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the NewsLetteR of PeNNwRIteRs INC. MARCh/APRIL 2020 • VoL. XXIX No. 2
Pennwriters Announces New Conference Keynote Susan Meier Due to unforeseen circumstances, Jonathan Maberry will not be joining us at the Pennwriters Conference in May. Susan Meier, author of more than 70 romance novels and co-founder of Pennwriters, will serve as our Thursday intensive instructor and Friday evening keynote. Susan will also be teaching two workshops: Taglines, Blurbs and Covers, and Keeping the Tension Alive in a Romance Novel. On Thursday, Susan will teach a full-day interactive class on writing the novel, geared towards novice and intermediate writers. This class will address several writing topics, as well as the differences between indie and traditional publishing (i.e. your publisher doing all the work vs. doing it yourself). She will also touch on advertising and promotion. During our keynote dinner on Friday, Susan will present “Why You’re One of the Luckiest People in the World.” A published author for more than 30 years, Susan Meier has written on everything from a manual typewriter to a personal computer. She’s learned social media, is dipping her toe into self-publishing, uses YouTube for research, and realizes that even though talent gives you a chance to express yourself, your career shouldn’t be left to chance. If you want to hear why you’re lucky from someone who’s published 70+ books, worked with five publishers, and is about to form her own publishing company to republish almost 30 reverted-rights books, Susan can tell you. She’s just about done it all; if she hasn’t, her friends have. And she might also tell you a few of publishing’s juicy little secrets—both Indie and Traditional.
Visit www.pennwriters.org for conference registration.
President’s Column After four years of having the honor of serving as president of Pennwriters, it makes me teary eyed to write that this is my second to last president’s message. It’s time for a fresh face to greet you when you open your issue of The Penn Writer. I’m excited, too. I have every confidence that my successor will bring a positive, educational, engaging experience to your membership. You will be in good hands. I’ll still be at the helm until our annual meeting in Lancaster, working with our new president to prepare for a smooth handover. Adding to the continuity in leadership, Bobbi Carducci is keeping her party shoes on and will remain in the position of vice president.
hilary hauck, Area 4 PResIDeNt
PW Election: Vote by March 28 Ballots were recently emailed to members. Offices to be filled include President, Vice President, Area 1 Rep, Area 3 Rep, Area 5 Rep, and Area 7 Rep. All members may vote for the President, Vice President, and recipient of the Meritorious Service Award. Members in Area 1, Area 3, Area 5, and Area 7 will also be voting for their area representative. If you have questions, contact Dave Freas at quillracer@pa.metrocast.net. 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 ©2020 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.
We have recently seen other changes on the Pennwriters board—it’s my pleasure to welcome Dan Arndt and Jenn Diamond. Dan is our new Online Courses Coordinator. He has extensive experience in education and already has some exciting plans for the program. Jenn is our new Area 4 Rep. If you live in Area 4, you may already noticed Jenn as an enthusiastic supporter of the local writing community. Jenn replaces Denise Weaver, who has been an active, contributing member of the board at large and a supportive, informative, and joyful point of reference for the Area 4 writing community. During her service, Denise also reinvented and revitalized Pennwriters Presents on a dedicated Facebook page, playing gracious and expert host to an array of interesting and informative guests. We thank her for all her efforts. Continuing with the current theme of change, by the time you read this, the new Pennwriters website will be live. It’s taken a momentous effort by many to get this launched, and I’m extremely grateful to the website committee— Sue Fobes, Stephanie Claypool, Sue Gourley, and Sandy Bush—for months of hard work; our treasurer, Jackie Shaffmaster, for setting up a new payment system and preparing the member database; the Area Rep team, Annette, Todd, Lori, Stephanie, Denise, Jenn, Sandy, Suzanne, and Terry; and everyone who has played a part, mighty or minor. Preparations for the website have added to the workload of every member of the board, and I extend my sincere and immense thanks to each and every one of them. It is our sincere hope that we’ll now deliver a more professional, informative, and interactive Pennwriters experience. You’ll have ample reason to visit our website on a regular basis. There are new opportunities for you to set up a polished profile, for Published Penns to secure public appearances, for members to sign up for online courses, to chat to other members directly, and to register for conferences and events.
Upcoming Opening: Newsletter Editor of The Penn Writer We are looking for a new Newsletter Editor for The Penn Writer. For details on what the position entails, please email Heather Desuta, current newsletter editor, at thepennwriter@gmail.com. 2
the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
The 33rd Annual Pennwriters Conference will be held May 14-17 in Lancaster. Please note that the conference is being hosted in a new hotel this year. It’s a lovely venue, more affordable than before, and our 2020 Conference Coordinators, Ayleen and Leslie, have an excellent program of learning, networking, and pitching lined up for you. CONFERENCE LOCATION DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Lancaster, (717) 464-2711 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 Pennwriters Block Rate: $115 plus tax per night Reserve by April 13 to receive the block rate.
For those who can’t wait until May to learn, you might want to check out our April online course with Kathy Otten: Weaving History into the Historical Novel. If you’ve ever done historical research, you’ll know it can be a daunting task. Even when you find the information you need, it can still be challenging to incorporate it into your fiction or nonfiction. Thank you for your membership and your patience in this season of change. I leave you with a quote from Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” 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 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 Online Courses Coordinator Dan Arndt OnlineCoordinator@Pennwriters.org Internet Activities Coordinator open position _____@Pennwriters.org
Pennwriters Online website: www.pennwriters.org facebook Groups: Pennwriters; Pennwriters Annual Conference Join the Pennwriters LinkedIn group and follow us on twitter and Instagram.
