Newsletter - Palm Springs Writers Guild

May 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2008-04-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Guild Gram
PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD
Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley
May 2008
MEETING TIME: Sunday, May 11, 2008, 2:30-4:30 P.M.
Palm Desert Community Center
43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA

Mother's Day -- remember Mom and other mothers and then come on to our Guild meeting!

GRACE AND NORMAN MARK: GUEST SPEAKERS

This couple has such a long list of awards that I can't begin to list them all. Grace is the author of a best seller The Dream Seekers. She has written two books with her husband, Norman Mark. Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse, an easy to read book on the law. They collaborated on A Flaw in the Design, a novel based on the love affair and murder of the mistress of Frank Lloyd Wright.

In addition to raising a child as a divorced mother, Grace created a successful advertising agency in San Francisco that handled accounts such as LA Express Football Team and the University of Calif SF Medical Center.She has written films for McDonald's, the National Safety Council, and Firestone Centers. She has developed training seminars for women and minorities in the work place.

Norman is the author of six books. He is also a wine columnist, movie reviewer and talk show host. Some of his awards: Emmy winner, Pulitzer Prize nominee three times, Discovery award for his novel Twisted Prayers at the Hollywood Film Festival in 2000.

What a powerhouse couple we are privileged to present. Don't miss it!

Submitted by Phyllis Costello, Program Chair

PRESIDENT'S LETTER by Dawn Huntley Spitz
Our April meeting shone with the star power of Shelly Saltman and his amazing stories of his promotional work in the field of entertainment and sports. Those of us who heard him speak were dazzled by his energy and fascinating experiences. For the benefit of those who were unable to attend the meeting, I hope the Guild will invite him to speak again.

I wish to remind you of two exciting upcoming events:

Open House at the home of Lina Simoni in Palm Springs for Guild members on Friday, May 2. Please respond to Lina soonest at linasimoni@yahoo.com

Palm Springs Book Festival at Palm Springs High School on Baristo Road, Sunday, May 4 from 10-6.

Anyone wishing to participate in the Book Fest please contact me at dawnlspitz@aol.com. We are in need of a bookcase and people to help set up.

Authors who wish to display their books, either get them to me in advance or bring them on the morning of the Fest. Further information about the Fest can be found on our website palmspringswritersguild.org.

The Rancho Mirage library will present another of its Writing from the Desert Series on Thursday, May 15 at 1:30-3:30. John Putch, director, co-writer/producer will discuss "The Mohave Phone Booth." I urge you to attend the library programs. Not only are they informative and entertaining but since the library is soon to be the new home of the Palm Springs Writers Guild, it is imperative that we support it.

The Guild year is winding down and we are still in need of a Publicity Chair, and a Recording Secretary. If you have not yet volunteered your services to the Guild, now is the time to do so. It is a rewarding responsibility.

Since no one has come forward to take over the position of editor of the Guild Gram, an online newsletter may become necessary. Many organizations are now taking that route. Anyone interested in working in that capacity, please contact me.

The Guild is only as strong as its membership. Keep active! Everyone is needed.

SPEAKERS REVIEW By Jim Misko
Subbing for Joanne Hardy
Shelly Saltman
Go to www.shellysaltman.com to view the guy who called himself Art Sheldon in the early days of radio, sitting in a hospital bed bandaged to the neck from a beating delivered by one of his clients -- Evel Knievel. That and much more as Shelly attested to his over fifty years of promotions, shows and four books that came from them.

Shelly entertained the Guild members for over an hour with tales of his youthful days as a Boston radio announcer using the name Art Sheldon; the many events he promoted including women in the Olympics, women's tennis, Mohammad Ali and Frazier fight, Andy Williams tours and meetings with Boris Yeltsin and Grace Kelly.

His advice on writing included the oft mentioned 'catch them in the first chapter' theme but especially his revelation that your books and programs need to play to the audiences in the back of the room. Andy Williams taught him that when he bought and used the best sound equipment he could get to be sure it reached the less expensive seats in the back of the auditorium; the folks who bought his records.

