Lauren Myracle, best-selling author of “ttfn”, “ttyl”, and now “l8r g8r” has added a stop in Oshkosh for her national book tour. She’ll be at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh, from 3 to 4pm on Thursday, March 29th. Don’t miss her or her new books, “Twelve” and “l8r g8r”!
Lauren Myracle holds an MA in English from CSU and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. Her first novel, "Kissing Kate," was selected as one of ALA's "Best Books for Young Adults" for the year 2004. It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers." Her next novel, "Eleven," was called "lighthearted and well-observed" by Publisher's Weekly, and "ttyl" (Talk to You Later), was praised in a starred review by School Library Journal for being "fully realized and wonderfully realistic."
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Writing the Breakout Novel Workshop
Early-bird registration for The Writers Institute in Madison (WI) ends April 6. The annual conference, held April 27-29, features top-notch speakers as well as opportunities to meet one-on-one with agents and authors.
The keynote program options include an all-day seminar on Saturday, April 28, with Donald Mass, author of “Writing the Breakout Novel.” Cost for the single program is $135 if you register before April 6.
The intensive workshop is designed to bring a novel-in-progress to breakout level. This is a hands-on brainstorming and writing workshop. Participants should bring the manuscript of a novel-in-progress, plus writing materials.(Of course, if you're at the idea stage for your next novel, that's fine, too.)
Each segment involves character and story development exercises that focus directly on a novel-in-progress.
Some of the topics covered:
• Adding heroic qualities right away
• Opening extra character dimensions
• Constructing inner conflict
• Creating larger-than-life qualities
• Raising personal stakes
• Deepening the antagonist
• Secondary character development
• Raising public stakes
• Building plot layers
• Weaving layers together
• Combining roles
• Heightening turning points
• Building high moments
• Measuring change (the secret behind telling not showing)
• Backstory placement
• Tension on every page
• Theme development
• First lines
• Pitch (synopsis) reduction
For a complete schedule of workshops and activies, click here.
The keynote program options include an all-day seminar on Saturday, April 28, with Donald Mass, author of “Writing the Breakout Novel.” Cost for the single program is $135 if you register before April 6.
The intensive workshop is designed to bring a novel-in-progress to breakout level. This is a hands-on brainstorming and writing workshop. Participants should bring the manuscript of a novel-in-progress, plus writing materials.(Of course, if you're at the idea stage for your next novel, that's fine, too.)
Each segment involves character and story development exercises that focus directly on a novel-in-progress.
Some of the topics covered:
• Adding heroic qualities right away
• Opening extra character dimensions
• Constructing inner conflict
• Creating larger-than-life qualities
• Raising personal stakes
• Deepening the antagonist
• Secondary character development
• Raising public stakes
• Building plot layers
• Weaving layers together
• Combining roles
• Heightening turning points
• Building high moments
• Measuring change (the secret behind telling not showing)
• Backstory placement
• Tension on every page
• Theme development
• First lines
• Pitch (synopsis) reduction
For a complete schedule of workshops and activies, click here.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tom in the News
OAWC member Tom over at Persistent Ambivalence had an article in the Sunday, March 18 issue of the Oshkosh Northwestern regarding his story in Cup of Comfort. While some of the details are wrong, (click here for details) the article is available online for a limited time here.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Harry Potter Party in Oshkosh
Come and join in the fun as downtown Oshkosh transforms into the world of Harry Potter for Harry Potter: Oshkosh Main Street Magic from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday, July 20, 2007.
Main Street will be closed for the big event while fans countdown to the release of the final Harry Potter book. There will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The Business Improvement District, sponsor of the event, is still finalizing the details but activities in the works include:
Watch for more details!
Main Street will be closed for the big event while fans countdown to the release of the final Harry Potter book. There will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The Business Improvement District, sponsor of the event, is still finalizing the details but activities in the works include:
- A Marauder’s Map (including a scavenger hunt)
- Hogsmeade Passes
- N.E.W.T ($50) which includes:
- 10% discount for participating Downtown stores
- Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities
- Character Dinner—an end of term feast featuring Dumbledore and other Hogwarts professors! Your ticket includes a free photo.
- A raffle ticket for a trip for 4 to London to ride the Hogwarts Express, etc.
- A trip through the Shrieking Shack and a short presentation before you receive . . .
- A copy of the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—to be given out at midnight.
- O.W.L. GUEST PASS ($25) includes everything above except a copy of the book—to be purchased by N.E.W.T Pass holders for those families who do not want multiple copies of the book.
- Gringotts Goblin Pass ($28) includes a copy of the book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—to be given out at midnight; a 10% discount to participating Downtown stores; Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities.
- Muggle Pass (FREE) includes 10% discount to participating Downtown stores; Oshkosh Main Street Magic activities.
- 10% discount for participating Downtown stores
- The Weird Sisters (band)
- HP Movie in the Park
- Street Vendors
- People in costume
- Crafts / games / activities for kids
- “Get a sock for Dobby” and support the Winnebago County Literacy Council – $1
Watch for more details!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Call for Submissions
The publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational book series is accepting submissions (guidelines) for the following subjects:
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection. These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. The deadline date for story submission is March 31, 2007.
