DECEMBER 2011
DECEMBER 2011
Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP) began in 1998 when Chuck O’Conner, Elmer Freeman, Joe Meiners,
and Dan Vollmer, Spokane area authors
formed a club in order to share their knowledge and experience with those
interested in writing and alternative ways of publishing. Today, SASP is a large non-profit
organization dedicated to anyone with interests in any aspect of writing and
art. Members now include aspiring (and
successful) authors, poets, journalists, illustrators, editors, publishers,
printers, writing instructors, and many others.
Monthly luncheon meetings provide inspiration and education by way of
knowledgeable and entertaining guest speakers, and the cheerful camaraderie of
people sharing common interests and goals.
Membership is open to all who love writing, art, and interesting people.
Spokane
Authors and Self-Publishers meets
the first Thursday of each month, September through May, in the banquet (back)
room of the Old Country Buffet
(509) 484-5026
Speakers’
presentations begin at NOON. The room opens at 11:00 AM to allow members and guests to dine, converse, join, pay
dues, browse, and perhaps buy other member’s books that are on display. Generally a short business meeting is held,
either before or after the formal presentation.
New members and guests are introduced, members relate their
accomplishments, and various door prizes are awarded.
All
members and guests are requested to buy lunch upon entering the establishment,
and to leave an appropriate tip for the waiter/waitress.
Members
need to be present to win door prizes.
Current
membership benefits include a
listing on the SASP website, www.spokaneauthors.org. Many
members provide short biographies and links to external personal websites,
creating more marketing exposure.
Current members may list and describe their published works on the SASP
website and offer their work for sale at meetings.
Guest speakers at our monthly meetings
inform, inspire, and entertain members and guests with a variety of topics, all
designed to provide knowledge pertinent to writing and publishing.
SASP
members are encouraged to purchase or trade completed works of and with fellow
members. They are also encouraged to
donate examples of their work for use as door prizes. Those who win other members’ works are
expected to provide a review of that work.
Dues for SASP
membership are $15.00 per calendar year.
Dues may be paid directly to
our Treasurer at our monthly meetings.
Alternatively, you may remit your dues to:
2011 Officers
President:
Dave McChesney (509) 325-2072
Vice-President:
Bob Weldin (509) 327-2897
Secretary:
Robert Pillsbury (509) 842-6803
rvpsasp07@comcast.net
Treasurer:
Bonnie Stichart (509) 684-0424
Public-Relations:
Russ
Davis (509) 768-6206
Newsletter Editor:
Jim
Parry 509)
325-9922
Web Master:
Dave
McChesney (509) 325-2072
Advisory Board:
Jolene Feher (509) 489-0544
fehersong@yahoo.com
Gail Mangano (509) 535-1434
mamamia3224@comcast.net
Bob Manion (509) 448-2901
gunnerbob@comcast.net
OUR
NEXT MEETING!
Please join us on Thursday,
Dec. 1 at 12 noon. We’ll be at our
usual location, Old Country Buffet,
To celebrate the end of another year we will have an “OPEN
MIC” session. If you would like to share
some of your work, please limit your reading to five minutes or six pages in
standard manuscript format. (Poetry
should be keyed to five minutes.) A
sign-in sheet will be provided.
We
will also confirm officers and board members for the coming year. While it appears that current office holders
will continue on, a few have indicated they would like someone else to take
over. Nominations or volunteers for any
and all offices will be welcome
The
President’s Page
November 2011
At
our November meeting, Mike V. Miller, owner of Miller Consulting Services spoke
about internet marketing. His
presentation could best be described as an overview of what is available to
today’s writer. Mike talked about
establishing a web-site, being active with social media, and actually marketing
one’s product on line.
We
had three guests, although quickly- scribbled notes might result in names being
incomplete or incorrect. The best
interpretation of your president’s chicken scratching indicates that we were
joined by Mary Rhodes, Donna E., and C. Howell.
SASP hopes you enjoyed your visit and that you will return as
full-fledged members.
Devin
Barber joined the group. He writes
Science Fiction and short stories. As
well, he has appeared in several movies produced in the local area. Welcome.
Devin has a Science Fiction novel published and on the market.
Lee
Moore spoke briefly about going with a group to read at elementary schools.
She also
mentioned that students at
Once
again we had a nice selection of door prizes.
Our speaker graciously donated his free meal pass and thus we were able
to give away both of those from Old Country Buffet. They were won by Terry Hughes and Paul
Lecoq. Sherry Waltrip had the matching
ticket for a free meal from SASP. Both
James Parry and Bonnie Stichart took home packs of Lee Moore’s handmade
greeting cards. Beth Ann Carr won a
basket of a dozen apples donated by Jolene Feher, and Donna E. left with a copy
of Don Williams’ book, Just an Average
Dilemma.
