Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Jim LaMarche Booksigning
If you missed author/illustrator Jim LaMarche's author visit at the Oshkosh Public Library, you can catch him again for a booksigning at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh, from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6., as part of the Gallery Walk.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Class - Life Story Writing
The Oshkosh Seniors Center is hosting a class on Life Story Writing with instructor Margo Pontius. The class meets for four weeks on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Oct. 3. Fee is $4 for residents and $8 for non-residents. For more information or to register, please call the Seniors Center at 232-5300.
Wisconsin People & Ideas Writing Contest
Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine is accepting submissions for its annual short story and poetry contests, with a deadline of December 3. Prizes include cash, publication, and—new this year—a one-week stay at Edenfred, a creative arts residency in Madison. Winners are invited to read their work at the Wisconsin Book Festival and other venues.
For complete rules and entry information, click here.
For complete rules and entry information, click here.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Author Spotlight Schedule
The upcoming Author Spotlight schedule:
Oct. 6 - Mike N.
Oct. 20 - Carol D.
Nov. 3 - Hope S.
Nov. 17 - Ron S.
Dec. 1 - JoAnn G.
Dec. 15 - Joyce F.
“Author Spotlight” allows writers to bring in pieces of work that are eight or more pages, or a compilation of pieces that are best read/reviewed together.
The last hour of each Saturday meeting is devoted to discussing the works of the featured author; advance registration is required and authors must bring ten copies of their work prior to their turn in the “Spotlight.”
Those who accept a copy of the author’s work must commit to reading it and showing up for the review.
Oct. 6 - Mike N.
Oct. 20 - Carol D.
Nov. 3 - Hope S.
Nov. 17 - Ron S.
Dec. 1 - JoAnn G.
Dec. 15 - Joyce F.
“Author Spotlight” allows writers to bring in pieces of work that are eight or more pages, or a compilation of pieces that are best read/reviewed together.
The last hour of each Saturday meeting is devoted to discussing the works of the featured author; advance registration is required and authors must bring ten copies of their work prior to their turn in the “Spotlight.”
Those who accept a copy of the author’s work must commit to reading it and showing up for the review.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A list of Periodicals
Looking for a list of periodicals to submit to? Check out:
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia
@
http://www.writers.ns.ca/periodicals.html
then click on periodicals (or check out publishers).
Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia
@
http://www.writers.ns.ca/periodicals.html
then click on periodicals (or check out publishers).
Glimmer Train Contests
Glimmer Train Press Family Matters
A prize of $1,200 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories is given twice yearly for a short story about family. Submit a story of up to 12,000 words with a $15 entry fee by October 31.
Short Story Award for New Writers
A prize of $1,200 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories is given twice yearly for a short story by a writer whose fiction has not been published in a nationally distributed publication with a circulation over 5,000. Submit a story of up to 12,000 words with a $15 entry fee by September 30.
Visit the Web site for complete guidelines on either contest.
A prize of $1,200 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories is given twice yearly for a short story about family. Submit a story of up to 12,000 words with a $15 entry fee by October 31.
Short Story Award for New Writers
A prize of $1,200 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories is given twice yearly for a short story by a writer whose fiction has not been published in a nationally distributed publication with a circulation over 5,000. Submit a story of up to 12,000 words with a $15 entry fee by September 30.
Visit the Web site for complete guidelines on either contest.
Danahy Fiction Prize
Tampa Review - Danahy Fiction Prize
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Tampa Review will be given annually for a short story. The editors will judge. All entries will be considered for publication. Submit a story of 500 to 5,000 words with a $15 entry fee, which includes a one-year subscription to Tampa Review, by November 1. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Tampa Review
Danahy Fiction Prize
University of Tampa
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606-1490
Phone (813) 253-3333.
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Tampa Review will be given annually for a short story. The editors will judge. All entries will be considered for publication. Submit a story of 500 to 5,000 words with a $15 entry fee, which includes a one-year subscription to Tampa Review, by November 1. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Tampa Review
Danahy Fiction Prize
University of Tampa
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606-1490
Phone (813) 253-3333.
Zoetrope Fiction Contest
Zoetrope: All-Story Short Fiction Contest
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a short story. The winner and seven finalists will be considered for representation by the William Morris Agency, International Creative Management, Regal Literary, the Elaine Markson Literary Agency, Inkwell Management, Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Georges Borchardt Literary Agency. Joyce Carol Oates will judge. Submit a story of up to 5,000 words with a $15 entry fee by October 1.
Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Zoetrope: All-Story, Short Fiction Contest
916 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Krista Halverson, Managing Editor.
contests@all-story.com
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a short story. The winner and seven finalists will be considered for representation by the William Morris Agency, International Creative Management, Regal Literary, the Elaine Markson Literary Agency, Inkwell Management, Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Georges Borchardt Literary Agency. Joyce Carol Oates will judge. Submit a story of up to 5,000 words with a $15 entry fee by October 1.
Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
Zoetrope: All-Story, Short Fiction Contest
916 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Krista Halverson, Managing Editor.
contests@all-story.com
University of Wisconsin Press Poetry Contest
University of Wisconsin Press offers the Brittingham and Felix Pollak Prizes:
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication by the University of Wisconsin Press are given annually for book-length poetry collections. An additional $1,500 is given to the winners for participation in a reading held on the Madison campus. Submit 50 to 80 pages of poetry with a $25 entry fee by September 30. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
University of Wisconsin Press, Brittingham and Felix Pollak Prizes, Department of English, 600 North Park Street, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Ronald Wallace, Series Editor.
rwallace@wisc.edu
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication by the University of Wisconsin Press are given annually for book-length poetry collections. An additional $1,500 is given to the winners for participation in a reading held on the Madison campus. Submit 50 to 80 pages of poetry with a $25 entry fee by September 30. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.
University of Wisconsin Press, Brittingham and Felix Pollak Prizes, Department of English, 600 North Park Street, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Ronald Wallace, Series Editor.
rwallace@wisc.edu
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Prompt for Oct. 6
Some members have indicated they would like a writing prompt to get them started on a piece to write/read at a future meeting. The prompt may used in a poem, essay, character or description sketch.
Hope has chosen the following prompt for the Oct. 6 meeting: How could you do that?
Hope has chosen the following prompt for the Oct. 6 meeting: How could you do that?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Cartridge refills free at walgreens
Walgreens is offering one free cartridge refill today, September 12.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296453,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296453,00.html
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Author signing - Jerry Apps
Wisconsin historian and humorist Jerry Apps will do a book signing for his latest novel, "In a Pickle: A Family Farm Story" from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
2007 Wisconsin Book Festival
The 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival, Oct. 10-14, in Madison, has released the schedule of events. The event features dozens of speakers and workshops; a few are highlighted below.
The Dog Says How: NPR essayist, Kevin Kling
9 to 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 10; Cafe Montmartre
Many of the autobiographical tales in this first collection by NPR commentator Kevin Kling reflect a typical American boyhood in an idyllic Midwestern rural setting. But Kling conducts a far more in-depth exploration of the notion of happiness, reminding us that there are two sides to everything, including ourselves.
Michael Perry: Truck
7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 11; Borders Books (West Side)
Wisconsin author Michael Perry is an engaging storyteller with tales that are sure to make you laugh, and sometimes cry.
FOUND Magazine Event
9 to 11 p.m., Friday, October 12; Orpheum Theatre: Stage Door
For the sixth consecutive year, Davy Rothbart and the FOUND magazine crew return to Madison as one of the Wisconsin Book Festival's most popular, most irreverent, and most hilarious traditions. The man with a plan and a van, Rothbart collects the discard, detritus, and dross of people's lives--old postcards, shopping lists, break-up letters, erotic scribblings, receipts, warnings, hate mail, hidden photos--and gives them meaning. If you've never been to the Festival's FOUND magazine party, you've never really been to the Festival. (May contain some language and themes not suitable for young audiences.)
10th Annual Charlotte Zolotow Lecture Featuring Patricia MacLachlan
7:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, October 11; Memorial Union Theater
Ms. MacLachlan is the critically acclaimed author of over twenty books for children and teens, including the Newbery-Award winning novel "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and its sequels.
Hop Open Mic: Hosted by First Wave, featuring the Midwest Youth Slam All-Stars
9 p.m. Friday, October 12; UW Memorial Union
A special kickoff celebration of Madison's freshest monthly open mic. This Spoken Word & Hip-Hop event is hosted by First Wave and DJ Pain1 and features the Midwest Youth Slam All-Stars. Come hear the youth poetry slam champions from Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities. Bring your own piece to share, get on the mic, and just bust!
The Romance Writer's Guide to Domestic Bliss: How to Snag the Hunk and Solve Your Problem in 200 Pages or Less
9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, October 13; Mount Horeb Public Library
A vampire hero has got a totally different perception of bliss than a 12th century knight. Romance writer Meagan Hatfield discusses the different genres of romantic fiction, and explores the lure of the romance novel for today's readers.
Apparent Tranquility: Looking Beneath the Surface
11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 13; Mount Horeb Public Library
Appearances can be deceiving. In fiction, the true story consists of so much more than the specifics spelled out in the action, description and dialogue. What's really going on? The meat of the story may lie in the subtext. Learn how to read (and write) between the lines by giving subtext the same amount of attention that you give to other story elements. Presented by Bob Curry.
Book Club Night Club -- A Gala Celebration: Featuring Jacquelyn Mitchard, Ellen Baker, and Judy Merrill Larsen
7 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, October 13; Promenade Hall/Overture
Bring your whole book club to this event featuring three dynamic and eminently discussable new books, as well as their fabulous authors -- or, just stop by to see what the book club buzz is all about. Welcome Judy Merrill Larsen, whose much-praised debut "All the Numbers" deals with the aftermath of a tragedy that befalls an annual Wisconsin lakeside vacation, as well as Ellen Baker, whose superb first novel begins in small town Wisconsin during the conformist 1950s, then reaches back to span two world wars, unraveling the secrets woven through the generations of a family. Keynoting this gathering is Madison's own Oprah's Book Club author, Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of "The Deep End of the Ocean" and other favorites. In her brand new book, "Still Summer," Mitchard offers the suspenseful story of four women stranded at sea, pitted against nature and a cohort of contemporary pirates: not to be missed!
Rabbi Harold Kushner: Overcoming Life's Disappointments
4 to 5:45 p.m. Sunday, October 14; Orpheum Theatre: Main
When life does not unfold as planned, Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of "When Bad Things Happen to Good People") strongly but sympathetically urges his readers to take inventory, learn from their experiences and move on with an open heart. Kushner does not shy away from difficult issues and awkward dilemmas, and his years of rabbinical experience in dealing with congregants' troubles make him well-suited to offer advice. This readable and sensitive discussion of "Life is tough; let's be strong enough not to be broken by it" should appeal to anyone who has ever been disappointed.
