Our Loss

On Wednesday, November 7th, 2012, at our first meeting of November, our centenarian and prolific contributor, Mr. Ed Lyman, was absent.  Ed rarely misses a meeting, so we read one of his two articles posted in the current Pepper Tree Literary Magazine for him.  We present it here with permission from Julie Ann Howell, Publisher of Pepper Tree Magazine.

Looking Forward

by:  Ed Lyman

Many people, well actually a few, have asked me what my goals are as a young writer.  When I ask myself the same question, the answer is clear and in sharp focus.  Simply stated, I look forward to that day when:

My stories will be found in the lunch boxes of every worker in America.

Likewise, they will be in the lunch boxes of every child still in school, next to their peanut butter sandwiches, with duplicate copies in their backpacks.

My stories will be in the duffel bags of every person in the Armed Forces, here and abroad, alongside their other "duffel"

And finally, I foresee major hotel chains, throughout our country, putting copies of my work in every night table for bedtime reading.

While my goals are being reached, I am more than pleased to appear in the Pepper Tree

*******************************************************************************************************

 

Our friend, centenarian, and prolific contributor, Mr. Ed Lyman, passed away in his sleep November 6th, 2012.  

The service is Thursday, November 15^th at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Jacaranda Trace, 3600 William Penn Way, Venice, FL.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to one of the following organizations:

1.     All Faiths Food Bank

8171 Blaikie Court

Sarasota, FL 34240

2.     St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice

1925 South Tamiami Trail

      Sarasota, FL 34293

3.     Hospital Volunteers of Venice

540 The Rialto

            Venice, FL 34285

George

From Susan Haley

From Susan Haley:

 

Dr. Pirnot is a member of FWA and a most inspiring author. I was fortunate enough to edit the book she co-authored with Garrett Frey, a paraplegic who spends his life on a ventilator since age three. She is a child psychologist and does wonderful work with kids.    

I'll head toward Florida after Thanksgiving. My cousins wanted me to spend the holiday here since I've just arrived back in Georgia from Harrisburg last week.

I hear the meetings are going great and I'll be glad to see everyone.

Best,

Susan

__________________________________________________________________________

Hi Susan,

Don't know if you are back here yet but if so, let's do a lunch soon.

Just a heads up that maybe you can get out to the FWA:  I just downloaded 11 of my books onto the Kindle Lending Library.  People who own or have access to a Kindle can go to the library and then, under Search, type in Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot and all the books will come up.  I'd like to have people download ALL of the books as it gives us greater exposure.  The books in the lending library are FREE to all and it would really stimulate interest in the books to have an early lending history.

Hope you are well, my friend.    

Hugs, Karen

Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot 

Florida Writers Association Convention - Contact

Hello George,

It was great meeting you at the FWA Conference!  Here is the link to the Florida Publishers Association which we discussed.  http://www.floridapublishersassociation.com/

FPA is a wonderful organization that answers many authors marketing and publishing questions.

Below is my contact information.  Don't hesitate to contact me.  Have a great week!

Kind regards,

Mark Wayne Adams

Mark Wayne Adams, Inc.

P.O. Box 916392

Longwood, FL 32791

We are in the back...

We are in the back of the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, actually the far west side of the building. The Sarasota Writers Group graciously uses the academic training room of the fire department on the side of the building farthest away from U.S. 41. We have our own parking area right by the door, but please don't block the fire doors or the road into the area. While it is a Florida Writers Association meeting, it is an open meeting, welcoming non-members as well. The only requirement for attendance is a desire to write.

We had another great turn out as the fall season begins, with the return of Bill Elam, Peter and Barbara Frickel, and Kerri Dieffenwierth. We welcomed Christine Burton to her first meeting and Rod's lovely wife, Betsy, as well. After the usual meet and greet, a basic semblance of order fell into place and we began our second meeting of October in earnest.

Rod opened the meeting with comments from Jim Kelly. Jim recently spoke with long time member Irv Newman who sends his warm regards to the group. Irv has been active with the hospice, and the nurses, and is keeping up with his writing.

Kerri mentioned she will be attending the upcoming Sanibel Island Writers Conference, November 8 through the 11^th. The only details we have at the moment is on the Sanibel Island Writers Conference Facebook page.

