Fall/Winter 2014 California Writers Club Bulletin T H E B U L L E T I N R Vol. 2014 No. 2 California Writers Club Fall/Winter 2014 Fremont’s Bob Garfinkle Earns CWC’s Highest Honor By Nancy Curteman, Fremont Area Writers R At the July 20 CWC Central Board meeting, President Dave The Bulletin is the official publication of George and I presented the Ina California Writers Club, an educational Coolbrith Award to Fremont nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Area Writers’ Bob Garfinkle. OFFICERS Bob is a long time member President — David George of California Writers Club and Mt. Diablo Branch is currently a lifetime member. Vice President — Margie Yee Webb He’s dedicated a tremendous Sacramento Branch amount of his time and talent Secretary — Joyce Krieg to CWC and certainly has met Central Coast Branch the standards for the Ina Cool- Treasurer — Sharon Svitak brith award. Tri-Valley Branch Like California poet Ina Cool- brith who encouraged new writ- Bob Garfinkle is the latest recipient of the Ina Coolbrith Award THE BULLETIN ers through her literary salons, for outstanding service to California Writers Club. With Bob is EDITOR Bob encourages new writers at Nancy Curteman, Central Board Representative for Fremont Joyce Krieg (Central Coast) club meetings. Area Writers, and CWC President Dave George. PROOFREADER Like Ina Coolbrith, who was image, and unsnarled a tangle with the IRS Laura Emerson (Central Coast) President of the Congress of Authors and over our nonprofit status. CIRCULATION Journalists, Bob was president of Fremont • He started the Annual CWC picnic, and has Ray Malus (San Fernando Valley) Area Writers and California Writers Club. chaired it every year from 2009 to the PRINTER Like Ina Coolbrith, who was a celebrated present. ProColor — Los Gatos, CA poet and author, Bob is an internationally • He served on the staff of South Bay CHANGE OF ADDRESS known author of astronomy books and sci- Writers’ East of Eden Conference from entific journal articles. Contact Your Branch Membership Chair 2004 to 2008, one of the best writers Like Ina Coolbrith, who was active in her conferences in California community as an Oakland librarian, Bob When asked why he dedicated so much of Copyright 2014 by the California Writers Club. The was active in the community as a Union City contents may not be reproduced in any form without his busy life to CWC, his response was to the Council Member. prior written permission. The Bulletin is published by point. “I enjoy the camaraderie of working the California Writers Club, Incorporated, on behalf Like Ina Coolbrith, Bob has demonstrated with other writers. I guess I just like writers.” of its members. The California Writers Club assumes his love of writing through his active support One more special note: This fall, Springer no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy of of CWC. Here are a few of his achievements: any information, process, product, method, or policy Publishing released Bob’s chef d’oeuvre on • Central Board Representative for South Bay described herein. astronomy, Luna Cognita, (Known Moon). from 2003-2007. OUR MISSION Ina Coolbrith would be proud of Bob • Founder and president of the Fremont Area Educating writers of all levels of expertise Garfinkle and so are we. in the craft of writing and in the marketing Writers branch. of their work. • During his Presidency of CWC, he lead a legal battle to protect CWC’s name and California Writers Club Bulletin Fall/Winter 2014 With Apologies to Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before the deadline and all through Manhattan Not an editor was slashing, not one single red pen; JOYCE’S VOICE The press kits were sent by publicists so slick, In hopes that St. Oprah would soon make her pick.

The agents were schmoozing, many hands they did shake, With visions of auctions and hot deals they would make; While I, the mere author, a new book to begin, Had just settled in with a fresh bottle of gin.

From out on the keyboard there came not a clatter, The words would not come, I knew not what was the matter. By Joyce Krieg The deadline was looming and I needed the cash, Bulletin Editor If I asked for more time, my name would be trash.

