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WIWA NEWSLETTER
Vol. 4, No. 1 Feb. -- March. 2004
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CONTENTS
Message from the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Time Out for Now
by Celeste Mergens, WIWA Founder
WIWA Board Accepts Executive Director Celeste Mergens' Resignation
WIWA Annual Meeting Election in May
On the Island
Off the Island
Pun Your Way to Success
by Dr. Richard Lederer
Cheers
First Time Is a Charm for Contest Winner
Thank You
Book Selling and Signing Opportunity for WIWA Members at Conference
Recent Releases
Contests and Market Requests
We Want to Celebrate Your Writing
WIWC Pre-Conference Retreats
WIWC Post-Conference Retreats
Receive Continuing Education Credits by Attending WIWC
by Marian Blue
Cyber Surfing
To Contact Us
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Good essays embrace a larger audience. They have a universal code. --Lee Gutkind
It was his white goatee and black attire: Seattle flannel over a T-shirt, cords, even the half-rim on his glasses -- reminiscent of beatniks and coffee houses -- updated by a turquoise stud in his left earlobe. Lee Gutkind was looking professorial in a hip kind of way.
Gutkind, editor of Creative Nonfiction, English professor, and former director of the University of Pittsburgh's creative writing program, is the founder of the creative nonfiction movement, a literary surge of true stories about important topics that are written in a style usually employed by poets and fiction writers. My writing group recently went to go hear Gutkind speak at Seattle's Hugo House. It was our first foray to the comfy cafe where you can bend your elbow with a beer or slump into a sofa while getting a literary lesson.
Creative nonfiction has been around for decades, though various groups have given it different monikers. Bookstores cling to the nomenclature literary nonfiction. Author Tom Wolfe likes new journalism. Someone else calls it literary journalism. Whatever you call it, think: Walden, Typee, Notes of a Native Son and Travels with Charley. Or, for something more contemporary: Ship of Gold, Angela's Ashes, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and In Cold Blood.
Gutkind brought creative nonfiction to the forefront by teaching the genre in his writing classes and by producing the first and largest literary magazine that publishes high quality nonfiction prose exclusively. Techniques often include dramatic scenes, dialogue and close, detailed descriptions.
But all is not black and white in creative nonfiction; one person's literary prose is another's trash. In the1997 Vanity Fair essay "Me, Myself and I," journalist James Wolcott blames Gutkind for the rash of memoirs and other "confessional writings" that have surfaced from self-indulgent authors baring all.
Everyone in my writing group writes personal essays or memoir, yet none of us wants to be accused of "navel gazing." Could Gutkind, the "godfather of creative nonfiction" lead us toward truth and deliver us from self absorption?
Part entertainer, part teacher, Gutkind intersperses lessons with personal anecdotes and readings from his works. Much of what he says can be found by rooting around the website http://www.creativenonfiction.org -- good, solid basics, like the black Gutkind wears. I wanted to hear from him what would set my writing apart, what would make it compelling and memorable, like the touch of turquoise my eye kept returning to. For that touch, Gutkind says, our stories must be universal.
It sounds like an oxymoron, universal memoir or universal personal essay. Yet Gutkind says one of the biggest mistakes writers make is to tell an intensely personal story that has little significance beyond the self. To be memorable our stories must have meaning for us, but also for the larger world. Our memoirs must transcend our own egotism.
Soon after hearing Gutkind set the stakes, I read Mark Salzman's creative nonfiction book True Notebooks. On the surface, it's the story of Salzman teaching writing to juvenile offenders locked up for violent crimes. Salzman immerses himself in the offenders' lives and with humility turns the focus away from himself onto their writing. He takes us with him as he falls in love with juveniles he once thought of only as thugs. In the process we learn about their hopes and fears, their lives before crime and what led them to gang life. We also learn about expression, redemption and the power and meaning of writing.
Lee Gutkind gives us the guidelines for writing compelling creative nonfiction. Mark Salzman shows us how it's done. No one says it's easy. Keep trying, and as you write, hold in your mind's eye a touch of turquoise and universality.
