Hudson Valley Writers Guild

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter, February 1

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Carolee Bennett | Leave a comment

IN THIS ISSUE

Guild Announcements:

Community of Writers Reading in Albany March 1
HVWG 2014 year-end membership report

Member Announcements:

Paul Castellani to discuss his new novel at local book club February 25

Area Announcements:

NYS Writers Institute Visiting Writers Series announces Spring 2015 events
Josh McIntyre & Dave Jaicks to feature at Caffè Lena February 4
Third Thursday to feature Sarah Michelle Sherman February 19
New Work from the Powder Keg Sessions at No. Six Depot on February 22
Weekly poetry class with Susan Comninos starting March 3
Tickets available for film screenings and Gusty Gal Film Awards at the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers
NYS Summer Young Writers Institute application deadline April 1
Catskills-based writers needed for arts publication

GUILD ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community of Writers Reading in Albany March 1
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will sponsor a reading by three local authors on Sunday, March 1, at the Albany Public Library Washington Avenue Branch, 161 Washington Ave., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The authors who will read from their recent work are Elizabeth Gordon, K.A. Laity and Keith Willis. The reading is part of a continuing series titled “Community of Writers.” The reading is free and open to the public.

Elizabeth Gordon’s book of poems, Love Cohoes, was published in 2014. It is a “tough love” homage to the city where she currently lives. She is a poet who performs in slam competitions nationally as “Elizag.” In 2007, she published the memoir Walk With Us: Triplet Boys, Their Teen Parents & Two White Women Who Tagged Along. Both books were published by Crandall, Dostie & Douglass Books.

K. A. Laity is the award-winning author of White Rabbit, A Cut-Throat Business, Lush Situation, Owl Stretching, Unquiet Dreams, À la Mort Subite, The Claddagh Icon, Chastity Flame, Pelzmantel and Other Medieval Tales of Magic and Unikirja, as well as editor of Weird Noir, Noir Carnival and the forthcoming Drag Noir. Her bibliography is chock full of short stories, humor pieces, plays and essays, both scholarly and popular. Her website is www.kalaity.com.

Keith W. Willis graduated with a degree in English from Berry College and now lives near Saratoga Springs with his wife Patty. Keith is a member of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild, the Mythopoeic Society and the Latham/Albany/Schenectady/Troy Science Fiction Association. His debut fantasy novel Traitor Knight will be released in July 2015 by Champagne Book Group’s BURST SFF imprint.

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild fosters an active community of writers and readers by encouraging the development of local authors and providing opportunities for them to share their talents with local audiences. For more information about the Guild, visit www.hvwg.org. For more information about this reading and the Community of Writers series, contact Dan Wilcox,518-482-0262; email: dwlcx@earthlink.net.

HVWG 2014 year-end membership report
At the end of 2014, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild had 131 “active” members, i.e., people who paid their membership dues in the past year. Of those, 108 (82%) paid their 2014 dues and 23 (18%) did not. Therefore, we start 2015 with 108 “active” members. Of the 108 dues payers, there were 34 new members and 74 renewing members. Of the renewing members, 5 people made voluntary contributions (i.e., without being asked) and 3 people renewed for two years. Dues-paying members contributed a total of $3,245, an increase of $640 from 2013.

The Guild’s membership solicitation effort was carried out through 192 mailings, composed of 84 renewal requests, 74 thank you letters, and 34 new member welcome letters. Additionally, 23 year-end email reminders were sent to non-paying members. The direct costs of the 2014 membership effort were:

Postage $198.66
Reply Envelopes $170.66
Membership Forms $386.81

TOTAL $756.13

Therefore, when compared to the $3,245 income that resulted from the membership effort, we can say that the 2014 administrative expense for membership was 23%, typical (although a bit high) for non-profit organizations.

HVWG has an Honor Roll of four members who made extra contributions in 2014 in addition to their membership dues. The following people are called out for recognition of this effort:

Paul Castellani
Phyllis Hillinger
Kathleen O’Brien
David Wolcott

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Paul Castellani to discuss his new novel at local book club February 25
Paul Castellani will participate in a discussion of his new novel, Sputnik Summer, at the Bethlehem Area Y Book Club on February 25 at 1 p.m. (Non-members, as well as members, are welcome.)

AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

NYS Writers Institute Visiting Writers Series announces Spring 2015 events
The spring 2015 series includes major novelist Alice McDermott, celebrated New Yorker proofreader Mary Norris, rising literary stars Yelena Akhtiorskaya and Elisa Albert, two-time Booker Prize winner Peter Carey, major American poet Alicia Ostriker, prize-winning Caribbean author Caryl Phillips, Shakespeare authority and stage actress Tina Packer, a celebration of local civil rights crusader Barbara Smith, and many other events! For more on the Visiting Writers Series visit: http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/programpages/vws.html#.VK1HZF8o7s0.

The Classic Film Series will feature young prize-winning director Tanya Hamilton (Night Catches Us), theater and film producer Ron Simons (winner of Tony Awards for for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder; Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; and the 2012 Porgy & Bess), prize-winning documentary filmmaker Jason Osder (Let the Fire Burn), and William Wellman, Jr., son and biographer of legendary Hollywood director William A. Wellman, whose career spanned four decades, from the Silent Era to the 1950s. For more on the Classic Film Series visit: http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/programpages/cfs.html#.VK1Hfl8o7s0.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/programpages/vws.html#.VK1JEF8o7s1 and our blog at http://nyswiblog.blogspot.com/, or call (518) 442-5620.

Josh McIntyre & Dave Jaicks to feature at Caffè Lena February 4
On Wednesday, February 4, Caffè Lena will present poetry readings by Josh McIntyre and Dave Jaicks. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7 p.m., and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser, and the cost is $5. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0022, www.caffelena.org.

Josh McIntyre is a long lost regular at Caffè Lena Poetry and is most known as the poet who proposed marriage to his wife from our stage. He has been published in various magazines and journals, including Metroland, Modern Drunkard, Capital Region Poets and, most recently, in the men’s room at Caffè Lena! This will be Josh’s first return to an open mic stage in three years. He thanks you in advance for your kindness.

Dave Jaicks is the author of several short stories and flash fiction collections. His most recent titles are Spirit Man and Horses in the Fog. He has published his poetry in Fence, Open City, The Haight Ashbury Literary journal, Passages North, Peninsula Poets and Hummingbird. He has won some minor awards for his writing and is currently in the MFA writing program at the University of Massachusetts. His website is davidjaicks.com.

Third Thursday to feature Sarah Michelle Sherman February 19
Poet Sarah Michelle Sherman will read from her work at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany, on Thursday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m. Sarah Michelle Sherman, is a writer, teacher, bartender, graduate student pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at The College of Saint Rose and managing editor of Pine Hills Review. Her work has appeared in Nailed Magazine, Ploughshares Online, The Helix and Decades Review. She is also a contributing writer for Albany’s alternative newspaper, Metroland.

A reading by a local or regional poet is held each Third Thursday at the Social Justice Center. The event includes an open mic for audience members to read. Sign-up starts at 7 p.m., with the reading beginning at 7:30. The host of the readings is Albany poet and photographer Dan Wilcox. The suggested donation is $3, which helps support this and other poetry programs of the Poetry Motel Foundation and the work of the Social Justice Center. For more information about this event contact Dan Wilcox, 518-482-0262; e-mail: dwlcx@earthlink.net.

New Work from the Powder Keg Sessions at No. Six Depot on February 22
For over 100 hours, two groups of Berkshire women have faced down the blank page and tethered themselves to the rigors of a daily writing practice. They have taken time from careers, children, housework and other obligations for this radical act. Under the guidance of writer and blogger Suzi Banks Baum, they call themselves “The Powder Keg Sessions” — and on February 22, they will ignite No. Six Depot with their voices and new work.

The reading of new work from the Powder Keg Sessions will be at 2 p.m. at No. Six Depot, 6 Depot Street, West Stockbridge, MA. This reading is co-hosted by the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers, and The Powder Keg Sessions are sponsored by the Great Barrington Public Libraries.

Enhancing this devotion to pen and page is the exhibit opening of “What a Daily Writing Practice Looks Like: The Hand-Bound Journals of Writer, Maker, Mother Suzi Banks Baum.” In homage to the time-honored tradition of writers in cafes, Banks Baum’s hand-bound Coptic Stitch books filled with hand-painted papers, found and vintage papers, collages, and small paintings and drawings will be on display in No. Six Depot’s Café gallery until March 31. While she has studied with master book artists, Banks Baum also considers these journals critical to her daily writing practice. The books will be open, so viewers can witness how appetite and curiosity draw diverse resources onto single pages – and eventually, into the world. “What a Daily Writing Practice Looks Like” can be seen between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at No. Six Depot (except Tuesdays) between February 22 and March 31. For more information, contact Suzi Banks Baum at suzi@laundrylinedivine.com.

“My commitment to creating, to making, has buoyed me through the worst of times,” says Banks Baum. “It has also given me a strength and ability to do things I never dreamed of doing. I am convinced that supporting women in engaging their creative voices will allow them to discover tools to improve their own lives and the lives of their families.”

About Suzi Banks Baum / Suzi Banks Baum creates community wherever she goes. She’s an actress, writer, fiber and mixed media collage artist, teacher and collaborator. She’s also the editor and publisher of An Anthology of Babes: 36 Women Give Motherhood a Voice; creator of “Out of the Mouths of Babes: An Evening of Mothers Reading to Others” for the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers; and collaborator with FeMail, a snail-mail art exchange in its seventh year. She lives with her husband and two teenagers in the Berkshires and blogs atwww.laundrylinedivine.com.

Weekly poetry class with Susan Comninos starting March 3
Susan Comninos will offer a weekly poetry class — “The Poetry of Faith & Science” — beginning March 3 at the Schenectady JCC. The 9-week course (March 3 to April 28) will include the reading and discussion of published poems and their techniques, as well as the reading and discussion of student work. Please come prepared to write and participate.