My adjectives – how florid! My adverbs – how vivid! The glow from the screen of my old Pentium D Those snarky reviewers with envy would be livid! Seemed to mock my slow output with devilish glee. I threw caution to the wind and cried, “Anything goes!” When, what to my bleary eyes should appear, As I continued to crank out more purple prose. But a digital goddess – could rescue be near? “No plot? No problem!” The Muse chanted like an elf, She carried a notebook, a pen, but no booze, And I laughed as I typed, in spite of myself; I knew in a moment she must be a Muse. Rejection slips be damned, dare to be bold, More rapid than eagles the words they did pour, She gave me to know my book would be sold. As she whispered and sang, my creativity did soar. I spoke not a word, just continued to work, “Now Random House! Now Hachette! Now Bantam Dell! At last typed “The End” and hit Control-P with a jerk. On Henry Holt! On St. Martin’s! On Knopf and Little Brown! Laying page after page inside a FedEx pack, To the top of Amazon! To the top of The Times! No SASE for me – this baby’s not coming back! You can do it! Do it! Do it!” Her voice rang like the chimes. I sprang to log off and gave thanks to the Muse; As dry wit from the pens of reviewers flow mean, She gave me a smile surely meant to enthuse; When they meet with bound galley from an author still green, And I heard her exclaim as she faded from sight, So my manuscript I did revise all a-new, “Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good write.” With a pocketful of doubts, and a hangover, too. But still, as before, I heard from the Muse, Spreading the Word about CWC Inspiration and encouragement, stuff I could use. As I continued to write, the keyboard to pound, I realized my creativity had at last come unbound. Contacting The Bulletin

Editor Joyce Krieg [email protected]

Submissions of branch news and pho- tos are always welcome. Send text as Word docs. Photos should be The organizers of the annual writers conference at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo in JPEG format and sized between invited CWC to appear on a panel about the benefits of belonging to a writers club and to 100K and 1M. Short stories and host a table. The result may be a brand-new branch in the Santa Maria area. Above, PR/ poetry should be submitted to the Publicity Chair Donna McCrohan-Rosenthal chats up the club with a couple of prospective CWC Literary Review. new members. 2 Fall/Winter 2014 California Writers Club Bulletin Embracing Your Inner Techie CWC Leadership Are you a Technophile or a Technophobe? the iPhone-6 is announced. But as frequently for 2014-15 Or Neither? I spent years of my life present- as we long for the good old days, would slow- The CWC Central Board elected by ac- ing the Next Great Thing to sceptics, often ing or reversing this pace be acceptable? No! clamation the slate of officers for 2014-15 with success. We now seem surrounded, per- Our venerable Club has new technology presented by Nomination Committee Chair haps buried, in Next Great Things. I hear that available to it also. I’ve noticed more and Jeanette Fratto (Orange County) at the July you can even purchase hi- more branches exploit- 20 meeting: tech coffins that play sur- PRESIDENT’S ing the various social President: David George, Mt. Diablo round sound and a loop media tools to get the Vice President: Margie Yee Webb, Sacra- of your favorite digital MESSAGE word out about meet- mento photos into the afterlife. ings, workshops, and Secretary: Joyce Krieg, Central Coast I hope the batteries last! events. Yeah! They Treasurer: Sharon Svitak, Tri-Valley Consider our dizzy take payments through The four officers, plus member-at-large technological days in per- their web sites using Ray Malus (San Fernando Valley) serve as spective though. Ballpoint PayPal and other online voting members on the CWC Executive pens were the Thing of options. Super! And Committee. PR/Publicity Chair Donna the 1930s, light bulbs of one by one, they are McCrohan-Rosenthal (East Sierra) serves the 1890s, and flush toi- discovering the ease as a non-voting member of the Executive lets of the 1770s. Do you of use and value of Committee. think of these marvelous By David George our new Membership The President made the following ap- devices as complicated CWC President Records Management pointments: technology every time System (MRMS). Bulletin Editor: Joyce Krieg (Central Coast) you click the pen, flick the Updating member Forum Moderator: Bob Isbill (High Desert) light, or flush the potty? contact information Finance: Sharon Svitak (Tri-Valley) Once a society learns to accept new Things and posting payments is a breeze with Friends of Joaquin Miller Park: Linda Brown into our lives, they cease to be pains in the MRMS. It made my life easier as branch (Berkeley) neck and grow to be indispensable – yes, treasurer and can make your job easier, too. Literary Review Editor: Dave LaRoche (South even to writers. Every member of the Club has access to Bay) One Thing that has changed is the accel- their own membership record. Don’t be a Membership: Sharon Svitak (Tri-Valley) erating pace of new technological introduc- technophobe. Log in and give MRMS a try! MRMS Administrator: Ray Malus (San tions. You barely have a chance to - whoops! Contact your branch membership chair for Fernando Valley) - drop your new iPhone-5 in the toilet before access information. Picnic: Nancy Curteman (Fremont) Policies and Procedures: Dave LaRoche (South Bay) Your CWC Central Board at Work Scholarship: Donna McCrohan-Rosenthal The Central Board is the governing body (East Sierra) of the California Writers Club, in essence Major actions taken at the July 20 and in our board of directors. Each branch has follow-up electronic votes included: a voting representative at the two annual Budget: Approval of a spending plan of Next CWC meetings. At the July 20 meeting in Oakland, $36,625 for FY 2014-15. President Dave George noted significant ac- Non-discrimination clause: Our Poli- Central Board complishments: cies and Procedures now includes a clause • An IRS audit resulted in “no findings” and prohibiting discrimination and harrassment. Meeting no penalties were levied. Both are important to have in the organiza- • The contract with our Webmaster has been tion’s governing documents when applying revised. for grants. • Membership continues to grow and now CWC Newsletter: On a split vote, ap- Sunday, stands at 1800-plus. proved annual spending of $5,000 for Jan. 25, 2015 • A nonprofit mailing permit with the USPS mailing of a printed-on-paper Bulletin to all 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. has been obtained. members twice a year. • The tradition of the CWC Bulletin has been Anthology Project: Alloated $1,000 to Holiday Inn Express, revived. the High Desert branch for the Dorothy C. Oakland Airport • The Literary Review continues to improve. Blakely Memoir Project. • A scholarship program is in the planning California Capital Book Festival: Ap- stages. proved spending $175 to pay for booth space Any CWC member may attend • Membership qualifications are under at this Sacramento event. as an observer. Each branch has review. one voting member.

