Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Do you ever think about writing for children?


Here's your chance to find out how.


Last Chance To Register!



Writing for Children in Today's Market
with Patricia Hermes
at the Greenwich Arts Council
Thursday, December 2
10 am to 12:30 pm

$55 or $45 for GAC or WWW members

Questions? Email info or call (203)227-3250.


Writing for Children in Today's Market


Today's children's book market is hungry and growing. Publishers are always looking for new voices and new talent. Do you have what it takes to write for children?

If you have ever considered writing for children, or hoping to have your work published in today's vibrant children's market, this two-part workshop with award-winning, full-time professional children's author Patricia Hermes will tell you what it takes to succeed.


First, Patricia will outline the market for children's literature. She will talk about the different ages and genres of children's writing: short stories, picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels and YA or young adult books.

She will also give an overview of how the field has changed in recent years - and it has changed dramatically. Because authors cannot hold on to old notions of writing for children and hope to sell their work in today's market. What was popular - and what sold - twenty years ago - perhaps even just five years ago - is not what sells today.


In the second part of the workshop, Patricia will talk about the writing itself. Because writing for children is very different from writing for adults. In order to write well for children, one must remember what it is to be a child, must remember what the child cares about and fears and hates. One must speak like a child, think like a child, laugh and even cry like a child. Because inside every good writer lives a remembered child -- and the job of a good writer is to unearth that child.

We will make sure to leave plenty of time for Q&A. So bring your questions and your ideas.

Finally, time permitting, there will also be an opportunity for writers to bring your own short piece intended for young readers. These can be read aloud for gentle, encouraging critique. No pressure! No one must read who does not want to read. But the opportunity will be there so that authors can get a feel for how others view their work and how it can be improved.


WHEN:
THIS WEEK!
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich


COST:
$55 ($45 for GAC Members and WWW Members)


About Patricia Hermes



Patricia Hermes is the author of over fifty novels published for young people, from early chapter books to young adults. She has written six historical novels for the Dear America/My America series for Scholastic. Her newest venture is the Emma Dilemma series of chapter books for Marshall Cavendish. Her numerous awards include the New York Library Best Book for Teens award for her nonfiction book, A Time to Listen; C.S. Lewis Honor Book award for her novel, On Winter's Wind; Smithsonian Notable Book award for her picture book, When Snow Lay Soft on the Mountain; and Children's' Choice awards for many other novels. She also won the Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and California state awards for her classic novel, You Shouldn't Have to Say Goodbye, recently reissued by Source Books. She lectures nationally and internationally, speaking recently for the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India, as well as in Bahrain, and other countries. She has also written two adult nonfiction books and published in national magazines. Her books have been translated into seven languages including French, Chinese, Japanese, and Danish.


To Register
Log on to Westport Writers' Workshop and click on REGISTER NOW for instructions for registering by mail or with PayPal.


Westport Writers' Workshop
3 Sylvan Road South
Westport, Connecticut 06880

For questions or more information see www.westportwritersworkshop.com or call (203) 227-3250 or info@westportwritersworkshop.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Gideon's River Published for E-readers

Dear Writing Sisters,


My book, Gideon's River, was published today as a multi-format ebook at Smashwords. As many of you know, this novel is the story of a mother and her tween son who fight about every little thing, playing out a centuries old drama we could call "the bully and the wimp." Gideon insists on action--and gets himself into scrapes trying to get rid of his temper and fit in with his family. Readers have said, "We like Gideon." This book is for anyone who likes a good story and especially for mothers who watch helplessly as a child loses confidence in himself, for anyone who wishes to somehow help a child retrieve the happiness that is her/his birthright. I hope you'll take time to check it out at Smashwords, where you can sample the first 20% of the book for free.

Here's the link to my Smashwords author profile:

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/triciajean
Here's the link to my book page, where you can sample or purchase the book:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29863

Please help me spread the word. Won't you take a moment to forward this email to everyone you know, and ask them to do the same?

Thank you for your support!
Trish Lapidus

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Writing Your Memoir: How To Get Started and Silence Your Inner Critic: Let the Inspiration Flow!

Writing Your Memoir: How to Get Started


Thursday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm


and


Silence Your Inner Critic:

Let the Inspiration Flow!

Saturday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to noon

Register Now!

Both of these programs are recommended for beginners.

