Newsletter March 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter: PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley March 2008 MEETING TIME: Sunday, March 9, 2008, 2:00-4:00 P.M. Rancho Mirage Library 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA PRESIDENT’S LETTER by Dawn Huntley Spitz The Guild had its own Super Bowl on Feb.3 in the presence of our dynamic speaker, Claudia Suzanne. She had the energy and acuity of a quarterback, leaving us all with the feeling that our team had won. Since so many missed hearing her, the Guild would be wise to invite her to speak again. I want to remind you that the meeting next month will be at the Rancho Mirage Library at 2:00 p.m. on March 9th (the second Sunday.) A new time and a new place. We are looking forward to hearing John Jamison, a noted author. I have had the privilege of reading his new book, not yet published, and it is a fascinating and entertaining collection of southern mountain stories. Although we have four more months in our Guild year, it is time to think about electing new officers. I have very much enjoyed being your president these last two years and will be sorry to step down. But it is time for new ideas and fresh energy. I think I can speak for all who have served the Guild in any capacity, that it is a rewarding experience. Contributing our time and energies to the Guild enables us to more fully experience its benefits, by giving us a greater feeling of participation and broadening our associations with other members. Some members have been contributing their time to the Guild for years—on the board, on committees, in critique groups, and for the Guild Gram. I am deeply grateful to those who have been so supportive and I treasure the new friends I have made. At the next meeting, we will have sign up sheets for volunteers. Open are positions for president, vice-presidents in charge of program, publicity and membership, recording secretary, treasurer and editor of the newsletter. The Guild cannot run without responsible leadership. If you have not yet taken a role in contributing your time to the Guild, please consider doing so now. As with anything, you will get out of your membership what you put into it. The Guild has grown in the past few years in influence, services to the community and membership. It is truly an organization of which you can feel proud to be a member. Please support it! SPEAKERS REVIEW By Joanne Hardy Claudia Suzanne promised a presentation on ghost writing but gave Guild members a much wider picture of the experiences of a writer. In addition to her book, This Business of Books, which is used as a text in colleges, Suzanne has written nearly 100 books. It wasn’t always so. She used to be a drummer. She wrote a book called For Musicians Only with her husband and with that, a new career began, first as an author and then as a ghost writer. There are two kinds of ghost writing, traditional and modern, she explained. The traditional type of ghost writer may seek out celebrities, or other prominent individuals and do biographies, expert books, etc. The ghost writer does all the research, writing and editing. The modern ghost writer takes a piece of work at a given point where the author has already developed and researched the material and begins work on the project. The ghost writer in both cases brings the manuscript to marketable quality. Suzanne says there are three kinds of editing. The book “doctor” or line editor. This editor may look at structure, content, sometimes changing passive voice into active prose, etc. They are less involved in the work than the author and more involved than the copy editor. The copy editor looks at spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The proofreader makes sure there is a pristine copy in final form with no typographical errors or repeated words. She said there were two kinds of publishing, traditional and subsidy. The difference is that with traditional, the publisher pays you to publish your book and with subsidy you pay someone to publish your book. Aside from that, the big problem with subsidy publishing is that, after it is published, you do not have a distribution engine. Subsidy publishing is best for memoirs, family genealogies, etc. Two other advantages to subsidy publishing are, you own your own ISBN and you own the rights to your book. Another negative about self- publishing or subsidy publishing is a lack of authorial accountability. Authorial accountability is an absolute with traditional publishing. It means the work has been edited and brought to professional quality. In discussing the publishing world she said, there are five major publishing houses with several subsidiary companies in each. Random House, she said, almost owns the industry. The biggest reason non-fiction does not succeed is because of faulty structure – or flow of information. The main reason fiction does not succeed is plotting. Structure means one idea flowing into another in a logical way. In fiction, the plotting should not be a sequence of events in linear form. It requires highs and lows in the story, and the events must build into a larger connected purpose for the story and ultimately conclusion. Fiction stories that last have extensive character development. It is all about character, she said. The Romance genre makes up 48 percent of the industry. When she begins editing a manuscript, she uses a chart book and action map. Then she goes to copy editing. Punctuation and grammar, she says, is all a matter of style. Suzanne feels that the first step is to get an agent. Suzanne recognized this is not easy. She has started working as an agent, and now has one novel and three non-fiction books. Claudia Suzanne can be reached at Claudia@wambtac.com