Wednesday, March 20th, 2013: Attack of the Colons!

A very special night for us as regular member Irv Newman and his lovely wife, Beatrice, stopped by with their son, Len, and his lovely wife Marie. The unsinkable Irv and his marvelous family were special guests of the evening, we hope to see them more often.

New FWA member Meredith Rutter joined us for the first time as well as guests Judy Rousseau and Nancy Cannell. We welcomed back Nancy Lucas and Becky Freed, along with several regular members who have been traveling around the world, from middle Europe to Mexico, for a turnout of 28 attendees. Once again our hosts, the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department came through and found extra needed chairs. It was a busy night as almost everyone had something to read! Under the gavel of maestro Rod DiGruttolo, everyone got to read and we even finished with time to spare.

George Mindling opened the meeting by asking about interest in presentations on self publishing and collecting state sales tax on book sales. He will develop a presentation for the first Wednesday meeting on May 1^st .

Irv's son, Len, then read his dad's piece about devotion to classmates and friendship from high-school days in New Jersey. Irv then briefly spoke to the group. His book, “Living on House Money,” is in its third printing. Even though he's sold quite a few books, he claims he has donated more to doctors and nurses!

Susan Haley, one of the original founders of our writers group, read her excellent poem “Sleep,” followed by Pat Patterson, who makes the trip all the way from Punta Gorda. Pat read part of chapter one of “The Takers,” his period piece set in Scandinavia at the end of the 10^th Century. Bill Elam, who is in the art publishing world, briefly discussed art and literature similarities, then read more from his upcoming work where the protagonist is a subject from one of his pieces or art. His current selection from his “old man anthology” had the phrase “the spirit has no infirmities,” which, of course, has everyone waiting for more.

Kathleen Schwartz read from her “Jazz at at 69,” a stark, almost brutal phase that is a nice expansion of her work. Great writing. Jim Kelly followed with the reading of two more of his outstanding poems, “Diner,” and “Priceless Penny.” If Jim agrees, I'll print “The Diner” in this blog so everyone will know what I mean when I say Jim introduced me to poetry. His economy of words to evoke images is phenomenal. Jim proves prose is literature written to the rules of grammar while poetry is literature written to the rules of rhythm.

Joanne Phillips read again from her now-published “Adventures of a Sea Hag,” which is already in its second printing. Ed Ellis followed with a really nice Thanksgiving poem written for his three grandchildren. Kerri – Wow! Nice twist on “Home Made Rodeos,” the story hooked nicely and everyone was misty eyed at the unexpected twist. 

Chris Burton – Mesmerized the audience, as always, with her spot-on delivery of her crisp, seemingly effortless writing, and Patricia La Barbera read from her published thriller, “The Wolf's Daughter,” the first book in the Tala Chronicles. Susan Davis read the prologue to her new book aimed specifically at Baby Boomers looking for answers, followed by Kat who read from her upcoming book, which we'll be thrilled to announce when it hits the bookstores (or the Internet). George Collias finished the meeting with his perfectly timed humorous “Attack of the Colons: Wild and Dangerous Punctuation Marks!”

Once again the meeting was showcased by the diverse and eclectic talents who make up this marvelous group of talented writers. We'll see everyone at the next meeting, Wednesday, April 3^rd!

George Mindling

December 5th, 2012

We kicked off the meeting with thirteen writers attending at 6:30 pm.  Rod DiGruttolo again skillfully wielded the gavel and ran another great meeting.  We welcomed back Susan Haley, iconic founder and spark-plug for the group. Susan spent the summer with friends and relatives and returned only two days before the meeting. We also welcomed back Robin Wise and Dianne Shedlock, and it was good to see Ben drop in once again. It was another great evening as we heard from Russ Heitz who, working on an idea from Irv Newman, collected thoughts and comments about Ed Lyman to be used in a tribute to Ed that will be distributed at the Christmas meeting.