May goodwill prevail,
Candace Allen
To read past issues of the newsletter see "News, Events & Resources" at: www.writeonwhidbey.com
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
More About Churchill and the Pedantic Preposition
I am a writer living in Austin, Texas. Lovely as Austin is, I miss the Pacific Northwest. I did much of my growing up in B.C., and I visit Seattle and Vancouver often. I enjoy reading your newsletter, and hope one day to attend one of your workshops. Richard Lederer's article about ending sentences with prepositions was fun. Long ago I was told a different version of the Churchill story, and I thought I'd share it with you and Richard. In the version I was given, Churchill was a young officer serving in the Boer War. He was a figure of fun to some of his fellow officers. One day, after he had sent out a memo with a sentence ending in a preposition, an anonymous note was posted on the bulletin board, criticizing his grammar. At the bottom of the note, Churchill scribbled his retort: "This is the sort of arrant pedantry up with which I will not put." Of course, I don't know if either story is literal truth. But being a bit of a pedant myself about the English language, and having - as has everyone - dealt with plenty of pedantry, I loved the phrase. --Jillian Coleman
More About Sex and the Singular Pronoun
Another sterling WIWA Newsletter -- or should I say magazine! If given a chance to respond to Richard Lederer's light-hearted response to my submission, I would have added, "You say potayto, I say potahto..."
Fond regards, --Dan Millman, 2004 WIWC Presenter
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TIME OUT FOR NOW
by Celeste Mergens
Since founding WIWA and the Whidbey Island Writers Conference more than seven years ago, I have loved every minute. In fact, for years I never felt like I spent a single day at work, though I was doing up to 70+ hour weeks for WIWA. It has been a joy! I have loved the service, the people, and the interaction. With the exception of my terrific family (a quick thank you to them for the sacrifices they have made to make it all possible) my service to WIWA has taken top priority in my life.
Recently, I began a new journey as a student in a low-residency MFA program, and have found the experience to be so nourishing that it made me realize how much I have missed taking time to write. As a result of that experience and others, I decided to resign from the board effective January 14, 2004. After spending so many years administering writing programs, promoting writers and serving writers, resigning as WIWA President and Executive Director was a difficult decision. Doing so, however, will allow me to focus on my own family and writing as well as open the door for others to take their turn steering the many programs WIWA has successfully developed. That success has only been possible through the diligent efforts of some of the most dedicated and remarkable people I have ever known. To them I offer my thanks for the honor and blessing of working at their side.
WIWA is an association of many writers. We have great teams, and I know there are even more individuals who would like to serve if given the opportunity. How fortunate we are to have so many talented and dedicated writers who can take up slack and step to the aid of those already holding key positions to sustain WIWA's services. WIWA does so much good, and it can do even more. Where it goes is up to you.
I'm not saying goodbye, only "time out" for now. I'm still here to help, and I look forward to continuing to direct the Whidbey Island Writers Conference March 5 - 7th. Since there are still a few registration openings left, it's not too late to join us! In the meanwhile, here's my fond wish that you too will take time for your writing. A writer's voice is precious.
With Gratitude,
Celeste Mergens, Founder WIWA
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WIWA BOARD ACCEPTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CELESTE MERGENS' RESIGNATION
Dear Celeste,
It is with great regret that the Whidbey Island Writers Association Executive Board accepts your letter of resignation as Executive Director of the Association and as President/Board member of the Executive Board.
Your contribution to Whidbey Island Writers Association is immeasurable. From its conception, you have been an inspirational voice to encourage volunteers and guide the organization's growth. Your inspiration was vital to creating the foundation for an organization that will continue to provide support, encouragement and resources to writers for many years to come.
Everyone connected with the organization is very grateful that you are continuing as Whidbey Island Writers Conference Director for 2004 and that you are open to considering continuing that role in the future. The conference continues to be a high quality event that hundreds of people look forward to enjoying each year; the overall tone and structure of that event has grown out of your concepts and abilities.
Each member of this Board and of the Association understands the demands the work of Executive Director has placed on you. Certainly you have earned the opportunity to spend more time and energy on your own personal and professional goals. We expect that your persistence and abilities will lead you into success in any direction you decide to take, both in personal and professional directions. We all have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you.