Michael Cunningham
6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, October 14; Orpheum Theatre: Main
As a novelist known for his poetic explorations of domestic tranquility as it relates to home, family, and lovers, Michael Cunningham offers an ideal grand finale for the 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival. His most popular work, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Hours, masterfully explores the quiet, private moments of domestic life. His other novels include the acclaimed A Home at the End of the World, Flesh and Blood, and Specimen Days. Cunningham's writing, beloved for its original characters and depth of feeling and vision, has made him a Hollywood favorite. The film versions of The Hours and A Home at the End of the World received major accolades, and his adaptation of Susan Minot's novel Evening, which he co-wrote with Minot and which stars Vanessa Redgrave, Claire Danes, Toni Colette, Patrick Wilson, and Meryl Streep, was released this year. He lives in New York City.
The Dog Says How: NPR essayist, Kevin Kling
9 to 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 10; Cafe Montmartre
Many of the autobiographical tales in this first collection by NPR commentator Kevin Kling reflect a typical American boyhood in an idyllic Midwestern rural setting. But Kling conducts a far more in-depth exploration of the notion of happiness, reminding us that there are two sides to everything, including ourselves.
Michael Perry: Truck
7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 11; Borders Books (West Side)
Wisconsin author Michael Perry is an engaging storyteller with tales that are sure to make you laugh, and sometimes cry.
FOUND Magazine Event
9 to 11 p.m., Friday, October 12; Orpheum Theatre: Stage Door
For the sixth consecutive year, Davy Rothbart and the FOUND magazine crew return to Madison as one of the Wisconsin Book Festival's most popular, most irreverent, and most hilarious traditions. The man with a plan and a van, Rothbart collects the discard, detritus, and dross of people's lives--old postcards, shopping lists, break-up letters, erotic scribblings, receipts, warnings, hate mail, hidden photos--and gives them meaning. If you've never been to the Festival's FOUND magazine party, you've never really been to the Festival. (May contain some language and themes not suitable for young audiences.)
10th Annual Charlotte Zolotow Lecture Featuring Patricia MacLachlan
7:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, October 11; Memorial Union Theater
Ms. MacLachlan is the critically acclaimed author of over twenty books for children and teens, including the Newbery-Award winning novel "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and its sequels.
Hop Open Mic: Hosted by First Wave, featuring the Midwest Youth Slam All-Stars
9 p.m. Friday, October 12; UW Memorial Union
A special kickoff celebration of Madison's freshest monthly open mic. This Spoken Word & Hip-Hop event is hosted by First Wave and DJ Pain1 and features the Midwest Youth Slam All-Stars. Come hear the youth poetry slam champions from Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities. Bring your own piece to share, get on the mic, and just bust!
The Romance Writer's Guide to Domestic Bliss: How to Snag the Hunk and Solve Your Problem in 200 Pages or Less
9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, October 13; Mount Horeb Public Library
A vampire hero has got a totally different perception of bliss than a 12th century knight. Romance writer Meagan Hatfield discusses the different genres of romantic fiction, and explores the lure of the romance novel for today's readers.
Apparent Tranquility: Looking Beneath the Surface
11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 13; Mount Horeb Public Library
Appearances can be deceiving. In fiction, the true story consists of so much more than the specifics spelled out in the action, description and dialogue. What's really going on? The meat of the story may lie in the subtext. Learn how to read (and write) between the lines by giving subtext the same amount of attention that you give to other story elements. Presented by Bob Curry.
Book Club Night Club -- A Gala Celebration: Featuring Jacquelyn Mitchard, Ellen Baker, and Judy Merrill Larsen
7 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, October 13; Promenade Hall/Overture
Bring your whole book club to this event featuring three dynamic and eminently discussable new books, as well as their fabulous authors -- or, just stop by to see what the book club buzz is all about. Welcome Judy Merrill Larsen, whose much-praised debut "All the Numbers" deals with the aftermath of a tragedy that befalls an annual Wisconsin lakeside vacation, as well as Ellen Baker, whose superb first novel begins in small town Wisconsin during the conformist 1950s, then reaches back to span two world wars, unraveling the secrets woven through the generations of a family. Keynoting this gathering is Madison's own Oprah's Book Club author, Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of "The Deep End of the Ocean" and other favorites. In her brand new book, "Still Summer," Mitchard offers the suspenseful story of four women stranded at sea, pitted against nature and a cohort of contemporary pirates: not to be missed!
Rabbi Harold Kushner: Overcoming Life's Disappointments
4 to 5:45 p.m. Sunday, October 14; Orpheum Theatre: Main
When life does not unfold as planned, Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of "When Bad Things Happen to Good People") strongly but sympathetically urges his readers to take inventory, learn from their experiences and move on with an open heart. Kushner does not shy away from difficult issues and awkward dilemmas, and his years of rabbinical experience in dealing with congregants' troubles make him well-suited to offer advice. This readable and sensitive discussion of "Life is tough; let's be strong enough not to be broken by it" should appeal to anyone who has ever been disappointed.
Michael Cunningham
6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, October 14; Orpheum Theatre: Main
As a novelist known for his poetic explorations of domestic tranquility as it relates to home, family, and lovers, Michael Cunningham offers an ideal grand finale for the 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival. His most popular work, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Hours, masterfully explores the quiet, private moments of domestic life. His other novels include the acclaimed A Home at the End of the World, Flesh and Blood, and Specimen Days. Cunningham's writing, beloved for its original characters and depth of feeling and vision, has made him a Hollywood favorite. The film versions of The Hours and A Home at the End of the World received major accolades, and his adaptation of Susan Minot's novel Evening, which he co-wrote with Minot and which stars Vanessa Redgrave, Claire Danes, Toni Colette, Patrick Wilson, and Meryl Streep, was released this year. He lives in New York City.
Author Spotlight
Tom C. is the Author Spotlight for Saturday, Sept. 15. For those who did not get a copy of his work, it can be downloaded from the OAWC Yahoo! Group.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Writing Prompt for Sept. 15
Some members have indicated they would like a writing prompt to get them started on a piece to write/read at a future meeting. The prompt may used in a poem, essay, character or description sketch.
Jane D. has chosen the following prompt for the Sept. 15 meeting: Help is near.
Jane D. has chosen the following prompt for the Sept. 15 meeting: Help is near.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Anniversary Party
The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will celebrate its 4th Anniversary at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Members are asked to bring a snack to pass; beverages will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Reading - A Lost Art?
According to a poll by the Associated Press-Ipsos, one in four Americans didn't read a single book last year. Of those who did read, the average number of books read last year was seven; The largest number of readers were women and older people. Non-readers tended to be less educated, lower income and live in rural areas. ABC has a complete story here.
Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw the other day that went something like "People who don't read have no advantage over those who can't read."
Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw the other day that went something like "People who don't read have no advantage over those who can't read."
Monday, August 20, 2007
started a blog
Well, I started a blog to chronicle my writing efforts. You can laugh along or sympathize at http://edix.blogspot.com/. Perhaps I am hoping the embarrassment of having to pen, "I didn't write again today!" will make me write more.
I got the idea from Maggie Stiefvater who not only has one but two extremely witty blogs. One is for her awesome art work and the other is for her newly, accepted- for-publishing, novel. I thought I'd better start one now so that when my novel gets accepted, I would have experience with this blogging stuff!
check hers out:
http://www.portraitswithcharacter.com/
http://greywarenart.blogspot.com/
I got the idea from Maggie Stiefvater who not only has one but two extremely witty blogs. One is for her awesome art work and the other is for her newly, accepted- for-publishing, novel. I thought I'd better start one now so that when my novel gets accepted, I would have experience with this blogging stuff!
check hers out:
http://www.portraitswithcharacter.com/
http://greywarenart.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Cheap Printer Refills
Hope S. recommends the Printer Filling Station for ink cartridges and inkjet ink refills kits. They carry supplies for Brother, Canon, Compaq, Dell, Epson, HP, Lexmark and Xerox. Prices are very reasonable and shipping is free on orders of $50 or more.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Author Visit – Jennifer Chiaverini
Breaking news: Madison author Jennifer Chiaverini will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to the nine volumes of the Elm Creek Quilts series, she is the author of two volumes of quilt patterns inspired by her novels, as well as the designer of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric lines from Red Rooster Fabrics.
The Writers Club may be asked to assist with the event and/or an author dinner; details will be forthcoming.
In addition to the nine volumes of the Elm Creek Quilts series, she is the author of two volumes of quilt patterns inspired by her novels, as well as the designer of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric lines from Red Rooster Fabrics.
The Writers Club may be asked to assist with the event and/or an author dinner; details will be forthcoming.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Call For True Stories
HERO SERIES CALL FOR TRUE STORIES
Adams Media is publishing a new anthology series featuring uplifting, true stories about the experiences and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives — namely those with our mothers, our fathers, and ourteachers (also mother-figures, father-figures, and mentors). These slice-of-life stories will be written by people from all walks of life and provide unique personal insights into powerful universal truths, as well as honor the "everyday hero" in their lives. Each anthology in the series will be divided to highlight the variety of ways mothers, teachers, and fathers go beyond the call of duty to heroism.
We are now seeking submissions for the following volume: "MY TEACHER IS MY HERO." For this collection, we seek original and compelling testaments to the deep connection between teachers and their students, particularly heartwarming and humorous tales about truly amazing teachers who have made a significant impact on your life, or your children's lives. Wea re seeking people of all ages and backgrounds to write a moving story in appreciation of the teachers who inspired, motivated, and educated them. A teacher could also be a mentor or workshop leader, someone with whom you have had a moving experience that enriched your life and illustrates why this particular teacher is heroic.
Submission Deadline: SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
Payment: $100 per story, plus one copy of the book. Grand Prizes of $250, $150, $100 will be awarded for the three best stories accordingly.
Please carefully review the "Hero Series Guidelines" for complete details and submission guidelines.
Adams Media is publishing a new anthology series featuring uplifting, true stories about the experiences and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives — namely those with our mothers, our fathers, and ourteachers (also mother-figures, father-figures, and mentors). These slice-of-life stories will be written by people from all walks of life and provide unique personal insights into powerful universal truths, as well as honor the "everyday hero" in their lives. Each anthology in the series will be divided to highlight the variety of ways mothers, teachers, and fathers go beyond the call of duty to heroism.
