Scribbles California Writers Club — Central Coast Writers Branch centralcoastwriters.org August 2019 Sunday, August 18— The Annual CCW BBQ! Are you ready for the CCW Members' annual summer BBQ?! Members and their guests will gather on Sunday, August 18, 1:00–4:00 to eat, drink, socialize, and enjoy summer at Whispering Pines Park on Pacific Street. The Grilling Grices will be doing the heavy (and delicious) lifting! Bringing a dish to share is up to you, but your Executive Committee will be bringing their favorite picnic fare. Feel free to show up, relax, and enjoy the day. All the details are on page 6. Tuesday, September 17 Vicki Stiefel Writing a scene can be a daunting prospect. But scenes are the chains that link your narrative together, transforming it into a story. What exactly is a scene? How is one put together? How do you create tension? What's the scene goal? The answers to these and other questions will light the path to writing a dynamic and active scene, one that makes your readers drool for more. Award-winning author Vicki Stiefel's fantasy romantic suspense series, The Afterworld Chronicles, launched with Chest of Bone. The fourth in the series, Chest of Fire, will be released in 2019. Her mystery/thrillers—Body Parts, The Dead Stone, The Grief Shop (winner, Daphne du Maurier award), and The Bone Man feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte. Tapping into her love of knitting, she wrote Chest of Bone The Knit Collection and co-wrote 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters. Vicki taught fiction writing at Clark University and ran The Writers Studio with her late husband, William G. Tapply. She is currently working on Altered, the first book in the Made Ones Saga. WHAT’S INSIDE 2019 CCW BBQ 6 Announcements 4-5 CCW President’s Letter 2 Contests and Conferences 9 If the Shoe Fits 10 Member Profile 7 Speaker Report 3 The Last Word 11 The Poetry Corner 8 Scribbles August 2019 1
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California Writers Club — Central Coast Writers Branch centralcoastwriters.org
August 2019
Sunday, August 18— The Annual CCW BBQ! Are you ready for the CCW Members' annual summer BBQ?! Members and their guests will gather on Sunday, August 18, 1:00–4:00 to eat, drink, socialize, and enjoy summer at Whispering Pines Park on Pacific Street. The Grilling Grices will be doing the heavy (and delicious) lifting! Bringing a dish to share is up to you, but your Executive Committee will be bringing their favorite picnic fare. Feel free to show up, relax, and enjoy the day. All the details are on page 6.
Tuesday, September 17 Vicki Stiefel Writing a scene can be a daunting prospect. But scenes are the chains that link your narrative together, transforming it into a story. What exactly is a scene? How is one put together? How do you create tension? What's the scene goal? The answers to these and other questions will light the path to writing a dynamic and active scene, one that makes your readers drool for more.
Award-winning author Vicki Stiefel's fantasy romantic suspense series, The Afterworld Chronicles , launched with Chest of Bone . The fourth in the series, Chest of Fire , will be released in 2019. Her mystery/thrillers—Body Parts , The Dead Stone , The Grief Shop (winner, Daphne du Maurier award), and The Bone Man feature homicide counselor Tally Whyte. Tapping into her love of knitting, she wrote Chest of Bone The Knit Collection and co-wrote 10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters . Vicki taught fiction writing at Clark University and ran The Writers Studio with her late husband, William G. Tapply. She is currently working on Altered , the first book in the Made Ones Saga .