George passed out flyers for the upcoming Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise, to be held this January 19-27, 2013, and reminded everyone the 11^th annual Florida Writers Association Conference is to be held in Orlando this next weekend.

Rod began the readings with a humorous piece that has been selected for posting on the Swiss Army Knife web site, On The Cutting Edge: The Bloody History of the Swiss Army Knife, by our centenarian Ed Lyman. (www.victorinox.com/stories). Ed, incidentally, has been published in every issue of the quarterly literary magazine, the Pepper Tree. His wit and humor always draws great responses after the readings which are handled masterfully by Rod.

Joanne Phillips read her next installment of Memoirs of a Sea Hag titled, Bite Me! Only Joanne could tell the story of being bitten, I'm not saying where, by her own dentures. Joanne says it was in the Bahamas...

Kitt Crescendo read from her untitled work in progress, tentatively known as Four One Night Only, and will have every scrambling to look up the ingredients of the drink, Alien Secretion. Again, Kitt shows her skill in capturing her readers (listeners) with her writing. Glad to have Kitt in the group.

George Collias had everyone's rapt attention with his fascinating Sliver of a Memory, a personal memoir of Hemingway in Key West when George was a child living in Miami, and again later in Ketcham, Idaho, where Hemingway spent his last years. Some great intertwining of professional development and coincidental meetings. A really unique seed here, we hope George develops it further.

Kerri read her latest work Swamp Angels, from her great expanding anthology on growing up in untamed Florida. The saga of the “Owls” continues, and again, Kerri snags the listener as efficiently and firmly as her personal stories touch everyone. Great discussion followed the reading, including her use of changing POV, point of view, from 1^st person to 3^rd person effectively in the piece. Great writing from Kerri, as usual.

As always, our poet extraordinaire, Jim Kelly again stopped the show with two, marvelous short poems. First, Picket Fence, and then the timeless, remarkable Hero. Amazingly, they were written earlier in the day. Really great poetry, we are waiting for the next compilation of Jim's works. He may not have started it yet, but we are waiting none the less.

Susan Davis caught Rod off guard as he wanted to hear more about her recent travels, but instead she read one of her marvelous, untitled poems, also written shortly before the meeting. These people must really work well under pressure! She then read a poignant piece about death and acceptance, again, great writing.

Ed Ellis was up next with his applause generating Heavy Fog of Fish. He took us all to Catalina Island as if we were there, leaving us wondering how he did that. We're still wondering about being bologna and cheese, or cheese and bologna. Or spark plugs. You had to be there. It was worth the wait.

We then took a ten minute breather, then jumped back into the wonderful pool of writers who grace our meetings with Peter Frickel, who read his poem Crocodile Baking in the Sun, and then read a passage from Langston Hughes' Raisin in the Sun. Peter never fails to enthrall our group of enthusiasts.

We then were treated to the return of Bill Elam, who introduced us to the quasi-legal term of, if I copied it correctly, of equine-anal, or something pretty close to that. Lawyer talk. Bill then read again in the vein of old men reflecting on their lives, and the painting that miraculously took the colors of a pile of rust and iron oxide brilliantly and inexplicably.  It was well received in discussion by the group.

Rod closed out the meeting reading a chapter in his Little Skeeter story, Soap Box Racer, growing up in Sarasota in far less complicated times. The tight, well written piece had the drama of a NASCAR race even though we knew they were soap box derby cars coasting down a hill. Again, well received and appreciated. It's good to hear Rod get to read his own writing.

Our group of writers is an eclectic, diverse talented group of people and I look forward to every meeting. Drop in and take a listen if you get the chance. See you next time November 7^th!

George

L. David Marquet Book Signing!

Hi everyone! I'll be at the Venice Library tomorrow at 2pm discussing my book Turn the Ship Around! There will be a short discussion followed by Q&A and opportunity to buy and get books signed. Turn the Ship Around is the number 1 rated leadership and management book on Amazon out of 365,000 books!

hope to see you there

David

--

L. David Marquet

Tales2Inspire has opened its doors for the second year.

Tales2Inspire has opened its doors for the second year.

Did you know that four of the winners for 2012 were members of Gulf Coast writers groups - two from this wonderful Sarasota Writers Group? What talent in Fl. Let's see if we can do it again. A few changes have made it even better for winning authors, so be sure to visit http://www.tales2inspire.com to see what's new!

