Sonoma County Writers’ Guide Update
September 1, 2008
Dear Literary Folk,
For those of you who missed the August Update, I’m thrilled to announce that our newest U.S. Poet Laureate is Fairfax’s Kay Ryan. Most of us know of Kay’s marvelous wit and her complex, sometimes quirky, always thoughtful poems. In a recent interview Ryan said, “Poetry should leave you feeling freer and not more burdened. I like to think of all good poetry as providing more oxygen in the atmosphere. Poems just make it easier to breathe.”
Here’s one of my favorite Kay Ryan poems, from The Niagara River (Grove Press, 2005):
Carrying a Ladder
We are always
really carrying
a ladder, but it’s
invisible. We
only know
something’s
the matter:
something precious
crashes’ easy doors
prove impassable.
Or, in the body,
there’s too much
swing or off-
center gravity.
And, in the mind,
a drunken capacity,
access to out-of-range
apples. As though
one had a way to cimb
out of the damage
and apology.
Kay Ryan will be the featured poet at a benefit for Sixteen Rivers Press on October 11, 2008. Information about this event can be found on the Sixteen Rivers website: http://sixteenriverspress.blogspot.com/ If you’d like to receive an invitation, e-mail me at tehret99@comcast.net.
v
The Literary Update keeps growing as more of you send me announcements and features you’d like the literary community to know about. In my “low-tech” way, I keep cutting and pasting what you send me (minor editing for space), but I am still trying to find the best way to organize the announcements and features. I’ve listed the categories below, and as you scroll down, you’ll see how they work. Each category has a little pen-and-hand logo marking it.
If you have an announcement for the Update, make sure it’s proofread and copy-edited, and send it as part of the e-mail message (plain text, no PDF or attachments, please) to tehret99@comcast.net. It would help if you could suggest the category where you’d like it placed.
Features
· County-Wide Literary News
· Sonoma County in Print (new books/chapbooks by Sonoma County writers)
· News from East County (Sonoma area)
· News from North County (Healdsburg area)
· News from West County (Occidental/Guerneville area)
· Upcoming Workshops and Conferences
· Call for Submissions
· Writers’ Connections
Monthly Calendar
Ongoing Writers’ Groups and Open Mic Readings
Sonoma County Workshop Leaders
Details about Ongoing Workshops, Calls for Submission, Contests
County-Wide Literary News
Call for Scriptwriters on Weekly Radio Show
Are you an accomplished 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 them off an e-mail expressing your interest in learning more.
Redwood Writers Announces Winners of 1st Annual Short
Story Contest
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces the winners
of its 1st Annual Short Story Writing Contest held for residents of the Redwood Empire. More than thirty residents living in Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties submitted their previously unpublished works for judging by well known Sonoma County authors Shelley Singer, Alla Crone, and Karen
Batchelor.
First place went to Linda Reid of Sonoma County for “The Coming of Charlotta.”
Second place was awarded to Elizabeth Van Patten of Napa County for “Dream Girl.”
Third place went to Thurlie Fish of Solano County for “Second and Fourth Saturdays.”
Each winner received a cash prize and is having her short story published in the Redwood Writers newsletter. Entries were judged on clarity, originality, and cohesion.
Scroll down to “Ongoing Writing Groups” for more information about the Redwood Writers monthly meetings and authors’ events, or visit their website: http://www.redwoodwriters.org.
Fall 2008 WordTemple Season
Katherine Hastings’s WordTemple Series kicks off on Friday, September 19th at 7 p.m. at Copperfield’s Books in Montgomery Village. The website is almost completely updated. Check it out here, and then check it out again later for a complete schedule of events: http://www.wordtemple.com
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.
Petaluma Poetry Walk
Sunday, September 21, 10 AM to 6 PM
Downtown Petaluma
The Poetry Walk tradition continues this year with the 13th annual celebration of the word. The Walk will kick off with a reading at the newly opened Petaluma Arts Center,230 Lakeville Street, corner of D and Lakeville.
To see the complete Poetry Walk Schedule of venues and readers, visit this link on Geri’s blog:
http://geri-digiorno.petaluma360.com/default.asp?item=2255144.