President
Dave McChesney announced that we are still (always) looking for members’ bios
and reviews of members’ books to post on the web-site. He announced that several portions of the
site had recently been updated, including listing past guest speakers in a
special section of the membership roster.
Program and speaker information pages have been brought up to date, and
the NEWS page revised and updated. The next
installment of Kurt Hickman’s writing advice series has been posted as
well. As this is the second run through
this series, it will probably go away when the end is reached.
Dave
also reminded those with published books to send along information about them
so they can be listed on the web-site.
He also called for ideas, suggestions, and possible speakers for the
coming year. It was noted that we are
accepting volunteers, nominations, and suggestions for SASP officers in
2012. With that in mind, it appears that
most of those currently serving are willing to continue on. However, it should be noted that Jim Parry,
our newsletter editor, has expressed a desire to step down from that position
in order to better pursue production of another book. Like wise, Vice President Bob Weldin would
like to have someone take over his duties.
Dave is willing to remain as President for another year, but at the same
time would not object should another wish to serve in that capacity.
Please
join us on Thursday December 1, 2011. We
will hold an “open mic” session and elect (or confirm) officers for the
following year. For those wishing to
read a little of their work, we suggest that it be not more that five minutes
in length. A sign-up sheet will be
provided.
Write
on,
For What It’s Worth
Hey, boys and girls: It’s time, once again, for Uncle Jimmy’s Playhouse. Yes, it’s the column you’ve all grown to love over the past two years. Regretfully, this is Uncle Jimmy’s final column. On December 31, at the stroke of midnight, Jimmy, along with other officers, is retiring. That’s right; you won’t have Uncle Jimmy to kick around anymore. (I am not a crook.) In truth, few members ever read my column, and fewer have ever commented on it. (Michael Marsden may have been the only one – thank you, Michael.)
Each of my columns has been an attempt to inspire all members of SASP. (See, specifically: Mar 2010; May 2010; June 2010; July 2010; Oct 2010; Nov 2010; Dec 2010; Jan 2011; and especially, Feb 2011.) But it appears that it is all for naught, for I don’t detect a change in attitude at our SASP meetings. Except for the ringing of the bell I hear few positive comments, and few constructive criticisms. On several occasions I have visited my wife’s oil painting class, and have found that they constantly compliment each other while also offering positive, constructive advice. (She paints while I write = parallel play.)
I sincerely hope that in 2012 we all take our best shots at complimenting and encouraging each other.
At any rate, you will have newly-elected officers in January – which would be an excellent time to improve our attitudes, to improve our organization (New Year’s Resolutions?). This would also be an excellent time to decide what you want from SASP: Are you here just to socialize; just to eat; or are you here to learn the dos & don’ts of getting published; perhaps, you’re looking for people to critique your work; or maybe you’re here just to pick up chicks.
Regardless, change is acomin’ – a new regime, a new world order. So gird your loins; pick yourself up by your bootstraps; tighten your belt; put on your jock strap; take the bull by the horns; sink you teeth into it; man your battle stations; damn the torpedoes; remember the Maine; take a ride on the Reading; go see Gee; watch for deer; wake the town and tell the people; take a letter, Maria; catch a falling star, but don’t let the stars get in your eyes; love the one you’re with; keep off the grass; munch a bunch of Fritos; wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care; see how far your mind can take you at Carrington College; shower her with tenderness (or, at least, shower).
It’s been fun,
Jim
NEWS
Listed below are
acknowledgments of
members’ accomplishments,
book
signing dates, locations,
and other items of note:
THE
“BOOKS
FOR CHRISTMAS”
For those who have not yet decided to participate in "Books
for Christmas" on Thursday December 15 from 10:00 am until 3:30 pm at the
CDA Public Library, I want to send encouragement to you. THIS year we expect a good crowd, and it
promises to be a fun event. We want
people to read excerpts from a book, including children's books, poetry
readers, or artists who wish to share their work. There will be refreshments as
well. It promises to be a great time,
and hopefully most of you will sell some books!
Posters have been placed around town, and I have more if you'd like them.
I can meet you somewhere to deliver them.
If you have written a book, have a poem to read, or artwork to
share, please contact me at mdnf.higbee@gmail.com and provide the following:
If you are an author: the name of book and price; when you
would like to talk about it
If you are a poet or artist, please let me know when you would like to read and/or share
your works
If we jam up, I will re-schedule your spot
and let you know when it will be.
The Friends of Library will take 10% of our proceeds as a donation
for the use of the community room.
Thanks, everyone! I know we will have a great time!
