The Speculative Literature Foundation

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SLF Grants Travel Research Grant 2011 Results 2010 Results 2009 Results 2008 Results 2007 Results 2006 Results 2005 Results 2004 Results Older Writers Grant 2011 Results 2010 Results 2009 Results 2008 Results 2007 Results 2006 Results 2005 Results 2004 Results	Special Note: On Poetry Although the Speculative Literature Foundation accepts poetry samples for the Older Writers Grant, we believe it can be difficult for a set of short poems to compete alongside lengthy fiction samples. We recommend poet applicants to keep this in mind when submitting for the grant. When comparing the speculative poetry we receive to the speculative fiction submitted for the grant, speculative poetry is, for the most part, too brief and far less detailed. Short spec poetry provides brief, albeit vivid snapshots due to the far fewer lines. A 10,000-word sample has the potential to give us more to enjoy because its length allows for plot development, characterization and world-building. Now, this is not to say that speculative fiction will beat out spec poetry each and every time. Often, we get speculative fiction that simply is not well-written nor features the best part of the story. Too many times an applicant sends a 10,000-word excerpt of a novel where little to nothing happens, but then includes a synopsis that is quite intriguing. We find that frustrating because we want to like the story based on that great synopsis. So we suggest that poet applicants who write longer speculative fiction consider submitting a longer work for the grant instead. Good writing is good writing, no matter the length or form. But a short poem crammed word-for-word, line-for-line with wonderful goodness may not stay with us like a well-written 10,000-word fiction sample that invites us into its world, shows us around a bit, and asks us to stay awhile. That being said, an applicant does not need to submit a 10,000-word novel excerpt to win the grant. Half of our winners have submitted short stories, and one of our Honorable Mentions submitted a play. No matter what form or length you send us, please make sure that your poems, plays or long fiction samples are high quality and your best work. We look forward to your applications. Special Note: Applications for the Older Writers' Grant were lost when the SLF website was down. If you sent in an application between Feb 23 and March 5, please re-send it now. We apologize for the inconvenience. The new reading period is May 1 - May 31. SLF Older Writers Grant The SLF Older Writers Grant is awarded annually to a writer who is fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application, and is intended to assist such writers who are just starting to work at a professional level. We are currently offering one $750 grant annually, to be used as the writer determines will best assist his or her work. This grant will be awarded by a committee of SLF staff members on the basis of merit. Factors considered will include: a short (less than 500 words) autobiographical statement, describing the writer and his/her work thus far; be sure to include date of birth a writing sample (up to 10 pages of poetry, 10 pages of drama, or 10,000 words of fiction or creative nonfiction -- if sending a segment of a novel, novella, or novellette, please include a one-page synopsis as well) a bibliography of previously-published work by the author (no more than one page, typed); applicants need not have previous publications to apply If awarded the grant, the recipient agrees to provide a brief excerpt from their work, and an autobiographical statement describing themselves and their writing (500-1000 words) for our files, and for possible public dissemination on our website. PLEASE NOTE: This grant, as with all SLF grants, is intended to help writers working with speculative literature. If you're not sure what areas that term encompasses, we recommend referencing our FAQ (question #2). Older Writers Grant Application Procedures Send the three items listed above to our older writers grant administrator Malon Edwards as attached .doc files, to olderwriters@speculativeliterature.org. Include a brief cover letter with your name and contact info (e-mail, phone in case of emergency). If you have questions, direct them to that same address. Older writer grant applications will be considered from ~~January 1st to March 31st, anually~~ May 1st to May 31st, this year. Applications received outside that period will be discarded unread. The grant recipient will be announced by ~~May 15th, annually~~July 15th, this year. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by that date. The Older Writers Grant is generously sponsored by Centric Advertising and ISFIC (Illinois Science Fiction in Chicago).
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