Summer Writing Contest (Friday, May 08, 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Announcing our next Contest

Summer Writing Contest: Coachella Valley

Challenge Registration Opens: May 8, 2026
Submission Deadline: August 8, 2026

About
Submit a maximum 2,500 word short story, non-fiction essay, play or poem specific to or loosely inspired by the environs and/or denizens of the Coachella Valley. Compete for recognition or pay extra to receive edits and written feedback from a professional editor! There may be a winner in each above listed genre.

PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

We look forward to reading your entries!

Entry Submission Rules

Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kvhoffman@att.net.

1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $40 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
4. Each entry is 2,500 word maximum
5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
6. One inch margins, double-spaced
7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
8. Indented paragraphs
9. Title must be included in the document header.
10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kvhoffman@att.net, no hard copies accepted.
13. The subject line of your email will read PSWG Winter 2026 Contest submission.
14. Blind submission entries are critiqued by a professional editor.
15. For an additional $35.00 entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
16. There are no refunds for this event.

Winners Will Receive

1. $100.00 and a digital laurel.

2. Announcement in Tuesday Tidings, PSWG Social Media and May Writers Forum.

Judging Criteria

Adherence to all rules above.
Adherence to the theme or prompt.
Compelling and original plot:
a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
For fiction and play: compelling and original characters
a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
For non-fiction essay: compelling topic, supporting material and actionable conclusion.
Consistency of narrative voice:
a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
Fundamental writing skills:
a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.
The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
a. Artistry and clarity of language.
b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
c. Distinctness of voice.

Interested in becoming a PSWG Member? Click this button JOIN

Author Branding & Your Book Marketing Roadmap (Saturday, February 06, 2027)

Sat, 06 Feb 2027 20:30:00 GMT

Announcing our next In-Person Workshop

Author Branding & Your Book Marketing Roadmap

By: Jeniffer Thompson

Jeniffer Thompson is an author branding coach, book marketing strategist, and publishing consultant. She co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004, an award-winning book cover and website design studio, hosts The Premise podcast, and is co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival.

Jeniffer is passionate about helping authors establish highly visible brands. She and her husband, Chad, co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004 and have been creating award-winning book cover designs and author websites ever since. They specialize in author services that integrate digital marketing strategies and engage readers all over the world.

She is a co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival, serves on the board of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and is currently writing her own coming of age memoir.

www.JenifferThompson.com

Presentation Overview:

Build a sustainable author brand that grows with you.

Book marketing isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building an audience of loyal readers and being known. In this workshop, Jeniffer shows you how to elevate your authority, design your personal brand, and increase your online visibility. You’ll leave with practical tools to build your three-year roadmap and guide your publishing career to new heights.

Takeaways:

Identify your audience and the influencers who reach them
Refine your brand story for maximum impact
Create content that builds loyalty and visibility

To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.

We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.

Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

Event Contact: Dak Kopec

Email: DakKopec@mac.com

Palm Springs Writers Guild upcoming events

Summer Writing Contest (Friday, May 08, 2026)

Author Branding & Your Book Marketing Roadmap (Saturday, February 06, 2027)

Author Branding & Your Book Marketing Roadmap