To the TOP: With Smart Free Marketing

To the TOP: Smart Free Marketing for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed - Marketing Tips for Start-Ups

During my whole life, I have never been employed (besides some student summer gigs). My philosophy: 'If you don't build your dream, someone will hire you to help to build theirs'.

To the TOP - a valuable business guide book - has been written through my eyes as a founder and true entrepreneur.  And as I am always searching for the most economical way to do marketing, I studied and then established new and proven ways to promote my businesses, especially through content marketing.

The motto of this helpful entrepreneur guide is “Marketing vs. Advertising”. So, start-ups and self-employed business owners who are on a tight marketing budget will benefit from these tips on how to promote their services or goods in an effective, yet inexpensive way.

• Find proven tips on video and social media promotion, sweepstakes, e-commerce, podcasting, email, and influencer marketing, as well a free advertising on Google maps.
• An important topic in this book is content marketing: smart, low-cost, and one of the most successful types of business promotion.
• Finding (and caring for) customers is always the key to success. Learn how excellent customer service and a positive corporate culture will boost your success.
• Hundreds of valuable links in the chapter 'Resources" will help to support your promotion efforts.

This business guide answers your question:
"How can I promote my start-up with little effort or a very small marketing budget?" 


e-Book Special:  $ 9.95 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08957T6XN/

Print Version:  $19.95   - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664381 

Also available at Barnes&Noble, Apple, Kobo and dozens of other retailers via the universal link: https://books2read.com/u/mqv8Z1

Available worldwide, for example: 

UK          =   https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1988664381

Germany =   https://www.amazon.de/dp/1988664381

Canada   =  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1988664381

Digital Edition  ISBN:       978-1-988664-39-2

Print Book Edition ISBN:  978-1-988664-38-5 

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Video Conferencing Etiquette

Video Conferences: How to look and act your best in video conferences or media interviews. Remote working these days often involves video conferences - here are some tips to go through it in a professional manner.

Video is not always the medium of choice. The question is: What is the purpose of the conference? Getting to know each other? Then video makes sense because it builds up closeness faster. Is there a joint discussion?
Be Prepared
Have all your talking points and documents ready beforehand. If your colleagues need to see a document, send it before the call and make sure everyone has access to all the necessary data prior to the video meeting.

• Check Your Background
  Try to turn your working space, especially the background from which you talk, into a more professional area. Move plants to the side and let not everyone peak into your bookshelf, filled with romance or political and religious books. If you’re using Zoom, you can even switch to a virtual background.
• Be on “Eye Level” With the Camera Lens
  No one looks good when filmed from underneath, showing mainly chins and noses… Always look at the camera whether you are listening or talking.
• Lighting
  An important aspect of any successful video meeting will be proper illumination with minimal glare. Poor lighting could leave your audiences in the dark. Go for natural illumination; however, make certain that it will not distract the participants on the opposite side.
• Dress Accordingly
  As the representative of your organization, dress in a way that will not jeopardize the prestige of your company. For example, no large patterns, loud colors, and t-shirts.
• “Public Appearance”
  Never say or do anything near a camera that you wouldn’t want broadcast to millions. Avoid political, religious, or risqué topics. After all, you are on the Internet, which means video might stay there forever
• No Distractions
  Make sure that your cell phone is kept in the silent mode, that your kids are kept away, as well as dogs or cats, during the conference.  Eliminate background noises while the conference is going on, and minimize any echo from the microphone. Practice patience and refrain from speaking while others are expressing themselves.
  
  
  More Tips:
• Make sure to adopt a LAN cable that will help guarantee a stable Internet connection.
• 
  
• Top-quality video conferencing software such as ezTalks Cloud Meeting will aid in facilitating proper business communication.
• Before your video conference, take some time to save your work, close any apps and programs you won’t need or contain personal data, or use too much CPU power.
• Clean up your screen: If you’re going to share your screen during a video call, take extra precautions so people can’t see anything private or potentially embarrassing.
• Test your internet speed with Fast.com or Speedtest.net. If you’re not getting enough speed, move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
• If you’re going to be a part of online meetings every day, you might want to consider buying a better camera and/or headset.
• Use headphones or earbuds when you’re on a video call. Because of the close proximity to your mouth, it will sound better than using your laptop’s built-in microphone.