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: Lori Foster Area2Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 3 Rep: Stephanie Claypool Area3Rep@Pennwriters.org AREA 4 Rep: Jenn Diamond 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
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AREA 7 Rep: Terry Friedman 610-331-2558 & 843-236-8189 Area7Rep@Pennwriters.org 3
Pennwriters Member News & Accomplishments to shARe youR MeMBeR News, email Newsletter@Pennwriters.org with “Pennwriter submission” in the subject line. Please include your Pennwriters Area # in the message.
Area 5 Glenn Brauchli writing as G. D. Hart has published his first novel, HEAVY METAL, a family drama of boxing, brothers, betrayal, and love, set in the Pennsylvania Rust Belt. Former heavyweight contender, Mickey “The Fearsome” McPhearson, dwells in a back room of a long-abandoned zinc-smelting plant. With his sole companion, an orange tabby cat, the scruffy pair survive one dumpster dive at a time. Opportunity knocks. Now with the chance to reclaim all that was lost, as well as punish those he holds responsible for his downward spiral, McPhearson suffers a devastating setback. With the aid of a disabled veteran, a loving woman, and her ex-pug father, “The Fearsome” McPhearson rises to the occasion in the battle that will change his life forever. HEAVY METAL is available in paperback (296 pages) and online at Amazon.com, and also for Perry County visitors at the PCCA Gallery in Newport.
Area 5 Representative Sandra (Sandy) M. Bush released her second novel, MONEY MAN MAROONED, in October 2019, published by Year of the Book Press. This is the sequel to her first novel, MONEY MAN. The Money Man is back…and neurotic as ever! Five years after leaving his high-stress job as a financial advisor, 4
Tom Frye is enjoying his new business venture as owner of the landscaping company, the Country Bumpkin. With his daughters in college and wife Vicky pitching in, the change of pace suits him well. Or does it? Wrestling with another midlife crisis, Tom misses the thrills and rewards of playing the markets. When his wife wins a luxury cruise for four through the Panama Canal, Tom and his family embark on a well-deserved vacation. Little do they know they’ll be joined by Tom’s least favorite ex-clients—Dr. Sam and Mina Stab. While Tom and Mina exchange verbal warfare onboard the ship, no one can foresee the alliance they must forge to escape the suspected drug lords who kidnap them for ransom. Available on Amazon. Signed copies from author are also available upon request. Visit Sandy’s website www.sandrambush.com to check out her blog.
Area 4 Jim Lee confirms that his story “Death of a Controversial Word Wizard” was published in January 2020 in the massive (600+ pages) STRANGE STORIES VOLuME ONE anthology. It's available from Amazon. At this writing, a shorter SF tale, "Our Jack, Reconstituted," is slated to appear on the site Flash in a Flash on March 10. That one will be free to read, but you need to sign up to receive the post (at no cost). Flash in a Flash posts 2-3 new stories per week, and the link to subscribe is https://mailchi.mp'63da41c535a1/flashinaflash.
Area 7 Cathy Hester Seckman will be the guest columnist for the March 2020 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine. It'll be Cathy’s third piece for them, and this one’s about her transition from 30 years of riding a two-wheel motorcycle to 30 more years of riding a three-wheel motorcycle.
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The Little Things By MARy eLLeN huMPhRey, AReA 1
Area 6 J. Arthur Moore was recently presented with the Freedoms Foundation’s National Award, the George Washington Honor Medal, at a Local Hero Gala at the Freedoms Foundation Headquarters in Phoenixville, Pa., just outside Valley Forge Park. The following are quotes from Paul Sanborn’s letter of nomination and David Harmer’s letter of congratulations. “I highly recommend this series of four historical novels. I believe that books such as these are an important way of preserving our national heritage and bringing it to life for the students in our schools. They can relate to the experiences and perspective of Duane Kinkade as he lives through the central event in our national history, the American Civil War.” -Paul Sanborn, historian, Freedoms Foundation
JOuRNEY INTO DARKNESS is a life-changing adventure, a gripping story of war, and a boy’s extraordinary coming-of-age. Out of unfathomable tragedy, comes an unforgettable tale of family, hope and what it means to be human. When a young Arkansas farm boy’s father and best friend leaves to serve in the Confederate Army, he and his mother are left to tend the family farm in a countryside plagued with violence, only to lose his mother and nearly his own life to that violence. His attempt to write his father fails, causing him to run away to the war in search of him, a search that brings him faceto-face with the horrors of war and the gut-wrenching destruction and aftermath of battle with its loss of life and of friends.Written from the boy’s point of view for middle grade through adult, this novel enables the young reader to live the war through the eyes and experiences of a peer, Duane Kinkade.
