Dear Literary Folk,
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you all how important this Presidential election is, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t do my part to get out the vote on Tuesday. As writers, y’all know how vital your voices are, and here’s the chance to have your voice really matter.
We have just passed the seventh anniversary of 9/11. Two years ago, I was asked by the Press Democrat to reflect on that national tragedy. I wrote about the plague of blindness and muteness which had struck our nation since then, but the part of the essay which offered a remedy to this plague was never published. Here it is:
But being blind doesn’t mean we can’t see. Consider that in mythology the great “seer” Tiresias was blind. Homer, too. Milton and Borges. Their physical blindness may have granted them some immunity to the oppressive darkness of the “big lies” around them. Writing is one way to stay awake when going back to sleep would be much easier. It’s not so much a matter of railing against the control of the media, the arrogance of elected officials, the illegal wars, the non-existent weapons of mass destruction (though ranting serves its purpose, too). It’s about listening in that darkness to your own truth. Your own small truth. Learn to hear it. Learn what it feels like, smells like, tastes like. Learn its textures. And then begin to speak from that truth until from it grows the lightness with which you can begin again to see.
We know what it is to own and to speak our truth. Let’s all take this historic opportunity to vote our truth. Regime change begins at home. Let’s do it!
The Literary Update keeps growing each month as more of you send me announcements and features you’d like the literary community to know about. Here’s how you can help keep the Update current.
Make sure the announcements you send are concise, carefully proofread, and copy-edited. Also keep in mind that I can only include announcements that are plain text and presented in the e-mail message (no flyers, PDF’s, or attachments with special formatting please). Retyping text and reformatting special fonts from flyers takes time, sometimes causes errors, and may result in announcements being left out of the Update.
For those who regularly announce their workshops, readings, or services here, a donation of $10/year is appreciated to keep the update and its website going. Donations from regular readers are welcome, too! If you’d like to find out how you can help, please contact me at tehret99@comcast.net.
The deadline for announcements is the last day of each calendar month.
Kinvara Bay, West Ireland
West Ireland Literary Tour and Writing Retreat, Summer 2009
I will be leading a small group of writers on a literary tour and writing retreat in West Ireland, June 28-July 11, 2009.
We will stay in a private lodge on Galway Bay near the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan, visit various sites in Counties Galway and Clare, including Poulnabrone Dolmen, a burial tomb more than 5,000 years old, Coole Park, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and an excursion by boat to the Aran Islands. We’ll tour Yeats’s homes at Thoor Ballylee and Sligo, wander among local fairy rings and fairy wells, and cap the trip with a Medieval banquet of traditional food, drink, Irish song and poetry at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara;
Ballyvaughan and its neighboring village of Kinvara are two of the most scenic places in Ireland, nestled between the hills of the Burren and the sea, on the southern shore of Galway Bay. The area surrounding Ballyvaughan is a limestone or karst region of haunting beauty.
Besides the tour described above, this is also planned as a writers’ retreat, including eight writing sessions with time to walk, drift, daydream, write in your journal, and share your work in a supportive group.
The cost for the trip is $2,350. This includes a private room, your meals, transportation, daily writing sessions, and the side trips listed above. Airfare is not included, but currently tickets are available online for around $1,200 round trip from SFO to Shannon in West Ireland.
I currently have room for one or two travelers to join us. If you’d like to sign up, or learn more about the itinerary, please contact Terry Ehret by November 10 at tehret99@comcast.net.
County-Wide Literary News
Cinnabar Theater Presents Transformations
Anne Sexton’s Poetry • Conrad Susa’s Music
Based on Tales of the Brothers Grimm
Nina Shuman, Music Director; Elly Lichenstein, Stage Director
Featuring Todd Donovan, Miguel Evangelista, Jennie Litster, Sara MacBride, Will Hart Meyer, Valentina Osinski, Robert Stafford & Jeff Wang
Eight singing actors and eight instrumentalists run the Grimm’s gamut, from Rapunzel to Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty to the Seven Dwarfs in Sexton’s strangely hilarious, brilliantly personalized mutation of cherished fairy tales. Sexton laces her poetic reimaginings with humorous observations, sly references to television, pop culture and the foibles of 20th Century living. Susa’s ingeniously accessible score, jazzy and melodic, winks wryly at Weill, Sondheim, Ives, the Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby, not to mention Gustav Mahler.
Poet’s Lane Returns
Cynthia Bryant writes from Kansas:
Hello Poets, Friends and curious others
I have been in Kansas for seven months and even though I had one false start with www.poetslane.com I just could not get my head or heart back into it. It seems that California and it’s wonderful poetry community is a lot to get over missing that quickly. I have been in a deep funk outside the Emerald City with TOTO (Gilligan) in tow and now feel ready to give Kansas and my beloved Poet’s Lane a fresh start. So check out the site at www.poetslane.com and send me your poetry (check the categories first) your comments, your ideas, your bios, your pictures and send this notice out to anyone you think might want to take a stroll on Poet’s Lane.
Peace and Love, Cynthia
Poet’s Lane www.poetslane.com
A Local Journal for Flash Memoir
Laurie Rieche recently wrote about a Marin literary journal I thought you’d all be interested in knowing more about. The journal is Memoir (and), and was founded two years ago in 2006.Their website is www.memoirjournal.com.
The managing editor, Joan Chapman, writes with this description of the journal’s mission: “MEMOIR (and) is an up-and-coming journal for the exploration of memoir as “the” genre of the 21st century. The works of emerging and established authors and artists are featured in both traditional and nontraditional forms of personal nonfiction— prose, poetry, graphic narratives, narrative photography, and more. Memoir (and) is published twice yearly and awards four cash prizes per issue. There are no entry fee for the contests.
Memoir(and) has a call for submission listed below in the Update.
