THE NEWSTREAM: Spring, 2013
Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another!
JOIN US!: TWA: Flying High at the Tallahassee Writers Conference
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: DRAGON'S RUN Is Here!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: A "Kind" Kind of Press
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Attention Teen Poets!
JOIN US! Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
MAY
TALLAHASSEE WRITER'S CONFERENCE . . . Tallahassee (Florida Panhandle)
The annual TWA Conference takes place this year on Friday and Saturday, MAY 17th-18th, kicking off with the
TWA Book Festival on Friday evening.
On Saturday, Jamie Morris will present/co-present three workshops: In the Community Prompt-Writing Hour, she'll lead participants in warming up their writing chops; then, Jamie will wind up the Plot Clock: How to Keep Your Story Ticking; she'll round out the day co-presenting Back Story: A Fine Balance with
Julie Compton. (See more of Julie's good news, below.)
For more information on the TWA Conference, visit
http://twaonline.org
JUNE
1) 5-WEEK MINI-SUMMER SESSION AMHERST WRITERS & ARTISTS (AWA) WORKSHOP . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
MONDAY NIGHTS: From June 3rd-July 1st, our AWA workshop meets every Monday evening from 6:30-9 p.m. In these workshops, writers at all levels head into new territory, producing on-the-spot stories from the stuff of their lives and imaginations.
This workshop is limited to eight writers. Cost: $175. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes feline residents.) To register, or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
ONLY TWO SEATS LEFT for this workshop.
2) HALF-DAY BACKSTORY SEMINAR! . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)On SATURDAY, JUNE 8th, from 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Jamie Morris will present a three-hour seminar titled, Backstory: Looking Back, Moving Ahead in which attendees will learn
- how to distinguish between the six most common types of backstory,
- the pros and cons of each style presented,
- and how to determine the length of backstory passages.
Presentation will include specific examples from acclaimed suspense writer
Julie Compton's second novel, RESCUING OLIVIA. Join us, and gain the tools and know-how to effectively integrate backstory into any story you want to tell.
This workshop is limited to twelve writers. Cost: $75, includes light lunch and coffee. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes feline residents.) To register, or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) DRAGON RUN has been officially released! Pat Matthews' first novel is a fast-paced fantasy adventure story published by
Scholastic. Written for third through eighth graders. You can find it at
Barnes and Noble,
Amazon, and your local bookstore.
You can find a whole lot more information at www.dragon-run.com (along with a link that will take you directly to its Amazon page). And if you'd like to learn more about Pat, visit him at
www.pat-matthews.com.Pat, we are fire-breathing proud of you and your dragon-ish crew!
2) Finally! The sequel to Julie Compton's first legal thriller, TELL NO LIES, is out! The fantastically engaging, super-satisfying KEEP NO SECRETS poses an important question: After the ultimate betrayal, which is more important: trust or forgiveness?
As the book opens, St. Louis DA Jack Hilliard wants nothing more than to be trusted again by his wife, Claire.
But all of Jack's efforts begin to crumble when the woman involved in his earlier downfall returns to town asking for his help. Just when he thinks the pressure can't get any worse, his son's girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault. Can Jack trust his freedom to the legal system on which he built his career?
You'll just have to read the book to find out! (But you can click over to Julie's site and read the first chapter. http://julie-compton.com/.)
KEEP NO SECRETS is available in both eBOOK and print editions.
Congratulations, Julie. This was the book we've been waiting for.
3) Joan Okun, who has been working on Middle Grade fiction for several years, is on her way! It is great news, Joni, to hear of your contract with agent Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .
Whoo-freakin'-hooo! There was much lauding and applauding in our Tuesday night BookWriter's Critique Group when member Jack McGrath announced that he had won the 21st Annual Florida Playwrights Competition for his full-length drama EROS IN VERACRUZ. Jack started writing the play in the January 2012 workshop, and polished the 120-page script in the September workshop.
EROS was selected from submissions from around the state and will receive a full production on April 3-7, 2013 at the Black Box Theatre at Valencia College. The play, written in both Spanish and English, tells the story of an American in Veracruz, Mexico, who falls in love with a local Mexican girl and finds himself caught between the drug cartels and the political intrigue of modern-day Mexico.
Seriously? This play rocks. See you ALL this weekend, right? (Bring Kleenex. You've been warned.)
Jack, we couldn't be prouder. Thanks for making it happen right before our very eyes.
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
Artist and writer Ramona Pelley had the 1st Letter to the Editor in the latest edition of ART DOLL MAGAZINE. A published doll-artist, herself, we're happy to read what Ms. Pelley has to say about others in her world.
SOUNDS LIKE . ..
Woodstream's main yogini pal, Debbie Parsons, has created a fantastic CD titled, A YOGA NIDRA EXPERIENCE. "Yoga nidra" is a practice of deep relaxation and guided meditation, and with this CD, it will be like having an experienced guide with you at your convenience.
You can find A YOGA NIDRA EXPERIENCE at Spiral Circle, 750 N. Thornton Ave, Orlando or purchase an MP3 download at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/debbieparsons.
Thanks, Debbie, for making this gift of relaxation available to us, everyday. Namaste!!
UNCONTESTED . . .
1) Read (Think) Books hosted the Ravine Writing Contest just recently. We'd like to congratulate the contest winners, Jack Owen for "A Pioneer in Putnam"; Ann Marie Skordy for "The Magic Forest"; G.A. Teske for "My Good Friend Dan"; and Rob Mattson for "The Enemy Entered Palatka."
We'd also like to raise a glass to Mary K Swanson and Kristen Pegler (proprietor and manager, respectively) of the awesome, independent Palatka bookstore for supporting their community and encouraging writers to put pen to paper! Visit them in person or at www.ReadThinkBooks.com.
2) As part of this year’s BookFest, the Lake County Library System sponsored the ¡Viva Libros! poetry contest judged by Pulitzer Prize nominee Vivian Shipley. Over 90 entries were received and 18 winners were selected.
Jody Rehman, owner of Partners in Crime Publishers and founding member of Writers One Flight Up, is proud to announce that three WOFU members were selected to attend a private workshop with Ms. Shipley and to read their selections at a public event at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mt. Dora.
Writers One Flight Up members reading were:
Rod Billette, reading The Otter
Richard Henderson reading Graveside Solace
Susan Green Jaillet reading Cracker Jacks
Their poems will also be published on the Lake County Library System website Writers’ Page, on the Writers One Flight Up website and on the Pulse the Magazine website.
Good work, Lake County poets!
MORE HEROIC POETICS . . .
1) Our very own most lovely, bright-moon of a poet, Peggy Miller, has just had a chapbook of new poems accepted at Finishing Line Press. The collection is called NIGHT OF THE HALF MOON and will be available soon.
We can't wait, Peg. Please let us know!
2) Finishing Line is also publishing Suzannah Gilman’s debut poetry collection, I WILL MEET YOU AT THE RIVER, in May. Such great news, Suzannah. We're looking forward to it!
BLOG-BLOGGETY-BLOG-BLOG . . .
1) Susan Bartlett's been sending out her first novel, working on the first draft of her second, and blogging about the world both her protagonists live in at www.dontcursethenurse.wordpress.com. Take a look-see. Susan's got a take on nursing that's fresh and to the point
2) Middle-grade writer Anne Hawkinson wrote a blog post for the Florida Writers Association's Conference Blog a few weeks ago. It's titled, "Being Afraid," and is worth your read: http://annehawkinson.wordpress.com/Being Afraid
3) Our pal Sue LaNeve was tagged in The Next Big Thing Blog Tour! She tells us it turned out to be a fun chance for her to talk about her (fictional) pal, Spanky. Head over to http://quirkandquill.com/2013/03/04/the-next-best-thing-blog-tour/ to read the interview. You can also catch Sue at her own blog, www.myclimbingtree.com.
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
With the quick-shifting sands of publishing, it can be difficult to know who to trust if you're interested in self-publishing your work. We are so happy that we know one publisher that we're happy to recommend!
Middle River Press, whose mottos is "We do it right!" has published books from award-winning autobiographies to best-selling children's books. All their work is custom designed and expertly edited: No formats or templates with this publisher! With Middle River Press, you get personal advice and help every step of the way.
Visit them at http://www.middleriverpress.com/
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
Calling Teen Poets!
If you're a teen, a poet, and a resident of (or student in) Maitland, Florida, you have until 6 p.m., April 15th to submit your poems to the Maitland Library's contest.
The Library requests poems be formatted in 12 point font and limited to the length to one page and that you include your age, school name, and grade level on your poem. Only one entry per person!
Submit poems via e-mail to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
********************************************************************************
THE NEWSTREAM: January, 2013
Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another!
JOIN US!: WORDS + ART = A Museum Adventure
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Florida Playwrights Competition Winner!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Best Teacher of the Year!!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Three Small Presses Present Possibilities
JOIN US! Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) WORDS + ART: A Museum Adventure . . . in Orlando, Florida
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29th: Participants in this get-your-fingers-inky workshop will join Woodstream director, Jamie Morris, in penning personal responses to colorful art from the current exhibits at the Mennello Museum. Open to all; absolutely no writing or artistic experience needed. Join us.
WHERE: The Mennello Museum of American Art, Loch Haven Park, 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803.
WHEN: 10 am - noon, Tuesday, January 29th
WHAT: View the current exhibition, then pen on-the-spot responses to the art you see.
WHO: Open to teens and adults; no experience necessary. Limited to 10 participants.
HOW: Reservations required: 407-246-4278.
COST: $20 per person; includes coffee and light snacks.
WHAT TO BRING: Pen and notebook.
2) AT THE INTERSECTION OF PERSON AND PLOT: How Characters Shape (and Are Shaped by) Their Stories . . . in Gainesville, Florida
Join us on Saturday, February 9th, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., to explore the many (organic) ways your characters' attitudes, desires, strategies, hopes, loves, and fears drive them into and through the stories that will (or have) change(d) their lives forever.
Whether you're writing fiction or memoir, this will be an instructive, experiential day filled with opportunities to learn fresh literary approaches, practice new skills, and contribute to lively group discussions!
The cost for this one-day workshop, $135, includes full breakfast and lunch. Limited to 14 participants. For more information:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163. (Note: The private home in which this workshop is being held includes two feline residents.) ONLY TWO SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS WORKSHOP
3) MINI-WRITING MARATHON . . . in Longwood (Central Florida)
On Saturday, March 2nd, we invite writers at all levels to join us for one of Woodstream's fabulous Writing Marathons. From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., writers will catch a spark from our writing prompts or feed the flames of their longer works-in-process. Come be part of the fun!
The $75 cost includes continental breakfast and full lunch. Limited to 8 participants. (Note: The private home in which this workshop is being held includes feline and canine residents.)
To register or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
4) The CORAL SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS . . . in Coral Springs (South Florida)
On Saturday, March 16th, Jamie Morris will be presenting a fun, fresh take on an oh-so-important aspect of literary craft in a 90-minute workshop titled, Back Story: A Fine Balance, at the 9th Annual Coral Springs Festival of the Arts.
This fabulous, weekend-long, South Florida arts event brings together all the arts you can imagine: fine arts, literary arts, music, theater, crafts, and even culinary arts--over the course of two inspiring days!
Come! Look, listen, and learn at the fabulous CSFOA. For more information, visit http://www.csfoa.com/.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) WRITER'S DIGEST contributing editor Elizabeth Sims reports that her awesome! (ed.) new book, YOU’VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU: A STRESS-FREE GUIDE TO WRITING THE BOOK OF YOUR DREAMS, has emerged from the editorial process and is galloping into the design phase. Her publisher, Writer’s Digest Books, intends to launch the book in April.
According to Julie Compton, author of Tell No Lies and Keep No Secrets, Elizabeth Sims packs a twelve-week writing course into [just over 300] pages. Inspirational and yet extremely hands-on, You've Got a Book In You will give newbies confidence to forge ahead and will remind veteran writers why they began writing in the first place - for the joy of it. I won't be surprised when the brilliant terms "stormwriting" and "heartbrain" become part of every writer's lexicon.
Stay tuned. We will let you know how to find this fabulous book as soon as it's available! In the meantime, visit Elizabeth's great site at www.elizabethsims.com/
2) And speaking of Ms. Compton . . . The internationally published suspense writer has taken the reins in hand and--in a nothing-ventured-nothing-gained bid--has produced a Kindle version of her debut novel, TELL NO LIES. The Kindle edition of TELL NO LIES is now priced at only $2.99! That's right, for less than a Starbucks grande nonfat mocha latte, you can buy an entire book!
(Did you know that "Liking" a book on its Amazon page helps that book rise in Amazon search rankings? Which in turn helps other readers find it? So if you enjoy TELL NO LIES, and you've got a minute . . . ) www.amazon.com/Tell-No-Lies-ebook/dp/B00AUJO6VA
As for KEEP NO SECRETS, the (truly crazy/exciting) sequel to LIES, well that book is just weeks away from its own debut. (For a sneak preview of KEEP NO SECRETS, click over to Julie's website and read the first chapter. http://julie-compton.com/.)
By the way, both books sport gorgeous new covers designed by an up-and-coming designer at SCAD (who just happens to be Julie's oldest daughter, Jessie). Great launch, Julie. Congrats . . . and hold on tight!!!
3) Well, if you read it in Publisher's Weekly, it must be true . . . So we are officially congratulating Augusta Scattergood, author of Middle Grade novel GLORY BE on Scholastic's acquisition of her second novel, tentatively titled, THE WAY TO STAY IN DESTINY!
In DESTINY, 12-year-old Theo arrives in a small Florida town in 1974 to take up residence in Miss Sister Grandersoles's Rest Easy Rooming House and Dance Academy; there he discovers piano, baseball lore, and a renewed sense of family. Publication scheduled for 2014.
Visit Augusta at www.augustascattergood.com/--and when you get there, tell her we're proud as punch!
4) What keeps SciFi-er Jon Fore out of trouble? (Re-)creating the end of the world! For the new year, the prolific Mr. Fore has released a new book, VEGA RISING, his latest take on the apocalypse.
Good on you, Jon. We hate to see the world end, but it's good to know it's going out in style . . .
(Read the release announcement at www.jonfore.com/2013/01/release-announcement-vega-rising/. And catch an excerpt here: www.jonfore.com/the-library-2/vega-rising/)
5) If you've ever met Rob Sanders, you know he's passionate--and brilliant--about picture books. His COWBOY CHRISTMAS was released in September 2012 by Golden Books. (You can view the trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F_Jpmr4-6g.)
Now, we're looking forward to the Summer, 2014, release of his RUBY ROSE ON HER TOES, from HarperCollins. A little bird tells us that "Ruby Rose dances into and out of every day . . . and every problem she faces. She wiggles her toes when she wakes up. She ballets during breakfast, She belly dances while brushing her teeth. And she bee-bops all the way to Ms. Diffenderfer’s classroom on the first day of school."
Find out more about Ruby Rose and Rob at www.robsanderswrites.com or visit his wonderful blog, www.robsanderswrites.blogspot.com.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .
Whoo-freakin'-hooo! There was much lauding and applauding in our Tuesday night BookWriter's Critique Group when member Jack McGrath announced that he had won the 21st Annual Florida Playwrights Competition for his full-length drama EROS IN VERACRUZ. Jack started writing the play in the January 2012 workshop, and polished the 120-page script in the September workshop.
EROS was selected from submissions from around the state and will receive a full production on April 3-7, 2013 at the Black Box Theatre at Valencia College. The play, written in both Spanish and English, tells the story of an American in Veracruz, Mexico, who falls in love with a local Mexican girl and finds himself caught between the drug cartels and the political intrigue of modern-day Mexico.
Seriously? This play rocks. See you ALL in April, right? (Bring Kleenex. You've been warned.)
Jack, we couldn't be prouder. Thanks for making it happen right before our very eyes.
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
In the short memoir piece "The Lost Save of Tug McGraw," Steven Scott Nestle writes about a magical moment between himself and his son, a moment illuminated by their shared love of baseball. In it, Nestle tells his son about how he met his own baseball hero, Tug McGraw, and shares some wisdom he learned from the man. Heartfelt and heart-warming, it is available as a Kindle Short: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077AWZ6I/ref=pe_186110_27577230_pe_vfe_dt1.
Truly lovely story, Steve.
UNCONTESTED . . .
Last time, we reported that Jody Rehman, of Partners in Crime Publishers (www.partnersincrimepublishers.com), had told us about the Writers at One Flight Up/Pulse Flash Fiction Contest. THIS time, we are ever so pleased to be able to say, "And the winner is . . . "
Congratulations to a fine, fine Lake County writer, Lisa Rast, on winning that contest with her story titled, "Elfin River Tours." Lisa's piece will be featured in the Winter issue of PULSE MAGAZINE, due out this month.
Look for it. Lisa's stories are, to quote Robert Palmer, "simply irresistible."
HEROIC POETICS . . .
Poetry Ensemble of Orlando (PEO) has been reading original poetry together since 2008 at a variety of Central Florida locations including, libraries, bookstores, senior centers, art galleries, festivals and museums. In 2009 the group released CONNECTIONS: A COLLECTION OF POEMS which included work by founding members Alice R. Friedman, Russ Golata, Leslie Halpern, Estelle Lipp, and Robert Osborne.
Since then, they have been joined by Oral Nussbaum, and most recently by Peter Gordon and Elle O'Dowd.
Keep up to date with PEO's schedule of poetic performances at http://ensembleoforlando.wetpaint.com/. And take a peek at their 2013 poetry contest guidelines in the "How Now Brown Cow" section, below.
BLOG-BLOGGETY-BLOG-BLOG . . .
1) So, that FWA Conference Blog? We mentioned it last time, if you remember. Well, the still-brilliant, still-breezy Chris Hamilton is still penning it at http://floridawriters.wordpress.com. But here's the cool thing. Now, he has a little help from his friends (see below).
2) Every month, two of the FWA-Con Blog's weekly "Exercise Wednesday" posts will be created by, respectively, Jamie Morris on the second Wednesday of each month and Peggy (Poet) Miller on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
As Chris says, "If you’ve been to the conference, then you recognize [Jamie and Peggy] as the people who drag their butts out of bed really early so [attendees] get to have prompt-writing classes. If you’ve never been to the conference, consider their prompts just a small preview of what you get when you attend." (And when Chris says, "early," that's what he means. I'm not saying Peggy and I are saints. I'm just sayin'.)