Warm regards, Lois

4th Annual Dearborn Street Book Festival

GREETINGS TO ALL YOU NICE AUTHORS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN OUR ENGLEWOOD BOOK FESTIVALS

We have really enjoyed putting them together and we thank you for helping make them so successful. We wanted to let you know we are in the planning stage of the

4th Annual Dearborn Street Book Festival

It will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013, 10 am to 3 pm

in Pioneer Park on W. Dearborn Street, Englewood.

The fee will be $25 for a space.

We have reorganized our writing contest and have named it “Write-On-Englewood” Short Story and Poetry Competition.

No more than 250 words for a poem, no less than 500 words for a short story, no more than 800. There is no theme and we ask for only unpublished work. There will be cash prizes and winning entries will be read at the festival not at another location. So start writing.

There is nothing for you to do now but to mark your calendar. Closer to the Festival we will send out more information. Looking forward to seeing you all in Feb.

Diana Harris

diharris@comcast.net          phone (941) 474-5837

Ann Favreau wins National Essay Contest

Ann Favreau of Venice, one of our most loyal FWA members and President of the Suncoast Writers Guild, Inc., has won the national essay contest sponsored by the United Ostomy Associations of America to celebrate World Ostomy Day.  Her submission may be published in the Phoenix magazine, we'll post the availability and as soon as we have the details. Ann's current book, It's Okay to Have an Ostomy, is available at amazon.com. Congratulations, Ann!

It's going to be a Great Season!

We have several announcements about upcoming writers events.


Heidi from Sandman Book Company in Punta Gorda  (http://www.sandmanbooks.com/ ) announced the Turtle Crossing Book Bazaar, a Florida book festival celebrating local authors and literature, 
November 17, 2012 from 10 am to 4pm, at 16500 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, Florida 33955 (near Burnt Store Marina).  For details, check  http://www.turtle-crossing.com/

Secondly, Christine Koryta, coordinator for the Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise, announced the Ninth Annual conference this January 19-27, 2013.  Details are available at:
www.writersinparadise.com 

The 2013 Eckerd College Writers’ Conference will feature lectures on craft by National Book Critics Circle Award and PEN/Faulkner Award winning author, Ann Patchett (State of Wonder), New York Times Best-Selling authors Dennis Lehane (Live By Night), and Michael Koryta (The Prophet), as well as workshops led by Andre Dubus III – Short Story I (House of Sand and Fog), Stewart O’Nan – Short Story II (Last Night at the Lobster), Tom Franklin – Novel I (Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter), Ann Hood – Novel II (The Red Thread), Laura Lippman – Novel III (And When She Was Good), Les Standiford – Nonfiction (Bringing Adam Home), Beth Ann Fennelly – Poetry (Unmentionables), David Yoo – Young Adult Writing (The Detention Club), and much more.

All events will be updated as we receive more information.

Watch closely now, things are popping up daily!

George  

The First Wednesday in October

The first Wednesday in October saw a really great turnout in spite of the Presidential debate scheduled for later in the evening. We welcomed four newcomers, Jim Stoner, Bob Sutherland, Chad Brockhoff, and Chalise Bourque, and we welcomed back an old friend when George Collias returned as well.

After the usual greetings and cordiality, the meeting kicked off with Rod DiGruttolo holding the gavel and allowing me to speak briefly about the upcoming Florida Writers Association Convention October 19^th, 20^th and 21^st. Full details of the upcoming conference can be found at http://www.floridawriters.net/2012_FWA_Conference.html. I was pleased to announce Don Westerfield has donated the profits of his great book of poetry, Casting Shadows, to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, our gracious hosts for our meetings. We usually collect five dollars from our members twice a year as a donation to the NVFD to show our support and thanks for the volunteer organization. Don's gracious contribution is greatly appreciated.

Rod started the readings with Roger Satowski's great piece titled How to Write Stuff Nobody Reads, or, really, what constitutes a novel? Discussions followed briefly, then the truncated meeting resumed with Don Westerfield reading his rewritten The Photograph. We thought it was excellent before, but the discreet smoothing and tuning made it really great. Don also read the excellent poem from the piece called “Secret Places.”

