Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another

The Newstream . . .

Fall 2010

JOIN US!: Workshops for Everyone!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: From Page to Stage
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Radio Days
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: SHE WRITES!!

JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, and Appearances

Here's what we're offering for Fall . . .

MAITLAND
Section I: Monday Evening AWA Workshop: 6:30-p.m.-9:00 p.m., eight alternate Mondays, September 6th-December 13th.

Section II: Wednesday Morning AWA Workshop: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, September 8th-December 15th.

These AWA-style Creative Writing Workshops are appropriate for writers at all levels of experience, working (or experimenting!) in all genres. $315. Limited to ten participants.

MOUNT DORA
Thursday Morning BookWriter's Workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., eight alternate Thursdays, September 9th-December 16th.

In this workshop/critique group, seven writers meet to develop, discuss, and revise projects-in-progress. We will write together, share work for group critique, examine extended portions of one another's manuscripts, and learn professional techniques for marketing work.

Members need only have a book-length project in mind to apply.

Mount Dora BookWriter's Workshop is limited to six participants. The $465 cost includes a one-hour private consultation with writing workshop leader and a written/oral group response to a portion of each writer's manuscript.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407.644.5163 to register or for information.  

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THE NEXT LEVEL: Three-Day Craft Intensives/Retreats

Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, know what writers need – time, support, instruction, accurate information, and the opportunity to practice the skills that will help them take their work to THE NEXT LEVEL.

Each Next Level Craft Intensive is an engaging, instructive, experiential, market-savvy weekend focused on a particular aspect of the writer's craft.

OVIEDO (Orlando area) at Canterbury Retreat Center
The Next Level: The Marketing Intensive, November 5-7

Over the course of three days

    * Learn exactly what you need to go to market.
    * Discover how to pick the best agents, conferences, publishers for you.
    * Create marketing materials that will make you proud!
    * Practice pitching until it's (practically) painless.
    * Confer privately with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect.

The cost for the Marketing Intensive, $525, includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. (Double occupancy, per person, add $110 for two nights' stay. Single occupancy, add $140 for two nights' stay.) Enrollment limited to 17 participants.

Register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407-644-5163 for more information
or Joyce Sweeney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And visit Joyce's site at http://joycesweeney.net/

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IN THE COMMUNITY: FWA Conference and Yo Soy Latino Radio Show

LAKE MARY, at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Florida Writers Association Annual Conference

The FWA's motto is "Writers Helping Writers," and that's what the annual conference is all about! Join Woodstream Writers and hundreds of writing professionals from all over the state and the region for the 9th Annual Florida Writers Conference, October 22nd-24th.

In addition to a weekend full of terrific craft and marketing workshops, panels, opportunities to network and to garner feedback and advice from agents and editors, you can wake up your creative mojo with Jamie Morris!
 
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, we'll be meeting from 7-8 a.m. for Early Bird "Juice Group" sessions. During the hour, we'll write to prompts, read our new work aloud, and have a chance to make--or receive--a comment or two before the day's conference activities begin!
 
ON THE AIR, 810 AM, WEUS
Yo Soy Latino

Listen in from twelve noon to one o’clock on Saturday, November 13th! Darlyn Finch will be interviewing Jamie Morris and Woodstream's St. Martin's Press author Julie Compton on Scribbler’s Corner, a monthly chat about Orlando’s literary scene. Scribbler's Corner is just one segment on the very cool weekly radio magazine show Yo Soy Latino (810 AM, WEUS), hosted by Jose Miranda and Haydee Ayala. (See Community Connections, below.)
 
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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Writers One Flight Up summer contest asked writers to submit the first 150 words of their novels. The winners--whose first 150 words grabbed the judges' attention and left them wanting more--were Woodstream alum Lisa L. Rast for Siren Song, Sharon L. Dwyer for Special Delivery, and John White for Prayer Offerings.

Congrats to all--and a shout out to WOFU and Pulse Magazine for supporting the literary arts in our community. Make sure to visit www.writersoneflightup.com to learn more about what's happening in Literary Lake County.

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE . . .

1) Playwright Jill Bevan, who wrote the 2006 Orlando Fringe Festival's Shuffling Strait, spent a session in a Woodstream Workshop developing a new play. Now complete (congratulations, Jill!), the script, titled Once Upon a Pill, is about the effects of the birth control pill on modern men and women, just in time for The Pill's 50th anniversary. Look for Jill--and Once Upon a Pill--on a Fringe stage soon.