Katherine Hasting’s WordTemple
The next reading of the WordTemple Poetry Series is this Friday, November 7th with Sonoma County poet and editor Michael Rothenberg celebrating The Collected Poems of Philip Whalen, edited by Rothenberg and published by Wesleyan Press. This major accomplishment contains all of the poems from Whalen’s poetry collections, his previously uncollected poems published in magazines and anthologies, Calendar — his previously unpublished graduate thesis from Reed College, as well as his “doodle poems.” Philip Whalen was a major voice during the San Francisco Poetry Renaissance of the mid-50s. Would you like to know how someone might treat the mundane with reverence? Or how self-deprecating humor can be used successfully in poetry? He’s your guy.
Rothenberg, who has also edited Overtime: The Selected Poems of Philip Whalen; As Ever: The Selected Poems of Joanne Kyger; David’s Copy: The Selected Poems of David Meltzer and Way More West: The Selected Poems of Edward Dorn has also published nine books of his own poetry and is the editor of the webzine www.bigbridge.org. He will bring an entire troop of poets with him on Friday night to read from The Collected Poems of Philip Whalen, including David Bromige, Clark Coolidge, Pat Nolan, Gail King, Brian Howlett, Bill Hawley, Ed Coletti and Terri Carrion.
SoCoCo-At-the-Toad Reading Series
With the closure of Sonoma Coffee Company, the SoCoCo Reading Series will shift to a new venue, day, and time beginning Sunday January 11, 2009 at Toad In the Hole 116 Fifth St. in the Railroad Square area of Santa Rosa. Readings will be held approximately every other month at 2 PM. Toad In the Hole has excellent British pub food and drink and a built in sound system. They are very excited about working with us. So please do note the new time of day. For further information contact SoCoCo-At-the-Toad director and emcee Ed Coletti at edcoletti@sbcglobal.net
Sonoma County in Print
If you are a Sonoma County writer with a book or chapbook newly published, let’s help you celebrate! Just 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.
Bart Schneider’s The Man in the Blizzard
Bart Schneider, new to our literary community, has published several novels, including his newest, The Man in the Blizzard. Here’s a synopsis:
Private eye Augie Boyer is out of sorts. He’s been smoking too much Pontchartrain Pootie, his favorite varietal herb, and scarfing down an excess of fried food. He can’t stop thinking of his therapist wife, who left him for another therapist, and despite his new girlfriend’s best efforts, Augie’s testosterone levels have sunk lower than the winter temperatures of Minneapolis.
On the eve of the Republican National Convention, a beautiful, blond violinist with multiple personalities walks into Augie’s office. She draws him into a complex case that involves neo-Nazi violin collectors, mind-control specialists, and thousands of antiabortion activists who’ve come to the Twin Cities for a rally that will bring new meaning to Labor Day. But when Augie uncovers an assassination plot, he must scramble to prevent a deranged act of political violence that strikes dangerously close to home.
With wit, compassion, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, Bart Schneider creates a lovable yet flawed character and delivers a thrilling contemporary tale.
To check out or order Bart’s new novel, here’s Random House’s web address: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307238139
Debbie Cooper’s Chapbook Publications
Sonoma poet Debbie Cooper has eight chapbooks, ranging in publication date from 1996 through 2007. You (or other interested parties) can find info about these books by going to our website, which is www.edcooper.com — if you have any questions, you can contact her at debby@edcooper.com
Two Online Novels by Jo Lauer
Waltzing With the Azaleas (a transgender coming of age tale), and Sojourner (a lesbian love story with a reincarnation twist), are available for on-line download at http://www.e-lesmag.com/tocles.html through GLB Publishers.
Rose Murphy and Ella Young
Rose Murphy will read from her book about a fascinating Irish woman, Ella Young Irish Mystic and Rebel: From Literary Dublin to the American West, at three Sonoma County Public Library venues during November. On Wednesday November 5, she reads and discusses the book at the Coddingtown branch, 7 pm; on Saturday November 8 at the Rohnert-Park Cotati branch, 2:00 pm; and on Saturday, November 29, at the Petaluma branch. Ella Young was a storyteller, rebel, mystic, writer, friend of Yeats, immigrant to California, and guest lecturer at UC Berkeley in the 1930s.
Michelle Baynes and Homeless in Petaluma
Sunday, November 16, 2008. Poet Michelle Baynes reads from Homeless in Petaluma at the Third Sunday Salon of the Healdsburg Literary Guild. 2-4 pm. MC: David Madgalene. Open mic. FREE. At City Hall, North and Vine Streets, Healdsburg. 836-9586.
Michelle Baynes has worked with the homeless in Petaluma, California for years. In this book she reveals, with straightforward candor, what she’s seen and heard on the streets and under the bridges. We hear the voices of the forgotten and forsaken, and in the startling black and white photographs we see the frayed edges of a town not unlike every small town in the United States. Tough, heartbreaking, compassionate and true, Baynes is our witness to the struggles of these citizens? daily lives. Through her eyes, the people who live on our spare change are no longer invisible.–Dorianne Laux
Calls for Submission
If you have a call for submission or a contest 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
Sixteen Rivers Press Call for Submissions
Poetry Manuscripts
Sixteen Rivers Press is a hands-on, nonprofit regional poetry publishing collective centered in the greater San Francisco Bay area. Each year, we have an open, no-fee manuscript submission period for poets who are interested in joining the press. Up to two new members may be selected through this process.
The submission period is Nov. 1, 2008 through March 1, 2009.
Our submission guidelines can be found on the Sixteen Rivers website:
Poetry Anthology
In addition to our regular call for manuscripts, Sixteen Rivers is also seeking poems of place set in the greater San Francisco Bay Area for an upcoming anthology celebrated the press’s tenth anniversary. We interpret place broadly—it may be natural, cultural, or psychological space. And we interpret the region broadly as well, to include the cities, suburbs, towns, rural and wilderness areas that make up the entire Bay Area watershed.
