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

5504 N. Division St.

Spokane, WA 99208

(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:

Spokane Authors & Self-Publishers

P. O. Box 18573

Spokane, WA 99228-0573

2010 Officers

President:

Dave McChesney (509) 325-2072

daveeva@comcast.net

Vice-President:

Bob Weldin (509) 327-2897

minersquest@comcast.net

Secretary:

Robert Pillsbury (509) 842-6803

rvpsasp07@comcast.net

Treasurer:

TBA

Public-Relations:

Russ Davis (509) 768-6206

info@graydogpress.com

Newsletter Editor:

Jim Parry 509) 325-9922

parry9922@q.com

Web Master:

TBA

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 July 1 at 12 noon. We’ll be at our usual location (Old Country Buffet, 5504 N. Division St., Spokane, Washington.)

This month’s guest speaker will be our very own David A. McChesney. With information and knowledge gained from his own quest for publication, SASP President Dave McChesney will speak about Literary Agents. Who needs an agent and why? What are the advantages of having an agent? What are the disadvantages? How does one obtain the services of a Literary Agent?

Following a twenty-two year Navy career, Dave is writing the Stone Island Sea Stories (Naval Adventures with fantasy elements). Beyond the Ocean’s Edge and Sailing Dangerous Waters are complete, while work is underway on Darnahsian Pirates.

He edits the Rear Engine Review, the Northwest Corvair Club’s monthly newsletter. His essay, Tennis Balls and Broadsides won first place in the initial Author! Author! Periodic Awards for Expressive Excellence Contest and was published in Gray Dog Press’ Spoke Write. Dave is President of Spokane Authors and Self Publishers (SASP), and a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA).

He resides in Spokane with his wife Eva, daughter Jessica, a Quaker Parrot named He-lo, a 1962 Corvair Rampside known as “Tim,” and a 1965 Corvair Monza coupe identified as “Ralph.”

The President’s Page

June 2010

OUR LAST MEETING

At our most recent meeting we were once again treated to a thought provoking, entertaining, and educational presentation. Dr. William Stimson, Ph.D., head of the Eastern Washington University Journalism Department spoke on Six Writer’s Secrets. Rather than revealing unknown pathways to writing success, these were a condensation of advice put forth by many writers over the years. Surprisingly, many of the secrets were those tidbits we often hear, such as, “write everyday.”

Our guests for the day included Jim Stinson of Davenport, WA. He’s written a book about the State “B” basketball tournament. Also joining us were Ken and Jenna Williams, guests of his brother Don. Rebecca Lacey, Marv Sather, and Robert Magart are now SASP members. Welcome!

Bell ringing kudos went to Jolene Feher for the release of her latest book of poetry, titled MEMORIES. Bob Manion, who had won a copy of Don Williams’ BISHOP’S REVENGE at our May meeting, told us that he’d read it and found it to be a very good read. B. J. Campbell told us that she was releasing a book featuring her husband “Cougar Bob.”

President Dave McChesney announced that a Gordon Spunich of the Valley Kiwanis Club was looking for someone willing to do a thirty minute presentation on the ups and downs of being a published author. If anyone was interested, Dave would forward contact information to Gordon.

There was an abundance of door prizes available. Lee Moore brought three packs of her fabulous home-made greeting cards. They were won by: Don Williams, B. J. Campbell, and Rebecca Lacey. Bob Magart donated copies of two children’s books from publishers he has worked with. LOUIE BRAILLE was won by James Vasquez, and Lee Moore took home GRIZZLEY BEARS by Sandra Markle. Both will make excellent gifts for a grandchild or younger family member! Barbara Hollace brought along four ARCs or Advanced Reader Copies of various works. TALK TO THE HAND by Lynne Truss was won by someone, but a momentary lapse prevented recording who it was. Larry Hall took home THE GARGOYLE by Andrew Davidson, and Jim Stinson left with DARLING JIM by Christian Moerk. Lastly, Paul Lecoq had the winning ticket for ARMAGEDDON’S CHILDREN by Terry Brooks.