2) YA novelist Jim Shipley's talented wife, Rachel, has been basking in the spotlight just recently. She and her sister Evie--the singing Burton Sisters of some fifty years ago--have been practicing for their official San Francisco stage reunion as part of the show You Shall Know Us By the Trail of Our Vinyl, which is funded in part by a grant from from the Steven Spielberg Foundation! Well done, Rachel. L'Chaim!

(Visit http://trailofourvinylbook.blogspot.com to learn more.)

SHORT AND SWEET . . .

Our own Gerry Wolfson-Grande has had her short story "The Chess Players" chosen for inclusion in Slices of Life, this year's Florida Writers Association anthology. Gerry is on a roll! A winner of a Royal Palm Literary Award and a WOFU contest last year, we sort of want to sidle up to her and see if some of it rubs off on us.  

POETIC LICENSE . . .          

Poetic pal Marcia Brook has been invited to participate in a 1st Thursday program at the Orlando Museum of Art this Thursday, September 2nd. Called "Eclectic Knights II,” this is the UCF Art Alumni annual event and will include examples of art in different media, including poetry. Marcia will be among several poets reading from their work.

Marcia's poetry is terrific! Don't miss it. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. (with the reading at 7:00). For more information--including ticket prices--visit www.omart.org/events/1st-thursdays-eclectic-knights.  

ARTICLES OF INCLUSION . . .

1) Novelist-in-training Ms. Susan (Susie B.) Bartlett, had her second Being There piece published in The Orlando Sentinel. This one, titled Haiti: a 7-day Lesson in Gratitude, ran May 23rd. Read a bit about Susan's post-earthquake volunteer experiences at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-being-there-haiti-052310-20100523,0,1489918.story

2) Travel writer guy Brian Bragdon is becoming a regular contributor to Being There, too. In April, he profiled Tuscany. Take a look at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-being-there-tuscany-041110-20100411,0,3401930.story.

Brian also writes travel pieces for The Examiner. Head on over to http://www.examiner.com/x-40959-Orlando-World-Travel-Examiner to see what he's been up to.

3) Lisa (First 150 Words Contest Winner) Rast is now a staff writer for local-to-her mag FOCUS Magazine. Good work, Lisa. They're lucky to have you--and we're lucky to get to read something of yours while we're waiting (hint, hint) for that novel to be done!

BLOG-ERRIFIC . . .

1) Anna (Bananarama) Thoma's new yoga-for-life blog, From Prozac to Prana is up and running. Wander on over and read what's on Anna's mind--and share some of your own experiences at http://fromprozactoprana.blogspot.com/. You'll like FPTP. It's blue.

2) Mary K (Writing Wench) Swanson's working on a graphic novel, Hot Houndette. You can see bits of it on her coolio blog, Writing Wench: Plotting Something Since 1963. What are you waiting for? Get linking: http://writingwench.blogspot.com.

3) Remember that neat story in the last Newstream about Terri-Lynn DeFino who, by dint of trial, error, hard work, and huge patience, has gotten a book deal for her fantasy novel Finder? Well, Terri's just gotten a gig at Apex Books Blog. Take a look. But be careful. Terri-Lynn's smart . . . you might just learn something!

http://www.apexbookcompany.com/blog/2010/06/connection/
http://www.apexbookcompany.com/category/blog/
 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate

1) You don't really have to wait until November. Listen in from twelve noon to one o’clock on the second Saturday of each month to Darlyn Finch at Scribbler’s Corner, a monthly chat with special guests about Orlando’s literary scene.  Jose Miranda and Haydee Ayala, hosts of Yo Soy Latino, an innovative radio magazine show on 810 AM, WEUS, invite you to call 407-774-1965 to take part in the conversation.

2) Julie Compton (www.julie-compton.com)--a suspense writer herself--wants us to know that the wonderful Mystery Writers of America (MWA) organization is accepting applications for the 2011 Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship for Mystery Writing. Here are the details. (Thanks, Julie.)
 
