The Documentary is Done!

Jim Stevens has graciously created a documentary on the Oshkosh Area Writers Club and we all appreciate the time he took away from his family and other obligations to put this together. While it's not ready for television viewing, you can preview it here. It is 19MB.

"Power of the Pen" writing workshop

Jessica alerts us that the 4th annual "Power of the Pen Writer's Conference" will be held Friday, March 28 through Saturday, April 5. This year's schedule looks better than ever and the fee is ONLY $14.11 per class.

Classes to choose from include:
Chapbook 101 with John Leman
Expanding the Reach of Poetry with Ellen Kort
Image, Form and Voice Across Genres with Bruce Taylor
Writing, Not Typing with Bruce Taylor
Character Development with Tim Meier

For more information, click here and then click on "Power of the Pen" in the lower right hand corner.

Since this is the fifth weekend of the month and there's no meeting, we can organize a car pool!

Don't confuse this workshop with Write Away!, a one-day creative writing class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the UW-Fox Campus, Menasha, 1478 Midway Road, Room 1346.

Instructor Bill Gillard (M.F.A. Creative Writing) will lead the class in memory and imagination exercises; experiments in a variety of forms and genres; and revision techniques. No writing experience is necessary; fee is $79 (bring a bag lunch).

For more details or to register, go to www.uwfox.uwc.edu/conted or phone 920-832-2636.

Upcoming Events

In addition to the writing critique sessions, we're holding the following special events this spring:

Story Starters

Need some inspiration? Join us for Story Starters - 5-minute writing sessions based on writing prompts to awaken your creativity and imagination!

7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26

7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23

The one-hour sessions are held in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Bring paper and pen.

Open Mic

7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21
Library Dome, 2nd Floor

Whether you want to read your own work or that of your favorite author or poet, this open mic event is open to the public. What a great opportunity to share your writing with family and friends! All ages welcome.

Members are asked to bring a snack to share; beverages will be provided.

Congrats to Hope!

A big congrats to member Hope S., who was recently appointed editor of the Wisconsin Review, a literary publication of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Writing Prompt for March 1

The writing prompt for the March 1st meeting is: "I don't know why I remember this..."

Use the prompt any way you wish!

Children's Book Fest

The Rhinelander Children's Book Fest 2008 is a two day conference that will be held at the Rhinelander Holiday Inn on March 11 and 12, 2008.

Registration information for Children's Book Fest can be found on the RDL website home page. Scroll down under Library Catalog to Upcoming Library Programs. It will be necessary to mail the form and check. All registrations must be received no later than March 7. Payment of $6.00 per person must accompany each registration form. No purchase orders, please.

Ask Beverly Clearly

If you've ever wanted to ask Beverly Cleary a question about her books, the memorable characters she has created, or her life as a writer, here's your chance! In celebration of National D.E.A.R. Day -- that's Drop Everything and Read -- Reading Rockets is collecting questions for Mrs. Cleary from readers. Teachers, librarians, parents, and readers of all ages can submit their questions.

The best questions will be selected for Mrs. Cleary to answer. Visit Reading Rockets on April 12th to hear what she has to say in a new exclusive audio interview.

You have until February 29 to send your question. If your question is selected to be answered, HarperCollins Children's Books will send you a set of Beverly Cleary titles! Visit the Reading Rockets D.E.A.R. web page to learn more or to submit your question at the Reading Rockets website: http://pbsmail.org/ct/mp1twK41F4NI/dearday

UW - Fox Writing Class

Write Away!, a one-day creative writing class, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the UW-Fox Campus, Menasha, 1478 Midway Road, Room 1346.

Instructor Bill Gillard (M.F.A. Creative Writing) will lead the class in memory and imagination exercises; experiments in a variety of forms and genres; and revision techniques. No writing experience is necessary; fee is $79 (bring a bag lunch).

For more details or to register, go to www.uwfox.uwc.edu/conted or phone 920-832-2636.

Writing Prompt for Feb. 16

The writing prompt for the Feb. 16 meeting is: "That was the worst thing that anybody ever said to me."

Feel free to use the prompt any way you'd like.

Sandvidge Sisters author visit

The Sanvidge Sisters, who grew up in Oshkosh, will talk about their new book, "Apple Betty & Sloppy Joe," 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. A book signing will follow the talk; books are available for purchase at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh.

A great cookbook that includes lots of cute stories, the book is garnering lots of attention. One of the sisters, Julie Sanvidge of Ohio, was recently featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio. For local articles, click below:

Oshkosh Northwestern

Wisconsin State Journal