Don't want to wait until October? Or find out exactly what "early" means? Then visit us some Wednesday at http://floridawriters.wordpress.com/
3) I could have added "smooth" to the list of Chris H.'s many attributes. How else to explain how he also got Middle Grade novelist Anne Hawkinson to write a post a month for the FWA-Con Blog?
This month, Anne is writing a piece titled, "About Cemeteries," which will run on January 14. The article explores Anne's own (re-)discovery of her childhood impressions of cemeteries and how those have evolved into her current fascination with graveyards. Read it at http://floridawriters.wordpress.com/
While she focuses on her recent memorable visit to her paternal grandfather's grave in Northern Minnesota, I wouldn't be surprised to see a cemetery scene or two show up in Ms. Hawkinson's next Middle Grade adventure.
Hint, hint, Anne.
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) So, let's talk about Orlando Renaissance guy Joseph Hayes. He is a person who knows how to make a thing or two happen in the realms of both the literary and the dramatic arts. At the moment, he's moving and shaking with a Kickstarter project called 13in13 for which he will be writing, producing and/or curating thirteen works to share with the Orlando community in, yup, 2013.
Joseph's Kickstarter campaign ends on January 27th at 8:35 a.m., so hurry on over and get yourself a piece of this tasty pie. According to Joseph, there are all kinds of goodies available at the Kickstarter page (http://goo.gl/Jj45O) and the 13in13 website has full details--and streaming shows!!
Visit www.13in13.net and get in on the affirmative arts action!
Good luck, Joseph. We are lucky to have you sharing your creative spirit with our community.
2) Over and over, writers tell us about teachers that influenced them way back in grade school. Woodstream's most inspirational writer, Kay Adrid, wrote to tell us that her daughter, Karin Kraftchick, is one of those fine educators--and now everyone knows it! Karin was recently named Best Teacher of the Year at Highlands Elementary School in Winter Springs. (In her happiest "mom voice," Kay said, "I am so proud of her; it is so well deserved. Throughout the years I have hear about her classes and her work with many troubled students. She has such a way with kids; she is perfect for her job.)
Anyone thinking what I'm thinking? This apple did not fall far from the tree, Kay. Congrats to both of you.
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) Small presses offer writers an alternative route to publication. Check out these three--and let us know if you hear of any others you'd like to share here, if you would.
A) Permuted Press's motto is "Enjoy the Apocalypse." No wonder we heard of this small, survival/horror fiction publisher from Jon Fore (see "Book 'Em, Danielle, above). To date Permuted has published over 80 titles targeting the apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, and survival horror fiction markets. Today, Permuted Press relies heavily on the power of the internet and advances in publishing technology to establish itself as one of the best known publishers in the apocalyptic niche.
Sound like the right place for your work? Visit Permuted at http://www.permutedpress.com/. Tell 'em Jon sent you!
B) We first learned of Hadley Rille Books when they published author-pal Terri-Lynne DeFino's 2010 fantasy, FINDER. Now T-L is an editor at Hadley Rille, which has also published the sequel to FINDER, A TIME NEVER LIVED (http://www.amazon.com/Time-Never-Lived-Terri-Lynne-DeFino/dp/0984967028/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1339456930&sr=8-1).
Primarily a Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Historical press, Hadley Rille's books are oft-awarded and the company well-regarded by the industry. If Fantasy is your game, Hadley Rille may be the place to find your fame. Give 'em a look-see at www.hadleyrillebooks.com/index.html
C) Every year at the FWA Conference we get the pleasure of talking with Rebecca and Neal Melvin of Double Edge Press, which focuses on Christian-themed books. They are interested in Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance, among other genres. And, honestly, they are just lovely people.
If you think you might have work that would fit their list, visit them at www.doubleedgepress.com/. (Or pitch them at the FWA Conference in October!)
2) Poetry Ensemble of Orlando invites all poets to participate in its 2013 poetry contest. All forms and themes of original, unpublished poetry of 32 lines or fewer are welcome. Entries must be postmarked between January 15, 2013 and April 1, 2013. Winners will be notified April 15, 2013.
Entry fees are $5.00 for the first poem and $4.00 for each additional poem. There is no limit to the number of entries. Make checks payable to: Poetry Ensemble of Orlando.
To Enter: Mail a typed copy of each poem. Attach a cover sheet with name, address, telephone number, email address, poem title, and the number of lines. The author’s name must not appear on the entry. Manuscripts cannot be returned.
Send to: Poetry Ensemble of Orlando, c/o Bob Osborne, 319 Casa Grande Court,Winter Springs, FL 32708
Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded for first, second and third prizes along with an invitation to read the winning poems at the Ensemble’s May performance.
Please enclose a self-addressed postcard with adequate postage for acknowledgment of manuscript receipt. For a list of winners, include a self-addressed, stamped #10 (business size) envelope with entry. Poets retain all rights to their work.
Any questions? E-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
********************************************************************************************************
THE NEWSTREAM: Fall/Winter, 2012-2013
Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another!
JOIN US!: Workshops + Writers = YOU!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Royal Palm Literary Award Winners!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Read (Think!) Books: A Brick and Mortar Store!!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Where Writers Win . . .
JOIN US! Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
WORKSHOPS for JANUARY 2013
1) ALTERNATE-WEEK AMHERST WRITERS & ARTISTS (AWA) WORKSHOP . . . in Winter Park (Central Florida)
MONDAY NIGHTS: From January 7th-April 15th, our AWA workshop meets on alternate Monday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m. Designed for writers at all levels, this workshop is limited to eight writers. Cost: $275. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes a canine resident.) To register, or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163
2) ALTERNATE-WEEK CRITIQUE GROUP . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
TUESDAY NIGHTS: From January 8th-April 16th, our BookWriters' Critique Group meets on alternate Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to discuss each others' works-in-progress. Present up to 60 pages of work for peer and professional review over the course of the session. Appropriate for intermediate-to-advanced writers with work-in-progress. Limited to seven writers. The cost, $525, includes a one-hour private consultation with workshop leader. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes feline residents.) To apply, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163
FOUR-WEEK CREATIVE WRITING FOR EVERYONE . . . in Sanford (Central Florida)
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: From January 9th-January 30th, our Creative Writing for Everyone Workshop meets EVERY Wednesday evening from 6:30-9 p.m. This workshop is appropriate for EVERYONE! Join us and remember just how much fun writing can be!
Location: Art Affair Gallery in charming downtown Sanford. Limited to eight writers. The cost, $135, includes snacks and coffee. To register or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163
4) WORDS + ART: A Museum Adventure . . . in Orlando, Florida
Participants in this get-your-fingers-inky workshop will take a quick tour of the current exhibits at the Mennello Museum of American Art, then create playful (or profound) writing in response. WHERE: The Mennello Museum of American Art, Loch Haven Park, 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803.
WHEN: 10 am - noon Tuesday, January 22
WHO: Open to teens and adults; no writing experience necessary. Limited to 10 participants.
HOW: Reservations required: 407-246-4278.
COST: $20 per person; includes coffee and light snacks.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) In Elaine Braman (Senecal) and Margarete Johl's debut cozy mystery, RIGHT IN SIGHT, sassy newspaper columnist Kate Lambrose juggles her teenage daughter's angst; the aftermath of a painful divorce; and keeping her at-arms-length boyfriend at arm's length--all the while unriddle-ing a cryptic poem and solving a 40 year-old murder.
The best news? RIGHT IN SIGHT is available NOW!! http://www.amazon.com/Right-Sight-Margarete-Johl/dp/1936167700/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350868539&sr=8-1&keywords=right+in+sight
Our happiest congratulations to both Elaine and Margarete, of course (but especially to Elaine!!).2) Our new friend (and RWA Golden Heart-award winning author!) Karla Darcy is a Regency Romance writer, and a smart one, at that! For Karla, the lovely gowns, masked balls and witty conversations of the era (not to mention the saucy double entendres) proved the perfect cup of tea.
"Karla Darcy . . . creates a particularly attractive heroine to captivate both the hero and the reader alike. Darcy is winning a large readership with her diverting novels," reports ROMANTIC TIMES.
If Regency is YOUR cup of tea, don't wait! Visit http://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Sweet-Deception-Regency-ebook/dp/B009G7H7C2 for a limited-time offer of a $.99 Kindle copy of Karla's latest, THE SCANDALOUS WARD!
3) Our pal Jon Fore keeps 'em coming. His latest sci-fi, REMNANT FEW, is getting a fine response on Amazon, where it's available as an e-book.
How can you NOT like a book that takes place at "Camp Blackrock," a sinister spot designed to teach social responsibility to juvenile offenders. Especially when inmate protagonist Dakota is not a criminal! Worse, Blackrock is not her first survivalist camp--but it IS supposed to be her last, then off she'll go to college. Except, unfortunately for Dakota (but luckily for her readers), before Dakota completes her training, a war has begun. Hooked? Visit http://www.amazon.com/Remnant-Few-ebook/dp/B0094MI1HO to find out what happens next!
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .
Dramatist and teacher Jill Craddock wanted to let us know some of her good news! Several of her plays have been picked up for production by the New Ulm Actors Community Theater (http://www.newulmact.com/) in Minnesota for January 2013.
In addition, she has created a series of one-act shows for kids called REQUIRED RHYMING that adapt classic short stories into rhyme. These are available on her website, Required Rhyming (http://www.requiredrhyming.com), as well as on www.teacherspayteachers.com.
Wonderful news, Jill. Thanks for sharing it with us!
IT'S A WEBBITY, WEBBITY WORLD . . .
Make the FWA Conference Blog (fabulous, smart, literary fun hosted by the brilliant, breezy Chris Hamilton) at http://floridawriters.wordpress.com a daily stop on your on-line tour. You'll thank me--but really, you should be thanking Chris who posts EVERY SINGLE DAY (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS . . .) year in, year out, and makes the world of writing a better place to be.
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
1) What fun! Florida Writers Association (FWA) publishes an annual short story collection introduced by a "Person of Renown." This year's collection, MY WHEELS, was organized by the indefatiguable Su Gerheim (THANK YOU, SU!!) and introduced and launched by renowned local author Julie Compton--whose other duties were to choose the Top Ten stories and submit a story of her own!
Below, you'll find a list of friends of ours who made the cut . . .
Introduction and "On the Boardwalk," by Julie Compton, author of the internationally published TELL NO LIES and RESCUING OLIVIA, http://julie-compton.com.
In the Top Ten . . .
"And Promises to Keep," by Vic DiGenti, author of the WINDRUSHER and QUINT MITCHELL mystery series, http://windrusher.com/
"Jack and Bertie Get Married," Philip L. Levin, http://doctorsdreams.net/publications.html
Best of the Rest . . .
"My Wheels Have Names," by Gerry Wolfson-Grande
"Lean In," by Susan Bartlett
"Hands at the Wheel," by Teresa Bruce
"Right Turn on Red," by Gwen Rutter
2) Second Generation! Doctoral student Soren Whited (son of Boston-based poet Gary Whited) won the 2012 Radical Philosophy Association Iris Marion Young Award for his paper "The Historical Legacy of Struggles Against Racial Oppression in Present forms of Anti-Racist Politics." Interestingly, the award Soren won is named after an old grad school classmate of Gary's! Go figure. Seriously? Like father like son.
Congratulations to BOTH generations of hard-thinking Whited men. And here's a link to the page listing Soren's award: http://www.stonybrook.edu/philosophy/.
UNCONTESTED . . .
1) Another wonderful feature of the FWA Annual Conference is the ceremony during which the Royal Palm Literary Awards are announced. This year, several Woodstream buddies were handed the coveted prizes. We'd like to offer our compliments to our pals and all the other writers whose work stood out from the hundreds of entries! In particular . . .
Unpublished Historical Fiction
First Place: THE LANTERN, by Joanne Lewis, http://www.joannelewiswrites.com/
Unpublished Mainstream Fiction
Second Place: ANDREW COMES HOME, by Philip L. Levin, http://doctorsdreams.net/publications.html
Unpublished Science Fiction
First Place: STONE PERFECT, by Chris Coward, http://chriscoward.weebly.com/
Published Mystery
First Place: THE GIFT, by Bruce H. Kubec (Thanks for moving the chairs, Bruce!), http://www.brucehkubec.com/
Unpublished Children’s Picture Books
First Place: SUKI SALUKI: Horse Farm Hero, by M. R. Street, http://www.bluerockrescue.com/
Second Place: RECTANGLE JANGLE, by Gayle Swift, http://www.shewrites.com/profile/GayleHSwift
Third Place: DRAGONELLA'S STRIPED UMBRELLA AT THE PLAYGROUND, by Gayle Swift, link, above
Published Flash Fiction
Second Place: "100 Needles," by Paige L. Scott, http://www.shewrites.com/profile/PaigeLScott?xg_source=profiles_memberList
Unpublished Flash Fiction
First Place: "Dial Tone," by Gayle Swift, http://www.shewrites.com/profile/GayleHSwift
Finalist: "Lights Out," by Susan Bartlett
Published Short Story
Third Place: "T-Patrol," by Mary Lois Sanders, http://www.persisgranger.com/Mary_Lois_Sanders.htm
Unpublished Short Story
First Place: "A Flutter of Wings," by Victor DiGenti, http://windrusher.com/
Finalist: "The Money Room," by Susan Bartlett
Unpublished Novella
First Place: RESTORATION, by Laura Pelner McCarthy, http://www.silkpurse.net/Silk_Purse_Editorial,_Laura_Pelner_McCarthy/restoration.html
Unpublished Autobiography or Memoir
First Place: HARDSHIP POST, by Robert J. Taylor
Unpublished Poetry
Second Place: "Petal Fists," by Donna S. Fernandez
Third Place: "Greedy," by Maxie Steer, http://www.maxiesteer.com/
2) Jody Rehman of Partners in Crime Publishers (http://www.partnersincrimepublishers.com) and one of the founding members of Mt. Dora's Writers One Flight Up (WOFU) (http://www.writersoneflightup.com) is announcing--TaDAH!--the NEW PULSE MAGAZINE/WOFU contest!!
A "short works" contest, the limit is 650 words for pieces based on the images shown on www.PartnersInCrimePublishers.com. Visit PIC for all details--and note, the deadline for the contest is midnight, November 30th, 2012.
Good luck!!
3) Mary K Swanson, owner of Read (Think) Books (see Community section, below) sent us this information about the Mystery Writers of America's (MWA) call for submissions for their next anthology titled, ICE COLD, to be edited by Jeffery Deaver and Raymond Benson.
The Publications Committee of Mystery Writers of America invites members to submit original short stories for the next MWA anthology to be published in 2014. Centered on the Cold War, this book will let members unleash their own interpretations of a scary era. Raymond and Jeff will each write an original story for this exciting anthology and have invited other top MWA members to do so as well: Joseph Finder, John Lescroart, Laura Lippman, J. A. Jance, T. Jefferson Parker, Sara Paretsky, Katherine Neville, and Gayle Lynds with John Sheldon.
Ten new stories will be selected by an expert MWA panel from a pool of blind submissions by our current members.
Stay within the theme, and send in your story by February 1st for consideration.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Submissions must be blind. Six copies of each story should be sent to the MWA office at:
Mystery Writers of America, 1140 Broadway, Suite 1507, New York, NY 10001
All contact information (including email address and phone number) must be on the COVER LETTER ONLY. The stories will not be returned, so do not send SASE.
Each story will be assigned a number. Stories will be read by five status members of MWA. The top choices of the panel will be sent to the editor for inclusion. Stories must be original and unpublished. Stories should be between 3,500 and 7,000 words. Individuals may only submit ONE story for consideration.
Deadline for submission is February 1, 2013. Manuscripts must be received in our office by that date.
All authors will receive a “thank you for submitting” letter and will be notified by email as soon as final selections have been made. An announcement will be made in The Third Degree announcing the winning stories.
If you have questions about the anthologies, please contact the MWA national office:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
a) Manuscripts must be printed on paper. E-mail submissions will not be accepted.
b) Use Courier or Times New Roman at 12 pt size; underline words that are to be italicized; indent the first line of new paragraphs by five spaces (or one standard tab).
c) Print on one side of the paper only. Double-space, and use at least 1” margins on all sides. Jumbo Metal Paper clips are preferred. Do not bind, staple, fold, or put your story in a folder.
d) On the cover sheet only, put your real name (the one you want a check made out to), and on new lines each: your address, phone number, e-mail address, and word count for the story. The cover sheet should not be part of the story print-out and should not be attached to any of the copies.
e) At the middle of the first page of the story, type the full story title in CAPS, go down two lines and begin on the next line (this is for formatting only and not the mandatory title or opening sentence of your story).
f) Starting with Page 2, put the title of the story and the page number on the top of each page.
g) At the end of your story, type END or ###.
h) Mail the six copies of the manuscript in an envelope marked “MWA Anthology Submissions" to facilitate routing. Send all submissions to:
Mystery Writers of America
1140 Broadway, Suite 1507
New York, NY 10001
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
Mary K "Writing Wench" Swanson and her (busy!) business partner Kristin Pegler are making Palatka a literary oasis! Their charming bookstore, Read (Think) Books is becoming a reader's staple in cuter-than-cute downtown Palatka (practically) on the banks of the northward flowing St. John's river.
Not only is Read (Think) Books doing its job bringing FRESH to the (mostly) used bookstore genre, it's also--obviously--doing its job WELL! We know this because after just six months, R(T)B has outgrown its original store front and is moving five doors down the street to a bigger--corner--location.
Along the way, Mary K and Kristin will be tucking 5000 MORE books onto their new shelves, bringing their inventory total to 12000 books--give or take a few pages.
With more shelf-space and square footage, MK and Kristin will continue adding new books snd used books, books by local authors and NY Times bestsellers, but most importantly, they are developing a FABULOUS assortment of antique, vintage, rare, and collectible books.
Visit Read (Think) Books for their "We're Moving Sidewalk Sale" from Monday, November 5th, to Saturday, November 10th, which coincides with their move from 617 to 627 St. John's Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Can't wait? Visit them virtually at http://www.readthinkbooks.com/
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
We've been receiving the "Where Writers Win" newsletter in our Woodstream in-box for some time. The site offers "Marketing, Websites, Training and Tools for Emerging Authors," and has some interesting articles, to boot.
