Newsletter December 2007 Guild Gram Newsletter: PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley December 2007 MEETING TIME: Sunday, December 2, 2007, 2:30-4:30 P.M. Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA JUDI WEIGLE "Super Savvy Networking" Some of the best help we can get for creative writing, research, story ideas, publishing and book promotion is within our very own Writers Guild membership. Judi Weigle, a savvy network artist, will present a host of opportunities, specifically designed for the Palm Springs Writers Guild, for author-to-author connections. The more we connect with each other, the greater our author universe grows, resulting in a higher quality writing experience. A highly motivating speaker, she captivated us last year. Come and pick up many new pointers on using your Guild. We will be celebrating the Holidays after the talk. Bruce Singer will entertain with music. Special treats will be furnished by the Guild. It will be your opportunity to begin networking. At the very least this will be time to slow down and enjoy your fellow members. Happy Holidays! PRESIDENT'S LETTER by Dawn Huntley Spitz Gala is the word to describe our November meeting at the Rancho Mirage library. Andrew Neiderman was a gracious and illuminating speaker and Bob and Patricia Berk read the winning short stories to perfection. The refreshments, thanks to the Bentley-Buckmans, and the lovely autumn decorations, provided by Roberta Dinow, contributed to an elegant affair. We had a record turnout of members and several guests. Special thanks also to Kristin Johnson, Ken and Karen Lummus, Phyllis Costello and Dodie Cross for their help with the short story contest. And, of course, to Jim Misko who masterminded the event all the way from Alaska. I want to remind you that the December meeting will be back at the Palm Desert Community Center at 2:30 P.M. We're looking forward to hearing our own dynamic Judi Weigel speak on networking. In addition, we will have a holiday celebration with special refreshments and entertainment. Come prepared for a festive event. I am happy to announce that our membership is continuing to grow and now stands at 177 members. Remember that each of you is an ambassador in introducing the Guild to prospective members. Be active! Attend the meetings! Enjoy our fellowship and excellent programs and share them with others. I also want to remind you that dues were payable in October. If you have not yet paid your dues, please get them in now. Contributions to the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund are also welcome. We will be having a special scholarship fundraiser later on in the year. Details to come. Happy Holidays to all! SPEAKERS REVIEW by Joanne Hardy Andrew Neiderman Andrew Neiderman must live in a time warp not available to regular mortals. He has written 98 novels, six movie scripts and is now working on a Broadway play. He taught high school for 23 ½ years and wrote 18 novels during that time. That's not all: he does it as two people, V. C. Andrews and Andrew Neiderman. He started early. In kindergarten he liked to tell stories and his family encouraged him to write. He added that the secret to writing is reading. Reading a good book, he says, inspires him more than anything. His first novel was found in what was once a viable possibility, the slush pool. It was picked up but not published for eight years. He got a reputation as a terror writer – more psycho-thriller than graphic violence. In the early 80s, he wrote two romance-suspense novel and that put him in the terror niche. Once in a niche, he said, it is hard to break out. He taught writing for 20 years, enjoyed it and continued with his own writing during the time. He is considered the most successful ghost writer in history. Neiderman was asked to continue the reputation of V. C. Andrews, the English writer who died. He read all she had written, studied her style and wrote under that name. He also writes under his own name. He offers these comments on writing as a profession: 1. Perseverance. He said a high school student asked him, "Am I going to be a writer?" and he said, "You asked the wrong question. You should say, ‘I am going to be a writer, what is the next thing I should do?'" If you are meant to do it, you have to have the push and keep at it. He, also, suggested you have some faith that you will succeed. 