Woodstream Writing Workshops Serves Writers in Central Florida

The Newstream, January 2008
A Newsletter for the Woodstream Writing Community,
where we share our news with you--and your good news with one another!

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JOIN US!: In Savannah--Woodstream Writers by the Sea!|
PUBLISHED, LAUDED AND APPLAUDED: Woodstream Pal, Pushcart Prize Nominee|
HOW NOW, BROWN COW?: Central Florida Writers' Project Calls for Local Authors|


JOIN US!
Upcoming Woodstream Writing Events

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Writing Retreat for February, 2008
. . . in Crescent City: Writer's Critique Retreat

On Friday evening, February 22nd, eight experienced writers with works in progress will gather in a private home in beautiful, historic Crescent City, 45 minutes north of DeLand, to begin their short weekend devoted to writing, critique, and community-building. In comfortable, quiet surroundings, we will enjoy the luxury of a day-and-a-half devoted entirely to our current writing projects!

Included in the retreat schedule are two private consultations per writer with AWA workshop leader Jamie Morris--as well as several group activities and a group critique segment, during which participants will share new work with the other writers for oral and written feedback.

We will launch our writing voyage at 6:30 Friday evening (2/22) and conclude at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday (2/23), with new pages written and new friends made. The cost for the retreat, $265, includes supper on Friday evening and all meals and snacks on Saturday.

Register with Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407-644-5163 for more information.

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Writing Intensive for March, 2008
. . . in Altamonte Springs: Writing Marathon

On Saturday, March 15th, we will welcome you at our wonderful writing retreat house in Altamonte Springs for a day-long Writing Marathon where, from 9:30 a.m.-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 projects-in-progress.

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. When the marathon was over, I wanted to stay in touch with the new possibilities the day had brought both to my writing and my life."

The cost for ther day, $140, includes all meals, snacks, beverages.

Register with Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407-644-5163 for more information.

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Writing Intensive for April, 2008
. . . in Savannah, Georgia: Writing Marathon

On Saturday, April 5th, we will meet on beautiful Tybee Island at a wonderful, waterfront home for a day-long Writing Marathon where, as always, from 9:30 a.m.-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 projects-in-progress.

Whatever your level of experience, this day of writing and inspiration will fuel your creativity for months to come! The $165 cost includes all meals, snacks, beverages.

On Friday, April 4th, writers will have the opportunity to schedule a private writing consultation with Writing Coach and CRLA-certified Master Level Writing Consultant Jamie Morris for an additional fee.

Register with Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407-644-5163 for more information.

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PUBLISHED, LAUDED, and APPLAUDED
Woodstream Writers' Latest Triumphs

1) A big "freakin'" holler for Monday night workshop's Young Adult specialist, Jim Shipley, who has just been invited to submit the manuscript of his first YA novel to an agent! Jim, you've worked hard enough that the writing angels are looking out for you! Congratulations.

2) Woodstream's Merritt Island pal Robert Brown wanted us to know that his first book, Bermuda Suicide Challenge in a Flats Boat, the "true story of two brothers on an unprecedented fifteen hundred mile, unescorted voyage across the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean--in a single engine twenty foot flats boat"--is now available at Authorhouse.com. Well done, Robert! We're glad you lived to tell the tale--literally!

3) Laura Ross, Woodstream's official Poetic Muse, was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize for her lovely poem "The End of October" about migrant worker kids at Halloween. "October" was previously published in the White Pelican Review.
On both counts, our warmest and most poetic congratulations to Laura!

4) New Woodstream friend Russ Golata will be included in Poets Against the War 2008 due out
in February.  Thanks for letting us know, Russ.  We'll be looking for it.

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

1) Performing Opportunity for Poets.
Poets, get out and read your stuff! The Orlando Poetry Group meets for an open mic every
third Wednesday at Austin's Coffee and Film, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Featured
readers are showcased each month, too!

For more information, contact Russ Golata at blacksox@att.net
For directions, call Austin's at 407-975-3364.

2) More for Poets:
The Orlando Poetry Troupe announces their 2nd annual poetry contest.  All forms, all
themes are welcome.  Submitted poems must be 32 lines or fewer.

Entry fees are $5 for the first poem, $4 for each additional poem.
First, second, third prizes all include an invitation to perform with the Troupe at the Orange County Public LIbrary in downtown Orlando for National Poetry Month.
Deadline is March 15th.

Visit www.OrlandoPoetryTroupe.wetpaint.com for more information.

3) Novelists take note.
Thanks to Woodstream's Lake County correspondent Jody Rehman for letting us know
about this terrific unpublished novel competition from Lighthouse Books who tell us that
"beginning writers can strive for years to catch to catch the attention of an editor or publisher.

"The Lighthouse Book Awards Competition, sponsored by the Northeast region of the
Florida Writers Association, will place the top three entries in each category in the hands of
legitimate acquisition editors working for major publishing houses. This could be the big break
you’ve been looking for."

The contest is open to all writers whose entry has not been contracted/published with any
publisher. This includes self-published work.

Entries must be postmarked by Friday, January 25, 2008.

Contact the Bennett and West Literary Agency,
www.bennettwestlit.com or
loisbennett@embarqmail.com or
joanpwest@comcast.net
for more information about how to submit your Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction,
Young Adult, or Science Fiction/Fantasy manuscript.

4) A unique opportunity for published authors from UCF!
Through a project called "Central Florida Writers," the University of Central Florida will
spotlight the works of local authors, poets, and writers in residence at the Kerouac house.
Project coordinators are currently seeking published works of literary fiction, poetry, creative
non-fiction and works of Florida history as well as any local literary journals that are missing from
the UCF collection--works that would fit the parameters of an academic collection.

"Alternative" forms of publications such as chap books, fanzines and small press materials are
welcome as are electronic publications and hypertexts.
An exhibit of these works is tentatively scheduled for August 2008 and will include a
promotional website as well local readings, book signings, and other related events.
Although UCF is seeking donations specifically for the August exhibit, the project itself will be
ongoing and donations will be accepted at any time.
Please contact project coordinator John Venecek, jvenecek@mail.ucf.edu, to learn more.

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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 Writing Workshops

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