2011 Summer Conference: August 4-7, 2011

Hyatt Regency - Downtown Bellevue, WA

(full details and registration at www.pnwa.org)

Sign up soon!  The first 200 registrants receive two guaranteed agent appointments and one editor appointment, and we are close to hitting the 200 deadline (all other attendees are guaranteed one agent appointment, with the opportunity to sign up for more at the conference itself on a first-come, first-serve basis). 

Even if you sign up after the first 200, however, you don't want to miss out on the benefits of signing up early:   

-Early bird registration rate: save $100 if you sign up before April 1^st ($395 PNWA members; $495 non-members).

-More space on the agent schedule means there is a much better chance for you to get an appointment with your first choice!

Sign up today at www.pnwa.org.  Registration is quick and easy online, and we also have a mail-in option.  We hope to see you in August!

March Member Meeting

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Speaker: Bill Kenower
Topic: The New Rules of Writing
Meeting: 7pm (board meeting starts at 6pm)

Chinook Middle School
2001 98th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Bill Kenower reveals the rules you need to remember once you've learned all you can about story arcs, character arcs, query letters, and writers' conferences.

Bill is the author of the novel One Year in Jeopardy.  As Editor-in-Chief of Author Magazine, he has interviewed many of the top writers working today and writes a popular daily column on the intersection of creativity and life.

PNWA members, please bring your membership card.

PNWA member Maureen McQuerry has accepted a contract with Abrams/Amulet for her YA novel, The Peculiars, a steampunk tale of romance, adventure and derring-do set in 1888, about a girl's quest to find her missing father and discover the nature of her own peculiarites, to be published in spring 2012.

The Peculiars is followed by a two-book deal with Amulet for the middle grade fantasies Beyond the Door (fall 2012) and Time Out of Time.

http://www.maureenmcquerry.com

PNWA Member AC Christensen recently E-published her two books Motorbikes and Murder, a mystery, and  Patrick the Naughty Pony, a children's chapter book, on both www.amazon.com and www.bn.com/pubit. 

Well-established writers' critique group open to accepting new members:

All genres.  We meet every other Saturday, 1 to 3 pm, at a Starbucks in Kirkland.  Email karen@anotherworkinggirl.com for more information.

Writers' group seeking new members:

We exchange critiques by e-mail each month and are looking for experienced writers who are currently working on literary/mainstream novels or short stories. (No genres, please.) Reply to bhartik@aol.com  with writing background and a summary of your current projects.

CONTESTS/SUBMISSIONS:

Shark Reef Offers New Publishing Opportunity to Writers  

Shark Reef, a long-established online literary magazine, has redefined its scope and is opening its editorial doors to serious writers everywhere. Over the past decade, the publication has focused on giving voice to writers living in Washington State's San Juan Islands. In keeping with its expanded mission, Shark Reef is now inviting submissions from both new and established writers, regardless of where they live. 

The magazine will publish summer and winter issues with March 31 and September 31 submission deadlines. To learn more, go to Shark Reef at sharkreef.org.

Writers@Work Writing Competition 2011
Three Prizes for a memoir essay or personal story: $1000, $350 and $150

All winners will be considered for publication by Quarterly West.
Judge: Teresa Jordan
Entry fee: $20 per submission
Deadline: March 20, 2011
Manuscripts of up to 7,500 words or 20 pages (double-spaced 12 point type) must be submitted electronically through the Writers @ Work web site. 

Visit the web site for complete guidelines.
www.writersatwork.org

Ooligan Press Call for Submissions

Ooligan Press is Portland State University's student-run press.  We publish fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult literature with a Pacific Northwest connection. As a part of the Pacific Northwest writing community, we are extending an invitation to you and your colleagues to submit to our press.

For further information about Ooligan Press and our submission guidelines, please visit our website at www.ooliganpress.pdx.edu.

The 33rd Nimrod Literary Awards
The Katherine Anne Porter Prize for Fiction & The Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry
 
FIRST PLACE: $2,000 and publication
SECOND PLACE: $1,000 and publication
 
Postmark Deadline: April 30, 2011
 
Poetry: 3-10 pages of poetry (one long poem or several short poems).
 
Fiction: 7,500 words maximum.
 
No previously published works or works accepted for publication elsewhere.  Author's name must not appear on the manuscript.  Include a cover sheet containing major title and subtitles, author's name, full address, phone & email. "Contest Entry" should be clearly indicated on both the outer envelope and the cover sheet. Manuscripts should be stapled, if possible; if not, please bind with a heavy clip. Manuscripts will not be returned.  Nimrod retains the right to publish any submission.  Include SASE for results only.  If no SASE is sent, no contest results will be sent; however, the results will be posted on Nimrod's Web site. Submitters must be living in the US by October of 2011 to enter the contest.  Winners will also be brought to Tulsa for the Awards Ceremony in October. All finalists will be considered for publication.
 
Entry/Subscription Fee: $20 includes both entry fee & a one-year subscription (two issues).  Each entry must each be accompanied by a $20 fee.  Make checks payable to Nimrod.
 
Send to:
 
Nimrod Journal
Literary Contest--Fiction or Poetry
The University of Tulsa
800 S. Tucker Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74104   

Navigating Self Publishing

In today's fast moving world of publishing, more and more people are looking to self publish their novels, memoirs and non-fiction books. What does it take to self publish? If you're an author or dreaming about writing a book, here's a great way to find out. 

Come to Navigating Self Publishing a one-day workshop packed with tons of information and tools sponsored by Gorham Printing on Saturday, April 23, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mount. Learn to navigate the various decisions about your book: should it be soft cover or hard cover; what trim size should it be? Find out tips and tricks from professionals about editing, designing and ultimately marketing your book.

Seating is limited! Act now and make your reservation with Gorham Printing by sending a check or call with your credit card information for $125.00 to attend. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch are included.

As an attendee, you will learn how to:
· Explore the business of publishing
· Polish the editorial process
· Market your book in a variety of venues
· Craft your memoir
· Discover the benefits and difficulties of ebooks
· Select the best book style for your audience

Whether you have a shoebox full of poetry or a terrific idea for easing stress in this chaotic economy, make your reservation now to attend Navigating Self Publishing on April 23 and find out if self publishing is right for you.  Check out www.GorhamPrinting.com for further information and registration forms.  Don't be left out, sign up today! Registration closes March 30 or when sold out.

Whidbey Island Writers Conference (April 1-3, 2011)

What: Whidbey Island Writers Conference
When: April 1-3, 2011
Where: Coupeville, Washington
Who: 30 authors and literary agents and editors including Keynote Speaker Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain.
Why: To expose aspiring and experienced writers to published authors or working literary agents with information that may improve their writings or offer the potential for publication.
Cost: Friday, April 1 - Workshops - Early-bird Day Rate: $95*

Registration/Program Information: www.writeonwhidbey.org; 360-331-0307