Schedule and Location
Friday, June 08, 2012
Barringer Publications accepting manuscripts from members
Monday, May 14, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
We welcomed Stephen Aiken of Sarasota to his first meeting, and returning guests Don Westerfield and Kathleen Swartz. We reluctantly said goodbye to Lois Stern who is returning to New York for the summer. Rod DiGruttolo, as always did his masterful job of herding cats to make it another enjoyable meeting.
We started the meeting on a sad note as Susan Haley described the condition and determination of her friend and Pasco County FWA group leader, Dahris Clair, who has decided to drop life support and return home in peace and solitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dahris, her family and her many friends.
We resumed our regular readings, after Bill Elan told the “Amoeba story,” with Russ Heitz reading his great response to the “Dialogue Challenge.” Remember, “You're the one who wanted to talk.” Rod mentioned it is intimidating to follow any of our writers when its your turn to read. It is, but that doesn't stop us!
Lois Stern gave a great example by first reading a “Vase Challenge” poem by Jim Kelly, and then showing her writing virtuosity by giving no less than five different twists of her own on the challenge: a memoir piece, a fiction approach, historical non-fiction (!), mystery and suspense, and finally a humorous interpretation of the same challenge. Lois will be missed during her summer sojourn. Ellen Magnuson read a chapter from her book “S'Truth” that captured everyone. Of course she finished with “If you want to hear more, you'll have to buy the book!” (ISBN 13-978-1-4507-9327-0)
Bill Elan read his piece on continuing reflections of an old man, inspired by Cecile Bell Kennedy, who followed with a great poem called “Table Tart,” inspired by the “Vase Challenge.”
Joanne read her next chapter of her autobiographical “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” The harrowing story of being caught in 20 foot swells in a 40 foot sailboat that had us all relieved when they finally made Dry Tortugas. A spirited 20 minute discussion followed that proved everyone had hung on to every word. A worn out audience then took a 20 minute break!
Ed Ellis kicked off the second half with a test of sorts. He delivered two different approaches to his up-coming book, tentatively titled “The Success Model.” His approach to the subject of thinking, good vs bad decisions, and ideas are time machines, all stirred the intense discussions that followed. Good stuff.
The delightful surprise of the evening was from newcomer Don Westerfield who read a touching piece about war titled, “Hello, Joe!,” and a poem entitled “The Passage.” The poem connected with every father who has ever walked his daughter down the aisle. This was Don's second meeting and we can't wait to hear more of his great writing.
Kerri Dieffenwirth read another chapter from her recently retitled work, now called “Homemade Rodeos, A Memoir,” that reached out and grabbed all the unsuspecting listeners. From light-hearted recollections of youth to the heart-stopping tragedy of a near fatal accident and its trauma on a young girl, wrapped and delivered in almost a single sentence. More great stuff! Great writing!
Susan Davis read her great interpretation of the “Dialogue only” challenge that was really nicely done. Susan can read anything she wants with her “FM” voice, we would all probably listen to her read the telephone book, but when she reads her own stories, it is really a great, entertaining experience.
We wrapped up the evening's readings with Kathleen Swartz, who also returned for her second meeting. Kathleen read part of Chapter 4 from her book “Jazzed at 69,” at least that's the working title, and again, left the group wanting more.
We'll have to wait 'til next time, April 4th, to hear more.
George
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
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.
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
Friday, October 21, 2011
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
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Can You Take A Hint?
"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
Friday, September 03, 2010
Memoirists: Listen Up
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Compare POD Publishers
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
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Book Lovers Unite
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!
Monday, January 11, 2010
How Could We Forget?
Did I miss any other readers? Let me know if I did.
Posted by
Russ Heitz
Friday, January 01, 2010
Advice For The New Year
"As authors it is extremely important that you own and control your content and unfortunately that is not possible with traditional publishers, especially the major New York ones. The business model for the INDI Publishing Group [A Jerry Simmons publishing service] does not center around print, but "content" and how best to maximize the potential for sales, whether it be print or digital. Each of our authors own, obtain all rights, and control their content at all times.
"If you are considering a POD company or other self-publishing option,"Simmons says, "you must make absolutely certain you obtain all rights, possess complete ownership without restriction and control the future of your content. As publishing changes so must the business models for all publishers."
The important word here is content. For content includes all the publishing options: print media, electronic media, audio media, video media, etc. That means you don't want to settle for rights that only pertain to your printed book. Having all the rights to your content means you have the rights to publish your work in as many different media as you want, and as many different media as you can.
Also, if you are thinking about publishing that Great American Novel or Nonfiction book in 2010, be sure to tell us about it either privately or during one of our FWA meetings. We have several people in our group who have published articles, stories and books both POD and traditionally. Be sure to utilize their experiences to avoid making decisions that you might regret later on.
There are literally dozens and dozens of POD publishers (probably hundreds!) that will be very happy to publish whatever you send them, as long as you attach a check to your submission. Unfortunately, not all POD publishers are the same. Some will treat your fairly. Some will rip you off while raving about what a wonderful writer you are and how you'll surely sell thousands of copies if you let them publish your book.
If you want more information about Jerry Simmons, his services, and his newsletter, go to http://www.writersreaders.com/. The more information you can gather about the rapidly changing world of publishing, the more likely you are to avoid making costly mistakes.
Posted by
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/