Joanne Phillips cautiously read the next chapter of her book, Memoirs of a Sea Hag. Joanne felt one critique of her last chapter was a little too caustic. No fear, her continuing story about sailing the Bahamas and the Glass Window Bridge on Eluthera used intertwined dialog and descriptive narrative to capture everyone's attention. Well Done!

Susan Davis again had everyone in her power as she read “Eating My Way Up the Coast”. The one passage that insured rapt attention was, “Orgasmic! No, said his wife, it was better than sex!” They were talking about swimming after a great shrimp dinner. No one missed a word of the narrative! Susan will soon be published in the Venice Gondolier with articles of local interest to the community. We look forward to her column!

Kat Levato read her poem, “Inflamed,” and showed the wordsmithing and care used to define really sensuous writing. Really, really nice work! We do hear some really nice poetry at the meetings, and Kat is another welcome addition.

Andrew Parker read Chapter Four of his Robot Story, Crash, and showed his ability to tell a griping story and hold everyone's attention. We noticed the manuscript had 327 numbered pages, so we look forward to more. What happened to Mary and Tommy after the crash? We'll have to wait to find out.

We wrapped up the shortened meeting with a reading by a welcome FWA member, Chalise Bourque. Chalise read a short piece entitled, That Kind of Guy, and immediately made fans of the entire audience. This was Chalise's first meeting with our group, and we look forward to seeing her in the future. Her book, “One Right Thing,” will be on sale at the Convention.

And with that, we took a break and everyone who wanted to watch the debate made their goodbyes. When the break was over, we basically had only a few who didn't have too far to travel, so we all said our goodbyes until the next meeting, October 17^th.

See you then,

George

Ed Lyman is published once again

Russ Heitz sent this really nice e-mail about our friend and centenarian, Ed Lyman.

“Ed Lyman called me today to tell me his story, ON THE CUTTING EDGE: The Bloody History of the Swiss Army Knife, was accepted for publication on the Swiss Army Knife website  (www.victorinox.com/stories).  I sent a short email to them with some additional info about Ed and got the following response.  I don't know when the story will appear but we'll definitely have to keep an eye out for that.

If you want to send Ed a note of congratulations his email address is elyman24@comcast.net.

Russ”

Hello Russ,

Thank you so much for your endearing email!

I'm an Ed Lyman fan and (I'm sad to say) I've never even heard of him before. Your email prompted me to do a quick Google search and I saw his 100^th birthday photo. I'll dig a little deeper as time permits.

Your email has been forwarded to the proper department. Hopefully, your background information on Ed will accompany his story. It would be so nice to share Ed Lyman with the world!

 http://www.victorinox.com/stories/thehelper

Thank you,

TRG Group Customer Service

888.658.0717

To: TRG Group Customer Service

-

It is my understanding that your website (http://www.victorinox.com/) recently accepted a story for publication in your "Stories" section that was written by Ed Lyman of Venice , Florida , re: his humorous tale about the Swiss Army Knife.

I just wanted to give you some info about Ed that you might want to include with the story which he calls "On the Cutting Edge."  Most important of all, Ed Lyman celebrated his 100th birthday this past summer!  He is also very active in a writing group in the Venice , Florida , area.  I am also part of that writing group.  The group is affiliated with the Florida Writer's Association.  Ed has published nearly 100 short humorous articles like the one you accepted.  His subject matter is broad and varied but always humorous.  His stories usually with a "snapper" ending as well.

Ed Lyman is a remarkable old gentleman and I hope you can provide some extra publicity for him and his story.

I have known Ed for about 10 years and he continues to amaze me with his intelligence, wit, compassion and, most of all, his youthful enthusiasm for the written word and for Life in general.

If you need additional information about Ed please feel free to contact me at the above email address.

Russ Heitz

On the Road...

 We are celebrating our anniversary this month by giving authors our Anniversary issue. Over this past year we have promoted 178 authors and their books. Share this link with your writing groups and celebrate with us.

 

http://www.southernwritersmagazine.com/july-gift.html

Our total focus is promoting authors and their books.

 

Susan Reichert

Editor-in-Chief

Congratulations Peter Frickel

Sarasota Writers Group member Peter Frickel's long awaited books are now available as eBooks on Amazon! “My Frog Sings,” may be found at http://amzn.to/NqqMgb and “Lotha and the Three Crosses” at http://amzn.to/Kt0CFk.