Please send up to three unpublished or published poems,
plus an SASE, to
Anthology
Sixteen Rivers Press
P.O. Box 640663
San Francisco, CA 94164
For published poems, please include the place and date
of publication and the name of the copyright holder.
Sixteen Rivers Press • P.O. Box 640663 • San Francisco, CA 94164 • Tel: 415-273-1303 • Fax: 415-221-5116
www.sixteenrivers.org • E-mail: info@sixteenrivers.org
MEMOIR (and) Call for Submissions
MEMOIR (and) is an up-and-coming print journal for the exploration of memoir as “the” genre of the 21st century. Our nonprofit mission is to publish traditional as well as nontraditional forms of nonfiction allied with memoir. This includes, but is not limited to, autobiography, personal and critical essay, graphic narratives, narrative poetry, “flash memoir,” autobiographical fiction, alternative histories, journalistic accounts, narrative photography and more. We award four cash prizes twice yearly and charge no entry fee. All work submitted to MEMOIR (and) is eligible to win a prize.
On 11/1/08, MEMOIR (and) begins accepting submissions for the Fall+Winter 2009 Issue. This reading period extends until 2/15/09. Submissions may be made online with our Submissions Manager tool at http://memoirjournal.squarespace.com/general-submissions/, or by mailing to us at PO Box 1398, Sausalito CA 94966-1398. Submission guidelines are available on the website at www.memoirjournal.com/submissions or can be requested by mail or phone at (415) 339-4130.
For complete guidelines and more information, scroll down to the end of the Literary Update.
Sitting Room Seeks Submissions
for its 2009 Publication, Far From Home: Lessons Learned
Sometimes we have to leave home to find ourselves. Perhaps you have had this experience, surprised yourself with what you can—or cannot—do. You are far from home, or maybe not so far. Something happens: you meet an attractive stranger—you lose your passport—you miss your plane/train/rickshaw. Now What?
Tell us about it in 400 words or less. You may send prose, poetry, art, a photograph, as long as it meets the criteria. Make it camera-ready, with generous margins. Include a title, your name, and contact information, and instruct us on what information you wish included on the printed page. Questions? Phone or e-mail Rosemary Manchester at 707-823-3477 or r_Manchester@comcast.net
Send your piece by regular mail to The Sitting Room, ATTN: Rosemary Manchester, Editor, Publication project, 170 E Cotati Ave, Cotati, CA 94931. Due Date is Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2009.
New Millennium Writings Contest
Deadline: Midnight Nov. 17 (postmark OK)
Awards & Contests
$4,000 in Prizes, plus publication in NMW and on the Web at www.NewMillenniumWritings.com
All contestants receive our 200-page plus quality paperback annual anthology with full-color cover. Enter as often as you like at… www.writingawards.com or by U.S. Mail or Other Carrier.
Complete guidelines can be found at the end of the Update
News from East County
Bart Schneider New Events Coordinator at Readers’ Books in Somoma
Bart Schneider is the former editor of the Hungry Mind Review and the author of the novels Blue Bossa, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; Secret Love, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year; and Beautiful Inez. Recently moved from the Twin Cities to Sonoma, Bart is currently director of readings and events at Readers’ Books. He is also contributing literary features to the Bohemian.
Bart has a new novel called The Man in the Blizzard. For details, check out the Sonoma County in Print feature above.
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/.
I’d like to extend the invitation to Bart and Arthur and to all our readers from Sonoma, Boyes Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Valley of the Moon, (or the bordering Napa County) to send us word of the events and happenings in your area.
News from West County
I haven’t heard this month from my west county correspondents, but I always welcome their news, or announcements about the Occidental, Forestville, Guerneville area from any Update readers.
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
Thanks to Suza Cohan, Penelope LaMontagne, Cynthia Beecher, and Vilma Ginzberg for the information below.
Word Weavers at the Geyser Arts Gallery
Friday night, November 21, 2008. at 7 p.m. 21015 Geyserville Ave. Geyserv ille, CA Geyserville is changing, come and see. (Bring your own chair)
Four Sonoma County Poets gather from all directions of Sonoma County as 2008 begins to braid itself to an end. Mike Tuggle, Cam Cunningham, Clara Rosemarda and Penelope La Montagne invite you to join them at this stunning, newly created space for an evening of poetry under the apron of Geyser Peak, with an introductory poem by Geyserville Elementary School first grader, Annabelle Lampson. Mike Tuggle, is the current Poet Laureate of Sonoma County, and author of Absolute Elsewhere (Philos Press) and other poems. Tuggle is the host of the Snake River Poetry Series in Duncans Mills and the winner of The Oberon Prize and a Sonoma Community Foundation Grant. Cam Cunningham Born in Detroit, raised up in Lubbock, work: bit tipper, bootlegger, dishwasher, data hac k er, hypervelocity wind tunnel, psychotropic purveyor, People’s lawyer. Painter, acrylic, mixed media on canvas. Clara Rosemarda, a counselor and workshop leader, can be found meditating in her living room, pruning her maples, or having tea and conversation with friends. She takes laughter and dance very seriously, and believes becoming conscious is not a luxury. Penelope La Montagne is Poet Laureate emeritus of Healdsburg (2004-2006), Penelope is a river rat who lives o n the banks of the Russian River and has learned most of what she knows from watching the river flow, not pushing and not holding back.
Literary Café in Healdsburg
Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 PM: Reading by Loreon Vigné
Rev. Loreon Vigné created a sanctuary for exotic cats, birds, and humans 30 years ago in Geyserville, California. She named it Isis Oasis, after the ancient Egyptian Goddess of Nature. She will tell her story on the 11th day of the 11 month of November at the Senior Center in Healdsburg. Hers is the tale of how and why she changed her life. She was once an artisan in San Francisco with her own gallery and workshop with many helpers making decorative giftware. She left that behind to become a priestess in the Temple of Isis.
