Creative Nonfiction Newsletter
for Serious Writers & Readers

Remember those Venn diagrams you used to make in school--the intersecting circles that showed the relationships between two or more groups? Well, for Creative Nonfiction's latest collection, When Doctors and Lawyers Connect--and Collide, we're looking for essays that compare and contrast the practitioners of medicine and law in much the same manner. But instead of intersecting circles, we're looking for strong narratives (OK, so maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but you get the idea). Here's the fine print:

For a collection to be published by Southern Methodist University Press, Creative Nonfiction is seeking new essyas written by or about doctors and lawyers, exploring the two professions--their 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Guidelines: Essays must be: unpublished, 5,00 words or less, postmarked by March 15, 2009, and clearly marked "Doctors and Lawyers" on both the essay and the outside of the envelope.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 subscription shipping costs do apply; email information[at]creativenonfiction.org for rates). Please send manuscript, accompanied by a cover letter with complete contact information, SASE and payment to:

Creative Nonfiction
Attn: Doctors and Lawyers
5501 Walnut Street, Suite 202
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested in submitting work. Please email any questions to informatio[at]creativenonfiction.org.

Information is also posted here.

The rumor mills are churning. Is it true that CNF editor, Lee Gutkind, has resigned from his position at the University of Pittsburgh and accepted a position elsewhere?

To read what Lee has to say on this subject--as well as other creative nonfiction issues--visit his official blog.

To view, click here.

Speaking of blogs, we are no longer accepting blog nominations for The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 3. A big thank you to everyone who nominated; the response was immense and the quality of work outstanding, all of which makes our job of choosing "the best" a difficult one.

Once we're done hyperlinking our way across the world wide web, we'll announce the winners. Thanks again. Updates coming soon.

Regardless of where on the political spectrum your beliefs stand, November 4th marked a momentous occasion in America's history, and CNF is commemorating the event the only way we know how--with a back issue sale.

This month we've slashed 80% off Creative Nonfiction #19: Diversity Dialogues. This issue is chock full of essays about the kinds of diversity that defy easy labels and features celebrated authors like John Edgar Wideman, Francine Prose, Andrei Codrescu, Terry Tempest Williams, Richard Rodriguez, Floyd Skloot (whose esay earned him the $10,000 Walter V. Shipey Award) and others. All of this tucked inside a beautiful cover that showcases the art of Romare Bearden.

And this month it can be yours for the low, low price of $3 plus shipping. For more information, click here.

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.

Fully Funded VCCA Fellowship for Writers

NEA-funded, month-long VCCA Fellowships are available to writers who have not been in residence at this international artist retreat, located in Amherst, Virginia. Fellows receive private studios and bedrooms, and all meals. Admission is based on review of applications by panel of professional writers. Application deadline: January 15, 2009 for residencies between June and September 2009.

To apply, click here.

Applicants must indicate they are applying for the NEA residency. $25 application fee. For more information call 434.946.7236 or email vcca[at]vcca.com.