Years ago, when both of my children had graduated from high school and gone away to college, I decided it was a good time to pursue my writing interests. I scoured magazines’ submission guidelines which I used as writing prompts and assignments. Some, I submitted. One magazine wanted 250-word accounts of true experiences. A story about walking with my baby carriage and narrowly averting an accident because of a mysterious verbal warning seemed to fit their guidelines. I crafted and redrafted until my manuscript was superb (in my mind) and sent it off. Ten days later, an acceptance came in the mail. Wow! I was excited, but I never thought beyond the point of acceptance. What happened next is better than fiction. In March 1994, my story, “The Warning,” was published in Fate Magazine. An author of several books on the topic of angels called to interview me. At the conclusion of the call, he asked me if I would accompany him as a guest on The Phil Donahue show. I was too shy and declined, to his disappointment, but I did agree to be interviewed on a radio show from Kentucky the following Sunday. My on-air account of my story was taped. Soon after the radio show, I got a call from Cascom Productions asking permission to use that radio tape on a TV show they were making for The Learning Channel. They re-enacted my story with actors, using my taped voice as narrator, and it was included on a nationally televised documentary called Angel Stories that played for several years at Easter time. My name appears in the credits section at the end of the program. Then, the local newspaper interviewed me and ran a Sunday feature story with a color picture of me standing on the front steps of our statehouse. I’d just been elected to the NH House of Representatives. The article was titled “Legislator Touched by An Angel.” It occurred to me that I might come across as a flaky state rep, or someone who listened to voices. Instead, reaction was positive, and other legislators eagerly shared their stories with me over coffee in the statehouse cafeteria. All that from a 250-word story. In addition, the magazine paid me $25, I received an autographed copy of the book that included my story, the television producer sent me a video of the program, and I met lots of interesting people. Sometimes, it’s the little things that surprise us. Don’t discount small projects. You never know where they’ll lead. Mary ellen humphrey has a master's in education with a specialty to teach writing. she conducted writing workshops for many years in New hampshire. Recently she retired to PA and has led a memoir workshop at the Ripley, Ny library and facilitated a student publishing class at the Kings Co op.
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Part Two: Getting Started Writing Articles By DIANe heLeNtJARIs, AReA 7
If you yearn for readers, get busy writing articles. Over 224 million people read more than 7,000 American magazines each year. Despite the headshakers predicting their demise, u.S. newspapers command a circulation of more than 28 million people. Newsletters, blogs, and online sites devour additional nonfiction work. Approaches to beginning your article writing effort vary, but here are tips to consider: Begin where you are Writing about what you love is fun and less stressful than struggling through uncharted territory. Knowing the lingo and backstory simplifies research. You can also tap colleagues and friends for interviews, dodging the need to cold-call strangers. Maybe your aunt bakes scrumptious rhubarb pies. Interview Aunt Dottie as well as the farmer supplying her rhubarb. Research the cultural history of this strange pie. (I mean, what daredevil dreamed up baking sugared vegetable stalks into a dessert?) Add a couple of copyrightfree photos or drawings, and you’re all set with a charming article for the paper’s lifestyle section. Save complex topics for later. Hobbies, clubs, non-profits and faith organizations can all be mined for opportunities. Peruse the “About us” sections and mastheads to ferret out information about becoming a contributor or to identify the editor or managing editor. Go right ahead. Email them your queries. Start small and local. Initially, you may have to be willing to work for no or low pay. Concentrate on mastering submission processes, creating clean copy, and meeting deadlines. Start off writing low-word-count pieces such as book reviews, trivia, updates, and news. They showcase your work with less risk attached than an 8000-word article would have. Co-writing with an experienced writer offers another lower-risk way to explore. The two of you divvy the work up. You get to see all the moving parts, from soup to nuts. A partner who can meet with you in person is optimal, but Skype and email will also suffice. Even if you only do the research or formatting, you can still be listed as a co-author and start gaining credibility. Working close to home encourages face-to-face communication. When you land an assignment, ask to meet with the editor. Learn what the publishers want to accomplish. Ask what type of articles work well for them, as well as what doesn’t or what has been “done to death.” A half-hour over lattes can save you hours of misguided effort. Avoid premature entanglement. As you feel your way along the path of article writing, you will likely end up in unpredictable areas. You may start out penning political pieces, but wind up preferring to do 6
historical items. Let things settle before committing to ongoing obligations. Take time to learn what type article best suits your interests and abilities. To blog or not to blog? The internet is littered with the corpses of failed blogs— evidence of writers who thought they knew their niche and committed to a blog, only to go in another direction. Instead, get your blog writing need satisfied initially through guest blogging for other writers. Ready to ramp up Once you have had your work published a few times, forge ahead and think big. Don’t get mired down, and don’t underestimate your ability. A voracious appetite for information exists today, waiting to be satiated. You can help. Time to move into the mainstream. At this point, check out available publications. Writers Marketplace, a classic reference, exists in print, online and as an e-book. Submittable (www.submittable.com) publicizes opportunities, as do other websites such as Make A Living Writing (www.makealivingwriting.com). Pennwriters includes an annotated listing of opportunities in each newsletter. Local and regional Pennwriters groups are a helpful resource as well. Avoid the traps of low-pay content mills and bidding online for writing jobs. After identifying a potential publication, look for submission information on their website. Read it carefully. Look over the website to get a feel for the publication’s purpose and style. Leaf through at least one issue—often available free online or as an inexpensive download, or look for them in your local library or bookstore. Never write for a publication you haven’t read, as you will be wasting your time as well as the editor’s. When pitching articles, check the publication schedule, so you can tailor your suggestions to seasonal needs. Magazine submission dates may be months prior to publication dates. Factor in plenty of time to put your article together at a realistic pace. A month or more is best. Aim high. Article writing flourishes with positive work habits—strong interpersonal and communication skills with editors, staff, interviewees; being on time; and providing all requested information promptly and in the requested format. By starting small, but not being afraid to think big, you’ll craft an enjoyable and productive article writing journey. --Coming in the May/June newsletter: Part Three: Organizing for Successful Article Writing
the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
Friday Evening Keynote SUSAN MEIER In her 30 years of writing sweet romances, sexy romances, romantic suspense and even a Christian mainstream, SUSAN MEIER has learned the tricks to coming up with story ideas that support an entire novel, creating story tension, and digging deeper into character for stronger stories. Her books have been nominated for and won numerous awards including the Book Buyers Best award for NANNY FOR THE MILLIONAIRE’S TWINS and a nomination for RWA’s coveted Rita award for THE TYCOON’S SECRET DAUGHTER. The author of 70+ books and 20 writing workshops, Susan has been married to her husband Mike for almost 40 years. She’s also the mother of three children and slave to one very odd cat who thinks she’s human.