A synopsis of each work can be found on each Amazon page, as well as ordering information.

Our Congratulations to Peter!

My Frog Sings: Synopsis

“When change comes it brings an end. The past is replaced.
A new beginning rises: for some there is sunshine, for many the shadow of hopelessness, feelings of being unwanted and unloved.

For me only a buried past could open my gate; that is when I started to gather a garden piece by piece. There, I found a world that shared the weight of memories, spoke of a cure for each ill, showed the difference between imagination and reality. My emotions were comforted, my hurts accommodated.

I learned the demands of each season: they gave, they nurtured and taught me a new way. I became a provider, found new horizons, learned to stand alone on the platform of a new begining. Strengthened, I readied my new start–remembered salty tears that dried in the sunshine of time–discovered desires come before dreams and that intuition is the real guide.

Most of all I found I was something of value; that I could love again, deeply. Let me share this with you.”

Lotha and the Three Crosses” synopsis

“Do you know that Lotha is one of the most honored of men by God the Father for building the tomb for His son Jesus and given by Joseph of Aramathea.

When Lotha offered to carry Jesus’ cross what did Jesus do for him?
What did he tell Lotha to do? I learnt that answer from monks and priests who live in the mountains of Abyssinia.

You ask, what happened to the three wooden Crosses after the crucifixion.
I know.

Then the great mystery of the stone that sealed the tomb of Jesus. What happened to it?It just did not disappear. Do you know how the Romans unknowingly participated? I tell the true story of how today that stone still cures thousands of believers and pilgrims.

Do you know, in Europe wherever the Virgin Mary has appeared, parts of the great stone are buried exactly on the spot of her apparition?
It is because of the presence of that piece of stone believers and pilgrims who visit are cured of their ills and torments.
Many are converted. Many experience miracles.

After centuries there is one place remaining, still undiscovered, where the last of the stone is buried. It is where the Virgin Mary is still to visit. What a wondrous thought.

It’s area is known to me. I plan to to go there soon, in and about the Pyrenees.
Explore in the same manner, walk, walk as I walked the length and breadth of Africa, the Middle East and Europe for two years.
How long? I do not know. Yes, I will write for you and you can read of my great feelings and discoveries and the places I search.

Experience speaks of a lonely journey.”

Barringer Publications accepting manuscripts from members

Jeff Schlesinger, Publisher, Barringer Publications, has announced to the Sarasota Writers Group they are currently accepting manuscripts in all genres,  a very unique opportunity for our authors.  Please contact Jeff at js@barringerpublishing.com for more details, or please check their website at:

http://www.barringerpublishing.com/

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

Johazel Publishing Company will open its first writing contest June 1, 2012.

Chris Coad Taylor, a member of the FWA group in Tampa, has announced the Johazel Publishing Company will open its first writing contest June 1, 2012.

"The contest is open to any author in the country.  We will be selecting several authors for inclusion in the publication of a collection of true stories about ordinary women who have shown courage and strength while dealing with tragedy, loss of loved ones, or just the heavy burdens of everyday life.

The collection reveals the stories of the unsung heroines who walk through life without the acknowledgment they so deserve. The working title of the collections is:

Extraordinary Woman Next Door

 The Extraordinary Woman

 For more information go to www.johazelpublishing.com, click on the contest tab, and scroll down to the link, Extraordinary Women Next Door, and click.

A window will open up with information on what the contest is about, details of submissions, and an application form. Four (4) pages total.

The three key things to remember for the submissions are:

1. Entry stories have to be true and about a living woman. 
2. You must have her permission (signed wavier to publish her story) 
3. A picture (jpeg of the woman of your story) must be available for publishing. 

I am excited about the publication because my vision is not just to publish a collection of beautiful stories of extraordinary woman, but for the book to be aesthetically beautiful as well. Printed with the stories will be original artwork of flowers sprinkled between the pages. Flowers will represent the emotions and qualities of the women. For example, the Gladiolus represents strength of character and the Jasmine presents grace and elegance.

Extraordinary Woman Next Door will mix the literary and art world in one publication. I hope your members will be as excited about this inspiring project as I am and will submit their writing entry for consideration. If you can announce this contest at your next meeting, newsletters, and later on add a few reminder announcements it will be greatly appreciated.

The contest is open from June 1 through September 30, 2012. Estimated publish date: Spring 2013. Word count maximum: 3500.

