Sonoma County Writers’ Guide Update
January 1, 2009
Dear Literary Folk,
A new year begins, one I trust will be more hopeful than those we’ve welcomed these past few years. We have much to be thankful for, and despite the continuing economic collapse around us, we can hold in mind that every catastrophe also opens us to possibilities: new ways of imagining and perceiving our own history, landscape, language, time, and relationships.
One blessing that grows stronger each year is the literary community here in Sonoma County. For that, I thank each and every one of you for your talents, your generosity, your commitment to sharing, nurturing, mentoring, celebrating the many gifts of the word.
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.
January 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.
Copperfield’s Books http://www.copperfields.net/
Readers’ Books www.readersbooks.com
WordTemple Poetry Series http://www.wordtemple.com
Petaluma Writers’ Forum and Jumpstart Writing Workshops: www.thewritespot.us
Sebastopol Center for the Arts http://www.sebarts.org/index.htm
SoCoCo Poetry Reading Series edcoletti@sbcglobal.net. The Sitting Room www.sittingroom.org.
Friday, January 2: Deadline for Glimmer Train Fiction Open. Details in “Calls for Submission” below, or visit their website: http://www.glimmertrain.com/fictionopen.html.
Tuesday, January 6 : Suzanne Murray’s “The Heart of Writing” classes begin. For more information, see “Current and Upcoming Workshops” below. You can also call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website: www.creativitygoeswild.com.
Wednesday, January 7 8:30 PM: Terry Ehret will read at Bistro 33 in Davis at 226 F St., Davis, CA 95616. Phone (530) 756-4556. Click here for Bistro 33 website and directions.
Saturday, January 10, 2-4 PM: The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces that its ODD MONTH READING series returns January 10, 2008. The theme is “Jumpstart,” since January begins a new year. We encourage everyone to come out, listen, and relax during this exciting literary afternoon. Sonoma County authors will read excerpts from their original stories and novels. Local author and Redwood Writer member, Ann Wilkes, will emcee this event at the Rincon Valley branch of the Sonoma County Library, on 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa, next door to Maria Carillo High School, 707-537-0289.
The general public is welcome. This is a free event.
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.
Monday, January 12: Online Workshops with Jordan Rosenfeld and Maria Schneider begin. See “Current and Upcoming Workshops” below for details, or visit: http://editorunleashed.com/workshops/
Tuesday, January 13, 9:30-11:30 AM: Marlene Cullens’s Jumpstart Workshop begins. Scroll down to “Current and Upcoming Workshops” for details, or contact her www.thewritespot.us .
Tuesday, January 13, 7-9 PM: CENTER LITERARY CAFÉ Presents Poet Joaquin Lopez de San Roman with musician René Jenkins, plus open mic (see details below in “News from North County). Location: Healdsburg Senior Center,133 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA 95448. Contact centerliterarycafe@gmail.com Cynthia Helen Beecher 707 696-1111.
Wednesday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 15: Clara Rosemarda’s Writemind Workshops begin on Wednesday January 14th, 7-9:30pm or Thursday, January 15th, 10am-12:30pm. See details below under “Current and Upcoming Workshops,” or contact Clara at 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net.
Thursday, January 15: Deadline for Kore Press fiction chapbook contest (see details below) or visit their website at www.korepress.org.
Thursday, January 15 9:30-11:30 AM: Marlene Cullens’s Revision Workshop begins. Scroll down to “Current and Upcoming Workshops” for details, or contact her www.thewritespot.us .
Saturday, January 17, 10 Am-4 PM: One-Day Workshop with Suzanne Murray. $75 paid by 1/9, $85 after. Location: downtown Sebastopol, register early limited to 12. For more information call or email Suzanne at 707.874.9614 or suzmurr@yahoo.com or website: www.creativitygoeswild.com.
Sunday, January 18, 11:30-1 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: Beginnings. 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! For more info: Nancy Long at nsasha@earthlink.net or Geri DiGiorno at adageri@aol.com
Sunday, January 18, 12-1 PM: Third Sunday Poetry Reading & Open Mic at Coffee Catz invites you to Sebastopol for a poetry reading and open mic. Bring your poetry to read or a favorite poem to share. Ethel Mays will be our featured reader. Ethel Mays is a peripatetic (nomadic) poet and writer from the Sierra Nevada foothills of Eastern Tulare County. She writes sense-of-place pieces based on her rural upbringing and experiences living in three major West Coast cities. Donations Appreciated. Location: 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707 829-6600.
