even the best design begins to lose its impact over time. While we’ve always thought our site is friendly and attractive, we’ve had time to see how you use it, and we’ve concluded that we can improve your experience. So we’ve made some small changes now, with more significant ones coming later in the spring. They include:

• We’ve discontinued the members-only side of the site. Some people experienced issues with registration, and the separation seemed to hinder usage instead of enhancing it.
• Members no longer need to sign in to access all content.
• The photo gallery is now under the “About” tab.
• The WSW library is now, logically, under the “Books” tab.

We also chose to remove the member directory. We didn’t want members receiving spam e-mail if member information wasn’t protected by a sign-in process.

We’ve begun the process of creating a brand new design, one that will help you have faster access to all of our programs and opportunities. Look for more details as the process moves forward.

The deadline for our second annual 10-minute play contest is less than two weeks away.

We’ve already received some submissions, ensuring that this popular contest will be even bigger this year.

See complete contest rules on our website here. The competition deadline is January 31st, so it’s time to channel your inner Shakespeare and send us your entry!

While we’re talking contests and deadlines, don’t forget that the deadline for our Essay Contest is Feb. 24. You can find the complete details here.

Salem College announces its annual International Literary Awards.

This is the tenth year for the contest that offers prizes for the best submissions of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

There are over $4,000 in prizes. The winner in each genre will receive $1,200. The two honorable mentions in each genre will receive $150.

All submissions must be unpublished, and must be postmarked by Friday, February 3rd, 2012. Winners will be announced by May 15th, 2012. For complete entry details, visit www.salem.edu/go/cww; or email cww@salem.edu.

MEMBER NEWS

Nathan Ross Freeman‘s play Hannah Elias will have a featured opening night stage reading at the renown LaMaMa Theater’s Shadow Festival in New York City on Thur., Feb. 2. Nathan said, “It will be so good to get back to the Big Apple for 3 glorious days doing theatre.”

Stacy Jones, digital marketing and business consultant from Mudfoot Marketing will hold a workshop on blogging for business and personal use. The course will include how to set up a blog, content tips, SEO, and social media sharing. The workshop is appropriate for both business bloggers and personal use. The program is Saturday, January 28th at the Kernersville Public Library. Visit the library website for complete details.

Tomorrow night, Joshua Hennen brings the evolving world of online magazines into focus.

Hennen’s Observer is a website and a literary magazine offering writers a variety of ways to get their work seen and published. Its founder and executive editor, Joshua Hennen, will be our first speaker of the year at our monthly meeting.

Here’s how Joshua describes his enterprise:

“We are Hennen’s Observer, a literary magazine, website, and production company that supports artists taking their first steps in the world of publishing and professionalism. We offer writers the opportunity to display their work on an international level and to compensate the best talent for their creative contributions. We constantly seek new venues to promote artists and their work as well as to foster a sense of collegiality amongst them.”

This is a growing opportunity for writers, and we’re fortunate to have Joshua available to help us learn about this market segment that’s new to many of us. This enlightening program is tomorrow night – see you there!

The North Carolina Writers Network announces its 2012 Doris Betts Fiction Prize.

The Doris Betts Fiction Prize awards the first-prize winner $250 and publication in the North Carolina Literary Review. Finalists will also be considered for publication in NCLR. Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 15. Click here for complete eligibility and entry guidelines.

Announcing the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. $15,000 prize!

Amazon and Penguin Group (USA) have announced the fifth annual Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest, an international contest seeking fresh new voices in fiction. The Contest awards two grand prizes: one for General Fiction and one for Young Adult Fiction. Each winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin Group (USA), including a $15,000 advance. The competition is open to unpublished and self-published novels.

The Contest submission period ends on February 5, 2012, or when the first 5,000 entries have been received in a category, whichever comes first. Get complete details here.

MEMBER NEWS

Will Wright released his comic western Trouble in Taos under the pen name Headley Hauser on Amazon a couple weeks ago. You can find it here. Or you can go to Will’s website, http://gofigurereads.com/

Deep South Magazine did a “year in review” of its Top 10 Favorite stories of 2011, including all their travel blog articles, poetry, fiction, etc. We’re excited that Susannah Cecil‘s story “Virgin Snow” made the list. Read the article here.

We’re kicking off 2012 with a feature-packed January!

Jan. 4: Monthly Meeting
If you’re not familiar with Hennen’s Observer, you should be. It’s a website featuring lots of interesting content for writers. At our first monthly meeting of the year, Joshua Hennen will be on hand to discuss his online magazine and how this medium provides a fresh outlet for your writing.

