T H E B U L L E T I N California Writers Club Vol. 2009 No. 5 Fall 2009 Centennial special edition California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Signing Off from the World of Print When I was 12 years old, I happened to porter, sometimes a spunky ingénue, more on printed page. I defy an electronic down- catch Deadline U.S.A. on the late show and often a hard-boiled dame. Either way, that’s load to the pure tactile richness of a book. my fate was sealed. Right then, I knew ex- who I desperately wanted to be. If that brand-new book has your name on actly what I wanted to be when I grew up: a Ten years later, I made that dream a real- the cover as author . . . well, I can’t think of newspaper reporter. How could an impres- ity, first majoring in journalism at San Jose anything more thrilling and fulfilling except State, then landing a job at the Woodland possibly holding your newborn baby for Daily Democrat out in farm country north- the first time. JOYCE’S VOICE west of Sacramento. Okay, it wasn’t exactly All of the above is a very long-winded the New York Times, but still, it was an ex- way of saying good-bye. The digital age is citing time to be in print journalism, no obviously here, full steam (or should I say matter how small-time. Two cop beat re- full electrons?) ahead. The CWC Bulletin porters at the Washington Post were top- is no exception. Your Central Board is mov- pling a Presidency, and Tom Wolfe and ing toward an electronic publication to be Hunter Thompson were the nation’s hot e-mailed to the members. I know it’s a green new celebrities, leading the pack of New solution and will save us tons of money, Journalism. I was lucky enough to work but . . . I’m a print person and always will be. side-by-side with the editor/owner of the Thus, this is my last “Joyce’s Voice” and “Daily D,” who believed in giving young By Joyce Krieg last issue as editor. talent a chance and granted us free rein to My thanks to past president Barbara Central Coast Branch raise all the hell we wanted in his little town. Truax, who first saw my potential and of- Well, okay, we also worked cheap. fered me the editor’s gig three years ago, sionable tween resist when a trench-coated, I left the newspaper game in 1978, lured and presidents Anthony Folcarelli, Dave fedora-topped Humphrey Bogart growled, by the opportunities for women in the here- Cunningham and Casey Wilson for keep- “It may not be the oldest profession, but tofore boys-only club of broadcast jour- ing me around. it’s the best.” nalism. But I never quite got over my love I wish all the best to my successor in this Ah, those great, old newspaper movies! affair with print: the aroma of ink, the brave new world of e-publishing as I “sail The Front Page, His Girl Friday, It Hap- crunchy, honest texture of newsprint, the on” into the paper-and-ink sunset, where pened One Night, Citizen Kane, Call crackle of turning pages, the smudge of the presses still thunder, reporters are still Northside 7-7-7 . . . The thundering presses, inch-high headlines on my fingers. brave and honest, a ragged boy still stands the screaming headlines, the crusade for And books! Is there anything more in- on the street corner yelling, “Extra! Extra! truth and justice, the us-against-the-world toxicating – more full of promise – than a Read all about it!”, Humphrey Bogart is camaraderie of the newsroom, the sheer ad- brand-new book? That new book smell, the still barking orders, and a hopelessly ro- venture and romance of it all. I loved every heft of it, the slick cover art and glammed- mantic 12-year-old still has all of her dreams moment of those old black-and-white mov- up author photo, the arrangement of type ahead of her. ies flickering across the screen of our bun- ker-sized Zenith console on Channel 2 late at night when I should have been asleep. Fremont Becomes #18 Most of those films featured a female re-

CWC Bulletin EDITOR Joyce Krieg (Central Coast) PROOFREADER Donna McCrohan Rosenthal (East Sierra) CIRCULATION Dale King (Peninsula) PRINTER Spectrum Graphics, Ridgecrest CA

Submissions: Please hold your submis- sions as we make the transition from print to electronic publication. Submission guideliines will be available from the new editor in the Congratulations to Fremont Area Writers, which became CWC’s 18th branch at the July coming months. See your Central Board 19 Central Board meeting in Oakland. From left: Nancy Curtman, Central Board repre- representative for updates. sentative; Bob Garfinkle, president; Jeannine Vegh, vice-president; Casey Wilson, CWC president; Evelyn LaTorre, past treasurer; and Carol Hall, current treasurer. 2 Fall 2009 Centennial Special Edition California Writers Club Bulletin Where Do We Go from Here?

