Sonoma County Writers’ Guide Update
July 1, 2008
Dear Literary Folk,
The Literary Update has a couple of new features this month, which I hope will continue. The first is the “News from . . . ,” feature, providing updates from various parts of the county. Pat Nolan has been sending me news from West County, and Vilma Ginzberg reports from North County. Cynthia Beecher and Lin Marie deVincent recently sent word from the East County. I hope to keep all and various branches of Sonoma County in the loop in this way. I welcome other “ears and eyes” to send in their news, too!
The second new feature is a report of new chapbook and book publications. If you have a new book to announce, send the information to me by the end of the calendar month. Include a link reader’s can use to get more information about the book and how to purchase it. Basic guidelines for announcements appear at the end of this section of the Literary Update.
It’s been smoky out there in Sonoma County, especially in the north territory. I hope all of you are safe and that your homes have escaped any danger from the fires here and all over our beautiful state.
This month many gay and lesbian couples were able to legally marry their true loves in ceremonies that were nothing short of historic. My congratulations to you all!
And as we head into the heat of the election season, I hope we can work together to take our country back to the values of humanity, ecology, decency, and diversity of voice and thought that we have so sorely missed the past eight years. In the words of Jellaludin Rumi, “Don’t go back to sleep!”
People Like Us
by Robert Bly
There are more like us. All over the world
There are confused people, who can’t remember
The name of their dog when they wake up, and people
Who love God but can’t remember where
He was when they went to sleep. It’s
All right. The world cleanses itself this way.
A wrong number occurs to you in the middle
Of the night, you dial it, it rings just in time
To save the house. And the second-story man
Gets the wrong address, where the insomniac lives,
And he’s lonely, and they talk, and the thief
Goes back to college. Even in graduate school,
You can wander into the wrong classroom,
And hear great poems lovingly spoken
By the wrong professor. And you find your soul,
And greatness has a defender, and even in death you’re safe.
The Deadline’s Been Extended for the Petaluma Poetry Walk Contest!
First Annual Petaluma Poetry Walk Poem Contest
In honor of Petaluma’s Sesquicentennial
Winners will read their poem in the Petaluma Poetry Walk this year, September 21, 2008.
Write a poem about Petaluma
Contest rules:
Submit 1 poem only.
It must be about Petaluma.
Do not include your name on page with poem
$10.00 entry fee
On separate page:
Include your name, title of poem and first line of poem
Contact information
Address, email, telephone number.
Send to:
Petaluma Poetry Walk
PO BOX 13
Petaluma,CA
94953-0013
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: JULY 1.2008
*contest to be judged by:
Terry Ehret, Jonah Ruskin, Mike Tuggle, and Elizabeth Herron
Sonoma County in Print
New Chapbook from poet KATHLEEN WINTER
In June, Finishing Line Press of Georgetown, Kentucky published a chapbook of poems, Invisible Pictures, by Kathleen Winter. The chapbook is available from the publisher’s website, finishinglinepress.com, and from Amazon.com. Kathleen’s poems have been published by, or are forthcoming in, Field, Tin House, 32 Poems, The Cincinnati Review, Parthenon West Review, and other journals and anthologies. Kathleen and her husband Greg Campbell recently relocated to Tempe, Arizona. She will attend the Arizona State University Creative Writing MFA program while working as a teaching assistant in the English Department. The couple plans to return to Sonoma County, where they lived from 1998 to 2008, after Kathleen completes her degree program.
New from WordTemple Press
The Small Change Series of the WordTemple Press has just published a book of poems by Gwynn O’Gara, Winter at Green Haven. Elizabeth Herron says, “These poems invite us into the world of West Coast winter. Here the subdued realms of death and memory run hidden currents under the immediacy of bright moss and quick birds. This is a book for any season.” O’Gara is the author of two previous collections of poetry, Snake Woman Poems (Beatitude Press) and Fixer-Upper (dPress).
Other books in the Small Change Series include Angelize by David Meltzer; Fennel in the Rain by Jack and Adelle Foley; and Lonidier Rampant by Katherine Hastings.
Joan Frank’s New Novel
On Sunday, August 10, Joan Frank will be reading from THE GREAT FAR AWAY at the Corte Madera branch of Book Passage. As the date nears you’ll be able to find the reading time on Book Passage’s website,
THE GREAT FAR AWAY is a small, dreamlike story, with a lovely cover. It was a nominee for the 2007 Northern California Book Award in Fiction, and various sources have said nice things about it. You can read some of those on my website, www.joanfrank.org or e-mail joanfrank@sbcglobal.net.
Sonoma County Book Festival
The Sonoma County Book Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 20. For those of you with books, journals, or literary organizations to exhibit, this is a great place to share your wares with the extended literary community. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to hear local and national writers reading from their new works, panels on various topics of interest to readers and writers alike, and enjoy the annual “family reunion” in and around Courthouse Square. If you’d like more information, or would like to volunteer on the day of the Festival, check out the website at www.sonomacountybookfestival.org. You’re also welcome to attend the next planning meeting.
Next Meeting
When: Monday July 14
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Where: SR Central Library 3rd St & E St (upstairs conference room)
Children’s Media Company Seeks Writing Talent
Are you an aspiring scriptwriter looking for a long-term project to sink your creativity into? Ocean Rudee & Company of Sebastopol is in the process of pulling together a team of 4 to 6 ‘scriptors’. Project responsibilities will include: the development of an ongoing series of radio serial dramas and related multi-media programs for children from 4 to 8-years of age (as well as their parents, teachers and primary caregivers).
Prior experience writing for children is not necessary. An understanding of how to write for continuity, how to maintain and adhere to a well developed set of character profiles, the ability to function well as a team player, a love of children’s literature and an abiding commitment to the muse – are essential.
If this is you, please visit Ocean Rudee’s website (www.oceanrudee.com) and send off an e-mail expressing your interest in learning more.
News from East County
The 2008 Sonoma Poet as Community Leader has been chosen:
We congratulate ARTHUR DAWSON!
