Calling All Fictions Writers!! (Part II)

If you've entered writing contests in the past and are looking to try your hand at it again, or are a newbie to the anxious experience of sending your work off to be judged by people who may or may not agree that you're the best writer they've ever seen, why not take a look at the ones listed below to see if one or two suit your taste buds. If you've been thinking about it, why not look into it. Admittedly, I haven't entered a contest in a few years. Even though I prefer writing short stories, much of my time has been devoted to novel length works. But I have one that I'm interested in shopping around. I just haven't found the right contest for it though. I would love to experience the validation that comes from having something I created be recognized with an honorable mention, or better yet, a win.

I'm hoping 2011 serves as an awakening for me. Job pursuits, educational pursuits, relationship pursuits, just being focused on everything and everyone but me, led to that special part of me taking a very long nap. It's awaking now. So, in case yours is awaking too, this post is for you. Even if it's just to get you thinking about it.

I'm also going to plug my website's Resources page because I have other links to contests and other helpful resources for both writers and editors. Also, if you enter a contest listed here and win or place, come back and let me know.

The 33rd Nimrod Literary Awards
Prize: First place winner will receive $2000 and publication; second place $1000 and publication.
Entry fee: $20
Word count: For the Fiction prize: no more than 7500
Deadline: April 30, 2011
For details visit http://www.utulsa.edu/nimrod/awards.html

The 2011 Nelligan Prize for Short Fiction
Prize: One winner will receive $1500 and publication in the fall/winter 2011 issue of the Colorado Review.
Entry fee: $15
Word count: no word restrictions, but no more than 50 pages
Deadline: Short notice, but must be postmarked by March 11, 2011
For details visit http://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/nelligan-prize/submission-guidelines/

Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest
Prize: First prize winner will receive $3000; second prize $1000; third prize $400; fourth prize $200
Entry fee: $15
Word count: no more than 5000
Deadline: March 31, 2011
For details visit www.WinningWriters.com/tomstory

The Writer's 2011 Short Story Contest
Prize: First prize winner will receive $1000; second prize $300; third prize $200
Entry fee: $10
Word count: no more than 2000
Deadline: April 30, 2011
For details visit http://www.writermag.com/2011contest

Punkin Novelist Contest
Prize: Grand prize winner will receive $1000 and a publishing contract with Punkin House; second place $500 and critique of first three chapters of the novel; third place $100 and critique of the first chapter of the novel
Entry fee: $35
Word count: must be novel length (minimum 50,000)
Deadline: May 1, 2011
For details visit http://www.punkinhouse.com/Novice_Novelist_Contest.html

2011 New American Fiction Prize
Prize: First place winner will receive $1000 and a publishing contract
Entry fee: $20
Word count: no word restrictions, but must be between 100-500 pages
Deadline: May 15, 2011
For details visit http://newamericanpress.com/contests/current.php



A word of caution: Sadly not all writing contests are created equal. Research, research, research, especially the reviews of previous contest entrants, before entering a particular competition; and read the contest guidelines very carefully. Be sure to ask for clarification on terminology you do not understand, particularly the term "right of first publication."

KanKick: Oh My God What I Have Been Missing?

Hello, gentle readers. Right now my ears are experiencing a type of auditory pleasure that is both rare and inspiring.

Excuse me for a moment, I think I hear something.....Is that one of my characters calling out for me? Ronald? Oh hey baby, hold on I'm coming, just let me finish this post. I last left you on the edge of your bed, didn't I?

Let me hurry this up, Ronald awaits. He comes when a delicious melody begins to court me.

So, I'm listening to a fellow by the name of KanKick. Remember the guy I mentioned in the other post who introduced me to Asheru? Well he also told me to check out a guy called KanKick who was pretty good. I wrote the name down, but it slipped my mind. Until tonight. Today was one of those days where I wanted nothing more than to hurry to the security of my home, lock the door, and not leave until I absolutely had to. I blew off a networking event tonight at a trendy spot where the area's "BUPs" (black urban professionals) like to hang out and impress each other. I wanted to be alone with Jennifer, to talk to her, listen to her. Just "do me" as they say. I have a lot on my mind these days. Mainly the future, what should I do next, what life is trying to tell me. Stuff like that. I arrived home to find another shingle had escaped from my roof (they've been sliding off for about two months now, causing me great anxiety). Discovering it pitifully hanging on my fence so that I would notice it immediately seemed like an appropriate ending to "just one of those days." So as I pondered the journey of finding a reliable contractor to climb atop my roof and hopefully not take advantage of me, I reached for my nightly comfort. YouTube. After listening to Jeru the Damaja kill his verse in "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers," I remembered KanKick.

