FWA Sarasota Writers Group

Information and a Recommend

2012-01-27T09:44:00.003-05:00

Good morning all!

There is some information I need to share and I've been putting it off until I could obtain a more permanent address. Things keep changing and I don't feel I should wait any longer. Many of you know, or have been represented in Dahris Clair's ezine, The Infinite Writer. Dahris and her husband, Carl, visited our group when Jack Wolf came from San Diego. She and I started together in FWA six years ago and became dear friends.

Dahris was, until this year, was the Group Leader for the Pasco County Chapter and some of you attended the one day Mini-Conferences she sponsored in New Port Richey. Nearly two weeks ago on Saturday I received the call from Carl that Dahris had fallen and broken her neck. She already had several health issues so this was shocking to me. But, a fighter she is and the outlook was positive with rehab. I was waiting for a rehab address before announcing it so folks could send her get well wishes. That has not come to pass. Since being in the hospital, some other problems have developed and Dahris has now had a feeding tube inserted and is in the Cardiac Care Unit.

Several of you have asked for an address so I've decided to give the following where the cards will be delivered to her.
Dahris Clair
7844 Datura Lane
New Port Richey, Florida
34653-2208

Dahris is a dear lady of 82 and well wishes would so do her heart good. She did push herself past endurance providing a stage for authors with the Infinite Writer and working with aspiring writers through FWA dedication.

Next, I'd like to recommend one of our own that never speaks of his own accomplishments. He has taken over this blog and is doing a fantastic job. He sits at every meeting offering input and enthusiasm. Yes, I'm speaking of George Mindling who drives to our meetings all the way from Port Charlotte. Have any of you gone to his website link listed in the links section to your left? I've been researching some of the many articles he's produced over the last ten plus years. I continue to be amazed. He has two published books, one that shouts of his education and intelligence in aeronautics and a second that I have an idea is a humorous account called "Sleeps Two". I'm going to procure this one for my RV-ing son and daughter-in-law. George?

This past weekend, however, I discovered another blog site and was totally taken in. It's a tour through George and his wife's garden. You all know I am an avid Nature and animal activist. Wandering visually through this beautiful tropical setting was a joy. He won't talk about himself and I can relate to that, so I will do it for him. Check the link on the left and then go to:
http://www.mace-b.com/Garden/ I assure you that you will be impressed.

Next Wednesday we will have our first February meeting on the 1st. I look forward to seeing you all there and please send Dahris some cheer and check out the talent of George Mindling. If you have an inspiring tale to tell, check out, too, the Tales2Inspire contest sponsored by Lois Stern, who will be with us through March.

Susan

TALES2INSPIRE Contest

2012-01-21T15:11:00.007-05:00

Non-fiction stories in any format written with an uplifting, thought provoking or touching message.

MAXIMUM LENGTH: 1200 WORDS

DEADLINE DATE: FEBRUARY 29, 2012

ENTRANCE FEE: $4.95 per story, per category

AUTHOR BENEFITS: The following two benefits, which are normally reserved exclusively for published authors, will also be available to non-published (aspiring authors) who take part in this contest through special liaisons I have made under the TALES2INSPIRE BANNER.

Each author submitting an inspiring “tale” accepted into this contest will have the opportunity to showcase it on novelist and host, Sylvia Massara’s Internet video LitChic Show (short for Literary Chic, not Chic Lit), where Sylvia has committed to a bi-monthly TALES2INSPIRE program to feature every contributing author.

Lois and Sylvia just went live to kick off the Tales2Inspire contest, so you might want to watch this video intro for more details:

http://www.litchickshow.com/2012/01/lit-chick-show-special-tales2inspire.html

A second new feature comes as a result of a liaison Lois has formed with award winning author, teacher and marketing guru Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Each author with an inspiring “tale” accepted into this contest will have the opportunity to have a review of their story placed on her popular book review blog under the Tales2Inspire banner

http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com

Contest Guidelines, 'how-to's' and 'what if's' are detailed on the tales2inspire website:

www.tales2inspire.com

SUGGESTION: Start on the homepage and click the GREEN CONTINUE button at the end of each screen to get instant answers to all of your questions. You are welcome to contact me at: tales2inspire@optimum.net, but please understand that depending on volume of inquiries, it might take me several days to respond.

Warm regards,

Lois W. Stern

Creator of the TALES2INSPIRE Contest

Wednesday, Jan 18th 2012

2012-01-19T14:33:00.008-05:00

We had a great dialogue about our format at the Wednesday meeting of the Sarasota chapter of the Florida Writers Association. We decided to continue just enjoying whatever each meeting evolves into, although the readings will continue to be the main focus of the meetings. We have readings by members at each meeting who usually read their own material, but often they read passages from favorite works or books of one particular favorite author or genre. Friendly reviews and even serious critiques usually follow each reading, and often we run out of time before we run out of readers. That format fits the wants of most members, and it is flexible enough to allow us to invite Hayward Hawkins to address the group sometime in the near future. Rod DiGruttolo did his usual great job of directing the group and we decided to allow anyone who didn't get to read at a meeting to go to the front of the list for the next meeting.

At Wednesday's meeting we welcomed newcomer Bob Dombrowski, retired firefighter from Detroit, and returning snowbird, or sunbird, depending on your point of view, Lois Stern. Bob has 38 years of great pent-up stories just waiting for an audience.

After twenty or so minutes of catching up and discussing the state of writing, we opened the floor and started with a reading by Rod, who had graciously passed on reading since last October or so. It was worth the wait. The Spaghetti Blight was a funny, 250 word work that captured everyone. Susan Davis read her short story based on Stephen King's On Writing exercise, “Action News at Three.” A great and worthy interpretation of the challenge from the Master himself that kept everyone glued to the story. Having an “FM” voice certainly doesn't detract from the story, either.

Ed Ellis read a humorous piece about close friends ribbing each other called “Blinders,” and the poignant response from the dear friend being ribbed. No critiques here, just thoughtful appreciation. Robin Thompson, who wrote at one time for comedienne Lily Tomlin, read her untitled piece, which I have dubbed “How can Robin be Dead?” A reflective piece about the finality of life and the inevitability of the passage of time, interspersed with humor and grace.

George Mindling read his interpretation of the Stephen King challenge, initially watching for eyes to glaze over. It didn't matter, he finished it anyway, another first attempt at writing for fun instead of doing technical or non-fiction work. That is what our group is about, writing for the sake of enjoyment and entertainment, and every piece is an expansion of that ability. Another short discussion followed, mainly about the use of punctuation in quotations.

Joanne Phillips read a great bit of short prose called “The Dog Days of August,” followed by two humorous short poems: “Dead Muse” and “I'm Little, You're a Lot!” Peter Frickel then read a series of somewhat gripping, but entertaining pieces beginning with “Silent Like A Soldier,” followed by “Banana,” “He Drank Like A Swan,” and a great piece about Vineyards. Several Haikus followed, and once again it was 9:00pm. A fast, entertaining evening, including a break with Bill Elam expanding everyone's horizons with his extraordinary knowledge about the origin of words we take for granted.

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, as a crime in the British court system, has now been added to my meager pool of knowledge about the words I use on a daily basis. Next meeting will be the 1^st of February. See you then.

George

Paint the Town Re(a)d

2012-01-15T09:43:00.001-05:00

From Russ Heitz
____________________________
Hello all,

Sarasota County Library System is planning the second PAINT THE TOWN RE(a)D; A BOOK LOVER’S CONVENTION, to be held at the Selby Public Library, downtown Sarasota, on Saturday, APRIL 7, 2012 (FROM 10AM TO 2PM). Honoring and highlighting reading experiences and book discussions, we are inviting all book clubs in our county to attend, and to be part of the event. If you belong to a book club or know of a friend who belongs to one, please let me know. We are inventorying all of them. We don’t want to leave anybody out !! Preliminary programs will be out sometime in February. Thanks !! Vera

Vera Neumann-Wood
Senior Special Collections Librarian
Selby Public Library1331 1st Street
Sarasota, FL 34236(941) 861-1175

Tales to Inspire

2011-12-26T15:57:00.002-05:00

Our Long Island friend, Lois Stern, has come up with a contest that is a challenge for everyone. I wanted to give you a heads up on this announcement: A Special Authors Contest for writers and aspiring writers. Please check it out at: Tales2inspire.com.
Write up an inspiring tale to inspire others with the power and of your words. If you are a winner, your story will be published in an e-book along with your bio, an optional photo and the link to your website or blog.
Now, just negotiated, another special perk. Every author with a tale accepted into this contest will have the opportunity to showcase their story on Sylvia Massard's online video show, The Lit Chick Show. Sylvia will produce a bi-monthly segment exclusively for Tales2Inspire authors. She has featured some very serious authors on her program.
Even those who don't win will get some special perks. Get all the details on the Tales2inspire.com website. This is a great way to build your author's program and credential list. All this for an entry fee of only $4.95 per story, per category.
You are invited to catch the spirit, flaunt your talents and meet the challenge. Wishing you all good luck as you Travel with Lois Off the Beaten Path!

Best,
Lois Stern
P.S. Lois will be down and able to attend meetings in January - March and will be able to answer any further questions you may have.

Seasons Greetings!

2011-12-22T09:00:00.007-05:00

We wrapped up the 2011 season with a half-party, half meeting, with coffee (Thanks, Kerri), sandwiches (Thanks, Joanne), and tons of Christmas cookies and brownies. Hannah Lee, our 16 year old guest from the last meeting returned bringing a double layer of homemade brownies that didn't last long. Thanks also to Peter for several tables of fresh fruit! Thanks to everyone who made this a really nice get-together. Everyone brought something and it was all appreciated. The table was piled with cookies, cheese, and far more than we could eat. We tried, though!

We spent an hour or so catching up with old friendships and starting new ones before we started our semi-official meeting. Before we started however, Russ passed out fortune cookies and everyone got to read their fortunes for the benefit of the other members. Some were humorous, and some were right on the mark! Rod commented he would like to write the fortunes stuck inside the little, crunchy nuggets.

After a fun round of fortune telling, we heard several good readings before we all wished everyone a Merry Christmas and closed the door on 2011. We started with Ben, who read from chapter five of his Science Fiction/Fantasy Newearth. He has about 80,000 words so far, about 20 chapters. A discussion followed, as is our normal activity, and everyone is waiting to hear more of the story. Peter read two short pieces, again from personal experience, and as always, both were spellbinding. The River and The Pathway, about the exodus out of Darfur, were not only well written, but also well read by Peter. He has new CD's out soon, three stories of Lothar, and the work My Frog Sings.

Kerri read Twirling, a short story about Rato, the famous cat, (dedicated to Jim) from her work, “Homemade Rodeos, Cocoanut Heads, Marshmellow Alligators, Growing Up Floridian,” work. Another great piece of writing. Also, Kerri gave me this listing from Gotham Writers Workshop:

http://www.writingclasses.com/mailing.php?id=2548&utm_source=Gotham+Writers%27+Workshop+List&utm_campaign=9ebb87770c-WEB_Dec21GG_NovelCont_Plot_Gifts&utm_medium=email

Joanne then expanded our horizons with a reading that had much to do with “rampant hormones,” chapter two of her autobiographical “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Needless to say, that was followed by humorous discussion and lots of feedback. Can't unbreak an egg, so to speak.

Jim, (AKA James Kelly) read another one of his great poems, appropriately titled “Kettle of Kindness.” His new book of poetry, “From the Embers,” is available contains 100 pages of his great work.

We wrapped up and cleaned up, and donated the remainder of the goodies (we tried to eat them all but failed miserably) to the Volunteer Firemen of Nokomis, who graciously let us use their meeting room.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or just Happy Holidays, we wish everyone a happy and festive season and a wonderful and healthy new year!

George, and Susan, and Rod, and Russ, and Peter, and Jim, and Ed, and Ed Lyman, too, and Kerri, and Kathy, Ben, Lee. Joann, Barbra, Susan, Linda, and everyone who makes this such a rewarding group. Keep reading and writing!

Our Facebook page is at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FWA-Sarasota-Writers-Group/232280536832439

and is accessible to everyone. Stop by when you get a chance and give us a "Like"

Englewood’s Dearborn Street Book Festival - 2012

2011-12-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

Plans are under way for Englewood’s 3th annual Book Festival. It will be held, outdoors, February 18, 10 AM to 3 PM in Pioneer Park on W. Dearborn Street. The park is located between Mango Bistro and the Amherst Train Station shop. There will be ample parking at the rear of the park.

Last year 32 authors participated talking about and selling their books. Several hundred people have turned out both years making this a most successful event.

Entry fee for authors will be $25 and they will be asked to bring their own table and chairs. Tents are acceptable.

This year the Englewood SUN will be the Book Festival sponsor and the Englewood Charlotte Library and Sarasota’s Elsie Quirk Library will be co-sponsors.

There will be a writing contest sponsored by the Sun Coast Writers Guild and cash prizes will be awarded. The deadline for the contest will be January 31, 2011.

For more information, to request contest writing rules or to be put on a mailing list please e-mail Diana Harris at <diharris@comcast.net>

Passing of an Icon

2011-12-15T09:42:00.005-05:00

George Whitman, owner of the world famous"Shakespeare and Company Bookstore," died in Paris Dec 14th. See the article at

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/george-whitman-owner-of-paris-bookstore-shakespeare-and-company-dies-at-98/2011/12/14/gIQAFcVvuO_story.html?wprss=rss_local

for a complete look at his amazing story. If the link isn't highlighted, then copy the web site address and copy it into your browser.

Thanks to Susan Davis for the information about George Whitman.

George

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-12T12:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

For a couple of reasons, I don't mail out paper cards anymore. What I do is have my website master (and that she is) put up a Christmas greeting to all through pictures and music. Soon there will be a poem up by Jim Kelly called "Christmas In the Forest" so if it's not there when you visit, please go back again and again. It's a place where I share the beauty of the season through pictures, I'm not selling anything.
I wish you all a most blessed holiday season.
www.sucarha.com
Susan

December 7th, 2011

2011-12-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

Once again we welcomed back several members who spent the summer in cooler climates, and four new guests as well. Welcome back to Joe Porter and Ellen Magnusun, and welcome first time guests Robin and Chuck Thompson, Leigh-Taylor, and special guest, 16 year old Hannah Meredith from Venice High School.

Two really great announcements: Cathy Marine's great book, “No Dead Fish For Ginger, The Story of a Sarasota Bay Dolphin” (ISBN 978-1-936172) is now for sale in the Mote Marine book store! Designed originally for Middle School Science, it is enjoyable by all ages. Being carried by the Mote Marine bookstore is an accomplishment in itself. Secondly, Ed Ellis has deservedly been named Director of the Suncoast Writers Guild for another year. Ed gave a quick run-down on the upcoming Book Fair in Englewood, with details to follow as soon as everything is formalized. We'll keep everyone posted as soon as we get the final information. For now, circle your calendars for February 18^th and keep an eye on this blog for updates.

Our donation to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department came out to $105, our sincere thanks to all who contributed to our hosts. And special thanks to Susan for bringing Holiday cookies to the meeting! It was decided we will have a meeting of sorts on December 21^st after all, but only people who bring unwholesome bakery goods, unhealthy candies or whatnot, will be allowed admission! Yes, it will be a holiday party more than a regular meeting, but be forewarned, readings just might take place! (Seriously, everyone is invited, cookies or not!)

We got under way with the readings after a brief “business” part of the evening. Unfortunately, Ed got caught off guard eating candy and had to pass his one and only chance to read before Peter. Returning Joe Porter got that honor and kicked things off with two original works, one about the tragedy of war and survival during World War Two, and a piece about Moonshiners and politics in Appalachia during the Second World War. Cathy Marine read the last two chapters of her aforementioned book, “No Dead Fish For Ginger, The Story of a Sarasota Bay Dolphin,” followed by Peter's reading from “Yerma,” from “Three Tragedies by Lorca” Luckily, Peter had the English translation. For us, that is. It probably wouldn't phase peter if it were in the original Spanish. He could read it in Swahili and we would still enjoy it. Joanne followed with the opening chapters of her autobiographical “Memoirs of a Sea Hag,” followed by discussion and lots and lots of feedback. Joanne's work always catches everyone's attention.

After a short break destroying Susan's cookies, Kerri enthralled everyone with an another excerpt from her intense saga about a young girl being raised in rural Florida. This was about a different viewpoint of Lexington Farms. Discussion followed as Kerri always captures everyone's imagination with her unique saga. Rod read a piece, always with the unexpected twist, from Ed Lyman, our senior writer, entitled “When the Grim Reaper Laughed.” Returning Ellen Magnusun read from her book, “S'Truth, Fear to Faith,” and reminded us to always collect our payment, no matter how distasteful the customer might be!

A special treat for us was 16 year old Hannah Meredith, a guest of Kerri Dieffenwierth, who read several original pieces, including a touching memorial for a classmate. One selection, “Life,” was written in geometry class, but we won't tell anyone! Hannah will be heard from in the future, we have no doubt. Richard read a chapter from his in-progress science fantasy, and once again we were out of time! It was a fun, fast evening, and those who wished to read but didn't get the chance will go first next time. Depending on how many goodies are served, of course, it will be the Christmas party. See everyone in two weeks!

Meeting Reminder

2011-12-05T19:47:00.002-05:00

Just a heads up that Wednesday, Decemeber 7th will be our last meeting until January 4th. Hope to see you all there. I will be taking up the Christmas donation for the Fire Department for those who've not yet contributed.

Best, Susan

New Contest for Poems and Short Fiction!

2011-11-30T13:23:00.009-05:00

Another contest for poems and short fiction.

Contest Rules

Submit poetry and/or flash fiction (less than 500 words) to the prompt On the Bay to Englewood's Dearborn Street Book Festival Contest, P.O. Box 5146 Englewood, Fl 34224.

All entries for judging and awarding of cash prices must be received at the P.O. Box no later than January 31, 2012.

You may enter up to three (3) submission/s per individual. Each submission requires three (3) copies of your poem or short story (typed) contained in an individual envelope (one entry per envelope).

Do not put your name on your entry. Place a 4 digit identification number on each copy of the entry and on the outside of your envelope under your return address.

Judges will base their decisions upon the following; Originality (40 Points), Theme (35 Points), and Presentation (25 Points).

Presentations will take place at the open microphone event at Elsie Quirk Library on February 18^th 2012 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM main conference room. (You are not required to present your work, however you will not receive points for presentation).

First Place - $75.00
Second Place - $50.00
Third Place - $25.00

A walk in prize of $20.00 will be awarded to those who walk-in (one entry only per individual) and present a poem or short story (up to 500 words) to the prompt. Bring three copies of your work for the judges prior to your presentation.

Ed Ellis

Happy Birthday George!

2011-11-28T11:15:00.002-05:00

One huge advantage to having a friend network on Facebook is the non-ending source of information if one chooses to share in it. That is how I found out that our new Blog Designer and Administrator, George Mindling, is having a birthday today!

Here's wishing you a great birthday, George. And, sending another big thank you for all your help and contributions to our writing group.

A heads up, too, to all of you who don't have a Facebook page. It's free and it's networking at its finest. Doesn't take tons of time and it is a great source of information. I've even found it a great place to take part in my 'animal and nature' activisim. NRDC's Biogems page is a wealth of knowledge and small things we all can do to help the Planet. Plus, there are levels of privacy and security facets that you can choose.

Best,
Susan

Englewood Book Festival

2011-11-27T12:40:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I received an e-mail from Diana Harris that led to this exchange:
____
George,
Just wanted to let you know we will be having our 3th annual book festival in Feb. If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive more information please e-mail me back.
Hope you will be joining us.
____
So, I replied:

Hi Diana,
Yes, I'd like to be on the mailing list for the book festival. I'd like to share this with the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Writers Association if this is OK with you. If it is OK, I'll post it on the FWA Sarasota blog.
____
...and she said:

George, That would be terrific. Thank you so much. We have had great response so far and will be holding the festival in a small park on Dearborn St. about a block away from where it has been. It will give us more room and authors can park near their tables, but more on that later. Thanks for your help.

Diana Harris
___
So, as I get more information I will post it for everyone's benefit. I attended the first fair as an "rookie" author and really enjoyed the experience. I may even have to write something just to be there.
George

Lemon Bay Fest - 2012

2011-11-26T15:21:00.002-05:00

Lemon Bay Fest 2012
Whimsical Stories of Old Englewood

Contest Rules: Submit poetry and/or flash fiction (less than 500 words) to the prompt Whimsical Stories of Old Englewood to Lemon Bay Fest Contest, P.O. Box 5146 Englewood, Fl 34224.

All entries for judging and awarding of cash prices must be received at the P.O. Box no later than January 31, 2012.

You may enter up to three (3) submission/s per individual. Each submission requires three (3) sheets of your poem or flash fiction contained in an individual envelope (one entry per envelope).

Do not put your name on your entry. Place a 4 digit identification number on each copy of the entry and on the outside of your envelope under your return address.

Judges will base their decisions upon the following; Originality, Theme, and Presentation.

Presentations will take place at the open microphone event at Elsie Quirk Library on February 4^th 2012 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. (You are not required to present your work, however you will not receive points for presentation).

First Place - $75.00
Second Place - $50.00
Third Place - $25.00

A walk in prize of $20.00 will be awarded to those who walk-in (one entry only per individual) and present a poem or flash fiction (up to 500 words) to the prompt. Bring three copies of your work for the judges prior to your presentation.

Thanks to Ed Ellis for the information

Thanksgiving Message from Susan

2011-11-22T17:54:00.003-05:00

As I sit and look at the beautiful job George Mindling is doing with this blog I immediately have something to be thankful for. I'm sure if we all just look around us and focus on the beauty and friends in our lives, any ugliness will go away for at least one day.

I also want to thank everyone of you reading this for all the help and support given me over this last two years of fighting health issues. You've all been like family and the group would not continue to exist had you all not stood up to share in the burden. Thank you. I'm grateful.