Two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to mystery writers to offset tuition and fees for attending writing workshops, writing seminars, or college-level writing programs in the U.S. during the summer, fall, or winter of 2011 or early spring of 2012. The purpose of the scholarship is to nurture talent in mystery writing -- in fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.

To apply, download the official application form from http://www.mysterywriters.org/files/u6/2011_McCloy_Application_Form.pdf. For a copy of the latest information, FAQs, and individual answers to your questions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3) Wednesday morning writer-with-flair Elaine Senecal has volunteered to be FWA's Secretary effective August 1, 2010. She spent the month of July learning the duties and understanding the complex spreadsheet for FWA memberships. For all you do, we thank you, Elaine!

HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities

1) The Tampa Writers Alliance's new and improved Annual Contest is opening for submissions as of Wednesday, September 1st. Unlike other writing contests, contestants receive written comments from at least three highly qualified judges dedicated to their genre. Contest closes October 31st.

For details, visit www.tampawriterscontest.blogspot.com or www.tampawriters.org    

2) (Auntie) Bev McCartt suggests we visit She Writes, a website and social network for women writers.

On the She Writes "about" page, you'll find this mission statement:
She Writes is a community and a workplace for women who write, with over 10,000 active members from all fifty states and more than thirty countries. Right now, emerging writers and established bestsellers are finding services, support and actionable advice on She Writes. In the future, the site will empower women writers further by connecting them directly to readers in a marketplace distinguished by its commitment to the production and distribution of high quality content.

She Writes was founded by author and salonniere Kamy Wicoff, in partnership with Deborah Siegel, author, consultant and Ph.D.  It is a mission-driven company, based on the belief that writing is life- and world-changing for women.

http://www.shewrites.com/

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Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news . . . and keep up the good work!

Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writers

 
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SUMMER 2010 

Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another.

JOIN US!: We're Taking It to THE NEXT LEVEL!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Novel Attention(s)
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Wekiva Writers Welcomes You!
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Royal Palm Literary Competition Opens


JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, and Appearances

1) WRITING MARATHON . . . in Altamonte Springs (Orlando Area)

The backyard pool will be open for dipping, too.

C'mon. We'd love to have you join in our (mid-summer) reindeer games!

Award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and Woodstream Writers director, Jamie Morris, have joined forces to create THE NEXT LEVEL, a series of  instructive, experiential, market-savvy writing intensives. Join us--and take your writing to THE NEXT LEVEL . . .

A) THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive . . . in Delray Beach (South Florida)

. . . if it's time to revise your manuscript, but you're not sure where to start,
. . . or you're mid-revision, but something's not quite right,
. . . or you just need that final polish before you pitch,
then join us, July 30th-August 1st for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive, where, over the course of three days, you will

• learn Joyce's fail-proof revision secrets
• use guided writing exercises to apply what you learn to your own work
• confer with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect
• WRITE, join group discussions, and deepen your writing community

The cost for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Revision Intensive, $425, includes supper on Friday evening, full breakfast and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, plus Happy Hour and snacks on Saturday evening.

B) THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive  . . . in Oviedo (Orlando area) at Canterbury Retreat Center

Good for you! You've revised and workshopped and revised some more. Now it's time to learn the tricks of the book-marketing trade.

Let us help you prepare . . .
. . . to pitch at your next conference,
. . . find (and query) the best agent for your work,
. . . make your manuscript stand out above the rest . . .
when you join us, November 5-7 for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive.

Over the course of the weekend 

• Learn exactly what you need to go to market.
• Discover how to pick the best agents, conferences, publishers for you.
• Create marketing materials that will make you proud!
• Practice pitching until it's (practically) painless.
• Confer privately with a workshop leader to aim your efforts for best effect.

The cost for THE NEXT LEVEL: The Marketing Intensive, $525, includes snacks and supper on Friday evening, full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Enrollment limited to 17 participants.

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C) THE NEXT LEVEL: Tension, Suspense, and Conflict: Keep Readers (and Agents) Reading! . . . in Jacksonville (Northeast Florida)

February, 2011. Dates/Cost TBA. Contact us to be advised when registration opens for this event.

Joyce Sweeney is the author of fourteen novels for young adults. She has been critiquing manuscripts for over 25 years. Many of her clients have gone on to publish the novels they’ve worked on with Joyce.
Jamie Morris directs Central Florida's Woodstream Writers, leading workshops and intensives regionally--and coaching writers in many genres, towards publication.  

