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Serving all writers since 1948


WWA...NewsBrief
what you need to know for February 2020 Wisconsin Writers Association

Hey {Contact_First_Name},


Here are
10 things we thought were worth sharing this month with you!

  1. A Note from WWA President Barry Wightman.
  2. WWA Next Board Meeting February 5, 10:30 conference call
  3. Your Board of Directors Click Here
  4. 2020 Jade Ring Contest Opens Soon! Learn More
  5. WWA Friends Announcements 
  6. WWA sponsors Novel Book Camp and Lakefly Conference Learn More
  7. See the latest Member Book Reviews
  8. Check our website for opportunities and Contests!
  9. Member News. See what our busy members have been up to!  SEE MORE HERE
  10. Keep up with WWA Every Day! Follow Us on Facebook! Learn where to network with other WI Writers on WWA's Meetup Page!


Editors Note: The WWA NewsBrief is about member accomplishments, writing events, and contests. It is delivered on the 25th of each month by email. I welcome your comments, suggestions, ideas, and yes, complaints.  Please send news bits for the March 2020 issue to me by February 20th. Thank you. 

Housekeeping:

Access Links  To access web links inserted in this NewsBrief, click on blue text to jump to the referenced web link.

To download and print a copy of this NewsBrief, CLICK HERE.

Adobe Reader needed to view PDF materials Free DOWNLOAD

WWA Website News:  Send all requests for website changes, corrections, routine updates, and questions associated with the WWA website to Board Operations Chair, Kymberley Pekrul, kpekrul.editor@gmail.com.


Share your pride in WWA membership and promote the organization at the same time!   
Download badges to include in your email signature and other areas where you want to tell the world about your associations. Visit the WWA website to download your badge

Facebook: Keep up with WWA every day? Follow the WWA Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/WIWrite/ – Post your exciting writing news! Stay up with the pulse of what’s trending in today’s shifting marketplace. Network  with other members. Explore, learn, discover, connect, and keep up with authors.

Paid a visit to the  WWA website, yet?  You'll find tons of great information for writers. Check out the "Helpful Articles for Writers" page for a valuable list of  resources from industry experts. 


Website Refresh

We've got a great public
website! Have you
noticed? Check it out at: wiwrite.org

Keep Up With Us


Twitter


WWA Website

  A Note from WWA President
      Barry Wightman  --
 January 22, 2020


Novelist Haruki Murakami said, writing “every day without variation…repetition…is the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism to reach a deeper state of mind. Read a bit, listen to some music…writing a long novel is like survival training. Physical strength is as necessary as artistic sensibility.”


Good advice, whether it’s a novel or anything else.

WWA’s new year kicks off with a cozy bang on Sunday afternoon, February 9 in Hartland. Award-winning author Sara Dahmen delivers her marvelous Book to Film workshop, 1 – 4 PM. Very cool stuff. And we’ll have author/teacher Joanne Nelson…an afternoon of craft and writerly stuff. The workshop is nearly sold out – 30 attendees max.  Hurry – sign up here.


Then, at 2 PM, March 14 at the Miller Art Museum, Sturgeon Bay, WWA and Write-On Door County, will host a book talk "From the Boxing Ring to the Boardroom.” Being bullied as a south-side Milwaukee child can elicit many kinds of responses. For Hector Colon, his childhood trials led to the United Community Center boxing program (and seven subsequent USA National boxing titles). Hector Colon and author Judith Gwinn Adrian will present their forthcoming book. Details here.


New for 2020 – look for WWA at Untitled Town in Green Bay, April 24 – 26. And we’re a sponsor of the great Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp, May 17 – 23. Get that novel fired up. We’re again sponsoring the marvelous Lakefly Writers Conference in Oshkosh, May 8 – 9. Another wonderful program this year. WWA members get a great discount. Visit the member page of the WWA website to get your discount code. And be sure to register, using your code here


And in Milwaukee, Dynamic Page at The Retreat with poet laureate Dasha Kelly – short fiction lifted from page to stage with voice over professionals, and real-time painting. April 7, 7 PM. Sponsored by WWA.

More WWA 2020 events coming in Fond du Lac, Burlington, Solon Springs, and Madison. Stay tuned for details. And the venerable Jade Ring Writing Contest for 2020 coming at you – look for the announcement soon.

WWA – supporting writers all over Wisconsin.

Now, excuse me, while I get back to my state of writing mesmerism. Keep on keepin’ on.


Barry

  Meet Your Board

New Board Member: The WWA Board of Directors invite you to join them in welcoming the newest member of the board, Judy Adrian. is excited to join us and share the passion of a community of writers. Judy taught at Madison's Edgewood College for 25 years. She retired recently retired with an aim to continue her writing. She has several publish books. We,com Judy. The WWA Board looks forward to working with you!

