FWA Sarasota Writers Group

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,Great New Year

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Happy Holidays to all our Sarasota FWA Writers! I wish you all a time of rest, peace and time with your families.

2009 has been a challenging year for many of us and I have given up on being able to communicate with half the group due to my lacking email service from Verizon. I'll probably be switching to Comcast shortly after the New Year. I've tried using the sucarha@yahoo mail but most of you don't respond to that either so I'm left with the blog. That doesn't mean I'm not receiving your mails and attempting to respond. I'm sure we are all looking forward to a fresh start with a new year and a new decade, as well. Seems like yesterday we enduring the Y2k scares that never happened. Just reaffirms my staunch belief in Que sera sera. :)

I look forward to further closeness and accomplishments for our little FWA group and I'm greatly pleased with the new facility and blending of writers and poets. I think it's been a broadening experience for many of us. I know poets that are now attempting prose and the reverse. That's quite an achievement and shows what support and camaraderie can do for writers. Without it, none of us ever know true success. Congratulations to Russ for signing for the sequel to "Crosshairs" and to Tuck for the release of my revered "Sarah's Creek". Also to Joanne who had her first book published and to Peter for his beautiful CD. Peter has the voice of God, I do believe that.

Linda Neckel White has been instrumental in helping me interest poets in our group and our poetry numbers are increasing. Joe Porter, Kris Palmer and Terry Lindemann come to mind. Then, of course, we have Sharon and Joanne who cross over and always provide us with humor. Sharon has been invaluable to me and Russ for leadership assistance.

I want to thank Ann Favreau for her help in interesting her Suncoast Writers Guild members to also share with the FWA writers. It's been a great blending and has given us Jim Kelly, Ed Ellis, and the good doctor Doldren, which I'm probably spelling wrong. Not to mention Ann herself.

Some of us have faced health set backs and tragic issues, others, happy things like big weddings and traveling. I look forward to the return of Richard White, Patti Stevenson and Linda Malloy and wish them all a much better new year for again pursuing their writing. Rita Barry is enjoying great success with her new cooking book and I hope she returns and shares with us. Rod Digruttolo is working diligently on his book and will have a story featured in January's Fox and Quill out of San Diego. I'll give details on that at the January 6th meeting. We have all missed Bart Stamper and his intense writing ability. Bart, we all look forward to your return. Carroll DeCarle was awarded runner up in a national manuscript search and that is some accomplishment! Congrats to Carroll.

Tuck, Russ and I have been together since our first meeting at Books a Million soon to be four years ago. Many have since came and went but all contributed something. I anticipate their return someday. John McCafferty are you listening? :) John was instrumental in our group picture and some great features in the Gondolier Sun about FWA. He did a great service in helping me promote "As I Am" by Garret Frey and Dr. Karen Pirnot. I still harbor hope that Dr. Karen will join us soon. She has been an angel for Garret Frey, who as you know, is paraplegic and ventilator dependent since the tender age of four. What an inspiration he was to those of us who worked with him. He, I believe, wears God's smile. Amazing young man.

I'd like to welcome all new members and if I start naming names, I'll inadvertently leave someone out so I'll just say we value all of you and your talents. That goes for those who only visit occasionally. I do want to mention Ed Lyman and Irv Newman specifically. Both love our group and niether are computer oriented but they pursue. In fact, Irv doesn't even own a computer. I almost envy him! Knowing Ed, our 97 year old wonder, I expect he'll have a lady friend helping him before long. He is enjoying his move into a retirement community. Be assured, I value everyone whether your name is singled out here or not.

The best of holidays to you all and I'll see you on January 6th!

Susan

Newman Featured In Herald-Tribune

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Our own Irv Newman was featured in the December 11, 2009, issue of the Sarasota Herald Tribune with a nearly-half-page spread about his WWII experiences. There's even a picture of a young, muscular Irv toting around a couple training bombs.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress, Irv and his crew were scheduled to go to the European campaign. During his final flight training sessions, however, Irv was hospitalized for an ear problem. As a result, the crew he trained with was sent off to Europe without Irv.

Irv recaptured this series of events in a book he called Courage Never Known. He says, "I was this well-trained individual who never had a gun fired at me face-to-face."

Irv has also published a very humorous and thoughtful memoir called Living on House Money and has read from it at several of our local FWA meetings.

Congratulations, Irv! We hope the newspaper article will bring a pleasant spurt in sales!

Posted by
Russ Heitz

An Announcement of Interest & Party Stuff

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:32:00 +0000

I'd like to thank all who attended the Christmas festivities last night at the Firehall. Feedback tells me a good time was had by all. I did hear from Bart Stamper this morning and he wishes all the best of seasons. He will be returning to Sarasota in time for the January 6th meeting and we'll be glad to have him back!

Following is announcement of interest to writers and readers. It's the next event I will be doing as a guest presenter and I'd like to invite writers to consider getting a table for their books and readers just to enjoy the festivities. It's a great time slot for networking and supporting other writers. This event was organized by James Abraham who spoke to our group in October. He is donating the first place winner publication of their manuscript. James is a good friend to writers!

