Sonoma County Writers’ Guide Update
December 1, 2008
Dear Literary Folk,
Yikes! The holidays are upon us. The December calendar of events is a little lighter than usual, but these are all events you’ll love. I’ve moved it to the top of the Update, since many of you like to print just this section for your own calendars.
The list of upcoming workshops, writers’ connections, calls for submission, new publications, and the ever-growing ongoing writers’ groups and open mic readings are richer than ever, so please browse the Update at your leisure here or on the website listed above.
I spent a day over the Thanksgiving weekend at the Dickens Faire, held at the Cow Palace Exhibition in San Francisco. For literary folk, this is a terrific alternative to the malls. Beyond the price of admission, you don’t have to buy a thing to have a good time. I spent a half hour with Charles Dickens, listening to a dramatic reading from A Christmas Carol, enjoyed an production of Pirates of Penzance, had high tea at Cuthbert’s Tea Shoppe, danced at Fezziwig’s, and listened to the sea shanties of Paddy West and various musical productions of all kinds. It’s terrific for kids and adults alike. Here’s the website if you’d like to find out more: http://www.dickensfair.com/.
Guidelines for Submitting Announcements to the Literary Update
For complete guidelines for submitting announcements for the monthly Literary Update, please visit the literary folk website: http://literaryfolk.wordpress.com/how-to-send-announcements-to-the-literary-update/
Or simply scroll down to the very end of each month’s e-mail update.
December Calendar of Literary Events
The monthly calendar reflects announcements sent to me. 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 WordTemple Poetry Series http://www.wordtemple.com
v Petaluma Writers’ Forum and Jumpstart Writing Workshops: www.thewritespot.us
v Sebastopol Center for the Arts http://www.sebarts.org/index.htm
v SoCoCo Poetry Reading Series edcoletti@sbcglobal.net.
v The Sitting Room www.sittingroom.org.
Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 PM: Jack & Adelle Foley / Ivan Argüelles reading at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley
Wed. December 3, 2008, at 7 to 8 PM: Healdsburg Public Library, Center and Piper Streets, hosts a reading by Mariam Stephens of her work, including poetry, and stories from her new book, “Healings.”
Friday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. WordTemple Poetry Series presents August Kleinzahler reading from his latest publication Sleeping It Off In Rapid City — Poems New and Selected and Elizabeth Bradfield, author of Interpretive Work. Opening Poet is WordTemple director and host, Katherine Hastings. Location: Copperfield’s Books, Montgomery Village.
Monday, December 8 at 7:30 pm: Readers’ Books presents author Sheri Reynolds has written a lyrical tale about a family of misfits. The protagonist Kendra, or “Kenny,” has lost her mother to cancer and her father to prison for drug-trafficking. Kenny struggles with gender ambiguity—she binds her chest in ACE bandages and keeps her hair cropped short—and tries to secure the love of “Aunt” Glo, her father’s girlfriend and the woman who’s taken her in. The Sweet In-Between is a beautifully written, classic coming-of-age tale.
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
Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 PM: Readers’ Books presents Antonio Juhasz with her new book, The Tyranny of Oil. Juhasz, a leading expert on corporations and globalization, impressed us last year with her book, A Game as Old as Empire. In her new book, she develops one of the most penetrating investigations of the U. S. oil industry to date. Juhasz argues for the break-up of big oil and this book becomes an inspiring call to action for citizens interested in reining in the industry.
Sunday, December 21, 11:30-1:00 pm: People, Places and Poetry Discussion Group
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
Sun. December 21, 2008 at 2 to 4 PM: Healdsburg Literary Guild’s Third Sunday Salon, now ending its ninth continuous year as a literary reading/open mic venue, will hold a seasonal all-open-mic reading for poetry and short excerpts from prose with literary intent. Location: City Hall, 401 Grove St. Contact 433-7119.
Sunday, December 21, 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M: Poetry Reading & Open Mic: Coffee Catz. Poetry Reading with Dixon Wragg and his sensual poetry that celebrates the moment, live keyboard accompaniment & poetry open mic with Sher Lianne Christian, author of Star Kissed Shadows and John Christian on keyboard highlighting pieces from their CD Sweet Tongue, Assorted Poetry & Music. Donations Appreciated. 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707 829-5643.Hear some of Sher’s poetry at www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com/
Sunday, January 11 3-5 PM: The Redwood Branch of the California Writers Club general meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month, (except for holiday weekends) at the Star Restaurant, 8501 Gravenstein Hwy, corner of Old Redwood Hwy and Hwy 116, in Cotati. A small fee of $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers is asked to cover room rental and light refreshments. For more information see www.redwoodwriters.org or call Karen at 795-4591.
Sunday, January 11, 2PM: SoCoCo at the Toad at Toad In the Hole (great pub food, beer, wine & soft drinks) 116 5th St., Santa Rosa (Railroad Square) – Free Admission. Sonoma County Poet Ed Coletti invites you to a reading by 6 poets including Lu Garcia, Mark Eckert,
Gwynn O’Gara, David Madgalene, Ed Coletti, David Bromige.