PenHouseInk 2nd Annual Guerneville Poetry Walk
Saturday, September 27, 2008
11:00AM – 4:00PM Guerneville, CA
The literary walk through downtown Guerneville begins at 11:00AM on Main Street with a reading by Penelope La Montagne at Charizma. Pat Nolan and Gail King read at Club Yamagata from 12—12:45.Susan Kennedy at River Reader from 1:00—1:45.River Ranger and the Stumptown Poetry Posse will read at Memories That Linger from 2:00—2:45.Sonoma County Poet Laureate, Mike Tuggle from 3:00—3:45 at the Russian River Performing Arts Center. Champagne reception to follow.
For more information see our website http://www.penhouseink.com/PoetryWalk2008.html
Sonoma County in Print
If you are a Sonoma County writer with a book or chapbook newly published, send your announcement to tehret99@comcast.net. Be sure to include information on how your readers can find out more about you and your work or order a copy.
Rose Murphy Brings Irish Storyteller Ella Young to Life!
Sonoma author and teacher Rose Murphy often focuses on matters Irish, especially on Irish American women, and thus she is well cast as the biographer for Ella Young. It took her seven years to assemble and sort through the scattered and often contradictory information on this gun-runner, storyteller with many books to her credit, and all round fascinating figure. Thanks to Rose’s hard work, now we have this definitive version of Ella’s journey, in a compelling 185 page book, published by Ireland’s Liffey Press, but available here in local bookstores and from the ellayoungmysticwebsite (with Paypal function) or from just googling Rose Murphy. Its title: Ella Young, Irish Mystic and Rebel: From Literary Dublin to the American West. Along with retrieving for us Ella’s close encounters with the Big Names of the Irish literary renaissance, Rose Murphy has captured the more elusive and to us more relevant California part of Ella’s story, where Big Names such as Ansel Adams and Robinson Jeffers figure, but also the mystical “Dunites” in Oceano on the Pacific Coast.
Rose admits that while she has always been a bit of a rebel, Ella’s mysticism was initially a stumbling block for her, but now….
You can hear Murphy describe Ella’s journey and her own at 10 a.m. on Sat. Sept 20 at the Arts Council Bldg, 404 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, as part of the rich list of readings at the Ninth Sonoma County Book Festival.
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
News from East County
Arthur Dawson—Community Leader
Sonoma Poet Arthur Dawson has been selected as the 2008 Community Leader. For more information about the award and Arthur’s work in the Sonoma County literary community, visit the Literary Update’s website at http://literaryfolk.wordpress.com/arthur-dawson-sonomas-literary-community-leader/.
News from West County
Ocean of Dreams: An Evening of Poetry and Music at Coffee Catz
September 13, 2008 in Sebastopol (6761 Sebastopol Avenue) at 7pm, featuring poetry by Renee Owen, accompanied by Brian Foster on guitar, harmonica and shakuhachi flute; poet Gwynn O’Gara with pianist Rob Catterton; and poet Lizzie Hannon & her musical friends, along with original musical performances by Brian & Rob. Tickets available in advance through Renee, Gwynn or Lizzie, or at the door ($10 or two for $15). Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early for tea or a light dinner.
Gwynn O’Gara is the author of three collections of poetry: Snake Woman Poems (Beatitude Press); Fixer-Upper (dpress), and Winter at Green Haven (Word Temple Press). She performs with The Redheads and is a California Poet in the Schools.
Lizzie Hannon teaches writing workshops in Sonoma County. Her essays, poems and short fiction have been published in several online and print anthologies. She is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, as well as the morning voice on KRCB Public Radio.
Renee Owen’s poetry, personal essays and short fiction have been published in a variety of journals and anthologies. Her haiku, haibun and rengay are published regularly in Frogpond, Modern Haiku, Mariposa, Bottle Rockets and moonset. She’s an active member of the Wellspring Poets and the Haiku Poets of Northern California.
Rob Catterton has studied piano for 43 years, and is known for his clear and disciplined improvisations. Classically trained, he performs as a solo artist and in ensemble settings, with a focus on original music and jazz. Rob recently released a CD entitled “Like Nothing Else.”