Upcoming Event

The winner of the “So You Think You Can Write” competition will be announced at the Holiday Book Festival, Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature live music, dancing, children’s story hour, a visit from Santa, and writing workshops. Local authors will also be available for book discussions and autographs. Tables are available for $25.
Nine semifinalists from Southwest Florida are vying for the chance to become published authors and win a publishing contract from Book-broker Publishers of Florida, LLC. Their work will be judged both by a panel of experts, including Paul LaFleur, award-winning author of “Mill Town” and several other mystery novels; Sally Simon, author of the “Country Pride and Joy” trilogy set in Charlotte County; and Judy A. Malbuisson, executive director of the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County. The voting is also open to the community. Go to http://www.mybookbroker.com/ to read the entries. Then send an e-mail to: soyouthinkyoucanwrite@live.com to vote for your favorite author. Winners will have their books printed by Royal Palm Press of Punta Gorda and featured at The Gifted Gator of Punta Gorda, a popular gift shop. The Cultural Center is the hub of Central Charlotte County , drawing thousands of visitors a day to its classes and cultural programs; it’s a natural place to promote your books.
Authors interested in renting a table, please call Don na Barrett, Cultural Center marketing director, at 625-4175, ext. 253.

Workshop coordinators, their topics, and presentation times include:

Paul Holmes, author of “Sherlock's Grandson and Other Strange Stories,” Creating a Talking Book, 10 a.m.

Paul LaFleur, author of “Disturbing the Peace,” Plot and Pacing; 10 a.m.

Sara Williams, author of “The Don Juan Con” and other books, Writing the Perfect Murder Mystery; 11 a.m.

Susan Haley, author of “Rainy Day People,” Poetry Basics and Forms; noon.

Virginia Czaja, author, “Emeralds on Wednesday,” Essentials of Romance Writing; 1p.m.

Mary Lou Williams, professional storyteller, Children’s Story Hour; 2 p.m.

Party Tomorrow

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Hi All . . .

I've returned home from my Thanksgiving trip and am now able to receive your RSVP notices. Russ has had approximately ten responses. I would appreciate hearing a yea or a nay from those of you who haven't yet communicated with Russ in my absense. If you have written to Russ, he has updated me and it's not necessary to write again.

Starting or gathering time is 6:00 and we have no planned reading or business schedule. This event is supposed to be a socializing party so everyone can visit and get to know each other and launch the Christmas season for our writers. We'll kind of 'play it by ear'. If you do have books, feel free to bring them and we will have our book table. Many of us have heard of each other's books, but have never seen them. If we don't support each other, what is the purpose of having a group?

I look forward to seeing you at the party and remember this IS the ONLY meeting we will have in December. The next meeting will be in the New Year on January 6th, 2010.

My website builder has put up sucarha.com's Christmas page and the flash trailer she made for it is beautiful. I invite you all to go watch it.

See you, hopefully, tomorrow evening. I guess that is 'this' evening now. I believe it is past midnight. :)

Susan

Party Decision! Please Read!

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Hello Writers!

I have just spent well over an hour writing a nice blog post recapping the meeting, addressing some items of business, and reiterating the party plans. Just as I was proofing it, Verizon decided it had to debug and temporarily close the program! All went down the drain and I proceded to have a mini-fit! Or maybe it wasn't mini, the air is rather blue in here.
Now, I will address the party issue only. :))

It was unanimously agreed at Wednesday's meeting that we WILL have our Holiday celebration in the regular First Wednesday time slot on December 2nd. To keep it simple and make sure everyone has what they'd prefer to drink, we decided that each should bring their own beverage and a plate of food for the buffet table. We are going to keep track of what has already been volunteered so that we do have a variety and not 20 bags of potato chips and various dips. Spouses or a guest are welcome! There will be no official agenda and what happens, happens. It's to be an evening of fun and relaxation and it will be our ONLY meeting in December.

I will be out of town for Thanksgiving, so Russ has agreed to commandeer the emails as to what each is contributing and will update the list here on the blog. We would like to have an RSVP so that we can make sure we have enough for all.

Russ and Lee are bringing two buckets of grilled KFC and plastic ware and plates. We do have two large coolers for ice to keep drinks cold. Russ has agreed to also pick up the ice.

I will bring a variety of salads like potato and macaroni, and some baked beans from the Publix Deli. Time and arthritis won't allow me to do the homemade thing. Plus additional plasticware and plates. I don't have a spouse to bring. :)

Ann Favreau mentioned to me that she would bring a dessert. Ann loves to bake! She'll confirm when she reads this. Ann always reads the blog.

We will need some cheese and crackers, relish trays, veggie trays and dip and whatever other meat someone would like to have. And yes, potato chips and dip, maybe taco chips and salsa. Maybe some peanuts or pretzels and Christmas cookies and napkins. This is just for ideas, not absolutes. Food is not one of my priorities. :)) I'm looking for anyone that has one of those big coffee urns. If anyone has one or knows where we can borrow one, that would be nice. Coffee, that's my priority! :) Course, McDonald's is just down the road.

But please, do communicate with Russ so we will be prepared. I'm sure you all have his email address. I will get there early and attempt to make the room a bit festive. I do have a Christmas table cloth for the buffet table and other odds and ends. I may even bring my fiber-optic tree.