Faye Higbee, President, CDA Chapter IWL
Please reply to me, even if you receive this from another writing
group or source.
2012
WILLIAM SAROYAN INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR WRITING
-- Call for Submissions --Deadline for Entries: January 31, 2012 For
More Information: saroyanprize.stanford.edu
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 William Saroyan
International Prize for Writing. Two prizes of $5,000 each are given biennially
for works of fiction and nonfiction. The awards, cosponsored by the Stanford
University Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation, are intended to
“encourage new or emerging writers and honor the Saroyan legacy of originality,
vitality, and stylistic innovation.”
Submit five copies of a novel, short story
collection, or work of creative nonfiction published between January 1, 2010,
and December 31, 2011, with a $50 entry fee. Visit the website for more
information, including entry forms, contest rules, and complete guidelines. Go
to: saroyanprize.stanford.edu
DEADLINE: Please note that entries must be
received on or before January 31, 2012. If you have additional questions, feel
free to contact Stanford University Libraries, William Saroyan International
Prize for Writing, Green Library,
A
New Web Magazine
I am launching a literary web
magazine and online community that is devoted to quality narrative writing about
real people creating positive social change. It's called Beyond the Bracelet:
Stories of the Movement from Awareness to Action.
I invite you to check it out! I'd love for
you to be involved in our community, in whatever way makes sense for you—as a
liker, follower, commenter, reader, writer, or action-taker.
website: http://www.beyondthebracelet.com/
blog: http://www.beyondthebracelet.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-the-Bracelet/186305708063699
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/beyondbracelet
Best,
Ross Carper
SASP
Member’s Stories Published
Barbara Hollace announced
that Dr. Bernie Siegel's, A Book of
Miracles" was recently released.
Her story, A Community of Hope
is the first story in the Holiday
Miracles section. Barbara says, “It
is always exciting to get published, especially when you know that it is so
competitive to get your work selected these days. I don't receive any royalties, but I think
you'll enjoy the read.”
To purchase a copy, check
with your local bookstore or on Amazon.
She also has a story in Love
is a Verb Devotional from Gary Chapman.
This was released on October 1st.
SASP member
Book Release
Anna Goodwin
Hurrah! JUSTICE FORBIDDEN,
my psychological thriller, murder mystery is finally out. You can get it on my
website www.anaparkergoodwin.com
for 20% off regular price: $13.50.
10% of my profits will go to counseling abused children. Or you can
get it at Barnes and
Noble or Amazon. ISBN: 978-0-9845566-0-1
What is the story about? Of course it’s all about what I know best.
I am a psychotherapist who had a private practice for many years. Although the
plot is fictional, the character of the client and much of her past is based on
true events.
What are the facts about memory? Are there false memories? Can
memories be repressed and then remembered years later? This is one of the
greatest controversies still raging in psychology today.
Dr. Faythe Bradington, Clinical Psychologist, is shocked to
discover that an ex-client is suing her for implanting false memories of
childhood abuse. Faythe rushes to her office to read her files, but when she
arrives she discovers a body in the waiting room. Now terrified, she calls 911.
To make her situation worse, her insurance company insists she settle out of
court. There will be no justice for her unless she discovers what actually happened
to her ex-client 25 years ago. Determined to clear her name and discover the
truth, she hires a private investigator, who unknown to her has psychic powers
that become crucial in solving the case. As Faythe and L.P. probe into her
ex-client’s haunted past, they discover dark secrets so ominous that just
knowing them will set off unstoppable deadly events.
Read
the book, leave a comment at my website, at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and
then pass the book to someone else you know would enjoy it. If you want me to
do the same for your book send me an e-mail: jargoodwin@msn.com. We are very fortunate to have
a wonderful group. Let’s cooperate and help each other reach our writing
dreams.
A New “How to” Book
THE WRITERS PORTABLE MENTOR
A guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life
By Priscilla Long
ISBN: 978-0-9842421-0-8,
$17.95,
www.priscillalong.com
Recent Newsletters now on
Site
All issues of our recently revived SASP Newsletter are now posted
and available on the web-site. Simply go to the Newsletter Tab on our home page
and click on the month you are interested in.
All content of the e-mailed or “snail-mailed” versions is there, although
the format is changed somewhat.
Publishing Accomplishments
Jim Parry’s book, Book All
the Teachers,
is now available on most major bookstore web-sites.
It is also available as an “e” book.
(Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
New
“LINKS”
We’ve recently added several “general interest”
links on the web-site page of the same name.
Many SASP members’ web-sites and blogs
are linked here as well.
Price Reduction
SASP Member and former President Barbara Cagle has announced that
the price of her book 16 x MOM: A MASTERY OF MOTHERHOOD is now $17.95