Tuesday, December 30, 2008

1/10 & 1/11 - Act 11 Counseling & Synthesis weekend programs

1/10&11 Act 11 Counseling & Synthesis weekend programs

Join us for a new year!!!
Saturday: Find your meaning and purpose in the new year. Keeping a process journal
Find and work with your inner child.

Sunday: Connecting circle & networking nondenominational prayer basket raising funds for cancer, Aids and wounded veterans.

Class: What does Whole Person Mean? with Carolann Lucia, polarity instructor and Psychosynthesist, trainer and counselor.

RSVP for details on fees and times.


Cynthia P Russell PhD 203 3772421
psynnie@aol.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

ACT 11 COUNSELING & SYNTHESIS, STRATFORD CT. CENTER
holiday gathering Sun Dec 14th with circle, guided imagery & writing, pizza, networking, and a class on " Love & Forgiveness"
( Sat. Dec. 13th, our classes continue with "how to perfect Focusing, a technique for clarity and moving ahead in your life", and self-care.)

All begin at 10:30 a.m. and all offer sliding scale as needed. We continue to raise funds for wounded vets.

PSYCHOSYNTHESIS is a blend of spiritual teachings from all over the world with sound technology. There are hundreds of practitioners in Stratford, CT. We offer coaching, counseling and classes. We also welcome many at our open Sundays once a month. The process involves going inside, contacting our inner intuition and guidance, and moving froward in life from there. Writing and a process journal are integral parts of this work.


Cynthia Russell PhD 202 277-2421 psynnie@aol.com

Friday, December 5, 2008

WRITING FOR YOUR LIFE

WRITING YOUR LIFE

one-day memoir workshop with Mary Carroll MooreFriday, December 12, 2009
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hudson Valley Writers' Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (near Tarrytown)

Whether you are trying to write the story of your life for publication or as a family legacy, this workshop by the author of two memoirs will show you how to organize your stories into a readable, interesting work. You will be introduced to a simple formula that successful authors use to plan, organize, and write a book, and you will learn book-writing techniques such as the value of themes and how action and reflection balance one another in memoir and creative nonfiction. Exercises will help you put your learning into practice immediately.

Fee: $120 Returning Moore students deduct $5To register, call the Hudson Valley Writers Center at 914-332-5953 or email info@writerscenter.org.

Instructor bio: Mary Carroll Moore is the author of two forthcoming books (Qualities of Light, a novel, to be published by Spinsters Ink in 2009, and How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book, to be published by Riverbed Press in 2009) and eleven other books in three genres. She's a writing coach and teacher, book doctor for major publishing houses, and a former nationally syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times.

She's been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, and other media. Over 300 of her columns, articles, essays, short stories, and poetry have appeared in publications worldwide. Her short stories have won awards in national fiction contests with Glimmer Train Press, Santa Fe Writers, and other publications.

“Breathing Room,” a chapter of her second novel, was a finalist in the 2001 Loft Mentor Series Awards and won an honorable mention in the 2005 McKnight Awards for creative prose. She teaches at the Loft Literary Center, Studios at Key West, and Hudson Valley Writers' Center. Her website is www.marycarrollmoore.com.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

writing competition in Greece

Happy Thanksgiving to all. How are all you lovely ladies doing?

Below you will find an e-mail exactly as I received it (sans a couple of changes to its grammar) which concerns an international writing competition. My only suggestion? Make sure that the competition is legitimate before sending any funds.




Dear "Kitchen Table" Writer,


I found your email address on the IWWG website. I love the idea of the'Kitchen table' and I was wondering whether you and the other women writers might be interested in the competition we are organizing. We are a creative writing centre in Greece and this is our first competition. The details about our centre and our views on writing you find on our website:



www.limnisa.com/writing.



The details about the competition I have attached below but can also be seen on: www.limnisa.com/writingcompetitions



All best regards and looking forward to hearing from you,

Mariel



Limnisa Writing Competition 2009. This international contest is open worldwide and is for short stories on any subject up to 3,000 words. Closing: March 1st,2009.

1st Prize: One week holiday in self catering Seaview Apartment with terrace and two double bedrooms, 3 minutes from the Beach in Methana, Greece (2 hours by ferry from Piraeus). 2nd Prize: Free single place one-on-one week creative writing holiday at seaside location on Methana,Greece. (www.limnisa.com/writing)



Five runners up will get a 25% discount on the same one week creative writing holiday.(www.limnisa.com/writing)



The winning stories will be published on our new writers’ website, starting this winter. All contest entries will be considered for publication (subject to permission by authors). Entry Fee: $7,50 (£5 )



Comp Page: www.limnisa.com/writingcompetitions

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

ACT 11 COUNSELING & SYNTHESIS, STRATFORD CT. CENTER

holiday gathering Sun Dec 14th, 2008 with circle, guided imagery & writing, pizza, networking, and a class on " Love & Forgiveness"

(Sat. Dec. 13th, our classes continue with "how to perfect Focusing, a technique for clarity and moving ahead in your life", and self-care.)

All begin at 10:30 a.m. and all offer sliding scale as needed. We continue to raise funds for wounded vets.