Sonoma Poet Arthur Dawson has been selected as the 2008 Community Leader. An informal reception was held to celebrate at the Sonoma Valley Library on Friday, June 20.
A little background and bio:This award was originally created in 2002 by the Sonoma Poetry Collective to recognize Sonoma poets for their exceptional contributions to the community. Past recipients were Russ Bedord, Chris Giovacchini-Ramirez and Lin Marie deVincent.
Arthur has been an active teacher for the California Poets in the Schools program since 1991, creating and perfecting lesson plans and inspiring thousands of students to their own creativity. He has published sixty-five chapbooks of student poetry from these workshops. He has helped coordinate many public readings of these students’ poetry, most recently at the Sonoma Valley Library as part of National Poetry Month. In addition, he was Area Coordinator for Sonoma County CPITS for five years.
Dawson developed curriculum, implemented and taught “A Song of Place” poetry program, 1997-1999, which reached every public elementary school in the valley and produced the anthology Where Oaks Play Catch with the Sun. He received the Sonoma Ecology Center’s “Environmental Educator of the Year Award” in 1999 for this project.
In October 1999, Arthur initiated the Sonoma Valley Watershed Walk, a popular four-day journey that celebrates our local landscape from many perspectives. The Walks have included poets, dancers, elders, historians, members of the Wappo and Coast Miwok tribes, musicians, writers, scientists, and artists.
He is also founder and publisher of Kulupi Press, which focuses on “Publications with a Sense of Place.” Arthur’s newest project is a series of bilingual community redwood walks in Jack London State Historic Park, which will explore the forest history of the area.
By his actions and accomplishments, Arthur Dawson has shown his respect for the art of poetry and those who create and perform. He has encouraged writers and speakers of all ages, from children to elders.
News from West County
Snake River Reading Series
The Snake River Reading Series hosted by Mike Tuggle, Sonoma County Poet Laureate, presents The Four Redheads, Susan Kennedy, Penelope La Montagne, Phyllis Meshulum, and Gwynn O’Gara reading their poetry Sunday, July 27 at 3 PM at The Gold Coast Coffee Company in Duncans Mills.
Low Power Literary Radio in West Sonoma Co.
There are two monthly book shows on local low power FM radio stations. Nearing its second anniversary, Off The Shelf, airs at 8 PM on the first Sunday of the month on Guerneville’s KGGV 95.1FM. Hosted by Peter Andrews and Pat Nolan, the May 4th edition of Off The Shelf will feature travel writer Laurie Gough whose latest book is Kiss The Sunset Pig. KGGV offers streaming at www.kggvfm.org. Book Flaps, the nexus between Books and Life, hosted by Suzanne Lang and Pat Nolan is offered on Occidental’s brand new radio station, KOWS 107.3 FM, on the last Thursday of the month at 5 PM. Previous shows have featured discussions on consciousness and guest poets from the West County.
Copperfield’s Books Launches Local Writers’ Workshops
The Local Writers’ Workshops will be classes where local writers teach fiction, poetry, nonfiction and other literary arts craft to other local writers, craft-persons and those inspiring to be. In addition to teaching technique, the workshops are designed to further the development of our literary community through the exchange of ideas about writing and reading with other people to whom these traditions matter greatly.
Summer Writing Conferences
Registration is still open for the Foothill Writers’ Conference and the Mendocino Coast Writer’s Conference. Napa and Squaw Valley are closed, but you can always check for workshops and readings that are open to the public.
The Mendocino Coast Writers Conference
This annual conference is a local gem. The conference has revised and lengthened its format, and is offering generous scholarships for Mendocino County residents. You’ll find a full list of workshops and presenters at the end of the Update. Check out their new web site at www.mcwc.org. As well as better navigation and lots more information, it has all the details on the July 31- August 3, 2008 conference, including information on recently confirmed conference presenters, agents and editors.
Foothill Writers’ Conference July 9-13
Held at Foothill Community College, Los Altos Hills
This is by far the most inexpensive and comprehensive local conference. The cost is only $53.50 for California residents, and the roster of writers leading workshops is impressive. Check it out!
For information:
http://www.foothill.edu/la/conference/
To apply:
http://www.foothill.edu/la/conference/register.php
My friend and fellow Sixteen River, Dan Bellm, will be teaching again this year at the Foothill Writers’ Conference at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills — it’s a wonderful conference and also incredibly inexpensive: registration is just $53.50 for California residents, for five days of poetry and fiction workshops, readings, and talks (July 9-13).
Along with Dan, faculty will include Gerald Stern, Anne Marie Macari, Sharon Doubiago, CA Poet Laureate Al Young, David Meltzer, and many others.
On Wednesday July 9, Dan will be teaching an afternoon “Poetry and Translation” workshop, and giving a reading at 7:30 pm with Greg Sarris and Linda Janakos.
On Thursday July 10, Dan will be teaching a workshop I’m calling “Don’t Get Too Comfortable: Politics and Poetry.”
Napa Valley Writers’ Conference July 27—Aug 1
Napa Valley College
1088 College Avenue
St. Helena, CA 94574
Anne Evans, director of the Napa Writers’ Conference, encourages Sonoma County fiction writers to apply for the 2008 program. Those in need of financial aid to apply for scholarships.
For conference information:
http://www.napawritersconf.org/
Squaw Valley Community of Writers
Held at Squaw Valley in the California Sierra Nevada, close to the north shore of Lake Tahoe
POETRY WORKSHOP: JULY 19 – 26, 2008
WRITERS WORKSHOPS: AUGUST 2 – 9, 2008
SCREENWRITING: AUGUST 2 – 9, 2008
For more information:
http://www.squawvalleywriters.org/
Summer Writing Workshops
Many Sonoma County writers offer their expertise and writing support through local workshops. Some are day-long, some are ongoing, and some are retreats. Details about these and other ongoing workshops can be found at the end of the Update, listed alphabetically by workshop leader or sponsor.
The Heart of Writing with Suzanne Murray
Four-Week Classes
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:30 pm,
July 15 to August 5, $100 paid by 7/8, $115 after
register early limited to 12, downtown Sebastopol location
Small supportive groups. Good for beginners and experienced writers as well as all styles of writing.
