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NEWS and EVENTS
There are lots of "new"s at CNF this month: a new issue, a new contest, two new online mentoring classes, and as you can see, a brand new design for our newsletter!
We're still looking for even more new ideas, and now we need your help:
 Have a proposal for a literary timeline? An opinion on essential texts for readers and/or writers? An in-depth knowledge of a specific type of nonfiction? Pitch us your ideas; Creative Nonfiction is now accepting query letters for several sections of the magazine. Visit our website for full details and submission guidelines.
And as you might guess, the more familiar you are with the (redesigned) magazine, the better you'll know what we're looking for. Issue #38 is a great place to start. Or, subscribe now and begin with #39.
Already devoured the new issue? Want more? Don't miss our exclusive online content: the question Robin Hemley hates, an interview with Jerald Walker, and the editor's note from Lee Gutkind.
Once you've seen it all, we want you to tell us the truth! Send your thoughtful responses to letters@creativenonfiction.org. Or, tell us what you think on our Facebook reviews page.
And thanks to all who participated in last month's blog nominations. Once again, we have been pleasantly overwhelmed--we received nearly 700 nominations and are making our way through them now. Stay tuned for updates on finalists and upcoming nomination periods. |
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Upcoming Events
| Nov. 12-14, 2010
Mid-South Conference
Oxford, MS
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Submission Deadlines
| Nov. 5, 2010
MFA PROGRAM-OFF
Jan. 10, 2011
THE NIGHT |
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DISTRACTIONS:
WHAT WE READ WHEN WE SHOULD BE WORKING.
NEWS: Amazon opens doors for narrative journalists in announcing Kindle Singles, nonfiction e-books that, at 30 to 90 pages each, publish works that don't conform to traditional length requirements. In response to Amazon's broad call for content, the Nieman Journalism Lab comments that a refurbished newspaper series could be just the thing.
THOUGHTS: The Wall Street Journal examines the shrinking incomes of writers, and The Missouri Review takes it a step further, questioning the real role of the publisher in a digital age. Luna Park makes a strong case for the use of literary magazines in secondary classrooms.
REVIEWS: Essay Daily reviews CNF #39 and dives into the meat of our new "literary sandwich." HTML Giant asks readers for their top five online magazines. NARRATIVE interviews Dinty W. Moore about his new book, the growing popularity of the personal essay, and the writer's quest for knowledge.
AND AN INTERESTING PROMPT: SMITH Magazine launches The Moment, inviting participants to submit--in prose, photo, or illustration--the story of the moment that changed their lives for good. |
 SUBMISSION CALLS
There are just two weeks remaining! Get published and win bragging rights for your program. Creative Nonfiction is looking for new work by MFA students for publication in an upcoming issue. The winner and four finalists will be invited to read during the 2011 AWP Conference in Washington, DC (February 2-5, 2011).
THE NIGHT Postmark Deadline January 10, 2011
Judged by Susan Orlean
For an upcoming issue, Creative Nonfiction and The Salt Institute are seeking essays about "The Night": It was a dark and stormy night; Strangers in the Night; the night sky: Friday Night Lights; things that go bump in the night; Take Back the Night: night owls, The Night Before Christmas; The Night Watch; The Night Kitchen; The Armies of the Night; The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down; prom night; date night; Good Night, Nurse!
Essays must be vivid and dramatic; they should combine a strong and compelling narrative with a significant element of research or information, and reach for some universal or deeper meaning in a personal experiences. We're looking for well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice.
Essays will be judged by Susan Orlean, and Best Essay will be awarded $5,000 plus publication in the Summer 2011 issue of Creative Nonfiction. One runner-up will receive $2,500 plus publication online. For accepted applicants, contest awards can also be used directly toward Salt tuition.
GENERAL Accepted Year-Round
We are always on the lookout for true stories, well-told, about any subject. For complete guidelines and to view other upcoming CNF issues and contests please visit us online.
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cnftweets
FYI--the CNF Daily Twitter Contest is one more way to get your work into CNF. Check out our favorite 12 tweets in #39, and participate daily for the chance to be published in an upcoming issue.
Still not sure what we're looking for? Here are a few recent winners, to serve as examples and inspiration:
OCTOBER 15
karriehiggins Stealing my mother's patent-leather heels, I discovered she kept secrets, too: a stash of Motown records concealed by a shoe rack. #cnftweet
OCTOBER 7
gruntleme Seized by wanderlust, I put a hand to the earth--watch the stars' slow drift. Though I am still, Home will not cease from roving. #cnftweet
OCTOBER 1
inthemilk For a year, the house sits still, except for a shifting back-door rug. Then, one day, new curtains. A week later, an open window. #cnftweet
SEPTEMBER 24
spitballarmy The moon, plugged-in, illuminates the clouds in the dome overhead. I feel it within reach: my own white and gray Truman Show. #cnftweet
All of the past winners are available on our profile page under the "Favorites" tab.
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CNF MENTORING PROGRAMS
CNF's mentoring programs have always offered writers of all levels one-on-one access to accomplished mentors (who, by the way, aren't just great writers, but experienced teachers and editors, too).
Now CNF is excited to offer two brand new, online classes that allow writers to enjoy collaboration with colleagues and receive professional feedback, starting in the new year.
Basics in a Nutshell will introduce writers to the basics of creative nonfiction, exploring both the techniques used to gather information and the literary skills needed to turn bare facts into personal and compelling essays.
Writing the Personal Essay takes a close look at the writing and research skills needed to write a memoir or personal essay. We'll discuss how to best use essential literary elements such as detail, dialogue, structure, and description, as well as how to collect information through interviews, research, and other methods.
Visit our website for weekly course breakdowns. More details on dates and enrollment to come!
For more information on CNF's other mentoring programs, click here or email Stephen Knezovich at knezovich@creativenonfiction.org.
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