Brian Foster, a singer-songwriter, plays guitar, mandolin, harmonica and shakuhachi flute. His CD, Hear the Earth, captures his experiences with nature, love and life. Brian’s music ranges from folk rock and blues to reggae and bluegrass. He enjoys performing locally with other musicians.
An Evening with the Creative Spirit
Wednesday, September 24th: Sonoma County Poet Laureate Mike Tuggle, Chester Aaron and Bart Schneider. Union Hotel, 3703 Main St., Occidental. Reading at 7 p.m. Suggested donation, $10 benefits Occidental Center for the Arts. Fixed price dinner available, 5:30-7:00, $15.00 includes salad, bread, and pasta or pizza. Reservations suggested. Inquiries and reservations: (707) 874-9392.
If you have any questions, please contact Judith Moorman, fleelix@earthlink.net or Suze Pringle-Cohan, cohanhaven@yahoo.com.
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.
News from North County
The Center Literary Café presents
Raphael Block, Karl Frederick, and “bSue” Stephenson.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 7 – 9 pm doors open at 6:30
Open mic - share your prose or poetry
Healdsburg Senior Center 133 Matheson St. (one block east of the plaza)
The terrain . . . somewhere between Sonoma County and the far side of “reality.” Slip away from familiar shores. Feel a fresh wind on your cheek. Let old monotonies grumble their tired protest. You . . . come! The wind is rising!
The event will be featured on Sonoma Spotlight on KRCB radio 91.1 & 90.9 FM, on Friday, Sept. 5th , at 9am for 5 minutes.
Raphael Block immerses himself in the simplicity of daily life. His vibrant descriptions will draw you into intimate communion with his world, from the sharpness of briars to the sweetness of sun-ripened fruit.
Karl Frederick finds a numinous world everywhere. Yes, right there . . . right where you’re standing.
“bSue” Stephenson sees from the corner of her magical eye. Her deceptively soft words will attract and entrance . . . and gently rewire your brain.
Third Sunday Salon presents Susan Swartz and the Hyphenated Literary Career of a Juicy Tomato.
Susan Swartz is a long-time columnist and reporter for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, now a free lance journalist, author, speaker, blogger and radio commentator, is coming to Healdsburg to talk about her multifaceted writing career: how the choices came about, what differentiates one modality from another, and what it’s like to keep so many writing balls in the air. For this salon, time will be set aside for a Q&A after Susan speaks. Her latest book, The Juicy Tomatoes Guide to Ripe Living after 50, was published in 2006 and is still selling like hot tamales.
Location: Healdsburg City Hall, Grove Street at North
Free Event
Writers’ Connections
If you know of a support group or writers’ network of interest to Sonoma County writers, send an announcement to tehret99@comcast.net.
Poetry Critique Group Forming
Open to poets of all levels who want feedback on their poems in a supportive, honest environment. A weekday morning (still to be determined) in Sebastopol, maybe bi-monthly or weekly, depending on the interest. Call Claire at 824-9621 or email: cdrucker_2000@yahoo.com
Have You ‘Jacket-Flapped’ Lately?
JacketFlap is an international social networking community where you can connect with upwards of 5,000 published authors and illustrators of books for Children and Young Adults. Paul Ennis of Sebastopol reports: “I’ve been a member of JacketFlap (http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=OceanRudee) since late-June of 2008. My efforts to produce audio books for children and source read-aloud materials for my radio program production project (targeting an October 2009 broadcast premiere) have been greatly enhanced by the people I’ve been able to meet through JacketFlap. It’s FREE to join, the community is a vibrant one that does not seem to generate junk e-mails to any great degree and the atmosphere is very professional. If you are ready to network with folks around the world in the children’s book publishing industry this is an online community you need to be a part of. Their membership includes: children’s book authors, illustrators, editors, agents, publishing companies, designers, publicists, booksellers, librarians, teachers, students and just plain old ordinary folks who love children’s literature. Check it out – you’ll have fun in the process!”
Upcoming 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.
If you have a workshop you’re offering, send a short description to tehret99@comcast.net.
Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction with Dan Coshnear
Fiction Writers and Creative Non-Fiction Writers, please consider joining a workshop in progress, led by Dan Coshnear, hosted by Harry and Linda Reid in Penngrove (directly across the street from entrance to SSU). We meet for three hours on Wednesday evenings from 6-9pm. We potluck and then get down to business. We plan to meet on 9/17, 10/1, 10/15 & 10/29. We’re looking for up to five new members. Cost is $100. for four sessions. Please contact me, Dan Coshnear, if you have questions or wish to enroll - dan@coshnear.org or 707-869-0329.
Marlene Cullen’s Jumpstart Writing Workshop (Freewrites)
Using sparks as prompts for a jumping-off point to encourage and inspire
writing, which can develop into novels, memoirs, poems, short stories. Bring
a notebook and fast moving pen
Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am - 5 weeks $50 (Petaluma resident); $55
(non-resident)
Session 1: September 2 to September 30
Session 2: October 1 to November 4
For more information, visit her website: www.thewritespot.us/
or e-mail mcullen@comcast.net
Rilke Workshops with Daniel Polikoff
Rilke scholar Daniel Polikoff will give four Rilke workshops this Fall, to be held at a private home in Kentfield, Thursday mornings, from 9:30-1:30.These workshops are part of an ongoing monthly series. The following note from Daniel includes a description of this year’s workshops, plus information about Daniel himself.
For more information, please call Rose Black at 510.633.1888.
This year’s Rilke workshops will focus upon the climax of Rilke’s poetic career. We will complete our reading of his “Duino Elegies,” and proceed to encounter “closely” his “Sonnets to Orpheus.” (Though we will avail ourselves of various translations in addition to the German, we will work most closely with my own translation of the sonnets.) Naturally, we’ll address the mythic figure of Orpheus, and discuss how this unusual sequence figures as a culminating distillation of the whole of Rilke’s poetic soul-work.
Daniel Polikoff received his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Cornell University and his Diploma in Waldorf Education from Steiner College. He has taught literature in 4 Waldorf schools, and lectured and given workshops (many on Rilke) in such places as Notre Dame University, the California Institute of Integral Studies, the SF Jung Society, and the Napa Valley Writer’s Conference. Daniel Polikoff is the author/translator of “Parzival/Gawain: Two Plays from The Grail” by A.M. Miller, translated and edited by Daniel Polikoff (Steiner College Press, 2003); his first collection of poetry, “Dragon Ship,” was published by Tebot Bach Press this year. He has also published poetry and translations in more than fifty literary journals, and is currently completing a book on Rilke…a project closely coordinated with his ongoing Bay Area Rilke workshops.
Petaluma Writers Forum
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.
Sponsored by the Petaluma Arts Council (www.petalumaartscouncil.org) and
supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the
Hearst Foundation.
For more information: www.thewritespot.us
Marlene – mcullen@comcast.net
Children’s Writers Critique Group
Join other children’s writers in discussing and critiquing your picture book manuscripts, easy readers, chapter books and novels for young people. This is a safe and supportive group for all levels of experience. Facilitated by children’s author Lisa Shulman. For more information and to reserve a space, email lisa@lisashulman.com
Dates: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7-9pm, September 3 to November 19, $60
Location: The Sitting Room, 170 East Cotati Ave., Cotati, CA 94931
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
Scott Reid’s Updraft: An Online Poetry Workshop to Ignite Your Imagination
This long-distance learning adventure is for all ages and levels of experience. All you need is the desire to make better poems and a willingness to study the craft of poetry.
In this workshop, you have the opportunity to:* Meet poets from around the world * Make new friends * Write a new poem every week * Take a class that fits into your schedule * Have fun We meet online Saturday mornings for guided writing exercises. Students engage in brainstorm techniques and writing assignments that focus on various aspects of poetry. Upon finishing the first draft, we post our writing to a private discussion board and then
critique follows. Throughout the week, we revise and post our second drafts. Students receive peer feedback as well as individual mentoring from the instructor.
Class begins 13 September, 2008 and runs for six weeks.
Instructor Scott Reid, MA presents poetry writing classes for children in Sonoma County with California Poets in the Schools. His poems have appeared in Blue Unicorn, The Berkeley Poetry Review, Melic Review, Sow’s Ear, and The Dickens, and he has received writing fellowships to the Squaw Valley Writers’ Conference, Napa Valley Writers’ Conference, and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. As presenter of poetry for adults since 1989, he
has taught many classes in poetry at the Albany Adult School. The Updraft poetry workshop is starting its eighth year.
