WIN SOME CASH!!!

Join us for the 41st Southeastern Writers Workshop, June 17-21, and you can submit any or all of our contests ~ for FREE!

Register for one day or all four ~ there's no minimum requirement!  And there a so many contests to choose from!  Do you have a novel, a short story?  Maybe humor, inspirational or personal narratives?  No matter!  There's a contest for you!  And best of all...

Every contests awards CASH PRIZES!!

2016 CONTESTS:

• The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Novel
• The G.T. Youngblood Award for Short Fiction
• The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction
• The Julie L. Cannon Award
• The Bill Westhead Memorial Award
• The Angel Award for Holiday Seasonal Writing
• The Thomas Max "You Are Published" Contest
• The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing
• The Humor Award

The submission DEADLINE IS May 15, 2016.  

Read the full guidelines on our website.

41st Southeastern Writers Workshop 

June 17-21, 2016 

Epworth by the Sea 

St. Simons Island, Georgia

41st Southeastern Writers Workshop: Contests with Cash Prizes!!!

41st Southeastern Writers Workshop ~ June 17-21 

All attendees of the 41st Southeastern Writers Workshop are eligible to enter our many contests.  And you can write just about anything you want: novels, short fiction, essays, funny stories, true stories, stories with a Southern flair, stories set in other worlds!  And best of all....

There is MONEY to be WON !!!

Contests include:

• The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Novel 
• The GT Youngblood Short Fiction Award
• The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction 
• The Julie L. Cannon Award
• The Bill Westhead Memorial Award
• The Angel Award for Holiday Seasonal Writing
• The ThomasMax “You are Published” Contest
• The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing
• The Humor Award 

Click here for complete descriptions and guidelines.  Deadline is May 15.

Contests are open to attendees ONLY.  Click here to learn more and to register.

So You Want to Enter a Writing Contest…(and you want to win?)

First, I’d like to say how extremely appreciative and honored I am to have won first place for my novel submission at the SWA Southeastern Writers Workshop in June of this year. Honored and terribly surprised. Blown away might be more accurate. In my jubilance, I’m sure I was the loudest recipient in the history of the conference. 

I had to force myself to enter the contest. You know how that is, right? Dipping your toe in the water and actually accepting the challenge of sinking or swimming, whether for a short story or a longer manuscript, is just plain scary. Scary and risky. Scary because you have to put yourself out there, and risky because somewhere way in the back of your creative writer’s mind is that little voice that says, “why bother and don’t do it. Somebody might not like what I write.” 

People, we have to go for it anyway. You have to close your eyes, hold your nose, and jump in with both feet. When you do, try these suggestions to make swimming in that deep pond a little easier and possibly successful. You just might end up floating on top of that water. 

1. READ AND FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES.  Down to the very last detail. These are the rules and regulations, word count, correct font and formatting, number of pages, everything the contest wants you to do including how to send your work and where and to whom to send it. Make sure you know your deadlines. Contests organizers do not waiver on deadlines.

2. READ THE GUIDELINES AGAIN. I write them down on a tablet in my own words, and make them handy during my process. I read somewhere that half of the submissions for contests are rejected right off the bat merely because people do not follow directions for the specific requirements and guidelines. That’s not a good reason for a rejection.

3. SUBMIT A FLAWLESS ENTRY. If there are no specifics or requirements for formatting your work, I would suggest checking out the Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript by Chuck Sambuchino and the Editors of Writer’s Digest Books. The book’s standards make it easy to submit a flawless entry.

4. DON’T RUSH. Take your time with a new piece, or re-vamp an older work and make it better; make it the best. Allow yourself plenty of time for editing and re-writes. Then read it aloud and edit it again. The more the merrier. Me, I’m a compulsive re-doer. I have to make myself to stop and hit the SEND button. 

5. WRITE FROM YOUR HEART NOT WITH THE AIM OF WINNING. Think about the fact that someone is going to read your work. To me, that is the coolest thing. Then you have no choice but to write your best work. You will submit your very best work.

Good luck to all who take the risk!

Jody Herpin, a southern writer, mother, Grams, watercolor painter, and lover of life, lives in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her husband, Mike Boggioni, and their Mini-Aussie, Bella. In June 2015, Jody won First Place for Novel Submission for her first novel, Weather Permitting, at the SWA Southeastern Writers Workshop. Catch her blog at www.jodyherpin.wordpress.com and like her at www.facebook.com/authorjodyherpin.

Where will you be June 19-23? SWA wants you!