When it came to self-publishing he advised working hard to get an agent and go the traditional publishing route due to the questionable work and tactics of some of the self-publishing companies. However, he did say that the traditional publisher of his book "Fear No Evel" pulled the book from retail stores after the sale of 115,000 copies because of the beating he took from Evel -- an unwise decision in his thinking. He wanted the royalties.

"Ideas are precious." That theme runs through his entire life. Once he was offered a large sum of money to sit in a corporate office and come up with ideas for an organization. He explained to the owner that ideas are not something you can force. He turned down the lucrative offer but continued producing and selling his ideas as they came to him.

"Creativity is everything -- think outside the box." Shelly has made and lost fortunes but still has his own hair and teeth and can drive after dark -- admirable achievements for this energetic, intelligent, remarkable man of seventy-eight years. Go to www.fearnoevel.com for a look at his book on inside Hollywood from a guy who immigrated to Hollywood from Boston -- a cross country trek that he does not regret for one moment.

The Crow's Nest by Dodie Cross
PSWG GuildGram columnist Mel Harter reports that his thriller, SOME KIND OF ANGEL has just been released. He says the book is a fast-paced pursuit of a different kind of terrorist who, with a very secret weapon of mass destruction, threatens civilization. Controversial social issues of late life pregnancy, genocide, artificial prolongation of life, and the second amendment (right to bear arms) are explored.

Mel says that getting the novel to market was like having your first baby: terrible prolonged labor pains all but forgotten when the beautiful offspring is born. He's sure everyone will enjoy reading this tale and refers us to his web site which features a video clip with a sharp hook. Please visit www.somekindofangel.com Great going, Mel. Hope you sell a million!

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

No ads are going to be put in the Gram this month or next. Some changes in the Gram are going to be taking place, and, in the interim, we won't be able to run them.

Member Profiles by Mary Barrer
Judy Fabris, 2008 Scholarship & Outreach Chair.
Judy Fabris' creative ideas often become successful, lucrative projects. As president of a branch she previously led, she introduced a community program that brought in big dollars for the branch fund.

Likewise, when she joined the National League of American Pen Women, she proposed a similar plan to our local branch. Judy's husband was gravely ill so she could not work on it, but the energetic Penwomen grabbed the opportunity. Last year, through the Women of Distinction fund raising idea that Judy suggested, they made enough money to award six one thousand dollar scholarships. Their recent fund raising lunch was attended by 140, another crowning success.

Upon the passing of her husband, she moved permanently to Palm Springs. She has been a member of the Writers Guild for five years. She appreciates the help she obtains from her critique group as she is writing a historic novel.

No stranger nor novice to publishing, she is the co-author of two non-fiction books produced and marketed by the New American Library. A third solo book was self-published.

This bright, attractive lady was born in California and graduated from Anoakia High School, near Pasadena. College presented exciting challenges. She attended USC, Mary and Williams, and earned her BS from San Jose State. She went on to be awarded a degree in Law from Western State College in Fullerton, Ca, although she never practiced as an attorney.

Her career choices encompassed many fields. She was a magazine editor, a stringer for Copeley News Service and she worked with an advertising agency. She spent forty years in the securities field and was licensed to manager a major brokerage firm. Despite this hectic pace, she found time to marry and raise and son and daughter. She boasts four grandchildren.

Judy is an enthusiastic, willing volunteer. She is corresponding secretary of the local branch of the National League of American Penwomen; she dedicates many hours as a chaplain at Eisenhower Medical Center, and is an extraordinary minister for her church in addition to her duties with the Guild.

Judy relates how she was standing in line at a Guild meeting and happened to turn around and look at the woman behind her. To her amazement it was a school chum who also lived next door to her during her early marriage. Time and circumstances had parted them since 1975, but then Judy and Mary Ladoris met at the Guild!

CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter
CONTESTS

WRITER'S DIGEST ANNUAL WRITING COMPETITION

PRIZES: Grand Prize $3,000 and trip to New York to meet editors and agents. First Place in each of 10 categories: $1,000, manuscript critique, marketing advice, and $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books. Second through One hundredth Place: scale of cash prizes and other gifts.

SUBMISSION: Categories, guidelines, and entry form, see website www.writersdigest.com/annual/

ENTRY FEE; $10 first poem, $5 each subsequent. $15 first manuscript, $10 each additional in same online session.

ADDRESS: Online at website (above) with entry form(s); by snail mail: printable entry form with manuscript(s) to: 77th Annual Writer's Digest Writer's Competition, 700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990

DEADLINE: May 15 (add $2/manuscript through June 2, 2008)

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LOST HORSE PRESS IDAHO PRIZE FOR POETRY 2008

PRIZE: $1,000 plus publication in Lost Horse.

SUBMISSION: 48 or more pages of poetry (one poem per page.) in minimally 12 point type, easily readable font. Poems may have been previously published but not in single author collection. Name, address, email, telephone, title of collection only in cover letter. Include SASE.

ENTRY FEE: $25.00.

ADDRESS : The Idaho Prize, Lost Horse Press, 105 Lost Horse Lane, Sandpoint, ID 83864

DEADLINE: May 15, 2008

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ACTIVITIES

ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS BOOK FESTIVAL 2008

Palm Springs High School, 2401 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, (Palm Springs Writers Guild is co-sponsor)

Numerous genres are represented. Exhibitors include small independent bookstores, publishers, literary non-profits and poetry groups. There are 6 stages of author panels and special guest speakers, 2 stages for poetry, performances, music, readings, open mic, and exhibitors, interactive activities, and book signings.

Website: www.psbookfestival.com

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College of the Desert Pollack Theatre, 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert

Wednesday, May 14, 12:45 PM-2:00 PM, Student Fiction and Poetry Readings by The Creative Writing Class of Amy DiBello, Associate Professor of English. Free admission, For more information call Student Services, 760-773-2590

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Wiens Family Cellars, 350 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA

Saturday, May 3, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Art, Music and Literary Walk in the Vineyards. Renowned artisans, artists, and authors show and sell their works. Cost: $25 presale. $30 at the door, includes appetizers and wine tasting. More info, phone 951-302.3837, email Dorland@ez2.net or see website at www.dorlandartscolony.org

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Melvyn's Restaurant st the Ingleside Inn, 200 West Ramon Road, Palm Springs

Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 PM, "Dinner With. . ." series. Gloria Greer, society columnist and veteran journalist, Cost $35 includes discussion, Q&A, and 3-course dinner. Reservations, call 760-325-0710.

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PLEASE SEND ME REFERENCES TO SHARE! 760-777-1391 and harter@dc.rr.com

Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here

Upcoming Writers Guild Meetings

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.

CONTEST TIME AGAIN!

The Guild Short Story Contest for this year is now open. The deadline is June 15th 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!

Are you on our email list? If not, please send email address to: note719@aol.com.

2008 BOOK SALE A ROUSING SUCCESS by Bob Hurlbert
In a few short hours of selling books-and-stuff at two Sunday meetings, the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund gained $146.65.

To the author/members who donated their books, and to the donors of used books and items -- an appreciative "Thank You." A special "Thank You" goes to Carolyn Sollano for her assistance on both days. Those who helped me unpack/pack boxes from and to my car get a "Thank You." And a hug-a-mungous "Thank You" to each of the purchasers who gave so generously in support of the Scholarship Fund!

The Palm Springs Writers Guild donated eight boxes of leftover books to the United Services Organization facility at Palm Springs International Airport. The USO representative voiced a heartfelt "Thank You" to our organization.

Limerick by Cynthia Slater
Writers who know what to say
Use metaphors in their word play
Make your rhymes fit the scene
But just keep it clean
Or there will be all hell to pay

-One man couldn't follow the directions to "press any key" -- he couldn't find the "ANY" key on his keyboard!