I wish to congratulate each and every one of you who has put ink to page or paper in our group, those who have published books and those still with a dream toward that end. I'm quite convinced that we have more talent and diversity meeting in one group than is to be found anywhere. Again, I thank you all for sharing your work. It is appreciated by all who hear your words.

However you spend your day of Thanksgiving, I wish you the best it can be!

Sincerely,
Your humble so-called leader. I follow more around here lately than I lead. Thank you for that, too!
Susan

Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011

2011-11-17T16:03:00.004-05:00

Turn out was great for our latest meeting as we welcomed back long-time member Joanne Phillips. After listening to Joanne's latest poem, “Jump Start,” we realized how much we missed her this past summer. We also welcomed new guests Denise, Cathy, and Rick as well, and look forward to seeing them as regulars.

We plan on donating to the Nokomis Volunteer Firemen on our next meeting, Dec 7^th, so, if you could spare $5.00 to donate, please bring it to the next meeting. We don't charge dues or membership, but we do like to contribute to our gracious hosts, especially at this time of year. Thanks in advance, everyone!

Jim, (AKA James Kelly) had his new book of poetry, “From the Embers,” available and signed copies for everyone. He'll bring more next time if you didn't get a chance to pick one up at the meeting.

After a cordial meet and greet, we got to listen to Rod read, not one, but two of Ed Lyman's short stories. Both great, humorous stories from our Nonagenarian, (Ed is probably the only one who won't have to look this one up) “The Green Bras” and “The Way It Will Be” led off what was another night of great writing. From humor to poetry, and dark humor as well, it was a fast, entertaining evening.

Ed Ellis got to go in front of Peter again, and read his “Parallel Reality,” written the night before from 11:15pm til 5:30am. The writing was inspired by Joanne who asked “What was God doing before the Big Bang?” No wonder he couldn't sleep. We benefit from his insomnia...

Kerri again kept everyone's rapt attention as she continued with “English as a Second Language,” part of her “Homemade Rodeos, Cocoanut Heads, Marshmellow Alligators, Growing Up Floridian,” work. A great discussion followed about the use of real names or identifiable people in fiction work, or even in reporting or journals. Lots of good viewpoints!

Susan read a passage from Bill Moyer's “Language of Life,” which served as a prologue to Jim Kelly's great poems, “People and Leaves,” and “Awakened.” Joanne's return was marked by her “Be Careful What You ask For,” “I'm Not The Cook,” and the aforementioned “Jump Start,” which signals the return of a great talent. Joanne's humorous work is always a treat.

Russ brought us back to the realm of outstanding descriptive writing with a reading from Bill Prozini's book, “Illusions,” followed by Patricia with another piece of her dark humor that, again, caught everyone off guard. Great work. She is waiting on the publication of three poems to become a full member of the Horror Writers of America. Congratulations, Patricia!

Peter read another elegant writing, “My Frog Sings” the last chapter his book “Something of Value,” followed by Ben's revised Chapter One of his book, “Newearth.” The discussion that followed covered everything from science fiction to definitions and we suddenly found out we were out of time. A fast, fun evening.

Cathy, we look forward to hearing your work on Dec 7^th, our next meeting, and I have a feeling we'll take up where we left off.

See everyone in three weeks! Next meeting is Dec 7th!

George (myakka@embarqmail.com).

Message from Bart Stamper

2011-11-07T19:58:00.001-05:00

Hey Peter,

Good to hear from you. Our new website is designed with a lot of cool features (by my wife) that allows grandparents and their grandkids to communicate online by creating talking cards and books, drawing pictures, recording and sending video messages back and forth, etc. It can be viewed at grandoodlez.com. Spread the word. Send George the link so he can publish it. Thanks!

I'd be happy to see what you've got on your character and offer feedback. Just remember that my opinions and $1.65 will get you a cup of coffee at Dunkin' Donuts though. But it would be fun to see what you're working on. Glad to help if I can.

Say Hi to the group for me. Miss all you talented writers.

Best,

Bart (Stamper)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

2011-11-03T08:48:00.011-04:00

Our first get-together of November was another great meeting, with the return of both Susan Haley and long time member Linda White. We also welcomed Patricia La Barbera and look forward to her becoming a regular member of the group.

Rod's usual welcoming and introductions led to a great round of reading and interesting, often lighthearted, discussions. But first, Susan asked for volunteer assistance as our treasurer, Linda Malloy, will be unavailable until next March. The duties mainly include presenting the $5 we collect twice a year to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department where we meet. It is a donation we chip in to the Fire Department for allowing us to use their facilities. We do not collect dues, and there is no charge for being in the group. It is something we do to show our appreciation to our hosts. Anyone interested, please contact me at myakka@embarqmail.com, or Susan Haley directly at amberfawn@comcast.net.

The readings were as varied as the members themselves, Linda starting the evening with a beautiful, well written piece about her mother. New comer Patricia read next, presenting a piece of flash fiction that caught everybody off guard with its conclusion. Great writing. Good discussion afterward that led to comments about the Writer's Digest contest for short stories (1500 words or less), and on flash fiction, flash mobs, and just plain flashing.

Barbara then read a paragraph from the book “Vincent by Himself”, his own writing proves to be as descriptive as his paintings, followed by Peter Folaris who read two of his really great poems. First, from his work “Lucille and Other Manic Tales” and then another free form poem titled “Bronx Marie.' More great work. Peter Frickel then read a great piece “Darkness between the Shadows” and a piece from “A Writer's Book of Days” where writers such as ourselves are encouraged to present their work to groups such as ours for peer-review. We were warned, however, that “someone will always try to fry your banana.”

Jim Kelly did it again with a poem called “Chipmunk,” another great poem. Jim's book is being polished and we got to see the proof copy. “From the Embers” by James O. Kelly will be available soon. We'll post the information about availability as soon as we get it. Ben wrapped up the readings with the draft of Chapter Five of his science fiction novel, OneEarth. It is progressing well and has caught everyone's interest. He must be the ultimate researcher.

Discussions included Bart Stamper, a former member of the group who still stays in contact, and John Wolf, FOX & QUILL editor, a past visitor who is involved in writing contests in California, and somehow we got into a discussion about lizards. Never discuss lizards, geckos, anoles or any other form of lizard with a writer's group! Not this one anyway. Fabius Cunctator, indeed! It was an interesting, light hearted session.

We have added a Facebook page that allows everyone quick and easy access to our group. You can click into this blog from Facebook, or to there from here by clicking on the blog in the Facebook page. Please click the “Like” button to add your name to our list!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FWA-Sarasota-Writers-Group/232280536832439

Take a look at the Lulu Short Story Contest at:
http://www.lulu.com/blog/2011/11/01/lulu-short-story-contest/

One of the comments of the meeting was a quote from Elmore Leonard: “I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” I hope I haven't left out something that no one would skip...

See you Nov 16,

George

In Memory of Phil Dobrin

2011-10-21T13:39:00.006-04:00

In Memory of Phil Dobrin

As writers we all celebrate the good writing of individuals who attend our writers groups on a regular basis to share their experiences and writing. Phil was exceptional, bringing quality writing and comment to both the Nokomis group and Suncoast Writers.

Phil's book, Adventures of a Surgical Resident, is a must read for anyone interested in the memoir's of a very successful medical doctor. Phil's ability to take very dry subject matter and turn it into a book full of information you should know, in a way the layman can understand. His stories are told well and bring a smile and laugh.

My life has been touched in very special ways knowing Phil. I'm sure yours as well. When I drive home from our meetings from Nokomis and look over and see the car seat empty my mind sees Phil sitting there helping me drive in the dark. I once told him if he sat in the back seat he could see better. The drive home was always interesting with Phil telling me more and more stories. We also had additional conversations about the meeting and Phil helped me see things in a different light and perspective. The secret we kept from our wives was the stop for three taco's and a senior drink.

For some strange reason, Phil stayed slim and trim and I added to my weight. Taco Bell will always remind me of Phil.

Phil left me with a treasure for my personal library, a signed copy of his book.

"With best wishes for a great friend" Phillip.

I know we all miss Phil.

Ed Ellis

Aaah, Cooler weather!

2011-10-20T15:01:00.005-04:00

Wednesday, Oct 19^th 2011

We welcomed Barbara and Peter Frickel back from France this past Wednesday, along with the first cooler weather of the season, and we welcomed a new member as well. Peter Folares met our eclectic group, and heard some very good work read by many of the members. Rod read another of Ed Lyman's engrossing stories, which fascinated the group as usual. Ed's work never fails to send me to the closest dictionary. Irv did a piece on letter writing, followed by Ed, who actually got to go ahead of Peter for a change! Ed was inspired by Jim's poetry and read a whimsical poem written while eating at a Taco Bell. No, it was about Halloween.

Peter read another excellent passage from one of his favorite authors, followed by Kerri, who started a really good discussion after reading her piece about air-boats and alligators. What is a “Cracker” anyway? Jim again enthralled the group with his poetry and Russ read a chilling selection from Jack London, where the protagonist isn't a person. We closed with a congenial discussion about upcoming events, which include:

St. Petersburg Festival of Reading, Sat, Oct 22 - http://www.festivalofreading.com/
Stephen King Book signing in Sarasota, Nov 14 at 7:00 pm -

http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2011-09-26/section/arts/wristbands-to-be-issued-for-stephen-king-booksigning/

Peter Frickel's Web site has been added to the links section, check out his site when you can...

We are still shocked at the loss of Dr. Phil, and we will post an appropriate page shortly

George

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

2011-10-11T20:25:00.008-04:00

Hello Everyone,

Susan is taking a break from the Blog for a while and I have volunteered to humbly try to fill her shoes while she is in Pennsylvania enjoying the cooler weather. I will post the details from Wednesday's meeting as soon as I master this page. Bear with me, I should have something intelligible, one hopes, shortly.

I can be reached at myakka@embarqmail.com

George Mindling

Writers Are Connected . . .

2011-09-09T01:54:00.002-04:00

One of the things that has really brought me and, I think, all of us, pleasure over the last few years is the way through circumstance three different writers groups have melded into one. Our FWA Group at the Nokomis Firehall, the Voices of Venice led by Linda White, and in recent years the addition of so many great writers and friends from the Suncoast Writers Guild.

It all started when Ann Favreau, then director of the Guild invited me to be the Reviewer for Poetry in their Annual Review. I was honored and delighted to accept. When, a couple of years later, they needed to fill the position of Reviewer for Prose, Russ Heitz was invited to fill that need. Russ and I got to know a bunch of wonderful people. Our own Joanne Phillips had originally taken me to meet the Guild at their Annual Christmas Party. There, I met Bernie and Phyllis Reading. I think Bernie and Phyllis were the special backbone of the Suncoast Writers Guild. Bernie served as Director in 2003 and 2004. Our groups have grown together since then. Now, Ed Ellis, Jim Kelly, Ann Favreau, Doc Phil Dobren attend our FWA Group regularly.

Bernie Reading has been ill the last couple of years and unable to get out and about much. I miss his presence when I go to the Poetry Reviews and Pod meetings. But, Phyllis is always there to carry on the Reading tradition.

Bernie loved writing and writers and he wrote great poetry about simple things. He grew up in Englewood when it was but a crick in the road. Bernie passed away last week and Englewood will miss him, the writers and artisits will miss him. Phyllis will miss him. But her heart is so big, she will always continue to share his memory with his friends. In Bernie's memory and to honor Phyllis and to thank the Suncoast Writers Guild for their additions to our group, and for Ed Ellis for all the help he's given me during some hard times . . . I post the following:

*A Celebration of Life for Bernie Reading*

Will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 2 - 5 p.m.
at the American Legion Hall in Rotunda
3436 Indiana Rd.
Rotunda West, Florida 33947

Do I have a volunteer to share some blogging duties?

2011-09-04T23:06:00.003-04:00

I was amazed when I looked at the date of my last blog! August 15th! Between Russ and I, we used to get at least two a week up. Peter Frickle has his new website up and was forced to send group emails. I will be adding it to the list to left of the entry page.

There will be a meeting this week on Wednesday. We have a few new possible attendees. Glad to announce Jim Kelly has returned from an extended time up north and Peter and Barbara are planning on leaving for France after the meeting. We'll have to give them a proper send off. I thought of Linda Malloy several times during the coverage of Irene. Her brother in law who is the governor of Connecticut made several appearances on the news.

Hope everyone enjoys the last holiday of summer tomorrow and let's all send a big welcome to Rod and Betsy and hope they can both manage getting out again. I think they should tell us their story. There are some children in the world tonight who've been blessed with some very special grandparents. There are some others who've been missing a good while . . . Cathy Marine, Dear Linda, Ann Favreau, George Colias, Steve Cholby . . . See, I'll leave someone out for sure and never mean to do that. I'm gonna quit while I'm a head . . . See ya on Wednesday!!

Two Days 'Til Wednesday

2011-08-15T13:26:00.003-04:00

It's almost time for the second August meeting. Seems like I just wrote that for July! I do apologize for not keeping the blog very current anymore. For some strange reason, I've developed a horrendus case of computer block! This coming from one that nearly lived on the thing for ten years. I wish I could say I was working on the next blockbuster epic novel, but I'm afraid that is not the case.

Many of us are out traveling, getting ready to, or enduring some trials and tribulations in other areas of life. I do look forward to our occasional meetings of what we all love and that is writing.

Peter has again suggested and requested that we all take part in 'working with words' by sharing the great parts that drew us to other writings and also how we would use a specific word in both a short, crisp powerful way and how we might be moved to use that same word in a long and seemingly endless grouping of words into a sentence. Authors of the "Classics" didn't always obey the set of rules and regs established by today's editors and publishers.

Conversely, the nature of the publishing business itself has lifted road blocks in place that allow pure 'crap' to end up in printed works. To wit: Self-publishing and Independent publishing which allows for the right price to rule. Many of those we consider to be the 'Great Ones' could not get published by a big New York publisher these days. Or even be inclined to turn into techies in order to do what they love most. It all depends on what an individual wants to achieve. For someone with a voice like Peter, electronic can be a gift. Not so for me. Partly why I've suddenly developed a revulsion for computers. I need an ink bottle and a quill, I think. :)

I'd like to discuss this more. What moves any of us to write? Are we open to constructive criticism or determined to introduce what WE think of as good writing? I've been pondering a word to use for an experiment of the nature Peter suggests OR to write one paragraph using the word in the way it moves you to make your attempt at definition. The word is: chaos. What is chaos?

Kerri and I communicated this week and I am publicly asking her on a date. Seems last meeting her husband beat me to the plate and suggested a Harry Potter movie. Kerri will you meet us at the Firehall on Wednesday? :) I'm teasing Kerri, but my invitation extends to everyone able to grace our group with their presence. There a few new members that I think have so much to offer and rather than risk forgetting or leaving one out, I'll say, "You know who you are." :)

See you Wednesday, August 17th at 6:30 or when you can get there.

Be safe
Be happy
Be writing

Susan

Wednesday Writers With Peter

2011-06-21T20:31:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

Wednesday the fifteenth is behind us now. Amazing how fast the time goes. Today is Summer Solstice and my son, Bill, and me have been mourning the passing of a year all day.
A year ago today, I'd just made my arrival in Fairbanks, Alaska and was experiencing 24
hour daylight for the first time in my life. This year, I am in Pennsylvania with Bill and Karen
at their house. I plan on being home the middle of July. Give or take. It's also very warm here
but the humidity isn't quite as oppressive as Florida. The thermometer was hovering around
93 degrees today, though.

Since arriving here on the 9th of June, I have been attending some local writing events just to enjoy the role of being a guest and also to learn some new things. I am finding that most groups do follow a quite structured agenda and there is very little discussion or warmness in the room. Frankly, it made me appreciate all the more, our own writing family which I've been referring to as the Wednesday Writers because it fits. :) Kind of like Sunday's Child. I understand the name motion was tabled for now. I was under the understanding that it was already decided as I'd mentioned it twice before and no one came up with anything different. Now, you know why I retired the 'official' positition. It's called fragmented brain function. :)

Peter and Russ sent me updates and I'd like to add my own Happy Birthday wishes to Ed Lyman. He's a bit amazing, I'd say. I'd appreciate it, too, if someone would call Irv Newman and make sure he is okay. He's missed a few meetings in a row now. I forgot my list of email and phone numbers and am trying to get ahold of Tuck Tucker myself. I did hear from Kris Palmer on Sunday and all is going great with her. She is selling books and had to order more! I'm most pleased for her as I know are all of you.

I'd like to thank Peter for leading the meeting on the 15th of June and I do appreciate that he tries to request and assign projects for everyone to do to spark discussion and learning. From that point, it's up to us as a group to take part. Also, I'd like thank Ed Ellis in advance for covering the first July meeting. A little bird also told me that Ed is doing a great job as the new director of Suncoast Writers Guild and may be asked to serve two years! I'm not surprised by this news, however.

I was most happy when reading the roll call list to see that George Mindling and Ben Daughtry returned for a second meeting and also that Cecile brought her mom to visit. In addition, I'd like to welcome Paula Foster and hope to meet her upon my return. And, I hope, Andrew, you're having 'fun'! Andrew was kind enough to include me on his group email. I agree writing should be something we all enjoy doing, have a passion for even, but for me the entire process was work and still is work because I want it to be the best it can be. Most writers do. Good luck just having fun, Andrew. :) Hopefully, you'll be able to teach us all your secret when Simon & Schuster comes rapping on your door.

I do want to welcome Ann Favreau and her husband, Ray, back to Venice from their trip north to, ultimately, Connecticut, I think it was. They were welcomed home by being named the Venice "Lions" of the Year by the Venice Lion's Club. Ann, so deserving for all she does, has been properly acknowledged this past year. She has been winning so many awards I cannot keep up! You go, girl!

All of you FWA members interested in entering the annual RPLA writings should check the main FWA website for details. www.floridawriters.net

You all be safe, be writing, and be happy until I wander thru here again. Have a wonderful summer and a happy 4th of July.

My best,
Susan Haley

Wednesday Already??

2011-06-13T16:19:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is ready to attend the meeting led by Peter on Wednesday the 15th. A reminder: Peter had suggested an exercise in sharing your favorite word and how you use it and also an excerpt from your favorite author and why you like his or her particular writing style. That always spurs some delightful and informative disscussions.

I've arrived safely in Harrisburg, Pennslyvania and am having a great time with my granpup! Son Bill and me are lamenting the fact that a year ago we celebrated Summer Stolstice in Fairbanks, Alaska. We've planned a pity party for June 21st. :)

Jim Kelly and his family have also arrived safely in Cooperstown, New York where his grandsons were to play in a National baseball tournament. Kris is doing fine in Missouri as of the day before I left. Linda White left for Michigan on Saturday. It's that time of year, folks. Let's wish all the travelers safe returns.

I hope all of you have a great rest of June, Happy Father's day to all the dads out there, and enjoy Peter this week and Ed Ellis the first Wednesday in July! I am available by email if anyone has questions or announcements to post on the blog.

I did send in my formal resignation to FWA and assured them that the FWA members will continue to enjoy the extra benefits of the statewide networking. I also told President Chrissy Jackson that I'd continue to post on this blog until they decide what to do about a Sarasota WGL. That will save our county from just being a void out here. I do believe we had concensus on being referred to as The Wednesday Writers in the Nokomis Firehall group. Many of the FWA Groups have named their individual groups and events. FWA membership is not affected!

My best,
Susan

PS

2011-06-03T16:04:00.003-04:00

Since we are always in to dialogues and voice inflections in our work, I deliberately left what to many might be a missed word requiring editing. It was from the sentence ' taking the laptop with.' Can anyone guess what city or area that comes from? The answer is scrambled below. Think of it as a brain twister thingy . . .

OGACIHC

Susan :))

June 1st Meeting Was a Fun Night

2011-06-03T15:05:00.001-04:00

It was great to see everyone! Jean and Joe Porter were back from Jean's long absence recovering from an 'off the track' knee surgery. We had our Kris update on how well she is coming along. Susan Davis returned and read much to everyone's delight and we also welcomed two new faces both of whom seemed to enjoy our antics, Ben Daughtery and George Mindling. I thank the other folks for making them both feel welcome.

We always seem to fill over two hours quickly with readings. We have such talent in varied genres, lively and helpful discussions are the norm. Rod, Peter, Ed Ellis and Russ can always be counted on to help me out and Linda Malloy serves as our treasurer for the Firehall donations which is minimal considering the access we have to their training room on all days but Thursday. But, we have never been bumped from our room on a Wednesday, which was frequent when we held our meetings in the library. Other than the occasional fire siren it's usually quiet. We don't have to listen to the PA system beginning announcements at eight-fifteen telling us we must vacate the premises by ten to nine because the employees want to go home! I expect with the shortened hours now, we'd be greeted at the door with "you must be out by ten to eight . . ." Announcedments would begin at seven-fifteen only fifteen minutes after arrival. :)

My trip to the north country was announced and Peter has agreed to take the second June meeting on the 15th and Ed Ellis volunteered to take July 6th. I will be back for the second July meeting on July 20th. I will be taking the laptop with, so email communication will be possible if anyone has a question.

Peter has requested that everyone who enjoys reading from their own favorite author to bring their book. This great idea came from Keri and has really been a hit. Peter also requests that everyone choose their own favorite word and what they use it with. I could give an example of mine and when I use it but that would not be appropriate here. Joanne would laugh. :) We've also done this in the past and great discussions erupted then, too.

If anyone has something earthshaking to report in my absense, email me. Also if treated very nicely, they may request Russ into posting it on the blog. He did such a fabulous job for so long, I don't bother him unless it's really a 'need to know' thing!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and have a great July 4th weekend as well. I'll look forward to seeing you all upon my return.