Wednesday, January 21, 7 PM: Wishes and Dreams for the New Year. Noelle Oxenhandler will read from her memoir, The Wishing Year: A House, A Man, My Soul, and conduct a mini-workshop celebrating the link between wishing and writing. Union Hotel, 3703 Main St, Occidental. Suggested donation, $10.00 benefits Occidental Center for the Arts. Fixed price dinner available, 5:30-7:00 pm, $15.00, includes salad, bread, and pasta or pizza. Reservations recommended. Inquiries and reservations: (707) 874-9392. Contact Judith Moorman, fleelix@earthlink.net or Suze Pringle-Cohan, cohanhaven@yahoo.com.
Saturday, January 24, 10 AM to 12:30 PM: First of the Redwood Writers 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. Location: Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Drive, Petaluma. For more information, see “Current and Upcoming Workshops” below or visit the website: http://www.redwoodwriters.org/workshops2009.pdf.
Sunday, January 25, 3 PM: Redwood Writer member and author, Ann Wilkes, will launch her science fiction book, Awesome Lavratt (ISBN: 1588329917, 104 pages), through a book signing on January 25, at 3:00 pm, at Borders in Santa Rosa (2825 Santa Rosa Ave., (707) 569-0991).
Saturday, January 31, 10 AM to 12:30 PM: The second of the Redwood Writers 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. Location: Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Drive, Petaluma. For more information, see “Current and Upcoming Workshops” below or visit the website: http://www.redwoodwriters.org/workshops2009.pdf
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.
News from East County
Thanks to Juanita Martin for providing this month’s East County news.
UniverSoul Reading Series
The first Sat of each month, 6-8 pm is UniverSoul open mike poetry and music at Barking Dog Roasters, 18133 Hwy 12, Boyes Hot Springs, Ca. 95476(near Sonoma Mission Inn) This venue is hosted by Juanita J. Martin, Sonoma County Library Slam Champion and member of Redwood Writers. This venue welcomes poets and musicians to read and perform on open mike. This venue will host featured poets as well. For more info, call Juanita at (707) 435-1807 or email her at freelance@jmartinpoetwriter.com. You may also call the cafe at (707) 939-1905. Parking is limited.
For more literary events, check the Readers’ Books website: www.readersbooks.com
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
Cynthia Beecher provided the information below.
CENTER LITERARY CAFÉ
Thanks to all who came out for the December 9th Literary Cafe. The biggest turnout of the year, and very festive it was with wonderful readings, music, and sung poems. Wishing you all the best as the year closes out, bringing 2009 hopes and projects and goodwill. It’s been a pleasure serving the writing and listening community in 2008.
Tuesday January 13, 2009 7-9 pm
The Center Literary Café presents poet Joaquin Lopez de San Roman with musician René Jenkins. Come and experience an interactive evening of shamanic poetry and ancient Instruments featuring Spanish visionary poet, Joaquin Lopez de San Roman and ceremonial sound healer and musician, René Jenkins.
“We give voice to what the earth would say if it could speak in human language.”
“Our art points out what is already embedded all along the mountains, the rivers, our gardens, and in our blood.”
www.myspace.com/pangaiaartensemble and www.wholarts.com/vibetherapy
Open mic Bring prose or poetry to share. Doors open at 6:30. Light refreshments. Donations appreciated
Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson St. (one block east of plaza), Healdsburg, CA 95448. Contact centerliterarycafe@gmail.co or call Cynthia Helen Beecher 707 696-1111.
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.
Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro has just published an anthology entitled Hair Pieces, containing the poetry and prose of 51 of her writing students. Hair Pieces is available for purchase at Copperfields and also at harlmarg@sonic.net. For information about Margaret’s Writing Practice workshops, scroll down to the section “Current and Upcoming Workshops.”
Ann Wilkes’s Awesome Layratt
The Redwood branch of the California Writers Club announces that member Ann Wilkes will launch her book, Awesome Lavratt (ISBN: 1588329917, 104 pages), through a book signing in the North Bay on January 25, at 3:00 pm, at Borders in Santa Rosa (2825 Santa Rosa Ave., (707) 569-0991).
The Awesome Lavratt, co-published by Unlimited Publishing and Redwood Writers, is a delightful science fiction tale with believable characters set in a not too distant future. The Book Smugglers writes, “We found the twisty-turny nature of the plot and the unconventional, tongue-in-cheek style of writing brilliant.”
The general public is welcome.
About Ann Wilkes:
Ann Wilkes’ first book, Awesome Lavratt (2009) is a tongue-in-cheek space opera with mind control, passion and adventure. Her stories have appeared in online zines and anthologies. She lives in California’s wine country with her husband, Patrick and their youngest son. She’s working on two novels while still cranking out the short funny stories that characterize her writing style. Visit her website, http://www.annwilkes.com, for a full bio, her blog and links to online stories.
A Selfish Life?
Marisol is a first-time author with a self-published book, A Selfish Life?, released in October 2008. This fictional work sells throughout Sonoma and Napa county.