3 California Writers Club Bulletin Fall/Wintre 2014 Town of Apple Valley Honors Tidbits from the CWC High Desert Branch CWC Branches By Bob Isbill, High Desert branch CWC Marin continues with an emphasis on craft and will once again offer a mini- The High Desert branch was recently Dorothy C. Blakely Memoir Project team conference in Spring 2015. “Marin Writes” was honored with a presentation by the town of was invited by the National Center for a huge success in 2013 with all the oomph of Apple Valley of a proclamation “recogniz- Literacy Education (NCLE) to participate a big conference at a reasonable price. Details ing the Dorothy C. Blakely Memoir Project in a Practice Exchange in Washington D.C. and flyers will be available soon. as a distinguished and worthy community on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. High Desert Tri-Valley is busy planning a full day con- educational endeavor, and proclaims the California Writers Club member and au- ference on the art and business of writing on High Desert branch of the California Writ- thor Tania Ramos represented the branch. Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Five Points ers Club is significantly contributing to the Meanwhile, High Desert’s fourth “Howl by Sheraton in Pleasanton. It will feature culture of the community, and enhancing at the Moon” conference was called a fun three tracks of speakers, events, writing the town’s pursuit of a better way of life.” learning experience and netted $2300 for contests, and networking opportunities. For The anthology of senior citizen memoirs the branch. The conference featured Chris details, visit http://www.trivalleywriters.org/ written by high school students, Let It Be Vogler, author of The Writer’s Journey, plus conferences/2015-conference. Recorded… A Collection of Memoirs, is available literary agent BJ Robbins and Ray Robin- In January, Tri-Valley Writers will be celebrat- on www.hdcwc.com and Amazon. son of Dog Ear Publisher. ing its members with Winterfest: Ekphrasis, a Based on our collaborative work, the celebration of artists and their work. Mem- bers start by sharing another side of their Napa Valley Outing to Stevenson Museum artistic talent: drawing, painting, photography, By Marilyn Campbell, Napa Valley branch needlepoint, quilting, or others. A variety of Napa Valley Writers enjoyed a tour of the contest held at a CWC picnic. artwork, fully representing our members, is Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in St. Hel- During the tour, Museum Director then selected by a committee and displayed ena on Sunday, September 28th. Stevenson, Marissa Schleicher gave a PowerPoint on the Tri-Valley Writers website. The second perhaps best known for his adventure writing presentation on the multi-talented author phase entices members to view the artwork, in Treasure Island, also wrote Silverado Squatters, and guided visitors among the displayed seek inspiration, then write one or more pieces a colorful travel memoir of his two month memorabilia. Three members presented regarding the works. honeymoon trip in 1880 in the Napa Valley. selections from Stevenson’s works: Susan The selected visual arts, and the written It was written as he and his new bride were Imboden read from an essay written by pieces, will be on display during the Tri-Valley actually squatting. Stevenson on the process of writing, Writers Club January meeting at the Sheraton The phrase, “wine is bottled poetry,” that Marilyn Campbell from The Strange Case of by Four Points Hotel in Pleasanton. The cel- he used in this charming piece, has been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Lenore Hirsch ebration will culminate during the club meeting memorialized in the Napa wine community recited several poems from Stevenson’s A that day with an open forum where attendees by appearing at both ends of the valley on Child’s Garden of Verses. are welcome to share their thoughts about welcome signs. Our branch also used the A potluck followed on the museum continued on page 7 phrase on a cake we entered in the cake grounds. Open Mic, Speed Networking at Long Beach By Allene Symons, Long Beach branch Though we meet monthly on Saturday took turns talking about their respective afternoons, we added an evening open mic writing projects. One side of the table by partnering with a new/used bookstore remained in place, the other side moved that hosts many book-and-author events and on when the timer chimed. also has a strong online outreach. We served In addition, we are expanding our use refreshments, and our president handled the of multimedia to accompany and/or emcee role with humor and grace. It did not complement speakers when possible and draw as many people as we had hoped, but with their permission. We are using a Wel- it was a lively event and resulted in two new come screen (digitally projected) and other members so we plan to do it again. projected graphics at some meetings. At a Another activity resulting in new members recent meeting we prepared a Ken Burns- was “speed-networking for writers.” This is style slide show of photographs from a way to become familiar with what other the author’s as-told-to memoir (folk-rock members are working on. For this program era) with music. It played on the screen as Long Beach President Kathryn Atkins we set up tables in a U formation with facing members arrived, and this added a lively participates in the open mic event at chairs. Each pair of members (also visitors) component to the program. Gatsby’s Books.