Details may be found on my web site: www.johazelpublishing.com
For questions, entrants should check the website contest pages or use our contest email address cctaylorcreations@hotmail.com."

Chris Coad Taylor

Free On-Line Writing Class, June 5th, 2012

Join Michael Knost Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 9:00PM EST for a FREE online writing class!
The subject will be Body Language and how it relates to creating believable characters.
Use the following link to log in:
http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/870442-body-language
I suggest you log in ten minutes early so you can get signed in with no problems
No software needed. Just a computer, high-speed internet, and a willingness to learn.
The class setting is a video of me live (sorry about that), audio, PowerPoint presentation, and chat function for everyone.
Invite all your friends and let's make it a big party!
I hope to see you there!
Michael Knost

www.MichaelKnost.com

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Our Wednesday meeting, May 16th, was a special night for several reasons. Besides having a “Full-House,” we also listened to a special half-hour program given by the Chief of the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, Frank Palmer. Chief Palmer took center stage after our usual 6:00pm “meet and greet.” That was after our “Firetruck” quiz from Ed Ellis, which was a nice warm-up for Chief Palmer. Chief Palmer's program covered many aspects of community programs that are to be enhanced through a grant that will be written later this year. He asked for writing contributions from the group to help “seed” the project.

Susan Haley sadly announced fellow writer and group member Irv Newman is not recovering well from his recent cardiac event. Irv, author of “Living on House Money,”

(http://www.peppertreepublishing.com/book-detail?book_id=95) misses the group, and he is in our thoughts and prayers. Appreciation and Friendship Cards should be mailed to:

Irv Newman

8767 Midnight Pass Road

#407F

Sarasota, FL 34232

The meeting kicked off in earnest with Ed Ellis at the helm, minus the cow-bell he used last time. It wasn't needed as everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves with another evening of eclectic writing. Richard Zimmerman of Athens, Georgia, attended as a guest of George Mindling, and we welcomed back writer and editor Patricia LaBarbera. 

Patricia announced she will hold a class on self-editing this coming Saturday, May 19^th, at the Selby Library. This free, open to all class will be at 1:30pm in the Conference Room.

Rod DiGruttolo started the evening's readings with a piece written by Malcolm Forbes contributed by Ed Lyman. Rod read the story about the infamous encounter with Mr. & Mrs Leland Stanford and the then president of Harvard that led to the establishment of Stanford University. Always a lesson in humility.

Next, Joanne Phillips continued, albeit not in sequence, with Chapter 17 of her book, “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” This time evoking visions of lost treasures, well, at least $500 dollars worth, and of an overly amorous Porpoise. Joanne was disappointed she didn't draw serious criticism of her work. The discussion and critique then erupted just to make her happy. Good stuff.

Patricia LaBarbera then read a short story called “Big Mouth” that hooked everybody. Outstanding piece that broke her own rule about using inanimate or non-human subjects. Good writing.

Cecile Bell Kennedy's short story “Are You A Doctor?” about a young boy who has to give himself insulin injections was obviously rooted in personal knowledge and concern. The well written piece using dialog only brought another round of applause.

Don Westerfield read two of his excellent poems. The first, “When You Go” touched everyone who has raised children when those children finally leave home on their own. The great writing just keeps coming! The second poem, My Poem As a Painting” drew great response as well.

Kerri Dieffenwierth read “Ranch Hand” from her upcoming “Homemade Rodeos,” and once again showed her ability to use narrative, dialog, and description to pull the reader into her world. One of the longest sentences ever written, or at least one of the longest I have ever heard, worked like a charm and drew gasps of delight and appreciation. Good writing, Kerri.

Ed Ellis dipped into the past through his “Time capsule” and read two pieces he wrote back in his corporate world days. Ed co-authored an unofficial company newspaper for GE many years ago, and recently received an old copy from a friend. Reading from an old copy of the “Flair Facts,” the prophetic “Department of the National News” and the “Banana Award” for funny happenings showed Ed had the flair and the talent back then.

Susan Haley coaxed Rod DiGruttolo into reading his piece “Snakes, Spiders and Snails,” about Florida's denizens, all real but seen differently through the eyes of youth. A young boy capturing a snake with his bare hands had everyone's attention.