Jan. 13: Writers Night Out
Come share in a lively discussion (and some good food) with your fellow writers. There’s no telling where the conversation might lead – but then, that’s part of the fun.

Jan. 14: Fiction Slush Fest
Here’s an opportunity for fiction writers to have an experienced writing teacher evaluate the start of your manuscript. Debra Horton will give lots of praise when it’s due, as well as relevant suggestions for improvement.

Jan. 17: Open Mic Night
Get practice in reading your work to an audience, and glean insights about your work by seeing its reaction. Whether you read or just come out to hear your fellow authors, it’s a lot of fun!

Jan. 27: Writers Night Out
Now expanded to twice a month due to popular demand!

Jan. 31: Entry Deadline for 10-Minute Play Contest
You have a month left to complete your entry into our second annual competition. We anticipate more entries this year – but that just makes winning even more satisfying.

You have only a few days left to join WSW and attend Write with Pat for a discounted price.

Heralded creative writing instructor Pat Schneider will be with us in May for the seventh consecutive year. Members of Winston-Salem Writers receive a $100 discount on the conference fee, but you must be a member by Dec. 31 to qualify. Don’t let this opportunity to hear one of America’s most acclaimed writing instructors – and the chance to save $100! – pass you by.

You can register and pay your deposit online here, or send a check or money order (made out to Winston-Salem Writers) to:
Sam Barbee, Treasurer
4153 Greensmead Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106

We’re excited to announce that Pat Schneider, one of America’s premier writing coaches, is coming back to Winston-Salem!

Write with Pat 2012
May 14-18

“Honesty is creative oxygen. Generosity is creative fire. Pat Schneider is a fuse lighter. Her work is gentle, playful, brilliant, and revolutionary.”
— Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way

For the seventh consecutive year, Pat Schneider, one of America’s most inspirational teachers of creative writing, will come to North Carolina to lead a five-day workshop featuring group sessions and individual consultation. The May 14-18 program will be Pat’s only full-length workshop or retreat in the Eastern United States in 2012.

Writers at all levels of experience, from beginner to published author, benefit from  Pat’s advice. Founder and director emeritus of Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA), she is the author of 10 books of poetry and prose, including the best-selling  Writing Alone and with Others (Oxford University Press). Tell Me Something I Can’t Forget, a documentary film about her work, was televised nationally by PBS.

Pat will be assisted in the workshop by Al Perry, founder of Winston-Salem Writers, and Lane Goddard, author, editor and writing coach. Both are credentialed facilitators of AWA programs.

The workshop will be held for the first time in the newly restored Babcock House (pictured above), owned by and close to Salemtowne. WSW contributed to its restoration.

Here are the important details:

• Workshop enrollment will be limited to 12 participants.
• Tuition is $895 (discounted to $795 for those who are members of Winston-Salem Writers as of December 31, 2011). Be sure to get your membership in now to enjoy this benefit!
• The tuition includes all workshop materials, an individual consultation with Pat, and a daily luncheon.
• Lodging is not included. A list of lodging options will be provided.
• You may register for the workshop by mailing a deposit of $100. A waiting list will be started when the 12-person enrollment limit is reached.
• NOTE: Tuition  payments, including deposits, are refundable only if the workshop is cancelled for any reason — or if you cannot attend and someone on the waiting list takes your place.
• You can make your $100 deposit either by mail to the Treasurer, or by PayPal (see the bottom of this web page.)
• All tuition balances must be paid in full by April 20, 2012.

Checks or money orders (made out to Winston-Salem Writers) should be mailed to:
Sam Barbee, Treasurer
4153 Greensmead Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Want to know more? Email workshops@wswriters.org.

Writers Night Out adds second night – are you ready for the experience?

Writers’ Night Out is a potluck dinner and discussion group for Winston-Salem Writers members. It’s proved so successful that we’re starting a second group!

One WNO will be held in Winston-Salem on the second Friday of each month; another will be held in Lewisville on the fourth Friday. Each meeting will be limited to 12 participants, so you’ll want to get your reservation in early each month for good food and good talk. Want to know more? Contact Carol Roan at croan1@triad.rr.com.

Don’t forget – Open Mic Night is Tonight!

We’ll be in the same location, but it has a new name now – Encore Restaurant. See our website for complete details.

Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year – and our holiday party is tomorrow night!

We haven’t had snow yet.