At the next Central Board meeting I will This year’s awards have special signifi- have the pleasure of presenting several Jack cance. This is our Centennial Year. London Awards and an Ina Coolbrith Where do we go from here? What’s next? Award. CWC is growing still. The Jack London In July the Central The Bulletin is the official publication of Awards are recognition PRESIDENT’S Board inducted a new California Writers Club, an educational from the California Writ- branch, the Fremont nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. ers Club governing body MESSAGE Area Writers under the OFFICERS to candidates nominated experienced leader- President—Casey Wilson by their branch peers. The ship of Bob Garfinkle. [email protected] awards are given in rec- I have received an ini- Vice President & MembershipMembership— ognition of the recipients’ tial query from still an- Dale E. King service to their branches other group of writers [email protected] and to the organization as exploring joining our Secretary—Carol Celeste a whole — a small token ranks. [email protected] of appreciation for the In the midst of all, Treasurer — Kathy Urban many volunteer hours consideration is being [email protected] these members have By Casey Wilson given to reorganizing Member-at-LargeMember-at-Large— given to their branches to CWC President with the goal of Margie Yee Webb make our prestigious or- strengthening the cor- [email protected] ganization better for all of porate structure. It is us. important to remember, especially at the COMMUNICATIONS The Ina Coolbrith Award is also for ser- management level of the Central Board, that Bulletin—Joyce Krieg vice. It is presented in recognition for ser- we are members of a corporation. [email protected] vice to the Central Board. It is the Central With your help and the help of those com- Web SiteSite—David Burr Board that guides the destiny of the Cali- ing behind us, the California Writers Club [email protected] fornia Writers Club. This award recognizes will celebrate its bicentennial. www.calwriters.org a member’s contributions to corporate man- Copyright 2009 by the California Writers Club. agement. The contents may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. The Bulletin is published by the California Writers Club, The First 100 Years Incorporated on behalf of its members. The By Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, Centennial Chair California Writers Club assumes no legal li- ability or responsibility for the accuracy of any One hundred years of literary history . . . cession, this one may serve to focus us on information, process, product, method, or heritage . . . excellence. Call it what you will. productive partnerships that we can bring policy described herein. We celebrate a landmark this year. about at the local and state levels. When EDITORIAL MATERIAL We started 2009 with ambitious plans and groups and organizations don’t have money, [email protected] seem likely to achieve most if not all of them they respond more attentively to offers for CHANGE OF ADDRESS by December 31 - including several media joint projects. Further, they’re considerably Contact Your Branch Membership releases, workshops and programs, the Lit- less likely to dismiss your branch simply Chair erary Landmark Map, a time capsule, a because you don’t have a small fortune to OUR MISSION Centennial scrapbook given to the Bancroft attach to the deal. Educating writers of all levels of exper- Library, and a prize drawing for all members In other words, don’t relax yet. Keep think- tise in the craft of writing and in the mar- at the Jack London Awards luncheon in ing of ways to interest, involve and benefit keting of their work. November. We’ve increased our visibility branch members and your communities. The at writers and publishing trade shows, as completion of our first hundred years repre- Next CWC well as with state agencies and nonprofits sents a legacy, an achievement, a milestone, in the humanities. By the time you read but closes the book on nothing. If anything, Central Board this issue of The Bulletin, a number of city it focuses us on following through in every Meeting halls and county administrations will have arena as we embark our next hundred years. Sunday, Nov. 8 delivered proclamations honoring Califor- We’ve done a lot. We’ll do more. One hun- nia Writers Week. dred years of literary history . . . heritage 8:30 a.m. Of course, we’ve had our share of bad . . . excellence. Do you realize what that Oakland Airport news in terms of the economy’s impact on means? It means a wonderful beginning. Holiday Inn Express dues revenues and conference attendance. But while there’s nothing good about a re- 3 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Berkeley Fremont It’s official – Fremont Area Writers Berkeley will mark the Centennial have become CWC’s 18th branch. The with their regular monthly meeting members celebrated with a pizza party on October 17 at the Barnes & Noble Branching Out in August. Their September meeting store in Jack London Square – a fit- featured Mark Coker, founder and ting location for a club with roots Special Centennial Round-up CEO of Smashwords.com. tracing back to the famed author. Smashwords is a digital publishing Kemble Scott, whose first novel, of CWC Branch Activities platform, online bookstore, and e- SoMa, became a regional bestseller book distributor for independent au- thanks to a promotional video on YouTube, thors, publishers, and their readers. Au- will take CWC into its second century with thors and publishers retain full control a discussion of electronic publishing. In over how their works are published, other news, Berkeley has recently sampled, priced, and sold. Meanwhile, taken on the hosting the West Side Fremont is building its presence in the Story contest, an annual short electronic world. They are now on story contest now in its fifth year. Meetup.com under “Writers” in Prize-winning stories will be read Area Code 94536 and in at the December meeting and all Facebook. They sponsor an entrants will receive a chapbook fea- open mic from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on turing the winning stories and, if any, the third Thursday of the month at semifinalists and honorary mentions. Barnes & Noble in Fremont.