I will be home until Sunday afternoon so I can take the emails up until then. Just remember I can't answer most of you, so watching the blog for updates will be necessary. If you do happen to get an email from sucarha@yahoo.com that will be me. I've unlinked my stupid Verizon from my free Yahoo mail and that may or may not work. If it does, I may just start using that all the time. I have given up on Verizon or Comcast fixing this problem. I am just not important enough!

I wish you all a most happy and peaceful Thanksgiving wrapped in some rainbows!

Susan

Welcome Back!

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:27:00 +0000

Hi Rita - Just want to add a big CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME BACK to Russ's. We hope for a recap at Wednesday's meeting! You CAN write to my email, just can't answer you from there. Can always catch you on Facebook! :) Don't forget, I can add your website link here on the blog when you're ready. ~~ Susan

Barry Featured In Local Paper

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Rita Barry, one of our most widely traveled FWA members, was featured in the November 11, 2009, issue of the Longboat Key Observer newspaper.

The article covered Rita's international heritage as well as her current writing project, a travel cookbook which will feature recipes from around the world. The 60 to 70 recipes in the book are for vegetarian dishes. Rita became a vegetarian about 20 years ago.

Rita's cookbook, however, will not simply be a compilation of recipes. It will also include travel articles about the areas where the recipes originated.

Rita also started a business recently. It's called The Paperwork Doctor (www.paperdoc.net) and is affiliated with Eldercare Services Unlimited. The services her business offers include paperwork organization, bookkeeping, and insurance claims.

To read the entire article about Rita, click on the following website:
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/Neighborhood/111120092978/Neighbors-Rita-Barry.

Congratulations, Rita! Hope to see you at our next meeting!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

"Amber Returns to Maine"

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:43:00 +0000

Good Wednesday afternoon all!

http://www.sucarha.com/amber_returns_to_maine.htm
I have no idea if this link will post much less work, but it's listed on the home page and my site link is included on the left.

I've just posted the recap of my two month absense on my website if anyone is interested in reading it. I was going to read it to the group last week, my God it's been a week already, and never seem to have time. So it's up on sucarha.com

Also, I have received mail from Ann Favreau offering to make a special baked goodie should we decide to have a Christmas gathering. Thank you, Ann. Ann is off to Washington DC where she sits on the board for Colon Cancer Research.

I also received an email from another Guild member, Cheryl Baker, notifying that one of the member's daughters was severely injured in a motorcycle accident on Saturday. The Guild wishes for all caring people to send positive thought energy to Connie's daughter. I think FWA is also full of caring people so I'm posting it here. Thought Energy doesn't require a name or a knowing of the person to send positive thoughts.

Peter, I received your kind thank you note, but since I've written to you three times with no reply, I do believe that certain Verizon addresses are also attacking my emails even though I am a Verizon carrier. As said earlier, maybe I'm getting a message here to bow out! I did talk to Comcast yesterday and although a problem with my Cable TV was instantly solved, they too, are in the dark about my email being blocked and shot off to the ethereal. They assured me they do NOT block individual senders but only providers who tend to carry inordinate amounts of 'spam' mail. Head's up! Verizon! The thing I seem to have a horrid problem conveying to these people is that the mail DOES NOT come back to me! There is no error message about my mail being blocked as they keep asking for! On my mail site, it shows as SENT! Yet it never arrives, nor returns to me! Because I don't get that error message, I think they think I'm imagining all this. That none of you receive my emails, belies that! I'd be perfectly thrilled to print out my 'sent list' and offer it as proof!

Keep looking for the rainbows!

Susan

So You Wanna Read?

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:00 +0000

The November 4th meeting of the Florida Writers turned into the Florida Readers to everyone's enjoyment! We had a great turnout for a first Wednesday meeting of seventeen! Twelve, I think, shared readings! I made it a point to watch for reactions as people were reading and I saw interest, smiles, heads nodding, in agreement, not sleep. In a couple of instances I saw rapt attention and also a few watery eyes. It's pleasing to see people loosening up and feeling comfortable in front of the group. It's not my business to a countdown critique, but I would like to say everyone enjoyed the guest of Ann Favreau, Dr. Phil Dohlbren. We didn't do a sign in sheet so I stand to be corrected on the spelling of the good Doctor's name. Dr. Phil is a retired surgeon and read a delightful story about an operating room experience, not that surgery is ever delightful, but the Doctor surely was! He was heartily invited to return.
New member, Steve Choby, introduced us to something new! The near performance of a short story he'd written about "That Dreaded Stare". A member of Toastmasters, Steve gave an idea of the art of comfortably speaking to a group of people in a most animated way. I love the diversity that our group has become.
Lara Lazenby, at her second meeting, stood up, then sat down again, and beautifully read her first effort at writing a book. All agreed she captured the voice of the seven-year-old protagonist perfectly and we anxiously await future installments. We have novelists and poets, journalists and memoir writers, kid books and compilation short story writers, and now we also have a young adult writer. What's left? We have a great group, folks.
The poets that read did their usual beautiful job. We sang songs with Terry, traveled to France with Ann, sailed a boat on rocky sea with Joe, and reveled in reflection with Jim Kelly. Joanne read a chilling account of the caverns of hell and Irv gave another lesson on "Living on House Money." Linda, our performing poet, enjoyed the first half of the meeting but the exhaustion of moving into their new home took over and she left early. Gaile sat quietly and absorbed. Gaile appreciates everything. Ed, too, offered his usual bit of humor in a comment format and Rod, like me, is still crawling back into the rut after time away. Forgive me, if I've left anyone out. Senility is setting in after all and I did this from memory with NO sign in sheet! Proves I do pay attention! But I'm not finished, so keep reading . . .
The nice thing about a diverse group is Russ and I both are of the belief that a good writer is not happy being limited to a genre box. Yes, you will have your first love, mine is poetry, and you'll also have one that you prefer to use, but you enjoy the whole art of writing when given a chance to be exposed to it. Take heart, Steve!
Keep reading . . .
Then, we have Peter! What can I say about Peter that Peter couldn't voice better? I've personally decided that if I ever hear the physical voice of God, God will sound like Peter. His voice and reading ability meanders around in meadows of magnificence. He writes that way, too! :)
And then, there is Tuck! Our novelist extrordinaire. The only one that could help fill Bart's missing shoe as Bart works temporarily on the east coast. Tuck fills both his own while filling one of Bart's. His new novel, held up to be released in January to take advantage of a 2010 release, "Sarah's Creek" is a literary classic. Tuck requested Peter to read his excerpt for him. I need say no more. When an incredible voice reads incredible writing, the room is overwhelmed.
The meeting was a huge success for me.