Register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407-644-5163
or Joyce Sweeney at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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• move your book project ahead, week by week;
• find valuable critical approaches to apply to your own and others' writing;
• capitalize on what makes your story strong, powerful, and unique;
• discuss your work in a private consultation with the workshop leader

Join us! Get your book off the ground and onto the page!

Tuesday Evening BookWriter's, Section I: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Dec.14.

Tuesday Evening BookWriter's, Section II: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, Sept. 14-Dec. 21.

Wednesday Morning BookWriter's: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, Sept. 8-Dec. 15.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407.644.5163 for more information.  

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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs

Books-A-Gazillion

1) Woodstream partner Joyce Sweeney is proud to announce that so far in 2010, two of her students have acquired agents:  Kerry Cerra is being repped by Joanna Volpe and Jonathon Rosen by Steven Chudney, while her students Laen Ghiloni and Pascale Mackay swept the Writer's Network awards in the category of children's books: Laen took first and third places and Pascale took second. 

Also, Joyce's class has had two first-book launches this year! Christina Gonzalez's The Red Umbrella, YA/Knopf and Adrienne Syler's Hot Diggety Dog, picture book/Dutton.

A big Woodstream Congrats to Kerry, Jonathon, Laen, Pascale, Christina, and Adrienne! Wonderful work. We couldn't be happier for you!

2) Julie Compton's latest thriller, Rescuing Olivia, is receiving wonderful reviews!  Among them, the local NPR station in Southwest Florida did a on-air review of Olivia--with a nice excerpt to boot. Yay, Julie!

Catch yourself a listen at http://wgcu.org/programs/floridabookpage/

To learn more and read an excerpt of the first chapter, visit www.julie-compton.com.

3) Lara Zielinsky's second novel Turn for Home will be available in June. Read a bit about it at http://larazielinsky.wordpress.com/tfh and let Lara know if you'd like a copy: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Good work, Lara. Best of luck with the book!

4) Woodstreamer journalist-turned-novelist Geri Throne told us a wonderful story in Wednesday Morning BookWriter's: It seems Geri's long-time writing colleague Terri DeFino had gotten a book contract. That's great enough in itself, but Terri's story--which she generously shares with Newstream readers--shows us exactly how much perseverance and hard work and talent and good luck and perseverance (!!) goes into those book deals we hear so much about.

Terri says, I've been working on the writing thing since 1996, when my youngest started preschool. I didn't go to college, so through lots of trial and error, I taught myself the ins and outs (along with help of Dollbaby and Geek friends!) 21 manuscripts later, I decided I needed more than trial and error. In 2006, I attended Viable Paradise Workshop--the experience that turned my world around. Since that workshop, I've produced two books. One turned out waaay too long (another writing lesson!), so I wrote another, Finder, and used everything I learned about writing to do it. I finished, sent it to Hadley Rille Books--a very small but excellent (and respected) press, and he loved it. We're shooting for an October release, but it may not be until the turn of the year.

Terri, thanks for sharing this with us. We love to eat the cake, but sometimes forget what goes into the making of it! Readers, visit Terri's Live Journal Blog, http://bogwitch64.livejournal.com/.

Avoiding the Con took second place in the Living Now Book Awards! Good for you, Kia! Take a look: 

http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1357

To learn more, visit Kia's site, www.thecontractress.com 

Short (Stories) But Sweet

1) Gerry Wolfson-Grande, one of the hardest working women on our side of the 'Stream, has lots of good news to share: First, her short memoir about her pup, Annie (written at a Woodstream Writing Marathon!), titled "Like" has been chosen for inclusion in the upcoming Pets Across America anthology from Gabriel's Guardians, which benefits pet rescue shelters across the country.

Honestly, Lara, is there nothing you can't do?

Pretty Poems (and the Good-looking Poets Who Make Them)

1) "Calypso's Gone Public Again," read the note. We deciphered: Our adorable pal Calypso Strawn will be reading her poetry on Tuesday, June 1st, at Tatame Tea Lounge on Fairbanks, near Rollins, 7:15 p.m. and then again on Sunday, June 6th, at Lake Lily at the Maitland Farmer's Market, at 11:00 a.m.