“‘Life...is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along.’” ―A Room with a View, E.M. Forster Everything in my life feels frenzied right now. There’s not one moment when my to-do list isn’t burgeoning. I’m akin to that proverbial camel carrying the sack of straw, where even the smallest addition to the burden threatens to flatten me. It’s mind numbing to the point of confusion. I mentioned to John that I was having a tough time coming up with a theme for this month’s president’s letter. He stated simply, “Could you write about acceptance?” I gave his suggestion a few minute’s thought, and it dawned on me that more than almost any other person in the world John remembers me when I was young, breezy, and happy-go-lucky. When I was accepting of things I had no control over. I wonder what ever happened to that girl? I know full well that life wasn’t stress-free back then. But, I was different. I understand that the stakes might be higher now; bills to pay, responsibilities, and all the other obligations that come with adulting. But, maybe if I just harken back to the old Laurie, invite her back into my psyche, I could find more balance between accepting and anxious. I took a few minutes to commune with the me of the past. She reminded me that almost everything in my life that burdens me also brings me joy. She reminded me of yin and yang—a term that was bantered about freely during my hippy-dippy youth. I was born and raised in Santa Cruz after all. Ah, those carefree years when I was a card-carrying Santa Cruzan, learning to grow bean sprouts in the refrigerator door, driving a rusty VW bug with a bumper stickers that read “conserve water, shower with a friend.” But, I digress. The point I’m trying to make is that I’ve allowed the stress to blind me to the good stuff. I’ve forgotten yin and yang, which is more than just a cute symbol that can be incorporated into surf logos and natural food store signs. For me it’s contrasting elements within the same circumstance. Opposing foundations that are interconnected and complementary, both equally as sturdy, both absolutely necessary. One side can’t exist without the other. Maybe a frenzied life is the only way to truly enjoy a rare moment of calm? Also, as I sit down to write this, a few days late (as usual—sorry, Lana), it is my 55th birthday. Possibly some of my current introspection is being driven by this milestone. But, birthdays are a good time to take stock. I’ve decided I could use a little more balance in my life over the next year. Thanks for recommending this topic, Sweetheart, and for reminding me not to lose contact with that young girl that you fell in love with all those years ago. I wish you all balance and calm in a frenzied world.
Happy writing! Laurie [Ed. Note: Laurie’s handmade bookish quilt is to be raffled off at the August BBQ picnic. If you haven’t bought raffle tickets yet, you can do so on the day of the picnic. Bring your checkbook or cash and seek out Clarissa Conn. Tickets are $10 each. No IOU’s taken.]
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Speaker Report By Nancy Middleton
“Publishing Myths and Realities” July Speaker Alan Rinzler
Alan Rinzler, an independent editor with a wealth of publishing experience, offered up a “reality check” on the current state of publishing. The good news, he said, is that the book business is populated by people who are avid readers, are always looking for new books to fall in love with, and who believe in the value of books. The bad news is that the business—with a few exceptions such as the young adult and children’s markets—is having a rough time. People are reading less and buying fewer books. Moreover, only 20% of the books published earn money.
And yet, agents and editors still take chances on new writers. The catch, according to Rinzler, is that they don’t want to acquire a book that hasn’t been edited. An agent’s skill is selling not editing, he noted, so it’s important for writers to work with an editor before submitting their work. A good developmental editor can give you helpful feedback, Rinzler said, and should be willing to give an initial read for free. He then dispelled some current myths about publishing:
Myth #1 - You’re done when you think you’re done. The reality is that even the best writers need an editor. Although Jack Kerouac promoted the story that On the Road was written in one long stream of consciousness, the book was actually rewritten over the course of many years and then heavily edited by his publisher, Rinzler said.
Myth #2 - You have to be famous to write a memoir. The reality is there have been plenty of memoirs written by unknown writers. Rinzler cited The Glass Castle , Angela’s Ashes , and the current bestseller Educated as good examples.
Myth #3 - If you independently publish your book, no major publishing house will take it on. The truth is that commercial publishers regularly scour independent publishers for new books. The Martian is a good example of an independently published book that became a commercial success, Rinzler noted.
Myth #4 - You should never publish or “give away” your work online for free. The reality is that when people read your work they’re likely to want more.
Myth #5 - When the manuscript is really good, you’re done. The truth is that publishing success depends on a lot of unpredictable and uncontrollable factors.
Whether traditionally or self-published, writers today have to do their own marketing, Rinzler said. To maximize your chances of success, he advised that writers establish a strong social media presence and stay up to date on the publishing market through resources like Poets & Writers Magazine and publishersweekly.com.