or http:/www.wambtac.com or 714-439-9105. Attention, Please !! March Guild Meeting: changed date, time & location Sunday March 9, 2008, at 2 PM, the 2nd Sunday of the month! The RANCHO MIRAGE LIBRARY 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage The Crow’s Nest by Dodie Cross In October, Jim Duggan submitted his historical novel, THE POWER, a story of voodoo and slavery in 19th Century America, to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. He reports that: “On January 15, I heard that I had been advanced to semi-finalist status.” Congrats Jim, for getting so far along in their contest. Member Frank Thornburgh notifies me that he’s “been invited to be one of the entertainers at the cowboy poetry event sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Horsemen's Association. (I do my stories and poems for any group that asks.) The location is up in the east bay. There will be a cowboy Poetry gathering/ social/ dinner on Friday March 14, 2008 at the Alamo, California Women's Club 1401 Danville Blvd. It's sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Horsemen's Association and the public is invited. A RSVP is required to get an accurate head count plus attendees need to receive the potluck dish assignment. Last year was a sellout so the early birds get the best assignments. A cowboy good time is assured.” 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 CAROLYN SOLLANO, VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICITY Carolyn Sollano has lived an international life on three continents. Although she was born in California, her family moved to Arkansas when she was a small child. Here she attended elementary, high school and Henderson State Teachers College. She did not have a chance to finish as her Dad was recalled to the military and the family moved to Germany. She worked with the Girl Scouts of America and visited neighboring countries learning their different cultures. When she meet a handsome soldier on a Halloween date something magical happened and they fell in love. The couple saw each other every day thereafter and married in May. Upon Joe's discharge from the military, they settled in a Long Island New York suburb where they raised two sons and a daughter. Carolyn attended Queens College and Dowling College in Sayville, New York. Joe became a Culligan Water dealer and developed a highly successful business as a government contractor in the Philippines and Hawaii. Since they spent many months in these areas, it gave Carolyn an opportunity to experience these exotic cultures. Their oldest son joined his dad in business but tragically died at age 40 in the Philippines. Joe and Carolyn retired and moved to the desert seventeen years ago where Joe operated a Culliigan Water Agency until his death a decade ago. Carolyn's daughter and two grandchildren live in San Diego and her youngest son resides in Palm Desert. There are three teenage children in the Philippines who visit her often. The other member of the Sollano household is Honey, a beautiful apricot Poodle with distinctive white boots. Carolyn's membership and loyalty to the Guild dates back twelve years ago when she was a member of Bill Clark's screenwriting critique group. She attributes her interest in the film industry to being surrounded by the aura of tinsel town as her Dad operated theaters in Arkansas while she grew up. Carolyn has made an important contribution to the Guild as publicity chair. There are over 700 organizations vying for free space in the local media. Through her relentless effort in sending out news releases and articles, she has kept the Guild name prominent for many months. CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter 760-777-1391 or harter@dc.rr.com CONTESTS ANOTHER TREASURE TROVE: WOW! Check out Winning Writers Newsletter at: www.winningwriters.com They say, “Winning Writers finds and creates resources for poets and writers. Get access to detailed profiles of over 150 quality free poetry contests when you subscribe to our free email newsletter. Our larger premium database, Poetry Contest Insider, profiles over 750 poetry contests. We directly sponsor the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest (no fee) and the War Poetry Contest. We also assist the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest, the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest for Traditional Verse and the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Poetry Contest.” That’s right, MORE THAN 150 LISTINGS AND IT’S FREE! * * * LORIAN HEMINGWAY SHORT STORY COMPETITION PRIZE: $1,000 First Place; $500 each Second and Third Place SUBMISSION: (Limited to writers whose fiction has never been published in national publication with circulation of over 5,000.) Fiction, 3,000 word limit. Withhold author’s name from manuscript. Submit with coversheet stating author’s name, address, email address, title of story and word count. Visit: http://www.shortstorycompetition.com or write to calico2419@aol.com for more details ENTRY FEE: $12.00 if postmarked before May 1, 2008; $17 from May 2, 2008 to deadline. ADDRESS: (NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS) Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, P.O. Box 993, Key West, FL 33041 DEADLINE: May 15, 2008 * * * 2008 Independent Publisher (IPPY) National & Regional Book Awards PRIZE: Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in several genres, Fiction and Non Fiction, National and Regional plus credibility and exposure to book markets. SUBMISSION: (ELIGIBILITY: Independent, university, and small presses; self-publishers, demand publishers; copyright and/or released in 2007.) For 65 categories, guidelines, and entry form visit IPPY website at http://www.independentpublisher.com ENTRY FEE: $85 per title per category (National Contest & $45 to also enter Regional Contest) ADDRESS: Submit with entry form and fee (instructions at website above.) DEADLINE: May 1, 2008 * * * Pikes peak pen women flash fiction Writing contest PRIZE $60 First; $25 Second; $15 Merit Award SUBMISSION: Fiction less than 100 words, any genre, Theme: “Beneath The Bed” ENTRY FEE: $8.00 per entry ADDRESS: Website; http://www.americanpenwomen.org/branches.html Contact: Pamela Cosel, Contest Chairperson, 18930 Augusta Dr., Monument, CO 80132 DEADLINE: March 1, 2008 * * * ACTIVITIES La Quinta Resort & Club, 49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta Wednesday, March 19, 11:30 AM, MEET THE AUTHOR LUNCHEON: Ken Ehrlich, author of “At The Grammys.” Cost: $45.