Summer Reading

Registration has begun for the Oshkosh Public Library Adult Summer Reading Program. Read what you want, when you want. Weekly prize drawings and free community programs. For more info or to register online, click here.

North stories

Crotalus Publishing is currently compiling a book aptly titled North. The Book will feature stories and photographs from talent in MN, WI, MI, and Ontario. "We are looking for stories about why we live in the North. Is it the fishing, the outdoors, the Mississippi River Bluffs, or your grandfather's farm?" Photographers are also being considered. Please limit essays to 1,000 words max and submit to:

Crotalus Publishing
3500 Vicksburg Lane North #302
Plymouth, MN 55447
info@crotaluspublishing.com

"Cage of Stars" discount

Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh, is offering $5 off Wisconsin author Jacquelyn Mitchard's newest novel, "Cage of Stars." The offer is good through May 31.

Mitchard will be doing a booksigning at 7 p.m. June 14 at the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave. The event is free and open to the public,

OAWC Book

At the May 20 meeting, members discussed self-publishing a book of members' works. Tom C. printed a single copy, hardcover book through Lulu Press; it looked great and was inexpensive (he will bring it again to the June meeting for members to review).

Since everyone liked the idea of putting together a book (and Stacie generously agreed to format the galley sheets), we're currently putting together an informal committee to set some guidelines regarding length of submissions, etc. If you are interesting in serving on the committee or would like to share your ideas, please attend any of the June meetings or email us at oshkoshwriters@writeme.com.

Wisconsin Writers Conference

Some of Wisconsin's finest writers and educators will explore the culture and literature of our state in this two-day Wisconsin Writers conference. There will be over 30 creative writers, performance artists, and academics featured, reading from their own work or their studies of writers from Wisconsin or writers who feature Wisconsin in their works. The last time this bi-annual conference took place, in 2004, over 150 people attended. Call 608-355-5220 for more information or to register.

Printers Row Book Fair

The 22nd Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair is on June 3 and 4, 2006. The Midwest's largest free outdoor literary event features 150 new, used and antiquarian booksellers and more than 100 captivating programs including author readings, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and children's activities. For one weekend, the historic Printers Row neighborhood is transformed into a festival for booklovers of all ages and interests. Come celebrate the world of reading with the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Public Library.

More Fictional Musings

Stacie P. has a new story posted at Fictional Musings.

Fair warning, it does contain the F-Word, but in a non-offensive way that might even be a situation where you'd use it.

Thanks for checking it out!

Book Sale

For 2 weeks starting May 17, 2006, Bookcloseouts.com has marked down all Hard Cover Fiction books by an ADDITIONAL 25%. Over 8,000 great titles to select from for your reading enjoyment. Some quantities are limited so get them while you can. Sale ends May 31, 2006.

Upcoming Events - June 2006

The events below are free and open to the public. All events take place in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave.

Writing Critiques
10 a.m. Saturday, June 3

Writing Workshop
6:30 p.m. Thursday, 8

Wisconsin Author Jacquelyn Mitchard Booksigning
7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14

"Cheers and Tears, Writing Personal Histories" by Jean Goodwin Messinger
7 p.m. Thursday, June 15

Writing Critiques
10 a.m. Saturday, June 17
(Local author Jess Riley will speak at 11 a.m.)

Elements of Aversion
What Makes Horror Horrifying?
by Elizabeth Barrette

A great article on how to create effective horror fiction but the tips could be applied to any suspenseful writing. Includes the elements of suspense - sense of urgency, creating pressure, setting a rhythm, and creating a sense of the unknown.

Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop archives

At the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, expert writers, editors, and others in the children's writing business serve each year as faculty members for the annual Chautauqua conference.

Over the years, the Highlights Foundation has amassed an outstanding archive of information to aid children's writers. Share in the Chautauqua experience with these insightful and inspiring talks by accessing any of the titles listed below via their pull-down menus.

Search the archives by subject such as agents, beginnings and endings, characters, series, point of view, short stories, writing for teens or search by author, including children and young adults authors including Eve Bunting, Walter Dean Myers, Ted Lewin, Richard Peck, Jerry Spinelli, Jane Yolen and others.

Frank Farvour

With sadness we note the death of member Frank Farvour who passed away April 13. An original member of the OAWC, Frank was the very first Spotlight Author and shared with us the first 14 chapters of his novel "The Petroglyph that Smiled."

Frank lived in Ripon and in addition to being a writer, was a land surveyor, amateur geologist and licensed small craft pilot. Click here to view his obituary.

Frank could be counted on to spin a good story and he will be missed on Saturday mornings. A card for his family was passed around and mailed.

First Chapters

Since the first five pages of any book are vital to its success, it might be fun to see what the bestsellers have to offer.

The New York Times posts the First Chapter of many best-selling fiction and non-fiction titles. Current selections include “A Writer’s Life” by Gay Talese and “High Lonesome” by Joyce Carol Oates.