Best, Susan
Not Edited which means you are all friends. :)

In Honor of our Veterans

2011-05-30T17:44:00.002-04:00

This is always a day of sadness and celebration entwined for me. Sadness for the vets no longer with us and yet celebration of what all of them, still here or gone, endured. I really don't know anyone who doesn't have a family member or a dear friend that was or is a Vet. We are fortunate to have many of them in our circle of writers. I especially send out a hello to Bart Stamper today. Bart is alive and well but not able to attend the meetings presently due to his new location. A good many of us still communicate with him, tho. His work, Memories in Ebony, written on his first trip to the Viet Nam Memorial is spectacular and holds a permanent place in the Rainy Day Room on my website. Bart's accomplishments in Viet Nam, our most forgotten veterans, are incredible. He served on a Recon team and survived many more missions than many. His service was remarkable. We all thank you, Bart.

We have, as I said, many vets in our group. Bart comes to my mind because of Viet Nam. That was the 'war' I was most affected by as an adult. But, I too, want to mention another member who devoted most of his life to the Service of his Country. Our special career soldier, Gordon 'Tuck' Tucker! Sadly, due to a horrid attack of Shingles that resulted in some nerve disorders, Tuck has missed a lot of meetings the last months, but he remains in our hearts and when he is able to come, it's a special event! Tuck's career spans 30 years and seeing action in both WWII and Korea. Tuck is a phenomenal writer and his novel, "Shadow" about Korea is chilling. My personal favorite is his latest work which is, to me, epic and Pulitzer worthy is "Sarah's Creek" which is about the Civil War. Although, dear Tuck did not serve personally in that one, his research is impeccable and his story telling spectacular.

If I could trust my memory not to leave anyone out, I'd list all of our vets! Irv Newman comes to mind from WWII and Joe Porter, also from Korea. Others I know served but I'm not sure of their tenure or duty assignments. So, I'll take no chance here. At the meeting, I'll take the time for a show of hands or something. ALL of you were important!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with your families and your celebrations, whatever they were. I hope to see you all on Wednesday, June 1 at our monthly gathering of Wednesday Writers as I've taken to calling us.

Also, a reminder . . . Linda White's Thursday Voices of Venice poet group which many of you also attend is having their Emma Lazareth event on Thursday, June 2 at 6 p.m. at Jacaranda Library. Complete details are on her website: www.Poetsrule.com

See ya Wednesday!
Susan

Bits and Pieces

2011-05-09T19:51:00.002-04:00

I just heard from Kerri with the information about Funds for Writers. This is the newsletter that Linda was talking about at the last meeting. A small meeting, by the way, but we had great discussions and all learned something. There were only six of us present.

Funds for Writers is listed on Writers Digest best 101 Websites for writers. Here is the url.

www.fundsforwriters.com

I hope all the moms had a great Mother's Day yesterday. The weather was sure gorgeous! No FWA meeting this week but the poetry groups are in session.

Email me any news items. Don't count on my memory. :))

Susan

Such Talented Writers!!

2011-05-02T23:54:00.002-04:00

I can't keep up with all the awards our writers are collecting. I've already announced about Ann Favreau, Dr. Karen Pirnot, Kerri Deiffenweirth's acceptance into Southern Maine University Creative Writing program and now, I can announce that Linda Neckel White has dominated the Fox and Quill's First Annual National Poetry Month's Poetry Throw Down. Linda was the only entrant that had votes on every one of her entries. She received the most votes to garner the Contest Winner, "Scair't Rabbit" (sp.).
Congratulations, Linda! Congratulations, also, to the other poets in our local groups who entered. I know Ann Favreau, Joe and Jean Porter, and Jim Kelly all entered. Our New York friend, Lois Stern, has a story in the May edition of Fox and Quill on her experiences in getting wireless communication accomodations in their Venice Condo. :)
I would like to thank Jack Wolf of San Diego, once again, for his interest in our Florida writers! He continues to be an excellent west coast connection for us. Thank you, Jack!

Time is flying again, too! We have a meeting this week on Wednesday at the Firehall, folks! Hope to see you there! Lots of interest in the new Critique Group. :)

Best,
Susan

Summin' Up

2011-04-24T21:18:00.002-04:00

We, a total of eleven, had a great meeting last Wednesday. Charles Meyer summed up his TV ME contest and how to get involved in that, we had some beautiful readings in both poetry and prose. Peter got his bi-monthly entertainment when Andrew read a portion of his rather off the wall novel.

Kerri Dieffenwierth embraced us all with an article she'd written for commemorating the tenth year since 9/11. It was absolutely beautiful, both the words and the way she read. Kerri read in such a way it lifted right off the page and floated out over rapt listeners. I talked to everyone about it on Thursday.

I wrote to Kerri and told her how much I loved her work and to please tell me about Maine in more detail. She told me a good bit, some of which we can share as she advances through the stages with additional things to share as well. I used most of her own words below so I didn't get anything wrong. :)

Kerri applied to the Stonecoast Writing Program at the University of Southern Maine in December, 2010. She never thought she'd be accepted and hardly told a soul, but she liked the program and the admissions process was a challenge. It included three letters of reference from published authors, some samples of her own work, a personal essay and three critically- acclaimed artiles by other authors in her Creative Fiction genre. She received a letter in mid-February that she'd, indeed, been accepted!! The hoorays and 'Oh, my God's' sounded, I'm sure.

This is called a 'low residency' program. I fly to Maine for two weeks twice a year in July and January for two years and for two weeks at the end of the course, a total of fifty days in Maine. The rest of the lessons will be done by old fashioned USPS delivery and the occasional email email. During the two weeks the workshops are held in a stone house by the sea near Freeport. Simply, perfect for writing!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Best, Susan

Great Meeting - More to Come!

2011-04-07T13:18:00.004-04:00

Hello to everyone! Thanks to all who participated and all who attended our poetry celebration last night. And a special thank you to Jim Kelly for presenting his workshop and to Peter Frickel for doing a great job of leading the group! I'm so enjoying being able to sit and just enjoy all of you! Before I go on, I want to thank Linda White as well. She did an absolutely magnificent job of 'reading' the heartfelt work of Daniel Lyman, both a song and a poem by Ed Lyman's son. Daniel even wrote music for the work. Linda, too, unabashedly shed tears at the end! Ed was so pleased and the work was incredible. It is titled "Now Is The Time" and I have Ed's permission to type it for my website as poem of the month for May. I'll announce when it's viewable. Linda, so supportive and also a member of our group, is the esteemed leader of the Voices of Venice Poetry group as well. She gathers poets every Thursday at Jacaranda Library at 6 p.m. Many of our group attend that one, too! Linda has worked very hard organizing her Poetry Month Celebration to be held in the library's 'big' room on Thursday evening, April 14th from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. She has some pleasant surprises for us. It is open to the public and even if you don't write poetry, it would be nice to be the 'poem' and support our friend, Linda! We've had a great 'return' average this season. Bill Elam, Fred Weiss and Ellen Magnusun are showing up regularly and former attendees are returning! It was such a pleasure to welcome Cathy Marine from Mote Marine back after her experience with Taz, the rescued baby Bottled-Nose dolphin. Taz after being saved by the Mote Marine volunteers and professionals has been adopted into a new 'pod' at the Indianapolis Zoo as he is unable to be released to the wild due to the death of his mom before he could be taught how to be a dolphin. Cathy said Taz thought he was a 'kid'. I'd have been in my glory with him! I'll email the zoo's link to Russ and maybe he can help me make it active here. I can't get it to work!! (http://www.indyzoo.com/sitepages/planyourvisit/breakingnews.aspx) The poetry was wonderful last night and we had reading of good prose as well. Treats were provided for everyone to enjoy. Joe Porter was able to attend because Jean is in rehab for a week or two and he shared a poem Jean wrote this week and also one of his own always great poems. Peter read from his new story. It was wonderful to 'hear' and it was decided that Peter could read the phone book and mesmerize his listeners. :) How many time have we heard that? He also shared that Russ Heitz is going to help him make it into an ebook, the wave of the future. In addition, Barbara Frickel brought her watercolors scrapbook and also some lovely colored sketches created at Myacca State Park's birdwalk accompanied by her thought meditations. What a talented couple! And for those that don't know it, Lee Heitz, Russ' wife is also an excellent sketch artist. Talk about a foursome! :) Dr. Karen Pirnot has just recieved another award for Garret Frey's story, "As I Am." She's won so many awards for her children's books and her own memoir "Just a Common Lady" is wonderful. Believe me, she is humble! She's well beyond 'common'. Lois and Ken Stern are back safe and sound in Long Island and they had a wonderful winter here. I hated to see them leave as I really didn't get to spend much time with her this visit. Oh, and don't forget to stop by John Wolf's Fox and Quill this month and vote in the Poetry Contest. "Jack" works so hard for all writers and I still marvel at his coming all the way from San Diego to meet all of us. Jack is a writer's angel and has featured many of us! Russ wrote a series on writing a mystery that is still viewable there as Jack archives his editions. Really a great 'rag sheet' as he calls it. Just type http://www.foxandquill.com into your browser or go to our link column to your left and click on Fox and Quill. I think I will start highlighting everyone a couple at a time here. So many exceptional people and there's just not enough room to do all at once. Jeeze! I actually came up with an idea. :) Is the brain beginning to rumble again? Kerri "D" has been officially accepted to study for her Masters Degree in creative writing at Southern Maine University. What an honor for her! It's difficult to gain acceptance into this program. It is an online course but she will have to go to Maine for two week periods twice a year. That's it for this post. My washing machine hose sprung a leak last night and I'm still cleaning up water! Do you believe it!!? :) Thank the Powers that Be I was home and caught it shortly after it happened around midnight. In a few hours the entire house would have been flooded! Son Vince was able to calm me and the machine down. :) To all leaving for the north, have a safe trip and hurry back! Best, Susan

Get Well Addresses As Promised

2011-03-30T23:03:00.003-04:00

Hi again, everyone . . .

As promised, below are the addresses to send our get well wishes. Updates as of today: Both patients are doing well. If I understood correctly, Kris can go home for two weeks until all healing is sure and then will return as an outpatient to have the implant activated, followed by several adjustments to the 'system'. I do believe it is the same principle as a heart pacemaker only regulating nerve action in the brain to alleviate Parkinson's tremors.

Joe reported that Jean can come home Friday and will continue recovery and rehab at home. Joint replacement, I understand, requires significant recovery and rehab time. All the poets have offered to "Jean-sit" and give Joe breaks for shopping and errands. :)

Jean Porter
968 Bonaire Ave. E.
Venice, Florida 34285

Kris Palmer c/o Tim Palmer
10859 US 61
St. Genevieva, MO 63670

If anyone has questions, please email me.
Susan

Great News and Great Announcements!

2011-03-29T22:51:00.005-04:00

I wanted to make absolutely sure that everyone gets this news. Today was the
"Surgery Day." Two of our writers journied into the OR! At 7:00a.m., Kris Palmer went first in St. Louis. That was 8 o'clock our time. I do believe it was somewhere around 1:30 - 2:00p.m. our time that Joanne called me. Shortly after that, Kris's sister, Mary, called me, too. Kris came through the surgery with 'flying colors!' She was sitting up in bed eating lunch already. It will take approximately two weeks before they turn the implant on. All healing must be done first. Then, of course, the adjustments will begin. Mary said the doctors were very pleased and confident with how the surgery progressed.

A short time later, Joe Porter called me. Jean Porter, too, had a successful surgery at the Venice Hospital and now has a brand new knee! If all procedes as expected, Jean will be able to come home and begin her rehabilitation. Joe is braced to be her caregiver, which he has handled like 'pro' before when Jean had a hip replacement. Joe, too, is a trooper!

But all is great! Both of our 'girls' are doing well. I will post mailing addresses for get well cards as soon as I get them.

More news on Poetry month. In my last post, it may have not been made clear that all the poetry events and open mics in April ARE open to the public. In fact, Linda White is actively promoting the Voices of Venice event at Jacaranda Library, as is Scott Zirkleback in North Port. Check Linda's site for updates:
www.poetsrule.com.

It's is only the Annual Review at the Suncoast Writers Guild that is closed to all but the Guild members as work is evaluated.

For our own meeting on the 6th of April we will celebrate poetry with an oncor performance of Jim Kelly's Poetry Workshop. He has promised a new box of tricks to focus upon. :) Jim's workshop, along with Jack Wolf's visit from San Diego, are arguably our most successful and enjoyed special events. People still talk to me about both events and Jim's workshop is often brought up when the subject of poetry presents itself. Also, Barbara Frickel has agreed to a request I made of her and we are in for another treat from the Frickel family.

Also have news of our dear missed writer, Bart Stamper! Bart is now working in Colorado. I had a nice letter from him when I was first home from the hospital and he hopes to visit us when he is the area. This last update came from Peter who emails with Bart regularly. Hoping, too, to see Donnie Miles soon. He usually makes an appearance late Spring or summer.

My friend, Lois Stern, has returned safely to Huntington, Long Island. She enjoyed her visits with us again and hopes to return for three months next winter. Before our meeting, I will contact Irv Newman and Tuck and update them. Hopefully, we'll see Ed Lyman soon as well.

I do believe I've got it covered which means I'll probably be posting again very soon. :))

Susan

Lots Goin' On in April!

2011-03-25T21:35:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone!

April is National Poetry Month and our poet members have lots of events planned for everyone's enjoyment. Our own Linda White and the Voices of Venice group has a special event bringing artists and poets together. See her site: www.poetsrule.com for further details and times at Jacaranda Library.

Our own Jim Kelly, along with Cheryl Baker will be reading the entries at Suncoast Writers Guild Annual Review for Poets. Ann Favreau is directing the Poet Pod this year. I'm honored to be the Reviewer for the fourth consecutive year.
Our own Russ Heitz will be Reviewer for the prose entries at Elsie Quirk Library in downtown Englewood later in the month. Ed Ellis will be directing that event. I'm just blowing horns of our members as these two events are not open to the public. It's amazing to me how our groups have grown in camaradie over the last couple of years. Everyone admittedly has grown from the diversity.

Scott Zircleback, Group leader of the North Port Poets, has announced the launch of a blogspot where anyone can comment or post poetry of their own. Scott also writes prose and often visits Linda's group, Voices of Venice. The url for the new blog is www.nppoetryc.blogspot.com It will ask you to take a minute and sign in with a blogger ID thru Google in order to post or comment. You may have done this when you started coming here to the FWA blog. I use this ID to view other blogspots such as my daughter-in-law's Travel Photo blog, The Haley Hiatus. I often go look at the beautiful pictures of our Alaskan adventure. It is linked in the column to your left under links if you enjoy beautiful pictures.

Our own meeting is going to be held on April 6th and we'll be trying some of the ideas we discussed at the last meeting. We'll do some critiquing and Fred Weiss has already sent work to four people. If two others are interested in taking part, bring in your excerpts or email them to Kerri, Rod, Peter or me and I'll forward them. Peter is going to lead the meeting and share some more ideas that he and I have discussed. I have to talk to a couple of people before I can announce it. I do need some consent! :)

A reminder: Kris Palmer goes to surgery Monday at 7:00AM. I talked to her this morning and she is doing fine. What courage that woman has. Also, Jean Porter will be undergoing another knee surgery also on Monday! Good thoughts and wishes will abound on Monday! I'll know how Kris is doing by the time of our meeting. The programing of her implant will require some time. Joe Porter will keep us informed on Jean's progress.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Susan

A Humbled Leader Returns

2011-02-10T02:27:00.004-05:00

I've been wrangling with the appropriate words to encapsulate thoughts and reactions which have built up over the last couple of years. Dealing with serious health issues was a new experience for me. I knew only the role of caregiver. The support and encouragement generated toward me over these months, the help and enthusiasm of each and every one of our writers coming from FWA, Voices of Venice and The Suncoast Writers Guild has been overwhelming to me.

The level of talent and dedication, the total lack of competition, but more, support for each other's pursuits and accomplishments is refreshing. I've not found that element in all of the organizations with which I've been associated. Its absense is startling to me in a time when authors should help authors.

On Thanksgiving night, all this health business came to a head with a bad fall in my own kitchen! It resulted in six broken ribs (the final count) and culminated in the removal of some 'inner parts' infested with a 'super bug' intent on devouring my flesh. Seven weeks of what I came to call 'incarceration', an incredible team of nurses and a Pulmonary Surgeon I've since dubbed "The Second Coming", Dr. Richard Hoefer.

During this time of confinement, the cards, visits, flowers, phone calls, prayers and positive energy which poured into the hospital for me was astounding. I thank you all, and I do mean ALL, so very much. And, at home, they continue to arrive.

But all of this pales in the surprise given me last Saturday. This was the cause of total 'speechlessness'. Kris Palmer and Linda White, both of whom have gone above and beyond coming by here since my return home, came with grocery treats. Then, Linda handed me an envelope. It was addressed to me "from the writers" of the above mentioned groups. You all know what was inside; no more need be said here about that, but it was most substantial and I'm beyond gratitude and proper 'thank yous'. Even these simple words will read inadequate. I can only say that I wish each of you could feel what went through my mind and heart for each and every one of you. I'm honored and humbled to know you.

Me, the poet, the writer, the talker when frustrated, suddenly found herself void of words. I can't reiterate what each of you have done as I'd inadvertently leave someone out there've been so many, please know what is in my heart that I cannot seem to adequately say.

I adore you all. Thank you for being my "Rainbows"!
Susan

Tom Smith's New Book

2011-01-25T12:09:00.006-05:00

While we're tooting horns, here's another reason to celebrate.

Tom Smith, who has been attending our meetings for more than a year, announces the publication of his new collection of poems. The book is called "DUST AND OTHER POEMS" by Thomas Noel Smith and it is available through Amazon.com.

Congratulations, Tom! And best of luck with the marketing.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Win a Kindle ... and More!

2010-12-19T16:46:00.005-05:00

Kerri Dieffenwierth passed along a website that she thought might be helpful to our devoted and versatile group. It's sponsored by the Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City. Their website is http://www.writingclasses.com.

This particular group is a wide-ranging source of information that covers just about every genre and every skill level. The site currently provides information about a variety of writing contests, one of which will be giving away to the winners IPads, Kindles and other eReaders. The site also has a list of How-To books for writers, plus up-to-date news about the publishing industry. As its web address suggests, the site is also the gateway for numerous writing classes.

Check it out. And win an IPad. Maybe. Or a Kindle. Maybe. But what was that old saying? "You can't win if you don't play." So give it a whirl.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Wolfman Photos Wanted

2010-12-19T13:00:00.005-05:00

For those of us who were at our mid-November meeting, FOX & QUILL editor, John Wolf, gave a very informative and interesting presentation about how us writer-folks can use our computers more effectively. He also sang a song that he wrote especially for our leader Susan Haley. In return, he'd like a favor from us.

Did anyone at the meeting take any pictures of John giving his presentation? Or of John eating cake? Or of John playing the guitar? Or of John, period?

If so, contact him at http://www.johnwolf.lobo@gemail.com.

Thanks!

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

Nineteen Day 'Til Christmas

2010-12-06T11:58:00.003-05:00

Hi All -

Like you need a reminder - right? :)

I feel fortunate to have hobbled into an only December meeting last Wednesday evening. I truly appreciate the kudos offered me for this past year which has been a bit off pace for me as you all know. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season regardless how you choose to celebrate it.

Kerri has forwarded me the information on the Poynter Institute out of St. Petersburg's live bi-weekly chats. Anyone who has had interest in the world of writing is most likely familiar with the name "Poynter".

The host of these *Free* live chats is Roy Peter Clark, vice-president and senior scholar at Poynter Institute. Mr. Clark is the author of "Writers Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer." Kerri recommends them higly as Roy is there to offer encouragement, direction and answer specific questions you might have. All with a sense of humor which is a much needed element when learning the stresses of presenting your best work. Yes, work! Good writing is hard work and requires dedication to always improve.

The topic of the next live chat to be held on December 16th at 3 p.m. will be "How to Pace My Writing to Create Strong Middles and Great Endings." I've always referred to it as balance. I do believe all writers are challenged with the middle of a story. Say you have a great 'hook' opening and an edge-of-the-seat ending. It's crucial to hold the reader's interest in the valleys inbetween.

For more information about the chats and signing up, visit http://www.poynter.org/ What I find especially nice about this method of learning is that you can participate in the comfort of your own home.

As my feeble bones are able, I will continue to post throughout the month. If anyone has something they'd like to have included on the blog, feel free to send it in to me.

Best,
Susan

Happy Thanksgiving & A new link!

2010-11-23T23:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of us at the Sarasota Chapter of FWA!

I apologize for being so slow in getting a recap up here of last week's special meeting! Our long-awaited meeting with Jack Wolf from San Diego, editor of The Fox and Quill our "West Coast Connection" was a great success! Personally, I was thrilled that it all finally came together and I thank Jack so much for making such a long journey to meet us!

We had a great turnout of twenty-five for the special event! Four members were out of town and did check in sending their regards. The Fire Chief was immensely helpful in providing Jack with the equipment to present his wonderful Power Point workshop and Linda White was kind enough to provide him with a guitar to seranade us with a special song adapted just for me! I was quite touched by that effort. Dahris Clair and her husband, Carl, traveled down from New Port Richey bringing us two "Dahris' Special Homemade Pumpkin pies for refreshments. What a gal!

For those interested in the 'future' of book publishing, Jack's workshop was a wealth of information about the many possibilities. It is the way the industry is going, so we have to learn it or be left in antiquity. I can already hear my bones creaking! Jack's enthusiasm is inspiring, though, and with some help I think we could all learn the basics. I hope he puts it all on a CD or something! Some of you, like Russ Heitz and Dahris Clair, are already on the 'move'. Russ' new series will all be presented in E-book format. I look forward to his formal announcement of available e-books. Dahris' E-zine, The Infinite Writer is our "Right Coast Connection!"

It was wonderful to have Gordon Tucker "Tuck" at the meeting and we all hope he continues to improve from his extended illness. I'm really thankful and proud of how our group has grown and developed such a sense of 'family' and enthusiasm. Thank you, all.

