The Newstream, February 2007
A Newsletter for the Woodstream Writing Community, where we share our news with you--and your good news with one another!
In this issue: JOIN US: Woodstream Workshops Available for Spring | PUBLISHED, LAUDED, AND APPLAUDED: Poets to Reporters--All Manner of Publications!| HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: 2007
* * * * * * * * * * *
Join Us!
Upcoming Woodstream Writing Events
. . . in Crescent City: Writer's Workday
On Sunday, April 22nd, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., seven experienced writers with works in progress will meet in a private home in beautiful, historic Crescent City, 45 minutes north of DeLand. In comfortable, quiet surroundings, we will enjoy the luxury of a day devoted entirely to our current projects.
Included in the day's schedule is a 25-minute private consultation for each writer with AWA workshop leader Jamie Morris and a full critique segment when all participants will share current work with the group.
The cost for the day, $140, includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Register with Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407.644-5163.
* * * * * * * * * * *
. . . in Winter Park: Writing
On Sunday, April 29th from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., we'll meet at The Knowledge Shop in
Recent Woodstream Marathon attendee Marge Clauser, "Write On!" columnist for The DeLand/Deltona Beacon, says, "The marathon writing day was one of the best experiences I've had. At the marathon I experienced a shift in my mind, spirit, and writing. I want to stay in touch with the new possibilities the day brought both to my writing and my life."
The cost for the day, $127.00, includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all beverages.
For Knowledge Shop registration ONLY, call 407-671-9505 or sign up on-line at http://www.theknowledgeshop.us/.
* * * * * * * * * * *
. . . in
This class is designed for writers at all levels of experience. By participating in this dynamic and playful process, you will increase both the skills that you bring to creative writing--and the pleasure you take from it!
Join us either in Winter Park for a four-week Wednesday evening session, 6:30-9:00 p.m., March 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th or a four-week Friday morning session, 10 a.m.-12:30, March 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th . . .
. . . or in downtown DeLand at The Muse Book Shop where we'll meet for four consecutive Friday evenings March 2, 9, 16, 23, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
About this workshop,
Workshop price is $175. To register, contact Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com
* * * * * * * * * * *
. . . in Maitland: Two Ten-Week Workshops
Monday Evening and Tuesday Morning Workshops will reconvene for spring session starting April 2nd. Each workshop is limited to 12 participants at all levels of experience, all genres. Workshop members are invited to submit manuscripts to the entire workshop for review and the $320 tuition includes a one-on-one writing consult with workshop leader. Workshops fill quickly. Register now!
About her Tuesday morning AWA workshop, novelist Julie Compton says, "A good writing workshop is a wonderful thing . . . it can motivate you to do more than just put pen to paper. It can help a writer to see potential in things that might have otherwise been delegated to the bottom of the desk drawer . . . Thanks, Jamie!" Thanks, back, Julie!!
Contact Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407.644.5163 to register for either of these workshops. For more details, visit www.woodstreamwriters.com/blog/index.html or give us a call!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Published, Lauded, and Applauded!
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs
Novel News from Woodstream: Congratulations, Julie!
Julie Compton, who recently announced her debut novel, Best Intentions, tells us that it's been purchased by Macmillan Publishers!! Best Intentions will be published in the
Just the Good Stuff
Jim Shipley, Woodstream's "kid lit" specialist, returned from the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Miami conference with kudos from terrific children's writer Joyce Sweeney about his novel-in-progress. He also brought back these great tips:
Holly McGhee's (president of Pippen Properties) number one client for years was William Steig who published his first children's book at age 67!
Catherine Frank, Viking Press editor, said a "personal" rejection might open a door for you. Got a rejection letter with suggestions? Work on them, then send your work back fast--while you're still in the loop.
Steve Mooser, comedic boys' author, says end every chapter with a cliff hanger.
Editor Jenny Brown says avoid trends. Instead, "write," as Hemingway said, "the truest thing you know."
Author Barbara Seuling wants you to complicate your plot: "accelerate the problem, then achieve the solution in three steps: try, fail/try again, get closer/achieve!"
YA novelist David La Rochelle finds it helpful to write a background on each character: what they wear, what sports, how they cut their hair, etc. Know more about them than you'll ever use.
To get your stuff read, Rebecca Sherman, agent, stressed knowing how to craft a query letter and reading both Publisher's Weekly and their newsletter. Visit publishersmarketplace.com, too.
Thanks Jim!!
Poetic Publications
Laura Ross, Lake County Woodstreamer tells us her lovely poem "The Slug" will be published in Kalliope this fall. Yay, Laura! Thanks for letting us know!
Estelle Lipp, another local gem-of-a-poet has had her poem "Snow Play" posted on www.promotingoutstandingwriters.com. Visit and enjoy.
And our own memoir-novel-poetess Terri Chastain has had her poem "Patrimony" accepted for publication in the book Letters to our Fathers from Daughters: A Pathway to Healing and Hope. Our best congrats to Terri on this good news!