-One lady's problem in operating her mouse was solved by taking the dust cover off -- the plastic bag in which the mouse was packaged.

-Another lady had difficulty controlling her mouse -- she had been using it on the floor like a foot pedal because that was how her electric sewing machine worked!

-And then there was the frustrated student with a mouse that wouldn't work in coordination with the arrow on the screen who said: "Now I know why they call it a "cursor!!" "*!*/>&#\^!"

Excerpted from the book Coffee and a Byte by Vicki Mills

And you think YOU have computer challenges...

Palm Springs Writers Guild
P.O. Box 947
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org

PS Book Fest.

2008-03-28T17:05:00.001-07:00

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.

April 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2008-03-25T07:35:00.001-07:00

Guild Gram
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

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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

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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.

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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.)

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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.)

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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

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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

March 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2008-02-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

Guild Gram
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

February 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2008-01-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

Guild Gram
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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

January 2008 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2007-12-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

Guild Gram
PALM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD
Newsletter serving writers of the Coachella Valley
January 2008
MEETING TIME: Sunday, January 6, 2008, 2:30-4:30 P.M.
Palm Desert Community Center
43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH SUSPENSE AND ACTION!
JEFF KAYE WILL SHOW US HOW!
We hear a great deal through the media about a campaign issue centering around keeping our borders protected and restricting drug trafficking. Jeff is the man to let us in on the real story.

He has been an undercover agent for most of his twenty years in police work. He is considered an expert in undercover operations, along with street level drug enforcement.

His book, Two Faces Have I is a fascinating account of the life of an agent and his problems both personal and professional. Want more action and suspense in your tales? Come and hear how Jeff Kaye does it. Jeff Kaye is a timely choice for our speaker to begin this New Year!
by Phyllis Costello Program Chairman

PRESIDENT’S LETTER
by Dawn Huntley Spitz

Happy New Year to all!

We have great expectations for the Guild for the upcoming year. As you know, we are gradually shifting our meetings to the Rancho Mirage Library which has been generously offered to us for the months which are available. Our next meeting at the library will be the second Sunday of March. After that, we will continue to meet at the Community Center until November 2008.

I wish to remind you that the library has several programs during the year of interest to writers, some in conjunction with UCR. I urge you to attend these programs not only because you would enjoy them, but because I think it is important for the Guild to support both the library and UCR. We all have, after all, the same goal—to promote the craft of writing in the Coachella Valley. Please check Mel Harter’s column for dates of upcoming literary events.

I regret that I was unable to attend the December meeting, but know that Judi Weigle made a characteristically informative talk on Networking. I was glad to hear of the many suggestions that were made. Perhaps the most important again is the need to support each other as writers. We need to spend more time exchanging ideas and offering suggestions. I urge you to take the opportunity during refreshment break to network and to welcome new members.

I especially want to emphasize the importance of acknowledging our new authors. Those who have put in the backbreaking effort to bring out a book, need your support. You are not required to buy every book that is offered for sale, but please take the time to give our proud authors recognition.

I also wish to thank all of you have taken on responsibilities in the Guild this year. You are the ones who keep us moving ahead.

SPEAKERS REVIEW
by guest reviewer Eric H. Spitz
“What do you think is the purpose of this group?” Judi Weigle asked as she began her talk at the Guild in December. Her topic was “Networking.” She spoke naturally without notes and her voice carried easily without aid of microphone.

“To make money and get published,” someone offered.

“Actually, to further the art of writing is the goal,” Judi said.

Networking involves asking questions, inviting new people into our group, volunteering for jobs within the group, and above all really trying to get to know each other. We must overcome our modesty, she said, seek each other out, introduce ourselves to one another and share our goals.

“Ask ourselves, why do we write?” Judi said. If we can, she suggested, we should try to mentor someone and research projects for each other.

Judi has been successful in her marketing efforts, telling us that she personally went from nothing to $800,000 in sales with her networking efforts in the last years.