With Great Respect and Deepest Appreciation,
Whidbey Island Writers Association Executive Board of Directors:
Susan Wilmoth, Secretary; Don McQuinn, JoAnn Kane, Andy Clay, Marian Blue
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WIWA ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION IN MAY
At the annual Whidbey Island Writers Association membership meeting in May, members will elect representatives to fill open seats on the Executive Board. Term of office for an Executive Board member is three years. The Executive Board requests WIWA members to send their nominations, along with the nominee's resume, to: Whidbey Island Writers Association Executive Board, Box 1289, Langley, Washington 98260. The Executive Board will prepare a slate of well-qualified candidates from the nominees. More information about the upcoming membership meeting and election will be posted on the website and in the April/May Newsletter.
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ON THE ISLAND
Whidbey Island Writers Conference
"The registrations are really rolling in at this point," says Whitney Christiansen, registrar for the sixth annual Whidbey Island Writers' Conference (WIWC). When enrollment reaches 275, registration will be closed, so sign up soon to attend the conference from March 5 through March 7.
WIWC is appropriate for all levels of writers -- beginning and experienced. More than 50 presenters, including many agents and editors, will represent multiple genres including: fiction, nonfiction, sci-fi, travel writing, poetry, mystery and suspense, romance, children's, screenwriting and songwriting.
Known for its unique setting and interactive sessions, the conference takes place on rural Whidbey Island. Friday's sessions are held in private homes -- intimate settings that foster friendship between the authors and registrants. Saturday and Sunday classes are held at the local high school, and evening events take place in the seaside village of Langley.
Tuition is $340. Anyone registering Feb. 15 or later will be required to make full payment at that time. For more information, or to register online, see our Web site at www.writeonwhidbey.com. Current registrants who have not paid in full should send a check to WIWA for the amount due or call Whitney at (360) 341-3075 with their credit card information. PayPal may not be used to pay balances. Contact Whitney at whitneyc@whidbey.com if you have questions.
Students can receive community college credit for the conference (2 quarter credits) through Skagit Valley College, South Whidbey Center. For information about how to register for these credits, call 360-341-2324 (South Whidbey Center, Skagit Valley College). You must register for the conference separately.
Washington Poets Association Poetry Festival
April 24, Greenbank Farm. For more information, see http://www.washingtonpoets.org/
WIWA-Sponsored Writing Groups
The WIWA-sponsored writing groups provide an opportunity to share your work, gain insight, and discuss the world of writing and publishing. Featuring a friendly forum and useful critiques, these groups welcome drop-ins and writers of every experience level.
The Evening Writers' Group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Freeland Library, 5495 Harbor Avenue. For more information, contact Judy at: judyt1@whidbey.net.
The North Whidbey Writers' Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Great Times Espresso in Coupeville (waterside of Front Street, down one flight of stairs). For more information, contact Dot Read at: thereads@whidbey.com, or call (360) 331-2038.
The South Whidbey Writers' Group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland (Hwy 525 and Woodard Rd.) The meeting is in the small building closest to Highway 525. For more information, contact Natalie Olsen at: thegnat@whidbey.com, or call (360) 331-7709.
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OFF THE ISLAND
Seattle Arts and Lectures
March 31, 7:30 p.m., Benaroya Hall. Ian McEwan, author of novels including The Cement Garden, the Booker Prize --winning Amsterdam, and most recently, Atonement. http://www.lectures.org/
Hilton Head Island Writers Retreat, South Carolina
Feb. 19 - 22, Instructor: Bob Mayer, http://www.bobmayer.org/courses.html#retreat
San Francisco Writers Conference
February 13-15, 2004; www.sanfranciscowritersconference.com
2004 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, University of Dayton (Ohio)
March 25 - 27; http://www.humorwriters.org/Sessions.html
Architecture of Fiction, Salem, Oregon
May 15, 2004, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Elizabeth Engstrom. Cost $50 and includes pizza for lunch. Space is limited. For more information or a brochure, contact Liz@ElizabethEngstrom.com.