If you'll look to the left, I have added Kerri Dieffenweirth's link to our list. Kerri's site joins those of us who had our sites constructed by Kathy Killam out of Denver. She's been a boon to all of us less than electronically gifted and has the software to do it. Be sure to check out Kerri's new site and Jim Kelly's if you haven't already. Kris Palmer and Peter Frickle will be next, I believe. It's a great way to learn more about our 'writing family'.

Remember, too, that Kerri and Rod Digruttolo are launching an email critique program. You should all have their email addresses. I think some of you have already signed up. Ed Ellis is our new contact person and will be happy to answer any inquiries about our group. Schedules and events will be posted here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and I hope to see you all next week on December 1st. That will be our only meeting in December due to the Christmas Holiday. The next meeting will be the first Wednesday in January which is the 5th!

Susan

Help!!

2010-11-09T23:13:00.002-05:00

Hello Writers!

As you all know by now, Wednesday, November 17th, Jack Wolf of the "Fox and Quill" is coming to visit our group. He's eager to meet all you who've supported his efforts in providing a stage for new writers as well as seasoned writers. I know you are all grateful to him for the provision. I know I am!

Jack has a few things planned for us and asked me if anyone in the group could lend him a guitar. Jack is a musician as well as a writer and computer whiz. He would appreciate not having to lug a guitar from Sunny San Diego! If you can lend a guitar, please email me.
Also, I'm trying to run down one of those large coffee urns if anyone has one of those. If not, we just have to go BYOB of water. However, other refreshments are planned. Anyone who'd like to share, please feel free.

It's a busy week for me, so this will be a short post but I'll be looking forward to seeing you all next week. Thank you.

Susan

Meeting Recap

2010-11-04T20:12:00.003-04:00

Turn out was fair for our first November meeting. A few are still among the missing, Irv and Cecile had prior commitments, and some a bit under the weather, but I was happy to see two faces new to me. I'd like to personally welcome Phillip Waquespacic, who read a really neat Cajun poem for us, and Kathleen Russell who shared her adventure with TV Me. A great treat for everyone was the return of Sharon Baker after a several month absense. Sharon shared that she will be marrying her high school sweetheart on November 26th! Her new husband to be, Dick Lyon, has a home in Pennsacola and Sharon, here, so they'll be flitting back and forth. She promised to come to the meeting every chance she gets. Oh, the excitement was crackling in the air!

Kris Palmer returned to the group along with me. We were both gone the same amount of time and I was tickled to see her. She filled us in on her wonderful news discovered in Missouri. She IS a perfect candidate for the new implant for those suffering with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease, met a 'hero' named Charlie who has already received the implant and assured her that his own is was a complete success. He's been able to cut his meds in half and is back out traveling with his wife in their RV. This, after having to give up traveling due to his tremors and anxiety attacks. Kris is thrilled and read a poem she'd written about her new 'hero', Charlie. Kris is the first one to say she has been blessed with many 'heroes' since her dance with the elephant began. The one thing we did forget to do was show the beautiful cover designed by our own Linda White for Kris's book, "Dancing With An Elephant". Linda was also present last night after a busy summer!

Kris will return to Missouri in February for the three-phase surgery and will have to leave her writing family for 6-8 months. But she will be with her own loving family. This was the ONLY downside, but well worth the detour. And, more good news! When Kris returned home from the meeting last night, she was greeted with the icing on the cake. After reporting to the group that she was still knocking on the third gatekeeper's gate, Michael J. Fox's personal editor had called and requested that Kris send her documents and book excerpts and she would deliver them to Mr. Fox's personal manager! Bingo! One more gate and Kris will be in the hands of Michael J. Fox, a fellow Young-Onset Parkinson's victim. She called me this morning and answered my curiosity as to the strange shouts of joy I swear I heard all the way in Nokomis! YOU GO, KRIS! No one deserves it more!

After all this excitement, I reiterated the 'retirement' of Russ Heitz as of January 2011 and my plea for others to step up and help fill his and one of my shoes. We have all put too much into this group not to ensure it continues on course. I'm grateful to announce that Ed Ellis, after presenting his writing model workshop, volunteered to be the 'contact person' to field the Group mail for me. Thank you, ED! I will be taking care of having your name and email added to FWA's main website: http://www.floridawriters.net/ as a contact person for the Sarasota Chapter of FWA. This is in addition to his taking over for Ann Favreau as director of the Suncoast Writers Guild in Englewood. Ed's enthusiasm for the writers is in full bloom! Perhaps, now, we can borrow Ann more! Ann, too, is a member of FWA as well as a world traveler who has just returned from Italy! Welcome home, Ann!

Secondly, I'd like to announce that Linda Malloy talked to me on break and has volunteered to be our treasurer to handle and keep records of our Fire Department donations. Russ will turn over all his paperwork and we will give this year's collection to the Firemen at Christmastime. This is a one-time per year donation of $5.00 from attendees specifically for the use of the Fire Department training facility for our meetings. It has nothing to do with your FWA Membership fee which is paid to the Board of Directors of the FWA. Linda is an accountant by profession so I'm sure our funds will be good hands! She may even find us a good investment! Or is that animal extinct? I kid. Thank you, Linda. Your willingness to stand up and help the group is appreciated. I'm still in need of someone to attempt filling Russ's shoes and suggested the possibility of an events coordinator.

Speaking of events! Does everyone have their calendar circled for our second November meeting? That's on the 17th! That is the evening our west coast connection will 'appear' from California to meet our Group! Jack Wolf has provided so many of us with a stage upon which to share our wares for national publication. I'm expecting a good turn out as I know you are all eager to meet Jack. I wish Bart Stamper could be here to meet him. Bart has been featured in the Fox and Quill more than once. Some of the poets who've not yet met Dahris Clair, founder and editor of The Infinite Writer where our poets grab the stage in the Poet's Nook section, will also be able to meet her, as Dahris is coming down from New Port Richey to meet her California counterpart. We will have refreshments for this 'party'. I'll be reminding you again as the days go by!

That's a wrap, folks. (Who did I steal that from?) Be watching the blog for further event notices in a couple of days. One, I do have now is the appearance Saturday of Melanie Bowles at Borders at Bee Ridge and US41. Melanie and her husband, Jim, both former Sarasota County firefighters, are the founders of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary now located in Mena, Arkansas. Mel will be signing her new book, "The Dogs of Proud Spirit". Mel was a guest speaker at our group in the fall of 2008. Her stories about Proud Spirit are compelling. What many don't know is that they also rescue dogs! This book is the dog's turn! They will tell their stories. I hope to see some of you there. It's Saturday, the 6th, from 1-4. Let's support a 'home town' writer. Melanie is also the person who first introduced me to the FWA five years ago and I'm fortunate enough to be able to call her 'family'. She is my cousin and her mom and my dad were extremely close siblings. Little bit of history there.

Rainbows are on the horizon!!

Susan - And, I've probably forgotten something! Forgive me, that's why I need HELP! :)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

2010-11-01T14:07:00.003-04:00

Hello All

I have returned to my Florida abode and don't want to look at a suitcase, or an airport, for at least six months! Yet again, I find myself thanking Russ for keeping the blog up and holding down the fort while I'm off galavanting around the country. Actually, I refer to it as 'research' for further works, sounds more professional. In addition to the local FWA coverage, Russ and his dear wife, Lee, also provided me pick-up and return and pick up again for all my expeditions including a late night arrival home from Alaska. Had Russ not been making the original flight to Philadelphia with me on this last excursion, I may have not made the trip at all. But that's another story. Suffice it to say here, I was personally able to experience the full force of TSA's airport security measures and EMT response time. Amazing how disaster can evolve into humor, a good thought to always keep in mind.

Believe it or not, yes today is November 1st. I'm anticipating a good turn out at the meeting on Wednesday the 3rd. I'm excited to see you all and Kris and Rod are back, too. Plus, I hear our long, lost Sharon is lurking around town. And, on the 17th we'll be invaded by Mr. California himself, Jack Wolf of the Fox and Quill which has accomodated so many of us with a stage to expose our works. Jack is so pleased with the support his publication has received from our FWA group, he's making the cross-country trip to meet everyone. Although, I've been working with Jack for five years, it will be a joy for me, too, to finally meet him in the flesh. He is planning a super presentation for us so please make yourself a reminder note now! Jack's talents in the electronic world are enviable. Also be sure to check out the new edition of Fox & Quill where Ed Ellis is November's featured author. Russ's continuing mystery workshop is there as well. All past issues are archived, so if you missed October be sure to check that out, too, where Ann Favreau was featured with appearences from Russ, Jim Kelly and my article on our group. Those of you who have not submitted work, it's worth your time to check out the opportunity.

I do believe everyone is home now, with the exception of Cecile who has gone to Hawaii for her daughter's wedding. She will return in time to meet Jack. The rest of you and all who may be reading this, I hope to see you there!

Susan

Saturday Morning Workshop

2010-10-26T12:12:00.004-04:00

Some of our folks are unable to attend day or evening workshops and presentations because of job and family commitments. Here's a chance to attend a Saturday morning session. South County residents should take special note.

On Saturday, November 6th at 10:30 a.m. the Suncoast Writers Guild will be holding a meeting on the second floor of the Elsie Quirk Library on Dearborn Street in Englewood.

The speaker that day will be Gaile Harpan, a local writer who has published several children's books. Gaile's presentation will cover a wide variety of writing-related subjects such as how to turn an idea into a published book, tips on marketing your book, and turning your writing hobby into a small business for tax purposes and for foundation work.

She will also talk about the advantages of joining writing groups and attending writing conferences. For those who haven't done so yet, Gaile will also discuss book-signings: how to prepare for them, and what to expect.

For additional information about Gaile's talk or about the Suncoast Writers Guild contact Ann Favreau at favra1@comcast.net or Ed Ellis at edellis20@fusemail.com.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Your Loss, Our Gain

2010-10-21T13:34:00.005-04:00

For those who missed our meeting last night, see above. Ryan Van Cleave had an outstanding presentation plus a valuable handout for all who were there. He also graciously and thoroughly answered a lot of questions about a broad range of writing-related topics: agents, publishers, memoirs, ebooks, platforms, marketing, etc. There was something for nearly everyone.

Ryan is an advocate of "creative nonfiction"--using fiction techniques for nonfiction works. He talked about Freytag's Pyramid that includes the primary ingredients of any story: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The helpful handout distributed was specifically about writing memoirs.

By using and analyzing popular movies as examples, Dr. Van Cleave also discussed how stories are built, how they are structured--whether the stories are developed in a fiction or a nonfiction genre.

He also talked about the necessity of having a "platform" and a clear-cut and aggressive marketing campaign no matter what your book is about or who publishes it. Ryan verified once again the mantra we've heard from all traditionally and non-traditionally published writers: it doesn't matter who publishes your book, you, the writer, will be required to do most if not all of the marketing or selling of it.

Thanks, Ryan, for an excellent presentation!

Wednesday Meeting--October 20th

2010-10-18T10:35:00.004-04:00

A quick reminder. Our general meeting this coming Wednesday night, October 20th, will feature Ryan VanCleave, a successful and widely published author whose new memoir, UNPLUGGED, is an Amazon bestseller in four different categories.

UNPLUGGED's explanatory subtitle, MY JOURNEY INTO THE DARK WORLD OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION, gives a clear indication of what the book is about.

Ryan is the author or co-author of sixteen books and he has taught creative writing and literature at Clemson University, Eckerd College, Florida State University, and the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Ryan lives in Sarasota and works as a freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter, script doctor, and an addiction & recovery consultant. Additional information about Ryan can be found at his website: http://www.ryangvancleave.com.

After Ryan's presentation he will be open for comments and discussions. So bring all your questions about writing in general, memoir writing in particular, computer addictions, publishing, editing, or any other writing-related topic.

Following Ryan's talk -- if time permits -- we will also be open to readings, so bring your short, three-pagers. See you then: same time, same place.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Library Science Degree.org

2010-10-14T10:26:00.004-04:00

http://librarysciencedegree.org/5-famous-writers-that-lived-in-exile/

Hi from Pennsylvania!

It's a cold, rainy day here in Harrisburg, a perfect day to do some web checking.
Library Science Degree is one I was asked to check out and I'm thrilled I took the
time to do it! I found it to be interesting and most informative.

Lindsay Samuels, the owner of the site, asked if I found it worth sharing would I
do so on our blog. I found it worthy. Enjoy and feel free to pass it along to any
writer or reader you feel would be interested. Since our motto is Writers Helping
Writers and my principle is networking for success, let's show Linday how it
works! And, learn some interesting tidbits of information at the same time. You'll
find the informative articles on the Blog linked off the top of the home page!

I'm off to Michigan tomorrow morning to visit my family there for the weekend and
will return to Florida before the snow blows on November 1st. In addition, I must
do my patriotic duty on November 2nd! Actually, truth is I'm freezing to death!

Burrr . . . . . .

Miss you all,
Susan

Can You Take A Hint?

2010-10-09T11:02:00.005-04:00

We've said it before. You never know who's reading our blogs. Here's another example. Andre Becker, President of the Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York City, saw our recent posting about Hint Fiction and sent me an email. Here's what he said.

"I saw your posting regarding the recent FWA meeting and thought your members might be interested in the HINT FICTION WRITING CONTEST that Gotham Writers' Workshop is hosting. ENTRY IS FREE. First Prize is $100 plus a 10-week online creative writing class."

Here's the catch. You must send in your 25 words or less submission by Monday, October 11th. So that's your assignment for this weekend. Can't be too hard, right? Twenty-five words? That's about two sentences. Piece of cake.

Enter online at http://www.writingclasses.com/ContestPages/hintfiction.php.

And ... GOOD LUCK!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Meeting Recap for October 6th

2010-10-07T17:41:00.011-04:00

We had another good meeting last night, and a busy one at that. Three visitors: Patricia Deeder, Krista Gorman and Kathy Question Mark who didn't sign our sign-in sheet but is interested in quantum physics. All introduced themselves and told us a bit about their writing interests and goals. Patricia also shared with us some of her writings. We hope to see all three ladies again at our future meetings and encourage them to bring any questions or comments and perhaps something to read at our next "reading meeting."

Charles Meyer from the Sarasota County Film and Entertainment Office told us about Sarasota's burgeoning interest in TV and movie production and the possible building of a full-fledged soundstage production facility in our community. He also encouraged all of us to submit "fresh and creative" ideas for a contest about a possible television series that might even be filmed right here in Sarasota County. Check out his website, http://www.filmsarasota.com, for information about the program and click on the banner/logo "TV ME" for info about the contest. The grand prize winner of the competition will get a free, expense-paid trip to the LA/Hollywood area and a chance to pitch their TV show ideas to the people who make the decisions about new nationally broadcast TV shows. Deadline for the competition is November 30. Check the above-mentioned website for details about the contest and the categories for entries.

Rod DiGruttolo also asked me to remind everyone that he and Kerri Dieffenwierth are starting an on-line critique group which could possibly turn into an in-person critique group later on. Anyone who is interested in learning more about this on-line critique group should write to me at russ@russheitz.com and I'll send you Rod's and Kerri's email addresses.

We also had a full slate of readers for this "reading meeting," starting off with another humorous story from our Writer Emeritus Ed Lyman. The title of Ed's story was A NEEDLESS TRAGEDY which had to do with relationships, in general, and (Sly Old Dog that he is) sexual relationships, in particular. Phil Dobrin read another humorous excerpt from his newly released book, ADVENTURES OF A SURGICAL RESIDENT. Joanne Phillips read a short piece from the book she's working on. Peter Frickel's cultured and refined "radio voice" was put to work reading several pieces that other folks had brought in, including a short piece of his own. Joe Porter read a couple pieces about his earlier days traveling around the country. Andrew Parker read the synopsis of a possible novel about a paraplegic who is crossisng the country on a bicycle while promoting euthanasia. Andrew always seems to be working on topics that are fresh and unusual. Kerri Dieffenwierth also read an amusing story about her adventures with a surfboard.

Jim Kelly, Cecil Bell, and Cathy Marine also attended the meeting but didn't participate in the readings.

As a reminder for those who weren't at this meeting, our next meeting on October 20th will have a special speaker, Ryan Van Cleve, who will be talking about his new book about a new medical/psychological malady that is affecting more and more computer owners: computer game addiction. No, that's not a joke. Computer game addiction really is becoming a serious health issue throughout the computerized world. Some psychology and sociology experts tell us it is becoming just as serious and damaging as addictions to alcohol and drugs. Ryan will also discuss the writing of memoirs, a topic that is popular with quite a few of our local FWA attendees.

Madeline Mora-Summonte, one of our elusive FWA members who only appears at our meetings every now and then, has another impressive "published" credit to her name. A devotee of Flash Fiction, Madeline also has a flare for another short fiction genre called Hint Fiction, which is limited to -- believe it or not -- 25 words or fewer! Hint Fiction was inspired by Ernest Hemingway's well-known "six-word novel:"For sale: baby shoes, never worn." Madeline's Hint Fiction story, THE EMPTY NEST, was selected to appear in a new collection HINT FICTION: AN ANTHOLOGY OF STORIES IN 25 WORDS OR FEWER which is being published by W.W. Norton. This collection will be released November 1st and can be pre-ordered through most of the major booksellers including Amazon, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. The collection includes Hint Fiction stories by Joyce Carol Oates, James Frey, Peter Straub, and Ha Jin so once again, Madeline has surrounded herself with very good company. For more information about Hint Fiction go to http://www.robertswartwood.com/hint-fiction/the-ultimate-flash-fiction-package.

A final note, Susan Haley will be returning to Sarasota in November and expects to be back in the saddle for the November 3rd meeting. See you then, Susan. Hope to see the rest of you for our October 20th meeting.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

First Five Pages Only - Announcement from Susan

2010-10-03T01:01:00.003-04:00

Thought everyone may get a kick out of this info. Most of you know I do monthly columns in other publications. One being, The Fox and Quill and the other, The Infinite Writer's Poet Nook. Continually, I'm encouraging you all to take advantage of these exposure opportunities. All submissions will be considered and if you have poetry in your portfolio, I make the call on what goes in that. Dahris Clair gives me complete reign over that section. In addition, I'm on the selection team for all entries. Jack Wolf of Fox and Quill has already become well known to many of you and rarely, if ever, turns down a submission from our group. I thought it interesting this month that both 'zine and Poet's Nook are made up of submissions from our group. It's like old home week. :) In Fox and Quill, you'll find Russ Heitz, James Kelly, and my article written for the FWA History about our group. In the IW Poet's Nook, you'll find Rod DiGruttolo, Kris Palmer, James Kelly, myself and Bart Stamper's Viet Nam War Memorial Tribute under the Index of Articles. Each page has its own key on the side bar. The links are to your left on the Blog under links. With these opportunities 'out there', you can ALL be published authors and poets!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Below are the details for a First Five Pages Novel Contest. I find this rather interesting and may give it a go myself! Nothing Ventured - Nothing Gained.

SCN ANNUAL NOVEL PITCH & FIRST 5 PAGES CONTEST
Sponsored by Smoke City Narrators
http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators.html

ENTRY FEE - $8.50
DEADLINE - Postmarked or Emailed by November 15, 2010.

First prize - $150. Second prize - $75. Third prize - $40. 6 HM.
Feedback posted on website.

JUDGE - Agent Jeff Kleinman, Folio Literary Management, NY, NY.

Email/Snail Mail:
1. First 5 pages of a novel, 1,500 words max.
2. One-sentence synopsis of the novel, 25 words or less.
(Novel does not have to be complete.)

Entry pages not published. Authors keep all rights.
Open Internationally. Checks (US bank), Money Orders or PayPal.
Please see website for complete rules.

October is Upon Us!

2010-09-28T22:27:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone - Coming to you from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Russ and myself attended the Infinity Publishing Gathering of Authors Conference in Valley Forge outside of Philadelphia and had a busy and informative weekend. I was able to reconnect with old friends and made some new ones. Russ went on to his brother's but was to return to Sarasota today, so he will be present at the first meeting of October next Wednesday. I came on over to Harrisburg and will spend a few weeks here with my 'now returned from the road' kids and granpup. My son and I sit and lament over our incredible experiences in Alaska and he, too, is having a time adjusting to the 'rut' of staying in one place. That ol' wanderlust gets in your veins if you're one that tends that way. :) Daughter-in-law feels rather content back in her nest, but says she'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I do have a couple of announcements to make regarding the October meetings: Ed Ellis has graciously offered to take the leader's chair for both the reading meeting, assisted by Russ and the general meeting, assisted by Jim Kelly. Jim has arranged for and had confirmed, the speaker for the 20th. Ryan Van Cleve will present his workshop on writing memoirs. Jim can fill you in more at the reader's meeting. I know this is an area of interest for many of you. Regardless, if you are writing a memoir or not, the information will be valuable.

I want to thank Ed, Jim and of course, Russ, for keeping our craft afloat in my absense. I also heard rumors of a sub-group forming for more extensive critique work, presently being thought out by Kerri and Rod. That's great news! Perhaps one of them will have some details to report at the next meeting. I want to thank all of you for the interest and response to some structural reorganization. Ideas are welcome! Peter, too, informed me of some information he will be sharing next week.

I also have a correction to make. I had previously announced a poetry event that Kris, Jim and me would be attending on November 15 for Rich McKee's Creative Writing course. The corrected school name is the State College of Florida, and it's the Venice Campus. I believe I errantly called it Central Florida University and Rich spotted it. My apologies to Rich, but the event is as was announced! :) The three of us are looking forward to it!

I am accessible by email if anyone has a question or a comment and I would appreciate a recap of the next meeting if one is so inclined to send it to me.

Thanks all . . . You're a Great Group and I'm proud of all of you!!

Susan

Do You Have A Must See Idea For TV?

2010-09-22T08:01:00.002-04:00

HERE"S YOUR CHANCE!!