Central Coast High Desert Central Coast is celebrating CWC’s cen- High Desert will celebrate CWC’s 100th tennial year by showcasing its members at anniversary with a panel of distinguished the October 20 meeting. Members are in- novel. The next day, the City of Ridgecrest and multi-talented Inland Empire vited to bring displays about their books or will present a proclamation recognizing Cali- authors. The meeting is to be held on Oc- writing projects to place on tables at the fornia Writers Week. Throughout the tober 10 at the Apple Valley Library from Casa Munras Hotel. Ten members will be month, Ridge Writers will honor legendary 10 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. A no invited to read from their work. In addition, California authors by displaying memora- host lunch at the historic Apple Valley Inn the winners of the “100 Words - 100 Years - bilia at the local library. Artifacts include will follow. Panelists include Glen $100” writing contest will be announced. the proclamation, a hand-painted Bret Harte Hirschberg, the 2008 Shirley Jackson first day cover postmarked in Twain Harte, Award winner for The Janus Tree; Michael East Sierra (Ridge Writers) CA; photos of The Grove at Joaquin Miller Burgess, who writes under the name of The East Sierra Branch, “Ridge Writers,” Park; and a May 1917 issue of Harper’s Robert Reginald and has 113 books and has taken a three-pronged approach to cel- Magazine featuring Mark Twain. 13,000 short pieces to his credit, and Diana ebrating the CWC Centennial: 1) programs October’s media releases will publicize Sholley, a journalist and author of That’s and articles throughout the year; 2) special projects currently scheduled and in Amoré, which she describes as “Life with activities during California Writers Week in progress, among them the teen photo/es- my sometimes funny, always crazy, fre- October; and 3) announcements in Octo- say exhibit Stories in the Sand I & II for quently unbelievable Italian family.” ber launching new initiatives that will cul- which East Sierra provided writing consult- On October 13, the Town of Apple Val- minate early next year. ants; helping stock a bookcase in Mojave’s ley will present a proclamation affirming Many of East Sierra’s monthly speaker Stoken’ coffee shop (located in the build- that the third week of October is Writers programs have highlighted California writ- ing that formerly housed Mojave’s county Week, and honoring the High Desert ers, and the weekly book review column library); and, with Writers of Kern, holding branch of the California Writers Club. “Ridge Writers on Books” in one of a “Write About Kern County” essay event. Ridgecrest’s two newspapers has empha- Meanwhile, branch members have been Inland Empire sized work by California’s most historically spotted around town wearing CWC Cen- The Inland Empire branch of the Califor- important authors, among them Upton tennial logo fleece jackets, signing docu- nia Writers Club is celebrating California Sinclair, Ambrose Bierce, and George ments with their CWC Centennial logo Writers Week by inviting all its members Rathmell’s wonderfully readable and com- pens, and carrying groceries in their CWC to attend the Inlandia Authors’ Panel Dis- prehensive Realms of Gold: The Colorful Centennial logo tote bags. cussion on Saturday, October 24. In rec- Writers of San Francisco 1850-1950. All in all, the East Sierra branch has spent ognition of the diverse and eclectic field Award-winning playwright Paul Jacques, the year reflecting on the CWC’s legacy of Inland Empire California Writers, Inland Operations Director of and performer in while preparing for the next hundred years Empire CWC is hosting an authors’ panel Helen Hunt Jackson’s Ramona, California’s – with ties to the past, eyes on the future, discussion. Moderator: S. Kay Murphy. official state outdoor play, will give the Oc- and presenting speakers with CWC Cen- Panel participants are Larry Burgess, tober 7th program and discuss Jackson’s tennial logo USB 4-port hubs. continued on page 7 4 Fall 2009 Centennial Special Edition California Writers Club Bulletin Passage gift certificate, a three minute pitch Redwood with literary agents, and a door prize draw- Join the Redwood Branching Out ing with great prizes. Writers at the Fla- continued from page 6 mingo Hotel and Re- Brandy Burrows, Alex Espinoza and Dwight Mt. Diablo sort in Santa Rosa on Yates, authors