Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year tends to slip away on a wave of gatherings and travelling, wrapping and shopping, cooking and enjoying, and so on.
But hopefully you've written your chapter!
Yes, the Chapter 4 deadline is tomorrow, and the editorial board eagerly awaits new works. The board is still very pleased with entries so far, and continues to be surprised at the direction of the story. So dash away to your computer and submit!
In January, we'll organize a new collective of readings, so please check this blog, as well as Modern Dickens on Facebook and Twitter, for all the details.
Enjoy your celebrations!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Congratulations to John O'Donnell, our Chapter 3 winner!
John thrilled the editorial board with a suspenseful chapter while also helping readers understand key characters more completely. Way to go, John! He should be out and about soon reading his chapter, so check the blog, Twitter, and Facebook for upcoming events.
The editorial board continues to be excited by all the twists and turns presented by each author -- there are many writers with wonderful perspectives and interesting insights as to how the story should move along. We thank everyone for their submissions, and encourage you to download Chapter 3 (always free to do so, although donations are appreciated) and start writing Chapter 4 now!
The editorial board continues to be excited by all the twists and turns presented by each author -- there are many writers with wonderful perspectives and interesting insights as to how the story should move along. We thank everyone for their submissions, and encourage you to download Chapter 3 (always free to do so, although donations are appreciated) and start writing Chapter 4 now!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Chapter 3 submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. this Sunday, 11/21
That nearly midnight submission time is such a comfort. You know you can spend Sunday evening reviewing and polishing final edits before uploading.
Pacing writing and editing is an important process. While all writers have their particular methods, at some point, we simply have to walk away from the work for a day or two and later, look at it with fresh eyes.
Hopefully you're feeling confident about your chapter thus far, and can use the weekend to spiff up the final entry.
The editorial panel is eager to read over the Thanksgiving holiday, so use the next few days to your advantage!
Pacing writing and editing is an important process. While all writers have their particular methods, at some point, we simply have to walk away from the work for a day or two and later, look at it with fresh eyes.
Hopefully you're feeling confident about your chapter thus far, and can use the weekend to spiff up the final entry.
The editorial panel is eager to read over the Thanksgiving holiday, so use the next few days to your advantage!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Upcoming readings featuring Chapter 2 winner Janet Roewe Piller
So many outstanding entries for Chapter 2! We congratulate Janet Roewe Piller on her winning submission, and encourage everyone to stop by these Modern Dickens Project readings to hear how Janet moved the story along in an intriguing way.
Saturday, Nov 6 at 9p, Café DiScala, 644 18th St. in Des Moines. If you haven't been to this wonderful Italian restaurant set in a gorgeous Victorian home, well, it's time.
Saturday, Nov 13 at 10a, Ritual Café, 1301 Locust St. in Des Moines. Love our friends at Ritual, and it's the perfect staging for creative artists. Stop in for a cuppa and meet Janet.
If you'd like us to stage a reading in your city, contact Chris Draper at chris@moderndickens.org
Saturday, Nov 6 at 9p, Café DiScala, 644 18th St. in Des Moines. If you haven't been to this wonderful Italian restaurant set in a gorgeous Victorian home, well, it's time.
Saturday, Nov 13 at 10a, Ritual Café, 1301 Locust St. in Des Moines. Love our friends at Ritual, and it's the perfect staging for creative artists. Stop in for a cuppa and meet Janet.
If you'd like us to stage a reading in your city, contact Chris Draper at chris@moderndickens.org
Friday, October 29, 2010
We have a Chapter 2 winner! Look for it Mon. 11/1
We're excited!
The quality of the entries was top notch! Writers created so many clever possibilities to move the story along, with dynamic characters, fresh perspectives, and situations The MDP team never even dreamed could happen. This is why a serial novel is so much fun to do.
Kudos to everyone who entered: you really put the editorial board to task trying to pick just one winner!
Alas, there can be only one winning chapter submission. But remember: if your submission isn't selected this time, you can certainly submit again! We encourage everyone to continue to follow the story and offer their points of view for another chapter.
Authors whose chapters do win may not enter again for this novel. However, next year is a different story!
The winning author and his or her chapter will be posted on the site Mon. Nov. 1st. Writers have until Nov. 21st to submit their entries for Chapter 3. The editorial board awaits with breathless anticipation.
The quality of the entries was top notch! Writers created so many clever possibilities to move the story along, with dynamic characters, fresh perspectives, and situations The MDP team never even dreamed could happen. This is why a serial novel is so much fun to do.
Kudos to everyone who entered: you really put the editorial board to task trying to pick just one winner!
