WRITE NOW NEWSLETTER - JULY 2009
SUMMARY OF EVENTS
- Imagination Writers’ Workshop and Conference - July 7 to 12
- Thurber Picnic with Jennifer Crusie - July 8
- Raspberry Vignette with Donna Jarrell - July 11
- New World of Self-Publishing - July 11
- Antioch Writers’ Workshop - July 11 to 17
- Writers Bloc: Writing Small with Trish Houston - July 16
- Poetry in the Park - July 17
- The Ohio Poetry Assoc. - Family Picnic - July 19
- Poets & Writers Guild featuring Elizabeth Ann James - July 24
- Thurber Picnic: New Voices - July 22
- Gallery in the Garden - July 26
- Writing from the Inside Out with Nita Sweeney - Aug. 1
- The Soul of Books with Jeanne Figueira Grossetti - Aug. 8
- Context 22 - Aug. 28 to 30
- Central Ohio Fiction Writers 19th Annual Conference - Sept. 18 & 19
EVENTS
1. IMAGINATION WRITERS’ WORKSHOP & CONFERENCE
July 7 to 12
Trinity Commons
2230 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio
Application Deadline May 20
This is a conference about strong, imaginative writing spanning five genres: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting. We draw exciting faculty from across the region, state and nation. Whether you are a veteran, emerging, or beginning writer, we offer a range of rigorous workshops, individual manuscript consultations, informative craft talks and lectures, readings featuring our faculty, receptions and social gatherings, all of which will provide you with wonderful opportunities to receive feedback on your work from our distinguished faculty, exchange ideas with faculty and fellow participants, make connections, and take your work to the next level.
Faculty includes Reginald McKnight, John McNally, Terese Svoboda, Hannah Tinti, Rigoberto González, Kimberly Johnson, Sheila Callaghan, Kirsten (“Kiwi”) Smith, Sabrina Orah Mark, Porochista Khakpour, Rob Handel, Jenni Ferrari-Adler, and Jofie Ferrari-Adler.
For more information and faculty biographies, go to http://www.csuohio.edu/class/imagination/
2. THURBER PICNIC featuring JENNIFER CRUSIE
Wednesday July 8 — 5:20PM - guided tours of the house; 6:15PM - dinner served; 7:00PM - reading begins
77 Jefferson Ave.
Reading and dinner $25.00
Reading only $15.00
Making a return visit to help celebrate Thurber House’s 25th anniversary is Jennifer Crusie. She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of twenty-one novels, one book of literary criticism, miscellaneous articles, essays, novellas, and short stories, and the editor of three essay anthologies. She will read from her latest novel, Always Kiss Me Goodnight, her own version of The Turn of the Screw. Trouble ensues when at the behest of her ex-husband, Emmeline takes a job caring for two orphans in the middle of nowhere (also known as Southern Ohio), and ends up with a houseful of delinquents, ex-in-laws, and ghosts. Plus a haunted couch! Crusie lives near the Ohio River where she often stares at the ceiling and counts her blessings.
MENU: Black forest ham wraps with glazed brie and French Dijon mustard; tri-colored orzo salad with arugula, feta cheese, toasted pine nuts and dried cranberries; triple-chocolate brownies.
In case of rain, the picnic will be held at State Auto Insurance, 518 East Broad Street.
For more information, visit http://www.thurberhouse.com.
3. RASPBERRY VIGNETTE with DONNA JARRELL
Saturday, July 11 - 10AM to 4PM
Sanctuary for the Arts
8641 Porter Central Rd - Sunbury
$125
NOTE: This class will be offered again on August 15th.
Join Donna Jarrell for a midsummer creation of refreshing prose. A full day course with lab, Raspberry Vignette will begin with a brief study of the vignette, its audience and its place in contemporary literature. As the morning progresses, participants will move throughout the Sanctuary, pausing to write vignettes spontaneously or inspired by prompts. Participants will have the opportunity to read aloud to the group for feedback if desired, after which each individual will cut, chop and toss their creations into a flavorful mix of light, refreshing prose.
Please bring practical tools for writing. Please bring a simple lunch (refrigeration is available); drinks will be provided. Since some activities will take place outdoors, please dress for the weather and consider bringing a hat, and sunblock.
Donna Jarrell holds an MFA in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She has co-edited and published two anthologies on the topic of obesity: What Are You Looking At? The First Fat Fiction Anthology (Harcourt 2003); and Scoot Over, Skinny: The Fat Non-fiction Anthology (Harcourt 2005). Besides writing, she loves volleyball, and considers it, as well all other life activities, a spiritual practice.