Cynthia Russell PhD 202 277-2421 psynnie@aol.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Art of Editing and Writing

Innovative Writing Workshop - December 6

"The Art of Editing in Writing"
An innovative library-sponsored workshop for fiction and non-fiction writers with award-winning editor Adele M. Annesi

Saturday, December 6
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ridgefield Library, CT

"The Art of Editing in Writing" features the six "Rs" of editing — reading, revising, rewriting, restructuring, researching and re-reading. The workshop includes a critique session with Q&A.

Sponsored free by the Friends of the Library

Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street - Ridgefield, CT 06877
Phone (203) 438-2282
www.biblio.org/rdgfld/

Adele M. Annesi is an award-winning editor with Gartner and has worked as a development editor for Scholastic Publishing. She is also a press correspondent whose stories have been published worldwide. She received the editor’s choice award from Poetic Voices in America, and her fiction has appeared in literary journals, including The Fairfield Review, Miranda Literary Magazine, The Pittsburgh Quarterly and Hotmetalpress. She is a nominated member of Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Silence Your Inner Critic -- Let the Inspiration Flow!

SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENT

SILENCE YOUR INNER CRITIC: LET THE INSPIRATION FLOW!
With Jessica Bram


· “I’ve always wanted to be a writer but I don’t have the discipline/ I’m not good enough/ I never seem to find the time.”

· “You can’t make any money as a writer, so why bother?”

· “I would write my story but what if my mother/husband/friends ever read it?”

· “Writing doesn’t flow naturally for me … that must mean I’m not really a writer, right?”

Sound familiar?

Successful writers are plagued by all of these doubts, and more. But what makes them successful is persistence and the willingness to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) nevertheless.

In this three-hour interactive workshop, successful writer, NPR commentator and popular writing teacher Jessica Bram will tackle these doubts and more head-on. In interactive discussions and supportive, inspiring writing exercises, Jessica will guide a small group of aspiring writers through the steps to enable them to silence their inner critics and unlock the floodgates of their creativity.

As Founder and President of the Westport Writers' Workshop, Jessica Bram’s personal mission is to empower people to fulfill their deepest desires to write. She frequently addresses writers’ groups and consults with writers to help them break through writer’s block, silence their inner critics, and allow them to overcome all those doubts that prevent them from fulfilling their writing talent and potential.

Here's what people had to say after Jessica's workshops:

"I attended your recent "Silence Your Inner Critic" workshop at the Fairfield Library. I wanted to let you know how valuable it was for me. Ever since then I've continued to write the first draft of a children's fantasy book using your guidelines. The empowerment you spoke of is happening for me. I thank you so much!
--Robyn Boccardi, Fairfield

"Jessica, thank you again for your inspirational talk, "Silence Your Inner Critic, Let the Inspiration Flow". I needed to hear the part about writing being hard work! I sat down as scheduled today for two hours to write, and it really helps to have a schedule, as you said. Again, many thanks for your encouragement." --Maurya C. Keating, Fairfield


Someone is going to be published. It might as well be you!


WHEN:
Saturday, November 15
9 a.m. to 12 noon

WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport
COST: $125 or Early Bird Registration: $95 if paid by October 31.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Jessica Bram at (203)227-3250 or jessica@westportwritersworkshop.com
# # # # #

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Mary Carroll Moore Reading from her forthcoming novel on November 9th

Some exciting news, ladies...


IWWG Member Mary Carroll Moore Invited to Read from Her Forthcoming Novel at "Writers on Writing" Panel--November 9

Mary has been invited to read from her forthcoming novel, Qualities of Light (Spinsters Ink, 2009 release) , and answer questions on the writing process at a free panel called "Writers on Writing: Inhibition, Sublimation, and Facing the Empty Page" on Sunday, November 9, 5:00 p.m., at the Irvington Public Library, Irvington, NY.

Please mark the date on your calendars--it's free and Mary would love the support of other IWWG members. Other panelists are Marek Fuchs, a New York Times journalist and writer for TheStreet.com, and Richard Dresser, a playwright and screenwriter. Psychiatrist and creativity expert Dr. Carrie Barron will be interviewing Mary, Marek, and Richard about their writing and how they create.

For directions, visit http://www.irvingtonlibrary.org/

Mary Carroll Moore 's blog for writers is http://HowtoPlanWriteandDevelopaBook.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

A. Anderson's new book entitled "Flourishing with Food Allergies: Social, Emotional and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children

For CT IWWG members, A. Anderson reports the following exciting news!

I have a new book that was just published in August 2008, Flourishing with Food Allergies: Social, Emotional and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children.

Recent News:

· Flourishing’s official web site is: www.flourishingwithfoodallergies.com which contains a press release, author bio, author photo and commentaries.
· Flourishing is currently ranked #5 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases List.”
· Independent Publisher recently selected Flourishing as a “Highlighted Title.”
· The Voices published an article on 10/1 and the Litchfield County Times has an article coming out today, 10/3.