And oh boy.Let's just say that right now I'm feeling sooo much better. The day is now a memory, this whole week really. So I grabbed my cell phone and was planning to snap a pic of myself for this post, but they all looked terrible. Cell phone pics make me look fat, or should I say, don't hide it. So I said screw this, I'm going to make a video instead. Narcissistic videos are all the rage now, so I figured I'd give it a try too. Of course the quality is awful and I look better than what this video is claiming, but oh well. I'm posting it anyway. It's so odd to hear my own voice and see my facial expressions. I don't get to see myself like this.

So here's me listening to KanKick's "Deleting Programs" featuring God's Gift. Don't laugh too hard at me. It's my first time, OK?

Finally Saw the "When Harry Met Sally" Arch

It's no secret on here that I'm a pathetically hopeless romantic. I fantasize of the various forms of love expression nearly constantly. I don't know when it started, perhaps I've always been this way. According to all the horoscopes I've read through the years about my lovely Cancer sign, I'm doing and feeling exactly as I should. So as you can imagine, I'm pretty sentimental when it comes to my love stories. Particularly the ones depicted in films. I love quite a few, but only three reign as my all time favorites. Each represents a particular aspect of my fantasy life that I would love to see come to fruition. Take When Harry Met Sally, one of the best movies ever made. It's set in New York City (my fantasy city) in the 80s (the best decade ever) and stars Billy Crystal (the most charming, funniest guy in any romantic comedy I've ever seen). Then there's Babycakes (starring Ricki Lake when she was fat). I can relate to her struggles in the dating world as a non-thin woman, and applaud her ambition and tenacity to push her self consciousness aside and go for the hot subway conductor. And get him!!! And Love and Basketball (this movie has a special place in my heart). It's about coming of age with someone who you later discover you love. It's too late for me to grow up with the boy next door, at first hating him because he's so immature and annoying; then later on, seeing him in a different way, for some strange reason getting those tingly feelings when he comes around; and then later on, experiencing my first kiss with him (though that's not the only first that happens, awww). But through this movie, I can imagine that type of sweet and precious relationship, and what it feels like to know an innocent love like this.

Wait a minute, am I forgetting something? Oh yes, the point of this post. Well for years now, I've wondered about the arch that Harry and Sally parted ways in front of after their long drive from Chicago to New York. I later learned it was in Washington Square. Each time I went to New York, I'd say to myself that this trip would be the trip that I found it. But I either got sidetracked or ran out of time. Not this past weekend though. While visiting the city I went to the W 4th St stop, asked around, and found my beloved arch. And took a picture of it. Isn't she beautiful? I was actually there!! It was like Billy, I mean Harry, was there with me to shake my hand goodbye just like he did Meg, I mean Sally.



Did you think I was kidding about being pathetically and hopelessly romantic?

But wait, there's more.....

How would you like to see my favorite scenes from the other movies I mentioned?

Babycakes



Love and Basketball




OK, I'm done now. Signing off. Reality is waiting on me.


Love,

Jennifer

Solo Flights

I drive a car with a manual transmission, what's commonly referred to as a "stick shift" or "stick." The first car I learned to drive (mom's car) was a stick; and except for the temporary use of rental cars over the past 12 years, I've needed both of my feet to drive. I will admit that I feel this makes me a more skilled driver than drivers whose cars basically drive themselves. I have a feeling I'm not the only stick driver with a sense of superiority in that I can drive both, while most automatic "drivers" can only operate one. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm no stranger to doing things that would make others uncomfortable.

I was reminded of this last night when I walked into a hookah lounge, a cozy little venue where my first speed dating event was taking place. I was so nervous and almost chickened out as I approached the place. I was self-conscious of the usual girlie things I guess, my hair not being cute enough, or my outfit not looking as great as it looked when I first tried it on. I was also by myself, which didn't help me calm my butterflies. I assumed there would be others who had come solo as well. Wrong. Some ladies brought male friends with them (so they wouldn't look desperate, and no matter what have someone to walk out of there with, I suppose); other ladies brought their girlfriends (you're coming to hopefully meet a guy, why do you need your girls there); and the guys brought buddies and went straight for the bar (so, um, did you come to meet a woman, or stare at your buddy over beers). There they all sat, laughing and mingling with their own friends, while I sat alone. I suppose I could have blended in more if I headed to the bar to fill my system with the nectar of fermented grapes, but I didn't want to. I felt like the only one there who truly embodied what this little get together was all about. Meeting new people. If they just wanted to mingle with friends and have drinks, why even bother registering and paying $30. Because I feel I have a deeper level of understanding of human nature than most, I quickly surmised these people were afraid of striking out on their own; unwilling to be vulnerable and out of their element without the company of familiar faces. In turn, this made me feel uncomfortable because I felt like an oddball sitting there alone in what I assumed would be a room of single people, who, like me, were brave enough to do something different. I didn't need a security blanket to get me through, but after awhile I wished I had one. The event was a bust for me. So at 30 minutes past the start time, with no direction or even a "sorry guys, just a few more moments, thanks for waiting" from the hosts (reps from Professionals in the City) who were sitting around tweeting or whatever else gadget addicts do to busy themselves; and with the attendees having a good time with their security blankets, making it very awkward for me to strike up a conversation with anyone, I left. I'm sure I wasn't missed, there were about 13 lovely ladies for the mere five or so guys to choose from.