They say, "We help authors market and sell their books with strategic websites, author website training, author-specific social media, and professional media training, all KEY areas you need to address if you want to be a career author.
"We work with you, hands-on, to build a wider audience of readers using today’s most advanced author marketing techniques, including custom websites that you can easily self-manage, blogs, social networking, and professional media training."
Here's the link to their site: http://www.writerswin.com. Check it out and let us know what you think!
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
THE NEWSTREAM: Late Summer, 2012
JOIN US!: Words + Art = YOU!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Here Be DRAGONS!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Books and Butterflies Abound
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Web Community
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) ALTERNATE-WEEK AMHERST WRITERS & ARTISTS (AWA) WORKSHOP . . . in Winter Park (Central Florida)
"Creative Writing for Everyone" is the AWA credo. In these workshops, designed for writers at all levels, experienced writers take risks that lead to new territory, while newer writers develop confidence and produce vivid creative work.
Cost: $275. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes a canine resident.)
To register, or for more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
2) WORDS + ART: A Museum Adventure . . . in Orlando, Florida
Participants in this get-your-fingers-inky workshop will join Woodstream director, Jamie Morris, in penning personal responses to colorful folk art from the Mennello Museum of American Art (MMAA)’s Eye Spy: Faces exhibit. Open to all, absolutely no writing or artistic experience needed. Join us. Engage with art and create your own playful (or profound) piece of writing--story, essay, memory . . . whatever comes to you to write.
WHERE: Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton Street, Orlando 32803.
WHEN: TWO SECTIONS AVAILABLE--Tuesday, August 14; 10 am - noon or Tuesday, September 25; 10 am - noon
WHAT: View and discuss exhibits at the MMAA; write an on-the-spot response to the art you see.
WHO: Open to teens and adults; absolutely no writing or artistic experience necessary
HOW: 10 participants. Reservations required. Call the MMAA at 407-246-4278 to reserve or for more information.
HOW MUCH: $20 per person; includes coffee and light snacks.
WHAT TO BRING: Pen and notebook.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) Pat Matthews wowed us in Wednesday morning BookWriter's Workshop with his Middle Grade fantasy novel DRAGON RUN. Now, come January 2013, readers everywhere can enjoy Pat's exciting fantasy/adventure story. How? Well, that's the date the book will be released by--Ta DAH!--Scholastic, Inc.!!
Catch a whiff of dragon-fire at www.dragon-run.com/
Sometimes, Pat, only the word "awesome" will do. This is one of those times. Congratulations from all of us.
2) The working title is YOU'VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU: THE STRESS-FREE GUIDE TO WRITING THE BOOK OF YOUR DREAMS. The author is Woodstream pal crime-writer Elizabeth Sims. Elizabeth is the author of seven popular novels, including the Lambda Award-winning DAMN STRAIGHT. She is also a Contributing Editor at WRITER'S DIGEST magazine, where she specializes in the art and craft of fiction.
What Ms. Elizabeth tells us about the book: It’s a from-the-ground-up guide, a helping hand from someone with total belief in the power of writing. Beginning and intermediate writers will find themselves working more easily because they'll have the tools they need to bring their book to completion--including the most important "tool," confidence.
Look for YOU'VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU in spring of 2013 when it will be released by Writer’s Digest Books. In the meantime, visit Elizabeth at http://www.elizabethsims.com/ and be sure to read her super-smart-and-helpful columns in WRITER'S DIGEST.
Huge congratulations on all you're doing, Ez.
3) "She wrings the extraordinary out of the ordinary," says author Joey Everest of Kay Adrid's personal essays. Kay wrote with us for years in the old workshop loft, sharing her insights into life and nature and spirituality. Now she's published her second collection of her work in BLESSINGS, LOVE, & GRATITUDE (More Reflections), the follow-up to her 2011 collection, REFLECTIONS.
To order your copy of BLESSINGS, LOVE, & GRATITUDE, e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
To order REFLECTIONS, visit http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Kay-Adrid/dp/1613791917
Kay, keep writing and sharing, please. We need your lovely voice in this world.
4) Jon Fore is fast-ball writer! His most recent sci-fi novel, PARADISE, is available as a Kindle edition on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-ebook/dp/B0070YEU96) where it has received some very nice reviews.
Nice job, Jon! Let us know what's next, please.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .
1) A couple of years ago, Jill Craddock spent a session with us working on her stage play ONCE UPON A PILL, which was subsequently produced at Fringe. Now, we'd like to congratulate Jill on her latest dramatic work, PEARL, THE MUSICAL (http://www.pearlmusical.com/), which chronicles the life of Europe’s most celebrated socialite and notorious courtesan Cora Pearl. PEARL had four performances at this year's Orlando Fringe Festival.
That sound you hear? That's our wild applause, Jill!
2) Renaissance guy Joseph Hayes (playwright, arts-and-food critic, and all-around cool person) has instituted a new twist on one of the oldest art forms, theater. With his House Theater Project (htp), Joseph creates intimate, original theater experiences for live audiences in living rooms, gardens, and other uncommon spaces--
all the while webcasting the performances using tiny, hand-held cameras and an Apple iPad!
"Groups are just beginning to do this kind of online experiment in New York and LA, and it's exciting to see it happening here in Orlando," says United Arts of Central Florida, who awarded Joseph an artist development grant to support this project.
The htp tagline says it all: "htp: From our house to yours. Live. Online."
Learn more about Joseph Hayes and htp at http://www.jrhayes.net/ and http://housetheaterproject.com/
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
1) We're so excited! Our good friend (and our co-presenter at this year's FWA conference--more, in Community Connections, below) Julie Compton (TELL NO LIES; RESCUING OLIVIA) has had a story included in CAST OF CHARACTERS, an anthology that presents 28 stories ranging from romance to suspense to fantasy to comedy--some by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors--making CAST OF CHARACTERS a must-read for everyone who loves short fiction.
Visit Julie at http://julie-compton.com and be sure to grab a copy of the anthology at http://www.amazon.com/Cast-of-Characters-ebook/dp/B007FFKV9S
2) Laura Fournier's a multi-talented writer who is currently at work on a picture book and a Middle Grade novel. In the meantime, though, she found time to pen a story for CHICKEN SOUP titled, "Laughing with Mom," which is featured in the new CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: FAMILY CAREGIVERS.
Visit http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Caregivers-Sacrifice/dp/1935096834 to purchase the book. Trust us. You'll enjoy Laura's poignant-yet-humorous voice.
3) Steven Scott Nestle spent some time with us working on his long-form memoir. While he continues to seek representation for that work, he excerpted a charming short story which he has titled, "The Lost Save of Tug McGraw" and published on Amazon as a Kindle Single (http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Save-McGraw-ebook/dp/B0077AWZ6I).
The proceeds of the story will be donated to the Tug McGraw Foundation, http://www.tugmcgraw.org/.
Good work, Steve. Keep on pitching!
4) SIX WORDS ABOUT WORK is the title of an anthology in which DRAGON'S RUN's Pat Matthews (http://www.pat-matthews.com/games.php) has shared his, well, six cents!
The latest installment of the bestselling Six-Word Memoir® series, SIX WORDS ABOUT WORK offers more than 400 passionate ways of looking at work. Created by SMITH Magazine (http://www.smithmag.net/), SIX WORDS ABOUT WORK is packed with inspirational quotes on why people do what they do—six words at a time.
Get inspired: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2612019.
UNCONTESTED . . .
Jody Rehman of Partners in Crime Publishers (http://www.partnersincrimepublishers.com) and one of the founding members of Mt. Dora's Writers One Flight Up (WOFU) (http://www.writersoneflightup.com) and Susie Jaillet, also of WOFU, and staff writer for PULSE MAGAZINE (http://www.pulsethemagazine.com) shared the results of the most recent PULSE MAGAZINE writers' contest.
Woodstream Writers would like to congratulate those winners--1st Place, Barb Henny; 2nd Place, Jan Richardi; and 3rd Place, Ella Paets: Your respective work shone out among the strong showing of 65 entries!
We'd also like to thank PULSE, Partners in Crime, and WOFU for all the support they give to writers in Lake County and beyond. We really appreciate your hard work on behalf of the literary arts.
POETIC MUSCLE . . .
1) Recently, the inaugural Arts in the Evening series in Boston featured poet (and Woodstream novelist-in-the-works) Gary Whited whose "way with language, philosophical ground, and capacity to bring sensitivities so acute they ached with beauty" beguiled his lucky audience.
Gary, who grew up on the plains of eastern Montana, read from his current manuscript, HAVING LISTENED: POEMS OF PLACE. He has been a featured reader at many notable literary events, and his poems have been both widely-published and well-awarded.
We are a little bit in awe of Gary's poetry-making--and proud as we can be of his hard work on his novel-in-progress, EATING THE WIND. Go get 'em, Cowboy!
2) "Go tell Alice" that we are so happy to hear about her new book! Alice R. Friedman, a founding member of the Poetry Ensemble of Orlando (PEO) (http://ensembleoforlando.wetpaint.com/) has published a new collection of poems titled, WHAT NOW, COURAGE? which you can find at http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/alice-r-friedman/what-now-courage/paperback/product-18869337.html.
In addition to this good news, three of Alice's poems have been included in LOVE AND OTHER PASSIONS, the second anthology featuring Central Florida poets to be produced by CHB Media.
3) And speaking of which . . . Russ Golata, another PEO founding member was the first to let us know about LOVE AND OTHER PASSIONS, which is a follow up to the 2009 POETRY TO FEED THE SPIRIT. Russ tells us that LOVE features work from some of the Central Florida poetry scene's most recognizable names--along with poets from around the globe.
LOVE AND OTHER PASSIONS is available from CBH media, http://www.chbmediaonline.com/
or Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Love-Other-Passions-Central-Florida/dp/01
4) "It Could Happen to You," "You Woke Me Up," and "Ode to a Red Light," these are the titles of the three poems that poet-and-performer Elaine Person has had included in LOVE AND OTHER PASSIONS.
We love to see you perform these in person, Miss Elaine E. S. Person, but we're glad to have a chance to see them on the page, as well. Congrats, Missy.
IT'S A WEBBITY, WEBBITY WORLD . . .
1) Memoir writer Joey Beauregard was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 44 after living near a toxic waste site for 16 years. In 2010, Joey participated in the Breast Cancer Fund's Climb Against the Odds, climbing Mt. Shasta to raise awareness and funds to eliminate toxic chemicals in our environment.
She writes about the issues of toxic chemicals and health, and recently had an article published on the Breast Cancer Fund website and the Safer Chemicals Healthy Families website.
Take a look: http://www.breastcancerfund.org (Click box for blog on front page.)
http://www.saferstates.com/2012/05/lessons-from-florida-joey-beauregards-mom.html
Thanks for tackling these tough topics, Joey. Beautiful Regards!
2) ChinaVine. ChinaVine. ChinaVine.
Don't bother saying it three times fast--we just did that for you. Instead, visit http://chinavine.org/ and see what writer and Folk Art Advocate Kristin Congdon has put together with her team.
ChinaVine is a cooperative Folk-Art project whose aim is to educate English-speakers about China's cultural heritage. Kristin says, "We combined 'Vine' with China because of the fluid, ever changing and winding ways of culture." The (FABULOUS) website allows visitors to see the various aspects of the project, "meet" Chinese Folk Artists, and view their work.
Amazing. Brilliant. (And that's just us talking about your Poet's Pose, Kristin!)
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) WOW! It's almost that time again! The 2012 Florida Writers Association Annual Conference welcomes writers and authors from all over Florida and the Southeast to the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary for the Eleventh Annual Florida Writers Association Conference. (http://www.floridawriters.net/)
From Friday, October 19th, through Sunday, October 21st, a faculty of fine presenters--including authors discussing craft, agents sharing tips about publication, and editors offering advice about the industry--will be on-hand to fullfill FWA's credo, "Writers Helping Writers."
For the fifth year, Jamie Morris will be facilitating two early bird creative writing sessions titled “Let’s Write Prose!” where writers write in response to an exercise and share their work aloud with the group.Also, this year, Jamie Morris and internationally published St. Martin's author Julie Compton (also, FWA's 2012 Person of Renown--http://www.julie-compton.com) will be presenting a two-part workshop titled Backstory: A Fine Balance in which attendees will learn how to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of backstory. We hope to see you there.
Thanks, Mary Lois Saunders, for making it so!
2a) Middle Grade novelist Anne Hawkinson is hard at work on the first draft of her second story (Go, Anne,go!). But in the meantime, she seeks--and gives--inspiration among the flowers and butterflies in the Butterfly Garden at Seminole State where she works.
Well, she DID seek inspiration there, but when she found that the garden was being neglected, Anne stepped in to do something about it. Recently, she spent most of a Saturday tearing out the weeds and planting things like plumbago, milkweed, Mexican heather, penta and lantana that butterflies favor. See Anne's renewed Garden of Inspiration at http://www.seminolestate.edu/newsroom/index.php?section=articles&article_id=661&article_title=Hawkinson-brings-butterfly-garden-back-to-life
2b) Sometimes, novelists just need to take a break from the long form and write something short and sweet (see Pat Matthews' six-word blurt, above). In this case, Miss Anne H. looked up from her novel-in-progress long enough to enter a contest to write just two words: the names of the two clouded leopard cubs at the Central Florida Zoo.
And guess what? Her names WON!! Those lovely cubs are now named "Cirrus" and "Nimbus" thanks to Anne--and to the Fox 35 viewers who voted for her. Take a look-see: http://orlandoskyradio.com/2012/02/27/new-clouded-leopard-cubs/
3) Mary K "Writing Wench" Swanson and her (busy!) business partner Kristin Pegler continue to serve Palatka with their charming bookstore, Read (Think) Books. In cuter-than-cute downtown Palatka, (practically) on the banks of the northward flowing St. John's river, Read (Think) Books creates a fresh, modern, oasis.
The latest news from R(T)B tells us that brand new books now share shelfspace with the used books; a monthly Jane Austen Book Club holds its meetings in the bright, colorful store; and a monthly Children's Book Club makes sure that newer readers have a chance to set their roots deep in some good, literary soil.
This is a terrific place to buy, trade, and talk about books. What else can it be? Tell Mary K and Kristin. They will make it so!
Visit Read (Think) Books at 617 St. John's Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 or at http://www.readthinkbooks.com/
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HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) Fanstory (http://fanstory.com/) was brought to our attention by poet/memoirist Alice Friedman of the Poetry Ensemble of Orlando (http://ensembleoforlando.wetpaint.com/).
On the site, they invite writes to share their work, exchange feedback, enter contests, and just generally benefit from the opportunity to be part of a literary community.
If you visit, let us know what you think.
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
THE NEWSTREAM: January into Spring, 2012
JOIN US!: Critique This!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Serpents and Dragons, Abound
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: NEW Bookstore, Bright Promise!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: "Get Smart" at SleuthFest
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) ALTERNATE-WEEK CRITIQUE GROUP . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
Only one seat left!
From January 17-April 24, our BookWriters' Critique Group meets on alternate Tuesday evenings to discuss each others' works-in-progress, with each writer presenting up to 60 pages of work for peer and professional review.
This successful format--developed by award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and presented in Central Florida by Jamie Morris--has been instrumental in helping more than thirty writers sign publishing contracts over the last fifteen years. The cost, $525, includes a one-hour private consultation with the workshop leader. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes feline residents.)
Just one seat left! To apply, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
2) In the spirit of Julia Cameron's THE ARTIST'S WAY, The Mennello Museum of American Art invites you to an Artist's Date: A Museum Play Date . . . Just for Grownups!
WHERE: The Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
WHEN: Saturday, January 28th, 2-4 p.m.
WHAT: Attendees view the current exhibitions -- William H. Johnson: An American Modern and Style & Grace: the Michael & Marilyn Mennello Collection -- and then pen an on-the-spot response to the art seen. The program is open to adults ages 18 and up, and there is absolutely no writing or artistic experience necessary.
REGISTRATION: $15 per person. The class is limited to 12 participants, and reservations are required; call 407-246-4278 to reserve a space or for more information. Don't forget to bring a pen and notebook!
3) THE NEXT LEVEL: CRAFT INTENSIVES AND RETREATS
Joyce Sweeney and Jamie Morris offer writers another experiential, market-savvy weekend! Participants attend presentations; respond to technique-enhancing exercises; contribute to group discussions; develop work-in-progress--and that's just the beginning! Join us, when we take you . . .
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: Character Arc & Archetype in Memoir & Fiction,
in Jupiter (South Florida), March 2nd-4th, 2012
In this three-day intensive, Joyce and Jamie will help you . . .
. . . understand which "roles" readers need to see filled to find satisfaction in any narrative,
. . . find the right emotional distance that allows your characters a life of their own,
. . . see how various characters can express different aspects of your theme,
. . . distinguish between Reluctant and Active Heroes,
. . . deepen your understanding of the archetype that challenges you most.
(Note: The private home in which Through the Looking Glass Workshop is being held includes canine residents. Those with allergies may want to consider their comfort level in this home.)
The cost for this intensive, $525, includes all meals except dinner on Saturday evening. Enrollment limited to 15 participants. Register with
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163 for more information.
4) ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHON . . . in Land O' Lakes (Tampa Bay area)
On Saturday, March 17th, we invite writers at all levels to join us for one of Woodstream's fabulous, famous, day-long Writing Marathons. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., writers will catch a spark from our writing prompts or feed the flames of their longer works-in-progress. Come be part of the fun--and write more than you could imagine possible in the course of a single day!
The $110 cost includes full breakfast + lunch. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) Congratulations to Woodstreamer Cath Rathbone, writing as Noony Brown, who has partnered with Artha Publishing to produce her charming picture book The Mayor of Cabbage Hammock.
As one reader says, "The Mayor's adventures take the reader on a lively romp in his Florida hammock. He delights in each and every discovery as he visits the nooks and crannies . . . This is just the book for a parent (or especially a grandparent) to draw a child close and read together. The illustrations are also wonderful."
