Scott Lindsay asked:


One of the ways many writers can successfully add credentials to their portfolio if to participate in a variety of literary contests. This type of contest encourages writers to put their best foot forward in both creativity and attention to detail.

It is true that there are some contests that provide a cash award for their top finishers, but there are also publishing scams that will accept your work regardless of quality. When you receive notice that your work has been accepted for publication it can be a real boost, however, a quick look at many writer’s websites can help you define the contests that are essentially vanity publishers willing to print just about anything if they believe you will purchase copies of the book for friends and family.

Many cash award writing contests cover the cost of prize awards by charging an entry fee. This factor often discourages many writers who may not feel confident enough in their writing to pay a fee to submit. This allows those who do enter a better chance at placing.

There are also writing contests that present the opportunity to have their work published online, in a magazine or in an anthology. As a rule this type of contest does not require a purchase of the publication the work will appear in nor will they assume full rights of your work. The best writing contests only require a one time non-exclusive print right. This is important because it allows you the opportunity to sell or place the work in other venues.

Beware of forfeiting full (exclusive) rights in any writing contest. When this right is given the ownership of the work is no longer yours. You will have no right to use the material in any form without permission from the publisher. It is possible to pay to enter a contest, forfeit the rights to your work and allow a publisher to gain long-term financial benefit from your work.

Quality writing contests have the bonus feature of allowing you to fine tune your skills by reading the work of others. Reading can make a good writer even better. If you pay attention you can learn what works and what doesn’t while using writing contests as a means of gaining valuable insight into unique styles and structure.

On a positive note, there have been numerous incidents in which individuals who entered a submission for a writing contest were able to use that same work for publishing in other book anthologies and magazines. The key is making sure to participate in writing contests that preserve your right to control the reuse of the piece.

Adventurous Jobs asked:


The majority of the jobs on the market these days are the dependable, yet monotonous day in and day out desk jobs. However, for those audacious and venturesome types, there are careers out there that are everything except monotonous, but still just as dependable as well as lucrative. Examples of these intriguing and adventurous professions include military work, Alaskan fishing, guiding hunters, as well as a career as an Arborist.

A military career is not only exciting and constantly varied work, it is also an exceptionally rewarding career with countless benefits for those in service as well as their families. From the land-based Army, to the sea-based Navy and air-based Air Force, a career in the military is sure to offer one exhilarating experiences day in and day out as they are required to be clued in, alert, and always ready to think on their toes. The U.S. Army and the Army Reserve are the foundation of the United States’ military land operations, however, a more technically minded individual would presumably be more attracted to a career in the US Navy or the US Air Force, both notorious for their forward thinking technological equipment and machinery.

One interested in employment in one of the most profitable and risky jobs available should consider a vocation of fishing in Alaska. Obtaining a career as an Alaska fisherman is not always an easy task, as current crewmembers rarely leave their positions. Nevertheless, one who does secure a job on a fishing crew is sure to understand just how lucrative a career in fishing and crew work can be. With wages based upon a share and/or percentage of harvest/catch earnings ranging from 1.5-10% for newcomers. Bear in mind that anyone looking into these careers is advised to obtain a signed contract/work agreement concerning pay and job responsibilities before heading out to sea.

An individual who is already interested in game hunting should be pleased to know that they can get paid to hunt every day if they were to choose the unique career of a hunting guide. Hunting guides are generally trained through schools and/or programs which help those interested in guiding to learn the principal environments where the game is to be found, as well as training in protection of those they are to lead in case something goes amiss in the wilderness. The compensation for work as a hunting guide, unfortunately, is not its main appeal, however, if one truly is a hunting enthusiast the possibility of hunting as a career is a job perk within itself.

An Arborist, or a tree surgeon, is yet another professional option for those looking for an adventurous career, which is far from monotonous desk work. An arborist’s responsibilities include the management and maintenance of various plantlife, as well as focusing on the health and safety of individual trees and/or wooded areas. Requiring certification, those interested in this one of a kind profession must first pass a somewhat difficult written exam, alongside three years minimum of field experience. One interested in arboriculture and is interested in the care and preservation of nature should definitely examine further a career as an Arborist.