(Luncheon & speaker.) Reservations: Diane Adolph, 760-771-0577 Rancho Mirage Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring Thursday, March 20, 1: 30 PM: California Desert Literature: “From Arid Land to Literary Bounty” Featuring authors Ruth Nolan, Malcolm Margolin, Kathryn Jordan, and Rebecca O’Conner. Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn, 202 West Ramon Road, Palm Springs Dinner With…Series Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 PM: Andrew Niederman, AKA V.C. Andrews, popular world-wide author. Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 PM Edd “Kookie” Byrnes, star of 1960’s “77, Sunset Strip.” Four course dinner and speaker, $35 (tax & tip included.) Reservations required; call 760-325-2323. Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here EDITORS — still looking... I am looking for an editor for my memoirs. Please call me at 760-345-1663 or email me mariascuisine@verizon.net Maria Woelfl Upcoming Writers Guild Meetings (see more activities & workshops on pg. 6) 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. Mark your Calendar! Sat., Mar.1st — Workshop on “Doing Research” by Kathryn Jordan We all know what a critical part research plays in good writing. Research can make or break your book or paper. Learn from a successful author. Kathryn is now working on her third novel. Her first novel, Hot Water is selling world wide; A&E is considering it for TV. She was invited to write the love story of Gladys Walton and Al Capone, by their son. It was recently released under the title The Glad Girl. Don't miss this special opportunity on Saturday, March 1st, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Mizell Senior Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs. $10.00 Guild Members Non Members $20.00 Reservations Phyllis 760-321-6173 Are you on our email list? If not, send email address please to: note719@aol.com. WILL YOU HELP US EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY? We need a refreshment chair for April, May and June because Cheri Bentley-Buckman, our usual hostess, will be out of town. Please contact Cheri to see what is needed at 760-321-8211 or cbook59869@aol.com. John Jamison, The Mountain Man, Speaks! Mountain Man, Wall Street Banker, author, and former minister: sounds like several people! These descriptions all belong to one person, John Jamison. Coming from humble beginnings, he graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt. He also attended Harvard and the University of British Columbia. He holds degrees in philosophy and the psychology of religion. His articles appear in national publications. His first novel Chair Dreams won first prize in the Yachats Literary Festival. The Backside of God presents a man returning to his mountain roots and all the problems he encounters untangling from the past. This promises to be a gifted speaker with an unusual message. He has skillfully fictionalized parts of his life and has much to share and will keep you laughing. Can you write or play for recorder/piano. Let's duet. 327-3279 Marion I need ride to Guild Meetings from South Palm Springs. 327-3279 Marion My face is furrowed now In fact, it's really rutty. Revlon & Clinique don't help I need a can of putty. By Phyllis Costello February Book Sale a Success In spite of a relatively low attendance (34 persons) on Sunday, the PSWG Book Sale was surprisingly profitable. In competition with the pseudo national holiday – Super Bowl football game, donors’ books filled the tops of four tables and were swept up by charitable buyers; thank you. The sale generated $58.15 for the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund. Thanks to the member/authors who donated their penned works for the Silent Auction, and to the bidders who competed for them. A special thanks to Carolyn Sollano, who devoted her time at the meeting assisting with the sale of books and things. This event will be repeated on April 6, 2008. Writer’s Workshop Open to Anyone Who Would Like to Sign Up Sponsored by The National League of American Pen Women March 18, 2008 The art of writing the short story. Workshop leader is Mike Foley, of Writer’s Review. Mike has helped hundreds of aspiring writers and business people strengthen their writing skills, promote businesses and improve their chances at success. He is the editor of Dream Merchant Magazine and author of more than 600 published stories and articles. In addition to his editing services, Mike also teaches fiction and nonfiction writing in the extension program at the University of California--Riverside.. Workshop: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert Reservations: Marge Dodge, 333-0733 or margedodge1@aol.com Cost $30 each. Keep up the good work! The top of the mountain is reached one step at a time! Palm Springs Writers Guild P.O. Box 947 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org ^ posted by Webmaster @ 2/26/2008 06:10:00 AM Pacific Time Powered by Blogger. |