She opened the discussion to the floor and some of the members expressed their thoughts on how the group could be improved. Someone thought we might consider meeting evenings to encourage more attendees, i.e. people who are still working and younger members. Most felt that meeting at the library is a better option than the community center because of the ambience and because of the cost of the current place.

When her talk was concluded, it was noteworthy that the group engaged in lively conversations while enjoying refreshments and the networking began with vigor.

We thank Judi for her insightful talk which gave us all some new ideas on how to improve our involvement within the group.

The Crow’s Nest
By Dodie Cross
Here’s a happy start to the New Year! Jean Lee Porter's book The Stone Must Break — a historical novel — has just been published. Jean Lee is having a book signing on January 19, 2008, at Melvyn's Restaurant from 3-5 PM. Also a book signing at the Palm Springs Air Museum the 2nd and 3rd of February from 10 AM to 4 PM. Her third crowing is about a radio interview on KPIX on January 27th between 9 and 10 AM. You may order her book at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Another member heard from: Debbie Madison says she’s “proud to announce my newest published book: Modeling 101. It's a factual step-by-step guide on how to become a model at any age. It teaches, informs and explains the ins and outs of the modeling industry. With my novel: Rider Down... that makes 2 published books in less than a year!” You Go, Girl.

Another member, Greg Niemann, author of Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS, was interviewed on tape for a CNBC special half-hour television show about United Parcel Service. The show, called “Industrial Strength: UPS” will air nationally on CNBC on December 25, at 8:30 p.m. PT. Please notify others who might be interested. For more about the book and author, see: www.gregniemann.com.

Mel Harter has become a regular Contributing Writer for Going Bonkers, a quarterly self-help, humor magazine available at Border’s. The website is www.Gbonkers.com His articles are also published periodically in Today’s Senior Magazine www.today's.com, a monthly circulated primarily in Northern and Central California. Mel’s sci-fi, med-legal thriller, Some Kind of Angel, is in final edit stages and is expected to be released by iUniverse early in 2008. He is also author of the Contests and Activities column in our own GuildGram.

Got something to Crow about?
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.

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
TONY O’DOHERTY
Tony O'Doherty, the Guild's talented cartoonist and bookkeeper, has led an eventful life on two continents. His fearless Irish spirit has dominated the bold decisions he made at every juncture.

As a youth, Tony was caught up in the Rock and Roll wave that swept the music world in the sixties. He wrote original pieces and dreamed of performing. However, like many young men and women, they often suffered rejection and disappointment. For every great star like the late Rory Gallagher, there were hundreds who never made it.

Tony returned to his day job. He married Brenda and they raised four children while his business career flourished. He served as a life long Boy Scout master. His fearless Irish spirit kicked in when he became director of a hot political campaign against home tax. He made stirring speeches and won supporters throughout Ireland.

While Tony devoted most of his energy to his work, he still found time to satisfy his creative urges by writing songs and drawing cartoons. He penned articles for the island's business journal and often served as its editor.

At a time when most men were looking down the road to retirement, that fearless Irish spirit again dominated his movements. He packed up his wife, kids and dogs and moved to New York where he immediately found work. However, the hectic Manhattan pace was incompatible with this lifestyle. Like his ancestors before him who crossed the country in wagon trains, Tony sought his future in California. One of the most important events of his life occurred on St. Patrick's Day, year 2000 when Tony became a U.S. citizen.

After thirteen years of a lucrative finance career, he slowed down. He and Brenda moved to the Valley where he joined the Writers Guild. He participates in weekly critique sessions and he has produced several interesting short stories. His entries in the past two years' Short Stories Contests won him second place.

With his passion for writing combined with that fearless Irish spirit, Tony is getting set to invade the literary world with the same energy and wisdom that has marked his life.