For information about the class, please visit:
http://www.sonic.net/poetry/albany/workshop/intro.html
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 September 5th) Space is limited. These classes will be conducted in a comfortable environment near downtown Santa Rosa
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
To see the descriptions of Clara’s workshops beginning in November, scroll down to the end of the Update.
Writer’s Sampler Part XIX
SCA announces the 19th installment of the popular writing classes, “A Writer’s Sampler.” These lively, home-work free sessions feature some of the best instructors in the area and promise to stimulate every writer’s appetite. Instructors include Mike Tuggle, Guy Biederman, Claire Drucker and Jewel Mathieson. Join us for these four inspiring evenings.
Classes are Monday evenings October 6 – October 27 from 7 to 9pm at SCA 6780 Depot Street in Sebastopol. Fees: $15.00 per class or $50.00 for all four courses. Bring a notebook and a pen. Ages 16 and above are welcome. For more information please see the SCA’s Class Schedule, call the Center at 829-4797 or visit the website www.sebarts.org.
A detailed list of Writer’s Sampler presentations appears at the end of the Update.
Women’s Retreat with Sher Christian
NOURISH, a luscious women’s retreat at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma, October 16 to 19 will provide many opportunities to rejuvenate with nourishment for body, mind, and spirit. Savor poetry with live music, scrumptious, healthy meals, strolls in the oak-filled hills, soaks in the hot tub, swims, modules on creativity with writing exercises, nutrition, visioning, feng shui, herbs. Choose to get a massage or read, go to daily meditation and/or yoga. We’ll have many surprises, sweet camaraderie, and fun entertainment. Contact Karen Kappa at kjcappico@earthlink.net for more information or to enroll.
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 have a call for submission or a contest information of interest to Sonoma County writers, send it to tehret99@comcas.net.
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
September 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, September 2 at 7 PM: Marin Poetry Center Summer Traveling Show presents David Alpaugh & Connie Post reading their poetry with Susan Cohen, Jennifer E Hewitt & Laurie Lessen-Reiche at Keene’s 3300 Club, 3300 Mission Street at 39th, San Francisco (415) 826-6886
Sunday, September 7, 2-4 PM: “Wine and Words” featuring Lee Herrick and David Smith Ferri. Livermore’s Poet Laureate, Connie Post, invites you to attend a continuing Livermore Poetry Series at the Martinelli Conference and Event Center. 3585 Greenville Rd in Livermore. The event is catered by Garre Winery and Café. $5.00 admission (free for students). For a map, go to www.garrewinery.com. Contact: Connie@poetrypost.com for further information.
Monday, September 8, 12:15pm: “Media, Elections and Democracy” presented by Norman Solomon at Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa Campus.Norman Solomon is an American journalist, media critic, antiwar activist and longtime associate of the media watch group, Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR). In 1997 he founded the Institute for Public Accuracy, a national consortium of policy researchers and analysts that works pro-actively to provide alternative sources for journalists. His weekly column, “Media Beat”, has been in national syndication since 1992. A collection of Solomon’s columns won the George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language. The award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English, honored Solomon’s book The Habits of Highly Deceptive Media.
Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 pm: The Center Literary Café Presents Raphael Block, Karl Frederick, and “bSue” Stephenson. Doors open at 6:30. Open mic - share your prose or poetry. The event is free, but donations greatly appreciated. Location: Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St.(one block east of the plaza).
September 13 at 7 PM: Ocean of Dreams — An Evening of Poetry & Music at Coffee Catz in Sebastopol (6761 Sebastopol Avenue), featuring poetry by Renee Owen, accompanied by Brian Foster on guitar, harmonica and shakuhachi flute; poet Gwynn O’Gara with pianist Rob Catterton; and poet Lizzie Hannon & her musical friends, along with original musical performances by Brian & Rob. Tickets available in advance through Renee, Gwynn or Lizzie, or at the door ($10 or two for $15). Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early for tea or a light dinner.