• Only one conversation at a time, let people finish, otherwise, no one will understand anything in the end.
• Start videos! This way everyone can see themselves, experience reactions, and feel part of the team.
• If you look at the screen, everyone feels personally addressed and involved
• Working remotely can be tiring: schedule more but shorter breaks

Start the day with a short online meeting, a so-called check-in. Here the tasks of the day can be discussed, but also personal matters. End the day with a final meeting, the checkout. This clearly defines the border between work and leisure time.


Video is also useful - the voice is complemented by facial expressions. Is it just about communicating something? Then it is enough if the presenters are visible - the rest listens without video. Personal conversations are often most effective simply as a phone call, especially if you already know each other.

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111 Tips to Create Impressive Videos:
How to Plan, Create, Upload and Market Videos 
https://www.books2read.com/u/3GYnpa
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYDH41S/


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Successful Publishing - May Newsletter

Writers Residencies, Writing Competitions, Freelance Writing, Relief Funds, and More:

May – the month of spring and beauty! There is no denying we need a strong injection of hope and optimism, during this time. If you’re one of those people who always said they would write a novel if only they had the time: this is your moment!

May Newsletter Content:

– DIVERSIFY

– RELIEF FUNDS

– GRANTS & FREE RESIDENCIES

– WRITING CONTESTS

– FREELANCE WRITING

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DIVERSIFY

Now with (maybe) more time on your hands: Spruce up your book marketing and book distribution!  Are You Still Selling Books Only Via Amazon? find here dozens of opportunities where else you can sell your books online:

https://www.savvybookwriters.com/are-you-still-selling-books-only-via-amazon/

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RELIEF FUNDS FOR AUTHORS & ARTISTS

Here You Will Find Grants & Relief Funds for Artists & Authors in the UK, USA, and Canada  

https://www.savvybookwriters.com/grants-relief-funds-for-artists-authors/

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Covid-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists

The fund will distribute support ranging from $1,000–$8,000 USD for local coverage of the preparation, response, and impact of this global pandemic as seen through evidence-based reporting. We seek writers, photographers, videographers, audio journalists, cartographers, filmmakers, and data visualization experts to apply for this funding. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/funding-opportunities/grants/what-we-fund/covid-19-emergency-fund/

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Intl. Women’s Media Journalism Relief Fund

Journalists who have faced significant financial hardship, lost work, were recently laid off, or who urgently need assistance to avoid severe, irreversible outcomes. Grants of up to $2,000. 

https://iwmf.submittable.com/submit/41e7f7ce-db40-4ff6-873f-e24450e27497/journalism-relief-fund-english

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NH Artist Entrepreneurial Grants

Artist Entrepreneurial Grants support opportunities that will benefit artists’ careers, including the development of business skills, participation in programs to raise the level and quality of their art, and participation in programs that will bring their art to the widest possible markets.

Deadlines May 8, 2020; August 7, 2020; November 6, 2020. 

https://www.nh.gov/nharts/grants/artists/artistentre.html

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GRANTS & FREE RESIDENCIES

Plan next year’s free “workation” or “holiday-writing” – apply NOW – Deadlines are looming…

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Anne LeBastille Memorial Writers Residency

The Adirondack Center for Writing offers a two-week residency annually in October to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers at a lodge on Twitchell Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. The residency will be open to six writers every year, with three spaces for writers from the region, and three from elsewhere. We accept writers in any genre. Deadline May 21

https://adirondackcenterforwriting.org/2019/05/13/applications-open-to-the-anne-labastille-memorial-writers-residency/

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Kalamalka Press Writer-in-Residency