Peter Frickel read a piece that enthralled everyone, but didn't disclose the author until he finished reading. The great piece from “Log from the Sea of Cortez,” by John Steinbeck about the “virtue” of giving and the responsibilities of receiving caught everyone off guard.

Ed closed the meeting with the announcement the next meeting will be in three weeks. The after-meeting session was as much fun as the before-meeting session, but we eventually said goodnight, turned out the lights and went home.

See everyone June 6^th.

George

Tales2Inspire Winners

From Lois Stern, Director, Tales2Inspire (http://www.tales2inspire.com/HOME.html)

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

I am so proud to announce that both Cecile Bell and Rod DiGruttolo are now the proud recipients of WINNER awards in the TALES2INSPIRE "Authors Helping Authors" project/contest.  Although I was rooting for them both, I did not enter into the judging process.  Each 'tale' was judged and scored by three other writer entrants and their scores were amongst the highest. I am thrilled for them both. See what talent you have in your little group!

Tales2Inspire will reopen later in Sept. and I hope more of you will enter then.

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

John Harnish book available as a free download

Greetings FWA Sarasota Writers Group


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Enjoy often...John

John Harnish author of: Blasting the Hell Out of Tornadoes: Pandora vs, Supercell Available as a free download from Amazon starting on 4/21/12

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

As our sun-birds depart for cooler climes, our core group of writers continues to show up with an eclectic collection of writings to keep us active and entertained. We miss our seasonal friends and wish them a safe and speedy return. We will miss Kathleen Schwartz this summer as she joins the seasonal exodus to the north. We missed Peter and Irv, both full-time residents who should both join us again soon. We wish them both speedy recovery.

Our Wednesday meeting started with Ed Ellis doing the honors as head of the meeting. Ed obviously meant business; he brought a blue, Tampa Rays cowbell (claimed it was his wife's) so he would have a way to “get attention.” Except for the break announcement, it was unneeded. Rod DiGruttolo took advantage of the opportunity and relaxed for a change. He'll be back up front for the next meeting. Ed kicked off with a 5 word test about synonyms and meanings. Myrtle? Really? All I could come up with was Wax or Crape...

George spoke a few words about blogging and the its benefits and will put together a quick instruction sheet for the next meeting on May 2nd. Susan Davis spoke briefly about about Eye Opening Films being shown at Aurora Physical Therapy, 1037 US 41 By Pass S. on Thursday nights. Upcoming films include “Tapped,” “Trashed,” Deep Green,” and “Thrive.” A $5 donation is requested, contact Susan at 941-486-0590 for details.

Kathleen led off the reading with her work about a 69 year old woman going on her first date in 43 years! “The Gal is Going Out,” showed not only her really great writing, but her powers of observation as well. Feedback was really great! Kathleen will be back this fall.

Rod got to read, something we often miss due to his usually being the M.C., and we were rewarded with his short story based on an old hit song, "The Grandfather Clock.” Again, discussion was overwhelmingly positive. Great writing! Susan Davis read from her as yet untitled work in progress about the baby-boomers, the “Old Hippies,” who are not powerless in spite of the frustrations and obstacles all around us. More great writing! Again, the group discussion was all positive.

Don captivated the group with a narrative based on an Air Force experience from 40 years ago. In spite of the heavy use of military jargon and phrases, everyone fully understood the pathos of the story without Don overly describing or explaining in layman's terms. The great writing just keeps coming! After the discussion, Ed got to use his cowbell and we took a quick break

Susan Haley started the second half by reading a poem she had earlier judged at a “Blind” reading. She loved the poem and told the writer exactly what she loved about the poem. Only then did she find out the poem, “My Good Life,” was written by our own Don Westerfield.

Ellen Magnuson read another chapter from her book “S'Truth,” her engrossing autobiography about emigrating to the U.S. From England as a young woman. Her description of sailing the North Atlantic in a former refugee ship that ended up with a cracked hull enthralled everyone.

Ed Ellis again provided more of his work in progress, being in a non-linear mode at the time, the piece will be fitted as the story about survival in a post nuclear terror attack develops. The metamorphosis of the characters in really engrossing.

Lee Taylor Franke read a developing piece that may have been considered poetry, but is evolving into poetical prose. “Pass it On” was well received, and received quite a bit of discussion, especially about the format.