For more information and registration forms, visit http://www.sanctuary-for-the-arts.com
4. NEW WORLD OF SELF-PUBLISHING with AARON KEIRNS
Saturday, July 11 - 10AM to Noon
Zane State College - Zanesville
Campus Center - Room 410
Cost: $19 - Pre-Registration Required
The non-credit class is part of Zane State’s Community Education program and is open to the general public.Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.
Aaron Keirns has been writing and self-publishing books for over 15 years. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and has worked professionally as a features writer, designer, illustrator and photographer. He is director of communications at The Works museum in Newark. Keirns’ first book: Black Hand Gorge, A Journey Through Time, was released in 1995. Since that time he has authored other non-fiction books and served as a publishing consultant on books by other authors. He gives frequent lectures on Ohio history to groups around the state.
“This is an exciting time for writers. Converging technologies are changing the way publishing works. For the first time in history, anyone can now publish a book for about the cost of a fast-food lunch. I think we’re going to see an explosion of self-published books, but it’s important to go about it in the right way, and that’s what this class is all about,” Keirns said.
This is not a hands-on workshop, rather it is a general introduction to self-publishing in the digital age. The class will explore the basic concepts, options, pros & cons and dos & don’ts of self-publishing today. The information discussed is applicable to any kind of book: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, etc., and is designed to help potential authors decide what publishing approach makes sense for them.
To register, call Zane State College at 740-588-1324 or 740-432-6568, ext. 1324, or email shesson@zanestate.edu
5. ANTIOCH WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
July 11 to 17
Antioch University McGregor
Yellow Springs, Ohio
The Antioch Writers’ Workshop is a nationally renowned community of writers that encourages creative writers at all levels by providing inspiring, unique, and inclusive opportunities for professional and personal growth. We embrace diversity and strive to meet the high professional and artistic expectations our participants bring to every program.
This year, as always, we will support and honor all genres and forms of creativity in writing. Whether you write literary fiction, romance or mystery, scholarly or creative nonfiction, poetry, memoir, plays, or screenplays, we celebrate them all.
We welcome serious writers, new or seasoned. All types of writers come to Antioch for inspiration, courage, and a review of the principles of strong writing. We hope that you will join our community of writers.
Faculty for 2009 includes: John Drury, Joyce Dyer, Mary Grimm, Rebecca McClanahan, Randy McNutt, Zakes Mda, Nahid Rachlin, and Crystal Wilkinson.
For more information go to: http://www.antiochwritersworkshop.com/
6. WRITERS’ BLOCK - WRITING SMALL with TRISH HOUSTON
Thursday, July 16 - 6:30PM networking; 7PM program
Thurber Center
77 Jefferson Avenue
Free to members; $5 non-members; $1 for students
Trish Houston will be the guest presenter at Writers’ Bloc for July. Her subject will be “Writing Small.” She asks the question, “Is your writing project just too overwhelming?” Bring pen and paper, and jumpstart your writing with hands-on exercises that will get you going — one paragraph or stanza at a time.
Houston earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the Ohio State University, where she has taught creative nonfiction. She currently works as the coordinator of the Minor in Professional Writing, through which she places dozens of students in writing internships in workplaces throughout the Columbus metro area.
WRITERS’ BLOC is a congenial group of creative dedicated writers, editors, poets, and other wordsmiths — published and unpublished — who gather six times a year for professional development, to share resources, to socialize, and to network. Our presentations and workshops bring the best authors, poets, publishers, and editors to us bi-monthly. We’d love you to join us, learn with us, and share your writings.
Gathering for the program begins at 6:30 pm at the Thurber Center (next door to the Thurber House) at 91 Jefferson Avenue. Presentations begin at 7:00. Admission for guests and non-members is $5. Annual membership is $15 and includes five presentations and an annual Holiday Potluck and Open Mic. For further information, call 614-861-3394.
7. POETRY IN THE PARK
Saturday, July 18 - 6PM followed by open mic
Goodale Park
corner of Buttles & Park
Featured readers for July are Nathan Moore and Fred Kirchner. An open reading will follow the performance.
Please contact Shanna Harrel at info@poetryinthepark.com or visit http://www.poetryinthepark.com for more information.
8. THE OHIO POETRY ASSOCIATION - FAMILY PICNIC
Sunday, July 19 - Noon to 3:30 PM
Whetstone Park on Hollenback Drive near the covered area
3909 North High Street
Featured Readers at 1 PM: Nathan Moore, Bob Pringle, Michael Schurch, Fred Kirchner, Anna Soter, and Patricia Black.
Bring a Potluck Lunch. Open Mic to follow.
Information: 614-268-5094, www.ohiopoetryassn.org
9. POETS & WRITERS GUILD
Friday, July 24 - 7:30PM
Areopagitica Books
3510 North High Street (Clintonville)
Join featured reading Elizabeth Ann James followed by an open mic. For more information call 614-263-9346 or 614-267-3085.
