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general directories and resources

Not sure where to start? Here are some basic resources to get you rolling.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
More Info: http://www.awpwriter.org/
Since 1967, AWP has supported writers & writing programs around the world. We now support over 28,000 writers at over 400 member colleges & universities & 100 writers' conferences & centers.

Council of Literary Magazines and Presses

Location: New York City, New York

More Info: http://www.clmp.org/

The Council of Literary Magazines and Presses serves one of the most active segments of American arts and culture: the independent publishers of exceptional fiction, poetry and prose. Literary magazines and presses accomplish the backstage work of American literature: discovering new writers; supporting mid-career writers; publishing the creative voices of communities underrepresented in the mainstream commercial culture; and preserving literature for future readers by keeping books in print.

DMOZ- The Open Directory Project

An Internet Database

More Info: http://www.dmoz.org/Arts/Writers_Resources/

An all-inclusive archive of writer's web resources, including contests, publications, and agents. Check out the "Style Guides" section for links to everything from grammar manuals to "The Book of Cliches," an acronym finder, or a database of 18th - 20th Century American slang. Tons of stuff to sift through here, so take your time poking around.

Duotrope's Digest

An Internet Database

More Info: http://www.duotrope.com/

A database of over 2075 current markets for short fiction, poetry, and novels/collections. Use this page to search for markets that may make a fine home for the piece you just polished. When you join, you can track when and where you submitted your work, and get detailed information on all sorts of journals and other publications, including pay scale, acceptance rates, and response time. Best of all, it's free--but of course they are always accepting donations.

Poets & Writers

Location: New York City, New York

More Info: http://www.pw.org/

The nation's largest non-profit organization providing information, support and guidance to creative writers. This is an incredibly far-reaching resource for any author looking for the wherewithal to get started. Visit their Links to Other Resources page to see what they have to offer.

Small Press Distribution

Location: Berkeley, California

More Info: http://www.spdbooks.org/

Small Press Distribution is a non-profit literary arts organization located in Berkeley, California.
Our mission is to connect readers with writers by providing access to independently published literature. SPD allows essential but underrepresented literary communities to participate fully in the marketplace and in the culture at large through book distribution, information services, and public advocacy programs. SPD nurtures an environment in which the literary arts are valued and sustained. Founded in 1969, SPD is currently the only distributor in the country dedicated exclusively to independently published literature.

Writer's Resource Center

An Internet Database

More Info: http://www.poewar.com/

An extensive database for news, articles, information, and opportunities for all kinds of writers, nationwide.

beyond grub

A few other literary arts centers in New England. It's nice to know we're not alone.

826Boston

Location: Roxbury, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.826boston.org/

826 Boston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 826 Boston is the seventh chapter of 826 National, an umbrella organization that works toward duplicating the successful 826 Valencia program in youth writing centers across the country. Recognized as an official chapter in December 2006, 826 Boston opened its doors in the fall of 2007.

Arlington Arts Center

Location: Arlington, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.acarts.org/

The Arlington Center for the Arts offers more than 250 programs annually in the visual, literary, and performing arts, many of which are free to the community. Programs include classes and workshops for adults and children, exhibits, literature readings, an on-line poetry magazine, theater and music performances, lectures, arts festivals, and many more programs designed to make art accessible to all.

Brattleboro Center for the Literary Arts

Location: Brattleboro, Vermont

More Info: http://brattleboroliteraryarts.blogspot.com/

The Brattleboro Center for the Literary Arts is a forming non-profit organization dedicated to provide year-round educational opportunities in the literary arts by supporting regional emerging and established writers. Includes a reading series, workshops, classes & mentorships for writers in the Brattleboro, VT area.

Cape Cod Writer's Center

Location: Osterville, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.capecodwriterscenter.org/

The mission of the Cape Cod Writers Center is to assist published and aspiring writers of all genres, abilities and ages to develop their writing skills and learn to edit, publish and publicize their works; to promote authors; to provide opportunities for writers to gather for inspiration, education and networking; and to introduce readers to authors and their works.

Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance

Location: University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine.

More Info: http://www.mainewriters.org/

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance promotes the value of literature and the art of writing by building a community of writers, readers, and publishers within Maine.

The Frost Place

Location: Franconia, New Hampshire

More Info: http://www.frostplace.org/

The Frost Place is a nonprofit educational center for poetry and the arts based at Robert Frost's old homestead, which is owned by the town of Franconia, New Hampshire.

