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Creative Nonfiction Newsletter
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CONTENTS: |
ATTENTION FAKE MEMOIRISTS: YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP! Well, another "memoirist" is making headlines. Which means another "memoir" has been exposed as being bogus. Which means the creative nonfiction genre is taking another public lashing in the media. Which means it is time, once again, for us to remind everyone: no matter how beautiful or redemptive a story is, if it's not true, it is NOT creative nonfiction... it's fiction. Perhaps we're just not reaching enough people. Perhaps we can't do this on our own. Perhaps it is time we enlist the help of you, our CNF faithful, to help spread the word.  Please remain calm. You will not be asked to preach atop a soap box, you will not be asked to speak to the media, nor will you be asked to march on the nation's capital carrying a CNF placard (though if you're volunteering, we will gladly encourage you to do any of these). All we ask is that you help send a preemptive message to all the would-be fake memoirists, proclaim your loyalty to the genre, and proudly wear one of CNF's new "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" shirts. This black-and-gray baseball-style shirt features the CNF paper-tear logo and message on the front and "Creative Nonfiction" on the back. Simply by wearing this shirt you will let the world know that when it comes to writing creative nonfiction, you can't make this stuff up. Not a T-shirt person? Not to worry: A "Creative Nonfiction: You Can't Make This Stuff Up" mug is just as effective. Subtly send coworkers, students, and family members a message. Repeat after me: Creative Nonfiction, You can't make this stuff up. You can't make this stuff up! |
ADVICE FROM THE GODFATHER
When it comes to the current climate of the genre, no one is better equipped to give advice than CNF editor and founder Lee Gutkind. The LA Times recently asked him for his take on the influx of fake memoirs finding their way into publication and his latest blog proffers some excellent thoughts for prospective and current graduate writing students. To read what Lee has to say on this subject--as well as other creative nonfiction issues--visit his blog. |
Attention subscribers: the latest issue of CNF--First Lede, Real Lead--will be arriving shortly. What makes this issue special is the insider's guide to the revision and editorial processes: specifically, how to choose a story's best beginning (hint: sometimes it's on page 3). We gave three of these essays new beginnings and our website will feature a special interactive component that will allow readers to view the stories in their submitted AND published forms. What's more, readers will have the opportunity to join the discussion online and weigh in on the debate: How do you choose a story's best beginning? The best part: this issue will provide invaluable insight that will help strengthen and focus your own writing. |
REMINDER: DOCTORS AND LAWYERS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Are you a doctor? Are you a lawyer? Are you a writer with something to say about doctors or lawyers? Well, this could be your chance to get your voice heard and your writing published (and win $2500 while you're at it). The important details: 1) The deadline is March 15, 2009, and 2) $2500 will be awarded for the best essay. The finer points follow: ********** For a collection to be published by Southern Methodist University Press, Creative Nonfiction is seeking new essays written by or about doctors and lawyers, exploring the two professions' similarities as well as their divisions and points of conflict. What intrigues, interests, or annoys doctors and lawyers--and, potentially, others--about each other? The objective of this project is to capture the complex relationship between these two professions. Essays must be vivid and dramatic; they should combine a strong and compelling narrative with a significant element of research or information. We're looking for well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice. Creative Nonfiction editors will award $2,500 for Best Essay Guidelines: Essays must be: unpublished, 5,000 words or less, postmarked by March 15, 2009, and clearly marked "Doctors and Lawyers" on both the essay and the outside of the envelope. There is a $20 reading fee; $25 includes a 4-issue CNF subscription. Multiple entries are welcome ($20/essay) as are entries from outside the U.S. (though additional subscription postage costs do apply). Please send manuscript, accompanied by a cover letter with complete contact information, SASE and payment to: Creative Nonfiction Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested in submitting work. Please email any questions to information[at]creativenonfiction.org. Information is also posted on our website. |
CNF'S NO-RESIDENCY WRITING PROGRAM
Whether you are a novice writer looking to learn about the art of creative nonfiction or a seasoned pro looking to polish and publish a finished manuscript, CNF's Mentoring Program is flexible and can be tailored to help you with all of your creative nonfiction needs. Our program teams you with one of our experienced mentors to help you accomplish your writing goals. Make an investment in your writing career! For more information, click here. |
ADVERTISE IN THE NEWSLETTER Reach thousands of serious readers and writers! |
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