Board Members Needed:  WWA, a registered 501 (c) 3, is managed by a Board of Directors and needs board member volunteers.  Board members focus on policy and long-range planning to fulfill our mission of supporting Wisconsin writers in achieving their individual writing goals. Visit the Board of Directors page for links to WWA Board Members. Contact Barry Wightman.  Not ready for the board, consider volunteeringCheck out the opportunities

  Next WWA Board call:  conference call - Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 10:30 am. – WWA members are welcome to call in to the meeting as observers. For details, contact Kymberley

WWA Business Membership Available:  Promote your writing-related service business. Just $35 one-year annual membership for individuals who own/operate a business that provides related writing services may join WWA and secure a listing on theBusiness Member Profile Directory page of the WWA website.

Promote and Support Wisconsin Authors!

Order Your Copy of the WWA Creative Wisconsin Anthology Today!

Order online: WWA Shop or by mail: send a $10 check to Kymberley Pekrul, W1347 Pit Road, Mount Calvary, WI 53057-9508 (please include the address to which to send the copy sent.

Writing Quote of the Month:

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”   ~  Jodi Picoult

WWA  is pleased to announce the 72nd Annual Jade Ring Contest

Opens for submissions March 1; deadline May with new cash awards!

All winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions will be published in Wisconsin Creative Anthology, plus...

First Place: $100 plus a coveted Jade Ring or $200; publication in Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine.
Second Place: $100.
Third Place: $50
Honorable Mention (three per category): one-year WWA membership (new or renew)

Complete details coming soon to the WWA Website!

Fiction Category welcomes submissions of short story, flash fiction, novel excerpt, romance, mystery, humor, fantasy, science fiction with 2,000- word limit. 

Entries will be judged by r.r. campbell, author, writing coach, and founder of the Writescast Network podcast

Nonfiction Category welcomes entries of articles, essays, nostalgia, memoir, self-help, etc. limited to 2,000 words. 

B.J. Hollars, author of several books will judge. Among his awards is the Truman Capote Prize for Literary Nonfiction and the Anne Be and James B. McMillan Prize.

Poetry Category is open to any style or theme. Up to three poems per entry, limited to one poem per page.

Entries will be judged by Dasha Kelly, Poet Laureate of Milwaukee. She is the author of three poetry collections, four spoken word albums, and two novels.

 Member News:

Got News? Send your member news by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s WWA NewsBrief issue. Send to the editor

Nick Chiarkas announced that his poem  "Thirty Below" took first place at the Writers' Institute, UW Continuing Studies, and is published in the UW Midwest Review Issue 7 which has just been released. 

You can also find his novel, "Weepers"online.

Christine Keleny is a finalist in the Series Fest Women's Writing Competition for my WWII TV limited series about the nurses of the 95th Evacuation Hospital.Think Band of Brothers but for the nurses of the 95th, who were Africa, Italy, France and Germany, treating soldiers right behind the front lines.

She also announced that the WWA will have a student writing contest again this year with cash prizes, and the winning pieces will be included in the Jade Ring Anthology. Any high School student can enter. Details coming soon. 

Visit Christine's website to learn more and purchase her novels.

Member discount to WWA members for Red Oak Writing's Saturday Craft & Publishing Workshops.

Register for the upcoming workshop and save!

Paths to Publishing:
The Power of Print on Demand

Feb 15, 9:30 am - noon at Red Oak Writing,
11709 W. Cleveland Ave, West Allis, WI

You can publish your book! In the past, self-publishing meant large upfront costs, printing headaches, and driving around with a trunk full of books trying to make sales to break even. Today, it is not only possible but fairly easy for you to create a professional-looking book and have it available for sale on the Internet with minimal financial investment. Gain an introduction to the basics of print-on-demand publishing. 

Thomas Wayne King's "Anthem for Lake Superior" will air on WPR, KUWS. Tom created this beautiful folk hymn in 2012 for annual Lake Superior Day celebrations. The song appears on two of his original LP albums: They Run!  and  Winter Magic.  Learn more about Tom.

Looking for Help!

Christine Schultz and Barb Messick manage the Jade Ring Contest. The contest is growing and we are looking for an apprentice to help and to learn the ropes so for a smooth transition as managers rotate out of their positions. We've worked to update responsibilities and smooth out kinks for an efficient process and look forward to sharing it. Approximate time per week varies but expect no more than 1-3 hours. If you are interest in joining us to uphold and grow this 72-year-old contest, please contact Barb or Christine.

And there are other opportunities to volunteer  - for an hour, a day, or more. You choose the commitment and the project that works best for you.  Check out they many opportunities waiting for you! Or contact Barry Wightman, to discuss your interest. As we grow with your help, we are able to grow the support for our members! WE NEED YOU!

Why join WWA? Here's another exciting   reason...this members-only benefit! 

