2 3 Dan Case PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Keynote Speaker Announced for “Write Now” Conference I compiled a list of the most popular speakers at the “Write Every Day” Conference 2010. Every one of the 29 speakers at the conference was mentioned at least once on the evaluation forms, but four were noted most. They are… drum roll please… KD Wentworth, Kelly JamesEnger, Linda Apple, and Deborah Le Blanc. Yes, our very own Linda Apple, our 2011 conference chair, was one of the most popular speakers at the 2010 conference. And she is now working hard to get some very good speakers for next year’s conference, “Write Now!” Steve Berry will be our keynote speaker next year. Steve tells us he had a long row to hoe on the way to being a NY Times bestselling author. His wife, Elizabeth Berry, helped with the promotion and to get him where his is today. She will be doing a workshop for us on how to replicate Steve Berry’s success. In addition to doing our conference, Steve and Elizabeth will be staying over on Sunday after the conference and conducting a 4-hour writer’s workshop for the Oklahoma Historical Society. Details on that are forthcoming, but all proceeds from this workshop will benefit a project within the Oklahoma Historical Society. The “Write Now” conference will be held on May 5-7, 2011 at the Embassy Suites Hotel/OKC at 1815 S. Meridian, Oklahoma City, OK 73108. Yes, we are at the same hotel as 2010. As many of you know, every room is a “suite” with either 1 King size bed or 2 Queen size beds plus an extra pull-out couch bed. Room rates this time are $109 for 1 or 2 and $119 for 3 or 4 people in a suite—a $10 increase for 3 or 4 people over the last conference price. You can start reserving rooms now by calling the hotel at 405-682-6000. Be sure to say that this is for OWFI to get this special rate. Of course, you would know about the conference site and the keynote speaker, Steve Berry, already if you had been checking our website regularly. OWFI.org has been revamped and is continually being added to this year by our webmaster, Brad Smith. Check out the new “members only” area of the website. It contains an up-to-date membership directory and the current and back issues of The Report. To access the members only area, you need a password. Your old password from the last version of the website is no longer valid, you’ll have to create a new one. To do this, click on the “members only” menu item. You’ll be asked for your email address and password. Since you don’t have a password yet, you’ll have to click on the note that says “Forgot Password?” You’ll then be asked to enter your email address and a new password will be emailed to you. Use this email to log in and then the first thing you should do is to change your password to something you can remember. If you have trouble logging in, or the email address that we have for you isn’t correct, then you can get this fixed by emailing Brad at [email protected]. Our board meeting that normally meets on the first Sunday in September was moved to the second Sunday to avoid the Labor Day weekend. The board will meet at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Oklahoma City on September 12. We’ll have a live demonstration of the new website and coffee! All delegates, officers, and staff please plan on attending or send someone else from your affiliate group in your place. Right now is a good time to start writing for the “Write Now” contest. Categories are on the website, OWFI.org, and in this issue of The Report. 4 Don’t Miss This Book! SUNDOWN CHASER By Dusty Richards Annie Withers , Book Review Editor Book Three – Herschel Baker Series Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Books 278 pages Another year – another brilliant evening for Dusty Richards. He's the latest to join a star-studded list including Michener and McMurtry. April 10, 2010, National Cowboy Hall of Fame gave the Western Heritage Award for mass paperback books to Sundown Chaser, third book in the popular Herschel Baker series. That alone is a first, as always before it's been awarded to a hard cover book. Piling honor on top of honor, the bronze wrangler statue was presented by Ernest Borgnine, who's amazing at 93 years old. His gravely voice made him seem like a character in the book. Always the gentleman, Richards was humbled and slightly embarrassed to take the spotlight from such an icon. And Richards was spectacular, duded up to the hilt for the formal affair in his black hat and cowboy tuxedo. He was pure theater as he gave the best 'awe shucks' speech yet, telling about the time 50 years ago when, as a little boy, he had a rare opportunity to sit in Zane Grey's chair. On a fishing trip in Arizona, he'd met a 90-year-old woman, the owner of a ranch with a cabin where the famous western writer used to stay. “Do you suppose I could go up and look around?” he'd asked. “I always dreamed someday I'd be with him on the bookshelf.” “Well, go on ahead,” she'd said. “Maybe something will rub off.” To raucous applause, Richards ends his brief words saying “And this year I'm working on my 98th published Western novel.” * Like the dusty trail from Mexico to Montana, Sundown Chaser has lots of plot twists and turns. And this tale has a great collection of characters from horse thieves and cattle rustlers to murders and honeymooners. We've known Sheriff Herschel now for two books, but when we meet one of his relatives, we get to know him a lot better. History hits us in the face and we're pulled right into the post-Civil War struggle. We can feel the chaos, and the courage required to survive. * We shouldn't be shocked by now to hear Richards had hardly hauled that statue home when he was notified he'd won another prize - the Will Rogers Medallion Award in Lubbock for Texas Blood Feud. But I'm not through yet. The fourth book in the Herschel Baker series is just out – Wulf's Tracks, so hang onto your cowboy hat. “Keep going Dusty – we love you!” Annie Withers, originally from Tulsa, lives in Kansas City, and is a member of KC Writers Group, Tulsa Night Writers, OWL, and OWFI. She writes articles, mostly profiles, of people, events, and places and is writing her first novel. She's a designer, photographer, and okay – a bit of a philosopher. Pronouns: Just Between We by Elizabeth Danziger Pronouns are not the opposite of anti-nouns. They are handy little words that substitute for nouns or other pronouns. They rescue us from writing sentences such as John drove John’s car to John’s mother’s house. Most English speakers intuitively know what pronoun to use in a given sentence. However (you knew there was going to be a however), when it comes to using I and we, some kind of grammatical insanity sets in. Pronouns fall into three groups, which are known as cases: the nominative, the objective, and the possessive. You don’t really have to know those terms but it might be fun to bandy them about someday to show that you’re in the know. Nominative (singular-plural)/ Objective/Possessive I-we/me-us/my-ours You-you/you-you/yours-yours (pl) He-they/him-them/his-theirs She-they/her-them/hers-theirs It-they/it-them/its-theirs When the pronoun is part of the subject of the sentence, use the nominative case: I went to see Martha. When the pronoun is part of the object of the sentence, i.e., the recipient or object of the action described, then use the pronoun in the objective case: Martha came to see me. When you want to indicate possession, use possessive pronouns as in Martha came to see my new apartment. Now comes the tricky part: Whenever a pronoun is the object of a preposition, you must use the objective case. Of course you recall that a preposition is anywhere a rat can run. Rats can run by, at, between, in, on, with, near, and so forth. Whenever a pronoun follows a preposition, you must put the pronoun in (Continued on page 5) 5 Once Around the Web FIVE CREATIVITY SITES HELPFUL TO WRITERS Jen Nipps, Web Review Editor As writers, we tend to take for granted the fact that we are creative. We don’t always take time to make certain our stores are sufficient, our well is refilled, or our pocket is stocked. Below are five sites where you can go for creativity tips or to simply play. 1. The Artist’s Way – www.theartistsway.com The site was developed by Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way. There is a discussion forum if you are going through the course outlined in the book. There are helpful posts and articles even if you are not. If you are on Twitter, Julia Cameron is too at www.twitter.com/the_artists_way. 2. Creativity Portal – www.creativity-portal.com Their front page currently says “101 Ways to Delight and Inspire Yourself.” This is a very eclectic site. There are sections for adults and children. They cover everything from writing to painting, teaching to cooking, and many things in-between. Articles are provided by creativity coaches, teachers, and other writers. (It is not a paying market.) They now offer a “newzine” that comes out twice a month. It includes creativity coaching tips, book excerpts, arts & crafts, etc. Their goal is to “jumpstart your creativity.” 3. Creative Writing Prompts – www.creativewritingprompts.com I have known about this site for a couple years. I’ve even used it a few times. When you hover your mouse over one of the numbers, a writing prompt will appear. For example, one says, “List 30 uses for a hanger.” The site consists only of the one page. Ads for writing-related books and software run along the left side and across the bottom of the page. 4. Coach Creative Space – www.coachcreativespace.ning.com Developed by Dan Goodwin, a creativity coach in England. It started out as a stand-alone blog and website (www.ABigCreativeYes.com), but as he built a readership and interacted more with his readers, he developed a community, hosted on Ning (www.ning.com) around it. Here, there is also a wide variety of creative people covering a wide variety of topics from writing to beadwork to artist trading cards and more. Dan Goodwin is also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/coachcreative. 5. Creative Thinking With…. – www.creativethinkingwith.com This is a new site to me, but it already shows promise. They include a brief biography and lessons in creative thinking from such people as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Some of the creative thinking techniques they cover are mind mapping, brainstorming, “dream incubation,” and more. As if that isn’t enough, they have “creativity teachers” with podcasts available. These don’t begin to even show the tip of the iceberg, to use a tired cliché, of the creativity-related websites out there. I think they are, however, some of the best ones for writers. As a side note, Jen Nipps is the author of Devoted to Creating: Igniting the Creative Spark in Everyone , a book of devotions centered around creativity. She is a member of the Tulsa NightWriters, McAlester McSherry Writers, and Web Writing Women. Her website is www.jenifernipps.com. both Creative Thinking With… and ABigCreativeYes.com will be subjects of future reviews. Pronouns: Just Between We continued (Continued from page 4) the objective form. For example, you would write Susan went to the movies with him, because with is a preposition and because they saw a movie together. It would be ridiculous to write Susan went to the movies with he. Often, both forms of pronouns appear in the same sentence, as in he went to the movies with her. Note that in these sentences the object of the preposition (with her) takes the objective case. Any writer knows instinctively that writing him went to the movies with she is wrong because the pronoun use is wrong. However, many writers become confused when using the pronouns me and us. Somewhere in recent literary history, it became uncool to say me. Maybe it was when Cookie Monster began growling “Me want cookie!” Whatever the reason, the fact is that me and its plural partner us have gotten a bad rap. Both of these pronouns go in the place of the object of a phrase or preposition. For example, between is a preposition. So if you want to say between you and ___ what would the right pronoun be? Right! (Continued on page 9) 6 The Doctor is: In CURSES! Robyn Conley, The Book Doctor My 20-year-old daughter and I were of my word choices in written or out yapping on our cell phones about her loud communication. Prudish? Not