The book focuses on the other side of motherhood; the not-so-perfect, yet rarely admitted, side of childrearing. The confrontation to an unspoken reality is embedded in the lives of four women who confront the dilemma of choosing freedom over motherhood, guilt over consequence, and nature over science.
Please visit the website at www.aselfishlife.com for an author biography and a listing of outlets currently carrying this book.
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.
Debby 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).
For more information, visit their website at http://www.glimmertrain.com/fictionopen.html.
Kore Press
Tayari Jones to Judge the 2009 Kore Press Fiction Chapbook Competition
Deadline Extended to January 15, 2009
Winner recieves $1,000 plus publication as a stand-alone short story chapbook
Contest Guidelines
This competition is open to any woman writing in English, regardless of nationality.
Now Accepting Online Submissions
Submit your manuscript and the $15 entry fee by using our online submissions process.
All entrants will be notified of results via email.
Manuscripts must be:
· a minimum of 4,000 words and a maximum of 12,000 words
· doublespaced
· paginated
· anonymous (do not include your name anywhere on the manuscript).
· original fiction written by the applicant (translations are not eligible)
· unpublished at the time of submission (if the story is accepted elsewhere during our deliberation process, please notify us immediately)
Call For Entries: Five-Minute Plays are needed for the Poetry/Play Day in March at the Petaluma Art Center. Writers, now is your chance to put pen to paper and create a funny or serious dialogue about love, death, taxes, pumpkin pie, anything! Plays chosen will be read by writers or actors on stage at the Art Center. Deadline: March 1st. Contact: Nancy Long at nsasha@earthlink.net for more info. Event is organized by Nancy Long of LiveWire Literary Salon and Geri DiGiorno of the Petaluma Poetry Walk.
Prairie Schooner Book Prize Series
$3000 and publication through the University of Nebraska Press for one book of short fiction andn one book of poetry. One runner up in each category will receive a $1,000 prize. Submissions will be accepted between January 15 and March 16, 2009. For details about the submission guidelines, check out the website: www.paririeschooner.unl.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:
Sixteen Rivers Press Call for Submissions: 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.
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 their contact information appears at the end of this article.
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.
Judith Barrington Memoir Workshop
Judith Barrington will be teaching a memoir class At the Almàssera Vella in the village of Relleu (near Alicante, Spain), April 18-25. Judith is the author of Lifesaving: A Memoir, which won the 2001 Lambda Book Award and was a finalist for the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for the Art of the Memoir. She is also the author of Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art and three collections of poetry, including Horses and the Human Soul. She is a faculty member of the University of Alaska, Anchorage’s low-residency MFA Program and also teaches workshops in Britain. For details, scroll down to the end of the Update, or contact Judith at info@judithbarrington.com or through her website: http://www.judithbarrington.com.
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
Marlene Cullen’s Writing Workshops
Jumpstart Writing Workshop (Freewrites)
Using sparks as prompts for a jumping-off point to encourage and inspire writing, which can lead to important self-discoveries, and can develop into novels, memoirs, poems, or short stories. Bring a notebook and fast moving pen.
Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am - 5 weeks $70 (Petaluma resident); $75 (non-resident)
January 13 to February 10
Revision Writing
Share your written work with like-minded writers who will offer suggestions for appropriate changes and recommendations for development. Limited to six participants.
Thursdays, 9:00 to 11:30 am- 8 weeks $120 (Petaluma resident); $125 (non-resident)
January 15 to March 5
Location:Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA
Register online:http://activenet6.active.com/petalumarec/
Register in person: Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma
New! First three Saturdays in May: Writing Workshops at Santa Rosa Junior College. More information on my website. For more information: www.thewritespot.us mcullen@comcast.net
Suzanne Murray’s The Heart of Writing
Four-Week Classes & One-Day Workshops
Four-Week Classes, Sebastopol, register early limited to 12
Tuesday Mornings, 9:30 am to noon,
January 6 to January 27, $100 paid by 1/2, $115 after
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:30 pm, downtown Sebastopol, limited to 12
January 6 to January 27, $100 paid by 1/2, $115 after
One-Day Workshops
Saturday, January 17, 10 am to 4 pm, $75 paid by 1/9, $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.
Clara Rosemarda’s Writing Workshops
WRITEMINDTM WORKSHOPS: Creative Writing as Spiritual Practice
6 sessions begin: Wednesday January 14th, 7-9:30pm or Thursday, January 15th, 10am-12:30pm
The creative writing process accesses authentic thoughts and feelings that are often unavailable to the conscious mind. Through meditation, visualizations, and other exercises that quiet the mind and expand the imagination, you will access and activate your creative muse. 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 7th) Space is limited.