“TV ME!” Contest Seeks Concepts for New Television Content
Florida themes earn bonus as writers nationwide vie for prizes, in-person pitch to TV industry execs

Sarasota, FL – The Sarasota County Film and Entertainment Office (SCFEO), a division of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, has launched “TV ME!” a new, innovative writers competition seeking creative content ideas for television programming. The contest is open to U.S. citizens over the age of 18. Entries will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2010.

“We’re excited to launch this contest to connect creatives with the decision-makers who can make their TV concepts into realities,” says Jeanne Corcoran, SCFEO director. “This competition also includes a scoring bonus for Florida-based themes and locations, which could result in an economic boost if winning concepts are produced in the Sunshine State.”

The Grand Prize for the best entry across all categories will include a trip to Los Angeles, California, to “pitch” the concept in person to a select group of industry professionals. Category winners will receive the opportunity for their concepts to be reviewed and considered by executives and decision-makers in the television industry. Additional prizes include cash awards and gifts from sponsors, as well as publicity and a winners’ luncheon.

“There is no other contest quite like this,” says Corcoran. “Unlike ordinary competitions that require full-length scripts for television, screenplays for movies, or manuscripts for novels, our competition accepts only short (five-to-15-page) ‘pitches’ of a concept for television programming. It’s like a fast and forceful ‘elevator pitch’ where you give the most powerful and concise summary possible.”

Another unusual twist to “TV ME!” is the scoring bonus that judges may apply to works that emphasize locations and themes that may generate productions in Florida communities, Corcoran said.

Partnering with the SCFEO to administer the competition is Charles Meyer, executive director of The Scriptwriters Network, a Los Angeles-based organization with a 24- year history in the television and film industry.

“The ‘TV ME!’ contest promises to be a dynamic experience for creative contestants who believe they have the next new, bold, bright or off-beat idea for television,” Meyer says. “This opens up a myriad of opportunities for great ideas without the necessity of a trunk-load of scripts.”

Individuals as well as creative teams may compete for awards and prizes in three different categories:
• scripted series (from comedy to drama, animated to children’s programs, science fiction to hybrids and other genres of recurring and/or series television),
• unscripted/partially scripted (reality programs, game shows, demonstration/training programs such as cooking, crafts, skills, documentary, interview and investigative programs, etc.), and
• one-offs (single standalone programs such as an award or sporting event, a movie-of-the-week, a special televised gala, benefit, tribute, fundraiser, concert, staged performance, etc.).

Contestants will pay for entries via an online form and then submit concepts via email. No hard copies of submissions will be accepted. Entry fees range from $15 to $30 per concept, depending on date of submittal. Information: http://www.filmsarasota.com.

The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO) is a division of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. It seeks to attract film, television, commercial, documentary and other media production to create content, produce and shoot on location in Sarasota County, as well as to serve the region’s resident production community, improve and expand its resources, provide intergovernmental liaison and proactively market and promote Sarasota County’s assets to the entertainment industry as a whole. The SCFEO is a member in good standing of the Association of Film Commissioners International, Film Florida and other industry organizations. www.filmsarasota.com.

Contact:
Charles Meyer, TV ME! Contest Director, (941) 309-1200 x 102, charles@filmsarasota.com

Meeting 9/15/10 - Recap & Some Changes

2010-09-16T22:20:00.002-04:00

It was good to see new faces and we were finally rewarded with the first return of our day one member, Gordon Tucker. He's been ill and unable to attend since last January! Welcome back, Tuck!

Our first general meeting of the new season was pretty much devoted to a recap of where we are and where we need to go. Input was generous and some courses of direction set. We've put a lot into this group over the last five years and I have faith in its ability to keep up the growth and change we've always pursued. Our goal is to present a variety of offerings that will offer many outlets for all kinds of writers at all different points in their goals.

It's not really the group that focuses on only one area of the writing world. It's a group of camaraderie and rounded learning. We do offer specialized workshops when the group wants it and there aren't many areas we've not studied indepth. What we aren't, is a specialized group for, say, just critiquing, just publishing, just pitching an agent. We bring the experiences of all these things from people who've already traveled the path.
Most of the information a new author needs about publishing and agent finding requires astute and dedicated Internet Research. I've long recommended magazines such as The Writers Digest and The Writer for more information than any one group or workshop can give you. They have a host of articles and contributors that tell you how to use the information. That is the place for all novices to start. The process requires as much dedication and work as the writing itself. A writers group that meets once or twice or even every week of every month can never substitute for your own research and efforts. What they do provide is support, encouragement, and inspirtation.

There also will be some additions and updates done and managed a little differently on the far left information column. It seems the information is not real clear for a brand new person searching out a group. I was happy to learn that we were found on Google! So our local blog is out 'there' as its own listing.

The best news I have to offer this minute is about our beloved Kris Palmer! I got a call this morning from an overjoyed Kris! This girl has captured the heart of every one of us at the Sarasota group and other groups as well. Her courage has astounded all of us! Kris has written a beautiful book on surviving and building a full life while afflicted with young-onset Parkinson's Disease. It's titled "Dancing With An Elephant" and has not only given us wonder at Kris, herself, but an education on just what this disease does to young people as well as older folks.

Kris had contacted the Michael J. Fox Foundation in hopes of getting an endorsement for her back cover from Michael J. Fox. Today she was told Michael is, indeed, interested and to send him her work to his personal mail. He will be watching for it. I think I shed as many tears as Kris at the joy of it all. How many people are blessed with this almost instant access to sure success? No one deserves it more. Maybe that's how it works, after all. What you give, does in fact, come back to you! You go, Kris!!!

Susan

Oooops! A few corrections . . .

2010-09-06T16:32:00.002-04:00

One of these years I'll learn that I can't do these things in the pre-dawn hours in a half-awake state!

I have doubled the information on Linda's appearance at the Performing Arts event. It is Linda that is a finalist! NOT me. This comes from trying to copy and paste event mails that I receive so as not to leave out details.

I also miss typed Rich McKee's name as "Rick" in one sentence. It is RICH. That is all I've spotted at the moment but I'm surely going to have follow my own advice and never hit 'post' or 'send' before editing my own work! I really need to get in the habit of using notepad for all communications because I find myself rushing and not editing while I happen to have a connection! I'm Internet paranoid after so many problems. And, the occasional missing two-letter words that I seem to have a penchant for leaving out even in my own writing! THAT is a feeble excuse, but it's the only one I have. Please bear with me!

Susan - your most human leader. :))

FWA Members of Sarasota's Group Charge Ahead!

2010-09-04T22:22:00.003-04:00

Our first meeting of new season got off to a great beginning! It was so good to see all there and I await even more returning on the 15th. So much to share again. If this keeps up, you all will be keeping Russ and I busy with blog posts!

Before I make announcements, though, I'd like to welcome a new member who has assured us she will return. Cheryl Ennis, like so many of us, walked in the door a bit scared and not knowing what to expect. Everyone welcomed her warmly and she has since written to me of her joy in meeting up with such a caring group. I'd like to say to her publically, that her presence was enjoyed by everyone and she has found a home!

Our members are all becoming so accomplished, I have several special announcements to make or reiterate from my last post. I'll start with details on those not previously mentioned. Although, she isn't able to attend the meetings, many of you are familiar with the name, Dr. Karen Pirnot. She is a member of FWA and a wonderful woman who has devoted her professional life to helping others, especially children. Many of you will relate her to the book, "As I Am" about Garrett Frey, a paraplegic since age four. Dr. Karen spent a good many years as Garrett's Child Psychologist, and still remains one of his biggest support systems. She was instrumental in writing the book "As I Am" about the life of this inspiring young man and how he's used his ever-sharp mind to build his own life giving back to others. Our former member, John McCafferty, wrote a beautiful story featured in the Venice Gondolier Sun when Karen and Garrett appeared in Venice. Dr.Karen who does reside in Sarasota now, has written many books, inspired by her own children and those she's helped. Dr. Karen entered six books in the "Reader's Favorite Literary Awards for 2010" and all six of them won awards! They are:
Gold Medals: "The Keeper of the Lullabies" "Learning To Be Me" "Just Hanging Out" (Karen illustrated this book and her granddaughter Khaya wrote the poetry) "The Learners of Owamboland" (Co-authored with her niece Gina)
Silver Medal: "A Colorful Day" (granddaughter, Taryn, illustrated and she wrote)
Bronze Medal: "The Blue Penguin" (granddaughter, Makenna, illustrated and she wrote)

Dr. Karen will go to Las Vegas in November to an Awards luncheon. She is currently working on a five-book series for Young Adults. The series is entitled "The Reality Kids" and it features ordinary children placed in extraordinary circumstances such as that of young Garret Frey - "As I Am". Congratulations, Dr. Karen. After years of giving, you're still giving back. An example for all writers!

Dr. Pirnot is also included in Lois Stern's (who you all met in April at our Group meeting) "Little Tree House in the Woods" featured story this month on the home page of my site: www.sucarha.com Also included in that story are kudos to Russ Heitz and the Group!

I think I mentioned at the meeting that this month's Fox and Quill includes a debut submission from Jim Kelly, Rod Digruttolo, and Russ's new segment on mystery/crime writing. I think I threw something up about my Alaskan adventures in the Poem of the Month. Also, don't forget Bart Stamper's excerpt on war which is visible on the home page.

Update on Russ Heitz and Rod Digruttolo! Both have been accepted for their memoir stories submitted to the Memoir publication magazine which will earn them $50! Rod also got accepted for one that donates to the charity. For more about this organization, see Russ's previous post. Congratulations to both Russ and Rod! Wonderful news! Rod is selling work already! Russ, of course, has sold lots for years! There's some inspiration for those of you wondering if you can do it, too! Of course, you can!I am now a finalist for the poetry performance contest at Deep Carnivale in Ybor City the weekend of September 10th. Finals begin Friday, Sept. 10 @ 7:30 pm at the Hillsboro Community College Performing Arts Center, Ybor campus. Linda says there is "some damn tough competition" and she is practicing and will be all week. This girl is devoted to her art. If you are at all interested in seeing how performance poetry is really done you should go just for the entertainment value. "In two minutes time, the poets will literally blow you away!!!" says Linda. There is a $5 charge, but well worth it. For more info visit www.deepcarnivale.com . If you can make it, I'd love the support and you'll love the action.

Speaking of inspiration . . . more details on our performance poet. I mentioned that Linda White was in the contest being held in conjunction with the Pinellas County Community Arts in Ybor City. She is now a finalist for the poetry performance contest at Deep Carnivale in Ybor City the weekend of September 10th. Finals begin Friday, Sept. 10 @ 7:30 pm at the Hillsboro Community College Performing Arts Center, Ybor campus. Linda says there is "some damn tough competition" and she is practicing and will be all week. This girl is devoted to her art. If you are at all interested in seeing how performance poetry is really done you should go just for the entertainment value. "In two minutes time, the poets will literally blow you away!!!" says Linda. There is a $5 charge, but well worth it. For more info visit www.deepcarnivale.com . Linda went on to say, "If any of you can make it, I'd love the support and you'll love the action.
If Linda is picked for the top three out of nine on Friday night, she will return for the award winning finals held on Saturday. Linda shared with us at the Rookery that she has chosen to perform "Doc". This performance is on her CD for those of you who have it. She is freshening it up and kicking it in for this performance she told us! Linda, we all have faith in your ability and you'll do fine regardless the outcome! Congratulations on making it this far!! In itself, a huge accomplishment!

I'd also like to announce that Kris Palmer, Jim Kelly and I have been invited to visit and read and discuss our work by Rich McKee on November 15th. Rick is also a member of FWA but cannot attend the meetings as long as he is scheduled for night classes. He is a Creative Writing teacher at the new Central Florida University. Rich taught many years at Ringling School of Arts as well. This year, he has accepted a full-time position at the new University. He teaches at the North Port Campus so it's much closer for him to travel, a resident of South Venice. We all know that Jim is right at home in a classroom and Kris, when I asked her, was grateful for the challenge of speaking to a group of students. I'm so proud of her, I could jump up and down!

I sincerely believe that we will break down new walls every year that this group stays together and grows both in talent and accomplishment. I'm also proud to be your much helped leader.

Memoirists: Listen Up

2010-09-03T15:56:00.006-04:00

There are two local publications that are looking for memoir-type articles about the "good old days." The first one is for MEN ONLY and it will be a printed anthology called "Toys Remembered." The submissions must be less than 1500 words and the deadline is September 30. The guidelines say: "Tell about a childhood toy/game/plaything that is memorable for some reason. Be creative; include details, use dialogue if possible. You probably don't recall exactly what you or someone else said in a given situation, but in a memoir it's okay to pull out your literary license and recreate what might have been said."

This anthology will be published by Madonna Dries Christensen. Madonna is also the editor. She will be donating the royalties for this anthology to the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. "Therefore, I cannot monetarily compensate contributors," Madonna says. "I ask for One Time Rights only. You retain copyright and all rights to the story. You may publish it elsewhere without my permission."

For submissions or further information contact Madonna at iowagirl1@aol.com. As I said, the submissions for this anthology must be submitted by MEN ONLY.

The second publication that Madonna produces is an online magazine called DOORWAYS MEMOIRS and bills itself as "Life History Stories." It is open to submissions from both men and women. The length of the articles is limited to 1500 words and there are some other restrictions. You must be a permanent or part-time resident of Sarasota County, AGE 50 OR OLDER. Although they are memoirs and therefore nonfiction, they should be written like a short story, with narrative and dialogue if possible. They should have a beginning, middle, and the end should "come full circle to a conclusion," Madonna says.

"Your story does not need to be extraordinary or involve a momentous event (although it can)" Madonna adds. "Did your grandmother umpire your little league games? Did that embarrass you, or did you think she looked cool in her uniform? Use detail; make us laugh, cry, sympathize, learn something new or see things in different light."

Submissions for DOORWAYS MEMOIRS are limited to the reading period of July 1st to October 31st. Manuscripts received at any other time will not be considered.

To submit to DOORWAYS MEMOIRS, or if you need additional information, write to Madonna at doorwaysmemoirs@aol.com. Submissions should be pasted into the body of the email. No attachments or photos. Also include your name, address, birth date, phone number and email address on the first page of the email. Include a short bio about yourself at the end of the story.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

A New Season Begins!

2010-08-30T00:49:00.002-04:00

After a July and August respite, a lot of our members traveling, we begin our new season on Wednesday, September 1st. I'm sure everyone will be glad to be back together and renew our trek to good writing.

I want to thank everyone who submitted comments to me for the History I attempted to write for our Sarasota County Chapter. All comments sent in are included in my submission. Now, we'll see what is used in the final product of Sunny Fader's project. I feel quite blessed with the diversity and enthusisam shown by our members. The comments received warmed my heart and I feel like we have all created something worth while. That's a rewarding feeling.

I have had news from two of our missing members. Sharon has finally surfaced and is in town. She is having knee surgery on Monday, tomorrow, and may be able to attend our second meeting in September before she heads back on the road. I do believe her reunion with her high school sweetheart has proven to be a huge success and they will be dividing their time between Venice and Pensacola. I trust we'll have her with us when she is in town.

Also, I've had a great conversation with Bart Stamper who is now working in Canada and thinks he will be there for a few more months for sure. He sends his best to all of the group and assures me is following our blog and keeping up with things. For those of you who have a Facebook page, he is posting there and has an interesting photo album. He is still writing his powerful stuff and I asked the status of his book we were all so priviledged to hear excerpts read.

Tuck has also checked in and although he's on the mend now, it has been a long haul for him with the Shingles leaving after effects of the nerve damage. He had another set back over the summer. I assured him that he could come to the meetings even if he could only sit for a half an hour to start. He was worried about lasting the three hours and I assured him he didn't have to. Just spending the social networking before 6:30 with us would make everyone happy.

The September Fox and Quill is out and and along with Russ' new workshop column we also have representation by Rod Digruttolo, myself and a debut entry by Jim Kelly. Congratulations Jim! Jack Wolf, its founder, has asked me to express his gratitude for the participation by our members. I know the members feel a sense of accomplishment at their exposure the first time they see their work published in a nationwide e-publication. Richard Ide, Bart Stamper, Peter Frickle and Irv Newman have also been featured in past editions of the Fox and Quill. I'll remind those who've yet to submit, that this is a westcoast publication that connects you to the west coast writers. In addition, to the personal reward, you are visible to a whole new market area. Russ' continuing installments on mystery writing are most informative. Also, Dahris Clair, the Pasco County Chapter's Group Leader, also takes submissions for her ever-growing Infinite Writer. In September, Russ Heitz, Linda White and Kris Palmer will be represented there. I, of course, am the Poetry Coordinator and write a monthly column for that as well. Joe and Jean Porter, and Jim Kelly have been published there. Russ' "Crosshairs" mystery won "Book Of The Year" there in 2008. Plus all members are eligible to submit to the Florida Writer, our printed publication for the FWA. Members statewide receive a copy in the mail. So be thinking about getting your writing 'out there'. Opportunities abound.

I'm looking forward to our reunion meeting on Wednesday and hope to see a large turnout. A few that are still away have contacted me that they will be returning on the 15th. I'd also like to thank all of you who've taken an interest in checking the blog. Please remember if you have anything you'd like to add or share, an event you'd like to announce, we are open for all ideas and input, Feel free to send me or Russ your comments and news. If our interest continues to grow, perhaps we can re-think member posting options. We've shunned it prior due to the possibility of outside spam. It is an option available to us although I would need help implementing it. Madeline?? A geek, I am not!

Want to briefly thank, too, those of you who used the facility to have small gatherings all summer long. Last week, Rod, Donnie Niles, Kris Palmer and I had a great meeting with four of us! Donnie has since returned up north but will be back in December hopefully with a decision to publish his book. The three of us sure did all we could to talk him into going for it! Kris especially had her first exposure to his book and she loved it and told him so. Her own book on "Dancing With The Elephant" is coming along beautifully and I think she'll have it out by the first of the year. She's a beautiful and most careful writer. Rarely an error in her manuscript and her story is powerful.

See you all very soon! Same place, same time. We'll have to gather up this year's donation to the fireman as they sure have been great in providing us a space to meet with only the Thursday restriction. Write down anything you may care to introduce to our meetings. It is YOUR group to shape and make better.

Best,
Susan

Call For Submissions

2010-08-17T09:43:00.003-04:00

August is already over half over! I've been home almost a month. Where is time going? Does everyone have this sense of 'spinning out of control' or is it a personal problem? :)

I need submissions of only one or two sentence input from those of you who'd care to participate. I've agreed to work with Sunny Fader, an FWA member who has taken on the task of writing a history of the FWA since it's inception as requested by Chrissy Jackson, FWA President. The goal for Sunny is to have a nice presentation highlighting the activities, growth, and success of local Chapters statewide who show an interest. All group leaders were asked for information and since I'm always blowing the horn of our Sarasota Group, I felt it an opportunity. I've agreed to work closely with her as she isn't getting much response.

I'd like a comment on what you've gotten out of our Group and what role it plays in your writing goals. Doesn't have to be long at all. In fact, if it's too long some would get cut anyway.

Just email me.

We have two weeks before our regular season begins and I suppose some of you will gather informally this Wednesday as you've been doing. I'll come by the firehall just in case.
Have a great day!

Oh, and the travelers arrived home in Harrisburg, PA on Sunday. Son Bill is already chomping at the bit to get on the road again. :) Wonder what exotic trip I'll get next year if I'm breathing! :) Hudson Bay has been mentioned. Maybe I'll be able to see a polar bear up there!

Susan

NPR: Another Market For Local Writers?

2010-08-07T08:46:00.007-04:00

A member of our local FWA group and director of the Suncoast Writers Guild in Englewood, Ann Favreau recently shared with us an email she received from Guild member Kathy Nixon. It may open the door for some of us to yet another possible market for our
work--National Public Radio--especially if you enjoy writing personal essays. Here's Kathy's account.

"Following the advice of our guest speaker on other ways to publish, I wrote a three minute essay about taking my grandchildren to an ancestral burial ground. I contacted the local public radio station. [In our area that would be WUSF-FM in Tampa-Ed.] The editor loved it and we arranged a time to record when Randy and I were visiting the grandchildren. The [NPR editor], Martha Woodroff, was so easy-going that she made the whole experience a real high point of the vacation. You can go to http://www.wmra.org/, click on Civic Soapbox (My Grandchildren's Half-told Family Story) and listen to the essay or click on Civic Soapbox blog to read it."

What makes this possibility even more interesting and potentially profitable is that our local NPR station (WUSF-FM) has recently purchased a radio station here in Sarasota and will be expanding their programming in our immediate area. That means they will also be needing a lot of material to fill their new daily schedules. And, yes, they DO pay you for your work. This is not a freebie.

If you have any short personal essays that could amuse, inform, enlighten or inspire NPR listeners, contact Sheila Rue, WUSF-FM's Program Director at srue@WUSF.org. Sheila should be able to direct you to the proper contact within the organization.

Give it a try. It won't cost you more than a stamp-less free email. And GOOD LUCK!

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

To Jerry Haley

2010-08-03T19:21:00.005-04:00

As Sue mentioned above, I am still regrouping from my trip to Klinkton County, PA, where strange things sometimes happen. I haven't even BEGUN to look at the 500+ photos I took but at least my "pending" folder is almost empty. Almost.

Seriously, though, most of you know Susan's beloved husband, Jerry Haley, died eleven years ago this month. You may also know she has dedicated her website to his memory.

One of the things Jerry wanted to do most of all was travel to Alaska and explore America's last frontier. He never got to do that during his short life. But now, with the help of Susan, her son Billy and his wife Karen, part of Jerry is now part of Alaska.

Near the Chugach Mountains east of Anchorage and north of Prince William Sound, Susan released some of Jerry's ashes in a quiet place in the heart of the wilderness. She also wrote a poem in Jerry's memory. Its title is THE EDGE OF CHUGACH. It can be read on Susan's website, www.sucarha.com if you scroll down below the photograph of Jerry.

Please go there, rest a moment, and feel the peace.