 We are looking for more reviewers as well as reviews.   Email Lisa for more information. To submit a request for   reviews, please visit WiWrite.org, to read book reviews in   full or to request a review of your book.

Please enjoy two book reviews by our talented volunteer WWA members.

Retreat and Other Short Stories
Short Story Collection
Author: Ashok Patwari

Reviewed by: Kerri Lukasavitz, www.kerrilukasavitz.com

If you are looking for a short story collection that takes you on adventures to foreign lands across the globe, than Ashok Patwari’s Retreat and Other Short Stories is one to pick up and savor. Each of the 14 stories takes place in nations rich with colorful histories, beautiful lands, and diverse people. Nations such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Jamaica, Mardhan—a remote village in Pakistan—Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea to name a few. The author’s influence from extensive world travels is intricately woven throughout the stories, creating an authentic sense of place in each tale.

See the entire review at WWA Book Reviews


The Rooming House Diaries -
Life, Love & Secrets

Historical Fiction     
Author: Bill Mathis           

Reviewed by Jan Jenson (Janet Kay)  
www.novelsbyjanetkay.com

I leaned against a tree, lit a cigarette and stared at the gray, weather-worn, three story house and for the first time in my life, I knew I was home. I was a son. I had a home.”  Manny

After 25 years of drifting through life, living on the streets, and selling his body to other men, Manny finally found a home, and a family, at an aging Chicago rooming house built by Polish immigrants in 1887. Manny’s haunting and intriguing story is one of many immortalized within six diaries discovered in the hidden recesses of the old rooming house. Stories depicting the lives of the original owners, their families, and some of their long-term renters. Family secrets, some 150 years old, include an illegitimate son, prostitution, homosexuality, AIDS, racial bias and much more.

See the entire review at WWA Book Reviews 

UPCOMING CLASSES, CONFERENCES, RETREATS,
WORKSHOPS & WRITING FESTIVALS...

Announcements

WWA forges relationships to help us better serve our membership, improve our organization's performance, and engage our professional networks.


WWA Affiliate Announcements:  WWA develops long-lasting partnerships between complementary organizations and businesses where a mutually beneficial relationship serves each organization's interests. WWA will consider proposals to work together or on events and projects but does not guarantee acceptance.

 UW Continuing Studies Writing Program

 UW's Writers Institute

March 26-29, 2020

Registration is now open! The annual event features learning opportunities for every genre, beginner to advanced, from craft to publishing. Register before February 25th and save $40. Learn more here.

Madison Continuing Studies offers  additional Writing Classesin person and online,  manuscript critiques, writing retreats, and workshops. Prices and times vary. Check here for details.

WWA is a proud sponsor  Novel-in-Progress Book Camp and Writing Retreat 
Book Camp & Writing Retreat, two six-day, residential programs focused on the craft of long-form writing, publishing, and networking among new friends (writers all.) It will be held Sunday evening, May 17 through Saturday morning, May 23, 2020, the week before Memorial Day. The event is hosted by member Dave Rank.

The Book Camp is a hands-on workshop led by published novelists, editors, and literary agents, providing craft classes, one-on-one consultations for your Work-In-Progress, group critiques of your writing, and presentations on writing and publishing. A roster of writers are already lining up to attend, so reserve your spot  by contacting director Dave as soon as possible.

Lakefly Writers Conference 
May 8-9, 2020 – Oshkosh, WI

EVERYONE HAS A STORY! Join our supportive community of writers at the Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center for our 6th annual two-day conference. We offer over a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. Learn More


Announcements from our WWA Friends:
WWA provides a monthly listing of non-sponsored, non-affiliate opportunities for its membership community. WWA shares this information solely as a service to its members.


Red Oak Writing offers programs for writers of all levels of ability and experience: Registration is open for Roundtable Critique Groups (online and in person), Craft & Publishing Workshops, and Youth Creative Writing Camps.

Subscribe to Masters Review

Find contests and other writing opportunities. Masters Review offers a quality platform for emerging writers.  Click here for details

Black Lawrence Press is an independent publisher based in New York specializing in poetry, literary fiction, and creative nonfiction. We also publish hybrid work, chapbooks, translations from German, and anthologies.

Currently accepting full-length poetry collections and short story collections for The Hudson Prize and novels for The Big Moose Prize. We also hold open reading periods every June and November. 

St. Croix Watershed Research Station Artist/Writer Residencies, Summer 2020: Enhancing Scientific Understanding Through Art

Artist at Pine Needles, a residency program sponsored by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, an environmental research station of the Science Museum of Minnesota, seeks applications from artists and writers for Summer 2020 Artists In Residence. With the vision to enhance scientific understanding through art, the organization invites applications for interaction with the scientific staff and local community to further explore the intersection between art and science. In addition to accepting applications from established artists, the Pine Needles Residency includes an emerging artist category to encourage and support upcoming artists with this same calling. Visit their website for more information on emerging artists. Since 2001, the Artist at Pine Needles program has welcomed over 50 artists and writers to the banks of the St. Croix River in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.