Song & Word, San Juan Islands, Washington
Workshops and retreats in the San Juan Islands led by children's book author and poet Katherine Bond, author and nature writer Jennifer Hahn, mystery writer Patricia Rushford, singer/songwriter Cris Williamson, singer/songwriter Linda Allen, Los Angeles songwriter and author John Braheny and creative consultant JoAnn Braheny, freelance writer Sharon Wootton and singer/songwriter Maggie Savage. Due to accommodations, the workshops are for women only. Retreats for writers groups are available by arrangement. Check the Web site Feb. 15 for the 2004 schedule: www.songandword.com; or call 360-468-3964.
Richard Hugo House in Seattle
See http://www.hugohouse.org/events/ for the latest schedule of events.
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PUN YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
by Dr. Richard Lederer
Punning is a truly rewording experience. The inveterate (not invertebrate) punster believes that a good pun is like a good steak -- a rare medium well done.
Before you start beefing about my spare ribbing, remember that many a meaty pun has been cooked up as advice on how to succeed in the business of life and the life of business. "Don't be a carbon copy of someone else. Make your own impression," punned French philosopher Voltaire. "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there," advised humorist Will Rogers centuries later.
Now let's get right to wit:
· The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
· The difference between a champ and a chump is U.
· Triumph is just umph added to try.
· Don't assume. It will make an ass out of u and me.
· Hard work is the yeast that raises the dough.
· The best vitamin for making friends is B-1.
· Break a bad habit -- drop it.
· Patience is counting down without blasting off.
· Patience requires a lot of wait.
· Minds are like parachutes: they function only when open.
· To keep your mind clean and healthy, change it every once in a while.
· You can have an open mind without having a hole in your head.
"Big shots are only little shots that keep on shooting," observed British writer Christopher Morley. Here are some more punderful maxims that merit a blue ribbin'. Sharpen your pun cells and start taking notes:
· One thing you can give and still keep is your word.
· A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure.
· When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
· If the going gets easy, you may be going downhill.
· If you must cry over spilled milk, please try to condense it.
· Don't be afraid to go out on a limb; that's where the fruit is.
· Read the Bible -- it will scare the hell out of you.
· The ten commandments are not multiple choice.
· Failure is the path of least persistence.
· Life is not so much a matter of position as disposition.
· Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
· If at first you don't succeed, try, try a grin.
"Many people would sooner die than think -- and usually they do," lamented British philosopher Bertrand Russell, pun in cheek. Some puns can help us to climb the ladder of success without getting rung out:
· People who never make a mistake never make anything else.
· When you feel yourself turning green with envy, you're ripe to be plucked.
· A smile doesn't cost a cent, but it gains a lot of interest.
· Success is more attitude than aptitude.
· Having a sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
· Learn that the bitter can lead to the better.
· He who throws mud loses ground.
· Hug your kids at home, but belt them in a car.
· Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.
· Humans are like steel. When they lose their tempers, they are worthless.
· Don't learn safety rules by accident. Don't be dead to rites.
· There are two finishes for automobiles -- lacquer and liquor.
· Learn from the nail. Its head keeps it from going too far.
· He who laughs, lasts.
Even though it's a jungle out there, a real zoo, this collection of beastly puns may help you succeed in a workaday world that depends on survival of the fittest:
· Frogs have it easy. They can eat what bugs them.
· There's nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos.
· Birds have bills too, but they keep on singing.
· Don't be like a lemming. Avoid following the crowd and jumping to conclusions.
· Be like a horse with some horse sensestable thinking and the ability to say “nay.”
· Be like a dog biting its tail. Make both ends meet.
· Be like a giraffe. Stick your neck out and reach higher than all the others.
· Be like a beaver. Don't get stumped; just cut things down to size.
· Be like a lion. Live life with pride and grab the lion’s share with might and main.
· Be like an owl. Be wise but still give a hoot.
· Be like a duck. Keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like crazy underneath.
· Be like the woodpecker. Just keep pecking away until you finish the job. You'll succeed by using your head.
Dr. Richard Lederer, English professor/comedian extraordinaire is the author of more than 3,000 books and articles about language and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series. His latest book, A Man of My Words, My Career-Capping Reflections on the English Language was recently selected by Book of the Month Club, Literary Guild and Quality Paperback Books. Richard's syndicated column, Looking at Language, appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. He was named International Punster of the Year and awarded Toastmasters International 2002 Golden Gavel. You can explore Richard's Web site at www.verbivore.