2. Write what you know about. He says writers always carry their baggage with them, the baggage of their childhood, life experiences, people they have known and all the emotions they have experienced. He grew up in the Catskills, his grandmother read him stories and he became interested in words and stories. His uncle owned a movie theater and what he saw on the screen added to his love of story and drama. 3. Publishers are in business to make money. You have to think in terms of that. Everything is measured by what is selling today. 4. Talent Ask yourself, "Can I write a sentence? Is it visual? Can I write so people will want to turn the page? Can I create a hook?" If you are not happy with a sentence while you are writing, think, "It could be better." You will get better as time goes by. Regarding the hook, he suggests looking at people who are planning to buy a book. It is something in the first few lines that makes them interested. Ideas for stories begins with the "What if...?" question. You must also create a character at this time and continue to ask, "What if..." About character, he says, readers want to know "Where is this guy?" so you need to place him in a setting. Regarding names, he says, the name should fit the character or provoke an image. 5. Process He works from four to six hours a day and starts by reading what he wrote the day before. This picks up the emotional threads and story line. He does some editing on yesterday's work and then goes on to create more of the story. Consider what you do as "work," he says. Respect it as work. When you finish for the day, he suggests do something physical, work out or take a walk. Regarding memoirs -- try to get some distance from what has happened to you or you will be too involved. A query letter is an art form in itself. Regarding a pitch line to an agent or editor, it should be powerful and brief. He gave this example using the character's voice, "I am a lawyer who represents only guilty people, and I never lose." Andrew Neiderman can be reached at www.Neiderman.com Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here The Crow's Nest By Dodie Cross Hi fellow writers! I just heard from member Jack Griner, who tells me has several children's books on www.authorsinprint.com. Jack says: "They have a nice page regarding me and my books; Listen Wife With Thought Tones, which is new, so not sure they have it yet. What you can see is Cowboy Dust, and six books which are all in poetry. They are: Kid Stuff #1, Kid Stuff #2, Don't You Just Love The Golden Years and Creature Or Critter, which is a children's book with 50 illustrations." He adds: "Oh, I'm 82 years old and still writing." Well, Jack, you've put us all to shame. Hey gang, let's get going! Member Frank Thornburgh, sends me this email: "My story Andy was just published in the anthology, Livermore Wine Country Literary Harvest. It's a tribute to my police partner killed on duty. November 9th I did cowboy poetry and stories for the reception at the Napa WriteStuff Writers boot camp and conference. On December 8, I will be one of the guest speakers at the California Writers Club Luncheon in Lafayette, California. I now have two artists doing pen & ink drawings for my series of anecdotes and vignettes to be published next year. Look for my description of the 4th St. Studio Salon on the Writers Digest Magazine blog site." Wow, Frank, but what have you done lately? Good work! My turn: Got a couple wonderful reviews from online book reviewers that I must share. "…Dodie Cross' memoir is an unbelievably wild anecdotal ride. Her wit, wisdom and writing style belong to the Erma Bombeck school of humor. This broad will have you laughing until you cry—all the while wishing you were in Thailand with her. Armchair Interview says: This author tells a good story–hers!" Reviewed by Claire Vath, www.armchairinterviews.com and: "If you're in the market for a good laugh, I heartily recommend A Broad Abroad in Thailand by Dodie Cross, newly wed and an expat in Thailand. She writes of adjusting to a new culture (the chapter on the Eastern Squat Toilet had me laughing uncontrollably). Cross calls Thailand The Land of Smiles, filled with tiny people willing to oblige. Happy with their lives and the future that surely awaits them in the hereafter. Her problems don't center on her change in lifestyle. She embraces Thailand with great pleasure..." Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth, www.bookloons.com. I will be having a book signing on December 3rd at PostNet Mailing and Gift store on Country Club in the Ralphs Shopping Center, 10-4. Y'all come! Now that's what I call reward for the work we go through as writers. Got something to Crow about? E-mail me and inspire others dodiecross@dc.rr.com www.abroadinthailand.com Renew Membership or become a Member - click here Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Guild Gram will accept personal ads pertaining to writing. Anyone wishing to advertise for editors, ghost writers, or offering similar services, please send your copy to Palm Springs Writers Guild, Box 947, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Enclose a check for $5 per ad. Copy limited to 35 words. Deadline--13th of each month. The National League of American Pen Women luncheon is the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert. For reservations please contact Estelle Shanley at 760-771-5849 or estelleshanley@aol.com. Member Profiles by Mary Barrer JEAN LEE PORTER Jean Lee Porter, whose first novel has just been published, is an inspiration to those struggling with story and book projects. Jean spent over 12 years researching the background information. Her aim was to provide a completely accurate account of San Francisco during World War II. Like all writers, she weaves her own experiences into the plot. Jean came a long way from her roots in Springfield, Mo. Her girlhood dream was to become an actress. She studied drama at San Jose State College. With the advent of World War II, she left school and became a band singer. She worked with large bands in upscale clubs and hotels in the Bay area. After three years, her yearning for Hollywood took over and she departed to make her name in films. Her first production was financed by John Wayne and it was shown throughout the country. In the film she wore the same dress Linda Darnell used in "Forever Amber." Jean became a part of the Hollywood celebrity scene and continued to find roles in movies and television shows. Despite her success, when love entered her life she gave up her career. Although the marriage ended in divorce, she raised three sons from the union. A new and daring challenge caused her to enter yet another field, California real estate. She worked successfully in the field for 23 years. After she remarried, eight years ago she and her late husband moved to Palm Desert. Jean is a member of a prominent, pioneer family. Her uncle was William Seward, the Secretary of State, who purchased Alaska from Russia in l867 for $7 million. Her aunt owned the magnificent Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. Her aunt was murdered at the hands of a serial killer. Her tragic tale will be Jean's next writing project. Congratulations, Jean, on the publication of your novel. Her book, The Stone Must Break, will be available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel by the 15th of November. CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter CONTESTS POETS' AND WRITERS' GRANTS AND AWARDS The current issue (Nov./Dec.) of Poet and Writer's Magazine lists 40 writers' contests for most genres in its print and online mag: http://www.pw.org/mag/0711/deadlines.htm. Prizes are at least $1,000 ($500 if no entry fee.) Deadlines fall between November 15, 2007 and January 15, 2008. Check magazine ($4.95) for guidelines and details. POETRY SOCIETY OF AMERICA CHAPBOOK FELLOWSHIPS PRIZE: $1,000 and publication/distribution of manuscript by the PSA. SUBMISSION: 20-30 pages, one poem per page; title page with contest name, your name, address, telephone & email, title page with only title of manuscript, acknowledgement page of previously published poems, SAS-postcard; Table of Contents. View further details at www.poetrysociety.org/psa-chapbook.php ENTRY FEE: $12.00 ADDRESS: PSA Chapbook Fellowships, Poetry Society of America, 15 Gramercy Park, New York, NY 10003. (No email submissions!) DEADLINE: December 21, 2007 * * * INDIE EXCELLENCE 2008 BOOK AWARDS PRIZE: Announcement at National Book Expo in L.A., June 2008; Indie Excellence 2008 Book Awards website listing; Nation media & industry exposure (press release to national print media and radio contacts.; Promotion at Expo America in L.A; Promotion as "Award-Winning Title! and gold cover stickers to purchase, along with completed entry form (procure at website www.indieexcellence.com or call 866-406-4352. or email support@indieexcellen.com SUBMISSION: Any Print-on-Demand/self-published, or small press book; fiction, non-fiction any genre (See website list). Mail-in submission with check. ENTRY FEE: $49.00/entry/category ADDRESS: Awards, Indie Excellence, 269 S. Beverly Dr., Suite 