whose work appears in Mt. Diablo celebrates “100 Years of Excel- October 24 to share Inlandia: A Literary Journey through lent in Writing” with a luncheon on Octo- the joy of writing with California’s Inland Empire, edited by Gayle ber 17 featuring distinguished California fellow writers, agents Wattawa and published in 2006 by Heyday author Ron Hansen. Hansen’s 1996 novel, and editors in a re- Books. The event will be held at Borders Atticus, about the bond of love between a laxed, wine country Bookstore in Montclair on Saturday, Octo- father and a son, was a finalist for both the setting. Headlining their day-long confer- ber 24th at 10:15 a.m. The event will be open National Book Award and the PEN/ ence are poet Al Young, Steve to the public. Faulkner Award. Mr. Hansen has also Hockensmith, author of the “Holmes on the authored the popular novels, Desperadoes Range” mystery series, and Tamin Ansary, Long Beach (1979), The Assassination of Jesse James author of West of Kabul, East of New York. The activities include a Friday night pre- California Writers Club of Long Beach will by the Coward Robert Ford (1983, Motion Picture in 2007), Mariette in Ecstasy (1991), conference dinner, one-on-one editorial add enhanced features this year to last consultations, speakers, panels and a writ- year’s well-received California Writers Week Hitler’s Niece (1999), and Exiles (2008). CWC Members and the general public are ing contest, all in celebration of CWC’s program, which showcased favorite authors Centennial. from California and afar, as well as readings invited to attend. Mr. Hansen’s topic will be “Making Things Up: Why One Becomes of work by our members. The mood will be Sacramento especially festive in celebration of the CWC a Writer.” The celebration will take place at Centennial. Members will dress in costume Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. Sacramento’s program for their California for the occasion, either as a favorite author Writers Week/CWC Centennial celebration or — new this year — as a visual pun of a Orange County on October 17 will feature authors Dahlynn book title. White Fang, anyone? A Road Orange County invites its member to cel- and Ken McKowen. Their topic is “Creat- Trip Up North is on the program, too, with a ebrate 100 years of literary history with a ing Nonfiction Book Proposals that Wow PowerPoint presentation of Joyce Krieg’s special program on October 10. Speakers Publishers!” Sacramento officers plan to virtual tour of Joaquin Miller Park, complete include medical forensics expert Dr. Doug acknowledge the Centennial at the October with “CWC brand” trail mix and a pass- Lyle and publishing guru Claudia Suzanne. 17, and members are encouraged to bring around wicker basket to inspire flashbacks This special meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. and their books for display. Door prizes are also of former strolls among towering pines. takes place at the Orange County Public planned for this festive day. Library and History Center in Orange. San Fernando Valley Marin Peninsula San Fernando Valley is inviting all past Jack While this is CWC’s Centennial year, it London Award winners – whether from SFV will also be remembered as the year of the or any other CWC branch – to attend their recession. Sadly, that reality has hit home Centennial celebration on October 17 at for Peninsula, as it has had to cancel its 12:30 p.m. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Epis- “We know they can write, but can they premiere Centennial event, the Jack London copal Church in Winnetka. Refreshments sing?” With that provocative title, Marin Writers Conference. On a happier note, this will be served and a copy of a Murder She celebrates the CWC Centennial with an af- past summer, Peninsula was a major partici- Wrote script signed by Thomas B. Sawyer ternoon of readings and song on October pant in the San Mateo County Fair, now will be given to the lucky winner of free 18 at Book Passage in Corte Madera. Kathi renamed the Peninsula Festival, as a spon- drawing. Kamen Goldmark and Sam Barry (of Rock sor of literary arts, with presentations and Bottom Remainders fame) and featured au- workshops given by local writers and au- South Bay thors will join the band Los Train Wreck to thors, and writing contests. Among the win- South Bay will celebrate CWC’s Centen- sing a song or two. Participating authors ners were Peninsula