Newsletter February 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter: PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley February 2008 MEETING TIME: Sunday, February 3, 2008, 2:30-4:30 P.M. Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA GHOSTWRITING * * * LEARN FROM THE WINNER Multitalented could describe Claudia Suzanne. She began her business in 1988 after a successful career as a professional drummer and vocalist. Since that time she has ghosted over 90 fiction and nonfiction books. She has written three of her own titles, including This Business of Books, a Complete Overview of the Business from Concept through Sales. This book is in its 4th printing. Many schools use it as a text, including universities in China. Editing, life coaching and motivational speaking are also among her bag of tricks. She serves on many boards including Pen Women, CA State Extension Board, Founder Southern CA Professional Writers. Plan to be entertained as well as educated. She knows the business. by Phyllis Costello Program Chairman THE LONG-AWAITED BOOK-AND-OTHER-WRITERLY-THINGS SALE Donate your unwanted books, magazines, and other items of writer interest to a good cause. Bring them to the Guild meeting on Sunday, February 3, 2008. Also bring dollars and quarters or your checkbook to buy from the table. One person's trash is another's pleasure; you will not find treasure at a better price. I will price them; I will sell them. All proceeds will be donated to the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund. Bobhurlbert@hotmail.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER by Dawn Huntley Spitz Those of us who heard our January speaker, Jeff Kaye, tell of his lonely and dangerous life as an undercover agent in the drug trade, were deeply moved by his account. He is yet another of the courageous people who daily risk their lives for the safety of others. His fascinating story can be found in his book, "Two Faces Have I." One of the Guild's exciting events is soon to get underway again as we look forward to another year's challenging short story contest. The winners of last year's contest were of high caliber and with our increase in membership, we expect even more high level entries this year. Bob Berk, the professional actor who so effectively read our winning short stories last year, has joined the Guild and has kindly volunteered to be the program chair for the 2008 contest. Despite the scheduling conflict with the Super Bowl game, I hope you will all endeavor to attend the February 3rd meeting when our speaker will be Claudia Suzanne who will speak on ghostwriting among other things. Since the Guild often gets requests for a ghostwriter, this should be a topic of great interest to our membership. Also on February 3rd, Bob Hurlbert is graciously holding a sale on used books and magazines of which we can avail ourselves for a token fee. The proceeds of the sale will go to the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund. Please participate by bringing in your donations. You can stock up on new reading material and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time. Although dues were payable in October, a significant number of members were still in arrears as of this month. To save having to call nearly forty members individually, a reminder was sent to the general membership. Since the due date had been changed from January to October, the dues were prorated to $30. The dues will again be $40 as of October 2008. A return envelope will again be included in the October Guild Gram for your convenience. The Guild continues to grow in membership and influence. Our Guild Gram has wonderful new features and contributors. Be sure you do your share! Donate! Volunteer! Participate! SPEAKERS REVIEW by Joanne Hardy Author, policeman, undercover agent, instructor and now speaker, Jeff Kaye gave Guild members a glimpse into the shadowy world of under cover work. Recently retired after 24 years in law enforcement, he knew he had unique stories to tell. His wife said, "Write a book." The result is Two Faces Have I. When he first wrote out his experiences, it was twice the size of the final manuscript. He had so much material in his head, it was hard to cut it. His main character was not considered a likeable guy by the first "test" readers, but toward the end of the book they changed their opinion. He found he loved to build his characters and tell a story. The book is fiction based on fact, and embellished "quite a bit." Lots of things in the book actually took place. He does not like the cover, but explains it represents two sides of a policeman, the one side, the idealistic youth just out of the academy, and the other the jaded, experienced, sometimes damaged undercover cop. He says nobody knows what the undercover police officer goes through. He is under both physical and mental pressure just to stay alive. In the early 80s, a lot of rock cocaine began to come into the Reno area. That is where he dedicated his career, doing mainly undercover work in narcotics In the late 80s, early 90s, they took him out of police work and gave him a new identity. His was Jack Hays and Jack Hays was set up with a new driver's license, social security number, credit cards, and lived in dive hotels. Working under cover, he was not allowed to associate with police officers, couldn't drive his own car, or go out in public except as his "alter ego." In his book, he shows what life is like when you are living part time with your "alter ego," and coming home to live as yourself. He was single at the time with no family to come home to. Sometimes, at the end of the day, he said, it is hard to turn off who you are playing. The sacrifices undercover agents make in their personal and professional life are huge and difficult. Since his work involved spending up to ten hours a day in bars to make criminal contacts, he