Windshift for Writers & Windshift Press

July

July brings thoughts of what it is to be a Canadian. We have grown from literature that happened to be written in Canada to a growing tradition of Canadian literature. We are building a culture that is uniquely our own and along the way defining our view of the world. Each of us has the opportunity to contribute to this definition. It is an exciting time to be a writer. Remember to share your successes with us.  Sandra

Writing Tip: - Never be afraid to write about a theme that upsets you. The more passion you bring to your work the more likely you are to capture and keep the readers' attention. I think it is a mistake to keep a 'pet' subject until you feel that you are a more accomplished author. Your best writing will come from a theme that totally absorbs you.

Markets
Speculation Press - an independent, royalty paying small press that publishes character-driven science fiction and fantasy for an audience that is 75% female. Word Count: 95,000 - 120,000; Contact: Winifred Halsey, Editor, P O Box 25 Kingston, IL 60115, USA; E-mail: winifred@speculationpress.com ; Website: http://www.speculationpress.com

Mundania Press is looking for novels in the following genres: science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, history, war and spy and western. Submission requirements on website: http://www.mundania.com ; Mundania Press LLC, 6470A Glenway Avenue, #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211-5222, USA.

It Takes A Village - stories wanted on a theme of who do you consider part of your village and why? E-mail your stories to myahwm@yahoo.com; website: http://www.athomewithme.com

Whispers of Inspiration - Share you uplifting poetry and prose for an upcoming anthology. Send submissions to Paula1271@comcast.net

Chicken Soup From The Heart - Editor Sandra Wendel is seeking contributions of 600 words that show survival beyond the odds from heart health challenges [transplant, cardiac arrest etc]. Send to healthylivingheart@yahoo.com ; website: http://www.health-eheadlines.com

Viva Voice Press is currently seeking stories for upcoming anthologies to be published in the spring of 2005 - They Lied! True Tales of Toddlers and True Tales of Weddings and Honeymoons. Deadline is July 15, 2004. Payment is a one time fee of $100.00 US. Contact http://www.theyliedtruetales.com

Fedora IV - seeks dark, gritty crime stories about Private Eyes and tough guys. Length - 3,000 - 6,000. Deadline: July 31, 2004. Payment: Pro-rated share of royalties. No advance. Contact: http://www.crimefictionwriter.com/bracken/antho.htm

Cue Time - Every month we include a couple of writing ideas to help you kick start your writing sessions.

1. List three events in your life where you were totally unsure of yourself. Narrow it down to one and create a character that has a similar problem.

2. Take a second event from your list above and write a self- help article that offers a resolution. Keep this article to 500 -800 words and sell it to a magazine.

Industry News: Over one million probate copies of wills of men and women from all walks of life are available for download from http://www.documentsonline.pro.gov.uk in addition to the 100 wills of historical figures such as Jane Austen, Sir Christopher Wren, Napoleon Bonaparte and Horatio Nelson. This website opens up unlimited possibilities for historians, genealogists and writers seeking an interesting story to follow up.

The answers offered in this column are the personal opinions of the staff at Windshift for Writers. They are in no way meant to take the place of the professional advice you may need to seek for your specific query.

Questions and Answers

Q. Are there any advantages to sticking to a single viewpoint when writing a novel? - Barry M. -

A. No, it is a matter of personal preference. Telling your story through the eyes of several characters gives you more scope to explore the many facets of the story and to introduce sub-plots and give the story a richer texture.

Win a FREE place at one of our Workshops - Writers who wish to host a workshop can do so by inviting interested friends and acquaintances to a venue (It could be your dining-room table.) and providing the coffee. If you host a workshop, your participation is free. Check the Workshops page for further details.

Home News: Windshift Press is pleased to be a part of the Chemainus Literary Festival Bookstore. The store is a place for local and Canadian writers to sell their books. It will promote the services of authors, impart information about writing events and festivals and pass on information of interest to the general public about books.
We are having our official opening on Sunday, July 18th from 1 - 4. The Bookstore is at #6 - 9779 Willow Street [near Water Wheel Park]. Refreshments will be served and authors will be on hand to sign books and talk about writing and publishing.

So enjoy a day out in Chemainus on Sunday, July 18th.

Note: While every effort is made to check the markets suggested in this newsletter, writers must use their own judgment when submitting their work.