members Jo Carpignano nial and Halloween at its October 13 dinner include Peter Beren, Tony Broadbent, David (poetry) and Linda Okerlund (personal es- meeting. They’ll hold their annual Hallow- Corbett, Katherine Cowles, Patricia say), and Lucy Murray (personal essay, een costume contest where members are Volonakis Davis, Tanya Egan Gibson, voted Best in Show). All winners were in- asked to dress up as someone literary. This Deborah Grabien, David Harris, Seth vited to read their entries, an event which could be an author, a character from a story, Harwood, Ivory Madison, Gil Mansergh, was very well attended. Specialty work- book, a movie, play, fairy tale, mythology, Logan and Noah Miller, Janis Cooke shops were given by Geri Spieler, Joyce and political scandal, or even the member’s own Newman, Brenda Novak, Susanne Pari, Lenny Robbins, Martha Alderson, Laurel lurid past.. South Bay meets at the Outlook Andy Ross, Kemble Scott, Sheldon Siegel, Ann Hill, Tory Hartman, Chris Wachlin, restaurant at the Sunnyvale municipal golf Ransom Stephens, and Wendy Nelson Inés Villafañe-León, Teresa LeYung Ryan, clubhouse. continued on page 13 Tokunaga. $45 admission includes great and Luisa Adams. music, a buffet lunch with wine, a $15 Book www.calwriters.org 5 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Timeline of CWC History: Editor’s Note: For several years, Tina president of the CWC, served as Dean of Stinnett and Dave Sawle from the Berke- dropped to 138. Still, the CWC recovered the UC College of Civil Engineering; Dr. ley branch have been eagerly researching quickly, with membership rates increasing William Morgan, fourth CWC president, was and writing a comprehensive history of by the 1940s. By 1975, there were over four president of the Pacific Coast Conference CWC. Would that we had the space to hundred members, and the Club had been of Unitarians; and Professor Rudolph present their work in its entirety, but real- reorganized to have a Central Board and Altrocchi, thirteenth president of the CWC, ity begs to differ. What follows are high- four branches: Berkeley, Peninsula/San Fran- was head of the Department of History at lights of their work, cisco, Sacramento, and Redwood. As of the University of California, Berkeley. with sincere apologies 2009, the Club has grown to comprise ap- From literature to non-fiction, for the many treasures proximately twelve hundred participating playwrighting to movies and television, that had to be deleted. members in eighteen branches across the poetry to photojournalism, editing to pub- state of California. lishing... the contributions of the California Writers Club are substantial and far-reach- CWC leads campaign to CWC Founded ing. Incorporated with create Joaquin Miller Park 1909 Secretary of State 1913 CWC joins with WPA to build Woodminster Amphitheater 1919 and The Cascades First tree planted at 1930 Writers Memorial Grove

1909 - Berkeley 1938 March 5, 1941 - Woodminster dedicated Throughout its long history, the CWC has 1941 to California Writers 1925 - Sacramento been more than a simple coalition of writ- The California Writers Club (“CWC”) is ers. From its inception, it has dedicated it- one of the oldest and largest writer’s clubs self to the enrichment and development of in the nation, its rich history dotted with its members through such programs as peer intellectuals, adventurers, and famous review and critique groups and the spon- names of the twentieth century. Now, on sorship of over thirty writers’ conferences. the occasion of its one hundredth anniver- Encouraging cross-pollination among writ- sary, it seems only fitting to pay it tribute ers is a key objective of the CWC. 1964 - SF/Peninsula by offering a short history of its origins, Over the course of a century, the member- growth, and contributions to society. ship of the CWC has made a myriad of con- Born in the aftermath of the great 1906 tributions to society, both literary and non- “The Coppa Four” San Francisco earthquake, the CWC literary. Those who have made significant As the century turned in San Francisco, a emerged from the Alameda County Press literary contributions include Jack London, group of four writers was coming together. Club in 1909 under the influences of Jack Herman Whitaker, William Morgan, John These men, known variously as the “Coppa London, Austin Lewis, Herman Whitaker, Muir, Ina Coolbrith, Mary Roberts Crowd” and the “Coppa