Learn simple, powerful techniques to find your voice, tell your stories, calm your inner critic, enter the creative flow, jumpstart your writing and support your creative self. Find support and encouragement and an understanding of the craft of writing and the joyful heart of the creative process.
for more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website:www.creativitygoeswild.com
Petaluma Writers Forum
July 17 Lizzie Hannon Constellations: Writing From the Summer Sky
We’ll use the science of stars along with the myth and legends associated with planets to send our words into orbit. Our time together will include a guided meditation to the center of creation and prompts leading to individual haiku and a fairy tale. A Hypnotic CD to aid your creativity process at home will be available for a small fee.
LIZZIE HANNON is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who operates “A Better Choice Hypnosis” at Club Vitality in Rohnert Park. This is her second workshop with Writer’s Forum. Her essays, poems and short fiction have been published in several on-line and print anthologies. She is also the morning voice on KRCB Public Radio-91.
Writers Forum meets the third Thursday of each month.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (We start promptly at 7:00 pm.)
$15 at the door
Location: Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park, 320 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma
Dan Coshnear’s Fiction Workshop
Guerneville author Dan Coshnear will be offering an eight week fiction workshop at The Sitting Room in Cotati. If you’ve been writing and looking for a place to share your work, or if you’ve been wanting to write and wanting also the inspiration that comes from a community of thoughtful, supportive readers, please consider.
Workshop will happen on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm at The Sitting Room. Cost is 200 dollars, 10% of which goes to support the facility.
Dates are as follows 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13 & 8/20.
Though we are a fiction workshop we have traditionally accomodated other forms, particularly creative non-fiction. Part of workshop includes a snack potluck. We take turns providing comestibles.
Because of space, we must limit to 10. If interested please email me at dan@coshnear.org or call 707-869-0329.
Camp Writing Bear at Angela Center
The annual writing retreat begins this year on Sunday evening, July 6 and ends with lunch on Friday, July 11. The program includes a one-hour workshop each morning (the topic this year is memoir) and feedback time late afternoon. Enrolment is limited to 12 and the cost is $620. You will have a room of your own. You will have paths to wander and gardens to settle into. There is a pool for your daily swim. You will be fed well in many ways: by the cooks, by the group assembled, and by the facilitators, Donna Hardy and Clare Morris, who have been leading writing groups, singly and collectively, for 30 years. Read more at angelacenterpress.org or phone Angela Center (707-528-8578) for a flyer.
Write To Take Care Of Yourself & Art Collage with Marlene Cullen
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Time: 9:00 am to noon
Location and Registration: Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowellBlvd. Petaluma
$40
The first part of this workshop will be an exploration of significant eventthrough writing. The second part features art collage as a fun way to discover personal paths.
No special writing experience needed. Bring a notebook and pen. Material for art collage will be provided. You are also welcome to bring your own material.
Marlene Cullen is a contributing editor for www.tiny-lights.com, writing coach, and founder of Writers Forum of Petaluma. Her workshops provide essential elements for successful writing, where participants often experience transformational changes.
Please visit Marlene’s website for more information: www.thewritespot.us Marlene can be reached at: mcullen@comcast.net
WRITING FROM YOUR CORE: Creative Writing Workshops with Clara Rosemarda
5 sessions begin
Wednesday, September 17th, 7-9:30pm OR
Thursday, September 18th, 10am–12:30pm
fee $150 ($140 if paid by August 31st) Space is limited.
These classes will be conducted in a comfortable environment near downtown Santa Rosa
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
Creative writing propels the writer into the unknown. Strong attention allows us to drop into deep writing. Whether you write prose or poetry, letters or fiction, this workshop will inspire your muse to write from a core place. Through meditation, visualizations, and other exercises that quiet the mind and expand the imagination, you will access core images, ideas, and memories. Open to beginning as well as seasoned writers.
“One can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one’s own personality. Good prose is like a window pane.” George Orwell from “Why I Write”
A list of other Sonoma County writing workshop leaders appears in the details about workshops and events at the end of the update. Feel free to contact them about their private consultations or to find out when their next workshops will be.
Calls for Submission
If you’d like to explore ways to get your writing out of the drawer and into print, check out the information on the Literary Folk website and on my personal website:
http://literaryfolk.wordpress.com/recommended-northern-california-journals-and-presses/
http://www.terryehret.com/consulting.htm
Redwood Writers Announces Short Story Contest
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces its 1st annual Short Story Writing Contest for residents of the Redwood Empire.The contest begins immediately and is open to all residents living in Sonoma, Marin,
Napa, Solano, Lake, and Mendocino Counties.
All submissions must be postmarked by July 18th.
The cost is $5 per entry for members of Redwood Writers and $10 per entry for nonmembers.
Winners will be announced at the RWC member meeting on September 7th.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries as follows: first place – $100, second place – $50 and third place – $25. Each winner will also have his or her short story published in the Redwood Writers newsletter.
Entries will be judged on clarity, originality, and cohesion.
Entry guidelines are found on the RWC web site:
http://www.redwoodwriters.org/shortstorycontest08.pdf
About Redwood Writers:
Redwood Writers is one of 17 branches of the California Writers Club, the nation’s oldest professional club for writers, founded in 1909. Its motto is “writers helping writers.” Early members included Jack London, George Sterling, John Muir, Joaquin Miller and the first California poet laureate, Ina Coolbrith. The Club has more than 1,200 members statewide. Additional contact information: http://www.redwoodwriters.org
Redwood Writers, P.O. Box 4687, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
SRJC’s Literary Journal First Leaves Returns in 2009!
Join the Staff of First Leaves
If you have ever wanted to be on the staff of an energetic, literary journal and learn the process of compiling a publication, plan to join English 80 (3 unit, CSU transferable) for the Spring ’09 semester.
Students enrolled in English 80 are involved in all aspects of producing a literary journal (with the guidance of the instructor), from approving submissions to putting the actual journal together.