Ed closed the meeting with the announcement of another writers group in Englewood. The meetings take place the 2^nd Thursday of every month at 233 Old McCall Road at 6:30 pm. If you need a landmark, it is across the street from Willie's Motorcycle Bar. 

With that, we wrapped up an said goodnight.

See everyone May 2^nd!

George

Footnote: Among the actual answers are these tidbits:

According to Babylon.com, this jewel is from the Harry Potter definitions: “Myrtle - A ghost who haunts the toilet in the girl's bathroom. She moans loudly and complains that no one likes her (which is probably true).”

According to UrbanDictionary.com, myrtle means “Surf Ambassador Hendo slang term for an attractive female whether her attraction is physical, creative, mental, psychological, or hypothetical. Basically, a stone fox!”

Wednesday, 4-4-12

Another evening listening to writing that covered a wide variety of styles. From a new chapter of a book in progress to several beautiful poems, the evening was fast and, as always, diverse.

Unfortunately, we started the meeting with the sad news of the passing of Dahris Clair, dear friend of Susan Haley. Dahris was a friend to many others in the Sarasota Writers Group, and the Florida Writers association as well. Dahris established the FWA writers group in New Port Richie, coordinated mini-conferences and local writing contests, and published the monthly e-zine The Infinite Writer. Dahris will be greatly missed.

Susan Haley also announced she will take things a little easier in the future and will take a different, less demanding role with the Sarasota Writers Group. Susan formed the group six years ago, but will turn the official FWA “link” to George Mindling who will be listed in the FWA information sheet as the contact for the Sarasota Chapter. Susan thanked Ed Ellis, who, among other things, has been the Internet contact for the group; Rod DiGruttolo, who faithfully and with great aplomb, runs each of the meetings; and Peter Frickel, and Russ Heitz, who have all been responsible for the success of the group. Susan will attend the meetings, of course, but she will no longer need to carry a briefcase that weighs as much as she does! George made a quick announcement, thanking Susan for her past efforts forming and maintaining the group, and that the only thing that changes is the name in the FWA data sheet.

Rod thanked the group for their contributions to the St. Judes' Bikathon that allowed his Grandchildren to donate $70 on everyone's behalf. And with that, we were under way.

Susan Davis presented an idea to the group about a project that may lead to road trips and an different approach to writing. New names for “New Age” or “Alternative lifestyles” will be welcome as she defines the Baby Boomers who may want to "clean up around us,” with inspirational messages, individual passions and personal empowerment. The old names just aren't right, nor accurate. Any suggestions?

We welcomed Susan McNeil to the group. Susan, a poet, was a guest of Cecile Bell Kennedy. Also returning was member Steve Cholby.

Rod opened with an Australian start. That's were the order is reversed and those who were last, go first, and we started with Joanne Phillips reading another chapter of her “Memoirs of a Sea Hag.” Last time we were hanging on for dear life in a tropical storm, this time we were curious about getting an octopus out of a snorkel! Joanne, of course, finished the main course with a racy poem that was all about technique! As always, the discussion that followed was interesting to say the least.

Don Westerfield read a short poem dedicated to the surprised Joanne, and then read “The Old Man.” a piece set in Appalachia that once again caught everyone off guard. Great stuff. Steve Cholby read two pieces to mark his return: “The Good Doctor” and an interesting narrative called “Philanthropy of the Mind.” Great to have Steve back, we look forward to more of his writing.

By then it was 8:00pm and time for a quick ten minute break.

We started the second half with Bill Elam's romantic prose demonstrating how our decisions affect those around us. Bill's writing will be part of a broader story. We would love to hear it in its entirety.
This was Bill's last meeting of the season and we will have to wait until fall to hear more.

Lee Taylor Frank read her rewrite of “The Colombian Experience,“ now 1914 words from the original 3200! The works is crisper and entertaining. We all held our breathe through the gunmen stopping the bus and the ensuing drama. Again, lively discussion followed, all good. The work is really turning out nicely.

George read his one page narrative “The Duel,” an exercise in describing an interaction between two unknown people over a canape, and we finished the night with Ed Ellis.

Ed read a poem written for his grandson's wedding entitled “Hearts and flowers.” A touching gift. No wonder Ed has been asked by Lemon Bay High School to address the senior class!

See everyone on Wednesday, 18th!

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