Contact Clara: 707:579-2081 rosen@sonic.net
Writing from your Core: A Creative Writing Workshop
at Santa Rosa Junior College
Saturday, February 7th, 10am – 4pm
Sec.# 9072 at 1523 Emeritus Hall, fee $67
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 class will inspire your muse to write from a core place. Through meditation and other exercises that expand the imagination, you will learn to access core images, ideas, and memories. Work with this published writer and workshop leader to generate new material, and leave with new tools. Open to beginning as well as seasoned writers. To register: call 707:527-4372 or www.santarosa.edu/communityed
Clara Rosemarda, MA, writer, counselor, and workshop leader, teaches internationally. She works with beginning and mainstream writers. Her new book is STEEPED: In the World of Tea (2004).
Jordan Rosenfeld and Maria Schneider
Online Workshops on the Business and Craft of Fiction
Fiction Writing: Making a Scene
Start date: Monday, January 12, 2009. Duration: 6 Weeks. Fee: $350
Fiction Workshop Intensive
Start date: Monday, January 12, 2009. Duration: 6 Weeks. Fee: $350.
Marketing: Query Letter Clinic, with Maria Schneider
Start date: Monday, January 12, 2009. Duration: 4 Weeks. Fee: $250.
Online writing: Blogging 101, with Maria Schneider
Start date: Monday, January 12, 2009. Duration: 4 Weeks. Fee: $250.
Visit: http://editorunleashed.com/workshops/ for more information, or to sign up.
Centa Theresa: 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.
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
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.
.
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
The first Sat of each month, 6-8 pm is UniverSoul open mike poetry and music at Barking Dog Roasters, 18133 Hwy 12, Boyes Hot Springs, Ca. 95476(near Sonoma Mission Inn) This venue is hosted by Juanita J. Martin, Sonoma County Library Slam Champion and member of Redwood Writers. This venue welcomes poets and musicians to read and perform on open mike. This venue will host featured poets as well. For more info, call Juanita at (707) 435-1807 or email her at freelance@jmartinpoetwriter.com. You may also call the cafe at (707) 939-1905. Parking is limited.
Intermittently Scheduled Events
ODD Month Readings is sponsored by the Redwood Writers Club. The readings are open to non-members, but are not open mic format. 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.
Memoir Workshop with Judith Barrington
I will be teaching in Alicante, Spain in April 09, a memoir class that might interest you or your students. This will be my fourth class at the Almàserra, a place I’ve grown to love. It’s more affordable this year than it’s been in a long time.
“The unthinkable has happened: London is actually starting to become an affordable destination for American travelers. The pound has dropped to about $1.50 (it was around $2.10 this summer) ” (New York Times, 12/20/08) And plane fares to Europe are falling to very low-levels (check out travelocity.com for example, for fares to London; Easyjet and others offer very cheap flights from London to Alicante).
Here’s the scoop:
April 18th – 25th 2009
At the Almàssera Vella in the village of Relleu (near Alicante, Spain)
“YOUR MEMOIR AND ITS CHARACTERS”: a week-long workshop with Judith Barrington. This course will address the craft of literary memoir with an emphasis on the writing about the characters who appear in your personal story, including you the narrator.
JUDITH BARRINGTON is the author of Lifesaving: A Memoir, which won the 2001 Lambda Book Award and was a finalist for the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for the Art of the Memoir. She is also the author of Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art and three collections of poetry, including Horses and the Human Soul. She is a faculty member of the University of Alaska, Anchorage’s low-residency MFA Program and also teaches workshops in Britain.
ALMASSERA VELLA is a large, village house – Relleu’s original olive press with views of Moorish ruins and surrounding mountains. Opened in 2002 by Christopher and Marisa North as a Literature and Arts Centre, it has comfortable bedrooms, mostly private bathrooms, a large day-room, loggia, a 3000 book library, a refectory and a meeting place with fireplace. Outside there is an extensive rear terrace, swimming pool and almond orchard. In the nearby grounds there is a ruined Moorish farm-house and olive grove.
Check out the web site: http://www.oldolivepress.com
RELLEU is an ancient mountain village in the dramatic Marina Baja mountains. It is a half hour drive from the sea at Villajoyosa and an hour from Alicante airport. Transport is provided from the airport to the village.
THE PRICE of the course is £525 all inclusive (7 nights room and board, and class). Yes it’s in the newly-affordable British pound. Non-participatory partners welcome at 10% reduction. The cuisine is Mediterranean, including excellent local wines. Further details about registration etc.: Christopher and Marisa North, Almàssera Vella, Carrer de la Mare de Deu del Miracle 56, Relleu 03578, Alicante SPAIN – (0034) 966 856003, christopher@oldolivepress.com
I will be glad to answer any questions: info@judithbarrington.com
http://www.judithbarrington.com
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.