Ann Favreau has jumped in to help, as she usually does, and has contacted Comcast and sent me their possible suggestions to solve my email dilemma. I was SO IMPRESSED just at their response. I'm in the mindset that if I can't fight them, join them. Verizon won't even address the problem! I'll keep you posted as to the continuing saga of the Email Horrors as they emerge. Please email me details of coming events you may be taking part in. Flash fiction, Russ??
I'm happy to also announce that Sharon, our long lost assistant, will be returning on the 18th of November for our next General Meeting! Yeeeehawwww! Hey Russ, maybe we can both sneak out next time!!
Seriously, be thinking of anything the group might like to do to celebrate the holiday season. I'll open it up for discussion at the next meeting. We do have the facility now and spouses and guests would be welcome! I continue to extend our thoughts to those out with personal trials. We miss you and look forward to your return. For those still traveling . . . the weather is great! We just need a little rain! And, please, remember I have that bet on hits on my website and appreciate your help with a visit. www.sucarha.com

Remember to watch for the rainbows! Especially since I didn't edit this and it's approaching 2 a.m. :))
Susan

New Website Added

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:25:00 +0000

Carroll Decarle has a new website. (See links box).

I understand it's under construction so will be adding new stuff. She mentioned excerpts from her new book, which is still surving the cut in the Harper-Collins contest. Congrats again, Carroll.

I have a teaser for you all. As you know, Sharon our missed assistant has been out and left the job to Russ. Although Russ handled it brilliantly, he and everyone else will be glad to know Sharon will be returning to her post at the November General Meeting on November 18th. Mark your calendars! :)) I'm not doing the group reminder mail anymore. That's why we have the Blog. If you need a reminder, let me know and I will send to those who request it.

Also, I've heard from Dr. Pirnot. She and Garret Frey are going to be speaking at various venues in Iowa. You all remember the promotion we did for Garret's triumphant story, AS I AM.
Our own John McCafferty had a beautiful spread in the Gondolier Sun heralding Garret's achievements. I want to publically congratulate Dr. Karen and Garret again!! Dr. Pirnot is an official member of the FWA and hopes to attend some of our meetings this season. She's a very special lady. I reviewed her memoir on my sucarha.com author review section. JUST A COMMON LADY is in the August 2009 archive. Which reminds me, I still cannot send a mail to a Comcast email. I'm not ignoring anyone. I do receive mail from Comcast, just can't reply. I'm going to have to call Dr. Karen and congratulate her.

Speaking of websites, I will be starting decorating mine for the holidays soon. I have a bet with my sitebuilder, Kathy Killam, that we'll get to 50,000 hits by the end of the year. Any help with a visit there will be appreciated!! I'm not good at promoting my own work, but I can brag about my website because I don't build it and it's beautiful. Any input on making it easier to navigate due to its growth are welcome. I'm sentimentally attached to the original format but I want it to be easy to navigate. It was only about 8 pages in the beginning and now is over a hundred pages!
Kathy also does Russ's, Tuck's, and Terry Lindemann's. Plus some members up in Pasco. She's so reasonable and is so easy to work with. If anyone needs a new site, or even a revamp of an existing one, I'd be glad to supply her contact info.

Only one week until our first of the month meeting. I'm so looking forward to it after missing two months. May even read myself!! Have a good week.

Susan

Welcome Lisa & Breaking News!

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Hello all . . .

As most of you know, I've returned to the land of sunshine and warmth, hobbling a bit, but home. Although, that is NOT my breaking news! :) I've had a lot of requests to read at the meetings as I've never done so and I think I'll do it in the form of a "How I Spent My Vacation" thingy like we did in grade school. It may be amusing and so many people have asked me about my trip. I can write it better than talk about it. :)

I'd like to thank James Abraham for coming from Port Charlotte to speak to us on Wednesday last. Those there enjoyed him and learned some nuggets of wisdom. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to write to me and express your favor. I've invited James to join us any time he may be in the area on a Wednesday meeting day. He expressed to me that he really enjoyed the group and appreciated their interest.