Saturday Luncheon Keynote JON SPRUNK is the author of Book of the Black Earth fantasy series (BLOOD AND IRON, STORM AND STEEL, BLADE AND BONE) and the Shadow Saga (SHADOW’S SON, SHADOW’S LURE, SHADOW’S MASTER). SHADOW’S SON was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award and a nominee for the David Gemmell Award in two categories. Jon attended Lock Haven University where he received his BA in English. He set out after graduation to become a “serious writer.” When his first fantasy novel failed to find a publisher, he sought gainful employment in the real world. After a decade of numerous jobs and much soul-searching, he returned to writing and joined Pennwriters. In June 2009, he signed a multi book deal with Pyr Books, finally enjoying some long awaited success. Jon lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife and son. When not writing, he enjoys travel, collecting medieval and ancient weaponry, and pro football.
Friday Published Penns Luncheon Speaker NANCY SPRINGER is a longtime member of Pennwriters and a professional fiction writer who has passed the 50-book milestone, having written that many novels in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, and mystery. She has collected starred reviews and other honors until it is no use mentioning them anymore, except maybe for those two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America. Her latest release is GRAND GHOST, women’s literature with a paranormal twist. But her most popular works, no contest, are a series of short novels about Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister. The first ENOLA HOLMES feature film is coming in 2020 from Legendary Productions. Emmy-nominated actress Millie Bobby Brown stars in the brilliant, devious, and daring role of Enola.
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About the 2020 Annual Pennwriters Conference BASE CONFERENCE FEES—
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
THREE-DAY CONFERENCE (Friday through Sunday) Members: $299 through April 1 / $329 after April 1 Nonmembers: $384 • 40+ workshops and sessions to choose from • Buffet breakfast (Saturday) • Keynote lunch with Jon Sprunk (Saturday) • Agent pitch sessions** • “Your Agent For 20 Minutes” appointments ** • Friday evening read-&-critiques** • Book signing (Saturday)
THURSDAY, MAY 14, PRE-CONFERENCE INTENSIVE Writing the Novel with Susan Meier This full-day interactive class on writing the novel will be geared towards novice and intermediate writers and will address several writing topics, as well as the differences between indie and traditional publishing (i.e. your publisher doing all the work vs. doing it yourself). She will also touch on advertising and promotion. Full day: 10 am-5 pm (includes lunch): $175 for Pennwriters / $199 for nonmembers For inquiries about attending this as a half-day session, email conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org with “PRECON QUESTION” in the subject line of your message.
one-day options also available—
FRIDAY ONLY (no meals included) Members: $119 through April 1 / $149 after April 1 Nonmembers: $174 for nonmembers • 20 workshops to choose from • Agent pitch sessions ** • “Your Agent For 20 Minutes” appointments ** • Friday evening read-&-critiques **
SATURDAY ONLY (w/ breakfast & keynote lunch) Members: $159 through April 1 / $189 after April 1 Nonmembers: $219 • 20 workshops to choose from • Buffet breakfast • Keynote lunch with Jon Sprunk • Agent pitch sessions ** • “Your Agent For 20 Minutes” appointments ** • Book Signing
FRIDAY NETWORKING LUNCHEON with our agents and keynotes $28 for Pennwriters / $35 for nonmembers or FRIDAY PUBLISHED PENNS LUNCHEON with Nancy Springer $28 for Published Penns ONLY FRIDAY KEYNOTE DINNER with Susan Meier $50 for Pennwriters / $65 for nonmembers SATURDAY AFTER-HOURS SOCIAL Theme: “Wipe Out!” Wear your loudest Hawaiian shirt and join us for a colorful evening. Cash bar on hand, but your ticket comes with a drink or two. Admission: $20 NON-WRITER GUESTS Meals-only options for companions: Friday dinner: $65 Friday lunch: $35 Saturday breakfast and lunch: $70 Saturday After-Hours Social: $20
SUNDAY ONLY (half day, no meals) Members: $60 / Nonmembers: $75 • 9 workshops to choose from
Also available: BECOME A MEMBER OPTION: Join Pennwriters at our regular price ($55) when you register for the conference to get the member prices. ** first come, first scheduled
Pricing and schedule are subject to change
CONFERENCE LOCATION DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Lancaster, (717) 464-2711 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 Pennwriters Block Rate: $115 plus tax per night Reserve by April 13 to receive the block rate.
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About the 2020 Annual Pennwriters Conference DIRECT ACCESS TO LITERARY AGENTS & EDITORS PITCH SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS AND PANELS: One-on-one agent/editor pitch appointments are available at no additional fee. When you register for the conference, writers with finished manuscripts will be able to sign up for a 10-minute pitch session. Agents will also be leading workshop sessions and participating in panel discussions. Bring your questions about the publishing process and hear these experts talk about the state of the industry.
GUEST AGENTS & EDITORS Noah Ballard / Curtis Brown, Ltd Noah Ballard is an agent at Curtis Brown, Ltd. He studied creative writing at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and began his career in publishing at Emma Sweeney Agency. Noah focuses on literary fiction, short story collections and narrative nonfiction, including memoir, journalism and pop culture. He has appeared at graduate writing programs and writers conferences across the country speaking about query letters, building nonfiction platforms and submission etiquette. A New Jersey native, Noah lives in Brooklyn. Noah is looking for: Literary fiction; Short story collections; Narrative nonfiction, including memoir, journalism and pop culture. (Noah accepts electronic submissions via email or submission form. Please include your query letter and the first ten pages in your submission. No attachments, please. Due to the volume of queries he receives, he will respond only if he’s interested, typically within four weeks.) Ronald Gerber / Lowenstein Associates Ronald joined Lowenstein Associates in 2019 as a literary agent and manager of foreign rights, permissions, and contracts, following several years in literary scouting. He is currently building his list in both fiction and nonfiction, focusing on cinematic stories with strong hooks and relatable characters. Ronald is a graduate of Bard College at Simon’s Rock and received his B.A., summa cum laude with high honors, from Clark University. He is a proud native New Yorker. You can find him on Twitter (@Daysleeper95). Ronald is looking for: Contemporary and historical fiction; Thriller/mystery/detective; Romance; Grounded sci-fi; Short stories; Memoir/biography; Narrative nonfiction; Middle grade. He does not represent: Christian; Erotica; Poetry; Puzzles and Games; Business/investment; Craft/Hobbies/DIY; Health/diet; Technical/How-to; Texbooks; Picture books; Stage plays/screenplays.
SPECIAL SESSIONS: “YOUR AGENT FOR 20 MINUTES” Want an agent to answer your questions or read your material right now? When you sign with a literary agent, your agent becomes your business partner, often providing you with insight, strategy, and expertise to grow and manage your writing career. This is an exclusive opportunity to meet with literary agent Louise Fury of The Bent Agency or Sandy Lu of the L. Perkins Agency for 20 minutes on a one-on-one basis. In this time, Louise and Sandy will use their experiences to relay opinions and answers to your industry-related questions, and/or review related material, such as the first 5 pages (max) of your manuscript, your query letter, or your synopsis. Please bring printed copies. There is no extra fee to participate, but the number of slots is limited to 48, and they will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Note these are NOT pitch sessions and neither Louise, Sandy, or Pennwriters can guarantee publication. All material needs to be double spaced and in 12-pt font. Sandy Lu / L. Perkins Agency Sandy is looking for submissions that will draw her in with a unique voice, make her miss her subway stop and keep her up all night. She especially loves historical fiction and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. Commercial and upmarket fiction, mystery/crime, thriller, horror, sci-fi/fantasy, and YA. Non-fiction: narrative, history, biography, science, and pop culture. Louise Fury / The Bent Agency Louise is looking for writers with a unique voice and an unforgettable story, whether it be for kids or adults, fiction or nonfiction. “I’m particularly drawn to manuscripts that are written with an unforgettable voice—this can be deep, dark and gritty or literary, lyrical and emotional. I love unique or unusual formatting as well as art and/or graphics. Both fiction and nonfiction.” She is also interested in Graphic novels, mysteries and thrillers. “I want highconcept ideas, sports books, humor and pop culture manuscripts. I also love cooking and craft books.” Agent/editor pitch appointments and Your Agent for 20 Minutes are available as first come, first scheduled. Please note that conference details are subject to change.
Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. –fRANCIs BACoN
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Conference Announcements
Friday Networking Lunch: “Lunch with the Experts” Pennwriters is taking it to the next level with our networking lunch! Join industry professionals for a lunch like no other! You’ve heard of speed dating, right? It’s kind of like that, but with a twist! Enjoy the company of our keynotes, agents and other published authors while asking them industry related questions. Attendees will be at three different tables during the hour and a half slated for lunch: soup at the first table, salad or sandwich at the second table, and dessert at the third table. Seating is limited and will be honored on a first registered, first served basis.
Friday Published Penns Lunch: “Getting There” with Nancy Springer Nancy Springer has had a long writing career filled with ups and downs. Members with Pennwriters’ Published Author status can learn how Nancy weathered the lows of her career, rebranded herself, collected readers, gained success with her books, and will soon see her ENOLA HOLMES mystery series on the big screen in a feature film starring Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things fame.
Saturday Keynote Luncheon: “Conquering Doubt” with Jon Sprunk Doubt.We all have it. It can niggle at our brains, and erode our confidence. Successful authors learn to ignore it, or harness it for good. Join author and longtime Pennwriters member Jon Sprunk as he talks about “Conquering Doubt.”
Saturday Afternoon Panel: “Beyond Print” Movies, network television, streaming services... with so many new opportunities available, how does one go about having their work optioned for the screen? Join authors Nancy Springer (film: Enola Holmes) and Cindy Callaghan (Amazon Prime: Just Add Magic), and agents Louise Fury and Sandy Lu, for a panel discussion on taking your work beyond print.
Conference Volunteers Needed If you plan to attend the 2020 Pennwriters Conference, please consider volunteering. We have a number of opportunities. Many jobs take only a few minutes, while others may take more. Positions are available prior to and during the conference. In addition to getting to see what happens behind the scenes, you can interact and network with many accomplished authors and speakers. Some jobs even pair you with agents or editors. MODERATORS introduce a session speaker by reading a short bio (already written and provided to you) and distribute handouts if necessary. TIMEKEEPERS for agent/editor pitch appointments keep the 10-minute sessions running smoothly. PENN PALS greet agents, editors and speakers, pass out materials and answer questions that arise throughout the event. We will also need a few people to work the REGISTRATION DESK on Friday and/or Saturday morning. To volunteer for any of these positions or offer help with other tasks, contact Leslie and Ayleen at conferencecoordinator@pennwriters.org.