really, it’s just not my character—and car’s overheating problem in Fort Worth -- 150 miles from our five acres in West character is always the key. So if a WebTexas. The car was in my name and I’d ster’s drops off my desk, smashing onto be paying for repairs, but she believed my toe, “BLAST!” would usually be my “it will be fine, Mom, besides I don’t pain word of choice. If I type too late at night and forget to save my efforts, have time to mess with it today.” “Brilliant,” is the sarcastic admonition Wrong response. I told her we’d be I’d mutter to myself. there in three hours to pick up the car and exchange my truck for her to use, A couple of decades ago, when I led the read and critique group in Fort Worth regardless of her schedule, because it Wednesday after Wednesday, I would was convenient for us that day. call out any writer who relied on curse Her cell phone went dead about words rather than using his or her noggin then. So I tucked mine into my pocket to find a stronger, more descriptive, and headed outside to help the Irishman load my truck onto TRUE TO CHARthe trailer. About A couple of decades ago, ACTER noun or half an hour later we verb. when I led the read and crihit the interstate and I Think about some of tique group in Fort Worth checked my phone. your favorite stories-Wednesday after Wednesday, written or in film. Do The SMS face was open to my you remember any I would call out any writer daughter and full of dialogue? If so, I bet who relied on curse words “@%$&*%@*!” rather than using his or her it was because the marks I must have spoken line was noggin to find a stronger, sent shortly after her unique, not because it more descriptive, TRUE TO phone had cut out. was full of curses. Apparently my leg Relying on ANY CHARACTER noun or verb. had speed dial capaThink about some of your overused word is a bilities I had no idea favorite stories--written or in no-no for any writer. existed. So the next Relying on overused film. Do you remember any “curse” words is a time her phone had a dialogue? If so, I bet it was double no-no. Some signal again the mesbecause the spoken line was writers are quick to sage from me looked like it was full of unique, not because it was full say, “Hey, this dude curses. sounds just like of curses. Of course, she someone I know knew I’d never send really talks.” such a message, but in light of our terse So what? Does it make the writing previous words, the “cursing” helped unique? Does it make the writing stand add a bit of humor and levity to a rough out enough—or, more importantly— moment. does it make the character stand out The reason she knew I’d never send enough to interest an editor or agent? such a message was because it was OUT Those are the crucial factors. OF CHARACTER for me. Too often writers use the easy way Traditional cursing simply isn’t part out or what they think is a realistic sound. Our challenge is to make each character have a different individualism so our readers sink their teeth into that character’s soul and that character’s struggle. Let the dialogue reflect those unique traits. Allow their word choices the freedom to enhance their personalities on the page and in our imaginations. Their dialogue IS their voice. Choose wisely so we remember what they say and how they say it. Yes, it could be your character needs to use a bloody curse now and then. Just make those moments count and not abuse them like a blasted crutch, even if your daughter’s dadburn car overheated again! Robyn Conley is the author of several books, including Be Your Own Book Doctor (AWOC.COM Publishing), as well as What Really Matters to Me: A Guided Journal, (Walking Stick Press, 2000); Living the Rapture, (Hard Shell Word Factory, 2000), the biographies: John Grisham, Influential Cartoonists, and Alexander Graham Bell, (Lucent Books, 1999); Depression (Lucent Books, 1998), and Meerkats (Capstone Press, 1998). Her most recent assignments, The Motion Picture and The Automobile, were for Scholastic’s Children’s Press’s new invention series. Pray the Bible is her latest book…all available at www.amazon.com To learn more about Robyn and the FREE critiques she offers, as well as current speaker topics and availabilities, please check out www.robynconley.com HAPPY WRITING! 7 Work In Progress It’s the Fishing Marcia Preston On a road trip one summer, my thought about him alone beside husband and I sped along a highthe pond, and of course I thought way that cuts through southwestabout writing. The fisherman’s ern Oklahoma. Green hills rolled day might soon be caught up with out on both sides of the road and plowing or mending fences or Paul was doing the driving. When feeding cattle. But for a few hours I first glimpsed the fisherman, I on that green morning, he was was lost in plot, working on the focused on the meditative rhythm next book in my head. of casting and retrieving, casting The fisherman was standing and retrieving, beside the quiet beside a farm pond, casting his water. line into the mirrored water. I I wondered if he was picturing looked for a big, the underwater loose-limbed dog world his lure slid In a resultsresults-oriented in the scene but through, or thinkworld, it’s easy to lose didn’t see it. The sight of the value of proc- ing of a pregnant man was alone ess; we’re centered on the heifer in the pasexcept for a batoutcome, the product. We ture and the miratered red pickup cle of birth. are trained to set goals that waited by the Maybe he was and use discipline to dam. The pond achieve them. That’s fine remembering a held none of the morning when and necessary. Writers weeds or brush want to be read, to reach he’d gone fishing that make good others on a personal level. with his dad. Perhomes for bass. To achieve that goal, we haps he thought And it was midseek publication. But just of nothing but the morning, not a as important are those mo- stillness and his prime time for ments we turn inward and own breathing. fish to feed. I said explore our own minds and Catfish for supper to Paul that the would have been hearts. man wasn’t likely a bonus; he’d to catch a good fish there this come to the pond for the fishing. morning. In a results-oriented world, it’s Paul had seen the man, too, easy to lose sight of the value of and he just smiled. “It isn’t called process; we’re centered on the catching,” he said. “It’s called outcome, the product. We are fishing.” trained to set goals and use disciThe snapshot of a man and his pline to achieve them. That’s fine solitude slipped out of sight. But I and necessary. Writers want to be read, to reach others on a personal level. To achieve that goal, we seek publication. But just as important are those moments we turn inward and explore our own minds and hearts. The morning I saw the fisherman, I was on a research trip for a future novel. I didn’t have a contract for the book; the premise was just a proposal on an editor’s desk. Later that day I stood on a windy ridge beneath towering wind turbines and knew I would write the book whether or not it would ever be published. It was about the Oklahoma wind I’d grown up with, part of my origin story. Writing about it was important to me. Publication makes a tasty supper, but we come to the table for the process of writing. It’s not the catching, it’s the fishing. Marcia is past president, twice, of OWFI, former publisher of Byline Magazine and published author of 6 books and counting. She earned degrees from University of Central Oklahoma, taught in public high schools for more than a decade, and worked for a time as PR and publications director for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. She lives with her childhood sweetheart and first husband (it’s the same guy) beside a creek in central Oklahoma, where she gardens and dodges tornadoes. 8 Prosper in the Gig Economy: Simple Habits for Writers That Pay Off Quickly By Christina Katz OWFI 2010 Speaker Money is what writers earn for their time and energy. Furthermore, writing careers are built over time not overnight. So don't put your career in jeopardy by paying attention to everything else at the expense of your bottom line. Here are nine prosperity-increasing tips that can quickly become habit and put more money in the bank for the same number of hours you already work or maybe even less: * Make a list of paid work vs. unpaid work, if you don't have one already, and update it monthly. Add to-dos like upcoming deadlines and prep for future efforts, to make sure you don't have to scramble later. * Prioritize the work you do that is paid over the work you do that is unpaid. This doesn't mean the unpaid work is not important or doesn't need to get done. It simply means that you will get the paid work done first and then tackle the unpaid work. * Spend time with other writers who make money writing. If they are too busy (making money) to spend time with you, sign up for their newsletters, read their blogs or connect with them via social networking whenever possible. When contacting successful writers, keep your expectations realistic. There's a reason they make the big bucks and it's not because they are just hanging out all day. When you are working, whether online or off, be aware of folks who drain your energy or co-opt your time. You simply don't have time for those people when you are supposed to be working. * Don't confuse "nice" people with profitable people. Let's say one writer invests all of his time trying to make sure everyone knows what a great guy he is, while another writer invests his time landing assignments, delivering on deadlines, and landing the next gig. Who is the more successful writer? I'd say it's the more productive writer (the second example). And he's the one I'd be more likely to trust, as well. So go ahead, broadcast your success! * Tackle the types of assignments that pay directly. Forget about any kind of writing job you "might" get paid for. Also don't count writing you do for exposure as "paid." And when someone offers you vague future money for today's actual work, take twice as much time to carefully consider the offer. Why not just take on the sure-thing assignments, which are the projects that pay you directly for your work? If you keep things simple, you are more likely to prosper in both the short run and the long run. * Spend the most time doing whatever you do best even if that means doing a few different things. For example, I don't only write because if I only wrote all day, I'd soon be bored out of my mind, no matter how interesting the topics were that I was writing on. A restless person like me needs to do a variety of things. So I also teach and speak and the three efforts feed each other and increase my overall value as a writer. * However, don't spread yourself too thin. I do a lot of different things but I've noticed that I can only do so many things before I hit overload, especially since I am a busy mom and wife, as well as a working professional. This overload point is going to be different for everyone and can change with your life circumstances, so adjust your expectations accordingly. You want to do everything you do well, not just scrape by. * Capture all of your business expense receipts as the year ticks along so that you can benefit from every deduction available to you when you pay your taxes. I am not the queen of filing things, so I just get a big basket and toss all my receipts in there until I'm ready to sort and report. If you need a primer on the specifics of what you can and can't expense, pick up the March/April issue of Writer's Digest magazine and check out the article, "Taxpertise For Writers" by Bonnie Lee. In fact, the theme of the issue is, "Your Economic Survival Guide," so why not read the whole thing? * Be timely. Seek and adopt the simplest systems to help you meet your deadlines, pay your bills, get your taxes submitted, etc. It doesn't matter which system you use. What matters more is that you make good use of the systems that work best for you and switch when one method stops working for you. I bet you want to spend as little of your time as possible being inefficient, so that you can get back to writing. So keep things simple: write, earn and prosper. An efficient writer is a profitable writer. And now if you'll excuse me, I have some writing deadlines to meet. Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids for Writer’s Digest Books. She has written hundreds of articles for national, regional, and online publications, presents at literary and publishing events around the country, and is a monthly columnist for the Willamette Writer. Katz publishes a weekly e-zine, The Prosperous Writer, and hosts The Northwest Author Series. Learn more at www.ChristinaKatz.com. 9 The Pros and Cons of Joining a Writing Group Pronouns: Just Between We continued By Lisa Koosis As any writer can tell you, writing is being able to gain from other's strengths a solitary pursuit, and most writers are and to share your own. Everyone reaps the benefits. solitary creatures, quite content to work alone. Still, writers can often benefit by Cons the company of others with similar goals - Sometimes feedback can be rough. and dreams, so many writers turn to Writing groups are not all rainbows and writing groups. Whether meeting in loroses. Often feedback, no matter how helpful, can be tough to hear. Many cal, public places or in an online format groups take a policy of "zero sugarcoatonly, writing groups can be a blessing for a writer. ing." If they don't like Joining a writing something, you'll know group, however, can be Writing groups are wonderful it. Be sure you're prea big investment of time tools for a writer. They of- pared to take (and give) criticism. and effort. So if you're fer support and encourage- difficult - Writing groups often thinking about joining such a group, you might ment, vital feedback, and a require a commitment. want to weight the pros sense of camaraderie often For writing groups that and cons to decide if it's missing in a writer's life. If focus on critiquing, you worth your while. may be required to proyou sow your seeds well, vide several, in-depth Pros - Writers often find you'll reap priceless rewards critiques on work from that family and friends, group members. from your writing group. other no matter how wellYou may also be reintentioned, are often quired to bring a new less than supportive of their "hobby". piece of work, ready to be critiqued, to Writing groups are a great way to find meetings. So be aware of and ready to oft-needed encouragement and support comply with group requirements. from others who share the same inter- That pesky old issue of public ests, dreams and goals. speaking. In most writing groups, mem- Writing groups -- if you find the bers read aloud from their work. Those right one -- are great for critical feedwho are uncomfortable with public back. If you're considering submitting speaking might be better suited to online your work for publication, a good writgroups. ing group can be invaluable towards * helping with those final edits, offering Like everything else, writing groups suggestions on continuity, wording, are not for everyone, and these are just a characterization, and other vital parts of few things to consider when thinking your work. about joining such a group. Ultimately, - Like any other profession, netfor those willing to put in the time and working is one of the tools for success. effort to make it a worthwhile experiWhat better way to network or to situate ence, there are definite benefits to be had yourself for networking than to join a by joining a writing group. writing group? Lisa Koosis is an author on - In any given writing group, there will always be members with different http://www.Writing.Com strengths and weaknesses. One of the which is a site for Writers greatest benefits of a writing group is (Continued from page 5) It’s me. Contrary to the beliefs of certain broadcast personalities, there is nothing classy about saying or writing between you and I. This phrase is actually an incorrect use of the pronouns. Another form of pronoun abuse has become endemic among certain groups, particularly among teenagers and children. Instead of saying Mary and I want to go to the movies, they will say “Me and Mary want to go….” Pronoun barbarians even descend into phrases such as “Me and her want to go….” These phrases reek of ignorance. When the phrase containing the pronoun is the subject of the sentence, it requires the subjective case of the pronoun. At least you and I will be using these pronouns correctly. Obviously, using these words is not brain surgery. Maybe we should keep that just between us. About the Author: Elizabeth Danziger, author of writing text "Get to the Point!" has trained business people all over the U.S. to write clearly and concisely. Her clients include Norwest, Transamerica, Lipton, U.S. Dept. of Commerce and others as well as smaller firms. Find her at http:// www.worktalk.com 10 Write Now Conference 2011: Contest Information Contest Eligibility Requirements and Entry Procedures For each entry, contestants must include a self-addressed, 9 x 12 stamped envelope (SASE), and a standard OWFI cover sheet. Contestants must pay careful attention to format and word length. To facilitate fair judging, entrants' names MAY NOT appear on the manuscript. The annual OWFI contest is open only to paid OWFI members. If you are not yet an OWFI member and wish to join, you may submit the membership form and your dues payment along with your contest entry form, or send it separately to the OWFI Treasurer. (Name and address are on the form). You may join as a Member-at-Large (no association with any recognized OWFI affiliate writing group) for $25.00, or as an affiliate member for $15.00 ($20.00 if paying after November 30, 2010) plus any dues required by the affiliate and paid to the affiliate. Check the list of approved OWFI affiliates and their contact information at www.owfi.org. Note: Members who join OWFI between mid October and mid February are advised to review contest information and requirements posted on this website, or photocopy all contest information from a fellow member to ensure having it well in advance of the contest deadline. 1. Entrants must be paid-up members of OWFI or full-time students (students must provide verification of student status). Membership dues are $15 per year if paid before November 30th and $20 if paid after November 30th for affiliate club members and $25 for membersat-large. 2. No manuscript that has won a cash prize (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in a previous OWFI contest may be entered again — EVER. pay for individual entries. 9. 10. 3. Contestants who win first place in an OWFI contest category may not enter that same category the following year. 4. Unpublished entries must be unaccepted for publication at the time of submission. (If accepted by a publisher after entry, the submission will be considered valid.) 5. Electronically published novels for the trophy awards must be hard copied before being sent to the category chair. Persons, whether entering as a team or an individual, may enter a category only once. ENTRY PROCEDURES Entrants must pay a $20 NONREFUNDABLE entry fee, which covers administrative costs and awards. This entitles participants to enter as many categories as they want (see #9 above). 11. Manuscripts must be submitted to the appropriate Category Chair. 12. Entries must be postmarked by February 01, 2011. OWFI is not responsible for entries lost or delayed in the mail. 13. Mail all entries flat, no folds. Folded manuscripts or entries in envelopes smaller than 9" x 12" will be disqualified. 6. Judges may not enter contests that they are judging. 7. Category Chairs may not enter category they chair. 8. If entries are co-authored, all members of the writing team must be OWFI members. The team will be considered a single entrant. and must pay a separate entry fee for their co-authored entries apart from any fees they MS PREPARATION & FORMAT 14. All unpublished manuscripts must be editor-ready. That means *typed and doubled spaced* on one side of 8½" x 11" white paper with headers and page numbers. Poetry may be singled spaced. Book sample chapters must also be double spaced but "front/back matter" such as synopsis/overviews, ta- 11 Contest Eligibility Requirements and Entry Procedures Continued ble-of-contents, and chapter outlines should follow industry standard (double-spaced, singlespaced or combinations thereof). Play, film, or TV scripts should follow industry-standard formats. Use an easy-to-read 12point font such as Times Roman or Courier that results in approximately 250 words per page (about 25 lines per page). Manuscripts using small print which violate these conditions will be disqualified. Fancy fonts other than italics are not allowed. Clear photocopies or computer printouts (laser, ink-jet, or nearletter-quality dot matrix) are acceptable. 15. For ALL ENTRIES in unpublished categories (books, short works, and poetry): In the upper right hand corner of the first page, type the category number. Beneath the category number (upper right hand corner of the first page) type one of the following: * Number of lines (for poetry entries) * Number of pages entered (for book-length prose entries) * Word count for short works of prose (short stories, articles, etc.). Calculate using word processor word count or average 10 words per line, 25 lines per page. * Specific genre (see category descriptions) in multi-genre categories--optional but highly recommended 16. Entries over the maximum length or under the minimum length will be disqualified. 17. No author's name, pen name or other author identification may appear on any manuscript page. Do not submit a manuscript in which your name is blacked out, whited out, cut out or covered with tape. 18. A completed copy of the 2011 Official Cover Sheet must be attached to each submission with a paper clip (do not staple). The sheet must include: Category name, manuscript title, name of club, author’s name, address and phone number. If not affiliated with any OWFI club, check Member-at-Large box. 19. All entries must include a selfaddressed envelope no smaller than 9" x 12." If you plan to pick up your entries at the conference, you may omit postage, but the self-addressed envelope is required. Use your own name and address for both addressee and return address on these envelopes. Paperclip the return envelope to each entry. Note: Trophy entrants who choose not to pick up their materials at the conference should provide an appropriately sized and stamped mailer for postal return of their published book entry. Entries without the proper return envelope will be disqualified and destroyed. Entries without return postage, which are not picked up at the conference, will be destroyed. CAUSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION · Entries or entry forms/fees postmarked after the February 01, 2011 deadline. · Contestants or entries fail to meet the Eligibility Requirements (see above). · Manuscripts folded or mailed in envelopes smaller than 9" x 12" (SEE EXCEPTION for Trophy entries). · Entries sent to the wrong Category Chair, though authors may resubmit before the postmarked deadline. · Any manuscript that is not “Editor-Ready” - Handwritten manuscripts. · Manuscripts which use smaller type that allows more than 250 words on a double-spaced page (approximate). · Entries over the maximum length or under the minimum length. · Entries that contain any author identification (name, pen name, byline, etc.) any place other than the coversheet. · Entries without the proper return envelope (these will also be destroyed). · Any manuscript found not to be the original work of an entrant. The Executive Board or its designated committee will screen all winning entries. 12 2011 Write Now Contest Categories Following are the 33 contest categories to which you may submit your entries. The first 29 are for unpublished works (must be unaccepted for publication at the time they are entered into the contest.) Categories 30 through 33 are trophy awards given for books published in the previous year. In addition, a Crème -de-la-Crème award winner is chosen from among all the first place entries of the unpublished categories. 1. Mainstream Novel: Fiction-- Mainstream is a ‘genre-less’ category. A successful mainstream novel tackles subjects of universal appeal, driven by characters and plots that find acceptance in the “mainstream” of readers. A mainstream novel can be a romance (Nora Roberts), a horror novel (Stephen King), fantasy (J.R.R. Tolkien), mystery/ suspense (Robert Parker), historical novel (Patrick O’Brian), and even young adult (J.K. Rowling). Traditionally, this category is large and diverse. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 2. Contemporary Romance Novel: Fiction-- Contemporary romance novels take place ‘present-day,’ following strong, vivid characters on their journey of discovery and emotional conflict to a shared and satisfying conclusion. No plot point, setting, or current event takes precedence over the one central theme: the relationship between the two main characters. The end must leave the reader believing the protagonists' love will endure the rest of their lives. This category includes romantic suspense and Christian romances. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 3. Historical: Fiction-- Historical encompasses novels set anytime in the recent or distant past (pre-1900) including Ancient Greece, the Old West, knights or cave people. These novels are time capsules of an era and/or culture--the setting serves as a character itself. However, “Historical romance” focuses on the relationship between the two main characters as they fall in love, not the world events happening around them. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 4. Mystery/Suspense Novel: Fiction-This category is made up of two broad categories. Mystery Novels are all about the ‘whodunit.’ These books have a strong hook/murder and a cast of suspicious and compelling characters, and readers compete to solve the puzzle before the author reveals the answer. Whether told in first person or third, mystery novels showcase the main character as he/she follows a maze of clues and incidents leading to the Big Reveal. Detective and police procedural, espionage/spies, amateur sleuth, series or stand-alones, a winning mystery novel is a tightly-woven question from beginning to end. Suspense Novels and related Thrillers also require a strong hook that often includes a murder/death involving a strong main character and compelling cast. But unlike mysteries, suspense/ thrillers more often focus on ‘howdunit.’ The antagonist may be an individual, organization (government), or thing (virus) known to readers from the beginning but often hidden from the protagonist. Suspense novels and thrillers may be first person but more often third person, and often employ more than one viewpoint character. The main character may be the good guy or the bad guy. Whether a medical, psychological, techno, legal, or other sub-genre, the winning suspense novel is action-driven from beginning to end. Help the judge by noting “mystery” or “suspense/thriller” on your mss. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 5. Western Novel: Fiction-- Novels in this category exemplify the flavor, drama, and resilience of the people who populated the wild frontier of the western United States between the 1700’s and 1800’s, as well as Contemporary themes of the modern West today. Cowboys, Indians, pioneers, gun battles, ranch life, western novels can be either epic or intimate in scope. If the story revolves around the relationship between two characters that only lived in the old west, move up two categories to Category 3 (Historical).Western novels are time capsules of an era and/or culture, the setting a character itself. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 6. Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Novel: Fiction--This category is made up of three totally different genres: Science Fiction, A novel in which futuristic technology or otherwise altered scientific principles contribute in a significant way to the adventures. Often the novel assumes a set of rules or principles or facts and then traces their logical consequences; Fantasy, Any novel that is disengaged from reality, often set in nonexistent worlds, such as under the earth, in a fairyland, on the moon, etc. The characters are often something other than human or include nonhuman characters; Horror, fiction in any media intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. His- 13 2011 Write Now Contest Categories torically, the cause of the "horror" experience has necessarily been the intrusion of an evil, or occasionally misunderstood, supernatural element into everyday human experience. Any fiction with a morbid, gruesome, surreal, exceptionally suspenseful or frightening theme has come to be called "horror." Help the judge by noting “sci-fi” or “fantasy” or “horror” on your mss. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less). 7. Nonfiction Book: (Any non-fiction book)--This category is made up of an enormous range of divergent genres, composed of two broad categories which typically are presented/pitched very differently in the marketplace; however, all seek to educate, inform, and/or entertain and sometimes inspire. Narrative Nonfiction follows the form and style of various fiction genres (think The Perfect Storm and First, Do No Harm). Depending on style, biographies and autobiographies or family histories may fall under the narrative nonfiction umbrella, which basically consists of any “true” subject told in a narrative form. The author often has a personal stake or shared experience in the story. This form requires strong viewpoint character(s), story problems and satisfying resolutions. Length of complete work parallels similar works of fiction. General Nonfiction more commonly presents technical, self-help, howto information, inspirational works, or otherwise fact-based material derived from an author’s own expertise, author research, and outside expert sources. Style varies widely but in all cases content must be presented in a pleasing and accessible format. Chapters typically are broken up with sidebars, bulleted lists, photos/illustrations, tables and other value-added materials and may include direct quotes, footnotes, etc. Length of finished work varies widely, from short (under 20,000 words) illustrated gift books to encyclopedia-length reference books over 150,000 words. Help the judge by noting “narrative” or “general” on your mss. For Narrative Nonfiction submit first consecutive chapters (and prologue, if any) with full synopsis. For General Nonfiction submit any representative chapters, and include a chapter outline OR book proposal per industry standard (overview, market analysis/competition, table of contents, etc). Submission limited to 45 pages. 8. Picture Book: Fiction or nonfiction (for ages 1-8)-- Picture books are large art-filled books for children, which are primarily targeted to ages 08, but are also appealing to older kids and even adults. They are designed to bring information and/or entertainment to life for young eyes, and the text must be minimal. These books have a beginning, middle, and end. Picture books do not necessarily feature a character, but when they do, he/she/it must solve his or her own problem and the problem should be something significant. Often a picture book portrays a concept such as numbers, letters, weather, colors, etc. They may also evoke a mood, such as a bedtime story. These books should be engaging and present the topic in a fresh, child-like way. In addition, the well-conceived picture book should allow plenty of room for the illustrator to portray the action without author intrusion. (Show, don’t tell). Ten pages maximum. 9. Middle Reader Book: Fiction or non-fiction (for ages 8-12)—Same as Category 10, yet written for younger age children. For fiction, think Hank The Cow Dog. Submit first two chapters, complete synopsis or outline, prologue if any and/or nonfiction proposal (per industry standard). Submission limited to 35 pages. 10. Young Adult Book: Fiction or non-fiction for ages 11 and older-This category has the same rules as all books: for novels, write compelling stories with beginnings, middles, and ends. For nonfiction, provide accessible and interesting content that informs, inspires and/or educates. YA books are written primarily to the older teen audience (1518). For novels, think Harry Potter; the main character should have an important problem he/she struggles to solve. The story should engage the reader in caring whether the character achieves that goal by story’s end. These often deal with the tribulations of growing up. Non-fiction should focus on providing information that educates and informs the reader. Review the various novel and nonfiction book categories for further descriptions. Help the judge by noting “novel” or “nonfiction” on your mss. Submit first chapters and prologue, if any, with complete synopsis or outline, and/or nonfiction proposal (per industry standard). Submission limited to 35 pages (or less). 11. Poetry, Unrhymed-Short-- Any theme, any style. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 16 lines and shorter. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line (Continued on page 14) 14 2011 Write Now Contest Categories (Continued from page 13) count.) 12. Poetry, Unrhymed-Long-- Any theme, any style. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. l7 lines and longer. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.) 13. Poetry, Rhymed-Short-- Any theme, any rhyming form. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 16 lines and shorter. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.) 14. Poetry, Rhymed-Long-- Any theme, any rhyming form. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 17 lines and longer. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.) 15. Short-Short Story (Adult): Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (see summary in Category 16), but shorter. Not more than 2000 words. 16. Short Story (Adult): Fiction-- A short story is a brief piece of fiction pointed and more economically detailed as to character, situation, and plot than a novel. They often revolve around a single theme, one climactic event developing a single character in depth. Narrower than a novel, a short story contains these basic elements: characters, setting, plot, conflict, resolution, climax, dialogue, protagonist, and antagonist. All short stories should present the major character with an important problem that the character must struggle to solve, and engage the reader in caring about whether the character achieves that goal by story’s end. 2000 to 4000 words. 17. Juvenile Short Story: Fiction-Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with a subject matter aimed at readers ages 3-7. 600 words max. For readers 8-12, 1000 words maximum. Must put age range with word count on page one of manuscript. 18. Young Adult Short Story: Fiction- Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with subject matter aimed at readers 12-18. Limit 1200 words. 19. Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Story: Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with subject matter aimed at readers interested in the three genres represented (see Category 6 for details). Help the judge by noting “scifi” or “fantasy” or “horror” on your mss. Limit 5000 words. 20. Prose Humor: Fiction or Nonfiction-- Prose humor is exactly that: a piece of writing meant to evoke humor. Everyday experiences can resonate with the reader, or common interest stories when written in a clever and entertaining voice bring forth a smile. The humor piece should also meet the criteria of its form; column, short story, article/feature or essay. Limit 2000 words. 21. Essay (Any subject of contemporary interest.)-- Essays are personal opinion pieces using narrative form to convince the reader of a certain point of view, or at least to better understand that writer’s view. There are formal, factdriven essays (George Will), and informal, lighter essays (Erma Bombeck). Bear in mind the quality and logic of the argument and how well the author uses facts, reasoning, and literary tools such as analogy to convince. Sometimes an opinion can be presented, a point of view expressed, an argument driven home, in a novel or unusual way: by telling a story or seeming to take the opposite point of view, or a fable with a clear moral at the end. Limit 2000 words. 22. Play, Film, or TV Script-- One, two, or three acts. As in all categories, must be unaccepted and unproduced at time of submission. Help the judge by noting “play” or “film” or “TV script” on your mss. Format should follow accepted industry standards. Submit 10 to 30 consecutive pages and complete synopsis. 23. Technical and/or How-To Article (Any subject.)