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CHEERS
Your good news cheers us on! Please share your successes with us. Email the editor at: candace@whidbey.com.
Correction: In the last issue of the WIWA Newsletter, we reported the wrong publisher for Sarah Hager's newest picture book, Dancing Matilda. HarperCollins will publish the book in the spring of 2005.
Brian Ames' story "Never Been to Arkansas" was recently published in the collection Thirteen Stories. His essay "Gum Pond" for One World Journeys is online at http://www.oneworldjourneys.com/. Brian also recently had stories published by the ezines: Hobart, Pierian Springs, Mytholog, Sweet Fancy Moses and others.
Congratulations to WIWA member Deb Lund who just received notice from Michael Stearns that Harcourt will be publishing her book Monsters on Machines, a picture book about a crew of construction-working monsters.
Islander Ann Gerike recently read two of her poems, "Battlefield" (published in Sea of Voices, Isle of Story) and "Things I Have Lost," for National Public Radio's Treehouse Productions www.treehouseproductions.org.
Eugene writer and WIWC 2004 presenter Bruce Holland Rogers was recently featured in The Register-Guard for his shortest short stories http://www.registerguard.com/news/2004/02/01/ol.shortshort.0201.html
WIWA member RD Larson and co-author Louise Ulmer have been named finalists for the 2004 Eppie Awards in the Inspirational Romance category, for their title Saving Reverend Clayton, published by www.ebooksonthe.net and Peach Blossom Publishing. The Eppie Awards have been given annually since the first Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC) conference in 2000. They recognize outstanding achievement in e-publishing.
Michele Griskey Watson's story "Pass it On" will be published in the upcoming Cup of Comfort for Teachers anthology scheduled for release in April 2004.
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THANK YOU
A special thanks goes to Donna Hood and her wonderful fund raising efforts. Most recently she raised $576 for WIWA by organizing an All Book Clubs book sale and silent auction.
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FIRST TIME IS A CHARM FOR CONTEST WINNER
By Deloris Tarzan Ament
Jeanne Celeste was named the grand prizewinner of the 2003 Celebrate Writing Contest. The contest included categories for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, and children's literature, with winners in each category. As final judge for the top spot, Don McQuinn selected Celeste’s entry, which was earlier named as the first-place winner in the nonfiction category.
The award was particularly thrilling for Celeste, a long-time journal writer, since this was the first time she ever sent out anything she has written. "Just entering the contest was validating," she said. Celeste has operated her own business -- making custom boat covers -- for 29 years, and has lived on Whidbey Island for the past 10 years. She has found the atmosphere on the island "conducive to taking risks and exploring writing."
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BOOK SELLING AND SIGNING OPPORTUNITY FOR WIWA MEMBERS AT CONFERENCE
Limited space is available for WIWA members enrolled in WIWC 2004 to sell/sign their books at the Conference Saturday lunch. A small display area will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Participants may sell their books themselves at this time, or they may contract with our bookseller to sell their books on consignment through the Conference Bookstore. If you are a member of WIWA and the author of a published book that you would like to sell during the conference, contact Nancy Ruff at ruff@whidbey.com for details.
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RECENT RELEASES
Prayer Against Famine and Other Irish Poems
John Knoepfle
BkMk Press (University of Missouri at Kansas City), March 2004
http://www.johnknoepfle.com/
My mother's Irish family was all gone by the year I was born. All grandparents, all uncles, all aunts, all gone. And my mother would never speak of her childhood on New York's Lower East Side. She had suffered too many losses there. Since I knew my grandfather came from Skibbereen in County Cork, I went there in search of lost relatives. I found friends, music, stories and a green grassy space the size of a soccer field where 10,000 famine victims are buried. So, this search for my family became linked with the Great Famine, En Gorta Mor. In the process, I began to understand that the terrible famine which beset the Irish in the 19th century was a prototype for the hunger and the disregard for suffering of entire peoples that is so common in these sad says. And so my book of Irish poems has poems about people from many countries, including my own. Relatives are found in unexpected places.