She presides over her Isis Oasis retreat center which offers many varied venues across its ten acres where weddings, cultural events, and mind expanding gatherings occur.
Rev. Loreon Vigné will be reading from her biography, The Goddess Bade Me Do It, plus some of her poetry. She promises to offer a few unusual audience participation activities.
Find out more at her website: http//:www.isisoasis.org
Tuesday November 11, 2008 7-9 pm NOTE: Now held on the Second Tuesday
Open mic Bring prose or poetry to share
Doors open at 6:30
Light refreshments Donations appreciated
An Evening of Community Spirit Performance & Holiday Cookie Exchange
December 9, 2008 7-9 pm Doors open at 6:30
Donations appreciated
Plan to join us and close out another year of Literary Café Program with an open mic program of prose, poetry, drama, musical accompaniment. Sign up by telephone, email OR be spontaneous and take your chances for the free slots on the night of the performance. Bring your cheering fans. Six minute maximum timed by a festivity bell ringer.
Attention all Cookie Bakers: bring a plate of holiday cookies to share with Cookie Lovers
Contact Cynthia Helen 707 696-1111 or centerliterarycafe@gmail.com
Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street (first block east of the Plaza), Healdsburg, CA 95448
Salon, West County Style, November 19 at 7 PM
Jane Stuppin, Literature and Nano-fiction; Kathleen Kraft, Baroque flautist; Marylu Downing, Painting as Mystery. Union Hotel, 3703 Main St., Occidental. Wednesday, November 19th at 7 pm. Suggested donation $10 benefits Occidental Center for the Arts. Fixed price dinner 5:30-7:00, $15 includes salad, bread, and pizza or pasta. Inquiries and reservations: (707)874-9392. Website: www.occidentalcenterforthearts.com
Writers’ Connections
If you’d like to invite others in the literary community to join your writers’ group or network, send an announcement to tehret99@comcast.net.
Expressive voice, recording, and/or music and sound effects for your book on CD
Sher Christian is available for voiceover. John Christian does recording, sound effects, and original music on keyboard, accordion, or Hammond organ for your projects.
E-mail for information and a demo on Mp3.
Book: Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry
CD: Sweet Tongue, Assorted Poetry and Music
www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com
New Location for Poetry, Pints, and Prose Series
Poetry, Pints, and Prose, hosted by Michelle Baynes, started last spring as a popular monthly reading and open-mic series at Finbar Devine’s Irish Pub in downtown Petaluama. The series has changed its location. All are invited to be a part of the readings on the last Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 PM at its new location, the Aqus Café in Petaluma 189 H street. For more information, contact Michelle at 707-326-3773 or Catherine at 707-338-1554 or e-mail them at PoetryPintsProse@aol.com.
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.
The California Writers Club
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces its support for Cotati Conversations – an afternoon with local authors featuring a
western theme. Sonoma County poets and writers will read original works and have their books available for sale. Local author and Redwood Writer president, Karen Batchelor, will emcee the event, which will take place on Saturday, October 18th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Cotati Community Center, at E. School and W. Sierra Streets (216 E. School St.), Cotati, CA, 94931, (707) 792-4600 ext. 640, www.ci.cotati.ca.us. Authors will share stories, poems, essays and conversation with our friends in the community. Come mix and mingle with authors who will answer questions, sign books, and chat about reading and writing. Confirmation of the following authors attending include: Rob Loughlan, Mary Lynn Archibald, Ana Manwaring, Jennie Butler, and many more.
The general public is welcome. This is a free event and no registration is required.
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club also announces that its November 2nd meeting will feature Molly Dwyer who will talk about Synchronicity & Sensibilité in writing. The meeting runs from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the 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.
The CWC invites Sonoma County writers to join the local branch of the Redwood Writers. 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.
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
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!”
The International Women’s Writing Guild
The IWWG is a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing. As such, it has established a remarkable record of achievement in the publishing world, as well as in circles where lifelong learning and personal transformation are valued for their own sake. The Guild nurtures and supports holistic thinking by recognizing the logic of the heart—the ability to perceive the subtle interconnections between people, events and emotions—alongside conventional logic. For more information about how to join the IWWG, contact Caroline Brumleve: e-mail iwwg@iwwg. org or visit their website at www.iwwg.org.
People, Places and Poetry Discussion Group
Sundays from 11:30-1:00pm at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma 189 H street
Hosted by Geri DiGiorno and Nancy Long of LiveWire Literary Salon
Theme: Hanging Poems in Trees
Bring a poem to share (written by your favorite poet or your own!). Writing exercise and reading of your work (only if you want to…)All levels welcomed! No experience required! Last month, twelve people showed up and we had a great time! Couldn’t drag myself out of there!
For more info: Nancy Long at nsasha@earthlink.net or Geri DiGiorno at adageri@aol.com
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
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: Formerly Poetry, Pints, and Prose at Finbar Devine’s is now moving to Aqus Café. Hosted by Michelle Baynes, the readings begin with a featured reader, followed by open-mic. For more information, contact Michelle at 707-326-3773 or Catherine at 707-338-1554 or e-mail them at PoetryPintsProse@aol.com. Location: Aqus Cafe in Petaluma 189 H street
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. Second 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. Sunday afternoons at 2 PM: SoCoCo-At-the-Toad Reading Series - With the closure of Sonoma Coffee Company, the SoCoCo Reading Series will shift to a new venue, day, and time beginning Sunday January 11, 2009 at Toad In the Hole 116 Fifth St. in the Railroad Square area of Santa Rosa. Readings will be held approximately every other month at 2 PM. Toad In the Hole has excellent British pub food and drink and a built in sound system. They are very excited about working with us. So please do note the new time of day. For further information contact SoCoCo-At-the-Toad director and emcee Ed Coletti 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.