2015 Southeastern Writers Workshop

Southeastern Writers Workshop will be June 19-23, 2015 at Epworth by the Sea on scenic St. Simons Island, Georgia.


The weekend workshop (June 20-21) is dedicated to fiction writing.

The weekday workshop (June 22-23) is focused on nonfiction writing.

Registration for a single workshop is $249.
Full conference tuition for both workshops is $445; however, those opting to stay on campus at Epworth by the Sea receive a discounted tuition of $395.

Full conference tuition includes entry to all sessions, 3 FREE manuscript evaluations with one-on-one feedback from our faculty, and access to an agent and two publishers.

Plus 15 contests with CASH PRIZES! The Awards Ceremony is June 23.

Already published and want to sell your work during our conference? Register then EMAIL US and our bookstore manager will help you set that up!

Where can you find out more? Check out SWA on Facebook or Twitter @SWAwriters

Meet the Faculty: 

Agent-in-Residence: Sorche Fairbank – Fairbank Literary Representation 
Publisher: Maria McGaha – Dancing with Bear
Publisher: CreateSpace 
Novel: C. Hope Clark 
Nonfiction: Don Vaughn 
Poetry & Flash Fiction: Chris Tusa 
Young Adult: S.R. (Shelli) Johannes
Columns: Darrell Huckaby 
Memoir: Dana Wildesmith 

Please join us for a fun packed workshop. 

Every evening, we have special events you won't want to miss.

See you in June!

Register HERE

Got it?

Is this what you seek? If so, SWA is offering tools on your path to publication. 

Southeastern Writers Workshop will be June 19-23, 2015 at Epworth by the Sea on scenic St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The weekend workshop (June 20-21) is dedicated to fiction writing. The weekday workshop (June 22-23) is focused on nonfiction writing. 

Got It? Registration completed? 

Register HERE

Got it? Manuscripts submitted for critique?

Find out how to receive FREE manuscript reviews HERE

Got it? Seen the schedule for the workshop?
Peruse it HERE

Got it? Contests Entered? 

More details HERE

The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Novel
- The first 10 pages (double-spaced)
- 1-page synopsis
- 1-paragraph "elevator pitch."
- Any genre, literary or mainstream



The Past Presidents’ Romance Award
- The first chapter and a five-page synopsis
- Romance novels only

The GT Youngblood Short Fiction Award
- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words
- Any genre, literary or mainstream

The Microcosm Award
- Fiction of at least 100 and not more than 500 words
The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction NEW
- Complete manuscript not over 4000 words.
- Stand-alone novel chapters also accepted

Lines of Worth Award
(in honor of Dorothy Williamson Worth and all she did to encourage poets at SWA)
- Each entry should be a collection of three poems, each up to thirty lines, not
including the title.
- Awards will be made to collections.

The Harry Rubin Award for Limericks NEW
- Submit 3 Limericks in standard form

The Julie L. Cannon Award
- Writing which exemplifies the southern spirit preferably in a subtle, nuanced, and
non-stereotypical manner
- 1,000 words or less
- Fiction or nonfiction, NO poetry

The Bill Westhead Memorial Award
- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words
- For the best short story with a subject matter of an event occurring during the
writer's childhood that shaped his/her life.

The Angel Award for Holiday Seasonal Writing
- Short fiction, poetry or essays of 1200 words maximum about the holiday season.

The Thomas Max “You are Published” Contest
- Prize is publication and 25 copies of the book with no obligation to author.
- Manuscript may be submitted in full or only first three chapters.
- A complete synopsis (3 to 10 pages) should accompany all entries. Approximate
word count should be included with synopsis, preferably 40,00 to 90,000 words,
fiction, non-fiction, or a collection of short stories.
- Do not send work currently under consideration by the publisher.
- The standard contract, which will be modified slightly to show that no money is
due from the author, can be seen by clicking here:
http://www.thomasmax.com/images/authorcontract.pdf
- Other details are available at http://www.thomasmax.com/contest.htm or send
SASE to “You are Published,” P O Box 250054, Atlanta GA 30325

The Very Merrie Bosom Buddy Award
- Nonfiction up to 750 words about your best friend.
- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Dr. George L. Sheppard Memorial Award 
- Nonfiction up to 750 words about a supportive sibling.
- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing
- The piece may be religious or secular.
- It should be wholesome and leave the reader with a “take away” message of
encouragement, hope, comfort, fresh motivation, or renewed spiritual strength.
- Complete manuscript not over 1500 words

The Cappy Award for Humor

- Complete manuscript not over 1000 HILARIOUS words

Got it? Wanting to network and make writing connections? 