Faith and science are the scrims through which many of us view and understand our lives. Consequently, both can make for fertile ground when we write poems that operate within, or struggle against, their borders. Explore how accomplished poets like Gerald Stern, Stanley Kunitz, Fanny Howe, Eve Grubin and Robert Morgan attempt to pair science with the Divine, or opt to embrace one over the other.

Classes are held at the Schenectady JCC in the Farber/Miness Gallery. The JCC is located at 2565 Balltown Road, Niskayuna. The cost for Schenectady JCC members and returning poetry students is $95; new students, $115. Enroll at the JCC or by calling 377-8803.

About the instructor: Susan Comninos is both a poet and a journalist. Her poetry’s appeared in Subtropics, TriQuarterly, Quarterly West, The Cortland Review, Nashville Review, Tulane Review, Judaism, Lilith, Tikkun, J Journal: New Writing on Justice, Gastronomica and The Malahat Review, among others. In 2010, she won the Yehuda Halevi Poetry Contest run by Tabletmagazine. She’s taught poetry at the University of Michigan, RPI and Troy Arts Center.

Tickets available for film screenings and Gusty Gal Film Awards at the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers
Tickets are now available for the Gutsy Gal Film Awards and film screening events presented by Gutsy Gals Inspire Me® at the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers on March 21 and 22 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

“The first annual Gusty Gal Film Award celebrates an inspiring group of women filmmakers. Not many women have been able to accomplish what they have accomplished and we are proud to put them in the spotlight,” said Deborah Hutchison, founder of Gutsy Gals Inspire Me.

The film awards, ceremony, and screening of “Muffin Top: A Love Story” will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at the McConnell Theater at Bard College. Actress Karen Allen, an honorary recipient of a Gutsy Gal award, will present awards to the writers and directors of 11 feature length and short films. Grand-prize winner Cathryn Michon, writer and director of Muffin Top, in addition to many of the remaining winners, will be in attendance. The event is open to the general public and is held in conjunction with the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers, which runs through the month of March.

On Sunday, March 22, a screening of “Breaking Through the Clouds” and panel discussion will begin at 11 a.m. at the Triplex Theater in downtown Great Barrington. The discussion will be led by the film’s writer and director Heather Taylor, the Berkshire International Film Festival’s founder and director Kelley Vickery, and Gutsy Gals Inspire Me founder Deborah Hutchison. Tickets will be available at the door.

“Because of Cathryn Michon’s fearless and truly entertaining film Muffin Top, and for being an authentic comedy voice about the lives of women everywhere, we are honored to present her with this award. Karen Allen has played very strong female roles and we can’t think of a better way to honor these women than have Karen present them, from one gutsy gal to another. All awards are going to wonderful role models for the future of gutsy women,” said Hutchison.

Tickets are available for the evening of March 21 at tinyurl.com/gutsygalsatberkshire, and tickets will be available at the door for the March 22 event. For more information, visitgutsyaward.com or biffma.org.

NYS Summer Young Writers Institute application deadline April 1
The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute (SYWI) is a 13-day in-residence writing workshop for high school students. Held during the months of June and July (this year: June 29- July 11) at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, the workshop offers young writers artistic development, recognition and respect, and peer support. Students work closely with professional writers, immersing themselves in poetry, prose, creative nonfiction, and the critical evaluation of each other’s work. Admission is limited and participation is determined by the evaluation of creative writing samples submitted as part of the application process. The SYWI is open to any high school student entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2015.

Workshop participants attend three instructional sessions per day — a ninety-minute workshop in the morning and two hour-long workshops each afternoon. In addition, the young writers attend readings and presentations by the nationally-known writers who are part of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, which is held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Work produced by each student during the Summer Young Writers Institute is published in an anthology.

Full and partial financial assistance based upon individual need is available to help offset the cost of tuition and room and board. The application deadline is April 1st. For more information visit 17th Annual Creative Writing Workshop or contact the Skidmore Office of the Dean of Special Programs at (518) 580-5593.

Catskills-based writers needed for arts publication
We are developing a quarterly digital publication focused on art and artists in the Catskills (Ulster, Delaware, Sullivan, Schoharie, Greene, and Otsego counties), and we need writers!

Catskill Made fills the gap in high quality regional arts-focused publications. Local artists, the creative lifestyle and the regional art world will be explored through engaging storytelling, clean design, and beautiful photography. Our mission is to “explore the creative environment”–both personal and regional.

Our first issue will be released March 20 and the theme is “Equinox” — balance in night and day, life and work, creativity and productivity, and every other type of balance that exists. We are interested in the following types of pitches: interviews/features on artists, coverage of art shows and galleries, examining the Catskills life and how this influences art and artmaking, finding inspiration in nature, creative routines, Catskills art history, in-depth examinations of specific artworks, personal essays, journalistic pieces, gChats with artists, creative writing inspired by art. These are just a few ideas. If you have other ideas, or you have an idea that may not fit this theme but still fits our overall scope, send it along. We are open to poetry and short stories that are outstanding and relevant to our purpose.

What we don’t need (or want): pieces on the “revival” of the Catskills; features on young rich people rediscovering the mountains; anything on New York City; articles on food, restaurants or shopping; reviews, listicles or travel itineraries. There are plenty of other publications that would love to publish these!

See details here: http://catskills.craigslist.org/wrg/4869203107.html. Potential contributors can send pitches and portfolio info to this address, hello@eberhardtsmith.com. Payment starts at 10 cents per word.

About us: Catskill Made is run by two Woodstock/Saugerties locals. We also run Eberhardt Smith, a creative company (find us at EberhardtSmith.com) from our tiny cabin. We design, write, edit and photograph for a living and this is our “passion project,” because we love this area, the creative people who live here and the type of lifestyle that we have here.

About the publication: Catskill Made will be magazine-style, but utilize the benefits of a digital format, such as photo galleries, videos, and links. It will be offered on the web and for purchase through the app store. The first issue will be free, and issues after that can be purchased. Each issue will include 6+ stories, photo essays, interviews, etc. Our audience is regional as well as national and global–anyone who is interested in the creative process and lifestyle.

How to pitch: please send us an e-mail that includes your experience, clips or a personal portfolio (a blog is okay–anything that demonstrates your style and skill). Include well-articulated ideas for stories of 500+ words that pertain specifically to this issue or to possible future issues. We pay 10 cents per word to start, and we’re hoping to increase that number within the first year.

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Editor’s Note

I enjoy putting together this newsletter for the HVWG. As a member of the Guild and a working writer in our community, I recognize its incredible value and hope it is a terrific resource for you, as well. Please let me know if there’s anything we can do to improve it.

Here are some housekeeping notes:

Want your news item published in a future newsletter? Submit it to me at hvwgnews@gmail.com. The deadline each month is the 25th, and the newsletter publishes on (or around) the 1st. Please note: All announcements are subject to editing.
PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE A MEMBER when submitting your publication credits and readings (personal accomplishments). If you indicate you are an active member, I can place your announcement in the member section; otherwise, it will be placed under “area announcements.”

Got issues with the newsletter formatting? other feedback? Please email that same address: hvwgnews@gmail.com.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild.

~Carolee

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter, January 2015

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Carolee Bennett | Leave a comment

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter

Important note: Do not submit news items for future newsletters by replying to this email. INSTEAD, please send news items to hvwgnews@gmail.com. Thank you!

IN THIS ISSUE

Member Announcements:

News & updates from Kate Laity
Winifed Elze’s latest novel available at Schenectady book stores
Kate McNairy to be featured poet at Caffè Lena
“Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease” retreat January 24 & 25

Area Announcements:

Deadly sins: Theme issue of Misfit Magazine open for submissions
Upcoming “Bookmarks” reading series deadlines
Caffè Lena to feature Suzanne Parker & Kate McNairy January 7
Next “Second Sunday” open mic: January 11
ARTHUR’S Market & Cafe Poetry night to feature Alan Catlin January 14
Third Thursday to feature Poetyc Visionz January 15
20 local story tellers contribute to new anthology

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

News & updates from Kate Laity
Kate sends the following publication news, as well as info on an upcoming workshop and a possible reading series:

I’m happy to announce the release of Drag Noir, the third noir anthology I have edited for Fox Spirit Books (foxspirit.co.uk). Fox Spirit will also be releasing a new edition of my short story collection Dream Book (originally published as Unikirja/Dream Book in 2009) with two new stories after the first of the year. Also in January, my historical novel Knight of the White Hart will be published by Tirgearr Publishing (tirgearrpublishing.com) under the nom de plume Kathryn Marlowe. It’s the first in a new series of historical adventures called The Breton Lais. My paranormal noir novel White Rabbit has gained a lot of good press since its release earlier this year.

Vincent Zandri and I are hoping to put together a few folks for a “Noir at the Bar” reading series in the new year. Feel free to contact either of us via our websites (vincentzandri.com or kalaity.com) if you’re interested in reading or attending.

I’ll be offering a workshop “How to Keep Writing with a Full Time Job” on Saturday February 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Universal Pathways, Pleasant Valley Road, Berne NY (universalpathways.wordpress.com). Have you always dreamed of writing, but didn’t think you had the time? Award-winning author K. A. Laity, writer of the Chastity Flame novel series, White Rabbit, Owl Stretching, The Mangrove Legacy and many more books, essays and stories will help you attain your writing goals in just minutes a day with this short workshop based on her guide of the same name. The workshop will combine handouts, exercises and tips for making the most of your limited time. Cost $50. Payable via PayPal or check. See kalaity.com for details.

Winifed Elze’s latest novel available at Schenectady book stores
Winifred Elze has published her latest novel, Threads. Set in Schenectady, it tells the story of a young girl who unexpectedly inherits a clothing store — a different kind of clothing store. Clothes made there may have your future woven into the fabric. Threads is available at Proctors Gift Center and the Open Door Bookstore, both in Schenectady.