Our Christmas get-together will be held during the next meeting, Dec 19^th. Kerri is bringing the Dunkin' Donuts coffee, and every else is encouraged to bring whatever favorite holiday treats they'd like to share. Everyone is invited, including spouses and guests. Any goodies not consumed, more likely devoured, will be donated to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department. We will present the Fire Department Chief Steve Kona with the holiday donation we all made together, a total of $91.00 dollars.

A discussion about our meeting format will lead us to more presentations and guest speakers in the future. We'll kick off the New Year with a meeting January 2nd that will reduce the time available for reading, but allow for more discussions and presentations. Also decided was a new procedure for critiques. In the future, presentations for critique will be limited to 1500 words, or no more than three pages. All presentations will be printed for handout, double spaced, and will be returned to the presenter, without names, after the material has been critiqued. Discussions may follow the readings, but they will be general and not specific.

Rod solved one problem neatly by having Peter Frickel read first. That way, everyone has to follow Peter! Again, Peter's tales of youth of another time in Africa, He Looked At Me, and “Nell” held everyone's attention. Don Westerfield's The Flirt, caught everyone off guard. Not to be read outside the sanctuary, he asked. Funny stuff, great writing. Robin read “Sparky,” and had everyone convinced it was not a piece of fiction. It was, of course, although we have all had pets that have taken us to the edge. Her husband vehemently denied any part of “Walt's” heart attack. Great to have Robin back.

Ed Ellis continued with his work in progress, tentatively named Asymmetrical Wars. More great adventure writing, the post-nuclear war saga continues. We got to hear Chapter 27 of Joanne Phillips Adventures of a Sea Hag and said farewell to Sid, a character we had come to know quite well. Jim Kelly did it once again with two poems, Changes and Noise, both of which are excellent poems. We can't wait for Jim's next anthology.

Russ Heitz read Waiting, a unique short piece that started lightheartedly and turned introspective in less than one page! Great writing! Dianne Shedlock continued the spell-binding writing with her Flashback, a piece with an unexpected twist about dread and fatalism. Welcome back, Dianne, more writing, please.

We read through break, and finished early. We'll see everyone at the Christmas gathering on the 19^th. See you then.

George

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Our meeting kick-off Wednesday evening was interrupted by an event that drew a round of warm, thunderous, applause: Irv Newman rejoined the group for an extraordinary reunion. Accompanied by his beautiful wife, Beatrice, he was warmly greeted by everyone. Irv received over 100 cards from well wishers, and we again wish him the best.

Irv, who recently turned 90, later had a poignant piece about his brief stay in a hospice read by Jim Kelly. His “Thank You” letter to the staff and the directors was touching, and eye opening at the same time. Hospices should not be prejudged as “Death's Doorway.” We can't wait to read Irv's next effort about standing in front of an open coffin called, “Wait, Wait, I Have A New Idea I Want To Run By You...”

George Mindling brought up the schedule for July, which has our first meeting of the month on the Fourth of July holiday. By unanimous consent, that meeting will be skipped, so, July will have one meeting on the 18^th. The calendar can be checked anytime right here on our blog page.

Our next meeting will be a very special meeting on June 20^th as we celebrate a very special birthday of one of our most prolific members, Ed Lyman. Ed, who has been published of every single issue of Peppertree Literary Magazine since it first started publishing, will be 100!

Ed Lyman has also been coming to our FWA meetings since we first started getting together at the Gulf Gate Library, more than five years ago. And he always manages to stir up more than a few chuckles with his very original, clever and well-structured stories that always have a "snapper" ending.

Ed is also a generous supporter of his Venice community. He still volunteers at the Venice Hospital where he serves as a wheel chair "pusher" for people leaving the hospital. He also volunteers at a cat rescue and adoption service near Venice. That's where he adopted his beloved cat, Tammy. In addition to his time and effort, Ed has also generously provided funding to purchase a new truck for the local food bank, as well as a new air conditioned van for the feline adoption service.

In tune with his "giving" nature, Ed is also providing the money to buy the snacks and goodies that we'll be enjoying at his non-birthday party on the 20th of this month. It's a "non-birthday" party because Ed did NOT want a party for himself. He was adamant about that. He said, "It's just another birthday. No need to make a fuss over me." What he really wanted to do was give US a party, which is what we'll be doing at the next meeting.