Welcoming authors of any genre from across Canada. The KP@C3 includes four weeks of accommodation and studio space at the Caetani Cultural Centre in Vernon, B.C., with the possibility of an extended stay, as well as an honorarium. Open to emerging and established writers in any genre. The residency is scheduled for the month of October. Location Vernon, BC, Canada.  http://www.kalwriters.com/residency/

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Vermont Studio Center

It is the largest international artists’ and writers’ residency program in the US. Each month the Center hosts over 50 writers and artists from across the country and around the world. Deadline 15 June

https://vermontstudiocenter.org/fellowships

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Berton House Canadian Writers’ Retreat

Berton House is a cozy cottage situated on the edge of the historic northern town of Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. Writers are invited to apply. Three-month housing and travel costs are covered. Residents also receive a $9,000 honorarium. Writers are required to deliver two public readings and encouraged to interact with the community during their stay.  

https://www.writerstrust.com/programs/berton-house-writers-retreat/

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WRITING CONTESTS

Writing Competition: Imagine a Future World of Justice

Call on South Africa’s creative minds to enter a competition to help imagine a future world where everyone has access to justice. The winner will walk away with a R10 000 cash prize. Deadline May 20

https://www.lawforall.co.za/uncategorized/writing-competition-imagine-a-future-world-of-justice/

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Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award

The Winner receives £1,000 and agent introduction. Runner-up receives manuscript review and agent introduction. The Award is open to unrepresented and unpublished authors for a novel in any adult fiction genre. Highly commended receives agent introduction. Submit an opening chapter or chapters up to 5,000 words plus a 300-word synopsis and a cover letter.  £20 Entry Fee. Deadline May 30

https://bluepencilagency.com/bpa-first-novel-award-2020/

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The Masters Review Flash Fiction Contest

The winner receives $3,000 and publication. 2nd and 3rd place prizes are $300 and $200 and publication. Stories must come in under 1,000 words. 

$20 Entry Fee. Deadline May 30

https://mastersreview.com/flash-fiction-contest/

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Bridport Prize

Poetry: 42 lines max. No minimum. The Novel award is ONLY open to writers in Great Britain (including N. Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and the Republic of Ireland. Poetry: first prize £5,000, second prize £1,000, third prize £500, Novel: first prize – £1,500. Entry Fee £20 for Novels. Deadline May 30

https://www.bridportprize.org.uk/

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Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize

The competition is open to anyone who has not published a book-length work in the genre that they are entering. The winners of each category received a £1,000 cash prize. Max 3,000 words. £10 Entry Fee.
Deadline June 1, 2020

https://www.wasafiri.org/new-writing-prize/

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ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Legal Fiction

Entries must be original works of fiction and max. 5,000 words that illuminate the role of the law and lawyers in modern society. The winner will receive a prize of $3,000. Entrants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Entries may be unpublished or published no earlier than January 1

No entry fee. Deadline June 1

https://www.abajournal.com/contests/ross_essay

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Cave Canem

Prize is a 2nd-book award for black poets of African descent, offered every other year. This award celebrates and publishes works of lasting cultural value and literary excellence. Winner receives $1,000. No Entry Fee. Deadline June 12

https://cavecanempoets.org/prizes/cave-canem-northwestern-university-press-poetry-prize/

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Sean O’Faolain Short Story Competition

The competition is open to original, unpublished, and un-broadcasted short stories in the English language of 3,000 words or fewer. First Prize €2,000, residency (one week) at Anam Cara Retreat. 2nd Prize €500.  €18 Entry Fee. Deadline July 18, 2020

http://www.munsterlit.ie/SOF%20Page.html

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CrazyShorts! Short-Short Fiction Contest

First prize $1,000 and publication. 

Submit one to three shorts of up to 500 words each. Each entry is considered for publication. Entry fee includes a subscription. 