4 DASH – DASH

Fall/Winter 2014 California Writers Club Bulletin Jack London and CWC – Did He or Didn’t He? By Joyce Krieg, Bulletin Editor For years, California Writers Club has he must have been involved in the formation Philadelphia pointed out to Linda that the proudly boasted as having been founded by of CWC. But that’s all it is – a leap. The proof ill-fated Snark adventure ended in the spring Jack London. His handsome face looks great remains elusive. of 1909 in Sydney, Australia. By July 21 of on newsletters, flyers and websites, and it adds Several club leaders who, like me, are that year, the record shows London was back a bit of prestige to trace our roots back to passionate about our legend and lore have in Oakland and on the 24th at his ranch in the Golden State’s famous author. But when recently noted that from 1907 to 1909, Jack Glen Ellen. So London was in Northern you attempt to chase down the historic facts London was sailing the South Seas aboard the California in the last half of 1909 and it thus to back up the claim, Snark. He could not would have been physically possible for him the record becomes possibly have been to have been involved in the founding of murky. simultaneously orga- our writers club. This much we know nizing a writers club In her 1946 book My San Francisco, Ger- for certain: an orga- in Oakland in 1909, trude Atherton boldly states, “The oldest nization calling itself not unless he cloned and most important literary club in the state California Writers himself. is the California Writers Club in Berkeley. Club can be traced Linda Brown from It was founded in 1909 by George Sterling, back to the Oakland our Berkeley branch Jack London, Herman Whitaker and Austin area as early as 1909. attended the Jack Lewis . . .” However, it should be noted We also know that Jack London Symposium that Ms. Atherton was in her late 80s when London was a leading October 29-Novem- she wrote this, and she had a reputation of light in the East Bay Jack London aboard the Snark. ber 1 and posed that never letting the facts stand in the way of literary scene in the dilemma to the re- a good story. first decade of the 20th century. Thus it seems searchers and scholars present. Louise E. More intriguing glimpses into our past not too great a leap to assume that, of course, Wright from the Community College of came to light in a speech made by then- CWC President William Morgan at the 1939 New Vitality for South Bay Writers Treasure Island World’s Fair. I happened to find a copy of that speech in a paper grocery By Dave LaRoche, South Bay branch bag filled with club memorabilia being stored Under the leadership of President Colin adding two VPs, several committee posts, and in former president Barbara Truax’s garage. Seymour, South Bay Writers is on the move. officers will take on assistants. Getting more But alas, that will have to wait a later time Our overall goal: adding to the resources people involved, gets all people involved. A when more space permits. The saga continues that come with new members by way of larger board brings idea diversity and a more in the Spring 2015 Bulletin! warm welcome and recognition, superior inclusive reflection from membership. programs, and a brisk business meeting. We at South Bay experience rejuvenation— Ten Facts about Jack A full-day planning retreat in September a glow comes out from the meeting room. yielded a dozen actions that enhance our People chat up the program; ask, suggest, and By Linda Brown, Berkeley Branch vitality and feed our objectives. We are add- engage. No one leaves early, but with coffee A few of the things I learned about Jack ing younger folks to the roster who bring an and cake, hang around for exchange—enjoy London at the Symposium: enthusiasm matching the one we effuse. Our a writing camaraderie. 1. Jack London was the only major American annual calendar includes two socials, four author of that time with insight into Asian Saturday workshops, and monthly programs cultures. that offer craft methodology, pol- 2. Cosmopolitan magazine published his ishing techniques, and publishing works. opportunities. 3. Scenes in his novel Martin Eden are based Little of the above would work on Lake Merritt in Oakland. without concomitant publicity, 4. His strength was character development. and Kim Malanczuk, our PR&P 5. He photographed nudes in Samoa. Director, provides that in spades. 6. Over 12,000 photographs are archived. She uses Constant Contact, 7. He envisioned his farm at Glen Ellen to Meet-Up, Zvents, a revamped be what we might today call “sustainable website, Facebook, local radio, agriculture.” and community TV; all to call out 8. His great-grandaughter Tarnet Abbott the message, align the community lives in Richmond and wrote a readers the- need with South Bay’s offerings. ater adaptation of his novel, The Iron Heel. Success is hers. 9. Jack was 21 when he learned that John In this calendar year, we will South Bay’s annual Halloween costume contest brings to London was not his biological father. expand our Board of Directors, mind the high-jinx of the early Bohemian years of CWC. 10. He was raised by an ex-slave named Virginia Prentiss. 5 California Writers Club Bulletin Fall/Wintre 2014 D A CWC I E Exchange

Today’s Topic: Speakers - Finding them, paying them. Berkeley The Berkeley branch offers speakers a one- published e-book The Martian went on to year membership and publicity: social media be printed in both soft-and hard-bound posts, a flyer on the branch website, calendar editions. A film version directed by Ridley notices, outreach to 225 agents, publishers, Scott and starring Matt Damon is planned media, library staff, nonprofits and education for a 2015 release. contacts, elected officials, bookstores, etc. We – Nancy Curteman also display the speaker’s flyer at meetings High Desert for months. Our September speaker was High Desert’s protocol for guest speakers Susan RoAne, author of the best-seller, How is a $30 honorarium, talk time of about 45- to Work a Room. 50 minutes, a break for meet and greet and – Linda Brown selling books, then 20 minutes of Q&A. Central Coast Because we have 70 to 80 people attending We don’t offer our speakers an honorarium, each meeting, it makes for a great opportu- but we do give them gas money from the nity for speakers to sell books. More than a Bay Area and an overnight in a local hotel. couple times we have had them run out of books. One great speaker we’ve had is Alan Josh Mohr speaking to the Marin branch. Since we’re located in a popular tourist Painting, and many short stories. She spoke destination – everyone wants to come to Watt, author of The 90 Day Novel. Get him to CWC Marin about “Creating Surprise on Monterey – this has always worked well if you can! the Page.” CWC Marin member Tanya Egan for us. We highly recommend legal thriller – Bob Isbill Gibson is a branch favorite. Her entertain- author Sheldon Siegel. He’s fun and shares a Long Beach/Orange County ing, funny and personable demeanor taught wealth of information about both traditional Speaker programs are handled cooperatively us about “Dynamic Dialogue: How to Bring publishing and e-books. at Long Beach and Orange County branches, Your Character to Life.”(And save them from – Joyce Krieg and most speakers are traditionally pub- sounding like zombies with whom no reader lished authors. They typically speak at both East Sierra (Ridge Writers) wants to be trapped in an elevator, bar, party, branches, sometimes on same day (morning We provide dinner, lodging for one night, short story, or memoir—ever.) and afternoon).We find them at writers’ con- and breakfast the next morning. For northern – Elaine Webster branches, I’d suggest David Kulczyk who ferences, events, and by referral from other lives in Sacramento, maintains a fascinating speakers. We give a $50 honorarium. Local Mt. Diablo The Mt. Diablo branch program committee blog, and wrote California Fruits, Flakes & indie bookstores provide copies for sales and selects presenters primarily from word of Nuts about Golden State oddballs. Contact signing and we handle sales ourselves. If a mouth recommendations and personal expe- him through his publisher’s publicist, Jaguar speaker offers services for writers, we give rience with speakers from other conferences. Bennett, (800-345-4447/559-233-6633), a $25 honorarium. Recommended speaker: We offer $75 to $100 for regular programs [email protected]. For Julia Drake, of Julia Drake Public Relations, and $300 for workshops. Our October southern branches, Beverly Gray lives in the a book PR specialist. 2014 workshop speaker Amanda McTigue L.A. area, worked for many years with cult – Allene Symons dazzled our members with her hands-on movie icon Roger Corman and authored Marin exercises and depth of knowledge on the Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh- CWC Marin is on a roll. Book Passage in subject of voice. Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers and Ron Corte Madera is a hub for writers, readers and – Judith Marshall Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon. Reach her industry professionals and we call it home. through her blog, beverlygray.blogspot.com). This past year, with a solid line-up of speak- Redwood – Donna McCrohan-Rosenthal ers, three in particular wowed us with their Redwood has a Presentation/Program team Fremont Area Writers wit, charm and knowledge: Joshua Mohr’s whose sole purpose is to find and recruit speakers for monthly meetings. We use many We offer our speakers $50 and pay for print- trademarked term “Plarachterization” is a resources: other branches, conferences, other ing handouts. Andy Weir spoke at a FAW strategy that will help any writer. His style is writer or publisher organizations, Book Pas- meeting Oct. 25 on the topic of “How I relaxed, fun and fresh. Nina Schuyler is the Backed Into a Publishing Deal.” His self- author of the novels The Translator and The continued on page 7 6 Fall/Winter 2014 California Writers Club Bulletin Books Galore in Shadow of State Capitol Tidbits from the By Margie Yee Webb, Sacramento branch The California CWC Branches Writers Club (CWC) continued from page 4 made a strong show- the art displays through the written word or ing at the inaugural