Ed Lyman is our official Writer Emeritus and we hope he'll be around for at LEAST another 100 years! And we hope you all show up on Wednesday, June 20th, to share with Ed your best wishes for his "non-birthday."

We will play the meeting “by ear” so to speak, with possible readings in the first half of the evening, but the second half will be dedicated to a very special non-birthday wish to Ed. Sandwiches and coffee will be served, and if anyone would like to help with paper plates, napkins, or plastic dinnerware, please contact Russ Heitz at russ@russheitz.com. In fact, one reason Irv made a special effort to attend last night's meeting was to be present for the planning of Ed's non-birthday! Spouses and friends are welcome at the special meeting. Thanks to Russ for the marvelous information about Ed.

After more announcements about the upcoming FWA Convention in October, Ed Ellis got the meeting underway with Jim Kelly reading Irv's piece about his stay in the hospice. Irv and Beatrice graciously said goodnight soon after, everyone once again greeting and wishing them well.

We welcomed new-comers Charlotte Humphreys and Roger Sakowski to the meeting, and welcomed back Cathy Marine and Jim Kelly as well. Charlotte started the evening's readings with “Pear Tree and the Vanishing House,” a nostalgic, well written piece that drew warm response from the group. We look forward to more of Charlotte's writing.

Joanne Phillips read a really great poem about Englewood, which garnered her a 2^nd place ribbon in the Englewood contest, and followed with the next chapter of her book, “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” A great discussion about style followed, but everyone agrees: More!

Susan Haley took a few minutes to remind us on this anniversary of D-Day, that we all take far too much for granted in our daily lives. Susan read Bart Stamper's one-line poem that brought a moment of silence to the whole room: “On Memorial Day it's so different when you know their names.. . . Ron Holeman, John Knaus, Cameron McCallister and dozens of others a thought to consider.”

Rod DiGruttolo followed with another of his great reflections of growing up in Sarasota in the 1950's called “Puppy Dog Tales.” Rod graciously thanked Ed Lyman and Peter Frickel for helping him develop the masterfully done series.

Peter Frickel read a chapter from his upcoming 18 part work named “Lilies of the Vlei.” “Umbubulu” was a masterfully told tale of a young man riding through the African night with his father, physician to the king of the Zulus, during dangerous and treacherous times. Again, marvelous stuff.

Rod then read a humorous piece called “Package Pandemonium,” published in 1966. It was written by none other than Ed Lyman's son, Dan. Must run in the family.

After a ten minute break, Ed wished he had his cow-bell back! Everyone rejoined the meeting after chocolates and fortune coolies, and we resumed with Lee Taylor Franke reading a great piece that linked nostalgia with the aging of a town simultaneously with its citizens. Well written and deeply emotional piece.

Jim Kelly read two of his great poems, starting with “Smoke and Ashes,”and “Light.” Two more masterful pieces of poetry that left the group speechless. Absolutely great writing.

Kerri Dieffenwierth read another piece of her upcoming work, “Homemade Rodeos,” again with writing that stands alone called “Run, Run Away.” It wasn't about the horse... More great writing.

Ed Ellis received great critical review after his difficult piece about writing what is possible or plausible. Paradoxical? A great success model for writing.

We wrapped up another great night with Patricia LaBarbera reading her “What We're Looking For,” a wonderful story that, as always, has delightful, unexpected twists. Patricia will keep us posted as to her next seminar on editing and editors, something none of the group should miss.

We turned off the lights and said goodnight. See everyone on the 20^th for Ed's birthday.

Special Thanks to Russ Heitz for the information about Ed Lyman.

PS: Kerri just forwarded information about a writing sweepstakes at:
BookBaby.com

George

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

We welcomed Peter and Barbara Frickel back after an extended absence, and we also welcomed guest George Worl to our first meeting in May. After the usual pre-meeting “catch-up” session, we began with Rod DiGruttolo once again holding the proverbial gavel.