— This category is made up of two different genres that both aim to educate readers in different ways. Each style presents a problem, describes why it matters, then provides the solution--and sometimes offers a call to action. Technical Articles generally are longer, and cover a narrow but serious subject in great depth and rely on more than one expert (often including the author) to provide information that educates and informs a specific target audience. While the article may be scientific, 15 2011 Write Now Contest Categories it should also be readable and easy to understand and absorb. The reader should come away with useful information. How-To Articles often are shorter info-tainment (1500 words may be too long!) lighter fare that may rely on the expertise of the author alone. These articles not only educate and inform, they also provide specific and detailed steps for the reader to accomplish the stated goal (how to bake cookies, make a craft, prepare a devotional, write a novel). A central theme follows through to the end. Help the judge by noting “technical” or “how-to” on your mss. Not more than 3000 words. 24. Feature Article: Non-fiction-(Any subject.) These are the articles listed prominently in a publication (magazine, newspaper, online, etc) covering a subject of great interest to that venue’s target audience. The article must clearly have a reason to exist and not simply serve as a vehicle for advertising. Nor should it be a vehicle for presenting the author’s opinion about a particular topic (For opinion pieces, see the “howto” or “inspirational” or “essay” category descriptions). More than just-the-facts, a feature article uses a great hook, expert quotes, and a bang-up conclusion to convey its topic. The author’s style or “voice” gives the piece life. Not more than 2500 words. 25. Western Article: Non-fiction— Whether dealing with some historical aspect/person, or just the best little dude ranch in Texas, the western article needs to always retain its distinctive flair. Refer to descriptions for technical article and feature article--and incorporate the western flavor. 1000-5000 words. 26. Inspirational Article-- Should concern a personal experience or struggle, which provides inspiration or hope to others. A profile or personal story should touch the reader in some way and/or impart a valuable message and/or educate the reader in some way. Not necessarily religious in nature, the piece should strive to inspire and motivate the reader. It may be a vehicle for presenting the author’s opinion about a particular topic that has personally affected him or her, and may also include a call to action. The author’s style or “voice” gives the piece life. Limit 3000 words. 27. Mazie Cox Reid Column Award— A column is a reoccurring piece that would commonly run with a byline and photo (think Dave Barry, Hints From Heloise). These are theme pieces— whether humorous, political, or how-to, the overall theme, author’s style and column format remains the same for each installment. The column should be consistently useful, and should have a clear reason for existing. Columns usually are assigned to writers with expertise in the subject, because an author’s credentials lend credence to the words. Columnists present a distinctive voice; you should feel you are getting to know the columnist and have a reason to read him or her again and again. Submit three different columns (newspaper or magazine) of no more than 600 words each. 28. Confession Story: First person fiction—The thing to remember when writing a confession is that these stories are strictly formulaic: sin, repent, reform. The characters begin with a problem (sin), go on to confront the problem (repent), then take steps to fix it (reform). While all endings needn’t be happy, stories should be uplifting and encouraging. Above all, a confession story is a short story (see Category 16). Beginnings, middles and ends are re- quired. Limit 5000 words. 29. Nostalgic Prose—Short stories that focus on down-home occurrences reflecting the past, these pieces evoke a fond remembrance of a time gone by, or memories of childhood. Common interest is the goal here. 1200 words maximum. The following awards are trophy awards given for books published in the previous year. In addition, a Crème -dela-Crème award winner is chosen from among all the first place entries of the unpublished categories. Best Juvenile Book Award: Published book of fiction or non-fiction. Ages 1-18. Best Nonfiction Book Award: Published non-fiction book. Best Book of Poetry Award: Published book of poetry Best Book of Fiction Award: Published book of fiction (novel or short story collection) Creme-de-la-Creme Award. True creativity often starts where language ends. Arthur Koestler 16 How to Write a Book in Just 3-30 Days Even if You Can't Type By Michele Blood Well, I feel that everybody has a book in them. It's just a matter of when you're going to write it. Do you have experience or expertise in some particular area? What about all your work/career experience, personal relationships, spiritual searching and studies, all the knowledge, all your life experience, the things that have helped you in life? Perhaps you're a computer programmer, you're a single parent, you've been in sales, you know how to open a restaurant or a hairdressing salon. You know what NOT to do in relationships etc. which mean you know what to do! Right? Well, I feel that everybody has a book in them. Everyone has a story to tell or an experience to help people. Perhaps you have a how-to book in you or it could be an audio program or video/DVD. It's such an AWESOME way to help yourself have PR for your life's work and/or business. Also having written a book will bring you 110% more credibility in the marketplace. So let's begin ............... How do we write a book Michele???? This process I am about to share with you is so simple and so much fun. My friend Wilma McIntyre and I wrote "Conversations on Money, Sex and Spirituality in just 3 days using my method. I have been using this method now for over 12 years. I made it up because when I wrote my first book I could not type. This process you can also use when you are going to create a motivational audio program or even a video. (Unless you can adlib to perfection. If you cannot adlib without “um” thrown in KEEP reading) as this method will help you become very clear and totally professional. Even IF you do not think you have a book in you, writing out the following exercises will help you gain so much clarity on what you do want to do. I have had MANY people complete this section at my live events, really not thinking they had a book in them and some ended up writing books very quickly with more enthusiasm and passion then they ever knew they had. If you are reading this now because you DO wish to write a book, I have some GREAT and yet simple examples to help you get started OR to quickly improve the writing you are presently doing. First of all, make a decision on what it is you choose to write about. For example, if I was in network marketing and I'd been in the business for a while and had success, I know that having a book on how to have a successful network marketing business would be tremendous for adding publicity and credibility about who I am. This can be handed out and also sold through your own Website, or other websites including Amazon.com, and through many other areas. If you do choose to self-publish your own book, which I believe is a wonderful, freeing way to begin a writing career, we'll be covering that topic in another one of my articles on in the "How to Self-Publish." For now let's get the book written. Write down areas of experience in your life. List six areas of experience you have in life. For example: I have studied many spiritual books and been to many seminars and feel that I have a great metaphysical self-help book in me. I have experienced a great deal of success in sales, and would like to write a book on sales. I have a great deal of experience on how to bring up children as a single parent. These are just a few examples to get you started, because starting is what it is all about. Go ahead and fill in six areas that you have experience in from career related experience to your personal and home life. AREAS OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Now that you have listed the areas of experience that you have, write the top three areas that you feel the most desire to write about. TOP THREE LISTING FOR your Book, Audio Program, Product IDEA: Next, pick your number one area. NUMBER ONE AREA I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT: Okay, now you have the area you would like to write about. Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, a how- to - book, or a workbook, an audio program or even a video/DVD, next you are going to write down some ideas for your title. It makes it very, very easy so please do this with an open mind. Write down five ideas now, just off the top of your head. Don't get too much into your left brain. Let the ideas flow through your right brain, and just write down anything you think of. How to Bring up Children as a Single Parent How to Increase Your Sales How to Eat a Healthy Diet in the Fast-Food Lane of Life. Okay great!! So now you have some ideas! These are just working book title ideas; they are not in stone, they are not it yet. Or one may be! This is just to get your juices/passion up and your creativity flowing. Later, you will come up with a great subtitle. These days, you can have quite an esoteric book title, but 17 How to Write a Book in Just 3-30 Days Continued have your subtitle let the reader know what's in it for them, what the benefits are. For example, you will notice that all my MusiVation™ products have a very dynamic subtitle. In my audio program, Be Your Perfect Weight, the subtitle is Dynamic Psychological Breakthrough in Weight Control. As another example, the title of my 6-tape audio program is Affirmation Power, and the subtitle, done as a top of the title subtitle, is Be A Magnet to Success through [then the title] Affirmation Power. My best selling book I wrote with Rock Riddle How to Be a Magnet to Hollywood Success, is subtitled Your Complete Step-by-Step System to Making It in Show Business. My book I co wrote with Wilma Conversations on Money, Sex, and Spirituality is subtitled How to Attract MultiDimensional Abundance in Your Life. As you can see from these examples, if you show the people what's in it for them through a well defined simple descriptive subtitle, then they know they are going to read a magnetic, powerful book before they've even started reading it. Some of my titles are what's in it for them, as well. For example one I wrote with Bob Proctor, Be a Magnet to Money is the title, so that's basically telling them what's in it for them. And then our subtitle is Dynamic Psychological Breakthrough in How to Attract Money. So having a double whammy in two very strong areas is very powerful. Number one, your book title is telling them what's in it for them, and Number two, your subtitle is telling them what's in it for them. However, that is simply your title. Now for the exciting part! You are now going to write out your table of contents. I suggest you write ten areas, or ten chapters. This is a little more challenging if you're writing fiction, however, I feel that just writing down ten ideas for your chapters or your book topics to start with helps tremendously in getting the juices flowing and keeps everything in Divine Order. You will see this clearly later on, after you write your ten topics. Go ahead now and write ten topics on the next page. For example, if you were to write a book about sales, you could start your topics with: Is Money Everything? Love Your Customers Have a Positive Attitude How to Keep Keeping On Look Ahead, Not Behind These are just a few ideas of book/ product topic contents. Write down NOW ten- twelve areas. Sometimes people find such a great topic idea doing this that IT ends up being their new title, straight from their table of contents. Now go ahead and create your table of contents! The next suggestion I'm going to share with you on how to write a book is so simple. It came to me when I was working on my first book. I just find it so EASY to write a book or an audio program this way. What I do, is so very easy and fun (because remember, writing a book is FUN). Write ten questions for each topic. With these ten questions, ask a friend to interview you and treat it as if they are someone who