Welcome to our new CCW members: Adler Armstrong, Barbara C. Arnold, Irving Beiman Jr., Antonia Fiske, Shanna Iudice, Mary Jo McDonough, Linda Mutty, Ana L. Ramirez, Douglas Stafford, and Jaclynne Stanton (10 new members in July!)
Member Congratulations
New member Nikki Lewen recently published the first book of her fictional trilogy on Amazon, the second book released this past Memorial Day, while the third is still in the works. The first two books are Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival and Return to Three Sisters . The book has been getting great reviews and she is hoping for additional reviews from club members. To that end, Nikki is releasing the e-book version of Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival FREE to all members on August 26th . Go to Amazon and click on purchase for free. Afterwards, please do an Amazon review—it's a huge help.
Clarissa Conn Receives 2019 Jack London Award
It is with our utmost appreciation that the Central Coast Writers branch of CWC recognizes Clarissa Conn as our 2019 recipient of the Jack London award.
Clarissa’s official title is Club Treasurer. Her methodical and precise nature make her perfect for the job; however, she is SO much more.
Clarissa is an essential part of a small volunteer core. Her quiet, efficient, behind-the-scenes efforts help to assure that Central Coast Writers Club continues to thrive. She always offers a calm, guiding voice that is instrumental and integral to planning and executing every club venture from workshops to our annual High School Writing contest.
She puts her talent and creativity as an accomplished photographer and videographer to use at our monthly meetings. Most of the photos that appear in our newsletter come from Clarissa, and she offers our members headshots for their web pages or books at no charge. Clarissa tirelessly strives to assure that our club, and its members, feel as though they are part of a writing family.
Her smile lights up the room, and we are lucky to have Clarissa as a member!
Thank you, Clarissa, for the tireless efforts. You help to make CCW a great club!
[The Jack London Award is presented every two years by our parent organization, California Writers Club, to recognize volunteerism at the branch level. Each of the 22 CWC branches is invited to nominate a worthy individual for this honor. For the 2019 Jack London Awards, Central Coast's Executive Committee was delighted to shine some much-deserved recognition on Clarissa. The Jack London Awards, consisting of a plaque and a luncheon at the CWC annual board meeting, has been a CWC tradition since 1973.]
Confabs at the Monterey Public Library Our ever-attentive President Laurie Sheehan has scheduled CCW confabs: The next one is August 24 at 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Monterey Public Library conference room. Come and talk with fellow members about writing. Bring your laptop to get some work done! In September, Joyce Krieg will lead a confab to offer suggestions on what the Literary Review editors look for when selecting work for the magazine.
THANKS TO ALL THE MARCHERS! Submitted by Nancy Swing and Russell Sunshine
To Clarissa Conn, Dick and Cynthia Guthrie, Ken Holden, Erin McClure, Nancy Middleton, Gary Parker, Laurie and John Sheehan, Barbara Siebeneick, Maria Skyttä: thanks for your company on the streets of Monterey. Special thanks to Mike and Mary O'Connor for joining us with their convertible and to Laurie Sheehan for hers too. These drivers make it possible for those who can't march to participate, and that means a lot. The crowds clearly showed their enthusiasm for CCW. Thanks also to all the cooks for the after-party. And congrats to Gary Parker and Barbara Siebeneick, who both had such great costumes that we had to award two prizes!
The whole CCW Gang of Marchers
The Snazziest Russell Sunshine and Dick & Cynthia Guthrie
Caught in the act of marching!
After-party goodies at Sunshine and Swing!
Joyce Folds Up Her State President Tent on August 31 Our long-time and valued member Joyce Krieg wrapped up her 3-year tenure as President of California Writers Club at the end of July. As she exhales a big sigh of relief, we reflect on what a thoughtful president she has been for our state organization. She brought good humor to the role at the Central Board meetings, quick to hold up a mirror to anyone who made a suggestion but neglected to volunteer to see it through. That kept the Central Board representatives in check! Joyce also knew when and how to clip the conversations on any topic to a decent length and ended the 8-hour meeting on time and sometimes early.
