Online class: April 17-28, 2006
"The Shadow & The Flaw" by Connie Flynn
Registration $25 at www.WriterUniv.com
Three dimensional characters need to evolve as your story unfolds. But writers often run into trouble when trying to create characters who continue revealing new layers. Learn how the "character point" technique can unveil suppressed or shadow traits, which will emerge as your character struggles to overcome a deeply hidden flaw.
The class will include a look at:
* Identifying your character's surface traits
* Finding corresponding shadows
* Matching those to plausible "fatal flaws"
* Adding natural traits that build tension
* Increasing conflict within your character
* Creating or avoiding a happy ending
Connie Flynn teaches popular fiction writing at Phoenix College, as well as writing award-winning paranormals for Penguin. She began her writing career by selling her first manuscript to Harlequin, and brings those same effective techniques to her classes for writers of mystery, romance, paranormal and contemporary fiction.
For details and registration, see www.WriterUniv.com
At that same website, you'll also find details on:
"Making Scenes Matter" by Alicia Rasley, April 3-14
"Creating Paranormal Characters" by Mary O'Gara, May 2-31
"How To Market & Sell Books" by Jerry Simmons of Warner & Random House,
June 5-30
Monday, March 27, 2006
Becoming A Writer w/Michael Perry
Author Michael Perry will teach "Becoming a Writer" at the UW-Baraboo/Sauk Co. campus on Monday, April 17 from 1-4 p.m. Perry is the enormously popular author of "Population: 485" and his new book "Big Rigs, Elvis & the Grand Dragon Wayne," in addition to numerous articles in national magazines.
This class is offered through Continuing Education Extension and is limited to 16 participants, so that aspiring writers will be certain to have close contact with Michael Perry. Cost for the program is $25. Call CEE at 608-355-5220 for more information or to register.
This class is offered through Continuing Education Extension and is limited to 16 participants, so that aspiring writers will be certain to have close contact with Michael Perry. Cost for the program is $25. Call CEE at 608-355-5220 for more information or to register.
Fictional Musings
"Power of the Pen: A Day for Writers"
Fox Valley Technical College is offering “The Power of the Pen: A Day for Writers,” featuring a variety of short courses for writers of fiction and nonfiction. This second annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at FVTC’s Appleton campus, 1825 N. Bluemound Drive. Writers of all levels are welcome to attend.
The presenters include the following authors from around the state: Ellen Kort, Judy Bridges, Joanne Flemming, Shannon Jackson Arnold and John Lehman. Participants can select from four classes in the morning and three classes in the afternoon.
The session choices include “Magazine Writing: Crafting Articles that Sell,” “Writing Family Stories,” “The Nature of Poetry,” “How to Make Good Writing Even Better,” “Writing Vibrant Memoirs,” “Winning With Editors” and “Writing with Passion, Meaning and Purpose.”
The fee is $12.55 per class, or $4.50 for people age 62 and older. An optional box lunch may be ordered in advance.
Registrations will be accepted up to the day of the event on a space available basis.
For more information or to register, contact Lisa Bell at FVTC’s Neenah Regional Center, at (920) 720-6820 or call toll-free 1-877-515-5151.
The presenters include the following authors from around the state: Ellen Kort, Judy Bridges, Joanne Flemming, Shannon Jackson Arnold and John Lehman. Participants can select from four classes in the morning and three classes in the afternoon.
The session choices include “Magazine Writing: Crafting Articles that Sell,” “Writing Family Stories,” “The Nature of Poetry,” “How to Make Good Writing Even Better,” “Writing Vibrant Memoirs,” “Winning With Editors” and “Writing with Passion, Meaning and Purpose.”
The fee is $12.55 per class, or $4.50 for people age 62 and older. An optional box lunch may be ordered in advance.
Registrations will be accepted up to the day of the event on a space available basis.
For more information or to register, contact Lisa Bell at FVTC’s Neenah Regional Center, at (920) 720-6820 or call toll-free 1-877-515-5151.
Next meeting
The OAWC will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older.
Note: Nobody signed up for Author Spotlight so we'll have lots of time for critiques!
Note: Nobody signed up for Author Spotlight so we'll have lots of time for critiques!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Wisconsin Werewolfs
Linda Godfrey, author of “Hunting the American Werewolf,” will give a book talk and signing at 5 p.m. Friday, April 7, at the Paper Tiger Bookstore, downtown Oshkosh.
