Newsletter PS Book Fest. The third annual Palm Springs Book Festival will be held May 4th from 10:00 to 6:00 at Palm Springs High School, 2401 E Baristo Road, Palm Springs. Authors attending include Cloris Leachman, Chalmers Johnson, Barry M. Goldwater Jr., Dan Boyle, Gayle Brandeis, Trebor Healey, Alistair McCartney and Lydia Millet. Guild authors who want to rent booths can find a form on the bookfest website to send in their checks. (psbookfestival.com) An author must rent a booth to sell their books, but we hope to have a bookcase where our authors can exhibit their books. Authors are not allowed to share booths. Profits will benefit the Arts Institute of Palm Springs High School. ^ posted by Webmaster @ 3/28/2008 05:05:00 PM Pacific Time April 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter: PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley April 2008 See you in Palm Desert at our "other location"... Meeting Date: Sunday, April 6, 2008, 2:30-4:30 PM Meeting Location: Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA Shelly Saltman: Big Name Promoter/Manager Shelly has over 50 years working all over the world in fields of entertainment, sports, humanities & politics. His client list reads like a celebrity night at Kennedy Center. Here's a small sample of some of those he has promoted: Andy Williams, Evel Kneivel, Mohamad Ali, Jonas Salk, Boris Yeltzen, US Olympic Team. His record speaks for his expertise. A master of his craft, Shelly will have much to share. PRESIDENT'S LETTER by Dawn Huntley Spitz Our second meeting at the Rancho Mirage library was another resounding success. We are looking forward to the time when we will have most of our meetings at that venue. Our speaker, John Jamison, mountain man, noted author and former minister, among a variety of other pursuits, gave us a fascinating account of tracking down a story. He also reminded us that the best place to look for ideas is within our own lives and experiences. We welcome John as a new member of the Guild. The Guild will be taking part in the Palm Springs Book Festival at the Palm Springs High School on Sunday, May 7. I encourage our authors to participate. Renting a booth provides an excellent opportunity to sell your books and make contacts. Judi Weigel, who is in charge of the program, has a varied and enticing lineup of speakers for the day. For further information on the festival, look at the website www.psbookfestival.com. Member and author Kathryn Jordan gave an excellent workshop on research this month. What we learned is that research is not only necessary but can be fun. Those who attended the workshop gave it high marks. Kathryn is also a participant in the writers forum at the Rancho Mirage Library on March 30. These are highly worthwhile programs deserving of your support. The Guild is fortunate to have a group of excellent and capable nominees for the 2008-09 board. We are still in need of a treasurer, Guild Gram editor and publicity chair for the upcoming year. If you have not contributed your services in some way to the Guild, here is your opportunity. Serving on the board is an excellent way to incorporate your own ideas in giving the Guild direction. You will be rewarded with the satisfaction of making a contribution while at the same time making new friends. Anyone interested in any of these positions, please contact me. We are pleased to announce the winner of the Barbara Seranella Memorial Scholarship for 2008. It is Adrian Rivas from Palm Springs High School. He will receive a scholarship of $750 at the high school award ceremony on May 22. We look forward to meeting Adrian at an upcoming meeting and hearing his winning submission. Our thanks to Tod Goldberg at UCR for his help in selecting a winner. Please remember the Guild is YOU! Please support Guild activities and encourage others to join. SPEAKERS REVIEW By Joanne Hardy John Jamison spoke to Guild members without his mountain-man voice, only treating us to the North Carolina mountain dialect for a few sentences. His varied career has taken him from the mountains to the academic world, to Wall Street, to the ministry, and back to his North Carolina roots with the development of the book The Backside of God. People ask him how he gets ideas. He says "from you and me -- we're all a little bit weird." He quoted his friend Robert Waller, author of The Bridges of Madison County, who told a friend to give his son (who wanted to be a writer) $5,000 and tell him to wander around America -- in bars, restaurants, shopping centers, watching people. Another basis for a story is to consider what we did, failed to do -- the worse thing we ever did, the most hurtful thing. An event may trigger a book. He read about a human remains found in a campground. First official consideration was foul play. He began to investigate. It was found to be a suicide. He followed other leads discovering more and more about this man. He continued until all questions had been answered about a man who didn't want his life -- a man Jamison did not know. This search became the book Answer to Hell. When asked how he writes, he says some people make scene