$15 Entry Fee. Submit between July 1 and 31

https://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/crazyshorts/

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FREELANCE WRITING

Rachel Carrington’s Advice for Freelance Writers:

The New York Times, Writer’s Digest, The Writer’s Chronicle, Good Housekeeping, and even The Boston Globe offer opportunities for writers to submit low word count essays or blog posts about personal experiences, your writing journey, and even career advice. Read more here:  http://www.rachelcarrington.com

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One silver lining of this strange time is that writers are finding time to write.  Don’t give up! Keep writing – the more you write, the more you’ll hone your craft.  Stay strong and healthy.  All the best to my readers and their families!

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Find all my books here: 

https://www.books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

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What Comes After Corona?

Two smart Europeans envision a better economic, sustainable, and fairer world after Corona - with a cleaner, more efficient infrastructure and more new jobs.
Such technologies have long been available. How it should look like:

• Clean technologies pay for themselves thanks to the energy and resource savings they bring. Investing in this new infrastructure is therefore not a cost, but an opportunity to secure profits for industry while reducing individual spending.
  
• We can build a stable renewable energy network based on solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass, marine energy, and wind power. And the possibilities go much further.
  
• We can equip ports with a shore to ship electricity to reduce emissions from shipping, build charging stations for electric cars and hydrogen filling stations.
  
• We can set higher efficiency standards for all types of appliances, reduce the energy consumption of buildings through efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems or innovative and intelligent technologies for insulating or shading facades.
  
• We can help our farmers modernize to use fewer pesticides and at the same time help protect our environment by producing healthy products.
  
• Such technologies have long been available. This is demonstrated, for example, by some of the solutions already selected by the Solar Impulse Foundation in the #1000solutions competition.

A "Keep it up!" as a rescue package after this crisis cannot be the answer. 
We need to do better - changing over to emission-free resources that we
received from "Mother Nature" at no cost!

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Dogs Are Happy During the Corona Crisis

I lost my beloved Bentley eight months ago. During this health crisis, I see so many people walking their dogs at all times of the day. And I must admit that I am rather envious… What a great time for them to have a companion and to be outside for an extended time!

Dogs must be happy right now that they have so much company.  They are the one member in a household who is enjoying self-isolation.  They love to have their pack (the family) together. They are now treated to our nonstop physical presence.  However, dogs like their routine.  Take them for walks at the same time every day, feed them on a normal schedule, give them regular bouts of attention.  They will learn the routine.  The more the owner is consistent, the more quickly the pup can adapt.  And it’s good for you too!

Pet adoptions are way up amid coronavirus crisis, even with shelters closed to the public. Appointment-only adoptions, drive-up fostering, online training, and at-home volunteer projects (such as making pet toys) are to help care for vulnerable animals during the pandemic. 

I hope that those who get a new dog now are not working full-time or have someone at home for most of the day.  And that those who get sick have someone to take care of the animals to prevent it being again set up for adoption.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few irresponsible folks who get a dog - only to leave it for eight or ten hours alone at home while they go to work.  Then they rush for ten minutes around the block - if at all.  Dogs are pack animals.  Holding them alone for most of the day is cruel and totally against their nature.  Not even mentioning the many hours they must hold their bladder.

Dogs are the only ones whose lives have been improved by the Corona Virus. Animals are making our isolation more enjoyable too.  Dogs are always there for you:

• They are a part of the family
• They won't judge you 
• They remind us that we have an obligation and responsibility to nurture them
• They need you for support, so they force you out of your ego and make you better

Let's recognize our amazing pets who keep us company during unsettling times. There are even Coronavirus Stars: BBC sports commentator Andrew Cotter's dogs Olive and Mabel go viral on social media.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/apr/10/coronavirus-stars-bbc-sports-commentator-andrew-cotters-dogs-olive-and-mabel-go-viral

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April Newsletter for Writers and Publishers

Many of us have had our routines disrupted due to coronavirus.  Being House-Bound?  Reading a book a day keeps the boredom away!  And writing helps even more!  Lose yourself in writing for a while.  Start another NaNoWriMo - this time in April.