is a TV or radio show host (i.e., Oprah, Michele) who is really interested in that particular topic in your table of contents, especially if it's a how-to book or a non-fiction book. Simply write out the questions; these will be questions that you will answer for all areas that you already know about. Then, I suggest you start reading a lot of books about that particular topic and getting a lot of information into your mind. You already have a lot of information in your sub-conscious mind that is just waiting to be released when it's needed. With these questions, get a very good friend to interview you. Pretend it's an interview show. Get a tape recorder, get them to ask you the questions, and then you just flow with it. Just answer the questions; don't be nervous—no one's out there listening to this! It's just you! Ask your friend to please be very focused and not agree or disagree, or say, "Oh, yeah, that happened to me, too." They are going to be a professional interviewer and simply be there, asking the questions. When you're finished with one answer, they will ask you the next question. Do this for each topic; it's so much fun! Next, type up what's on the tape for each topic (or have someone type it for you). Finally, take out all of the questions; then just leave your answers. Then you have a whole chapter or topic for your table of contents done. Do this for all ten areas. Do not edit as you go, just take out the questions. Once all ten topics have been done, go back and start typing. Add areas that you may not have had handy when answering the questions, for example, you may want to quote a particular person in your book. You may want to speak of the story of a successful person in your book. You can add that in later. What is very important to remember, whether you use this interview technique or simply go ahead and just write, is that you go ahead and just write! Every time you give yourself time to write, it doesn't matter what you write, as long as you write. Don't edit as you go. The editing can be done later. Too many people will never finish a book because they feel each area or every sentence has to be perfect as they go. Again, I repeat, DO NOT EDIT until you have finished and (Continued on page 18) 18 How to Write a Book in Just 330 Days Continued (Continued from page 17) you have all the information written. Now you have your story/product written! Then edit later. Don't even edit each chapter as you go. Just get every chapter written; finish that book. The editing can be done later, either by you or by a professional. I also feel it's wonderful, if it's a non-fiction book, to write stories about how other people conquered those particular topics. Perhaps you can even interview some well-known celebrities. A lot of well-known, successful writers and entrepreneurs want extra publicity. And, it is free publicity for you. So, go ahead and contact these people. You'll be surprised who knows whom. Email out to a whole group of friends, "Hey, does anybody know Richard Branson?" "Hey, does anybody know blah, blah, blah?" "Hey, does anyone know Melanie Griffith?" You'll be surprised how many people will know someone who knows them. You know, they say, and I agree with this, you know who they are—they are us! They, which are us, say you are only four phone calls away from any person you would like to meet. And I do agree with this. Sometimes it may be five or six, but very rarely. Just take some action. That is part of networking, which is another chapter. It is also a very good idea to write little example stories of the success of others or conduct a short interview with the actual people. You can mention on your book cover that these people are included. And then, at the end of the book, you can mention the person's book and their Website and their contact information. People love this; it's free publicity. I have been interviewed for many, other books. People always put my contact numbers; I love it! I would do it for anybody. If anyone wants to interview me, I do it. Anybody will do the same thing. It's a very rare person who won't do it. This way you also you get to be networking and meeting great people while you're doing interviews. Priceless!!!! Call some people you've always loved to meet. It's so good to always remember to be in the consciousness of the people who are already doing what you want to do. If it's a fictional book you're writing, storyboard it. I suggest you create a mind map. Put a big circle in the middle and get all the characters written from that circle. For example, if it were Gone with the Wind, then "Gone with the Wind" would be in the circle in the middle. Then a little balloon off from that would be Main Character—Heroine. If you know you want a heroine, think of a name for your heroine. Offshoot that— what century is it written in? Is it Sci-Fi, or is it back in the history books of the 1400's? Storyboard all your characters. What type of characters they are, their characteristics, what type of personalities and looks? Allow the story to take on its own vision and flow. When you storyboard, mind map a fictional book, and put it up on the wall, it really gives you access to great ideas, because you're mystically saying to the Universe, "This is what I want to write about—give me ideas." And it will come to you! Michele Blood is a successful, multitalented lady with a diverse business arena. In addition to creating Musivation ™ products and seminars worldwide, she has trained major companies worldwide including Nestle, Prudential, Shell Oil, Motorola. 19 The Three-Step Method That Will Get You Writing - Guaranteed! by Will Kalif You dream about writing a novel or maybe you have already started one yet for some reason the manuscript is collecting dust in a desk drawer. There is no complex psychological barrier that prevents you from writing. You can write out a complete novel from start to finish in no time and with no anxiety. I guarantee it. Here are the three easy steps. Step 1- Free up some time and turn off the television! The most common complaint is "I can't seem to find the time to write". Turning off the television solves this problem. How much Tube do you watch every day? How much do you watch every week? What do you really get out of it? Turn it off! Better yet give it away. I'm serious. Me I am pretty lucky. All the buttons on my television are broken and I can't find the remote. So my TV is stuck on channel 3 which means the only thing I can do is use the VCR. For a while I could use the VCR to change channels but I lost the remote for this too so the only thing I can do is pop in a tape and press play. I watch one or two movies a week and I am definitely not missing anything -it's my gain. Now I have the time to write and so will you. Maybe you will even read a little more. Step 2 - Gather all the materials you need by buying a notebook and a pencil. I hear it all the time: "I can't use a computer well. I can't spell. I don't have the things I need to write. What kind of software should I get? Well I got something for you. You only need a notebook and a pencil. You don't need a computer. You don't need a book on writing. And you don't need anything else at all. What did they do before the computer was invented? They wrote things out long hand. And you should do this too. The computer is way too much of a distraction. How many times have you logged into your computer to do something and got side tracked only to find the hours pass by and you didn't accomplish what you set out to do? There is an additional bonus to writing with a pencil and paper. It inspires creativity. There is just something about the physical act of writing that will bring you back to your childhood and the creativity that is locked inside there. Step 3 - Sit down somewhere and write. That's it. Just write. Don't let your mind psyche you out. Don't even give a second thought to all that stuff about dialogue, setting, characterizations, plot lines and the like. It doesn't have to be great. It doesn't even have to be good. That will come later. It is just like exercise. The more you do the better you get. You will improve. But only if you write. Sit down and write the first sentence and watch it grow into a first paragraph and then into a first page and then a first chapter. Writing a novel is kind of like rolling a snowball downhill. Once you get it started it takes on a life of its own. Before you know it the story will be writing itself. If the blank page scares you then here is the first sentence for you. Fill in the blanks and don't worry about giving me any credit! "His name was _______ and he appeared to be an ordinary guy. But he was anything but ordinary. He was a __________ and this is something that the rest of the world couldn't really understand. Remember: The only thing that is preventing you from writing is the fact that you are not writing. Don't worry about anything except whether or not you are writing. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, passive sentences are all meaningless if you have no novel at all and a novel with a thousand mistakes is better than no novel at all. Write the story and consider all the mechanics of writing later. Along the way your writing will improve. Does this method of writing work? It sure does! This is the exact method I used to write my first novel. It is no great work of art but it is done and it is published. And since then I have finished my second novel and I am now working on my third and fourth. The name of that first novel is Fulcrum Shift and the very first line I wrote is "The figure walked quietly down the cobblestone alley with purpose". Look it up on Amazon.com and when your novel is complete, published, and available on Amazon you will be proud of the results even if it's no great work of art. About The Author: Will Kalif is the author of two epic fantasy novels. Visit his science fiction, fantasy and creativity site at: Storm The Castle - Creativity With Attitude. Or check out his epic fantasy site: EpicEpic-fantasy.com. For daily news and information about fantasy try his blog Heroic Dreams 20 New Types Of Poetry When Insults Had Class By Steven Gillman A few new types of poetry to play with or use as inspiration for your own new forms. How many ways can you play with poems? There are many different types of poetry. I counted 50 on a quick search of the internet. You may have heard of Haiku and Limericks. There are the more obscure types too, like Terzanelle and Sestina. Learning different types of poetry though, isn't nearly as much fun as inventing your own, so here are some ideas about that. Types Of Poetry - Playing With Stanzas What is a stanza? A division of a poem consisting of two or more lines. How many ways can you structure a stanza? As many as you want. Look at this stanza from the poem, "Gratitude:" So there is nothing to say There is nothing to say There is nothing Nothing... But gratitude Each line is a smaller part of the previous line. In this case, it quiets the mind in order to emphasize the last word: gratitude. However, this idea could be used in many ways. You could start with a line like, "She watched the birds come in from the sea," and it can reduce to, "Come in from the sea;" "From the sea:" "Where Michael was left alone in the storm." God," each stanza starts with one of our senses: "See God... in stars and sunlight... and the face of your lover;" Hear God... in wind and waves... and the music of the birds." All the senses are covered. How could we use this general idea? By starting each stanza with a different verb or adjective? By starting each stanza with a different person's name? By having each stanza get smaller or larger as the poem progresses? How many ways can you play with poems? "Dream poems," could be a type of poetry that puts actual dreams into verse. "Dialog poems" could have stanzas or lines answering each other back and forth. A series of poems could use all the exact same words, rearranged , with an entirely different outcome in each. There are endless types of poetry you can create. Each stanza could have lengthening lines. Lines could be varied in length to create a picture on the page. Playing with stanzas is a fun way to create new types of poetry. Ideas For New Types Of Poetry In the poem "Do Not Believe In Steve Gillman has been playing with poetry for thirty years. He and his wife Ana created the