Upcoming Events:

· 10/9/2008: 6:30 Food Allergy Support Group Meeting: First Congregational Church in Woodbury run by ‎‎Karen Wolfe, LCSW, for info email:
kps8566@aol.com
· 10/11/2008: 3:00 Border’s Books in Southbury: Book signing by A. Anderson
· 10/25/2008: 2:00-4:00 Woodbury Library Presentation by A. Anderson



(click for Amazon listing link)

Proposed statement:

Southbury, CT, October 2008—Author A. Anderson has published a new book titled Flourishing with Food Allergies: Social, Emotional and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children. Anderson was inspired to write this book when she discovered that her own two sons had severe food allergies to dairy and egg. She, like many others, struggled with diet modifications, finding activities that were safe and dealing with the social ramifications of avoiding these common foods. The information is not simply based upon her experience—she incorporates fifteen interviews of mothers with food-allergic children—those with peanut, tree nut and other common allergens. Interviews of a father’s perspective and several doctors of different specialties are also included.

One goal of the book is to provide a measure of comfort and understanding for others dealing with adjusting their lives around their children’s food allergies. Flourishing provides guidance on emotional, social and practical levels based upon experienced parents and professionals. Suggestions for handling social interactions with relatives, friends, babysitters, preschools and schools are discussed. The tone of the book is positive and empowering supporting the empowerment of food-allergic children by instilling confidence in them and their parents.

"Flourishing" also includes research with over 160 end notes on facts, theories and findings throughout the world on the topic of food allergies, especially in young children. Common threads of thought about why food allergies are on the rise in our youngest members of society include the use of pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and genetically modified foods in our diets. Other discussions such as the possibility of food allergies contributing to asthma, autism, and ADHD are addressed.

And here's what people are saying about the book:

"A comprehensive review of how food allergies affect children's lives, their families, and their school environments. Wonderful tools and resources provided to educate families. A must read for parents of food allergic children!"
- Dr. Pamela A. Georgeson, spokesperson for the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI)

"Food allergies are one of the most serious and complex health issues in America today, especially for children. The more awareness we create among parents, teachers, health professionals and researchers, the more progress we can make to improve the quality of life for food allergic patients."
- Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

"For any parent this book provides valuable information about food allergies and their symptoms. It also shows how parents have been able to pursue the issue and get answers about their children's health. This book is a valuable resource for any parent especially with small children. I have also used the information to inform my adult clients who may have had long standing food allergies that they did not identify."
- Roxanne H. Condon, MS, LPC Master of Science, Licensed Professional Counselor

"Thoughtfully written and straight to the point-this is the first book I recommend to parents of children with food allergies. It deals with real world issues not covered in other publications!"
- Deana Boucher, RD CDE, Registered Dietitian and mother of three

"From medical information to personal stories of people living with food allergies…that is what made this book so interesting. Every time I put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again to see what I was going to read about next."
- Karen Wolff, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mother of two

"Mom, Dad and the Divine: Healing Your Relationship with The Divine"

In a time when clarifying
our relationship with the Divine is crucial
for our own lives and the life of our world . . .

NEW WORKSHOP LED BY JUDITH BARR IN BROOKFIELD, CT . . .

"MOM, DAD AND THE DIVINE: HEALING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DIVINE"

DATE: Saturday, November 1, 2008TIME: 9am-1pmPLACE: Brookfield, ConnecticutCOST:
Before October 10: $155After October 10: $180
Led by Judith Barr atBrookfield, CT

Mom, Dad, and The Divine:
Healing Your Relationship with The Divine
4 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) Available!*

Our connection with The Divine as we know it - often called Divine Mystery - is the essence of who we are. Without realizing it, we hold distorted images of the Divine - images based on our childhood experiences with authority. This causes pain and angst within us. And it causes great pain in the world outside and around us. Look at the wars in the name of religion that have taken place for thousands of years!

In order to be more fully connected with Spirit, we need to know about and heal these images. This workshop will help you become aware of what you feel about The Divine - even feelings you don't yet know you have - in order to begin healing and be even more connected with the Divine as you know it.

SATURDAY MORNING, November 1, 2008, 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM *

COST: Before October 10: $155 After October 10: $180 Register by October 22, 2008.


REGISTRATION ENDS WEDNESDAY, October 22, 2008. A commitment to this workshop is necessary. Your nonrefundable deposit in the full amount of the fee needs to be received by OCTOBER 22, 2008. For the before-October-10th fee, your nonrefundable deposit in the full amount of the fee ($155) needs to be received by October 10th. To register, include the name of the workshop, your name, address, phone & email address, and if you would like CEU's for your participation.


Please make your check payable to Judith Barr and send to P.O. Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804. For credit card registration, go to www.PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com (Click on the "Consultation and Speaking Engagements" button. Scroll down to the images of credit cards and PayPal and follow the instructions.)

For more information, please call Judith Barr directly at 203-775-5006.

* Co-Sponsored by Connecticut Mental Health Counselors Association (CMHCA) Judith Barr, Workshop Presenter. The workshop is cosponsored by CMHCA, a division of the Connecticut Counseling Association. The Connecticut Counseling Association is recognized
by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education for Nationally Certified Counselors. Provider Number 2007. We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education guidelines. 4 CEUs (contact hours) are available for LPCs and NCCs for this workshop.