Alas, there can be only one winning chapter submission. But remember: if your submission isn't selected this time, you can certainly submit again! We encourage everyone to continue to follow the story and offer their points of view for another chapter.
Authors whose chapters do win may not enter again for this novel. However, next year is a different story!
The winning author and his or her chapter will be posted on the site Mon. Nov. 1st. Writers have until Nov. 21st to submit their entries for Chapter 3. The editorial board awaits with breathless anticipation.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Merci, gracias, hvala, danke, domo arigato
As a non-profit, we simply couldn't do this project without the kindness of strangers and friends.
Making a donation to The Modern Dickens Project isn't required to submit an entry (which is rare for a writing contest), but it certainly is appreciated by the volunteers spinning this little engine and the writers who want a chance at publication.
A tip of the hat to those who have so graciously donated thus far:
Gregory Cunningham
Sandra Gleaves
Carolyn Herbrechtsmeyer
Jerry Hooten
Deb Kozel
Eric Nemmers
Sarah Oltrogge
Joel Pech
Janet Pillar
David R Schervish
Deb Wiley
Whether you donate $5 or $50, you're helping to encourage the creative arts in Iowa and writers across the country. Thank you.
(Click here to donate)
Making a donation to The Modern Dickens Project isn't required to submit an entry (which is rare for a writing contest), but it certainly is appreciated by the volunteers spinning this little engine and the writers who want a chance at publication.
A tip of the hat to those who have so graciously donated thus far:
Gregory Cunningham
Sandra Gleaves
Carolyn Herbrechtsmeyer
Jerry Hooten
Deb Kozel
Eric Nemmers
Sarah Oltrogge
Joel Pech
Janet Pillar
David R Schervish
Deb Wiley
Whether you donate $5 or $50, you're helping to encourage the creative arts in Iowa and writers across the country. Thank you.
(Click here to donate)
Monday, October 18, 2010
You have until Thurs. 10/21, 11:59 p.m.
...to submit your entry for the 2nd chapter of The Modern Dickens Project. Exciting!
After that, the editorial board will review all entries and then choose the winning submission. The selected author receives $100, his or her chapter will be posted on the site on November 1st, and the process starts all over again for Chapter 3!
If you submit a chapter and it's not chosen this time, don't let that stop you. While you may only enter one chapter per deadline, you can continue submitting chapters throughout the project.
Good luck to all authors!
After that, the editorial board will review all entries and then choose the winning submission. The selected author receives $100, his or her chapter will be posted on the site on November 1st, and the process starts all over again for Chapter 3!
If you submit a chapter and it's not chosen this time, don't let that stop you. While you may only enter one chapter per deadline, you can continue submitting chapters throughout the project.
Good luck to all authors!
Friday, October 1, 2010
What attracts the attention of The MDP editorial board?
Your submission. :D
Come on, that was a gimmee.
Seriously, The MDP editorial board is quite excited that already, 20 days before the Chapter 2 deadline, submissions are rolling in!
It's encouraging to see writers take an interest and want to participate, and the board wants everyone to know that 20 days is more than enough time to craft a chapter.
Start by reading the 1st chapter. Is Sitka on a rampage? Is Saul shady? What's the meaning of the text message?
Ruminate a bit, and let your ideas flow...
...and submit! Thursday, October 21st is the Chapter 2 deadline.
The good news? There are many more chapters needed. So no pressure if you don't make that deadline--The MDP board will be just as excited to see your submission for Chapter 3.
Come on, that was a gimmee.
Seriously, The MDP editorial board is quite excited that already, 20 days before the Chapter 2 deadline, submissions are rolling in!
It's encouraging to see writers take an interest and want to participate, and the board wants everyone to know that 20 days is more than enough time to craft a chapter.
Start by reading the 1st chapter. Is Sitka on a rampage? Is Saul shady? What's the meaning of the text message?
Ruminate a bit, and let your ideas flow...
...and submit! Thursday, October 21st is the Chapter 2 deadline.
The good news? There are many more chapters needed. So no pressure if you don't make that deadline--The MDP board will be just as excited to see your submission for Chapter 3.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Join us for two readings Sat. 9/25, and submit, submit, submit!
John Domini will once again present a wonderful rendition of the first chapter of the Modern Dickens Project at two locations Sat. 9/25.
Wake up at the Des Moines Farmers' Market by stopping in to Java Joes on 4th St. at 9:30 a.m.
Later that night, join John at Cafe di Scala in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood at 641 18th St. This reading starts at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Of course, once you hear John, you'll be inspired to write the next installment! Deadline for Chapter 2 is October 21st....so write today! We are eagerly awaiting your submission!