Posted by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Karen Haley's Picture Travelogue

2010-08-03T09:25:00.002-04:00

Since the Alaska pictures have been referred to so much, I'm adding the Haley Hiatus blog link to our link column. It's well archived and one is able to travel the country from Harrisburg, PA to Alaska via my home in Nokomis, Florida. Last I heard they were in Edmonton, Alberta enroute to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, The Tetons and Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. The magnitude of their trip overwhelmes me!
They been on the road since February 1st and covered close to 25,000 miles the way they've zigzagged so as not to miss anything. Karen informed she is now a gypsy. :) Bill said he could do it for the rest of his days on this Earth.

I did meet some people who did just that! Lived in their RV's and stayed two or three months in places they enjoy returning to. Follow the seasons. You also run into a lot of 'caravans' where RV clubs travel together for weeks at a time. But yes, one has to love Nature and being on the move to do it. Some of the Class A Motorhomes are as lush as a house! Amazing. I could do it in a heartbeat if I had the funds. I guess if you don't own a home and all the expenses that go with it, it's possible. I could do a heck of a lot of moving for what I pay in property taxes and Homeowner's Insurance! Many of the State Parks only have $10 or $15 a night fees and some include full hookup sans Wi Fi. Pocket change, if compared to commercial lodging and buying all meals in a restaurant. We cooked some great meals in the RV.

Informal Meeting on Wednesday 8/4

2010-08-03T08:45:00.002-04:00

Hi All -

I've had some questions about the meeting status for August and a note from Rod Digruttolo that a couple of you have been taking advantage of the Firehall location even while we've been on vacation. I think that is great some took advantage of our facility's access. It shows the enthusiasm of our group.

Many have been away and some still haven't returned, but I've decided that I will show up at the Firehall tomorrow night and be happy to see anyone who is moved to stop by. Irv Newman called me and since he won't see this as he continues not to give in to the electronic demands of this world, I'll call him and let him know.

It was great to return to Linda White's little poetry gathering last Thursday at the Venice Rookery and I've invited the poets to join us at the Firehall tomorrow evening at 6:30. Kris, Jim, Celise, Joe, Gaile, Joanne and Barbara attend both but some of them are still away. I do know Jim Kelly is back. And Peter, you expressed desire to attend Linda's group as well. :) Ann Favreau from Suncoast Writers has also checked back in. Russ has just returned home but I think he is still in re-group mode. Fall is upon us. Do you hear the dogs barking? Personally, I enjoy being in my Alaska fog. Don't wanna regroup. :)

Hope to see a few of you tomorrow night. No set time. Come and go as you wish. I'll be there around 6:30.

Best,
Susan

A Couple of Second Thoughts

2010-07-23T03:37:00.002-04:00

I again want to publically thank Russ for keeping this blog going in my absense. Altho, internet time was limited while gone, I also want to thank those of you who did write me some private 'good wishes'.

All is getting back to the normal 'me'. It's now 3:39 a.m. and I have been 'going to bed' since 11 o'clock. :) I slept like a newborn baby in all the daylight hours and now that I am once again enwrapped in darkness, I'm wide eyed! Can't believe it! At four this afternoon, I could've slept the clock around. The night wind has gripped me again already! I hope it's but a bit of left over jet lag!

I did want to share that we DID get our boat tour on the following day as Russ reported as planned after the high seas delays. And as the whole trip blessed me, we DID see a magnificent Humpback whale. I've watched countless programs and documentaries on whales and had accepted their mammoth size, however, I can only report that one must actually 'see' one along side of a tour boat, which was quite sizable itself, to fully absorb their magnificence. This incredible creature arced up out of the water and blew an exhalation from his/her blowhole that shot twenty feet in the air! Then, the huge tail fluke did the 'good bye' wave. When that tail slapped the water, I was just muttering, "Oh my god!"

The females can grow up to 50 feet in length (larger than the males) and my house is 25 feet across the front. This spectacular beast was twice as big as my HOUSE! I'm sure the circumfrence equaled the length. They eat up to 12 TONS a day!! Yes, 12 tons. That is not a typo! I had so counted on seeing an Orca but the Humpback was equally as much of a blessing.

I have about 50 poems and essays running through my head, not about "My" trip (you all know how I am about the 'me me me' attitude) but about the glory and treasure of this Planet Earth. Now to fully absorb and sort out the experiences. The entire event truly is/was overwhelming for one who has spent their entire life as an avid Nature lover and supporter. I wish I could take everyone with an interest up there. I can only hope I'll be able to share it with my heart and the written word with a modicum of its due justice.

The Haley Hiatus blog being so professionally done by my daughter-in-law is well worth a visit: http://thehaleyhiatus.blogspot.com/ Russ accidentally typed this FWA blog address, I think. Again, she is limited to new editions as the internet allows, but she writes them and works on all the photos off line, so it's near flawless!

As said earlier, if anyone wants to get together in August, it doesn't have to be on our regularly scheduled 1st and 3rd Wednesday. We have access to the room on any day but Thursday. Just send me an email with some suggestions and we'll see if we can come up with a night satisfactory to all. It could even be a social-type, no set agenda, meeting just to get together and have an updating visit. And, perhaps discuss some things to do this coming up season.

Hope all is well with everyone. The healing time was most advantageous to my conditions. :) Amazing what divorcing yourself from mind altering stress can accomplish! I am really going to try and maintain the regimen my son 'demanded' of me. Even if I am still up at now 4:15 a.m. It's only midnight in Alaska! :))

Susan

Back In The Sunshine State

2010-07-23T01:25:00.003-04:00

Hello to all my writing family and friends here - I have 'staggered' back into the Sunshine State. Bearing in mind that I have been in 50-60ish temperatures, used to layering for warmth in high altitude locales, and one entire month without darkness plus dealing with a four hour time warp, you all can imagine how I felt de-boarding an airplane in two sweaters and my new Alaskan fleece jacket replete with new and most cool Alaska hat into 96 degree heat and darkness after 24 hours in airports and airplanes. :)) From Anchorage to Sarasota by way of Phoenix, AZ! Yes, Phoenix! Did they move Seattle in the last month?? Then Charlotte, North Carolina with three hour layovers at each point!
I fear it will take me a couple of days to crawl back into the rut of a scheduled everyday life. My first challenge will be determining day, date, time, and possibly, month!!
I am a blessed individual to have visited and mingled in such incredible Nature and wildlife. I plan on totally re-vamping my sucarha.com website with new pictures and sharings. That will take some time, tho.
Miss you all and if anyone wants to have a meeting in August, shoot me an email. We can work something out for those interested.

Now, Russ is gone for a week and I still have heard nothing from dear Sharon!!

Hugs to all,
Susan a.k.a Alaskan Maw!

The"Phantom" post

2010-07-20T19:59:00.007-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Just fixing a blog that "went South." Click on the link name above, "The 'Phantom" post," to access the current blog.

Thanks,
George

Winding Down -- Winding Up

2010-07-20T19:59:00.005-04:00

Susan's Alaskan Adventure is nearly over and my foray into the dreaded Klinkton County is about to begin! I don't have a blog to post my adventures but I'll try to post a summary when I return. To check out the blog that captures the essence of Susan's journey, and to see more of Karen's fantastic flower fotos go to www.fwasarasota.blogspot.com.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Publishing News

2010-07-15T19:48:00.004-04:00

For those who don't know him, Dan Poynter is an acknowledged guru in the independent publishing field. He's known not only in the United States, his world speaking tours cover just about every country on the globe. He also publishes a newsletter that is always chock full of up-to-date info about the writing and publishing world. His newsletter is FREE and you can sign up for it by going to his website, www.parapublishing.com. Here are just a few quotes from this month's issue.

"Books published in 2009 using traditional production methods: 288,355, a 1/2% decrease from 2008. Books published in 2009 using on-demand printing or internet printing services: 764, 488, a 181% increase over 2008.

"James Patterson has sold 1.4 million units of his books as eBooks for devices like Kindle and the iPad. "If eBooks get people who might otherwise not be reading to pick up a book, then that makes me happy," Patterson said.

"When bookseller Barnes and Noble started selling their new version of the Nook reader with both 3G and WiFi for $199, Amazon fired back and reduced the Kindle2 to $189. That's a $70.00 drop overnight.

"Barnes and Noble predicts that their sales of eBooks will reach $6 billion in three years while the sale of print books during that same period will fall by $6 billion.

"Authors who publish the digital edition of their books through Amazon will now receive 70% of the list price of their title. Amazon will serve as the publisher and retailer. Currently and typically, authors receive only 10-12% of the net receipts from large publishers. [Many publishers limit the royalties of their writers to 6% -- Ed.]

"The sales of eBook readers around the world totaled 1.43 million units in the first quarter of 2010. The shipment of eBook readers from manufacturers to vendors in April-May reached 740,000 units, with Barnes and Noble's Nook reader accounting for 37% and Amazon's Kindle trailing by 16%."

The writing and publishing world is rapidly changing, fellow writers, and adaptation is the key to survival.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Rain, Whales, Bears, Forests and Fjords

2010-07-12T13:08:00.007-04:00

Sue Haley sent us another update on her Alaskan Adventures so, being the conduit that I am, I'll pass along her words again verbatim (more or less.)

"We have been in Seward for a week of pouring rain (intermittent WiFi signal, too) except for the day we hiked to the glacier! [My son] Bill went back the next day and took the difficult trail to the top of the mountain, to the ice fields. ... He said it was like being in Antarctica up there. The glaciers were gorgeous.

"We've done some exploring of the surrounding scenery and it's just beautiful. Even with the rain, the lushness and green in the forest almost looks tropical. I'd have never guessed so many beautiful ferns would carpet forest floors this far north.

"We donned rain gear and hiked a few short trails in the rain. I found a huge hole in among a tree root system that was attached to a huge rock wall and I'd bet my life it was a bear den. [We] trampled all around the entrance and [saw] what I think were droppings of a cub or two not far from the entrance. I decided NOT to knock on the 'door.'

"We did have a whale boat booked but they had to cancel every day due to 19 foot seas in the Gulf of Alaska! We are going to try one last time tomorrow and [then] we must move on to Homer on Tuesday. We can try again there, or take a shorter tour that stays in Resurrection Bay and at least see the fjords. ... They said the whales often come in there, too.

"Today the sun shown gloriously but seas hadn't diminished enough. Oh to see a whale after all else I've been so blessed to see would be the icing on a wonderful cake before leaving.

"Beautiful place, this planet Earth, as long as you get away from the hoards of people. I've made it a project of picking up trash in the forests; [I always] take a bag with me hiking. You wouldn't believe [the amount of tossed aside trash] even up here. People, collectively, are a scourge, I swear.

"I've eaten some great Alaskan halibut and cod and we did go to a stream where the salmon are on their tortuous trip upstream to spawn. Incredible how those fish jump to go against raging current on descending mountain rivers. ... 'Course, the bears are gathering at the major spawning sites for the hunt that will fatten them up for winter.

"After Homer, I'll be leaving out of Anchorage and not looking forward to it at all but Bill and Karen are beginning to think about their 5,000 miles trip [back to their home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania] and I can't go into Canada [because I have no passport.]"

So, our own "den mother" will be coming back to sunny Sarasota one of these weeks. She's obviously having a wonderful time and well deserved, to which we can all say, "Amen."

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Memoirist, Check THIS out

2010-07-09T18:13:00.003-04:00

DOORWAYS MEMOIRS, a new local Sarasota County publication is looking for memoir-type submissions of 1500 words or less and they even PAY for accepted stories: $50.00! BUT there are some restrictions. Such as:

You must be a permanent or part-time resident of Sarasota County, age 50 or older. Your story must be true (no fiction); and a maximum of 1500 words. One submission only is allowed during their reading period, which runs from July 1st to October 31st. Previously published stories are acceptable, as long as you own the copyright. And the stories must be submitted by e-mail. No snailmail submissions allowed. And no photos or attachments.

For more information, send a note to DoorwaysMemoirs@aol.com.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Top of the World -- and Higher!

2010-07-05T12:33:00.006-04:00

The magic words for today are Chicken and Talkeetna. No, you don't have to use both of them in a sentence for the next FWA reading meeting. These two words are the names of some of the towns Susan Haley has been experiencing during her Alaskan sojourn.

Chicken is the home of the well-known Chicken Creek Cafe where it is said you can get a "fantastic lunch." Chicken is also the home of the Chicken Creek Gold Camp RV Park. And, yes, gold actually WAS mined at the Chicken Creek Gold Camp from 1938 to 1967. Chicken also has its own Post Master and U.S. Post Office where mail, we are told, can be picked up "twice a week." Sorry, no UPS Overnight Delivery.

If you're thinking about moving to Chicken, Susan assures us that "they do have a new school, a volunteer fire department, and a 911 system with a medical facility." Free helicoptor service to Anchorage is also provided for those with medical emergencies. What more could one ask, right?

Talkeetna, Susan tells us, is a "Different world. Different values. Different culture." ... The residents, she insists, want no part of "progress" and don't care much for a certain politician who describes herself as a gun totin' "rogue." "Everyone [in Talkeetna] pretty much has electricity," Susan says, "but many come to town for free water and hot showers and laundry. The most popular vehicle is an ATV in the summer and a snowmobile or dog team in the winter. No traffic, no redlights, no sales tax, and neighbors are family." Susan was so enthralled by this particular town that she'd "love to spend a whole summer right here in Talkeetna."

One of the recent highlights of Susan's rambles with her son, Billy, daughter-in-law Karen, and granddog, B.B. McPup, was their recent bush pilot flight through the Alaska Range that includes Denali. In fact, the pilot flew all the way around the massive mountain. Since Denali is 20,263 feet above sea level, the passengers and pilot all had to wear oxygen masks anytime the plane climbed above 18,000 feet.

Of the people who climb Denali the old fashioned way, with ropes and crampons, Susan says, "only 50% make it to the top where [the temperature often] drops to 40 below 0 in the SUMMER! ... Personally," Susan adds, "I'd rather not even try [to climb Denali] even if I could. I can't imagine surviving 40 below and god only knows what the wind chill factor would be."

The next update from Susan could come at anytime now, depending on the availability of internet service. In the meantime, additional background and beautiful photos of the Haley's Alaskan Adventure are available at www.thehaleyhiatus.blogspot.com. Check it out.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Sue's Alaskan Adventures Abound

2010-06-29T20:28:00.008-04:00

At this very moment, Susan Haley is somewhere in Alaska on another adventure with her son, Billy, and his wife, Karen, and their special canine family member, BB McPup. I had a long adventure-filled email from Sue and I promised I'd pass at least some of the info along to all of her friends down here in Civilization Land.

If you haven't heard, Billy and Karen have been touring the states since January in their pickup truck and pull-along trailer and they insisted that Sue join them for at least part of their Alaskan episodes. For those who are interested in Alaska, check out Karen's very interesting and beautifully photographed blog at www.thehaleyhiatus.blogspot.com.

As for Sue's experiences in the past week or so, here's a few quotes from her email.

"Never did I fully comprehend the utter joy of experiencing my first viewing close up of a wolf in his own domain. No words can describe it."

"The wolf and the fox actually stalked right down the road along side us totally oblivious to our presence. [The wolf] was zeroed in on the herd of Dall Sheep about 50 feet off the road. The fox ... on the horseshoe hare we stopped to view. The fox just came out of a clump of bush. He was gorgeous, tri-colored with a magnificant tail that literally drug the ground!"

"We saw a herd of Dall Sheep [and] the lone wolf (later we saw his mate laying outside their den, which had been staked off and closed to all foot trafic, even the rangers left them alone. The guide said they had four pups but we didn't get to see them."

"This is the rest of the list which I will describe more fully later. All were magnificent! 2 large male grizzlies. 1 mama grizzly with two cubs. (Spectacular to see!). She was playing with them. 3 large grizzlies traveling together. ... A mama moose with two calves drinking in a stream not ten feet away! ... Our second mama grizzly this time nursing two little guys! One was blonde and one was dark chocolate. She, too, ignored us!"

She also saw "a beautiful huge golden eagle gliding over a canyon. Many birds and beautiful meadows of wildflowers. ... Saw several ground squirrels and we were lucky to see a huge beaver house and community but the beavers weren't home."

"It's like being in another world. "The Mountain" or as the Natives call it "Denallee" formerly known as Mt. McKinley is so massive that it is only fully visable 20% of the time. We were most fortunate to view both the south and the north summits at 20,849 feet but a huge hunk of the middle was cloud covered. Then we saw the glacier base."

"We learned that in total rock bulk, the "Mountain" is bigger than Everest and since it's a 'young' mountain, it may someday surpass Everest in height, too."

"The scenery is magnificent. Cool days but if the sun comes out for the whole day, one ends up in shirt sleeves. It never gets totally dark. Sunset is 1:30-ish a.m. and sunrise is 3:30-ish a.m. Really weird when trying to keep track of day and time."

All of that, I might add, happened during Sue's first few days in Alaska. Who knows what's she's done and seen since then. But have no fear. Whenever she sends an update, I'll be sure to share it with all of you. By the way, you can still send emails to Sue but don't bog her down with a lot of "writing business stuff" right now. Remember, she's on VACATION! And she can't always get back to you because WiFi service in Alaska is spotty at best. And that can be a Very Good Thing -- especially when you're on a vacation!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Compare POD Publishers

2010-06-23T21:01:00.007-04:00

For anyone considering using one of the popular POD Publishers for their next book please read a review of some of them in a newsletter called WritersWeekly. The newsletter is distributed FREE every Wednesday and is chock full of interesting and informative info for both published and unpublished writers, traditional or nontraditional.

The POD publishers reviewed this week are: BookLocker, iUniverse, CreateSpace, Trafford, Lulu, AuthorHouse, and Xlibris.

Check it out. You might save yourself some grief and also a lot of money. The website is http://www.writersweekly.com/.

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

Summer Break

2010-06-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

For those who weren't at the meeting this past Wednesday night, Sue and I asked for some time off and a unanimous vote said we could have it. So there will NOT be any OFFICIAL meetings at the fire station during the months of July and August. HOWEVER, the room at the fire station is still available for our group on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. So anyone who wants to share some of their latest creations please feel free to drop in and read, just like always.

As I write this, Sue is already on her way to Alaska to meet her son, Billy, and his wife, Karen, who have been rambling around the country in their pickup and pull-along trailer, with BB McPup riding "shotgun." She left Sarasota this morning (the 21st) and will be landing in Alaska tomorrow at 1 a.m. Alaska time, 5 a.m. Sarasota time. So she's going to be one pooped-doobie by tomorrow morning. The length of her stay is uncertain at this point -- at least a couple weeks. My adventures will be a lot more modest: a 60+ mile bike trip through the Pine Creek Valley in Pennsylvania, deep in the wilderness heart of the infamous "Klinkton County." Plus I'll be doing some rambles around that whole area taking pictures for my website. But that won't happen till the end of next month. In the interim I'll be trying to catch up on some overdue stuff, re-doing my front yard, and studying some more suspense/mystery novels. Always something new to learn.

In the meantime, if anyone has anything they want to put on the blog, just send it to me and I'll be glad to post it. Sue may be out of touch for awhile but I'll be here for any emails, comments, suggestions, questions, or whatever.

So have a great summer! And keep in touch.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

New Words, Congrats & Recap

2010-06-11T12:27:00.006-04:00

Two reminders: (1)our next meeting, our General Meeting, will be Wednesday evening the 16th, same time, same place, and (2) the Magic Words, contributed by Peter Frickel, are POOR and POUR. Use both words in one sentence, or each word in a separate sentence, or whatever other combination you can come up with. Your choice. And use your imagination. Let's see if we can create some unique sentences.

The congratulations go out to Kerri Dieffenwierth. The poignant and very original story she read at the last meeting about Chupa Chup, the old man who was trapped and died in an amusement park ride, placed 4th in a contest that had 400 entries. Way-to-go, Kerri! Let us know the details about the contest at the next meeting.

The meeting recap will include just about everyone who came to the meeting because nearly everyone brought something to read.

Joe Porter read a very moving piece about his experiences in Hiroshima shortly after The Bomb destroyed the whole city. Ed Lyman brought another one of his humorous short pieces. This one was about pickles and olives. Kris Palmer read a piece about Courage and demonstrated once again that she definitely has more courage than most of us. Our resident actor Tom Smith read, presented, and acted out his version of the Snow White fable. Jean Porter shared a couple poems about swimming and the current oil spill disaster going on in the Gulf of Mexico. One of our new visitors, Micki Knowles read her story about the Demonic Delights of the Cabbage Patch dolls. Phil Dobrin took us all into the operating room again and gave us a glimpse of what goes on during a heart operation. Andrew Parker read another one of his powerful and this time heart-rending story segments, about a young man who is trying to adjust to the results of a life-changing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. And Peter Frickel brought the evening to a close with another poignant and powerfully presented dying scene from his novel.

During the meeting we also had a very lively and informative discussion about some of the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus author initiated publishing, usually referred to with the very broad and comprehensive terms "self publishing" and/or "POD publishing"

Don't forget to use our two Magic Words poor and pour in a sentence or two. CU all on the 16th.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Meeting Wednesday Night

2010-06-01T21:50:00.003-04:00

Hi All,
Just a quick note to remind everyone that our "reading meeting" is tomorrow night, same time, same place. So bring your latest creation and share it with the rest of us. As Sue said, however, keep in mind that we have to keep our readings fairly brief, no more than three pages, so everyone can have a turn. Everyone who WANTS a turn, that is. Reading is not required. Just encouraged. And comments and critiques are always welcome. The primary purpose of the readings of course is to get feedback so you can improve what you've written.

And remember the two magic words for tomorrow night are MASK and AUTHENTIC. You can use both in the same sentence or a different sentence for each word. Or some combination thereof.

See you then!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

E-Books: Wave of the Future?

2010-05-28T13:11:00.004-04:00

This past Christmas, Amazon reported that for the first time ever, they sold more e-books than paper books. Other published reports suggest that there are six Kindle books sold now for every ten physical books, and the gap seems to be narrowing every day. So if you've been thinking about converting your paper book to an e-book, now's the time to do it.

