Hey all, some writing contests for April.

3 APRIL WRITING CONTESTS
WritersMarket.com lists hundreds of contests for writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, and more. Here are three with April deadlines:

Event Nonfiction Contest is offered annually for the best previously unpublished creative nonfiction (up to 5,000 words). Judges either award three $500 prizes or two $750 prizes, plus publication. Deadline: April 15.

Jack Dyer Fiction Prize is offered annually for previously unpublished short fiction (up to 6,000 words). Top prize is $2,000 and publication in Crab Orchard Review. Deadline: April 21.

The Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry offers a $2,000 top prize and $1,000 runner-up prize. Poets submit 3-10 pages of previously unpublished poetry. Deadline: April 30.

Bonus contest! Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards has an early bird registration deadline of April 1. The grand prize for this competition is $3,000, a trip to New York City, promotion in Writer's Digest magazine, and so much more. Plus, there are several additional prizes, including nine first place awards (in separate categories) of $1,000 and much more.

To paraphrase - "Sun...we don't need no stinkn' sun!"

3 BOOK PUBLISHERS LOOKING FOR WRITERS

WritersMarket.com lists hundreds of book publishers for writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, and more. Here are three open to direct submissions from writers:

Academy Chicago Publishers publishes 10 titles per year. They publish literary fiction and nonfiction. Submit a query with 3 sample chapters and outline.

Chronicle Books publishes 90 titles per year. The editors say, "We're always looking for the new and unusual." Prospective authors should submit a cover letter with a proposal package.

Lee & Low Books publishes 12-14 titles per year. The house currently emphasizes fiction and nonfiction for 5- to 12-year-olds. Prospective authors should submit a complete manuscript by postal mail.

Not a written line but an actual one heard at a WorldCon.
"You just try doing that in a wool cape!"

3 FEBRUARY WRITING CONTESTS

WritersMarket.com lists hundreds of contests for writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, and more. Here are three with February deadlines:

The Anhinga Press Robert Dana Prize for Poetry is offered annually for the best previously unpublished book-length collection of poetry. The winner receives $2,000, a reading tour of select Florida colleges and universities, and publication of the book. Contest opens February 15.

The Malahat Review Novella Prize is offered every other year (on even years) for the best previously unpublished novella. Prize is $1,500 and publication. Deadline: February 1.

Science in Society Awards is offered annually for investigative or interpretive reporting about the sciences and their impact on society. The winner receives $2,500. Deadline: February 1.

3 BOOK PUBLISHERS TO TRY IN 2014

WritersMarket.com lists hundreds of book publishers open to submissions from writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, and more. Here are three:

The Career Press, Inc. publishes books for adult readers seeking practical information to improve themselves in their careers, businesses, and other related topics. Prospective writers can submit a book proposal with sample chapters, though complete manuscript is preferred.

Gryphon House, Inc. publishes teacher and parent resource texts. The acquisition editors prefer a query with proposal that includes the proposed title, purpose of the book, table of contents, introductory material, and 20-40 sample pages.

Ripple Grove Press is a brand new children's picture book publisher looking for writers and illustrators. Prospective authors should submit a cover letter with the story summary, age range for audience, brief bio, contact info, and manuscript (saved as PDF).

Whatever form you like or can access.  I highly recommend PG's story.
He writes believable/ likable characters and he knows his tech.

If you're bringing or want to bring Jewish tales into this - there's always
the Golem - a man of clay brought to life by the sacred words.  That could take on
a whole new meaning blended with Native American beliefs and lud    - what coyote
could do with that kind of thing.

Also something to consider - like viruses gain strength when they jump species.
Combining belief systems could create some major baddies that might not respond to
dismissal rituals from either system.