Current and Upcoming 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. Those workshops coming up in October or November are listed alphabetically by workshop leader or sponsor. Additional details about these workshops, as well as a list of websites for these and other local workshop leaders, are available at the end of the Literary Update.
If you have a workshop you’re offering, send a short description to tehret99@comcast.net.
Marin poet Melanie Meyer offers Weekend Workshop with Jane Miller
READING JORIE GRAHAM
I propose a close reading of the recent poems of Jorie Graham, with a glance back over a literary career that has taken a decidedly political turn. Author of many volumes of poetry, including her Pulitzer Prize-winning volume, The Dream of the Unified Field: Selected Poems, 1974-1994, Ms Graham has written with lightning brilliance and originality. Influenced by poets as far-ranging as Emily Dickinson, John Keats, Wallace Stevens, Elizabeth Bishop, John Ashbery, and Bay area luminaries such as Michael Palmer and Robert Hass, Graham has had a profound influence on contemporary poets and aesthetics.
We will study a few of her groundbreaking poems before taking on your work in an afternoon session.
PRE-READING
Sea Change, Ecco Press, 2008
Please bring in a poem of yours for critique.
WE WILL MEET SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 10-4 at the home of Richard Brown, 4 Coronet in Kentfield. Directions will be sent to those who attend. Course fee is $130. Please respond and if you sign up send a check for $130, payable to Jane Miller, to Melanie Maier, 322 San Rafael Ave. Belvedere, Ca 94920.Because December is just around the corner I am asking for full payment NOW. Class size limited to 15.
(At the conclusion of our workshop we will discuss another proposal of Jane’s: (a Saturday in spring) a close reading of the significant poems of MacArthur genius award recipient, Professor in Literary Arts at Brown University, publisher, and iconoclastic thinker C.D. WRIGHT).
Please join us for what will be an exciting day. I look forward to hearing from you, Melanie Maier
Workshops with Sher Christian
The Blissful Power of Deep Seeing
Following Your Inner Voice For Clarity to Do What You Love
ONLINE GROUP SERIES:
November 14 through December 19 with weekly follow-up and ending conference call
SEBASTOPOL GROUP SERIES at Coffee Catz
November 18 through February 3
Six group sessions, first and third Tuesdays, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
November 18-February 3.
Early bird discount 11/10 for each series.
$125 paid by November 10, includes Sher’s book Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry.
$140 paid after November 10, includes Sher’s book Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry.
HOW TO REGISTER
Send a check to Sher Christian
P.O. Box 104
Bodega, CA 94922
Call 530 277-0147 or email poetrytalks@neteze.com for Information and to register
For more information about the workshop and its leader, see the details about workshops and events at the end of the Update.
Suzanne Murray’s The Heart of Writing
Four-Week Classes & One-Day Workshops with Suzanne Murray Four-Week Classes, Sebastopol, register early limited to 12 Tuesday Mornings, 9:30 am to noon, November 11 to December 9 (no class 11/25), $100 paid by 11/4, $115 after Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:30 pm, downtown Sebastopol, limited to 12 November 11 to December 9 (no class 11/25), $100 paid by 11/4, $115 after One-Day Workshops Saturday, November 22, 10 am to 4 pm, $75 paid by 11/14, $85 after downtown Sebastopol, register early limited to 12 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
November 20 Susan Swartz
Susan Swartz is a columnist for The Press Democrat.
To contact Marlene: mcullen@comcast.net
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
Writing Workshops with Clara Rosemarda
Deep Inquiry: A Memoir Workshop
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 on what is there. Open to beginning as well as seasoned writers.
Saturday, November 1st, 10am – 5pm fee $95 ($85 if paid by October 18th) Space is limited.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
Writing from your Core: A Creative Writing Workshop
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.
5 sessions begin Wednesday, November 5th, 7 – 9:30pm OR
Thursday, November 6th, 10am – 12:30pm
fee $150 ($140 if paid by October 22nd) Space is limited.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
More information about Clara Rosemarda can be found at the end of the Update.
Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro’s Sonoma County Writing Practice
Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro teaches eight week long writing semesters out of
her Santa Rosa downtown office. Three different class times are offered each
week. Margaret uses poetry and meditation for inspiration and writers are
encouraged to read their work in a supportive atmosphere. The memoir is a
valuable form for dropping deeper into the self allowing memories to come
forth. This process allows space for self-knowledge to occur.
For more information or to receive a flyer call (707)575-8820 or email
Margaret at harlmarg@sonic.net
The website for Sonoma County Writing Practice is www.handwritingonline.net
Centa Theresa offers Creative Projects Coaching/Consultation for Artists & Writers
The Pod: Art and Writing
workshops & monthly creative projects coaching circle…
Centa Theresa, M.A.
www.centatheresa.com 707-478-5903 vicenta@sonic.net
Invoking the Dream: 4-week series. Based on the premise that dreams operate in service of the dreamer’s wholeness, we will read a sampling of work derived from dream and the surreal, and using guided free write exercises explore the metaphoric language of our dreams, bringing them into surprising new written form. All levels welcome. $100. Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Santa Rosa.
Dates: November 11th, 18th, 25th, and December 2nd.
Creative Projects/Process Coaching: Ongoing monthly drop-in sessions. Whether you have a manuscript ten years in the making that you can’t seem to finish, a body of artwork that needs more of your focus, an idea for a business but no plan, etc., using a no-guilt premise and basic group format, we will share visions, identify challenges, receive support, applaud successes, share work (optional), and help each other keep accountable for stated intentions. Held in my home in Santa Rosa on the last Sundays of the month, 2-3:30. $20/session. Call beforehand.
Art and Writing Lab: Drop-in monthly Art & Writing sessions in my home studio. Each month will focus on a theme. Using guided “free-write” exercises, “found” text, objects and images we will explore the theme in various art media. 2-4 pm. Second Sundays of the month in my home studio, Santa Rosa. All skill levels welcome. Call beforehand.