I feel like they took the easy way out, and part of me wished I could have too. No one likes to feel out of their comfort zone, but since I had to, I wanted to see others making the same sacrifice.

[Note] While typing this, I realized that just like them, I didn't want to be alone either. Meaning, instead of wanting my girlfriends or a "just in case" guy friend with me, I wanted to be in the company of others who were alone and a little nervous too. Interesting.[/Note]

Moving on. People in my life know that I'm currently devoid of a love life. I get so many suggestions like "just go out and mingle," "get a sexy outfit and go sit at a bar," "go hangout, you'll meet people there." I smile and nod as if I haven't tried those things before, but I can't help but think these same people wouldn't venture out to take their own advice, at least not by themselves. Not a lot of people are willing to go out alone to "try to meet people," but are quick to suggest others do it. The way I see it, if you're not willing to do something, don't suggest I do it. I feel like sarcastically replying "Great idea! Hey, why don't you ditch your girlfriends, your cousin, your best friend, or your best buddy, and go sit at a bar/nightclub/restaurant for a couple hours by yourself and tell me how fun it is!" People who've never been forced to be independent have no idea of the courage it takes to do the things I do in my quest to find friends in this place. Just like buying my first car by myself; buying my first house and dealing with the headache of home maintenance by myself; getting out in the community by myself to volunteer; traveling by myself; dating online because I don't have family and friends who can introduce me to "so and so," I do things that take a sense of courage and independence that most people I encounter simply do not have. But for some reason I often feel intimidated by these people who seemingly can only socialize if surrounded by comfort; can only do things that require minimal amounts of appearing friend-less. They wouldn't last a week in my shoes. And they'd definitely have a hard time getting my car out of first gear. *sigh* Yet I envy them nonetheless.

This post is another one of my freestyles, so I'm not sure how much sense it makes. That's all I got for now. Thanks for reading.

"Yo, Hip Hop is My Lady'" - Asheru

I met a fellow hip-hop head recently (a guy), and honestly can't recall the last time I felt so excited and rejuvenated. Talking about my favorite artists and songs, and getting introduced to others I was unfamiliar with. It reminded me how important music is to my soul and the spirit. I rarely meet people who I vibe with like that, and it felt nice. To talk about Curren$y, Count Bass D, Top Quality, Tribe Called Quest, and so many others. I hate to say it, but I think I’ve been spoiled from here on out. It’s going to be hard to meet guys and have the typical boring DC conversation of what I've accomplished; where to find the best networking organizations; how great it is to be a black urban professional; what school I went to; and of course, my job. I had gotten so used to that, and knew I was bored, just not how much. Creative spirits who are as moved by music as much as me is a rare find. Until I met this particular guy and got turned on to Asheru, among a few others. To my surprise, Asheru’s from the DC area, and has my mind gone. I’ve been jamming to him for a few days now and can’t stop. Though me and this guy’s paths only crossed temporarily, I’m so appreciative of the opportunity to share something I love with someone again. Be it music, food, travel, literature, history, or gardening, it’s so important to find someone with whom you can share your passion. It creates a bond so powerful that it supersedes the on-the-surface superficiality we impose on our prospective partners. Would you say you agree?

So, as someone did for me, allow me to introduce you to Asheru. He’s certainly not new, he’s been around for a while, and is the voice behind the Boondock’s theme song. My favorites of his are “Think About,” “Soul,” and “Dear You.”







If you’re a hip-hop head and have stumbled across this, please leave a comment and post some other artists who I need to give a listen to. I just got an ipod and am ready to load it up with as much as I can.

Where O Where Have U Been?

One of my loyal blog visitors asked me this recently, and ashamedly, I had no real excuse, other than once again, I let life get in the way. So, that's my big revelation. I'm working on it. I have several draft posts that just don't seem right yet. Perhaps they will never be. Yet I can freestyle this one and publish it with no problem. I'm weird like that. My day job has kept me busy, along with other side projects. I haven't wanted to detail every moment of my life because sometimes I feel as though I need to keep things to myself. And I wanted this blog to be lighthearted and "different," not the typical rant board.

But I'm writing again, and attempting to re-involve myself with the community service activities I'd taken a brief hiatus from. I've also been trying to stay afloat out there in the dating world, but nothing wonderful has happened yet. No callbacks to what I feel were great auditions. But I'm making progress and feeling better about things these days. One day at a time.

I'll be back soon. I promise.

Thank you.


Love,

Jennifer