Psychosynthesis in CT

PSYCHOSYNTHESIS IN CT. We teach the ways to meaning & purpose

Fall classes start Oct. 18th Stratford Center location
Modest fees & sliding scale as needed

Open Sundays start Oct 19th Circle, nondenominational prayer basket; guided imagery, writing,network. Bring a sandwich & join around our big table. We serve coffee and.....
12:30-2:30
USE YOUR HOME TO EXPLORE YOUR SELF with Maria Rivera; local artist & psychosynthesist
suggested contribution $25.
sign up to assist at our fundraiser Cancer, Aids & Wounded Vets; play an instrument? Give a mini-workshop, etc? OCT 25 1 to 4 p.m.
Cynthia Russell PhD psynnie@aol.com A ct 11 Counseling & Synthesis 203 377-2421

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Wheel of Ten workshop with Mary Carroll Moore

THE WHEEL OF TEN: Essential Tools to Make Memoir and Fiction Come Alive
Hudson Valley Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (near Tarrytown) Friday, October 17, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.with Mary Carroll Moore

Spend a lively day exploring the ins and outs of ten essential writing tools that professional writers never leave home without. Even one, well used, will bring new vibrancy to a not-quite-there-yet memoir, short story, or novel. Fun writing exercises, short readings, discussion will help us see new levels of these basic tools—how to use them, how they influence a writer's voice and the success of a piece of writing, and why they must be considered for any good storytelling (true tales, faction, or fiction): action, dialogue, pacing, point of view, backstory, chronology, setting, motive, closeness/distance, and change. Sometimes compared to a ten-day tour of Europe, this workshop explores the ten most important writing tools for fiction, memoir, and any good storytelling in essay, nonfiction, or other genres. You'll spend the day in the community of other writers, practicing these ten tools and applying them to your writing immediately.

Bring a bag lunch and short piece of writing in progress to use during the exercises or start something new in class. For all skill levels.

Comments from past attendees of "Wheel of Ten" workshop
"I loved this workshop. Very useful!"
"Enlightening. Totally changed the way I think."
"I'd recommend this workshop to anyone. My writing now makes sense to me in a different light."
"Best writing instruction I've ever had."

Fee: $120 Returning Moore students deduct $5 For more information or to register, please call the Hudson Valley Writers' Center at 914-332-5953, email info@writerscenter.org, or visit their web site at http://www.writerscenter.org/. Mary's new blog for writers is http://howtoplanwriteanddevelopabook.blogspot.com/. Her web site is http://www.marycarrollmoore.com/.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Save the Date!

It's that time again!

October 18-19
(Weekend)

Big Apple Conference
Workshop (Saturday)
Open House: Meet the Authors/
Meet the Agents (Sunday)
Scandinavia House,
58 Park Avenue (at 38th Street),
New York City
Register online via PayPal
View & Download Program

Monday Afternoons with Mary Carroll Moore

How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book
Monday afternoons, September 29-November 10 (skips October 13), 1:30-4:30 p.m.
$360 ($345 for returning students)
with Mary Carroll Moore
Whether you’re a nonfiction author, memoirist, or novelist, and whether you have a book almost finished or merely a concept for one, this 6 week class will help you get to know your book—what it is about, how to structure it, how to finish it! You’ll learn a step-by-step plan (including timetables, chapter grids, story-boarding, and other techniques) and ways to flow chapters, find holes in your material that need filling, organize research and concepts, and construct plots. You’ll also learn how to package your book for agents and publishers and gain essential tips on editing and evaluating your book at all stages.
Register soon. Limited to 14 people.

Hudson Valley Writers' Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (near Tarrytown--an easy commute from NYC or CT)
Call 914-332-5953 or email at info@writerscenter.org

Instructor's Bio

Mary Carroll Moore is the published author of 12 books in nonfiction, how-to, and memoir and over 300 essays, articles, interviews, poems, and short stories; her first novel will be published in 2009. She teaches creative writing for The Studios at Key West, American Penwomen, Borders Bookshops, Hudson Valley Writers' Center, and The Loft Literary Center.
Free weekly writing exercises. Subscribe at ww.marycarrollmoore.com/signup/html (click on Blog for Writers) Or visit http://howtoplanwriteanddevelopabook.blogspot.com/

Writers in this class have said:
"It got me un-stuck and taught me that I can do structure!"
"Such a wealth of information...Showed me how to keep the process going. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
"My brain is exploding from all that I learned--it was great. So worth it! She is a very good teacher, seeks feedback, tells us what to expect, sets time limits."
"Incredibly helpful--wonderful blend of creative and pragmatic. Mary is dynamic, filled with a wealth of information and very personable manner. She paces the class well. I'll be back for more!"
"I left believing I can do this. Best class I have had. Great for me to look at my book from a different perspective."

Monday, August 18, 2008

Book Proposal Workshop

Westport Writers’ Workshop

SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENT

How To Write an Irresistible Nonfiction Book Proposal

with Lucy Hedrick

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

To secure an agent and publish a nonfiction book, an author must first submit a well-written, compelling, and polished book proposal. Learn the industry standards for a professional book proposal - the sections, the contents, the page length -- plus the art of the query letter and how to find an agent. Each section will be discussed in detail, and participants will leave with a proposal outline, a sample agent submission log, and online resources every writer must know. Space is limited so that each writer's book concept can be discussed in detail.

Lucy Hedrick is the author of Five Days to an Organized Life (Dell, 1990), 365 Ways to Save Time, (William Morrow, 1992), 365 Ways to Save Time With Kids (William Morrow, 1993), 365 Ways to Save Money (William Morrow, 1994), and Get Organized in the Digital Age (NAL, 2002). These five titles sold more than 200,000 copies and were translated in to eight languages. She has parlayed the contents of her five best-selling books into corporate training seminars and work as a product spokesperson.