Take a look, at http://www.amazon.com/Mayor-Cabbage-Hammock-Noony-Brown/dp/1934449717
2) Pal Nancy Deutsch created her first e-book for Amazon Kindle books. A fun fantasy read for all ages, The Adventures of Mungo Tim was developed in a series of Monday night Woodstream workshops, so when we tell you it's terrific, that's coming straight from the dragon's--um, horse's--mouth!
Find Tim and company at http://amzn.com/B006JTOT4E
3) Erica Boucher, yogini, life coach, and creator of Empath Yoga, did us the honor of asking us to critique a draft of her new book, Showing Up Naked, last year. Now "Naked," ". . . a book about breaking free of social conditioning [and] becoming comfortable in our own skins," is available at http://www.empathyoga.com/Paperback.
Well done, Erica. Namaste!
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
1) Six-degrees-ish friend playwright Jack McGrath has had a play selected for Fringe 2012. Jack's 2013: Finding Love in the Zombie/Cannibal Apocalypse will be produced by Playwrights Round Table in May.
Here's a sneak preview: In 2013, it's the end of the world as we know it -- one year later. ...Video game tester Bruce and his waitress crush Glenda are trapped, sort of, in an Orlando diner during a zombie/cannibal invasion. Will they and their love – well, maybe a serious like – survive the chaotic onslaught of Goth zombies and IRS accountants turned cannibals? And can a well-equipped zucchini man save them all? A comic tale of love, lust, zombies, cannibals, drama queens, and zucchini, it's sure to tickle your inner Romeo.
Break a leg (or just a pencil), Jack!
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
1) Calypso Strawn let us know that her poem "Serpentinata" is featured in The Rollins Book of Verse, 1885-2010. Just FYI, The Rollins Book of Verse, 1885-2010, was recently named one of five national anthology finalists in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Well, then.
Good on you, Ms. Strawn! Find it, buy it, enjoy it, at http://r-net.rollins.edu/faculty-highlights/2011/05/book-of-verse.html
2) Susan Bartlett is deep into revisions on her novel, but took the time out to write an article called "The Second Time Around," which will be published in EndoNurse Magazine this spring.
As nice as that is, the editor's response to Susan's submission was even more awesome: I love it! Susan. You have the knack. You could have been a journalist. I thank you and will run your article in the April/May issue. This is unlike any article we’ve had, and I’m excited about that."
We ditto all that, Ms. B.
MEDIA BLITZ . . .
1) Heather Georgoudiou, freelance writer for Halogen TV, also tweets about literature and writing @heathergeo. She invites Woodstream Writers to join the conversation!
Recently she's penned articles on "Five Mobile Apps for Kindness"; "Ten Tips to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays"; and "Ten Steps to a Career Change."
Way to make a dream come true, Heather.
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) Mary K "Writing Wench" Swanson and her (busy!) business partner Kristin Pegler have just opened their adorable new bookstore, Read (Think) Books, in cuter-than-cute downtown Palatka, (practically) on the banks of the northward flowing St. John's river.
A fresh, modern, bright take on the neighborhood used-bookstore concept, at R(T)B you'll find coffee (of course) and colorful shelves full of volumes of everything from LitFic and SciFi through Gay and Lesbian (GLBT) studies and Metaphysical Thought--with an emphasis on vintage books!
This is a terrific place to buy, trade, and talk about books. It's also a quick stop to grab a novel, a great space to meet your book group, or just to drink a coffee and read a chapter on your lunch break. What else can it be? Tell Mary K and Kristin. They will make it so!
Visit Read (Think) Books at 617 St. John's Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 or at http://www.readthinkbooks.com/
2) Julie Compton, www.julie-compton.com, will be one of five authors to speak at the "And the Women Gather" Literary Jazz Brunch to benefit the Footprints Foundation, to be held at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, Florida, on March 17, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Footprints Foundation, which was created by attorney and former Dade County prosecutor Lorna Owens to benefit women rape victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To learn more about the amazing work of Lorna and her organization, purchase tickets to the lunch, and find out how you can help. Visit the Footprints Foundation website, http://footprints-foundation.org for more information.
3) Thanks to Jocelyn Bartkevicius, Editor of The Florida Review, for giving us the scoop on a great event for Central Florida writers and readers! February 16-18, 2012, The Florida Writers' Conference presents The Florida Writers' Project: Narrative, Journalism, and Literary Writing at the University of Central Florida.
The FWP will feature such local(-ish) literati as Jacki Lyden, Bob Shacochis, Anthony Swofford, among others. Excited? We are! Visit the website to get the goods: http://www.ce.ucf.edu/Conference-Services/Florida-Writers/Default.aspx.
4) And, finally, a big shout-out to elementary school educator extraordinaire Rob Sanders for the wonderful success of his writing camps for kids. This month, Rob is at Clark Elementary School in Tampa, Florida, teaching his very own Wonka Writing Factory, and in February, he'll be bringing his program to Jackson Elementary School in Plant City.
Visit Rob at www.RobSandersWrites.com to learn more about Rob's teaching--and to get a preview of his wonderful Random House picture book, Cowboy Christmas , available Fall, 2012.
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
Julie Compton, co-chair of SleuthFest, reminds us that Sleuthfest (www.sleuthfest.com), sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, is coming to us! This year, Sleuthfest will be held in Orlando from March 1 – 4, 2012, and, as always,both aspiring and well-established mystery writers will gather from all over the country for the four-day conference.
Attendees include editors, publishers, and agents, as well as famous authors such as Charlaine Harris, best-selling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels that inspired the hit HBO series True Blood, and international suspense superstar Jeffrey Deaver, author of the Lincoln Rhyme thrillers and the latest James Bond title, Carte Blanche.
SleuthFest’s Thursday Spotlight Speaker, Chris Grabenstein, has drawn critical acclaim and legions of fans for his Haunted Mystery Series of ghostly tales for middle-grades readers, as well as his adult mysteries.
Attendees can also sign up for special programs, including a trip to a gun range and a Mystery Dinner Theater performance, as well as a private Saturday night party at the House of Blues, hosted by best-selling romance and suspense author Heather Graham.
The conference takes place at the Royal Plaza Hotel located in the Walt Disney World Resort. Attendees may register for the whole March 1 - 4 program (with reduced rates available through January 15) or they may tailor their registration to sign up for only one day of programs. For details and to register, visit www.sleuthfest.com.
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
****************************************************************************************************
THE NEWSTREAM: Winter/Spring, 2011/2012
JOIN US!: Critique-a-Thon
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: We Are the (FWA) Champions!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Literacy in Our Hands
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Sleuths for Lunch?
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHON . . . in Altamonte Springs (Central Florida)
On Saturday, December 10th, we invite writers at all levels to join us for one of Woodstream's fabulous, famous, day-long Writing Marathons. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., writers will catch a spark from our writing prompts or feed the flames of their longer works-in-process. Come be part of the fun--and write more than you could imagine possible in the course of a single day!
The $95 cost includes breakfast, lunch, and beverages. (Please note: Our Altamonte location includes feline residents.) Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
2) ALTERNATE-WEEK CRITIQUE GROUP . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
From January-April, our BookWriters' Critique Group meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m,
on eight alternate Tuesday evenings, during which time, six writers will meet to discuss substantial portions of each others' works-in-progress and . . .
* learn to reliably produce pages of fresh writing week after week;
* find valuable critical approaches to apply to their own and others' writing;
* discover what makes each voice strong, powerful, and unique;
* present up to 60 pages of a work-in-progress for peer and professional review
This successful format, developed by award-winning author Joyce Sweeney--and presented in Central Florida by Jamie Morris--has been instrumental in helping more than thirty writers sign publishing contracts over the last fifteen years. The cost, $525, includes a one-hour private consultation with the workshop leader. (Note: The private home in which this group is held includes feline residents.)
To apply for a seat in our intermediate-to-advanced level critique group, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
3) THE NEXT LEVEL: CRAFT INTENSIVES AND RETREATS . . .
Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, offer writers instructive, experiential, market-savvy weekends focused on a particular aspect of their craft. Participants will contribute to group discussions; attend craft presentations; revise or develop new work with on-the-spot writing exercises; and present work for group feedback--and that's just the beginning!
A) . . . in St. Augustine (North Florida)
The Next Level: Heroes, Mentors, Tricksters, and Shapeshifters: The Dynamics of Characters and Archetypes, February 10th-12th, 2012
Your pen-and-ink characters are actors on the stage of your story. How can you direct them to give performances that move your readers to tears, terror, love, or laughter?
Let Joyce and Jamie help you . . .
. . . understand the "roles" readers expect to see filled in any narrative,
. . . learn how to develop distinct voices for each of your characters,
. . . see how various characters can express different aspects of your theme,
. . . and distinguish between Reluctant and Active Heroes.
B) . . . in Jupiter (Palm Beach County, South Florida)
The Next Level: YOU Are The Hero: The Memoir Workshop, March 2-4, 2012
You are the hero of the story--your story. And a bit of literary craft can help your readers both understand your experience and benefit from it!
Let Joyce and Jamie help you . . .
. . . understand the difference between "memoir" and "autobiography,"
. . . frame your story engagingly for a memoir-hungry market,
. . . identify themes that connect all the parts of your story,
. . . learn how to integrate photos and other images with your text,
. . . sort through issues of privacy and legality--to help keep you safe, not sorry.
(Note: The private home in which The Memoir Workshop is being held includes canine residents. Those with allergies may want to consider their comfort level in this home.)
The cost for each THE NEXT LEVEL: Craft Intensive, $525, includes all meals except dinner on Saturday evening. Enrollment limited to 14 participants. Register with
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163 for more information.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) Pat Matthews, a Wednesday morning Woodstreamer for the past several years, has some great--and well-deserved--news! He's now represented by Caryn Wiseman of The Andrea Brown Literary Agency, who is negotiating a deal for Pat's Middle Grade novel (working title, POWERLESS), with the kids' publishing giant . . . Oh. Wait! Sorry, we're sworn to secrecy until the ink is dry!
Still, hush-hush and all, we couldn't be happier Pat, for your burgeoning success.
2) "Soooo, really what I want to ask is . . . what should I say in an acknowledgement to Jamie Morris in our soon-to-be-published cozy mystery, RIGHT IN SIGHT?"
Whoa! Thanks, FWA Board Member Elaine Senecal! We KNEW there was something special cooking on your side of the room on Wednesday mornings! Now you and your writing partner, Margarete Johl, are under contract with Florida's own Whimsical Publications with a debut scheduled for 2012.
3) Wednesdays are HOT! Picture book author Nicole Lataif, a member of Joyce Sweeney's Wednesday morning critique group, has a new book, FOREVER YOU, being published by Pauline Media, with a release date of November 2012. Terrific news, Nicole!
4) . . . and Joyce's student Danielle Joseph has just released her third novel, PURE RED, with publisher Flux, while Danielle's first novel, SHRINKING VIOLET, is in production by Disney for a TV movie.
5) Meanwhile, Deb Sharp, also mentored by Joyce, is releasing her fourth mystery, MAMA SEES STARS, with Midnight Ink.
6) NEXT LEVEL-ER Augusta Scattergood's GLORY BE, available from Scholastic SOON, has garnered blurbs from such Middle Grade greats as Kathryn Erskine, Barbara O'Connor and Richard Peck! Visit Augusta at http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/
7) Stephanie Krulik, a long-time member of Joyce's Thursday night group, wants us to know that her book INTERRUPTED LIVES: A HOLOCAUST REMBERANCE, was published in 2011 and is available at Books and Books, in South Florida; The Museum of Art, in Fort Lauderdale; as well as through Amazon Books.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Joyce," Stephanie says. We emphatically agree!!
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
1) LAST year . . . the challenge from Florida Writers Association (FWA) was to write a short story ENTIRELY in dialogue. If you could pull that off with enough substance AND style, they'd include you in LET'S TALK, FWA's annual Story Collection #3. And, happily, seven Woodstream members or friends made the cut!
Big ol' yakkety-yak congrats to . . .
Amy Gump, for "A Cat's Perspective"
Doreen Myers, for "Greave Contact"
Karen Blondeau, for "Feng Shui"
Patricia Charpentier, for "Blind Tiger"
Kaye Coppersmith, for "Dental Work"
Vic DiGenti, for "All Wrapped Up" and "A Fuelish Choice"
Cecilia Firling, for "The Day We Ran Away"
2) THIS year . . . Julie Compton (TELL NO LIES and RESCUING OLIVIA) is happy to announce that the Florida Writers Association has named her its Person of Renown for the 2012 FWA Collection #4.
The theme for the 2012 FWA Collection is "My Wheels." (If you know anything about Julie's second novel, RESCUING OLIVIA, it's pretty easy to figure out why they asked her to do this!) Members of FWA are invited to submit work that relates to this theme. Julie will pick her ten favorites, and she'll also be submitting a story of her own. The "My Wheels" collection will be unveiled at next year's FWA annual conference, October 19-21, 2012. Visit FloridaWriters.net, to learn more.
3) In between drafts of her novel-in-progress, Susan Bartlett is keeping the ORLANDO SENTINEL busy publishing her short, slice-of-life essays. In September, the SENTINEL included Susan's warm, insightful piece on local Special Olympics in their "My Word" section. You can read "Special competitors are true heroes" at www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-special-olympics-myword-091411-20110913,0,2999492.story
4) Terri-Lynne DeFino, author, editor, and all-around pal, had a flash fiction story featured, recently, in the Hadley Rille Books newsletter. Read an example of the FINDER's author's work, "The Other Side of the Screen Door," at www.HadleyRilleBooks.com.
5) Woodstream writer Leticia Rieman had an article about storytelling published this summer in the FSA STORY TIMES. Her piece, "Exchanging Gifts in Global Storytelling," reminds readers that "A shared story is more than a material gift: it is a symbol of values held in the heart and soul of a people. It elevates communities beyond words to imagination and new thinking. . . ."
6) Our friend Jennifer Bannan (daughter of award-winning memoirist Sherry Bannan) was recently published in the KENYON REVIEW! You can read Jennifer's smart short story, "This Crisis Brought to You by Me," at http://www.kenyonreview.org/kro_full.php?file=bannan.php#.TqBhl4YhMDA.email
MEDIA BLITZ . . .
1) Okay. We admit it. We think Vic DiGenti ROCKS! And, not to brag, but WE got his (very nice) autograph in our copy of his most recent book, MATANZAS BAY.
You may not get such an opportunity, but you might have heard Vic's terrific interview on THE AUTHORS SHOW with host Don McCauley. If you missed that, too, make sure to visit Vic's site www.ParkerFrancis.com and get your own copy so you can stop drooling all over mine! (Hint: "Parker Francis" is Vic's pen name for his Quint Mitchell series.)
2) Truly, madly, deeply--that's how much Hip Dog owner, Bev McCartt, loves animals. That's why she offered her services free-of-charge when a client brought her a pup that had been rescued--after being virtually thrown in the trash to die.
Take a gander (and make sure you have a Kleenex at hand):
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44617504/ns/today-good_news/
and visit www.HipDog.net.
Auntie Bev, you're our hero. Love, Jakie, Jme, Bert.
3) Woohoo for Heather Georgoudiou! who was recently hired to write by Halogen TV. Halogen's website focuses on humanitarian platforms, social justice issues, women's rights, and much more.
Check out one of Heather's articles at http://halogentv.com/articles/5-celebrities-who-give-globally-make-a-difference-week/. If you enjoy it, support Heather on your social media channels. You could Like it on Facebook, Tweet it on Twitter, Post it on Digg, or just comment on the Halogen website
A BIG OL' BLOGGY WORLD . . .
1) Artist/writer-girl Maria Reyes Jones found this nice blog to share with us: http://mollybackes.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-be-writer.html. We liked this article in particular, and the site, in general. Take a look. And when you're done there, wander over and check out Maria's paintings at www.MariaReyesJones.com.
2) It's hard to say enough about what immediate-past-Vice President and current Board Member at Large Chris Hamilton does for the writers, presenters, attendees, and staff at the annual FWA conference. This year, he attended our Saturday morning prompt-writing session (at 7 a.m.--showing extraordinary dedication!), then wrote and posted his "A really cool story from the conference" on the FWA blog.
Two points: 1) It IS a really cool story. 2) Chris Hamilton is a SUPERSTAR!
But don't believe us. See for yourself: http://floridawriters.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/a-really-cool-story-from-the-conference/ . . . Cool story, HOT writing!
AND THE WINNER IS . . .
It was a wonderful night! Good food, wonderful (literary) company, and a GREAT awards ceremony. The 2011 Royal Palm Literary Awards competition (RPLA) judged 27 categories, including book-length and short nonfiction; poetry; and short, juvenile, and adult book-length fiction.
This year, among the RPLA winners, we'd like congratulate these Woodstream writers and friends on their accomplishments!
In Book-Length Fiction
First Place, Mainstream Fiction, Published
Joanne Lewis and Amy Lewis Faircloth, for WICKED GOOD
First Place, Mystery, Unpublished
Gerry Wolfson-Grande, for SKEAN DHU OR DIE
Third Place, Children's Picture Books, Unpublished
Helen McIntosh Ritchie, for DAISY'S HAT
In Book-Length Nonfiction
First Place, Educational/Informational, Unpublished
Patricia Charpentier, for EATING AN ELEPHANT (now published and available)
First Place, Travel, Published
Victoria Allman, for SEASONED: A CHEF'S JOURNEY WITH HER CAPTAIN
In Short Nonfiction
First Place, Creative Nonfiction, Unpublished
Lori Norman, for "Nun Too Certain"
Writer Girls! We are so happy for your successes!
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
Terri Chastain, an advocate and volunteer for the Adult Literacy League, reminds us that the path to learning is not always an easy one. "Just imagine," Terri writes, "what kind of determination it takes to get off work at your job cleaning hotel rooms and take a bus to the League's office to meet with your tutor, then climb back on the bus and head home to make dinner and take care of your kids. Downright inspirational!"
Well, Groupon noticed, too. Have you seen that the deal-of-the-day website offers a “Today’s Featured Cause,” allowing people to donate to charity? Groupon launched the charitable initiative as part of what it calls the “G-Team” — which focuses on group action beyond consumerism.
In October, one of their causes was Central Florida’s Adult Literacy League. Today, you can watch for future G-Team causes by registering with Groupon and scrolling down to the bottom right-hand corner of the daily deal. If you want to learn how your organization’s cause can be featured, go to groupon.com/gteam.