My tip: read lots of books, write your next book(s), spruce up your book marketing, write articles for newspapers and magazines, apply for a grant, fellowship or writer residency, and participate in writing contests.

When you scrawl through this and all the other newsletters I write every month for you, you will find lots of opportunities. Don’t wait for inspiration, once you start working, inspiration often comes along later.

Content for this April Newsletter:
- WRITING CONTESTS
- GRANTS - FELLOWSHIPS - RESIDENCIES
- FREELANCE MARKETS
- TAX DEADLINE


WRITING CONTESTS

Florida Review Editors’ Awards
Each winner receives publication in The Florida Review and $1,000.
They accept submissions to three Editors’ Awards contests in Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Poetry. We also frequently recognize and publish one or more finalists in each genre. For prose, submit up to 25 pages (6,500 words). For poetry, submit up to five poems.
$25 Entry Fee. Deadline April 14
https://floridareview.cah.ucf.edu/submit/annual-editors-awards/
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Gulf Coast Prize in Fiction
The contest awards $1,500 and publication in Gulf Coast to the winner. Two honorable mentions will be awarded $250. All entries will be considered for publication, and the entry fee includes a one-year subscription to Gulf Coast. Limit 25 pages.
$23 Entry Fee. Deadline April 16
https://gulfcoastajournalofliteratureandfinearts.submittable.com/submit/159709/2020-gulf-coast-prize-in-fiction
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Craft Short Fiction Prize
International submissions are allowed. Limit 5,000 words. We review literary fiction but are open to a variety of genres and styles—our only requirement is that you show excellence in your craft. Winner: $2,000 award and a subscription to Journal of the Month. Runners-up: $500 and $300 award respectively for the second and third-place finalists.
$20 Entry Fee. Deadline April 30
https://www.craftliterary.com/short-fiction-prize/
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Fiction Opossum Prize
First Place $1,000 plus Opossum Prize trophy featuring gold opossum! Second Place $400. Third Place $200. All winners receive publication in the 2020 issue of Opossum (release date October 2020) and ten copies of the issue/7" record. All submissions must be under 7,000 words and engage the world of music in some way.
$20 Entry Fee. Deadline May 31
https://opossumaliterarymarsupial.submittable.com/submit/154103/fiction-opossum-prize-judged-by-ben-fountain
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Pipeline Adaptation Contest
$10,000 to winner, $2,000 to two runners-up ($1,000 each).
The Book Pipeline: Adaptation competition seeks published books, graphic novels, short stories, and plays for film and television adaptation. There are no genre restrictions, and judging criteria is weighed evenly between concept originality, marketability in the current landscape, and overall writing talent. Every entrant receives general feedback on their submission, specifically on its adaptation potential. $55 Entry Fee.
Deadline May 20
https://bookpipeline.com/shop/adaptation-contest
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Yeovil Literary Prize
Five categories: novels (15,000 words max.), short stories (limit 2,000 words), poetry (maximum 40 lines), writing without restrictions (see general rules), West Gazette Best Local Writing Award. Prizes range from £50 to £1,000 with first, second, and third place prizes given in the first four categories. One £100 award in the fifth category.
£5-12 Entry Fee. Deadline May 31, 2020
https://www.yeovilprize.co.uk/
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William Van Wert Short Story/Novel Excerpt Award
Prize is $1,000. Any previously unpublished short story or novel excerpt of 25 pages or less. All novel excerpts must include a synopsis and outline of the whole novel and an explanation of where the submitted portion fits into the overall structure of the work.
$17 Entry Fee. Deadline June 30, 2020
https://hiddenriverartssubmissions.submittable.com/submit