As Founder and President of Hedrick Communications, www.lucyhedrick.com, Lucy coaches authors on how to write non-fiction book proposals.

WHEN:

Saturday, Sept. 20

9 a.m. to 12 noon

WHERE:

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST: $125

MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 9

HOW TO REGISTER:

Log on to www.westportwritersworkshop.com and click on REGISTER NOW for instructions for registering by mail or with PayPal.

For questions or more information contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@westportwritersworkshop.com

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

One-Day Workshop

From Mary Carroll Moore:

Creating the Container:
Grounding Your Fiction and Memoir in the World
with Mary Carroll Moore

Hudson Valley Writers' Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY
(an easy commute from CT)

One-day workshop, Friday, September 12, 10-4
$120 ($115 for returning students)

Anton Chekhov wrote, "Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” Writers face a big problem when they try to bring their true or fictional stories out of memory, ideas, emotion, and backstory and place them in believable time and space.

Learn five techniques to create a container of setting, suspense, feeling, and momentum that will keep your reader engaged. Full of great writing exercises, this one-day workshop will help you fine-tune your ability to "show, don't tell."

Bring 3 pages of your own writing-in-progress and a book from a published writer you admire.

Instructor's bio:

Mary Carroll Moore is the published author of 12 books in nonfiction, how-to, and memoir and over 300 essays, articles, interviews, poems, and short stories; her first novel will be published in 2009. She teaches creative writing for The Studios at Key West, American Penwomen, Borders Bookshops, Hudson Valley Writers' Center, and The Loft Literary Center. Her blog, How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book, offers free weekly writing exercises.

More Great Websites for Writers

From Adele Annesi, a freelance writer & editor with a high-tech analysis firm in Stamford, CT.

Connections

By Adele M. Annesi


Here is a listing of the latest and greatest Web sites.

Absolute Write

absolutewrite.com

This site has is a great place for writers interested in freelancing, screenwriting, playwriting, writing novels, nonfiction, comic book writing, greeting cards, poetry and songwriting. This site has everything for writing, including markets and agents – and it's all free.

Agent Query

agentquery.com

Agent Query offers the largest, up-to-date searchable database of reputable, established literary agents on the Web. All the information is free.

C. Hope Clark’s Funds for Writers

fundsforwriters.com

This site specializes in grants and lists paying contests and markets. It offers paid and free newsletters, especially by C. Hope Clark – very helpful for freelancers.

Doollee.com

www.doollee.com

Doollee.com is a free online guide to modern playwrights and theatre plays that have been written in or translated into English since 1956. It also has a great database that includes literary agents.

Fiction Factor

fictionfactor.com

This site features tips on writing better fiction, improving your writing, getting published, and promoting and marketing your fiction. There are hundreds of free articles on writing fiction and novels, a free newsletter filled with writing tips, a free community writing forum and more.

Freelance Writing Jobs

freelancewritinggigs.com

This site is chocked full of freelance gigs and has a special section for blogging jobs. Freelance Writing Jobs began in 2005 to help writers, especially work-at-home parents, find decent paying jobs. It's one of the top online communities for freelancers.

OnceWritten

oncewritten.com

Originally designed as a resource to help first-time authors with beginning marketing skills, OnceWritten.com now spotlights new voices in fiction, helps entry-level writers get started and provides a community for new authors to promote themselves and their books.

Poetry Market

thepoetrymarket.com

This amazing site has free listings of poetry markets, contests, reviews and news available through its monthly e-zine.

Shawguides

writing.shawguides.com

ShawGuides began in 1988 as a publisher of global guides to educational travel and creative career programs. It now offers free online access to the unabridged, continually updated content of schools, courses, camps, high-performance programs, writers conferences and workshops in photography, film and video workshops, not to mention language vacations, cultural travel programs, and artists' and writers' residencies and retreats. Go anywhere in the world, and learn at the same time.


Monday, August 11, 2008

New Workshop: Getting Started on Your Memoir

With Jessica Bram


WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
You've been thinking of writing a memoir ... You have a wealth of wisdom to pass down to the next generations ... You want to record those significant moments in your life that made you who you are... But don't know how to get started? If so, this introductory memoir writing workshop is for you!

This workshop will guide you through the techniques to enable you to begin to write your memoir. Participants will read from their work each week, with the objective of receiving feedback in a constructive and supportive atmosphere. Emphasis will be on organizing and bringing clarity to your memoir. You will also learn narrative techniques to make the memoir interesting, informative, and compelling.
This workshop is ideal for beginners who wish to get started writing their memoirs for the first time. It is also geared to those who have already done some memoir writing and are ready to share and further shape their work.

WHEN:
8 Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m.:
Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24

WHERE:
395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich
(Exit 28 off Merritt Parkway)

COST:
$450 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8

For questions or more information see www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Intensive Journal Workshop

From CT IWWG Member Jane Knox:

Intensive Journal
Workshop
September 6-7
New Fairfield, CT

The Intensive Journal method is an integrated system of writing exercises that can help you get in touch with the many different facets of your life. Gain insights about relationships, major events, body/health, dreams, meaning in life and so much more.

