Penn Writer Newsletter May/June 2017 by The Penn Writer

the

the Newsletter of PeNNwriters iNc. MAY/JUNe 2017 • Vol. XXV No. 3

WrITer’S TOOLBOx: Tools of the Trade www.acronymfinder.com With more than 565,000 human-edited entries, Acronym Finder is the world’s largest and most comprehensive dictionary of acronyms, abbreviations, and initials.

www.urbandictionary.com Urban Dictionary will help you keep up to date with the latest slang. Look up the meaning of hundreds of words you won’t find in the regular dictionary. (Adult content!)

Arts & Humanities Dictionary http://dictionary.babylon-software.com/arts Through this dictionary, you can find the definition of hundreds of terms related to the arts and humanities.

Answers.com An encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, and almanac.

www.Dictionary.com Use a dictionary or thesaurus, translate words, or look up quotes and other information on this multi-purpose site. Glossary of Poetic Terms: http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0072405228/stu dent_view0/poetic_glossary.html If you’re ever unclear on the meaning of a poetic term, head to this glossary from McGraw-Hill for some illumination. www.medilexicon.com MediLexicon is a comprehensive dictionary of medical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and health care abbreviations and acronyms. www.onelook.com More than 5 million words in more than 900 online dictionaries are indexed by the OneLook search engine so you can find, define, and translate words all at one site. www.rhymezone.com Whether you’re writing poetry, songs, or something else entirely, you can get help with rhyming on this site. www.Symbols.com Want to use symbolism in your writing or analyze it in a famous work? Symbols.com can help, with more than 1,600 articles about thousands of signs from Western cultural history. www.TechTerms.com If you’re not a tech professional, chances are that you might find yourself more than a little confused about certain terms. Don’t be. Look them up in this dictionary.

ePodunk.com provides in-depth information about more than 46,000 communities in the U.S. through maps, cemetery listings, and even local newspapers. http://www.ipl.org Internet Public Library is an online library full of resources that are free, from newspaper and magazine articles to special collections. https://www.loc.gov The Library of Congress has millions of primary documents in its archives, many of which are accessible right from the website. www.naco.org If the information you’re looking for is at the county level, this website is one of the easiest places to begin looking for it, with information on everything from county representatives to local events. The Old Farmer’s Almanac - www.almanac.com This classic almanac offers yearly information on astronomical events, weather conditions and forecasts, recipes, and gardening tips. State Health Facts - http://kff.org/statedata/ Kaiser Family Foundation provides this database, full of health facts on a state-by-state basis that address everything from medicare to women’s health. U.S. Census Bureau - www.census.gov Learn more about the trends and demographics of America with information drawn from the Census Bureau. All courtesy of OEDB.org, a treasure trove of information:

http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/150-writing-resources/

President’s Column irty years ago, Nancy Martin and Susan Anderson were living in Indiana, Pa., feeling isolated from other writers. ey wanted to start a writers group where they could sit and talk about writing and career stuff. e Internet did not yet exist, and information was hard to find. Using snail mail, they brought together the few contacts they had, and soon created a core group. With a team effort and a determined mission to bring writers together, they created Pennwriters. e organization has evolved over the past three decades—keeping pace with enormous changes in the publishing industry, developing in line with technology, and rotating its leadership—but the spirit of the founding group remains. Pennwriters is a safe place for its members. It is supportive, inclusive, and very serious about its mission to help writers of all levels. hilary hauck, Area 4 PresiDeNt

2017 Newsletter Themes and Submission Deadlines 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

For the “Making Milestones” event, the 30th Annual Pennwriters Conference, it is only fitting that Nancy Martin is hosting a special anniversary luncheon bringing Published Penns and general attendees together. I thank Nancy and the other pioneers who built Pennwriters. It’s impossible for many of us to quantify how much we’ve benefited from the organization. At the annual conference, the Pennwriters Annual Meeting will be held over breakfast at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 20. You are invited to sit with members from your Area. Some elected officers will take office at the Meeting, namely Secretary, Susan Gourley; Area 2 Rep, Mark Boerma; Area 4 Rep, Denise Weaver; and Area 6 Rep, Suzanne Mattaboni. I thank them all for their dedication, and I also thank Dave Freas and Mark Boerma for organizing the ballot. Votes were also cast for the Meritorious Service Award. I’m grateful to the four worthy candidates who have contributed so very much over the years. You are all winners to me. e results of the 2017 Pennwriters Annual Contest will also be announced at the breakfast. Results will be published on our website and Facebook page. e Pennwriters board meeting is scheduled for 7 pm, ursday, May 18, in Salon A at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Please contact me if you are interested in attending. If you haven’t yet registered for the conference, visit http://bit.ly/2l7oOos. Registration is open through May 8. A late registration option will be available. Details will be online at www.pennwriters.org. Of course, we have many members who won’t be attending the conference. We will miss you, but we didn’t forget about you. We have conducted interviews 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 • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

with Conference speakers, faculty and special guests, and we made sure to include some questions about tips and resources everyone can add to their Writer’s Toolbox. Interviews are posted at pennwriters.org/2017-conference-interviews/. is month’s newsletter theme of the Writer’s Toolbox ties perfectly with our mission. e sheer quantity of information about the craft of writing, about the path to publication, marketing, and a multitude of other aspects in this rapidly changing industry makes it more vital than ever for us to share our knowledge. I place enormous importance on the writing community as a knowledge sharing resource. Community is also a support system. Fellow writers provide encouragement, and they understand hurdles and successes with more clarity than even the most enthusiastic and well-meaning loved one. is spirit of community was apparent at the recent Area 7 one-day miniconference organized by Vice President Bobbi Carducci, held in Leesburg, Virginia. e schedule of workshops provided heaps of information on many aspects of writing. It was wonderful to see old friends and to meet some members for the ﬁrst time. e day was a success on all levels. I leave you with a parting thought. Using all the tools in your Writer’s Toolbox— community, books, set writing times, among others, there are many opportunities to learn the rules of craft. Once you know what they are, remember to allow yourself ﬂexibility in how you use them. e only two rules you must always follow are to edit and to proofread. Beyond these, be creative, be bold. Never forget that you are the only one who can write your story. 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 2018 Conference Coordinators Leslie Tobin Smeltz, 610-737-3288 Malissa Close ConferenceCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Public Relations Chair Leslie Tobin Smeltz, 610-737-3288 PublicRelations@Pennwriters.org Bylaws Chair Jean Jenkins, 814-774-0557 BylawsChair@Pennwriters.org

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.

Pennwriters Areas Map

Internet Activities & Online Courses Coordinator Pauline Drozeski, 814-392-8819 OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Pennwriters Presents Coordinator Denise Weaver, 814-442-4876 PennwritersPresents@Pennwriters.org Election Chair 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 610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 Area7Rep@Pennwriters.org

All areas outside of Pennsylvania are Area 7 the PeNN writer • May/June 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 3 Wende Dikec’s newest book, a young adult novel called THe BODYGUARD, was released May 2. One reviewer called it “A fresh and exciting new take on the Wonder Woman legend.” Available now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other major retailers. Visit www.wendedikec.com.

Area 1 Judy Ann Davis’s latest novel, FOUR WHITe ROSeS, will be published in print and digital by e Wild Rose Press on May 17. e contemporary romantic mystery has a paranormal twist. Visit www.judyanndavis.com and www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com to ﬁnd out if a wily old ghost can help two fractured hearts ﬁnd love again.

Area 3 Tamara Girardi signed with literary agent Melissa Nasson of Rubin Pfeﬀer Content in December. Tamara’s young adult contemporary novel, GRIDIRON GIRL, about a girl who competes against her boyfriend to be the starting quarterback of the high school football team, was featured as part of the popular Pitch Wars contest. Melissa requested the manuscript during the contest’s Agent Round. Tamara will share her Pitch Wars experience at the 2017 Pennwriters Conference as part of the session “Going into Battle: Pitch Wars and Other Online Pitch Contests.” You can follow her on Twitter @TamaraGirardi and Facebook: fb.me/tamaragirardiauthor.

Area 5 Sherry Knowlton’s DeAD OF SPRING, the third in her Alexa Williams suspense series, was published in April by Sunbury Press. A dead senator, an environmental crisis, a political showdown. Attorney Alexa Williams runs afoul of the fracking industry in this suspenseful tale of corruption and runaway greed. Disappointed with romance, Alexa teams with a handsome, married environmentalist to ﬁnd justice for a dying child. Alexa soon discovers that the quest has placed her on a collision course with danger. Mixing feminism, history, romance, and fast-paced thrills, DeAD of Spring rockets from the halls of pennsylvania government, to the drilling ﬁelds of the Marcellus Shale, to the 1979 ree Mile island nuclear disaster. Hang on for the ride. Visit her online at www.sherryknowlton.com.

Area 4 Jim Lee’s review article has been accepted for the fourth issue of the horror magazine SKELIOS, coming out this summer. He also sold reprint rights to a short story and a poem to the supernatural horror magazine Bloodbond (Alban Lake Publishing) for their November 2017 issue. “Unnatural Balances,” a story involving ﬂesh-eating ghouls ‘thinning the herd’ of over-populated vampires (who in turn are preying on regular mortals) puts a supernatural spin on ideas related to the ‘balance of nature.’ To learn more, visit his author page: www.amazon.com/author/leejim.

Area 1 Catherine E. McLean recently published her nonﬁction guidebook ReVISION IS A PROCeSS - HOW TO TAke THe FRUSTRATION OUT OF SeLFeDITING. It explains how writers and authors can use a 12-step process to eliminate the most common and chronic maladies of writing genre ﬁction—ones that prevent readers from thoroughly enjoying a story. e book includes secrets, tips, practical advice, how-tos, and why tos.

Area 4 Tanya Schleiden’s story “Travels with Rocky” appears in CHICkeN SOUP FOR THe SOUL: MILITARY FAMILIeS, on sale May 9, 2017. One of 101 stories, “Travels with Rocky” tells of a Saint Bernard’s travel adventures from Italy to South Dakota as he accompanied Tanya’s daughter and son-in-law on their assignments as members of the United States Air Force. Tanya also had “A Snow Prayer” published in the March issue of Country Extra magazine.

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

“One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more.” -Washington Irving 4

the PeNN writer • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

the PeNN PrActice • colUMN #8 • bY fritze roberts, AreA 1

this article gives you two simple movements that anyone can do to clear their mind in preparation for a writing session. this is not exercise and it does not require good balance. try these mindful movements to prepare for your next writing session. Does this happen to you? It’s the end of the day. You’re tired, but you told yourself you’d write every day, so you sit in your writing space and stare at the blank page. A million thoughts race through your head, and none of them relate to your characters or the sticky plot you’ve devised for them. Many people have a hard time writing because the distractions of everyday life are often overwhelming. even if they carve out time to write each day, they have difficulty focusing. Yoga to the rescue! Why it works Did you know that most yoga poses were purposely designed to be awkward? The story goes that ancient Indian monks found it difficult to quiet their minds during meditation. The mental chatter of to-do lists and mundane worries distracted them from their spiritual path. Yoga was developed as a sequence of movements to perform in preparation for meditation. The idea is that putting your body into awkward or unfamiliar poses requires focus. That focus on the physical body drives out the chatter, leaving your mind clear and ready for meditation, or in our case, writing. What to do Stand in your writing space and press your palms together in front of your heart. Close your eyes and tell yourself “I am a writer.” Open your eyes, and plant your feet hipdistance apart. Don’t worry about posture—just stand comfortably. Drop your hands to your sides and turn your torso right and left, back and forth, in a gentle movement. Allow your gaze to drift over what is in front of you without thinking about it. Continue this motion for 30-60 seconds. DO NOT: • force yourself to twist as far as you can • go so fast you’re slinging your arms around DO: • keep your eyes open • remember to breathe naturally Next, end the motion and come back to center, facing forward. Feel the connection between your feet and the floor below you. Then, raise your arms up into a wide V with palms facing up. Imagine you are a statue holding up a giant platter as an offering to the sky. Allow your gaze to drift up the wall in front of you. Try not to focus on anything you see. Just keep a blank stare. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds. Finally, lower your hands and press your palms together in front of your heart again. Take a moment to thank yourself for making time to write. Then sit down and put words on the page!

Free Picture: Yoga GirlID: 4399874 ©Seema_illustrator Dreamstime Stock Photos

Yoga & Mindful Movements for Your Writing Flow

Modifications If you have trouble standing or have severe balance issues, these movements can be done while seated. Remember to make small, slow movements. If you have back pain or injuries, do not twist. Instead, try standing on one foot for 15 seconds, then switch sides. If you have shoulder, arm or back injuries, do not raise your arms above your head. Instead, hold them straight out in front of you with palms facing up. Be mindful of any physical limitations and act accordingly. As these movements become familiar, you may need to change your practice. Remember, we are doing something new to force our minds to focus. Try adding standing on one foot in between the two movements, or look up a beginner yoga sequence for grounding on YouTube. Pick one that’s just a few minutes, so you still have time to write. Next Steps If you haven’t tried yoga or meditation before, you might want to. The practice of calming your mind has profound benefits. Practicing (at any time of day) can make it easier to concentrate. I find it easiest to meditate early in the morning, before caffeine amps up the mental chatter. This morning practice has effect throughout my day: I am able to concentrate on writing and fall asleep more easily on days that I do yoga and sit for a few minutes of morning meditation. Give it a try! Fritze Roberts is an active member of Pennwriters Area 1. 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 workshop at the Pennwriters Conference later this month:

forging Ahead: how to turn an hour a Day into a lot of words with fritze roberts writing every day is the best way to get words on the page and see them accumulate into a finished draft. in this workshop we’ll examine the science behind changing habits and learn tips for establishing a daily writing practice. we’ll look at how to overcome obstacles and quit procrastinating so that we all can become the successful authors we dream of being. (Sunday, May 21, 9-10 a.m.) Explore this topic of mindfulness and meditation in the special pre-workshop meditation at the Pennwriters Conference with Madhu B. Wangu, the founder and leader of the Area 3 Mindful Writers groups: writing Meditation with Madhu b. wangu Affect the quality of your day and add an effective skill to your writing practice. learn the power and magic of writing Meditation. this guided meditation will teach you how to remove blocks and infuse your writing with intuitive ideas and insights. (Sunday, May 21, 8:15-8:45 a.m.)

the PeNN writer • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Pennwriters Area 7 Writers Project Runway Recap

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

e ird Annual Pennwriters Area 7 oneday mini-conference, Writers Project Runway, was held April 1 in Leesburg, Virginia, and featured a packed program of informative workshops on the craft and business of writing. Workshop leaders included John DeDakis, author of BULLeT IN THe CHAMBeR, who outlined a practical plan for writing a novel and getting it published, and photojournalist Doug Graham, who talked about elevating stories using photography. Attendees shared good feedback, commenting about the quality of workshops and on the positive and encouraging atmosphere at the event. Remarks included: u “each of the speakers i listened to today seemed

Ami Neiberger-Miller

Danielle Nadler

Demi Stevens

Douglas Graham

Elizabeth (Betsy) Allen

genuinely interested in helping other writers be successful. So nice to be surrounded by positive people. Appreciate the variety of topics. really nice venue.” u “i learned so much!!!” u “excellent presenters! excellent organization.

good job all the way around.” John DeDakis

Lisa Coburn

Sandra Tritt

Tracee Garner

Vicki Fisher

u “now i know i can do this!”

Perspective “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you’ll be a success.” -Albert Scnweitzer 6

the PeNN writer • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 1

Area 3

todd Main • Area 1 representative 814-459-8752 • Area1rep@Pennwriters.org

stephanie claypool • Area 3 representative Area3rep@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.

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.

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.

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.

Pennwriters Online Courses

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.

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. the group is currently full but keeping a wait list. we welcome anyone, published or not. Please contact barb D’souza at barbrett@verizon.net. New! cranberry township/beaver critique Group we are a small group focused on fiction, mainly novels. the meeting rotates between the cranberry library and the beaver library, meeting every other saturday at 10 am. for more information or to join, contact Amy wagner at amywagner00@gmail.com

JUNe 5-30, 2017 the common thread: writing the Archetypal story instructor: Val Muller JUlY 3-28, 2017 what’s a tweet and why should i care? Diving Deep into social Marketing instructor: Jessie Clever

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.

critique Group North Group is full, but interested writers may submit their names for the waiting list. Meetings were held 2nd thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including time for lunch) at the now-closed King’s restaurant at the wexford exit of i-79. for new location information and other details, contact MaryAlice at maryalicemeli@yahoo.com.

Area 2

AUGUst 1-31, 2017 scrivener with Pat haggerty

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.

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 • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 4

Area 6

tanya schleiden • Area 4 representative Area4rep@Pennwriters.org

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.

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. Nittany Valley writers Network: social meets 4th tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Autoport (1405 s. Atherton st.).

Area 5

Area 7 terry friedman • Area 7 representative 610-331-2558 • Area7rep@Pennwriters.org 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.

The 3 S Sales Pitch Model: Situation. Surprise. Support.

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.

Based on a concept created by public relations expert Bill Stoller, this model can be used for press releases, articles, and marketing. You write the first sentence to present the Situation, the second sentence to Surprise your audience, and the last sentence to Support the first two. Try to use support from an expert or objective source. This model produces a paragraph of material that can be good for book jackets, bio and about-me pages, direct mail, advertising copy, or even submissions to editors/media. Study how this works for Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi: “An enlightening story about a guy stranded at sea on a lifeboat. With a tiger on board. Life of Pi is a surprising tale the Library Venue said should be required reading for every student of life, young and old.” -from Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize Your Promotions for Bestseller Results by Dr. Nate hardy, Area 6. www.PlussignProductions.org

Social Media If your favorite authors are living today, there is an excellent chance that they are involved in social media to build readership and stay connected with fans. Join Twitter and do a search and follow. Learn about your favorite authors’ creative lives and engage in online discussions. They may even Tweet you back!

the PeNN writer • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Market News

colUMN #119

bY JiM lee, AreA 4, AssociAte eDitor, MArKet rePorts

So now you’ve stocked your Writer’s Toolbox with all sorts of good, fresh ideas. Soon you’ll be ready to submit the resulting stories, articles, poems and full-length books—right? Okay, great. So here are a few more places to submit to, beginning with some book-length markets...

2½ cents/line. each issue has a theme to which all submissions must comply and specific submission windows (June 1-15 is the next one). if you submit outside the proper dates or theme, your sub will be rejected. for required info and details, visit www.selenequarterly.com/index.php/submissions/.

Parvus Press is a new small press producing science fiction and fantasy novels. right now they apparently do digital-only books. As of this writing, they’ve published one book, with two more being prepared for release. they need sf novels, 70,000 words and up; epic fantasy novels 90,000 wds and longer. Unlike many smaller publishers, they do offer advances on royalties (so you’re guaranteed money upfront). Amounts range from $1,000 to $3,500. info: www.parvuspress.com/submissions/.

the forge is a magazine interested in literary excellence (not any particular genre). they also use some nonfiction. Accepted work to 3,000 wds max earns $25-50. for guidelines and to submit via their online submission manager, visit www.forgelitmag.com/flm/submit/.

cactus Moon books puts out novels and nonfiction books through three imprints. one covers spirituality and paranormal themes. the second is aimed at children and the YA market. the third imprint is all nonfiction, with books on political, historical, wellness and health themes. they usually produce books in paperback and ebook forms but occasionally also do hardcovers and audio books. they look for “unique books that spark curiosity and stimulate the reader’s imagination.” i found no mention of what they pay in their guides (www.cactusmoonpublishing.com/submissions.html), so i assume that means they offer royalties but no advance. this is typical with smaller press operations. As always, don’t sign anything (here or anywhere else) without getting the full lowdown on what you’re committing yourself to. A small press in New england, level best books, has been putting out crime fiction anthologies for several years. Now they’re also looking for full-length crime novels. info: www.levelbestbooks.com/submissions/submissions-novels/.

candlemark & Gleam Publishing is a small press that puts out sf/f novels (65,000 wds and up). like many smaller operations (see above), it’s a royalties/profit sharing only situation with no advances. they’ve just added a new imprint: the reckless. this imprint will do sf/f novelettes and novellas as stand-alone books (12,000-42,000 wds). Guides: www.candlemarkandgleam.com/about/submissions-2/. Turning to shorter pieces of writing, here are some fiction-oriented markets…. selene Quarterly Magazine is a new print and e-zine publication. editor elizabeth o. smith wants unpublished action-adventure, mystery and romance fiction (speculative fiction elements are okay), ranging from 100-10,000 wds. they also take related nonfiction (5,000 wds max) and poetry (100 lines max). Pay is 3 cents/wd for fiction (except VerY short pieces, where they’ll pay 6 cents/wd); between $15-35 for nonfiction; poems get

red room is a new semi-annual print & electronic magazine of extreme horror fiction from comet Press. editor cheryl Mullenax is using fiction and related nonfiction, paying 3 cents/wd up to 4,000 wds for fiction, 1,000 for nonfiction. they will use longer, but pay tops out at the lengths listed. No freelance reprints wanted, so send only new stuff. their first issue is scheduled to appear in october 2017, followed by another April 2018. Details: www.cometpress.us/redroom/guidelines/. while not officially dead, Gamut Magazine has indefinitely suspended operation. Abyss & Apex is still in business, but they have enough fiction on hand and are closed to submissions until february 2018. the Pulp horror books of Phobias is an anthology looking for stories (4,000-6,000 wds) that fit the title. Note: your story has to satisfy all these elements: horror written in pulp style, revolving around some sort of phobia. Pay is $50/story, a free digital copy and discounts on additional copies. submission deadline is July 31, but they might fill up early—so send work AsAP. check guides to make sure whichever phobia your story is based around hasn’t already been taken: www.thecrowsinmyattic.com/2017/02/the-pulp-horror-book-ofphobias.html. the Dark Magazine pays 3 cents/wd for horror and dark fantasy fiction, but it doesn’t want extreme gore. (2,000-6,000 wds, new preferred, but reprints okay under certain circumstances) As always, check the guides. send stories attached in .doc or .rtf format to thedarkmagazine@gmail.com. Pay is on acceptance. info: www.thedarkmagazine.com/submission-guidelines/. the Kids’ Ark, a christian children’s magazine, uses fiction (contemporary, historical, science fiction) and nonfiction pieces, 650 wds max, for 6-10-year-olds. Pay is $100 per story. check www.thekidsark.com/guidelines.htm for info, including upcoming issue themes.

the PeNN writer • May/June 2017 • www.pennwriters.org

Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not cliches but real tools you need— no matter what you do in life—to stay focused on your path. - PhilliP sweet

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools. - coNfUciUs

Last but hardly least, here are a variety of possible markets for your short nonfiction... flight Journal focuses on aviation history, but also uses a little current stuff of importance (“history in the making”). in any case, they pay $600 for a full article (2,500-3,000 wds) and pay separately for color photos. they want one-page, outline-style queries which can be sent by email or regular mail. for addresses and other info, visit www.flightjournal.com/contributor-guidelines. Youth today Magazine is read by professionals in various youth service organizations (direct care services, health, juvenile justice, etc.). they pay $150-200 on publication for articles (600-2,500 wds). they buy both 1st and reprint rights. Details: www.youthtoday.org/story-submission/. working Money is one of the investment-focused publications you can learn about by visiting www.technical.trades.com. Draft is a magazine for beer lovers. they want articles on beer, brewery news, trends and ideas—not on the technical aspects of beer production or profile articles. they pay 80 cents/wd. You must query, as they only use pieces that have been assigned. info: www.draftmag.com/submissions. National Geographic traveler wants articles (750-2,500 wds) about interesting destinations both in the Us and elsewhere. Pay varies, but is on acceptance. send queries by mail. Details: www.travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travelermagazine/about-us/writer-guidelines.

American hunter is a magazine of the NrA. Articles on all aspects of hunting. Pay varies according to length, from $500-$1,500. info: www.professionaloutdoormedia.org. Motorcycle consumer News pays on publication for articles (1,000-3,000 wds) on technology, how-to pieces on improvements and modifications to cycles, and on motorcycle travel. info: www.mcnews.com/mcn/McNguidelines.pdf. American educator is a quarterly from the American federation of teachers. they pay $300 minimum per article (1,000-5,000 wds). info: www.aft.org/article-submission-guidelines. Know a lot about wine? want to share your knowledge? the iwA wine blog and website wants to hear from you and maybe pay you $100 for your post. for info, visit: www.blog-iwawine.com/iwa-contributor-guidelines/. reason Magazine covers politics, economics, culture and science from a “broad-minded libertarian viewpoint.” (Nonfiction of 850-5,000 wds. Pay varies.) be sure to query senior editor brian Doherty at submissions@reason.com. (they rarely take unsolicited writing.) info: www.reason.com/submissions/. eastern fly fishing Magazine pays between $75 and $500 for destination-specific articles about fly fishing. (2,000-4,000 wds.) they buy 1st print and digital rights. Photos are very important here, so they usually buy them as package deal with the text. www.matchthehatch.com/easternflyfishing/writersGuidelines

Any doctors of neurology in this audience? Neurology Now calls itself a consumer-friendly publication for people with neurological conditions, their families and caregivers. they pay 75 cents/wd for articles to 3,000 wds max. http://journals.lww.com/neurologynow/pages/default.aspx,

briarpatch Magazine covers current events, political activism, investigative reporting, gender-equality issues, struggles of native peoples, etc. (2,500 wds maximum) Pay ranges between $75225. issues have deadlines and particular themes, so check their guides (www.briarpatchmagazine.com/submissions) then query editor@briarpatchmagazine.com.

A webzine inspired in part by the oldtime Algonquin roundtable of literary lore, the big roundtable pays $100 for personal essays by passionate writers (plus whatever reader donations come in). check their guides at https://thebigroundtable.com.

Information culled from Ralan.com, FreedomWithWriting.com, Facebook’s Open Calls Pages, and Freelance Writing.com. To submit market tips/leads email jimlee.author@gmail.com. Your contributions are always appreciated.

A bimonthly family health and lifestyle magazine with both a vegan and christian slant, Vibrant life pays $100-300 per article. info: www.vibrantlife.com/?page_id=1346. the PeNN writer • May/June 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.

NeXt DeADliNe: JUNe 1 (JUlY/AUGUst issUe) theMe: MYsterY, sUsPeNse & the Art of tAle-telliNG e Penn Writer is published bimonthly. Contact Heather Desuta, newsletter editor, at Newsletter@pennwriters.org. Please share your news, accomplishments, tips, great quotes, book recommendations, etc. Include relevant artwork, photos and book cover images. Word counts—articles: 800 words (1-pg), 1,600 (2-pg). For articles exceeding 1,600 words, contact the editor in advance. Blurb submissions of any length are welcome. Type “PeNN WRITeR SUBMISSION” in the subject line of your email message, and please include your Area number. (See the map on page 3.)