Questions? Email info or call (203)227-3250 to find out which workshop is right for you - or both!

If you have ever had the urge to finally set down the story of your life - either for a published memoir or simply to leave a legacy to children and grandchildren - this instructional workshop will offer you the inspiration and practical guidance you need to get started.



Westport author Jessica Bram, founder of the Westport Writers' Workshop and an award-winning radio commentator, will offer a 2½-hour workshop for those who would like to venture into the joyful and rewarding experience of memoir writing.


The workshop will be geared to those with no writing experience, and no advance preparation is necessary. Whether you already have a work in progress, have just done some scribbling, or only just thought to yourself, "I've really got to set down my life story," this workshop will encourage and inspire you to begin.


After discussing various approaches to memoir writing, Jessica will guide participants through the techniques that help open the doors to creative expression of one's personal stories. She will outline many of the writing techniques that make the material interesting and enjoyable, and describe common pitfalls.

In this interactive workshop, participants will be given a brief exercise to inspire writers to begin writing their personal histories. After a brief writing time, participants will be invited to share their beginning work in an encouraging environment. Participants will leave with a handout containing a roadmap for how to continue their work.


"Jessica's presentation of the material was terrific. The fundamentals were well described and illustrated with examples. I believe the lack of questions from the attendees were a testament to how well she presented a large amount of information in a relatively short space of time."  ~ Anne Davies, Westport


WHEN:
Thursday, November 4
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


WHERE:
Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich


COST:
$55 ($45 for GAC Members and WWW Members)


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.

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.

"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, Conn.


"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, Conn.



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

~Jessica Bram


WHEN:

Saturday, November 6
9 a.m. to noon


WHERE:
Westport Writers' Workshop, 3 Sylvan Road South, Westport

COST: $125

MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 12

How To Register

Log on to Westport Writers' Workshop and click on REGISTER NOW for instructions for registering by mail or with PayPal.


About Jessica Bram





Westport Writers' Workshop founder Jessica Bram is a writer, radio commentator and author of Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey published by Health Communications, Inc. in 2009. Her commentaries, which have twice earned her first prize in the radio commentary category of the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists' "Excellence in Journalism" competition, are frequently heard on the National Public Radio station WSHU during NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Jessica's personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, NY Times HERS column, Child Magazine, Country Accents and the Gannett Newspapers. She was formerly special sections editor of the Fairfield County Business Journal and a freelance journalist.

How To Register

Log on to Westport Writers' Workshop and click on REGISTER NOW for instructions for registering by mail or with PayPal.

Westport Writers' Workshop
3 Sylvan Road South
Westport, Connecticut 06880



For questions or more information see www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Katy at (203) 227-3250 or info@westportwritersworkshop.com

Act 11 Counseling& Synthesis- Stratford Center

Act 11 Counseling& Synthesis- Stratford Center



Sat Nov 13 Gaining clarity in the present moment


overcoming codependency & active, receptive, listening skills


Sun Nov 14 Guided Imagery & nondenominational prayer basket; community circle;networking


seminar after lunch on Mindfulness & focusing


Fundraiser for Exceptional Cancer Patients


both days 10:20-3, bring a sandwich, we serve coffee & cookies: bring a journal to write in


Cynthia Russell PhD 203 377-2421 psynnie@aol.com

Call for details and fees; we also offer work swaps & sliding scale when needed

The Legacy Project USA FREE WORKSHOP NOV 4th, 2010 7:30-9:00PM

FREE WORKSHOP


The Legacy Project USA


presents


How to Create Your Legacy


with Rozanne Gates and Suzanne Sheridan

Thursday, Nov. 4


7:30 to 9 p.m.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED


To register call 203-557-0408 or (203) 227-3250 to check for availability
Leave a message to reserve your spot.


The Legacy Project


HOW TO REGISTER

Westport Writers' Workshop


3 Sylvan Road South


Westport, Connecticut 06880



The Legacy Project


Everyone has a story to tell. And the only person who can really tell it right is you.


That is the message being brought to you by The Legacy Project USA at The Westport Writers' Workshop on Thursday Nov. 4 at 7:30 PM.


The Westport Writers' Workshop has invited Rozanne Gates and Suzanne Sheridan, owners of The Legacy Project USA, to its beautiful new location at 3 Sylvan Road South in Westport to explain what is involved with creating a legacy project of your own.


The Legacy Project USA began as a business over one year ago after Gates and Sheridan participated in the well-known national Story Corps program (a program that goes around the country recording people's stories on a limited basis). They wanted to expand on this idea and make it accessible for both entrepreneurs and families to create living legacies to pass to the next generation.


According to Rozanne Gates ...  "To tell your story in your own words, to have it documented in photos, and to be able to pass it on is one valuable way to let people you care about know who you really are. Each project, like each person, is different and unique. Your life is your legacy."




Suzanne Sheridan adds, "The technology now exists which allows us to preserve our stories. There has never been a better time to create a legacy project for your family or business."

At a free presentation to take place at the Westport Writers' Workshop, Sheridan and Gates will share how to bring together the threads of your life to tell a compelling story.

WHEN:
Thursday, November 4
7:30 to 9 p.m.


WHERE:
Westport Writers' Workshop, 3 Sylvan Road South, Westport


COST: FREE but registration is required by calling The Legacy Project at 203-557-0408 or the Westport Writers' Workshop at (203) 227-3250.


REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED


How To Register


To register call 203-557-0408 or (203) 227-3250 to check for availability. Leave a message to reserve your spot.


For more information contact The Legacy Project USA at 203-557-0408 or visit WWW.THELEGACYPROJECTUSA.COM.

The essay "After Sunflowers" by Adele Annesi is now available in the anthology Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers

The essay "After Sunflowers" by Adele Annesi is now available in the anthology Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers.



Adele

Word for Words, LLC
CAPA Authors
Ph (203) 894-1908


See Amazon for Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers

Visit The Art of Editing in Writing and the Word for Words blog

A New Home Study Course by Judith Barr

A NEW HOME STUDY COURSE, TWO NEW INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE...AND AN INSPIRING NEW TALK IN MILLBROOK, NEW YORK!


UPDATE AS WE GO TO PRESS: With election time here, I feel called more than ever to address again the distortions in our electoral process...and how we can heal them from the inside out! To this end, I have written a more in depth post for my blog PoliPsych called The Election Through The Lens of Powerlessness. To read this post, please visit http://polipsych101.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/the-election-through-the-lens-of-powerlessness/.


I am pleased to announce that a new home study course, based on some of my articles, is now being offered through Professional Development Resources with 2 CE credits available for counselors, social workers, psychologists and other healing arts professionals. To learn more about this course, A Therapist Reflects on the Use and Abuse of Power, Part 1, please visit http://www.judithbarr.com/PowerAbusedPowerHealed/pages/home-study.htm.

I am also happy to be able to share with you the audio of two new interviews . . .

Recently, I joined Alecia Evans and David Bach on Keeping It Real to explore healing our relationship with power, and the impact that healing has on our country and our world.


And . . . on Morning News Weekend with Don Russell, Don and I discussed the roots of the distortions in our electoral process...and how we can heal them.


You can hear the full audio of both of these interviews on my website at http://www.judithbarr.com/PowerAbusedPowerHealed/pages/audio1.htm.


Finally...coming up on Friday, November 19 at 6pm: I will be giving a talk, There's A Bully in All of Us, at The Mental Health Seminar for Relative Caregivers sponsored by The Cornell Cooperative Extension Duchess County Relatives As Parents Program, in Millbrook, NY. I hope those in attendance will find my talk inspiring and informative!


Blessings,


Judith


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If this has informed you, intrigued you, inspired you . . . please help it inform, intrigue, inspire others by sharing it via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.






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Judith Barr is a depth psychotherapist and spiritual counselor in private practice in Brookfield, Connecticut. For more than 30 years, she has brought a passion for safety to the healing process and a commitment to help heal the abuse of power in every arena of life. She is one of the first in her profession to seriously and continually focus on the misuse and abuse of power in the healing arts. Her book, Power Abused, Power Healed, addresses this theme in both the healing arts and other arenas of life, and is an invitation to look into the mirror at our own misuse and abuse of power . . . for the greatest, deepest healing possible, individually and globally.

Judith offers workshops, including her life-changing "Healing Our Relationship with Power" series, her series "Making The World Safe from The Inside Out," and individual consultations and sessions for people in all walks of life. To learn more, please contact Jenni Calladio-Nuzzo at 860-824-7923 or 203-364-7918, email Judith directly at JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com or go to www.PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com .