Sing strong, Star Sea!

2)  Marcia Brooks is still pinching herself to make sure it’s real. Her lovely poem “Rosary Beads and Tarot Cards” won 4^th place in the 5^th Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards. The names of poets and poem titles of the 1^st through 10^th place winners will be printed in the August 2010 Writer’s Digest. Also, addition, the 1^st through 50^th place poems will be printed in a special competition collection!

Such wonderful news, Marcia. Thanks for letting us know. 

3)  The Poetry Ensemble of Orlando is pleased to announce the winners of its 2010 Poetry Contest. 

First place: Oral Nussbaum for “Small Giant.”
Second Place: Amanda MacCormac for “This Winter of War.”
Third place (tie): Donatella Young for “Christine Behind Bars”
            Oral Nussbaum for “Peek-A-Boo.”

Poetry Ensemble of Orlando recently published Connections. This lovely collection is available on www.lulu.com. We're proud to count the PEO members--Russ Golata, Estelle Lipp, Alice R. Friedman, Robert A. Osborne, and Leslie Halpern--among Woodstream's friends.

To learn more about PEO's upcoming contests, performances, and other events, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Articles of Inclusion

1) Maureen Cavanaugh Berry, the one and only Seafood Lady of Orlando, is getting around (edible) O-town. Whether she's pulling weeds in her community garden plot or pulling the secrets out of local chefs, Ms. Berry is sharing it all with her readers.

Wander over to her site, http://seafoodladyorlando.com/wordpress/, or find her local foodie interviews and articles at Examiner.com where Maureen is the Orlando Restaurant Examiner!

2) Lightning may not strike twice, but travel writer Brian Bragdon's article on bear-watching in Alaska has hit three times--once in the Orlando Sentinel's Being There section and then in the Chicago Tribune and the  Baltimore Sun.

And Brian's writing for the Examiner, too. See http://www.examiner.com/x-40959-Orlando-World-Travel-Examiner~y2010m3d15-Come-get-your-life-back-in-New-Zealand for a sample of his good work.

3) Catherine Rain had an article published in Simple Joy titled "Sowing the Midlife Garden."  Readers can take a look at the Spring 2010 Spring 2010 issue of this e-zine at http://www.youpublish.com/files/29529/Simple-Joy. 

Nice to hear from you, Catherine. Congratulations on the article.

Bloggetty-blog-blog-blog . . .

1) Janie Bill--who, by the way, is serving as the 2010 Florida Writers Association Conference Director--has launched a new blog. It's titled Feeling Fiction and aims to help writers learn what works in the narrative process--and what makes your manuscript work for publishers. 

Visit www.feelingfiction.com to get a "feel" for Janie's strategies.

Thanks for this, Janie, and for your work on behalf of FWA.

Read my post, March 10. Read Chris's posts everyday!

Thanks to Chris and all the amazing FWA volunteers for making literary Florida a great place to write.

3) And speaking of literary Florida, Darlyn Finch, Central Florida's very own Scribbler, wrote a short-sweet piece for Commuter Orlando titled "My First Commute" that's about commuting on National Ride Your Bike to Work Day.

then visit Darlyn's beautiful new site (created by Mary Ann DeStefano of Mad About Words) at http://darlynfinch.com/.

Ride on, Sister!

See more about both Mary Ann and Darlyn in the COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS section, below.

4) Newstream reader (and long-time Boston pal) Caroline Nudelman has been writing about Reiki. Read one of her Hubpages pieces at http://hubpages.com/hub/Energy-Healing-or-Reiki-Which-Is-It-Or-Is-It-both

Thanks for staying in "touch," Caroline. (Get? Reiki? Touch?)

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate

1) The Adult Literacy League needs volunteers to help tutor other adults in reading. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Tutors meet with adult learners once a week at their local branch of the library or a local book store. Contact Lisa Warren, 407-422-1540 or visit www.adultliteracyleague.org for more information. Thanks to Terri Chastain for her championing of the Adult Literacy League.

2) Wekiva Writers is a writing critique group that focuses on offering respectful, constructive criticism to help group members strengthen their work. 

Wekiva Writers meets every Saturday at Wekiva Presbyterian Church in Longwood from 9:00 a.m. until everyone's had his or her work discussed. This fun, informal group is open to anyone who would like to attend—and it’s free!

