Writing in the Dark,, an apt metaphor for anyone who has ever tried to tap out words on a backlit screen. This book, a collection of essays gathered by Max van Manen, shows how "different kinds of human experience may be explored, the methods for investigating phenomena contributing to human experience…the process of inquiry, reflection and writing…a valuable and rich resource". That is to say, writing is an attempt to reflect what goes on inside us. Inside us is where "story" occurs.Scott Popjes maintains a busy schedule, writing, producing and editing major theatrical trailers, promos and EPK's and developing and producing TV series and films, such as "The Remarkably 20th Century" and "The Long Ride Home". Born and raised in suburban New Jersey, this everyman director/editor loves making movies.Ernest Hemingway - The man who ran with the bulls. His literary sparseness and compression, well-worn and well-earned, captured the attention of critics and public in a volatile age. In 1952, he received the Pulitzer for The Old Man and the Sea. In 1954, he received the Nobel Prize for his "powerful style-making mastery of the modern art of narration." He wrote from life. Until his life subdued and rescued him.Will Shakespeare - Aka "The bard". Arguably the best English writer to ever glide pen to page, populist hero as well as aristocratic raconteur, though we wish he had used all women instead of all men to populate his plays. (Not a prejudice, just a fact.) His sonnets remain divine. Rare is the writer who can scribble successfully in one genre, let alone two. Some postulate this poet and playwright was, in fact, more than one man…or woman. What would he have done with film, we wonder?Though he produced fewer than 40 paintings, Dutch painter Jan Vermeer is one of the most respected artists of the European tradition. He is known for his serene, luminous interiors populated by one or two figures. Vermeer grew up in Delft, Holland, joined the painters' guild in 1653, and worked as an art dealer to support his wife and 11 children. In 1672, war with France ruined Holland’s economy and Vermeer's business failed. Soon after, he died of a stroke at age 42, leaving his family bankrupt. Vermeer's paintings were largely forgotten for nearly 200 years, until 1858 when a French critic began to write admiringly about his work. Interest in Vermeer surged again recently with his work exhibited at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Contemporary writers have also been inspired by him, including Tracy Chevalier whose novel Girl with a Pearl Earring imagines the life of the girl in Vermeer's painting of the same name. L.Ron Hubbard - Whatever you may think of his other worldly beliefs, the full body of L. Ron Hubbard's work includes more than 5,000 writings and 3,000 tape-recorded lectures, spanning five, highly productive decades. A humanitarian and adventurer, he believes, "There are only two tests of a life well lived: Did one do as one intended? And were people glad one lived?" We add, "And can one write about it, anyhow?"Johannes Vermeer's "Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid" records a prior chivalrous age where class decorum reigned. (Oh, well, you can't have everything.) One of the most talented painters in the Dutch Golden Age, that's the 1600's, Vermeer's work was forgotten for centuries. The most brilliant artists of any century are probably never discovered, their paintings hidden till ruin, their pages dropping to dust in unfound attics. We find this oddly comforting. No martyr of time, this particular masterpiece hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland. Definitely worth a gaze.Jules Verne - Ode to childhood and the player within us. Verne was born, aptly, in Nates, France in 1828. He promptly ran off to become cabin boy on a merchant ship but was caught and sent back to his parents. Thus constrained, his imagination wandered. He wrote story after story, became very rich, bought a yacht and resumed his initial intent - to sail around the world. Or Europe anyhow. Our favorite remains Twenty Thousand Leagues.
The Writers Place FAQ
Screenplays Contests Poetry Contests
Anthology Contest

   Screenplay Contest:

Q: Are multiple contest submissions acceptable?

A: Yes, we accept multiple submissions; however, you must submit a separate entry form and fee for each script. Multiple submissions are limited to two scripts per contest.

Q: What are the submission deadlines?

A: All submissions must be postmarked not later than 30 April or 31 October to take advantage of our regular fee schedule. We will accept late submissions up to 15 days past the contest end date for an additional $10 administrative fee per script.  Late submission deadlines: 15 May & 15 November.

Q: If residing outside of the U.S., how do I pay the submission fee?

A: Use a credit card or mail us a money order payable in U.S. currency, only.

Q: How do I submit to The Writers Place?