Rod took a collection we donate semi-annually to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department as a thank you for the use of their facilities for our meeting room. We ask everyone who would like to contribute to donate $5.00, and this evening we collected $65 as several members were more than generous with their donations. The Fire Chief will address the group at our next meeting, May 16^th, and we will present him with the donation at that time.

Rod discussed getting published, from short stories and articles to novels, great information for everyone! Again, editing came up as the primary requirement for publication. The dangers of self-editing were discussed as well.

Susan Haley was honored for winning The “Fox and Quill” poetry award. Susan's poems are at: http://foxandquill.com/vol_7_issue_5_page_3.htm. Congratulations, Susan, really beautiful poems.

Speaking of Poetry, Linda Neckel White was selected to read “Fidelis,” by Adelaide Anne Proctor, May 11^th at the Florida Studio Theater. Congratulations, Linda! Linda started the evening by reading “Oh, the Irony!” then read “Fidelis,” just for us.

We also welcomed back Kerri Dieffenwierth who read another piece of her work, “Homemade Rodeos,” with writing that stands alone called “Dearly Beloved.” Great work, social commentary intertwined with reflections of an old, past Florida. (I have in my notes: “discussion – champagne.” Means great discussion and review.)

We welcomed Peter back who did not fail us. He announced his work, “My Frog Sings,” will be available on Amazon soon, and then treated us to a piece of his 18 part upcoming work named “Lilies of the Vlei.” This is Peter's third work, and again, we can't wait for more.

For the first time since I've been a member of the group, someone actually asked to read following Peter. Ed Ellis soon showed why by reading his science fiction piece set in 1933 called “Flight to Reality.” The piece was written specifically for, and dedicated to, Peter. Another great piece of writing. Or, was that an illusion of a good story? How long to the stroke of midnight?

After our 8:00pm break, Joanne Phillips regaled us with another chapter of her book, “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Once again we sailed away, but this time with a different destination. Ice is nice... The discussions following Joanne's readings are always unique and entertaining.

Don Westerfield again showed his flair with “Bryant Park, from his “dark” file of work. Don is always entertaining, and never fails to add the unexpected to his works.

George read “Places, Everyone!” by Cynthia Mallick from The Florida Writer, the FWA magazine, and we closed the meeting with another nice reading by Peter.

Peter read “Nelly,” proving that friendship is a precious thing to have, even if one of the friends is a dog. Welcome back, Peter.

We wrapped up another great evening, said goodnight and turned out the lights. See everyone Wednesday, May 16th.

George

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

As the lightning flashes of spring's first thunderstorm lit up the sky behind the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, the March 21st meeting of the Sarasota Writers Group got under way. After the greetings and catching up on all the latest news, of course.

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

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.

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

Wolfman Photos Wanted

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/

Meeting Recap for October 6th

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

To Jerry Haley

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

Winding Down -- Winding Up

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

Rain, Whales, Bears, Forests and Fjords

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

Top of the World -- and Higher!

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

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

New Meeting Place

Just a reminder: our new meeting place starting Wednesday evening, June 17th, will be the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department's conference/training room. The Fire Department is located at 111 Pavonia Road in Nokomis just off Route 41 (Tamiami Trail). The meeting will start at 6:30 and end about 9:00.

For those coming from Sarasota and north county, Pavonia Road is just south of Albee Road at the flashing yellow emergency vehicle lights. Turn right onto Pavonia Road.

For those coming from Venice and south county on Route 41 (Tamiami Trail), cross the Shakett Creek Bridge and turn left at Albee Road and then come south again on Route 41. Turn right onto Pavonia Road. There is an opening in the median at the flashing yellow emergency lights for north-bound vehicles but that is for emergency vehicles only. It should not be used to turn left off Route 41 onto Pavonia Road.

A prominent landmark at the Albee Road crossing is the large Matthews-Currie Ford dealer on the east side of Route 41.

The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department is on the left side of Pavonia Road. Our meeting room will be in the second tan building. One of our members will be outside of the building to give directions. There is plenty of parking space just beyond the second building.

