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the Newsletter of PeNNwrIters INc. July/AuG 2019 • Vol. XXVII No. 4
Pennwriters Membership Renewal Time It's the time of year to renew your membership in Pennwriters. More than a quarter of the membership has already renewed. If you are unsure if you've already renewed, you can check on your personal profile or send an inquiry to info@pennwriters.org. You can easily renew online on the Pennwriters' website at https://pennwriters.org/register/. If you have difficulty signing in, you may be using an old email address or an incorrect password. You can find help at webmaster@pennwriters.org or info@pennwriters.org. If you prefer to pay by check, you can download the PDF flyer on the renewal webpage and send a check to this address: Pennwriters, Inc., PO Box 685, Dalton, PA 18414. There are lots of exciting things ahead for Pennwriters in the coming year. Join us.
Keep sending us your 2019 Pennwriters Conference photos. The next issue will feature a compilation of photos and highlights from the event. Email your submissions to thepennwriter@gmail.com. Thank you! Editor’s NotE: time/schedule constraints haven’t allowed me enough time to put together the conference retrospective for this issue of the newsletter. in order to showcase the conference, i’m asking attendees to email me photos and any “take-away” snippets they’d like to share—advice, lessons, insights, inspirations, etc. Many thanks in advance for your help in pulling together a fitting compilation for our 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference. -Heather, newsletter editor
President’s Column Welcome to this issue of The Penn Writer. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at the 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference in Pittsburgh! Things got off to a flying start with three intensive pre-conference workshops. Timons Esaias enlightened his eager class of writers of all levels, including many well-published authors, on The Crafts of Fiction: The Nuts, the Bolts, and Hoisting the Girders into Place. Deb Riley-Magnus achieved the stellar task showing her Marketing Masterclass attendees how to create and pursue their own individual marketing paths. The other intensive was not for the faint of heart. Coroner Lyell Cook shared knowledge and images from his years on the job in Coroners: Their History, What They Do, What They See, to enthralled writers of mystery, thrillers and gore.
hilary hauck, Area 4 PresIDeNt
Saturday Keynote Speaker Jessica Strawser brought not only her own knowledge, but also wisdom from some of literature’s greatest luminaries such as David Sedaris and Alice Walker, who she had interviewed and learned from her tenure as editor at Writer’s Digest magazine. Of all the great inspiration and advice, my favorite quote was this, from author Patricia Cornwell: “Quitting can’t be an option. You don’t become a writer—you are one. And if you really are a writer, it’s like telling a songbird to shut up—you can’t.” Pennwriters’ own Jason Jack Miller was our Saturday keynote speaker. Jason took inspiration from Taylor Mali to put his spin on what authors make. The entire room was electrified as Jason extolled what writers make—from universes, to setting a reader free, to making time travel possible, to creating light in a world that can seem dark. Jason empowered attendees by showing us what we writers really can do. Both Jessica and Jason were generous and gracious in sharing their knowledge and expertise throughout the conference in workshops, events, meal times, hallway discussions, bar time and party time. And our amazing faculty delivered workshop after workshop of information and inspiration on a wide range of topics—the business and craft of writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and all things in between. Our agents, editor, and publisher were also wonderfully engaged with conferencegoers. They heard pitches and shared advice at Manuscript MD or at the dinner table, taught outstanding workshops, and shared key knowledge from their side of the publishing industry.
