Scribbles # 366 dated Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Howdy, Scribblers!
Here’s an exciting opportunity for Connie May Fowler fans:
REMEMBERING BLUE RETREAT
I followed him to the base of the dune line and it was then that I saw them. The running lights of the shrimp boats seemed flung across the night, inshore and beyond, and there was no difference between the light that sparked the water and that which gleamed in the heavens.
--Mattie Blue seeing the shrimp boats at night for the first time from the beach in front of her new home in Remembering Blue
Connie May Fowler is now offering the home that inspired the setting for her fourth novel, Remembering Blue, as a writer’s retreat or simply a quiet getaway. Not only was the house the inspiration for Nick and Mattie Blue’s house, all of Ms. Fowler's novels have—in various measures—been written in here.
The home is a perfect getaway for those who desire quiet and solitude betwixt forest and sea. Located in the North Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico on a spit of sugar white sand called Alligator Point, the home sits on a half acre of land on Alligator Bay. Just a short walk across the dunes (directly in front of the house) shimmer the placid blue waters of the Gulf. Alligator Point is a five hour drive from Orlando. The closest airport (40 minutes from the house) is the Tallahassee Regional Airport. Reasonably priced to meet the needs of artists and writers, the house offers high speed Internet, cable TV, central air and heat, and is steps away from the Gulf of Mexico and Alligator Harbor. Inspiring views abound. For more information, contact rememberingblueretreat@gmail.com.
Celebrations:
An article Connie May Fowler wrote for The Japan Times about sumo has been posted in the online edition (lead story on the sports page, above the virtual fold--not bad for an American woman!).
You can read the story by going to http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports.html and then clicking on the sports tab or going to http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports.html; you may have to cut and paste the url into your browser. Or there is a link on her website (www.conniemayfowler.com).
Great work, Connie May!
Here’s more great news from Connie May:
The June Issue of O Magazine regarding The Other Woman:
"Among the star turns in this unusually frank and furious collection of essays are Pam Houston's "Not Istanbul," a hypothetical journey into an impossibly complicated relations ("Here's the thing about the other woman. She lives inside your head") and Connie May Fowler's "The Uterine Blues," a savory bit of rancor from a woman scorned."
From Publishers Weekly:"Narrated from the point of view of the marriage wrecker or that of the wife who suffers the anguish of triangulation in a trusting relationship, these tales drip with the bitterness of experience. In "Palm Springs," Mary Jo Eustace records the shattering moment when she was stranded on vacation with her small children, and her husband revealed he had fallen in love with his movie co-star. Jane Smiley's terrifically funny "Iowa Was Never Like This" describes the incorrigible but enchanting litany of love's fickle nature. Dani Shapiro's "The Mistress" recreates her several years' affair with the much older stepfather of her college friend—and the lies she finally uncovered by hiring a detective. And in her plainspoken "The Uterine Blues," Connie May Fowler wonders when women are going to smarten up and stop sabotaging one another by sleeping with each other's husbands. The anthology features tales from women of all ages, lesbians and women who have been abused physically: it is a candid and truly fascinating look at how men and women love and hurt."
To learn more about a reading of “The Other Woman,” click on the attached pdf file.
An anthology titled Contrarywise -- for poems a little bit cranky -- will republish 3 poems from Terry Godbey’s book: "First Bra," "Hot Flashes" and "Mittens."
Darlyn Finch has been awarded a Galati grant, to be used to study endangered literary landmarks in Florida and Georgia, with an eye toward preservation. Bob Kealing says, “Darlyn Finch is embarking on an important research mission we hope might net Floridians another opportunity to preserve our shared and sometimes hidden history. It's similar to what we were lucky enough to do with the Jack Kerouac house in Orlando”
Marge Clauser has been chosen by Nancy Slonim Aronie to read an excerpt from her memior on Sirus satellite radio. Nancy’s program is “Writing From The Heart.” It airs on Sunday at 4 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sirus Satellite radio’s Lime channel 114. Congrats, Marge!
