Deadline: July 31, 2007
Entry Fee: NONE - Great prizes including $50.00 and New Membership or Renewal to NABBW!


PRIZES:

The winner's story is placed in the Our Voices section at Boomer Women Speak, and they will receive the following:



$50.00 CASH!

FREE membership or renewal for the National Association of Baby Boomer Women, NABBW, the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning 38 million of the healthiest, wealthiest, and best educated generation of women to ever hit midlife, baby boomer women.

Baby Boomer's Almanac, by Tim Brolus

What Happens Next, by Chloe JonPaul

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Throne, by Georgia Richardson



Boomer Women Speak JUNE-JULY Writing Contest


A Lesson I've Learned

We've all had them. Those “life lessons” that make us stop and think and possibly see the world, our environment, or even ourselves in a different light; the lessons we'll never forget. Some call them “Aha” moments.


Who was your mentor? Was it a teacher, a parent, or your best friend who helped to open your eyes and heart to learn? Maybe even a boyfriend? Or was it man's best friend; a pet? No matter who taught you, or how you learned, we all agree that over time, they are truly unforgettable. What is that one particular lesson that stands out in your mind? Did it change the course of your life, or maybe it wasn't life-altering, but it helped to shape the person you are today. Whatever you lesson, send us your story by entering our contest and win prizes!

Please read and follow the guidelines below and good luck!

GUIDELINES:

Please pay attention to these simple but important guidelines:


Submit an essay in a WORD document as an attachment. NOT in the body of email.

Your submission must have a TITLE.

Edit your work. If edits are needed, the entry will be deleted. SEND YOUR BEST AND FINAL!

Word count should be below 800. Use 1.5 spacing between LINES. Put ONE space between the each sentence. (This means when you end a sentence, put ONE space after the period before you begin the next sentence)

Make sure to include your NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, and SHORT BIO at the TOP of the essay, not in the email message.

In the Subject line, write "JUNE-JULY Writing Contest."

Submit entries to Georgia at georgia@boomerwomenspeak.com. ONE entry per person, please.


Congratulations to Laurie Klein, winner of the APRIL-MAY contest with her essay, You Would Cry Too, If It Happened to You. Make sure you visit the Our Voices section at Boomer Women Speak, to read Laurie's winning entry. Congrats Laurie!


For more information, please visit: http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com

Contact Information:
Dotsie Bregel
877-226-6637
dots@boomerwomenspeak.com

OK, I have a dumb question:
Why do we put only one space after periods? I was always taught that you put 2.

Industry changed the standards a few years ago. That is the biggest problem with people entering these contest, let me tell ya...that and the fact that they do not send a bio, or if they do, its in the email, not in the essay.

Hey, I wrote my last essay and then went back through it to remove all those extra spaces!

All my manuscripts still have double spaces (after periods and semi-colons) in my files, but I've learned -- Whatever fonts, spaces etc. an editor wants, I try to make them happy.

Ya wanna see my latest brilliancy in 18 pt. Webdings? No problemo!

In business, we still use the two spaces. When writing for newspapers, I learned to use just one space. (Saves space I guess) But, in business letters, minutes for meetings and things I do at work, 2 spaces still rule. This is now hard for me as I have to switch back and forth and remember which hat I'm wearing. When I write, I use one space. At work, I have to carefully look over the work of others when I'm getting something ready to send out to make sure they have 2 spaces. Most of the time, they seem to mix it, although it's not intentional.

I use that little paragraph button on the pc. I keep it on all the time. The one people ask, "why do you have all those things on yours?" Some people hate it, I like it. It shows me exactly how many spaces, etc. and makes it easier for me.

Louisa, a little off topic, but I never heard what you chose to do about your job...

I took it. Yesterday, as a matter of fact. I posted it late last night in the professional life thread.

Okay, I read that post. Congrats! It must be an easy adjustment since you've already been doing the job.

Lousia,

When I worked as a journalist, I followed each paper's style, also. But, I still used -- and continue to put -- two spaces following periods, etc. as taught throughout formal schooling.

I worked for one paper that asked writers to avoid all spacing. Except between paragraphs.

All copy was flush left. This is a habit I haven't been able to break. It takes to long to indent or "tab."

I miss those years. But, I don't miss the stress of deadlines.

Best,
Emily

Good grief! Sorry I mispelled your name, Louisa.

(Where is an editor when you need one!)

Emily