Four,” were des- and George Sterling. Through two World Coolidge, Agnes Morley Cleaveland, tined to leave their imprint on what was to Wars, the Depression of the Thirties, the Harold Lamb, Kathleen Norris, William become an enduring entity: the California horrors of September 11, 2001, and all that Lederer, C.S. Forester, and many others. Writers Club. occurred in the decades between, the CWC Eugene Burdick, who was briefly a member Having published The Call of the Wild in has thrived, gradually developing into a of the CWC, co-wrote a book (with Harvey 1903 and only recently returned from a two- remarkably diverse collection of writers from Wheeler) entitled Fail Safe that became one year voyage to the South Seas on his yacht, socialists to conservatives, poets to non- of the most important books of the Cold “The Snark,” Jack London, was at age thirty- fiction authors, atheists to theologians. War era and was later made into a film by three the most well-known of those who In 1925, the Sacramento branch of the the same name, starring Henry Fonda and would play a part in the evolution of the CWC was established with 31 charter mem- directed by Sidney Lumet. California Writers’ Club. In addition to be- bers, bringing the total membership of the Non-literary contributions of CWC mem- ing a force locally – he was among those Club to 246. By 1931, 32 of the CWC’s 253 bers abound as well. CWC presidents alone who recorded the blackened destruction of members were listed in Who’s Who in provide a series of impressive examples: the San Francisco earthquake and fire in America. James Henry MacLafferty, second president both word and photo – Jack London’s in- The Depression years were difficult for of the CWC, later became a Republican continued on page 7 writers, and by 1935 membership had Congressman; Professor Frank Soulé, third 6 Fall 2009 Centennial Special Edition California Writers Club Bulletin From Hot Type to Cool Computers continued from page 6 fluence in both literary and world arenas University of London. He came to San Fran- would be wide and lasting. cisco in 1890 and spent seven years as a Mysterious Origins Herman Whitaker, an English adventurer classical master at the Tamalpais Military As befits any great adventure, much about who arrived in San Francisco in 1895 with a Academy while at the same time practicing the origins of the California Writers Club wife, six children, and but five dollars in his law, writing books, and writing copy for the remains shrouded in mystery and contro- pocket, was a determined short story writer San Francisco Examiner. versy, with legend offering conflicting ver- and novelist. A man who would wear many These four men met one another at some sions of the story. hats in search of pay, Whitaker’s love of point prior to the 1906 earthquake, during Undisputed is the fact that the 1906 writing consumed him. Once, while work- which time they became frequent custom- earthquake’s destruction disrupted much ing as a bill collector, he noted that too of- ers at Coppa’s Restaurant, a San Francisco of the Coppa Crowd’s activity, causing ten he found himself scribbling stories on Montgomery Street rendezvous for writers many of the regulars to shift their literary the backs of statements rather than focus- and artists. The “Coppa Crowd,” as they pursuits across the Bay to Alameda. Mean- ing on the job at hand. He even pondered came to be known, appears to have been a while, the ferment brought together another the advisability of giving up the “dunning convivial group that passed substantial viable collection of writers that organized business” for writing and the lure of the periods of time discussing literary endeav- to become the Alameda County Press Club. Coppa Crowd. A man so easily deterred from ors, debating the ideas of the time, and en- According to one origin story, the Califor- a stable job must have been dreaming of gaging in general camaraderie. London be- nia Writers Club was one and the same as bigger things. came known among his companions as the Alameda Press Club – just with a new Poet George Sterling, the son of a New “The Stallion” and “The Wolf,” while Ster- name. It is true that most of the original York doctor, worked in the office of the Re- ling was referred to as “The Greek” for his members of the California Writers Club (the alty Syndicate in Oakland and wrote poems classic profile and a proclivity for engag- Coppa Four included) had also been mem- during his spare hours. Austin Lewis, born ing in nudity with his “Bohemian Group.” bers of the Alameda Press Club. And, as in Yorkshire, England, was the most edu- the Recording Secretary’s Book of the Press cated of the group, with an LL.B. from the continued on page 12

