New Contests and Places to Explore A random assortment of opportunities taken from Facebook announcements at https://www.facebook.com/groups/215582485899899/ and from my e-mail. You’re free to join the group. Check out whatever appeals. If you don’t see anything that’s right for you, please tell us what you’re looking for. Thanks! First though, I’d be remiss if I
Read MoreSummer 2026 ~~ Marketing Advice
Suzanne Roberts Book Promotion Tips Dr. Suzanne Roberts is the author of 52 Writing Prompts: Inspiration for the Creative Writer, coming in October from the University of Nebraska Press. She sent this e-mail to those on her mailing list. It’s a great model for what you might do to promote your book. She is also the
Read MoreSummer 2026 ~~ Hooked on Books
If you’re seeking a review of a book your published in the last 18 months, please send us the title, number of pages, publisher, and your pitch. If you’d like to review a book for us, send the same information but substitute a brief query for your pitch. There’s a contact box on the home
Read MoreSummer 2026 ~~ Writing Advice
Writing Advice for July 2026 Pick a prompt below. Don’t like what you see? Write about whatever is on your mind. Is it about stars or swimming pools or a summer job or a book you read or a date you’ll never forget or a moment you changed forever or something else? What happened? What
Read MoreSummer 2026 ~~ Interviews
“That [idea] came from a classic “What if?” ~~Ann Bancroft A Journalist Tries Fiction and Wins an Award There’s nothing like cancer to alter a person’s outlook on life. But what if you don’t want to talk about your own experiences? Ann Bancroft shows us how to make a real life experience a springboard for
Read More2026 Flash Memoir Prior Contest Winners
The Contest Winners Are Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin The Flash Memoir Contest Winners Are Please join us in congratulating the winners of our Flash Memoir Contest. Discover their impactful stories and insights. Below you’ll find their names, the names of their pieces, and the dates they will appear. You can read why
Read MoreInterviews — Spring 2026
“The book was #1 in Human Sexuality on Amazon for two weeks, yet it didn’t lead to overwhelming sales.” –Sandy Camillo Be Relatable An interview with Sandy Camillo When I read the title of Sandy Camillo’s new book, The Shocking Truth: What Men Really Think About Women, I was immediately intrigued. Her observations are based
Read MoreSpring 2026 Hooked on Books
“Book reviews are not just comments under the work; they are the bridge connecting authors to readers, they are the podium amplifying the voice of your work amidst the clamor of countless titles.” –From ISBN Direct The Vanishing Bookstore Written by Helen Phiffer ISBN#: 978-1836184805 Published by Bookouture (September 11, 2025) Magic Meets History Do
Read MoreSpring 2026 — Writing Advice
A Different Approach to Prompts First, a question: Which monthly prompts are most valuable to you? I’d love to read your answer in the comments section. Don’t want to share with the world? Use the contact box on the home page. Below I’ve listed some phrases written by people in Story Circle Network’s Writing Extravaganza,
Read MoreSpring 2026 — Markets and Contests
Where Should You Submit Your Writing? Some Markets You Might Not Know About River Styx Flash Fiction & Poetry Contest – Respected for pairing new talent with distinguished judges, awarding powerful short-form writing. YoungArts Writing Competition – Celebrates emerging voices in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and spoken word, with winners receiving mentorship and national exposure. Writers and Illustrators
Read MoreSpring 2026 Marketing Advice
Are you proud of your book? Of course you are. If you weren’t why would you publish it? How To Ask for Reviews Are you proud of your book? If you weren’t why would you publish it? If you were traditionally published by one of the Big Four, your publicist may find some reviewers for
Read More2025-26 Prior Contest Winners (Micros)
The Contest Winners Are Big time CONGRATULATIONS! to the winners of our Micro Fiction Contest. Their names, the names of their pieces, and the dates they will appear are below. There’s a lot of variety in these pieces. You can read why each one appealed below the story. 1-02-26 Arielle King’s “Split” 1-06-26 Carol Blatter’s
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