after scene on index cards then arrange them into crisis and transitional scenes. Some people write with a free flow not knowing exactly where they will go. He says he is somewhere in between. He may start with a character or an idea. He may write a chapter which may end up being in the middle or he may write the first or last chapter before he gets going. He suggests you use characters that will "most likely do anything." It is best when characters take control. Regarding self-publishing, he says he has done it three times and the first thing to consider is what you want to do with the book you have written. Do you want to market it or keep it a personal memoir, for family and friends? iUniverse creates a good book. Xlibris helps more with marketing. His advice on editing was interesting. He says he can write a book in 90 days, but it is not a finished product. He leaves it for about six months, and then reads it, looking for content and flow. He then lays it aside for six more months. This time he reads it aloud. The real key is to hear it as if it were new. Then with this self-critique, he goes to work completing the story. John Jamison can be reached at jamisonrayburn@att.net or 760-202-9924. The Crow's Nest by Dodie Cross Member Jenny Gumpertz has something to crow about: "I have just won 3rd prize in Jane's Stories Press 2008 Flash Fiction contest for my 74-word story "High Achiever." My picture, bite-size bio, and the story are now on www.janesstories.org. Click on "latest contest winners" to read Jenny's story. She also has a little belated crowing to do from last December when she won an honorable mention in New Millennium Writings contest for her story "Peeling Onions," which will appear along with a bio and picture in their Oct-Nov edition. Jenny says it's her "...first publication in a literary magazine." Kudos, Jenny, that's perseverance for you! Julie A. Gorges writes: "My new book, A Time To Cast Away, my second young adult novel, will be released in April 2008. The book can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com." In a note from Carol Mann, we learn that Guild member Cyndy Muscatel has been busy wearing three hats: teacher, mentor, and editor. Her Mizell Center Creative Writing Class is publishing an anthology entitled The Road Taken. Twenty-five class authors have contributed fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to the project, including guild members Dolores Carruthers, Phyllis Costello, Virginia Cummings, Martin Goldberg, Gitta Gorman, Carol Mann, Cheryl McFadden, Mary Olson, Dawn Spitz, Eric Spitz, and Kay Virgiel who are enrolled in the class. The book is now in the hands of iUniverse. Carol has recently had her short story "The First of the Season" published in the literary journal RiverSedge, published by The University of Texas-Pan American Press. "The story is set in Germany during WWII; two young American soldiers fight weather and thoughts of home." And, speaking of crowing: two members, Debbie Madison and yours truly, Dodie Cross, came in as finalists in "ForeWard" Magazine's Book of the Year Award. Winners will be notified at the BookExpo of America at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 30th. Got something to Crow about? E-mail me at dodiecross@dc.rr.com www.abroadinthailand.com and inspire others. 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. Send money and written ad to P.O. Box and then email a copy of your ad to Vamills@aol.com so that Vicki Mills can put it in the Gram. Write GRAM AD in the subject line of the email, please. Kathryn Jordan, author of the novels: Hot Water and The Glad Girl Editing Story Consulting Careful Constructive Advice All Aspects of Writing/Publishing M.A. English, U.C.L.A. 30+ published articles 28 years teaching writing Katejor@earthlink.net (760)345-0569 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 CHERI BENTLEY-BUCKMAN, HOSPITALITY CHAIR It's often the dream of serious writers to live in the Left Bank of Paris where many of the world's most colorful and successful authors reside. Our Cheri Bentley-Buckman achieved that goal when she made her home there for a decade, not far from Ernest Hemingway's digs. A Texan by birth, music became the focus of her life at the early age of five when she began piano lessons. She continued with this study during her elementary and high school years, yet was able to take time out to become her high school's cheerleader. Instead of choosing a mainstream university, she attended the Converse Conservatory of Music in South Carolina where she studied to become a concert pianist. Following a brief, unhappy marriage, Cheri looked to other horizons. She presented herself as a strikingly elegant young woman and soon became a high fashion model showing top designer clothes. This led her to discover the glittering world of international travel where she enjoyed the friendship of top European diplomats and luminaries. She studied writing with a private tutor and often joined other jet setters on the slopes of the French Alps for skiing. When she returned to the States, she settled in Huntsville, Alabama. She began work on her first