One Wheel - Many Spokes: USA by Unicycle
Lars Clausen
Soulscapers, April 2004
www.onewheel.org
Lars Clausen took to the road and explored the United States in a way that TV journalist Charles Kuralt would have loved -- a 50-state unicycle trip from the west coast to the Statue of Liberty and back again. His spoke-by-spoke travels started with Inupiat Eskimos in Alaska and continued through Native American lands from coast to coast. Now with all the flavor of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Lars shares the adventure and soulfulness of pedaling the roads of America in search of his country and himself. Publishers Weekly says, "Clausen's unsinkable good nature and sunny outlook jump out at readers from practically every line of his book."
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CONTESTS AND MARKET REQUESTS
Northwest Dive News
Get a byline; get paid. Freelance writers wanted for outdoor sports magazine. For information call Rick Stratton: (360) 240-1874.
Doing Good for Goodness' Sake
Steve Zikman, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Nature Lover's Soul, seeks original unpublished stories about ordinary people making a difference in the every day lives of others. Stories should be less than 1,200 words. Payment is $100 if accepted for publication. Although the submission deadline was Jan. 31, Steve has extended it to Feb. 15 for readers of the WIWA Newsletter. For more details, see http://www.goscape.com/doing-good_submit-stories.html
PNWA Literary Contest
Submit your writing to 10 categories for Pacific Northwest Writers Association's Literary Contest. Entries ($35/PNWA members, $45/nonmembers per category) must be postmarked by February 17, 2004. Over $9,000 in prize monies. www.PNWA.org.
The Washington Poets Association 2004 Poetry Contests
The contests are open to all poets 18 years or older. A total of $1,000 in cash awards will be awarded for poetry in four categories -- free verse, traditional verse, haiku and humor. The William Stafford Award, the organization's highest honor, recognizes the best poems in any form. There are also the Carlin Aden Award for poetry in traditional rhyme and form, the Charlie Proctor Award for humorous poems, and new this year, the Francine Porad Award for haiku. The entry fee is $5 plus $1 a poem. Deadline is March 1, 2004. Further information and the 2004 entry form can be downloaded at http://www.washingtonpoets.org/.
The Washington Poets Association 2004 Annual Student Poetry Contests
The Association is offering cash prizes in three separate poetry categories to Washington state students in grades 6 through 12. Winning students will also be recognized at the WPA Burning Word Festival at Greenbank Farm, Whidbey Island. Entries must be received no letter than Feb. 27. For more information, see http://www.washingtonpoets.org/.
The Writer: Sylvia K. Burack Scholarship
The Writer is sponsoring the first Sylvia K. Burack $500 Scholarship for a full-time student who writes the best 600 to 800 word essay on the topic: "The importance of writing in the 21st century." Entries must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2004. The scholarship is awarded in memory of Sylvia K. Burack, The Writer's long-time editor-in-chief and publisher, until her retirement in 2000. For details, see http://www.writermag.com.
The New Discovery Literary Awards Short Story Contest
Sponsored by The Writer and Rosebud. Stories must be original, from 1,000 to 2,500 words and previously unpublished in a book, nationally distributed periodical or Web-based magazines. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. Cash awards range from $200 to $1,000. March 1, 2004 deadline. For details, see http://www.writermag.com.
Mint Candy for the Spirit
Jenning S. Bev is looking for fresh true stories that make you smile for inclusion in her anthology to celebrate life. Payment for accepted stories is $25. April 30 deadline. See http://www.writinggigs.com/ for details.
PARSEC/Confluence Short Story Contest
This contest is open to nonprofessional writers of science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Maximum 3,500 words. No entry fee. Cash awards. April 1, 2004 deadline. For details, see http://trfn.clpgh.org/parsec/contest.html.
Million Dollar Muse Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Meeting the Muse Chapter of the Missouri State Poetry Society. Cash awards will be given to five winners in each of two categories: Best Rhymed Poem and Best Unrhymed Poem. Any subject, form and length will be considered. Entry fee is $2 per page. Sept.11, 2004 deadline. For a copy of the contest rules, send a #10 Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) with your request to: Amy's Muse Contest, 1325 W. Sunshine St., Box 168, Springfield, MO 65807.