Kate McNairy to be featured poet at Caffè Lena
HVWG member Kate McNairy sends news that she will be one of the featured readers at Caffè Lena this month. Details, including Kate’s bio, can be found under Caffè Lena’s announcement below. Congrats, Kate!

“Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease” retreat January 24 & 25
It’s winter, we’re achy, we need (and love) to write but sitting long periods is tough. What to do? Come write in a cozy retreat house and learn different ways to take care of your writer’s body. On January 24-25, 2015, Diane Kavanaugh-Black from Of-the-Essence Holistic Wellness offers her quarterly Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease workshop at Still Point Retreat Center, near Saratoga Battlefield. The workshop runs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. $59 per day ($29/day limited income); attend one or both days.

Along with time to write, we’ll incorporate stretch breaks and gentle yoga (no prior experience necessary), meditative walks or snowshoes (trails and labyrinth on-site). Visit http://OfTheEssenceHolisticWellness.com for further information and to reserve a spot.

AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Deadly sins: Theme issue of Misfit Magazine open for submissions January 1-March 15
Misfit Magazine is looking for your submission for its “Lucky 13″ Issue. This issue will be a themed one on deadly sins. Even if you are one of those poets who lives a life of spotless virtue and has no sins to report, as one poet we all know and love — and who shall remain nameless due to confidentiality issues. She knows who she is! — assures Misfit editor Alan Catlin that maybe you have observed or know someone who has sinned. If so, and you have 3-5 poems that fit the general theme, send them after January 1 to submissions@misfitmagazine.net. Deadline is March 15, 2015 For more specific information visit our Misfit Magazine Facebook Page.

Upcoming “Bookmarks” reading series deadlines:

“As the Light Returns.” Curated by local writer and veteran Dan New. Submission deadline: Monday, January 5. Reading: Monday, January 26.
“Gardening as Metaphor.” Curated by Diane Kavanaugh Black. Submission deadline: Monday, January 19. Reading: Monday, February 9.
“Transformation.” Curated by Abby Lublin of the Front Parlor Series. Submission deadline: Monday, February 23. Reading: Monday, March 23.
“Speaking Truth to Power.” Curated by local poet/spoken word artist Victorio Reyes. Submission deadline: Monday, March 23. Performance: Monday, April 20.
“Sonic Stasis.” Co-Curated by composers Ryan Ross Smith and K. Michael Fox. Submission deadline: Wednesday, April 20. Performance: Monday, May 18.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Interested writers/creators should submit online via Submittable.
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the date indicated. The submission window will close at that time.
Submissions should not exceed length specified on the submission form.
You may submit to multiple curators but only once per theme.
All applicants will be notified at least 10 days before the event or once the curator has chosen readers/presenters.
Keep the date OPEN in case you are selected!

Find links to each reading, including deadlines, submission guidelines and other details, by clicking here.

Caffè Lena to feature Suzanne Parker & Kate McNairy January 7
On Wednesday, January 7, Caffè Lena will present poetry readings by Suzanne Parker and Kate McNairy. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7 p.m., and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser, and the cost is $5. Caffè Lena is located at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs. (518) 583-0022. www.caffelena.org.

Kate McNairy is a Saratgoa Springs native whose first chapbook, June Bug was recently published with Finishing Line Press. She was a finalist in the Blue Light Poetry Competition 2013, and her work has appeared in Word Wednesday, Chronogram, Misfits, Hudson View and Many Waters, among many others. She is also a freelance writer for local newspapers and is an adjunct writing instructor at Empire State College. She’s on the editorial board of The Apple Tree, a literary magazine. Her website is www.katemcnairy.com.

Suzanne Parker is a winner of a Kinereth Gensler Book Award, and her collection of poetry, Viral, (Alice James Books, 2013) was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. Her poetry has appeared recently in Bloom, Barrow Street, Cimarron Review, Sierra Nevada Review and numerous other journals; she’s a winner of the Alice M. Sellars Award from the Academy of American Poets and was a poetry fellow at the Prague Summer Seminars. Suzanne’s creative non-fiction is published in the travel anthology Something to Declare by the Univ. of Wisconsin Press. Suzanne is a poetry editor at MEAD: The Journal of Literature and Libations.

Next “Second Sunday” open mic: January 11
The next “Second Sunday @ 2 Open Mic for Poetry and Prose” will be Sunday, January 11, at 2 p.m. Please bring two poems or five minutes of prose to read. All are welcome. The event is co-hosted by Dan Wilcox and Nancy Klepsch at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy.

Here are dates for the rest of the 2014-15 series (save the dates!):

February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14

ARTHUR’S Market & Cafe Poetry night to feature Alan Catlin January 14
Open mic & featured reader. Second Wednesday, December 10. 7 p.m. sign-up; 7:30 begin readings. Featured reader for January is Alan Catlin. Hosted by Catherine Norr. Arthur’s Market & Cafe is located at 35 N. Ferry Street, Schenectady. Food and beverages are available.

Third Thursday to feature Poetyc Visionz January 15
The poet known as Poetyc Visionz will read from his work at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany, on Thursday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. Poetyc Visionz is an Albany native and has been performing his spoken word art for nearly 15 yrs. He was a part of the Nitty Gritty Slam Team 2012, 2013 and 2014, and is also a part of the Empire State Slam Championship Team of 2014. He is now working on his third CD project, along with a book installment.

20 local storytellers contribute to new anthology
Twenty local storytellers have collaborated to publish the anthology, Stories We Tell: Tales from the Story Circle of the Capital District. They are members of the Story Circle of the Capital District, which was established in 1983 and hosts a regular schedule of meetings, open mics and storytelling performances at Proctors, Caffè Lena and other venues. This book is their first written anthology. It is a collection of folklore, fantasy, historical and personal stories; many of them fuse several genres. The book (166 pages; paperback; $14.95) is a solid example of the breadth and scope that storytelling can achieve.

Stories We Tell can be purchased at local bookstores, such as The Open Door, New York Folklore Society and Battenkill Books, and online at www.storytellersanthology.com.

* * *
Editor’s Note

Here are some housekeeping notes:

Want your news item published in a future newsletter? Submit it to me at hvwgnews@gmail.com. The deadline each month is the 25th, and the newsletter publishes on (or around) the 1st. Please note: All announcements are subject to editing.
PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU ARE A MEMBER when submitting your publication credits and readings (personal accomplishments). If you indicate you are an active member, I can place your announcement in the member section; otherwise, it will be placed under “area announcements.”

Got issues with the newsletter formatting? other feedback? Please email that same address: hvwgnews@gmail.com.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild.

~Carolee

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter, December 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Guild Announcements:

A good turn-out for the annual HVWG writers conference

Member Announcements:

“Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease” retreat January 24 & 25
Keith Willis announces publication of debut novel

Area Announcements:

Writers Institute presents novelist Joseph O’Neill December 2
Caffè Lena to feature Andy Clausen & Pamela Twining December 3
Writers Institute presents “1971: THE FILM” December 5
First “Bookmarks” reading of 2014-15 series: December 8
ARTHUR’S Market & Cafe Poetry December 10
Colin C. Boyd & Michael Oatman discuss “Abecedarius” December 10
Next “Second Sunday” open mic: December 14
Third Thursday to feature poet Adam Tedesco December 18
Storytellers Conference & Expo, March 21-22

GUILD ANNOUNCEMENTS

A good turn-out for the annual HVWG writers conference
There was a good turn-out for the annual HVWG writers conference held at the East Greenbush library on November 2. It answered area writers’ questions on how to get published. Panelists included Albany’s Susanne Alleyn, HVWG VP M.E.Kemp (as moderator), Averill Park’s Julie Lomoe and Troy Bookmaker’s Jessika Hazelton. Guest Speaker Robyn Ringler gave a rousing pep-talk to encourage the audience to make themselves heard.

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease” retreat January 24 & 25
The on-rushing energy of “the holidays” is here. When it has settled down, the question will remain: How do you take care of yourself, physically and otherwise, as you write, create and live your days?

On January 24 & 25, 2015, Diane Kavanaugh-Black from Of-the-Essence Holistic Wellness offers her quarterly “Move with Mindfulness, Write with Ease” workshop at Still Point Retreat Center, near Saratoga Battlefield. 10 am-4 pm each day. $59 per day ($29/day limited income); attend one or both days.

As we write, we’ll incorporate stretch breaks and gentle yoga (no experience necessary!), meditative walks or snowshoes (trails and labyrinth on-site). Visit Diane’s website for further information and to reserve a spot. P.S. If not for yourself, this could be a nice gift for someone you love!

Keith Willis announces publication of debut novel
Keith Willis has signed a contract for publication of his debut fantasy novel Traitor Knight with Champagne Book Group of Alberta, Canada. Publication is slated for July 2015.

A knight mantled in secrets and reviled by the very people he’s sworn to defend must salvage the shreds of his honor and defend the kingdom from both a ravening dragon and a scheming traitor. His only hope of success lies in the aid of a feisty damsel-in-distress who’s not at all certain he can be trusted. Traitor Knight (a semi-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest) is swashbuckling fantasy-adventure in the tradition of The Princess Bride and Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations.

AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Writers Institute presents novelist Joseph O’Neill December 2

Seminar — 4:15 p.m., Standish Room, Science Library
Reading — 8:00 p.m., Assembly Hall, Campus Center

Joseph O’Neill received the 2009 PEN/Faulkner Award for his bestselling novel, Netherland (2008), the story of a multiracial group of immigrant cricket players living in New York City. O’Neill’s new novel, The Dog (2014), longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2014, is the story of a luckless middle-aged man who flees New York City after a traumatic break-up with his long-term girlfriend in order to take a job as the household manager of a rich and capricious family in Dubai. Calling it, “funny, smart, and sad,” Publishers Weekly reviewer Jonathan Segura said, “I’ve liked a few books this year, but this is the first one I’ve loved.” Click here for more about Joseph O’Neill.

Caffè Lena to feature Andy Clausen & Pamela Twining December 3
On Wednesday December 3, Caffè Lena will host Andy Clausen and Pamela Twining. Open mic sign-up starts at 7 p.m., and readings begin at 7:30. Plan to read two short poems (less than one page) or one long poem (max of five minutes). The featured readers will perform for about 20 minutes each. Cost is $5. Hosted by Carol Graser

Andy Clausen is the author of Home of the Blues, 40th Century Man, Without Doubt and The Iron Curtain of Love among others. He has traveled and read his poetry all over North America and the world.He has maintained a driven intrepid lifestyle and aspired to be a champion of the underdog.He has written about his friendships with Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Ray Bremser, Janine Pommy Vega, Peter Orlovsky and many others of the Beat Generation. He has lectured at many universities, and for 12 years he conducted poetry workshops in the NY state prison system for Incision Arts. Andy now resides in Woodstock, NY. http://www.poetspath.com/

Pamela Twining lives in Woodstock, as well, where she raised her children and studied organic farming and healing with herbs. She has read her poetry in many venues, alongside Andy Clausen, Peter Lamborn Wilson, Mikhail Horowitz and Anne Waldman. She’s the author of three chapbooks, i have been a river… (Heyday Press, 2011), utopians & madmen (Dancingfool Press, 2012) and A Thousand Years of Wanting (Shivastan Press, 2013).

For more information, visit caffelena.org or call (518) 583-0022.

Writers Institute presents “1971: THE FILM” December 5

Informal seminar — 4:15 p.m., Science Library Room 340, on the UAlbany Uptown Campus.
Film screening and discussion with film editor Gabriel Rhodes and author Betty Medsger — 7:00 p.m. [note early start time], Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, Downtown Campus

The film is directed by Johanna Hamilton and is based on the nonfiction book, The Burglary (2014) by Betty Medsger. On March 8, 1971, eight ordinary citizens broke into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, and obtained files that revealed the existence of COINTELPRO, a secret and illegal program of spying on American citizens. Those responsible have never revealed their identities—until now. “1971: THE FILM” was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.

Betty Medsger was a young reporter at the Washington Post in 1971 when she received from anonymous sources copies of stolen FBI files that revealed the existence of COINTELPRO. She recounts the story, revealing the burglars and their motives, in her new book, The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover’s Secret FBI (2014). The New York Times Book Review called it, “Impeccably researched, elegantly presented, engaging….”

Gabriel Rhodes is both an editor and a filmmaker. His work has premiered at Sundance and Cannes and has been broadcast on Sundance Channel, A&E, Animal Planet, CNN, PBS and on the NPR radio show “This American Life.” His theatrical documentary credits include “1971: THE FILM” (2014), “Without Shepherds” (2012), “The Tillman Story” (2009) and “Control Room” (2004). Three of his edited films — “The Tillman Story,” “Quest for Honor” (2008), and “MY BLIND BROTHER” (2003) — were shortlisted for the Academy Awards. His commercial clients include Conde Nast, Google, Virgin America, YouTube, Harper Collins and Revlon. He received his Master’s Degree in Documentary Film from Stanford University in 2000.

This event is sponsored in conjunction with UAlbany’s School of Criminal Justice’s Civility, Surveillance and Public Spaces Film Series.

First “Bookmarks” reading of 2014-15 series: December 8
The first “Bookmarks” reading of the 2014-15 series will be “Famiy at the Holidays.” It will take place Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m. The reading is free for both members and non-members of the Arts Center. Family and the holidays. An exquisite combination of provocative forces, isn’t it? Perfect for a memoir. Got a story? Come share it with us, and let’s kick off the holiday season in style. The theme is curated by author Marion Roach Smith.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING BOOKMARKS DEADLINES

“As the Light Returns.” Curated by local writer and veteran Dan New. Submission deadline: Monday, January 5. Reading: Monday, January 26.
“Gardening as Metaphor.” Curated by Diane Kavanaugh Black. Submission deadline: Monday, January 19. Reading: Monday, February 9.
“Transformation.” Curated by Abby Lublin of the Front Parlor Series. Submission deadline: Monday, February 23. Reading: Monday, March 23.
“Speaking Truth to Power.” Curated by local poet/spoken word artist Victorio Reyes. Submission deadline: Monday, March 23. Performance: Monday, April 20.
“Sonic Stasis.” Co-Curated by composers Ryan Ross Smith and K. Michael Fox. Submission deadline: Wednesday, April 20. Performance: Monday, May 18.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Interested writers/creators should submit online via Submittable.
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the date indicated. The submission window will close at that time.
Submissions should not exceed length specified on the submission form.
You may submit to multiple curators but only once per theme.
All applicants will be notified at least 10 days before the event or once the curator has chosen readers/presenters.
Keep the date OPEN in case you are selected!

Find links to each reading, including deadlines, submission guidelines and other details, by clicking here.

ARTHUR’S Market & Cafe Poetry December 10
Open mic & featured reader. Second Wednesday, December 10. 7 p.m. sign-up; 7:30 begin readings. Featured reader for December is Luis Pabon. Hosted by Catherine Norr.

Colin C. Boyd & Michael Oatman discuss “Abecedarius” December 10
The public and members of the media are invited to an artist talk featuring “Emerging Artist” award winner Colin C. Boyd and “Established Artist” award winner Michael Oatman, with guest moderator Ian Berry from The Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College. Boyd and Oatman will be discussing their current joint exhibition titled “Abecedarius.”

WHEN: Wednesday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy
RSVP: Free and open to the public and all press.

“Abecedarius” explores the natural world and the roles humans have played in its misshaping over the years. Having opened on Halloween, a holiday that embraces monsters, “Abecedarius” ushers viewers into a visual history lesson on extinction, scientific mishap and mythology. The show features encounters with ideas unknown, undercooked, and just plain stupid. Finally, Abecedarius will import/export the violence and majesty of worlds otherwise labeled, “out there,” “in here” and “the future.”

Using the literary format of an Abecedarian (“A is for Apple”, “B is for Bear”, “C is for Crops Patented by Monsanto”), the two artists have turned the gallery into a walk-able cautionary tale – with a few nervous laughs – and the goal of the observer to walk away with a better understanding of how our actions impact the earth.

Next “Second Sunday” open mic: December 14
The next “Second Sunday @ 2 Open Mic for Poetry and Prose” will be Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m. Please bring two poems or five minutes of prose to read. All are welcome. The event is co-hosted by Dan Wilcox and Nancy Klepsch at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy.

Here are dates for the rest of the 2014-15 series (save the dates!):

January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14

Third Thursday to feature poet Adam Tedesco December 18
Albany poet Adam Tedesco will read from his work at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany, on Thursday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m. Adam Tedesco has worked as a shipbuilder, a meditation instructor, a telephone technician and cultural critic for the now disbanded Maoist Internationalist Movement. His recent work has appeared or is forthcoming in dcomP, Drunk In A Midnight Choir, MadHat Lit, Pine Hills Review, Similar:Peaks::, Freeze Ray Poetry and Cartridge Lit. Most recently, his unique poetic voice has been utilized by Canadian conceptual artist Isabelle Pauwels as part of her upcoming “27 Across 25 Down” project. He lives in Albany, New York, with his wife and two children.

The evening will also include the annual Holiday visit from “Sanity Clause,” with a gift of poetry for all who read in the open mic.

Storytellers Conference & Expo, March 21-22
A message from Anne Jordan of the Northern California Writers:

Greetings, fellow writers! I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting many of you in my classes or at our other writer events. This [note] is to let you know that yes, we are finally having another expo. This one will be held on March 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency near the San Francisco Airport.

This exciting event is for ALL WRITERS – including poets, novelists, cookbook authors and screenwriters. In fact, we are the only expo that brings Hollywood to Northern California! At the 2015 StoryTellers Expo, we’ll have the Emmy-nominated Head writer of “Everyone Loves Raymond,” Ellen Sandler, giving presentations and workshops for writers interested in adapting their stories for television and film. Ellen is a warm, funny, and supremely talented screenwriter who is also an author of two books. You’re going to enjoy meeting her!

At the expo, we’ll also have publishers (both traditional and self-publish), Hollywood studios and production companies, along with editors and agents to listen to your pitches. At our last event, we had HBO, DreamWorks, Universal, Warner Brothers, Lifetime, Syfy, CAA and Lionsgate eagerly listen to our attendees pitch their exciting projects.

Excited yet? Well, here’s the icing on the cake . . . we’ll also have several wonderful novelists appearing as presenters. One of the biggest and best is NY Times best-selling mystery writer and the winner of the Agatha, Anthony, Barry, Bram Stoker, Edgar, and Shamus awards: John Connolly. This author is one of my personal favorites – he (deservedly) is acknowledged as one of the best (and most popular) writers in the world. For those of you who don’t already know his books. . . John writes wonderful, supernatural mysteries. Several of John’s outstanding books have been made into movies, and/or are currently in development. John will be teaching attendees how to build tension and suspense in a novel, and how to create characters that readers can connect with. As a special treat, John will also be autographing his books and meeting with fans afterwards, so be prepared to purchase his books while you’re at the expo!

Currently, we have three tiers of tickets for sale: Platinum tickets are $650. These VIP tickets include two (3 course) keynote luncheons and a free pass to our famous wine-tasting event. Gold tickets are $550 and include two keynote luncheons, and the Bronze tickets are $325.

I hope you’ll attend the StoryTellers Expo in March. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to meet with the people who can make your literary dreams come true!

For more information, please go to www.StoryTellersExpo.com.

Best regards,
Anne

HVWG Annual Meeting November 9

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will hold its annual meeting, Sunday, November 9, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY. The meeting will include a reading by winners in the recent Guild essay contest. The meeting is free and open to the public, members and non-members alike.

The annual meeting will also include a report on the year’s activities and projects and the election of members to the Executive Board. This year, three of the current board members will have completed their terms and will step down; additional positions on the board are open, as well, so we need volunteers.