Or--hint, hint--you could just call the Adult Literacy League and offer a helping hand.
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) Our own Julie Compton, accomplished, well-published thriller writer of TELL NO LIES and RESCUING OLIVIA, will be co-chairing SLEUTHFEST (with Linda Hengerer) for the second year in a row. Sleuthfest, the premier crime-writer's conference, is sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America--and it is coming to Orlando!
SleuthFest will be held from March 1-4, 2012, at the Royal Plaza Hotel located in the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests of honor for 2012 include Charlaine Harris, Jeffery Deaver, and Chris Grabenstein. For more information about the conference and to sign up for the mailing list to receive periodic updates, visit www.Sleuthfest.com. Register by November 15 for the best conference rate!
(And, please notice the cool YouTube video Julie's daughter Jessie created to help promote the conference!)
2) Barbara Miller, our Boston-friend-in-the-publishing-know, reminds us that while there may truly be "no such thing as a free lunch," PUBLISHERS WEEKLY offers the next best thing, a free, weekly subscription to their PUBLISHERS LUNCH which features interesting articles about the publishing world and publishing-world job listings!
Visit www. PublishersMarketplace.com to register. And the next time you're in Beantown, take Barbara to lunch to thank her!
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
***********************************************************************************
THE NEWSTREAM: Fall 2011
JOIN US!: Critical Acclaim?
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Books a Freakin' Million!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Florida Conferences
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Funds for Writers
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) NEW FOR FALL! BookWriters' CRITIQUE GROUP . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
Our new critique group--created especially to meet the needs of those working on book-length projects--meets on alternate Tuesday evenings, September 13th-December 20th, from 6:30-p.m.-9:00 p.m.
This successful format, developed by award-winning author Joyce Sweeney, has been instrumental in helping more than twenty writers sign publishing contracts over the last fifteen years.
Limited to six writers, participants will submit up to 60 pages for critique. We will also create new work during the generative portion of the workshop.
The $565 cost includes a one-hour private consultation with workshop leader. (Please note: Our Maitland location includes two feline residents.)
To apply, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163.
2) ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHON . . . in Maitland (Central Florida)
On Saturday, October 8th, we invite writers at all levels to join us for one of Woodstream's fabulous, famous, day-long Writing Marathons.
From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., writers will catch a spark from our writing prompts or feed the flames of their longer works-in-process. Come be part of the fun--and write more than you could imagine possible in the course of a single day!
Limited to ten writers. The $95 cost includes breakfast, lunch, and beverages. (Please note: Our Maitland location includes two feline residents.)
Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to register or for more information.
3) The NEXT LEVEL: Depth Charge! Using Subplot and Backstory to Make an Impact
November 11-13, 2011 . . . in Lake Worth (South Florida)
Got your plot points down cold? Great! Now, add depth and dimension with subplot and backstory. Let Joyce and Jamie show you how to support your main plot with the right subplot(s); develop a cast of characters to extend your theme(s); use subplot and backstory to create emotional dynamics for the reader--and much, much more!
The cost for THE NEXT LEVEL: Depth Charge! Intensive, $525, includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, full breakfast, lunch, and snacks on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants.
Please note: This workshop is being held in a private home that includes canine and feline residents. Those with allergies may want to consider their comfort level in this home.
Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to register or for more information.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) We are proud to announce that Woodstream's favorite professor of education, Dr. Stacy DeZutter, authored a chapter in the newly released STRUCTURE AND IMPROVISATION IN CREATIVE TEACHING. Dr. Stacy found this a wonderful opportunity to blend her background in theatre with her deep commitment to education.
We think it's a wonderful opportunity for the world to learn that Dr. Stacy ROCKS!
(Take a gander: www.amazon.com/Structure-Improvisation-Creative-Teaching-Sawyer/dp/0521762510/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books#_)
2) Joyce Sweeney's long-time student (and repeat NEXT LEVEL darling) Stacie Ramey has GOOD NEWS!! She has signed on the dotted line with literary agent Josh Adams for her truly terrific YA novel CHASING HAPPY. (And, on the QT, an editor from a certain well-regarded publishing house has already requested the ms. in full.)
Our fingers are crossed, Stacie. Keep us in the know!
3) Yay! Just in time for winter gift-giving, you can preorder Augusta Scattergood's new middle grade novel, GLORY BE, on Amazon! GLORY will be available on bookstore shelves in January, 2012. A Scholastic Book, GLORY has garnered amazing blurbs from Kathryn Erskine, Barbara O'Connor, and Richard Peck!
Augusta, Joyce and I send you big hugs and a bushel basket of congrats!
(See GLORY BE's lovely cover at http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/)
4) Pal Kia Ricchi's self-pubbed AVOIDING THE CON IN CONSTRUCTION was a finalist in the Ben Franklin Book Award for independent publishers. Well done, Kia!
Visit Kia--and learn how to keep your project out of trouble--at www.TheContractress.com.
SHORT 'N' SWEET . . .
1) Joyce-n-Jamie's own Irene Kessler got to open an e-mail with THIS in the subject line:
"You are one of our winners. Congratulations."
Indeed! Congratulations, Irene, on your first-place win in the WOMEN'S MEMOIRS Mother's Day contest, for your piece "What Was I Going Back To?"
(Readers, visit http://womensmemoirs.com and submit your own piece for WOMEN'S MEMOIRS' current contest.)
2) Long-time Woodstreamer Pati Anderson took a break from her mystery novel-in-progress to submit to--and WIN!--in the unpublished short story category of the 2011 Writers-Editors Network International Writing Competition.
We couldn't be prouder, Ms. Pati, that "Grace's Tree" stole the show.
3) The challenge from Florida Writers Association was to write a short story ENTIRELY in dialogue. If you could pull that off with enough substance AND style, they'd include you in LET'S TALK, FWA's third annual story collection.
Miss Amy Gump, new FWA-er and Woodstream-er, did all of that, landing her story "A Cat's Perspective" firmly amidst the winners. Can't wait to read it come October, Amy-Curl.
Big ol' yakkety-yak congrats!
POETIC LICENSE . . .
1) Our own dear Boston-via-Montana poet Gary Whited is receiving some very nice recognition for his work just lately. He's been invited to read as a feature in early 2012 both as part of the Chapter and Verse reading series in Jamaica Plain and at Calliope on Cape Cod.
Those northern folk are so lucky, Gary, to get to feast on your words. Maybe we could get you rounded up and yoked to a microphone down here, sometime!
2) Joyce Sweeney's been nurturing poets as well as novelists! Her student Ellyn Laub got a book deal for IMPERFECT CIRCLES with Trestle Press.
Well done, Ellyn. Thanks for sharing your good news!
3) We heard Laura Sobbott Ross read her poems for the first time at a Woodstream event in Mount Dora five or six years ago. But try as we might, we couldn't keep her a secret. Laura has just won the 7th annual YellowJacket Press Chapbook Contest for Florida Poets with her collection titled A TINY HUNGER.
Lovely poems, lovely poet. Thank you, Laura, for the beauty you bring to the world.
A BIG OL' BLOGGY WORLD . . .
1) One of the hardest working woman in children's lit--at least in Florida--has got to be Ms. Sue LaNeve. She does so much for so many, most particularly those children's writers in the Tampa Bay area.
Take a look at the new Tampa Bay site, www.TBChildrensBooks.weebly.com. It's grrrrrrreat!
(And thanks, Sue, for, well, you know . . . L+S from J+J)
2) "Dear Joyce," the note began. "Your critique group interview is live today at: http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/05/critique-group-joyce-sweeney-interview.html.
"It's also at my LJ, facebook, JacketFlap, tweeted--you get the idea! Congratulations on creating and nurturing such a wonderful and successful community of authors!
"You're a youth lit hero & legend in your own time!"
Those were the words of Cynthia Leitich Smith. Not sure she leaves much left to say. (Except, of course, kudos to you, Pardner.)
AND THE WINNER IS . . .
She got the fellowship!!
Woodstream mixed-media artist/writer Melissa Pranke learned that she was among just a handful of artists selected for the first STAR program at the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, Florida. In WRITING!
Melissa, an art teacher at Winter Park High School, had only been writing with Woodstream for a year when her words captured the imagination of the Hermitage/STAR Retreat jury.
Now, she'll be on retreat at the beach doing nothing but writing for an entire month!
Congratulations, Melissa.
Stop by http://hermitageartistretreat.org/ to learn more about The Hermitage. And if you'd like to hear Melissa talk about her work (and Woodstream) head over and listen to this WUCF podcast: http://podcasts.wucf.org/media/artbeat/2011/6-10-11.mp3.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) Woodstream would like to thank Vic DiGenti for inviting us to join the faculty of the UNF 2011 WRITERS CONFERENCE in Jacksonville last weekend. Central Florida writers, make a point of scooting up I-95 next year to take advantage of both the craft and marketing workshops and the in-depth Critique Workshops which are a special feature of this three-day conference.
Keep your eyes on the site, http://www.unfwritersconference.com/, to see what they'll be offering for 2012.
2) WOW! It's almost that time again!
The 2011 Florida Writers Association Annual Conference welcomes writers and authors from all over Florida and the Southeast to the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary for the Tenth Annual Florida Writers Association Conference.
From Friday, October 21st, through Sunday, October 23, 2011, a faculty of fine presenters--including authors discussing craft, agents sharing tips about publication, and editors offering advice about the industry--will be on-hand to fulfill FWA's credo, "Writers Helping Writers."
For the fourth year, Jamie Morris will be facilitating two early bird creative writing sessions titled “Let’s Write Prose!” (Yes, they're at 7 a.m. But what the heck? You're at the conference anyway, right?) In these get-your-fingers-inky workshops, writers will learn a bit about targeting writing exercises to address literary problems, then write in response to a specifically chosen exercise, and, time permitting, share their work aloud with the group.
Hope to see you there. (And please bring an extra cup of coffee with you!)
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
Our newest writing pal, Lori Norman, wrote to share two newsletters she finds to be invaluable for writers. Both of the newsletters--"Funds for Writers" and "Funds for Writers, Small Markets"--are edited by Hope Clark and feature resources--contests, grants, e-books, and other newsletters--designed to help writers make more money.
Visit these links to learn more:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/smallmarkets.htm
* * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
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THE NEWSTREAM: Summer (and a hint of Fall), 2011
JOIN US!: We'll "See You in September" . . .
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Mother and Child Reunion
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Books + Kids = Awesome!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Good News from American Booksellers
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
1) ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHON . . . in Winter Springs (Central Florida)
On Saturday, June 25th, we invite writers at all levels to join us for one of Woodstream's fabulous, famous, day-long Writing Marathons.
From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., writers will catch a spark from our writing prompts or feed the flames of their longer works-in-process. Come be part of the fun--and write more than you could imagine possible in the course of a single day!
The cost for the day, $95, includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. Contact
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. (Please note: Our Winter Springs location includes feline residents. Those with allergies may want to consider their comfort level in this home.)
2) AWA WORKSHOP (FOR FALL) . . . in Winter Park (Central Florida)
* learn to reliably produce pages of fresh writing week after week
* discover what makes your voice strong, powerful, and unique
Monday Evening AWA Workshop: 6:30-p.m.-9:00 p.m., eight alternate Mondays, September 12th-December 19th. Open to writers at all levels. $315. Workshop is limited to eight writers. (Please note: The private home in which this workshop is held includes a canine resident.)
3) THE NEXT LEVEL CRAFT INTENSIVES . . . in Mt. Dora (Lake County, Florida)
The Next Level: Build Your Novel from the Ground Up, September 16-18, 2011
Have you wondered exactly which tricks of the book-writing trade will take you from the glimmer of a first idea to the strong and shimmering structure of a concrete outline? Whether you're starting from literary scratch or bringing a work-well-in-progress, you will leave this workshop with a viable outline.
Let Joyce and Jamie show you how to . . .
. . . shape your core idea into a powerful, foundational concept,
. . . use the mysterious, magical "plot clock" as a guide to strengthen your story,
. . . expand that concept--step-by-step--into a summary, a synopsis, an outline.
The $525 cost for this Intensive includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, and full breakfasts and lunches on Saturday and Sunday. Enrollment limited to 14 participants.
Register with
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or 407-644-5163 for more information
or Joyce Sweeney at
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.
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) Recent NEXT LEVEL participant Augusta Scattergood's middle grade historical novel has a new title, GLORY BE; an official Scholastic Books release date, January 2012; and a gorgeous cover that Augusta sneek-peeked to us at our April Writing Marathon!
If you can't wait 'til January, go enjoy yourself a little bit of Ms. Scattergood at her blog, http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/
2) The title is REFLECTIONS. The author, long-time Woodstream Writer Kay "Kaymouse" Adrid. Finally, Kay has collected her spiritual essays in a lovely volume available to her readers. Local author Joey Solomon Everest says it best: " . . . [Adrid] writes with uncanny understanding of the battles of the soul. Her contemplative reflections . . . are often bitter-sweet but always bone honest."
Find Adrid's REFLECTIONS on Amazon or through Xulon Press,
http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781613791912
3) Joyce Sweeney's student and Woodstream pal Joanne T. Lewis has great news: She and her sister Amy signed a contract with Trestle Press to publish their novel WICKED GOOD! WICKED GOOD will be published in e-format and available on Amazon, B&N, and for the Kindle and Nook, as well as in print-on-demand format through Amazon.
To find out more, take a look at www.wickedgoodthebook.blogspot.com
SHORT AND SWEET . . .
1) Home-Made: Our much adored Ramona Pelley, doll-maker and personal essayist, recently received an invitation from national art/craft journal ART DOLL QUARTERLY to present her work in both media. Her published essay, "Cloth Stories," was accompanied by half-a-dozen full-color photos of Ramona's art dolls.
See Ramona's work in the Summer Issue of ART DOLL QUARTERLY, on newstands, now!
2) Mother and Child Reunion: Sherry Bannan and Jennifer Bannan
Woodstreamer Sherry Bannan has been excerpting her memoir, LIFE WITH NELLIE (BUT IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT ME!) and winning contests with the stand-alone stories she's selected!
First, Sherry won the Lake County Senior Fest 2010 Creative Writing Contest with "You Say Potato, and I Say Potahto," in January. Then she won the Writers One Flight Up "Flights of Fantasy" literary contest in March. And, during the same month, her excerpt "A Walk to the Mailbox" was published in the STORY CIRCLE JOURNAL March, 2011, issue!
And, at about the same time, Sherry's super-talented novelist-and-short-story writer daughter Jennifer Bannan found out that her short story "Sexy Ida Makes a Vow," appears in the new fiction anthology from Autumn House Press, KEEPING THE WOLVES AT BAY.
You can find the anthology at http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Wolves-Bay-Emerging-ebook/dp/B003ZDOZXM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1302546701&sr=8-4
3) Joan Mansson's been busy with art, writing, and life--and in the midst of it all found the time to publish the following articles for eHow.
Here are the articles and links:
"How to Register the Color on Woodcut Prints":
http://www.ehow.com/how_7767719_register-color-woodcut-prints.html
"How to Extend a Green Card": http://www.ehow.com/how_7777646_extend-green-card.html
"How to Paint Black Canvas": http://www.ehow.com/how_7672374_paint-black-canvas.html
POETIC LICENSE . . .
Celebrate May Day with the Poetry Ensemble of Orlando on May 1. To celebrate May Day and to say farewell to National Poetry Month, the Ensemble will present their "Red, White and Blue" program at the Maitland Public Library.
That's TOMORROW, Sunday, May 1st, at 2 p.m.
PEO will have as their guests the winners of their recent poetry contest and will also open the microphone to anyone who brings a poem to share.
A BIG OL' BLOGGY WORLD . . .
Next Level darling, Tampa Bay-based children's writer Sue LaNeve has a terrific website for kid's writers. MY CLIMBING TREE is a site to visit to learn more about your craft and connect with children’s book writers and illustrators in and around Tampa Bay! Enjoy!
Take a look-see: http://www.myclimbingtree.com
* * *
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS . . .
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) PEO's own Alice Friedman is currently collecting gently-used children's books to give to the Bags of Hope homeless children's program. If you have any gently-used books for pre-school to sixth grade children, please bring contact Alice at
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.
2) The Woodstream flows west when, on Saturday, May 14th, Jamie Morris will be offering a presentation on the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method for the Bloomingdale Writers Connection at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, Florida.
Bloomingdale Writers Connection (BWC) was a hidden (to us, at any rate) gem of a writing community that encourages folks to write about life experiences--and then helps workshop attendees to form Story Circle groups to continue their writing work.
To learn more about BWC, read the article at this link: http://brandonnews2.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/18/br-writers-connection/news/ or contact Valerie Perry at
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.
* * *
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) Maureen Cavanaugh Berry, Central Florida freelance food writer, kindly sent us this link to the Wooden Horse, a publisher that offers writers a subscription-based newsletter with a wonderful variety of industry information: http://www.woodenhorsepub.com/newsalerts.html.
Visit them--and wander by Maureen's site, too, at www.SeafoodLadyOrlando.com.Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
2) Woodstream fav and all 'round good guy, Pat Matthews, forwarded us this wonderful note from the American Booksellers Association:
Monday, February 28, 2011
American Booksellers Association Applauds Random House Move to Agency Model for E-Books
The American Booksellers Association, the national trade association for independent bookstores, today indicated its strong support of the decision by Random House, Inc., to adopt the agency pricing model for the publisher’s e-books in the United States. Under the agency model, a publisher sets a retail price for a specific book, which establishes a level playing field for all resellers.
“We have believed from the beginning that the agency model is in the best interest of not only the book industry, but the consuming public as well,” said ABA’s Chief Executive Officer, Oren Teicher. “We appreciate the careful and thoughtful deliberation Random House has brought to this issue, and applaud their decision to adopt agency pricing.”
With the move to agency, effective March 1, Random House joins a significant number of other major publishers that have already adopted the model. The agency model affects more than 200 ABA member stores with IndieCommerce websites that are now selling Google eBooks™ online, as well as other resellers of e-books. As America’s largest general interest book publisher, Random House, Inc. books are sold by most independent bookstores.