A: You may access our entry form by clicking here. Please print out the form from our screenwriting contest section. You may also request a form. Just send a self addressed stamped envelope to The Writers Place.

Q: After submission, should I contact The Writers Place to verify receipt of my script?

A: No! If you would like verification that we received your script, include a self addressed stamped postcard as a part of your submission package. STILL CONCERNED? The Writers Place recommends that you use certified mail through the U.S. Postal Service.

Q: What if my script is optioned or sold after it is submitted to The Writers Place?

A: Congratulations! You no longer require assistance from The Writers Place.

Q: Are awards the same in each category - full length screenplays and/or shorts?

A: Yes! The focus of The Writers Place is to recognize and perpetuate good screenwriting and story telling. Quality is the key - not quantity.

Q: When will I know if I won?

A: We will announce winning and placing scripts not later than two months after the closing date in which your entry is competing.  Contest schedules are as follows:
Start Date End Date Late Deadline Winner Announced
1 November
1 May 		 30 April
31 October 		15 May
15 November 		1 July
1 January

Q: Aside from certificates, Final Draft software or comparable cash, and magazine subscriptions, there does not appear to be a significant difference between 1st, 2nd & 3rd place - as all three scripts are submitted to industry contacts.

A: True! But The Writers Place does not recognize contest prizes as the screenwriter's principal motivation. The prizes are merely a premium. The true benefit The Writers Place can bestow on a winning or placing script is to eliminate industry barriers for the undiscovered screenwriter. This is the ultimate goal of The Writers Place.

Q: Is there a particular kind of screenplay (genre and/or budget) The Writers Place is looking for?

A: No! The Writers Place has no favorites. We embrace scripts of all genres and budget categories.

 

     Poetry Contest:

Q: In what format should I submit my poetry?

A: Double-spaced, courier 12 font preferred, but any 12 font is fine -- clipped or stapled.

Q: Are there any topics or themes you prefer?

A: No, we are completely unbiased as to genre and theme. Send your best work.

Q: How many poems may I submit?

A: There is no limit on poetry submissions, as long as the requisite fee accompanies each set of 3 poems.

Q: Do I need to copyright my work?

A: This is suggested, though we understand it is not cost effective to copyright individual poems. To copyright a collection of poems you may use the free PA form for copyright submission, located in The Writers Place Learning Center.

Q: Where can I find The Writers Place Poetry Review?

A: The Writers Place Poetry Review is an online annual publication of selected poems published by The Writers Place. The first review includes work from poets and authors submitted in the 2006/2007 timeframe. Copies can be found on our Web site after April 2007.

Q: When will I know if I won?

A: The Writers Place will announce the winning and placing verse not later than two months after the closing date in which your entry is competing. Contest schedule is as follows:
Start Date End Date Late Deadline Winner Announced
1 February 31 January 15 February 1 April

 

     Anthology Contest:

Q: In what format should I submit my work?

A: Prose: double-spaced, courier 12 font preferred, but any 12 font is fine -- clipped or stapled. Poetry: one poem per page, unless a poem extends to several pages.

Q: Are there any topics or themes you prefer?

A: The themes we prefer may change from year to year. Please see the Anthology home page for details.

Q: How many poems or prose pieces may I submit?

A: There is no limit on submissions, as long as the requisite fee accompanies each set of 3 poems, as well as each prose piece.

Q: How many contests are there annually?

A: Submission to the Anthology is a bi-annual event, taking place twice a year. If not accepted in the first period, you may revise and resubmit for the next period.

Q: Do I need to copyright my work?

A: This is suggested, though we understand it is not cost effective to copyright individual poems and short stories. To copyright a collection you may use the free PA form for copyright submission, located in The Writers Place Learning Center.

Q: Where can I find The Writers Place Anthology?

A: The Writers Place Anthology includes online publication by The Writers Place. Copies can be found on our Web site beginning June 2008. Availability of hardcopies will depend on availability of publishers and their time frames.

Q: When will I know if I won?

A: The Writers Place will announce Anthology winners not later than two months after the closing date of the contest period in which your entry is competing. Contest schedule is as follows:
Start Date End Date Late Deadline Winner Announced
16 July
16 March 		1 March
1 July 		15 March
15 July 		15 May
15 September