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.
County-Wide Literary News
WordTemple on KRCB 91.1 FM — December 17, 2008, 7 p.m.
WordTemple with Katherine Hastings features internationally acclaimed poet Leslie Scalapino reading from Its Go In Horizontal — Selected Poems, 1974 – 2006, recently published by the University of California Press. The late Philip Whalen said “Scalapino makes everything take place in real time, in the light and air and night where all of us live, everything happening at once.” The program will also include Vermont poet, Tom Absher reading from his latest book The Paper Rose, and a tribute to Daniel Cassidy, author of How the Irish Invented Slang — the Secret Language of the Crossroads. Cassidy died in October 2008 at the age of 65.
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
News from East County
No news this month. Check the Readers’ Books website for author events:
News from West County
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.
Brian Martens has a radio show on KGGV FM in Guerneville, the website is KGGVFM.org and the show is on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of the month, from 10:00-11:00pm. Brian recites poetry and plays eclectic music. Brian features many other poets as well and often has a theme involved. The station is low power so anyone outside of Guerneville has to go to kggvfm.org and click on the streaming link, wait for the commercial to finish and then the station will come through.
News from North County
Thanks Cynthia Beecher, and Vilma Ginzberg for the information below.
Wed. December 3, 2008, at 7 to 8 PM: Healdsburg Public Library, Center and Piper Streets, hosts a reading by Mariam Stephens of her work, including poetry, and stories from her new book, Healings.
Literary Café in Healdsburg
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
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.
Mariam Stephens has just published the first of her tales from her Irish childhood, Healings; as well as a CD of the stories read in her own lilting voice. See her website www.MariamStephens.com for information.
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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.
Catherine Bramkamp’s Time is of the Essence!
Number two in the Allison Little series, this adventure is set in the fictitious town of Claim Jump located in the real setting of the Sierra Foothills. The plot involves fire, mayhem, murder, recycling and of course
Books available on Amazon.com
For more information: Bramkamp.pnn.com
Contact the author – Bramkamp@yahoo.com or 707 478 1855
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
Glimmer Train’s December Fiction Open closes January 2. Word count range: 2,000 – 20,000. First place wins $2,000 and publication in Issue 73 of Glimmer Train Stories. Second- and third-place winners receive $1,000/$600 (or, if chosen for publication, $700).
Nimrod International Journal’s upcoming issue will focus on Mexico.
One of the oldest “little magazines” in the country, Nimrod has continually published new and extraordinary writers since 1956. Each year, Nimrod devotes its spring issue to a particular theme, often centered on a particular region of the world. We last visited Mexico in our Latin American issues of 1973 and 1983, and thought it was time to return to explore this complex, historical, and artistically prolific area.
We are interested in receiving poetry, short stories, and personal essays, in English or in translation into English, by those currently living in Mexico, by Mexican residents of the United States and other countries, and by others who write about or from within the culture. Please send no more than 10 pages of poetry, and stories and essays of no more than 7,500 words. Our interest is not limited to any subject or style. Surprise us!
Translations should be accompanied by the original and, when necessary, a release from the author to publish in Nimrod. Nimrod copyrights each issue as a whole and then, on request, is happy to release rights to each author.
If you are living in the United States, please mail your submission to:
Nimrod Journal
The University of Tulsa
800 S. Tucker Dr.
Tulsa, OK 74104
Please mark both the outer envelope and the cover letter with “Mexico issue.”
If you are living outside the United States, you may either send your submission by mail or by email to nimrod@utulsa.edu, with it pasted into the body of the email.
The deadline for submissions is December 15th, 2008. Please feel free to share this information with any friends, students, or writing groups. For more information about Nimrod, please visit our website: www.utulsa.edu/nimrod. If you have any questions, please contact me at 918-631-3080 or nimrod@utulsa.edu.
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.
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.
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces that its January 11th meeting will feature literary agents Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada who will share their ideas about the quality of writing. Their talk is called “New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Send Out Substandard Work Just Because You’ve Been Procrastinating.”
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.
About Laresen and Pomadad:
Michael Larsen – Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents is Northern California’s oldest literary agency, helping writers launch careers since 1972. Members of the Association of Authors’ Representatives, Elizabeth, who represents commercial and literary fiction plus narrative non-fiction, and Michael, who handles non-fiction, have sold hundreds of books to more than one hundred publishers. They are also the co-founders of the San Francisco Writers Conference and the Writing for Change Conference.
For more information visit http://www.larsen-pomada.com/lp/index.cfm.
About Redwood Writers:
Redwood Writers is one of 17 branches of the California Writers Club, the nation’s oldest professional club for writers, founded in 1909. Its motto is “writers helping writers.” Early members included Jack London, George Sterling, John Muir, Joaquin Miller and the first California poet laureate, Ina Coolbrith. The Club has more than 1,200 members statewide.
The Redwood Writers 2009 Conference takes place on October 24, 2009 at the Flamingo Hotel and Resort in Santa Rosa. Our one-day conference, part of CWC Centennial activities statewide, will feature agents, editors, and writers from all genres. They will offer their insights and experiences in the craft of writing at beginning through advanced levels, as well as the encouragement of fellow writers in a relaxed and friendly, wine-country setting.