Correction
Living Stupid: Dumb Things Smart People Do
The last issue of the WIWA Newsletter reported an incorrect email address for this contest. If you submitted an entry, be sure you emailed it to samarston@earthlink.net (not smarston). Stephanie Marston, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Empowered Woman's Soul, seeks stories for Living Stupid: Dumb Things Smart People Do. Send your humorous true-life stories to Living Stupid, P.O. Box 31453, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87594-1453. Or email stories to samarston@earthlink.net. Chapter headings will include dumb things people have done At Work, Around the House, At Play, In Love, Outdoors, On Vacation, In Friendship, With Children, With Your Parents, With Your Pets, By Yourself and During Sex. The maximum word count is 1,200. For each story selected for the book a fee of $100 will be paid. Stories must be received no later than May 15, 2004.
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WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR WRITING
If you were published during the past year, we want to celebrate your success. Please email us the name of your piece, where and when it was published, a little bit about it, and how WIWC helped you get published. Also, be sure to tell us if you're coming to WIWC 2004, because we want to introduce you at the conference and have you share a few words about your success story. Please email your success stories to candace@whidbey.com.
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WIWC PRE-CONFERENCE RETREATS
The fiction pre-conference retreats are both full, but space is still available in several others. The full day intensive workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch is included. The cost for "Family Stories" (memoir) or "The Pitch" (screenwriting) is $130. The cost for the other pre-conference retreats is $240 and includes dormitory style lodging (2-3 per room) in a comfortable, cozy setting for the entire pre-retreat and WIWC weekend. Enrollment is limited to 10 registrants. For more information, email writers@whidbey.com or call (360) 331-6714.
Family Stories ($130; does not include lodging)
This memoir workshop by Maureen Murdock is for anyone who has wanted to take anecdotes or stories about family members and understand what really happened by shaping them into works of nonfiction. As we write about family members living and dead, we probe not only their story filled with idealization, denial, anger and joy but discover the universal appeal of our life story as well. We'll discuss the basic components of memoir writing, do in-class writing exercises to shape your memoir, and discuss the work of Rick Bragg, Mary Karr, James McBride and others who have brought integrity and humor to the memoirs about their families. This workshop is designed for both beginning and experienced writers.
The Pitch ($130; does not include lodging)
So you want to sell your brilliant screenplay? Believe it or not, very few people actually read in Hollywood. So, THE PITCH is crucial, and it requires a whole other skill set. There is the verbal pitch and the pitch document. There is the log line and the hook. And, then, there is the realization that if you have a problem in your pitch, you likely have a problem in your script. Just another reason why honing THE PITCH is so valuable. This full-day retreat will take you through the art and the science of THE PITCH, complete with insider tips and techniques, by Hollywood screenwriter, Donald Martin, who knows all about THE PITCH. Participants must have a screenplay which they are ready to pitch. A laptop is suggested as there will be some writing involved during the retreat.
Short-Shorts ($240; includes lodging)
Short-short narratives of a thousand words or less are intense enough as it is. In this day-long workshop, Bruce Holland Rogers turns the heat up even more! Learn ways to sit down with no idea at all and stand up a few hours later with a completed story. Rogers is the author of over 100 published short stories, including dozens of short-shorts. Instruction will include various short-short strategies and forms. Participants will practice getting and developing ideas on the spot and will have an opportunity to complete a story during the course of the day. Participants may elect to read their completed work from the intensive at an early Saturday morning session.
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WIWC POST-CONFERENCE RETREATS
Travel Writing
Stay a little bit longer and join Jules Older, Ph.D and Cynthia Dial March 8 - 9 right after the Writers Conference for a full day of tips from the pros, followed by a day of excursions and putting your new skills to work -- writing. Sessions are from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Continental breakfast, lunches and lodging are included. Class limited to 16 individuals. Cost $400 per person. For more information, contact writers@whidbey.com.
Jules Older, Ph.D. is the editor-in-chief of Ski Press Canada and Ski Press USA, North America's biggest-circulation ski magazines. He's a commentator on Vermont Public Radio; a travel writer for the New York Post, Yankee and Vermont magazines, and a contributor to several inflights. Jules is an award-winning writer and an award-winning teacher. His story is out there on http://julesolder.com/.