CONTESTS AND ACTIVITIES by Mel Harter
Thanks to Guild Officers and members who provide me with good, reliable leads. Keep them coming. The feed back on this column is great and, to me, heartwarming. 760-277-1391 or harter@dc.rr.com

ERIC HOFFER SHORT BOOK AWARD
PRIZE: $1,500 and distribution of book to libraries, schools, and hospitals.
SUBMISSION: Self-Published Book copyrighted in last 2 years; one of several categories (get list and Entry Form at website http://hopepubs.home.comcast.net/~hopepubs/HofferBookForm.html) ENTRY FEE: $40.00
ADDRESS: Hopewell Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560
DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2008

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ERIC HOFFER SHORT PROSE AWARD
PRIZE: $500. 00. Winner and runners up published in Best New Writing anthology.
SUBMISSION: Fiction or Creative Non-Fiction, 10,000 words or less; unpublished (or published with less than 500 circulation.) Place story in body of e-mail, personal contact info at end of story) Visit webpage http://hopepubs.comcast.net
ENTRY FEE: None Stated ADDRESS: E-mail only; place the word “Submission” in e-mail subject line. Send to: BestNewWriting@comcast.net DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2008

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FOREWORD MAGAZINE 2007 BOOK OF THE YEAR
PRIZE: $1,500.00 each Fiction and Non-Fiction
SUBMISSION: Only books copyrighted in 2007 and published by independent or university presses in North America, including print-on-demand and eBooks
ENTRY FEE: $70.00 per title per category; 60 categories; check online : www.forewordmagazine.com/publishers/
ADDRESS: Register online at ForeWordConnections, upon completion submit book(s) with copy of receipt to: Book of The Year Awards. ForeWord Magazine, 129½ E. Front Street, Ste. C, Traverse City, MI 49684.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2008

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FRIENDS OF RANCHO MIRAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON
At Westin Hotel, Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage
Monday, February 4, 2008, Luncheon: Oprah Book & Pulitzer Prize winning author of Middlesex Jeffery Eugenides sponsored by Friends of the Rancho Mirage Library. Telephone the library for reservations (760-341-7323; www.ranchomiragelibrary.org)

* * *

Writing From the Desert Series
At Rancho Mirage Public Library, 71-100 Hwy 11, Rancho Mirage
Thursdays, January 24, February 14, March 20, April 24, 2008@ 1:30-3:30 PM
Presentations by numerous distinguished authors (For speakers each date pick up brochure at the library, or check website www.ranchomiragelibrary.org) sponsored by The Rancho Mirage Public Library & UCR Palm Desert Graduate Center.

* * *

BOOK FAIRE at Hovanian’s Four Seasons, 1800 Sand Canyon Way, Palm Springs
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2008: Chance to sell your book! Contact Cindy Hayward at 760-323-3008 or cindyh@euclidmanagement.com

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THREE WRITERS WORKSHOPS Open to Anyone Who Would Like to Sign Up
Sponsored by The National League of American Pen Women

JANUARY 15, 2008 Tapping into authentic source of creatitvity, expressing yourself and freeing the stories that swirl within you. Workshop leader is Gayle Brandeis, author of Fruitflesh; Seeds of Inspiration for Women Who Write, a writing guide structured around the growing cycle – seeds, roots, trunk, branches, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruit.

FEBRUARY 19, 2008 Writing for children. Workshop leader Marci Stillerman, author of Nine Spoons; A Chanukah Story. Her work has appeared in Highlights, Cricket, Shofar and other children's publications. 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. 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..

Each 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.

GREAT PROGRAM LINEUP THIS YEAR
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.

Are you on our email list? If not, send email address please to: note719@aol.com.

Writers Guild Board and Committee Members - click here

REMEMBER OUR FUND-RAISING BOOK SALE in FEBRUARY

Contact Bob Hurlbert at bobhurlbert@hotmail.com if you’d like to donate books that we will sell at our February meeting. All proceeds will be donated to the Barbara Seranella Scholarship Fund. Bring your books to the February meeting and help others benefit from your good work!

Palm Springs Writers Guild
P.O. Box 947
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
PalmSpringsWritersGuild.org

December 2007 Guild Gram Newsletter:

2007-11-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

Guild Gram
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

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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

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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

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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

Winners...

2007-11-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

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"