Recently, a fellow writer suggested using tarot cards as free-writing prompts for some write-in-silence sessions. He said he'd bring a book of interpretations. To which I said, "My dude, no book necessary." I am not a believer. But I sometimes read tarot cards for fun -- wine and giggling are usually involved -- and I've… Continue reading Tarot Prompts for Writers
I just updated my list of Short Fiction Markets and Young Writers Markets, so it's only fitting to add a post on the fine print. Before you submit your work to any contest or magazine, double-check the rights you're selling or giving away. The best magazine publishers buy first world serial rights to the pieces… Continue reading Writers’ Markets: Read the Fine Print
The Ottawa Public Library's Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest was another great success this year, and I was thrilled to be part of it. The winners will be honoured this fall, with the publication of this year's Pot-pourri, but you can read the list of winning Awesome Author 2024 entries right now on the OPL… Continue reading Awesome Authors 2024 Winners
I'm pleased to have a couple of new stories published in print and online this year: "Welcome to the Margins" -- about an aging librarian obsessed with marginalia -- was published in The Humber Literary Review, my first time in its pages. (The full issue is available to read free online for a limited time… Continue reading New Short Stories
I've just changed WordPress themes and lost my way a smidge (along with several images, links, draft pages, and my mojo). I'll get the site updated, with news, links, and more resources for aspiring authors, by the beginning of summer. In the meantime, if there's anything new you want to see here, drop me a… Continue reading Oops
Catherine Austen 