There really is no “Hudson Valley Writers Guild.” It is the members who are “the Guild.” We need you to create interesting and informative programming and to keep the Guild functioning to serve our members and the greater writing community of the Capital District.

The Board meets on the odd-numbered months, except in November, so effectively there are only five meetings a year. The Executive Board selects officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer), plans programming and reviews and approves requests for funding for literary projects.

So please think about joining the board, and join us at the Guild’s annual meeting.

Questions or further information, contact Dan Wilcox via email (dwlcx@earthlink.net) or phone (518-482-0262).

Winners of the 2014 HVWG Non-Fiction Essay Contest

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild has announced the winners of its 2014 Non-Fiction Essay Writing Contest. The winners were chosen from 75 essays submitted from writers throughout New York State. Members of the Guild served as judges of the contest, which was coordinated by Albany writer Jan Tramontano.

The winner in the humor category is David Eye (Syracuse) for his essay, “A Mile in Her Shoes.”

Honorable mentions go to Susan Clements (Buffalo) for “Managed Care” and Robert Dodd (Hillsdale) for his essay, “Cul de Sox.”

The winner in the memoir/personal essay category is “Public Information” by Mary Murphy (Albany).

Honorable mentions are awarded to Carol A. Derfner (Kinderhook) for her essay “Hardball” and Geoffrey Rose (Niskayuna) for “Bonnie.”

The winners will be honored at an award ceremony and reading during the Hudson Valley Writers Guild Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bethlehem Public Library located at 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York. The program is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Jan Tramontano: by phone (518) 588-5537 or email: jantramontano@gmail.com.

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter, October 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Member Announcements:

Leslie Neustadt to read at two local venues in October

Area Announcements:

New York State Writers Institute Fall 2014 Visiting Writers schedule
Arts Center of the Capital Region announces upcoming writing classes
Bernadette Mayer’s workshop commences fall session October 4
Schenectady’s Second “2nd Wednesday” Poetry Reading to be October 8
Paul Doty at Pine Hollow Arboretum October 10
Books for Troops fundraiser October 14
Publication party for Interesting Tales of Other People’s Woes October 14
Third Thursday to feature Elaine Cohen October 16
Poets Forum at NYU and The New School October 16-18
The Write Stuff: A One-Day Writers’ Festival, November 8
County of Kings by Lemon Andersen performed November 13
Schenectady Community of Writers annual reading November 23

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Leslie Neustadt to read at two local venues in October

Local author and visual artist Leslie B. Neustadt will discuss and read from her new book, Bearing Fruit: A Poetic Journey (available now at The Open Door Bookstore), in a presentation at the Niskayuna Branch Library on Saturday, October 18 at 1 p.m. Following the reading and book signing, Neustadt will lead a group writing exercise. The focus will be on writing from personal experiences. Participants will be given prompts and time to free write a poem or short prose piece. The program is free and open to the public and no prior writing experience is necessary.

Leslie will also read from Bearing Fruit at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany on Thursday, October 30, at 7 p.m. The entire purchase price for each book sold at the event will go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter. Free literature about the nonprofit organization and resources for patients and families living with blood cancer will also be available. Living with an incurable form of blood cancer and amyloidosis, Neustadt says she is “committed to being both visible and vulnerable” so that others may be touched by her life experiences.

About Leslie
A retired Assistant Attorney General of the state of New York, Neustadt’s essays and poems have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies including Cure Magazine and< The Bloomsbury Anthology of Contemporary Jewish American Poetry. Her writing is illuminated by her Jewish upbringing and expresses her experiences as a woman, daughter, wife, mother, cancer patient, lymphoma patient (specifically) and incest survivor. Bearing Fruit, her debut collection, has been called “an autobiography in poetry…raw and real and fearless.” Proceeds from the book are donated by the author to nonprofit organizations that benefit cancer patients, aid children who have been abused, or use expressive arts as a healing modality. Neustadt lives in Niskayuna with her husband, Dr. Gary Kronick. For more information, visit www.LeslieNeustadt.com.

AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

New York State Writers Institute Fall 2014 Visiting Writers schedule
The NYS Writers Institute is pleased to announce an exciting schedule of visiting writer appearances for Fall 2014:

October 1: John Lahr, Senior Drama Critic for the New Yorker (1992-2012), Tony Award winning playwright and son of Wizard of Oz “Cowardly Lion” Bert Lahr, presents his acclaimed new biography of troubled playwright Tennessee Williams.

October 9: Pulitzer-winning journalist David Finkel, author of the bestseller The Good Soldiers (2009), about being embedded with US troops in Iraq, presents his sequel to that book,Thank You For Your Service (2013), about those same soldiers adjusting to post-war life at home.

October 15: American Shakespeare Center’s Much Ado About Nothing. Admission charged. Contact the PAC box office for tickets: (518) 442-3997

October 16: Two first-time novelists and rising stars of Black historical fiction, Tiphanie Yanique (Land of Love and Drowning) and Jacinda Townsend (Saint Monkey) will share the stage.

October 21: Major American poets in conversation— Edward Hirsch, MacArthur Fellow, President of the Guggenheim Foundation, and author of the surprise bestseller How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry, presenting his magisterial reference volume, A Poet’s Glossary (2014); Kimiko Hahn, American Book Award winner, presenting her new volume Brain Fever (2014); and Marie Howe, the reigning New York State Poet (2012-14).

October 24, November 1, 6 & 13: Events connected with the life and work of Lemon Andersen, Tony award winning member of the Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, child of heroin addicts and 3-time felon, who found purpose and redemption in the art of poetry. We screen Lemon: The Movie on October 24 and November 1. Lemon visits UAlbany on November 6. And a dramatization of Lemon’s life story is presented on November 13.

October 28: Actress and playwright Najla Said, daughter of Palestinian-American intellectual Edward Said, presents her memoir, Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family (2013).

November 7: Major American composer of film music David Shire, winner of 2 Grammy Awards for Saturday Night Fever, and the Oscar for Norma Rae, discusses his score for Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Conversation,” following a 40th Anniversary screening of that film.

November 9: William Gibson, one of the most influential living writers of science fiction, author of Neuromancer (1984), which helped define the pop culture of the Computer Age, will present his new far-future novel, The Periperhal (2014), about cybersecurity, drone warfare, video gaming and lots of other things, at RPI’s EMPAC Concert Hall.

November 11: Two young novelists share the stage — Angela Pneuman, former UAlbany grad student and an exciting new voice in Southern American literature, presenting her first novel, Lay It on My Heart, and Julie Orringer, author of the bestselling Holocaust novel, The Invisible Bridge.

November 18: Neuroscience writer and developmental psychologist Susan Pinker, author of the international bestseller, The Sexual Paradox, presents her new book, The Village Effect: How Face to Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier and Smarter (2014).

November 20: Eminent historian of the American presidency and frequent PBS NewsHour commentator Richard Norton Smith presents his definitive biography of Nelson Rockefeller, On His Own Terms (2014).

December 2: Joseph O’Neill, author of the bestselling novel Netherland, presents his new 2014 novel The Dog (long-listed for the Man Booker Prize).

December 5: Author Betty Medsger and filmmaker Johanna Hamilton present their award-winning 2014 documentary “1971: The Film,” based on Medsger’s book, The Burglary (2014), about eight ordinary citizens who broke into FBI offices and revealed the existence of COINTELPRO, an illegal program of spying on law-abiding Americans (the burglars’ identities have been kept secret until now). Medsger also broke the original story in the Washington Post in 1971.

For more details, times and locations, please visit our website at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/.

Arts Center of the Capital Region announces upcoming writing classes
Here is a list of writing classes starting at the Arts Center in October and November:

“Master Class: Memoir” with Marion Roach Smith
“Fireflies: A Writing Workshop” with Coleen Paratore
“A Writer’s Circle: Encouraging Feedback and Advice for Writers” with Coleen Paratore
“Novel Writing 101″ with Elizabeth Brundage
“Writing What You Know” with Marion Roach Smith
“The Art of the Interview” with Michael Eck
“Poetry: The Spoken Word” with Victorio Reyes

For more information and to register, visit http://www.artscenteronline.org/writing/.

Bernadette Mayer’s workshop commences fall session October 4
Bernadette Mayer will lead her continuing workshop series on a fall session beginning October 4. She will once again provide participating poets with the opportunity to engage in her language experiments. She will also talk about her mentors and contemporaries and suggest new directions in verse. She will suggest books you should have to aid in your writing and how to publish your poems. The workshop is not a traditional critique of participant’s previous work but an opportunity to fulfill Bernadette’s creative writing assignments. Completed assignments are then presented to the group and used as springboards for wide ranging discussion. Bernadette will continue to write and distribute new poems for the benefit of workshop participants and subject matter. Kevin Killian, writing on famous poetry workshops, mentions Bernadette Mayer’s Poetry Project Workshop in NYC “that gave birth to all those exercises.” Locally, Bernadette has been exercising and teaching those poets who have taken advantage of poetry workshops held in her living room.

Bernadette Mayer’s poetry writing workshop takes place at her home in East Nassau, NY. The workshop will meet on six Saturdays: October 4, November 1, December 7, January 3, February 7 and March 6. Each meeting will take place 2 – 4 p.m. Mayer will facilitate a conducive atmosphere that will bring forth enhanced new poems from each of the participants. Total Cost: $65, including drinks and light refreshments. Workshop limited to eight participants.

Bernadette Mayer (born May 12, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY ) is a poet and prose writer. In 1967 she received a BA from New School for Social Research. She has since edited the journal 0 TO 9 with Vito Acconci and the United Artists Press with Lewis Warsh, and worked as Director of St. Mark’s Poetry Project. Her book Helens of Troy is a Spring 2012 release by New Directions. For more than a decade, she and poet Philip Good has lived in East Nassau. From the beginning of this series of workshops in September 2011, she has provided an expansive menu of poetic technique and belief as well as her careful listening to an appreciative core of workshop participants. New participants are welcome to their lively get togethers.

E-mail ACASLINE@AOL.COM to reserve your place. The mailing address, if e-mail is not available, is Rootdrinker, P.O. Box 522, Delmar, NY 12054.

Directions to the workshop: Take Route 20 east from the Capital District. Just pass Brainard, turn left on Route 66 north towards Troy. After a short time on Route 66 take a left on to Tatsawawassa Rd. Mayer’s house is 53 Tatsawawassa Rd. Red in color, it is the first house on the left side of the road. Google map using 53 Tatsawawassa, East Nassua, NY, as destination is recommended. Car pool from Albany area is available.

Payment: Payment of $65 may be made by check or money order. $40 of the total is a tax deductible contribution. Payment check should be made out to “Committee on Poetry.” IMPORTANT: write “Friends of Bernadette Mayer Fund” on check memo. Provide your mailing address to receive a letter to include in your tax returns for your deductions. Send your payment to Alan Casline, Rootdrinker Institute, PO Box 522, Delmar, NY 12054. We will verify your payment for the workshop and forward your contribution for your tax deduction.

Schenectady’s Second “2nd Wednesday” Poetry Reading to be October 8
The new Schenectady “2nd Wednesday of the Month” Poetry Reading had a grand kick-off in September with 16 poets, young and old, published and beginners, signing up to read alongside a wonderful featured poet. Come join us at our warm and friendly venue!

The event is held at Arthur’s Market and Cafe, 35 North Ferry Street, Schenectady, in the Historic Stockade District. It continues with a second gathering on Wednesday, October. Sign-up for open mic is at 7 p.m. Readings begin at 7:30. The featured poet for this coming event is Virginia Bach Folger. The evening will be hosted by Jackie Craven. Tasty food and beverages are available.

Paul Doty at Pine Hollow Arboretum October 10
Paul Doty will be the featured reader at the Pine Hollow Arboretum, 16 Maple Avenue, Slingerlands, New York, on Friday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m.

Paul Doty is a reference librarian at St. Lawrence University and has served in that capacity for 16 years. Before joining the staff at St. Lawrence, he was a reference librarian at the University of Wisconsin Superior and the University of Utah. He resides in Canton, New York, with his wife and youngest daughter, a house full of books and a garage full of canoes. Paul has published essays or poems in publications such as the Reference Librarian, The Leaflet, The FODYLL Bulletin, Mississippi Review, Stone Canoe, Cortland Review, and Rootdrinker. His poetry is also found in the 2010 Natural Object Press publication glyph of poetry at the yoga loft which commemorates the November 6, 2009, group reading in Canton, New York, by Paul Doty, Dale Hobson, Albert Glover and Alan Casline.

The Pine Hollows Arboretum event includes a featured reader and an open mic. Open mic poets can read three short poems or two longer poems, also two pages of prose will be acceptable. Light refreshments. Donations welcomed. Contact Alan Casline at acasline@aol.com for more information.

Funding to support this reading series comes from Hudson Valley Writers Guild and Rootdrinker Institute.

Books for Troops fundraiser October 14
Ellen Keegan, a retired teacher, has found a simple, yet effective way to do something concrete to thank our troops for their service. She saw a need and founded an organization called Books for Troops. Her initial idea was to give our soldiers books as a source of escape from the horrors they were seeing each day—to offer them a release from loneliness, boredom, stress, homesickness and fear. She also wanted the books to be a tangible reminder of our gratitude.

Founded in 2010, first working out of her garage alongside four volunteers, then growing through force of will and the cooperation and generosity of cadre of dedicated volunteers and community support, she she has been successful in sending 50,000 boxes of books to military bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan and Africa; 10,000 boxes of books to twenty Veterans Administration hospital, the American Red Cross Wounded Warriors Program and veterans transitory homes and shelters; and 10,000 books to the families of the troops, in particular the children. The donated children’s books are sent to deployed troops so that they may read to their children via SKYPE or by recording on DVD using the military’s newly developed United Through Reading Program.

An infusion of monetary donations for postage of the books is imperative now to keep up with the demand of our ever growing presence throughout the world and the devastating and long recuperation and rehabilitation of our wounded. A fundraising dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Grecian Gardens Restaurant, 1612 Route 9, in Halfmoon. The cost is $25 per adult, $45 per two adults and $10 for children under 12. Send check payable to BOOKS FOR TROOPS, c/o 258 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. While book donations are the backbone of the operation, monetary donations are critical right now!

Activities will include a basket raffle, 50/50 drawing and an opportunity to adopt a box of books. Proceeds will help pay the $12.50 postage needed to send a box of 50 donated books, comics and DVDs to both deployed and recuperating troops. Books for Troops is a 501 © (3) organization registered with the NYS Charities Bureau. All donations are deductible as designated by the tax law.

Publication party for Interesting Tales of Other People’s Woes October 14
Local author Damon Stewart will host a book publication party for Interesting Tales of Other People’s Woes on Tuesday, October 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen at 79 North Pearl Street, in downtown Albany. The party is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

The author will also lead a “Toast To Bad Decisions” (yours and others). Improv performers from the Mop & Bucket Co. will riff on passages from the book. There will be drink specials inspired by the seedy characters who haunt Damon’s sordid imagination, as well as free finger foods. The band Hard Soul will perform a tribute song to the author and play a set during the after party.

About the book
A local author explores the experiences of those who surrender to their character flaws in a new collection of short stories. Damon Stewart’s Interesting Tales of Other People’s Woes (162 pages) presents 12 stories written over the span of 15 years, some previously published in various literary magazines, such as Word Riot, Salvage, Big Toe Press, Hobart, Amoskeag, Full Circle and The Morpo Review. The stories in Woe provide a glimpse into lives that have gone off in unpredictable directions, both bad and good.

“Not all the tales are truly about ‘woe’ — some characters find hope, even contentment, in this collection,” said Stewart. “But we can relate to all of them, or at least get a sense of our neighbor’s fear or wonder. Sometimes it’s not about where you end up, but how you got there.”

“Woe” is available through Amazon in paperback and e-book editions. For information, and to read a sample story, visit: http://peopleswoe.com.

About the author
Damon Stewart lives in New York’s Capital Region. He has published short stories in several literary journals, as well as travel and outdoor articles for national and regional magazines and newspapers. In 2007, he wrote and co-produced a pilot for a reality series, “The List.” In 2009, he wrote, produced and starred in a short film called “Shot Through The Heart.” His screenplay, “Termini Station,” was a finalist in the Fall 2011 Buffalo-Niagara Screenplay Competition. He is seeking publication for a recently completed novel.

Third Thursday to feature Elaine Cohen October 16
Poet and visual artist Elaine Cohen will read from her work at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany, on Thursday, October 16,at 7:30 p.m.

Gloversville native Elaine Cohen is the co-author of Unfinished Dream: The Musical World of Red Callender, the autobiography of the great jazz bassist, and author of the poetry chapbook Solita: A Sojourn in Mexico. She currently lives on Cape Cod where she paints and composes photographic collages.

Poets Forum at NYU and The New School October 16-18
On October 16-18, the Academy of American Poets will present the 8th annual Poets Forum at New York University and The New School. Over the course of three days, more than 30 award-winning poets will gather to present inspiring readings and provocative conversations about poetry. This is an excellent opportunity for literary fans to engage with some of the most celebrated poets of our day, including inaugural poet Richard Blanco, National Book Award contenders Edward Hirsch, Claudia Rankine and Brian Blanchfield, as well as newly named MacArthur fellow, Khaled Mattawa.

For tickets and to see the full lineup, visit https://poetsforum2014.eventbrite.com.

The Write Stuff: A One-Day Writers’ Festival, November 8
The Write Stuff is a one-day writers’ festival taught by local authors at the Roe Jan Community Library, Hillsdale, New York, on Saturday, November 8, 8:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. A keynote address will be delivered by Ellen E.M. Roberts. She will speak on “What Kind of Book Should You Be Writing? How to Choose the Right Form for your Truth and your Art —- And Make Money Too!”

Workshops:

Conflict and Character: Creating a Short Story with Bobbie Slonevsky
This workshop will focus on the elements of conflict and character representing the beginning and middle of a story. The format will include brief remarks, examples from literature for each element and in-group writing from prompts.

Creative Writing for New Writers with Regina Colangelo
This workshop will target the primary building blocks of writing. Through discussion, examples and in-group writing exercises, participants will learn and practice skills every writer needs to tell a good story.

Memoir in Miniature with Laura Didyk
The mini-essay (750 words or less) —also called the micro- or flash essay—is quickly emerging as a respected and powerful genre in contemporary literature. Focusing on true stories from our own lives, we will explore how to sustain, from beginning to end, the quiet urgency that is a hallmark of the short-short form.

Narrative Voice in Fiction with Wesley Brown
The participants in the workshop will be given brief examples of first and third person narrative voices. This will be followed by a writing exercise in which participants will be asked to write a paragraph in each one of the narrative voices. The writing exercise will include discussion with the entire group.

The Six Rules for Writing Non-Fiction that Sells with Janet Spencer King
While there are many types of non-fiction, the rules are the same whatever the genre:
• Choose the subject that’s right—and right for you
• Know your audience
• Find your hook
• Write a proposal (even if you are self-publishing)
• Incorporate your voice/personality in your writing
• Keep your writing lively
Attendees will present subjects they are writing about or considering; who they perceive as their audience and how that affects the writing process; and the take-away message of their story.

The Creative Process with Dara Lurie
Each participant will be asked to share one story or experience – whether fictional or lived – that has made a lasting impression. Then, working with the chosen story or experience, will move through an exploration sequence using guided writing and visualization exercises to uncover and develop the hidden levels of that story.

In addition, there will be a panel on getting published, including self publishing, and festival participants will have the option for individual manuscript review at an additional cost ($50). Manuscripts due October 15.