The method can also help stimulate your creative process. It has been endorsed by leading writing organizations and writers such as Hannelore Hahn, Judy Collins, Donald Spoto, etc. Use the method to overcome writers' block, crystallize a writing project, connect with your life - raw data for autobiographical writing, etc.

The method was created by Ira Progoff, Ph.D. and has been taught internationally for 40 years by personal and spiritual growth centers, writing guilds etc. Progoff was a recognized depth psychologist, author and university professor who studied the processes by which creativity occurs within a person. He then mirrored those processes in creating the Intensive Journal method so that the average person can lead a more creative and meaningful life. His award-winning book, At a Journal Workshop, is the primary book for the program.

For more information, see www.intensivejournal.org (See the section on how it can benefit writers.)

The workshop will be held at the Great Hollow Conference and Wilderness School, located on a 890 acre wildlife preserve in New Fairfield, CT. For information and to register for the workshop, contact Ananda Wilson at 209 Pascoe Dr., Southbury, CT 06488. 203-558-6745 email: spiraltraditions@gmail.com the cost is $195 for this 12 hour or two day workshop.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Wspt Writers Workshop: Fall Offerings

Now Registering

FALL 2008

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

• Writing About Your Life: A Memoir and Personal Essay Workshop

• Fiction Writing (Greenwich)

• Fiction Writing (Westport)

• Fiction Writing: Crafting Your Novel

• The Examined Life (Advanced)

• Memoir Writing: Telling Our Stories

• The Business of Freelance Writing

• How To Write an Irresistible Nonfiction Book Proposal


Writing About Your Life: A Memoir and Personal Essay Workshop

with Jessica Bram

Workshop Description

Have you ever wished you could communicate your thoughts in a compelling, well-written personal essay? Or do you wish to get started writing your memoirs, but don't know how to begin?

Everyday life offers us unlimited opportunities for reflection and for making sense of the world around us. Join us for this friendly, supportive workshop in which to learn how to explore the fascinating material generated by our own lives, in either the personal essay or memoir form.

Emphasis will be on writing craft. Participants will develop and practice the various narrative techniques to make the work more engaging, interesting, and effective.

All writing will be done prior to each workshop meeting. Participants may either work on material they already have in mind to write, or write optional written "assignments" designed to spark your imagination and inspire your creativity. Each participant's material will be shared each week in a constructive and supportive atmosphere designed to develop participants' critiquing skills while elevating the quality of the work.

WHEN:

8 Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m.:

Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 11, 18, 25

WHERE:

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:$395 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6


Fiction Writing (Greenwich)

With Suzanne Hoover, Ph.D.

Workshop Description

You are writing a novel ... or finally ready to make that long-held goal come true. If you are ready to start the journey, to plunge courageously into the writer's world of inventing and problem-solving, this workshop is for you. And be assured, you will be helped and guided at every step along the way.

This workshop will go deeply into the art and craft of fiction, including: structuring the story, characterization, point of view, plotting, sub-plotting, scene construction, dialogue, dramatic tension, pacing, and narrative voice. As these issues arise in the class readings and discussions, they will be explored for everyone's benefit.

The workshop is geared to writers whose stories are already on the way, or at least have already been conceived. We will take turns lighting the way for each other.

WHEN:

8 Mondays, 7 to 9:30 p.m.:

Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24

WHERE:

Round Hill Community Church

395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich

(Exit 28 off Merritt Parkway)

COST:

$475 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7


Fiction Writing (Westport)

With Suzanne Hoover, Ph.D.

Workshop Description

You are writing a novel ... or finally ready to make that long-held goal come true. If you are ready to start the journey, to plunge courageously into the writer's world of inventing and problem-solving, this workshop is for you. And be assured, you will be helped and guided at every step along the way.

This workshop will go deeply into the art and craft of fiction, including: structuring the story, characterization, point of view, plotting and sub-plotting, scene construction, dialogue, dramatic tension, pacing, and narrative voice. As these issues arise in the class readings and discussions, they will be explored for everyone's benefit.

The workshop is geared to writers whose stories are already on the way, or at least have already been conceived. We will take turns lighting the way for each other.

WHEN:

8 Mondays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.:

Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24

WHERE

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:

$475 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7


Fiction Writing: Crafting Your Novel

with Suzanne Hoover, Ph.D.

Workshop Description:

This is an advanced workshop for those who have already written a draft of a novel and are open to reworking and improving it, or those who have begun a first draft and want guidance about how to proceed.

Participants will read from their work each week with the objective of crafting it into a complete, publishable novel. Our work, while based on the specific materials brought to the meetings, will cover the full range of technical issues, including: story structure, character development, scene structure, creating strong conflict, effective and exciting dialogue, ironies and reversals. Strong emphasis will be given to finding your narrative voice and uncovering your story's thematic depths. You will be encouraged to bring your toughest questions and novel-crafting challenges to the meetings.

This is an exciting opportunity to learn advanced techniques from a master teacher of fiction writing craft. Suzanne Hoover holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature. The author of two novels, Suzanne was for 25 years, until her recent retirement, a full-time member of the Literature faculty of Sarah Lawrence College, where she taught narrative craft and story structure to students in the prestigious Graduate Writing Program. She is currently on that graduate program's faculty. Prior to teaching at Sarah Lawrence, Suzanne taught literature at Wellesley College. For 20 years Suzanne also taught courses in writing at the non-credit Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute.