“Hunting the American Werewolf,” (March 2006), is the culmination of Godfrey’s research on werewolf sightings throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and nationwide. With only her investigative mind and her wry sense of humor, she takes on weird creatures too bizarre to be real and too well documented to be mere fairy tales. 312 pages, includes photos, maps and chronology of creature sightings.
Godfrey’s previous books include “Weird Wisconsin Weird Wisconsin, Your Travel Guide to Wisconsin's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets.” For updated Weird Wisconsin listings, click here.
“Hunting the American Werewolf,” (March 2006), is the culmination of Godfrey’s research on werewolf sightings throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and nationwide. With only her investigative mind and her wry sense of humor, she takes on weird creatures too bizarre to be real and too well documented to be mere fairy tales. 312 pages, includes photos, maps and chronology of creature sightings.
Godfrey’s previous books include “Weird Wisconsin Weird Wisconsin, Your Travel Guide to Wisconsin's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets.” For updated Weird Wisconsin listings, click here.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Chicken Soup call for submissions
The creators of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books are currently looking for submissions on the topics listed below. For submission guidelines and a complete description of each topic, click here. Note: unless specified, a deadline submission date has not been established.
Adopted Soul
Bedtime Stories for Kids
Cat Lover's Soul II
Catholic Soul
Children with Special Needs
Chocolate Lover's Soul
Christmas Treasury Collection
Coffee Lover's Soul
Crafter's, Knitter's and Quilter’s Soul
Dating Soul
Dog Lover's Soul II
Fisherman's Soul II
Football Lover's Soul
Girl's Soul II
Healthy Living - Anxiety
Healthy Living - Arthritis and Back Pain
Healthy Living - Depression (deadline is December, 2006).
Healthy Living - Pain Management (deadline is September, 2006)
Healthy Living - Sleeplessness
Healthy Living - Smoking
Healthy Living Recipes
Kids Soul III
Life Lessons and Organizing Tips for Busy Moms (deadline is June, 2006).
Life Lessons on Parenting (deadline is July, 2006).
Life Lessons on Relationships/Couples
Motorcyclist's Soul
New Mom's Soul
People Helping People (deadline date is August, 2006).
Runner's Soul
Scrapbooker's Soul (deadline date is June, 2006).
Shopper's Soul (deadline is November, 2006).
Sister's Soul II (deadline date is October, 2006).
Sisters' and Brothers' Soul
Soulful Guide to the Great Lakes
Soulmates
Weight Loss/Diet (deadline is December, 2006).
Adopted Soul
Bedtime Stories for Kids
Cat Lover's Soul II
Catholic Soul
Children with Special Needs
Chocolate Lover's Soul
Christmas Treasury Collection
Coffee Lover's Soul
Crafter's, Knitter's and Quilter’s Soul
Dating Soul
Dog Lover's Soul II
Fisherman's Soul II
Football Lover's Soul
Girl's Soul II
Healthy Living - Anxiety
Healthy Living - Arthritis and Back Pain
Healthy Living - Depression (deadline is December, 2006).
Healthy Living - Pain Management (deadline is September, 2006)
Healthy Living - Sleeplessness
Healthy Living - Smoking
Healthy Living Recipes
Kids Soul III
Life Lessons and Organizing Tips for Busy Moms (deadline is June, 2006).
Life Lessons on Parenting (deadline is July, 2006).
Life Lessons on Relationships/Couples
Motorcyclist's Soul
New Mom's Soul
People Helping People (deadline date is August, 2006).
Runner's Soul
Scrapbooker's Soul (deadline date is June, 2006).
Shopper's Soul (deadline is November, 2006).
Sister's Soul II (deadline date is October, 2006).
Sisters' and Brothers' Soul
Soulful Guide to the Great Lakes
Soulmates
Weight Loss/Diet (deadline is December, 2006).
Short Memoir Contest
The Writer is sponsoring a Short Memoir Contest.
Prizes: $1,000, first place; $300, second place; $200, third place.
Entry fee: $10 per entry, payable to The Writer.
Deadline: Postmarked by June 30, 2006.
Rules:
1. Submit two (2) copies of an essay about a meaningful personal experience. Entries will be judged on originality, use of language and clarity. We will be looking for a good story well told that resonates beyond the actual experience, and that enlightens, entertains and connects with the reader at a basic human level.