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.
November 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.
Copperfield’s Books http://www.copperfields.net/
Readers’ Books www.readersbooks.com
Center Cafe in Healdburg: http://www.mcrory.com/litcafe/index.php
WordTemple Poetry Series http://www.wordtemple.com
Petaluma Writers’ Forum and Jumpstart Writing Workshops: www.thewritespot.us
SoCoCo Poetry Reading Series edcoletti@sbcglobal.net.
The Sitting Room www.sittingroom.org.
Saturday, November 1, 11 AM: Bilingual Story Time for Preschoolers: stories, songs, and poetry for ages 2-5 at the Petaluma Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. This event is part of the two week celebration of El Dia de los Muertos. You can get the complete list of events at the Petaluma Arts Council Website: www.petalumaartscouncil.org
Saturday, November 1: Sixteen Rivers Press begins accepting poetry submissions for an anthology of poems of place. The annual poetry manuscript submission period begins also. Both close March 1, 2009. Visit the website for details: www.sixteenrivers.org.
Saturday, November 1, Noon-4 PM: Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival at Civic Center Mark, MLK Jr. Way at Center Street, Berkeley. A Day of Poetry, Music and Environmental Activism with Robert Hass, Jane Hirshfield, Brenda Hillman, Chris Olander, Camile Dungy, Mike Tuggle, and more. Free admission.
Sunday, November 2, 2 to 4 PM: Discussion with Mary Lynn Archibald of her book Accidental Cowgirl:Six Cows, No Horse, and No Clue. Mary Lynn will be happy to answer any questions about her process, the book, and life itself! She invites us to, “ Come and bring a friend, and prepare to be enlightened about the life of a cowgirl (and an accidental one at that).” Do cowgirls drink tea? We’ll see. Location:The Sitting Room, 170 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, CA. www.SittingRoom.org
Wednesday, November 5 at 7 PM: Rose Murphy, former English instructor in the department, will be reading from her newly published book, Ella Young Irish Mystic and Rebel: From Literary Dublin to the American West, at the Coddingtown branch library.
Wednesday, November 5: Clara Rosemarda’s workshop begins: Writing from your Core. Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
Friday, November 7 at 7 PM: WordTemple Poetry Series presents Sonoma County poet and editor Michael Rothenberg celebrates The Collected Poems of Philip Whalen, edited by Rothenberg and published by Wesleyan Press. Location: Copperfield’s Books, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa,
Saturday, November 8 at 2 PM: Rose Murphy, former English instructor in the department, will be reading from her newly published book, Ella Young Irish Mystic and Rebel: From Literary Dublin to the American West, at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library on Saturday, November 8, 2pm.
Tuesday, November 11, 9:30-noon: Suzanne Murray’s “The Heart of Writing” workshop begins. For more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website: www.creativitygoeswild.com
Tuesday, November 10: Deadline to sign up for the West Ireland Literary Tour and Writing Retreat, Summer 2009. Contact Terry Ehret at tehret99@comcast.net.
Tuesday, November 11: Centa Theresa’s Invoking the Dream Workshop begins. For information or to register, contact her at www.centatheresa.com 707-478-5903 vicenta@sonic.net
Tuesday, November 11 at 7 PM: Tuesday, November 11, 7-9 PM: Rev. Loreon Vigné will be reading from her biography, The Goddess Bade Me Do It, plus some of her poetry. She promises to offer a few unusual audience participation activities.
Find out more at her website: http//:www.isisoasis.org. Doors open at 6:30. Donations appreciated. Location: Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street (first block east of the Plaza), Contact Cynthia Helen 707 696-1111 or centerliterarycafe@gmail.com
Monday, November 14: Sher Christian’s online workshop begins. See information in the section on current workshops above.
Sunday, November 16, 2-4 PM: Poet Michelle Baynes reads from Homeless in Petaluma at the Third Sunday Salon of the Healdsburg Literary Guild. 2-4 pm. MC: David Madgalene. Open mic. FREE. At City Hall, North and Vine Streets, Healdsburg. 836-9586.
Monday, November 17: New Millennium Contest deadline (see details and guidelines below).
Tuesday, November 18: Sher Christian’s workshop begins: The Blissful Power of Deep Seeing. 3:3—5:30 PM. Location: Coffee Catz in Sebastopol. Call 530 277-0147 or email poetrytalks@neteze.com for Information and to register
Wednesday, November 19th. 7 PM: Salon West County Style: Jane Stuppin, Literature and Nano-fiction; Kathleen Kraft, Baroque flautist; Marylu Downing, Painting as Mystery. Union Hotel, 3703 Main St., Occidental. Salon@7 pm. Suggested donation $10 benefits Occidental Center for the Arts. Fixed price dinner 5:30-7:00, $15 includes salad, bread, and pizza or pasta. Inquiries and reservations: (707)874-9392. Website: www.occidentalcenterforthearts.com If you have any questions, please contact Judith Moorman, fleelix@earthlink.net, or Suze Pringle-Cohan, cohanhaven@yahoo.com
Thursday, November 20 7-9 PM: Petaluma Writers’ Forum presents Susan Swartz, long time columnist with the Press Democrat and author of “The
Juicy Tomatoes Guide to Ripe Living After 50.” Swartz is a KRCB radio commentator, public speaker and talks about women and the media on her website www.juicytomatoes.com. For more information:www.thewritespot.us
Location: Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma
$15 at the door
Friday, November 21, at 7 PM: Word Weavers at the Geyser Arts Gallery.
Four Sonoma County Poets gather from all directions of Sonoma County as 2008 begins to braid itself to an end. Mike Tuggle, Cam Cunningham, Clara Rosemarda and Penelope La Montagne invite you to join them at this stunning, newly created space for an evening of poetry under the apron of Geyser Peak, with an introductory poem by Geyserville Elementary School first grader, Annabelle Lampson.
