Cliffhanger Books is looking for new, previously unpublished short stories (approx. 6500-8000 words) for “Paramourtal 2,” the second volume of our award-nominated paranormal romance series. We are eager to read truly original fiction with unique (i.e. think beyond vampires and werewolves, though they are welcome, as well), well-defined, emotionally complex characters.

Our first book was nominated for 2010 Romance Anthology of the Year and we hope to win with this new edition.

Submissions are open to all U.S. and international writers age 18 and over. Stories must be submitted in English. While paranormal romance authors are generally female, we want story submissions from talented male writers as well.

Interested writers are invited to review our submission guidelines at http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com

Deadline for submissions is midnight, October 31, 2011 (Halloween!).

More on Writing Contests:

• Writing To Win:: The Colossal Guide To Writing Contests
• Write Ways to WIN WRITING CONTESTS: How To Join the Winners’ Circle for Prose and Poetry Awards, NEW EXPANDED EDITION
• Writing the Breakout Novel

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Hello writers and welcome to your weekend! What do you think about when the weekend hits? I always have big plans for writing my ebooks and novels. But don’t forget, it’s important to have some down time as well. Take care of yourself and allow your creativity to come out in other ways from time to time, like cooking, painting, or even scrapbooking.

I did a very fun interview this week with Charmaine and the Relationship Party. We talked about “Why You Might Still Be Single.” I got to talk about my new ebook on the subject, which should be done next month. It’s entitled, “101 Reasons Why You Might Be Single and What You Can Do About It.” Charmaine was a blast and the show had some great callers. Check it out if you get a chance.

Here are some links and news items I found of interest this week:

• All Freelance Writing talks about “How to Make Time to Pitch Your Writing Services (Even When You’re Fully Booked).”
• Me and My Kindle talks about “How Stephen King Made History.”
• Many of us are authors trying to get some publicity for our books. Book Buzzr offers a great post on Four Stages of Effectively Using Social Media to Promote Your Book.
• Do you ever get physically tense due to the freelance life? Like the stress begins to affect your ability to relax and concentrate? Here’s one thing that may help: reflexology. It’s National Reflexology Week, and my writer pal Sharon is an expert in that and aromatherapy. She’s written an article with some info on the subject. Check it out.
• Victoria Mixon talks about “5 Ways to Make Your Novel Unforgettable.”
• Very helpful book marketing resources on the Marketing Tips for Authors blog.
• At All Freelance Writing, they list Ten Daily Habits for a Good Writer. Nice list.
• Here’s a great list from WD: “7 Free-to-Enter National Writing Competitions That Impact Your Career.”
• Mockingjay is hawt! ShelfLife talks about Why Mockingjay Isn’t the Next Twilight.
• Want a good domain name? ebook.com is being put up for sale. Publisher’s Weekly says, “over the last year the site has provided nearly 5 million e-book downloads of the 12,000 e-book titles it offers.” Wowsa.
• More input on the Kindle and iPad from Barbara Vey.
• Interesting article about Twitter fans versus Facebook friends.
• Me and Me Kindle lists the top 100 free list of Kindle titles on Amazon.
• Jason Pinter talks about the 12 Game Changers in Publishing. Great article.

Scriptapalooza is now accepting submissions of screenplays for its twelfth annual screenwriting competition.

Every script that is entered into Scriptapalooza is read by a manager, agent or producer at 90 participating companies including Disney, Miramax, Big Light, and Bender-Spink, among others.

Scriptapalooza has grown to be one of the most recognized screenwriting competitions with over 30 scripts optioned, two Emmy winners and is as the only screenwriting competition endorsed by the WGA.

What sets Scriptapalooza apart is that it offers what even the largest grand prize could never buy: a guarantee that an “unsolicited” script will be read by leading industry decision-makers. In many cases, the Scriptapalooza scripts are even bought outright by enthusiastic production companies.

The first place winner, chosen by Scriptapalooza, receives a $10,000 grand prize. In addition, the Scriptapalooza staff will promote the semifinalists and finalists for a full year after the winners are announced.

Deadlines are as follows:
. “early bird” deadline is January 5, 2010 (application fee $40)
. regular deadline is March 5, 2010 (application fee $50)
. final deadline is April 15, 2010 (application fee $55)

Please visit www.scriptapalooza.com for more information.

More resources on publishing and novel writing:

• Write a novel in 60 days
• Take your book from manuscript to the masses with self-publishing and print-on-demand from CreateSpace.
• Write an ebook in 7 days
• Real Writing Jobs

Many writers have a short story or two laying around that is fabulous and as of yet undiscovered. Why not enter it in the Writer’s Digest Short Story competition?

This is the 10th Annual Competition and you could win $3,000 if your story is chosen. Deadline is December 1st, and here’s what they’re looking for:

We’re looking for fiction that’s bold, brilliant…but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or fewer.

But don’t be too long about it—the deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2009.

PRIZES
First Place: $3,000
Second Place: $1,500
Third Place: $500
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $100
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer’s Digest Books

* The names and story titles of the First-through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the May/June 2010 Writer’s Digest, and winners will receive the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market and Agents, Editors, and You: The Insider’s Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Plus, all First through 25th place winners will receive a free copy of the 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection.