March/April 2017 Pennwriters newsletter by The Penn Writer

the

the newsletter of pennwriters inc. March/april 2017 • Vol. XXV no. 2

Your three-day conference includes... • 40+ workshops, panels and sessions • Saturday Keynote Lunch with Pennwriter Annette Dashofy - "The Writer's Long and Winding Road” • Agent/Editor Pitch Appointments are offered on a first-registered, first-assigned basis. • Read & Critiques with agents, editors & published authors. Spots are offered on a first-registered, first-assigned basis. • Saturday Pennwriters Breakfast & Annual Meeting: enjoy camaraderie and up-to-date meeting news.

You may purchase passes to the following special add-on events: • Friday Evening Keynote Dinner with Chuck Sambuchino - “10 Ways to Advance Your Publishing Career"

ChuCK SAMBuChino is a bestselling humor book writer, a freelance editor, and a former editor for Writer’s Digest Books. He was named by Forbes as one of the top influencers in publishing in recognition of his personal Twitter. His first humor book, HoW To Survive a GarDen Gnome aTTack (2010), was optioned by Sony Pictures. chuck is a former staffer of several newspapers and magazines—most notably Writer’s Digest. During his tenure as a newspaper reporter, he won awards from both the kentucky Press association and the cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists. He is a produced playwright, with both original and commissioned works produced. During the past 15 years, more than 700 of his articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and books. His books have been mentioned in Reader’s Digest, USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Variety, New York Magazine, and more.

• Friday Published Penns Luncheon - “From Idea to Publication” Learn how a writer can be part of the team that positions a book to get it into the hands of readers. Topics: tweaking your manuscript for the marketplace, learning to be a good literary citizen, and how to plant the seeds of your own success. The panelists are agent rachel eckstrom, author and marketer nick courage, and publicist and publishing professional katie kurtzman. In honor of our 30th Annual Conference, this luncheon is open to all. Join us to celebrate. For guidelines on receiving Published Pennwriter status, contact Author Advocate Ayleen Gontz at ayleengontz@gmail.com. • Saturday After-hours Social Pirate Party! Set yer sails and don't be scairt to dress the part! A finer gatherin o’ scoundrels an’ saucy wenches ye never did see. Mayhap ye be lucky 'nuff to grab some swag. Swap yer doubloons fer drinks (3) at ye cash baaarrrrrrr! $20 (light snacks & cash bar; includes 3 drink tickets) details:

pennwriters.org/30th-annual-pennwriters-conference/ registration: http://bit.ly/2l7ooos

President’s Column The theme of this issue is Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Worldbuilding. Some of my favorite books fit in the sci-fi or fantasy genre. I’m awed by authors who can create a world that had not previously existed and make it familiar to millions. Inspiration for conjured worlds often draws from reality in all its sorrows, challenges, and wisdom, which has the power to bring us full circle and impact the way we perceive our own world. I believe sharing a new perspective on life is one of the greatest gifts a writer can share. So ponder the power of your words when you write. Think about what change, great or small, you would like to see in the world. Consider that change from different perspectives, and explore ways to enlighten your readers.

hilary hauck, area 4 presiDent

2017 Newsletter Themes and Submission Deadlines May/June theme: writers toolbox—what you use to help you in your writing life submission deadline: april 1 July/aug theme: mystery, suspense and the art of tale-telling submission deadline: June 1 sept/oct theme: networking and the writers market—selling your work, your writing career, making money, etc. submission deadline: aug. 1 nov/Dec theme: romance and women’s fiction submission deadline: oct. 1

In Pennwriters news, the board held its first meeting of the calendar year in February. The board addressed recent member concerns, including a request from a member to publish the minutes of our board meetings. The minutes of the general membership meetings are always available upon request by any member. However, as advised by Robert’s Rules of Order, minutes of Pennwriters board meetings and committee sessions are available only to members of those bodies. I will continue to share board news here, and remember that members are permitted to attend board meetings. Our next meeting will be held Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m. The board went on to deliberate website content and functions. As it is such a vast and complex undertaking, we have set up a website committee of Bobbi Carducci (chair), Mark Boerma, Pauline Drozeski, and Heather Desuta. A recent problem that prevented a new member from signing into the website was noted. It has been resolved with a patch from the software manufacturer. We are also reviewing our Facebook pages and have recently added a Pennwriters Presents Facebook page. You should have received an invitation to join this page. Doing so will give you access to industry professionals on scheduled days of the month as part of our Pennwriters Presents program. Our Yahoo groups are also under review, as some of them are not being used. In regard to the annual writing contest, the board decided to no longer require entries in .rtf format, because the format causes difficulties for Mac users. This update will be included in the submission requirements for the 2018 contest. Pauline Drozeski reported on online classes, which saw a dip in attendees in January. We hope this year you’ll attend a class. They are interactive, with instructors giving one-on-one guidance and feedback. Upcoming topics include Airing Dirty Laundry, led by Marilyn Baxter, author of more than 40 stories, and, back by popular demand, WordPress, led by Pat Haggerty. next page

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notice: publication herein of articles, interviews, and news concerning markets, contests, seminars, classes, etc., does not imply an endorsement, recommendation or any warranty given by pennwriters, inc. readers are urged to determine for themselves the reliability, integrity, and financial responsibility of those with whom they deal. The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted ©2017 by Pennwriters, Inc. All rights are reserved. Permission to photocopy is expressly denied. All rights revert to individual authors immediately upon publication. any time you change your mailing address or email address, please notify Jackie shaffmaster at treasurer@pennwriters.org. we thank you in advance for helping to keep our member roster current. 2

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Conference Coordinators Heather Desuta and Carol Silvis shared their plans and details for the 30th Annual Pennwriters Conference. It promises to be a stellar conference. In addition to our regular workshops and events, Heather and Carol are planning some special anniversary highlights. Registration opens March 1. The board also noted the contributions of a volunteer who has gone over and above for Pennwriters since the 1990s—Jack Hillman. Jack has been responsible for vetting applications for Published Penn status, and he has written and rewritten the Pennwriters Criteria for Published Authors over these years of immense change in the industry, keeping us in line with leading national organizations. Author Advocate Ayleen Gontz has now taken over this role. In gratitude for Jack’s many years of service, the board voted to make him a lifetime member of Pennwriters. I hope to see many of you at the ird Annual Pennwriters Area 7 Writers Project Runway: Make It Work (one-day mini-conference) on Saturday, April 1, in Leesburg, VA. See page 13 for details. To register online, visit http://pennwriters.org/area-7-mini-conference-writers-project-runway-iii/. In the meantime, may the warming days bring you renewed motivation and fresh ideas, and ample hours of sunlight for creating influential new worlds. Pennwrite on! -Hilary

Board of Directors President

hilary hauck, 814-659-6191 president@pennwriters.org Vice President

bobbi carducci, 540-338-5064 540-903-6831 Vicepresident@pennwriters.org Secretary

susan gourley secretary@pennwriters.org Treasurer

Jackie shaffmaster, 570-878-7056 treasurer@pennwriters.org Author Advocate

ayleen gontz, 717-359-9279 authoradvocate@pennwriters.org Webmaster

Mark boerma, 570-578-1473 webmaster@pennwriters.org Newsletter Editor

heather Desuta, 412-337-6966 newsletter@pennwriters.org 2017 Conference Coordinators

heather Desuta, 412-337-6966 carol silvis, 724-327-2725 conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org Public Relations Chair

leslie tobin smeltz, 610-737-3288 publicrelations@pennwriters.org Bylaws Chair

Pennwriters Online website: www.pennwriters.org yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pennwriters/join facebook groups: pennwriters; pennwriters annual conference you can also join the pennwriters linkedin group and follow us on twitter.

Jean Jenkins, 814-774-0557 bylawschair@pennwriters.org Internet Activities & Online Courses Coordinator

pauline Drozeski, 814-392-8819 onlinecoordinator@pennwriters.org Election Chair

Pennwriters Areas Map

Dave freas electionchair@pennwriters.org Annual Writing Contest Coordinator

D.J. stevenson writingcontestcoordinator@ pennwriters.org AREA 1 Rep: todd Main, 814-459-8752

area1rep@pennwriters.org AREA 2 Rep: Mark boerma

570-578-1473 area2rep@pennwriters.org AREA 3 Rep: stephanie claypool

area3rep@pennwriters.org AREA 4 Rep: tanya schleiden

area4rep@pennwriters.org

AREA 5 Rep: sandra bush, 717-891-6412 area5rep@pennwriters.org AREA 6 Rep: suzanne Mattaboni

area6rep@pennwriters.org

AREA 7 Rep: terry friedman

All areas outside of Pennsylvania are Area 7

610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 area7rep@pennwriters.org the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Pennwriters Member News & Happenings to share your news, email newsletter@pennwriters.org with “penn writer submission” in the subject line. please include your pennwriters area # in the message.

Area 4 Jim Lee had his fantasy story “e Spellweaver & e Once-Proud Prince.” reprinted in the December 2016 issue of the print and e-zine Fantasia Divinity.

Area 4 Tanya Schleiden's book, An ALLeGHenY HOMeCOMInG, will be published by Harlequin in May 2017. Writing as T.R. McClure, Tanya has two books scheduled for publication this year. is Harlequin Heartwarming book is her second in the Home to Bear Meadows series. Visit her website at www.trmcclure.com.

Area 6 Mary Shafer recently published MeTAL DeTeCTInG FOR BeGInneRS: 101 THInGS I WISH I’D KnOWn WHen I STARTeD. Shafer’s book includes helpful information learned during more than a dozen years as an avid metal detectorist. e 108-page softcover contains a glossary of terms; overview of the hobby and various specialization options;and information about equipment, hunting safety and etiquette; how and where to ﬁnd places to hunt; and photographing, preserving and displaying your ﬁnds. A special bonus section contains resources about the hobby, with photographs and illustrations. It’s available at www.whiteselectronics.com. For details, email relichunter@thewordforge.com.

Pennwriters Election News from Dave freas, pennwriters’ election chair it’s election time again—time to vote for pennwriters’ board positions and the Meritorious service award that recognizes someone who has gone above-and-beyond for the organization. you will receive an e-mail ballot around March 3rd—once again keyed to your area. please make sure to notify our treasurer Jackie shaffmaster and me (treasurer@pennwriters.org and quillracer@pa.metrocast.net) if your address—physical and/or email—has changed. if the email address you gave us is invalid, you won’t receive a ballot. if your area is not listed or is incorrect, you will not be able to vote for your own area representative. this year, area reps for areas 2, 4 and 6 will be on the ballot. see the area Map on page 3. the voting website will close on March 31, so be sure to complete your ballot and get those votes submitted asap. contact me with any questions at 570-759-3482 or quillracer@pa.metrocast.net. 4

pennwriters has an accomplished history. we’re proud to celebrate this milestone at the 30th annual conference in May. if you would like to share any photos, memorabilia, or stories about the organization or a past conference or event, please email me at thepennwriter@gmail.com. To ensure delivery, type “Pennwriters History” as your email subject line. i look forward to your responses!

Volunteers Wanted if you plan to attend the 2017 pennwriters conference, please consider volunteering. we have a number of opportunities. Many jobs take only a few minutes, while others may take more. positions are available prior to and during the conference. in addition to getting to see what happens behind the scenes, you can interact and network with many accomplished authors and speakers. some jobs even pair you with agents or editors. MoDerators introduce a session speaker by reading a short bio (already written and provided to you) and distribute handouts if necessary. tiMekeepers for agent/editor pitch appointments keep the 10-minute sessions running smoothly. penn pals greet agents, editors and speakers. they pass out conference materials and answer questions that arise throughout the conference. if you would like to volunteer for any of these spots or would like to offer help but do not have a particular preference, contact heather Desuta and carol silvis at conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Friday Evening Keynote

Saturday keynote

CHUCK SAMBUCHINO

ANNETTE DASHOFY

http://bit.ly/2l7ooos

Build Your 2017 Pennwriters Conference Experience! the three-day pennwriters conference pricing structure allows you to build a conference experience that suits your budget and your writing needs. choose the full, three-day registration or one of the one-day options (available as friday-only, saturday-only, or sunday-only)—then add on any of our additional events. register online at http://bit.ly/2l7ooos. Make your conference selection; pre-register for pitch appointments and friday night read and critiques; add admission to the saturday after-hours social; and choose your meal options, etc. for assistance with registration, contact registration coordinator Mark boerma at conferenceregistration@pennwriters.org.

Base Conference Fees

Add-On Items

three-Day conference, friDay through sunDay

friDay publisheD penns luncheon “from idea to publication” Learn how a writer can be part

$320 for pennwriters / $375 for nonmembers •40+ workshops and sessions to choose from •buffet breakfast (saturday) •keynote lunch with annette Dashofy (saturday) •agent pitch sessions (first come, first scheduled) •friday evening read-&-critiques (first come, first scheduled) •book signing (saturday)

friDay only (no meals included) $165 for pennwriters / $185 for nonmembers •15+ workshops and sessions to choose from •agent pitch sessions (first come, first scheduled) •friday evening read-&-critiques (first come, first scheduled)

saturDay only (includes breakfast & keynote lunch) $165 for pennwriters / $185 for nonmembers •15 workshops to choose from •buffet breakfast (saturday) •keynote lunch with kathryn craft (saturday) •agent pitch sessions (first come, first scheduled) •book signing (saturday)

sunDay only (no meals) $60 for pennwriters / $75 for nonmembers •9 workshops to choose from

of the team that positions a book to get it into the hands of readers. Topics: tweaking your manuscript for the marketplace, learning to be a good literary citizen, and how to plant the seeds of your own success. The panelists are agent Rachel Eckstrom, author and marketer Nick Courage, and publicist and publishing professional Katie Kurtzman. In honor of our 30th Annual Conference, this luncheon is open to all. Join us to celebrate! $33 for pennwriters / $35 for nonmembers

friDay keynote Dinner with chuck sambuchino “10 ways to advance your publishing career" $52 for pennwriters / $62 for nonmembers

saturDay after-hours social Pirate Party! Set yer sails and don't be scairt to dress the part! A finer gatherin o’ scoundrels an’ saucy wenches ye never did see. Mayhap ye be lucky 'nuff to grab some swag. Swap yer doubloons fer drinks (3) at ye cash baaarrrrrrr! $20 (light snacks & cash bar; includes 3 drink tickets)

Non-Writer Guests Meals-only options for companions: •friday meals only: $85 (includes lunch and keynote dinner) •saturday meals only: $70 (includes breakfast and lunch) •the saturday after-hours social: $20

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Pennwriters Conference Registration Three-Day Conference, Friday through Sunday $320 for Pennwriters / $375 for nonmembers

Friday only $165 for Pennwriters / $185 for nonmembers

Saturday only $165 for Pennwriters / $185 for nonmembers

Sunday only

$60 for Pennwriters / $75 for nonmembers PLUS OPtiOnaL add-OnS: • Friday Published Penns Luncheon (open to all) • Friday Keynote Dinner • Saturday After-Hours Social Meals-only options for non-writer guests: • Friday meals only: $85 (includes lunch and keynote dinner) • Saturday meals only $70 (includes breakfast and lunch)

ouR ConFEREnCE FEATuRES— •networking Opportunities: Chat with Pennwriters,

agents, editors and speakers throughout the conference. Learn what agents and editors are seeking, find a critique partner, make new friends and rekindle old friendships. • Friday evening read-and-critique sessions. • Agent/editor pitch appointments. •Saturday Author’s Book Signing: Authors can register

to participate in the book signing. Attendees can meet authors, purchase books, and get books signed at this event.

• Pitch Sessions: One-on-one agent/editor appointments are available at no additional fee. When you register for the conference, writers with finished manuscripts will be able to sign up for 10-minute pitch sessions. • Agents will also be leading workshop sessions and participating in panel discussions. Bring your questions about the publishing process and hear these experts talk about the state of the industry. • Agents and editors are also part of our Friday night read-and-critique sessions, where you can get feedback on your writing from industry pros.

•Saturday After-Hours Social (pirate-themed party)

• e In-Other-Words Contest and Raffle Baskets.

Three Days of Workshops, Panels, Discussions Friday, Saturday and Sunday feature an open-attendance slate of one-hour workshops on all things writing. The schedule is structured with open attendance, so you can take whatever classes appeal to you. Attendees will have 40+ hours of sessions to choose from. Our faculty is comprised of published authors, literary agents and editors, and other writing industry professionals.

Direct Access to Literary Agents and Editors noah ballard, agent, Curtis Brown, Ltd. louise fury, agent, The Bent Agency Mark gottlieb, agent, Trident Media Group liz kossnar, editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers eric Myers, agent, Dystel and Goderich Literary Management roseanne wells, agent, The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency 6

GuEST AGEnTS & EDiToRS The following agents and editors are scheduled to lead workshops and hear pitches. Any additions or revisions to this roster will be listed on our website and on Facebook. noah ballard / Curtis Brown, Ltd. noah specializes in literary debuts, upmarket thrillers and narrative nonfiction, and he is always on the look-out for honest and provocative new writers. “i’m looking for literary fiction, including general fiction, story collections, upmarket crime and thriller, horror. also, narrative nonfiction of all kinds, but very few memoirs these days.” louise fury / The Bent Agency louise fury represents young adult, middle grade, new adult, commercial fiction, including romance and select nonfiction. "i'm looking for writers with a unique voice and an unforgettable story. i'm particularly drawn to stories with a strong protagonist. in young adult, i look for manuscripts that are written with an unforgettable voice—this can be

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

deep, dark and gritty or literary, lyrical and emotional. i'd love to find a young adult novel that has a bone-deep sense of danger that haunts me from page 1 and doesn't let go of me for days. i want delicious adult romances with creative plots, sexy liaisons and unique characters who sweep me up in their love story. i want to feel something unforgettable when i read your pages. i want manuscripts that i can't stop thinking about.” also looking for middle grade fiction with a literary feel—it must be realistic and thought provoking, and the characters must be authentic and original. in nonfiction, i look for humor and pop culture manuscripts. i also love cooking and craft books. Mark gottlieb / Trident Media Group he has ranked #1 among literary agents on publishersmarketplace.com in overall Deals and other categories. looking for fiction, nonfiction, young adult, middle grade, children’s books, graphic novels. not looking for poetry, textbooks, novellas, short stories, personal memoir, romance, erotica, early readers, spiritual/religion/inspirational, horror, urban fantasy, new adult, plays, screenplays, cooking. liz kossnar / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers she most enjoys reading whimsical, diverse middle grade novels and mysteries, and subversive, contemporary young adult fiction, or any work of fiction that inspires a sense of empathy toward an unlikely character or difficult situation. anything feminist is a plus, and she’s always looking for an untold history nonfiction. liz is not the best match for animal stories, sentimentality, or traditional romance. eric Myers / Dystel and Goderich Literary Management eric has a strong affinity for young adult and Middle grade fiction, as well as adult nonfiction, especially in the areas of history, biography, psychology, health & wellness, mind/ body/spirit, and pop culture. he also loves a good thriller and is open to memoir from authors with strong platforms. roseanne wells / The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in nonfiction: i'm interested in authors who have a unique story to tell and are dedicated to building their platform and reaching their audience. i like narrative nonfiction, select memoir, science (popular or trade, not academic), history, religion (not inspirational), travel, humor, food/cooking, and similar subjects. i'm also interested in fresh, modern self-improvement that not only inspires but energizes readers to action in this rapidly evolving world. in fiction: i'm looking for strong literary fiction that emphasizes craft and style equally, and doesn't sacrifice plot and character for beautiful sentences; young adult of all genres; very selective middle grade of any genre that connects me to a strong main character; sci-fi and fantasy; con/heist stories, especially featuring art, jewelry, tech; and smart detective novels (more sherlock holmes than cozy mysteries).

KEYnoTES Friday Evening Keynote CHUCK SAMBUCHINO is a bestselling humor book writer, a freelance editor, and a former editor for Writer’s Digest Books. He edited the GUIDe TO LITeRARY AGenTS and the CHILDRen’S WRITeR’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKeT. His Guide to Literary Agents Blog was one of the largest blogs in publishing. He was named by Forbes as one of the top influencers in publishing in recognition of his personal Twitter. His first humor book, HOW TO SURVIVe A GARDen GnOMe ATTACK (2010), was optioned by Sony Pictures. His other books include FORMATTInG & SUBMITTInG YOUR MAnUSCRIPT (2009), CReATe YOUR WRITeR PLATFORM (2012), and GeT A LITeRARY AGenT (2015). Chuck is a former staffer of several newspapers and magazines—most notably Writer’s Digest. During his tenure as a newspaper reporter, he won awards from both the Kentucky Press Association and the Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists. He is a produced playwright, with both original and commissioned works produced. During the past 15 years, more than 700 of his articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and books. His books have been mentioned in Reader’s Digest, USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Variety, New York Magazine, and more. He loves connecting with writers and helping them get published and sell more books. www.chucksambuchino.com Twitter: @ChuckSambuchino

Saturday Luncheon Keynote ANNETTE DASHOFY is the USA Today best-selling author of the Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. CIRCLe OF InFLUenCe was a finalist for the Agatha Award for Best First novel, and BRIDGeS BURneD was an Agatha Award finalist for Best Contemporary novel of 2015. Her latest release, WITH A VenGeAnCe, is the fourth in the series. Annette has served as VP and Past President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Since 2004, she has served on Pennwriters board of directors in various roles, including Area 3 Rep, 2009 Conference Coordinator, and Vice President. She was also the 2013 recipient of the Pennwriters Meritorious Service Award. www.annettedashofy.com

get the latest news via www.pennwriters.org and social media, or contact conference coordinators heather Desuta and carol silvis at conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org. the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

2017 Pennwriters Conference Schedule friDay, May 19 8 a.m. 9-10 a.m. 10:15-11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 1:15-2:15 p.m. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 3:45-4:45 p.m. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 8 p.m.-

registration opens workshops workshops published penns luncheon (open to all) workshops workshops workshops keynote Dinner with chuck sambuchino (5:30 p.m. drinks, 6-7:30 p.m. dinner) read & critique sessions

saturDay, May 20

Calling All Volunteers if you plan to attend the conference, please consider volunteering. we have a number of opportunites. Many jobs take only a few minutes, while others may take an hour. positions are available prior to and during the conference. the rewards of volunteering are many. in addition to getting to see what happens behind the scenes, you can get up close and personal with many accomplished authors and speakers. some jobs even pair you with agents and editors. MoDerators introduce a session speaker by reading a short bio (already written and provided to you) and distribute handouts if necessary. tiMekeepers for agent/editor pitch appointments keep the 10-minute appointments running smoothly. penn pals greet agents, editors and speakers. they pass out conference materials and answer questions that arise throughout the conference. if you would like to volunteer for any of these spots or would like to offer help but do not have a particular preference, contact the conference coordinators at conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org.

Stay Connected our website: www.pennwriters.org follow us on facebook and twitter: •“pennwriters annual conference” •@pennwriters •#pennwriterscon2017 8

7:45-9:15 a.m. 9 a.m. 9:30-10:30 a.m. 10:45-11:45 a.m. noon-1:30 p.m. 1:45-2:45 p.m. 3-4 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 8-10 p.m.

breakfast and pennwriters annual Meeting registration opens workshops workshops keynote luncheon with annette Dashofy workshops workshops book signing saturday after-hours social

sunDay, May 21 9-10 a.m. 10:15-11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 12:40 p.m.

workshops workshops workshops closing ceremonies and basket Drawings

(Schedule is subject to change.)

Conference Location and Lodging the pittsburgh airport Marriott 777 aten road, coraopolis, pa 15108 toll-free: 1-800-328-9297 www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/pitmc-pittsburgh-airport-marriott/ the conference will be held at the pittsburgh airport Marriott, five miles from the pittsburgh international airport and 12 miles from downtown pittsburgh. a block of rooms are being held at a special rate of $109 per night. to make your reservation, call the Marriott at 412-788-8800 or 1-800-328-9297 and mention pennwriters.

About Our Pitch Sessions ten-minute pitch sessions are offered at no extra charge on a first-registered, first-assigned basis. availability is limited. please make your choice(s) on the registration form. an appointment time will be e-mailed to you prior to the conference. writers pitching fiction must have a finished manuscript, but do not bring it to the pitch session.

Conference Registration pennwriters.org/30th-annual-pennwriters-conference/ http://bit.ly/2l7ooos the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Visit http://pennwriters.org/30th-annual-pennwriters-conference/ for the schedule, workshop descriptions and faculty bios. This schedule and the classes/presenters are not guaranteed and are subject to change. The final schedule will be printed in the conference program.

FRIDAY, MAY 19 8-11 a.m. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 9-10 a.m. Four Sessions

Breakfast on your own Registration open in Lobby Hospitality Suite open How to Write an Effective Hook with Mark Gottlieb (Agent, Trident Media Group)

How to Keep Your Readers Turning Pages: Independent Bookstores and You The Art of Pacing with Bobbi Carducci with Don Helin

You’ve Sold Your Book, Now What? with Liz Kossnar (Editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

Building Your Nonfiction Speculative Poetry Saves the Universe! Platform and Proposal with Matt Betts with Noah Ballard (Agent, Curtis Brown Ltd.)

Powerful Tools to Enhance Your Writing Success (for all writers—fiction and nonfiction) with Larry Schardt

to Choose From!

10:15-11:15 a.m. Writing Your Setting as a Character with Annette Dashofy

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.*Published Penns Luncheon - open to all, in celebration of the 30th Annual Pennwriters Conference (TWO-HOUR SESSION) Using Scrivener for More Organized 1:15-2:15 p.m. Your Publishing Options Today with Chuck Sambuchino

2:30-3:30 p.m.

IN A WORD: A two-part interactive writing workshop for writers of all levels & genres with Candace Banks Fifty Things I Learned Writing Fifty Books (PART 2) IN A WORD with Nancy Martin with Candace Banks

3:45-4:45 p.m.

Building Your Freelance Portfolio: Writing for Magazines & Newspapers 101 with Chuck Sambuchino

5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.

pre-dinner cocktails *Keynote Dinner with Chuck Sambuchino **Read and Critique Sessions

Inspiring Others The Chicken Soup Way with Hana Haatainen-Caye

and Efficient Writing with Dee Romito

Damsels Without Distress— Writing Powerful Female Characters with Ramona DeFelice Long

(TWO-HOUR SESSION) In Case The Tonight Show Calls with Heidi Ruby Miller & Matt Betts (PART 2) In Case The Tonight Show Calls with Heidi Ruby Miller & Matt Betts

The Voice: Query Edition with agents Eric Myers, Loius Fury and Roseanne Wells Structure Made Simple: Plotting Your Way Out of the Slush Pile with Rebecca Drake

(TWO-HOUR SESSION) Your Own YouTube Channel with Heidi Ruby Miller & Jason Jack Miller

Fictional Characters Anonymous with Hana Haatainen-Caye

(PART 2) Your Own YouTube Channel with Heidi Ruby Miller & Jason Jack Miller

Understanding Categories of Children’s Books with Dee Romito

(TWO-HOUR SESSION) Advanced Social Media with Don Lafferty and John Langan (PART 2) Advanced Social Media with Don Lafferty and John Langan

Imagining the Future (without Zombies): How to Dream Up New SF/F with Fritze Roberts It’s Powerful. It’s Free. Use It! with Jean Jenkins

SATURDAY, MAY 20 8-9:15 a.m. 9-10 a.m. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Four Sessions to Choose From!

Breakfast Buffet / Pennwriters Annual Meeting / Area Meetings Registration open in Lobby Hospitality Suite open How to Write an Effective Query with Agent Mark Gottlieb (Agent, Trident Media Group)

How Far Is Too Far in Middle Grade and YA? with Eric Myers (Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret)

10:45-11:45 p.m. Self-Publishing: Create, Publish, and Sell! What Does an Agent Actually Do? with Kathleen Shoop

with Roseanne Wells (Agent, Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency)

noon-1:30 p.m. Keynote Lunch with Annette Dashofy 1:45-2:45 p.m. Writing Strong Scenes with Ramona DeFelice Long

Agent/Editor panel Moderated by Rebecca Drake

3-4 p.m.

Manuscript M.D. (agents "on call"- Noah Ballard and Louise Fury)

How to Form a Critique Group That Works for You with Tamara Girardi, Annette Dashofy, Mary Sutton & Jeff Boarts

4:15 p.m.

Book Signing in the Hospitality Suite Dinner on your own *After-Hours Social - pirate-themed party

8-10 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 21 Breakfast on your own 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hospitality Suite open How to Develop Spellbinding Characters 9-10 a.m. with Don Helin

Three Sessions to Choose From!

10:15-11:15 a.m. The Villain’s Story

with Annette Dashofy 11:30 a.m.-12:30 pThe Care and Feeding of Your Marketing Muse with Deborah Riley-Magnus

12:40 p.m.

Forging Ahead: How to Turn an Hour a Day Secrets and Success: Behind the Scenes into a Lot of Words of Pitch Wars, Publishing’s Most Popular with Fritze Roberts Contest with Tamara Girardi Wheel of History! with Matt Betts MASTER CLASS: Joss Whedon with Jason Jack Miller

Navigating the World of Short Fiction with Mary Sutton & Susan Thibodeau Manuscript M.D. (published authors "on call"- TBD)

Closing ceremony and basket raffle in the Hospitality Suite * Additional registration required **Pre-registration Required / First registered, first scheduled. Spots limited

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 1 todd Main • area 1 representative 814-459-8752 • area1rep@pennwriters.org Meadville Vicinity pennwriters (MVp) Meets 1st saturday, 1-4 p.m. at tim horton’s on conneaut lake road. contact Janet wells at wellswoodjanet@gmail.com. presque isle group Meets 2nd saturday, 1-4 p.m. at tom ridge environmental center on presque isle. contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com. shenango Valley pennwriters (sVp) Meets 3rd saturday, 1-4 p.m. at the shenango Valley library in sharon. contact catherine Mclean at catherinemclean00@gmail.com. erie group Meets 4th saturday, 1-4 p.m. at barnes & noble near the Millcreek Mall in erie. contact Dave szymanowski at daveszy@adelphia.net. fellowship of the Quill (fotQ) Meets every thursday, 7-10 p.m. at tim horton’s, 2565 west 12th, erie. contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com. corry writers group Meets 1st Mondays, 6:30-9 p.m. at tim horton’s, 7 e. columbus ave., corry. contact kathy otten at jersey.vt.1774@hotmail.com.

Area 2 Mark boerma • area 2 representative area2rep@pennwriters.org Danville group Meets 1st and 3rd wednesdays, 7 p.m. at the episcopal church on Market street. contact Dave freas at quillracer@pa.metrocast.net.

For me, a great fantasy is real people, a world I recognise, human struggle and magic.

Donations Wanted for the Pennwriters Conference Basket Raﬄe we are seeking basket donations for the pennwriters conference basket raffle. the raffle proceeds go toward helping to offset the conference costs, allowing us to bring you quality workshops with exceptional speakers. if you cannot donate a complete basket, consider donating items we can use to put together into baskets. books, writing supplies, music, journals, coffee, tea, chocolate, candles... any items writers may enjoy are appreciated. Donations of services (critiques, book cover designs, marketing expertise, website building, etc.) are also welcome. Members especially love autographed books by pennwriters authors. All donations are appreciated. if you would like to donate a basket or have individual items to donate, please email Danielle ray, basket raffle chairperson, at der82105@yahoo.com.

Science fiction is the most important literature in the history of the world, because it's the history of ideas, the history of our civilization birthing itself. . . . Science fiction is central to everything we've ever done, and people who make fun of science fiction writers don't know what they're talking about. - ray braDbury

please take a moment to verify that you’ve supplied pennwriters with a current, valid email address. log in to your account info at pennwriters.org. we thank you in advance for helping to keep our member roster current.

- fiona Mcintosh

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Reserve Advertising Space in the Pennwriters Conference program full page..........................$65 half page.........................$45 business card size..........$25 to reserve space and get payment instructions, email heather Desuta at newsletter@pennwriters.org. file formats: .pdf or .jpg use exact dimensions or submit ads scaled to size. program booklet will be printed in color. full page: 4.5” wide x 7.5” tall half page: 4.5” wide x 3.5” tall business card, horizontal only: 3.5” x 2”

I've found that using historical material and being rooted in historical material is liberating because I always think to myself, 'Well, this actually happened, and this is fantastic!' - Michael hirst

Pennwriters Conference T-shirts

Area 3 stephanie claypool • area 3 representative area3rep@pennwriters.org second tuesday of the Month group Meets on 2nd tuesdays at panera bread in settlers ridge near robinson township (295 settlers ridge Dr., pittsburgh, 15205) from 7-8:30 p.m. the topic is chosen each month by group attendees and posted on the area 3 yahoo group. all requests and suggestions for topics are welcome, as are guest presenters. for information, contact stephanie claypool at stephanieclaypool@outlook.com. Mindful writers group north Meets every wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at eat ‘n park at the wexford exit of i-79 (2650 brandt school rd.). novice as well as professional writers are welcome to join us for 15 minutes of body, heart, or Mind Meditation, followed by three to four hours of writing. the Mindful writers fellowship is inspiring and highly productive. to join, email lori Jones at lomojo33@yahoo.com. Mindful writers group east Meets every friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at panera bread at the waterworks Mall (942 freeport road). novice as well as professional writers are welcome to join us for 15 minutes of body, heart, or Mind Meditation followed by three to four hours of writing. the Mindful writers fellowship is inspiring and highly productive. to join, email Madhu b. wangu at madhu.wangu@me.com. the pittsburgh east writers group small, friendly critique group focusing on fiction. all genres welcome. Meets 3rd saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Monroeville public library’s upstairs conference room. contact chuck rakiecz at crakiecz@verizon.net. critique group north group is full, but interested writers may submit their names for the waiting list. Meets 2nd thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including time for lunch) at king’s restaurant at the wexford exit of i-79. contact Maryalice at maryalicemeli@yahoo.com. the bridgeville critique group Meets the 4th wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the panera bread in the chartiers Valley shopping center (1025 washington pike, bridgeville). fiction or nonfiction wip are accepted, and any level of writer is welcome. we review one person’s work each month. work to be critiqued is sent to all group members at least a week in advance so everyone has ample time to review it before the meeting. there is currently room in the group for new members. we welcome anyone, published or not. anyone who would like to join the group, get additional information, or come to a session to try us out and see how we work, please contact barb D'souza at barbrett@verizon.net.

conference t-shirts are only available by pre-order. $20 per shirt. shirts will be distributed at the registration table at the conference, to those who have pre-ordered.

Join the area 3 yahoo group—if you wish to stay informed of area 3 news and last-minute updates, please join the area 3 yahoo group. Joining allows you to post news of sales and new markets, ask questions, suggest discussion topics, or announce area events of interest to pennwriters. to join, email pennsarea3-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Other Writer Events of Interest:

Area 4 tanya schleiden • area 4 representative area4rep@pennwriters.org the inkwell (altoona area) Meets 1st thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. in the altoona area. contact tanya schleiden at area4rep@pennwriters.org. the southern alleghenies writers guild (Johnstown, pa) Meets 3rd saturdays from noon-3 p.m. contact Jim lee at 814-442-1241 or jimlee.author@gmail.com. Additional groups meeting in State College: olli writer's group meets monthly at the schlow library (211 s. allen st.). contact rita lumpkins at ritalouise@gmail.com. nittany Valley writers network meets 2nd tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at schlow library (211 s. allen st.). nittany Valley writers network: the early risers meets 3rd wednesday from 7-8:00 a.m. at the waffle shop on w. college avenue.

March 23-25, 2017 greater lehigh Valley writers group’s the write stuff writers conference Best Western Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, PA keynote: Michael hauge, noted hollywood coach. also presenting: kathryn craft, Deborah riley-Magnus, Jamie saloff, Vicky selvaggio, greg frost, Jennifer lader and others. 30+ workshops and events. GLVWG.org saturday, March 25, 2017 Maryland writers association conference: “the writing roller coaster” Crowne Plaza Hotel, Annapolis, VA keynotes: internationally recognized mystery and crime writer Jeffery Deaver and NY Times best-selling sci-fi/fantasy novelist Maria V. snyder. agents: anna sproul-latimer, roseanne wells, Maximilian Ximenez, Jessica regel. editors: bruce bortz, Jennifer barnes, John edward lawson, austin camacho. marylandwriters.org

nittany Valley writers network: social meets 4th tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. at the autoport (1405 s. atherton st.).

Area 5 sandra bush • area 5 representative area5rep@pennwriters.org york area group critique structure: bring 7 copies of up to 5 pgs. of manuscript, double-spaced. Meets 3rd tuesday from 6-7:45 p.m. in the study room of the Dover area community library (3700-3 Davidsburg rd., Dover) cynthia hospador at chospador@gmail.com. harrisburg area group critique structure: bring 10 copies of up to 5 pages, double-spaced. all genres welcome. Meets 4th wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. at the new cumberland library’s back annex (1 benjamin plaza, new cumberland). contact Don helin at dhelin@copper.net. lancaster area group Meets 2nd & 4th tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. in the lancaster barnes & noble cafe. contact walt honsinger at walthonsinger@hotmail.com. Additional writers groups meeting in Area 5: the gettysburg writers brigade meets every wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at o’rorke’s eatery (44 steinwehr ave.) to talk about writing topics. readings are every 3rd wednesday. contact Jim rada at jimrada@yahoo.com. 12

The villages slept as the capable man went down, Time swished on the village clocks and dreams were alive, The enormous gongs gave edges to their sounds, As the rider, no chevalere and poorly dressed, Impatient of the bells and midnight forms, Rode over the picket docks, rode down the road, And, capable, created in his mind, Eventual victor, out of the martyr's bones, The ultimate elegance: the imagined land. - wallace steVens, the collecteD poeMs

The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge. - albert einstein

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 6 suzanne Mattaboni • area 6 representative area6rep@pennwriters.org there are currently no pennwriters groups meeting in area 6, but if you are interested in forming a group, contact suzanne.

“Make It Work” • Third Annual Pennwriters Area 7 Event

Area 7 terry friedman • area 7 representative 610-331-2558 • area7rep@pennwriters.org

Ami Neiberger-Miller

Danielle Nadler

Demi Stevens

Douglas Graham

Elizabeth (Betsy) Allen

blue ridge group (Virginia) Meetings include critique on request, sharing resources, writing exercises and discussion. beginning to multi-published writers welcome. Meets 2nd & 4th wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at the purcellville library in purcellville, Virginia. contact bobbi carducci at Vicepresident@pennwriters.org. northern Delaware group Meetings will be held monthly. all levels of experience are welcome. for details, email cindy callaghan at callaghancindy@gmail.com.

John DeDakis

Lisa Coburn

Sandra Tritt

Tracee Garner

Vicki Fisher

saturday, april 1, 2017 third annual pennwriters area 7 writers project runway: Make it work Ida Lee Park, Leesburg, VA enjoy a day of ideas, inspiration and networking with people like you who are ready to take their writing to new heights. open to all writers, this conference is also designed to introduce pennwriters to aspiring and published authors in the northern Virginia, Maryland, west Virginia and washington, D.c. areas. online registration is now open: http://pennwriters.org/area-7-mini-conference-writers-project-runway-iii/ sign-in: 8 a.m.; workshops 9 a.m.-4 p.m. author signing and book sale: 4-5 p.m. $80 for pennwriters members; $110 for non-members; $95 for students (age 18+) catered lunch included. for details, contact bobbi carducci at Vicepresident@pennwriters.org.

Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers. - isaac asiMoV

WRITER’S TOOlbOx:

the one-line sales pitch “[Product name] is a [product type] that [what your product does that impresses], so you can [benefits for the customer].” Plug your product in this pitch model. If a few words must be changed to better fit your situation, change them. This pitch works well for in-person introductions or selling yourself, and can be changed to first person. Here are example pitches from the model to use as a guide: “Google.com is an internet search engine that boasts the most comprehensive coverage of websites in the world, so you can find whatever you’re searching for.” “Christopher Paul Curtis is a children’s fiction writer who won the Newberry Award, so you can feel confident his books are quality reads to enrich your children’s minds.” -from Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize Your Promotions for Bestseller Results by nate hardy, area 6. www.plussignproductions.org

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

The Power of Story to Teach us About Ourselves the penn practice • coluMn #7 • by fritze roberts, area 1

people read to learn something, intellectually or emotionally, through the vicarious experiences gained through story. we write to give readers new experiences and to evoke powerful emotions in them. when writing science fiction and fantasy, often the main feeling we want to bring to our readers is a sense of wonder. we want to blow their minds with our cool ideas or unique worlds. but also important to both genres is that these stories teach us something about our lives in this real world. they use allegory or metaphor. sometimes the alienness of the setting allows us to set aside our pre-conceived notions and examine an issue as if facing it for the first time. Fantasy In fantasy, readers expect a fantastic world. Unique creatures with surprising cultures, magic or supernatural powers influence the normal affairs of the day, and unearthly environments make existence a great victory. In these stories, we see life through unique perspectives. Great fantasy teaches us something about our spiritual or emotional sides. The real world we live in can be confusing or scary. We may face moral ambiguity or difficult questions. Stories of overcoming great obstacles help us to see how we can overcome, too. They highlight our inner battles for good versus evil, for overcoming self-doubt, for pushing through the mundane to reach a higher level. The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling is an excellent example of fantasy that addresses all of these real human experiences. Harry starts out bullied and lost in the world, with no purpose in his life. He is completely unaware of the great battle versus evil that wizards face. When he enters Hogwarts, he begins to recognize his own worth, and embarks on a commitment to learning. Through each book we see Harry and his friends study (to varying degrees), and in the end their work pays off. Throughout the series his confidence gradually grows and often he takes responsibility, not just for his own actions, but for the battle against evil that must be fought. As we watch Harry and his friends navigate their world, we discover new ways to relate to our world and learn lessons that apply to our own lives. That’s the power of these stories that makes them so captivating. Science Fiction (SF) There are many definitions of this genre, but one important feature is a scientific or technological advancement that is central to the plot of the story. Ideally, a fictional science impacts the characters and their actions. Technology is part of who we are, and yet we fear it because some of our inventions are dangerous. To me, the best SF explores this relationship we have with scientific advancement. Take for example, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick, or its film adaptation, Bladerunner. Here the main technology being explored is the existence of robots that mimic life. Androids are banished from earth because they are nearly indistinguishable from humans and in a dying world, with fewer and fewer 14

resources, humans need to keep what they can for themselves. Decker is an assassin charged with “retiring” androids who get to earth, but he increasingly feels pity, perhaps even guilt, for killing these creatures who seem to show human-like emotions and desires. As his understanding of the androids deepens, he begins to question his own humanity. How do you know you are human and not an android in this world? The beauty of this story is that it employs our own invention to question the very nature of our existence. It is thrilling and “cool” and at the same time almost painfully philosophical. Other Genres Worldbuilding helps readers immerse in the reality of a story. even stories set in our real world require a solid foundation of setting because the world is not one homogeneous place. A story in new York City will be very different from one in Appalachia and the setting will have a profound effect on the characters and their experiences. They will have access to different technologies, differing ideas about magic and religion, and perhaps even different definitions of good and bad! All genres of fiction are make-believe, to varying degrees. Whether they employ magic or fictional science or neither, they use the power of story to show readers something they wouldn’t experience in their own lives. It’s the very nature of fiction that allows us to see through the eyes of someone very different from ourselves and learn something new about ourselves and our world. “The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.” -Brandon Sanderson Fritze Roberts is an active member of Pennwriters. She writes science fiction and fantasy and lectures on the writer’s life. To learn more, visit www.APeculiarProject.com. She will be leading the following genre workshop at the Pennwriters Conference this May:

imagining the future (without zombies) how to Dream up new sf/f with fritze roberts today, science fiction isn’t just about space exploration, and fantasy isn’t just trolls and elves. both genres have diversified, and readers expect awesome scientific possibilities and creative magic. in this workshop we’ll discuss how to dream up unique worlds, complete magical systems, and scary monsters that will get your readers hooked.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Pennwriters Online Courses: March & April March 6-17, 2017

april 3-28, 2017

airing Dirty laundry, writing for the trues

word press

use family stories, eavesdropping and cable tV to create writing income

instructor: Pat Haggerty

instructor: Marilyn Baxter cost: $30 course Description: airing Dirty laundry offers information and tips on how to create a source of outside income by writing short stories for the confessions and romance magazines. this course will take students step by step through writing a confession: learning the market, developing hooks and compelling story lines, and structuring a story properly. by the end of the course, students should have a story ready for submission. the goal of this twoweek session is to instruct students about the genre and share writing techniques specific to it, so participants will have written a complete (or nearly complete) story that’s ready to submit. class Materials: a copy of True Confessions or True Story. course Description: Day 1: lecture on the confessions magazines—what they are, why write for them, information about the market (pay rates, story lengths, and the differences between each magazine). Day 2: Q&a time plus photo exercise. Day 3: lecture on the importance of a good hook, story ideas and where to get them. use a photo to develop a hook for a story you will write over the next two weeks. Day 4: Q&a time plus continued critiques of hooks. Day 5: lecture on story structure and how it differs from other types of writing. assignment: outline your story and start writing. Day 6: Q&a time regarding hooks, story structure, transitions, show versus tell. assignment: keep writing. Day 7: lecture about manuscript format; info about short features. Q&a time. assignment: submit first three pages for critique. Day 8: lecture with information from the current editor of the trues. submission information and rules will be discussed as well as the contract process and payments. Day 9: winners announced. general comments about entries. Day 10: lecture on record keeping, taxes and online resources. about the instructor: Marilyn baxter has sold 40+ stories and many short feature articles to the confessions and romance magazines. she has also sold to an e-zine called Chick Lit Review and an anthology titled, appropriately enough, I Confess. she appears in both the 2008 and 2009 bylines writers’ Desk calendar and her article “short shorts—not Just a fashion statement” was featured on the writing for Dollars website. she has published the novellas Direct Deposit, picture this and heart of stone. Marilyn is a member of heart of Dixie rwa and serves rwa on both the local and national levels. she lives in her empty nest in north alabama, enjoys gardening and crocheting, and dotes on her granddaughters. she works part time as an administrative assistant for a boutique law firm. www.marilynbaxter.com. ........................................................................................................

cost: $49 course Description: an author today can hardly get by without having a website. a quality site needs three things: vision, content, and a website framework. the vision is the mental plan for the site and should be mapped to the brand you are attempting to create. once you see your site, even roughly, in your mind’s eye, you can start to assemble the graphics and text that will make up the content. finally, to get it all online, most authors will utilize some web development framework to simplify the actual development process. wordpress is one of the most popular web development frameworks. it’s easy to install, well supported, feature rich, and with a little guidance, easy to use. this class will give you the wordpress skills you need to bring your site to life with your own vision and content. lectures will be presented using videos and email discussions. lectures are through our yahoo classroom group and pat will provide the link to the videos for the students. the course will include the following: • wordpress and its place in the web development world • obtaining a domain name and a wordpress enabled host • Determining when to use posts and when to use pages • creating a blog or brochure style site • assembling pages • adding images, text, and other media content • editing images (only basics) • obtaining and installing wordpress plugins • linking pages and creating navigation • establishing a standard site look with themes • backing up your site about the instructor: after four years in the usMc, pat haggerty studied actuarial science and computers at georgia state university. he has spent the last 16+ years developing and delivering technical training courses for learning tree international and runs a successful consulting practice doing web application development for clients ranging from the united state Marines to Delta airlines. seven years ago, stuck reading a mediocre book in yet another hotel, pat decided to try his hand at fiction. he may not be published, but these days you are much more likely to find him spending his evenings writing romance than code. patrick is an active member of rwa, rwaustralia, rwnew zealand, and is president for gcrwa, and oirwa. ........................................................................................................

30th annual pennwriters conference May 19-21 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott ........................................................................................................

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

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Pennwriters Online Courses: Summer 2017 June 5-30, 2017

the common thread: writing the archetypal story instructor: Val Muller cost: $49 course Description: students will take a look at the archetypal journey with a brief glance into Joseph campbell’s monomyth as well as carl Jung’s archetypal personas in order to examine the common elements that run through all human tales and bring us comfort through patterns we recognize, even if subconsciously. students will then apply these principles to their writing (students can choose fiction and/or nonfiction), with the option of revising current works in progress or creating new pieces. the class will include personalized instructor feedback on their writing. about the instructor: Val Muller is the author of the corgi capers mystery series for kids. she has written dozens of short stories and has had numerous submissions published by chicken soup for the soul. her horror novel, faulkner’s apprentice, was just released with crowded Quarantine publications, and the first book in her young adult supernatural trilogy, the Man with the crystal ankh, is scheduled for publication with world castle publications. right out of college, Val wrote travel articles for lancaster, berks, and chester county business2business magazines. she then moved to teaching so she could devote her summers to novel writing. she currently teaches high school english and creative writing and offers workshops to everyone from elementary kids to adults. she’s the editor at freedom forge press and maintains a blog, where she posts original flash fiction and book reviews weekly. you can find out more about Val at www.ValMuller.com and www.corgicapers.com. ........................................................................................................

July 3-28, 2017

what’s a tweet and why should i care? Diving Deep into social Marketing instructor: Jessie Clever cost: $49 course Description: you’ve signed up for facebook, posted a picture of your dog, and your friends liked it. now what? with the ever-changing world of social media, it can be intimidating and confusing when deciding what works best for your author platform. in this workshop, we will explore the intricacies of social media, how social media outlets work in concert, and what authors can do to build meaningful relationships with influencers and readers. take-aways from this workshop include: • in-depth look at the social marketing pyramid • understanding how social media outlets work together

• concrete study of the big social media outlets and what content works best on each • how to develop your author social media platform • how to construct a social marketing plan that will save authors time and show real results about the instructor: Jessie clever always wanted to be a writer. then she found out you had to market your books. while she went on to write the bestselling regency romance spy series, Jessie kept to the practical course and earned her Mba with a concentration in marketing, gaining hands-on experience in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to multi-channel international retailers. she now uses her knowledge and experience to help authors expand their readership and deepen the loyalty of their readers. connect with Jessie at www.jessieclever.com. ........................................................................................................

august 1-31, 2017

scrivener with pat haggerty cost: $49 course Description: as writers, we’ve all spent time hunched over a keyboard trying to get our thoughts into a word processor. word processors such as word and pages are fine when it comes to writing fiction, but their focus is much more on processing your words (layout, font, headers, footers, etc.) than on the creative process. enter scrivener. scrivener is the premier application for the creation of novels, novellas, and like works. it allows you to focus on getting your story written while helping you integrate your research, planning, writing, etc., all into one tool. this course will teach you, the writer, how to best use scrivener—for everything from planning your scenes to generating output for your publisher. lectures will be presented using recorded videos, so you can hear and see your instructor explain and demonstrate everything you need to become effective with scrivener. each lecture will be announced through the email list and will be accompanied by a brief timeline. students will then be able to use the same list to ask questions, discuss lectures, etc. lectures will be given on both Mac and windows versions of scrivener whenever necessary. course outline: I opened Scrivener, and it is absolutely nothing like Word. • why that’s a good thing • getting around the interface • learning enough to get writing now • starting a new novel • editing basics I can’t just start writing. I need to plan first. • capturing your plan and synopsis • setting up the corkboard • using and organizing notecards • outlining next page

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

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Pennwriters Online Courses: Fall/Winter I need to get my chapters and scenes organized, my way. • organizing and reorganizing with the binder • creating parts, chapters, and scenes • sorting things the way you want • Mapping into a template • editing options and views Whew, my book is ready. Now how do I get it out? • compiling to the final output • controlling formatting • compiling to pDf • compiling for kindle • revisiting the template and formatting options I’ve lost work before, and now I’m paranoid. How can Scrivener help? • configuring scrivener’s automated backup • backing up to the cloud (Dropbox) automatically about the instructor: after four years in the usMc, pat haggerty studied actuarial science and computers at georgia state university. he has spent the last 16+ years developing and delivering technical training courses for learning tree international and runs a successful consulting practice doing web application development for clients ranging from the united state Marines to Delta airlines. seven years ago, stuck reading a mediocre book in yet another hotel, pat decided to try his hand at fiction. he may not be published, but these days you are much more likely to find him spending his evenings writing romance than code. patrick is an active member of rwa, rwaustralia, rwnew zealand, and is president for gcrwa and oirwa. ........................................................................................................

septeMber 4-29, 2017

creating narrative tension instructor: Bill Johnson cost: $49 course Description: narrative tension needs to weave through every aspect of a story to sustain the interest of an audience. a story that lacks narrative tension is un-engaging. readers must be drawn in. they should feel tension over the course of a story, which will make them want to experience the relief offered by a story’s resolution and fulfillment. to create this tension, something of interest has to be set in motion. for example, a storyteller might set in motion an issue revolving around redemption. because a story’s audience already has feelings and thoughts about redemption, through how a story resolves and fulfills its events, readers can experience a relief from their own unresolved feelings about redemption, or have their feelings about it validated.

about the instructor: bill Johnson is a produced playwright and optioned screenwriter who has read manuscript submissions for a literary agent. he is the author of a story is a proMise anD the spirit of storytelling, a workbook that explores how to create dramatic, engaging stories. he’s the webmaster of essays on the craft of Dramatic writing (www.storyispromise.com), a site that explores the principles of storytelling through reviews of popular movies, books and plays. bill has led workshops on writing around the united states, including the southern california writing conference, write on the sound conference, and the expo screenwriting conference in los angeles. ........................................................................................................

october 2017

four one-week classes with pat haggerty cost: $49 perfecting the look of your wordpress site with css; effective writing with scrivener for ipad; advanced scrivener compile settings, complex story timelining with aeon timeline. ........................................................................................................

noVeMber 6-30, 2017

getting results from your author newsletter instructor: Jessie Clever cost: $49 course Description: every author needs a newsletter and an email list of readers. but where do you even start? and how do you build your list? newsletters are a dynamic vehicle for communicating with readers between books—and selling books when published— but your newsletter is only as good as its content. find out how and where to launch your newsletter, how to add value, and how to develop rapport with readers and keep them interested. about the instructor: Jessie clever always wanted to be a writer. then she found out you had to market your books. while she went on to write the bestselling regency romance spy series, Jessie kept to the practical course and earned her Mba with a concentration in marketing, gaining hands-on experience in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to multi-channel international retailers. she now uses her knowledge and experience to help authors expand their readership and deepen the loyalty of their readers. connect with Jessie at www.jessieclever.com. ........................................................................................................