Then, of course, is the ongoing behind the scenes work of getting everything and everyone moving in the same direction. She kept a close eye on it all, ending up a bit battle-weary, but ultimately guiding that unwieldy ship to port. You have our heartfelt thanks, Joyce. Best of all, we at CCW get to keep her as our Madame Secretary extraordinaire ! Joyce was honored at the July meeting with a cat-themed book of contributions from many CCW members, conceived and arranged by Treasurer Clarissa Conn with guidance by Debra J. Smith.
Christine Sleeter, Patricia Hamilton,
Mike Latta, Joyce Krieg, and Deej Smith
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2019 CCW BBQ August 18, 1:00 – 4:00
Whispering Pines Park, Pacific St., Monterey
Once again featuring the Grilling Grices!
Howard Grice
Sam Grice
Jeanne Gavrin
WHAT TO BRING The park has covered picnic tables with seating and bathrooms nearby. You’re welcome to bring a cushion to soften your seat or a lawn chair. The BBQ is not intended as a potluck, but if you’d like to bring a side dish or dessert, we won’t say no! Bottled water will be provided. You’re welcome to bring a bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer to share. We’re requesting a donation of $10 per person—or whatever you think is affordable and fair—to support the savory work of the Grilling Grices.
RSVPs To inform meat and veggie purchases, RSVP to Lana Bryan by Tuesday, August 13, [email protected]. This special event is a members-only perk, so please limit yourself to one guest. If you plan to bring a dish to share, in your RSVP please include what type (salad, dessert, etc.)
PARKING There are several spaces near the picnic area for members who have mobility difficulties. Everyone who would like to drive up to drop off dishes may do so and then find parking. Cars can park along the right side of the road coming into the park. Also, parking at Whispering Pines is limited to some 20 vehicles, so carpooling is encouraged. Member Cheri Love and her physical therapist husband Mark Young have again generously offered the 10 parking lot spaces at their office, Pacific Physical Therapy, 929 Pacific St., one-quarter mile or a five-minute walk to the park picnic area. There is some parking on Pacific Street between Pacific Physical Therapy and the park. Blue and white CCW signs will be posted at the park entrance and at Pacific Physical Therapy’s parking area.
DIRECTIONS From Highway 1 northbound:
o Exit 399C, merge onto Soledad Drive o Pass through the light at Munras o Turn right on to Pacific Street o In about a half mile turn right at park entrance
From Highway 1 southbound: o Exit 399B toward Monterey o First light make a left on Soledad Drive o In about a half mile turn right at park entrance
From central/downtown Monterey and Pacific Grove: NO LEFT TURNS ALLOWED from Pacific Street into Whispering Pines! Instead:
o From Munras Avenue head south toward Del Monte Shopping Center. o Right turn on Alameda Avenue. Look for the white adobe walls with “Peter’s Gate” painted on them. o Note: If you miss Alameda Avenue/Peter’s Gate, you can also turn right on Via Arboles. o Right turn on Pacific Avenue and then turn right at the park entrance.
Born on December 23, 1955 in Glasgow, Scotland, Carol Ann Duffy's family moved to Liverpool, England when she was just six years old. There she attended Saint Austin's RC Primary School. She went on to attend Convent School and then Stafford Girl's High School. Duffy began publishing at the age of 14 when her teacher June Scriven sent her work to a publisher who loved it. In 1977 Duffy graduated from Liverpool University with a degree in Philosophy. After she published several books, she hit the road to read and teach poetry. She worked as a critic for The Guardian and as a poetry editor for the magazine Ambit . In 1996 Duffy began lecturing at Manchester Metropolitan University. She became creative director of this writing school. She met Adrian Henri and lived with him until 1982, during which time she wrote two plays and a pamphlet “Fifth Last Song.” Before the 21st century, Duffy compiled poetry collections, which included Standing Female Nude (1985), The Other Country (1990), The World's Wife (1999), and Rapture (2005). In addition she took the time to write such plays as Take My Husband (1982), Little Women, Big Boys (1986). At the beginning of the 21st century, Duffy concentrated on writing for children. Her children's books include the picture books Underwater Farmyard , The Tear Thief (2007), The Princess Blankets (2009), and Dorothy Wordsworth's Christmas Birthday (2014). Included is a poetry collection called The Hat (2007). Duffy also wrote for grownups, including Love Poems (2010), The Bees (2011), and Sincerity (2018). She also published poetry collections. Carol Ann Duffy was Britain's first female Scot Poet Laureate, and also the first openly gay one. She received the Lanman Literary Award for Poetry in 1995 and the E.M. Forster Award in 2000. She was nominated for the British literary Carnegie Medal in the years 2005, 2008, and 2011. In addition she received two Costa Book Awards for Mean Time and The Bees .
The Observer noted: “Carol Ann Duffy is considered a top poet. But she deserves better. She deserves to outsell most of the novelists on your shelf.”
Before stepping down as the Poet Laureate, Duffy said: “With the evil twins of Trump and Brexit… There was no way of not writing about that, it is just in the air.” In “Swearing In,” Duffy used an ancient form of writing known as kennings, which uses compound words as a sophisticated way of insulting. Swearing In by Carol Ann Duffy
CONTESTS Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize Deadline: August 15, 2019 Entry Fee: $15.00 Website: redwheelbarrow.submittable.com Prizes: 1st Place: $1000.00, 2nd Place: $500.00, 3rd Place: $250.00. Five finalists published in 2019 Red Wheelbarrow , Letterpress broadside of winning poem by Peter Koch, Printer Guidelines: See website for complete guidelines. Sponsored by the Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Center of San Jose. Submit up to three poems in any style. Each poem must fit on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. The Fleeting Words Tanka Competition Deadline: August 15, 2019 Entry Fee: Free Website: unitedhaikuandtankasociety.com Prizes: First Prize: Winners will be published in the upcoming issue of Seedpods , the Haiku Tank Society newsletter. Guidelines: See website for full guidelines. Prize is open to anyone. Work must be previously unpublished. Please learn the Tanka poem form. Entrants may send up to ten poems in English. Other languages may be submitted but the submission must be in English first. All entries should be sent by email with the words "UHTA" "Fleeting" "Contest" in the subject header. Include your name, country of origin, and email address. Email entries to: [email protected]. Stories That Need To Be Told Contest Deadline: August 15, 2019, 11:59 Pacific Entry Fee: $20.00 per poem or entry Website: tuliptreepub.com/contest.html First Prize: $1000.00 and a 2-year ($100) gift certificate to Duotrope ; five additional prizes of $200 will be given for stories that excel in the merits of Humor, Passion, Depth, and (any form of) Love. A $200 prize will be awarded in a wild card category, determined by entries. Winners and Honorable Mentions will be published and receive a copy of the annual Stories That Need to Be Told anthology. Guidelines: See website for full guidelines. Submissions must be new, unpublished work, limit of 10,000 words. There is only one category: The Story. The reason to tell it may be the most important story. Fiction, nonfiction, or poetry: if it tells a story, it fits. University of New Orleans Press Publishing Lab Prize Deadline: Submissions open until August 31, 2019. Entry fee: $28.00. Website : unopress.org/lab.aspx First Prize: The selected author will receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) advance on royalties and a contract to publish their winning manuscript with UNO Press. Guidelines: See website for full guidelines. The University of New Orleans Press is looking for full-length fiction manuscripts, either novels or short story collections, for the fifth annual Publishing Lab Prize. The work does not have to be regionally focused. There is no word limit or limit on subjects covered. More information, including the Submittable link, can be found at: unopress.org/lab.aspx.
A few years before his death from cancer, Ric Madsen spoke to our writers’ group. He spoke from the heart. His poetry reflected things he had learned. His poems reached each one of us in a different way. Reading some of his work now, I think I understand Ric’s most important message.
Not so much his words, poignant as they are, but his example of living identifies him as a pathfinder that we would do well to follow. Whether it be cancer, concentration camp, or recurring conflict that frustrates a person’s efforts or threatens to destroy all that s/he’s worked for, it is overcome by hope and persistence.
Victor Frankl, writing about life and death in the Nazi concentration camps, said that the main difference between those who died in the camp and those who lived to eventually enjoy freedom was that the latter maintained hope; something to look forward to. According to Frankl, hopes and dreams yet unfulfilled give us a reason to live, and work, and create.
The will to create and the yearning for closure give us the impetus to persevere, rather than giving in.
Ric had a full, creative life—even more so because of his cancer. He touched many people with his life and work, especially with his song, “Let It Be A Dance.”
His last book of poetry, “Going Out Dancing,” is a reminder to live—to appreciate our family and friends—to create—“to dance.”
When we begin to muddle through endless hours of beating keys and grinding out words, and we find that the words come hard to us, it’s time to stop. It’s time to let the gray cells rest. In answer to a question, Ric spoke about how and when he writes. He shared with us the fact that he does not grunt and grind his poems out. He writes when he comes to “a gate.” Something that he sees or hears opens up a “gate;” an opening through which he can enter into a poem, which almost writes itself. At least this is what I understood him to say.
When a phrase or situation touches your heart, or if you prefer, wrenches your gut, be sure to jot down a note to yourself. By the time you get a chance to write about it, you might have forgotten the exact phrasing that made it magic for you. If it’s magic for you, it’s a gate. If it’s a gate, it will practically write itself.
Since it comes from your depths, you too may touch many people with your words.
Write when you are fresh and relaxed. The work itself should stimulate you. Stop writing when you begin to get tired.
And always be vigilant with notepad at hand. There are “gates” all around you if you look and listen for them—at home, at work, on the road, in your dreams—everywhere. [to be continued in September Scribbles ]
Be well, and “let it be.” [—Paul McCartney] Jonathan
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The Last Word By Guest Columnist Joyce Krieg ‘All Literature is Longing’ and other Writing Tips
CCW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Laurie Sheehan Vice President Sharon Law Tucker Secretary Joyce Krieg Treasurer Clarissa Conn Programs Chair Nancy Middleton CCW Workshops Sharon Law Tucker Membership Maria Skyttä Publicity Jason Warburg Hospitality Sarah Pruitt Newsletter Lana Bryan Webmaster Ken Jones Assistant Webmaster Kemberlee Shortland Writing Contests Dennis Hamilton Central Board Representative Laura Curry
Not yet a member of CCW? You can join at a monthly meeting or online at:
centralcoastwriters.org
You don’t have to be a mystery writer to learn a thing or two from a mystery writer when it comes to creating page-turning popular fiction. With that in mind, I am passing along highlights from a Sisters in Crime workshop I recently attended in San Francisco, featuring mystery author Jane Cleland. Jane is the author of the Writers Digest book Mastering Suspense and is a popular writing teacher in the New York area. Her rare West Coast appearance was too good to pass up!
● “All literature is longing.” What does your main character want, and what are they willing to do to get it?
● The big publishers are looking for “fresh and familiar.” As they say in Hollywood, “Give me the same thing—only different.”
● People read what they want to read. Our job as writers is to give them that. Above all, you are an entertainer.
● Use action to show feelings. Avoid “telling” words like “she saw/looked/heard/felt.”
● Avoid using “in your head” words: realize/know/understood/recognized. Give your readers the pleasure of figuring it out on their own.
● In describing a setting choose one small, telling detail that sums up the essence of the setting.
● Readers want a hero who reflects the person they aspire to be: their best self.
● Instead of a villain who is pure evil, it’s far more compelling to create a good person gone bad.
● The “bookend” is an effective way to structure your novel. In other words, an ending scene that reflects the opening scene. Think symmetry.
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