Legislative Resolution creating California Writers Week Jack London Awards established

1973 CWC conferences at Asilomar 1975 - Redwood

1986 - San 1990s Fernando Valley 1987 - Mt. Diablo 2003 100 Years of Literary History! 1987 - South Bay

2001 - Orange 2009 County 1990 - High Desert 2006 West Valley

1997 - East Sierra 2002 - Central Coast 2007 - Long Beach 2006 - Tri-Valley 2009 - Fremont Area Writers 1999 - Inland Empire

1996 - Writers 1999 - Marin of Kern 7 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Meet Your 2009 Jack London Honorees CWC is an organization that runs on vol- unteers. Thus, during our Centennial year, Berkeley – it is most appropriate that we honor our hard-working volunteers. The Jack London Anne Fox Awards, established in 1973, recognize ser- vice “above and beyond” at the branch For starters, level. Anne Fox is sup- The Jack London plaques will be pre- portive of those sented at a luncheon during the November writers that she 8 Central Board meeting. The location is believes have tal- the Oakland Airport Holiday Inn Express. ent and she can This year’s Jack London Awards chair is get pretty crusty Bob Garfinkle from the new Fremont branch. 22 00 00 99 if they don’t work hard enough im- proving their skills in crafting Central Coast – Ken Jones their writing. Anne is the watch-fox Ken Jones moved to the came the branch’s first Vice Presi- extraordinaire for the Berkeley Branch’s Monterey Peninsula after retir- dent. He designed and launched newsletter, Write Angles. She keeps it alive ing in March of 2001. Ken be- the branch web site, which he with mentions of new markets and writer gan writing for pleasure in the continues to administer. Ken services. There is little that escapes her no- mid 1980s, focusing on per- served briefly as the branch’s tice or sense of purpose when it has to do sonal essays and short stories. Central Board representative. with news of importance to writers. Anne He is a co-author of Monterey Ken was instrumental in creat- plays an important role in guiding Berkeley Shorts, and Monterey Shorts 2, ing the branch newsletter, members through their manuscript maze. published by the Fiction Writ- Scribbles, and for a time per- She assists members by copyediting their ers of the Monterey Peninsula. formed all aspects of its produc- work. Simply put, she comes through for all Five of Ken’s stories appear in tion. Ken was elected President of the members and they are certainly proud The Barmaid, The Bean in 2004 and held that position to honor Anne Fox as Berkeley Branch’s Counter and the Bungee Jumper, a collec- until 2007. During his six years of direct in- 2009 Jack London Award recipient. tion of short stories and poetry. Ken’s very volvement in branch management, Central short stories have received honorable men- Coast matured and grew not only in num- tions in Monterey County Weekly’s annual bers, but also in the quality of its offerings 101 Word Short Story Contests and in 2003, to its members. Long Beach – Ken’s “Holiday Dinners” won the first prize Ken and Anne live in Pacific Grove with ($101). their deaf, one-eyed cat Lucky. Their daugh- Anne Margis In the spring of 2002, Ken helped found ter, son-in-law and grandsons reside in Central Coast Writers, which received its Pennsylvania. Anne Margis, the charter in the summer of that year. Ken be- first Jack London Award honoree for Orange County – Pamela Tallman Long Beach, is a re- tired teacher and hu- Pamela (Pam) Writers and Readers Fest, the branch’s an- mor writer who led the Tallman, the nual event to celebrate California Writers formation of this 2009 Jack Lon- Week. Her creative efforts range from signs branch. She also don Award re- and table decor to styling a cavernous lec- helped land a library cipient for the ture hall into an inviting literary salon. Her meeting location, and subsequently worked Orange efforts for to the branch and CWC go far with the city’s central librarian for monthly County beyond the requirements of her title. In her distribution of CWC program flyers to all branch, has writing life, Pam contributed a monthly col- city