Friday night through Monday night, beginning around 9 pm, SWA will host a “Step Away from the Page” Social. A time to relax and get to know your fellow writers and faculty. 
This is the "What happens at SWA, stays at SWA" part of the workshop. 

Tuesday night is Awards Night with an After Party to follow. 

SWA Members Shine!






Erika Hoffman’s story  "The Best I Could" will be featured in Sasee Magazine of Myrtle Beach in May.

Got it? 

What are you waiting for? 
Register now for SWA's 40th Writing Workshop and Send in those manuscripts: 

Guidelines for Manuscript Evaluations 
(Authors must be registered for at least 2 days to submit manuscripts for evaluation.) 

GENERAL

1. There are 7 evaluation categories:
• Poetry (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - No more than 100 lines (one long poem or several short poems) - Poetry can be single-spaced
• Novel (Evaluator: C. Hope Clark) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis
• Flash Fiction (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - Complete manuscript of at least 100 and not more than 500 words
• Nonfiction (Evaluator: Donald S Vaughan) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis –OR– Complete manuscript not over 1500 words
• Columns (Evaluator: Darrell Huckaby) - A 1-paragraph description of the column, including the intended media and the target audience, and a 750-word sample column manuscript.
• Memoir (Evaluator: Dana Wildsmith) - The first chapter and a three-page synopsis
• YA Fiction (Evaluator: SR Johannes) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

2. Each conference member can submit up to 3 manuscripts for evaluation, but ONLY 1 entry per member per evaluation category.

3. Each manuscript may be submitted to ONLY 1 evaluation category.

4. Manuscripts must be submitted by EMAIL ONLY.

5. The submission DEADLINE IS May 15, 2015. NO extensions. 

6. Manuscripts must be previously unpublished, including cell publication, Web publication and blogs. If your work is openly available to readers online on a blog or article directory (i.e.: ezinearticles.com, gather.com, associatedcontent.com), it is considered PUBLISHED. If your manuscript has been critiqued online through membership website that requires members to login to see the work, it is considered UNPUBLISHED.

7. Simultaneous submissions are OK.

MANUSCRIPTS 1. Manuscripts should have standard 1-inch margins all around. Must be double-spaced and 12-point font, Times New Roman. 2. NO contact or identifying author information should be on the manuscript. Manuscripts should have a header with the title on the left, and page numbers, right. 3. Manuscripts should be attached in a Microsoft Word file. One attachment per email only. 4. The entire submission should be included in one attachment. For example: a book chapter and synopsis should be submitted in one file.

SUBMISSION EMAIL 1. The subject line of the email should include “manuscript + evaluation category name.” For instance: “manuscript – Novel Evaluation.” 2. Author's name, address, phone number, e-mail, and payment-received information should be in the body of the email. Your PayPal receipt or the text from the email you received from the registrar as proof of registration, e.g. Web Accept Payment Received (Unique Transaction ID #xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) 3. The manuscript title, word count, and category should also be included in the body of the email. 4. Email manuscript evaluations to evaluation@southeasternwriters.org


** Manuscripts submitted for evaluations by faculty members are not entered in contests. If you want to enter a contest, please see Contest guidelines. **

SWA Members SHINE!

Buzz Bernard:  I'm one of the (many) featured interviewees in this month's edition of THE BIG THRILL, The on-line publication of International Thriller Writers. 

Patrick Hempfing’s moMENts column titled “A Wagon Filled With Memories”

was published in the April issue of ten regional parenting magazines, spanning seven states (NY, PA, NC, SC, FL, TX, and ID), and four newspapers (Capital Gazette, Carroll County Times, Orlando Sentinel, and Sun Sentinel).  Houston Family Magazine published “Lessons Learned” as a web exclusive.

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and author of a monthly column titled “moMENts.” Follow Hempfing at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing. - See more at: http://www.carolinaparent.com/articlemain.php?A-Wagon-Filled-With-Memories-4377#sthash.IkKUvgF3.dpuf

Linda Joyce signed a contract with Doctor’s Dreams Publishing for the inclusion of two of her poems in Katrina Memoirs to be released on July 1st. Additionally, she'll be a presenting a workshop at the Moonlight and Magnolia Conference, then a guest speaker at the Gulf Coast Writers Association, both events are in Octobers. She's presenting a workshop on SMART-R Goals for Results. 

Word from the Editor: 

SWA's workshop in June is special. It's unlike other writing workshops. From the moment

you arrive and check-in at Epworth by the Sea, you're able to relax. There are different types of lodging available. Yes, you may bring your family and make it a vacation. There's plenty for them to do while you're immersing yourself in the workshop. (Your room reservation does include your three daily meals.)