This is an excellent facility for us and we are very fortunate to be able to reserve it for our Wednesday night meetings. As Susan told you, our group as a whole has donated $100 to the Fire Department for the use of this facility for the coming year. This is an exceptionally low price and one that we should all be grateful for. The room will also be available to us for special events at other times, as needed. Bring your suggestions to the next meeting.

For those of you who would like to donate $5.00 to help us pay for this room, please bring the money to our next meeting on June 17th. For those who have already made their donation, a big THANK YOU to each one of you!

See you June 17th.

Susan Haley/Russ Heitz

Spotlight on Susan Haley

For those of you who want to know more about Susan Haley, the facilitator of our local FWA chapter, there is an excellent and informative interview with her on a blog that is coordinated by Bree Hill. Bree is a sometimes-resident of Sarasota, a book reviewer, a world traveler, and an excellent writer in her own right.

This interview may be especially helpful to our new members who are wondering just who this Susan Haley is? What has she accomplished? What are her goals? And how did she end up as our local "den mother?"

Click on the following link for the answer to these and to the many other questions that might be floating around in your head.

www.noralyn.com/blogger/success

Submitted by
Russ Heitz

Hats Off To Susan Haley!

I attended my second Sarasota Chapter Florida Writers Association meeting last night - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - at the Gulf Gate Library. I left "inspired." I left "hopeful." The contributions of the participants gave me an opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge regarding the writing world. I am grateful to Susan Haley, our FWA leader, for leading well. In my lifetime, I have attended many meetings that were not well conducted, not organized and carried an agenda that was not well thought out. When that happens members often leave frustrated and angry with no knowledge gained and/or nothing accomplished. That was not the case with this FWA meeting. Why? Exemplary leadership.

Thank you, members, for sharing your thoughts, ideas and work.

Thank you, Susan, for your leadership and for all of the time and effort you devote to this organization.

Linda M. Malloy

Toot Your Own Horn

One of the nice things about having our own FWA local chapter BLOG is that it gives us all a chance to toot our own horns every now and then. And a good opportunity it is, since there aren't too many folks around who'll toot your horn FOR you. So whenever anything happens in your writing life that you're proud of, or want to share with the rest of us, send the info to Mike Durr at michael_durr@comcast.net, Sue Haley at shaley1112@Verizon.net, or Russ Heitz at rlh3738@msn.com. Any one of us will be DELIGHTED to post your good news for all to see.

And to show you how it works, I'll toot my own horn right now. BEEP-BEEP!

If any of you ever listen to Internet radio stations check out www.radioearnetwork.com. A local interviewer named Joe has been interviewing local writers and broadcasting the interviews WORLDWIDE via the Internet and Radioearnetwork. I was interviewed recently and the interview will be coming up online later this month. At first my interview was scheduled for January 20 at 11 a.m.!! And I thought, Oh, great. That's about the time everyone in the Western World and a good part of the Eastern World will be watching and/or listening to Obama's Inauguration. I'll be lucky if 2 people hear my interview. But then, thank goodness, my interview was moved to Tuesday, January 27th at 11 a.m., with a repeat on the 29th at 7 a.m. So if you're at your computer at either of those times go to www.radioearnetwork.com. That is, if you're interested. If not, forget I mentioned it. But don't ask me to listen to YOUR interview either!

The interview will also be available sometime soon on my website, thanks to Ray Ryder, another one of our local mystery writers. If you'd like to be interviewed and have that interview broadcast World Wide, contact Susan Klaus at furryklaus@aol.com. Susan Klaus has published a couple fantasy books that especially appeal to the ladies. "I haven't met a woman yet who doesn't like my books," Susan says. Susan belongs to both the Authors Connection group and the Sarasota Fiction Writers, as does Ray Ryder. Ray, by the way, will be appearing at the St. Pete Book Fair later this month. For more info about that event, contact Ray at ray@starbake.com.

Now, see how easy that was? I not only tooted my own horn, I tooted a couple other horns as well! And before I forget. Our own Writer Emeritus In Residence John McCafferty is the one who suggested we post some info about online writing courses. (See the previous article.) So let's hear it for John. BEEP-BEEP!

Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com