2. All entries must be original and previously unpublished in a book, nationally distributed periodical or Web-based magazine. Authors must be at least 18 years old.
3. Entries should not exceed 1,200 words.
4. Entries must be submitted with an entry form and a $10 fee with each submission. (download the PDF by clicking here). To request a form by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Guidelines, c/o The The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waueksha, WI 53187-1612.
Place the title only (not your name) on each page of the entry. Manuscripts must be double-spaced in standard 10- to 12-point type, and each page must be consecutively numbered. Please paperclip pages together; do not staple or enclose in covers or binders.
For complete rules and submission guidelines, click here or write: Guidelines, c/o The The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waueksha, WI 53187-1612.5.
Winners will be notified by Sept. 1, 2006.
The first-place entry, along with the finalist judge's comments, will be published in The Writer magazine. All three winning entries will be posted on The Writer Web site, www.writermag.com.
Prizes: $1,000, first place; $300, second place; $200, third place.
Entry fee: $10 per entry, payable to The Writer.
Deadline: Postmarked by June 30, 2006.
Rules:
1. Submit two (2) copies of an essay about a meaningful personal experience. Entries will be judged on originality, use of language and clarity. We will be looking for a good story well told that resonates beyond the actual experience, and that enlightens, entertains and connects with the reader at a basic human level.
2. All entries must be original and previously unpublished in a book, nationally distributed periodical or Web-based magazine. Authors must be at least 18 years old.
3. Entries should not exceed 1,200 words.
4. Entries must be submitted with an entry form and a $10 fee with each submission. (download the PDF by clicking here). To request a form by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Guidelines, c/o The The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waueksha, WI 53187-1612.
Place the title only (not your name) on each page of the entry. Manuscripts must be double-spaced in standard 10- to 12-point type, and each page must be consecutively numbered. Please paperclip pages together; do not staple or enclose in covers or binders.
For complete rules and submission guidelines, click here or write: Guidelines, c/o The The Writer, P.O. Box 1612, Waueksha, WI 53187-1612.5.
Winners will be notified by Sept. 1, 2006.
The first-place entry, along with the finalist judge's comments, will be published in The Writer magazine. All three winning entries will be posted on The Writer Web site, www.writermag.com.
Authors on Tour
Hear bestselling authors as they discuss and read from their books! The Tattered Cover Book Store (Cherry Creek, CO) had launched Authors On Tour Live, podcasts of their guest authors. Currently playing podcasts include J.R. Mohringer discussing his critically acclaimed new memoir The Tender Bar.
Upcoming podcasts include authors Neil Gaiman, Carl Hiaasen, Nicholas Evans, Clive Barker, Lemony Snicket, Nicholas Sparks, Joan Didion, Andrew Weil, Al Franken, Chris Elliott and many more.
Upcoming podcasts include authors Neil Gaiman, Carl Hiaasen, Nicholas Evans, Clive Barker, Lemony Snicket, Nicholas Sparks, Joan Didion, Andrew Weil, Al Franken, Chris Elliott and many more.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
How to Write a Query Letter
Noah Lukeman, author turned literary agent, is offering a free chapter of his new book, How to Write a Great Query Letter: Insider Tips and Techniques for Success.
Lukeman is the author of two excellent reads for beginning writers: "The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile" and "The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life."
As an agent, Lukeman has represented big names like Gene Hackman, Fran Drescher and even the Dalai Lama. His clients are no stranger to the bestseller lists and Lukeman consistently places his clients with major publishing houses.
Lukeman is the author of two excellent reads for beginning writers: "The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile" and "The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life."
As an agent, Lukeman has represented big names like Gene Hackman, Fran Drescher and even the Dalai Lama. His clients are no stranger to the bestseller lists and Lukeman consistently places his clients with major publishing houses.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Bookwrap Central
Bookwrap Central feature video clips of authors talking about their books and their writing. Each Bookwrap has up to six author video clips and supporting text information such as a sample chapter, synopsis, review quotes and the author biography and provides a complete information package on a book. Bookwraps have an "email this" feature enabling you to email Bookwraps and to share the experience.
Choose from the latest best-selling authors or browse the archives of fiction (all genres) and non-fiction authors. The interviews require Windows Media Player to view.
Bookwrap author interview videos let authors speak directly to readers, hence the slogan, "Bookwraps make books come alive!"
Choose from the latest best-selling authors or browse the archives of fiction (all genres) and non-fiction authors. The interviews require Windows Media Player to view.
