S'up Saturday

Game of Fiction, Anyone?

Okay, so I've already plugged the unusual Esau Despised site. Remember: Strange me likey? You may have gone there and wondered what it's all about.
www.esaudespised.com

BTW, No need to wear a crucifix when entering the site. I know where this is going. Unlike Esau and Jacob, these bloggers will face a host of challenges as their wrestling matches play out.

We can all participate by rooting them on, posting our own theories in the comment sections, and letting their experiences deepen us.

Some of the characters are somber, others hilarious, each is seeing a vision of the same thing "esaudespised". Only those who've seen it are able to log on and post, though anyone can leave a comment.

See if you can figure out what is happening to these characters and encourage them through comments.

And if you have a blog and would be willing to plug the site, that would be greatly appreciated.

I'll see if I can get permission to drop hints to you here and there.

www.esaudespised.com

SHORT STORY CONTEST

"Hi there, I just wanted to let everyone know about a new short fiction contest that I am running on Gather.com . gather.com . Please pass the details along to any short fiction writers you know who might be interested in entering. There is no entry fee and the winning story will be reviewed by the in-house editor of Houghton Mifflin's Best American Short Stories (winner also receives a $500 cash prize, $250 selection of Houghton Mifflin titles, and a subscription to The Believer). Anyone who is interested can go to: fictioncontest.gather.com for contest details, rules, and submission guidelines. I am happy to answer any questions sent to me at: fictioncontest@gatherinc.com "

ANOTHER WRITING CONTEST

"Highlights for Children is sponsoring its 27th Annual Fiction Contest. Entries should explore the true spirit of holiday celebrations. All entries must be postmarked between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2006. Three prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. Entrants must be at least 16 years old. Stories may be any length up to 800 words. Stories for beginning readers should not exceed 500 words. Work from both published and unpublished authors is welcome, though submissions must be previously unpublished. The three winning entries will be announced in June 2006 and will be published by Highlights.

For more information, visit the contest Web site:
Highlights for Children 27th Annual Fiction Contest "

UPCOMING WRITER'S CONFERENCE

"I wanted to let you know about the Delaware Christian Writers Conferencethat I am bringing to the University of Delaware next spring: April 20, 21 &22. It begins on a Thursday at 1 p.m., and goes through Sat. at 5 p.m.

(The University of Delaware is in Newark, Delaware, only 40 minutes from thePhila. airport, and conveniently located right off of Interstate 95 at theRoute 896 exit.)Best selling Christian authors T. Davis Bunn and Alton Gansky will join a a dozen other editors, agents, publishers and professional writers who will present 24 workshops that cover such topics as "Opportunities for the Christian Writer," "What's Love Got To Do With It? (Writing a Christian romance Novel)," "Breathing Life Into Your Children's Story," and many others.

(I will also be adding a two-part workshop for Pastors that will be held on Saturday morning, April 22. "From Sermons To Books," will offer insight and tips on Christian publishing, and how you can turn your sermons into books. More info on that workshop will be added shortly.)

You can view the full schedule at the website:www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com

SPECIAL OFFER: YOU CAN SAVE 50% IF YOU REGISTER BY DECEMBER 15. FOR A>SPECIAL HALF PRICE FLYER, PLEASE VISIT THIS

www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/dcwc_flyer.PDF

The regular price to attend the conference will be $390; but you can save 50% and pay only $195 if you register by December 15. (Cost includes all meals, workshops, appointments with editors, Friday evening banquet, and a big list of "freebies," including "Sally Stuart's 2006 Christian Writers' Market Guide, a $28.50 value.) There is also a "writers contest" that is limited to those who attend. You can submit up to three manuscripts for the contest; winners will be awarded cash prizes at the Friday evening banquet. First place: $1,000. Second place: $500. Third place: $250.

(More info about the contest can be found on the website; there is a $25 entry fee for each manuscript that is submitted.)

I would appreciate your help in spreading the word about the contest, and the conference!" Thanks. John Riddle,Christian Author,Director of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference

www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com

NEWS ALERT:

If you receive information that other fiction writers might be interested in, please share by e-mailing me. Thanks to those who have.