conversation. California Capital Redwood has a busy first quarter planned. Book Festival that First up on January 11 is Joshua Mohr on took place on Oc- “Plarachterization: Intersection of Plot and tober 25-26, 2014, Character.” On February 8, Stuart Hor- at the Sacramento witz will present “The Book Architecture Convention Center. Method,” giving us his secrets for creating It was a free public a complex narrative through a well-planned event to promote lit- three-draft process. Lastly, on March 8, Joel eracy and the love of Friedlander will present his super workshop books and featured on “Pathways to Publication,” discussing the over 120 authors, various choices in indie and digital publishing. including New York Redwood has also launched a collaborative Times bestselling au- Amy Rogers and Mike Brandt take a shift in the CWC booth at the effort with Copperfield’s Books, a local chain thors. California Capital Book Festival in Sacramento. bookstore in Sonoma and Napa counties Branch members CWC booth to greet attendees, answer ques- with a Fiction Book Club, featuring branch at the festival included those from Central tions and hand out the CWC all-branch flyer. members’ books, meeting on the last Tuesday Coast, Mount Diablo, Redwood, Sacramento, The booth was jointly sponsored by CWC, Writers of Kern sponsored three write-ins San Francisco Peninsula and East Sierra. CWC NorCal Group and CWC Sacramento for NaNoWriMo participants in November. Members were festival authors, festival pre- branch. The November meeting featured speaker senters and moderators, author and publisher To find out more about the festival, in- Rebecca Langston-George on writing for the exhibitors, festival volunteers, attendees and cluding a list of authors and a schedule, visit Children’s Market. Rebecca is the assistant CWC volunteers. http://ccbookfestival.com. Regional adviser for The Society of Chil- Several CWC Sacramento branch members dren’s Book Writers and Illustrators. WOK’s took shifts to serve as representatives at the annual Fall Writing Contest winners will be announced at the meeting in December. This year’s contest was a 1200 word entry based Idea Exchange on a picture prompt. continued from page 6 handy CWC cloth tote, and raffled one of A recurring branch activity at Orange sage newsletters, Copperfield’s Books, or her books (which of course, she signed). County, initiated by President Pam Tallman, reliable recommendations. Some presenters – Samantha Berley is the monthly “Dark and Stormy Night” solicit us. South Bay contest. Based on the Bulwer-Lytten contest – Sandy Baker We connect with our speakers by way of challenging people to write a terrible first Sacramento personal referral, a website check, and rec- sentence, Pam solicits input from branch We find speakers through personally meet- ommendations from other branches. We members, and reads the winner at the begin- ing them at writers conferences or through provide a meal, $100 honorarium, and some ning of each meeting. It’s not that easy to try referrals. The speaker honorarium is $50 plus offset to travel if a substantial distance. In the to write a very bad sentence and the winning lunch. We highly recommended our most past year, all of our speakers have been out- entry is usually very clever and hilarious. A recent speakers: Grant Faulkner, Executive standing. Charlotte Cook, Margaret Lucke, small gift is presented to the winner. Pam’s Director of NaNoWriMo; Constance Hale, and Jordan Rosenfeld found a particularly humor also extends to her presentation each journalist and author; and Linda Joy Myers, enthusiastic reception. month of “useless facts.” Recently she read President and Founder of National Associa- – Dave LaRoche rejection letters that well-known authors tion of Memoir Writers. Each impressed with Writers of Kern received for books that eventually went on their superb presentation! About half of our speakers contact us and to be very successful. Pam has the audience – Margie Yee Webb request no pay. Recently two of these re- loose and laughing early on and ready to enjoy San Fernando Valley quests were honored by David Congalton, the guest speaker. East Sierra reports success by partnering For the November monthly meeting, guest screenwriter of Authors Anonymous, and with venues that lend themselves to special speaker Catherine Pelonero discussed her James B. Golden , poet. Both were excep- events. In 2014, East Sierra held a “Read publishing experience as a burgeoning non- tional and well-received. Our paid speakers the Book Meet the Author” series in the fiction author. In appreciation of her lecture are given $100. If they travel more than 100 spring and a Dickens Tea and Book Swap about her new book, Kitty Genovese: A True miles we add $100 for mileage and/hotel in December at My Enchanted Cottage, a Account of a Public Murder and Its Private Con- expenses. – Dan McGuire delightful Victorian tearoom. sequences, we gave her a small honorarium, a 7 California Writers Club Bulletin Fall/Wintre 2014