Registration is required! The early registration fee for the full day writers’ workshop is $40. After October 1, the fee is $50. Please BYOL (bring your own lunch) or order and pay: The Front Porch 518-329-FOOD (3663). Beverages will be available with a wine and cheese networking session at the end of the festival.

For registration and additional information visit: www.roejanlibrary.org/the-write-stuff-registration-form/. This program is generously supported by The Hudson Valley Writers’ Guild.

“County of Kings” by Lemon Andersen performed November 13

Performance — 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center
Pre-performance discussion at 7 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15 general public / $10 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff
Day of Show Tickets: $20 general public / $15 students, seniors & UAlbany faculty-staff
Box Office: (518) 442-3997; tickets@albany.edu.

Originally developed and directed by Elise Thoron, American Place Theatre took Lemon’s life story and adapted it into a solo play now performed by Michael Angel Viera. Weaving hard-edged drama with urban poetry and gritty prose, the work follows Lemon’s coming-of-age memoir in an astonishing journey toward self-discovery. “County of Kings” is a Literature to Life stage presentation of Young Audiences New York. Funding for this project is provided by The University at Albany Foundation; University Auxiliary Services at Albany; UAlbany’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Intercultural Student Success, and Alumni Association; and the Holiday Inn Express. Promotional assistance provided by the Campus Programming Board.

Schenectady Community of Writers annual reading November 23
The Schenectady Community of Writers Annual reading — sponsored by the Guild, Friends of the Schenectady Library and the Library — is scheduled for Sunday November 23 from 2-4 p.m. in the afternoon at the Schenectady Public Library. This year’s readers include Schenectady Poet Laureate Steve Swartz, Therese Broderick, Bunkong Tuon and Schenectady novelist James Pavoldi, among others. Light refreshments will be served and the event is free to everyone. Former Guild president Dan Wilcox with be the host of the reading.

Hudson Valley Writers Guild Newsletter, September 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Area Announcements:

Paul Pines & Mike Jurkovic to read at Caffè Lena September 3
Sign up by September 8 to read at Banned Books Week event
New open mic venue to start in Schenectady September 10
Expressive Writing Workshop with Suzanne S. Rancourt September 13 at Camp Little Notch
Poet Samson Dikeman to read at Third Thursday September 18
Navasky to discuss political cartoons at Skidmore’s Fox-Adler Lecture September 18
Simona David’s “Art in the Catskills” is now available as paperback & e-book
NYS Writers Institute to offer fiction master class with Lydia Davis and memoir workshop with Jo Page
Arts Center of the Capital Region announces upcoming writing classes
The Write Stuff: A One-Day Writers’ Festival, November 8

AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Paul Pines & Mike Jurkovic to read at Caffè Lena September 3
On Wednesday, September 3, Caffè Lena will present poetry readings by Paul Pines and Mike Jurkovic. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7 p.m., and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser, and the cost is $5. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, (518) 583-0022, www.caffelena.org.

Sign up by September 8 to read at Banned Books Week event
“Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read” is September 21−27. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Check out the frequently challenged books section to explore the issues and controversies around book challenges and book banning. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.

On Tuesday, September 23rd, 6 p.m., the New York State Civil Liberties Union, Capital Region Chapter with the Albany Public Library, will sponsor a local ReadOut! at the Albany Public Library Main Branch! A ReadOut is an event where local actors, writers, poets, and prominent community leaders read brief excerpts from books that have been banned or challenged in America. Historically, people have read from children books, classics, and modern works of literature.

The NYCLU- Capital Region Chapter is recruiting 10 -12 readers for this year’s Albany event. If you are interested in participating in the event as a reader, please email your name toJoanna.Palladino@gmail.com. We typically get a more volunteers than time slots available, so please RSVP as quickly as possible. If you have a book in mind, you can include your selection as well. To encourage a great selection of material, we encourage no “repeats” and ask that each reader chooses a selection not read by anyone else.

Each reader is encouraged to select a passage from their selected book. We encourage readers to select a passage no more than 2-3 minutes in length. This way we can accommodate more readers during each ReadOut! For a list of banned and challenged books you can go to: www.ala.org. If you have any questions regarding the event, feel free to contact Joanna Palladino atJoanna.Palladino@gmail.com or John Cirrin at millais@nycap.rr.com.

If you are interested in attending (but not reading) the Albany ReadOut!, use this email as a reminder for you to SAVE THE DATE and we’ll see you on September 23rd! Please RSVP no later than September 8th. Readers will then be contacted during the month of September to confirm their bios and reading selections for inclusion in our event program.

Confirmed readers and selections for this year’s Albany ReadOut! are:

A.C. Everson- Slaughterhouse 5
Gary Maggio- Of Mice and Men
James Yeara- The Things They Carried
Janet Womachka- The Giver
David Hochfelder- Catch 22
Bob Resnick- (To be determined)

New open mic venue to start in Schenectady September 10
NEW! – venue for Open-Mic & Featured Poet! Here are the details:

Where – Arthur’s Market, Schenectady Historic Stockade District, 35 North Ferry Street, Schenectady
When – Second Wednesdays of the month beginning September 10
Sign-up @ 7 p.m., begin reading @ 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Catherine Norr, Jackie Craven & friends
Featured Poet for September is Catherine De Salle

Expressive Writing Workshop with Suzanne S. Rancourt September 13 at Camp Little Notch
Suzanne creates a safe, supportive writing community using a variety of writing exercises and response practices from the Amherst Writers and Artists method. No prior writing experience is necessary. This workshop is NOT psychoanalysis and is NOT a grammar class. All genres welcome as we “bear witness” in the telling of our stories in a safe and confidential setting. Writing supplies are provided.

This workshop is FREE.

Friends of CLN will charge a small fee for those wishing to stay overnight and eat meals at Camp Little Notch. We do need all participants to pre-register, even if you are bringing your own food. Please click here to register now.

Morning and afternoon sessions include songwriting followed by an evening performance of “Suzy Blue Flame’s” original poetry, song and stories.

Veteran, and author of the award winning book, Billboard in the Clouds, Suzanne Rancourt, MS, MFA, CASAC-T, is an artist of uncommon diversity. To learn more about Suzanne, her methods, qualifications, and educational philosophy, go to www.expressive-arts.com or email: kataahdin@gmail.com.

NO CHARGE for those attending the Workshop ONLY and bringing your own food (no meals or overnights).

OVERNIGHT & MEAL FEES

ADULTS
$25 – Saturday only, NO OVERNIGHT (includes 2 meals)
$50 – One (1) OVERNIGHT, (includes 3 meals*)
$75 – Two (2) OVERNIGHTS, (includes 4 meals*)

CHILDREN (ages 6-16)
$15 – Saturday only, NO OVERNIGHT (includes 2 meals)
$30 – One (1) OVERNIGHT, (includes 3 meals*)
$45 – Two (2) OVERNIGHTS, (includes 4 meals*)

*PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a meal served on Friday evening. Please come prepared with your own food for Friday evening if you are staying overnight on Friday.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

8:30 – 9a – arrive, registration, coffee, tea, etc.
9 – 11a – writing session one
15 minute break
11:15a – 12:30p – writing session two

LUNCH

1:30 – 3:30p – writing session three
15 minute break
3:45 – 5p – final writing session and closure

DINNER

6:30 – 7:30p – reading and performance by Suzanne Rancourt

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but you must bring a hard copy of an updated rabies vaccination certificate. Please note: Dogs are not allowed in the dining hall during meals or meal preparation.

Payments are handled through PayPal. You are not required to have a PayPal account. You can pay with your credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) — all without having a PayPal account. Complete the registration, then click on the button to pay and follow the “Pay with a credit card” link on the PayPal page (or login to pay via your PayPal account).

Overnight and meal fees for this event are NON-REFUNDABLE. Please email Kitty@friendsofcln.org prior to that date if you need to cancel your registration.

Note: You can register multiple people on the same registration form by clicking the “Add” button under the heading “Register children and additional adults here.” toward the bottom of the form. Note: you will only receive one email confirmation per registration form.

This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc., with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Poet Samson Dikeman to read at Third Thursday September 18
Poet Samson Dikeman will read from his work at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenur, Albany, on Thursday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. Samson Dikeman is a local poet active in Slam competitions and poetry open mics; he is a student at the College of St. Rose in the Creative Writing MFA program and a senior editor for The Pine Hills Review.

Navasky to discuss political cartoons at Skidmore’s Fox-Adler Lecture September 18
Author, editor and publisher Victor S. Navasky will draw on his most recent book when he delivers the 26th annual Fox-Adler Lecture at Skidmore College in September. “The Art of Controversy: Political Cartoons and Their Enduring Power” is the title of Navasky’s talk, to be presented at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, September 18, in Gannett Auditorium of Palamountain Hall. A reception and book signing will immediately follow in the Class of 1967 lobby adjacent to the auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

Navasky’s talk has the same title as his newest book, which describes how transformative and incendiary cartoons can be. He said, “Cartoons and cartoonists are usually thought of as irrelevant, trivial, ‘not serious.’ However, that is not true. Daumier was thrown into prison for his cartoons, Herblock was near the top of Nixon’s enemies list, and the leading Palestinian cartoonist was murdered on the streets. My lecture will discuss the role of political cartoons and editorial cartoonists in light of all of the above.”

Navasky has served as editor, publisher and now publisher emeritus of The Nation, which he joined in 1978. He is also the George Delacorte Professor of Magazine Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where he directs the Delacorte Center of Magazines and chairs the Columbia Journalism Review. In the 1970s he served as an editor on The New York Times Magazine. In the 1960s he was founding editor and publisher of Monocle, a “leisurely quarterly of political satire” (that meant it came out twice a year).