Thanks for this, Pat! And, Newstream readers, give yourself a treat--visit Pat's DADDY TALES for his laugh-out-loud take on fatherhood: http://www.daddytales.com/.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
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THE NEWSTREAM: Spring, 2011
JOIN US!: On Tybee Island
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Now Playing!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Sleuthfest!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: This I Believe
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHONS
April 16th . . . in Altamonte Springs (Central Florida)
June 11th . . . on Tybee Island (Savannah, Georgia)
On Saturdays, April 16th and June 11th, we invite writers at all levels, working in any genre, to join us at one of our wonderful retreat houses--in either magical Tybee Island, Georgia, or close-to-everything Altamonte Springs--for one of Woodstream's fabulous, famous, day-long Writing Marathons.
At a Writing Marathon, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., all writers are invited to catch a spark from our writing prompts or to feed the flames of their longer works-in-process. There is always writing, sharing, eating, and literary cameraderie galore. Come be part of the fun--and write more than you could imagine possible in the course of a single day!
The cost for each day--$95 for Altamonte Springs, $125 for Tybee Island--includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. Registration limited to 12 writers. Contact
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or 407.644.5163 to register or for information.
Please note: Our Altamonte location includes feline residents. While the cats add greatly to the fun, those with allergies may want to consider their comfort level in this home.
* * *
THE NEXT LEVEL: WEEKEND CRAFT INTENSIVES
Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, know what writers need – time, support, instruction, information, community, and the opportunity to practice the skills that will help them take their work to THE NEXT LEVEL.
The Next Level Weekend Craft Intensives, focused on particular aspects of the writer's craft, help writers meet these needs. Join us . . .
A) . . . in Ft. Lauderdale (South Florida)
The Next Level: The Memoir Workshop, April 8-10, 2011
You're the hero of the story--your story! Learn how a bit of literary craft can help your readers both understand your experience and benefit from it!
Let Joyce and Jamie help you to . . .
. . . clarify the difference between "memoir" and "autobiography,"
. . . frame your story engagingly for a memoir-hungry market,
. . . find vital threads that help you weave a whole from the parts of your story.
B) . . . in Tampa (West Coast of Florida)
The Next Level: Love and Suspense, July 29-31, 2011
How do you get your readers to invest? All you need is LOVE! How do you keep 'em hooked? Add a little . . . SUSPENSE. Not just for romance or thrillers, these are elements every narrative needs.
Love and suspense. They go together like, well, "turning" and "pages." Join us. Let Joyce and Jamie show you how to . . .
. . . find the love that resides inside your story,
. . . reveal plot points in subtle, surreptitious, and surprising ways,
. . . make--and keep--promises so enticing readers can't put your book down.
The cost for each THE NEXT LEVEL WEEKEND CRAFT INTENSIVE, $525, includes supper on Friday evening, full breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Enrollment limited to 14 participants.
What are writers saying about THE NEXT LEVEL?
Talk about major breakthroughs! All the places I was stuck, all the parts of my book that had been bothering me--now I know what to do. The presentations were clear and EXTREMELY helpful. Jamie and Joyce each gave my work individual attention, and I came away with an arsenal of knowledge and some badly needed positive energy. I know I can do this thing, so thanks guys! --Melody Maysonet, YA Novelist
* * *
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
(FILM) STARS IN THEIR EYES . . .
Joyce Sweeney's student Alexandra Flinn's book BEASTLY is being released as a major motion picture, even as we type this!
BEASTLY, a fantasy romance film based on Flinn's 2007 novel of the same name, is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in modern-day New York City. With screenplay and direction by Daniel Barnz, BEASTLY stars Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris and Lisa Gay Hamilton.
Wa-freakin'-whoo, Alex!!
BOOK 'EM, DANIELLE . . .
1) Recent NEXT LEVEL participant Augusta Scattergood's middle grade historical novel (working title, ACCORDING TO GLORY) has been purchased by Scholastic Books, with a release date slated for 2012.
Nice work, Augusta. And after hearing your work last weekend, we can't wait to get a copy in our hands!
2) Congrats to Woodstreamer Julie Compton, whose second novel, RESCUING OLIVIA (St. Martin's Minotaur, 2010), continues to grab great reviews. Recently, BookReporter.com reviewer L. Dean Murphy named RESCUING OLIVIA one of his Top Ten picks for 2010.
So well-deserved, Julie!
3) WS friend Terri-Lynne DeFino's fantastic fantasy, FINDER (Hadley Rille, 2010), got a well-deserved thumbs-up in SF/Fantasy Reviews, December 2010.
As a Finder, Ethen is able to locate missing things and people. Hired to track down a musically gifted slave girl named Zihariel, Ethen undertakes a journey that leads him first to his target and then to the realization that some things must not be found. DeFino’s first novel creates an exotic desert environment as a backdrop to the story of a young man’s coming-of-age and a young woman’s search for the only family she has left.
VERDICT: Compelling characters and a fascinating world background make this a good addition to most fantasy collections.
(That's our verdict, too, T-L, after two, could-not-put-it-down nights.)
4) Michael Pillow, Woodstream BookWriter's alum, has published his novel NEIGHBORS. Find it on Amazon, Kindle-ready and in print.
Good work, Michael. Thanks for letting us know.
SHORT AND SWEET . . .
1) Kay "Kay Mouse" Adrid responded to a recent article in SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH MAGAZINE with one of her sweet-but-to-the-point essays, which subsequently found its own way to publication in the Letters to the Editor section. Take a look at the January/February, 2011, issue of S+H.
Yay, Kay!
2) Pati Anderson is hard at work on her not-so-cozy legal murder mystery, but she still found time to submit a memoir piece, “Down South and Downhearted,” to GREEN PRINTS, which they published in their Winter, 2010, issue.
Congratulations, Ms. Pati. It's a lovely piece.
POETIC LICENSE . . .
1) A local fav, the Poetry Ensemble of Orlando invites you to the Spiritual Meetup at Seminole County Central Library where PEO will be performing their poetry on February 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. They will focus--appropriately enough--on love.
Dear PEO, Will you be our Valentine?
2) Poet (and PEO founding member) Russ Golata was recently featured on the Atticus Black Radio Show 1380 AM WELE.
Good for you, Russ!
A BIG OL' BLOGGY WORLD
Rob Sanders, author of COWBOY CHRISTMAS (Golden Books/Random House, 2010), and NEXT LEVEL participant, invites Woodstreamers and friends to visit his sharp, new blog, PICTURE THIS! A DAILY GUIDE TO PICTURE BOOK WRITING.
Rob says, "During each week of 2011, PICTURE THIS! will focus on a picture book principle or [element of] writing discipline. . . . If you're like me, and you picture your books in print, on the shelves of books stores and libraries, and in the hands of readers, then I invite you to come along with me on this picture book journey!"
Thanks for the invitation, Rob. We'll be learning alongside you.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . .
Maureen Berry, our own Seafood Lady Orlando, is now a regular contributor to EDIBLE ORLANDO. You'll find her article, "Get Hooked on Seafood," in the Spring Issue, available around town and at Whole Foods.
But Maureen's making a splash in an even bigger pond. Here's a note written about Maureen by Kendra Lott, EO's publisher!
Dear all,
I'm at the Edible Publishers Conference in Santa Barbara right now, and Dorothy Kalins, founding editor of SAVEUR, just gave a really rousing keynote speech. In it, she gave a shout out to EDIBLE ORLANDO for Maureen's wonderful piece for teaching her that our humble little Florida fish turns into bottarga! How amazing that our publication was able to teach something new to someone who knows more about food (and food magazines) than just about anyone. I am so proud!
Kendra Lott, Publisher
EDIBLE ORLANDO
www.edibleorlando.com
Good on you, Maureen. We're proud as (fish) punch!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) Writers One Flight Up presents Flights of Fantasy an evening of original prose and poetry presented by local writers and poets. Thursday, March 17th, 7-9 pm at Mount Dora Brewing, 405 South Highland Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757.
Presented and hosted by Writers One Flight Up, an eclectic and creative Mount Dora writing group, this is the fourth Flights of Fantasy. Co-sponsored by PULSE, THE MAGAZINE, Partners In Crime Publishers, and Mount Dora Brewing and the Rocking Rabbit Brewery.
Capture the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in light-hearted, up-beat, comical, whimsical, fantastical, original prose or poetry. Deadline for entries: Midnight, Sunday, March 6th. Selections will be made by Writers One Flight Up and presenters will be notified by March 11th. Only ten entries will be selected for performance at Flights of Fantasy.
Audience vote determines award winners. Cash prize awards for the top readers.
Audience members, only fifty seats are left for those who want to come and enjoy the fun! Seats are $5, cash at the door, or in advance at Mount Dora Brewing, 405 South Highland Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757 or by e-mail: rdhuss(at)aol.com, with your name, phone number and number of tickets needed.
Visit us at WritersOneFlightUp.com for more information.
We can't wait, Jody. Save us a seat--and a beer!
2) Thriller writer Julie Compton (TELL NO LIES, RESCUING OLIVIA) wants to let everyone know about SLEUTHFEST 2011, Florida's premier mystery writing conference, sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
Join Julie, March 3-6, 2011, at the Hilton Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton, where the guests of honor will be Dennis Lehane and Meg Gardiner--and there's a full line-up of hands-on workshops and expert panels that will help put the sizzle in your writing! More information about the conference, including the schedule of workshops and panels, is available at Sleuthfest.com.
It's a great conference, Julie. Thanks for all your hard work on Sleuthfest's behalf.
3) Doctor, novelist, and NEXT LEVEL-er Lisa Sanders wanted to share these fiction sites with our readers, The Nervous Breakdown and Flash Fiction. Visit and enjoy!
Thanks for the reading tips, Lisa.
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) This I Believe is an international organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. More than 90,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, are archived on the TIB website, heard on public radio, chronicled through TIB books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.
To contribute your own essay, visit ThisIBelieve.org.
2) DimeStories are 3-minutes stories read by the author. Equal parts seductive and tiny, DimeStories are funny. They’re heartwrenching. They’re fictional or factual but, either way, they’re all true.
DimeStories Live Events take place in cities across the country. DimeStories Theatre consists of open mics, read-offs, showcase and private events, podcasts, and public radio selections.
To submit your own DimeStory, visit DimeStories.org
3) Poetry Ensemble of Orlando: 2011 ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST
Poetry Ensemble of Orlando invites all poets to participate in their 2011 annual poetry contest. They welcome all forms and all themes of original, unpublished poetry, thirty-two lines or fewer.
Deadline: March 5, 2011. E-mail
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for more information.
4) Long-time WS pal, mystery/speculative fiction writer MK Swanson offers this site as a potential publisher of our literary fiction:StumbleMag.com.
Thanks, MK! Looks like a nice market!
5) Finally, Lara Zielinsky brings these five markets for freelancers to our attention:
THE NORTHWEST WOMAN MAGAZINE
MOTHERING MAGAZINE
UNDERWIRED MAGAZINE
MOMMY THINK
JOURNEYWOMAN
We love it when you do half the work for us, LZ! And we appreciate it!
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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's NEWS . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
******
THE NEWSTREAM: Winter, 2010/11
JOIN US!: Take it to THE NEXT LEVEL!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Pictures of Success
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: NaNoWriMo
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Wanted: Six-Word Stories
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, Appearances, and Literary Events
GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT!! Give YOUR writer the gift of a day away from it all . . .
ONE-DAY WRITING MARATHON . . . in Mount Dora (Lake County)
On Saturday, January 22nd, we invite writers at all levels, working in any genre, to join us at our wonderful retreat house in fabulous Mount Dora for a day-long Writing Marathon.
The cost for the day, $95, includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163 to register or for information.
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ALTERNATE-WEEK WORKSHOPS FOR JANUARY, 2011
About her Woodstream Writers Workshop, St. Martin's Minotaur thriller writer Julie Compton says, "A good writing workshop is a wonderful thing . . . Thanks, Jamie!"
. . . AWA Workshops
1) MAITLAND: Monday Evening AWA Workshop: 6:30-9:00 p.m., eight alternate Mondays, January 10th-April 18th.
2) MAITLAND: Wednesday Morning AWA Workshop 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, January 12th-April 20th.
These AWA-style workshops are appropriate for writers at all level of experience. The $315 cost includes a private consultation with workshop leader.
. . . BookWriter's Workshops
1) MAITLAND: Tuesday Evening BookWriter's Workshop: 6:30-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, January 11th-April 19th.
2) MOUNT DORA: Thursday Morning BookWriter's Workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., eight alternate Thursdays, January 27th-May 5th.
In these workshop/critique groups, writers meet to develop projects-in-progress and learn professional techniques for marketing their work.
Writers need only have a book-length project in mind to apply. The $495 cost includes a private consultation with workshop leader and group critique.
Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163 to register or for information.
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THE NEXT LEVEL: WEEKEND CRAFT INTENSIVES FOR DEDICATED WRITERS
Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, know what writers need – time, support, instruction, information, cameraderie, community, and the opportunity to practice the skills that will help them take their work to THE NEXT LEVEL.
Next Level Weekend Craft Intensives, focused on particular aspects of the writer's craft, help writers meet these needs. Join us . . .
A) . . . in St. Augustine (Northeast Florida)
The Next Level: (Creating) Scene and (Building) Structure, February 4-6, 2011
You've got a concept and developed it into a plot. Now you need to build a structure that will deliver that plot to your readers with maximum effect!
Learn . . .
. . . to develop an arc in every scene,
. . . how to organize plot points for best effect,
. . . why point of view is a powerful organizing tool . . .
. . .
B) . . . in Ft. Lauderdale (South Florida)
The Next Level: The Memoir Workshop, April 8-10, 2011,
You've got a story to tell--your story. Now you want to learn how a bit of literary craft can help your readers both understand your experience and benefit from it!
Let Joyce and Jamie help you to . . .
. . . clarify the difference between "memoir" and "autobiography,"
. . . frame your story engagingly for a memoir-hungry market,
. . . find vital threads that help you weave a whole from the parts of your story . . .
The cost for each THE NEXT LEVEL Craft Intensive, $525, includes supper on Friday evening, full breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Enrollment limited to 15 participants.
Register with
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163 for more information
or Joyce Sweeney at
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.
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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
PICTURE THIS . . .
1) Rob Sanders has just sold his non-rhyming picture book, Cowboy Christmas, to Golden Books/Random House!
A student of Joyce Sweeney's and NEXT LEVEL participant, Rob tells us that his book is a story about three tough cowboys and their cook, Cookie, stuck on the range roping steers and wrestling longhorns at Christmastime. They fear they'll miss "Santy Claus" but a surprise is in store for the Circle D dudes when Santa (who looks a lot like Cookie) pays a visit! The book is slated for release in Fall 2012.
Big Sky Country congrats to you, Rob!
2) Meanwhile, Woodstream alum Jennifer Houdeshell's illustrations for Ebeneezer's Cousin, written by Kristen Zajac, has been published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Ebeneezer is going to be printed in Spanish also, and is available as an e-book as well as in softback.
Click the links above to take a look at Ms. H's gorgeous illustrations!
Nice work, Jennifer. Thanks for letting us know what you've been up to.
TO MARKET, TO MARKET . . .
Another of Joyce Sweeney's students, Michelle Delisle, is celebrating her contract with agent Sterling Lord.
Our best wishes to you, Michelle for a quick, fabulous deal!
POETIC LICENSE . . .
Local fav, the Poetry Ensemble of Orlando, invites you to their holiday performance at the Maitland Senior Center (345 South Maitland Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751), on Tuesday, December 7th at 11:30 a.m.
We can't wait! Hope to see you there.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . .
Maureen Cavanaugh Berry is making quite a "splash" as our new, local, go-to (sea)food writer. Take a look at Maureen's recent profile on the American Culinary Federation's page: http://www.acfcfc.org/featured.php, and then visit Maureen's own blog, Seafood Lady Orlando.
If you keep your eyes open, you'll "sea" Maureen out and about at literary and gustatory events around town. See you soon, Ms. "Marine Maureen"!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) NaNoWriMo. National. Novel. Writing. Month. Thirty days, 50 thousand words. Uh huh. That's 50k.
Every November, in this fine land, writers sign up for this particular (internal) obstacle course. "Winners" find themselves with a complete(-ish) first draft of a novel. And there are no "losers," because, if you play at all, you've written stuff you probably wouldn't have without NaNoWriMo's inspiration.
This year, Woodstreamer Mary K Swanson has been sweating it out over one of her two mysteries-in-progress. If you'd like to hear a little of what MK has to say about NaNoWriMo (and a couple of other things), visit her blog, Writing Wench: Plotting Something Since 1963.
Yes, November's almost over. But there's always next year: NaNoWriMo.org
2) Woodstream's very best gal pal, Jill Yamnitz, has volunteered to be Florida Writer Association Treasurer for the year. Effective October 22nd, 2010, Jill dove down the rabbit hole and into the world of non-profit finance.
And, as if that weren't enough, Jill is also putting her own in-progress novel through its NaNoWriMo paces. For all you do to keep our us out of the red and in the black, we thank you, Jill.
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) Not Too Late!
Kaye Linden of Writers Alliance of Gainseville (WAG) reminds us that the WAG print journal, Bacopa's, contest is open until November 30th.
We bet you've got something to wing off to them! Don't wait. Don't hesitate. Click the link above and send them your very best bits!
2) Thanks to beautiful Bruce Aufhammer who suggests Newstreamers take a look at Narrative Magazine both to read the fine short literary work published there--and also to submit some of your own. Narrative publishes poetry, graphic stories, and six-word stories, among more traditional fare.
3) Poetry Ensemble of Orlando: 2011 ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST
Poetry Ensemble of Orlando invites all poets to participate in our 2011 annual poetry contest. We welcome all forms and all themes of original, unpublished poetry of 32 lines or fewer.
Deadline: Contest begins December 1, 2010. Entries must be received by March 5, 2011; winners will be notified by March 20. First through third prizes will be awarded.
Entry Fee: $5.00 for the first poem; $4.00 for each additional poem (no limit on entry number).
Email arf603(at)hotmail.com for more information.
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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
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THE NEWSTREAM: Fall, 2010
JOIN US!: Workshops for Everyone!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: From Page to Stage
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Radio Days
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: SHE WRITES!!
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, and Appearances
Here's what we're offering for Fall . . .