Notes in the News
1) Woodstream's Marilyn Sapsford is happy to report that she will be writing for the Daytona Beach News Journal. We'll be just as happy to read the news from her perspective! Congratulations Marilyn--and Namaste.
2) In the meantime, novel-boy Paul Hiebing has also taken up journalism and recently wrote his first feature article for the Orlando City Beat. Bravely, and with great elan, Paul dissected the "Our Body" exhibit at the
3) If you want to know about dragons, just ask Woodstream's go-to fantasy guy, Jeff Thetford. And that's exactly what The Silven Trumpeter magazine did, sending Jeff off to Gen Con to report on all the fantasy conference doings! A tough job, but someone had to do it, right, Jeff? Our congratulations on a job well done. Take a look. http://www.silven.com/productlines.asp?case=showproduct&id=56
* * * * * * * * * * *
How Now, Brown Cow?
Publishing Information, Tips, and Opportunities
First, we've got . . .
. . . the 2007
A panel of judges will determine the winners based on the following criteria: 1) The story-telling ability of the author; 2) The potential of the work to win wider recognition. Entries can be in English, Spanish, French or Italian.
Grand prize is $1500 and a flight to
ENTRIES: Please enter your book in the following categories. Multiple entries must be accompanied by a separate fee for each book. 1) General Non-fiction 2) General Fiction 3) Children?s books 4) E-books 5) Comics 6) Wild Card 7) Unpublished Stories 8) Teenage 9) Science fiction 10) Romance 11) Biography/Autobiography 12) Audio/spoken word
FESTIVAL RULES: New York Book Festival submissions cannot be returned. Each entry must contain the official entry form, including your e-mail address and contact telephone number. All shipping and handling costs must be borne by entrants.
NOTIFICATION AND DEADLINES: We will notify each entry of the receipt of their package via e-mail and will announce the winning entries on this web site shortly after the entry deadline. Deadline submissions in each category must be postmarked by the close of business on April 25, 2007. Winners in each category will be notified by e-mail.
TO ENTER: Entry forms are available online at http://newyorkbookfestival.com or may be faxed/e-mailed to you by calling our office at 323-660-1776. You may also register over the phone with a credit card. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable entry fee via check, money order, credit card payment or PayPal online payment of $50 in U.S. dollars for each submission. Multiple submissions are permitted but each entry must be accompanied by a separate form and entry fee. Entry fee checks should be made payable to JM Northern Media LLC. We're sorry, but entries must be mailed and cannot be delivered in person or by messenger services to the JM Northern Media offices. Entry packages should include one copy of the book; any relevant marketing material; a copy of your official entry form; and the entry fee or receipt from online payment. Entries should be mailed to: JM Northern Media LLC The New York Book Festival 151 First Ave, #151 New York City, N.Y. 10003
AWARDS: Winners will be honored on May 19, 2007 in New York. The New York Book Festival selection committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project. The New York Book Festival is produced by JM Northern Media LLC, producers of the Hollywood Book Festival, DIY Convention and DIY Book Festival, and is sponsored by Final Draft Screenplay Software, The Hollywood Creative Directory, Westside Websites and ShopperShuttle.
Second, we've got . . .
. . . On my way home one evening, I heard a "regular guy" reading his essay "What I Believe" on WMFE as part of an NPR (National Public Radio) series. The NPR host invited listeners to go to the NPR website and contribute an essay, which might get published there, and which might lead NPR to invite the writer to read his or her essay on the air. I took a look. Seems pretty easy--PLUS, there are example essays to guide your muse.
Visit www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138, and tell them what YOU believe!
And for you poets . . .
Orlando Poetry Troupe invites all poets to participate in their annual poetry contest. All forms, all themes are welcome. Submitted poems must be original, unpublished works of 32 lines or fewer
Deadline: Entries must be received by March 15, 2007; winners will be notified March 31, 2007
Entry Fee: $5.00 for the first poem; $4.00 for each additional poem (no limit)
First Prize: A collection of poetry books and an invitation to perform with the Orlando Poetry Troupe at the Orange County Public Library in downtown
Second and Third Prizes: Invitations to perform with the Orlando Poetry Troupe at the Orange County Public Library in downtown Orlando on April 29, 2007 for National Poetry Month.
To Enter: Mail a typed copy, photocopy, or computer printout of each poem. Attach a cover sheet that includes your name, address, telephone number, email address, the title of your poem, and the number of lines in your poem. The author's name must not appear on the entry.
Send entries to:Robert Osborne,
And last-but-not-least . . .
. . . From Alice Friedman, we learned about Al Scuito of Special Editions Publishing who is looking for free-lance writers. He publishes several glossies including Success in Seminole and the Southestern Association Executive as well as the free newspapers called the Neighbors. Check out his website at www.specedpub.com. His number is (407) 407--862-5639. Go ahead; make a buck! Then take a Woodstream Writer out for a cup of joe!
Well, that's all for this issue!
Remember to let us know what's news, and . . . . . . keep up the good work!
Jamie Morris,
Woodstream Writing Workshops
http://www.woodstreamwriters.com/