WHEN:

8 Tuesdays, 2 to 4:30 pm:

Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 11, 18, 25

WHERE:

Round Hill Community Church

395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich

(Exit 28 off Merritt Parkway)

COST:

$475 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7


The Examined Life (Advanced)

with Jessica Bram

Workshop Description

Everyday life offers us unlimited opportunities for reflection and for making sense of the world around us. Join us to explore the fascinating material generated by our own lives and at the same time, develop the writing techniques to make the writing more engaging, interesting, and effective.

This smaller workshop is geared to the more advanced writer working on material intended for publication. It is appropriate for all genres of nonfiction including personal essays, memoir, and opinion writing. Written work will be shared in a constructive and supportive atmosphere intended to elevate the caliber of the work.

WHEN:

8 Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m.:

Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20

WHERE:

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:

$425 for 8-week session

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 6


Memoir Writing: Telling Our Stories

with Jessica Bram

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

What better reason is there to write one's memoirs than to pass down a wealth of material and wisdom to the next generations?

This is a friendly, supportive workshop in which to write your memoirs, share your memoirs with others, and learn good writing techniques to make your work interesting and enjoyable. This workshop is ideal for beginners who wish to get started writing their memoirs for the first time. It is also geared to those who have already done some memoir writing and are ready to share and further shape their work.

Participants will read from their work each week, with the objective of receiving feedback in a constructive and supportive atmosphere. Emphasis will be on developing narrative techniques to make the memoir interesting, informative, and compelling. These include: use of scene and summary, internal and external dialogue, character development, sensory experience, and descriptive elements.

WHEN:

8 Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14

WHERE:

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:

$395 for 8-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 7


The Business of Freelance Writing

with Susan Farewell

This is an advanced workshop for students who are fairly comfortable with their writing abilities and who may have been published before. The purpose of the workshop will be to develop and expand income producing opportunities for one's writing. Participants will learn techniques for crafting effective pitches, cultivating contacts within the industry, juggling work assignments and making the writing more marketable. It will also address other issues of freelance writing including accounting, insurances, and legal issues.

Students will have weekly deadlines and be encouraged to make substantial progress on the projects they choose to pursue during the duration of the workshop. Students will receive handouts that contain examples of pitches and query letters, industry contacts, writing tips, writer's organizations and more.

Susan Farewell is an accomplished freelance writer who for more than fifteen years has managed her own successful freelance writing business, writing books, magazine, newspaper and Internet articles. Prior to that she had a ten year career as a travel editor and staff writer at Condé Nast Publications in New York City. Her work has been published throughout the United States and in European and Asian publications.

This workshop is especially appropriate for returning students of Susan Farewell's workshops.

WHEN:

6 Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12

WHERE:

32 Webb Road, Westport

COST:

$325 for 6-week session.

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8


How To Register

Log on to www.westportwritersworkshop.com and click on REGISTER NOW for instructions for registering by mail or with PayPal.

For questions or more information contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@westportwritersworkshop.com


Monday, June 30, 2008

CT Publicist M.A. Tomas

If you're looking for someone to help promote your book, here's an announcement my colleague, M.A. Thomas, e-mailed me about the services she offers to writers. A CT writer friend of mine, CJ Golden, has worked with M.A. for years. If any of you know of other publicists, agents, etc., that you'd like to recommend to your fellow CT IWWG members, feel free to do so on this blog. --pb


A WRITER SHOULD HAVE TIME TO WRITE

BOOK speaking engagements, HANDLE media relations, DESIGN then CREATE marketing pieces for your media kit, PRODUCE and MAINTAIN a web presence, keep yourself FOCUSED, ORGANIZED, have a personal LIFE -- and

WRITE YOUR BOOK?

What's a writer to do?
Hire me, M. A. Tomas.

I can do all of this for you and more!

For reasonable rates and GREAT references email M.A.Tomas at:
mtomas07@comcast.net

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Book Release

From Anne Anderson (from Southbury):

I just wanted to let you know that I have my first book coming out in a few weeks. It is titled Flourishing with Food Allergies. The web site containing the news release, reviews, cover image and author bio is located at: www.flourishingwithfoodallergies.com

I have a new email address as well, aanderson@flourishingwithfoodallergies.com.

Monday, June 16, 2008

1-Day Workshop: Wheel of Ten (this Friday!)

WHEEL OF TEN: Essential Tools to Make Memoir and Fiction Come Alive
with Mary Carroll Moore

Friday, June 20, 2008
10 am - 4 pm
Workshop Fee $120 ($115 for returning Moore students)

Spend a lively day exploring the ins and outs of ten essential writing tools that professional writers never leave home without. Even one, well used, will bring new vibrancy to a not-quite-there-yet memoir, short story, or novel. Fun writing exercises, short readings, discussion will help us see new levels of these basic tools—how to use them, how they influence a writer’s voice and the success of a piece of writing, and why they must be considered for any good storytelling (true tales, faction, or fiction): action, dialogue, pacing, point of view, backstory, chronology, setting, motive, closeness/distance, and change. Bring a bag lunch and short piece of writing in progress to use during the exercises or start something new in class. For all skill levels.