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the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
Conference Announcements
Saturday Night Social: ALOHA! Surf's up, dudes! Time to hang loose in your gnarliest beach duds at the totally tubular Pennwriters Luau on Saturday night! Rad food & drinks, sweet games & beachy vibes to chill you out. No wipe outs—be there—you won't regret it!
Cocktails and Mocktails Contest Do you consider yourself a cocktail guru? Can you mix a drink that makes your friends swoon? Share your talents with us in the Cocktails and Mocktails Contest. During the first month of registration, we’ll start accepting your original recipes for cocktails and mocktails. We’ll do the sampling and pick two winners—one cocktail and one mocktail—to be featured during the conference. For inspiration, keep our keynotes and their books in mind. You can also design a tropical drink for the Saturday night Luau. Or pour something that hints of Pennwriterly inspiration. www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors - www.freepik.com
Best Dressed Window Contest The hotel rooms facing the courtyard at the DoubleTree Lancaster have lovely patio-type windows perfect for decorating, so we thought it would be fun to have a contest. Get creative. You could decorate your window with a cutout of your book character, a mockup of your cover, a phrase from your book, or anything that relates to writing. Think big, because in order to win, we’ll need to see it from several floors down. But remember… whatever you put up, YOU will need to be able to take down. We don’t want to make extra work for the housekeeping staff! Judging will be by a vote of conference attendees. Watch Facebook and our website for more details. And make sure to ask for a room that faces the courtyard when you reserve your room. The lower the floor, the better for viewing.
Prepare your entries for the on-site, peer-judged IN OTHER WORDS Contest • LENGTH: Short and sweet or long and neat. As long as it fits on one side of an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. • FORMAT: Typed or handwritten. If it’s legible, it’s eligible. Just make sure it’s dark enough to be easily read once the entry is hung on the wall. • CATEGORIES: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction. • WORKS must be original and self-contained—not a part of a larger story, article or poem. • AUTHOR NAME must be on the back of the entry only. If any manner of author identification is visible in any way, the entry will be disqualified. • ENTER ONLY ONCE IN EACH CATEGORY. • ENTRIES WILL NOT BE RETURNED. Do not post your only copy of the manuscript. • WInners will be announced at the closing ceremony on Sunday and will receive a certificate of achievement. Additional info will be in each registrant’s conference packet.
SCHEDuLE iS SuBJECT TO CHANGE the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
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Area 1
Area 4
todd Main • Area 1 Representative 814-459-8752 • Area1Rep@Pennwriters.org
Jenn Diamond • Area 4 Representative Area4Rep@Pennwriters.org
Meadville Vicinity Pennwriters (MVP) meets 1st saturday, 1-4 p.m. at Java tree Cafe, 217 Chestnut st. Contact Janet wells at wellswoodjanet@gmail.com.
the Inkwell (Altoona Area) meetings have moved to the fIRst tuesDAy of each month, (dinner at 6 p.m., meeting at 7:15) at Marzoni's Brick oven & Brewery in Duncansville. Contact Denise weaver at quillshoppe@msn.com.
erie Vicinity Pennwriters (eVP) Note two MeetINGs •Meets 2nd saturday, 1-4 p.m. at whole foods Coop (1341 west 26th st., erie – Intersection of 26th street and Brown Avenue) •Meets 4th saturday, 1-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble on Peach street. for both, contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com. shenango Valley Pennwriters (sVP) meets 3rd saturday, 1-4 p.m. at the Community Library of shenango Valley 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:
fellowship of the Quill (fotQ) meets every thursday, 6:30-10 p.m. at hoss’s (3302 west 26th street, erie). Contact todd Main at todd_main@steris.com.
oLLI writer's Group meets monthly at the schlow Library (211 s. Allen st.). Contact Rita Lumpkins at ritalouise@gmail.com.
Corry Vicinity Pennwriters (CVP) 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.
Nittany Valley writers Network meets 2nd tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at schlow Library.
North east Vicinity Pennwriters (NVP) meets 1st and 3rd saturdays, 1-4 p.m. at McCord Library in North east. Leader is Mary ellen humphrey.
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 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
Area 5 sandra Bush • Area 5 Representative Area5Rep@Pennwriters.org If you are interested in starting a group, 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 Lori foster• 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 • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
Area 3 stephanie Claypool • Area 3 Representative Area3Rep@Pennwriters.org CRItIQue GRouPs: Aspinwall Critique Group work (up to five pages) to be critiqued is emailed to the group at least one week prior to the meeting, pasted into the body of the email, not attached. Print the critiqued texts and bring it with you to the meeting for discussion. the meeting is held on the 1st wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Panera Bread, 942 freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (near Aspinwall) (412) 799-0210. for more information, contact sandra skowron at skow603@yahoo.com. the Pittsburgh east writer's Group small, friendly critique group focusing on fiction. All genres welcome. Meets on the third saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the first floor meeting room at the Monroeville Public Library. Contact Chuck Rakiecz at crakiecz@verizon.net. It is now open to new members. 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 but is accepting candidates for a waitlist. writers interested in Critique Group North contact MaryAlice Meli at maryalicemeli@yahoo.com
WRITER’S TOOLBOX Marketing: Acquire a Motivated Mentality To get yourself to implement the marketing required to become a bestseller, you must acquire a motivated mentality. There’s an old adage in business that says, “Nothing happens until you sell something.” No business will be in business without sales, which includes authors—even if you’re simply selling people on something that doesn’t require a purchase. However, many authors don’t like the rubbingelbows socializing of sales, putting concrete plans in place for marketing, and trying to promote something they’ve had little success in selling. Such dislike leads to procrastination and anguish. Maintain a motivated mentality to help your sales. -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 Bridgeville Critique Group Meets the fourth wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Panera Bread in the Chartiers Valley shopping Center. writers of fiction, nonfiction, and at any skill level are welcome. we review one person's work each month. work to be critiqued is sent at least a week in advance. the group is currently full but keeping a waitlist. Anyone who would like to join, sit in on a session, or more info, contact Barb D'souza at barbrett@verizon.net.