GRANTS - FELLOWSHIPS - RESIDENCIES

Nevada Artist Fellowship Grant
Grant amount $5,000. Open to Nevada artists in the literary arts, submit creative prose (fiction and nonfiction), dramatic writing, and poetry. Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the application. U.S. citizen or legal resident status. Deadline April 15, 2020
https://nvculture.org/nevadaartscouncil/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/10/FY21-GUIDELINES-ARTIST-FELLOWSHIP-V9-FINAL.pdf
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Andrews Forest Writers Residency
Creative writers whose work reflects a keen awareness of the natural world and an appreciation for both scientific and literary ways of knowing are invited to apply for the Andrews Forest Writers Residency. The resident writers live at the Andrews Forest for one to two weeks, interact with the scientists, explore the forest, and write. Writers are encouraged to visit designated study sites for reflecting on and writing about the forest and their relation to it. These writings, which will form a collection spanning hundreds of years, will be gathered in permanent archives at Oregon State University. Free facilities and a $250 stipend. Deadline May 1, 2020
https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/centers-and-initiatives/spring-creek-project/programs-and-residencies/hj-andrews-experimental-forest/long-term-ecological-reflections-writers-residence
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Turkey Land Cove Foundation
It is a working residency for motivated women to pursue their professional, educational, and artistic goals away from the distractions of daily life. Turkey Land Cove (TLC) provides a quiet home on Martha's Vineyard to achieve progress towards a defined goal. Deadline May 1
https://www.turkeylandcovefoundation.org/
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Prairie Ronde Artist Residency
Offering a stipend of $2,000 for four to seven weeks, a $500 travel grant, and use of a car.
Located in historic Vicksburg, MI, near Kalamazoo, the residency provides access to the 420,000 square foot former Lee Paper Company paper mill and its adjacent 80 acres of property to use as inspiration. They provide housing and studio space for one resident at a time, three times a year. Deadline June 1
http://prairierondeartistresidency.com/artist-application/
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National Parks Artist-in Residence
Whether staying in a remote wilderness cabin at Denali National Park in Alaska or contemplating history at the Hoover National Historic Site in Iowa or working in a contemporary studio in Connecticut: these programs provide artists with unique opportunities to create works of art in varied natural and cultural settings. There are programs for visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative media. Programs are two to four weeks in length, most include lodging. Over 50 locations to consider.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/air.htm



FREELANCE MARKETS

Bronzeville Books - Rigor Morbid 2
A collection of horror tales for Halloween. Stories should be 3,000 words or less. Pays eight cents/word.
Deadline June 6, 2020, or when 175 submissions are received.
http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/anthology-submissions/
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Bronzeville Books - Happy Hellidays
Unexpected holiday stories: Don't limit yourself to Christmas - all kinds of special occasions gone awry. Stories should be 3,000 words or less. Pays eight cents/word.
Deadline July 11, 2020 or when 175 submissions are received.
http://www.bronzevillebooks.com/writers/anthology-submissions/
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Selfcare
Taking care of yourself is not just about your physical health but includes your emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing too. Self-care includes that all-important "me time," whether that means exercising or reading or meditating or having lunch with friends. Whatever your psyche needs is your form of "me time." We are looking for your stories about how you neglected your self-care, how you realized its importance, and how you now engage in it. Pays $200 and ten copies for up to 1,200 words.
Deadline September 30, 2020
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story
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Write for South West Airlines
Southwest: The Magazine, published by Pace Communications for Southwest Airlines, attracts more than 6.3 million readers each month. They typically publish two works of narrative nonfiction each issue, somewhere around 3,000 to 3,500 words. Write a compelling tale with memorable characters, none of whom have to be famous. Additionally from our feature well, we also assign special advertising sections. Pays up to $1/word.
https://www.southwestmag.com/writers-guidelines/
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Discover Magazine
It reports captivating developments in science, medicine, technology, and the world around us. Spectacular photography and refreshingly understandable stories on complex subjects connect everyday people with the greatest ideas and minds in science. Want to get in touch with the Discover editorial staff? Email us at editorial@discovermagazine.com. Pays $1 to $2 per word.
https://www.discovermagazine.com/about
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Freelance Writing
Chicken Soup: Age is Just a Number
We are looking for stories about the humorous or serious sides of life after 60. Limit 1,200 words. Pays $200 and ten copies.
Deadline May 31
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story
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The National
It is the onboard American culture magazine for Amtrak. In their pages, you’ll find in-depth reporting and beautiful photography from across the country, as well as fiction, poetry, and essays from some of America’s most acclaimed voices. Pays $1/word.
http://www.amtrakthenational.com/about-us
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TAX DEADLINE
Good News in Canada: Extended To July 15 Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The federal government announced foreclosure protections for the next 60 days. And federal regulators are ordering mortgage lenders to grant mortgage relief to homeowners who have lost income or their job.