PEN New England

Location: Lesley, University, Cambridge Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.pen-ne.org

PEN New England is one of five regional branches of PEN American Center, which in turn is part of International PEN, the only worldwide organization of writing professionals. Our mission is to advance the cause of literature and reading in our region and to defend free expression everywhere. PEN (Poets/Playwrights, Essayists, Editors, Novelists) was founded in 1921 under the presidency of John Galsworthy; among early members were Joseph Conrad, George Bernard Shaw, and H. G. Wells. Over the years, PEN centers have been established on six continents. PEN New England, founded in 1978, currently serves a thousand members in the literary community throughout Massachusetts and in all the New England states. We welcome as associate members all writers, editors, and others interested in being part of this literary community and in advancing the goals and programs of PEN.

residencies, colonies and retreats in new england

Stay local, dream global.

The Block Island Poetry Project

Location: Block Island, Rhode Island

More Info: http://www.bipoetryproject.com

The Block Island Poetry Project is a vibrant, multi-dimensional learning experience that blends poetry workshops with music, yoga, and dance. Participants will find ceremony and psychology, camaraderie and silence--all designed for the exploration and betterment of the spiritual condition of humanity, predicated on the belief that poets, as Shelley so famously stated, really are "the unacknowledged legislators of the world." The 2007 series (March 22- May 6) features six different weekends, each with a different area of concentration. This program has limited attendance, first-rate teachers, intimate, innovative discussions and cutting edge thinking.

Dorset Colony for Writers

Location: Dorset, Vermont

More Info: http://www.dorsettheatrefestival.org/

In comparison to many writer's colonies, the Dorset Colony is happily situated in a small town for those who are prey to cabin fever. Resideny lengths vary, and the house operates on an open, rolling admissions policy.

Fine Arts Work Center

Location: Provincetown, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.fawc.org/

The Fine Arts Work Center was founded in 1968 by a now illustrious group of artists, writers and patrons, including Fritz Bultman, Salvatore and Josephine Del Deo, Alan Dugan, Stanley Kunitz, Robert Motherwell, Myron Stout, Jack Tworkov, and Hudson D. Walker. The founders envisioned a place in Provincetown, the country's oldest continuous arts colony, where young artists and writers could live and work together in the early phase of their careers. The founders believed that the freedom to pursue creative work within a community of peers was the best catalyst for artistic growth.

Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts

Location: Nebraska City, Nebraska

More Info: http://www.KHNCenterfortheArts.org

The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts offers an average of 38 2, 4, 6 or 8 week long residencies per year to writers, composers and visual artists worldwide. Several additional residencies are reserved for recent masters degree program graduates. The Center is inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is located in the historic Missouri River town of Nebraska City and can accommodate 5 residents at a time. Residents are provided with free housing and studio space, Internet access and a $100/week stipend. Visit the web site for an application and complete guidelines.

Macdowell Colony

Location: Peterborough, New Hampshire

Founded in 1907, the MacDowell Colony is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Nurturing the likes of Willa Cather, Thorton Wilder, and Alice Walker, the MacDowell Colony offers writers eight-week residencies during three seasons.

The Wellspring House

Location: Ashland, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.wellspringhouse.net/

Located in Ashfield, Massachusetts, a 2.5 hour drive from Boston, the Wellspring House is nestled in a village located in the hills east of the Berkshires. Housing writers and artists, Wellspring requires a resume, cover letter, and work samples for admission.

Wareham Summer Retreat Cottages

Location: Wareham, Massachusetts

More Info: ssmackinnon@rcn.com

Bright, airy seaside cottages available for weekly or monthly rental beginning June 1 in Wareham, MA. Situated at the head of Buzzards Bay, Wareham is in an exceptional location within easy traveling distance to Boston and Providence. It is located just before the Bourne Bridge (no sitting in Saturday bridge traffic!) and is a great starting point for day trips to the Cape or to southeastern MA towns. All of the tourist amenities of the Cape are available in Wareham -- public beaches, boat launches, amusement parks, golf courses, fishing, kayaking, etc. The town has over 54 miles of coastline enhanced by beaches, estuaries, and rivers.

Writers' Mediation Retreat

Location: Barnet, Vermont

More Info: http://www.susanpiver.com/

A week to work on your writing project and learn how to practice meditation. Led by Susan Piver, a Buddhist meditation teacher and the New York Times bestselling author of The Hard Questions series. The focus will be on personal time for writing. Meditation instruction offered.

Writing From the Soul

Location: Hyannisport, Massachusetts

More Info: http://www.nitapenfold.com/

Become a part of the great unfolding creativity of the universe in a deep writing experience. The workshop emphasizes a supportive, spiritual environment where you will discover your authentic voice and learn to bypass your internal critic. Dive into the spirit by playing with words using images, wordbowl cards, body prayer, objects and writing from the famous and not so famous. Explore new writing as both a spiritual and a practical path. All levels of writing experience will be engaged. Come and join us for a great day of writing that includes lunch.

Vermont Studio Center Residency

Location: Johnson, Vermont

More Info: http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org/

Founded by artists in 1984, the Vermont Studio Center is the largest artists' and writers' Residency Program in the United States, hosting 50 visual artists and writers each month from across the country and around the world. The Studio Center provides 4-12 week studio residencies on an historic 30-building campus along the Gihon River in Johnson, Vermont, a village in the heart of the northern Green Mountains.

international and exotic retreats

Bring your passport, a pen and an idea.
The Crete Writing Workshop

Location: Island of Crete

More Info: http://creteww.net/

The Crete Writing Workshop is an opportunity to study writing with an emphasis on food, culture and the environment in one of the world’s most inspiring settings, the island of Crete. Known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches and beautiful blue waters, Crete is a repository of history, traditional folk life, cuisine and music and literature. It long has been an inspiration to writers.

Star Mountain Farm

Location: Brazil

More Info: cnbarclay@mac.com

Star Mountain Farm (aka Sitio Serra da Estrela), a retreat for writers and artists high in the coastal mountains between Rio and Sao Paulo which hosted several Grub Street staff a few years ago, has just reopened after a complete renovation and is offering Grub Street members 25% off its normal rates until the end of May. Charles Barclay, a veteran print journalist who runs the retreat, says: "Your winter weather happens to coincide with some of our loveliest conditions so we thought some Grub Streeters might want a break. Perhaps I am a little biased but I think Star Mountain Farm is the perfect place to unblock writing. It is only a night flight away from Boston and yet it is truly another world — beautiful, tranquil and utterly private." Special 25% discount for Grub Street members.

La Muse Writers' and Artists' Retreats

Location: Southern France

More Info: http://www.lamuseinn.com/

La Muse writers' and artists' retreat in Southern France offers creative individuals a peaceful, inspiring, mountain setting in which to pursue the work they love. We aim to encourage artistic exploration, nurture creative thought, and forge bonds between diverse thinkers. Our greatest hope is that our attendees find inspiration and make progress on their work within the walls of our home.

Footpaths to Creativity

Location: Flores Island, Portugal

More Info: http://www.terraincognitacenter.org/

Located on the western tip of the Azores Archipelago in the Atlantic, Footpaths to Creativity offers the ultimate tranquil artist's retreat. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions cycles, and residencies can range from one week to a full year.

The Illuminated Page

Location: Tuscany, Italy

More Info: http://www.workshopsintuscany.com/

Experience the world and yourself a fresh in a week-long writing retreat at Il Rifugio, a 17th century farmhouse in the Tuscan hills. In daily seminars and workshops we will study the craft of writing, and read widely from Italian, travel, fiction, and food writers to get our eyes and ears and palette, not to mention our hands and feet attuned to the surroundings. Grub members get a 5% discount, for a savings of $120!

Prague Summer Writing Program

Location: Prague, Czech Republic

More Info: http://www.praguesummer.com/

In association with Western Michigan University and the Charles University of Prague, The Prague Summer Program is celebrating a decade of offering one of the most well-established, intellectually vigorous and creatively rewarding fiction workshops and cultural studies programs overseas. Every summer for the past ten years some of the most celebrated names in American and European writing have taught two and four-week seminars to some of the world's most dedicated student and professional writers. Past faculty have included: Ann Beattie, Stuart Dybek, Mark Doty, Carolyn Forche, William Gass, Donald Hall, Edward Hirsch, Miroslav Holub, Mary Karr, Tracy Kidder, Carolyn Kizer, Ivan Klima, Sydney Lea, Philip Levine, Valery Martin, William Matthews, Christopher Merrill, Grace Paley, Jayne Anne Phillips, Francine Prose, Gerald Stern, Amy Tan, Michael Waters and many others.