There are a number of different sites and publishers and book shepherds and the like who will convert your book to an e-book for you. For a fee, of course. But there are also at least two sites that will convert your book for free! They will also list your book on their online e-book catalog. They will collect the money for your sales. And they will send the money to you on a regular schedule. What do you do? Not much. In fact, once you've completed the conversion process you don't have to do anything. Except put a link on your website and send out some emails announcing the good news. And add the availability to your automatic email signature, too. And, of course, promote the news in as many ways as you can.

All three of my books (CROSSHAIRS, DYING IN DEER COUNTRY and KRAZY KRITTERS OF FLORIDA) are now available as e-books at a site called www.smashwords.com. They do the conversion process for free, list your book, along with a synopsis & cover on their site, and also make your book compatible with all the major eReaders, such as Kindle, Nook, Sony, iPad, etc. They also provide very detailed instructions on how to go about formatting your book to meet their specifications. Smashwords will also get your book listed in a catalog that they distribute to Barnes & Noble, the Apple iPad, and Sony e-book stores.

The Kindle bookstore (www.amazon.com) is, of course, the best known e-book store at the moment. Their conversion process is much simpler than the Smashwords process but the final product is only compatible with the Kindle eReader. Although: Kindle also has free downloadable applications that can make their e-books readable on some of the other eReaders. Two of my three books are now available at the Kindle store. The third one has been delayed because the Kindle folks wanted some sort of written verification that I did, indeed, have the electronic rights to publish my book as an e-book. That required a letter to my publisher for clarification and validation, which I got, and then I forwarded that letter to the Kindle folks. Hopefully, my third book will soon be listed in the Kindle store as well.

That brings me to the final point. To do any of these conversions, you have to own or control the electronic rights for your book. If you've truly published your book yourself (bought the ISBN, did the layout, designed the cover, arranged for the printing, hold the copyright in your name, etc., etc.) you shouldn't have a problem. You still have ALL the rights because you were the author AND publisher. If you went through a traditional publisher, however, or through a POD publisher (like Infinity, AuthorHouse, Xlibris, PublishAmerica, etc.) you need to contact the publisher and make sure you do, indeed, still hold your electronic publishing rights. Some POD publishers will allow you to do your own e-books, some won't. Be safe. Find out for certain before you start the process. Just tell them what you want to do, and flat-out ask them if you, the author and copyright holder, have the electronic rights to publish your book yourself as an e-book. At least you'll know, right up front. This info should be spelled out in your contract as well, but sometimes the legal jargon of publishing contracts is hard for us laymen/laywomen to decipher.

E-books are here to stay, whether we like them or not. Get on board while you can. The train is definitely starting to pull away from the station.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

A Poetry Party!

2010-05-25T01:39:00.002-04:00

I'm thrilled to report that our poetry workshop meeting, based on my input from members, was a roaring success! We had a great time and a great exercise teacher in Jim Kelly. Everyone took part and we were even treated to a 'song' by Joanne Phillips. Ed Ellis and Irv Newman our former NON poets both wrote their very first poem ever and both were great using Jim's technique. Dear Irv said it took him 89 years, but he wrote his first poem! And it DID NOT rhyme as he'd previously insisted a poem must. He was so excited, everyone's heart was warmed. I want to thank the group and especially Jim Kelly for his active role.

We did read the words chosen by Jim previously, forever and haven, and he chose Kerri to pick the next two words. This is ending up a fun exercise as well, and I encourage everyone to give it a try. Kerri chose the words: AUTHENTIC and MASK. You can use both words in one sentence or each one in a sentence of its own. Kerri will choose the next person to pick words.

Our own John McCafferty sent me a couple of cool links to check out. Just the titles of the links are interesting. How Not to Write! http://denisdutton.com/language_crimes/.htm

While there check out the link to "Bad Writing Contest". Sorry but you'll have to copy and paste the link into your browser because I can't get it to auto link like Russ can. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Now it suddenly turned blue. :) Go figure. John found this link at what he says is another great link for writers: http://www.aldaily.com/

John does have the same email address and will soon be moving into his new condo in Philadelphia. He's not sure if they will make back to Florida for winter or not. I'll keep you posted.

Next Wednesday, June 2, will be our monthly Reading Meeting so get your excerpts ready, pay attention to time frames so all get a turn, and be prepared to offer input and ask questions. This is the purpose of reading excerpts. Look forward to seeing you all then. In the meantime, if you have news or information you'd like to post here send me or Russ an email with your request. And don't forget to occasionally take a look at your fellow writer's websites listed under the links. Not only will you get ideas for your own sites, but also get to know your writing friends better. Support! Support! Support! each other! The day will come when it will be your turn to be supported. "Writers Helping Writers" It's a two way street. I may considering doing the Networking Workshop again in the future. Also be thinking about summer hours. We will be settling that at the next meeting. Keeping in mind, of course, that we will still have access to the venue for smaller groups that are still in town and wish to get together.

Happy to report that Russ is recovering nicely from his nose surgery and Tuck is still progressing a little each day with the nerve damage as a result of his bout with Shingles. I visited him this morning. He remains cheerful and humorus and is anxious to get back to the group.

My best,
Susan

Workshop Reminder!!

2010-05-18T21:31:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone! This is just a quick reminder that it's that time again! Tomorrow night, Wednesday, is our meeting and come prepared to write and enjoy poetry! I've recently discovered that several of you that are writing prose ALSO write poetry. The workshop, which I presented for the first time in New Port Richey at Pasco County's Mini Conference so deftly run by the Pasco County Group Leader, Dahris Clair, is going to be interactive. That is thanks to Jim Kelly, who has heartily agreed to work with me again tomorrow night. Jim, as many of you know, volunteers his enviable poetry talents at the Venice schools teaching young children the various ways they can express themselves.
Jim has a really neat writing exercise that we will all be asked to give our best try. Me included! I'm taken with his methods. So bring a tablet and a writing tool. :)

I regret to announce that Russ is having some minor out-patient surgery tomorrow and will not be able to attend the meeting, so I'll be going it alone. Sharon is still off galavanting around the country. :) I think we've lost her to her young love! I've asked Jim to sit up front and assist me with the poetry meeting. Linda White is out of town and regrets missing this meeting as poetry is 'her thing'. I'm happy to announce, too, that Cecile visited our Thursday night poetry gathering at the Rookery. It is such a 'poetical' setting. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Kris Palmer for suggesting that be our summer meeting place. We love it!
Several of our FWA members take part in that group, as well. In fact, started there before they came to FWA. Joe Porter, Gaile Harpan and Kris Palmer to name a few. Linda White, of course, leads that group. Joanne, too, attends there but began, I believe with the Suncoast Writers Guild, presently directed by Ann Favreau. All are welcome to visit each group. You all know how I push the networking element!
I'm happy to announce that Ann is home from the hospital now and on the mend. We sure have missed her in her absense. She became ill very shortly after the Annual Review in April. Dear Ann has a history of fighting like a warrior against bad health issues! She's an inspiration to all writers! And, all women!

I'm looking forward to having fun with a night of poetry. Hope to see you all there. If you have written a poem that you'd like to share, bring it along and we'll have time to do some poetry readings, as well as some lively discussion.

To get started, Jim Kelly's words for the sentence project were/are FOREVER and HAVEN. We already read Cecile's efforts last time. Those who would still like to participate, we'll do it tomorrow to lead off the workshop.

My thoughts to Russ and Lee! Russ assures me it's a minor procedure on his nose, but still wishing you the best!

Susan

Buyer Beware: All POD Publishers Are Not Alike

2010-05-14T18:48:00.004-04:00

The Suncoast Writers Guild newsletter, PENPOINTS, recently printed a very interesting and sobering article about Print On Demand (POD) publishers. Many of them have only one goal: enriching their own bank accounts. And they do this by taking advantage of a writer's own wish to succeed. But they use that wish to their own advantage. The article mentions a specific POD publisher but to avoid any legal entanglements I won't include the name here but will email it to anyone who is interested. I will also email the entire article to you if you wish. Just drop me a note (rlh3738@msn.com).

According to the article's author, Jean Airey, "Like many other companies around, [this POD publisher counts] on the fact that authors love their own books. They count on the fact that any author will want to buy some number of their books to give to friends and family -- and they [the POD publisher] will make money selling those books to 'their' authors. They lock the author into a seven-year contract where they own the rights to the book ... They say you don't have to pay them a cent to print your book -- and you don't. But you do have to buy your books from them -- and the books are way overpriced -- if you can even get them. There's horror story after horror story of people who ordered for a book signing they'd set up and they never got [the books]. [Bolded emphases are mine: rlh]

[This POD publisher] "recently sent a whole series of mailings to their customers," Airey goes on, "urging them to buy, say, 100 books (I'm not kidding), and 'Get your book on Oprah', or 'Get your book in the New York Times,' or even 'Get your book read by Stephen King.' King -- somewhat more accessible than the other two -- was not at all happy about having his name used in this fashion. The plan: you buy the books and [this POD publisher] would send some quantity of books to 'Oprah's staff,' etc.

"Who gets the money here?" Airey asks. [This POD publisher], right? How do you know if the books were even sent? What do you think [Oprah's] staff would do with an arrival of books they hadn't even asked for. This company is not alone, by far. Today anyone can set themselves up and call themselves a 'publisher.'

"Which is not to say that every 'POD' process is bad. Some are reasonable, realistic, and put out good product. But there are the masqueraders. And the key question you have to ask, first off, is: which way does the money go?"

Thanks, Jean Airey, for reminding us again that, when dealing with salesmen, that well known Old Law is still very much in effect: Buyer Beware.

Posted by Russ Heitz

http://www.russheitz.com/

Great Meeting but Sad News

2010-05-08T11:09:00.002-04:00

Wednesday was a great meeting. We had a small turn out but a lot of fun and some fabulous readings. Kris Palmer read another excerpt from "Dancing With an Elephant" and it was excellent. Two new folks came, Pat Cassidy and Kathy Marine, who is putting together a book and photos about Mote Marine. Howz that for your job matching your name! Tom Smith returned for his second meeting and brought his adorable mother, Selma. She was a dear and enjoyed her evening out so much. Rod and Russ both read one of Ed Lyman's funny stories and Ed Ellis read his best piece of writing yet! We all remarked on how he was improving! Joanne entertained with her usual humor and also read one of our traveling Sharon's poems that is a favorite of hers. Kerri returned and we were glad to see her back. We didn't get back from break until almost 8:30 so spent the last thirty minutes talking about anything and everything including the horrors of quitting smoking. Spurned, of course, by Ed Ellis teasing me about my seemingly continued failure to make the mark. Cecile shared Jim's two 'words' that she'd used in a short poem. The rest will be saved for the 19th as Jim is up in New York until the 9th.

The sad news is Bart Stamper's revealing that this would be his last meeting as he and his family are moving permanently to Orlando for his work. He promised he'd visit when possible and WOULD keep in touch with us on the status of his incredible story on Viet Nam. He read us one final excerpt which totally moved the group. I feel sure that when this book is released, he'll have his first big sale to all of us. Also, that he would remain active in FWA at a group up there. I think there are two in the area. I believe he will keep in touch or we'll all bombard him with emails until he feels guilty! :)) Following Bart's reading, Joanne asked me to read her poem that she'd read when she and Bart presented their duo illustrating the power of a poem to bring together the longer prose. It is an amazing phenomona, really.

Kerri shared an announcement of a one day workshop being put on by the Poynter Institute featuring Pulitzer Prize winning Thomas French who wrote, "Zoo Story" about life and death at the Lowry Park Zoo to be released in July. Mr. French will be teaching how to write a non-fiction book, including a winning proposal, in "Turn You Idea Into a Book." It's to be held in St. Petersburg on May 22. Kerri said she had attended one of the Poynter Institute workshops in the past and that they are fabulous. For more information, visit: www.poynter.org/GetItPublished

One of the first place winners of the "Do It Write" Literary Competition at the FWA Mini Conference in New Port Richey, Laura Aldir-Hernandez, has requested the help of fellow FWA members. Her short children's story,"The Cobra Dance" is entered in the International Competition run by Smories.com. Viewer votes determine the winner in each category. Here's how to help Laura. The story is in the form of a 61 second video and each viewing counts as a vote. You can vote as many times as you wish between now and May 31st. They will be busy so you may not get through on the first try. Laura asks that we try again.

Here's what to do: Go to http://www.smories.com/watch/cobra_dance/

I don't know why these aren't making links so you may have to copy and paste. Russ?????? :) I did remind the group on Wednesday, "Remember FWA's Motto! Writers Helping Writers. Someday it may be you that will appreciate support from fellow members."

Steve Choby has missed a couple of meetings, but he's the one that was challenged to try a new look at the art of poetry. I've since learned that Rod, too, has gained an appreciation of the art. Previously, the group inquired if and when we'd do a poetry workshop. I explained that I was doing one at the NPR Conference and then, if all goes well, do if for our group. I wrote and Linda White approved the outline of the workshop itself for me, Our capable Jim Kelly added a teaching method and agreed to help me as co-presenter in Linda's absense. Jim did a great job and we've decided to do it on the 19th as Jim will be returning back north for an extended time after June. So put your poetic side in your hat and come prepared to have fun. People always enjoy these interactive workshops where the attendees can take part.

That's a wrap for this time. If I've forgotten anyone's notice please let me know. I see nothing else in my blog folder.

Best,
Susan

Help! Typist Needed -- Must Travel

2010-05-05T09:57:00.002-04:00

Our member emeritus, Ed Lyman, desperately needs someone to type his 2-page manuscripts. He hasn't written anything since his daughter died almost a year ago but now he's writing again and he has two stories ready to go.

The problem is, Ed is not a very good typist. In fact, he's a very BAD typist even though he has a computer and knows all about E-Bay. To compound the problem, Ed's handwriting, by his own admission, is none too good either. But his brain works just fine, thank you very much. That's evident in the clever and humorous little stories he's been writing since the Stone Age.

So, bottom line. Ed needs someone to come to his beautiful condo at the corner of Jacaranda Blvd. and Route 41 in Venice maybe once or twice a month, depending on his production. And he doesn't want any freebies either. He'll DEFINITELY PAY whatever you want to charge to type up his stories. But he needs you to come to his condo so he can interpret his handwriting while you're typing up his manuscript.

Anyone who wants to give Ed a hand should see him tonight at the meeting. Or send me an email and I'll give you his phone number so you can set up a time.

Let's get Ed back into his writing mode again!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Time goes too fast!

2010-04-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

Since we have been on two monthly meetings every month, I can't seem to keep up with this blog. Especially for the second one as it's when all my other deadlines are due.

We had a good and informative meeting last week with Elizabeth's second visit. I even shared her tip about cutting words by taking out one word in each sentence, It works because then you find other sentences that are redundant and you can cut them entirely. It's easier to think in terms of words and sentences than entire excerpts or story lines. Slowly, the repetition or over explaning jumps out at you. I will put it into practice everytime I complete a chapter. Thanks, Elizabeth.

A few announcements: Check out Madeline Mora-Summonte's website. She has just had another story published in Referential Magazine. Madeline's stories are always excellent and if you'd like to see some more really good writing, check out the link to the latest on her website which is linked under the links column to the left of your screen.

I had a wonderful note from John McCafferty in which he sent a newspaper article about the Authors Event at the Free Library in Philadelphia. This is one of the better known events held every year and authors come from all over the country to display their wares and meet with writers and readers. Infinity Publishing has a big display there every year and encourages their authors to come. It is a gorgeous library and I visit it when I'm in Philadelphia. My problem is I'm always up there in the fall for Valley Forge Conference. I will bring John's article to the meeting and share it with all of you. Some good info on 'trends' in today's world of writing.

Rod Digruttolo shared the schedule for Adult Enrichment Courses provided by the Adult and Community Education Center for Sarasota County Schools. I was surprised at the number of writing courses available there. I strongly urge folks to go to their website and ask to be put on the mailing list for Fall Courses. www.ace-sarasota.com Or phone 941-361-6590. There may also be some openings for the Summer Schedule.

Diane Robertson, a freelance writer and author of "Adventures in Writing" is running a workshop this Saturday at Gulf Gate Library - How To Have a Productive and Respectful Critique Group - More information is available at her website www.freelancewritingbydiane.com
The workshop will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 and the cost is $30. For more information you may call Diane at 941-752-5669.

More good news - Jane Gill, who has attended our meetings at the firehall has just been accepted by a small publisher press, Double Edge Press out of Pennsylvania. They will be publishing her first novel, "A Matter of Pride". Guess where she met the editor?! At the FWA Annual Conference in Orlando. There's a sunray for those who don't think anything comes out of attending Writers Conferences. Congratulations Jane!!

Another FWA author to watch is Dr. Karen Pirnot. Karen, you will remember is the Child Psychologist who devoted her life to Garret Frey author of "As I Am". The story of how a quadriplegic child has grown into a productive young man. Karen also writes stories for kids and a novels. Her works continue to garner awards and the good news is a big house publishing agent is considering taking on her work. Congratulations Karen! More proof that Independent Publishing does NOT close the doors to major publishing houses. But may, in fact, help open them!

And, for Irv Newman who continues to resist the world of electronics, he is making his debut in coast to coast exposure on "Fox and Quill" just released today. His story on "Friendship" was accepted and he borrowed my access to the internet to send it in. :)) www.foxandquill.com
Congratulations Irv!

Again, I apologize for not posting here more often. My intent is there, the time isn't. See you all on Wednesday.
Susan

2010-04-18T22:24:00.003-04:00

Hi Everybody!

Hope you weren't thinking I'd abandoned the blog. Since I saw you all last, I've done two weekends of reviews and conference workshops and entertained a friend, Lois Stern, from New York. Russ Heitz also went to both events and Jim Kelly and Lois, too, accompanied us. It was a great month for writers and poets. Now, I re-group and focus on our General Meeting on Wednesday, the 21st. Hope you are all planning on coming.

As some of you know, Elizabeth Sims spoke to our General Session in March and had penciled us in for a return this month. She has informed me that she is looking forward to joining us again. She has a couple of other exercises to try and also wanted to join in on our discussion and critique. I'm hoping she may be a frequent visitor if in the area more often.

At our reading meeting on the 3rd, Gaile Harpan brought a mother and daughter writing team to visit and Laura Aldir-Herna has decided to join FWA and asked me to post the following of interest to all children's and youth writers:
The Peace River Center for writers, http://www.peaceriverwriters.org/, has just the thing for both aspiring and established authors of books for young people. KIDS STUFF its critique group for children's writers is holding monthly sessions. The next meeting is Saturday, May 8th, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon in Room SA-116 at Edison State College in Punta Gorda. Non-members may attend before deciding whether to join. Bring several copies of an except for feedback or just listen in and share tips. KIDS STUFF is a listed critique group on the SCWBI-Florida chapter site, and the moderator belongs to both SCWBI and the Florida Writers Association. For information, contact (941) 637-3415 or PRWC@edison.edu.

I have no idea if these links are active, you may have to copy and paste. At least they came up blue this time and I have no idea what I did different. :)

A reminder, too, Jim Kelly picked the words 'forever' and 'haven' for our sentence excercise with words. You can tell Jim is a poet. :) I'd like to publically thank him for contributing his teaching exercise at my poetry workshop in New Port Richey in Linda's absense. Filling Linda's shoes is a challenging task, but Jim would have made Linda proud.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday.

Best,
Susan

eBooks for Everybody!

2010-04-08T13:48:00.003-04:00

For those of us interested in converting our paper books into ebooks, be sure to read the Newsletter that Jerry Simmons distributes for free every other week. The present issue has a lot of very interesting info about the ins and out of ebook production and sales. My own very brief experiences with my own ebooks have, so far, been rocky at best.

On the other hand, a mystery writer named J.A. Konrath has recently sold 30,000 ebooks in a matter of a couple months, doing no promotion at all. Of course, he already has an established name. That makes a HUGE difference. But ebooks are the coming thing, something we will all have to deal with sooner or later, whether we want to or not.

For a copy of the Jerry Simmons newsletter go to http://www.WritersReaders.com. As I said, it's free. And also priceless.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Meeting Tomorrow or Tonight If It's Morning. 4/7/10

2010-04-06T22:22:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. The weather sure cooperated for a change!

Wednesday the seventh is upon us and we will gather at the usual place at the usual time. Be sure to check the reading guidelines if you plan to read.

I do have an announcement to make for all the Tim Dorsey fans out there. Rich McKee, our absent member, sent me the following:

"I want to let you know that Tim Dorsey is going to be at the Venice Campus of SCF on April 14 from 7 to whatever in the Selby Room auditorium. Please let your FWA members know, and come on down. He's appearing thanks to a program sponsored by the campus creative writing club, Swampscribes, and my creative writing class."

Anyone interested in seeing and meeting Tim Dorsey is welcome to attend.

Just a reminder for those interested in writing sentences with the words of the meeting . . . Rod picked wrought and rot.

Hope to see you all tomorrow night. Anyone with books is welcome to bring them so we can all support each other. Sales can be transacted before and after the meeting or on break.

Best
Susan

A Couple of Announcements

2010-04-02T01:09:00.004-04:00

Hello and Happy Easter to all. And Happy National Poetry Month to all of our poets!

I wanted to make an announcement that Peter Frickle and Jim Kelly have joined the group of us that are now contributors to the Fox and Quill, a San Diego e-zine that gets National exposure. Peter and Jim join Russ Heitz, Rod Digruttolo, Richard Ide, Bart Stamper and myself just from our group. Jack Wolf has also included FWA Members from other County Chapters. Please take a moment and check out the publication which can be found at http://www.Foxandquill.com I don't know why I can't get these darn urls to turn in to an active link but you can copy and paste it in your browser and I may add it to our link column entries. Everyone that works with Jack enjoys the exposure and he's great to work with! Jim Kelly is included in the Poetry Tribute and Peter has one of his beautiful stories. He's in the process of talking with Jack on getting an audio up with his incredible reading voice. All of you are welcome to submit and I will make the introduction for you if you'd prefer. Russ and I have been contributing for a couple of years now. His readership continues to grow as does Dahris Clair's The Infinite Writer. The publications depend on authors for submissions and at the same time provide the author with a stage to be seen around the country. Check it out! It's a fun read and you'll hang with other writers. It's all about authors supporting authors!