10. THURBER PICNIC featuring NEW VOICES: CHRISTOPHER BARZAK, DAVID GIFFELS, and JAMES J. SIEGEL
Wednesday July 22 — 5:20PM - guided tours of the house; 6:15PM - dinner served; 7:00PM - reading begins
77 Jefferson Ave.
Reading and dinner $25.00
Reading only $15.00
For the first time, Thurber House is presenting a Summer Picnic highlighting emerging, talented authors of fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry: Christopher Barzak, David Giffels, and James J. Siegel. All three authors have published, and all three are Ohio connected. Each author will read from his works
individually.
Christopher Barzak is a teacher of creative writing at Youngstown State University. He is the author of two novels including, One for Sorrow, and will read from his latest work, The Love We Share Without Knowing, a haunting, richly woven novel that explores the ties that bind humanity across the deepest divides in modern day Japan. His stories have appeared in a many venues, including Nerve.com, The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, Strange Horizons, Salon Fantastique, among many others.
David Giffels is a columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal and contributing commentator and essayist on NPR. He has won dozens of journalism awards, including the 2006 National Award for Commentary, and has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize five times. He will read from his book, All the Way Home: Building a Family in a Falling-down House, a memoir about coming of age as a father in a ramshackle mansion reclaimed from termites, belligerent squirrels, and decades of neglect. In addition to his essays appearing in numerous publications including the New York Times and Redbook.
Ohio native James J. Siegel is the poetry facilitator for a group called GuyWriters, which offers monthly critique sessions and quarterly open mic readings. He attended Bowling Green State University where he studied journalism and creative writing. The inspiration for much of his current work is based on Ohio and small town life in the Midwest. His poetry has appeared in literary journals such as The Fourth River, Toledo Review, Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Blueline and the online at magazine Paper Street. He lives in San Francisco.
MENU: BBQ chicken breasts with provolone cheese on fresh deli roll; Asian broccoli salad with sunflower seeds, green onions, almonds and ramen noodles, raspberry almond bars.
In case of rain, the picnic will be held at State Auto Insurance, 518 East Broad Street. The rain site for the July 22, New Voices picnic is Thurber Center 91 Jefferson Ave.
For more information, visit http://www.thurberhouse.com.
11.GALLERY in the GARDEN
Sunday, July 26 - 2PM to 6PM
Sanctuary for the Arts
8641 Porter Central Rd - Sunbury
Deadline for Submissons (including drama and playwriting) July 20.
Mark your calendars for Gallery in the Garden, an afternoon of sharing of all forms of art, selling/buying if the stars align, mingling in the trees (aka gallery walls). From the seasoned artist to the first time exhibitor, all are invited to participate. There will be opportunities to read literary artwork and additional creative entertainment is being planned – all in the trees at Sanctuary for The Arts.
A note to literary artists…the Gallery in the Garden is not limited to visual artists. Literary work is welcomed! If you are a published author (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, other), please feel free to bring your book(s) to display/sell as an exhibitor. There will be an opportunity to read selections from your work. Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to participate as I’ll need to provide tables for book displays.
Please note…if you are planning to exhibit, (show, share, sell or any combination), please let Sydney know as soon as possible by sending an entry form. She needs to start counting heads and trees and labels and buying hooks and chains, so please submit your entry information as soon as possible to help with the count. The deadline date in the Guidelines (July 20) is simply the very last date that entry forms will be accepted.
If you are a performance artist, (drama, playwriting, music, etc), please plan to participate as well. Opportunities will be provided to share your work with everyone. Unfortunately, at this time she doesn’t have the capability to present dance, but hopes to in the future.
A virtual postcard will be available by July 1 and forwarded to exhibitors for inviting family and friends. So please let Sydney know by July 1, if possible, if you plan to participate. Guidelines for exhibiting are now available - see Upcoming Events/Guidelines or access the printable Guidelines under Registrations. Absolute drop dead, last day deadline for submission is July 20.
For more information and registration forms, visit http://www.sanctuary-for-the-arts.com
12. WRITING FROM THE INSIDE OUT with NITA SWEENEY
Saturday, August 1 from 9AM to 3PM
UA Senior Center
1945 Ridgeview Road
$45.00 for UA residents; $50.00 for non-residents
Does that nasty inner critic keep you from writing? If so, spend a day doing writing practice with Nita Sweeney, freelance writer and long-time student of Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones, Wild Mind). “Writing practice,” reduces stress around writing, increases productivity, and tames the inner critic. In-class writing practice, optional reading with no critique and short periods of meditation help students access their wild writing minds. No previous writing or meditation experience is necessary. Course content varies to accommodate returning students. Bring a pen, a notebook, and an open mind for a day filled with creative fun!