Saturday, September 20, 10 am to 5 pm: Sonoma County Book Festival at Courthouse Square and other downtown venues. For more information, visit the Festival website at www.socobookfest.org.
Sunday, September 21, 10 am to 8 pm: Petaluma Poetry Walk at various downtown venues. For information about the readers and venues, visit the website at www.petalumapoetrywalk.com. Or check Geri Digiorno’s blogsite at http://geri-digiorno.petaluma360.com/.
Wednesday, September 24 at 7 pm: Sonoma County Poet Laureate Mike Tuggle, Chester Aaron and Bart Schneider. Union Hotel, 3703 Main St., Occidental. Suggested donation, $10 benefits Occidental Center for the Arts. Fixed price dinner available, 5:30-7:00, $15.00 includes salad, bread, and pasta or pizza. Reservations suggested. Inquiries and reservations: (707) 874-9392.
Saturday, September 27, 11 am-4 pm: PenHouseInk 2nd Annual Guerneville Poetry Walk through downtown Guerneville begins at 11:00AM on Main Street at Charizma..For more information see our website http://www.penhouseink.com/PoetryWalk2008.html
Saturday, September 27, 2-4 PM: The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club’s ODD MONTH READING returns. The reading is part of the Vintage Voices Launch Party. Redwood Writers will read excerpts from their original stories found in the just published Vintage Voices: Four Part Harmony (ISBN: 978-0-595-52778-6, 131 pages). Karen Batchelor will emcee this event at North Light Books & Cafe, on 550 East Cotati Ave., Cotati Ca, 94931, (707) 792-4300. This is a free event.
October 5 at 3 PM: The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club presents Guy Biederman who will talk about “Why I Will Not Write Today!” His talk involves fun exercises to get started and keep writing. It also covers, with broad strokes, elements of “lowfat fiction” story structure and creative exploration on paper. Location: STAR Restaurant, 8501
Gravenstein Hwy, corner of Old Redwood Hwy and Hwy 116, in Cotati. The general public is welcome. A $6 fee is charged for non-members.
Monday, October 6, 7-9 PM: Sebastopol Center for the Arts Writers’ Sampler presents Mike Tuggle – POETRY AS ACT. Location: SCA 6780 Depot Street in Sebastopol. Fees: $15.00 per class or $50.00 for all four courses. Bring a notebook and a pen. Ages 16 and above are welcome. For more information please see the SCA’s Class Schedule, call the Center at 829-4797 or visit the website www.sebarts.org.
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, text only (no PDF please), sent to me by the end of each calendar month.
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.
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.
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 www.thewritespot.us/ or 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, m.a.,Writing & Creative Projects Coach
creatvitycoaching@centatheresa.com
Pat Tyler www.writetoday.net
Details about Workshops, Events,
Contests, and Calls for Submission
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.
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.
Suzanne Murray
The Heart of Writing – Four-Week Classes & One-Day Workshops 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
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”
Clara Rosemarda
WRITING FROM YOUR CORE: Creative Writing Workshops
5 sessions begin
Wednesday, September 17th, 7 – 9:30pm OR
Thursday, September 18th, 10am – 12:30pm
fee $150 ($140 if paid by September 5th) 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. I provide a comfortable safe environment for the writer to emerge. 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”
DEEP INQUIRY: A Memoir Workshop
Saturday, November 1st, 10am – 5pm
fee $95 ($85 if paid by October 25th) Space is limited.
It’s the depth of inquiry, says Vivian Gornick, that guides us into memoir. On this Day of the Dead we will enter our personal archives to explore our lives and those who have kept us company along the way. We will quiet the mind to expand what is there. Open to beginning as well as seasoned writers.
WRITING FROM YOUR CORE: Creative Writing Workshops
5 sessions begin
Wednesday, November 5th, 7 – 9:30pm OR
Thursday, November 6th, 10am – 12:30pm
fee $150 ($140 if paid by September 5th) Space is limited.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
For over 25 years Clara Rosemarda, writer and inspirational teacher, has been creating workshops that help writers of all kinds release their deepest and truest writing voices. Her poems and essays have been published in literary journals. She is co-editor and co-author of, STEEPED: In the World of Tea (Interlink Publishing, 2004).
