Mailbag for July 27, 2009

Today's mailbag comes equipped with enough room for your questions and concerns. Leave them here for everyone to ponder or answer. Summer rolls on.

Paying For The MFA: An New Approach

25 year-old Denis wants to attend the MFA program at Hollins in the fall, but can't afford to go. Sound familiar? Denis's solution, though, is new. He decided to do some internet fundraising. He writes on his blog:

Instead of asking people to loan me money for school, I'm now asking them to simply give me money. To that extent, I've created a fundraising page on fundable, and if you can spare $10, please pledge towards my goal. Since I can't get a loan and there is no way my parents can pay my tuition, I'll have to rely on the kindness of strangers.

You can check out his fundraising site directly here. At time of writing, Denis only had $10 in contributions. Is this because his campaign is brand new (launched 7/13/09) or because there's a recession on, or because this idea simply isn't going to work?

There's also this article, over at Publisher's Weekly, about writer and blogger Deanna Zandt, who, after signing a deal for her first book that provided no advance, decided to "crowdfund" the money she needed to write over the summer. It helps that her topic is "...writing about the power of social media to shift perceptions and cultural values." She's been pretty successful so far, it seems - you can read her thoughts and feedback on the process (plus tips for others who are considering going the the same route) here.

What do you think? Are Denis and Deanna smart to try this approach? Is their initiative laudable? Do their requests for funds seem justified to you? And is this a sign of things to come?

Cross posted from Boolah.

Warren Adler Short Story Contest -- Deadline July 13th

The Warren Adler Short Story Contest   

Spring/Summer 2009 Contest Theme: Short Fiction in Varied Genres              

Submit Your Stories Now!

The Warren Adler Short Story Contest is fast becoming the most prestigious online short story contest thanks to the extraordinary literary quality of our submissions. We are pleased to announce our next contest. The theme is simply short fiction in all of its varied genres. We are looking for original, imaginative pieces featuring compelling characters and creative plots. Whether you specialize in mainstream fiction, romance, horror, fantasy, science-fiction, satire, mystery, or any of their subcategories, we want to read your work.

Entries must not exceed 2,500 words. Stories from all the points of the globe will be considered provided that they are written in English. Mr. Adler will select which story will be awarded the Grand Prize of $1,000.

Although Mr. Adler will have already chosen the winner, the five finalists' stories will be posted on the Warren Adler website in July. The People's Choice winner will be determined by public voting.

Submissions will be accepted from April 13, 2009 to July 13, 2009. The entry fee is $15. Five cash prizes will be awarded.

• 1st Prize: $1000
• People's Choice Prize $500
• Remaining finalists receive $150 each

Authors retain worldwide publishing rights.

Contest Rules:

• Contest is open for worldwide entries from April 13, 2009 until July 13, 2009
• A $15 fee in advance is required for each story submission.
• When you are ready to submit your story, make your payment below to proceed to the story submission form.
• Each story can be no longer than 2,500 words and must be written in English and previously unpublished

 

To submit your story please visit www.warrenadler.com