We are now seeking submissions for the following volume: "MY TEACHER IS MY HERO." For this collection, we seek original and compelling testaments to the deep connection between teachers and their students, particularly heartwarming and humorous tales about truly amazing teachers who have made a significant impact on your life, or your children's lives. Wea re seeking people of all ages and backgrounds to write a moving story in appreciation of the teachers who inspired, motivated, and educated them. A teacher could also be a mentor or workshop leader, someone with whom you have had a moving experience that enriched your life and illustrates why this particular teacher is heroic.
Submission Deadline: SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
Payment: $100 per story, plus one copy of the book. Grand Prizes of $250, $150, $100 will be awarded for the three best stories accordingly.
Please carefully review the "Hero Series Guidelines" for complete details and submission guidelines.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Shakespeare on the Fox
The Oshkosh Public Library joins with Shakespeare on the Fox in September to celebrate the work of William Shakespeare with the two following programs:
Shakespeare and Ellington: The Bard and The Duke
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10
It’s a glorious marriage of music and literature as Dr. Marty Robinson, Associate Professor of Jazz at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, showcases Duke Ellington compositions based on works of William Shakespeare. The multimedia presentation will focus on one of jazz’s most unique albums, Such Sweet Thunder, an entire big-band jazz album dedicated to Shakespeare.
What? The Magic in Words in The Tempest
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17
Shakespeare’s language can be daunting for those of us who no longer live “where t’is spoken.” In this interactive program, the Renaissance Repertory Shakespeare Company of the Rebel Alliance Theatre presents a lighthearted evening of scenes from and discussion of The Tempest, which is one of this year’s Shakespeare on the Fox selections. Leave your books at home; bring your loudest voice and a sense of adventure to find out what makes Shakespeare “the best of them that speak this speech.”
The programs are free and open to the public. For more information call the Oshkosh Public Library at 236-5205 or visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
Shakespeare and Ellington: The Bard and The Duke
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10
It’s a glorious marriage of music and literature as Dr. Marty Robinson, Associate Professor of Jazz at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, showcases Duke Ellington compositions based on works of William Shakespeare. The multimedia presentation will focus on one of jazz’s most unique albums, Such Sweet Thunder, an entire big-band jazz album dedicated to Shakespeare.
What? The Magic in Words in The Tempest
7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17
Shakespeare’s language can be daunting for those of us who no longer live “where t’is spoken.” In this interactive program, the Renaissance Repertory Shakespeare Company of the Rebel Alliance Theatre presents a lighthearted evening of scenes from and discussion of The Tempest, which is one of this year’s Shakespeare on the Fox selections. Leave your books at home; bring your loudest voice and a sense of adventure to find out what makes Shakespeare “the best of them that speak this speech.”
The programs are free and open to the public. For more information call the Oshkosh Public Library at 236-5205 or visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Science Fiction\Fantasy Writing Prompt Contest
Every quarter the Electric Dragon Cafe holds a writing contest. They provide a topic and items, characters, or places that you must include in your story.
Entries are judged on adherence to the topic, originality, and sheer entertainment value. The winning story will be published on their site, and the author will receive a $25 gift certificate to Borders or Barnes and Noble. They may also publish any number of other entries that exemplify the spirit of the contest.
There is no entry fee. Deadline: September 10, 2007. Click here for the prompt and more info.
Entries are judged on adherence to the topic, originality, and sheer entertainment value. The winning story will be published on their site, and the author will receive a $25 gift certificate to Borders or Barnes and Noble. They may also publish any number of other entries that exemplify the spirit of the contest.
There is no entry fee. Deadline: September 10, 2007. Click here for the prompt and more info.
Writer's Digest Short Short Story Contest
Writer's Digest is accepting entries in the 8th Annual Short Short Story Competition. Stories must be 1500 words or fewer; entry fee is $12 per submission. Entries must be in original, unpublished, and not submitted or accepted elsewhere at the time of submission. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 3, 2007.
Click here for guidelines, an entry form or to enter online.
Winners will be announced in the June 2008 issue of Writer's Digest. Winners awarded cash and prizes including the First place prize of $3,000.
Click here for guidelines, an entry form or to enter online.
Winners will be announced in the June 2008 issue of Writer's Digest. Winners awarded cash and prizes including the First place prize of $3,000.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Free Word Processor
For those of few of you that use Word Pad or a word processing program that you do not like, you may want to try Open Office, which can be found at http://www.openoffice.org/index.html. This a free program that is compatible and similar to Microsoft Office. This writer ordered a CD of OpenOffice several years ago, and it worked well. I paid for the shipping. However, look their website over and use at your own risk.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Cliches
A cute column by Gregory Pence, titled Let's Think Outside the Box, appears in Aug. 6, 2007 issue of Newsweek on the use of cliches.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Ventura County Writers Club Contest
The Ventura County Writers club is seeking entries for a short story contest. The deadline for submittals is September 1.
Submissions may be in any genre, but must be an original short story and may not have been previously published in any newspaper, magazine, or book, whether for pay or not.
First, second, and third prizes are $500, $250, and $125. The story of the first place winner will be published in the Arts & Living section of the Ventura County Star in a November weekend edition. All three winners’ stories will appear in the on-line edition of the Star.
For contest rules and other information, please click here.
Submissions may be in any genre, but must be an original short story and may not have been previously published in any newspaper, magazine, or book, whether for pay or not.
First, second, and third prizes are $500, $250, and $125. The story of the first place winner will be published in the Arts & Living section of the Ventura County Star in a November weekend edition. All three winners’ stories will appear in the on-line edition of the Star.
For contest rules and other information, please click here.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Podiobooks
It used to be, that novels were often distributed one chapter at a time.
Podiobooks.com distributes audiobooks in a similar way, using podcasts as the medium. The site features a small but growing collection of titles, most of them indie works read by their authors. After registering (it's free), just click subscribe to download chapters using your preferred podcatcher. (You can also download individual chapters directly from the site.) If you like a particular book, you can make a donation to the author, who keeps 75 percent of the proceeds.
Podiobooks.com distributes audiobooks in a similar way, using podcasts as the medium. The site features a small but growing collection of titles, most of them indie works read by their authors. After registering (it's free), just click subscribe to download chapters using your preferred podcatcher. (You can also download individual chapters directly from the site.) If you like a particular book, you can make a donation to the author, who keeps 75 percent of the proceeds.
Thanks!
Thanks to members for allowing Jim Stevens to film the July 21st meeting and for those who came early or stayed late to be interviewed. Jim is creating a documentary of the club to be aired on Channel 10, Oshkosh Community Access Television (OCAT). And we thank him for choosing our club as the subject of the documentary!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cup Of Comfort Calls For Submissions
Here are some calls for submission for upcoming Cup of Comfort books. There are'nt even on the Cup Of Comfort website yet. This is your chance to get published, tell your story, and share with others going through a difficult time.
CALL FOR INSPIRING TRUE STORIES: ALZHEIMER’S, BREAST CANCER, DIVORCE
The bestselling Cup of Comfort book series is seeking submissions for publication consideration in three new books. Stories must be true, uplifting, and 1000 to 2000 words. For writer’s guidelines: www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm.
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S
What happens when the person who raised you or the person with whom you raised your children slowly becomes a child who doesn’t know you? What if that loved one changes so drastically that he or she is virtually a stranger to you? What if that person is difficult to deal with and requires substantial assistance? How will the reality of having a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s affect you and your family—emotionally, financially, physically, socially, personally, professionally? The inspiring stories in this collection will answer those questions and more—and will show how love prevails and how lives thrive when a spouse or parent has Alzheimer’s.
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2007
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR DIVORCED WOMEN
Divorce in the 21st century should come with an instruction manual, a release valve, and a support system. This anthology will serve essentially those three purposes, in the form of comforting, insightful, and inspirational stories about surviving and thriving during and after divorce. We seek uplifting, contemporary stories on a wide range of topics of importance to divorced women—including but not limited to: dating, children, relationship with ex, in-laws, finances, friends, solitude, personal transformation, healing, revenge, mending fences, the ex’s new wife or lover, empowerment, rediscovery of self. The majority of stories will be written by women who are or have been divorced. Stories can be poignant, irreverent, humorous, witty, or wise.
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2007
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
It has been said that “stories are medicine” and that “one of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to share our stories.” This collection will include compelling, inspiring, and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and living after—breast cancer. Possible story themes include but are not limited to: diagnosis, treatment, emotional impact, support systems, healthy lifestyle practices, emotional healing, coping mechanisms, impact on loved ones, effect on friendships, effect on career/work, effect on romance/intimacy, life lessons learned, personal transformation, silver linings, gratitude, triumph over trials, body image, and more. All themes and writing styles considered, as long as the story is positive.
Exclusively for the Breast Cancer Survivors volume, Adams Media is working in partnership with Redbook Magazine and will award a $5,000 grand prize, a $5,000 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the grand prize winner’s name, and bonus prizes to three runner-up stories.
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2007
CALL FOR INSPIRING TRUE STORIES: ALZHEIMER’S, BREAST CANCER, DIVORCE
The bestselling Cup of Comfort book series is seeking submissions for publication consideration in three new books. Stories must be true, uplifting, and 1000 to 2000 words. For writer’s guidelines: www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm.
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S
What happens when the person who raised you or the person with whom you raised your children slowly becomes a child who doesn’t know you? What if that loved one changes so drastically that he or she is virtually a stranger to you? What if that person is difficult to deal with and requires substantial assistance? How will the reality of having a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s affect you and your family—emotionally, financially, physically, socially, personally, professionally? The inspiring stories in this collection will answer those questions and more—and will show how love prevails and how lives thrive when a spouse or parent has Alzheimer’s.
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2007
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR DIVORCED WOMEN
Divorce in the 21st century should come with an instruction manual, a release valve, and a support system. This anthology will serve essentially those three purposes, in the form of comforting, insightful, and inspirational stories about surviving and thriving during and after divorce. We seek uplifting, contemporary stories on a wide range of topics of importance to divorced women—including but not limited to: dating, children, relationship with ex, in-laws, finances, friends, solitude, personal transformation, healing, revenge, mending fences, the ex’s new wife or lover, empowerment, rediscovery of self. The majority of stories will be written by women who are or have been divorced. Stories can be poignant, irreverent, humorous, witty, or wise.
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book.
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2007
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
It has been said that “stories are medicine” and that “one of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to share our stories.” This collection will include compelling, inspiring, and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and living after—breast cancer. Possible story themes include but are not limited to: diagnosis, treatment, emotional impact, support systems, healthy lifestyle practices, emotional healing, coping mechanisms, impact on loved ones, effect on friendships, effect on career/work, effect on romance/intimacy, life lessons learned, personal transformation, silver linings, gratitude, triumph over trials, body image, and more. All themes and writing styles considered, as long as the story is positive.
