Good Stuff for Writers, 3/2
The Muse, Aurelia Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, and more
Hey writer friends,
It’s March! Wow. Let’s not fall into the dark hole of the Groundhog Day nature of this past year—but it’s worth pointing out that we have all survived a very challenging one. If you’re still here reading this newsletter, it probably means you’re still dedicated to being a freelance writer. Even after so many publications shut their doors to freelance pitches. Even after so many budgets were slashed to the bone. Even after social distancing and travel restrictions changed the game for reporting. You’re still doing the thing that you love. You’re finding ways to make it work. And doesn’t that feel good??
Now we’re starting to see so much hope on the other side. New publications are launching. (Did you catch the Q&A with EIC Pipe Wrench, a new magazine for longform journalism launching in April??) There have been an abundance of pitch calls over the last two months. Publications and brands are looking for writers. People are getting vaccinated. Spring is around the corner. I hope you feel hopeful and motivated. If not, that’s ok, too. You’ll get there. I know it. 💛
Now we have lots of good stuff to get to…
Education, Funds, Inspiration, Etc.
Submissions to The Writer’s Magazine essay contest are due on March 110. Prize: $1,000 and publication.
Applications for $25,000 grants for creative nonfiction through the National Endowment for the Arts are due on March 10.
Applications for the Ida B. Wells fellowship, a one-year program + $20K for investigative reporters of color, are due March 14.
Join Journo Resources for a webinar on how to juggle journalism with your job on March 10.
The Writer’s Co-op just launched a two-course bundle on business basics and contracts. (You can learn more about TWC Co-founder Wudan Yan in her Q&A on community and confidence.)
The Atlantic just hired four new editors. Pitch calls coming soon, perhaps?
What I’m Reading
There are so many things to fear in life, but punctuation is not one of them. That semicolons, unlike most other punctuation marks, are fully optional and relatively unusual lends them power; when you use one, you are doing something purposefully, by choice, at a time when motivations are vague and intentions often denied. And there are very few opportunities in life to have it both ways; semicolons are the rare instance in which you can; there is absolutely no downside. — The Case for Semicolons, The New York Times
Editors Who Want Your Pitches
That’s all for today, friends. I’ll be back in your inbox later this week.
Stay inspired,
Britany