R R The Bulletin California Writers Club PO Box 201 Danville, CA 94526 Return Service Requested

“I’m Your Founder? Maybe . . . See Page 5”

News from North and South Nearly 60 members gathered for a lively awarding grants of $250 each to: and inspiring day at the NorCal Group Orange County: For Read Orange County, Leadership Conference May 3 at DeVry an adult literacy tutor- University in Fremont. ing program. Reserved for Robertson Publishing Everyone seemed to get into the spirit Proud sponsor of the East Sierra: For a of the theme “Success by Sharing,” by par- California Writers Club family history project ticipating in peer-to-peer break-out sessions with the Historical during which officers and chairs from dif- Society of the Upper ferent branches traded ideas and discussed Robertson Publishing Mojave Desert. common issues and challenges. Long Beach: For Keynote speaker Bob Isbill from the High e’ll publish your book, list it in the US, UK, Europe, and an open mic series at Desert branch gave an informative talk on Australia with Ingram Books, Barnes&Noble.com, Amazon, a local independent W the remarkable turnaround at his branch. and others, plus create and host a webpage showcasing your bookstore. books and writing career, with direct links for purchase. Many Visit the NorCal Group web site at www. Inland Empire: other tools for our authors can be found at our website. We pro- cwcnorcalwriters.org. For a prison library vide coaching to help you format your book and get it ready for concentrates its efforts on CWC-South project. publication, and help many of our authors with the cover design. mini-grants to its member branches, recently Collaborative book publishing, with royalties paid quarterly.

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