Still a few places left. E-mail: info@writerscenter.org or call 914-332-5953!

Best Websites for Writers

CT IWWG member Adele Annesi writes a wonderful monthly column for the CT Authors and Publishers Association. This one features best websites for writers. --PB

Connections
By Adele Annesi


Because there are ever more Web sites for writers, editors, authors and poets of every ilk, we have ramped up our listing of the latest and greatest Web sites.

Feature:

Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance for the Arts (HVCA)

http://hvculturalarts.org

This comparatively new organization (2004) is an up and comer. The HVCA promotes artists, historical resources and cultural organizations serving Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield and Sherman. The HVCA seeks to serve, support and strengthen the arts, historical and cultural organizations and individuals through collaboration and coordination to further economic development in the ten-town Housatonic Valley.

BookEnds

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com

This site offers one of the best free blogs on agents going. It's sponsored by BookEnds, which started in 1999 as a book packaging company and now operates primarily as a literary agency focusing on fiction and nonfiction books for adult audiences.

Daily Writing Tips

www.dailywritingtips.com

True to its name, this is one of the best and most comprehensive sites of its kind. It offers lots of free help to improve your writing skills with daily tips, grammar, spelling, misused words, business writing and more. Daily Writing Tips offers simple yet effective tips to improve your writing.

Duotrope

www.duotrope.com

With a site like this, who needs expensive, hardcopy reference books? Almost, anyway. Duotrope offers a free, searchable database of more than 2,200 current markets for short fiction, poetry and novels/collections. The site also offers a ton of free services to writers and editors, including a free online submissions tracker for registered users. The site usually is updated several times daily, and all the listings are checked at least twice a month.

Manuscript Editing — Fiction and Nonfiction Book Editor

www.manuscriptediting.com

This site offers a paid service for manuscript editing of fiction and nonfiction. What's great about it is its free resources for writers, including for and about Christian writers, legal research, publishers, historical fiction, horror, literary agents, awards, marketing and publicity, mystery writing, paying markets (fiction and nonfiction) of publishers, query letters, copy editors, romance and science fiction. It also has free links for articles, advice, message boards, workshops, software, writers groups, conferences, contests and workshops.

Newpages

www.newpages.com

This is a phenomenal free resource for locating alternative publications by independent publishers. It includes links to the publishers of alternative and literary magazines, including news, information and guides to independent bookstores, independent publishers, literary magazines, alternative periodicals, independent record labels, alternative newsweeklies and more. Utne Magazine called it "the best overall Internet portal to the alternative press."

Pub Rants

http://pubrants.blogspot.com

This wonderful, user friendly site is just what it says it is — a very nice literary agent indulging in polite rants about queries, writers and the publishing industry.

Query Tracker

www.querytracker.net

This site is free one-stop shopping for your literary agent and query needs. It enables you to track query letters to and share data about literary agents. The site is a pioneer in "social data gathering," enabling users to contribute data about their query and agent experiences.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SWFA) Beware

www.sfwa.org

Writer Beware is the public face of the SWFA's committee on writing scams. It's a great place (like Predators and Editors) to avoid the pitfalls of bad representation. The SFWA gives attention to issues that affect both professional authors and aspiring writers.

Adele M. Annesi is a freelance writer and an editor with a high-tech analysis firm in Stamford, Conn.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Save the Date!

From CT IWWG member Adele Annesi

A Literary Evening with the Ridgefield Writer's Guild,” part of Ridgefield Writes’ 300th Anniversary Celebration: Thursday, May 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Ridgefield Library Dayton Program Room, 472 Main Street. Join us for this blend of gifted writers!

For more info: (203) 438-2282.

To read the Ridgefield Writer's Guild blog, visit http://rwg-ct.blogspot.com

New Writing Workshop

From CT IWWG Member Mary Carroll Moore:

THE WHEEL OF TEN: Essential Tools to Make Memoir and Fiction Come Alive
One-day workshop with award-winning writer Mary Carroll Moore
Spend a lively day exploring the ins and outs of ten essential writing tools that professional writers never leave home without. Even one, well used, will bring new vibrancy to a not-quite-there-yet memoir, short story, or novel. Fun writing exercises, short readings, discussion will help us see new levels of these basic tools—how to use them, how they influence a writer’s voice and the success of a piece of writing, and why they must be considered for any good storytelling (true tales, faction, or fiction): action, dialogue, pacing, point of view, backstory, chronology, setting, motive, closeness/distance, and change. Bring a bag lunch and short piece of writing in progress to use during the exercises or start something new in class. For all skill levels. Past attendees have said: "Enlightening. Totally changed the way I think." "I'd recommend this workshop to anyone. My writing now makes sense to me in a different light." "Best writing instruction I've ever had."
Mary Carroll Moore is the published author of 13 books in memoir, fiction, and nonfiction and over 500 articles, columns, short stories, essays, and poems. She teaches writing and coaches writers to help them realize their creative dreams. Her web site is www.marycarrollmoore.com.
Workshop location: Hudson Valley Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (easy commute from NYC and CT)
Date: Friday, June 20, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $120 Returning Moore students deduct $5
For more information or to register: call the Hudson Valley Writers' Center at 914-332-5953, email info@writerscenter.org, or visit www.writerscenter.org