I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose.
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 has available spaces. for more information contact Amy wagner at amywagner00@gmail.com.
First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!
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. Published/non-published, fiction/non-fiction, and all genres are welcome. this group is presently full but keeping a waiting list. Contact Rosemary Ray at southside27@outlook.com.
–RAy BRADBuRy
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.
–stePheN KING
People on the outside think there’s something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn’t like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that’s all there is to it. –hARLAN eLLIsoN
the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
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Market News
CoLuMN #136
By JIM Lee, AReA 4, AssoCIAte eDItoR, MARKet RePoRts
After several years as an independent press, familius has become the newest imprint of workman Books, a mid-sized company with excellent distribution. familius produces e-books, audiobooks, apps, and videos. their nonfiction titles for adults tend to focus on healthy eating and family values. they also do titles for children (both fiction and nonfiction), from the youngest up to and including the yA market. they want proposals, but having an agent is not required. online submissions are preferred, but they will consider mailed mss. they have detailed guidelines that you need to read and follow at www.familius.com/submissions. Duopass is another imprint from workman. they specialize in innovative nonfiction and gift books for kids, including board books that fold out, flash cards and sticker books. But they also put out a few books in more traditional formats. In any case, they concentrate mostly on books for the very young (age 2 and younger). Again, like the above, they put out some nonfiction for adult readers, much of it humorous. If you are interested in both of these imprints, visit www.workman.com/work-with-us/authorsubmissions#duopress for their guides. Anybody interested in podcasts? here are a couple of markets… the Centropic oracle is a Canadian podcast of sf/f that pays 1 (Canadian) cent per word for stories, 200-6,000 wds long. As is pretty standard among audio markets, they are okay with reprints of stories published in print form (as long as you still have audio rights to sell) or previously unpublished stories. they require a brief written bio and a photo of the author. the photo will be posted on their site, and they’ll do an audio interview with the contributor (based on the bio info, I’m guessing) to accompany the podcast. they want family-friendly material only. Visit www.centropucoracle.com/mainpages/subguide.php. Manawaker studio’s flash fiction Podcast is open to all genres, as long as work is accessible to all ages (family-friendly content only). the editor especially likes light-hearted material, and sci-fi is reportedly most welcome. Pay is ½ cent per word (minimum of $3), and 800 words is their ideal length. (Acceptable range is 2501,500 wds.) their current reading period goes all the way to November 2020, and over that time, they’ll need to buy about 45 pieces. one odd note: send subs—up to 3 at a time—in the body of your submission email. Guides can be found online at www.manawaker.com/ffp-submissions/. you may have heard that the science fiction and fantasy writers of America Group (sffwA) has been pushing for an increase in the pay rates of those markets that want to be considered “big-time pro markets.” that hasn’t just affected genre magazines, as evidenced by the 8 cents/wd now being paid for sf/f stories by the third flatiron Anthologies. they put out two books per year of new works on specific themes—usually sf/f/horror and sometimes humor. Visit www.thirdflatiron.com/livesite/pages/thirdflatiron. 14
the toast, a women’s-issues magazine, is going out business and has stopped accepting material. france Revisited is a webzine about travel to france, as well as french culture, the french lifestyle, etc. they pay up to $50 for articles and personal essays. www.francerevisited.com/contact/write-for-us/. holidays for humanity is another somewhat specialized travel website. they want nonfiction on “mindful travel.” Pay is $50-75 (for articles), $100-150 (interviews), and $150-200 (photo essays). to submit, go to www.holidaysforhumanity.com/writing-guidelines/. Another online market is Afterimage, dedicated to all sorts of visual arts (photography, film, videos, etc.). Pay is 5 cents/wd, with a max of $300. www.afterimage.ucpress.edu/content/submit. Grist is an online nonprofit about climate change and sustainability. they want pitches on a wide range of related topics/forms: essays, in-depth investigative journalism, profiles of change-makers, Q&A pieces, etc. Pay is reported as up to 27 cents per word. Visit www.grist.org/about/writers/. Ravishly considers itself “the internet’s cool aunt.” this feminist website uses nonfiction on “gender equality, body positivity, pop culture, and cat pictures”—proving they have a sense of humor, I guess. they pay $50-75 per essay. Visit them online at www.ravishly.com/work-with-us. the her stories Project is a website for Gen X women (defined loosely by them as late 30s through late 50s). they want firstperson personal essays (750-2,000 wds) on all aspects of life experiences. Pay is $80. www.herstoriesproject.com/herstories-voices/. the American Interest is a bimonthly about us policy, politics and culture. Pay varies, but they are open to feature-length essays and film reviews from freelancers. www.the-american-interest.com/submissions/. Next Avenue is a website for the older generation. they need nonfiction, 800-1,000 wds, on all relevant lifestyle topics. Pay is up to 50 cents/wd. www.nextavenue.org/submission-guidelines/. All Arts is a nonfiction webzine that covers, yes, all manner of visual, literary, and performing arts. Pay varies, but is reported up to $250. www.allarts.org/about/contact-us/ is not a guideline page, but it will at least give you addresses to query the editors. wee tales was an enjoyable kids publication that I had a story in several years back. Alas, I’m sorry to report they just went out of business.