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
WRITER’S SAMPLER, PART XIX
SCA announces the 19th installment of the popular writing classes, “A Writer’s Sampler.” These lively, home-work free sessions feature some of the best instructors in the area and promise to stimulate every writer’s appetite. Instructors include Mike Tuggle, Guy Biederman, Claire Drucker and Jewel Mathieson. Join us for these four inspiring evenings.
Classes are Monday evenings October 6 – October 27 from 7 to 9pm at SCA 6780 Depot Street in Sebastopol. Fees: $15.00 per class or $50.00 for all four courses. Bring a notebook and a pen. Ages 16 and above are welcome. For more information please see the SCA’s Class Schedule, call the Center at 829-4797 or visit the website www.sebarts.org.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that the Writer’s Sampler classes have been supported in part by Poets & Writers with a grant that it has received from the James Irvine Foundation. For more information about Poets & Writers visit their website at www.pw.org.
October 6: Mike Tuggle – POETRY AS ACT
This workshop will center on the poem as occasion, as artifact. On how the poem means rather than the why. How for instance we feel the sound of the poem physically. Participants will bring a short poem of their own which we will read and discuss focusing on this aspect.
Mike Tuggle, the current poet laureate of Sonoma County, is the author, with Susan Kennedy, of Cazadero Poems (Floating Island Press), Absolute Elsewhere (Filos Press). His new book, The Singing Itself, (Running Wolf Press), will be out toward the end of the year.
October 13: Guy Biederman – WRITING WITH SCISSORS (& tape)
Narrow stories, wheel stories, & mobius strip stories. The ending of every tale is inherent in the beginning. We’ll explore this notion of fictional structure with discussion, samples, and in-class low fat fiction writing. We’ll discover how the size and shape of the surfaces on which we place our words affect how and what we write. We’ll have fun. We’ll astonish ourselves. And perhaps we’ll re-invent the wheel (it’s about time, don’t you think?) Bring scissors, tape, and writing utensils, and naturally, never leave home without your Imagination!
Guy Biederman, M.A. is the founder of Lowfat Fiction School of Writing. He publishes Bust Out Stories, is the author of House Samurai (IOTA PRESS), and the creator of several patentless, & ‘utterly frivolous’ inventions. He lives with his family at Haiku House in Sebastopol.
October 20: Claire Drucker – THE CHANT POEM OR WRITING POEMS THAT SING
The chant poem is an ancient oral tradition still practiced in many cultures around the world today that uses repetition to call something, anything, into being, from asking for rain, ensuring a good harvest to releasing illness. In our culture, poetry is enjoying a resurgence in its spoken form but how do we put music into our lines when we sit in front of our computers and compose for the page? Looking at several chant poems and then writing some of our own, we’ll explore how repetition and variations on a theme can sing our words awake, adding musical energy to the language we’re trying to express.
Claire has taught English and creative writing at SRJC for more than 10 years and teaches poetry to children in the public schools through CA Poets In The Schools. Her poems have been published in numerous journals, such as Epiphany, CA Quarterly, Diner, Women Artists Datebook and Puerto del Sol.
October 27: Jewel Mathieson – 5RHYTHMS READING
Bring 2 lines-2 minutes of original poetry or prose. Using movement, rhythm and breath we will investigate how to recite with intention and impact. We will create a sacred, ritual container for a dynamic presentation of our collective wisdom.
Jewel holds a national title for ‘Oral Interpretation of Literature’, a past Slam Champion, a featured poet for Gabrielle Roth, Donna Karan Urban Zen Initiative and Bill Moyers National City Poetry Competition. Jewel is also a founding member of the Center of the Universe Cafe Open Mike Forum and the Poet Laureate of the International 5 Rhythms Dancing Tribe. Her work has been published in Sweat Your Prayers and other books, including her own: Silk Tracks and This Dance.
Lisa Shulman’s Writing Workhops for Youth and Teens
Just Write! Creative Writing for kids and teens
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
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.
Pat Tyler: 2008 Quick Start Writing Workshops
Current Workshops have ended. For information about Pat’s upcoming offerings, call 707-696-9640 or e-mail her at www.writetoday.net.