Evaluating other people’s work is a great way to learn your own strengths and weaknesses. The class is fun, collaborative, and project-based: we will produce a high-quality, well-designed magazine. We welcome the participation of people throughout the North Bay, including mature working adults, young adults, teens and retirees.
Contact Instructor Abby Bogomolny for more information: (707) 522-2779
How to send announcements to the Literary Update
I aim to make the monthly updates as inclusive as possible. If you have a workshop, event, contest, or call for submission to announce to the Sonoma County literary community, please send it to me as an e-mail message by the last day of each calendar month. If your event is early in the month, send it two months ahead to make sure it gets in the calendar in a timely fashion. Your announcement should be brief, carefully proofread, and should include date, time, location, costs, and contact information. I regret I am not able to include attachments or PDF’s.
To read the current literary update and see archives from the past six months, you can go either visit my website or go directly to www.literaryfolk.wordpress.com. You can send your friends here if they are not currently on my e-mail distribution list.
As you know, I don’t charge a subscription fee, but for those of you who regularly advertise your workshops on the website and in the monthly updates, donation of $10/year would help cover these costs. If you’d like to contribute, e-mail me at tehret99@comcast.net. And thanks to all who have already donated. I’m happy to say, your contributions have taken care of the set up costs for the website.
Ongoing Writers’ Groups and Open Mic Readings
1. First Sunday of the month: The Redwood Branch of the California Writers’ Club are held on the first Sunday of the month, (except for holiday weekends), from 3-5 pm. at Marvin’s Restaurant, 7991 Old Redwood Highway, corner of William St., in Cotati. A small fee of $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers is asked to cover room rental and light refreshments. For more information see www.redwoodwriters.org or call Karen at 795-4591.
2. Sundays 2-4 PM: Wine and Words: Livermore’s Poet Laureate, Connie Post, invites you to attend a continuing Livermore Poetry Series. Featured Reader begins at 2 p.m. Location: Martinelli Event Center. 3585 Greenville Road. Open Mic will take place. Catered by Garré Winery and Café. One poem per reader (40 lines or fewer). For directions, go to www.garrewinery.com.
3. Last Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 PM: Poetry, Pints, and Prose hosted by Michelle Baynes upstairs at Finbar Devine’s Irish Pub and Restaurant. The readings begin with a featured reader, followed by open-mic. For more For more information, contact Michelle at 707-326-3773 or Catherine at 707-338-1554 or e-mail them at PoetryPintsProse@aol.com. Location: 145 Kentucky St., Petaluma, Ca. Phone (707) 762-9807 or (707) 762-9800.
4. First Monday of the Month: Unitarian Universalist Congregation Santa Rosa (UUCSR) Writers meet in the "New Room", Unitarian Universalist Congregation Santa Rosa, 547 Mendocino Ave.Santa Rosa, Ca 95401, 707-568-5381 or http://www.uusantarosa.org/ Meetings are held in the afternoon, 4 - 6 pm, and again in the evening, 6:45 - 8:45 pm. Focus: Whatever your creative endeavor: memoirs, letters, history, biographies, the Great American novel, poems, essays, song lyrics, reports, term papers, cook books, web pages, blogs, etc., our focus is to provide an atmosphere where you can improve and hone your writing skills.The UUCSR Writers is open to the novice, the more experienced, and the published author. Membership at UUCSR is not required. UUCSR Writers, Georgette G. deBlois, GGdeB@aol.com, http://uucsrwriters.blogspot.com
5. First Tuesday of each month 7-9 PM: The Center Literary Cafe hosts a featured writer and an open mic reading at the Healdsburg Senior Center 133 Matheson St. (one block east of the Plaza). Light refreshments are served. Admission is free ($5.00 donation encouraged). Contact: Cynthia Helen Beecher (707) 696-1111.
6. First Thursday of every other month: The Sococo Poetry Reading Series at the Sonoma County Coffee Company The readings begin at 7:30. Location: 521 4th Santa Rosa, CA 95401. For information about the readings or to ask about being included on the program, contact Ed Coletti, SoCoCo’s director and emcee, at edcoletti@sbcglobal.net. Next reading actually will be second Thursday of July (July 10th) and will feature Elizabeth Herron, Paula Koneazny, Shannon de Jong, Gail King, and Daniel Y. Harris.
7. First Saturday of each month starting Feb. 2, 2008, 5 pm -8 pm. at The Barking Dog Café, 18133 Hwy 12, Sonoma, Ca. 95476. The reading series is hosted by Juanita J. Martin,2005-06 Sonoma County Library Slam Champion. Call Juanita @ (707) 435-1807 for more information or call the cafe @ (707) 939-1905.
8. ODD Month Readings HEATWAVE Odd Month Reading 2-4PM Featuring Local Authors Free Public event. The Barking Dog Roasters, 18133 Sonoma Hwy (Hwy 12), across from Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma. Parking is limited. Consider carpooling and save on gas too! 707-939-1905 This reading is OPEN to non-members but is NOT open mic. Contact Ann Wilkes at critiquegrpcoord@redwoodwriters.org or 707-792-1704 to get on the list or for more information. Redwood Writers roves the county with talented writers for your listening pleasure. Find us in Cotati in September.
July Calendar of Literary Events
The monthly calendar reflects announcements sent to me, and a sample of the literary presentations at various bookstores. To get a more complete list of author-events and workshop schedules, addresses and directions to the event locations, as well as bios of the presenters, you can use these links.
v Copperfield’s Books http://www.copperfields.net/
v Readers’ Books www.readersbooks.com
v Center Cafe in Healdburg: http://www.mcrory.com/litcafe/index.php
v WordTemple Poetry Series http://www.wordtemple.com
v Petaluma Writers’ Forum and Jumpstart Writing Workshops: www.thewritespot.us
v SoCoCo Poetry Reading Series edcoletti@sbcglobal.net.
v The Sitting Room www.sittingroom.org.