I hope everyone is well. Other than a few I know are still traveling or have had severe personal loss, I was a bit surprised at the low turnout for the meeting. I'd like to discuss this matter at the next general meeting as it relates to inviting guest speakers in the future.

I do want to make a couple of 'news breaking' announcements. Lisa Fowler sent me the following message after the meeting on Wednesday:
"Hi Susan,
Thanks for welcoming me into your group. FYI, I just officially joined the FWA!
I just learned from Carroll that I also need to give you $5 for the use of the fire station. Will do so next meeting. I saw on your blog that you link to members' websites. Would you please add mine to the list? www.codiannefowler.com
Thanks so much - see you next month!"

I will add Lisa's website to the list on the left. I encourage everyone who does have a website to let me know so I can list it. Our personal websites are a great way of getting to know each other more personally and share our work. I know several of you have spent a great deal of time on mine and I appreciate it. It's a place of reflection ten years in the making and still growing.

For those who were not at the meeting, I'd like to publically congratulate Carroll DeCarle! Her novel, "Murder Is The New Black" has made the top five in an 'inside' contest run by Harper-Collins. It was entered by her son after two years of our working together and Carroll was the most cooperative and eager to learn client I've ever had. I literally ate the original for dinner! The book survived my determination to get to the 'meat' three times, replete with a title change. Carroll never gave up or got discouraged. She has really earned this achievement and now has an 'edge of the seat' mystery that takes place right here in Sarasota. Like a lot of first time novelists, myself included, the 'story' was buried in layers of fluff. I kept telling her it's like a sculptor who begins with a boulder and ends up with a beautiful statue. In fiction, an imperative process!

Dear Joanne Phillips has finally experienced that first 'birth' of a written baby. Her compilation of short stories that range from hilariously funny to heart-rending is 'on the streets'! "Short Takes On Life" was just offically published and was presented to her earlier on the day of the meeting. Needless to say, Joanne was beaming and bubbly. Congratulations, Joanne! Your life is a movie! Joanne is currently working on her first novel and is now 'gung-ho' to work hard!

Also, I'm compelled to again mention Gordon Tucker's soon-to-be-officially-released book, "Sarah's Creek". Some of you did see the galley, but the 'real thing' is due out in ten days! I know several who are lined up to buy it. Tuck is a writer's writer. I already have his next one, "Chameleon" on the editing table! How do these novelists do it? I'm happy to say that Russ, too, is back working on his sequel to "Crosshairs" along with his new penchant for Flash Fiction. Russ, also, is a writer's writer. He's not limited to one genre.

And just to add some sprinkles to the icing . . . I understand that Peter and Ellen are both right at the threshold of their new books. Further updates will be forth-coming!

If anyone has 'breaking news' to share, be sure to let me or Russ know so we can help you announce it. I again implore you all that this blog is for you to participate and have a voice, not just glance at occasionally.

A new member, Steven Choby, is a Toastmaster's speaker and will be 'performing' one of his short stories at the next meeting, November 4th. We will also be hearing from Peter, and Dewey will read for the first time! I'm anxious to hear the new work. It is our informal meeting so all are encouraged to think about taking part. I'm not sure how it was run in my absense, one group or groups of the group, but Russ said the first meeting night has been very enjoyable. Hope to see you all there. You are missed when not present.

My thoughts go out to those of you dealing with loss and illness.

Susan

Reading Meeting Update

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Our "Reading Meetings" seem to be developing into a small but very committed collection of some of our best and most diverse writers. Each brought and read examples of their own eclectic works. Oddly, there were no poets this time; although there was plenty of poetic and emotion-packed prose.

Peter Frickel, who also brought his wife, Barbara, treated us with the opening segment of a new four-part allegory he is working on. As usual, Peter's prose is nothing short of poetic, even when he is writing about such mundane events as planting seeds, talking with frogs, feeling the wind, and smelling the sun-warmed soil. Peter has the ability to turn each of his many and varied life experiences into a finely wrought piece of art.

Gayle Harpan was a teacher for 30 years in the gnarly, profane, and hope-deprived inner-city area of Detroit. What she shared with us was the opening chapter of her memoir about the highs and lows, the satisfactions and disappointments, and the uplifting rewards that came from those three decades of experience. The opening chapter that she read from is titled "The Interview" and it illustrated both the uncertainty and the determination she felt as she applied for her first teaching position in Detroit. Gayle also writes books for children.

Dewey Steele loves the water and loves being on the water in a sleek and wind-steered sailboat. But there was a time when boating was new to him. It was a time when he didn't know a cleat from a jib, an aft from a starboard. But he was willing and eager to learn. That's what Dewey's story was about: that first thrilling sail up the Intracoastal Waterway. It, too, was a learning experience that probably set his life on a slightly different course. Dewey expects to write a collection of similar stories, all about sailing, and publish them in a book.