MAITLAND
Section I: Monday Evening AWA Workshop: 6:30-p.m.-9:00 p.m., eight alternate Mondays, September 6th-December 13th.
Section II: Wednesday Morning AWA Workshop: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, September 8th-December 15th.
These AWA-style Creative Writing Workshops are appropriate for writers at all levels of experience, working (or experimenting!) in all genres. $315. Limited to ten participants.
MOUNT DORA
Thursday Morning BookWriter's Workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., eight alternate Thursdays, September 9th-December 16th.
In this workshop/critique group, seven writers meet to develop, discuss, and revise projects-in-progress. We will write together, share work for group critique, examine extended portions of one another's manuscripts, and learn professional techniques for marketing work.
Members need only have a book-length project in mind to apply.
Mount Dora BookWriter's Workshop is limited to six participants. The $465 cost includes a one-hour private consultation with writing workshop leader and a written/oral group response to a portion of each writer's manuscript.
Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407.644.5163 to register or for information.
* * *
THE NEXT LEVEL: Three-Day Craft Intensives/Retreats
Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, know what writers need – time, support, instruction, accurate information, and the opportunity to practice the skills that will help them take their work to THE NEXT LEVEL.
Each Next Level Craft Intensive is an engaging, instructive, experiential, market-savvy weekend focused on a particular aspect of the writer's craft.
OVIEDO (Orlando area) at Canterbury Retreat Center
The Next Level: The Marketing Intensive, November 5-7
Over the course of three days
* Learn exactly what you need to go to market.
* Discover how to pick the best agents, conferences, publishers for you.
* Create marketing materials that will make you proud!
* Practice pitching until it's (practically) painless.
* Confer privately with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect.
The cost for the Marketing Intensive, $525, includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. (Double occupancy, per person, add $110 for two nights' stay. Single occupancy, add $140 for two nights' stay.) Enrollment limited to 17 participants.
Register with
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163 for more information
or Joyce Sweeney at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. And visit Joyce's site at http://joycesweeney.net/
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IN THE COMMUNITY: FWA Conference and Yo Soy Latino Radio Show
LAKE MARY, at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Florida Writers Association Annual Conference
The FWA's motto is "Writers Helping Writers," and that's what the annual conference is all about! Join Woodstream Writers and hundreds of writing professionals from all over the state and the region for the 9th Annual Florida Writers Conference, October 22nd-24th.
In addition to a weekend full of terrific craft and marketing workshops, panels, opportunities to network and to garner feedback and advice from agents and editors, you can wake up your creative mojo with Jamie Morris!
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, we'll be meeting from 7-8 a.m. for Early Bird "Juice Group" sessions. During the hour, we'll write to prompts, read our new work aloud, and have a chance to make--or receive--a comment or two before the day's conference activities begin!
ON THE AIR, 810 AM, WEUS
Yo Soy Latino
Listen in from twelve noon to one o’clock on Saturday, November 13th! Darlyn Finch will be interviewing Jamie Morris and Woodstream's St. Martin's Press author Julie Compton on Scribbler’s Corner, a monthly chat about Orlando’s literary scene. Scribbler's Corner is just one segment on the very cool weekly radio magazine show Yo Soy Latino (810 AM, WEUS), hosted by Jose Miranda and Haydee Ayala. (See Community Connections, below.)
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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
AND THE WINNER IS . . .
Writers One Flight Up summer contest asked writers to submit the first 150 words of their novels. The winners--whose first 150 words grabbed the judges' attention and left them wanting more--were Woodstream alum Lisa L. Rast for Siren Song, Sharon L. Dwyer for Special Delivery, and John White for Prayer Offerings.
Congrats to all--and a shout out to WOFU and Pulse Magazine for supporting the literary arts in our community. Make sure to visit WritersOneFlightUp.com to learn more about what's happening in Literary Lake County.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .
1) Playwright Jill Bevan, who wrote the 2006 Orlando Fringe Festival's Shuffling Strait, spent a session in a Woodstream Workshop developing a new play. Now complete (congratulations, Jill!), the script, titled Once Upon a Pill, is about the effects of the birth control pill on modern men and women, just in time for The Pill's 50th anniversary. Look for Jill--and Once Upon a Pill--on a Fringe stage soon.
2) YA novelist Jim Shipley's talented wife, Rachel, has been basking in the spotlight just recently. She and her sister Evie--the singing Burton Sisters of some fifty years ago--have been practicing for their official San Francisco stage reunion as part of the show You Shall Know Us By the Trail of Our Vinyl, which is funded in part by a grant from from the Steven Spielberg Foundation! Well done, Rachel. L'Chaim!
SHORT AND SWEET . . .
Our own Gerry Wolfson-Grande has had her short story "The Chess Players" chosen for inclusion in Slices of Life, this year's Florida Writers Association anthology. Gerry is on a roll! A winner of a Royal Palm Literary Award and a WOFU contest last year, we sort of want to sidle up to her and see if some of it rubs off on us.
POETIC LICENSE . . .
Poetic pal Marcia Brooks has been invited to participate in a 1st Thursday program at the Orlando Museum of Art this Thursday, September 2nd. Called "Eclectic Knights II,” this is the UCF Art Alumni annual event and will include examples of art in different media, including poetry. Marcia will be among several poets reading from their work.
Marcia's poetry is terrific! Don't miss it. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. (with the reading at 7:00). For more information--including ticket prices--visit www.omart.org/events/1st-thursdays-eclectic-knights.
ARTICLES OF INCLUSION . . .
1) Novelist-in-training Ms. Susan (Susie B.) Bartlett, had her second Being There piece published in The Orlando Sentinel. This one, titled Haiti: a 7-day Lesson in Gratitude, ran May 23rd. Read a bit about Susan's post-earthquake volunteer experiences at the link.
2) Travel writer guy Brian Bragdon is becoming a regular contributor to Being There, too. In April, he profiled Tuscany.
Brian also writes travel pieces for The Examiner. Head on over to to see what he's been up to.
3) Lisa (First 150 Words Contest Winner) Rast is now a staff writer for local-to-her mag FOCUS Magazine. Good work, Lisa. They're lucky to have you--and we're lucky to get to read something of yours while we're waiting (hint, hint) for that novel to be done!
BLOG-ERRIFIC . . .
1) Anna (Bananarama) Thoma's new yoga-for-life blog, From Prozac to Prana is up and running. Wander on over and read what's on Anna's mind--and share some of your own experiences You'll like FPTP. It's blue.
2) Mary K (Writing Wench) Swanson's working on a graphic novel, Hot Houndette. You can see bits of it on her coolio blog, Writing Wench: Plotting Something Since 1963. What are you waiting for? Get linking: http://writingwench.blogspot.com.
3) Remember that neat story in the last Newstream about Terri-Lynn DeFino who, by dint of trial, error, hard work, and huge patience, has gotten a book deal for her fantasy novel Finder? Well, Terri's just gotten a gig at Apex Books Blog. Take a look. But be careful. Terri-Lynn's smart . . . you might just learn something!
http://www.apexbookcompany.com/blog/2010/06/connection/
http://www.apexbookcompany.com/category/blog/
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) You don't really have to wait until November. Listen in from twelve noon to one o’clock on the second Saturday of each month to Darlyn Finch at Scribbler’s Corner, a monthly chat with special guests about Orlando’s literary scene. Jose Miranda and Haydee Ayala, hosts of Yo Soy Latino, an innovative radio magazine show on 810 AM, WEUS, invite you to call 407-774-1965 to take part in the conversation.
2) Julie Compton (www.julie-compton.com)--a suspense writer herself--wants us to know that the wonderful Mystery Writers of America (MWA) organization is accepting applications for the 2011 Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship for Mystery Writing. Here are the details. (Thanks, Julie.)
Two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to mystery writers to offset tuition and fees for attending writing workshops, writing seminars, or college-level writing programs in the U.S. during the summer, fall, or winter of 2011 or early spring of 2012. The purpose of the scholarship is to nurture talent in mystery writing -- in fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.
To apply, download the official application form from http://www.mysterywriters.org/files/u6/2011_McCloy_Application_Form.pdf. For a copy of the latest information, FAQs, and individual answers to your questions, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
3) Wednesday morning writer-with-flair Elaine Senecal has volunteered to be FWA's Secretary effective August 1, 2010. She spent the month of July learning the duties and understanding the complex spreadsheet for FWA memberships. For all you do, we thank you, Elaine!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) The Tampa Writers Alliance's new and improved Annual Contest is opening for submissions as of Wednesday, September 1st. Unlike other writing contests, contestants receive written comments from at least three highly qualified judges dedicated to their genre. Contest closes October 31st.
For details, visit www.tampawriterscontest.blogspot.com or www.tampawriters.org
2) (Auntie) Bev McCartt suggests we visit She Writes, a website and social network for women writers.
On the She Writes "about" page, you'll find this mission statement:
She Writes is a community and a workplace for women who write, with over 10,000 active members from all fifty states and more than thirty countries. Right now, emerging writers and established bestsellers are finding services, support and actionable advice on She Writes. In the future, the site will empower women writers further by connecting them directly to readers in a marketplace distinguished by its commitment to the production and distribution of high quality content.
She Writes was founded by author and salonniere Kamy Wicoff, in partnership with Deborah Siegel, author, consultant and Ph.D. It is a mission-driven company, based on the belief that writing is life- and world-changing for women.
http://www.shewrites.com/
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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
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THE NEWSTREAM: Summer, 2010
JOIN US!: We're Taking It to THE NEXT LEVEL!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Novel Attention(s)
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Wekiva Writers Welcomes You!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Royal Palm Literary Competition Opens
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, and Appearances
1) WRITING MARATHON . . . in Altamonte Springs (Orlando Area)
On Saturday, July 10th, ten ready-for-a-break-from-it writers will gather at our wonderful Altamonte retreat house for a day-long Writing Marathon where, from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., we will write together from prompts--or work on projects-in-progress.
The backyard pool will be open for dipping, too.
C'mon. We'd love to have you join in our (mid-summer) reindeer games!
The cost, $175, includes all meals and beverages for the day. Please note: The Writing Marathon will take place in a private home that includes cats. Register with Jamie Morris or 407-644-5163 for more information.
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2) THE NEXT LEVEL: Three-Day Craft Intensives/Retreats:
Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, have joined forces to create THE NEXT LEVEL, a series of instructive, experiential, market-savvy writing intensives. Join us--and take your writing to THE NEXT LEVEL . . .
A) THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive . . . in Delray Beach (South Florida)
. . . if it's time to revise your manuscript, but you're not sure where to start,
. . . or you're mid-revision, but something's not quite right,
. . . or you just need that final polish before you pitch,
then join us, July 30th-August 1st for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive, where, over the course of three days, you will
learn Joyce's fail-proof revision secrets
use guided writing exercises to apply what you learn to your own work
confer with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect
WRITE, join group discussions, and deepen your writing community
The cost for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive, $425, includes supper on Friday evening, full breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, plus Happy Hour and snacks on Saturday evening.
B) THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive . . . in Oviedo (Orlando area) at Canterbury Retreat Center
Good for you! You've revised and workshopped and revised some more. Now it's time to learn the tricks of the book-marketing trade.
Let us help you prepare . . .
. . . to pitch at your next conference,
. . . find (and query) the best agent for your work,
. . . make your manuscript stand out above the rest . . .
when you join us, November 5-7 for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive.
Over the course of the weekend
Learn exactly what you need to go to market.
Discover how to pick the best agents, conferences, publishers for you.
Create marketing materials that will make you proud!
Practice pitching until it's (practically) painless.
Confer privately with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect.
The cost for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive, $525, includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Enrollment limited to 17 participants.
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C) THE NEXT LEVEL: Tension, Suspense, and Conflict: Keep Readers (and Agents) Reading! . . . in Jacksonville (Northeast Florida)
February, 2011. Dates/Cost TBA. Contact us to be advised when registration opens for this event.
Joyce Sweeney is the author of fourteen novels for young adults. She has been critiquing manuscripts for over 25 years. Many of her clients have gone on to publish the novels they’ve worked on with Joyce.
Jamie Morris directs Central Florida's Woodstream Writers, leading workshops and intensives regionally--and coaching writers in many genres, towards publication.
Register with
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 407-644-5163
or Joyce Sweeney at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
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3) BOOKWRITER'S WORKSHOPS for FALL 2010 . . . in Maitland
In these workshop/critique groups, seven writers meet in our Maitland loft to develop and discuss their projects-in-progress. We write together, share new work for group critique, closely examine extended portions of one another's manuscripts, and learn professional techniques for marketing our work.
move your book project ahead, week by week;
find valuable critical approaches to apply to your own and others' writing;
capitalize on what makes your story strong, powerful, and unique;
discuss your work in a private consultation with the workshop leader
Join us! Get your book off the ground and onto the page!
Tuesday Evening BookWriter's, Section I: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Dec.14.
Tuesday Evening BookWriter's, Section II: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, Sept. 14-Dec. 21.
Wednesday Morning BookWriter's: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, Sept. 8-Dec. 15.
Contact
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or 407.644.5163 for more information.
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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
Books-A-Gazillion
1) Woodstream partner Joyce Sweeney is proud to announce that so far in 2010, two of her students have acquired agents: Kerry Cerra is being repped by Joanna Volpe and Jonathon Rosen by Steven Chudney, while her students Laen Ghiloni and Pascale Mackay swept the Writer's Network awards in the category of children's books: Laen took first and third places and Pascale took second.
Also, Joyce's class has had two first-book launches this year! Christina Gonzalez's The Red Umbrella, YA/Knopf and Adrienne Syler's Hot Diggety Dog, picture book/Dutton.
A big Woodstream Congrats to Kerry, Jonathon, Laen, Pascale, Christina, and Adrienne! Wonderful work. We couldn't be happier for you!
2) Julie Compton's latest thriller, Rescuing Olivia, is receiving wonderful reviews! Among them, the local NPR station in Southwest Florida did a on-air review of Olivia--with a nice excerpt to boot. Yay, Julie!
Catch yourself a listen at http://wgcu.org/programs/floridabookpage/
To learn more and read an excerpt of the first chapter, visit www.julie-compton.com.
3) Lara Zielinsky's second novel Turn for Home will be available in June. Read a bit about it at http://larazielinsky.wordpress.com/tfh and let Lara know if you'd like a copy:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Good work, Lara. Best of luck with the book!
4) Woodstreamer journalist-turned-novelist Geri Throne told us a wonderful story in Wednesday Morning BookWriter's: It seems Geri's long-time writing colleague Terri DeFino had gotten a book contract. That's great enough in itself, but Terri's story--which she generously shares with Newstream readers--shows us exactly how much perseverance and hard work and talent and good luck and perseverance (!!) goes into those book deals we hear so much about.
Terri says, I've been working on the writing thing since 1996, when my youngest started preschool. I didn't go to college, so through lots of trial and error, I taught myself the ins and outs (along with help of Dollbaby and Geek friends!) 21 manuscripts later, I decided I needed more than trial and error. In 2006, I attended Viable Paradise Workshop--the experience that turned my world around. Since that workshop, I've produced two books. One turned out waaay too long (another writing lesson!), so I wrote another, Finder, and used everything I learned about writing to do it. I finished, sent it to Hadley Rille Books--a very small but excellent (and respected) press, and he loved it. We're shooting for an October release, but it may not be until the turn of the year.
Terri, thanks for sharing this with us. We love to eat the cake, but sometimes forget what goes into the making of it! Readers, visit Terri's Live Journal Blog, http://bogwitch64.livejournal.com/.
5) New friend Kia Richhi is a "Contractress" by day and a first-time author by--well--whenever she's not contractressing. Kia’s book, Avoiding the Con in Construction, is for people who want an inside look at construction contracting so that they can make wise decisions when hiring and working with contractors. A book about "how to contract," not "how to construct," it's written for homeowners in a language they can understand.
Avoiding the Con took second place in the Living Now Book Awards! Good for you, Kia! Take a look:http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1357
To learn more, visit Kia's site, www.thecontractress.com
6) Ah, just one more note from Joyce Sweeney: Joyce's student Danielle Joseph will be signing her YA novel, Shrinking Violet, June 4, at 5 p.m. at Inkwood Books in Tampa, and June 6, at 1 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Winter Garden. Please meet Danielle at one of those locations or visit her site: www.daniellejoseph.com. Tell her we're so happy for her!
Short (Stories) But Sweet
1) Gerry Wolfson-Grande, one of the hardest working women on our side of the 'Stream, has lots of good news to share: First, her short memoir about her pup, Annie (written at a Woodstream Writing Marathon!), titled "Like" has been chosen for inclusion in the upcoming Pets Across America anthology from Gabriel's Guardians, which benefits pet rescue shelters across the country.
Also, her short-short "Not a Good Night at Ford's" (also penned at a WS Marathon!!), which has won both a Royal Palm Literary Award (2009, short-short story) and a WOFU contest, is included in the just-released anthology Under the Cosmic Sofa: An Anthology of the Macabre, Weird and Cool from Writers One Flight Up and Partners in Crime Publishing.
Gerry will be reading at 11:00 a.m. on June 20 as part of the Maitland Poets & Writers Reading Series at the Maitland Farmers Market at Lake Lily. (If you're lucky, you'll hear her read "The Gerbil of Doom.")
Good work on all fronts, Ms. G-W-G! Thanks for keeping us in the know.
2) Another busy bee, Lara Zielinsky's not only finished her second novel (see above), but she co-edited and co-managed the anthology To Love and To Cherish, published by loveyoudivine, was released Feb. 14, 2010 in print (also available in three e-books).
And she contributed a story! And she got the cover art credit as well! And the anthology got a great review! Take a look: Victor J. Banis or visit http://larazielinsky.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/tltc/
Honestly, Lara, is there nothing you can't do?
Pretty Poems (and the Good-looking Poets Who Make Them)
1) "Calypso's Gone Public Again," read the note. We deciphered: Our adorable pal Calypso Strawn will be reading her poetry on Tuesday, June 1st, at Tatame Tea Lounge on Fairbanks, near Rollins, 7:15 p.m. and then again on Sunday, June 6th, at Lake Lily at the Maitland Farmer's Market, at 11:00 a.m.
Sing strong, Sea Star!
