JuNoWriMo and BuNoWriMo

Every year, many writers participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which is held in November. Others would participate if it were scheduled for a different month. If setting aside the month of November to write a novel isn't feasible for you, consider JuNoWriMo.

JuNoWriMo stands for June Novel Writing Month. For many people, June works better than November.

Participants in JuNoWriMo don't have to write a novel; other works are acceptable. The goal is to write 50,000 words in June.

Remember that this is your first draft, which means you shouldn't expect to perfect your manuscript during the challenge. The idea is to get it all down on paper--or computer--so that you actually have something to work with when you're ready to start revising.

BuNoWriMo (Burrow Novel Writing Month) is another option. Also held in June, BuNoWriMo has the same goal of 50,000 words. Participants are required to join the BuNoWriMo group at Facebook.

Many people find that June works out better for them than November. If setting aside November to write a novel is inconvenient or even impossible for you, just remember that there are at least two other options. Of course, it's also possible to write on your own schedule, but joining other writers who make a firm commitment to achieve their goals is a great incentive.

Halloween Articles

I recently wrote several Halloween articles. I kept getting sidetracked while doing the research, because I was finding a lot of fun activities and information.

Music-Themed Retro Halloween Costumes for Couples was fun to research. I started out wanting to write about couples costumes with a music theme and then ended up making them all retro.

8 Halloween Supersites is about the sites that go beyond the norm to provide what you need to make Halloween special.

Fun Online Halloween Activities will help get you in the Halloween spirit with games, puzzles, and more.

If you're throwing a Halloween party, check Halloween Parties: 13 Websites to Help Set the Tone.

Before you start decorating, consider reading Halloween Decorations: 13 Great Websites to Help You Decorate for some terrific ideas.

Ever wondered which actors have played Dracula on TV? 13 TV Draculas will answer your question.

Hollywood Vampires and Werewolves: Actors Who Have Played Both is an older article but still relevant at this time of year.

Tapestry of Bronze Ode to Olympians

Genre: Ode

Restrictions: Must be about Artemis/Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt. Ode must be no longer than 30 lines, submitted by e-mail. Entrants should include their real name as well as a pen name if applicable. Adults must indicate that they're adults; minors need to include their birth month and year. Anyone under 13 must also have permission from a parent or guardian. Only one entry per person.

Deadline: November 30, 2011

Prizes: $50 to the winner in each age group

Entry Fee: None

Additional information: Tapestry of Bronze Ode to Olympians

Amy Foundation Writing Awards

Genre: Article

Restrictions: Must have been published during the current calendar year in a mainstream, non-religious publication either online or in print. Must contain at least one passage of Scripture. Entries must be sent by USPS; e-mailed entries will not be accepted.

Prizes: First prize is $10,000. Second prize is $5000, third prize is $4000, fourth prize is $3000, and fifth prize is $2000. In addition, ten Awards of Outstanding Merit will be given at $1000 each.

Entry Fee: None

Additional information: Amy Foundation Writing Awards

Panera Bread's Asiago Bagel Breakfast Sandwich: Review

If you're looking for a tasty change of pace for breakfast, consider Panera Bread's asiago bagel breakfast sandwich. The asiago bagel adds a different flavor that makes it stand out from a run-of-the-mill breakfast sandwich. My review provides details about this menu item's presentation, taste, and nutrition.

Our Green Tomorrow

Genre: Essay

Restrictions: Must be about how the environment affects your life. Entries are accepted from students in grades 6 through 12 who live in the United States. Maximum 1500 words.

Deadline: October 31, 2011

Prizes: $500

Entry Fee: None

Additional information: Our Green Tomorrow

Artwork is also accepted in a separate category, with the prize again being $500.

International Contest of Mountaineering Literature and Photography

Genre: Stories about the mountains and/or mountaineers.

Restrictions: Must be original, unpublished stories written in English or Spanish by a writer at least 18 years old. The previous year's winner is not eligible.

Deadline: September 10, 2011

Prizes: First prize is 500 Euros and inclusion of the story in a book.

Entry Fee: None

Additional information: Go to International Contest of Mountaineering Literature and Photography. The contest guidelines are provided in a PDF download.

Writing Contests

When I started researching writing contests to post about here, I had no idea there were so many! I'll be concentrating on posting about those with no entry fee. If I see one with an incredibly good prize for a relatively low entry fee, I'll include it as well.