Exclusively for the Breast Cancer Survivors volume, Adams Media is working in partnership with Redbook Magazine and will award a $5,000 grand prize, a $5,000 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the grand prize winner’s name, and bonus prizes to three runner-up stories.
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2007
Flash Fiction Contest
Whim's Place holds quarterly flash fiction contests; the next contest ends Nov. 1, 2007.
Stories must be 500 words or less. Any story exceeding the 500-word limit will automatically be disqualified. The work must be your own; if your submission is a reprint, the original publisher must be given credit.
Each entry fee is $5 USD, and you may enter as many stories as you like. Payment method: PayPal, check or money order.
Entries will be judged based on style, originality, technical skills, and content.
Write about any topic, any genre. Judging will be done by the Whim's Place editors and one special judge.
For complete rules, click here.
Stories must be 500 words or less. Any story exceeding the 500-word limit will automatically be disqualified. The work must be your own; if your submission is a reprint, the original publisher must be given credit.
Each entry fee is $5 USD, and you may enter as many stories as you like. Payment method: PayPal, check or money order.
Entries will be judged based on style, originality, technical skills, and content.
Write about any topic, any genre. Judging will be done by the Whim's Place editors and one special judge.
For complete rules, click here.
Personal Essay Contest
Memoirs, Ink. is holding their fourth annual Personal Essay Contest. They are looking for original, well-written personal essays, memoirs, or stories that are based on autobiographical experiences. The narrative must be in first person, other that that, the contest is open to any type, genre or style of story.
Entry fee is $15; deadline is Aug. 1, 2007.
For complete contest rules and entry form, click here.
Entry fee is $15; deadline is Aug. 1, 2007.
For complete contest rules and entry form, click here.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Family Circle Fiction Contest
"Family Circle" magazine is sponsoring a short story fiction contest. The deadline is Aug. 31; one grand prize and two runners-up will be awarded.
Authors must be 21 or older. Submissions must be original short stories of no more than 2,500 words, typed on 8.5 x 11 paper. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address (optional) on each page and send to:
Family Circle Fiction Story Contest
c/o Family Circle Magazine
375 Lexington Avenue, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10017.
Complete rules are here.
Authors must be 21 or older. Submissions must be original short stories of no more than 2,500 words, typed on 8.5 x 11 paper. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address (optional) on each page and send to:
Family Circle Fiction Story Contest
c/o Family Circle Magazine
375 Lexington Avenue, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10017.
Complete rules are here.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Writing Scams
At the July 7th meeting, we talked about writing contests that are actually scams. Listed below are some of the resources that were mentioned in the discussion:
Writer Beware - Located on the website of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., one of the best sites to check on writing scams and literary fraud, including contests, print-on-demand publishers and literary agents.
Writers Beware also has a companion blog hosted by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss.
"The Street-Smart Writer: Self-Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the Writing World," by Jenna Glatzer (2006) is also a great resource; available at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Elite Skills provides a list of poetry contests to avoid. Most of these are poetry contests sponsored by publishers, where winners (everyone who enters) are then solicitated to buy a copy of an anthology in which their poem will appear.
Writer Beware - Located on the website of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., one of the best sites to check on writing scams and literary fraud, including contests, print-on-demand publishers and literary agents.
Writers Beware also has a companion blog hosted by A.C. Crispin and Victoria Strauss.
"The Street-Smart Writer: Self-Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the Writing World," by Jenna Glatzer (2006) is also a great resource; available at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Elite Skills provides a list of poetry contests to avoid. Most of these are poetry contests sponsored by publishers, where winners (everyone who enters) are then solicitated to buy a copy of an anthology in which their poem will appear.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club is 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Dixie J. is the spotlight author; her novel can be downloaded from the OAWC message board. Also, copies of the club anthology, "Hearts We Know By Stories," will be available for $9.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Northwest Children's Book Conference
The Northwest Children’s Book Conference will be held Sept. 27-28, 2007, at the Telemark Resort and Conference Center in Cable, WI.
The conference offers 16 workshops and includes subjects such as writing for children and teens, storytelling techniques, and illustrating for children. Author Faith Sullivan, author of "Cape Ann" and "Gardenias" will be the keynote speaker.
For registration information call Deb Malesevich at 715-798-3999 Ext. #547, email deb@telemarkeducation.com or go to www.telemarkeducation.com and download a registration form.
The conference offers 16 workshops and includes subjects such as writing for children and teens, storytelling techniques, and illustrating for children. Author Faith Sullivan, author of "Cape Ann" and "Gardenias" will be the keynote speaker.
For registration information call Deb Malesevich at 715-798-3999 Ext. #547, email deb@telemarkeducation.com or go to www.telemarkeducation.com and download a registration form.
Women's Writing Retreat
Judy Bridges, founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee, will host a Women's Writing Retreat September 9- 15 at The Clearing in Door County, WI. Mornings will be spent writing, afternoons will be devoted to writing critiques and discussions, and evenings are open to spend as you wish.
The program is open to writers of all levels. Fees start at $425; meals and lodging are extra.
The program is open to writers of all levels. Fees start at $425; meals and lodging are extra.
Writer's Dictionary
Kid-jep, headhopping, skipstream - these are just some of the terms defined here. Compiled by Predators and Editors, the online dictionary of writing and publishing terms includes legal language, publishing abbreviations and literary terms.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Author Spotlight Schedule
Author Spotlight allows writers to bring in pieces of work that are eight or more pages, or a compilation of pieces that are best read/reviewed together. The last hour of each Saturday meeting is devoted to discussing the works of the featured author; authors must registration in advance.
Upcoming Author Spotlights:
Saturday, July 7 - Dixie J.
Saturday, July 21 - Hope S.
Saturday, Aug 4 - Tom C.
Upcoming Author Spotlights:
Saturday, July 7 - Dixie J.
Saturday, July 21 - Hope S.
Saturday, Aug 4 - Tom C.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Haunted Wisconsin
Chad Lewis will present "Haunted Wisconsin," at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2007, at Ripon Public Library.
Paranormal researcher and author Chad Lewis will take the audience on a ghostly journey to some of the most haunted places in Wisconsin - from the wandering highway ghosts of the North Woods to haunted B&B's in Milwaukee. From phantom creatures prowling the forests to graveyard apparitions located in your own backyard, no place in Wisconsin is without its own haunting. Complete with photos, case history, eyewitness accounts, ghost lore, and directions, this presentation encourages you to visit these places for your own ghost story.
Lewis holds a Master's of Science degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and has trekked across the world in search of the paranormal. He is also the co-author of "The Road Guide to Haunted Locations" series.
The event is free and open to the public.
Paranormal researcher and author Chad Lewis will take the audience on a ghostly journey to some of the most haunted places in Wisconsin - from the wandering highway ghosts of the North Woods to haunted B&B's in Milwaukee. From phantom creatures prowling the forests to graveyard apparitions located in your own backyard, no place in Wisconsin is without its own haunting. Complete with photos, case history, eyewitness accounts, ghost lore, and directions, this presentation encourages you to visit these places for your own ghost story.
Lewis holds a Master's of Science degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and has trekked across the world in search of the paranormal. He is also the co-author of "The Road Guide to Haunted Locations" series.
The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Free Writing Contests
Writers often are deterred from entering contests because of a required entry fee or reading fee. However, writer-online-line.com nows offers a list of nearly 50 writing contests that don't require an entry fee; many award cash prizes. To view the list, click here.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Club Anthology, Party
The club's anthology, "Hearts We Know By Stories: The Collected Works of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club," is now available for purchase from lulu.com.
In celebration, we're holding a reading/booksigning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Oshkosh Public Library, under the 2nd floor Library Dome. Limited copies will be available for purchase ($9) and members are asked to bring a snack to share.
Note: Jim Stevens is creating a documentary about the writers club to be aired on OCAT and may be filming the night of the event.
In celebration, we're holding a reading/booksigning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Oshkosh Public Library, under the 2nd floor Library Dome. Limited copies will be available for purchase ($9) and members are asked to bring a snack to share.
Note: Jim Stevens is creating a documentary about the writers club to be aired on OCAT and may be filming the night of the event.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Shawano Area Writers' 2007 Fiction Contest
The Shawano Area Writers Club is sponsoring a fiction contest that is open to Wisconsin writers only. Cash prize awards: $400 for 1st Place; $200 for 2nd Place; $100 for 3rd Place; two Honorable Mentions will be awarded.
There is a $10 entry free; deadline is June 30. For complete rules, click here.
There is a $10 entry free; deadline is June 30. For complete rules, click here.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Writers Place Anthology Contest
The Writers Place announces a new literary contest focusing on poetry, fiction and non-fiction about women in mid-life. They are seeking short fiction (up to 7,500 words), non-fiction (up to 7,500 words) and poetry (up to 5 pages) about menopause, women in mid-life, female mid-life crises, and families, businesses, partners and children dealing with women in mid-life. Novel excerpts are acceptable. Authors can be male or female, any age, nationality or sexual orientation. Our aim is to present various views of women in mid-life through the lens of our 21st century writers.
Winners and finalists, in addition to awards and prizes, will be published as a TWP Book Selection, online and in hardcover. Deadline is July 15; For more information and submission form, click here.
Winners and finalists, in addition to awards and prizes, will be published as a TWP Book Selection, online and in hardcover. Deadline is July 15; For more information and submission form, click here.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Random name of subdivisions
This may be more cute than useful, but if you are trying to come up with a fictional name of a subdivision, or nursing home, try the A random subdivision/housing development/rest home name generator at:
http://adrian.gimp.org/cgi-bin/sub.cgi
http://adrian.gimp.org/cgi-bin/sub.cgi
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Michael Perry
Wisconsin author Michael Perry will do an author visit and booksigning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at the 1910 Sausage Company, 204 E. College Ave. His appearance is sponsored by Conkey's Bookstore.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
"Hearts We Know By Stories"
It's official! Members have chosen the title "Hearts We Know By Stories: Collected Works of the Oshkosh Area Writer’s Club," for the club’s self-published anthology that features over 15 members’ works and includes non-fiction, fiction and poetry.
A galley of the manuscript will be available for viewing at the next meeting, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
In anticipation of a June publication date, the club will host a celebratory party at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, under the 2nd floor Dome of the Oshkosh Public Library. Books will be available for purchase (price to be determined) and refreshments will be served.