game "Deal-A-Poem," which can be accessed for free at: http:// www.dealapoem.com. And for more creative ideas from Steve, visit his website http:// www.999ideas.com/. "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway) "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain "He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." - Oscar Wilde "I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here." - Stephen Bishop "He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde 21 Affiliate News Arkansas Ridge Writers Acceptances and Sales ANN HOLBROOK: SHORT STORY: “A Change of Mind,” Voices Anthology Volume III (06/10). Novels & New Books LINDA APPLE: NONFICTION: Connect! A Simple Guide to Public Speaking for Writers, AWOC.COM Publishing (05/10) signing and reading from JOURNEY TO DIE FOR at Books on Broadway in Siloam Springs. AR. --15th, Spoke and answered questions on A WEDDING TO DIE FOR, for at book club, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church in Pea Ridge, AR. --August 19-22 Spoke at Killer Nashville on "Senior Sleuths," and on "Creating Tension Without All that Gooshy Stuff." --28, Appeared at Frisco RR Festival in Rogers, AR, signing all day at Arkansas and Missouri RR booth. (Train rides available.) September: 18th, Signing at Fall Train Show, Clarion Inn in Bentonville, AR, all day. --25th, Beginning series of signings in Harps Food Markets in Northwest Arkansas to be held throughout the fall. Professional Activities LINDA APPLE: Conducted a break-out session on Writing with Charisma at the West Texas A&M Writer’s Academy in Canyon, Texas. VELDA BROTHERTON: Summer Book tour includes signings at 15 local rural libraries in four counties; Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Digital presentation; T. Charleston Book Store, Branson, MO; Books in Bloom, Eureka Springs; Arkansas Authors Showcase, Bentonville, AR; Nightbird Books, Fayetteville, AR; Trolley Line Books, Rogers, AR; 2 appearances at Lake Fort Smith State Park; Radio Interview KUAF Fayetteville, AR (NPR); Spoke at Arkansas Writers Conference, Little Rock, AR. DOUG KELLEY: Spoke at the Fort Smith Museum of History on the history of flight and business aviation, using material from pending publication (7/24/10). RADINE TREES NEHRING: August: 5th, Appeared on Frank Truatt Morning Show in New York. --14th, Writers of the Purple Sage building, --again. MECHELLE ANDREWS lost two family members. Our sympathies go out to her. BOBETTE DOERRIE will be teaching at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, Woodward Campus this fall. July meeting was an Ice Cream Social held in the home of MECHELLE ANDREWS. Nine members were present, plus guest, Dick Wilkerson of Meeker, Oklahoma. Acceptances and Sales CAROLYN LEONARD HEAVENER: ARTICLE: "Painting the Old Homestead," Persimmon Hill (Summer 2010.) LEORA BRIDGEWATER: ARTICLE: "Gossip," View From the Pew, Beaver Herald Democrat (June 2010.) Inklings Professional Activities CAROLYN LEONARD had the privilege of interviewing Colorado artist Joseph Bohler who was in Oklahoma City for the Prix de West Artist Awards at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. JOANNA PEARD attended the July board meeting of the Cowboy Storytellers in Burlington, Oklahoma. Club News Member THERESA CASPER has moved from Woodward to Guthrie. LEON BEALL was re-building fences and barns ripped away by a tornado, when a raging fire accompanied by Oklahoma winds came along and destroyed what he had repaired. He is re- Acceptances and Sales: KAREN COOPER: A poem entitled “Osiyo, Athens of Oklahoma” was published in the July/August issue of Oklahoma Today magazine. Contest Winnings: MARTHA BRYANT: Adam's Ale placed 1st in the Mainstream Novel category of the Abilene Writers Guild Annual Contest 2009-2010. Professional Activities: BRANDI BARNETT: presented a workshop entitled "Getting your Ducks in a Row: journal your way to a novel" at William Bernhardt's Annual Writing 22 Affiliate News Continued Workshop, "Finding Your Voice," in June 2010. She will speak on the same topic at the Eastern Oklahoma Author Festival, Tahlequah, OK, on October 30. SONIA GENSLER: will speak about "Acquiring an Agent" at the OK SCBWI fall conference, Chandler, OK, on September 11. Ol’ Tascosa Wordslingers Acceptances and Sales NATALIE BRIGHT: ARTICLE: “Jumping and Twirling” Amarillo Magazine (05/10) MARIANNE MCNEIL LOGAN: POETRY: Wind, Sand and Sky; Mississippi Poetry Journal, “A Legend in His Own Time—My Brother—Fred McFarland”. Novels & New Books JODI KOUMALATS (THOMAS): NEW RELEASE: Welcome to Harmony, Berkley (June 1, 2010). PHYLISS MIRANDA AND JODI KOUMALATS (THOMAS): ANTHOLOGY, Give Me a Texas Ranger, Kennsington (July 1, 2010) Natalie Bright: NEW RELEASE: Oil People, Apollo Publishing L.L.C. (June 2010), for teaching guides and activity pages www.oilpeople.net Honors & Awards MARIANNE MCNEIL LOGAN: CONTEST: 1st, National Federation of State Poetry Societies, “Our Cowboy Dad’s Philosophy”. 1st, Permian Basin Contest, “A Legend in His Own Time— My Brother—Fred McFarland”, and selected to be read at their Poetry Celebration. 2nd, Genevieve Feagin Kallander Award Mississippi Poetry Contest, “Can We Talk?” PHYLISS MIRANDA: Judge a Book by Its Cover Contest, “Give Me a Cowboy”, 2nd place “Sexiest Cover” award. JODI KOUMALATS (THOMAS): RITA nomination, historical romance, “The Lone Texan”. Professional Activities NATALIE BRIGHT: INSTRUCTOR: Write Stuff for Kids Workshop, PCHEA Fall Conference, August 2010. INSTRUCTOR: Write Stuff Intensive Course, ages 12-16, WTAMU Department of Education, 6 weeks beginning October 7, specifically developed for homeschooling families. NANDY EKLE (NANCY KEEL): houseofhorror.org.uk has named Nancy as their new Junior Copy Editor. Currently accepting short stories about zombies and/or Frankenstein-type monsters; contact Nancy at [email protected] and she will forward guidelines. PHYLISS MIRANDA AND NATALIE BRIGHT: INSTRUCTORS: Writing Basics Workshop, 10/16/2010, Ambassador Hotel, Amarillo. All day workshop for the beginning writers; to print registration form go to www.nataliebright.com. MARIANNE MCNEIL LOGAN: POETRY READING: Sam Houston Park Event, Amarillo. July and August Cowboy Poetry Breakfast, Country Barn Steakhouse, Amarillo. Kansas Writers Association Publication And Sales ARLENE RAINS GRABER: Devoted to Traveling published by Devoted Boods released in February, ARTICLE: “Remembering Matters” published by The Lookout Magazine (July 2010). Book signings so far at Watermark Books & Café, and Barnes & Noble, Wichita, KS. Club News GORDON KESSLER, Kansas Writers Association Ambassador has created a new website for writers, www.writersmatrix.com and also launched a full agenda of one-day writing seminars teaching his book, Novel Writing Made Simple. He just completed seminars in Kansas and Nebraska. Gordon has also produced an idea to plot and finish Storybinder for the novelists. A one-day “Scene of the Crime Conference was held March 27, 2010 at the Wichita Airport Hilton Hotel hosted by KWA, with 14 workshops and editor and agent appointments. Tulsa Nightwriters Acceptances and Sales MIKE KOCH: SHORT STORY: Massacre at Guadalupe Canyon, August issue of Frontier Tales MYRA JOHNSON: 15 DEVOTIONALS: Christ in Our Home, Augsburg Fortress, 4-6/10 Novels & New Books DALE WHISMAN: FRIENDS ON FIRE AND A WITCH AMONG FRIENDS, AWOC Publishing, 8/10 JIM LAUGHTER: FROM VICTIM TO HERO, THE UNTOLD STORY OF STEVEN STAYNER, Buoy Up Press, 7/10 MARY ANN KERL: DEVOTED TO ECONOMIZING, AWOC Publishing, 7/10 CARLA STEWART: CHASING LILACS, Faithwords, 7/10 MYRA JOHNSON: WHERE THE DOGWOODS BLOOM, Barbour Publishing, 7/10 VICKIE MCDONOUGH: SECOND 23 Affiliate News Continued CHANCE BRIDES, 9/1, CHRISTMAS MAIL ORDER BRIDES: The Prodigal Groom, 9/10 MICHAEL HORTON: SOMETHING TO SAY RIGHT NOW, AR Publishing Company Contest Winnings CINDY HAYS: CONTEST: Finalist in Contemporary category of the Genesis Contest sponsored by ACFW, 5/10 Professional Activities SALLY JADLOW: Teaching writing classes at Matt Ross Center in Overland Park, KS LOTTIE WILDS: Elected president of Sapulpa’s Route 66 Night Writers, 6/10 PEGGY FIELDING and JACKIE KING: Video interviews: www.youtube.com/watch? y=0kmiyekzaas and www.youtube.com/ watch?y=14s521eppru Honors & Awards BARBARA HOWELL: Received a Silver Communicatory Award from the IAVA for the Marketing and Promotions kit for her book, Splinters: The Pain, the Passion, the Point, 7/10 DALE WHISMAN: Screenplay: SHADOWS, won the award for Best Feature Length Screenplay at the 2010 Barebones International Independent Film Festival, 5/10 VICKIE MCDONOUGH: Triple Finalist in ACFW’s Carol Award, A WAGONLOAD OF TROUBLE in short contemporary category, A BREED APART from the novella WILD WEST CHRISTMAS, HIS BELOVED ENEMY from the novella A BLUE AND GRAY CHRISTMAS Professional Activities JIM LAUGHTER: BOOK SIGNING: From Victim to Hero, the Untold Story of Steven Stayner, Mardels in Tulsa. Speaking at the dedication of the Steven Stayner and Missing Children’s Memorial in Merced, CA with various radio, television and radio interviews, 8/10 CARLA STEWART: BOOKSIGNING: IN Tulsa, Perryton, TX, Edmond and St. Louis, MO. Participated in the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis where she had her first video interview, 7/10 MICHAEL HORTON: Featured Speaker at July meeting of Oklahoma City Writers’ Club at OKC U. MIKE KOCH, RADINE TREES NEHRING, PEGGY FIELDING, JACKIE KING, M. CAROLYN STEELE, VICKING MCDONOUGH, JIM LAUGHTER, BOB AVEY, MARY SUZANNE LOPEZ, MYRA JOHNSON: Multiple author signing, Steve’s Books Tulsa, 6/10 JUDITH EMERSON: SPEAKING/ SIGNING for THE MYTH MAKERS, Full Circle Book Store, 8/14 GLORIA TEAGUE: SPEAKING/ SIGNING to Arbuckle Creative Writers, Ardmore, OK, 8/10 Normal Galaxy of Writers Acceptances & Sales ROBERT FERRIER: Poems "Getting There" and "Old Chemo Veins" in Blood & Thunder, Musings on the Art of Medicine. Photograph "Reflections on Lake Thunderbird" in Norman Living Magazine. Poem "George Sutton Bands a Scissortail" in Crosstimbers Magazine. Poem "Front Steps" in Oklahoma Today. KATHLEEN NORRIS PARK: Three articles to Journal Record, OKC. "Watching Your Language columns in WriteLine (Galaxy's newsletter): "We Colorful Writers," "What's the Difference," "Commonly Confused Words," "Trends, Changes and Good Sense." Article "Mel Odom, Sink Into It," in WriteLine. Press release for Norman Transcript, "Darlene Bailey Beard on Children's Books." Press release for Kate Fitzgerald, speaker at Baha'I Center. Produces Norman Cluster Newsletter, and Norman Baha'I newsletter. Article to Norman Transcript, "Galaxy Winners at the Arkansas Writers' Conference." ANN CHAMPEAU: Monthly market columns in Galaxy's WriteLine, "History for Outdoor Magazines," "Go For the Big Bucks," "Family Tree Magazine." FRANCES SEARCEY: 3 untitled poems published in Mature Living. Article in Transcript, "Winners In the Galaxy Annual Contest." 2 poems in Blood and Thunder Journal. KEITH EATON: Articles in Distinctly Oklahoma Magazine, "OKC Kids, Going Up While Growing Up," "Bagels and Buddies," "OETA Station Manager, Bill Thrash's Career in TV," "Allied Arts Fund-Raising Campaign." Submission accepted for publication in the OCCC 2010 literary journal, Absolute. JUDY HOWARD: Story, "The Perfect Gift," in True Love, Chicken Soup for the Soul. RUSS LONG: Veterans' Stories in Norman Transcript. "Bicycling Past the Norman Depot," in Transcript. BARBARA SHEPHERD: 5 poems and full-page bio in Poetry is For Everyone. A poem "Creative Spirit" in Lone Stars Magazine. HELEN DUCHON: Produces UWA Newsletter each month for the University Women's Association. Produces WriteLine each month for Norman Galaxy of Writers. Produces Friends of the Library newsletter each month. PATRICIA HARVEY: A regular contributor to Woodmen and the Cheyenne Editions, weekly newspapers serving Colorado Springs, CO. STAN SOLLOWAY: Wrote Silliman on Sports columns: "Blindsided by the Blind Side," "Tiger's Crash & Fall," Dartsmouth Squash Hecklers," "Crass Commercialism," "Twelve Months of Sports Year," "The Trial of Mike 'Blackbeard' Leach," "Texas Stadium Implosion to be Cheesy," "Skewered at 24 Affiliate News Continued the Skirvin," "Nascar Fan-Friendly Suggestions," "Mardi Gras Super Bowl," "WVU Fans Rude," "Conn Chooses Cheese," "Rock, Paper,Scissors Ultimate Sport," "World's Worst Pro Tennis Player," "So many Tasers, So Little Time," "Sayers-Urbacher Squabble Bears Look," "Curious Case of Eddie Currie," "To Galarrager: Life's Not Perfect," "Infighting, Disolvement Wearing," 'If I had a Vuvu." VICKEY MALONE KENNEDY; Story, "Bobby Sue Almost Got Married," published in Time Saves None, an anthology published by Yard Dog Press. A HOLI HAGAN: Co-producer of WriteLine. Novels and New Books CURTIS "SMOKEY" STOVER: Had his novel, "Blind Justice" published. STAN SOLLOWAY and MIKE KRAWCZYK: 2 new books published by Comedy Empire Press: "Golfreaks" and "Sports Fans are Crazy." Contest Winnings KEITH EATON: Won the "Bonnie Speer Crème de la Crème Award in the Norman Galaxy of Writers' Annual Contest for his nostalgia essay, "Pals in the Golden West." FRANCES SEARCEY: Won awards in the Arkansas Writing Contest - 3rd place for "Look What the Cat Dragged in," 1st HM for "A Disastrous Vacation," and 2nd HM for "Minute Poem." NEAL HUFFAKER: Arkansas Writing Contest - The Gale S. Gill Award for "How you Learned Something About Yourself," 3rd Place for a haiku, "Writing Haiku," 2nd HM for an essay in 'Food, Glorious Food." Awards in the Norman Galaxy of Writers' annual contest: 2nd in rhymed poetry for "A Rhyme Too Late," 2nd place in nonfiction article for "Evolution, Religion and Education." 2nd HM in fiction for "Gentle Magic," HM for "The Bridge" in rhymed poetry. KATHLEEN NORRIS PARK: 1st place in Galaxy's contest for "Infinity," in unrhymed poetry. RUSS LONG: First prize in the Norman's Performing Art Studio's Depot Centennial contest for "Bicycling Past the Norman Depot." The prize was a trip for two on the Heartland Flyer to Ft. Worth and overnight in the historic Ashton Hotel. 2nd place in Galaxy's short story contest for "Casino Chip Exchange." BARBARA SHEPHERD: 2 honorable mentions, 2 third places, a second place and a 1st place in Oklahoma City Writers' Annual contest. In Galaxy's contest, won 3rd place in unrhymed poetry for "A Simpler Time," 2nd HM in unrhymed poetry for "The Weeping Woman," 3rd place in nostalgia for "Can you Can Can?" Won 2nd place in Lone Star International Light of the Stars Contest for her poem, "Creative Spirit." DARLENE HOBBS: In Galaxy's contest - 1st place in rhymed poetry for "The Zircon Ring Speaks," 1st place in nonfiction article for "Superstition or Supernatural," 3rd place for "Going Green" in nonfiction article; 3rd place for "A Nature Walk" in rhymed poetry. In the Arkansas Writers' Conference - 2nd place in Minute Poem Category, and HM for a ballad in the Pen Women's Arkansas Pioneer Branch award. JUDY HOWARD: 2nd place in Heartland New Day Bookfest for Thanking Our Troops -- God Bless America Touring Quilts. PATRICIA MOOR HARVEY: 2nd place for "First Harvest," and 1st HM for "My Sisters," in Galaxy's unrhymed poetry category. RUTH LOEFFLER: 3rd HM for "Morning of a Winter Moon: in Galaxy's unrhymed poetry category and 1st place for "The Japanese Gardener" in children's fiction. ROBBIE LAMBERSON: HM for "The Summer of 1950" in nostalgia. EVELYN JEAN SPEAR: 3rd place for "What You Don't Know Won't Hurt You" in Galaxy's short story category, and "Rosco's Christmas Gift" in short story. JOSIE LESLIE: HM for "Holy Night," in Galaxy's nonfiction article category. LISA WILLIS: 3rd place for "Edgar, the Mighty Hunter," in Galaxy's children's fiction. LYNN WENDELBO: 1st HM for "Sonya's Worries" in Galaxy's children's fiction. Professional Activities ROBERT FERRIER read OWFI winning poem "Lines Lost While Biking," at Galaxy May meeting. Judged Short Story Category for OWFI contest. Read "Red Dirt Rhythms: Oklahoma Poems," at the 5th annual Scissortail Creative Writing Festival at East Central University in Ada. ANN CHAMPEAU: judged Essay category for OWFI contest. KATHLEEN NORRIS PARK attended the Arkansas Writers Conference in Little Rock. CURTIS "SMOKEY" STOVER: Book signing for Blind Justice at the Blue Bean Coffee Shop in Oklahoma City. RUSS LONG: Spoke of his World War II experiences at a local cemetery's observance of Memorial Day. STAN SOLLOWAY: Book signing at Hastings in Stillwater: Read and signed books at the Literate Book Fair; Roasted at the Speakeasy; Performed at Lucky Jack's in New York City; Performed at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC; Emceed Toy and Action Figure Musem fund raiser at Looney Bin; read online at www.sillimansports.com "World's Worst Pro Tennis Player," "So Many Tasers, So Little Time," "Column #400," "Sayers -Urbacher Squabble Bears Look," "Curious Case of Elder Curry," ""To Galarrago: Life's Not Perfect," "Big-12 Infighting, Disolvement Wearing," "If I had a Vuvu." BARBARA SHEPHERD: Edited several chapters of a non-fiction book for a writer. Elected for the 9th year as Treasurer of Words=wrights - OKC Christian Writers. Presented "Formatting Manuscripts," to Wordwrights. 'MARK HARDICK: Chaired Galaxy's 25 DOROTHEY GRIFFIN and VELMA DECKER passed away. Affiliate News Continued annual contest. Gave a poetry presentation at the Performing Art Studios in Norman. FRANCES SEARCEY was category chair and judge for OWFI. Co-chaired Galaxy's annual contest. JUDY HOWARD signed "Heavenly Patchwork 1 and 2 at OWFI conference. Signed books at the OK Library-12 /state regional library conference at the Cox Convention Center, The Renaissance Hotel, The Hugs Project and Prime Time Seniors Expo at the State Fair. Honors BILL TRUMBLEY won many awards and medals at the 24th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Des Moines including an etched glass trophy for "Most Inspirational Veteran who exhibits the qualities of fitness, sportsmanship and competitive skill." Bill (80+ years old) writes about his experiences in World War II and his Osaqge heritage. HELEN DUCHON was honored with a certificate of thanks for her participation in raising money for "Pennies for Peace Okla." JULIE COOK was awarded life membership in Galaxy for her many, many years as treasure and dedication the organization. Club News Officers President: Sherry Bynum 405-3647818 Vice President: Kathleen Norris Park 405 310-6512 Secretary: Darlene Hobbs 405 32-8304 Treasurer: Vickey Malone Kennedy 405 447-3623 Member News MADELAINE CULP is recuperating at home from chemo and surgery to removed tumors in her shoulder. Pen and Keyboard P&K Acceptances and Sales MIKE HINKLE: ARTICLES: "Lend a hand to those suffering war's effects", The Edmond Sun (05/19/2010), http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1414107173/Lend-a-hand-to-thosesuffering-war-s-effects; "Nostalgia strikes deep", The Edmond Sun (06/02/2010), http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1910023853/Nostalgia-strikes-deep; "Just shut the book on offensive authors", The Edmond Sun(06/16/2010), http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1358986949/Just-shut-the-book-onoffensive-authors; "Earning success should still mean something", The Edmond Sun (06/23/2010), http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1617561126/Earning-success-shouldstill-mean-something/print ; "It's time to shake off the political shackles of atrophy", The Edmond Sun, 06/30/2010, http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1671035070/It-s-time-to-shake-off-theshackles-of-political-atrophy ; "Supreme Court ruling denies true historical understanding in schools", The Edmond Sun, 07/07/2010, http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x657357843/Supreme-Court-rulingdenies-true-historical-understanding-inschools ; "Examples of religious insanity are abundant", The Edmond Sun, 07/14/2010, http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x829291892/Examples-of-religiousinsanity-are-abundant ;"Godiva's ride reveals poetry's power", The Edmond Sun, 07/21/2010, http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x525979846/Godiva-s-ride-revealspoetry-s-power ; "Hidden legislation would never happen today - - would it?", The Edmond Sun, 07/28/2010, http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x972393019/Hidden-legislation-wouldnever-happen-today-would-it: "Wild Zoo tale ends with a life saved", The Edmond Sun, 08/04/2010, http:// www.edmondsun.com/opinion/ x1936220427/Wild-zoo-tale-ends-witha-life-saved VEHOAE: BOOK REVIEWS: "Outside The Box: Review of The Butane Gospel", by Mike Hinkle, at vehoae: NonFiction Research & Writing, 06/18/2010, www.vehoae.com ; "Listen and Learn: Review of Saltypie", by Tim Tingle, at vehoae: NonFiction Research & Writing, 07/07/2010, www.vehoae.com ; "Tricks and Tangled Webs: Reviews of 'Giddy Up, Wolfie', in the anthology Trickster", story by Greg Rodgers, at vehoae: NonFiction Research & Writing, 07/07/2010, www.vehoae.com ; "Life's Lessons on the Panhandle: Review of Prairie Dog Cowboy, by Vivian Zabel, at vehoae: NonFiction Research & Writing, 07/14/2010, www.vehoae.com ; "Down Yonder: Review of Field of Honor, by D. L. Birchfield, at vehoae: NonFiction Research & Writing, 08/02/2010, www.vehoae.com. Novels & New Books SUZY KOCH: CHILDREN'S BOOK: Being Jacob: A Day at the Zoo, published by 4RV Publishing, July 2010. Honors & Awards VIVIAN ZABEL: Reception & Speaking Engagement, Author of Prairie Dog Cowboy, 07/17/2010, No Man's Land Historical Society and Museum, Goodwell, OK. MIKE HINKLE: Television Interview, Author of The Butane Gospel, 07/21/2010, "Morning Edition" with Cindy Sheets, Stillwater television Channel 31. HALL DUNCAN: Internationallyrecognized author of children's books, Hall Duncan, presented a program on his Afro-American Cartoon strip, "Winner 26 Affiliate News CAROL HAMILTON: Spoke about Poetry Writing and led the group in a poetry exercise at the June meeting of Mid-Oklahoma Writers. Continued Williams", 06/24-27/2010, at International Humor Studies Conference, Hong Kong. Professional Activities ELYSABETH ELDERING: Book Signing, 05/22/2010, Uwharrie Books: Neighborhood Bookstore Cafe, Locust, North Carolina. ELYSABETH ELDERING: Writing/ Geography Workshop - "Writing Roads", 06/05/2010, Anderson County Library, Anderson, South Carolina. MIKE HINKLE: Pen & Keyboard Reception and Book Signing, 06/12/2010, The Butane Gospel, MLS Library at Edmond, Oklahoma; Full Circle Book Signing, 07/20/2010, The Butane Gospel, Oklahoma City. Mid-Oklahoma Writers Acceptances and sales DAVID ROPER: CHILDREN’S STORY: “It’s Birthday Time for the Three Little Worms,” High Five; ARITICLE: “Grandmother’s Porch,” Looking Back, (June/July 2010). BARBARA SHEPHERD: Had a poem published in the new book: “travelin’ music, A Poetic Tribute to Woody Guthrie.” Professional Activities DAVID ROPER: Conducted a preschool story-time at the Newcastle Library (June 7, 2010). BARBARA SHEPHERD: Read poetry with other Woody Guthrie Poets at Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City (July 16, 2010) BARBARA SHEPHERD: Is sponsoring and accepting entries in Poetry and 3 Short Story categories for the Annual Art Affair Literary Contest. Deadline is October 1, 2010. See rules and previous winners at www.shadetreecreations.com Club News Mid-Oklahoma Writers meets at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month (accept for July and August) at the Learning Resources Center, Room 110, Rose State College, Midwest City, Oklahoma. Visitors Oklahoma City Writers Acceptances and Sales AUDRY STREETMAN had her poem “Explain Psychosis if You Can” in the 2010 Blood and Thunder Journal published annually in November. Also, the first chapter of her memoir, “The Well” was published in the Crosstimbers Spring/Summer 2009 edition. SHELLY ANNE RICHTER sold 2 poems to Mature Living for their Cracker Barrel Department. As Outhouse Annie, Shelly had poetry recitals in July at several local retirement communities, and at the McFarland Methodist Church and the Clopton Family Reunion. Shelly also received a contract for an article from Nostalgia Magazine. MARIA VERES’S poem “To a Struggling Artist” was accepted for publication by The Lyric. Her poem “Surprise Ending” was published in The Spiritual Times online newsletter. Novels and New Books GERALD HIBBS new book The Dalgren Papers is now on sale Professional Activities JEAN STOVER will be presenting a program about her book Murder on the Run September 7 at the Choctaw Library JUDY HOWARD presented “Under Covers with Granny Reveals Oklahoma Secrets” Quilt Trunk Show and exhibited 60 quilts at the Beaver County Pioneer Library in June. She also presented the show in July at the Baptist Retirement Center. 27 28
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