novel based on her experiences on the international scene. This is a work in progress. Romance blossomed in her life when she met Charles Buckman, a prominent California educator who was attending a seminar at the Hilton hotel in Huntsville. The couple's whirlwind courtship lasted less than six months. On a trip to Hollywood to met his family, they decided to marry. They choose the Moorton Botanical Gardens in Palm Springs for their nuptials. Patricia Moorton arranged a fairy tale wedding. When Charles retired they bought a condo in Palm Springs and now divide their time between here and their spacious new home in Huntsville where they spend time with their family. Poetry has become another creative outlet for Cheri. Her "Rosa" was published in the 2007 San Diego Poetry Annual. She is preparing 30 of her original poems for a chapbook to be produced in July. Cheri was recently named to the Board of Trustees of the Idylwild Arts Academy. She is member of the Palm Springs Film Festival Committee, the Palm Springs Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Romance Writers of America, and the Writers Guild, along with other civic organizations. Cheri's philosophy is never give up on your goals and it is never too late to realize your dreams. Cheri and Charles have generously provided the delicious refreshments for our meetings this season. The Guild extends its thanks and appreciation to them for their gracious hospitality. CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter ALASKA WRITERS GUILD 2008 RALPH WILLIAMS PRIZE SPECULATIVE FICTION CONTEST PRIZE: $5,000 Grand Prize (best of contest); $1,000 each category: Sci-Fi, Horror, Humor by teens, young adults. SUBMISSION: Up to 25 pages double spaced, 12 pt. Courier, one inch margins. For guidelines and Application Packet see: www.akwguild.alaskawriters.com/book10.html ENTRY FEE: $50.00 per story entered, unlimited number.. ADDRESS: Ralph Williams Speculative Prize Contest, Alaska Writers Guild, 9138 Arlon St., Ste A-3 Box 910, Anchorage, AK 99507 DEADLINE: April 15, 2008 * * * 16TH ANNUAL WRITER'S DIGEST INTERNATIONAL SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK AWARDS PRIZE: $3,000 Grand Prize + magazine promotion; $1,000 each of 9 First Place winners SUBMISSION: All printed and bound English language books published or revised and reprinted between 2003 and 2008. Entry form/details: www.WritersDigest.com ENTRY FEE: $100 First entry; $50 each additional entry ADDRESS: See website: www.WritersDigest.com DEADLINE: May 1, 2008 * * * ALMOST ENDLESS LIST OF CONTESTS AND WORKSHOP RETREATS WINNING WRITERS NEWSLETTER: Free at www.winningwriters.com POETS AND WRITERS MAGAZINE: $17.95 subscription: bimonthly, one year to; see www.pw.org or write Poets&Writers, P.O. Box 543, Mt. Morris, IL 61054-7463. Ask for introductory discount. * * * ACTIVITIES Rancho Mirage Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring, Rancho Mirage Thursday, April 24, 1:30 PM: Author T. Jefferson Parker Winner multiple Edgar Awards and L.A. Times Book Prize ( Stories of Murder & Mayhem in Southern California.) * * * UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert Gneiss Poetry Series, Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 PM Poet Lola Haskins (Call 760-985-0853 for further info.) * * * La Quinta Entertainment & Cultural "Meet The Author Luncheon," Salon de Flores Ballroom, La Quinta Resort, 49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta Wednesday, April 16, 11:30 AM: Authors Anne Newton Walther (Loss of Innocence) and Norman Mark (Lure of the Long-Legged Blonde) Cost: $45 for lunch and lectures; Reservations: Terri Keating, 760-771-0115 or Diane, 760-771-0577 or email LQECO@aol.com * * * Know of good contest or activity for this column; contact Mel Harter at 760-777-1391 and harter@dc.rr.com Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here Upcoming Writers Guild Meetings MAY 4th or 11th -- to be announced 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. All we need is a helping hand.... No costs to you involved. The Guild pays for the refreshments. We just need a refreshment host/hostess for 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. CONTEST TIME AGAIN! The Guild Short Story Contest for this year is now open. The deadline is June 1st and the winners will be announced at the November meeting at the Rancho Mirage Library. It is open to Guild members only. The prizes will be $200 for first prize, $100 for second and $50 for third. Entry forms will be available at the next meeting as well as included in this Gram issue! Enter Short Story Contest - click here BOOK PROMOTION 101: From the Stakeout to the Kill by Dodie Cross Okay, here's the deal. We have to promote ourselves! There's only one person who knows the book and thinks it's the Greatest Story Ever Told; and it's the author. I have no shame when it comes to promoting myself, selling myself or getting in someone's face (or dinner plate at a restaurant) and selling my book. The first thing I did after my cover was designed was to design and make a bookmark. It was easy. All I had to do was set my margins on my word document