Tea Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Christmas Collection
A timeless collection of stories that celebrate the magic of the season. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2007.
Coffee Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Chocolate Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
American Idol Soul
Some people can't understand why we love American Idol! Here's your chance to share your story of how an American Idol moment touched your heart and transformed your life. The deadline for story submissions is April 15, 2007.
Adopted Soul
A collection of stories that share the unique experiences of adoption from the points of view of the birth family, the person who has been adopted and the adopting family. The deadline date for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Divorced Soul
Stories of hope and encouragement for divorced people or people going through a divorce to let them know that they are not alone. The deadline for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Father and Son's Soul
A collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a father and a son. The deadline date for story submissions is August 1, 2007.
Football Lover's Soul
Stories of inspiration and resilience from football players and from the fans who love football. The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2007.
Soul in Love
A collection of stories about that one special person with whom you share a connection. These stories will leave an imprint on your heart and inspire you. The deadline date for story submission is March 31, 2007.
Tea Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Christmas Collection
A timeless collection of stories that celebrate the magic of the season. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2007.
Coffee Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
Chocolate Lover's Soul
The deadline for story submissions for this title is March 31, 2007.
American Idol Soul
Some people can't understand why we love American Idol! Here's your chance to share your story of how an American Idol moment touched your heart and transformed your life. The deadline for story submissions is April 15, 2007.
Adopted Soul
A collection of stories that share the unique experiences of adoption from the points of view of the birth family, the person who has been adopted and the adopting family. The deadline date for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Divorced Soul
Stories of hope and encouragement for divorced people or people going through a divorce to let them know that they are not alone. The deadline for story submissions is May 31, 2007.
Father and Son's Soul
A collection of wonderful and inspiring stories that celebrate the special relationship between a father and a son. The deadline date for story submissions is August 1, 2007.
Football Lover's Soul
Stories of inspiration and resilience from football players and from the fans who love football. The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2007.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Author Visit - Daniel San Souci
Children's author/illustrator Daniel San Souci will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Oshkosh Public Library.San Souci is the author of the popular children's series, "The Clubhouse Books."
Daniel San Souci is the author and illustrator of nearly 50 children's books including Two Bear Cubs, illustrated for the National Parks System & coauthored with his brother, Robert San Souci & his series of Clubhouse books including Space Station Mars, based on his own childhood adventures.
Books sales/signing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 236-5208.
Daniel San Souci is the author and illustrator of nearly 50 children's books including Two Bear Cubs, illustrated for the National Parks System & coauthored with his brother, Robert San Souci & his series of Clubhouse books including Space Station Mars, based on his own childhood adventures.
Books sales/signing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 236-5208.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Congrats Dixie!
Congratulations to Dixie Jarchow for taking top place in the Curtis L. Brown Writing Challenge, sponsored by the Fox Valley Writers’ Club.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Nelligan Short Story Contest
The Colorado Review is currently accepting entries for the Nelligan Short Story Contest.
Submission guidelines:
* $1,000 will be awarded for the best short story, which will be published in the Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Colorado Review.
* This year’s final judge is Charles Baxter; friends and students (current & former) of the judge are not eligible to compete, nor are current Colorado State University employees, students, or alumni.
* Fee is $10 per entry, payable to Colorado Review; there is no limit on the number of entries you may submit.
* Stories must be previously unpublished.
* There are no length or theme restrictions.
* All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced.
* No submissions via e-mail.
* Include two cover sheets: on the first, print your name, address, telephone number, and the story title; on the second, print only the story title. Your name should not appear anywhere else on the manuscript.
* Provide SASE for contest results.
* Manuscripts will not be returned.
* Contest opens January 15, 2007.
* Deadline is the postmark of March 15, 2007.
* Winner will be announced in July 2007.
* All submissions will be considered for publication.
Entries must be clearly addressed to:
Nelligan Prize
Colorado Review
Department of English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Submission guidelines:
* $1,000 will be awarded for the best short story, which will be published in the Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Colorado Review.
* This year’s final judge is Charles Baxter; friends and students (current & former) of the judge are not eligible to compete, nor are current Colorado State University employees, students, or alumni.
* Fee is $10 per entry, payable to Colorado Review; there is no limit on the number of entries you may submit.
* Stories must be previously unpublished.
* There are no length or theme restrictions.
* All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced.
* No submissions via e-mail.
* Include two cover sheets: on the first, print your name, address, telephone number, and the story title; on the second, print only the story title. Your name should not appear anywhere else on the manuscript.
* Provide SASE for contest results.
* Manuscripts will not be returned.
* Contest opens January 15, 2007.
* Deadline is the postmark of March 15, 2007.
* Winner will be announced in July 2007.
* All submissions will be considered for publication.
Entries must be clearly addressed to:
Nelligan Prize
Colorado Review
Department of English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Wisconsin Publishers - Poetry
WisconsinPoet.com has a great UPDATED link on their website of Wisconsin magazines and publishers that print poetry.
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