Scribblers Sharing Info:
Registrations are open for two intriguing MAD about Words workshops:
Saturday, June 2
EMBODIED CREATIVITY
Most of us think of creativity as a gift: you either have it or you don’t have it. But most of the great wisdom traditions have shown us that creativity can be fostered and enhanced through certain reflective practices. In this workshop, Lezlie Laws will introduce you to some of those practices. You will use breath and gentle movement to drop out of your rational mind and tap into your intuitive mind and find access to authentic ways of expressing your feelings, your ideas, and your stories. >> DETAILS: http:// tinyurl.com/2zz5yx
Saturday, June 9
FROM THE STAGE TO THE PAGE
There has always been cross pollination among literary genres. In this workshop, learn what you can transfer from the practice of the stage to the practice of the page. Drawing on her background in performance and flair for comedy, Playwright and Author Stacy Barton takes you on a whirlwind tour of dramatic structure, rich characters, and comic timing. With 25 years experience in telling, writing, and improvising stories, Stacy brings her passion for connecting to audiences to this workshop. >> DETAILS: http://tinyurl.com/2tzlj3
For more information call 407.963.4450; email info@MADaboutWords.com or visit our web page http://www.MADaboutWords.com
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Hello fellow writers:
A real treat is in store for us at our next meeting. It will be my honor to introduce you to novelist Catherine Kean.
Catherine Kean writes medieval historical romances for Medallion Press. Her debut novel, Dance of Desire, released in March, 2005, was the launch title of Medallion Press’s Sapphire Jewel Imprint and is published with two different cover designs.Dance of Desire won two Reviewer’s Choice Awards as well as Best Medieval in industry review magazine Affaire de Coeur’s 2006 Reader-Writers’ Poll. It also finaled in Smoky Mountain Romance Writers’ 2005 Readers and Booksellers’ Best Laurie for Published Authors Contest, the Debut Novel Category of Reviewers’ International Organization’s 2005 RIO Awards of Excellence, the Best First Book Category of The Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter of RWA’s 2006 Golden Quill Contest, and Georgia Romance Writers’ 2006 Maggie Awards for Published Romance Novelists.Catherine was recently named a “Rising Star of Publishing” by Love Romances and More.A Knight’s Vengeance, Catherine’s second novel, was released in September 2006 to excellent reviews. My Lady’s Treasure is due out in April 2007 and A Knight’s Reward in April 2008. Catherine lives in Central Florida with her husband, daughter, and two spoiled cats.
Visit Catherine’s website at http://www.catherinekean.com
Time and place: 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 2 at the Northwest Branch of the Seminole County Library, 580 Greenwood Way, Lake Mary.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Share this with your friends and colleagues!
Stephen F. WithrowAuthor, Goddess Of Mine
Woodstream Writing Workshops for Summer: Join us and see what fruit your writing will bear!
. . . in Maitland: Ten-Week Workshops10-Week AWA Workshops: Choose a morning or evening session.
As a Woodstream 10-Week Workshop member you will have the opportunity to
submit a manuscript for extensive group feedback.
discuss your work in a private writing consultation with the workshop leader.
find valuable critical approaches to apply to your own work and that of your peers.
learn how to reliably produce pages of fresh writing week after week.
discover what makes your voice strong, powerful, and unique.
About her Tuesday morning AWA workshop, novelist Julie Compton says, "A good writing workshop is a wonderful thing . . . it can motivate you to do more than just put pen to paper. It can help a writer to see potential in things that might have otherwise been delegated to the bottom of the desk drawer . . . Thanks, Jamie!"
Monday Evening Workshop meets on ten consecutive Monday evenings, from 6:30-9 p.m., Mondays, June 25th-August 27th.Tuesday Morning Workshop meets on ten Tuesday mornings, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesdays, June 26th-August 28th. Tuesday Evening Workshop meets on ten Tuesday evenings, from 6:30-9:00 p.m., Tuesdays, June 26th-August 28th.
Each workshop is limited to 10 participants, at all levels of experience, in any genre. Each writer will be invited to submit a manuscript to the entire workshop for review. Cost: $320 for new members; $305 for returning workshop members. Register now! Workshop fill quickly.
Contact Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407.644.5163 to register or for more information.
* * * * * * * * * * *
. . . in Winter Park, at The Knowledge Shop: Creative Writing for Everyone
Presented in the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method, this class is designed for writers at all levels of experience. By participating in this dynamic and playful process, you will increase both the skills that you bring to creative writing and the pleasure that you take from it!
About this workshop, Central Florida writer Robert Ross said, "Although I've had 20-plus years of experience as a professional writer and editor, I took Jamie's workshop to kick-start my creative writing. I was impressed with how well she works with and draws out the best in writers of all levels."
This summer, join us for a six-week Wednesday evening session, 6:30-9:00 p.m., July 18th-August 22nd. $217.00 Early Bird Special/$237.00 regular price.
For Knowledge Shop registration ONLY, call 407-671-9505 or sign up on-line at http://www.theknowledgeshop.us/.* * * * * * * * * * *. . . in Altamonte Springs: Writing Marathon On Saturday, July 21st, from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., we'll meet in our wonderful writing retreat house in Altamonte Springs for a day-long Writing Marathon. All writers will be invited to catch a spark from our writing prompts or to feed the flames of their longer projects-in-progress. Whether you write by hand or on a laptop, sit on the couches, in the comfy chairs, or at "laptop central," this day will accommodate your writing needs! Recent Woodstream Marathon attendee Marge Clauser, "Write On!" columnist for The DeLand-Deltona Beacon, says, "The marathon writing day was one of the best experiences I've had. At the marathon I experienced a shift in my mind, spirit, and writing. When the marathon was over, I wanted to stay in touch with the new possibilities the day had brought both to my writing and my life."Come discover your own "new possibilities"! This is a fine gift to give the writer that lives inside you. The cost for the day, $125, includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are taking 15 writers for this fully catered workshop.Register with Jamie@WoodstreamWriters.com or 407.644-5163.
Visit our website at www.woodstreamwriters.com
There's a newcomer in town! (Ms.) Dale Slongwhite has just moved to the Orlando area from the Boston area where she has been leading workshops and weekend retreats for three years. She is certified in the Amherst Writers and Artists method and is starting up a new weekly workshop in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in the Country Creek subdivision. The day and time will be decided once eight - ten people enroll in order to accommodate the schedules of interested writers. The workshop will run for two and a half hours, once a week, for eight weeks. The cost is $240. Check out her website at www.writelines.net. If you'd like references of satisfied customers, she's happy to supply you with e-mail addresses of New England writers who have taken several of her workshops.
Warmly -
Dale Slongwhite
SAVE THE DATEI'd love for you to join me for the official..."Great Dates Orlando"
BOOK LAUNCH PARTYat The Wine Room in Winter ParkTuesday June 5th7pm - 10pmAuthor Signing + Door Prizes + Hors D'oeuvresCheers,Kristen Manierikmanieri@cfl.rr.com
Greetings all,
This web address is where you can access Joel Berke's fine screenplay of my Kerouac in Florida book. I know it's a lot to read in our busy lives. But I thought you might like to scan it just to see how he visualizes Jack's time in Florida.
Best,
Bob Kealing
http://www.simplyscripts.com/scripts/VisionsofParadise.rtf.
Attention, animal lovers.......
This is pretty simple...The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes 10 seconds. Go to www.theanimalrescuesite.com, and click on the PURPLE box "Fund Food For Animals" for free. That's all you have to do! Their corporate advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. The animals thank you!
Sheryl P. KurlandWriter/Author/SpeakerEverlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or Morebook web site: www.EverlastingMatrimony.come-mail: SPKwriter@aol.com
SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?
Creative Writing Summer Class announced at Maitland Art Center
Maitland, FL-– The Maitland Art Center will offer an Adult creative writing class as part of the 2007 Summer schedule. The twelve hour course will be held on four consecutive Saturday mornings beginning June 9, 2007 from 9:00am to 12:00pm in Studio 1.
The course, titled So You Want to Be A Writer…Here’s What You Got to Do will cover all phases on fiction writing, including the six most important things a writer must do, story structure, outlining, plotting, voice, character development, dialogue and more.
The course will be conducted by local author Chuck Dowling. Mr. Dowling’s novel To Keep Our Honor Clean won the grand prize in Gardenia Press novel competition 2001 and his novel The Mad Dogs, won Florida Writers Association prize for military fiction 2004 and won honorable mention from JADA Press International, 2005. His third novel, The First to Fight will be released in 2007. Mr. Dowling’s work has also appeared in a number of other publications, including Treasures; Celebrating Florida Authors, from Inkling Press, The Older We Get, The Better We Were, from S&N Publishing, Korea: The Forgotten War, The Florida Palm, a literary magazine, and more.
Registration is required. Tuition is $100 Non-member’s and $90 for MAC members. For information or directions to the Maitland Art Center, call 407.539.2181 or visit the website www.maitlandartcenter.org.
# # #
The Maitland Art Center is a not-for-profit educational institution operated for the benefit and enjoyment of all who live and visit in Central Florida. The Art Center activities are sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida, Inc.; by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council; and by the National Endowment for the Arts.
What's Happening:
Dara Edmondson, contemporary romance author and Nancy J. Cohen, author of The Bad Hair Day Mysteries will be signing their current releases on Friday June 15 from 6-8 pm at Urban Think at 625 E. Central Blvd in Orlando.
Experience Bloomsday June 16th, 7 p.m. at Urban Think!
Wednesday, May 23
Poetry reading, reception and book signing by TERRY GODBEY
The Casements25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32176Phone: 386-676-3216
The reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the cultural center, which is the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Afterward, there will be a question-and-answer session, book signing and reception with light food and drink until 8:30.
Wednesday, June 27
"Soft Exposure" Poetry Night Featuring TERRY GODBEY and SUSAN LILLEY
Infusion Tea1520 Edgewater Drive, OrlandoPhone: 407-999-5255
This event is being held at a vegetarian restaurant and teahouse in College Park. There will be time for open-mike readers. The night will start at 7 and end about 9:30.
The Barnes & Noble Local Author Extravaganza on June 16 is scheduled for 12:00-4:00 pm. The multi-author event will be held at the Barnes & Noble store located at 2418 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32808
Soft Exposure --- Wednesday June 13th 2007 Poetry Night
6:30 - 7 p.m. Signup Sheet open to the public
7 p.m - 9:30 p.m. Featured Writers/Open Mic Poetry
Location: Infusion Tea
for directions: www.infusionorlando.com
Confirmed Featured Writers/Poets:
Tais
This Brooklyn, New York native loves to write and has been doing so since the age of 8. Her former stages once consisted of high school hallways and cafeterias where rap battles and beat box competitions took place. As years went on, she became the female vocalist in a Calypso/Reggae band that performed at varies venues in Florida. An unexpected venture - tais was once a DJ at a Florida college radio station, an early morning show, entitled The Morning tai Up. One of her biggest accomplishments is a poem turned techno-style entitled Right Here (Next To Me) on the Eros Euphony music label. Not only does she write, but she dabbles in folk art. No pieces can be found in museums, yet! This self proclaimed "Inovwriter" is included on a recent collab project called "The Spit Memo" which is now available at www.Takedownmag.com You can also enjoy her live poetry at many open mic venues around town.
Ryan Tilley
Ryan Tilley was born in New Orleans, grew up in Baton Rouge and La Place, Louisiana, and was graduated from LSU in 1991. He is 39, married, and the father of a 7 year old son named after Dylan Thomas. The Tilleys moved in April 2006 from Baton Rouge to Altamonte Springs on a leap of faith with no work lined up. A year later, they moved to Longwood. Ryan works in Apopka as a medical biller. Mr. Tilley has won numerous local, state, and national poetry contests. His work has been called a "tour de force" by Andrei Codrescu of New Orleans. He has 23 years of experience in writing poetry and usually works in rhyme, often in double rhyme which is a technique of rhyming two or more syllables simultaneously. His first book, "A Prophet's Burden: The Raven Returns" is a 211 page paperback containing 200 poems which include a prequel and a sequel to "The Raven," a one thousand line poem, 47 pieces of light verse, and 92 children's poems. It was published in February 2007 and retails for $19.95 on Amazon.com.
Matt Walters
Matt Walters is a 19 year old writer from Central Florida. Writing has always been involved in his life in one way or another, and he dreams of pursuing some sort of a future with the craft. Poetry is the forte that sits closest to him, mostly because he feels it allows a human to express anything they want, without countless rules and regulations. Matt believes that poetry is the one true right he can hold to himself, where he can be proud in the creations that he has come up with himself. This is his world, and this his time, he lives in his world, he lives in his mind.......
Thanks for your attention!
Darlyn Finch
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