said it is easy to become a borderline-alcoholic. There are long-term and short-term assignments. No one knew where he was until he checked in. He writes about the detrimental effects of narcotics on the criminal but also the undercover police officer who associates and sometimes lives with them. He shows that with the life he must live; sometimes there is not much difference between the police and the people they try to police. The powers that be in the profession don't take into consideration that you can't easily turn off your assumed identity at the end of the day and that can turn you into something you didn't want to be. He did self publishing, print-on-demand with Two Faces Have I, because he wanted to get the book out but he says he doesn't recommend it and won't do it again. He has been able to promote it through speaking engagements with follow-up book sales. If you don't have a marketing package, he says, "You're in trouble." One advantage to print-on-demand is you keep all your rights. Although he has received 32 rejections from agents, he feels traditional publishing provides the best means to market a book. Jeff Kaye can be reached at twofaces@sbvglobal.net or 760-619-2948. The Crow's Nest by Dodie Cross Member Carol Mann sends us this posting: "In December, I gave a poetry program to a local La Quinta group. The reading was mostly pieces by established poets. I included two of my own. The evening was themed around memories and hope. About 50 attended." Also, our Guild Gram editor, Vicki Mills, has been recruited as a monthly columnist for The Desert Woman magazine, starting in the February issue. Her subject of course... "Any Body Can Enjoy Computers." Got something to Crow about? Email me at dodiecross@dc.rr.com and inspire others www.abroadinthailand.com Renew Membership or become a Member - click here Ads accepted 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 AM at Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert. For reservations please contact Marge Dodge at Margedodge1@aol.com or 760-564-9329. Member Profiles by Mary Barrer CYNTHIA SLATER, AUTHOR-PIONEER MEMBER Who writes a book with animals as the main characters? It relates how they express their unique personalities, positive and negative attitudes and what methods of communications they use. Our Cynthia Slater created just that in her novel QTUTU geared to young readers from junior high upward as well as dog lovers everywhere. It will be available in late February published by Author House. Her story is based on her friendship with the family of a Basenji. This rare African breed does not bark and was originally used to hunt lions. Cynthia was born in Los Angeles, attended L.A. High and UCLA. Here she met her husband, Ev. They wed in l942 and moved to Dayton, Ohio, as Ev was stationed with the U.S. Air Force at Wright Patterson Field. After the war they settled in Alhambra and raised a son and daughter. When the children were in school, Cynthia found work as a professor's assistant at CAL State. From the extra income she earned, she was able to pursue a childhood dream to learn to fly. She took lessons in a Cessna 150 at El Monte airport when it was just a strip and no control tower. After logging the necessary hours to qualify for a private pilot license, she passed her FAA written with the high score of 90. Because her husband lacked interest in her continuing, she dropped aviation before she obtained her license. She devoted her time and energy to art and won several show awards. Her works were exhibited in galleries in Southern California. When Ev and Cynthia moved into semi retirement in Palm Springs, they bought a printing shop. Cynthia jumped in and learned most facets of the small enterprise. Soon business thrived and the hours became longer and longer. Far from the easy lifestyle they envisioned, the hectic pace was so demanding, they made a mutual decision to bail out. This move allowed Cynthia time to pursue her avocation, writing. She enrolled in a creative writing course at COD and joined the Palm Springs Writers Guild as one of the early members. During the past years, her short stories have won top places in the annual Guild competitions. She credits her critique group with providing inspiration and guidance. Cynthia is a person possessed with a strong will, fierce determination and a burning passion for writing. Stricken by a major stroke two years ago, despite the handicap that remains, she is undaunted and has continued to keep pace with her writing schedule. She is forging ahead with her newest project, a historic novel set in the Victorian era. This has required long hours of research. Cynthia has an interest in history she attributes to her pioneer family. Her ancestors came over with the Quakers in the 1600s and she has traced her roots to those early settlers. What happens when Queen Victoria encounters a handsome, bold gypsy? The intriguing tale is told in her next novel! CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter 760-777-1391 or harter@dc.rr.com POET'S AND WRITERS GRANTS AND AWARDS A treasure trove: Check out POETS & WRITERS bimonthly. About 50 competitions with deadlines within the current two month time frame. Minimum prize: $1,000. Also each issue runs display ads for contests and activities. (Research their legitimacy.) Contact: www.pw.org; email: editor@pw.org; : Snail mail: Poets & Writers, P.O. Box 543, Mount Morris Il 61054-47463. Ask for introductory offer, $11.95. * * * Colorado Review; Nelligan Prize PRIZE: $1,000 and publication in Colorado Review SUBMISSION: Submit a stor any length. See guidelines: nelliganprize.colostate.edu or email: creview@colostate.edu or send SASE to address below. Telephone: (970) 491-5449 ENTRY FEE: $10.00 ADDRESS: Colorado Review , Nelligan Prize, 9105 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523. DEADLINE: March 15, 2008 * * * GLIMMER