Irv Newman shared another one of his humorous and "down-to-earth" observations that he has compiled in a book that is now available for sale. This vignette had to do with funeral directors, and end-of-life decisions. You say that doesn't sound very funny? Well, you really had to be there and hear it for yourself. As an addendum to his essay, Irv also read to us his very appropriate Letter to the Editor that was published by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The letter was a tribute to another noted humorist, Art Buchwald, who died some time ago. You say that doesn't sound funny either? Too bad you missed it.

Ed Ellis has a scientific turn of mind. He feels comfortable talking about Einstein's Theory of Relativity, the speed of light, the inconsistencies of time, and all sorts of other physics-related topics. But Ed, like Dewey, is also a sailor and a water lover. His story about floating in space and time on a bobbing raft just off the beach, however, illustrated a different side of Ed's writing. It also reminded us locals of some of the things we tend to take for granted: the beach, the waves, the fresh air, the blue skies, and the ambiance of the southwest coast of Florida.

Cecile Bell gave us another peek into the book she is working on. It is a labor of love dedicated to her son who was diagnosed with diabetes at an early age. With the help, support, encouragement, and love of Cecile, her son went on to excel in numerous ways, despite the illness. Cecile's reading was a brief but touching and poignant letter that her young son wrote when he first learned of his illness. Cecile hopes her book will help other parents who have children with chronic illnesses.

I brought another flash fiction piece to read but, alas, we ran out of time. For those interested, you can find it at http://www.alongstoryshort.net/. It's the second on the list of flashes and the title is "Star Power." Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks to Peter, Barbara, Gayle, Dewey, Irv, Ed, and Cecile for making our meeting an enjoyable time of sharing.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Favreau Story Published

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Ann Favreau, one of our newer members, has had one of her stories accepted by COPING MAGAZINE, a periodical dedicated to cancer survivors. The story is called "Camouflage" and is from Ann's book, WINDOW EYES. The story is appearing in the September/October issue of COPING MAGAZINE for Cancer Survivors.

Ann said the magazine also launched a website recently and her story is now on the front page. Check it out at www.copingmag.com. When you get to the site, click on the COPING WITH CANCER cover and scroll down to Ann's photo. Ann said she is delighted that the story may bring hope to cancer survivors.

Congratulations, Ann! And bon voyage! Ann is currently in Connecticut and will be leaving for France on Monday.

Meeting Reminder

Don't forget, our next FWA meeting will be held this Wednesday evening the 7th at the same time (6:30 to 9:00) at the same venue (Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department training room), with a social time from 6:00 to 6:30.

This will be another of our "Reading Meetings" so be sure to bring a story, a chapter, a humorous incident, a couple poems, an essay, or anything else you'd like to share with the group. Also bring two or three extra copies to pass out to those who have a hearing impairment.

I would also appreciate a quick email to rlh3738@msn.com to let me know who will be reading. That will make it easier for me to schedule the readers.

Thanks! See you Wednesday night!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Correction

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:06:00 +0000

The e-zine that will be publishing another of my flash fiction stories has changed its website address. It is now www.longstoryshort.us. If you're interested in flash fiction, or any of its permutations, click on this link. They have a batch of new stories every month. And it's free. You can't lose, right?

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Regular Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 16th

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:22:00 +0000

A quick reminder. Our regular monthly meeting will take place this Wednesday night, same Nokomis Fire Dept. venue, same time: 6:30 to 9:00, with a social time from 6:00 to 6:30. We'll have our usual break at 7:30.

I will be giving a talk about suspense novels and the rest of the time will be available for readings. So far only two people have asked to read so additional readers will be welcome. Since we have a number of poets in our group now, poetry readings are also a welcome addition to our reading agenda.

Please send a brief email to me at rlh3738@msn.com if you want to be put on the reading schedule for this Wednesday night. It would be helpful to me to know ahead of time how many folks would like to read. Comments, suggestions and gentle critiques will be welcome for any of the readings.

Whatever time is left will be open for updates, discussions and general questions about anything pertaining to writing.

Madeline Mora-Summonte alerted me about the Van Wezel appearance of Stephen King on November 16th. He will be interviewed by Sarasota Herald-Tribune book reviewer, Susan Rife, about his new book, UNDER THE DOME. Tickets are now available for $10/$15/$20 plus tax and misc. fees. Go to http://www.vanwezel.org/ for additional information.

Another one of my flash fiction stories will be published in the ezine
http://www.alongstoryshort.com/ on October 7th. This time the title is STAR POWER. If you have any announcements about any of YOUR recent writing achievements, please let me know. I will be delighted to post them on the blog. Applause is sometimes hard to come by in the cold, cruel world of publishing so let's give each other a cheer whenever we can.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Grammar Questions? Ask Grammar Girl

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Want to know about capitalization rules? Single quotation marks versus double quote marks? Semicolons? Active versus passive? Serial commas? Subject-verb agreement? Troublesome contractions? Redundancy? Which versus that?

Grammar Girl has the answers for these and many other grammar questions. In fact, http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com has 187 different articles about the tools that all of us need to (or at least SHOULD) know whenever we sit down at the keyboard. Best of all, the articles are available for free. Grammar Girl will also answer any question you send her, if she hasn't already answered that question with an article.

Check it out. You'll definitely learn something. And also send a "Thank You" email to our inhouse expert, John McCafferty (erlangen01@comcast.net). He's the one who found the site and decided to share it with all of us. Thank you, John!