Cynthia Dial is the author of the internationally distributed book, Teach Yourself Travel Writing. She has published hundreds of newspaper and magazine travel articles and is regularly featured in the Toronto Star. Cynthia has taught travel writing for more than ten years.
Ready for a Creative Leap? Poetry Retreat
Join Kim Addonizio, poet, teacher and National Book Award Winner, and Jessica Barksdale Inclán, novelist, March 11 - 14 for a poetry retreat. Continental breakfast, lunches and lovely lodging are included. Cost $500 per person. For more information, contact aleebron@aol.com.
Kim Addonizio is the author of three books of poetry and a book of stories. A new poetry collection, What Is This Thing Called Love, is due from Norton in 2004. Her awards include two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Pushcart Prize, a Commonwealth Club Poetry Medal, and the John Ciardi Lifetime Achievement Award. For more information about Kim go to http://addonizio.home.mindspring.com
Jessica Barksdale Inclán's debut novel, Her Daughter's Eyes, published in 2001, was the premier novel published under New American Library's new imprint, Accent. The book was a final nominee for the YALSA Award for the best books of 2001 and best paperbacks for 2001. Jessica recently sold her fifth novel, The Sofie Letters, for publication in 2005. She is a 2002 recipient of the CAC Artist's Fellowship in Literature. For more information about Jessica go to http: //www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
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RECEIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY ATTENDING WIWC
by Marian Blue
ATTENTION TEACHERS: You can now receive two continuing education credits at the 400 or 500 levels by attending the Whidbey Island Writers Conference!
The Heritage Institute (THI) is working with WIWA to make it possible to receive these credits for K-12 educators. THI has been a leader in progressive continuing education programs for K-12 educators for 25 years. Their philosophy of Educating for Humanity provides the framework and inspiration for their leading edge perspective on teaching and learning and for their vision of schools as enriching and productive learning environments for all children. Their goal is to renew teachers with learning experiences that empower them to inspire children with the joy of learning and a care for the whole community of life.
The Whidbey Island Writers Conference provides exactly the kind of environment and learning opportunity that fit within the outstanding goals and reputation of THI.
All the courses through THI are offered for Antioch University continuing education quarter credits (3 quarter credits equal 2 semester credits). Antioch is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, and Antioch credits may be used in most states for re-certification and salary advancement.
Those signing up to receive the continuing education credits must register with THI (check out their website at http://www.hol.edu/index.cfm) and register with the conference (see our website at www.writeonwhidbey.com). You can also call for information at THI -- 1-360-341-3020, or at WIWA -- 1-360-331-6714.
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CYBER SURFING
Have you encountered some helpful Internet sites? Send us the address and your brief review.
WIWA member Nancy Ruff sends this website where you can read an original biographical story everyday about great writers, books and events in literary history: http://todayinliterature.com/.
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QUOTES
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. --Mark Twain
I believe the most average life is extraordinary, if you can just get to the truth of it. Artists of nonfiction can bring to people an enlarged clarification of their lives. --Gay Talese
The problem with "I" is not that it is in bad taste, but that fledgling personal essayists may think they've said or conveyed more than they actually have with that one syllable. --Phillip Lopate
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TO CONTACT US OR SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
We are interested in hearing from you. Perhaps you've been to a recent book fair, heard a favorite author speak, or learned valuable tips from a writing class. Perhaps you're a professional willing to share your expertise. If you would like to submit an article; tell us about your good news for the Cheers or Recent Releases columns; send us your favorite quotes, markets, contests and cyber sites; or contact us about the newsletter for any reason, please email the editor at: candace@whidbey.com
To contact the Whidbey Island Writers Association, email: writers@whidbey.com
Whidbey Island Writers' Conference: March 5 - 7, 2004, The Spirit of Writing
The WIWA Web site is: www.writeonwhidbey.com.
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TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE
The WIWA Newsletter is published approximately every two months and is delivered to subscribers by email. If you would like to subscribe, send an email, with SUBSCRIBE WIWA in the subject line, to the editor at candace@whidbey.com. If you would like to unsubscribe, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject, and we will delete you from our records. WIWA will not share or sell your name or email address.