Tuesday, July 1, 7-9 PM: Center Literary Café presents The Night Writers of Cloverdale. This lively group writes poetry, stories, and novels. Christine Calson, Autumn Rose, Jenn Greenow, Louise Young, Bruce Kibby, Marsh Rose, Michelle Wing. Doors open at 6:30. Program at 7pm. Open mic at 8pm.Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St (one block east of plaza)Free $5 donation appreciated. Call Cynthia at 707 696 1111 for more information.
Wednesday, July 9, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village presents Meg Waite Clayton reading from her new book The Wednesday Sisters.
Thursday, July 10, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma presents Monica Ferrell reading from The Answer Is Always Yes,
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 PM: Sonoma County poet Ed Coletti presents the ninth in a series of SoCoCo Poetry readings at Sonoma Coffee Company, 521 4th St., Santa Rosa. Featured readers will include Elizabeth Herron, Daniel Y. Harris, Shannon de Jong, Paula Koneazny, Margo vanVeen, and Gail King. Admission is free. 523-4811.
Friday, July 11, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma presents John. Francis reading from Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence.
Saturday, July 12, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Sebastopol presents Lindsay Whiting: Living Into Art: Journeys Through Collage.
Monday, July 14, 2pm: Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village presents Jon Agee: The Retired Kid.
Monday, July 14, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village presents Rhys Bowen, Michele Gagnon, and Simon Wood.
Tuesday, July 15, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Sebastopol present Ron Davis and Virginia Hughes: Forestville (Images of America: California)
Wednesday, July 16, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Napa presents Jennifer Haigh: The Condition.
Thursday, July 17, 12 noon: Copperfield’s Books presents a Literary Luncheon with Elizabeth Brundage, author of Somebody Else’s Daughter. The lunch will be held at BOVOLO RESTAURANT, 106 Matheson Street, HEALDSBURG. Contact the store to reserve your place.
Thursday, July 17, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village present David Dalin and John Rothman, authors of Icon of Evil: Hitler’s Mufti and the Rise of Radical Islam.
Friday, July 18, 7pm: Copperfield’s in Sebastopol presents Sharman Apt Russel, author of Standing in the Light: My Life as a Pantheist.
Saturday, July 19, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Napa presents James Rolins, author of The Last Oracle: A Novel.
Sat. July 19, 9 AM to noon: Healdsburg Farmer’s Market’s 30th birthday honors one of its cofounders, and first Healdsburg Literary Laureate Doug Stout [2000/2001], with dedication of a bench with plaque in his honor; also, open mic for spontaneous poems by attendees of all ages. Contact: 431-1956
Sun. July 20, 2 to 4 PM: Third Sunday Salon of Healdsburg Literary Guild features three women memoirists, Michele Anna Jordan, food columnist at Press-democrat; Laurel Olson Cook, author of spa handbooks and one of the Kensington Ladies authors; and Mariam Stephens, counselor, peace activist, and writer from Belfast, Ireland. City Hall, 401 Grove St.Contact: 433-7119
Monday, July 21, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma presents Noelle Oxenhandler: The Wishing Year: A House, a Man, My Soul A Memoir of Fulfilled Desire
Thursday, July 24, 7pm: Copperfield Books in Petaluma presents Clane Hayward: The Hypocrisy of Disco: A Memoir.
Saturday, July 26, 3pm: Copperfield’s Books in Calistoga presents Bruce Bradley: The Seeds of Darkness.
Sunday, July 27 at 3 PM: The Snake River Reading Series hosted by Mike Tuggle, Sonoma County Poet Laureate, presents The Four Redheads, Susan Kennedy, Penelope La Montagne, Phyllis Meshulum, and Gwynn O’Gara reading their poetry at The Gold Coast Coffee Company in Duncans Mills.
Sunday, July 27, 6-8:30 pm: Poetry, Pints and Prose upstairs at Finbar Devine’s, 145 Kentucky St., Petaluma, Ca. Featured Reader Juanita Martin followed by open mic
For more information, contact: Michelle – (707) 326-3773 or Catherine- (707) 338-1554
Tuesday, July 29, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma presents Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong: Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange “The Summoning.”
Wed. July 30, 7 to 9 PM: Healdsburg Public Library sponsors current Healdsburg Literary Laureate Vilma Ginzberg [2008/2009] reading from her published and unpublished works. Piper and Center Streets. Contact: 433-3772
Thursday, July 31, 7pm: Copperfield’s Books in Sebastopol presents Gail Sasson: Cosmic Navigator: Design Your Destiny With Astrology and Kabbalah.
Don’t see your event in the calendar? Check to make sure you sent your announcement by the deadline. I am happy to include all announcements sent, text only (no PDF please), by the end of each calendar month. Scroll up for information about how to get your announcement posted in the Literary Update.
Details about Workshops, Events,
Contests, and Calls for Submission
Sonoma County Writers Offering Workshops and Consultation
Guy Beiderman www.lowfatfiction.com
Susan Bono sbono@tiny-lights.com
Dan Coshnear dan@coshnear.org
Marlene Cullen mcullen@comcast.net
Georgette G. deBlois GGdeB@aol.com.
Nancy Dougherty and Geri Digiorno ncaversd@sonic.net
Terry Ehret tehret99@comcast.net
Susan Hagenhagen@womenatgroundzero.com
Suzanne Murray suzmurr@yahoo.com
Laure Reiche p.reiche@comcast.net
Clara Rosemarda rosen@sonic.net
Scott Reid Serkes www.sonic.net/poetry/albany/workshop/intro.html>http: //www.sonic.net
Lisa Shulman www.lisashulman.com.
Centa Theresa vicenta@sonic.net
Pat Tyler www.writetoday.net
Below, you will find the list of ongoing writing events and details about other workshops (alphabetical by workshop leader), calls for submission, and contests listed in the calendar. .
Sher Christian
RESTORATIVE YOGA WORKSHOP with Poetry
Treat yourself to 1-1/2 hours of deep relaxation, releasing stress and tension from your body and mind as you allow your body’s innate healing capacities to emerge. Extremely gentle. Enjoy inspiring poetry written and read by Sher Christian to enhance and deepen the positive effects of the poses.