Wake up at the Des Moines Farmers' Market by stopping in to Java Joes on 4th St. at 9:30 a.m.
Later that night, join John at Cafe di Scala in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood at 641 18th St. This reading starts at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Of course, once you hear John, you'll be inspired to write the next installment! Deadline for Chapter 2 is October 21st....so write today! We are eagerly awaiting your submission!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Join us for MDP readings Fri. 9/17 and Sat. 9/18
Join author John Domini Fri. 9/17 for the first MDP reading at the Des Moines Social Club,
1408 Locust St. He'll begin at 6 p.m.
If you've not had a chance to visit the DMSC before, it's a great art and event space, so plan on staying a little longer to view some of the gallery work.
Saturday, 9/18, stop into Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St. Des Moines, for a nice cup of something and another reading by John starting at 11:30 a.m.
More readings to come! We really look forward to meeting you. And if you'd like to suggest a venue, please do.
1408 Locust St. He'll begin at 6 p.m.
If you've not had a chance to visit the DMSC before, it's a great art and event space, so plan on staying a little longer to view some of the gallery work.
Saturday, 9/18, stop into Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St. Des Moines, for a nice cup of something and another reading by John starting at 11:30 a.m.
More readings to come! We really look forward to meeting you. And if you'd like to suggest a venue, please do.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Upcoming readings of the 1st chapter
The Modern Dickens Project is hittin' the streets!
We're finalizing some events that will feature inagurual chapter author John Domini reading his work and encouraging new writers to submit subsequent chapters.
We'd love to meet you and answer any questions you have about the project, so please watch this space and our Facebook page for a listing of locations and times. We'll be out and about soon!
We're finalizing some events that will feature inagurual chapter author John Domini reading his work and encouraging new writers to submit subsequent chapters.
We'd love to meet you and answer any questions you have about the project, so please watch this space and our Facebook page for a listing of locations and times. We'll be out and about soon!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thanks to everyone for spreading the word
The strength of any effort is bouyed by its support, and the MDP staff is forever grateful for all the terrific people who believe in the effort and are helping to publicize the idea and encourage writers to take part.
Again, thanks to everyone for sounding the horn, sharing on Facebook, and RTing on Twitter.
- Brianne Sanchez of The Des Moines Register created a great feature: A New Approach to Old Fiction for both the Register and Juice. Look for Brianne at some of the MDP events at the Des Moines Social Club, too!
- If you want to know about any writing opportunities, bookmark Roxie Hanna's blog and check back often. She was kind to post this: New Writing Opportunity: The Modern Dickens Project
- Our illustrious editorial advisor, Kali VanBaale, has written a great blog about the MDP (not because she had to, but because she wanted to. :D) Make sure to bookmark her blog, too, as she writes some pretty funny stuff: The Modern Dickens Project
- AccessLine Iowa picked up the Register story.
- Thanks also to Intrepid Media for adding a blurb to its news page.
Again, thanks to everyone for sounding the horn, sharing on Facebook, and RTing on Twitter.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ready, Set, Go!
It's official! The Modern Dickens Project begins right now! You can now download the initial chapter of the book, created by the wonderful John Domini, and from there, start working on your chapter to submit!
To help everyone get a head start, the deadline for 2nd chapter submissions is October 21st. After that, writers have a mere 23 days to submit chapters for consideration for the next month. Remember, there's not an entry fee to be a part of this contest, as we are a non-profit organization, but the winner of each monthly installment will receive an honorarium of $100.
Find out about author reading events, talk about the MDP with fellow writers, and learn more about the MDP by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Simply click on links on the MDP home page.
We're looking for writers who can continue the story of modern Iowa. Are you one of them? Download the first chapter and let your imagination flow. We can't wait to read your submissions!
To help everyone get a head start, the deadline for 2nd chapter submissions is October 21st. After that, writers have a mere 23 days to submit chapters for consideration for the next month. Remember, there's not an entry fee to be a part of this contest, as we are a non-profit organization, but the winner of each monthly installment will receive an honorarium of $100.
Find out about author reading events, talk about the MDP with fellow writers, and learn more about the MDP by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Simply click on links on the MDP home page.
We're looking for writers who can continue the story of modern Iowa. Are you one of them? Download the first chapter and let your imagination flow. We can't wait to read your submissions!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Spoiler Alert: Look for MDP in Juice's next issue...
Looks like we may be getting some press before we release the first chapter written by John Domini on 1 September - look for the next edition of Juice magazine... that's all we're going to say!
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