And it’s too soon for radar to track any unidentified objects flying in from the North Pole.

But we’ve passed Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Free Gift Wrap Tuesday, Buy One Get One Wednesday, and Double Coupons Thursday. So it’s definitely the holiday season, and for WSW, that means it’s time for a party!

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Community Arts Cafe for our annual celebration. It’s a low-key event, designed for catching up with old friends and making new ones. It starts at 7 p.m., and there’ll be free food and coffee, with wine available for purchase.

See you there!

Are you in a book club? Then this Bookmarks event is for you.

For everyone in a book club and anyone looking to join, this is the event for you! This event will include new ideas for your book club, give you good suggestions of books to read, and talk about the many ways your book club can benefit from being involved with BOOKMARKS.

Did you know that your book club has the opportunity to meet with authors privately before their event? Did you know that your book club can even sponsor an author for the 2012 Festival of Books? Come hear about strategies for starting a new book club. You’ll also meet local authors who are willing to visit your group, as well as local publishing representatives who have great insights into who the next big book club author will be! Enter to win books and tickets to upcoming special events while you’re there. Thursday, December 8th, 4 – 5.30 pm at the Central Library, 660 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem. FREE.

MEMBER NEWS

Craig Greenlee will join host Denise Franklin for an in-depth conversation regarding his book “November Ever After” on Voices & Viewpoints. The interview will air on NPR affiliate 88.5 WFDD on Friday, December 9 at 1 and 6 p.m.

Rosalyn Marhatta has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for her poem “Ocean Flight” published in April 2011 in Vox Poetica. Read it here. She also has another poem, “A Rose is Not a Rose,” coming out in Vox Poetica later this month.

Michael Wilson had a signing of his book, “Death of a Politician”, at Barnes & Noble on November 26th.

Poets – Get your favorite poem ready and bring it our Poetry Slush Fest this Saturday afternoon!

Slushfests, when people bring samples of their work to be spontaneously evaluated by a published writer, are among our most popular programs. And poets, this month it’s your turn. This year we’re pleased that Helen Losse has agreed to review your work.

Helen is a poet, freelance writer, and Poetry Editor of The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. Her poems have appeared in dozens of literary publications, and have also been included in a number of anthologies in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. She has two full length poetry collections, Better With Friends, published by Rank Stranger Press in 2009 and Seriously Dangerous, published by Main Street Rag in 2011. She also writes an excellent blog, Windows Toward the World.

As you can see, Helen is eminently qualified as an evaluator. All you have to do is bring ten copies of one page of a poem, double-spaced with 12-point copy. Members of Winston-Salem Writers will have priority. See time and date in the right column under UPCOMING EVENTS.

Next Tuesday night is the WSW annual holiday party. And, as always, lots of great food and interesting people!

Come down to the Community Arts Cafe in downtown Winston-Salem next Tuesday night to spend a celebratory evening with the best people in town – your fellow writers!

We’ll gather in the Community Arts Cafe on W. Fourth St. at 7 p.m. for what’s become one of our most anticipated and popular gatherings. Coffee and refreshments are free, wine will be available for purchase. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, you know…

Announcing the Salem College International Literary Awards

Each year, Salem College hosts the International Literary Award, a writing contest in the genres Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Nonfiction. This year there are more than $4,000 in prizes. Here are the specifics:

Reynolds Price Short Fiction Award for a single short story up to 5000 words.

Rita Dove Poetry Award for a poem up to 100 lines (up to two poems per submission, any style)

Penelope Niven Creative Nonfiction Award for a single piece of creative nonfiction, including personal essay and memoir, up to 5000 words

The winner in each genre will receive $1,200. The two honorable mentions in each genre will receive $150. To learn the complete rules and guidelines, visit the awards website.

MEMBER NEWS

WSW founder Al Perry will lead a free introductory session at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 6 for an early-January  workshop on family and life stories. The intro will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem. For details, contact Al by  email – al@wswriters.org.

This Saturday, come learn the healing benefits of journaling and expressive writing at a workshop led by former WSW president Jennifer L. Stevenson. The Forsyth County Public Library is sponsoring the free workshop  at the Kernersville Branch. Jennifer will discuss the many journal forms and how to start one. No writing experience is necessary, but participants should bring paper and pen/pencil for writing exercises. To learn more, call (336) 703-2930 or see the library website.

Susannah Cecil’s short story Virgin Snow has been published in the Southern Voice section of the Fall/ Winter issue of Deep South Magazine. Read it here: Virgin Snow.