2) Marcia Brooks is still pinching herself to make sure it’s real. Her lovely poem “Rosary Beads and Tarot Cards” won 4th place in the 5th Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards. The names of poets and poem titles of the 1st through 10th place winners will be printed in the August 2010 Writer’s Digest. Also, addition, the 1st through 50th place poems will be printed in a special competition collection!
Such wonderful news, Marcia. Thanks for letting us know.
3) The Poetry Ensemble of Orlando is pleased to announce the winners of its 2010 Poetry Contest.
First place: Oral Nussbaum for “Small Giant.”
Second Place: Amanda MacCormac for “This Winter of War.”
Third place (tie): Donatella Young for “Christine Behind Bars”
Oral Nussbaum for “Peek-A-Boo.”
Poetry Ensemble of Orlando recently published Connections. This lovely collection is available on www.lulu.com. We're proud to count the PEO members--Russ Golata, Estelle Lipp, Alice R. Friedman, Robert A. Osborne, and Leslie Halpern--among Woodstream's friends.
To learn more about PEO's upcoming contests, performances, and other events, contact
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.
Articles of Inclusion
1) Maureen Cavanaugh Berry, the one and only Seafood Lady of Orlando, is getting around (edible) O-town. Whether she's pulling weeds in her community garden plot or pulling the secrets out of local chefs, Ms. Berry is sharing it all with her readers.
Wander over to her site, http://seafoodladyorlando.com/wordpress/, or find her local foodie interviews and articles at Examiner.com where Maureen is the Orlando Restaurant Examiner!
Congrats, Maureen. You know we still only do take-out, but maybe you'll change our lazy ways.
2) Lightning may not strike twice, but travel writer Brian Bragdon's article on bear-watching in Alaska has hit three times--once in the Orlando Sentinel's Being There section and then in the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun.
And Brian's writing for the Examiner, too. See http://www.examiner.com/x-40959-Orlando-World-Travel-Examiner~y2010m3d15-Come-get-your-life-back-in-New-Zealand for a sample of his good work.
Nice, Brian. Very, very, very nice!
3) Catherine Rain had an article published in Simple Joy titled "Sowing the Midlife Garden." Readers can take a look at the Spring 2010 Spring 2010 issue of this e-zine at http://www.youpublish.com/files/29529/Simple-Joy.
Nice to hear from you, Catherine. Congratulations on the article.
Bloggetty-blog-blog-blog . . .
1) Janie Bill--who, by the way, is serving as the 2010 Florida Writers Association Conference Director--has launched a new blog. It's titled Feeling Fiction and aims to help writers learn what works in the narrative process--and what makes your manuscript work for publishers.
Visit www.feelingfiction.com to get a "feel" for Janie's strategies.
Thanks for this, Janie, and for your work on behalf of FWA.
2) And speaking of FWA . . . your Woodstream 'Streamer (that's me!) had the honor of guest blogging--about platform building for novelists--on the Florida Writers Association (FWA) Conference Blog (http://floridawriters.wordpress.com) hosted by the indefatigable FWA VP, Chris Hamilton.
Read my post, March 10. Read Chris's posts everyday!
Thanks to Chris and all the amazing FWA volunteers for making literary Florida a great place to write.
3) And speaking of literary Florida, Darlyn Finch, Central Florida's very own Scribbler, wrote a short-sweet piece for Commuter Orlando titled "My First Commute" that's about commuting on National Ride Your Bike to Work Day.
Check it out: http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2010/05/24/my-first-commute/
then visit Darlyn's beautiful new site (created by Mary Ann DeStefano of Mad About Words) at http://darlynfinch.com/.
Ride on, Sister!
See more about both Mary Ann and Darlyn in the COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS section, below.
4) Newstream reader (and long-time Boston pal) Caroline Nudelman has been writing about Reiki. Read one of her Hubpages pieces at http://hubpages.com/hub/Energy-Healing-or-Reiki-Which-Is-It-Or-Is-It-both
Thanks for staying in "touch," Caroline. (Get? Reiki? Touch?)
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
1) The Adult Literacy League needs volunteers to help tutor other adults in reading. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Tutors meet with adult learners once a week at their local branch of the library or a local book store. Contact Lisa Warren, 407-422-1540 or visit www.adultliteracyleague.org for more information. Thanks to Terri Chastain for her championing of the Adult Literacy League.
2) Wekiva Writers is a writing critique group that focuses on offering respectful, constructive criticism to help group members strengthen their work.
Wekiva Writers meets every Saturday at Wekiva Presbyterian Church in Longwood from 9:00 a.m. until everyone's had his or her work discussed. This fun, informal group is open to anyone who would like to attend—and it’s free!
On Saturday, July 17, Jamie Morris will be Wekiva Writers' guest facilitator. At that meeting, she’ll demonstrate the popular Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method that she uses as a writing coach and workshop leader, offering a brief writing exercise, leading an AWA-style read-around, and guiding a critique of prepared manuscripts before opening the floor for general Q+A.
There will be no charge (of course!) for this workshop. If you’d like more information or have any questions, please email Marcia Brooks at
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.
3) The MAD about Words Lounge is subtitled, "nurturing creative and community spirit." A wonderful, no-charge, virtual cafe for writers to share ideas and support, the Lounge is a gift that Mary Ann de Stefano gives to her community. Visit http://madaboutwords.ning.com/. And be sure to say, Hey!, to Mary Ann.
MA, thanks for all you do.
4) And speaking of gifts, Darlyn Finch has been producing her newsletter, Scribbles, weekly (sometimes hourly) as another no-charge contribution to her beloved Lit-Lando. If you are reading this, and don't subscribe to Scribbles, stop what you're doing and go to http://darlynfinch.com/scribbles/ and ask the nice lady to put you in the local literary loop.
Darlyn, you're a darlin'. Tanks.
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition is accepting entries for the 2010 competition! They've been working with publishers to refine their genre-category definitions, and have paid close attention to the many helpful comments of the Florida Writers Association membership to keep the 2010 competition in tune with our fast-changing industry and with the needs of FWA members.
Visit http://www.floridawriters.net/RPLA.html for details on this wonderful Florida-based competition. This is one contest where everyone's a winner!
2) Thanks to Joanna Wallace, our pal at Orlando's Adventures in Christian Writing group, who forwarded this on from Guideposts' James Stuart Bell: We are now in Phase Four of the Extraordinary Answers to Prayer series published by Guideposts. Join us by contributing stories up to 2,000 words dealing with various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through response to their prayers.
Stories should have a creative title, an attention grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution.
Inquiries to Jeanette Littleton at
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.
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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
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THE NEWSTREAM: Spring, 2010
JOIN US!: Something for (Almost) Everyone!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Mt. Dora Authors' Signing
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Support Local Literacy
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Good Notes from NYC SCBWI Conference
JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, and Appearances
1) . . . in Altamonte Springs (Orlando Area)
Writing Marathon On Saturday, March 20th, we invite writers at all levels, working in any genre, to join us at our wonderful retreat house in Altamonte Springs for a day-long Writing Marathon where, from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., all writers will be invited to catch a spark from our writing prompts or to feed the flames of their longer works-in-process.
Please note: This Writing Marathon will be presented in a private home that includes cats. The cost for the day, $175, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.
2) . . . in Boca Raton (South Florida)
Two Teachers, Two Days--It's Twice the Learning, Twice the Fun!
On Saturday and Sunday, April 24th and 25th, award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and writing coach/AWA workshop leader Jamie Morris invite writers at all levels to join us for a weekend of literary growth and experience. In this informative, experiential, market-savvy workshop titled THE NEXT STEP, you'll write, you'll read, you'll learn, you'll critique.
Open to anyone who is ready to take their next literary step, attendees will enjoy the following opportunities: to have their writing strengths and weaknesses assessed; to learn crucial literary marketing skills; to participate in AWA-style writing and critique sessions; to share in a Q&A about the most common writing problems; and to discuss their writing in a private conference with one of the workshop leaders.
The cost for the weekend, $250, includes full breakfast and lunch, both days, plus Happy Hour and snacks on Saturday evening. Please note: The Next Step will be presented in a private home that includes cats. TAKE THE NEXT STEP . . .
3) . . . in Altamonte: It's a Writers' Pajama Party!!
On Saturday, July 10th-Sunday, July 11th, ten free-wheeling, ready-for-a-break-from-it creative writers will come together at our wonderful retreat house in Altamonte Springs where we will write together from prompts--or work on projects-in-progress--as well as practice Julia Cameron's Artist's Way tools.
We'll start on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. and finish at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. All meals and beverages (adult beverages, too) will be included for this bring-your-jammies-and-a-bed-roll weekend of inspiration, exhalation, concentration, and exploration. Please note: The Writers' Pajama Party will be presented in a private home that includes cats. The cost for the weekend is $235.
4) . . . in Maitland: BookWriter's Workshops for Spring
In these workshop/critique groups, seven writers will meet in our Maitland loft to develop and discuss their projects-in-progress. Together, we will write together, share new work for group critique, closely examine extended portions of one another's manuscripts, and learn professional techniques for marketing our work.
Members will be writing in all genres and need only have a book-length project in mind to apply. Join us! Get your book off the ground and onto the page!
Option a) Tuesday Evening BookWriter's Workshop: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, May 4th-August 10th.
Option b) Wednesday Morning BookWriter's Workshop: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, May 5th-August 11th.
The $495 workshop cost includes a one-hour private consultation with writing workshop leader and a written group response to a portion of each writer's manuscript.
Register with
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or 407.644.5163 for more information on any of these workshops.
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
Books-A-Gazillion
1) Author signing, Thursday, March 18th, 6-9pm, at One Flight Up Cafe, Mt. Dora!
Celebrate local authors, including Woodstream fav JL Rehman (Death Impressions and new release, Blood Of Belladonna); Michael Suib (Confessions Of A Key West Cabby and The River Of Duval and Other Technicolor Realities); Nancy Butler-Ross (Meditation Express); Mark Miller (The Fourth Queen); RB Henderson (More Gall Than Honey); Bob Grenier (Woodlea: Life On The Lake Of The Dancing Sunbeams and Florida’s Forgotten Pioneer: The Gallant Captain Melton Hayes).
Lake County should be mighty proud!
One Flight Up Café’ is located at 440 N Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Fla. Between 4th & 5th (Above Noni)
407-758-9819
www.writersoneflightup.com
2) Julie Compton's latest thriller, Rescuing Olivia, is in bookstores now. Like Julie's last novel, Olivia is receiving wonderful reviews! Nice work, Ms. Julie.
"Compton burrows so deeply into [the characters'] troubled back stories and dramatizes in such psychologically compelling terms the swain's attempt to rescue his princess that the result is a pleasing hybrid of fairy tale and contemporary thriller." Kirkus Reviews
An "intense, entertaining second novel . . . [A] super-satisfying resolution." Publishers Weekly
To learn more and read an excerpt of the first chapter, visit www.julie-compton.com.
3) Dr. Ruth D. Edwards has self-published her first book: Step Into Yourself! Spiritual Affirmations for Embracing Change.
This guidebook to personal change is designed to help the reader manifest her/his dreams and goals. Each chapter introduces a concept with elaboration, followed by scriptural reinforcement and a question to prompt self-reflection. The chapter concludes with a journal page. You will soon be available to purchase copies online; until then, contact Dr. Edwards at the Winter Park Public Library Lifelong Learning Institute, 407-623-3309.
Articles of Inclusion
1) Travel writer Brian Bragdon has something quite nice to brag about: His essay, "Bear Spotting," about viewing bears in the wilds of Alaska was published in the Orlando Sentinel's Travel and Arts section on Sunday, December 20th. Well done, Brian.
2) Joan Manson posted a nice instructional article on how to do an Angel Paper Weaving on Hubpages. Take a look:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Angel-Paper-Weaving. Pretty projects, Joan!
For more paper projects, visit Joan at www.joanmansson.com.
Short (Stories) But Sweet
1) "Congratulations Elaine Senecal, Your short short story, "Unconscious Consciousness," has won 24th place in the 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition. You will be receiving a formal letter, a certificate and a $50 gift certificate for Writer’s Digest Books sometime in April. Your story will also be published in the Short Short Story Competition Collection."
This was the note new-to-Woodstream Elaine received last month! Way to go, Elaine! We couldn't be happier for you!
2) Susan Miller's short story about a Chinese/Cuban woman who is on life support and her two daughters who have decisions to make was published in Battered Suitcase, the literary journal of Vagabond Press in Florida, www.vagabondagepress.com. Now if we could only get Susan herself to come down and visit us here!
Pretty Poems (and the Good-looking Poets Who Make Them)
1) Urban Think! Bookstore will host the Orlando Book Party for Kelle Groom's third collection of poems, Five Kingdoms on Saturday, March 20, 6:30pm. One of Groom’s previous collections, Luckily, won a Florida Book Award. Her poetry has appeared in The New Yorker, Ploughshares, and Poetry, among other magazines, and is forthcoming in Best American Poetry 2010.
Here's some well-deserved praise for Kelle's work: Kelle Groom's new book, Five Kingdoms, attempts to categorize the world, make sense of its violence, loss, and beauty. Her poetry cross-references politics, biology, history, domesticity, and war. Her work glows with her spirit and intellect, explodes with joy and grief. Five Kingdoms sings with what it is to be human. -- Denise Duhamel
Urban Think! Bookstore
625 East Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32801-2916
Information: (407) 650-8004
2) Such good news! WS pal Terry Godbey won the 2009 Quercus Review Poetry Series Annual Book Award. Congrats, Terry. Thanks for letting us know.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate
Thanks to Terri Chastain for her championing of the Adult Literacy League. Here are two ways you can add to the effort.
1) The Adult Literacy League needs volunteers to help tutor other adults in reading. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Tutors meet with adult learners once a week at their local branch of the library or a local book store. Contact Lisa Warren, 407-422-1540 or visit www.adultliteracyleague.org for more information.
2) Reading between the Wines, a benefit for the Adult Literacy League, will be held Friday, April 9th at 6 pm: Enjoy a wonderful evening of wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres from fabulous local restaurants, while raising money to improve lives through literacy. The event sold out last year, so get your tickets now: www.adultliteracyleague.org.
3) Thanks to Tuesday night novelist Anna Thoma for this news: The University of Central Florida Book Festival is April 17, 2010 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free admission and parking on the UCF campus. More than 60 authors, including celebrated humorist Carl Hiaasen and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will be on hand. Book signings, sales and appraisals will take place. Special children’s activities are also planned. Meet local favorites Greg Dawson, Pat Duggins and Bob Morris. For schedules and information, please call 407. 823.2835 or go to http://bit.ly/cDiQ4R.
4) And on the West Coast of Florida (Tarpon Springs, to be exact), David Edmond has been creating literary community for some time, facilitating a mostly-fiction writers critique group every Friday, from 10am-1pm at the Tarpon Springs Library. A healthy group, they currently count 25 members on their roll, with 12-15 showing up at any given meeting, during which they typically accommodate 5-8 readers.
The members are a mixed bag, young and retired, published and unpublished, high school educated and lawyers and Ph.d's. A few--like David--have taken creative writing courses at the university level, whereas others are at the early learning stage.
There are no fees for participation, and David invites you to visit the group or contact him at
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for more information.
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
1) JL Rehman's Partners In Crime Publishers is launching an author promotional product fulfillment website. Author Outfitters offers a large selection of customizable products without costly setup fees or minimum quantity purchases. Authors can go online, select a product, upload their own graphic, book cover, or text, and custom design size, location and colors. Sign up for our newsletter for sales and new products. Go to www.partnersincrimepublishers.com and click the “Author Outfitters” bullet.
2) Wednesday early-in-the-morning BookWriter Pat Matthews attended the recent SCBWI (Society for Children's Bookwriters and Illustrators) conference in New York and generously shared his notes. "It was a good conference," he said, "if a bit chilly for my taste." (Be sure to visit Pat's www.daddytales.com to read good stuff on fatherhood!)
Advice from YA author Libba Bray:
Be unexpected: Libba recounted a story about asking her child what he wanted to be when he grew up. The answer? A giraffe. Writing that kind of unexpected answer brings depth and charm to a story.
Let characters make mistakes: I think we’ve all heard this one, but it’s good to remember. Mistakes help readers connect with characters and make them more interesting.
Avoid Trends: By the time you’re trying to catch them, they’re probably already gone. Try to write what feels true to you, not what you “should” write.
Advice from Disney/Hyperion editor, Arianne Lewin:
Who is reading YA? Everyone. Be aware of the extended audience when you’re writing.
The difference between Middle Grade and YA is sex. YA has it.
The fantasy genre is crowded, but with a lot of repetition. It needs fresh new ideas with strong character development. The story must be personal to the character.
Don’t start at a pivotal moment, start at a changing moment. Give the readers a chance to learn about your character before dropping a safe on his head.
When it comes to series, just market the first book. It should stand alone, but have the ability to be turned into a series.
Advice from author Jim Benton (whom Pat called, "an absolutely fantastic speaker"):
Rewrite.
You are not your work. People may hate the work, but like you. They also might like the work, but not you. Keep the separation.
Don’t be paralyzed or scared of stupid ideas. Realize that you’re going to have stupid ideas, and accept it.
3) $2000 Awaits Winners of Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition
Writers of short fiction are encouraged to enter the 2010 Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. The competition has a twenty-nine-year history of literary excellence, and its organizers are dedicated to enthusiastically supporting the efforts and talent of emerging writers of short fiction whose voices have yet to be heard.
In addition to cash prizes for the top three stories, The Saturday Evening Post will publish the first-place winner in its pages. The Post may also choose to publish our runners-up, either in its pages or on its website.
Deadline is May 15. For more information, visit www.shortstorycompetition.com or e-mail:
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4) WriterAdvice seeks flash fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction that mesmerizes the reader in 750 words or less. DEADLINE: April 15, 2010. Entry fee: $10 per submission. First prize: $150. Former prizewinners are the judges. Complete guidelines, mailing address, and prizes at www.writeradvice.com
5) The Unbound Press Fiction Competition is now open for entries in short story (up to 3000 words) and first chapter of an unpublished novel (up to 3000 words). All winners and runners-up will be published in the Unbound Press Journal and will receive a free copy of the journal.
Visit the Competitions page at www.unboundpress.co.uk for full details.
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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news . . . and keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers
