Paper Tiger Bookstore, located in City Center, downtown Oshkosh, is hosting author Paul Salsini from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1st, to promote his newest title, "The Cielo: A Novel of Wartime Tuscany."
Salsini is a former editor and writing coach at The Milwaukee Journal, and teaches journalism at Marquette University. His articles about Italy have appeared in The New York Times and elsewhere. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Barbara.
For more information on the event, you may call the bookstore at (920)231-0800.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Poetry Circle
Neenah Public Library hosts a Poetry Circle on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the first floor Shattuck Community Room, Neenah Public Library, 204 E. Wisconsin Ave. Members learn a bit about poets and their work among folks who simply like poetry and enjoy a good conversation.
If you want to check it out, the next meeting is December 13, when the discussion will be Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "The Lady of Shalott." Plumb the depths of what may appear to be a simple narrative poem. In this audio-visual, actress Charlotte Cornwell reads the complete text over illustrations by Charles Keeping.
For more information about the Poetry Circle, contact Pat at 886-6330 or email hewitt@neenahlibrary.org.
If you want to check it out, the next meeting is December 13, when the discussion will be Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "The Lady of Shalott." Plumb the depths of what may appear to be a simple narrative poem. In this audio-visual, actress Charlotte Cornwell reads the complete text over illustrations by Charles Keeping.
For more information about the Poetry Circle, contact Pat at 886-6330 or email hewitt@neenahlibrary.org.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Club Christmas Party
The club will host a Christmas Party for the first half of the Dec. 15st meeting.
Interested members are asked to bring a wrapped White Elephant gift to exchange; a White Elephant gift is something you have around the house that you don't use or need. The object can be useful or totally silly; pretty much anything goes. So start digging through your closets and junk drawers now for the perfect gift for that special writer in your club.
Interested members are asked to bring a wrapped White Elephant gift to exchange; a White Elephant gift is something you have around the house that you don't use or need. The object can be useful or totally silly; pretty much anything goes. So start digging through your closets and junk drawers now for the perfect gift for that special writer in your club.
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 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.
The upcoming schedule of Spotlight Authors:
Dec. 1 - JoAnn G.
Dec. 15 - Joyce F.
Jan. 5 - Ruth P.
Jan. 19 - Dixie J.
Feb. 2 - Bob B.
March 1 - Hope S.
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.
The upcoming schedule of Spotlight Authors:
Dec. 1 - JoAnn G.
Dec. 15 - Joyce F.
Jan. 5 - Ruth P.
Jan. 19 - Dixie J.
Feb. 2 - Bob B.
March 1 - Hope S.
2008 Winter Schedule
2008 WINTER SCHEDULE
Writing Critique Sessions:
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. Saturday, March 1
10 a.m. Saturday, March 15
10 a.m. Saturday, April 5
10 a.m. Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. Saturday, May 3
10 a.m. Saturday, May 17
Meetings are held on the first and third Saturday of each month in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Story Starters
Need some inspiration? Join us for Story Starters - 5-minute writing sessions based on writing prompts to awaken your creativity and imagination!
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23
The one-hour sessions are held in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Bring paper and pen.
Open Mic
7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21
Library Dome, 2nd Floor
Whether you want to read your own work or that of your favorite author or poet, this open mic event is open to the public. What a great opportunity to share your writing with family and friends! All ages welcome.
Members are asked to bring a snack to share; beverages will be provided.
Writing Critique Sessions:
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2
10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. Saturday, March 1
10 a.m. Saturday, March 15
10 a.m. Saturday, April 5
10 a.m. Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. Saturday, May 3
10 a.m. Saturday, May 17
Meetings are held on the first and third Saturday of each month in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Story Starters
Need some inspiration? Join us for Story Starters - 5-minute writing sessions based on writing prompts to awaken your creativity and imagination!
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23
The one-hour sessions are held in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Bring paper and pen.
Open Mic
7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21
Library Dome, 2nd Floor
Whether you want to read your own work or that of your favorite author or poet, this open mic event is open to the public. What a great opportunity to share your writing with family and friends! All ages welcome.
Members are asked to bring a snack to share; beverages will be provided.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Author Visit - Dennis Rockhill
Apple Blossom Books, downtown Oshkosh, will feature children’s author/illustrator Dennis Rockhill from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, as part of the Gallery Walk. A special reception for the release of his new book, “Meadow Dance”, will be held on December 5th.
Rockhill attended Drake University, studied at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay with a degree in Art and Graphic Design. He lives in Green Bay with his wife and two daughters and works as a graphic artist and illustrator.
Rockhill attended Drake University, studied at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay with a degree in Art and Graphic Design. He lives in Green Bay with his wife and two daughters and works as a graphic artist and illustrator.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Writing Assignment for Dec. 1
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.
The assignment, if you choose to accept it, for the Dec. 1 meeting is to write complete story in 500 words or less.
The assignment, if you choose to accept it, for the Dec. 1 meeting is to write complete story in 500 words or less.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Writer's Digest Poetry Contest
The Dec. 20th deadline is fast approaching for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards. Any poetry style will be accepted - rhyming, free verse, haiku, etc. - but all entries must be 32 lines or fewer.
Prizes
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.
Competition Rules
1. The competition is open to poems 32 lines or fewer. Entries longer than 32 lines will be automatically disqualified. Long poems may not be broken into segments and entered as separate entries. Each poem must be self-contained and must be titled. Style and subject matter are open. Judging is blind. Type the line count on a separate cover sheet along with your name, address, phone number and email address.
2. Entry fee: $10 for first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may enter as many poems as you wish, but all poems must be entered at the same time. If you enter one poem or batch of poems and then submit another entry later, you must again pay the full entry fee of $10 for the first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for a single entry or batch of entries. Entries received without an entry fee will be disqualified. Entry fees may not be sent after poems have been received. There will be a $10 fee for declined credit cards or returned checks.
3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere at the time of submission. "Unpublished" means poems may not have appeared in print or on the Internet for public consumption (i.e., poems posted on a public forum or on your Web site may not be entered).
4. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, all entries must be on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper. Unusual typefaces, colors, and graphics should not be used. Poems will not be returned so keep a copy for your records.
5. Entries must be postmarked by Thursday, December 20, 2007. Online entries will close after midnight EST on December 20.
6. Winners will be notified by March 3, 2008. If you have not been contacted by this date, you may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere.
7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your poem's status before the winners are announced.
8. Winners' names will appear in the August 2008 issue of Writer's Digest magazine. Their names and poem titles will be posted at www.writersdigest.com.
Entry Form
To submit your entry online, visit our secure online entry form.
To enter via regular mail, use the printable form, and send it with your entries and entry fee to:
Writer's Digest Poetry Awards
4700 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Prizes
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.
Competition Rules
1. The competition is open to poems 32 lines or fewer. Entries longer than 32 lines will be automatically disqualified. Long poems may not be broken into segments and entered as separate entries. Each poem must be self-contained and must be titled. Style and subject matter are open. Judging is blind. Type the line count on a separate cover sheet along with your name, address, phone number and email address.
2. Entry fee: $10 for first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may enter as many poems as you wish, but all poems must be entered at the same time. If you enter one poem or batch of poems and then submit another entry later, you must again pay the full entry fee of $10 for the first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for a single entry or batch of entries. Entries received without an entry fee will be disqualified. Entry fees may not be sent after poems have been received. There will be a $10 fee for declined credit cards or returned checks.
3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere at the time of submission. "Unpublished" means poems may not have appeared in print or on the Internet for public consumption (i.e., poems posted on a public forum or on your Web site may not be entered).
4. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, all entries must be on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper. Unusual typefaces, colors, and graphics should not be used. Poems will not be returned so keep a copy for your records.
5. Entries must be postmarked by Thursday, December 20, 2007. Online entries will close after midnight EST on December 20.
6. Winners will be notified by March 3, 2008. If you have not been contacted by this date, you may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere.
7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your poem's status before the winners are announced.
8. Winners' names will appear in the August 2008 issue of Writer's Digest magazine. Their names and poem titles will be posted at www.writersdigest.com.
Entry Form
To submit your entry online, visit our secure online entry form.
To enter via regular mail, use the printable form, and send it with your entries and entry fee to:
Writer's Digest Poetry Awards
4700 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Monday, November 12, 2007
Give the Gift of Reading
The Oshkosh Public Library and Salvation Army are again sponsoring "Give the Gift of Reading." Donate a new children's book from Nov. 12 through Dec. 11 and the Salvation Army will distribute it to an Oshkosh area child - from newborns to teens - in time for Christmas. Donations can be deposited in the Gift Box located in the lower level Children's Department at the Oshkosh Public Library, and the Salvation Army will distribute the books after Dec. 11. For more information, please call the Children's Desk at 236-5208.
R.I.P. Normal Mailer
Considered one of the greatest American authors, Norman Mailer passed away this weekend at the age of 84.
He once said, "I knew that there was one thing I wanted to be and that was a writer."
To listen to Norman Mailer speak in 2002 at the Barnes & Noble store in New York City's Union Square, click here.
He once said, "I knew that there was one thing I wanted to be and that was a writer."
To listen to Norman Mailer speak in 2002 at the Barnes & Noble store in New York City's Union Square, click here.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Writing tips
Looking for some writing tips? Check out J.A. Konrath's website. It has many tips located here:
http://www.jakonrath.com/tips.html
This website also has a lot of other interesting information.
http://www.jakonrath.com/tips.html
This website also has a lot of other interesting information.
Monday, October 29, 2007
National Novel Writing Month
For those who haven't heard of it, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is held each November, with the goal of writing a 50,000-word manuscript in 30 days. It's not suppose to be good, or even pretty - the idea is to force you into the habit of writing on a regular basis, regardless of quality.
The NaNoWriMo website has lots of great resources - local contacts and events, writing tips, prompts to work with when you get stuck, and information on how to upload your work and get it counted.
Good luck!
The NaNoWriMo website has lots of great resources - local contacts and events, writing tips, prompts to work with when you get stuck, and information on how to upload your work and get it counted.
Good luck!
Beth Ziarnik
Some time ago, Oshkosh Christian author/speaker Beth Ziarnik spoke to the club about all things related to writing conferences. Recently, she launched her own website that includes information on her own writing career as well links of interest to other writers.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Private Soldiers: A Year in Iraq w/Wisconsin National Guard
Sgt. Joseph Streeter, squad leader for the 2-127th Gator Battalion of the Wisconsin National Guard and one of the photographers of the book Private Soldiers, will offer a rare first-hand account of life in Iraq.
The program shares the title of the book, "Private Soldiers : A Year in Iraq with a Wisconsin National Guard Unit," and will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Oshkosh Public Library. Area soldiers also will attend. This is a free program and open to the public.
The book chronicles the Wisconsin Army National Guard 2-127th Infantry Battalion's year-long deployment from the unique perspective of the soldiers themselves. Their mission would take them into the most dangerous regions of Iraq, where they would withstand hundreds of attacks, see dozens wounded, and lose three members killed in action.
Written and photographed by three battalion members, Private Soldiers provides a rare first-hand account of life in Iraq. Fascinating soldier interviews reveal the effects of deployment on the troops and on their families back home, and interviews with Iraqi civilians describe the Iraqis' perceptions of life, war, and working alongside Wisconsin troops. Brilliant photography illuminates the 2-127th's year, from training to "boots on the ground" to their return home, while candid photos taken by battalion members capture the soldiers' day-to-day lives and camaraderie.
The program will include a discussion of Gator Battalion’s experiences in Iraq and a display of photos from Private Soldiers. A book signing opportunity will follow the presentation; books will be available for purchase from Apple Blossom Books.
All royalties from sales of Private Soldiers will go to the 2-127th's family support groups and to funds established in memoriam of the battalion members who gave their lives in the Iraq war.
Click here to listen to Ben Buchholz and Joseph Streeter's September 24th Wisconsin Public Radio interview on the Larry Meiller Show.
The program shares the title of the book, "Private Soldiers : A Year in Iraq with a Wisconsin National Guard Unit," and will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Oshkosh Public Library. Area soldiers also will attend. This is a free program and open to the public.
The book chronicles the Wisconsin Army National Guard 2-127th Infantry Battalion's year-long deployment from the unique perspective of the soldiers themselves. Their mission would take them into the most dangerous regions of Iraq, where they would withstand hundreds of attacks, see dozens wounded, and lose three members killed in action.
Written and photographed by three battalion members, Private Soldiers provides a rare first-hand account of life in Iraq. Fascinating soldier interviews reveal the effects of deployment on the troops and on their families back home, and interviews with Iraqi civilians describe the Iraqis' perceptions of life, war, and working alongside Wisconsin troops. Brilliant photography illuminates the 2-127th's year, from training to "boots on the ground" to their return home, while candid photos taken by battalion members capture the soldiers' day-to-day lives and camaraderie.
The program will include a discussion of Gator Battalion’s experiences in Iraq and a display of photos from Private Soldiers. A book signing opportunity will follow the presentation; books will be available for purchase from Apple Blossom Books.
All royalties from sales of Private Soldiers will go to the 2-127th's family support groups and to funds established in memoriam of the battalion members who gave their lives in the Iraq war.
Click here to listen to Ben Buchholz and Joseph Streeter's September 24th Wisconsin Public Radio interview on the Larry Meiller Show.
Dinotophia Author James Gurney
Author/illustrator James Gurney will appear at the Oshkosh Public Museum on Saturday, Nov. 4. Gurney is best-known as the author and illustrator of the best-selling illustrated book series, Dinotopia.
Gurney will do a presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. and sign books from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. Please note: There is an admission charge to the museum.
Gurney will do a presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. and sign books from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop. Please note: There is an admission charge to the museum.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Article on the Writers Club
Crystal Cummins, a reporter for the Oshkosh West High School Index, wrote a nice article on the Oshkosh Area Writers Club. The article is available online here.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Gotham Writers' Workshop
Gotham Writers' Workshop is the largest and most comprehensive private creative writing school in New York City and online. Ten-week, six-week, four-week, and one-day workshops are offered in more than a dozen forms of writing including fiction writing, screenwriting, nonfiction writing, and more.
For more information on online courses and how they work, click here.
For a list of online courses, click here.
For more information on online courses and how they work, click here.
For a list of online courses, click here.
Steal from the Best Contest
The Steal from the Best Contest for short stories offers the following prizes: First place: $750, Second place $150, Third place $75, 17 Fourth places $25 each
Rules:
Each submission MUST contain one of the seven phrases below. Pick one per submission.
“I didn’t know the meaning of fear until I kissed Becky.”
“Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?”
“Don't say that you're more sorry than I am, because I'm capable of being just as sorry as you are…”
“Murderers are the best I think; they’re so polite.”
“Just forget you ever saw it. It's better that way.”
“I'm going to rest my eyes for a moment. But go on. I am listening...”
“I hate it when someone gives away the ending.”
Length: Each submission must be between 800 and 2500 words long.
Entry fees:
$10.00 for up to two submissions.
$15.00 for 3 to 5 submissions
Deadline: March 15th, 2008.
How to submit: Original, unpublished work only. Entries may be submitted via the website using Paypal or you may email an entry directly to the judges at contest08@hazelst.com in the body of the email or email an MSWord or txt attachment.
Submissions can also be mailed with check or money order to:
Hazel Street Productions
PO Box 635
Van Nuys, CA 91408-0635
The top winning entries will be published at www.HazelSt.com. If this contest receives enough entries, each and every winning entry will also be published in an anthology.
Rules:
Each submission MUST contain one of the seven phrases below. Pick one per submission.
“I didn’t know the meaning of fear until I kissed Becky.”
“Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you?”
“Don't say that you're more sorry than I am, because I'm capable of being just as sorry as you are…”
“Murderers are the best I think; they’re so polite.”
“Just forget you ever saw it. It's better that way.”
“I'm going to rest my eyes for a moment. But go on. I am listening...”
“I hate it when someone gives away the ending.”
Length: Each submission must be between 800 and 2500 words long.
Entry fees:
$10.00 for up to two submissions.
$15.00 for 3 to 5 submissions
Deadline: March 15th, 2008.
How to submit: Original, unpublished work only. Entries may be submitted via the website using Paypal or you may email an entry directly to the judges at contest08@hazelst.com in the body of the email or email an MSWord or txt attachment.
Submissions can also be mailed with check or money order to:
Hazel Street Productions
PO Box 635
Van Nuys, CA 91408-0635
The top winning entries will be published at www.HazelSt.com. If this contest receives enough entries, each and every winning entry will also be published in an anthology.
Writing Prompt for Nov. 3
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.
For the Nov. 3 meeting, there are two prompts to choose from:
1. America the Great.
2. Love is the most common of emotions.
For the Nov. 3 meeting, there are two prompts to choose from:
1. America the Great.
2. Love is the most common of emotions.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
St. Louis Writers Guild Short Story Contest
St. Louis Writers Guild's decades-old annual short story contest opened for submissions on October 1, 2007. This is one of the longest running writing contests in the country. Tennessee Williams won first place in 1935 for his story, "Stella for Star." Contest seeks previously unpublished stories of 5,000 words or less. Cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $100 for third place. Three Honorable Mention awards. Additionally, all finalists receive award certificates and publication of their stories on the Guild's website. Deadline for entries is November 15, 2007; there is a $15 entry fee.
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