the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
still in planning stages as I write this, oxygen Leaks Magazine will soon be an open market for hard-science sf. editor is Patrick Burrows. A monthly e-zine, they’ll be paying 1 cent/wd for stories up to 20,000 wds. New work is welcome; query about reprints. www.oxygenleaks.com/soon is not a guide page, but you can sign up to be notified when they’re ready for submissions. Back on the print-market front, ufo: unidentified funny objects will be open in April for humorous sf stories for their annual anthology. editor Alex shvartsman wants unpublished stories, 500-5,000 wds long, and will pay 10 cents/wd. the url is insanely long, so just google “Alex shvartsman ufo” for details. Mike Resnick, well-known editor of Galaxy’s edge, has died. the sf/f magazine will continue under new editor Lezli Robyn, but they aren’t open just yet: www.galaxysedge.com/submissions/. A spin-off of a respected literary mag, 87 Bedford historic fantasy Anthology is looking for highly literary fantasy stories and magical work set in the past. New tales only, 1,000-5,000 wds. Pay will be 8 cents/wd. the editor is Lichen han. sub deadline is April 30, with pub scheduled for July 30. for additional info, visit www.87bedford.com/anthology-historic-fantasy/. Deep Magic is yet another sf/f publication increasing its pay rates. they still want “clean” sf/f (no vulgarity). New stories of 1,000-40,000 wds (but 8 cents/wd pay is capped at just under 7,500 wds, so anything longer gets exactly $599.92). Reprints earn 2 cents/wd ($200 max). www.deepmagic.co/submissions/. want to write an opinion piece for the wall street Journal? Visit www.wsj.com/articles/oped-guidelines-for-the-wall-street-journal13843883173. they pay 60 cents/wd for 400-1,000 wds.
Adweek provides news and industry insights for marketers, media pros, advertisers and the like. they pay 50 cents/wd (1,800 wds max) but www.adweek.com/about provides only contact info. still, if you have advertising experience and ideas, give it a look. fun for Kids, a magazine for children ages 6-13 years (main audience: 8-10), does themed issues. they pay 5 cents/wd min. for fiction and nonfiction, and $10 for poems and puzzles. A bimonthly, they use works 300-650 wds, and nonfiction with good accompanying photos is especially sought. A list of upcoming themes is available at www.funforkidsmagazines.com/writer, while other info is at www.funforkidsmagazine.com/ffk.guidelines. oddly, they no longer accept subs online. to send work, mail to fun for Kids, AttN: submissions, Po Box 227, Bluffton, oh 45817. Reckoning Press is all about “creative writing on environmental justice.” they’re putting together an anthology (their 5th), focused on “the wonder of nature.” Pay is 8 cents/wd for prose; $30/page for poems. they want fiction, nonfiction and poems. Length limit is all the way to 40,000 wds?! sub deadline is sept. 22. the uRL for guides is another impossibly long one. I recommend you visit https://reckoning.press/ and keyword search “submission.” An outfit called Cemetery Gates Media is reading for an anthology of new horror stories (3,000-6,000 wds) with strong focus on locations (i.e. haunted landmarks). Pay is 5 cents/wd. for a link to their guideline page, visit www.cemeterygatesmedia.com. SOuRCES: Ralan.com, AuthorsPublish.com, FreelanceWriting.com, Facebook’s Open Calls Pages, and Freedom with Writing.com.
News, tips and other info is always welcome. Contact me via email (jimlee.author@gmail.com) and your contributions will be credited (or not) as desired.
2020 Pennwriters Online Courses m
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April 1-30 Weaving History into the Historical Novel with Kathy Otten May – join us (in person) at the annual Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster! June – Creating A Cast of Three-Dimensional Characters with Annette Dashofy July – TBA with instructor Deanna Adams August – Quilting 101: Plotting from Scratch Using Relationship Arcs with Suzanne Johnson
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September – Flash Fiction with Timons Esaias October – Win NaNoWriMo: Part I – Prepare Organize time and space, materials and ideas with Sandra Gould Ford November – Win NaNoWriMo: Part II – Produce From Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, average 8 pages a day of cohesive, organized, 50,000-word-plus drafts with Sandra Gould Ford December – no classes, Happy Holidays!
Visit w w w. p e nnw r i te r s . o r g for details and to register for courses. the PeNN wRIteR • March/April 2020 • www.pennwriters.org
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THE
PRSRT STD u.S. Postage PA I D Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 2516
911 W. PARk RD. S L i P P E R y R O C k , PA 1 6 0 5 7
Return Service Requested
Writer’s Cramp, an original cartoon collaboration submitted by Todd Main
“Gary Gifford sketches every day. he also likes to join John (another tech writer) outside my cube and tell groaners. yes, the idea for adding them to my Area 1 Newsletter came from my groaning as Gary and John tried to out-joke the other. one friday morning, while John and Gary were dueling, the idea erupted: why not use Gary’s drawing skills and our writing quirks and create a writing cartoon? we discussed the idea off and on for a few months. the hardest part was coming up with the name, as each time we’d get a name we both liked, it turned out to be in use. Gary finally hit upon writer’s Cramp. And that’s how our cartoon was born. Gary Gifford is a former submariner and currently a senior technical writer for the healthcare and Life sciences industries. he has a wife, four children, one grandson, two cats, and one dog. he has self-published six books (most recently, the submarine memoir toRPeDo RooM BLues) and enjoys playing chess, making and playing stringed instruments, and drawing (mostly cartoons). he is founder and member of “Perry ukuleles” music group.” -Todd
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: APRIL 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.)