At our next meeting on July 1^st, Dave McChesney will speak about Literary Agents. This will be a slightly expanded reprise of a presentation he made two years ago. On August 5th, Karen Estes will speak about her book, PLANE OF THE ECLIPTIC and about the pros and cons of using iUniverse as a book publisher.

***

Many of you may remember when we didn’t meet during the summer. Judging from the crowd we had this June, I believe we are doing the right thing in gathering year round. Meeting on a regular, continuing basis keeps interest in our organization at a higher level. As our list of members continues to grow, it is apparent that we are doing something right.

If it is because of the programs and speakers we have, we should thank Bob Weldin, our Vice-President. He continues to find interesting, entertaining speakers and convinces them to visit us. In like fashion we should extend thanks to those members and guests who donate copies of their books or other examples of art and handicraft to be used as door prizes. There is always a chance to win a great book or other unique items.

While we are only halfway through the year, it certainly isn’t too early to mention elections. I suggest we start thinking about who could best fill the positions required to effectively operate Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. We should also be thinking about what each of us can do to help the organization, what positions we might fill (in which our particular talents and skills will be of benefit). I, for one, will be willing to continue as President, providing, of course, that I am wanted as such. Should anyone else desire the position, or should the majority of you choose someone else, I will step down. I would be willing to officially take on the Treasurer’s duties, as I am currently performing them anyway. As an alternative, or in addition, I would take on the role of Web-Master – again, a task that I seem to be doing now. Hopefully those in other official positions will make their views on continuing to serve known to us over the next few months. Equally important, I urge anyone desiring to step into any of these roles to tell us all.

As I near the end of this month’s President’s Page, I want to pass along a few reminders. A month or so ago we purged the membership list posted on the web-site of all who are not paid members for the year 2010. If your name is no longer there, it is simply because you have not paid your dues for this year. Pay the dues and your name will be restored. I also want to point out that we have several folks on that list without a biography. If you are in that category, please write one and send it to me at daveeva@comcast.net. If you are unsure of what or how to write a biography, read the ones that are posted. You may also want to refer to Anne Mini’s blog, AUTHOR! AUTHOR! at www.annemini.com. Look for the “Author Bio” category.

I also want to remind you about reviews of other members’ books you may have read. And, yes, this is a reminder for me as well. I’ve read several books by our members, but have only managed to write and post two reviews.

Lastly, if you have had books published; send me the information so I can get it posted on the “Books” page of the web-site.

Write on,

For What It’s Worth

by Jim Parry

I’m kind of an odd duck (as many of you already have noted). My passion for writing does not run as deep as it does for the vast majority of you. For me, it’s more of a love/hate affair. Often the keyboard sits untouched for months at a time. People often ask how my second book is progressing. I don’t know how to respond. There are a few ideas that have been tossed about, but I’m not sure I have another book in me. This lack of literary effort is rationalized through attempts to convince myself that too many other interests stand in the way. But, sometimes, it just feels like laziness.

On second thought, I do have many, varied interests/hobbies; perhaps, too many. I often wish I had one real passion in life. This editor envies those of you who do. Keep it up, you lucky bastards. Jim

News

Listed below are acknowledgments of our member's accomplishments, book signing dates, locations, and other items of note:

Recent Newsletters now on Site

The eight 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 the content of the e-mailed or “snail-mailed” versions are there, although the format has changed somewhat.

New “LINKS”

We’ve recently added several “general interest” links on the web-site page of the same name. Amongst the new links is one to a “writers how to” site by Australian science fiction and fantasy writer Richard Harland.

See it at:

www.writingtips.com.au

Upcoming Signings

Please let us know of any of your upcoming signing dates or other accomplishments so that we can get them into this newsletter.

A Local Publisher

Recently, Ditto’s Print and Copy Center has expanded to become Gray Dog Press. Besides publishing SPOKE WRITE, The Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene Journal of Art and Writing, Russ Davis and his crew offer three levels of printing and publishing for local writers. Depending upon the writer’s desires and the marketability of the work, Gray Dog Press will print self-published work, publish in partnership with the author, or publish totally at their expense. For more information, go to:

www.graydogpress.com

A Most Generous Offer

Writer Kirt Hickman has generously provided SASP with several “how to” articles on various aspects of writing. We are now posting one of Kirt’s articles on the WRITER’S TOOLS page of the web-site each month. Each will remain for approximately one month or until replaced by the next. Kirt’s book, REVISING FICTION: MAKING SENSE OF THE MADNESS has been released. An autographed copy has been received by Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers and won by James Vasquez at our October meeting.

