Dr. Phil's Dreamwidth Journal

Writing SF/F And Are Over 50?

The Speculative Literature Foundation's 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."

I myself managed to get an Honorable Mention in 2009 (DW), which is a nice recognition even if it doesn't come with any cash. I didn't score anything in 2010, though I had some lovely correspondence with the contest administrator. And in the fury of running around dealing with family in March of 2011, I completely forgot about the grant deadline -- but I did put in a submission for 2012 and having gotten a nice email from them yesterday, I will remember to submit my grant application this year as well.

Anyway, the deadline to apply is Sunday 31 March 2013. You do not need to be published to enter, all you need to submit is a writing sample, as listed in the rules. They expect to announce the winners by May 15th. There is NO cost to apply for the grant, only the ravages of time from your first half century of living.

And for you writers under 50? Get off my lawn.

Dr. Phil

The Results Are In...

... for the 2009 Older Writers Grant from the Speculative Literature Foundation. This was my first year of eligibility, and as they required a writing sample of less than 10,000 words, I sent my May 2009 Analog story "The Brother on the Shelf".

While I would very much have liked to have won the unrestricted $750 writing grant, I have to say that I am still pleased to have been selected as one of the five Honorable Mentions.

Dear Mr. Kaldon,

The Speculative Literature Foundation is pleased to announce Karen Simpson as the 2009 Older Writers Grant winner.

However, we are also delighted to inform you that your submission, "The Brother on the Shelf," has been selected as one of five Honorable Mentions for the 2009 Older Writers Grant.

We enjoyed your story very much, especially the timeless feel we get from the opening of the story, despite it being set in 2882, and the unique take on card collecting. The little boy in me wishes I had battleship trading cards I could hold up to the sky for updates.

Please feel free to apply for our 2010 Older Writers grant. Applications will be considered from January 1 to March 31, and the winner will be announced June 1, 2010.

Thank you for applying for the 2009 Older Writer's grant, and we hope to see a 2010 application from you.

Kind Regards,

Malon Edwards
Older Writers Grant Administrator
http://www.speculativeliterature.org/
2010 Older Writers Grant application period: Jan 1 - Mar 31

I personally think it's very nice of the Speculative Literature Foundation and its sponsors, Centric Advertising and ISFIC (Illinois Science Fiction in Chicago), to provide this grant opportunity to the older speculative writer. Not all the up-and-coming writers of the future, so to speak, are young whippersnappers. (grin)

Dr. Phil