Penn Writer newsletter July/Aug2018 Pennwriters by The Penn Writer

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THE NEWSLETTER Of PENNWRITERS INC. JULy/AUG2018 • VOL. XXVI NO. 4

2018 Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest Winners by D.J. STEVENSON, AREA 3, WRITING CONTEST COORDINATOR

Pennwriters is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2018 Writers Contest. Awards were presented at the Pennwriters Conference in May. Those winners not in attendance received their certificates in the mail. Compliments to all those who took the plunge and entered; it makes the selection process very difficult. I would like to thank the Pennwriters Board of Directors for their continuing support of the contest, the judges for all their hard work and dedication to the contest, and the authors for their participation. Without you, there would be no contest. The following are the top-scoring entries:

NOVEL BEGINNINGS 1st place Jeanne Moran for The Path Divided 2nd place David Bender for Blood of a Kingfisher 3rd place Joy Givens for The Fairest Heart

NONFICTION 1st place Anne Moul for Destination Wedding 2nd place Terry Dawley for Shooting Johnny 3rd place Lisa Tomarelli for The Old Man at the Window

SHORT STORY 1st place David MacPherson for Yoda, the Duck 2nd place Erica Williams for Cici Accepts the Facts 3rd place Jenny Birch for The Birthday Celebration

POETRY 1st place 2nd place 3rd place -

Terry Dawley for Dark Sunglasses on Sunless Days Marc Stewart for Bubbalubba Amanda Span for Concussion 3 (FORGET)

THE PENN WRITER •July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

President’s Column For many, this is time of year for swimming pools, the beach and grill outs. For me, it’s the time of year to ride the wave of Conference motivation and write stories inspired by Conference speakers. The 31st Annual Pennwriters Conference, held May 18-20 in Lancaster, was a resounding success. Many thanks to 018 Conference Coordinators Leslie Tobin Smeltz and Malissa Closethem for the many, many hours they spent on making it such a success, and to their families, who supported them during that busy time. Immense thanks also to the many Chairs and the numerous volunteers—it could not have happened without you. Hilary Hauck, Area 4 PRESIDENT

Our keynotes Gayle Lynds and Wende Dikec were both outstanding— informative, encouraging and funny. Gayle talked about her journey to success, persistence, and being a woman writing in a predominantly male genre. Wende used the star of her blog, Capone the Wonder Dog, to remind us to sit, stay, write, and I still get a chuckle when I think how she equated different breeds of dog to genre writers, including the “literary dog: the cat.”

Kudos, as well, to our amazing workshop presenters. Conference attendees all come seeking knowledge in diverse areas of business and craft, yet they appeared to be united in their feedback—praise, praise and more praise. There was much praise also for the Read & Critique sessions, and for the gracious agents who took pitches. Our Friday Published Penn and Networking speakers both had much to share with attendees about marketing, a hot topic nowadays. Congratulations are also in order for the 2018 Pennwriters Writing Contest winners. See page one for a list of those who placed highest in each category. I also had a lot of fun at the conference’s Saturday night social, but I’m still a little sore at losing all my imaginary money at the black jack table. My favorite part of Conference was, however, as always, catching up with old friends and making new ones. On the subject of old and new friends, it is now time to renew your membership. I hope your Pennwriters membership has brought you value this past year. The board strives year-round to fulfill our mission of helping writers of all levels in the craft and business of writing. You can renew on our website, and while you’re there, take a look at our July online class, Nonfiction Places and Spaces with instructor Vicki Mayk. I’m grateful to have spent this year with you. I like forward to another great one with our writing family.

Pennwrite on! -Hilary

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 ©2018 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 • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Join us next year at the 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference

May 17-19, 2019 Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Friday Evening Keynote

Jessica Strawser Saturday Luncheon keynote

Jason Jack Miller 2019 Conference Coordinators: Hilary Hauck and Pauline Drozeski ConferenceCoordinator@pennwriters.org

Preparations are underway for the 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference. The Conference will be held May 17-19, 2019, at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Co-Coordinators Pauline Drozeski and Hilary Hauck will be accepting workshop proposals now through Sept. 1, 2018. For consideration, please provide a description of your proposed session(s), workshop title(s), and your bio to ConferenceCoordinator@pennwriters.org. Please include “2019 Workshop Proposal” in the subject line of your message. Thank you!

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 2019 Conference Coordinators Pauline Drozeski and Hilary Hauck ConferenceCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Public Relations Chair Leslie Tobin Smeltz PublicRelations@Pennwriters.org Bylaws Chair Jean Jenkins, 814-774-0557 BylawsChair@Pennwriters.org Interim Internet Activities & Online Courses Coordinator Pauline Drozeski, 814-392-8819 OnlineCoordinator@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 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 Coordinator of Area Reps (CAR) Annette Dashofy CAR@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: Denise Weaver Area4Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 5 Rep: Sandra Bush 717-891-6412 Area5Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 6 Rep: Suzanne Mattaboni Area6Rep@Pennwriters.org

PW Areas Map

All areas outside of Pennsylvania are Area 7

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

AREA 7 Rep: Terry Friedman 610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 Area7Rep@Pennwriters.org 3

Pennwriters Member News & Happenings SHARE yOUR NEWS: Email Newsletter@Pennwriters.org with “PennWriter Submission” in the subject line. Please include your Pennwriters Area # in the message. Area 6 Chris Bauer’s JANE’S BABY, a political conspiracy thriller, was released June 1 from Intrigue Publishing. Fiction. Whatever happened to Jane Roe’s baby? In this novel, the real-life Roe v Wade baby is now a woman in her late forties, her identity unknown. Someone wants to reveal her; someone else wants her dead. Tourette’s-aﬄicted K9 bounty hunter Judge Drury, a retired Marine, stands in the way of a religious rights splinter group’s attempt at stacking the Supreme Court via blackmail, murder, arson, sleight of hand, and secret identities. Visit chrisbauerauthor.wordpress.com.

Area 3 Maria Di Borelli (writing as Ria Dimitra) has released her first Christian fantasy novel, HEAVEN’S IRREGuLARS, a follow-up to THE VISCONTI DEVILS. It is available as a paperback from Aventine Press and an e-book from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book features original cover art by Pittsburgh artist John Blumen. To find our more, visit riadimitra.com.

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.

Area 5 Gerry Trust (writing as G.M. Trust) has released a new novel. GARDEN OF LIES is a ’70sera gothic novel. A coed becomes a pawn in a sexual rivalry between two brothers. After a shotgun wedding, her life turns into a surrealistic nightmare. She finds herself falling for her husband’s best friend, but will she risk losing custody of her children to escape an abusive marriage? This is Gerry’s second published novel. Both are available from Amazon.

Area _ Melinda L. Wentzel’s first book was released in February. DELIVERANCE: A SuRVIVAL GuIDE TO PARENTING TWINS is a wildly amusing, in-thetrenches guidebook to surviving Hell Week with twins—only Hell Week lasts for an entire year—the point at which most parents of multiples can finally come up for air. It is a candid and hilarious tale of survival—one that provides advice and amusement for parents in desperate need of salvation (or sedatives)—and an essential field guide for those managing the madness of caring for two babies at once. As one mom put it, “DELIVERANCE should be mandatory reading for all prospective parents of multiples.” A member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Melinda L. Wentzel, aka Planet Mom, is an award winning slice-of-life/ humor columnist and author whose primary objective is to keep mothering real on the page while maintaining some semblance of sanity on the home front. DELIVERANCE available on Amazon and in bookstores. Visit her online at www.melindawentzel.com. THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Happenings The Bucks County Book Festival is a two-day event featuring published authors speaking at various locations in the borough of Doylestown, Pa. Held on October 13 and 14, 2018, the festival gives authors direct access to book lovers from a threestate region and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors. A series of panel discussions will be held under tents on the parking lot just east of the vendor tables. for information about vendor table space, visit www.bucksbookfest.org. for additional information, contact Colleen Dunn, Co-Chair, bucks County book festival at Colleen.bookfest@gmail.com.

“No More Dead Ends” Workshops by CATHERINE E. MCLEAN, AREA 1, SVP GROUP LEADER

This summer, the Shenango Valley Pennwriters (SVP) of Sharon, PA, will host a three-part series on “No More Dead Ends" for genre fiction authors and writers. The series will be held after the SVP’s regular July, August and September business meetings. Each session will focus on a different aspect of storytelling that helps a writer avoid stories that dead-end, go off on tangents, have a minor character take over the story, and so on. All three sessions will include tips, handouts, examples, and information to develop a first draft and marketable product. All writers and authors are welcome. There is no fee for any session, however, an RSVP would be appreciated in order to have enough handouts available. The Shenango Valley Pennwriters meet the third Saturday of each month, from 1-4 p.m., at the Community Library of the Shenango Valley, 11 North Sharpsville Road, Sharon, PA 16146. for more information, contact Catherine E. McLean at catherine@catherineEmclean.com. • July 21: The focus is on what story is and what elements go into a story worth telling. Emphasis is on shortcuts to discovering the protagonist’s and antagonist’s inner core values and how those values play into the conflicts and climax of a story. • August 18: Understanding key plot points before writing ensures a powerful and appropriated climax and resolution. This session deals with plots, master plots, questions and tests for a plot premise, advantages of storyboarding and traditional-untraditional outlining methods—all with the goal of avoiding unresolved or unfinished stories. • September 15: The Project bible is about creating and using only necessary forms, tip sheets, cheat sheets, checkoff lists, and reminders to generate a far better story and a complete story from beginning to end. (bring index cards or a laptop to create a Project bible format.)

Pennwriters Online Courses

www.pennwriters.org

Visit www.pennwriters.org for more information and to register for courses. For additional information or suggestions about upcoming courses, email Pauline Drozeski, Internet Activities & Online Courses Coordinator, at OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org.

SEPTEMbER 2018 MARKETING TIME MANAGEMENT fOR AUTHORS Instructor: Deborah Riley-Magnus

JULy 2-27 Nonfiction Places and Spaces Instructor: Vicki Mayk

It’s the classic author whine: “If I market, I have no time to write!” The truth of the matter is that more than marketing eats into our writing time, and only a serious commitment to time management can give us the flexibility and freedom to get it all done without exhausting ourselves. This workshop is filled with tips and tools to help the author respect and give fair attention to every aspect of a writer’s life. This workshop is for authors and writers of all levels and covers the following topics: • your Social Media Time • your blogging Time • your Writing Time Instructor Vicki Mayk is a seasoned memoirist, nonfiction • your Personal Time writer and magazine editor whose work has appeared in print and online publications including Ms Magazine, Instructor Deborah Riley-Magnus is an author and an Hippocampus Magazine, Literary Mama, and The Author Success Coach. for 30+ years, she has worked Manifest-Station. She is the editor of the magazine at in marketing, advertising, and public relations, and Wilkes University, where she also teaches adult creative has been a writer for print, television, and radio. Her nonfiction workshops and a class about the power of nonfiction—fINDING AUTHOR SUCCESS, CROSS story for freshmen. She created and teaches a memoir MARKETING MAGIC fOR AUTHORS, and the newest, workshop for the bereaved at St. Luke’s Hospice in WRITE bRAIN/LEfT bRAIN— teaches authors how to bethlehem and teaches writing workshops under the bridge the gap between the creative writer and the umbrella of her consulting business, Write To Heal. marketing author. She has also written a series of She earned a Master of fine Arts degree in creative AUTHOR MARKETING PLAybOOKS to help authors polish nonfiction at Wilkes University. www.vickimayk.com their marketing skills. theauthorsuccesscoach.com. Place plays an important role in nonfiction writing, often assuming the role of another character in memoir, essays and literary journalism. In this workshop, we’ll consider writers who have made place and location central to nonfiction. Participants will write about personal and public landscapes from a variety of perspectives, from memories of home to capturing places visited. Exercises will include incorporating multi-sensory detail, the role of research, and using place to support character description. fiction writers who are setting their work in real-life places also will benefit from this workshop.

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED!

A look back at the 31st Annual Pennwriters Conference

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

President’s Award recipient Peggy Adamczyk 2018 Pennwriters Meritorious Service Award winner Todd Main THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Is This Seat Taken? SHORT fICTION by bEJON W. fRANK, AREA 1

Marti sipped her Mojito. It was early in the day so her favorite place to come and sort out the quirks of life had few customers. The Drunken Muse, bar and gathering place, attracted a fairly large following of creative and artistic types. She found it a great place for ideas whenever faced with the torturous writer’s block, and the alcohol helped, too. Her notebook held the scribblings of a new story, but the voices had quieted down, not even a murmur could be heard. ‘Come on, I know you’re listening. I need an idea here, I’m stuck. Hello, anybody there? Would you stop playing around?’ As she vocalized her thoughts she hoped no one had heard her. Turning around, checking left and right— not a soul seemed to have noticed. Well, good, I’m in the clear, no one is even looking this way. Deep in her subconscious mind there was a disturbing silence. Only a stifled giggle could be noted. “Is this seat taken?” Marti jumped a little and dropped her pen on the sheet of almost blank paper that she had been staring at, or more truthfully, the page where she had hoped a story would magically appear. There on her right stood a very handsome, tall, dark haired man with deep blue eyes. “What?” She had accidently knocked her drink and the liquid began to trickle its way to her notes. With a smile that showed his dimples he said, “I asked if this seat was taken.” Blue eyes, dimples, and black hair—he could be the character I need to move this story along. Making the slow switch from her writing world to reality she asked, “Taken? Taken where?” Blue eyes grinned, “No, no. I mean is anyone sitting here?” “Oh dear,” she said loudly. “I didn’t realize you couldn’t see. No. There. Is. No. One. Sitting. There. Right. Now.” “Why are you shouting? I’m not deaf, and I’m not blind. I can see the seat is empty.” Now Blue Eyes had begun to raise his voice. Marti’s temper started to bubble up. “Then why did you ask such a stupid question? Are you drunk?” “I’m not drunk, but I suspect you have had a few too many drinks. Either that or you are just a crazy person.” Marti turned to face him straight on. “I’m not drunk and I’m not looney. But I am tired of talking to you. I have other things on my mind, no time to deal with the likes of you. Let me get back to my writing.” “Lady, what is your problem? I just wanted to sit here and maybe get to know you a little better.” “Why?” Marti only wanted a quiet afternoon to sip her drink and hopefully knock through her writer’s block. “Well, there are a couple of reasons, which I’m starting to regret. I find you rather attractive. That, and the fact I just moved here a few months ago and haven’t had the time to meet anyone. You looked interesting. Thought I’d buy you a 10

drink. Maybe I am stupid.” Hesitating for just a moment he then added, “You came here to write? Why, in the name of sanity, would you come to a bar to write? That seems odd.” “Hey, um, ahh... dude, what’s your name?” Marti didn’t like the feeling of being rude. “I’m really not a crazy person. I was just in another world, I guess. Sorry.” Looking directly at him, “Wait, you find me attractive?” “Jack. My name is Jack. I’m the one that’s sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt whatever it is you’re doing or what strange place you were…visiting. Can we start over?” “Sure. Sounds like a good idea…Jack.” “Okay, good.” Jack smiled and said, “Is this seat taken?” “Yes, that one is taken.” Marti laughed at the confused look on Jack’s face. “But the one on the other side of me isn’t.” “Ah, so you are waiting for someone? Or is that person already here?” Jack looked around at the sparsely filled room. “Not just one person, but a group of friends are here.” “Lady, are you getting crazy on me again?” Jack started to back away. “No, have a seat Jack and I’ll explain. My friend, Archos, is here with us. Don’t mind him he’s kind of a gloomy, angry man right now. But in time the world will know him as a hero.” Marti points to the chair on her right, “That’s where he likes to sit.” “Whoa, lady, there is no one there.” “Of course there is. By the way, my name is Marti.” Jack was fidgeting with a stack of cocktail napkins sitting on the bar. Marti picked up her work, “See this notebook?” “Yes.” “Well, Jack, I’m a writer and Archos is my antagonist in the story I’m working on. He is a mean S.O.B. and very misunderstood. So, in that sense, that other seat is taken.” Jack nodded his head as if he understood what this nutcase was talking about. Okay, she is crazy. I’m just going to go now. Marti, unaware that Jack was slowly getting out of the chair and looking around to be sure he could make a quick getaway. “Now you, Jack, you could fit nicely in the story. Or so my voices tell me.” Ready to bolt, Jack stopped to ask, “What voices?” “Why, the voices in my head. They’re back. My writer’s block is gone. Thank you, Jack. You were the answer to my writing dilemma.” Marti watched Jack back away slowly at first, then make a mad dash to the exit. Well, what was the matter with him? Weirdo. bejon frank (a.k.a. becky) is a member of the Pennwriters Area 1 group fellowship of the Quill. She writes short stories with a focus on fantasy and slice of life.

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Writer-Event Recap: The Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference by MARK bOERMA, AREA 6 Members are encouraged to submit a recap of any writer event they attend. We can all benefit from sharing information about conferences and other events for writers.

Back in March, while visiting family in Florida, I had the opportunity to attend the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference in Tampa. According to their website, the AWP “provides support, advocacy, resources, and community to nearly 50,000 writers, 550 college and university creative writing programs, and 150 writers’ conferences and centers. Our mission is to foster literary achievement, advance the art of writing as essential to a good education, and serve the makers, teachers, students, and readers of contemporary writing.” In addition to the conference, AWP puts on a book fair where attendees can stop by during free time or in between workshop sessions, to discover such things as what colleges and universities are promoting in their MFA creative writing programs, publishing companies displaying books from authors and panelists leading the workshops, and vendors from other industry-related organizations. Given the number of attendees (approximately 12,000) and the 600+ workshops, meetings and events over the three-day exposition, a registration day was scheduled prior to the conference and book fair. upon registering, a planner and conference program were distributed to help ease the daunting task of making sure one got the most out of the conference. A daunting task indeed, because in addition to the many workshop sessions, all sessions were put on by a panel of three to five members including a contributing moderator. In addition to the AWP website, the planner assisted with the time management portion, and the program eased the dealing with details of all the sessions. The following is a brief synopsis of some sessions I attended and my main takeaway: —> Defeating Writers Block: Techniques for Breaking Through In a nutshell, lead a healthy life. Read, do yoga, walk, and use your subconscious. Stop writing in the middle of a paragraph and continue on the next day. Discover your self-knowledge and be in dialogue with it. Observe yourself and look for patterns. Ask questions the night before writing day. Make it easy: write in 2-15 minute blocks of time. Recommended reading: THE MIDNIGHT DISEASE, THE NOW HABIT, and THE WILLPOWER INSTINCT.

—> That Ticking Clock: Handling of Time in Fiction: Poetry & Non-Fiction An element of craft, time is often regarded as a tool of setting, akin to place. Yet it is multidimensional, a mysterious voyage through past, present, and future. Its handling requires shrewd attention. Recommended reading: THE GREAT GATSBY, BREAKFAST ( John Steinbeck), GRAPES OF WRATH, THE BLuEBERRY YEARS: A MEMOIR OF FARM AND FAMILY (Jim Minick). —> Sound & Fury: Understanding Voice in Fiction Voice: parse it and find out what it means to you. Copy a story you like, then stop mid paragraph and try to simulate the rhythm of the author. Recommended reading: KITE IN THE WIND: FICTION WRITERS ON THEIR CRAFT (Andrea Barrett) —> session on Writing Trauma I attended a session by Sebastian Matthews and purchased his book, BEGINNER’S GuIDE TO A HEAD-ON COLLISION. A deeply moving poetic memoir during his life in the years after the car accident that devastated his family. I gravitated toward sessions that dealt with how to make the transition from writing short stories to writing a novel. Keynote speaker George Saunders, author of LINCOLN IN THE BARDO and professor in the Creative Writing Program at Syracuse university, capped oﬀ the activities of the opening day. Michinko Kakutani of The New York Times writes, “Saunders’s beautifully realized portrait of Lincoln... attests to the author’s own fruitful transition from the short story to the long-distance form of the novel.” Although the conference was in Florida, we all know that it is a small literary world. I stopped by to say hello and chat with some local Pennsylvania folks from Wilkes university (in Wilkes-Barre, PA) and Hippocampus Magazine (a Lancaster, PA publication). Both had booths set up at the book fair.

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 1

Area 4

Todd Main • Area 1 Representative 814-459-8752 • Area1Rep@Pennwriters.org

Denise Weaver • Area 4 Representative Area4Rep@Pennwriters.org

Meadville Vicinity Pennwriters (MVP) Meets 1st Saturday, 1-4 p.m. at Tarot bean Roasting Co. at 252 Chestnut St. Contact Janet Wells at wellswoodjanet@gmail.com.

The Inkwell (Altoona Area) Meets 1st Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Altoona Area. Contact Denise Weaver at Area4Rep@Pennwriters.org.

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 Eat ‘n Park in 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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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 Carrie Jacobs at carrieinpa@gmail.com or facebook.com/4thWednesday. 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.

Northern Delaware Group Meetings will be held monthly. All levels of experience are welcome. for details, email Cindy Callaghan at callaghancindy@gmail.com.

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Area 3 Stephanie Claypool • Area 3 Representative • Area3Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 3 MEETINGS: Second Tuesday of the Month Group The Second Tuesday of the Month Group meets on 2nd Tuesdays at Panera bread in Settlers Ridge (295 Settlers Ridge Dr., Pittsburgh 15205) near Robinson Township from 7 to 8:30 pm. The topic is chosen each month by group attendees and posted on the Area 3 yahoo group pennsarea3@yahoogroups.com. All requests and suggestions for topics are welcome as are guest presenters. for more information contact Anne Slates at prinatiller@hotmail.com. Mindful Writers Groups: Mindful Writers is for writers of all levels. The weekly meetings begin with 15 minutes of body, Heart, or Mind Meditation followed by 3-4 hours of writing. The camaraderie and the productivity are so fulfilling that it even surprises the writers who have been practicing this for years. North: Meets every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eat’n’Park, 2650 brandt School Rd., Wexford 15090. To join, email Lori Jones at Lomojo33@yahoo.com East: Meets every friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 pm at Panera bread, Waterworks Mall, 942 freeport Rd., Pittsburgh 15238. This group is presently taking a wait list. Email Madhu b. Wangu at madhu.wangu@me.com South: Meets every friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, 975 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh 15228. To join, email Stephanie Keyes steph@stephaniekeyes.com. Only two seats remain. brand New!! beaver: Meets every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Ave., beaver 15009. To join, email Wendedikec@comcast.net AREA 3 CRITIQUE GROUPS: The Pittsburgh East Writer's Group Small, friendly critique group focusing on fiction. All genres welcome. Meets on the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the upstairs conference room at the Monroeville Public Library. Contact Chuck Rakiecz at crakiecz@verizon.net Critique Group North Seven members writing shorts, flashes, novels. Meets on the second Thursday of the month at Eat ‘n Park (2650 brandt School Rd., Wexford 15090) from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., including time for lunch. The group is now at full capacity of seven and is accepting candidates for a wait list. Writers interested in Critique Group North, contact MaryAlice Meli at maryalicemeli@yahoo.com The bridgeville Critique Group Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Panera bread in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center, 1025 Washington Pike, bridgeville 15017. 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. 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. Cranberry Township Critique Group A small group focused on fiction, mainly novels, meeting at the Cranberry Library every three weeks on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. This group is now at capacity. To get on a wait list or for more information contact Amy Wagner at amywagner00@gmail.com JOIN THE AREA 3 yAHOO GROUP Pennwriters who wish to stay informed of Area 3 news and last-minute updates, may 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. Please note: If you are a Pennwriter outside of Area 3, but would like to come to Area 3 meetings, you are most welcome. Prospective new Pennwriters members are welcome to check us out. THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

Market News

COLUMN #126

by JIM LEE, AREA 4, ASSOCIATE EDITOR, MARKET REPORTS

Here’s a fairly random variety of outlets for you to explore this time around (which amounts to 21 full years of doing this column, 6 issues/year. Unpaid job security—wow! So, here goes...

Ruminate is a print literary magazine that, while not specifically religious, has a distinct spiritual orientation. They use fiction, nonfiction and poetry (new stuff, no reprints). Pay is $17 per 400 wds. of prose and $17 per page of poetry. Max length is 5,500 wds., and they have specific reading windows, so only send when they’re open. Visit www.ruminatemagazine.com/pages/submissions and scroll down for info and to find the submission manager. yes, Reader’s Digest has been around seemingly forever, and, yes, they still accept/buy nonfiction submissions from freelancers. They use mostly reprint and require a one-page query for all the family-friendly categories they use. Check the details at www.rd.com/magazine/submissions/. An established small press that pays the industry pro-level standard (6 cents/wd) for Sf/f/H stories, Third flatiron puts out anthologies on a quarterly schedule. They use unpublished fiction only. Each book has a particular broad theme. They need stories 1,500-3,000 wds long and have firm reading periods for each. Their current period runs June 15 through July 15. Visit www.thirdflatiron.com/livesite/ for info, and scroll down the page for specifics on the current theme—and later, for when they post themes and sub periods for future anthologies. Dorkly uses nonfiction on pop culture, video games, movies, anime and TV with a “click bait” aesthetic. They pay $75/article. Guides: www.dorkly.com/write-for-us. Liisbeth is a digital magazine aimed at “feminist entrepreneurs.” Accordingly, they focus on gender equality issues in business with “intellectual service pieces, profiles, policy critiques, op-eds, interviews and personal stories regarding start-ups and business incubator experiences.” They want 500-2,000-word pieces and pay anywhere from $100-2,000. www.liisbeth.com/contributior/guidelines/. Royal Crest Enterprises is a publishing company that does mostly popular/genre fiction for a gay and lesbian readership, though they also do a few anthologies and have a nonfiction imprint. They do ebooks (15,000-60,000 wds.) and longer titles (60,000120,000 wds.) which may be published in print and/or ebook. Even longer works may work as book series. Their guidelines (www.regalcrest.biz/submissions/) are long and detailed, yet lack any mention of pay rates/policies. That sounds like royalty-only to me. As always, be sure you know what’s what before signing any contracts. Air and Space Smithsonian wants general interest nonfiction about all aspects of flight. you can submit using their online form, email or postal mail. They also have a place to click to read sample articles and get a feel for their style. New contributors are advised that their several departments are the best places to break in. Query first, regardless. They buy first Rights (no reprints) and fees vary, but they are a major publication and their contracts include kill fees. www.airspacemag.com/contact-us/asm-submission-guidelines/. 14