Class schedule includes a one-hour lunch break.
Register one of three ways:
- Call 614-583-5333 between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM weekdays to register using your VISA or MasterCard.
- Online using MasterCard or VISA. Call 614-583-5333 first to get a username and password
- Print and fill out a registration form and mail or drop it off (with a check or money order) at Lifelong Learning & Leisure, 3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
13. THE SOUL of BOOKS: PAGES for PERSONAL DEVOTION - AN ART PRACTICE with JEANNE FIGUEIRA GROSSETTI
Saturday, August 8 from 10AM to 4PM
Sanctuary for the Arts
8641 Porter Central Rd - Sunbury
$125
The Soul of Books workshop is open to adults and serious teens with an interest in art, books, and the inner journey. No previous experience is needed, only a hospitality to the process. Books are spaces in which we may engage our dreams and visions… contemplate the mysteries and riddles of the cosmos… cultivate the process of the heart’s awakening. In this workshop, we will look together at historical and contemporary forms of books – such as journals, prayer books, and artist’s books. During the day, participants will have the opportunity to create a personal book from available materials, and also to adapt and embellish an existing journal, which may then serve as a private space for devotion. Throughout the day, participants will have abundant time to contemplate, create, and begin the process of opening to their books’ pages.
Please bring an unused journal – handmade or commercial (unlined Moleskine journals are excellent, and are available through some book stores, art supply stores, and online. Watercolor notebooks and Japanese accordion albums are among the available Moleskine styles.) You may also wish to bring a selection of small images; some favorite papers; personal art materials that are central to your creative work, and a few special books for inspiration. A variety of materials will be at hand for sharing.
Please bring a simple lunch (refrigeration is available); drinks will be provided. Since some activities will take place outdoors, please dress for the weather and consider bringing a hat, sunblock, and wetable shoes.
Jeanne Figueira Grossetti is an artist, educator and curator who is devoted to the awakening of the heart and the cultivation of consciousness. She creates personal art that is both a response and an invitation to the depth experience, teaches classes and leads workshops on creativity, art and culture and curates exhibitions of contemporary art that engages with the depth dimension of the psyche (whether the art is created within a religious tradition, or as a personal response to the ineffable experience of life). She holds an MA in History (Art History specialization) and a BA in Anthropology and Art from Cleveland State University. After the workshop is completed, Jeanne will be available by email and through a blog set up for this purpose.
For more information and registration forms, visit http://www.sanctuary-for-the-arts.com
14. CONTEXT 22
Saturday, August 8 from 10AM to 4PM
The Doubletree Hotel
175 Hutchinson
Registration fee varies depending on participation
Context is a friendly convention focused on speculative fiction literature and related games, comics and films. If you enjoy manga, anime, science fiction, fantasy, or horror, you’ll find plenty to entertain you at this convention. Our 2009 Guests of Honor include Christopher Golden and James P. Hogan; there will be many other guests and plenty of writing workshops and writing related panels. Workshop topics include: Characterization and Dialogue, Warfare for Writers, Maintaining Narrative Tension, Point of View, Improv for Writers, Better Description, How to Research, Maintaining Emotional Realism in Fiction, Getting the Science Right, Writing Young Adult Fiction, Conflict & Plot, Writing Historical Fiction, Rewriting, and How to Teach Genre Writing.
For more information, please visit http://www.contextsf.org/
15. CENTRAL OHIO FICTION WRITERS 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Friday & Saturday, September 18 & 19
The Holiday Inn Worthington
7007 N. High Street
$110 for COFW members; $125 for non-members
Join Central Ohio Fiction Writers for this Annual Conference. Activities include: “Come As You Are” Networking Reception, Multi-Author Booksigning, “Analyzing Your Way to a Best-Seller” Workshop, Editor/Agent Presentations with Stephany Evans, President FinePrint Literary Agency, Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency, Lori Graham of The Wild Rose Press, and Diana Ventimiglia from Silhouette Desire; Keynote Address by New York Times Bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire. Breakout Sessions will include: “Coaching for Writers” – What Keeps You Up at Night – Lisa Spahr, “When Life Meets Writer” – How Life Can Drain Creativity and How to Work Through It – Toni Leland, “Direct Your Book” – Using Theatre Techniques to Write the Next Blockbuster – Leanna Heiber, “Build a Hero” – JC Wilder, and for those authors with a completed (40,000 word or more) manuscript, Editor and Agent Pitch Sessions will be available.
For more information and registration forms visit http://www.cofw.org/conference.html