WHEN: Friday, January 4th, 6-8 pm (First Friday of each month)
WHERE: Sonoma Body Balance, 210 Vallejo Street, Suite C, Petaluma (by Whole Foods)
COST: $20 prepaid, $25 at the door
(Reservations required; limit of 8 students)
CONTACT: Dana Davis at (707) 658-2599 or dana@sonomabodybalance.com. Checks can be mailed to: PO Box 2880, Petaluma, CA 94953. “This class was so deeply nourishing and relaxing, I actually slept the whole night through, not even a bathroom wake-up call.
“Intuitive Consultations with Insightful Poetry chosen for each individual
with Sher Lianne Christian, author of Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry and CD, Sweet Tongue, Assorted Poetry and Music
Illuminating sessions to remember what will move you through challenge to fulfillment. Experience the power of deep seeing and understanding Hear poetry that takes you deeper into your authenticity.
Blog: http://lusciouspoetry.blogstream.com/
Phone consultations are available at your convenience.
E-mail poetrysher@gmail.com to schedule.
Fiction Workshop with Dan Coshnear
Dear Friends, Students, Writers:
I am planning an eight week fiction workshop at The Sitting Room in Cotati. If you’ve been writing and looking for a place to share your work, or if you’ve been wanting to write and wanting also the inspiration that comes from a community of thoughtful, supportive readers, please consider.
Workshop will happen on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm at The Sitting Room. Cost is 200 dollars, 10% of which goes to support the facility.
Dates are as follows 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13 & 8/20.
* though we are a fiction workshop we have traditionally accomodated other forms, particularly creative non-fiction.
** part of workshop includes a snack potluck. We take turns providing comestibles.
Because of space, we must limit to 10. If interested please email me at dan@coshnear.org or call 707-869-0329.
Marlene Cullen’s Writing Workshops
Write To Take Care Of Yourself & Art Collage with Marlene Cullen
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Time: 9:00 am to noon
Location and Registration: Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell
Blvd. Petaluma
$40
The first part of this workshop will be an exploration of significant events
through writing. The second part features art collage as a fun way to
discover personal paths.
No special writing experience needed.
Bring a notebook and pen. Material for art collage will be provided. You are
also welcome to bring your own material.
Marlene Cullen is a contributing editor for www.tiny-lights.com, writing
coach, and founder of Writers Forum of Petaluma. Her workshops provide
essential elements for successful writing, where participants often
experience transformational changes.
Please visit Marlene’s website for more information: www.thewritespot.us
Marlene can be reached at: mcullen@comcast.net
Life is sometimes a maze, sometimes a jigsaw puzzle. We will explore paths
to navigate the maze and find the pieces that fit together to achieve a
comfortable balance.
“By writing our stories, we begin to understand what was formerly
clear.” — Louise DeSalvo, Writing As A Way of Healing
Terry Ehret’s Writing Workshops at the Sitting Room
Current workshops have ended, but Terry will be offering two workshops in the Fall at the Sitting Room in Cotati. Both workshops are 9AM to noon:
The Sitting Room, 170 East Cotati Avenue
Cost: $180 for eight week session
plus $20 donation to the Sitting Room
Workshops are open to all writers, prose and poetry, beginning and experienced, male and female, young and old, or anything in between.
To reserve a space or find out more about these workshops, e-mail tehret99@comcast.net.
$50 deposit required to hold your space.
The Prose Poem
(6 spaces still available)
Meeting Times: Fridays 9 AM to noon
Meeting Dates: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7
What exactly is a prose poem? Happily, the form defies strict definitions, leaving its practitioners free to invent and discover. During the first four weeks, we will explore the works of different prose poets. Each of these classes will include a free-write or a structured writing exercise, using the week’s featured authors for inspiration. During the second four weeks, participants will bring in their own prose poems for workshop discussion and conversation. Our focus for the Fall Workshop will be on the prose poems of current U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic; “Mr. Prose Poem himself,” Russell Edson; and the work of two local poets and publishers: Susan Terris and Lyn Follett. Susan and Lyn will be our guest authors on October 3.
For more information about workshop dates and fees, check the website at www.terryehret.com
The Poetry of W.B. Yeats
(Workshop is currently full, but contact me about the wait list and Spring Semester workshop)
Meeting times: Mondays 9 AM to noon
Meeting Dates: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10
This workshop will give those who enjoy reading and writing poetry a chance to gather with like-minded folk to celebrate the many pleasures of the word. In the fall, we will read selected poems of W.B. Yeats and learn about his interest in spiritualism and automatic writing, his role in the Irish Renaissance, his explorations of myth and legend with Lady Gregory, and his life in West Ireland. Discussion of Yeats’s work will be linked with writing prompts and exercises for writers interested in generating new work, using Yeats’s subjects and themes as inspiration.
The workshop will continue in the Spring of 2009, for those interested in reading more of Yeats’s poetry and exploring the literary world of West Ireland. Our study will include a visit from Rose Murphy, writer and lecturer in Irish Studies, who will talk about her new biography of Irish writer and spiritualist Ella Young.
Literary Travel Group in West Ireland, Summer 2009
(One space still available)
A ten-day trip to West Ireland in the summer of 2009 will cap this year of Yeatsiana. Space for this trip will be limited to 8 participants. We will stay in a house on Galway Bay near Kinvarra, visit various sites in Counties Galway and Clare, including Coole Park, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Yeats’s homes at Thoor Ballylee and Sligo, and local fairy rings and wells. All the while, we will be writing together and sharing our new work. We’ll have a driver and guide as well.
Dates: June 28-July 11, 2009
Cost: $2,500 plus airfare (approximate based on 2008 prices and exchange rate)
The Heart of Writing – Four-Week Classes & One-Day Workshops with Suzanne Murray
Four-Week Classes
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:30 pm,
June 17 to July 8, $100 paid by 6/10, $115 after
July 15 to August 5, $100 paid by 7/8, $115 after
register early limited to 12, downtown Sebastopol location
One-Day Workshop Writing in Nature
Saturday, June 28, 10 am to 4 pm, $75 paid by 6/20, $85 after
register early limited to 12, Armstrong Woods Redwoods
Small supportive groups. Good for beginners and experienced writers as well as all styles of writing.