We take our meals together in a lovely dining room overlooking the intracoastal waterway. It's a time to break bread, nourishing our bodies, and at the same time, filling ourselves with community. Meal time is a time of exchanging of ideas, learning about your fellow attendees--you never know what expertise they may have that you'll need for a future story or poem. Networking takes place southern-hospitality style.

Classes are lively. Questions are encouraged. Content will enhance the richness of your writing craft and feed your creativity.

Then, there's Open Mic Night, a fun and engaging event where writers read some of their works--no criticisms allowed. Just fun and encouragement in the form of applause. 

And I can't forget the excitement of Awards Night! Everyone waiting with great anticipation to hear the winners of the contests. I've been blessed with several first prize wins, however, I'm equally excited when my friends win. 

As the newsletter editor/blog boss and Author Liaison, a new position on the Board of Directors created to highlight the work of authors attending, I work to spread the news about the benefits of SWA. People often refer to a board position as "sitting," yet its far more like conducting an orchestra with all the juggling I'm doing.  

I wouldn't volunteer my time to SWA if I they hadn't proven to me they live their mission: Writers helping writers.

Let us show you how invested we are at SWA in helping you. Register now and join us!

Warmest Regards, 

Linda Joyce

 

One for the Money, Two for the Show, Three to get Read, and Four to go, go go to SWA

Time is pushing forward. Slackers will fall behind. Don't be like THOSE kind of writers. Join SWA for the June workshop.

Register HERE

What do you get for your money when you 

sign up for  

SWA's 40th Annual Workshop 

June 19-23, 2015 

at Epworth by the Sea on scenic St. Simons Island, Georgia? 

One: Full conference tuition includes entry to all sessions, 3 FREE manuscript evaluations with one-on-one feedback from our faculty, and access to an agent and two publishers.

Two: A total of 15 contests with CASH PRIZES! 

The Awards Ceremony is June 23.

Three: An educational experience that will enhance your career with this faculty:

Agent-in-Residence: Sorche Fairbank – Fairbank Literary Representation - http://www.fairbankliterary.com/ 

Publisher: Maria McGaha – Dancing with Bear - http://www.dancingwithbearpublishing.com/

Publisher: CreateSpace - https://www.createspace.com/

Novel: C. Hope Clark - http://chopeclark.com/

Nonfiction: Don Vaughn – http://www.donaldvaughan.net

Poetry & Flash Fiction: Chris Tusa - http://christophertusa.net/wp/

Young Adult: S.R. (Shelli) Johannes - http://www.srjohannes.com/

Columns: Darrell Huckaby - http://www.darrellhuckaby.net/

Memoir: Dana Wildesmith - http://www.danawildsmith.com/

Four: Networking with a group of respected authors, poets, writers of all genres, agents and publishers. The impact on your career? Priceless!

It's your time to grow and shine!

One for the Money--Cash prizes for contests

Two for show--win awards for showing off your writing. 

Three to get ready--Register NOW

and 

Four to go, go, go!--Reach a higher level of craft by investing in yourself. The results are priceless!

Check your calendar! Is it marked for SWA in June?

Scholarships!

Time is running out!

★☆★ WRITERS ★☆★

Win one of two scholarships to the SWA Writers Workshop!

SWA is offering two scholarships. One for the Fiction mini-workshop (June 20-21)

and one for the Non-Fiction mini-workshop (June 22-23)

Just submit a 300-word essay on why you should be selected to attend the Fiction

mini-workshop or the Nonfiction mini-workshop. You MUST state which mini-workshop

you want to attend.

The entry deadline is midnight on April 15th. The scholarship pays for tuition

only. Please email your entry to DebraAyersBrown@gmail.com with a subject line

of SWA Fiction Scholarship or SWA Nonfiction Scholarship.

Faculty List 

40th Annual Southeastern Writers Workshop

June 19-23, 2015

Agent-in-Residence: Sorche Fairbank – Fairbank Literary Representation  

Publisher: Maria McGaha – Dancing with Bear Publishing 

Publisher: CreateSpace 

Novel: C. Hope Clark

Nonfiction: Don Vaughn 

Poetry & Flash Fiction: Chris Tusa 

Young Adult: S.R. (Shelli) Johannes 

Columns: Darrell Huckaby

Memoir: Dana Wildesmith 

Where? 

St. Simons Island, GA

REGISTER HERE! SWA

What do you get with SWA?