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Flash Fiction Posted

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:54:00 +0000

For those interested, one of my flash fiction stories was posted today on the website www.alongstoryshort.net. It's listed under "Micro Fiction" and the title is WAR. It illustrates the horrific and long-range effects that war can have, even on those who have never been directly involved in a battlefield setting. Comments always welcome.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Self Publishing Conference

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:51:00 +0000

The Florida Publishers Association, Inc. will hold its 2009 Publishing Ed-U-Conference on September 26 at the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel on Sarasota's Lido Beach. Speakers include Eric Kampmann, Midpoint Trade Books, who will talk about publishing options; Pam Lontos, who specializes in author public relations and publicity, Frank Gromling, publisher at Ocean Publishing; and Dr. Dennis Fried, publisher at Eiffel Press and a local author who sold his self-published book to Simon & Schuster.

To receive a brochure about this conference and registration information, email Betsy Lampe at FPAbooks@aol.com. Additional information is also available at
www.FLbookpub.org.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Next Meeting

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:07:00 +0000

As Sue said in her last post, she'll be away for awhile so Sharon and I will be trying to fill her shoes till she gets back in October. The first thing I have to do now is remind everyone about our meeting this coming Wednesday night, Sept. 2nd.

This will be our sub-group meeting where we'll be breaking up into small groups. As we did in our first sub-group meeting, we'll continue randomly assigning members to various groups for this meeting, too. Later on, as we get to know each other and the types of writing each of us is interested in, we may switch to a more 'permanent' membership arrangement. That may be especially helpful for those who are working on book-length projects. A more permanent membership in a sub-group would allow for ongoing readings as the book-length project progresses.

In the meantime, those who want to bring something to read for your sub-group, please feel free to do so. You might also want to bring two extra copies for anyone in your group who might have a hearing problem.

Our meeting times will be the same as before. For those who want to come early, we'll have a time for chit-chat from 6:00 to 6:30. The meeting will start promptly at 6:30 and there will be a 15 minute break at 7:30. Those who prefer to leave before dark may leave at anytime. Our meetings will end no later than 9:00.

If you have any questions before then please email me at rlh3738@msn.com. The suggestion box will be on the table at the front of the room. Suggestions and items for discussion are welcome anytime.

See you Wednesday night!

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Checking Out

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Hello Everyone

I'm now at the loading the car stage and wanted to check out properly. Throughout the last two weeks, I've had several notes of good feedback about the meetings and I'd like to, again, assure everyone that Russ and Sharon are ready to make sure my absense won't even make a ripple in the water.

A couple of reminders . . . Those with books should bring them to display on the book table. Sales to each other can take place before and after the meeting and on break. My cardinal rule is writers have to support writers. That doesn't mean buying everyone's book at once or not having a favorite genre, or I'll buy yours if you buy mine. It simply means general support for an unknown or first time writer, as that is what we would like others to do for us. Call it a leap of faith, if you must.

Secondly, I feel much rewarded at the new enthusiasm being shown by the group. Now, with two monthly meetings, there is opportunity to take part and make your voice heard. Please make use of the suggestion box, come up with ideas on ways to have writing exercises and feel free to take part in discussions always bearing in mind that others might like to speak as well.

I thank those of you who are watching the blog and getting used to using as a communication tool, where to go for a meeting detail, a change or an announcement. Personal things you'd like posted can be sent to Russ and he will post them in a timely manner. Which doesn't mean instantly. Remember this is an all volunteer run Association and those in a leadership role have other jobs and other lives and responsibilities happening, too. Sharon and Russ will appreciate others possibly offering a hand to help, as well.

October 21st we will have a guest speaker, James Abraham (see previous post). I will be home for that meeting, even if I arrive that morning. I will have my laptop computer with me and will be in email contact. Hopefully, better contact than I am here! I still cannot send an email to a comcast address, and no progress seems to have been made. I'll have to deal with it when I get home. I will have phone contact with Russ and Sharon so I will be able to work and answer questions of a non-FWA nature.

I hope everyone has a great and productive two months and I hope to arrive home healed and rested. Occasionally, I will post an update here. Lastly, I'd like to give my heartfelt thanks to Russ and Sharon for how they've jumped in and helped me get this group as we've always known it could be. I'm happy to report that Lee Heitz is now home and beginning the healing process. I'm sure Russ will be communicating with all you more about that when things settle down.
I wish you all only rainbows and be happy, be safe, be writing.

Susan

Russ and Lee Heitz

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:59:00 +0000

Russ' wife, Lee, is in the hospital recovering from surgery. Would everyone please send Russ and Lee their best thoughts.

Notice to Comcast Mail Users!

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Well, the email bug has bitten my Verizon account again. I just learned that those with Comcast email addresses are NOT receiving my mails again. Although, I just talked to Tuck and he said he found mine in his SPAM box! I've mailed Ann Favreau, Sharon, and Dr. Pirnot, too. Perhaps, Comcast is just writing me off as Spam. This happened a couple of months ago, too. Verizon blames Comcast and Comcast blames Verizon. So much for so-called "Service" providers! I'm in favor of returning to Carrier Pidgeons! They were more dependable.