Learn simple, powerful techniques to find your voice, tell your stories, calm your inner critic, enter the creative flow, jumpstart your writing and support your creative self. Find support and encouragement and an understanding of the craft of writing and the joyful heart of the creative process.
for more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website:www.creativitygoeswild.com
Petaluma Writers Forum
July 17 Lizzie Hannon Constellations: Writing From the Summer Sky
We’ll use the science of stars along with the myth and legends associated with planets to send our words into orbit. Our time together will include a guided meditation to the center of creation and prompts leading to individual haiku and a fairy tale. A Hypnotic CD to aid your creativity process at home will be available for a small fee.
LIZZIE HANNON is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who operates “A Better Choice Hypnosis” at Club Vitality in Rohnert Park. This is her second workshop with Writer’s Forum. Her essays, poems and short fiction have been published in several on-line and print anthologies. She is also the morning voice on KRCB Public Radio-91.
August 21 Daniel Coshnear
DANIEL COSHNEAR lives in Guerneville with wife and two children. He works at a group home for men and women with mental illnesses and substance issues and teaches fiction writing through SSU Extension, UC Berkeley Extension and The Sitting Room. He is author of Jobs & Other Preoccupations (Helicon Nine 2000) Willa Cather Award winner, and 2003 BABRA winner. He was awarded the Editor’s Prize from The Missouri Review and received a Fellowship from the Christopher Isherwood Foundation. The short story is his chosen form.
September 18 Armando Garcia-Davila
ARMANDO GARCIA-DAVILA was Healdsburg’s 2002-2003 Literary Laureate. A landscape contractor by profession he says,” I’m a ‘blue collar’ poet. I’m neither an intellectual nor an academic.” He has read from his works on national radio and his short stories and poems were a monthly feature in La Voz bilingual newspaper found throughout northern California.
In addition to being a co-founder of “poetry slams” for the public library, he conducts seminars at high schools, colleges and universities and has been a featured presenter for Arts and Lecture Series at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. Armando is enormously effective with all audiences and especially enjoys seeing students suddenly wake up to the power and satisfaction that comes with allowing buried thoughts to see the light of day in writing.
October 16 Rob Loughran Five Things I Wish I Did Not Know About Writing
When I stepped from hard manual work to writing, I just stepped from one kind of hard work to another. — Sean O’Casey
While attending writing conferences and seminars Rob Loughran was astounded by the lack of practical, concrete writing advice and the tendency to stress inspiration over perspiration. This short, comprehensive talk will explain a proven, hands-on, no frills method that will help you organize your life in such a manner that your writing goals can be achieved.
You will be challenged, goaded, cajoled and entertained.
The word Muse will only be used derisively.
ROB LOUGHRAN has 17 books in print and has published 250+ articles and short stories in publications ranging from Ladies Circle to American Brewer.
November 20 Susan Swartz
Susan Swartz is a columnist for The Press Democrat.
To contact Marlene: mcullen@comcast.net
Laurie Reiche
Writing the Sentence of Chronic Illness
Award winning poet Laurie Lessen-Reiche will be facilitating an on-going creative-writing workshop beginning Saturday, May 26th in the comfortable environment of her home for people suffering with chronic illnesses such as CFS, FM, and MS. Herself a sufferer of chronic illness, she’s aware of the frustration and alteration in one’s perception of Self that ongoing illness engenders. As a writer she believes the struggles our bodies endure bring to light meaning and are regenerative when we transform them into the speaking art of poems and stories.
Fee: 270.00$ for 6 week sessions/Saturdays 3 – 5. Snacks, beverages, pillows provided!
Lessen-Reiche has facilitated workshops for many years. She was the 2006 Winner of Lilith Magazine’s Second Annual Charlotte Newberger National Poetry Award. Her work has also appeared in magazines such as SUNY Upstate Medical Journal: The Healing Muse, and The Southern Poetry Review.
Info: (415) 892-9430 or email: p.reiche@comcast.net
Lilith Rogers’ Environmental Education Project Lilith Rogers, who has performed her one-woman Rachel Carson shows for many years, has the following message for the Sonoma County Literary Community. “I am collecting old cell phones--working or not--to recycle for a bit of cash. Then money will go towards my RACHEL CARSON RETURNS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT. Just get in touch with me at Lilithrogers1@juno.com or call me at 707 523-9907 and I'll arrange to pick them up. And tell your friends. I have to send them 25 at a time so I'm spreading the word far and near. “I also have a 30 minute DVD version of my one woman performance of RACHEL CARSON RETURNS available for sale at $25 (includes S/H) or at a discount with your cell phone or if you need one. It's professionally made by Eve Goldberg, a former Hollywood director and film editor. And I'm available to perform live at your home or wherever! “Thanks for your support. Lilith”
Lisa Shulman’s Writing Workhops for Youth and Teens
Just Write! Creative Writing for kids and teens.
Note: Lisa’s classes are over for the summer, but contact her about upcoming workshops.
This class is for kids who love to write. Come play around with elements of writing such as character, dialogue, sensory details, and metaphor in a fun, relaxed setting. Explore poetry, short stories, scripts, and other types of writing. Let your imagination soar and your pen go wild! Each class will include fun group and individual writing activities, as well as time to give and receive supportive feedback on your current projects.
Instructor: Lisa Shulman began writing at age 6, and hasn’t stopped since. She has written numerous books for children, including Old MacDonald had a Woodshop and The Moon Might Be Milk. As a visiting author, she speaks to hundreds of students about writing each year. A former teacher at Apple Blossom School, Lisa lives in Sebastopol with her family. You can visit her online at www.lisashulman.com
Children’s Writers Critique Group
Current workshops have ended.
Check with Lisa regarding her next workshops.