His books include Kennedy Justice, Naming Names, which won a National Book Award, and (with Christopher Cerf) The Experts Speak: The Definitive Guide to Authoritative Misinformation and also Mission Accomplished! Or How We Won the War in Iraq, and A Matter of Opinion, which won the 2005 George Polk Book Award and the 2006 Ann M. Sperber Prize and of which The New York Times wrote, “Anybody who has ever dreamed of starting a magazine, or worried that the country is losing the ability to speak seriously to itself, should read A Matter of Opinion…”

Navasky is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His most recent publications are The Art of Making Magazines: On Being an Editor and Other Views for the Industryedited by Navasky and Evan Cornog, and The Art of Controversy: Political Cartoons and Their Enduring Power (Knopf, 2013).

Skidmore’s Fox-Adler lecture series is named for Norman M. Fox and Hannah Moriarta Adler, connoisseurs and collectors of rare books. Adler first loaned her extensive collection of 19th-century books to Skidmore in 1967, and after her death Fox and his family took charge of it, later donating it permanently to Skidmore’s Scribner Library. Catherine Golden, professor of English at Skidmore, coordinates the Fox-Adler program at the college.

Simona David’s “Art in the Catskills” is now available as paperback & e-book
Art in the Catskills, Your Guide to the Catskills’ Rich Cultural Life is a compendium of 80 cultural institutions and artistic events in the Catskills and surrounding area, some in the neighboring Hudson Valley and others elsewhere upstate New York. The guide includes anything from museums and memorial sites to summer festivals, art galleries and residencies, as well as theater and literary retreats. It walks the reader through a wide geographic area, from Woodstock to Livingston Manor, and Saratoga Springs to Cooperstown. Easy to digest, Art in the Catskills makes for a fun summer read. A travel guide to the Catskill region for art and culture lovers. More information at artinthecatskills.com.

NYS Writers Institute to offer fiction master class with Lydia Davis and memoir workshop with Jo Page
The New York State Writers Institute will offer two creative writing workshops during the fall 2014 semester. Lydia Davis, New York State Writers Institute Fellow and winner of the 2013 Man Booker International Prize will conduct a fiction master class workshop, and Jo Page, New York State Writers Institute Writer-in-Residence will conduct a workshop on crafting memoir.

The Fiction Master Class Workshop will focus on detailed discussion of students’ work, but there may also be assigned exercises and/or readings from published novels or short stories to broaden the discussion of topics such as character, plot, style and form. The workshop is intended for advanced writers – writers who have significant publications in literary journals. The fiction workshop will be held on five Tuesday evenings from October 7 through November 4 at the University at Albany’s uptown campus.

The Memoir Workshop is intended for writers interested in crafting longer or shorter works or memoir, using readings and participants’ individual work to explore and develop the subtleties that make a memoir a compelling story as well as a re-collection of actual events. The workshop will be held on seven Wednesday evenings from October 8 through November 19 at the University at Albany’s uptown campus.

Both workshops are offered free of charge for no credit. Admission to either workshop is based on the submission of writing samples. Complete information on the workshops and submission guidelines may be obtained by calling the Institute at (518) 442-5620 or by visiting the Institute’s website.

Lydia Davis, fiction writer and translator, has received wide acclaim for her extremely brief and brilliantly inventive short stories. She has been called “one of the quiet giants . . . of American fiction” (Los Angeles Times Book Review), “an American virtuoso of the short story form” (Salon) and “one of the best writers in America” (O Magazine). In the spring of 2013 Davis received the Man Booker International Prize, one of the most prestigious prizes in the world of literature. The award is given every two years to authors of any nationality in order to recognize an outstanding body of work in English or available in English translation. Her newest book, which earned rave reviews, is Can’t and Won’t (2014). She is also the author of The Collected Stories (2009), a compilation of stories from four previously published volumes including Varieties of Disturbance (2007), Samuel Johnson is Indignant (2001), Almost No Memory (1997) and Break it Down (1986). Davis received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 2003. A Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, Davis is also one of the most respected translators into English of French literary fiction by Proust and Flaubert, among others. Davis first received serious critical attention for her collection of stories, Break It Down, which was selected as a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award. The book’s positive critical reception helped Davis win a Whiting Writer’s Award in 1988.

Jo Page’s fiction and nonfiction has appeared in Quarterly West, Drunken Boat, Our Stories, The South Carolina Review, Stone Canoe, The MacGuffin and other journals. She was a finalist in the 2009 Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize. Her memoir, Going Out, will be published by SUNY Press in 2015. An ordained Lutheran parish pastor, she has also taught writing at the University of Virginia, the University at Albany, Hudson Valley Community College and The Albany Academy and has led seminars on the spirituality of writing/reading poetry. Page received her MFA from the University of Virginia where she studied with John Casey. During graduate school, she was a finalist in the Mademoiselle Magazine Short Story Contest. For twenty years the author of the “Reckonings” column for Albany, New York’s alternative newsweekly Metroland, she now writes a column for The Albany Times Union.

Arts Center of the Capital Region announces upcoming writing classes
Here is a list of writing classes starting at the Arts Center in August and September (additional classes begin in October). For more information and to register, visit http://www.artscenteronline.org/writing/.

WRITING WHAT YOU KNOW

Wednesdays,September 10-October 15
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marion Roach Smith
Member: $280. Non-Member: $310
Enrollment Max: 20

Flannery O’Connor said that anyone who survived childhood has enough material to write for the rest of his or her life. She’s right, of course. But writing about yourself and your crazy (or not-so-crazy) family can be the big vein, if you’re ready, or the brick wall, if you’re not. This course will help you dig among your stuff and get it down on paper in some interesting, funny, enlightening, compelling, readable and possibly saleable way. Let’s go. It’s there for the mining. Marion Roach Smith is a former New York Times staffer, author of four mass-market books and commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” Suggested reading for the class is her book, The Memoir Project, A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life (Grand Central, 2011).

WRITING THE CONTEMPORARY POEM

Mondays, September 15-November 3
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Comninos
Member: $173. Non-Member: $192
Enrollment Max: 12

What makes a poem contemporary? Is it awareness of the public sphere? Inclusion of brand names? Creation of a conversational voice? Explore what it means, and how, to write contemporary poetry with local published poet Susan Comninos. During an eight week reading and writing course, together we’ll learn, through discussion and exercises, how to repurpose cliches; create “observational” poetry that lends itself to seeming humor and depth; and work on verse forms that counter-intuitively free us up to surprise both ourselves and our readers through self-imposed boundaries. Come prepared to write and participate. Susan Comninos holds a B.A. in English from Cornell University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Michigan. Her poetry has appeared in Subtropics, TriQuarterly, Quarterly West, The Cortland Review, Tulane Review, Nashville Review, Lilith, Tikkun, Literary Mama, J Journal: New Writing on Justice andGastronomica, among others. In 2010, she won the Yehuda Halevi Poetry Contest run by Tablet magazine. She lives in Guilderland.

FOOD WRITING 101: FROM PLATE TO PAGE

Thursdays, September 25-October 30
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Enrollment Max: 15
Instructor: Steve Barnes

Join Steve Barnes, restaurant columnist for the Times Union and author of the popular “Table Hopping” blog, for a 6-week exploration of writing about food, from the way it tastes to its role in our lives. Sometimes just fuel for our bodies, food more often nourishes us emotionally as well, and since we experience it primarily through taste and smell, senses rooted in primal parts of our brain, food connects us profoundly to our past, our families, our memories and our experiences. The class will cover writing about food in a variety of ways, including but not limited to memoirs, essays, descriptive features and criticism.

FACT TO FICTION: CRAFTING YOUR STORY INTO STORY

Saturdays, September 27, 2014
10 a.m. to noon
Instructor: Coleen M. Paratore

Do you have a personal story you’ve been thinking of writing as realistic or historical fiction, memoir, or other genre? More than a decade ago, I began writing a coming-of-age piece about a girl in a troubled family in 1970’s Troy, NY. While therapeutic, it read like a weepy diary entry. I asked a noted author: “Should I keep writing it like this or wait until I can craft it into fiction?’ The one word reply was: “Wait.” That was good advice. My novel Dreamsleeves (Scholastic Press) is the result. If possible, read the book so we will have a common ground for our discussion of character, plot, setting and other topics. I will then lead us through several simple but powerful write-and-share rounds aimed at getting us closer to the heart of the story, an essential goal. Writer, teacher, and inspirational speaker Coleen Paratore is the author of 19 books. Visit her website: www.coleenparatore.com.

EXPLORING POINT OF VIEW

Tuesdays, September 30-October 7
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructor: David A. Salomon
Member: $58. Non-Member: $64
Enrollment Max: 15

In literature, the author’s point of view is the lens through which the reader looks at the world, therefore coloring everything taken in from that angle. This two-week workshop will explore the wide variety of available points of view in writing fiction. We will look at examples and then do some experimenting ourselves.

The Write Stuff: A One-Day Writers’ Festival, November 8
On Saturday, November 8, the Roe Jan Community Library in Hillsdale, New York will host a one-day writers’ festival entitled The Write Stuff, featuring local authors who will facilitate workshops in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, memoir, short story and the creative process. The festival is designed for writers of all levels, including a workshop for new writers. Workshops will be followed by a panel on getting published and a wine and cheese networking reception.

The keynote address, entitled “What Kind of Book Should You Be Writing? How to Choose the Right Form for Your Truth and Your Art—-And Make Money Too!” will be delivered by author and publisher Ellen E.M. Roberts. In addition, Ms. Roberts will offer individual manuscript reviews for an additional fee for festival participants only.

Other featured authors include Wesley Brown, Laura Didyk and Dara Lurie.

Workshop topics are:

Character and Conflict: Creating a Short Story
Narrative Voice in Fiction
Creative Writing for New Writers
Memoir in Miniature
The Creative Process
The Six Rules for Writing Non-Fiction that Sells

Registration is required. To register, click here. The early registration fee is $40 before October 1 and $50 after October 1. We hope you will join us for a full day of writing and learning. This program is generously supported by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild.

Hudson Valley Writers Guild

HVWG Annual Meeting November 9

Winners of the 2014 HVWG Non-Fiction Essay Contest

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