The Writer's Place

Location: Cliffs of Moher, County Claire, Ireland

More Info: http://www.salmonpoetry.com/

Channel your inner Joyce under a mile from the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Run through Salmon Publishing, the Writer's Place costs $300 per week, and while there is no standard application process, they require an outline or summary of your project.

Writing From the Soul: Greece

Location: Aegina Island, Greece

More Info: http://www.nitapenfold.com/

Become a part of the great unfolding creativity of the universe in a deep writing experience on an idyllic Greek Island. The workshop emphasizes a supportive, spiritual environment where you will discover your authentic voice and learn to bypass your internal critic. Dive into the spirit by playng with words, using images, wordbowl cards, body prayer, objects and writing from the famous and not so famous.

Zoetrope Short Story Writers' Workshop

Location: Belize

More Info: http://www.all-story.com/belize.cgi/

Participation is limited to twenty-five students to ensure the optimal balance of individual attention and a breadth of perspectives. Each day features intensive, small group workshops with guest instructors and editors, guided writing exercises, and private writing time. Each night concludes with student and instructor readings, local entertainment, or indulgence in the amenities of one of Central America's most celebrated and luxurious properties.

call for submissions

Memoir Journal

Poetry, Prose, Essay

http://www.memoirjournal.com

Our mission is to publish traditional as well as nontraditional forms of nonfiction allied with memoir. This includes, but is not limited to, autobiography, diary, personal and critical essay, memoir, reportage, autobiographical fiction, alternative histories, journalistic accounts, "flash memoir," narrative poetry or "poemoir" (it's okay to groan, we did) and graphic memoir.

Redivider

Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts

http://pages.emerson.edu/publications/redivider/submissions.html

Redivider, a literary magazine published by Emerson College, seeks compelling nonfiction, fiction, poetry and visual art submissions.

Zingology

http://www.zingology.com/

If you're into the arts, there's a lot out there. Zingology is commited to showcasing the creative work of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and chefs who have something to say and say it well. Our particular bent is work that has both its feet on the ground, and its head in the clouds and will leave you with the pleasure of experiencing something new, maybe a little zing....

fellowships and grants

The Writer's Room

Location:Boston, Massachusetts

More Info: http://writersroomofboston.org/

The Writers' Room of Boston, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, quiet, and secure workspace in downtown Boston for area writers, is accepting applications for fellowships in November of 2007. The fellowships award use of the Writers' Room at no cost for one year.

contests

Bellevue Literary Review

Prizes in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry

http://www.blreview.org/

Now accepting entries for the Bellevue Literary Review. Prizes in Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction. Seeking exceptional writing about health, healing, illness, the body, and the mind.

New England Writers Annual Free Verse Contest

http://www.newenglandwriters.org/2003/contests.html

Open call to all poets and fiction writers for submissions to the Robert Penn Warren Annual Free Verse and Marjory Bartlett Sanger Annual Short Fiction Contest. The awards will be announced at the annual New England Writers Conference and will be published in The Anthology of New England Writers.

Sonora Review: Short-Short Story Contest

University of Arizona

http://w3.coh.arizona.edu/sonora/

Guidelines: For our purposes, "short-short" means 1,000 words or less. Stories over 1,000 words will not be considered. No previously published works, or works forthcoming elsewhere. A $10 fee is required; entrants may submit up to three stories (each 1,000 words max.) with each $10 fee, payable by check or money order made out to Sonora Review. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but fees are non-refundable. Cover letter must include name, address, phone number, and title(s) of stories submitted.

Writer's Workshop of Asheville

Fiction & Non-Fiction

http://www.twwoa.org/

The contests are sponsored by The Writers' Workshop, a literary center based in Asheville, NC since 1985. Vonnegut and Matthiessen serve on the Advisory Board, along with John Le Carre, E.L. Doctorow, Helen Henslee and Reynolds Price. Eudora Welty and Alex Haley were past members.

13th Annual Zoetrope: All-Story Fiction Contest

http://www.zoetrope.com/contests_allstory/

First Prize: $1000, Second: $500, Third: $250. The three prizewinners and seven honorable mentions will be considered for representation by the William Morris Agency, ICM, Regal Literary, the Markson Thoma Literary Agency, Inkwell Management, Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Georges Borchardt Literary Agency.