On Saturday, July 17, Jamie Morris will be Wekiva Writers' guest facilitator. At that meeting, she’ll demonstrate the popular Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method that she uses as a writing coach and workshop leader, offering a brief writing exercise, leading an AWA-style read-around, and guiding a critique of prepared manuscripts before opening the floor for general Q+A.

There will be no charge (of course!) for this workshop. If you’d like more information or have any questions, please email Marcia Brooks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

3) The MAD about Words Lounge is subtitled, "nurturing creative and community spirit." A wonderful, no-charge, virtual cafe for writers to share ideas and support, the Lounge is a gift that Mary Ann de Stefano gives to her community. Visit http://madaboutwords.ning.com/.  And be sure to say, Hey!, to Mary Ann.

MA, thanks for all you do.

4) And speaking of gifts, Darlyn Finch has been producing her newsletter, Scribbles, weekly (sometimes hourly) as another no-charge contribution to her beloved Lit-Lando. If you are reading this, and don't subscribe to Scribbles, stop what you're doing and go to http://darlynfinch.com/scribbles/ and ask the nice lady to put you in the local literary loop.

Darlyn, you're a darlin'. Tanks.

Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities

1) The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition is accepting entries for the 2010 competition! They've been working with publishers to refine their genre-category definitions, and have paid close attention to the many helpful comments of the Florida Writers Association membership to keep the 2010 competition in tune with our fast-changing industry and with the needs of FWA members.

Visit http://www.floridawriters.net/RPLA.html for details on this wonderful Florida-based competition. This is one contest where everyone's a winner!

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SPRING 2010

Sharing our news with you, and your good news with one another.

JOIN US!: Something for (Almost) Everyone!
PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Mt. Dora Authors' Signing
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Support Local Literacy
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Good Notes from NYC SCBWI Conference


JOIN US!
Workshops, Intensives, Retreats, and Appearances

1) . . . in Altamonte Springs (Orlando Area)
Writing Marathon On Saturday, March 20th, we invite writers at all levels, working in any genre, to join us at our wonderful retreat house in Altamonte Springs for a day-long Writing Marathon where, from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., all writers will be invited to catch a spark from our writing prompts or to feed the flames of their longer works-in-process.

Please note: This Writing Marathon will be presented in a private home that includes cats. The cost for the day, $175, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.

2) . . . in Boca Raton (South Florida)

Two Teachers, Two Days--It's Twice the Learning, Twice the Fun!

On Saturday and Sunday, April 24th and 25th, award-winning author Joyce Sweeney and writing coach/AWA workshop leader Jamie Morris invite writers at all levels to join us for a weekend of literary growth and experience. In this informative, experiential, market-savvy workshop titled THE NEXT STEP, you'll write, you'll read, you'll learn, you'll critique.

Open to anyone who is ready to take their next literary step, attendees will enjoy the following opportunities: to have their writing strengths and weaknesses assessed; to learn crucial literary marketing skills; to participate in AWA-style writing and critique sessions; to share in a Q&A about the most common writing problems; and to discuss their writing in a private conference with one of the workshop leaders.

The cost for the weekend, $250, includes full breakfast and lunch, both days, plus Happy Hour and snacks on Saturday evening. Please note: The Next Step will be presented in a private home that includes cats. TAKE THE NEXT STEP . . . 

3) . . . in Altamonte: It's a Writers' Pajama Party!!

On Saturday, July 10th-Sunday, July 11th, ten free-wheeling, ready-for-a-break-from-it creative writers will come together at our wonderful retreat house in Altamonte Springs where we will write together from prompts--or work on projects-in-progress--as well as practice Julia Cameron's Artist's Way tools.

We'll start on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. and finish at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. All meals and beverages (adult beverages, too) will be included for this bring-your-jammies-and-a-bed-roll weekend of inspiration, exhalation, concentration, and exploration. Please note: The Writers' Pajama Party will be presented in a private home that includes cats. The cost for the weekend is $235.

4) . . . in Maitland: BookWriter's Workshops for Spring

In these workshop/critique groups, seven writers will meet in our Maitland loft to develop and discuss their projects-in-progress. Together, we will write together, share new work for group critique, closely examine extended portions of one another's manuscripts, and learn professional techniques for marketing our work.