Ruth would like to thank club members for the numerous proofreading sessions, with a special thanks to Tom Cannon for serving as co-project coordinator and to Nicky Lee Hoffman and Nichole Smith for assisting with editing, design and layout.
A galley of the manuscript will be available for viewing at the next meeting, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
In anticipation of a June publication date, the club will host a celebratory party at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, under the 2nd floor Dome of the Oshkosh Public Library. Books will be available for purchase (price to be determined) and refreshments will be served.
Ruth would like to thank club members for the numerous proofreading sessions, with a special thanks to Tom Cannon for serving as co-project coordinator and to Nicky Lee Hoffman and Nichole Smith for assisting with editing, design and layout.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Booksigning - Jerry Apps
Wisconsin Author Jerry Apps will speak about his upcoming book, “Living a Country Year: Wit and Wisdom from the Good Old Days.”
In his signature warm-hearted style, Jerry Apps traces the wisdom gained in living a country year, chronicling each month with a tale about growing up on a Midwestern dairy farm in the 1940s. Wearing his hard-earned wisdom lightly, Apps accompanies each month’s tale with farm country aphorisms and the occasional recipe for good measure.
Apple Blossom Books is hosting the signing from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Oshkosh Public Museum, in honor of the new Pioneer Living exhibit.
In his signature warm-hearted style, Jerry Apps traces the wisdom gained in living a country year, chronicling each month with a tale about growing up on a Midwestern dairy farm in the 1940s. Wearing his hard-earned wisdom lightly, Apps accompanies each month’s tale with farm country aphorisms and the occasional recipe for good measure.
Apple Blossom Books is hosting the signing from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Oshkosh Public Museum, in honor of the new Pioneer Living exhibit.
Booksigning - P.C. Hodgell
Oskhosh author P.C. Hodgell, one of the finest fantasy writers to ever grace the streets of Oshkosh, will be at Apple Blossom Books, downtown Main Street, to sign her latest release, “To Ride a Rathorn”, as well as the re-release of “Dark of the Gods” and “Godstalk”. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 19. For more information, visit Apple Blossom Books.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Attn: Shakespeare Fans
Dr. Heather Dubrow, a distinguished scholar and professor at UW-Madison, will deliver a lecture about William Shakespeare and the popularity of his works. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 21, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Dubrow's appearance is one of many events taking place as part of Shakespeare on the Fox, a unique partnership linking the cities and towns of the Fox River Valley in northeast Wisconsin, with the goal to enrich and enliven the communities of the Fox River Valley through experiencing Shakespeare.
Click here for a schedule of other events celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare.
Dr. Dubrow's appearance is one of many events taking place as part of Shakespeare on the Fox, a unique partnership linking the cities and towns of the Fox River Valley in northeast Wisconsin, with the goal to enrich and enliven the communities of the Fox River Valley through experiencing Shakespeare.
Click here for a schedule of other events celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare.
Author Visit - Greg Pahl
Author Greg Pahl will do a book talk/booksigning at 2 p.m., Friday, June 15, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
Pahl's newest book is "The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis." [Chelsea Green Pub. Co., 2007, 347 p.]
In the late 1970s, Pahl began writing on a part-time basis for a wide range of publications, and eventually became a full-time freelance writer and journalist. Over the years, he has written hundreds of articles and commentaries on the arts, business, finance, farming, and environmental issues.
Whether you're interested in energy/environmental issues or how to break into magazine writing, Pahl is an engaging, knowledgeable speaker.
Pahl's newest book is "The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis." [Chelsea Green Pub. Co., 2007, 347 p.]
In the late 1970s, Pahl began writing on a part-time basis for a wide range of publications, and eventually became a full-time freelance writer and journalist. Over the years, he has written hundreds of articles and commentaries on the arts, business, finance, farming, and environmental issues.
Whether you're interested in energy/environmental issues or how to break into magazine writing, Pahl is an engaging, knowledgeable speaker.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Author Visit - Lesley Kagen
Top Milwaukee restauranteur and debut author Lesley Kagen will do an author visit/booksigning from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 9th, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
Kagen will be promoting her novel, "Whistling in the Dark," which was selected as a BookSense Pick for the month of May, as well as a Featured Alternate by Double Day Book Club, The Mystery Guild and The Literary Guild
The event is co-sponsored by The Oshkosh Public Library and Apple Blossom Books. Support Wisconsin authors!
Kagen will be promoting her novel, "Whistling in the Dark," which was selected as a BookSense Pick for the month of May, as well as a Featured Alternate by Double Day Book Club, The Mystery Guild and The Literary Guild
The event is co-sponsored by The Oshkosh Public Library and Apple Blossom Books. Support Wisconsin authors!
Power of the Pen Summary
Summary of The Power of the Pen Writers Conference, April 20-21, 2007, at FVTC
submitted by Jessica Collins
The Fire Within-An Evening with Ellen Kort
Elen Kort used the image of fire as a basis of her talk on Friday night, April 20th. She explained her own ritual for burning a candle throughout her writing time. This unique habit creates a start/stop ritual for the practice of writing. In her writing, Ellen also practices “spilling,” or free association writing where the fire burns hot. She expressed the necessity of using the fire while it’s hot and getting these ideas into form before the ideas dissipate. The practice of consistent “spilling” is also important to keep the coals burning.
Developing and Presenting Powerful Poetry-John Lehman
John Lehman spoke about the importance of the basic elements of poetry. As I listened, I became aware that these simple ideas can somehow be forgotten when writing, and returning to them made me aware of how I could be more deliberate with them. The tools are movement (rhythm, structure, flow), drama (heightened reality, tension), and meaning (leave something to interpretation).
Be Published More Quickly-John Lehman
The keynotes for this discussion were the importance of networking and persistence. It really makes a difference if you attend groups such as the writer’s club, go to book signings, and sign up for conferences to build new relationships and skills. You never know what sort of connections you can make with those around you. Persistence is also key. There’s no need to beat yourself up when you receive rejection notices. Simply slip your manuscripts in a new envelope and send them off to another publisher.
submitted by Jessica Collins
The Fire Within-An Evening with Ellen Kort
Elen Kort used the image of fire as a basis of her talk on Friday night, April 20th. She explained her own ritual for burning a candle throughout her writing time. This unique habit creates a start/stop ritual for the practice of writing. In her writing, Ellen also practices “spilling,” or free association writing where the fire burns hot. She expressed the necessity of using the fire while it’s hot and getting these ideas into form before the ideas dissipate. The practice of consistent “spilling” is also important to keep the coals burning.
Developing and Presenting Powerful Poetry-John Lehman
John Lehman spoke about the importance of the basic elements of poetry. As I listened, I became aware that these simple ideas can somehow be forgotten when writing, and returning to them made me aware of how I could be more deliberate with them. The tools are movement (rhythm, structure, flow), drama (heightened reality, tension), and meaning (leave something to interpretation).
Be Published More Quickly-John Lehman
The keynotes for this discussion were the importance of networking and persistence. It really makes a difference if you attend groups such as the writer’s club, go to book signings, and sign up for conferences to build new relationships and skills. You never know what sort of connections you can make with those around you. Persistence is also key. There’s no need to beat yourself up when you receive rejection notices. Simply slip your manuscripts in a new envelope and send them off to another publisher.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Writing the Breakout Novel
"Writing the Breakout Novel" summary
submitted by Tom Cannon
Donald Maass of the Donald Maass Literary Agency taught a workshop this weekend at the 18th Annual Writer’s Institute in Madison. His goal was to teach attendees how to write a breakout novel--a novel that propels an author to be a leader in the industry. His presentation was interactive, entertaining, and powerful. He described how nothing is more important to selling books than word-of-mouth and that this comes from providing a powerful story. As he autographed in his books, “Tension on every page.”
But how do you do this? Mr. Maass put the audience through exercises that taught strategies such as: add heroic qualities right away, build inner conflict, add quirks, and raise the stakes for the characters. All of these and many more skills are explored further in his book "Writing the Breakout Novel," and his workbook of the same name.
Mr. Mass leads weeklong workshops on writing and is leading one the third week of June Nashville, Indiana (information can be found at http://www.free-expressions.com/). If you are looking for a weeklong workshop, this writer would recommend one of Mr. Maas’. It sounds like a lot of work with workshops, 1:1 meetings, evening programs, and homework, but it also sounds like a tool to take your writing to the next level.
However, you may want to be prepared that Mr. Maass will be honest. He was polite and positive, but did not shy away from being honest. One of his suggestions to improve writers groups was to ask the people to critique your work and identify any passages where they did not feel tension. That would be hard to listen to, but it is tension that makes people turn the page.
submitted by Tom Cannon
Donald Maass of the Donald Maass Literary Agency taught a workshop this weekend at the 18th Annual Writer’s Institute in Madison. His goal was to teach attendees how to write a breakout novel--a novel that propels an author to be a leader in the industry. His presentation was interactive, entertaining, and powerful. He described how nothing is more important to selling books than word-of-mouth and that this comes from providing a powerful story. As he autographed in his books, “Tension on every page.”
But how do you do this? Mr. Maass put the audience through exercises that taught strategies such as: add heroic qualities right away, build inner conflict, add quirks, and raise the stakes for the characters. All of these and many more skills are explored further in his book "Writing the Breakout Novel," and his workbook of the same name.
Mr. Mass leads weeklong workshops on writing and is leading one the third week of June Nashville, Indiana (information can be found at http://www.free-expressions.com/). If you are looking for a weeklong workshop, this writer would recommend one of Mr. Maas’. It sounds like a lot of work with workshops, 1:1 meetings, evening programs, and homework, but it also sounds like a tool to take your writing to the next level.
However, you may want to be prepared that Mr. Maass will be honest. He was polite and positive, but did not shy away from being honest. One of his suggestions to improve writers groups was to ask the people to critique your work and identify any passages where they did not feel tension. That would be hard to listen to, but it is tension that makes people turn the page.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Is our anthology"published"?
I sent an email to Miss Snark (an agent in NY who has a blog). Here is my question and her reply. I guess if I enter something I will explain the situation to the contest.
Question: Previously published and contests
Our writing club is self publishing an anthology this summer. It does not have an ISBN number. Are these short stories considered published? Some of us would like to submit our stories to contests that say “no previously published” stories. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Answer: Contests that say "no previously published" stories pretty much mean no stories that have seen the light of day: no blogs, no websites, no ezines, and no anthologies published on Lulu.The industry standards on this are not exact, they're in flux. You may be confused because I've previously said that publishing things on the web or at Lulu doesn't count as "published" as far as book publishers are concerned. That still holds.The answer to "is this published" really depends on who's making the rules. In this instance the contest is writing the rules for material they will consider and yours doesn't qualify.