Bookwrap author interview videos let authors speak directly to readers, hence the slogan, "Bookwraps make books come alive!"
Love your library?
Has the library changed your life? Share your story with Woman’s Day magazine!
Libraries can change lives. They are places of lifelong learning and opportunity that can help people discover the world.
If you have a story about how the library has changed your life, send it to Woman’s Day, and it might be one of four chosen to be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
Tell your story in 700 words or less and send it to womansday@ala.org by May 10. For more information and for the official rules, click here.
Put it in Writing @ your library is sponsored by American Library Association and Woman’s Day magazine as part of The Campaign for America’s Libraries The Campaign is a multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign designed to promote the value of public, school, academic and special libraries and librarians in the 21st century.
Libraries can change lives. They are places of lifelong learning and opportunity that can help people discover the world.
If you have a story about how the library has changed your life, send it to Woman’s Day, and it might be one of four chosen to be highlighted in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
Tell your story in 700 words or less and send it to womansday@ala.org by May 10. For more information and for the official rules, click here.
Put it in Writing @ your library is sponsored by American Library Association and Woman’s Day magazine as part of The Campaign for America’s Libraries The Campaign is a multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign designed to promote the value of public, school, academic and special libraries and librarians in the 21st century.
Friday, March 10, 2006
OAWC Stats for 2005
For those interested in such things, the Oshkosh Area Writers Club met 35 times in 2005, with an accumulative attendance total of 337. (This not counting the appearance of author Michael Perry, which drew a crowd of 135.)
Of the Saturday morning critique sessions, we averaged 12 participants per session. The month with the highest attendance was February, with 16 people at each of the two critque sessions.
"Writing Research" was the most popular Thursday workshop session, followed by "Character Development."
Just thought I'd share...
Of the Saturday morning critique sessions, we averaged 12 participants per session. The month with the highest attendance was February, with 16 people at each of the two critque sessions.
"Writing Research" was the most popular Thursday workshop session, followed by "Character Development."
Just thought I'd share...
Writing for Fun/Profit
How many times have you told yourself, “One of these days I’ll write that story” or “When I have time, I’ll write a book.” How many story ideas are cluttering in your mind? "How to Write for Fun and Profit" is for those who want to write, but don’t know where to start. Veteran journalist and freelance writer, Grace Lim, will teach you how to take those scintillating (and, surely, award-winning) ideas out of your head and put them onto paper. You will learn to embrace the editing process. Really! And you will learn to become a shameless self-promoter of your works. The program is offered by The UW-Oshkosh Office of Continuing Education and Extension.
Instructor: Grace Lim
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2006
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union Wisconsin Room
Fee: $100 per person (lunch not included)
Instructor: Grace Lim
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2006
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union Wisconsin Room
Fee: $100 per person (lunch not included)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Non-Fiction Writing Class
The Continuing Education Office at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley is taking currently taking registrations for spring personal enrichment classes.
“Adding Texture to Your Non-Fiction Writing” helps writers develop better dialog, modify sentence structure and polish a completed essay or article. Taught by a veteran in the field of non-fiction writing, the course runs four Tuesdays starting April 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee is $75 until March 21 and $83 thereafter.
Registrations are taken online, by mail, phone, or in person. Go to www.fox.uwc.edu/conted/ and click on online registration, or call the UWFox Office of Continuing Education at (920) 832-2636 for more information or to request a paper catalog.
“Adding Texture to Your Non-Fiction Writing” helps writers develop better dialog, modify sentence structure and polish a completed essay or article. Taught by a veteran in the field of non-fiction writing, the course runs four Tuesdays starting April 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee is $75 until March 21 and $83 thereafter.
Registrations are taken online, by mail, phone, or in person. Go to www.fox.uwc.edu/conted/ and click on online registration, or call the UWFox Office of Continuing Education at (920) 832-2636 for more information or to request a paper catalog.
School of the Arts
The 43rd Annual UW-Madison School of the Arts at Rhinelander will be held July 24-28, 2006.
The multidisciplinary arts program for adults includes writing workshops such as Basics of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry of Protest, Psychology of the Novel; Write for Your Life, and others.
Numerous non-writing courses on painting, gardening, photography, blacksmithing, meditation, yoga, acting, and other topics are also offered.