Location: 21015 Geyserville Ave. Geyserville, CA. (Bring your own chair)
Sunday, November 22, 204 PM: The Redwood Branch of the California Writers Club next ODD MONTH READING will be held November 2, from 2-4 pm. at the Rohnert Park branch of the Sonoma County Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park, next door to police department, 707-584-9121. The general public is welcome. This is a free event.. For more information see www.redwoodwriters.org or call Karen at 795-4591.
Saturday, November 29, 2pm: Rose Murphy, former English instructor in the department, will be reading from her newly published book, Ella Young Irish Mystic and Rebel: From Literary Dublin to the American West, at the Petaluma branch library.
Tuesday, December 9 at 7 PM: An Evening of Community Spirit Performance & Holiday Cookie Exchange Plan to join us and close out another year of Literary Café Program with an open mic program of prose, poetry, drama, musical accompaniment. Sign up by telephone, email OR be spontaneous and take your chances for the free slots on the night of the performance. Bring your cheering fans. Six minute maximum timed by a festivity bell ringer. Doors open at 6:30. Donations appreciated. Location: Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street (first block east of the Plaza), Contact Cynthia Helen 707 696-1111 or centerliterarycafe@gmail.com
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.
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.
MEMOIR (and) Call for Submissions
MEMOIR (and) is an up-and-coming print journal for the exploration of memoir as “the” genre of the 21st century. Our nonprofit mission is to publish traditional as well as nontraditional forms of nonfiction allied with memoir. This includes, but is not limited to, autobiography, personal and critical essay, graphic narratives, narrative poetry, “flash memoir,” autobiographical fiction, alternative histories, journalistic accounts, narrative photography and more. We award four cash prizes twice yearly and charge no entry fee. All work submitted to MEMOIR (and) is eligible to win a prize.
On 11/1/08, MEMOIR (and) begins accepting submissions for the Fall+Winter 2009 Issue. This reading period extends until 2/15/09. Submissions may be made online with our Submissions Manager tool at http://memoirjournal.squarespace.com/general-submissions/, or by mailing to us at PO Box 1398, Sausalito CA 94966-1398. Submission guidelines are available on the website at www.memoirjournal.com/submissions or can be requested by mail or phone at (415) 339-4130.
Contests
The MEMOIR (and) Prizes for Creative Nonfiction are awarded to the most outstanding prose or poetry memoirs drawn from the reading period.
Grand Prize for Creative Nonfiction: $500 cash award; publication in print and online; six copies of the journal.
Second Prize for Creative Nonfiction: $250 cash award; publication in print and online; six copies of the journal.
Third Prize for Creative Nonfiction:$100 cash award; publication in print and online; three copies of the journal.
The MEMOIR (and) Prize for Graphic Memoir is awarded to the most outstanding graphic memoir drawn from the reading period.
Prize for Graphic Memoir: $100 cash award; publication in print and online; three copies of the journal.
Assistance: Anyone requiring assistance with the submission process may call Memoir (and) at (415) 339-4130 or email submissions@memoirjournal.com
We look forward to reading your submissions!
New Millenium Writings Contest.
$4,000 in Prizes, plus publication in NMW and on the Web at www.NewMillenniumWritings.com
$1,000 for best Short Fiction; $1,000 for best Short Short Fiction (1,000-word limit). $1,000 for best Poem; $1,000 best Nonfiction
( Nonfiction includes humor, memoir, creative nonfiction, travel, opinion, essay, interview, features, investigative reporting, etc.)
To Enter, follow these Guidelines, or enter on-line at www.writingawards.com.
1. No restrictions as to style, content or number of submissions. Previously published pieces OK if online or under 5,000 print circulation. Enter as often as you like.
2. Winners and selected finalists published by New Millennium Writings.
3. Send between now and midnight of Nov. 17, 2008 (postmark OK).
4. Simultaneous & multiple submissions welcome. Previously published material welcome if under 5,000-circulation or online only.
5. Each fiction or nonfiction piece is counted as a separate entry, and should total no more than 6,000 words except Short-Short Fiction (no more than 1,000 words).
6. Each poetry entry may include up to three poems, not to exceed five pages total per entry.
7. Include name, phone, address, email & category on cover page (not mandatory) or page 1. Should you forget to include contact information if entering online, don’t worry. PayPal forwards contact information with your payment.
8. Manuscripts not returned except in hardship cases. Include email address or SASE for list of winners. (Yes, we recycle).
9. Include $17 check payable to NMW with each submission.
10. Send to: “NMW” Room EM, PO Box 2463, Knoxville, TN, 37901.To order a past issue, add $10 (our last one sold out, regrets, but others are available–DW, editor).
Winners of NMW Awards are showcased along with interviews, profiles and tributes to famous writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, J. D. Salinger, Julia Glass, Shel Silverstein, Khaled Hosseini (The Kite-Runner), George Garrett, Ken Kesey, John Updike, Lee Smith, Cormac McCarthy, Lucille Clifton, Shelby Foote, Paul West, Norman Mailer, Sharyn McCrumb, William Kennedy, Faulkner, Hemingway, Dickinson, Keats, Percy, Warren and many others. Also, prize-winning stories, poems & articles, humor, graphic arts & writing advice.
Sher Christian
“The Blissful Power of Deep Seeing”
“Hearing Your Inner Voice for Clarity to Do What You Love.”
• Do you want to move through your life with greater awareness, vibrancy,
effectiveness, and pleasure?
• Do you want to understand and move through obstacles to reach desired
results in your business, your relationships, and your daily life?
• Would you like to shift your attention from worrisome challenges into the larger
picture of your destiny?
• Would you like to ignite your passion for living, make a wonderful difference
through your unique gifts, thereby leaving a legacy to the world and those you
love?