to the size of a normal bookmark (2"x7") and then start typing...."In this laugh-out-loud memoir, Dodie Cross...yada, yada, yada. You'd a thought I had just been awarded the Pulitzer by the way I bragged. But, why not? Who's going to walk up to you and say: "Hey, I read your book, and it wasn't a "Laugh out loud." Next I called around and got some quotes on 500 bookmarks; some prices were higher than my mortgage payment, some companies took six weeks to deliver. Then I found Office Depot. They were fast, did the work in-house, and the bookmarks turned out lovely. Then I began my attack. The Stakeout: Every time I left the house I made sure I had at least 50 bookmarks stuffed into my purse. The second I saw a straggler, a woman sitting alone, two or more women together, or husband and wife, I began reaching into my purse. "Hi," I'd say, giving my best local author smile, "I'm a local author and this is a bookmark for you." "Oh, thanks," most would mutter as they haltingly accepted it, hoping I wasn't a rabid cult member trying to lure them into my church. The Assault: I can't tell you how many times my cheapo little cards sold a book for me. In restaurants: I'd scope out the room looking for happy faces; crinkles around the eyes showing a propensity for laughing; women chattering over a glass of wine (I always approach drinkers, they're happy people). I've left the restaurant with two people trailing me to my car for an on-the-spot purchase. I suspect it might have looked like some sort of a drug-buy, but hey, you've got to market at any cost! On airplanes: I walk the aisles looking for women reading. They're easy prey. "Hi," I say brightly as I check out the name of the book they're reading. "You look like you'd enjoy this type of book," as I insert a bookmark into their book. There's really no way to avoid a sales pitch on a plane. Where are they gonna go to get away from you? At the post office: Lines of women, just waiting to get their minds off of the dreary duty of picking up "held" bills. I think they're the easiest marks. They have no book with them; they are bored beyond endurance; and their eyes light up when I tell them that the back of my bookmark is "for women only." Then I lurk just outside the door, knowing I've interested a few of them, and sure enough, I have captured at least one to three bored housewives longing for some excitement in their lives, and honey, I tell them, this book will do it. Once I ran out of bookmarks before the line of women ran out, and I actually had a lady look ticked off. "Where's mine?" she asked. Doctor's offices: Another sure-fire captive audience. They're all reading; either books, or magazines left over from the pterodactyl period or boring health leaflets. "Hi," I say, giving them the "local author" bit, "I'll bet this book might be more interesting than reading about seborrhea and the heartbreak of psoriasis." Coming in for the kill--The Guarantee: "This is a woman's book," I tell them. "Very funny, fast reading, and if you don't laugh out loud I'll refund your money." "Oh!" some would reply, suddenly interested. "Well, gee. Okay. Um, where can I get it?" they'd ask while turning the card over and reading the hilarious synopsis I devised to trap such hold-outs. "Well, if you're interested in saving some money in shipping and handling costs, I have copies in my car for just your type of smart shopper. Plus, I can autograph it for you if you purchase it right now." I do believe I have sold more from my trunk than from my web site. I guess what I'm trying to say with all this is: don't be a bunch of nattering nabobs of negativism. Get out and be a self-promoter! FINAL USED BOOK SALE We had a tremendous success in February. This month's sale during the meeting April 6th should be even more exciting. Bring your books, cash, and checkbook for the final sale of this project. The Silent Auction is fun. Try it, you'll like it. Last chance: Bring books for sale, and dollars to buy. THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE BRAVE Might sound corny, but it DID catch your attention, didn't it? Do you want free tutoring in newsletter creation? Would you like to serve the Writer's Guild by writing and editing the newsletter? Feel free to talk to Vicki Mills about what benefits there are. My editorial skills have skyrocketed since doing this Gram. Call or write to discuss if this branch of service is for you! Vicki 760-250-1897 or Vamills@aol.com. It's not for everyone, but I do want YOU! "A book is a friend... ...who will wait patiently until you want to meet, speak when you want to listen, teach when you want to learn, introduce you to heroes and heroines, make you laugh, touch your heart, send you traveling in time and space, tickle, trick, tantalize you. Cozy up, day or night, to a companion you can count on for a lifetime!" Excerpted from Coffee and a Byte by Vicki Mills Are you on our email list? If not, please send email address to: note719@aol.com. Palm Springs Writers Guild P.O. Box 947 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org ^ posted by Webmaster @ 3/25/2008 07:35:00 AM Pacific Time Powered by Blogger. |