Thank you, Russ, for the excellent previous post on publishing scammers. Never be swayed by promises! They don't deliver! With the proper research, you should be able to find a 'good' Independent Publisher who is forthright, requires no timed contracts and doesn't require a certain amount of purchased books to get a good discount. The discount for authors should remain constant whether you buy one book or a hundred and one and the option should be available. Look for an Independent who owns their own printing division. The more involved, the more cuts taken before you get yours! Set-up fee shouldn't be more than a $600 base. You may pay more for varied fonts and photos. Even with these services, your costs should be laid out up front. Cover price should be based on number of pages and color or black and white printing. Not pre-set! NO publisher, traditional, small press, or independent does marketing. Advertising dollars are not risked! To get advertising from a publisher, your name better be associated with millions of book sales, a King or a Clancy. If you want a publicist, research and procure your own. Do not go with one provided by your publisher. Their first loyalty must go to the publisher, and somebody is getting a commission. Guess who. This is true with editing, as well. I've worked for publishers and you do NOT get to follow your own principles. Your editor should be independent, as well.

If you haven't read Russ' article yet, scrolling down would be worth your effort! See you all tomorrow!

Susan

Writers Versus Scammers

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:51:00 +0000

To say the "self publishing" concept is growing rapidly is an understatement. This past year, for instance, more writers than ever before--300,000 in fact!--published their books via the self publishing route. Next year, the numbers will go even higher. And there is no end in sight.

This phenomena was accomplished, for the most part, with the help of the rapidly growing list of "print on demand" (POD) publishers. Incidentally, there are many different terms used for these publishers: subsidy publishers, vanity publishers, self publishers, etc. Regardless of what they call themselves, they all do basically the same thing. If you send them money, they will print up your book. No questions asked.

Reality, however, always rears its head sooner or later. Despite the glowing "sure-fire Best Seller" predictions that some of these publishers make in their advertising--and despite the glowing hopes and dreams of the authors who buy into those lofty projections--most books printed through one of these publishers sells less than 200 copies. Quite often, it is far less than 200 copies. And it is the writer him/herself who has to sell every one of those 200 copies or less.

The number of copies sold, however, is irrelevant to these publishers because they've already made their money from the writer who bought their services.

Sometimes these publishers make a lot of money from those writers. And they do it by requiring the writer to buy 1,000 copies (or more) of his/her own book. They offer the writer a "discount" of course. But even with 20% to 50% knocked off the cover price, the writer in many cases is still required to hand out five to ten thousand dollars up front! In return, the writer receives several large cartons of books that stack nicely in the garage.

It is no small wonder, then, that the self publishing industry has also been infiltrated by countless scam artists whose schemes are casting a wider and wider net to rake in more and more of the writer's money. In fact, there are now so many self publishers out there that no one person can keep track of them all.

Luckily, there are also a number of websites that have dedicated themselves to turning over the rocks under which these vermin live. And they don't just turn over the rocks. These sites also shine a clear bright light on some of their seductive schemes.

One of the most reliable of those clear bright light sites is: http://www.sfwa.org/beware.

So if you're thinking about using one of the zillion or more POD publishers now available for your next (or first) book, research this site before you do anything else. It's loaded with information on a variety of topics, all of which relate to writers and to the wide, diverse, and rapidly growing world of self publishing, and the scams connected thereto.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com

Walking Home

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:41:00 +0000

While you're perusing the current issue of THE PEPPER TREE LITERARY MAGAZINE, don't forget to read Gaile Harpan's story, WALKING HOME. It just might remind you of those carefree days of yesteryear when you walked to school, hand in hand, with your little brother or sister. Yes, I know, I'm showing my age but I can't be the only person in our group who actually walked to school.

Congratulations, Gaile! We'll expect to see more stories in future issues! And don't forget to share some of them with us at our FWA meetings.

(PS: I hope I haven't forgetten any other group member who has a story in the current issue of PEPPER TREE. If I have, I apologize.)

Russ Heitz

Jacuzzi Romance

flawriterfeedbk@cs.com (FWA Sarasota Writers Group) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:24:00 +0000

As most of you know, Ed Layman is the oldest member of our group and we are proud to have him with us. At 97 he is still cranking out story after story. Continuing his tradition of having a story in every single issue of THE PEPPER TREE LITERARY MAGAZINE since its inception, Ed has another one in the August/September issue. THE PEPPER TREE is a free publication that is available at numerous sites around Sarasota County, including the libraries.

Ed's stories always bring a chuckle. His insight into human nature and his clever use of the language assures us of a treat every time we read or hear one of his stories. They are usually quite funny and cleverly written.

The story in the current issue of THE PEPPER TREE, however, is a departure from Ed's usual light-hearted look at the world. As its title suggests, JACUZZI ROMANCE, is a love story about a man and a woman and it is written with a gentle hand and a warm heart. As Ed's stories are wont to do, this one also has a tender little twist at the end.

Pick up a copy of THE PEPPER TREE at the nearest library or one of the other distribution points around the county. JACUZZI ROMANCE is on page 14 of the August/September issue.

After reading it, if you want to send Ed a note about the story his email address is elyman24@comcast.net.

Posted by
Russ Heitz