1065, Beverly Hills, CA 90212., DEADLINE: June 1, 2008 * * * PALM SPRING INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION PRIZE: $1,000 and full stage production for winning long play; certificate plus full stage production of short play winner. For others selected: staged readings by playwrights' circle, free to public; short plays presented at Palm Springs national short play festival; fully staged production; entry into national competition. SUBMISSION: Original never professionally produced long plays (no more than 2 hour and 7 actors) and/or short plays (no more than 30 minutes and 5 actors.) bound, but easily separated manuscripts (no staples). View detailed guidelines at www.playwrightscircle.com/submission.htm, or call 760-327-4877; title page with name, address, telephone, email; letter size SASE. ENTRY FEE: $15.00/play. ADDRESS: playwrights' circle, 457 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite C, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (No electronic submissions!) DEADLINE: ONGOING * ACTIVITIES At Palm Desert Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 6:00 PM: David Pelzer, author of A Child Called "It," The Privilege of Youth, and Help Yourself for Teens. We welcome your input — contact Mel Harter at 760-277-1391 or harter@dc.rr.com GREAT PROGRAM LINEUP THIS YEAR JANUARY 6 JEFF KAYE Author; police officer; undercover agent; present book subject: drugs coming into the country through Mexico and money going back across the border to fund terrorist cells. FEBRUARY 3 CLAUDIA SUZANNE Author; ghostwriter; publishing and marketing; motivational speaker; she will speak on ghostwriting; humorous. MARCH 9 JOHN JAMISON, Mountain man; Wall Street banker; former minister; author; very funny. APRIL 6 SHELDON SALTMAN Well-known promoter for over fifty years: sports, politics, entertainment, business; he has the inside knowledge. MAY 4 NORMAN MARK Author; wine columnist; movie reviewer; talk show host; nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize; winner Discovery Award for novel at Hollywood Film Festival. JUNE 1 STEPHEN LINSTEADT Author books, films; naturopathic doctor; nutritional consultant; will talk on the process of getting your film made by a major studio. by Phyllis Costello FREE TUTORING for you! I'll teach you how to use Publisher Software as you assist me in creating and designing this newsletter! Publisher software is easy to use — I created my own book covers, designed many graphics for my books, my own business cards, stationary and much more using this software. Enjoy learning how to publish! Contact Vicki Mills for details. 760-250-1897 Vamills@aol.com BOOK SALE Most of us writers have novels, magazines -- fiction and non-fiction -- around our work areas. Don't throw them in the trash. Let's recycle them. At the Guild's February 2008 meeting, we will make a table available for you to donate such items for resale to members and guests at the meeting. So get your items together, and bring them to the meeting in February -- not before, please. Items will be sold at the Feb. and April meetings only. All proceeds will be donated to the Barbara Saranella Scholarship Fund. Contact for this project is Bob Hurlbert at bobhurlbert@hotmail.com. I WOULD LIKE TO START OR JOIN an ADVANCED CRITIQUE GROUP in PALM SPRINGS — any day but Monday. Please contact Judy Fabris jgfwrite@dc.rr.com 760-327-9435 ARE YOU ON OUR EMAIL LIST? Besides the Guild Gram, we keep you up to date on Guild activities through email notices. Be sure that we have your email address so you don't miss out on any important information. If you're not on our list, send your address to note719@aol.com. Mentor a friend — bring him or her to visit the Writers Guild meeting — you never know what will be sparked! Palm Springs Writers Guild P.O. Box 947 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org ^ posted by Webmaster @ 11/26/2007 07:50:00 PM Pacific Time Winners... of the Palm Springs Writers Guild Short Story Contest 2007: HONORABLE MENTIONS: (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) GOLDIE KOSSOW - "THE SOFTBALL GAME" CYNTHIA SLATER - "SAUL THE BALL" JACK STILLERMAN - "REAL MONEY" MARTIN KRASNOV - "A BIRTHDAY" IRENE TRITEL - "THE TEACUP CHRONICLE" THIRD PRIZE: ($50) PATTI WILLINGHAM - "SOME IDENTIFICATION" SECOND PRIZE: ($100) TONY O'DOHERTY - "IF YOU CAN'T LICK 'EM..." FIRST PRIZE: ($200) GORDON DAVIS - "THE PROJECTIONIST" ^ posted by Webmaster @ 11/05/2007 11:20:00 AM Pacific Time Powered by Blogger. |