Classes/workshops meet daily Monday through Friday. Classes meet one hour and 30 minutes. Half-day workshops meet for 3 hours. Registration will begin April 1, 2006. Tuition: $159-$329
For more information, visit the School of the Arts Rhinelander or contact Miranda McClenaghan at phone (608) 263-3494 or e-mail: mmcclenaghan@dcs.wisc.edu
The multidisciplinary arts program for adults includes writing workshops such as Basics of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry of Protest, Psychology of the Novel; Write for Your Life, and others.
Numerous non-writing courses on painting, gardening, photography, blacksmithing, meditation, yoga, acting, and other topics are also offered.
Classes/workshops meet daily Monday through Friday. Classes meet one hour and 30 minutes. Half-day workshops meet for 3 hours. Registration will begin April 1, 2006. Tuition: $159-$329
For more information, visit the School of the Arts Rhinelander or contact Miranda McClenaghan at phone (608) 263-3494 or e-mail: mmcclenaghan@dcs.wisc.edu
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Bo Carter Memorials Contest
The Waukesha Writer’s Workshop is sponsoring the Bo Carter Memorials Contest.
CATEGORIES: Nonfiction; Nostalgia; Fiction and Poetry. Enter as many of the four categories as you wish, but only one entry in each category.
ENTRY FEE: Nonmembers of the Waukesha Writer’s Workshop may either pay a $5.00 reading fee for each category entered or opt to become a member by paying the annual dues of $15.00. Make all checks payable for dues or reading fees to: Waukesha Writer’s Workshop.
MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION: Entries must be typed on one side only, of 8.5 by 11 inch white paper, double spaced with standard one-inch margins. Poems may be either double or single spaced. Prepare a cover sheet with your name, address, and telephone number; name of the manuscript, category and number of words or lines. Click here for complete submission guidelines.
DEADLINE: Mail manuscript(s) by Monday, April 17, to:
Mickey Burgermeister
S69 W17349 Kirkwood Dr.
Muskego, WI 53150
Include a check for dues or reading fee(s), to be received PRIOR to meeting date.
PRIZES: In each CATEGORY – First Prize $25.00; Second Prize $15.00; Third Prize $10.00. Winners will be announced May 15th.
If you have any questions, contact Mickey Burgermeister (262-679-0862) or Ramon Klitzke (262-547-3570) or Don Schambow – donaldschambow@aol.com.
CATEGORIES: Nonfiction; Nostalgia; Fiction and Poetry. Enter as many of the four categories as you wish, but only one entry in each category.
ENTRY FEE: Nonmembers of the Waukesha Writer’s Workshop may either pay a $5.00 reading fee for each category entered or opt to become a member by paying the annual dues of $15.00. Make all checks payable for dues or reading fees to: Waukesha Writer’s Workshop.
MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION: Entries must be typed on one side only, of 8.5 by 11 inch white paper, double spaced with standard one-inch margins. Poems may be either double or single spaced. Prepare a cover sheet with your name, address, and telephone number; name of the manuscript, category and number of words or lines. Click here for complete submission guidelines.
DEADLINE: Mail manuscript(s) by Monday, April 17, to:
Mickey Burgermeister
S69 W17349 Kirkwood Dr.
Muskego, WI 53150
Include a check for dues or reading fee(s), to be received PRIOR to meeting date.
PRIZES: In each CATEGORY – First Prize $25.00; Second Prize $15.00; Third Prize $10.00. Winners will be announced May 15th.
If you have any questions, contact Mickey Burgermeister (262-679-0862) or Ramon Klitzke (262-547-3570) or Don Schambow – donaldschambow@aol.com.
Wisconsin author Michael Perry
Wisconsin author Michael Perry will be in Fond du Lac on Thursday, March 23rd, as part of the “Fond du Lac Reads” program.
A Writers Workshop for students, teachers and others, will be held at 3 p.m. in the Eugene G. McLane Meeting Room, Fond du Lac Public Library. Admission is free.
A reading and booksigning event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Windhover Center for the Arts. Admission free, refreshments served.
For complete information on a particular event, please call the Fond du Lac Public Library Help Desk at 929-7080, ext. 131.
A Writers Workshop for students, teachers and others, will be held at 3 p.m. in the Eugene G. McLane Meeting Room, Fond du Lac Public Library. Admission is free.
A reading and booksigning event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Windhover Center for the Arts. Admission free, refreshments served.
For complete information on a particular event, please call the Fond du Lac Public Library Help Desk at 929-7080, ext. 131.
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