What does your money buy you when you register for the Southeaster Writers Association 40th Anniversary Workshop? 

Check it out!

Scholarship

Win one of two scholarships to the SWA Writers Workshop!  SWA is offering two scholarships. One for the Fiction mini-workshop (June 20-21) and one for the Non-Fiction mini-workshop (June 22-23)

Just submit a 300-word essay on why you should be selected to attend the Fiction mini-workshop or the Nonfiction mini-workshop. You MUST state which miniworkshop you want to attend.

The entry deadline is midnight on April 15th. The scholarship pays for tuition only. Please email your entry to DebraAyersBrown@gmail.com with a subject line of SWA Fiction Scholarship or SWA Nonfiction Scholarship.

Manuscript Evaluations - (Authors must be registered for at least 2 days to submit manuscripts for evaluation.)

GENERAL

 There are 7 evaluation categories:

• Poetry (Evaluator: Chris Tusa)  - No more than 100 lines (one long poem or several short poems)

- Poetry can be single-spaced

• Novel (Evaluator: C. Hope Clark) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

• Flash Fiction (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - Complete manuscript of at least 100 and not more than 500 words 

• Nonfiction (Evaluator: Donald S Vaughan) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis –OR– Complete manuscript not over 1500 words

• Columns (Evaluator: Darrell Huckaby) - A 1-paragraph description of the column, including the intended media and the target audience, and a 750-word sample column manuscript.

• Memoir (Evaluator: Dana Wildsmith) - The first chapter and a three-page synopsis

• YA Fiction (Evaluator: SR Johannes) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis 

 The submission DEADLINE IS May 15, 2015. NO extensions.

Find out ALL the details here: http://southeasternwriters.org/uploads/EvaluationsGuidelines2015.pdf

Contests

2015 SWA Workshop Contests & Guidelines

The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Novel

- The first 10 pages (double-spaced)

- 1-page synopsis

- 1-paragraph "elevator pitch."

- Any genre, literary or mainstream

The Past Presidents’ Romance Award

- The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

- Romance novels only

The GT Youngblood Short Fiction Award

- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words

- Any genre, literary or mainstream

The Microcosm Award

- Fiction of at least 100 and not more than 500 words

The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction NEW

- Complete manuscript not over 4000 words.

- Stand-alone novel chapters also accepted

-

Lines of Worth Award

(in honor of Dorothy Williamson Worth and all she did to encourage poets at SWA)

- Each entry should be a collection of three poems, each up to thirty lines, not

including the title.

- Awards will be made to collections.

The Harry Rubin Award for Limericks NEW

- Submit 3 Limericks in standard form

The Julie L. Cannon Award

- Writing which exemplifies the southern spirit preferably in a subtle, nuanced, and

non-stereotypical manner

- 1,000 words or less

- Fiction or nonfiction, NO poetry

The Bill Westhead Memorial Award

- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words

- For the best short story with a subject matter of an event occurring during the

writer's childhood that shaped his/her life.

The Angel Award for Holiday Seasonal Writing

- Short fiction, poetry or essays of 1200 words maximum about the holiday season.

The ThomasMax “You are Published” Contest

- Prize is publication and 25 copies of the book with no obligation to author.

- Manuscript may be submitted in full or only first three chapters.

- A complete synopsis (3 to 10 pages) should accompany all entries. Approximate

word count should be included with synopsis, preferably 40,00 to 90,000 words,

fiction, non-fiction, or a collection of short stories.

- Do not send work currently under consideration by the publisher.

- The standard contract, which will be modified slightly to show that no money is due from the author, can be seen by  clicking here: http://www.thomasmax.com/images/authorcontract.pdf

- Other details are available at http://www.thomasmax.com/contest.htm or send

SASE to “You are Published,” P O Box 250054, Atlanta GA 30325

The Very Merrie Bosom Buddy Award

- Nonfiction up to 750 words about your best friend.

- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Dr. George L. Sheppard Memorial Award –

- Nonfiction up to 750 words about a supportive sibling.

- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing

- The piece may be religious or secular.

- It should be wholesome and leave the reader with a “take away” message of

encouragement, hope, comfort, fresh motivation, or renewed spiritual strength.

- Complete manuscript not over 1500 words

The Cappy Award for Humor

- Complete manuscript not over 1000 HILARIOUS words

Manuscripts entered in these contests will not receive evaluations by faculty members. Contests are judged by the contest sponsors. If you want a faculty evaluation, please see Evaluation guidelines

http://southeasternwriters.org/uploads/2015ContestsJan.pdf

How do you get register? 

Click here