Pauline Drozeski, Pennwriters Internet Activities & Online Courses Coordinator, has assembled this schedule of courses for 2017. To reach her with suggestions for upcoming courses, email her at OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Market News

coluMn #118

by JiM lee, area 4, associate eDitor, Market reports

In keeping with this issue’s theme, this column is heavily loaded with various SF/F/H-oriented writing opportunities. But before we focus on those worthy genres, how about a few items for those otherwise inclined? cQ amateur radio Magazine is for people interested in amateur/ham radio. they pay $40/published page for nonfiction articles. they accept queries by email (preferred) sent to cq@cq-amateur-radio.com or by mail to cQ amateur radio, 17 west John st., hicksville, ny 11801. www.cq-amateur-radio.com parachutist is aimed at sky-diving enthusiasts. they need articles (1,000-1,500 wds) and photos concerning the sport/hobby. they pay, but amount is not listed, check out their guides then submit by email (communications@uspa.org) or mail a disk (some people still use them, apparently) to parachutist, attn.: Managing editor, 5401 southpoint center blvd., fredericksburg, Va 22407. www.parachutistonline.com catholic Digest is a lifestyle magazine based on catholic church teachings, appearing 9 times/yr. feature articles (around 1,500 wds) pay up to $500. they want queries strongly focused on topics with national appeal (suggested subjects listed on their guideline page). www.catholicdigest.com/writers_guidelines.html yes! Magazine needs nonfiction that examines “the roots of our deepest ecological, social and political problems” and offers solutions. they pay about 25 cents/wd, but exact amounts will be negotiated. they are looking for articles 1,000-2,500 wds, sidebars 100-250 wds, opinion/commentary pieces 500 wds, and short review pieces, 200-1,000 wds. they publish material both online and in print, but note they use a creative commons approach to spread this info as widely as possible (so work might be reprinted by anyone who wants to, without additional payment). electronic subs are preferred, but check their guides to see all your options and other data. www.yesmagazine.org/about/writers-guidelines-submissions how is a magazine for graphic designers and is 75% freelance written. they want articles about all aspects of working in that field. they take 1st rights, including online and foreign. columns run about 1,200 wds; feature articles 1,500-2,000. pay range is $250-800 (depending on complexity of the subject and author experience), and they offer 20% kill fees if publication of an accepted article is cancelled. they accept subs by mail or email, but for more info visit www.howdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/writersguidelines.pdf.

rodale’s organic life is all about living naturally in the modern world. base pay is 25 cents/wd for online posts; $1/wd for print publication (exact amount is negotiable). check them out at www.rodalesorganiclife.com/content/work-us then send a pitch. include info on available photos. incidentally, this is a pa-based outfit. (emmanus, pa to be exact). as always, chicken soup for the soul has a wide variety of anthologies being assembled. check out www.chickensoup.com/story-submission/submit-your-story to learn what they’re looking for. they pay nicely for both prose and poetry. Now, to markets interested entirely or mostly in the various forms of Speculative Fiction, beginning with the magazines... the bad news is that fiction silicon Valley (listed last time) and fantastic stories of the imagination are both out of business. Meanwhile, analog: science fiction/science fact and asimov’s, two long-lived and respected pro print mags, have gone to bimonthly publication. both have increased their page counts, so they end up publishing as much material as when they were monthlies. guidelines can be found at www.analogsf.com/contact-us/writers-guidelines/ and www.asimovs.com/contact-us/writers-guidelines. on the other hand, beneath ceaseless skies is now an irregular online publication (no set frequency of publication). this may or may not be cause for concern about the ’zine’s health. scott h. andrews is still the publisher/editor, and he’s still looking for fantasy stories (imaginary world ones, specifically). pay remains 6 cents/wd, and now he’s accepting works of up to 11,000 wds. no reprints. guides are online at www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/submissions/. send stories to submissions@beneath-ceaseless-skies.com. aliterate is a biannual, using all manner of literary genre fiction (even westerns, but no erotica) and with a particular fondness for sf/f. they pay 6 cents/wd for stories of 2,750-8,000 wds. note: they do ‘blind submissions’—author’s name/info separate from the ms. they weren’t open for subs when this was written but will re-open this spring. for details, visit https://www.aliterate.org/submit/. Deep Magic e-zine is a bimonthly that styles itself the leader in ‘clean’ sf/f (no swearing, explicit sex or violence). they use fiction up to 40,000 wds but only pay for the first 16,000 wds. new stories get 6-8 cents/wd (up to 16,000 wds, with top pay of $1,060). they will use occasional reprints, paying 2 cents/wd. guides: www.deepmagic.co/submissions/.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities. - Dr. seuss

strange horizons is a weekly sci-fi webzine (with occasional podcasts as well). they use new sf, poetry and nonfiction. limits: 10,000 wds for fiction (under 5,000 preferred); 1,500 for nonfiction; no limit for poetry. pay is 8 cents/wd for fiction ($60 minimum), $80 max for nonfiction, $40 per poem. Visit www.strangehorizons.com/submit for info and to access the submission manager near the bottom of the page. they now reset the manager every Monday after a certain number of subs come in, so if they say they’re full and not accepting more, just return the next week and try again. the weekly websize cosmic roots & eldritch shores has more limited reading periods. next are March 21-28 and June 21-28. they use all sorts of sf/f fiction. 1,000 wds is the minimum. no max listed. pay is 6 cents/wd for new. reprints get 2 cents/wd. they also use some nonfiction, but no extreme horror. www.cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/submissions/ a magazine aimed at ya readers (age 14-24), cicada recently had big changes to their guides. the bimonthly now wants literary realism, sf/f and historical fiction—plus certain themes that change from issue to issue. editor in chief Marianne carus wants fiction to 9,000 wds, nonfiction to 5,000, and poetry (no length limit). new prose earns up to 25 cents/wd, poetry $3/line—while reprints get lesser rates. they want short pitches (sent to cicada@cricketmedia.com) then return to their guideline page to use their submittable link: www.cricketmedia.com/cicada.submission-guidelines. smaller markets like Mythic Magazine pay less than the above, but the competition may not be as intense for newer writers. in this case, this quarterly of sf/f uses new stories, 2,0008,000 wds and pays a $40 flat fee. they also use nonfiction. (no pay listed for that.) their next reading period opens april 1. www.mythicmag.com/p/submissions.html occult Detective Quarterly pays 1 cent/wd for new and a $25 flat fee for reprint fiction. 3,000-5,500 wds. they publish in both print and e-zine formats. Visit www.greydogtales.com. the gathering storm pays $25 for each story (2,000 max). this sf/f/h market wants exciting conflict above all else. www.gatheringstormmagazine.com/guidelines/

Now, on to book publishers, beginning with anthologies... problem Daughters will be a print and ebook anthology from futurefire.net publishing. they’re looking for new sf/f to 7,500 wds and poetry to 60 lines. pay is 6 cents/wd ($100 flat fee for poems), and the co-editors want feminist-oriented genre stories about women “sometimes excluded from mainstream feminism.” for a clearer idea what they’re after, check www.press.futurefire.net/p/problem-daughters.html. attach subs and email problemdaughters@gmail.com. get cracking—deadline here is March 31! alice unbound has a May 31 deadline. editor colleen anderson and exile editions want original sf/f/h, mostly set in today or the near-future that portray new adventures of various lewis carroll characters. 2,000-5,000 wds. pay is 5 cents/wd. Visit https://colleenanderson.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/aliceunbound-call-for-submissions and click on the submittable button at the bottom to contribute a story. And now, some book-length genre opportunities... Daw books and Dial books for young readers are both owned by the penguin group. they’re also among the few big-time genre publishers that don’t require that submissions come from agents. Daw uses sf/f novels, 80,000 wds and up. they pay “industry standard advances and royalties.” Dial does hardcover books in most genres for kids of all ages up to ya. check their guides at www.penguin.com/meet/publishers/daw/ or www.penguin.com/meet/publishers/dialbooksforyoungreaders/. fablecroft publishing is an australian company that does print and electronic books for kids, from middle grades to ya. they do sf, but no dystopia. they pay advances and royalties on books 20,000-60,000 wds. for details, including whether they’re open to subs: www.fablecroft.com/au/submissions. lyrical press is an imprint of kensington books. they do a full range of romance/erotica titles, including steampunk sf and urban f, 20,000-100,000 wds. no advances. royalty is 40% of cover price, and they release as both e-books and poD editions. info and submittable button can be found at www.ekensingtonbook.com/page.aspx/lyricalsubmissions. Information from Ralan.com, FreedomWithWriting.com, Facebook’s Open Calls Pages, and my research. To submit market tips/leads email jimlee.author@gmail.com.

the penn writer • March/april 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

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e Mission of Pennwriters Inc. is to help writers of all levels, from the novice to the award-winning and multipublished, improve and succeed in their craft. Pennwriters, a not-for-proﬁt organization of more than 390 members from Pennsylvania and beyond, was established in 1988 as a networking organization for published and aspiring writers of all genres. e group oﬀers an annual three-day writers conference and area events and has a strong internet presence, with email groups, online classes and social networks. Authors who meet set criteria are granted Published Author status. For more information about Pennwriters and its members, visit www.pennwriters.org or contact Hilary Hauck at President@pennwriters.org.

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