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 ©2019 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
There was much buzz after the two Friday luncheon addresses. The only downside I heard was that they were held simultaneously, so attendees could only hear one of the speakers.Pittsburgh author Siobhan Vivian gave a rousing talk for Published Penns on “the next big idea.” In the other room, international speaker JD Dunbar showed a captivated audience of writers how to find their voice and how their voice matters. In addition to learning, there was much time for celebration. The winners of the Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest were announced at Saturday’s luncheon. Enormous congratulations to all who placed in the four contest categories: novel beginning, nonfiction, short story and poetry. Many thanks also to our judges, for their expertise and feedback. And special thanks to Contest Coordinator Deborah Stevenson, who spends the best part of each year organizing the contest. Congratulations also to the winners of the In Other Words contest held at conference, organized by Susan Sofayov. the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
Board of Directors The winner of the Pennwriters Meritorious Service Award was announced at the Saturday luncheon. The winner is selected by our membership from four deserving candidates who have gone over and above for the organization. This year’s winner was Leslie Tobin Smeltz. Leslie has been Conference Coordinator, Agent/Editor Liaison, and PR Chair, all positions she has pursued with a special level of energy and vision, delivering each with great success. Congratulations Leslie, and immense thanks for all you do for Pennwriters. Saturday evening provided ample opportunity to network with fellow hatters, I mean writers, at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by the brilliant Malissa Close. Huge thanks to all of our Conference Chairs. There is absolutely no way the Pennwriters Conference could deliver the knowledge, comraderie, positive atmosphere, support, and connections for our attendees without them. The 2019 conference chairs were Julia Baird, Jenny Birch, Sandy Bush, Malissa Close, Joy Givens, Sandi Hahn, Ayleen Gontz, Marianne Main, Heidi Ruby Miller, Danielle Ray, Cathy Seckman, Leslie Tobin Smeltz, Susan Sofayov, and Mary Sutton. Many thanks also to the army of volunteers recruited by the Chairs to turn all the right wheels at the right time. There are far too many to name here, and I am grateful to you all. Special thanks to Pauline Drozeski, Conference Co-Coordinator extraordinaire, who put untold hours, too often late at night, into the planning in order to make this year’s Conference a roaring success.
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 Acting Webmaster Susan Fobes Webmaster@Pennwriters.org Newsletter Editor Heather Desuta, 412-337-6966 Newsletter@Pennwriters.org 2020 Conference Coordinators Leslie Tobin Smeltz and Ayleen Gontz ConferenceCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Interim Public Relations Chair Suzanne Mattaboni PublicRelations@Pennwriters.org Bylaws Chair Jean Jenkins, 814-774-0557 BylawsChair@Pennwriters.org
Thanks also to the Pennwriters Board, without whom none of this would be possible. The board held one of its three annual meetings on Thursday, May 16. Secretary Sue Gourley chaired the board meeting as I was busy with last-minute conference preparations and Vice President Bobbi Carducci was off celebrating a special birthday with her family in Florida. Bobbi’s absence did not stop us celebrating from afar with a cake from the famous Prantls Bakery in Pittsburgh. Thank you Bobbi for giving us a reason for cake!
Internet Activities Coordinator and Online Courses Coordinator Pauline Drozeski OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org
And lastly, but by no means least, my favorite part of Conference: YOU! More than anything, making new friends, reconnecting with old, seeing writers have those a-ha moments, making new connections, coming out of agent pitches with smiles and hugs of success, seeing everyone energized and affirmed, makes everything worthwhile. Thank YOU for making the 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference such a great event!
Annual Writing Contest Coordinator D.J. Stevenson WritingContestCoordinator@Pennwriters.org
I hope you’re able to put everything you learned to good use in your writing this summer! Don’t miss our summer classes to keep you on track, and don’t forget to renew your Pennwriters membership.
AREA 2 Rep: Position Open
Pennwriters Presents Coordinator Denise Weaver, 814-442-4876 PennwritersPresents@Pennwriters.org Election Chair Dave Freas ElectionChair@Pennwriters.org
Coordinator of Area Reps (CAR) Annette Dashofy CAR@Pennwriters.org AREA 1 Rep: Todd Main, 814-459-8752 Area1Rep@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
With gratitude, Pennwrite on! -Hilary
AREA 6 Rep: Suzanne Mattaboni Area6Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 7 Rep: Terry Friedman 610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 Area7Rep@Pennwriters.org
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CONGRATULATIONS 2019 PENNWRITERS ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST WINNERS NOVEL BEGINNING: 1st Claudia Recinos for “Even Stars” 2nd Amanda Swartfager for “Truthless” 3rd Jennifer Diamond for “How We Spin” NONFICTION: 1st Ann Howley for “Next Time I’ll Listen to the Sissy in the Smokey Bear Hat” 2nd Janet Wells for “Her Christmas Gift” 3rd Hana Haatainen-Caye for “How to Create and Maintain Joy While on Social Media” POETRY: 1st Terry Dawley for “Sometimes I Think About Murder” 2nd Susan Manchin for “The Lifting” 3rd Amanda Span for “Breeze” SHORT STORY: 1st David Bender for “Backwoods Koan” 2nd Joy Givens for “Falling Woman” 3rd Jennifer Birch for “The Sunshine Twins”
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.
PW Areas Map 4
All areas outside of Pennsylvania are Area 7
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
Writing isn’t simply adding words to a page. Authors must pick a setting, flush out their story’s plot and character identities, edit multiple times, and then market their work. It’s a daunting task. Why not spend the day with people just like you, and learn from generous writing professionals willing to share their knowledge to help you meet your goals? Attend Project Runway: Reaching for the Stars. Keynote George Guidall will present The Art And Artifice of Audiobook Narration Widely recognized as the world’s most acclaimed and most prolific narrator of audiobooks, George Guidall has brought a consistent artistry to his readings, delighting listeners for more than 20 years. His narrations of classics like CRIME AnD PUnISHMEnT, FRAnKEnSTEIn, THE ILIAD, DOn QUIxOTE, AnD LES MISERABLES, along with many popular best sellers, have set a standard for excellence recognized throughout the audiobook industry. Audiophile Magazine has named him one of the original “Golden Voices” in the audiobook industry. He has been honored by the Audio Publishers Association with a lifetime achievement award for his record of more than 1,300 unabridged narrations. Along with his award-winning work as an audiobook narrator, Guidall has also enjoyed a career in the theatre, including starring roles on Broadway, an Obie award for best performance Off-Broadway, and has shared the stage at the new York Shakespeare Festival with Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep. In addition to TV dramas such as “Law & Order,” he has appeared on most of the daytime television series. www.georgeguidall.com To learn more about the event, visit https://pennwriters.org/writers-project-runway-iv-schedule/
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Pennwriters Member News & Happenings to shAre your News, email Newsletter@Pennwriters.org with “Pennwriter submission” in the subject line. Please include your Pennwriters Area # in the message.
Area 3 Joshua David Bellin is pleased to announce the publication of HOUSE OF EARTH, HOUSE OF STOnE, the final book in the Ecosystem Trilogy. Praised for its “truly immersive setting” that leaves the reader “completely engrossed from start to finish” (YA Bookers), the Ecosystem Trilogy takes place on a future Earth in which nature has mutated into a collective sentience, driving humankind to the brink of extinction. The series, which includes ECOSYSTEM and THE DEVOURInG LAnD, is available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle e-book. Area 1 Judy Ann Davis has released her seventh novel, WILLIE, MY LOVE, a historical romantic mystery set in Central Pennsylvania. The year is 1856. White pine is king of the forest. The last thing Jonathan Wain wants to do is ride miles through Pennsylvania’s wilderness to help his father’s logging partner in the small settlement of Clearfield. But his family owns clipper ships in the Chesapeake Bay that carry the coveted logs to the markets each spring, and they can’t afford a loss. The last thing Wilhelmina Wydcliffe wants is a handsome sea captain from Maryland meddling in her father’s logging operations under attack by unknown enemies. A fiesty tomboy and better known as Willie to her crews, she has a dream to be the largest logging operator east of the Mississippi River. When both
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Willie’s and Jonathan’s lives are threatened, they are forced to work together to find their enemies before both of their companies are in shambles. As their attraction escalates, can they set aside their differences, unearth the truth, and discover contentment in each other’s arms? WILLIE, MY LOVE is available on Amazon, Barnes and noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play. Visit www.judyanndavis.com for more information about her books.
Area __ Jim Knights’ novel, SOLDIER GIRL BLUE, was published in May by S&H Publishing. It’s available on Amazon.com. A young Canadian woman escapes her abusive father by disguising herself as a man and seeking refuge in the United States, a country about to be torn apart by civil war. Though able to claim neutrality as a foreigner, she finds it impossible to turn her back on an enslaved people and risks everything to continue her masquerade and join the fight to free them. As a Union soldier, she learns that neither the constant fear of being unmasked nor the danger she faces under fire can compare to the unrelenting peril she must endure as a spy behind Confederate lines. But when her lover is captured and imprisoned, she learns that love can drive her to take even greater risks. SOLDIER GIRL BLUE is based on the remarkable true story of Sarah Emma Edmunds of new Brunswick, Canada, a little known Civil War heroine.
Area 4 Jim Lee has three pieces of work in the July 2019 issue of Outposts of Beyond, a science fiction magazine from Alban Lake Publishing. These include a book review article and two previously unpublished SF stories from his Cygnus Alliance Universe: “The Wounded nark” and “Sarcophagus Birthdays.”
Area 3 Ronald Scala’s THE DEMOn OF THE SHADOWS is scheduled for release in September by Azure Spider Publications. It is a horror novel set in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
PITCHWARS After Area 7 Joe Crawford’s mystery manuscript was chosen for the Pitchwars mentorship program and featured in the Pitchwars showcase, he accepted an offer of representation from Lucienne Diver of the Knight Agency. Joe says, “The Pitchwars experience put my book over the top and jump-started my career. I highly recommend it. Of the 117 mentees this year, over 40 of us have been offered representation within two months of the showcase closing. Three mentees already have book deals signed (one was at auction).” His Pitchwars interview can be found here: https://bit.ly/2xuUrRb Pitchwars mentees have their manuscripts featured in a showcase. Joe’s is here: https://bit.ly/2Lvv0Hr To learn more, connect with Joe– Website: www.jacrawford.net Twitter handle: @josephoforb Facebook: josephoforb
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
Pennwriters Online Courses AuGust 5-30 A freelancer Prepares: Publication workshop
sePtember 2 - october 4 writing your life
Instructor: timons esaias $49
Instructor: laura english https://pennwriters.org/writing-your-life/
Register online at https://pennwriters.org/a-freelancer-prepares/ format: three lessons per week, most involving microassignments that help you get your act together; optional submissions for instructor critique and feedback. this will be a boiled-down version of esaias’s highly successful one-semester course for seton hill university undergrads: Publication workshop. the plan is to give you all the elements that a freelancer uses to become a successful submission machine. the idea of submission can be intimidating, and our goal is to get you through the first steps. the approach is very nuts-and-bolts. we hope to have participants actually submitting work for publication during the month or soon thereafter. remember, submission is the key to publication. week 1: The basics: The basic fiction template (for short or long fiction), cover letters, and the submission logs you’ll need to keep track of where everything is. We’ll try our three-line bios. The essential writer’s tool—the notebook—will be praised and honored. We will mention the SASE, despite its near-extinction. A flash fiction may be submitted for critique. week 2: Building your market lists, while also handling poetry templates and cover letters. (I’ll make a case for at least trying poetry, if only for language practice. Whether or not you want to publish is up to you.) We’ll take a whack at the 50-word bio. A poem may be submitted for critique. week 3: Focus on non-fiction: the essay or article. Query letters will be discussed, as will the 12-word pitch. We’ll discuss and practice evaluating a market. We’ll also face down the 100-word bio. An essay or short article may be submitted for critique. week 4: the fourth and final and end-of-everything-that-wentbefore week we’ll set up your Submittable® account, and discuss the book proposal and the one-page, single-spaced selling synopsis. We’ll take up the important topic of Learning to Say NO. Post-apocalypse, we’ll discuss some other forms of publication like bumper stickers, buttons and T-shirts. We’ll set your rates for the various freelancing jobs. We’ll answer questions, and discuss “Hunting where your game lurks.” Along the way we’ll share favorite first lines, first paragraphs, and favorite poems (which includes song lyrics, for they are poems).
In this five-week course you’ll write about an event that changed your life. the instructor will guide you to your final draft by providing you with pre-writing exercises and thorough editing of your preliminary drafts. most of all, you’ll receive encouragement and support to write the story you’ve always wanted to tell. A more ambitious student may choose to write two stories in the allotted time, but the aim should careful and diligent work that would be suitable for publication or for distribution to friends and family members. speaking of publication, you will be encouraged to submit to the class anthology at the end of the session to share your work with your peers.
october what is Plot? Instructor: bill Johnson https://pennwriters.org/what-is-plot/
NoVember critique with Grace & compassion for writers, beta readers, contest Judges & critique Partners Instructor: Debbi cracovia https://pennwriters.org/critique-with-grace/
Visit www.pennwriters.org for details and to register for courses. For additional information or suggestions about upcoming courses, email Pauline Drozeski, Online Courses Coordinator, at OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org.
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
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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.
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:
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.
ollI writer's Group meets monthly at the schlow library (211 s. Allen st.). contact rita lumpkins at ritalouise@gmail.com.
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.
Nittany Valley writers Network meets 2nd tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at schlow library (211 s. Allen st.).
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 6 suzanne mattaboni • Area 6 representative •Area6rep@Pennwriters.org twin rivers writers Group let’s welcome the twin rivers writers Group as an official Pennwriters critique group. the group meets at 7 p.m. on the third wednesday of every month at the springtown fire company building, 3010 PA route 212, hellertown, PA. check out their facebook page or website: www.twIwG.org. they’re looking to expand membership in their core group. Please contact Area 6 rep suzanne mattaboni at suzanne@mattaboni.com if you’re in the lehigh Valley/Quakertown/hellertown/upper bucks county area and would like to join them. If you are interested in forming a group, contact suzanne.
Area 7
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 mad mex restaurant (240 s. Pugh st.).
Area 5 sandra bush • Area 5 representative Area5rep@Pennwriters.org york Area Group the york Area Group is no longer meeting. If you are interested in starting a group in the york Area, or any other region of Area 5, contact sandy bush at Area5rep@pennwriters.org. 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.
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.
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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.
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
Pennwriters Member News
Area 3 stephanie claypool • Area 3 representative Area3rep@Pennwriters.org AreA 3 meetINGs: 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. second tuesday of the month meet-to-chat 7-9 pm at Panera in ross town center, 7217 mcKnight road. enjoy the company and conversation of other local writers. come meet other writers and talk about writerly things in a relaxed environment. we’ve been having a great time. make some new friends. learn. find out about stuff. 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 crakiecz@verizon.net critique Group North eight members writing shorts, flashes, novels. meets on the second thursday of the month at Perkins restaurant on route 19 in cranberry township from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including time for lunch. the group is now at full capacity of eight and is accepting candidates for a wait list. 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, PA. 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 is 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 am. this group is now at capacity. to get on a wait list or for more information contact Amy wagner at amywagner00@gmail.com. south hills critique Group A small group meeting one saturday per month at 10 am in the Galleria of mt. lebanon. work to be critiqued is emailed one week ahead of the meeting. there is space available. rosemary ray: southside27@outlook.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.
Area 3 Heidi Ruby Miller discussed pulp artist Gloria Stoll Karn on the documentary VISIBLE produced by Pittsburgh’s PBS station WQED. It was filmed at Seton Hill University where Heidi teaches. The clip segment about Gloria and the entire documentary about five women artists in Pittsburgh is on YouTube at the WQED channel.
WRITER’S TOOLBOX STEADY BuYER TYpE In continuing study the decision-making tendencies of the 4 DISC buyer types to help increase our sales efforts, Steady people aren’t fond of change, and are driven by honesty and consistency. They don’t want to mess up routines that already run fine. They must be babied into trying something new. Avoid needs are often a big concern for these people. Sell them and you’ll have loyal fans. They want to stick to as few ponds as possible for fish. How to spot them: One of the first things they may say is, “no thanks. I already have x” or “I always buy x.” -from the book Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize Your Promotions for Bestseller Results by Dr. Nate hardy, Area 6, available at Amazon.com.
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
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Market News
columN #132
by JIm lee, AreA 4, AssocIAte eDItor, mArKet rePorts
Is it too early to be thinking about the christmas time period for the year 2020? Not if you’re a major anthology publisher with a good long lead time! hence, one of the many titles that chicken soup for the soul is currently reading for is for the holiday season. sub deadline for that one is Jan. 20, 2020, and like all their books, the pay is a $200 flat fee. for guidelines and other titles they’re now open to, visit www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics. Death from Above is a fiction contest/anthology project from lumberlift Press of california. It’s open to any us residents, age 18 and above. they want unpublished fiction, 5,000 wds or less, that fits the title theme. No entry fee is mentioned. submission deadline is July 30, so get a move on to submit. Grand Prize winner gets a cool $1,000 and publication in the book (both print and electronic editions). fifteen honorable mentions get no prize money but will be published. All winners get a free hardcover copy. for info, visit www.lumberliftpress.com. for submissions, go to hello@lumberlift.com. scary stuff seeks unpublished horror fiction in the vein of 1940s50s ec comics/tales from the crypt. this anthology from oddity Prodigy Productions considers works 2,000-5,000 wds long. Pay is only $10/story and one contributor’s copy. sub deadline is Aug. 31. Guidelines: www.oddityprodigy.com/scary-stuffanthology?fbclid=lwAr2bloaoxleJcQV5jcQue_5u439rstrgzcrPzxdhIft8haPo-moy. fiction Vortex looks for sf/f/h and other genre (but no erotica) fiction suitable for a serial/episodic format. A new featured story gets the author $300; succeeding episodes (whether by that author or other contributors) earn $50 per piece. Detailed info, including what they’re currently open to receiving, is found at www.fictionvortex.com/submissions/submission-guidelines/. A new e-zine from sanguine Press, Dreamers & makers pays a flat fee of $120 for unpublished sf/f/h fiction to 3,000 wds max. they want a majority of story characters to be people of color—an apparently conscious attempt to overcome past genre stereotypes. they plan to publish two issues/year and aren’t using any poetry. contracts give them exclusive rights to a story for a year and nonexclusive thereafter. Individual issues will center around specific themes. check their guides at another insanely long email address: www.sanguinepress.submittable.com/submit/ 56376/sanguine-press-online-ezine-authors?fbclid=lwAr3bff_ 1m7hogx-3sd33vc88cnNfrZrwJcGobcKllrGufGyGs4dzohJA10.
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taste is an online magazine dedicated to the joys of cooking at home. they want original recipes, concise guides for the home kitchen, chef and cookbook author profiles, shopping guides and other articles (500-2,000 wds) all focused on at-home cooking. they reportedly pay up to 60 cents/wd. learn how to pitch article ideas by visiting www.tastecooking.com/how-to-pitch-taste/. weird christmas flash fiction contest is an annual competition now in its 2nd year. there is no entry fee. contest organizer craig “Kringle” brewer is looking for flash fiction (under 350 wds) having some connection to the holiday. he’ll consider sf/f/h/weird humor. sub deadline is Nov. 31, 2019. first prize is $50, 2nd prize gets $25, and 10 honorable mentions will be given. Visit www.weirdchristmas.com/2019/05/06/weird-christmas-flash-fiction-contest-2ned-annual-2019/. Pregnancy & Newborn is a monthly print magazine and online community for expectant and new mothers. they want birth stories, health tips, review of related gear, baby-care advice, etc. they pay up to 33 cents/wd. they don’t seem to have any formal guideline page, but for editorial inquiries or to pitch an idea, visit www.pnmag.com/contact/. Any Pennwriters into creating mobile apps? Appy Pie is a site that will pay $100 for a new app, plus a $50 bonus if said mobile app is shared 200+ times. such an app should be submitted as part of a guest blog article, 1,000-2,500 wds. many possible topics are listed in their guidelines: www.appypie.com/guest-post. message is a bi-monthly christian religious journal. they seek captivating comeback/redemptive stories, inspirational profiles and insightful biblical analysis, among other topics. Pay range is $75-300 per article. www.messagemagazine.com/submit-story/ reptiles is a bi-monthly pet publication for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. they cover all aspects of the care and ownership of such creatures. Pay for 2,000-2,500 wd articles with accompanying photos is $300. www.reptilesmagazine.com/submit-A-Picture-orstory-to-reptile-magazine/writer-Guidelines/. school transportation News is a monthly trade publication dealing with the school bus field in North America. their focus is on broad perspective and nationwide matters, not uniquely local concerns. you need to be knowledgeable about K-12 education and bus fleets, obviously. Pay for feature articles (600-1,200 wds) ranges from $150 to $300; Department columns (600 wds max) get $150. they do themes for each issue. for information, visit www.stnonline.com/magazine/editorial-schedule.
the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
clean run magazine is a publication centered on agility training for dogs. they need features and educational articles (1,2003,000 wds) on topics like health and safety of agility trained dogs, conduct of agility courses and agility events, and sporting competitions. Pay ranges is $75-300. for guides and info, visit www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page-id=56. Published by the American horticultural society, the American Gardener uses pieces for experienced amateur gardeners. topics include garden design and environmentally appropriate practices. freelancers can pitch story ideas for features ($300-600) or Department sections ($150-200). Visit www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/gardening-publications/ the-american-gardener/writers-guidelines. muzzle blasts is a publication of the National muzzle-loading rifle Association. they welcome articles about muzzle-loading firearms, historical guns, good instructive and how-to pieces, etc. Photos and/or diagrams should accompany articles. Payments run $100-300 for product reviews, $50-150 for department columns, and $100-400 for feature articles. Visit www.nmlra-digitalmemberships.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2018/07/mb-writers-Guidelines-v0618.pdf. eye to the telescope is an established quarterly open to a wide range of speculative poetry (sf/f/h/surreal/etc.). send up to three poems per submission and a short bio. they pay $25/poem and do periodic themed issues. email subs only. www.eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html Amberley books is a uK-based publisher of historical nonfiction. regional and sports history titles are reportedly uK-centered only, but they also do general and specialty-oriented titles that are more open to foreigners (like us Pennsylvanians). they’ve put out over 2,000 titles and offer modest advances against royalties. for a feel of what sort of books they publish, check their catalog at www.amberley-books.com. Actual sub guidelines are at www.amberley-books.com/submissions. Joe fletcher books is the only imprint of Quereus books that accepted unsolicited subs. they want sf/f/h novels for an adult audience (no kids or yA titles). they reportedly have a well-established distribution network. www.jofletcherbooks.com/contact-us/ Ghostwoods books does paperbacks and ebooks of sf/f/ speculative fiction and non-gore h, with 60,000-150,000 wd novels for adults. they’ve been around for almost a decade but weren’t open when this column was written. check their guides at www.gwbooks.com/about-us/submissions/ for updates and, if open, click the icon at bottom of the page to submit.
tough is a crime magazine using fiction (1,500-7,500 wds) and occasional book reviews (1,500 wds max). they especially like rural settings and crimes with occult elements. Pay for fiction is a $35 flat fee (nonfiction not specified). Guides are at another mind-numbingly long online address (which I hope I got right): www.redneckpress.submittable.com/submit?fbclid=lwAroKe3na sbmuzZzwc1XQroqJh4jy-oQyp4AoJvN2hg5ms59mlcje5kVQ. when in doubt, google the title. the Polymer Arts is a print and digital magazine about all aspects of clay artwork. Query is required before article submission, and pro-quality photos are expected. Pay is 5-10 cents/wd. Visit www.thepolymerarts.com/sub_guidelines.html. subaru Drive is a free quarterly magazine the company puts out for subaru owners. besides car-related pieces, they also use related articles, such as vacation spots you could drive to. Pay varies for a number of factors (length, editorial needs, depth of subject treatment, etc.) but is supposed to be on acceptance. Visit www.subarudrive.com/customer-support and click on the ‘how to submit Photo or story’ icon under fAQs. hopscotch magazine provides informaiton regarding submissions at www.funforkidzmagazine.com/hs_guidelines. (fun for Kidz is its sister publication). hopscotch, a bimonthly, needs fiction, nonfiction and poetry for girls, ages 6-13. they like timeless subjects, 500 wds max. Pay is 5 cents/wd and up. humpty Dumpty’s magazine (and sister pub Jack & Jill) have the same guidelines at www.uskidsmags.com/writer-guidelines/. they want stories, games, puzzles, crafts and activities to keep young minds growing and active bodies healthy and fit. (300 wds max length for science and nature pieces.) Pay is $70 minimum for prose; poetry (4-12 lines) earns $35 and up. the Paint horse Journal is a monthly. they seek good story ideas and accompanying photos about Paint horses and people connected to them (owners, trainers and breeders). they like outdooractivities articles, some shorter how-to and where-to-go pieces, and other special interest topics concerning the Paint breed. features (1,000-1,200 wds) are paid $100-500 on acceptance. www.alpha,com/phj/about-guidelines/
Data this time was cribbed (with thanks) from Facebook’s Open Calls pages, FreedomWithWriting.com, AuthorsPublish.com, freelance writing.com and Ralan.com. As always, tips and leads are more than welcome. -Jim
Parvus Press is a newer small press, around a handful of years and having published a handful of well-reviewed books. they’re mostly a digital publisher but are also doing print editions now with a nationally known distributor. they publish sf/f novels and offer modest advances (up to $1,000) against quarterly royalties. their current submission window closes July 31. Very clear and well-organized guides are at www.parvuspress.com/submissions/. they also include extra info on a video. books here run at least 60,000 wds (no max mentioned). the PeNN wrIter • July/August 2019 • www.pennwriters.org
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