Lisa Shulman is the author of several picture books, including Old MacDonald had a Woodshop, The Matzo Ball Boy, and The Moon Might Be Milk. She has recently finished a middle-grade novel and has written dozens of children’s books for the educational market. Her poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for adults have appeared in various journals. A former elementary school teacher, Lisa currently teaches a creative writing class for children and teens at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. You can visit her online at www.lisashulman.com
Centa Theresa offers Creative Projects Coaching/Consultation for Artists & Writers
Helping to define vision & goals for project development, bringing awareness, clarity, committed action, and completion. Offered by phone, in-person, & by email. I also offer consultation services in which I work more directly with you on a project. In the realm of the written word, I have particular interest in poetry, prose poetry, and personal essay. Monthly coaching circle starting soon, bring your vision, your challenges, and your calendars! For further information, or 45 min complimentary session, contact Centa at creativitycoaching@centatheresa.com and visit her website at www.centatheresa.com
Centa Theresa, M.A.,’s poems have been published in West Coast publications, most recently in DrumVoices Revue, and upcoming in Tiny Lights. She has authored the letterset edition, Blameless Recognition of Natural Light, published by Clamshell Press. Centa is currently working on a lyric memoir, and on occasion makes art, exhibiting her work in Bay Area galleries.
2008 Quick Start Writing Workshops by Pat Tyler
Current Workshops have ended. For information about Pat’s upcoming offerings, call 707-696-9640 or e-mail her at www.writetoday.net.
Mendocino Coast Writers Conference Registration Now Open
The newly-designed Mendocino Coast Writers Conference, which will take place July 31-August 3rd on the College of the Redwoods campus in Fort Bragg, is now open for registration. Four days instead of three, featuring agents, editors, and writers from all genres, the conference offers teaching in the craft of writing at beginning and advanced levels, as well as the encouragement of a community of writers in a relaxed and friendly setting.
This year for the first time the conference will offer a local discount for all residents of Mendocino County. Please refer to www.mcwc.org for details on this and contest deadlines, as well as information regarding presenters and scheduling.
Registrants will now participate in a writing workshop with the same teacher for three consecutive mornings, allowing ample time for writing and review in a small group environment. Afternoons will consist of lecture sessions in various topics from authors, editors and agents, including: Pitching your Work, Rich Imagery and Metaphor, Revision by Inspiration, Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words, and many others. New this year is a Sunday morning session on Marketing Your Book…The Easy Way with Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman of The Blog Squad.
Keynote speaker James Houston, author of eight novels including Bird of Another Heaven and Farewell to Manzanar, which he co-authored with his wife and fellow conference presenter Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, will lead the morning workshop in Fiction. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston will hold a lecture session, From Memoir to Fiction.
Daphne Gottlieb, a poet performer whose work is described as “fierce,” “unapologetic,” and “deliriously gutsy” will lead the morning session in Poetry. She is the author of Why Things Burn. Pelt, and Final Girl, the last of which was named a Village Voice’s Favorite Book for 2003, and which won the Audre Lorde Award for Poetry that same year. She will also hold a lecture session on Why Graphic Novels Matter.
Suzanne Byerley, former MCWC co-director, will lead the morning workshop for beginning writers, Feel Like a Writer Yet? Suzanne is a teacher, writer, and freelance editor. She is a Hopwood Award winner for fiction, and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient in journalism.
Michael Datcher, author of the much-acclaimed memoir Raising Fences: A Black Man’s Love Story, will be a keynote speaker, and will teach the morning workshop in Memoir. He is also a poet and critically-acclaimed journalist who writes for The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, and is director of literary programs at the World Stage Writers’ Workshop in Los Angeles.
Marianne Villanueva, who will teach the morning workshop entitled Fragments & Other Segmented Writing: Explorations in Structure, is a published author of short stories in both the United States and Manila, her birthplace. She currently teaches wiring and literature at Foothill College, Notre Dame de Namur University, and the Writers Program at UCLA extension.
Jody Gehrman, author of the newly-released young-adult novel Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and her novel Tart won an RT Bookclub Critics’ Award and has been optioned for film. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College. She will teach the morning workshop Young Adult: Finding (not forcing) Your Voice.
Andrew Todhunter, who will teach the morning workshop in Narrative Nonfiction: The Craft and the Business, has written for The Atlantic Monthly, The Washington Post Sunday Magazine, Smithsonian, and many other magazines. His latest book, A Meal Observed, won the PEN USA Literary Award for Creative Nonfiction in 2005.
Editors and Agents at this year’s conference include Linda Swanson-Davies, Editor of Glimmer Train Stories; Kate Gale, Editor of Red Hen Press; Jenoyne Adams of the Bliss Literary Agency; and Elise Proulx with the Frederick Hill Bonnie Nadell Literary Agency.
The popular “Paths to Publishing” panel will still take place on Saturday early afternoon, and there will be readings by presenters and contest winners both in the morning and early afternoon. These features are open to the public, and free to attend.
For more information on registration, schedule of workshops and lectures, contest entry rules and deadlines, and presenter bios, please visit the conference web site at www.mcwc.org, or ask for a brochure by calling 962-2600 ext. 2167.
UUCSR (Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Rosa Writers) Invites New Members
The next UUCSR Writers meeting date is Monday, March 3, 2008, from 4 – 6 pm in the Green Room at the Unitarian Universalist Church Santa Rosa.
About the UUCSR Writers
Whatever your creative endeavor: memoirs, letters, history, biography, the Great American novel, short story, poetry, essays, dissertation, Master’s thesis, song lyrics, report, term paper, cook book, web pages, blogging, etc., our focus is to provide an atmosphere where serious writers improve and hone their writing skills.
The UUCSR Writers is open to the novice, the more experienced, and the published author. Membership at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Santa Rosa (UUCSR) is not required. We meet once a month in the “Green Room” at UUCSR in Santa Rosa, CA on the First Monday of the month from 4:00-6:00pm.
UUCSR Online Writers
Can’t attend monthly meetings? Live in another City, State or Country? Request an Invitation to join our “Online Writers” Blog. You can learn more about our group, and current “Works-in-Progress”, at the UUCSR Writers Blog.
Information
UUCSR Writers, Georgette G. deBlois, GGdeB@aol.com, http://uucsrwriters.blogspot.com