Members will be writing in all genres and need only have a book-length project in mind to apply. Join us! Get your book off the ground and onto the page!

Option a) Tuesday Evening BookWriter's Workshop: 6:30-p.m.-9:30 p.m., eight alternate Tuesdays, May 4th-August 10th.
Option b) Wednesday Morning BookWriter's Workshop: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., eight alternate Wednesdays, May 5th-August 11th.

The $495 workshop cost includes a one-hour private consultation with writing workshop leader and a written group response to a portion of each writer's manuscript.

Register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407.644.5163 for more information on any of these workshops.


PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs

Books-A-Gazillion

1) Author signing, Thursday, March 18th, 6-9pm, at One Flight Up Cafe, Mt. Dora!

Celebrate local authors, including Woodstream fav JL Rehman (Death Impressions and new release, Blood Of Belladonna); Michael Suib (Confessions Of A Key West Cabby and The River Of Duval and Other Technicolor Realities); Nancy Butler-Ross (Meditation Express); Mark Miller (The Fourth Queen); RB Henderson (More Gall Than Honey); Bob Grenier (Woodlea: Life On The Lake Of The Dancing Sunbeams and Florida’s Forgotten Pioneer: The Gallant Captain Melton Hayes).

Lake County should be mighty proud!

One Flight Up Café’ is located at 440 N Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Fla. Between 4th & 5th (Above Noni)
407-758-9819
www.writersoneflightup.com

2) Julie Compton's latest thriller, Rescuing Olivia, is in bookstores now. Like Julie's last novel, Olivia is receiving wonderful reviews! Nice work, Ms. Julie.

"Compton burrows so deeply into [the characters'] troubled back stories and dramatizes in such psychologically compelling terms the swain's attempt to rescue his princess that the result is a pleasing hybrid of fairy tale and contemporary thriller." Kirkus Reviews

An "intense, entertaining second novel . . . [A] super-satisfying resolution." Publishers Weekly

To learn more and read an excerpt of the first chapter, visit www.julie-compton.com.

3) Dr. Ruth D. Edwards has self-published her first book: Step Into Yourself! Spiritual Affirmations for Embracing Change.

This guidebook to personal change is designed to help the reader manifest her/his dreams and goals. Each chapter introduces a concept with elaboration, followed by scriptural reinforcement and a question to prompt self-reflection. The chapter concludes with a journal page. You will soon be available to purchase copies online; until then, contact Dr. Edwards at the Winter Park Public Library Lifelong Learning Institute, 407-623-3309.

Articles of Inclusion

1) Travel writer Brian Bragdon has something quite nice to brag about: His essay, "Bear Spotting," about viewing bears in the wilds of Alaska was published in the Orlando Sentinel's Travel and Arts section on Sunday, December 20th. Well done, Brian.

2) Joan Manson posted a nice instructional article on how to do an Angel Paper Weaving on Hubpages. Take a look:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Angel-Paper-Weaving. Pretty projects, Joan!
For more paper projects, visit Joan at www.joanmansson.com.

Short (Stories) But Sweet

1) "Congratulations Elaine Senecal, Your short short story, "Unconscious Consciousness," has won 24th place in the 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition. You will be receiving a formal letter, a certificate and a $50 gift certificate for Writer’s Digest Books sometime in April. Your story will also be published in the Short Short Story Competition Collection."

This was the note new-to-Woodstream Elaine received last month! Way to go, Elaine! We couldn't be happier for you!

2) Susan Miller's short story about a Chinese/Cuban woman who is on life support and her two daughters who have decisions to make was published in Battered Suitcase, the literary journal of Vagabond Press in Florida, www.vagabondagepress.com. Now if we could only get Susan herself to come down and visit us here!

Pretty Poems (and the Good-looking Poets Who Make Them)

1) Urban Think! Bookstore will host the Orlando Book Party for Kelle Groom's third collection of poems, Five Kingdoms on Saturday, March 20, 6:30pm. One of Groom’s previous collections, Luckily, won a Florida Book Award. Her poetry has appeared in The New Yorker, Ploughshares, and Poetry, among other magazines, and is forthcoming in Best American Poetry 2010.

