Two Days 'Til Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be safe
Be happy
Be writing

Susan

Wednesday Writers With Peter

Hi all,


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My best,
Susan Haley

Wednesday Already??

Hi Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

My best,
Susan

PS

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


OGACIHC

Susan :))

June 1st Meeting Was a Fun Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Honor of our Veterans

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

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

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

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

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

See ya Wednesday!
Susan

Bits and Pieces

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

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

www.fundsforwriters.com


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

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

Susan

Such Talented Writers!!

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

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

Best,
Susan

Summin' Up

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Best, Susan

Great Meeting - More to Come!

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

Get Well Addresses As Promised

Hi again, everyone . . .

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

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

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


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

If anyone has questions, please email me.
Susan

Great News and Great Announcements!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan

Lots Goin' On in April!

Hello everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone have a great weekend.

Susan

A Humbled Leader Returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Smith's New Book

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

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

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

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Win a Kindle ... and More!

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

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

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

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Wolfman Photos Wanted

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

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

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

Thanks!

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

Nineteen Day 'Til Christmas

Hi All -

Like you need a reminder - right? :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,
Susan

Happy Thanksgiving & A new link!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan

Help!!

Hello Writers!

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

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

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

Susan

Meeting Recap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rainbows are on the horizon!!

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Hello All

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

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

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

Susan

Saturday Morning Workshop

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Your Loss, Our Gain

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

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

The helpful handout distributed was specifically about writing memoirs.

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

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

Thanks, Ryan, for an excellent presentation!

Wednesday Meeting--October 20th

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Library Science Degree.org

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

Hi from Pennsylvania!

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

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

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

Burrr . . . . . .

Miss you all,
Susan

Can You Take A Hint?

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

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

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

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

And ... GOOD LUCK!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

Meeting Recap for October 6th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com

First Five Pages Only - Announcement from Susan

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

October is Upon Us!

Hi Everyone - Coming to you from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan