Serving all writers since 1948 
WWA...NewsBrief
what you need to know for May 2020 Wisconsin Writers Association |
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WWA Members and Friends! The COVID-19 corona virus risk is significant. The WWA is monitoring these risks with our members and the public in mind. As such, WWA encourages members to check on the status of WWA events before planning to attend to ensure that the event or activity has not been canceled due to elevated concerns. If an event is scheduled to take place, WWA encourages you to use your best judgement for your own health and consider the health of other attendees if you have symptoms. WWA will carefully consider the risks posed when holding or canceling an event. For further info about COVID19, please see https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus |
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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 June 2020 issue to me by May 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. |
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Website Refresh We've got a great public
website! Have you
noticed? Check it out at: wiwrite.org
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WWA President’s Message
April 22, 2020
Well, how’re you doing? It’s been a month and a half, we’re
all safe-at-home, navigating some strange new waters.
Are you going nuts? Are you serenely well-adjusted and amazingly
productive? Somewhere in between? Got ups and downs?
Have hard times come again? (May they come again no more…)
David
Foster Wallace, when asked what his fat novel Infinite Jest was about,
wrote, “This is sort of what it's like to be alive.” Which is what more than a
few writing teachers recommend we always think about.
What’s
it like to be alive?
Write
about it. What’s it like for you to be alive, going through all this
weirdness?
What’s
it like for your characters in that work-in-progress?
Do
you need to rewrite that story because of the pandemic?
How
has it all changed us?
I can
tell you that good old WWA is changing. We have to. Everybody has to. In April,
we hosted our first two online Open Mics -Happy Hour and Coffee Chat, free, open to all. Read your stuff! See and hear what
your colleagues are doing.
And
there’ll be other new things, new programs, new approaches. We’re planning our
annual fall conference, October 3 in Madison. But who knows? We may have to go
virtual. Stay tuned. Watch this space. And our Events page. and Facebook.
So, write.
Keep in touch. Be safe, be well.
What’s
it like to be alive?
Barry |
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Ready to be a Member of the Board? WWA, a registered 501(c)3, is managed by a Board of Directors. Board members focus on policy and the goals of the mission to support Wisconsin writers as they achieve their own writing goals. If interested, contact Barry Wightman, Board Meeting: May 8, 1-3 pm conference call. Members are welcome to join in as observers. Contact Kymberley Pekrul for more information on logging in. |
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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 the Business Member Profile Directory page of the WWA website.
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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. |
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Writing Quote of the Month:
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” ~ Octavia E. Butler |
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WWA is pleased to announce the 72nd Annual Jade Ring Contest
The Jade Ring Contest is open for submissions and over thirty writers have already sent in their entries! And what better time to finish your best work and submit it to this prestigious contest? Entrants can also seek the valuable critiques of our accomplished judges for a small additional fee. Remember, the deadline is June 5, 2020. It will be here before you know it!
Categories:
Fiction: short story, flash fiction, novel excerpt, genre, etc. 2,000- word limit.
Nonfiction: articles, essays, nostalgia, memoir, self-help, etc. 2,000 word limit.
Poetry: open to any style or theme. Up to 3 poems per entry, limit one poem per page.
Meet the judges, review contest rules and enter here!
President Barry Wightman sharing info on the Jade Ring Contest as featured guest on the WRITESCAST Podcast! |
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Only 5 days left of the WWA Student Writing Contest
- Open to any high school student
- 2 category options - fiction, non-fiction
- 1500 word document
- Prizes in both categories:
- 1st place - $75
- 2nd place - $50
- 3rd place - $25
- And all winners will get a free 1 year WWA membership
Enter here! |
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Happy Hour and Coffee Chat Open Mics were a great success! The three events had over 100 people registered. Surveys were sent to attendees following each event. Fourteen were returned and every response was answered positively! The Executive Team is considering holding more events, so watch your emails for more information! |
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Member Book Reviews!
Enjoy new member book reviews, a sweet children’s picture book about nature. Thank you again to our dedicated team of book reviewers. If you’re interested in becoming a reviewer or would like to see a review of a WWA member book, please visit the Blog-Book-Reviews to check the guidelines or email Lisa.
Greenie and the Tree Frog: A Metamorphosis by John Manesis and Illustrated by Bonnie Bright
Children’s Picture Book, 23 pages
Date published: 2019: Publisher: John Manesis
Reviewed by Carol L. Paur: Web site: www.clpaurauthor.com
Greenie and the Tree Frog is a delightful picture book with lovely illustrations. Children will enjoy learning about the magic of caterpillars changing into moths, while laughing at the silly conversation between Tree Frog and Greenie, the caterpillar. Despite the length of the book, readers will clearly understand the personalities of Greenie, who is timid but determined, and the Tree Frog, who is a bit full of himself.
Read the full review here. |
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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, Barb Messick |
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Lisa Lickel had two works of fiction release toward the end of March.
Meow Missing the fourth book in her Fancy Cat cozy mystery series, Meow Mayhem.
Meow Missing is the fourth inspirational cozy mystery of the Fancy Cat series. In this story, Ivy learns more secrets about her father's side of the family, begins to adjust to marriage, and learns a valuable lesson about accepting our differences and fighting for fairness.
Check out the Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/review/new/53111790-meow-missing
Everything About Us is part of the Ponder This series released by Pelican Book Group Inc.
About the book: Everything About Us is the second of a planned trilogy romantic novella between Shelly Colter, a Hollywood advertising agent on the rise, and Danny Winston, an accidental major motion picture actor. The first story, Everything About You, released in March 2016 and the third will release in December 2020. Check out the publisher’s page: https://tinyurl.com/rpfelsc |
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Camilia Cenek growing her career as an editor Camilia is a writer and teacher. A scholar of English Literature (BA, UW Madison; MA, Marquette University, She has a passion for words, reading, and meaning. Camilia delights in working with emerging and experienced writers.
Reasonable rates with a free review of your first four pages Contact Camilia |
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News from the North
On April 6, Buzz Feed featured 21 things you can learn at home in this time of COVID19. Number 4 is Morse Code. Debbi and Tom King's work with Google and Adaptive Design Association, NYC, on modern Morse Code is shown, plus link to free PDF of Tom's 2000 textbook with Allyn & Bacon, Boston:
Modern Morse Code in Rehabilitation and Education: new applications in assistive technology. See link. Debbi & Tom are both WWA board members, and members of St. Croix Writers, Solon Springs, WI.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/quarantine-things-to-do-skills |
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Christine DeSmet announces the publication of Book 4 in her Fudge Shop Mystery Series, DEADLY FUDGE DIVAS (Writers Exchange Publishing). Her series takes place in Door County, Wisconsin. Five former cheerleaders get back together for a fudge-and-wine retreat at Ava Oosterling's B&B, but not all the games end sweetly. |
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Joy Ann Ribar has a new Wisconsin cozy mystery. Deep Bitter Roots, releases April 15, 2020. This is Book 2 of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series.
Join Frankie Champagne, baker, wine maker and investigative reporter, as she tracks suspects, armed with delicious baked goods and old-fashioned intuition.
Available through Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Also available through Orange Hat Publishing. |
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Jane Yunker published her first novel, Mary Bishop, in February. It's historical women's fiction with romantic elements and is available in both ebook and paperback.
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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. |
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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.) 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
The 2020 Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat has been rescheduled from May to August 2-7. That includes a $90 reduction in the registration fee. Private overnight accommodations remain available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Contact Dave Rank for more information. The NIP website. |
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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.
News from Our Friends in Door County at WriteOn Note: Some events have moved online, check the website for updates May 1-2 Fiction Writing Conference featuring Nikolas Butler, Lan Samantha Chang, Peter Ho Davies, Peter Geye, C.J. Hribal, Rebecca Makkai, Jennifer Morales, and Diane Zinna. Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, various locations, Sister Bay. $200 two-day registration; $125 one-day registration. MORE INFO HERE
July 31-Aug 1 Food Writing Conference featuring Terese Allen, Heid Erdrich, Dasha Kelly, John Kessler, Denise Low, Chandra Ram, Amy Thielen, Chip Walton, Thomas Pecore Weso, and more. Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, various locations, Sturgeon Bay. $200 two-day registration; $125 one-day registration. MORE INFO HERE
September 18-20 Washington Island Literary Festival, featuring Lesley Nneka Arimah, Chris Cander, Christina Clancy, Adrian Matejka, Megan Stielstra, and Alexander Weinstein. Trueblood Performing Arts Center and other locations, Washington Island, September 18 – 20. MORE INFO HERE November 6-7 Nature and Environmental Writing Conference featuring Nancy Aten, Sharon Auberle, Sherwin Bitsui, Dan Collins, Crystal Spring Gibbins, Molly Beth Griffin, John Hildebrand, Baptiste and Miranda Paul, Scott Russell Sanders, Catherine Young, and more. Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. Various locations, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, and Juddville. $200 two-day registration, $125 one-day registration. MORE INFO HERE
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Tall Poppy Writers
The Tall Poppy Writers is the only author-driven marketing cooperative in the U.S. exclusive to female authors, all of whom publish in a variety of genres. The organization elevates the work of female authors, connects directly with readers, engages with the publishing industry, and supports domestic and international nonprofit organizations that foster literacy. Learn More |
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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. |
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Writers Groups 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, bjm.writer@gmail.com. Writing groups are likely cancelled or moving online following Governor Evers' order for social distancing. Please check with your group(s) for update. 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, rstrehlow@lakegeneva.lib.wi.us
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. |
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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, bjm.writer@gmail.com. |
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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/ |
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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
Copyright © 2019 Wisconsin Writers Association, All rights reserved.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails click the Unsubscribe link that appears below this email. |
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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.
- 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
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