Additional contact information:
Redwood Writers, P.O. Box 4687, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
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.
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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.
Ongoing Writers’ Groups and Open Mic Readings
SUNDAYS
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.
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
Third Sundays 11:30-1:00pm: People, Places and Poetry Discussion Group at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma 189 H street, hosted by Geri DiGiorno and Nancy Long of LiveWire Literary Salon. 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
Third Sundays12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Poetry Reading & Open Mic: Coffee Catz
Poetry Reading. Donations Appreciated. 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707 829-5643.
Last Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 PM: Formerly Poetry, Pints, and Prose at Maguires Pub 145 Kentucky Street in Petaluma. 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
MONDAYS 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
TUESDAYS
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.
SATURDAYS
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.
ODD Month Readings HEATWAVE Odd Month Reading 2-4 PM 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.
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. Workshops for this month are listed below. A more complete list of workshop leaders, and details about the workshops you see here is available at the end of the Literary Update.
If you have a workshop you’re offering, send a short description to tehret99@comcast.net.
Chester Aaron’s Writing Class in Occidental.
Chester Aaron will be leading a writing group for adults who are preparing for publication or writing for their own satisfaction. All genres except poetry are included. The group will meet alternate Fridays starting in January. The class will be for two hours at a private home in Occidental. The fee is on a sliding scale, $10.00-$20.00. ( Reduced fee can be arranged.) All fees will be donated to The Occidental Center for the Arts. Chester Aaron has published 18 books for adults and adolescents, both fiction and non-fiction. He has also designed a program for PBS featuring memoir writings of older adults which will be broadcast weekly on PBs starting in January. For reservations, questions, etc, please phone 707-874 9392.
Writing Workshops with Clara Rosemarda
Deep Inquiry: A Day of Writing and Meditation
Saturday, December 6th, 10am – 5pm fee $95 ($85 if paid by November 15th)
Space is limited.
In the midst of this unique holiday season we will enter our personal archive to let go of who we thought we were and discover what lies beneath the obvious. A day of mindfulness, we will meditate and write, and write some more. We will explore memory and imagination to expand the creative 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”
Writing from your Core: A Creative Writing Workshop
6 sessions begin Wednesday, January 14th, 7-9:30pm OR
Thursday, January 15th, 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 $180($170 if paid by January 5th) Space is limited. Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
Centa Theresa Creative Projects Coaching/Consultation for Artists & Writers
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.
www.centatheresa.com 707-478-5903 vicenta@sonic.net
Redwood Writers Club Craft of Writing Workshops
Reserve January 24, January 31 and February 7, three consecutive Saturdays for the 2009 Writing Workshops. Each workshop is $22 for members, $25 for non-members, or you can sign up for the entire series $60 for members, $70 non-members.
The workshops will be held from10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Drive, Petaluma.
For more information, or to pre-register, click here:
http://www.redwoodwriters.org/workshops2009.pdf
Where does the story start? Ana Manwaring
Point of View Darrend King Brown
Characterization Robin Beeman
How to Structure a Story Jordan Rosenfeld
Realistic Dialog Shelley Singer
Setting Jean Hegland
Make Your Memoir Read Like a Story Susan Bono
Critiquing a Manuscript Becky Levine
Non-Fiction: Writing Clearly Ransom Stephens
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.
Sonoma County Writers
Offering Workshops and Consultation
Guy Beiderman www.lowfatfiction.com
Susan Bono sbono@tiny-lights.com
Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro harlmarg@sonic.net
Dan Coshnear dan@coshnear.org
Sher Christian poetrytalks@neteze.com
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!
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
Sher Christian Workshops
For information about Sher’s upcoming workshops, e-mail her at poetrytalks@neteze.com.
Sher Christian offers 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.
For more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website: www.creativitygoeswild.com
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
Clara’s upcoming workshops are listed in the section above. For more information, contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
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
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.
How to List Your Announcements Here
1. Include the words “Literary Update” in your subject heading.
2. Make sure your announcement is 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.
3. Suggest the category where you’d like it placed. These are listed here:
- County-Wide Literary News (general interest announcements)
- Sonoma County in Print (new books/chapbooks/CDs by Sonoma County writers)
- News from East County (Sonoma area)
- News from North County (Healdsburg area)
- News from West County (Occidental/Guerneville area)
- Writers’ Connections (invitations to join groups, formal or informal)
- Upcoming Workshops and Conferences (current workshops you are offering)
- Call for Submissions (local literary journals, magazines, contests)
- Ongoing Writers’ Groups and Open Mic Readings
- Monthly Calendar of readings, events and workshops
- Sonoma County Workshop Leaders (e-mail and website contacts)
- Details about Workshops, Calls for Submission, Contests (information that is too lengthy to include in the short features or calendar listings)
Deadline
The deadline for announcements is the last day of each calendar month. If your event is early in the month, send it two months ahead to make sure it gets in the calendar in a timely fashion
Donation
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.