I regret to announce that Crimson frost books, a Canadian publisher of romance and erotic ebooks (which put out my only stand-alone book to date, four years ago) has gone out of business. InkSpell is a romance-oriented publisher concentrating on ebooks. They pay royalties only (rates not specified, possibly negotiable), and like so many modern-day presses, they expect authors to help with marketing (but hey—why wouldn’t you want to encourage the widest possible circulation/sales of your work?). They do not use reprints, but they’re open to titles ranging from 20,000-50,000 words. Visit www.inkspellpublishing.com/submission.html. Speaking Volumes started producing audio books but now has expanded into ebooks and POD paperbacks. They’re open to novels, book-length nonfiction and short story collections. based in Santa fe, NM, they pay in royalties. Their info page (www.speakingvolumes.us/products-submissions-guidelines.asp) is organized in a question-and-answer format. Another slightly eccentric policy here is that new subs should be sent via email, while previously published/reprint works can be sent by regular mail. And there’s a totally separate submission site for audio books. Consult the guides. you and Me, America’s Medical Magazine wants first-person nonfiction about “the human aspects of dealing with medical issues.” Articles 1,000-2,500 words long; reprints okay. Pay range is 4-5 cents/wd. www.youandmemagazine.com/pages/submissions. A daily online mag, folks also deals with medical problems. Their (inspirational-sounding) focus is on “remarkable people who refuse to be defined by their health issues.” They want essays, new work only, and buy one-year exclusive rights while paying $400/article. They want queries, but their guides include a “how to pitch to us” instructional piece, so you can see what they sort of presentation they like. To learn more, visit www.medium.com@folksstories/come-write-for-us-we-pay2c9915324287. A long-lived daily newspaper covering domestic and international news, Christian Science Monitor prefers writing that “challenges conventional ways of thinking.” Pay for freelancers is reportedly $250. www.csmonitor.com/About/Contributor-guidelines. ServiceScape is a website that helps connect freelance workers with clients, but they’ve decided to run a short story contest, apparently to promote their site. There’s no entry fee, and deadline for subs isn’t until November 30, 2018. The winning story gets $1,000. Unpublished fiction stories to 5,000 words are eligible. Visit www.servicescape.com/short-story-award for info, and scroll down for entry form and to attach your sub. Diabolical Plots is a twice-monthly webzine edited by David Steffen. They use a range of Sf/f/H (3,500 words max) and pay 8 cents/wd. No reprints. They have a new URL and will reopen to subs in July. www.diabolicalplots.com/guidelines/.

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

blue Mountain Arts is a greeting card company looking for unrhymed contemporary poetry or prose that provides “personal experiences reflecting the thoughts and feelings people have today but often find hard to express in their own words.” They’ll pay $300 for exclusive world rights or $50 for one-time rights. www.sps.com/help/writers_guidelines.html. A Catholic magazine appearing monthly from franciscan Media, St. Anthony Messenger wants inspiring/uplifting material reflecting (you guessed it) Catholic world views and values. They’re looking for submissions of 2,000-2,500 words, new only, and they pay 20 cents per word. www.franciscanmedia.org/writers-guide/. The Dark, an e-zine and occasional podcast that uses dark fantasy and horror fiction (2,000-6,000 words) recently increased their pay for new work to 6 cents per wd. They will publish the occasional reprint, as well, at one cent per word. Sean Wallace and Sylvia Mareno-Garcia remain the co-editors. Visit www.thedarkmagazine.com/Submission-guidelines/.

It may sound like a contradiction in terms, but Skyhorse Publishing is indeed “one of the biggest small presses in the US.” Established in 2006, their main focus is still on nonfiction titles, though they’ve reportedly added imprints interested in fiction. The nonfiction list ranges from serious research-based books to diet books and ones written by celebs. Main areas of interest include sports, history, humor, adventure & travel, health & fitness, food & wine, house & home, business, pets, and current events. (Check their website for various sub-categories.) Proposal packages should include a brief query letter, a 1- to 2-page synopsis, annotated chapter outline, rudimentary market analysis (i.e. who is the book’s literary competition), a sample chapter or two, and any previous publishing credits. All subs via email. They accept work directly from authors, as well as lit agents. Visit www.skyhorsepublishing.com/guidelines.

Galaxy’s Edge, edited by veteran genre author Mike Resnick, is now open to freelance submissions. In the past, it had been by invitation only. They pay 7 cents per word for unpublished Sf/f. (No reprints or H.) Length is 7,000 wds max. Mostly a bimonthly webzine, they also do print and e-pub editions. When they first opened to unsolicited subs, they had some hiccups with their system. They should have been corrected by the time you read this. To learn more, visit www.galaxysedge.com/submissions/.

blazeVox puts out books of poetry, experimental fiction and nonfiction/literary criticism. based in buffalo, Ny, they do print and digital volumes aimed at both the academic sphere and the general public. for fiction, they’re interested in short story collections only. They want books that “push at the frontiers of what is possible with our innovative poetry, fiction and select nonfiction.” Pay is 10% of net sales (plus selling to authors at wholesale discount for resale to consumers at readings and the like). They produce and provide to writers various promotional materials at their own expense. All subs via email. To learn more, visit www.blazevox.org/index.php/faqs/. (Note: you’ll need to scroll down a bit for the actual guides.)

brain Mill Press is a midsized independent publisher (producing about 25 books/yr). They do titles for adult, yA and middle-grade readers in all genres. They produce both print and ebook editions of novels, novellas, story collections, poetry and comics. Pay is by royalties: 8-10% on print releases; 40-60% for ebooks. Visit www.brainmillpress.com/submit/ for details, and scroll down to see their current open areas/themes/deadlines/etc.

Red Room Press is reading new stories (3,500-5,500 words) for American Psychos: A Serial Killer Anthology. This dark crime/thriller book has a sub deadline of Oct. 1, 2018, and will be published in early 2019. Pay is a $100 flat fee, guaranteed (or $150 if their crowdfunding effort pays off). Editors are Randy Chandler and Cheryl Mullenax. www.redroompress.com/submission-guidelines/american-psychos.

A publication focused on the full range of arts & culture, PasteMagazine.com pays on publication for relevant nonfiction (amount not specified). Query after checking their guides at www.pastemaagzine.com/paste/2012/03/writer-guidelines.html.

Information on these markets came courtesy of AuthorsPublish.com, FreedomWithWriting.com, Ralan.com, The 2018 Guide to U.S. Publishers, Facebook’s Open Calls pages and my personal inquiries. Send market tips by email to jimlee.author@gmail.com. Contributions are always welcome and will be credited, if so desired.

Writer’s Toolbox: Call People by Their First Name People like to hear their name. It signals a closer bond when you’re on a first-name basis. Direct marketers use first names to quickly establish rapport with prospects. Email promotions that start with your name are good examples of how effective this technique is. Try it on your mailing list. When you’re at an in-person event, such as a book signing, ask for and use the first names of your fans. - from the book Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize Your Promotions For Bestseller Results by Dr. Nate Hardy, Area 6, available on Amazon.com

THE PENN WRITER • July/Aug 2018 • www.pennwriters.org

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About Pennwriters

Submissions

The 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 400 members from Pennsylvania and beyond, was established in 1988 as a networking organization for published and aspiring writers of all genres. The 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: AUG. 1 The 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.)