Here's some well-deserved praise for Kelle's work: Kelle Groom's new book, Five Kingdoms, attempts to categorize the world, make sense of its violence, loss, and beauty. Her poetry cross-references politics, biology, history, domesticity, and war. Her work glows with her spirit and intellect, explodes with joy and grief. Five Kingdoms sings with what it is to be human. -- Denise Duhamel

Urban Think! Bookstore
625 East Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32801-2916
Information: (407) 650-8004

2) Such good news! WS pal Terry Godbey won the 2009 Quercus Review Poetry Series Annual Book Award. Congrats, Terry. Thanks for letting us know.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
What's Happening and How You Can Participate

Thanks to Terri Chastain for her championing of the Adult Literacy League. Here are two ways you can add to the effort.

1) The Adult Literacy League needs volunteers to help tutor other adults in reading. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Tutors meet with adult learners once a week at their local branch of the library or a local book store. Contact Lisa Warren, 407-422-1540 or visit www.adultliteracyleague.org for more information.

2) Reading between the Wines, a benefit for the Adult Literacy League, will be held Friday, April 9th at 6 pm: Enjoy a wonderful evening of wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres from fabulous local restaurants, while raising money to improve lives through literacy. The event sold out last year, so get your tickets now: www.adultliteracyleague.org.

3) Thanks to Tuesday night novelist Anna Thoma for this news: The University of Central Florida Book Festival is April 17, 2010 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free admission and parking on the UCF campus. More than 60 authors, including celebrated humorist Carl Hiaasen and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will be on hand. Book signings, sales and appraisals will take place. Special children’s activities are also planned. Meet local favorites Greg Dawson, Pat Duggins and Bob Morris. For schedules and information, please call 407. 823.2835 or go to http://bit.ly/cDiQ4R.

4) And on the West Coast of Florida (Tarpon Springs, to be exact), David Edmond has been creating literary community for some time, facilitating a mostly-fiction writers critique group every Friday, from 10am-1pm at the Tarpon Springs Library. A healthy group, they currently count 25 members on their roll, with 12-15 showing up at any given meeting, during which they typically accommodate 5-8 readers.

The members are a mixed bag, young and retired, published and unpublished, high school educated and lawyers and Ph.d's. A few--like David--have taken creative writing courses at the university level, whereas others are at the early learning stage.

There are no fees for participation, and David invites you to visit the group or contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

HOW NOW, BROWN COW?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities

1) JL Rehman's Partners In Crime Publishers is launching an author promotional product fulfillment website. Author Outfitters offers a large selection of customizable products without costly setup fees or minimum quantity purchases. Authors can go online, select a product, upload their own graphic, book cover, or text, and custom design size, location and colors. Sign up for our newsletter for sales and new products. Go to www.partnersincrimepublishers.com and click the “Author Outfitters” bullet.

2) Wednesday early-in-the-morning BookWriter Pat Matthews attended the recent SCBWI (Society for Children's Bookwriters and Illustrators) conference in New York and generously shared his notes. "It was a good conference," he said, "if a bit chilly for my taste."  (Be sure to visit Pat's www.daddytales.com to read good stuff on fatherhood!)

Advice from YA author Libba Bray:

• Be unexpected: Libba recounted a story about asking her child what he wanted to be when he grew up. The answer? A giraffe. Writing that kind of unexpected answer brings depth and charm to a story.
• Let characters make mistakes: I think we’ve all heard this one, but it’s good to remember. Mistakes help readers connect with characters and make them more interesting.
• Avoid Trends: By the time you’re trying to catch them, they’re probably already gone. Try to write what feels true to you, not what you “should” write.

• Who is reading YA? Everyone. Be aware of the extended audience when you’re writing.
• The difference between Middle Grade and YA is sex. YA has it.
• The fantasy genre is crowded, but with a lot of repetition. It needs fresh new ideas with strong character development. The story must be personal to the character.
• Don’t start at a pivotal moment, start at a changing moment. Give the readers a chance to learn about your character before dropping a safe on his head.
• When it comes to series, just market the first book. It should stand alone, but have the ability to be turned into a series.

• Rewrite.
• You are not your work. People may hate the work, but like you. They also might like the work, but not you. Keep the separation.
•  Don’t be paralyzed or scared of stupid ideas. Realize that you’re going to have stupid ideas, and accept it.