Question: Previously published and contests
Our writing club is self publishing an anthology this summer. It does not have an ISBN number. Are these short stories considered published? Some of us would like to submit our stories to contests that say “no previously published” stories. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Answer: Contests that say "no previously published" stories pretty much mean no stories that have seen the light of day: no blogs, no websites, no ezines, and no anthologies published on Lulu.The industry standards on this are not exact, they're in flux. You may be confused because I've previously said that publishing things on the web or at Lulu doesn't count as "published" as far as book publishers are concerned. That still holds.The answer to "is this published" really depends on who's making the rules. In this instance the contest is writing the rules for material they will consider and yours doesn't qualify.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
AlphaSmart Word Processors
At a recent meeting, we were discussing the inexpensive laptop options sold by AlphaSmart of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. One member brought in an slightly older model he purchased on E-bay for less than $50; new models start at $249.
The word processor capabilities vary by model but they all offer instant on/off power (no waiting for it to boot up), autosave, file storage, spell check, and easy uploading to your PC or Mac. Of the newer models, the Neo can run for 700 hours on alkaline batteries; the Dana comes with a wireless option. Both can hold hundreds of files and weigh less than two pounds.
AlphaSmart products have gotten great reviews from school teachers, writers and numerous computer magazines. Durable and light, they're a great way to write anywhere, anytime.
The word processor capabilities vary by model but they all offer instant on/off power (no waiting for it to boot up), autosave, file storage, spell check, and easy uploading to your PC or Mac. Of the newer models, the Neo can run for 700 hours on alkaline batteries; the Dana comes with a wireless option. Both can hold hundreds of files and weigh less than two pounds.
AlphaSmart products have gotten great reviews from school teachers, writers and numerous computer magazines. Durable and light, they're a great way to write anywhere, anytime.
Author Spotlight Schedule
The upcoming Author Spotlight schedule:
May 5 - Dixie
May 16 - Anthology workshop
June 2 - Mike N.
June 16 - Bob B.
July 7 - Dixie
July 21 - Hope
May 5 - Dixie
May 16 - Anthology workshop
June 2 - Mike N.
June 16 - Bob B.
July 7 - Dixie
July 21 - Hope
Write for the Daily Prophet
Do you want to write for the Oshkosh Daily Prophet? One edition of the newspaper is being printed in conjunction with Harry Potter's Oshkosh Main Street Magic, Oshkosh's two-day celebration, July 20-21, of the release of the last Harry Potter Book.
You can be part of it by:
1. Contributing a letter to the editor on "What Harry Potter means to me/The impact of Harry Potter in my life.
2. Submitting a classified ad appropriate to The Daily Prophet.
3. Writing a feature article.
Click here for ideas!
To make a submission or for more information, please call Sandy at 312-0191 or e-mail joseph@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
You can be part of it by:
1. Contributing a letter to the editor on "What Harry Potter means to me/The impact of Harry Potter in my life.
2. Submitting a classified ad appropriate to The Daily Prophet.
3. Writing a feature article.
Click here for ideas!
To make a submission or for more information, please call Sandy at 312-0191 or e-mail joseph@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Talk the Talk
Writing about a punk rocker, tattoo artist, trucker or gambler? Then you need "Talk the Talk: The Slang of 65 American Subcultures" by Luc Reid. Written in an organized, concise manner with examples of word usage, Reid gives you the jargon you need to make your writing more authentic. A fun read, the book is available from the Oshkosh Public Library.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club is 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21.
Guest speaker is creative consultant Jeanne Williams who speak on Mindmapping for Writers. The presentation will last about an hour and then we'll have open reading. There is no author spotlight scheduled for this meeting.
Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older. For more information, please e-mail oawc@aol.com
Guest speaker is creative consultant Jeanne Williams who speak on Mindmapping for Writers. The presentation will last about an hour and then we'll have open reading. There is no author spotlight scheduled for this meeting.
Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older. For more information, please e-mail oawc@aol.com
Thursday, April 12, 2007
R.I.P. Kurt Vonnegut
Science fiction writer Kurt Vonnegut passed away April 11 at the age of 84 at his home in Manhattan.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Polk Library 3rd annual Book Sale
Forest R. Polk Library on the UW-Oshkosh campus is holding their 3rd annual book sale.
Used books priced at 50 cents each or three for $1, including fiction as well as non-fiction subjects of nursing, political science, social science, economics, general reference and more. There will also be specially priced videos and book sets. Tuesday’s sale will include surplus desks, chairs and other items.
Book sale hours:
Monday April 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The sale will be held on the first floor of Polk Library across from the Circulation Desk.
Used books priced at 50 cents each or three for $1, including fiction as well as non-fiction subjects of nursing, political science, social science, economics, general reference and more. There will also be specially priced videos and book sets. Tuesday’s sale will include surplus desks, chairs and other items.
Book sale hours:
Monday April 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The sale will be held on the first floor of Polk Library across from the Circulation Desk.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Power of the Pen
The third annual "The Power of the Pen: Writer’s Conference" will be held April 20 – April 21, at Fox Valley Technical College Neenah Regional Center 2320 Industrial Drive, Neenah, WI. The workshops are only $13.20 each - hard to beat!
Workshops include:
The Fire Within, with Ellen Kort
Showing vs. Telling: The Lively Art of Writing, with Judy Bridges
Memoir Writing: Getting Started, with Joanne Flemming
Developing & Presenting Powerful Poetry, with John Lehman
Building Characters in Fiction & Plays and Writing Dialogue, with Robert Vaughan
The fee for each class is $13.20; $4.50 for those 62 & older. For more information or to register, click here or contact Lisa Bell – belll@fvtc.edu or (920) 720-6820
Workshops include:
The Fire Within, with Ellen Kort
Showing vs. Telling: The Lively Art of Writing, with Judy Bridges
Memoir Writing: Getting Started, with Joanne Flemming
Developing & Presenting Powerful Poetry, with John Lehman
Building Characters in Fiction & Plays and Writing Dialogue, with Robert Vaughan
The fee for each class is $13.20; $4.50 for those 62 & older. For more information or to register, click here or contact Lisa Bell – belll@fvtc.edu or (920) 720-6820
David Sedaris in Appleton
Tickets are still available for best-seller author writer David Sedaris's appearance at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17 at the Appleton Performing Arts Center.
Annual Writer's Digest Competition
The deadline of May 15 is fast-approaching for writers interested in the Writer’s Digest annual contest. There are 10 categories, each offering cash prizes and other honors.
The categories are:
• Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
• Memoirs/Personal Essay
• Magazine Feature Article
• Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
• Mainstream/Literary Short Story
• Rhyming Poetry
• Non-rhyming Poetry
• Stage Play (* submission by mail only)
• Television/Movie Script (* submission by mail only)
• Children's/Young Adult Fiction
For complete rules and submission guidelines, click here.
The categories are:
• Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
• Memoirs/Personal Essay
• Magazine Feature Article
• Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
• Mainstream/Literary Short Story
• Rhyming Poetry
• Non-rhyming Poetry
• Stage Play (* submission by mail only)
• Television/Movie Script (* submission by mail only)
• Children's/Young Adult Fiction
For complete rules and submission guidelines, click here.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the OAWC is 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. This will be a two-hour proofreading session of pages for the upcoming club anthology.
Club meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 or older. For more information, e-mail oawc@aol.com.
Club meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 or older. For more information, e-mail oawc@aol.com.
Don't Murder Your Mystery Contest
Deadline: April 25, 2007
Type: Name a forthcoming nonfiction book
Theme: Companion volume to DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, this one for all genres.
Eligibility: United States resident, 18 or over
Prizes: A professional edit worth over $800 by Chris Roerden, an editor in niche publishing for more than 40 years and the author of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, of the first 200 pages of a novel-in-progress or one or more complete short stories, plus credit in the forthcoming book for the winning title.
Entry Fee: none
Description: Entries will be evaluated for creativity and ability to interest intended readers of the forthcoming book, the purpose of which is the same as for DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, though more inclusive. Contest details; reviews of original book.
Type: Name a forthcoming nonfiction book
Theme: Companion volume to DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, this one for all genres.
Eligibility: United States resident, 18 or over
Prizes: A professional edit worth over $800 by Chris Roerden, an editor in niche publishing for more than 40 years and the author of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, of the first 200 pages of a novel-in-progress or one or more complete short stories, plus credit in the forthcoming book for the winning title.
Entry Fee: none
Description: Entries will be evaluated for creativity and ability to interest intended readers of the forthcoming book, the purpose of which is the same as for DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, though more inclusive. Contest details; reviews of original book.
Wake Up Writing
If you're looking for writing ideas or want to take a break from a long-term writing project, check out Wake Up Writing, a website that offers daily writing exercises.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Author Visit Lauren Myrackle
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."
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."
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.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Mind Mapping with Jeanne Williams
Creative consultant Jeanne Williams will do a one-hour presentation on mind mapping at the 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 meeting, at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Mind mapping involves the use of key ideas or steps that are arranged around a single idea or task in diagram form. Jeanne will show how writers can use mind mapping as an effective way to plot or outline stories, poems, etc.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Mind mapping involves the use of key ideas or steps that are arranged around a single idea or task in diagram form. Jeanne will show how writers can use mind mapping as an effective way to plot or outline stories, poems, etc.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
Author Spotlight Schedule
“Author Spotlight” allows writers to bring in pieces of work that are eight or more pages, or a compilation of pieces that are best read/reviewed together. The last hour of each Saturday meeting is devoted to discussing the works of the featured author; advance registation is required and authors must bring ten copies of their work prior to their turn in the “Spotlight.” Those who accept a copy of the author’s work must commit to reading it and showing for the review.
The upcoming Author Spotlight Schedule:
Saturday, March 17 - Bethany (?)
Saturday, April 7 - Bob B.
Saturday, May 5 - Dixie
Saturday, June 2 - Mike N.
The upcoming Author Spotlight Schedule:
Saturday, March 17 - Bethany (?)
Saturday, April 7 - Bob B.
Saturday, May 5 - Dixie
Saturday, June 2 - Mike N.
New Books
New books available from the Oshkosh Public Library (or any library in
the Winnefox Library System):
Extraordinary Poetry Writing
Ryan, Margaret
The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing
Neubauer, Bonnie
Writing to Change the World
Pipher, Mary Bray.
See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit
Mlynowski, Sarah.
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Clark, Roy Peter.
How to Get Ideas
Foster, Jack
How to Get a Literary Agent
Larsen, Michael
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents
The Writer Books
The Legacy Guide: Capturing the Facts, Memories, and Meaning of Your
Life
Franco, Carol
Bonding: A Journal to Bring You Closer to Your Mom
Lauer, Teresa M.
Janet Evanovich's How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
Evanovich, Janet.
A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words that Work
Hart, Jack
Write: 10 Days to Overcoming Writer's Block: Period
Peterson, Karen E.
How to Build a Great Screenplay: A Master Class in Storytelling for Film
Howard, David.
Street-smart Writer: Self Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the
Writing World
Glatzer, Jenna.
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those
Who Want to Write Them
Prose, Francine
the Winnefox Library System):
Extraordinary Poetry Writing
Ryan, Margaret
The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing
Neubauer, Bonnie
Writing to Change the World
Pipher, Mary Bray.
See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit
Mlynowski, Sarah.
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Clark, Roy Peter.
How to Get Ideas
Foster, Jack
How to Get a Literary Agent
Larsen, Michael
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents
The Writer Books
The Legacy Guide: Capturing the Facts, Memories, and Meaning of Your
Life
Franco, Carol
Bonding: A Journal to Bring You Closer to Your Mom
Lauer, Teresa M.
Janet Evanovich's How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
Evanovich, Janet.
A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words that Work
Hart, Jack
Write: 10 Days to Overcoming Writer's Block: Period
Peterson, Karen E.
How to Build a Great Screenplay: A Master Class in Storytelling for Film
Howard, David.
Street-smart Writer: Self Defense Against Sharks and Scams in the
Writing World
Glatzer, Jenna.
Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those
Who Want to Write Them
Prose, Francine
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Ray Bradbury Interview
Ray Bradbury has some great writing advice in "Zen in the Art of Creative Writing," some of which he repeats in an interview with Janet Wellington. The interview appeared in the March 1999 issue of Romantically Speaking; you can read it here.
Congrats Tom!
Tom Cannon has a story titled “24/7” in the ezine Long Short Story. Tom also has a story in the new "Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism." Way to go!
Monday, February 12, 2007
David Sedaris
David Sedaris, NPR humorist and best-selling author of the books Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, will appear at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. He will read a selection of his work for 60 minutes followed by a 20-minute question and answer session and a book signing. Tickets: $38.50 / $33.50 / $28.50
Those "ly" Adverbs
Erick Emert has written a great article on why you should not use adverbs ending in "ly."
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Light Project
The Light Project, sponsored by The Green Bay Symphony, is a poetry contest based on the theme "light." The winning author will receive a cash prize and world-renowned composer Daniel Kellogg will set First Place Poem to music via an orchestral score with choir, performed by the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra in April of the 2007-2008 season!
The deadline is Jan. 31.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
The deadline is Jan. 31.
POETRY CONTEST GUIDELINES
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Anthology Update
For those who missed the Feb. 3 meeting, the following is an abbreviated outline of what needs to be done to complete the anthology:
1. The copy needs to be retyped with the corrections made at the proofing session. [Most of this is done.]
2. Each author will receive their work in a folder to review the changes that were made at the proofing session. Also included in the folder is a sheet of proofreader marks; please use those marks when making any corrections. Whether or not you make changes, please initial each page and return the folder to Ruth. [In progress.]
3. Once everyone has signed off on their own work, we will repeat the process of the first proofing session: each piece will be read by two people (not the authors). A third person, a former editor, will also review the entire manuscript.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Decide on a title and the order of the pieces. [In progress.]
6. All the copy gets turned over to a professional designer, Nicole. She will add the cover, title page, page numbers, table of contents, etc.
7. The club will review the entire, formatted manuscript one more time before Nicole uploads the manuscript to Lulu.
8. Party?
1. The copy needs to be retyped with the corrections made at the proofing session. [Most of this is done.]
2. Each author will receive their work in a folder to review the changes that were made at the proofing session. Also included in the folder is a sheet of proofreader marks; please use those marks when making any corrections. Whether or not you make changes, please initial each page and return the folder to Ruth. [In progress.]
3. Once everyone has signed off on their own work, we will repeat the process of the first proofing session: each piece will be read by two people (not the authors). A third person, a former editor, will also review the entire manuscript.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Decide on a title and the order of the pieces. [In progress.]
6. All the copy gets turned over to a professional designer, Nicole. She will add the cover, title page, page numbers, table of contents, etc.
7. The club will review the entire, formatted manuscript one more time before Nicole uploads the manuscript to Lulu.
8. Party?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Anna Quindlen on Personal Writing
Columnist/fiction author Anna Quindlen has written a column inspired by the new movie "Freedom Writers," and the real-life story behind it. "Write for Your Life" extolls the importance of personal writing, such as journals and letters, as she asks "Wouldn't all of us love to have a journal, a memoir, a letter, from those we have loved and lost? Shouldn't all of us leave a bit of that behind?"
The entire column appears in the Jan. 22 issue of Newsweek.
The entire column appears in the Jan. 22 issue of Newsweek.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Next Meeting/Anthology
The next meeting of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club is 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb, 3 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
Items on the agenda include the club anthology. If you have a submitted a selection(s) or would like to, please attend this meeting.
Items on the agenda include the club anthology. If you have a submitted a selection(s) or would like to, please attend this meeting.
2006 Wisconsin Book Festival
Video clips from the 2006 Wisconsin Book Festival are now available online. The short clips are provided by Isthmus and include:
· What Scares Neil Gaiman?
· Tony Grooms Reads From Bombingham
· 1 Dead in Attic, one determined columnist
· A heroic crown of sonnets for Emmett Till
· Urban renewal claims a Milwaukee lifestyle
· Marjane Satrapi discusses the appeal of her medium
· Chris Ware: Graphic novels or comic books?
· Fairy tails, not tales, at the Wisconsin Book Festival
· Laughing at Rejection at the Wisconsin Book Festival
The 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival will be October 10-14, 2007 in Madison; special events will also take place in Milwaukee and other communities.
· What Scares Neil Gaiman?
· Tony Grooms Reads From Bombingham
· 1 Dead in Attic, one determined columnist
· A heroic crown of sonnets for Emmett Till
· Urban renewal claims a Milwaukee lifestyle
· Marjane Satrapi discusses the appeal of her medium
· Chris Ware: Graphic novels or comic books?
· Fairy tails, not tales, at the Wisconsin Book Festival
· Laughing at Rejection at the Wisconsin Book Festival
The 2007 Wisconsin Book Festival will be October 10-14, 2007 in Madison; special events will also take place in Milwaukee and other communities.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Hope's Rant
An interesting editorial on whether writers should work for free by C. Hope Clark of The Shy Writer.
HOPE'S HOPELESS RANT...
What is the difference in not getting paid for your writing versus almost getting paid? I'm talking about publications that pay pennies a word...paper publications, mainly. I'm fussing about those who gloriously flaunt the fact they pay you $10 or $5 or, better yet, three copies of the book or magazine, and tell you to be happy you received compensation. They tell you to take that check, frame it on the wall and be proud.
In the meantime, the printer, the cover artist, and the distributor, get paid. In most cases, the editor, too. The excuses range far and wide...
- we're a nonprofit (my favorite)
- we're a fledgling publication, but once we're on our feet...
- the cost of publication is too much to pay the writers.
My question? Why are they publishing in the first place? For publicity? For recognition? First of all, who is flipping through these no-pay publications looking for writers to snatch up, offer contracts and pay big money? Secondly, if the only credits a writer has is in nonpaying publications, then what are those credits worth?
Every other entity involved with the book/magazine receives compensation for their time and talent. The writer is the last person on the list to be considered, and most times, isn't given the courtesy of a consideration. After all, since writers are supposed to struggle, and since they're a dime a dozen, why should an editor go out of his/her way to pay them when nonpayment is a viable option?
A thousand words for $5 or $10 is a joke. Payment in copies is an insult. No payment ought to be a crime called stealing.
Writers can be cannibals. Editors used to be, or still consider themselves, writers. They know they can find a higher income editing. They are higher on the pecking order. You'll probably find that the friggin' interns get paid more than the writers in an anthology. Don't you love that concept? Get paid to intern to learn how to write for nothing.
If you sell a commodity, you are in business. Businesses are supposed to make a buck, or quit operating. The term nonprofit doesn't mean you aren't supposed to make ends meet. Nonprofits are supposed to be self-sustaining, or they can be considered defunct entities. They have an obligation to make sound business decisions, and if they cannot publish, pay the writers and make a profit, then they need to quit publishing until they find enough financial means to pay the worker-bees who provide the honey in the editor's honeycomb.
I could take this rant into ten pages, if I allowed my fussing to gain momentum. My husband has already listened to it, poor thing. The vicious cycle never seems to end, and I see it gaining ground, gobbling up more newbie writers in its spin. Hell, it eats up mid-list writers much of the time, all in the name of exposure.
If you write for free, fine. Don't ever complain about not making enough money. I don't want to hear it. There are a few reasons to write for free, and I know them well. But if you choose to exercise your right to pen words for no money, then you lose your voice to seek higher pay.
For those who are in the business of writing and publishing, and like a writer's work, for goodness sake, pay him or her a respectable income. Otherwise, write the dang stories yourself. There's no prestige in making less than minimum wage...and I'm not talking about the new wage increase, either.
HOPE'S HOPELESS RANT...
What is the difference in not getting paid for your writing versus almost getting paid? I'm talking about publications that pay pennies a word...paper publications, mainly. I'm fussing about those who gloriously flaunt the fact they pay you $10 or $5 or, better yet, three copies of the book or magazine, and tell you to be happy you received compensation. They tell you to take that check, frame it on the wall and be proud.
In the meantime, the printer, the cover artist, and the distributor, get paid. In most cases, the editor, too. The excuses range far and wide...
- we're a nonprofit (my favorite)
- we're a fledgling publication, but once we're on our feet...
- the cost of publication is too much to pay the writers.
My question? Why are they publishing in the first place? For publicity? For recognition? First of all, who is flipping through these no-pay publications looking for writers to snatch up, offer contracts and pay big money? Secondly, if the only credits a writer has is in nonpaying publications, then what are those credits worth?
Every other entity involved with the book/magazine receives compensation for their time and talent. The writer is the last person on the list to be considered, and most times, isn't given the courtesy of a consideration. After all, since writers are supposed to struggle, and since they're a dime a dozen, why should an editor go out of his/her way to pay them when nonpayment is a viable option?
A thousand words for $5 or $10 is a joke. Payment in copies is an insult. No payment ought to be a crime called stealing.
Writers can be cannibals. Editors used to be, or still consider themselves, writers. They know they can find a higher income editing. They are higher on the pecking order. You'll probably find that the friggin' interns get paid more than the writers in an anthology. Don't you love that concept? Get paid to intern to learn how to write for nothing.
If you sell a commodity, you are in business. Businesses are supposed to make a buck, or quit operating. The term nonprofit doesn't mean you aren't supposed to make ends meet. Nonprofits are supposed to be self-sustaining, or they can be considered defunct entities. They have an obligation to make sound business decisions, and if they cannot publish, pay the writers and make a profit, then they need to quit publishing until they find enough financial means to pay the worker-bees who provide the honey in the editor's honeycomb.
I could take this rant into ten pages, if I allowed my fussing to gain momentum. My husband has already listened to it, poor thing. The vicious cycle never seems to end, and I see it gaining ground, gobbling up more newbie writers in its spin. Hell, it eats up mid-list writers much of the time, all in the name of exposure.
If you write for free, fine. Don't ever complain about not making enough money. I don't want to hear it. There are a few reasons to write for free, and I know them well. But if you choose to exercise your right to pen words for no money, then you lose your voice to seek higher pay.
For those who are in the business of writing and publishing, and like a writer's work, for goodness sake, pay him or her a respectable income. Otherwise, write the dang stories yourself. There's no prestige in making less than minimum wage...and I'm not talking about the new wage increase, either.
Friday, January 19, 2007
RIP Art Buchwald
Pulitzer-prize winning columnist/satirist Art Buchwald passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, living almost a year longer than doctors anticipated when Buchwald refused life-saving dialysis to treat kidney failure. After getting "kicked out" of hospice, Buchwald returned to his home on Martha's Vineyard and wrote a book about his last months, titled "Too Soon to Say Goodbye."
NPR has collected some of Art's finest moments here.
NPR has collected some of Art's finest moments here.
Book Sale
Bookcloseouts.com offers new books at discounts of 40% or more. They have a great selection of childrens and adult fiction and non-fiction titles and are currently offering customer coupons to be used on all orders purchased from now until Jan. 31. These coupons represent an additional 20% savings off already great prices. Use them as often as you want and check back regularly because hundreds of new titles arrive daily.
The coupon codes are:
Coupon #1:
Deal: Get $5 off an order of $25 or more
Coupon code: 5off25
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Coupon #2:
Deal: Get $10 off an order of $50 or more
Coupon code: 10off50
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Coupon #3:
Deal: Get $20 off an order of $100 or more
Coupon code: 20off100
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
The coupon codes are:
Coupon #1:
Deal: Get $5 off an order of $25 or more
Coupon code: 5off25
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Coupon #2:
Deal: Get $10 off an order of $50 or more
Coupon code: 10off50
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Coupon #3:
Deal: Get $20 off an order of $100 or more
Coupon code: 20off100
Coupon password: bookcloseouts
Sunday, January 14, 2007
A Dark and Stormy Night
Submissions are currently being accepted for the Bulwe-Lytton Fiction Contest, a literary contest that challenges authors to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels.
The rules to the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest are childishly simple:
* Each entry must consist of a single sentence but you may submit as many entries as you wish.
* Sentences may be of any length (though you go beyond 50 or 60 words at your peril), and entries must be "original" (as it were) and previously unpublished.
* Entries should be submitted on index cards, the sentence on one side and the entrant's name, address, and phone number on the other.
* Entries will be judged by categories, from "general" to detective, western, science fiction, romance, and so on. There will be overall winners as well as category winners.
* The official deadline is April 15 (a date that Americans associate with painful submissions and making up bad stories). The actual deadline may be as late as June 30.
* Wild Card Rule: Resist the temptation to work with puns like "It was a stark and dormy night."
* Finally, in keeping with the gravitas, high seriousness, and general bignitude of the contest, the grand prize winner will receive . . . a pittance.
Send your entries to:
Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest
Department of English
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 95192-0090
The rules to the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest are childishly simple:
* Each entry must consist of a single sentence but you may submit as many entries as you wish.
* Sentences may be of any length (though you go beyond 50 or 60 words at your peril), and entries must be "original" (as it were) and previously unpublished.
* Entries should be submitted on index cards, the sentence on one side and the entrant's name, address, and phone number on the other.
* Entries will be judged by categories, from "general" to detective, western, science fiction, romance, and so on. There will be overall winners as well as category winners.
* The official deadline is April 15 (a date that Americans associate with painful submissions and making up bad stories). The actual deadline may be as late as June 30.
* Wild Card Rule: Resist the temptation to work with puns like "It was a stark and dormy night."
* Finally, in keeping with the gravitas, high seriousness, and general bignitude of the contest, the grand prize winner will receive . . . a pittance.
Send your entries to:
Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest
Department of English
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 95192-0090
Writer's Institute
The 2007 Writer’s Institute annual conference will be held Friday through Sunday, April 27-29.
The Writers' Institute is an annual two-day summer conference for fiction and nonfiction writers, held at the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Fiction and nonfiction writers gather each year at this conference to get inspired and learn the latest techniques for writing and marketing. The conference also features book sales, a writing contest and take-home materials.
The 2007 conference will feature Keynote address speaker Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss as well as numerous literary agents. On the Wednesday prior to the conference, there will be an early bird workshop from 7:00-8:30 pm, titled "How to pitch to an agent,” with Joelle Delbourgo.
The Writers' Institute is an annual two-day summer conference for fiction and nonfiction writers, held at the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Fiction and nonfiction writers gather each year at this conference to get inspired and learn the latest techniques for writing and marketing. The conference also features book sales, a writing contest and take-home materials.
The 2007 conference will feature Keynote address speaker Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss as well as numerous literary agents. On the Wednesday prior to the conference, there will be an early bird workshop from 7:00-8:30 pm, titled "How to pitch to an agent,” with Joelle Delbourgo.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Author Spotlight Info
The person scheduled for the Author Spotlight on Jan. 20 needs to reschedule so there will be no Spotlight that day - which means the entire two hours will be open to anyone who has a short piece to read.
The Author Spotlight piece for Feb. 3 is now available through Yahoo! message board. Look for the file authored by Dixie.
The Author Spotlight piece for Feb. 3 is now available through Yahoo! message board. Look for the file authored by Dixie.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
2007 Schedule Change
Just a reminder that Thursday meetings have been discontinued and we will NOT meet on Thursday, Jan. 11.
If you can’t attend Saturday meetings and/or you would like to meet with a few other select members as a sub-group outside of (or in place of) Saturday meetings, Ruth can book a meeting room at the library for groups of three or more at no charge. If you are interested, please give her a call at 231-6182.
If you can’t attend Saturday meetings and/or you would like to meet with a few other select members as a sub-group outside of (or in place of) Saturday meetings, Ruth can book a meeting room at the library for groups of three or more at no charge. If you are interested, please give her a call at 231-6182.
Judges Needed
Wendy Thompson of Oakwood School has asked if anyone from our club would like to be a judge for the Create-a-Book contest, a writing/illustration contest for Oshkosh students in grades 3 to 5.
Manuscripts will be a maximum of 1500 words each and will be judged on Creativity, Originality,and Mechanics (spelling, grammer, puncuation, usage, legibility and neatness).
The judging dates are as follows:
Saturday January 20: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 25: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Winning authors at each grade level and their families, teachers, and
principals will be sent special invitation to a Read Across America
Author’s Celebration, “Under the Dome” at the Oshkosh Public Library
on Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 1 – 2 p.m. The 1st place winner at
each grade level will have his/her book published in the Oshkosh
Northwestern.
If you would like to be a judge please contact Wendy Thompson at (920) 424-0315
Manuscripts will be a maximum of 1500 words each and will be judged on Creativity, Originality,and Mechanics (spelling, grammer, puncuation, usage, legibility and neatness).
The judging dates are as follows:
Saturday January 20: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 25: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Winning authors at each grade level and their families, teachers, and
principals will be sent special invitation to a Read Across America
Author’s Celebration, “Under the Dome” at the Oshkosh Public Library
on Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 1 – 2 p.m. The 1st place winner at
each grade level will have his/her book published in the Oshkosh
Northwestern.
If you would like to be a judge please contact Wendy Thompson at (920) 424-0315
Friday, January 05, 2007
Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Conference
The WFOP Spring Conference will be held Friday–Saturday, April 27–28, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Select in Appleton.
A block of rooms has been reserved through 3/27/07; call (920) 735-9955 and mention the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets or WFOP. Room rate of $72 plus tax, for up to 4 people per room.
There will be a panel presentation titled "Publishing Secrets". The panel consists of well-known poets Jerry Hauser and Marilyn Taylor, and publishers Linda Ashbrenner and Michael Lehman. The four will present honest direct insights and opinions based on their own experiences as poets and editors. Jerry Hauser will moderate the presentation, which will be about one hour long and include discussion between panelists and audience Q&A.
Attendees are invited to submit questions before the conference by e-mailing Jerry Hauser at jerrypoems@hotmail.com. The questions will be sent to the panel and answered at the conference.
A block of rooms has been reserved through 3/27/07; call (920) 735-9955 and mention the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets or WFOP. Room rate of $72 plus tax, for up to 4 people per room.
There will be a panel presentation titled "Publishing Secrets". The panel consists of well-known poets Jerry Hauser and Marilyn Taylor, and publishers Linda Ashbrenner and Michael Lehman. The four will present honest direct insights and opinions based on their own experiences as poets and editors. Jerry Hauser will moderate the presentation, which will be about one hour long and include discussion between panelists and audience Q&A.
Attendees are invited to submit questions before the conference by e-mailing Jerry Hauser at jerrypoems@hotmail.com. The questions will be sent to the panel and answered at the conference.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2007 Meeting Schedule
Mark your 2007 calendar for the upcoming meetings:
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. Saturday, March 3
10 a.m. Saturday, March 17
10 a.m. Saturday, April 7
10 a.m. Saturday, April 21
10 a.m. Saturday, May 5
10 a.m. Saturday, May 19
10 a.m. Saturday, June 2
10 a.m. Saturday, June 16
Please note: Thursday meetings have been discontinued.
Meetings are held in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
All meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 or older.
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. Saturday, March 3
10 a.m. Saturday, March 17
10 a.m. Saturday, April 7
10 a.m. Saturday, April 21
10 a.m. Saturday, May 5
10 a.m. Saturday, May 19
10 a.m. Saturday, June 2
10 a.m. Saturday, June 16
Please note: Thursday meetings have been discontinued.
Meetings are held in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
All meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 or older.
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