TRAIN PRESS VERY SHORT FICTION AWARD Prize: $1,200 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories Submission: Short story < 3,000 words. See www.glimmertrain.com Telephone: (503) 221-0836 Entry Eee $15.00 Address: Editors, Glimmer Train Pres, 1211 NW Glisan Street, Suite 207, Portland, OR 97209 Deadline: February 29, 2008 * * * The Interpreter's House Short Story Competition (Ed. Note: This could be fun and open new vistas. MH) Prize: First £300 (± $600.00); Second: £200.00 (±$400.00) Submission: Fiction < 2,500 words. Guidelines: http://interpretershouse.org.uk Entry: £5.00 (± 10.00) Check Dollar-Pound exchange rate at: www.xe.com Purchase and send International Postal Coupon to cover Air Mail SASE postage. Address: (No email submissions; Specify AIR MAIL) IH Short Story Competition, Upper Flat, 251 Abingdon Road, Oxford OX1 4TH, UK Deadline: February 28, 2008 * * * ACTIVITIES Rancho Mirage Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring, Palm Desert Thursday, February 5, 1;30 PM: Authors Reza Aslan ("No God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam") and Laili Lalami ("Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits") FAMOUS AUTHOR SPEAKERS SERIES PLUS DINNER at Melvyn's Restaurant in Palm Springs. Bill Marx, son of Harpo, Jan 29; Marshall Terrill, celeb biographer Feb 13; Shelly Saltman, Fear No Evel (Knieval) Feb. 20; Andrew Neiderman, aka V.C. Andrews, world-renown, Mar 4. Call 760-325-2323 or 760-325-0046 for info and reservations. * * * National League of American Pen women WORKSHOPS February 19, 2008: Writing for children. Leader: Marci Stillerman ,("Nine Spoons; A Chanukah Story") Featured in Highlights, Cricket, Shofar. In 1992, she won the Educational Press Association of America Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism. March 18, 2008: The art of writing the short story. Leader: Mike Foley, of Writer's Review. Mike has helped hundreds of aspiring writers and business people strengthen writing skills, promote businesses and chances for success: Editor of Dream Merchant Magazine; published 600 stories and articles.. Mike also teaches fiction and nonfiction in extension program at UC Riverside. Each Workshop: 2:00-5:00 PM Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert. Reservations: Marge Dodge, 333-0733 or margedodge1@aol.com Cost: $30 each workshop. Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here LOOKING FOR AN EDITOR... I am a new author and I am looking for an editor for my memoirs. Please call me at 760-345-1663 or email me at mariascuisine@verizon.com. Maria Woelfl Screenwriting needs? Script Editing needs? Esther Luttrell at your service. With expertise honed over the years at two major studios, and having written and sold many successful screenplays, Esther is not only an excellent teacher in the field of screenwriting, but she can personally edit yours so you can be a success as well. You can contact her at www.luttrellscripts.com. If you prefer to learn how to do it from her, Scriptwriting A to Z and Screen Writers Q & A are the books that give the inside scoop on how to write for today's rapidly changing Hollywood market. "What Esther teaches is 100% right ... every screenwriter should know what she has to say." Paul Mason, former Viacom Senior Vice President Production." Order them through www.AuthorHouse.com. Upcoming Writers Guild Meetings (see more activities & workshops on pg. 6) 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. Remember to come early for the big book sale to benefit the scholarship fund! Bring your books to donate and bring your checkbooks or cash! A great way to help future writers! WRITERS GUILD Workshop on How to Do Research by Kathryn Jordon, March 1st, 9 AM to 1:00 PM. She has lots of experience in this field researching her two books, The Glad Girl, the story of Gladys Walton and Al Capone as told to her by their son, John Walton, and Hot Water, her previous novel that has gone world-wide that took place at the old Capone hideaway in Desert Hot Springs. $10.00 members $20.00 non members. For questions, location details and registration call 321-6173. Personal Hospital Stay Limericks by Dawn Huntley Spitz Confined to a hospital bed I write limericks all night in my head With the needles and such I'm not sleeping much But I guess it beats being dead. Kathy, the pretty night nurse Has numerous cures to disperse Though you're poked 'til you bleed She provides what you need So that you will get better, not worse. The man who runs the Cat-Scan Keeps you waiting as long as he can 'Til the range of your panic Can match the Titanic And you're worse off than when you began. A man by the name of Walter Found his ticker beginning to falter But then all the duress Of the nuclear stress test Made his heart like the Rock of Gibraltar. Laughter is still the best medicine! Are you on our email list? If not, send email address please to: note719@aol.com. Writer's Destiny by Phyllis Costello I am here to write My writing will teach and entertain My writing will cause others to think My writing will cause the world to change. My writing causes me to think, to laugh and to cry. My writing fulfills me and brings me joy. My writing is the meaning in my life. I write because that is what I came to do. I write because I do not know how to stop. I write because I must. Limerick by Elm Battersby One dark day my aortic valve crashed And my jig on life's dance floor had dashed Said dear doctor, "Your jig Needs the valve from a pig." Now the pig and I jig unabashed. Limerick by Cynthia Slater When the raven of E. Allen Poe Croaked the now famous word "nevermo" He became so well known Mr. Poe he outshone Mr. Poe should have writ: "just say 'No'" Palm Springs Writers Guild P.O. Box 947 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org ^ posted by Webmaster @ 1/27/2008 10:26:00 AM Pacific Time Powered by Blogger. |