CABIN FEVER RENDEZVOUS event on Saturday, March 28th, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Solon Springs Community Center in Solon Springs, WI hosted by The St Croix Writers of Solon Springs will host presentations including Your GPS for Success, No Flat Stanleys - Creating Dimensional Characters With Whom Your Readers Will Bond and Let's Talk About Writing Our Life's Stories. There will also be an open mic session for participants to read their work; refreshments; book displays and book sales featuring local writers.  Learn more

Writers Groups Writing is a solitary endeavor, but we can learn so much from fellow writers, sharing our works, listening to others share theirs improves our writing. Do you know of writers groups in your area that welcome new members? Share them with us, send your information to the editor.  Let's work together!

The Kenosha Writers Guild meets at the beautiful Carthage College on the shores of Lake Michigan. See videos of members and their success and upcoming events at Kenosha Writers Guild

Lake Geneva writing group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 1-3 pm at the Lake Geneva Public Library. For more information, contact Rachel

Monthly Poetry Readings First Tuesday of each month at Suzy's Steakhouse in Portage WI; 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The group extends an invitation to Wisconsin Writers to attend or to request an opportunity to be a Featured Poet. The goal for each month is to have one male and one female Featured Poet and time for Open Mic. Contact June Paul at junegpaul@gmail.com to learn about current openings.

Opportunities and Events:

Do you know of an event? Send event news by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s WWA NewsBrief issue. Send to the editor.

Ever wondered where you can find writing opportunities, writing tools, and inspiration online? Wonder no more. The Write Life has compiled a list of the 2019 One Hundred Best Writing Websites. Join an online community of writers here.

Online Freelance Opportunities
Upworkboth short- and long-term projects, hourly or pay-per-project. 

Freelancercompete with others - prove your skills, find your niche & attract clients. 

Guru: showcase past work experience and use the daily job-matching feature 

Freelance Writing Gigs: specific to writers, editors, bloggers and others in the industry. 

Fiverr Name your service & price,  businesses contact you. Build your platform 

Networking Opportunities:

Did you know that WWA is On Meetup? Yep, we’ve been on Meetup since November 2018. What’s Meetup you ask? It’s a new way for Wisconsin Writers to connect with writing groups and events around the state! Connect through Meetup with other writers you know from all over Wisconsin, learn about writing-related events that happen everywhere! WWA now has 210 Meetup members!  Meetup is a great member benefit coordinated by board member Adrienne Hulburt who regularly adds new conferences, events, and interesting writer events and anything else that gets thrown her way onto the WWA Meetup events calendar. Follow the link below to join WWA’s, Meetup Page! https://www.meetup.com/WisconsinWritersAssociation/

Publication Opportunities:

The Masters Review/New Voices – The Masters Review New Voices category is open year-round to any new or emerging author who has not published a work of fiction or narrative nonfiction of novel length. Authors with short story collections are free to submit. They accept simultaneous and multiple submissions but ask that you inform them immediately if your story is accepted elsewhere. They pay New Voices authors $0.10/word up to $200 and do not charge submission fees but are highly selective. To read previously published stories, or to submit a piece of fiction or narrative nonfiction up to 7000 words, please see the New Voices page of their website.

2020 WWA NewsBrief Submission Deadline Calendar:

To help WWA Members and our Partner Groups & Organizations schedule submissions for inclusion in the WWA NewsBrief, we’ve put together a handy Issue/Deadline Reference (see below) for the upcoming year. Feel free to print and keep the reference in a convenient place to schedule your news submissions.

Please note that the November and December NewsBrief is combined into one issue. Also, the January NewsBrief has an earlier December submission deadline to allow for timely distribution to members before Christmas week each year.

  • March NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Thursday, February 20, 2020
  • May NewsBrief 2019 - Deadline Saturday, April 20, 2019
  • April NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Friday, March 20, 2020
  • May NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Monday, April 20, 2020
  • June NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Wednesday, May 20, 2020
  • July NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Saturday, June 20, 2020
  • August NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Monday, July 20, 2020
  • September NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Thursday, August 20, 2020
  • October NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Sunday, September 20, 2020
  • November/December NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Tuesday, October 20, 2020
  • January NewsBrief 2021 - Deadline Wednesday, December 13, 2020
  • Note: earlier deadline for January submissions

Join the group that supports you throughout Wisconsin!

Become a member here!

You write. Wisconsin writes!
WWA Monthly NewsBrief
___________________________

NewsBrief Editor Barbara Messick

Please send NewsBrief bits to:  bjm.writer@gmail.com

wiwrite.org

facebook.com/WIWrite

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