DURING CORONA SHUT DOWN
What else can you do while staying at home: Dig the garden, built new flower beds and fill them with cool weather plants, or file tax returns, sort and resize your photos, organize your computer files, tidy the garage, cellar or attic, repair your bike or car, barbecue in good weather, clean the windows, polish your silverware, empty the cupboards and your wardrobe and throw everything unnecessary into the bin or, if it's still good, donate the fine pieces to charity, buy lots of store-made wrapped sandwiches and deliver them to the homeless.


Spring is Here and We Are Alive!
https://www.savvybookwriters.com/spring-is-coming-and-we-are-alive/
Write letters to relatives and friends, finally write down your Will - you never know... There is so much to do - let's get on with it! Now, we have lots of time on our hands. Take care!

Everything will be fine!
Tutto andrà bene!
Alles wird gut!
¡Todo estará bien!
Tout se passera bien!

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Boring Verbs and What to Use Instead

Source: www.grammarcheck.net

Open letter to Mr. Calin Rovinescu - Air Canada

Open letter to Mr. Calin Rovinescu
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Air Canada

Flight AC875 from Frankfurt to Montreal
Tuesday, March 17

Row 43 (D) a female passenger was constantly coughing...
I reported to a flight attended and asked for a different seat to get away from this coughing lady. The (chief) stewardess (tall lady with brown hair, fastened up to a bun) told me in a very arrogant tone that it’s just my risk when flying.

This was the second-last flight from Europe home to Canada!
This flight attended was not even wearing a mask, like many of her colleagues, and started to tell me about her spring allergy she endures - like my worries are a piece of cake and I should live with it.
Arroganz and Ignoranz…

I am nearly 70 years old, there were several free seats in the plane - so no reason at all not to give me another, safer seat.

Now to Your JAZZ  Airline:
I have never seen such a dirty plane!  Flight # AC 8780
from Montreal to Halifax Tuesday, March 17
To place a coat in the overhead compartment passengers had to touch the handle which was totally dirty, filthy and disgusting. I checked the other handles and they were so dirty - it was insane.

Why did I have to wait for 5+ hours for my connecting flight to Halifax - even though there was another flight two hours earlier? I inquired at the AC customer service counter and learned that there were several free seats at this earlier plane.

Customer-friendly Air Canada? 
Training of cabin-staff and cleaners?

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Working From Home: FREE Courses

Generous Offer: 
Working from home: free courses from LinkedIn with this link
In response to all the people now finding themselves working from home, perhaps for the first time, LinkedIn is granting FREE access to sixteen of its LinkedIn Learning video courses. The playlist is: 1 Working Remotely – 60 minutes 2 Time Management: Working from Home – 85 minutes 3 Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset – 59 minutes 4 Executive Presence on Video Conference Calls – 34 minutes 5 Thriving @ Work: Well-Being and Productivity – 41 minutes 6 Managing Stress for Positive Change – 57 minutes 7 Building Resilience – 34 minutes 8 Developing Resourcefulness – 18 minutes 9 Leading at a Distance – 36 minutes 10 Managing Virtual Teams – 56 minutes 11 Leading Virtual Meetings – 32 minutes 12 Microsoft Teams Tips and Tricks – 61 minutes 13 Learning Skype – 64 minutes 14 Learning BlueJeans Meetings – 71 minutes 15 Learning WebEx – 44 minutes 16 Learning Zoom – 45 minutes Get access here - No signup needed: https://lnkd.in/g7DKqNi

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