This month we will be running another one of the articles Kirt sent us. If you would like copies of any of the articles, contact daveeva@comcast.net

If there is sufficient interest amongst SASP membership, we will see about ordering copies of Kirt’s book for those who would want it.

A New Publishing Company

Hello Spokane Authors & Self-Publishers. My name is Bob Griffin. I have just started a small publishing company that will be publishing fantasy, science fiction and horror stories. Below is my company's first press release. If anybody is interested in submitting their works of fiction, please visit us at

www.absentwillowreview.com

New Hampshire Authors Launch

Publishing Company.

Rochester, NH - New Hampshire authors Rick DeCost and Bob Griffin are proud to announce the launch of their publishing company and its online presence. Absent Willow Publishing LLC is an independent book publisher that will provide its readers with high quality stories of horror, fantasy and science fiction. Its online efforts include The Absent Willow Review, which plans to publish stories in the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres while allowing its readers access to the magazine anywhere in the world. Additionally, Absent Willow Review will publish paperback anthologies from their collected works. “We are huge fans of the genres we publish,” remarked Griffin. “We started this company to find great works of fiction and to locate the next generation of great writers.” With its online magazine spotlighting new works and its print publications soon to be available through Amazon.com and other retailers, the Company is planning to renew interest in short works of fiction. “For new and established authors of short fiction in the horror or fantasy vein, the market is light,” DeCost added. “We are hoping to change that.”

Rick Decost & Bob Griffin

Absent Willow Publishing LLC

PO Box 66

Rochester, NH 03866

MFA Opportunity

Spalding University’s four-semester, brief-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing combines superb instruction with unparalleled flexibility. At the beginning of each semester, students and faculty work together at a 10-day residency (in Louisville or abroad), after which they return home to correspond one-on-one through an exchange of 5 packets between the student and the faculty mentor for the rest of the semester. Students study fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, writing for children and young adults, screenwriting, or playwriting.

Request brochure FA35 by email: mfa@spalding.edu, by phone: (800) 896-8941, ext 2423, or see our website: www.spalding.edu/mfa.

And Yet another Contest

The second annual "Scare The Dickens Out of Us" ghost story contest offers $1000.00 first place, $500.00 second place and $250.00 third place prize money this year for a new, original ghost story up to 5000 words. Any genre is welcome.

This literary contest is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas, the oldest continuously in use library in Texas. Entry fee is $20.00. The contest is privately funded, all entry fees go to the Friends for Library projects.

Full rules are available at www.clarklibraryfriends.com or .org. Entries will be accepted from July 1 to October 1 2010.

We are also supporting a "Junior Scare the Dickens Out of Us" ghost story contest with a $250.00 first prize. This is for ages 12-18 and requires a $5.00 entry fee.

And thank you. We appreciate your time.

Roxanne and Gretchen Rix, contest coordinators "Scare The Dickens Out of Us" 2010

SASP 201O Speaking Schedule

(as of June 21)

Jul. 1---Dave McChesney---(member), "Literary Agents." (booked)

Aug. 5---Karen Estes---(guest), speaking on her book “Plane of the Ecliptic” and the pros and cons of using iUniverse as a book publisher. (booked)

Sep. 2---Shirley Penna-Oakes---(guest), "Genealogy." She's from Out Reach, part of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society. (booked)

Oct. 7 ---C.K. Crigger---(guest), talking about “The Hook” in writing fiction (booked)

Nov. 4---Jess Walter---(guest), may be available to speak on his latest book. Says he will speak if we can work out a time. Says his publicist is running him ragged promoting his new book. (not booked yet)

Dec. 2---How about a Christmas Party where we honor our members who have published a book or completed a manuscript during 2010? They might each read a short excerpt. Also, we need to elect officers for 2011.