And my Easter wish for all of you . . .

May you always have rainbows gracing your skies . . .
and butterflies dancing before your eyes.

Susan

Happy Easter, Passover, Spring and a New Link

2010-03-30T12:12:00.003-04:00

Happy Tuesday! I think. I'm never quite sure what day it is when I work all night. Of course, I'm not a reliable source even when I don't. :) I hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Easter weekend however you chose to observe it. Russ and I will be doing the Suncoast Writers Guild's Annual Review on Saturday. Some of you will be there. Ed Ellis is reading the prose and Jim Kelly is reading the poetry. Russ and I are the Reviewers. This is my third year to be honored as Poetry Reviewer and Russ will be joining me this year to do the prose, formerly done by James Abraham. I think Russ will do a fine job for Ann Favreau's group.

I wanted to make sure that everyone realizes, too, that our next meeting is Wednesday, April 7th, a week from tomorrow! Due to the way the calendar falls, we have three weeks between meetings this time. It's been two weeks for the last few months, and I've had a couple of people ask. Decided I better make a post.

Also, if you will look to your left at the Link Section, I've added Weslynn McCallister and Jim Kelly's website URLs to our links. Remember, exploring each other's websites is a good way to get to know each other better. I understand Russ's site has undergone some upgrading to include his new book, "Dying In Deer Country" and he is also having them converted to e-books which which will be available for sale on his site.

My own new book, "Amber Returns to Maine" was just officially released last Friday and I've added a page for that in the Rainy Day Room for those who are familiar with Sucarha.com I don't sell anything on my site, however. I have them myself until it gets up on Amazon.

For all our poets, April is National Poetry Month and I'll be doing special Poetry tributes in the two E-zines I write for, The Infinite Writer and Fox and Quill. Checks out the links in my auto-signature on my email. I do include a 'stage' for other poets. It's not all about 'me'. Mostly, it's a tribute to the art of Poetry, itself. Which, by the way, is growing in popularity due to the expression possible in a few powerful words expressed well. Our group is blessed with some wonderful poets. Some who also write prose.

Be blessed.
Be safe.
Be writing!

Susan

Word Project for Next Meeting

2010-03-24T14:23:00.003-04:00

Hello again!

Rod has chosen his two words for the sentence writing project. They are:

rot
wrought

Rod will pick the next person to have a turn choosing the word or words. It can be only one if you prefer. I like having two and it can be a challenge to use them both in the same sentence.

Have a great day and watch for a rainbow!

Susan

My Apologies!!

2010-03-23T21:01:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone . . .

I must apologize for being so long in recapping the meeting held last Wednesday night. We did have a good turn out to hear Elizbeth Sims and I want to thank her publically. I did so privately. I'm NOT that lax. :)

It has simply been a crazy week. I did manage to meet with Sharon today and wish her and her new/old boyfriend a wonderful time on their trip to points west, and north, maybe even east! The Colonel assured me he would bring her back to us safe and sound.

Russ has family visiting from Pennsylvania and we are both attempting to prepare for two upcoming events we've commited to, the Suncoast Writers Guild Annual Review and Russ is doing a Mystery workshop for the St. Pete FWA WGL, John Rhege. (Please forgive any misspellings, I'm going from memory here, which is dangerous)

In addition, we are both preparing for the New Port Richey FWA Mini-Conference, where I'll be doing a poetry workshop. Russ and Jim Kelly are attending together. I wish more of you would have taken advantage of this "One Day" experience where the one and only Jerry Simmons will be the keynote! He's only the most knowing person in the Publishing Business today, arguably, bar none.

I've had great feedback regarding Elizabeth's visit with our group and I'm happy to announce she has 'penciled' in a return visit for the General Meeting in April. She couldn't write it in stone yet, however, will keep me posted.

Thank you all and I will now return to my four standing editing jobs! Yup, a crazy week!

Best,
Susan

Reminder Time!!

2010-03-15T22:12:00.002-04:00

Is everyone ready for Wednesday's meeting? It is going to be special! I'm receiving some enthusiastic feedback from the group, so I expect an extra good turnout, especially now with the later daylight. Make sure you bring a notebook and pens as I'm sure you will want to take notes in addition to Elizabeth's hand-outs. She has also expressed a willingness to answer as many questions as she can following her presentation. I'm as excited to meet her as all of you.

We will start promptly at 6:30 this week, so if you want extra networking time, come early. I will take about ten or fifteen minutes to do our morning/mourning sentence project and make a few announcements. I will introduce Elizabeth following that and she can take the time necessary before break. If you want to do the sentences using the words, have them ready and put them in the suggestion box for Russ to draw. If it isn't in the box, you'll have to hold it until next time as the meeting can't be held up when we have a guest speaker.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Best,
Susan

My Monday Surprise to the Group

2010-03-08T23:15:00.003-05:00

Over the course of our growth in the Sarasota County FWA Chapter, it became clear that our group enjoyed interaction and discussion. We have such a diverse and talented group, we've usually drawn from our own for our learning experiences. Occasionally, however, I am honored to have an opportunity to present a guest speaker that is special. This is one of those times! In fact, when first contacted, I was a bit speechless and said so!

You've all heard me recommend the magazine, "Writer's Digest". Some of you have subscriptions as I write this. How about a guest speaker that is actually a contributing editor to this magazine? How about a guest speaker who is a professional novelist, currently with a mystery series, The Rita Farmer Mysteries, under contract with St. Martin's Minotaur? How about a professional speaker teaching and coaching at Writers Conferences as well as mentoring individuals on the craft of good writing? What if you had a chance to meet any one of these kind of guest speakers free of charge with you as her sole subject to test a new teaching technique on how to write better and more freely? Wouldn't you jump at the chance? You would if you truly desire to be a writer!

Okay, what if you had the opportunity to meet all three at once? Would that not be the opportunity of new writer's lifetime? It would be for me and I've been in this business for ten years! That is my surprise! All three will be present at our March 17th meeting in the form of one professional and talented writer, Elizabeth Sims! Elizabeth's list of accomplishments can be viewed at www.elizabethsims.com

Elizabeth is in town for a period of time visiting her mother and she honored me with taking the time to find us! Now, you see why I was speechless when I got her message! We've since had email exchanges and today a lovely phone conversation. I was so impressed with her down to earth 'niceness'and caring for the craft. That quality I always look for in people. I'm so NOT a fan of condescension! I'd like to quote a few of her words.

"Right now I'm working on some new teaching techniques to help people write better and more freely, and I need some test subjects! I'd like to meet with your group and try them out on you. This would be free of charge. You guys would be doing me a favor volunteering as my 'guinea pigs' for an evening or two. Of course, I'd be glad to answer questions afterward about writing and getting published, etc."

Elizabeth Sims
"Literature makes life worth living."
The Rita Farmer Mysteries
The Lillian Byrd Crime Series
Contributing Editor, Writer's Digest Magazine
www.elizabethsims.com

As your group leader, I'm honored to be able to bring such a professional woman to our group as a guest. I assure you, this is NOT an opportunity to miss. I can guarantee one thing, Russ, Sharon and I will be there with bells on! Personally, I am thrilled at the prospect of meeting Elizabeth and I'm no stranger to meeting celebrities and have been most fortunate enough to call some of them friends now. Celebrities started where we start. They are dedicated to their craft and work darn hard to achieve their success. Some have horror stories about what they endured. How can they not deserve their status, success and our respect?

Mark your calendars for this 17th meeting as being a special not miss event! I'd hate for anyone to lose this chance.

Susan

Meeting Recap Plus a Big Surprise!!

2010-03-06T21:18:00.003-05:00

We had another good meeting on the 3rd of March! I want to thank all those who braved the cold to come out. Especially, Kris, who resorted to 'determined' effort to make it at all. Everyone was thrilled to see her when she came in the door after eight o'clock. Talk about spirit! Irv immediately told her he loved her. :) And we all do!

Most got a turn to read and lively discussion followed. I received lots of positive feed back, but do understand that a couple of folks felt I'd been unfair on the reading time issue. I assure everyone, it is never my intent to be unfair. This 'time issue' seems to be an ongoing problem that must be solved. There were a total of three people that never did get their turn to read on Wednesday night. I won't embarrass them by naming names, but three people who'd been previously promised by me they'd be able to read didn't get to because some balk at going first! Once they see that time is running out and folks are getting restless, then they signal me they'll abstain.
Now, this is happening when we have a small turnout of 12-15. What about when the weather improves and we have longer daylight hours and 20-25 turn out? What? Those that don't get a turn, won't come? What?
As group leader, this puts me in a most precarious position as I want everyone to come, get something out of the meeting, and also have sessions that are just about learning! That's what a writing group is all about. Writers helping writers! It's not just a stage or theater for each to perform. To me, you are ALL stars already and it's my job to make it work! Work, even though we continually grow and add members.

Here, is but one of the areas where I depend on Russ and Sharon. I want concensus. It's not about 'my way' but the group's way! So I've enlisted their help and opinions and we've reached agreement. Poets are not subject to these strident guidelines because most never read more than three poems anyway and that is equal to maybe a page. Russ is the most concise and to the point so he agreed to write up the solution. As follows . . .

We will set a page limit rather than a time limit. Doing this will also provide each writer the discipline to 'select' the section he or she is going to read with that page limit in mind. This can be three pages of double-spaced, proper manuscript set up. If single spaced, it will be a page and one-half. This will entail thinking of the piece more as a complete 'scene' or 'mini-story' in itself. You would be allowed an oral introduction to set up the 'scene' so it will be understood, not a rambling, five-minute preliminary explanation.
This is in keeping with the idea that every word, sentence, paragraph and page of any piece of writing, fiction or non, long or short, should be absolutely essential to the overall piece. It should serve a specific purpose to the story, or not be included in the story. The writer should be able to explain, at least to him/herself why that particular scene is in the story or article at that particular place.

Thank you, Russ! In the business, such a procedure is often referred to as the 'elevator pitch'. Meaning a writer should be able to say what his/her entire book is about in no more words than a ride to the ninth floor on a elevator would take! Google 'elevator pitch' and you'll see. That's how well you should know your own work.
If you want to have chapter by chapter input, it isn't necessary to have each detail and thought, each line of dialogue read to an audience of listeners. Orally explain in a minute or less, what the scene is taken from and then read the part you may be struggling with. End it by saying what decision is giving you difficulty and then commentors, too, have to be somewhat brief. Not everyone can comment every time, and it isn't the time to break off into a long discussion, explanation or defense about the commentor's comment. That can be done privately if there seems to be an issue unsolved. I might add here, that a writer needs to develop a thick skin. If one can't take constructive criticism, one won't make it as a writer. Why else would one even ask for critique? Well-intended criticism is not disdain for your work and NOT rejection. Although, you'll take a lot of that, too.

This seems to be the only logical way to solve this problem to everyone's advantage. This procedure holds at the first monthly "Reading Meeting" only. The second General Meeting will be part workshop or discussion, questions and anwsers, an occasional guest speaker, and three or four pre-selected readers only. It is about learning, too!

We will be incorporating Ed's idea of discussing one or two words in a sentence to launch each meeting. If you decide to write a sentence containing a subject and a verb using these words, put it in the suggestion box upon arrival and we will randomly draw out about five, share them, and then move on. For the next meeting, Russ picked two words that sound alike but aren't spelled the same or mean the same. They are: MORNING and MOURNING.
Russ will pick the next person to pick the words and so on.

If anyone has a better idea or a complaint about this procedure, please feel free to share it with Russ, Sharon, or me. But something HAS to be adopted and enforced or we have continual hurt feelings and chaos. I don't want that and the group doesn't want that.

Now, I'll give you a day or two to absorb this new info and then I'll tell you my very exciting surprise news! Yup, that's a 'hook'. Every writer must know how to do the HOOK.

Till Monday . . . .

Susan, Russ and Sharon thank you.

Important Notice!!

2010-03-06T18:49:00.003-05:00

I don't know what it is with me and computers but I've just gotten word that some scam hacker has lifted my sucarha at Yahoo email and is sending out a plea for money because I'm stranded in London! Yes, England! I assure everyone that it is NOT from me and I am NOT stranded in London! I'm getting to the point where I am going to adopt Irv Newman's idea and get the hell off of computers!

A meeting recap coming later . . .

Susan

Book Lovers Unite

2010-02-28T12:29:00.007-05:00

Book lovers -- both the readers and writers thereof -- will be uniting at the Selby Library this coming Saturday, March 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the "Paint The Town Read" day.

As the web posting says, "Enjoy refreshments, gift bags, a raffle, a book swap, a huge book sale, book discussions, performances and the chance to meet more than 20 authors."

The schedule of events includes performances by the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild Play Readers at 12 noon and an event simply called "Books Alive!" at 2 p.m.

Thirty minute book discussions will start at 11:30 with the last one scheduled for 2:00. The variety of discussions will include Classics, Mysteries, Historical Fiction, Florida Authors, Publishing, and Literary Fiction.

Author Signings and Books sales will be ongoing throughout the day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For additional details and a downloadable flyer, go to:
http://suncat.co.sarasota.fl.us/paintthetownread.aspx. If this link doesn't work, type this complete address in your address bar. Additional information is also available from Vera Neumann-Wood at 941-861-1175 or vneumann@scgov.net.

Thanks to Madeline Mora-Summonte for telling us about this event!

And, Another Suggestion From our Own Ed Ellis

2010-02-24T21:53:00.002-05:00

Good day Susan,

I was sitting here today thinking about the up coming meeting and
what would be of value to all of us. One of the thoughts that whipped
through my mind was to start the meeting off with the introduction of
a word. The word could be announced on the blog before the
meeting day. You could ask the members to write a single simple
sentence (one verb) using the word. At the meeting, you could call on
a couple of the members to read how they used the word.

I think the benefits are...
1) Writers use words to create.
2) Writes use the words in sentences.

Respectfully,
Ed

Sounds like a good idea to me, Ed. It may draw people to using the blog as well. This cool little device is too help eliminate the need for individual group emails which in turn elicit lots of email replies! Very time consuming process in addition to already heavy email responsibilities. Perhaps, you'd like to present and discuss your idea next week? Thank you, for your continued interest and participation! You are appreciated.
Susan

Tip From St. Pete WGL - John Regh

2010-02-24T21:40:00.002-05:00

Hi all!

THIS IS A SPECIAL NOTICE!

Do you run to Office Depot or Staples when you need that novel's rough draft printed? Then have to wait around or come back later?
I'm pleased to announce that you don't have to any more!

Sir Speedy, at 4855 Park St. N, St. Petersburg, just south of 54th Ave N, on the east side of the street, is offering a 10% discount to FWA members on all their printing needs.

Sales manager (and our contact) Robin Fiegle has worked there for 20 years! No longer do you have to rely on someone who may have just been hired. No longer do you have to run to the store with your copy. You can email her a file, and she will take care of the rest. Of course, it helps to have it in the right format, and she'll be happy to guide you in setting it up right.

Her email address is: sirspeedyrobin@tampabay.rr.com, Phone # is: 727-545-9000.

I'm including a link on our website, and hope to find more businesses in the area to support our growing group.

Thanks,

John Rehg
FWA St. Petersburg Group Leader
fwastpete@gmail.com
fwastpete.blogspot.com (our local site)
www.floridawriters.net (our state site)

P.S. From Susan: I understand, too, that this service to FWA members can include shipped orders! Kudos to John Regh for looking within his community to find things and businesses which will benefit ALL FWA members. John is good example of "Writers Helping Writers"!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2010-02-18T20:45:00.008-05:00

Our Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Writers Association was awarded "Group of the Year" last night! Who bestowed this award? Me, your somewhat president so Sharon can be vice president. Oh, and Russ was named CEO as he is the one with the power. :)

For those of you who had to miss last night's meeting, I read an excerpt from my column in the new "Florida Writer" magazine which should be in your mail box soon. I get my copies a few days before they are mailed to the general membership. So yes, this announcement is offical and published! Rebel, that I am, oh she, who assigns her own authority as well. However, I received no flak from the mighty parent organization, so that for sure makes it offical. They printed it! Congratulations to ALL of you. And kudos from me for being the talented special people you are!

We had a rather small turn out of fifteen but everyone left both touched and inspired albeit frozen to the bone once out of the warmth of the circle present. Another kudo in itself as it takes a huge impetus to get me away from a heater when it's below 70 degrees.

Brenda Clarice returned for her third meeting and Kerri Dieffenwierth came to her first and charmed everyone she was able to talk to. Kerri, if your last name is spelled wrong, it's Vice President Sharon's fault. :) See, Sharon! Titles are hell!

We had an hour or so of hearty discussion on questions and input, then closed for break with the heartfelt tribute to Kris Palmer by Irv Newman. Kris was having a bad night and was unable to be there but Joanne called her on the phone and she got the news. Irv assured us he would read it again when Kris is able to to hear it from him. Irv is a most charming and endearing man and all have come to anticipate his presence. Just his unassuming humility and sense of humor is a treasure, topped off by his wonderful way of using his pen to illustrate life.

After break and chasing Joanne with the bell, readings were resumed. We were treated to Joe Porter's poem coming from the bird's perspective in answer to Maya Angelou's well known bird in the guilded cage. A little different from Joe's usual longer style and thoroughly adorable. Jim Kelly, known for his imagry extrordinaire, offered his perspective of the 9/11 tragedy. No one can write imagry in quite the same way as can Jim Kelly. Be watching for the unveiling of his new website "Uncle Joe". It's going to be a winner!

Joanne showed her serious side and it's always rather overwhelming as we are so used to her comedic sense of humor. The girl is extremely talented and could easily be a 'stand up'. Her serious side, tho, is just as beautiful as is her heart. Those who've not read her compilation, "Short Takes on Life" are missing a treat as both sides of her shine in the 'takes'. Ed Ellis also read a new piece that was a new side to his writing. You folks never cease to amaze me.

Vice President Sharon gave us a sample of her limericks, and a good laugh hinting at the ones she didn't deem appropriate for mixed company. Enough was shared, however, that even a sleeping imagination could figure out the missing line. It is funny, I assure you! Peter was in 'enjoying everyone else' mode and didn't read but he sold his CD's for the "Roads" and received orders for two more. It should be understood, too, that Peter is generously donating half of his sales to our group. Russ and I will think about what to do with it. Input is welcome. We can save it for a special field trip, party or donate it to the firemen. Maybe even start thinking about a published anthology of our own! And before I forget, Rod brought his lovely wife, Betsy, who I'd bet was won over by the group. She told me she had a great time and I assured her she was welcome anytime. Betsy, too, had a wonderful sense of humor and fit right in instantly! All the spouses are welcome.

To close, I saved something special. Once again, we were blessed with another sharing from Bart Stamper. In such limited space, just the right words to describe the power in both Bart's writing and his story tax my knowledge of the language. It maneuvers somewhere between magnificent and wrenching. His story is one that really NEEDS to be told. On that note, Joanne and I both swipe at tears welling in eye corners.

I'm blessed by you all.

Susan

FWA Sarasota Writers Group

Information and a Recommend

TALES2INSPIRE Contest

Wednesday, Jan 18th 2012

Paint the Town Re(a)d

Tales to Inspire

Seasons Greetings!

Englewood’s Dearborn Street Book Festival - 2012

Passing of an Icon

Christmas Greetings

December 7th, 2011

Meeting Reminder

New Contest for Poems and Short Fiction!

Happy Birthday George!

Englewood Book Festival

Lemon Bay Fest - 2012

Thanksgiving Message from Susan

Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011

Message from Bart Stamper

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Take a look at the Lulu Short Story Contest at:http://www.lulu.com/blog/2011/11/01/lulu-short-story-contest/

In Memory of Phil Dobrin

Aaah, Cooler weather!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Writers Are Connected . . .

Do I have a volunteer to share some blogging duties?

Two Days 'Til Wednesday

Wednesday Writers With Peter

Wednesday Already??

PS

June 1st Meeting Was a Fun Night

In Honor of our Veterans

Bits and Pieces

Such Talented Writers!!

Summin' Up

Great Meeting - More to Come!

Get Well Addresses As Promised

Great News and Great Announcements!

Lots Goin' On in April!

A Humbled Leader Returns

Tom Smith's New Book

Win a Kindle ... and More!

Wolfman Photos Wanted

Nineteen Day 'Til Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving & A new link!

Help!!

Meeting Recap

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Saturday Morning Workshop

Your Loss, Our Gain

Wednesday Meeting--October 20th

Library Science Degree.org

Can You Take A Hint?

Meeting Recap for October 6th

First Five Pages Only - Announcement from Susan

October is Upon Us!

Do You Have A Must See Idea For TV?

Meeting 9/15/10 - Recap & Some Changes

Oooops! A few corrections . . .

FWA Members of Sarasota's Group Charge Ahead!

Memoirists: Listen Up

A New Season Begins!

Call For Submissions

NPR: Another Market For Local Writers?

To Jerry Haley

Karen Haley's Picture Travelogue

Informal Meeting on Wednesday 8/4

A Couple of Second Thoughts

Back In The Sunshine State

The"Phantom" post

Winding Down -- Winding Up

Publishing News

Rain, Whales, Bears, Forests and Fjords

Memoirist, Check THIS out

Top of the World -- and Higher!

Sue's Alaskan Adventures Abound

Compare POD Publishers

Summer Break

New Words, Congrats & Recap

Meeting Wednesday Night

Take a look at the Lulu Short Story Contest at:
http://www.lulu.com/blog/2011/11/01/lulu-short-story-contest/