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NEWS and EVENTS
The year is young, and the time is now. Don't miss this month's last chances to start the year right with CNF:
There's still time to register for CNF's new online courses--and there are only a few spaces left. Work with a small group of writers and receive professional feedback for ten weeks, beginning January 17, 2011.
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 compelling essays.
Registration Deadline: January 17
Only 7 Spaces Left!
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.
Registration Deadline: January 17
Only 1 Space Left!
Plus, the postmark deadline for The Night has been extended to January 31, 2011.
Did we mention that The Night contest is judged by Susan Orlean? And has $7,500 in prizes provided by The Salt Institute? For accepted applicants, contest awards can be used directly toward Salt tuition. (Or, if you want to start now, they're still accepting applicants for their Spring 2011 writing track.)
#40 has made its way to most of you by now, and we're wondering  what you think. Send us your thoughtful letters to the editor at letters@creativenonfiction.org. We may even print them in a future issue.
Or, come and tell us in person:
We'll be in Washington, DC for the 2011 AWP Conference from February 2-5 and will have lots of magazines, books, and merch in tow. And even if you're not registered for the conference, the bookfair is open to the public on Saturday, February 5.
We're also pleased to announce An Evening with Creative Nonfiction, a three-part reading series at the legendary KGB Bar in New York City. The first will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. and will feature animal-themed readings by select contributors to #40:
Jennifer Lunden, "The Butterfly Effect" - Winner of the Robert Fragasso Animal Advocate Award for the Best Creative Nonfiction Essay about Animals Randy Fertel, "A Triumph of Preservation" Kateri Kosek, "Killing Starlings"
And special congratulations to Ayse Papatya Bucak, whose essay, "Eight Questions You Would Ask Me If I Told You My Name," has been nominated for The Essay Prize. Check out Papatya's essay in #39.
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Submission Deadlines
| DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Jan. 31, 2011
THE NIGHT
March 16, 2011
ANGER & REVENGE
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Events
| Feb. 2-5, 2011
AWP, Washington, DC
Feb. 8, 2011, 7 p.m.
An Evening with
Creative Nonfiction
KBG Bar, New York City
April 5, 2011, 7 p.m.
An Evening with
Creative Nonfiction
KBG Bar, New York City
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DISTRACTIONS:
WHAT WE READ WHEN WE SHOULD BE WORKING
LOGIC: Poets & Writers ponders how literary magazines can be sustainable online. Philip Graham takes the popular assertion that nonfiction "borrows" fictional techniques, and argues that it may be the other way around.
ADVICE: In the WSJ, John McPhee explains the lead, warning against its potential for cheap, though short-lived, glory and advising writers to take their material, and readers, seriously. Plus Stephen Elliott tells The Millions about his best reads of 2010.
HUMOR: Larry Clow impersonates The Godfather (of Creative Nonfiction): "I can help you learn how to make facts dance," he says.
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 SUBMISSION CALLS
DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Postmark Deadline: January 10, 2011 January 31, 2011
Judged by Susan Orlean
$7,500 in Prizes
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.
SECTION QUERIESAccepted Year-Round
Have an idea for a literary timeline? An opinion on essential texts for readers and/or writers? An in-depth, working knowledge of a specific type of nonfiction? Pitch us your ideas; Creative Nonfiction is now accepting query letters for several sections of the magazine. Learn more here. |
cnftweets
The CNF Daily Twitter Contest is one more way to get your work into CNF. Check out the ten top winners in #40 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:
DECEMBER 21
Devakali She stalks the grocery aisles, eyes predatory slits. He follows, the king to her lioness, and waits to be told what's for dinner. #cnftweet
DECEMBER 20
gustavojmata Woken from her placid sleep, having heard the cops stir in the night outside, Bebe grabbed her .38, feeling assured in its power. #cnftweet
DECEMBER 14
rgibson103 A cardboard "for sale" sign in a baby stroller, graffiti on palm trees, foreclosures, "for rent" signs everywhere; Florida, as is. #cnftweet
DECEMBER 7
spitballarmy The 12 are stranded in the jury room while the dueling lawyers arm-wrestle. Juror No. 148 suggests a game of Hangman to pass time. #cnftweet
All of the past winners are available on our profile page under the "Favorites" tab.
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NO-RESIDENCY MENTORING PROGRAM
Flexible schedule. One-on-one interaction. Customized courses.
We understand that not everyone wants or needs a degree to become a better writer. We also understand that in economic times such as these, there aren't a lot of people with the funds to invest in a two to three year MFA program, or even a summer conference.
CNF's mentoring programs offer 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).
So this year, save the money you'd be spending on travel, lodging, and tuition and get the personalized attention you want and deserve.
Work with the experts, and make an investment in your writing career now!
For more information, click here or email the mentoring director, Stephen Knezovich at knezovich@creativenonfiction.org.
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