From the classes you will learn…
• How your inner guidance sheds light with gentle encouragement on steps
toward your goals.
• How to bridge the physical/material world and the numinous places of magic,
opening yourself to imagery that helps materialize your vision and dreams.
There are six separate classes in the workshop series. There is an online series (for those who live at a distance or who would rather curl up at home on their own time schedules) and an in-person Sebastopol class (for those who prefer the energy of group connection).
*In each class we will use divining methods, writing exercises, body wisdom, dream interpretation, symbolic messages, and poetic inspiration to deepen our ability to discern and understand inner guidance.
ONLINE GROUP SERIES:
November 14 through December 19 with weekly follow-up
• Limited to 10 participants
• Each Friday you will receive an mp3 and/or email with your assignment; you
will email the group with your results the following week
• Share and receive positive feedback with class members in a confidential
setting.
• End with a conference call to share insights and learning
SEBASTOPOL GROUP SERIES
November 18 through February 3
· Six group sessions, first and third Tuesdays, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM ·
COST
$125 paid by November 10, includes Sher’s book Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry.
$110 paid by November 10, if you already have the book.
$140 paid after November 10, includes Sher’s book Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry.
$125 paid after November 10 if you already have the book.
Barter and sliding scale considered.
HOW TO REGISTER
Send a check to Sher Christian
P.O. Box 104
Bodega, CA 94922
LEADER
Sher Christian combines powerfully honed intuition with the magic of language, imagery, and vocal expression. Sher has been teaching since 1967, offering classes and consultations in Intuition, Creative Writing, Iridology, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy, and Menopause. She was a highlighted presenter at The International Flower Essence Conference in Sydney, Australia and a core leader at Nourish, a Retreat for Women. Sher is the author of the book, ‘Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry’ and the CD, ‘Sweet Tongue, Assorted Poetry and Music.’ She has presented at numerous events in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Her poetry invites a luscious presence or sensuality through reading and hearing it. See her blog at www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com/
“My experience with a Sher Christian Workshop was surprising and insightful. We were led into the inner landscapes of ourselves with care and were helped to excavate our own yearnings and beliefs. The benefit of breaking into small groups and sharing brought us closer together and allowed our revelations to feel safe. All this was aided by Sher’s choice of poems to share. I would do this again & would hope we could spend a longer time in this ‘courting of the muse’.” Diane Harris Kairos Practitioner
Expressive voice, recording, and/or music and sound effects for your book on CD
Sher Christian is available for voiceover. John Christian does recording, sound effects, and original music on keyboard, accordion, or Hammond organ for your projects.
E-mail for information and a demo on Mp3.
Book: Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry
CD: Sweet Tongue, Assorted Poetry and Music
www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com
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.
Suzanne’s current workshops are listed in the Update above. For more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website: www.creativitygoeswild.com
Petaluma Writers Forum October and November workshops are listed under “Upcoming Workshops” above.
Laurie Reiche
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: A Creative Writing Workshop
5 sessions begin Wednesday, November 5th, 7 – 9:30pm OR
Thursday, November 6th, 10am – 12:30pm
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. fee $150 ($140 if paid by November 1st) Space is limited.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
DEEP INQUIRY: A Day of Writing and Meditation
Saturday, December 6th, 10am – 5pm fee $95 ($85 if paid by November 15th) Space is limited.
It’s the depth of inquiry, says Vivian Gornick, that guides us into memoir. In the midst of this unique holiday season we will enter our personal archive to explore our memory and imagination and shed light on the stories that are hidden there, both internal and external. We will quiet the mind to access and expand our cretive voice. Open to beginning as well as seasoned writers.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
“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”
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. She teaches in Santa Rosa and internationally. Her poems and essays have been published in literary journals such as Tiny Lights:A Journal of Personal Essay, and in the anthology, Zebulon Nights. She is co-editor and contributor of the literary anthology, STEEPED: In the World of Tea (Interlink Publishing, 2004).
Lisa Shulman’s Writing Workhops for Youth and Teens
Current Workshops have ended. For information about Lisa’s upcoming offerings, you can visit her online at www.lisashulman.com
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 has taught creative writing for children and teens in Sebastopol and at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Centa Theresa offers Creative Projects Coaching/Consultation for Artists & Writers
THE POD: ART & WRITING
workshops & monthly creative projects coaching circle…
Centa Theresa, M.A.
www.centatheresa.com 707-478-5903 vicenta@sonic.net
INVOKING THE DREAM: 4-week series. Based on the premise that dreams operate in service of the dreamer’s wholeness, we will read a sampling of work derived from dream and the surreal, and using guided free write exercises explore the metaphoric language of our dreams, bringing them into surprising new written form. All levels welcome. $100. Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Santa Rosa.
November 11th, 18th, 25th,and December 2
CREATIVE PROJECTS/PROCESS COACHING: Ongoing monthly drop-in sessions. Whether you have a manuscript ten years in the making that you can’t seem to finish, a body of artwork that needs more of your focus, an idea for a business but no plan, etc., using a no-guilt premise and basic group format, we will share visions, identify challenges, receive support, applaud successes, share work (optional), and help each other keep accountable for stated intentions. Held in my home in Santa Rosa on the last Sundays of the month, 2-3:30. $20/session. Call beforehand.
ART & WRITING LAB: Drop-in monthly Art & Writing sessions in my home studio. Each month will focus on a theme. Using guided “free-write” exercises, “found” text, objects and images we will explore the theme in various art media. 2-4 pm. Second Sundays of the month in my home studio, Santa Rosa. All skill levels welcome. Call beforehand.
Centa Theresa, M.A. (art and writing) has shown her mixed media work in Bay Area galleries, & published her poems in West Coast journals, & in a letterset edition, Blameless Recognition of Natural Light, published by Clamshell Press. She is currently sending poems into the world, writing a memoir, and in the planning stages of an art pottery business.
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.