libraries. In addition, Anne designs en- served as umn to The Orange County Register, and gaging graphics for each flyer. Now in her branch Mem- scores of her humor pieces have appeared second term as president, she continues to bership Chair in periodicals such as Threads, Orange provide leadership and innovative ideas, for the past half dozen years, helping Or- Coast and Fine Homebuilding. Orange shares insight gleaned from her work at a ange County more than double membership. County is pleased recognize Pam’s dedica- literary agency, and brings a wonderful Above and beyond this service, she has tion to CWC. light-hearted attitude along with lots of mo- volunteered countless hours in the design ments of just plain fun. Anne is an indepen- and production of visual materials for the dent publishing professional. 8 Fall 2009 Centennial Special Edition California Writers Club Bulletin Writers of Kern – West Valley – Kathy Highcove West Valley has selected In the early 1990s, Kathy Sandy Moffett Kathy Highcove as its 2009 suffered a severe attack of Jack London Award honoree multiple sclerosis. She turned for her outstanding service to writing essays, articles, po- to the branch. Kathy has etry and anything else to help been an active member of her heal from the disease and West Valley since its incep- its depressing isolation. Writ- tion and has served in sev- ing restored her interest in liv- eral capacities including ing and helped her to heal. stints as publicity chair and She has written several pieces the current editor of the on the connection between newsletter In Focus. Before her creative writing and her health. Kathy Sandy Moffett has been a poet for more she became the editor, Kathy contributed is a retired schoolteacher. West Valley mem- than 30 years and a lyricist for the past 15 to In Focus a monthly column about the bers are proud to bestow the Jack London years. She is an inspirational speaker for branch’s guest speakers. Kathy belonged Award on its hard working and highly re- women’s groups and uses her personal life to the San Fernando Valley branch, but spected member Kathy Highcove. experiences and history as a third genera- joined West Valley when the split was made. tion cemetery and mortuary owner to help those who are grieving. Fremont – Robert A. Garfinkle Sandy’s tales as a “funeral singer” have Robert A. Garfinkle holds B.A degrees in Bob joined the been published in trade magazines, Mortu- history and English Literature. Bob worked South Bay Writ- ary Management and International Mor- for 25 years as a Senior Technical Writer in ers in 2002. In tuary and Cemetery Management. She is the defense and hi-tech industries. He is 2004 and 2006, he the author of Dear Ones, a collection of the author of the best-selling astronomy served on the poetry and prose and is working on a sec- book Star-Hopping: Your Visa to Viewing staff of the East of ond edition entitled Consider the Lilies. the Universe and a co-author of Advanced Eden Writers Sandy is recording a CD of her original Skywatching, which has been translated Conference. Bob music. Sandy was honored in 2009 to be into Spanish and German. Bob has sold chaired the Basil part of the national bestselling series Cup award-winning short stories, numerous as- Stevens Memo- of Comfort, in the newly released Cup of tronomy-related articles in national and in- rial Writing Con- Comfort–Devotional for Mothers and ternational publications, book reviews, and test in 2004, 2006, Daughters. is trying to sell a novel. and 2008. From 2004 to 2007, he represented Sandy is serving her third term as Writers In addition to his writing, Bob served 13- South Bay on the CWC Central Board. of Kern Treasurer, Membership Chair and 1/2 years as an elected public office holder. In 2007, he and Jeannine Vegh began the representative to the Central Board. She During his tenure on the Union City Coun- efforts to create a CWC branch in the Fre- and her husband Greg live in Bakersfield cil, he beat back an attempt to recall him by mont area. Under Bob’s leadership as presi- and have been married for 28 years. They 1 vote out of over 10,000 votes cast, then dent and Jeannine as vice president, their have four children and two grandchildren. three months later he was re-elected to a efforts paid off on July 19, 2009, when the second term on the Council. Fremont Area Writers became the 18th Sacramento – Julie Bauer branch of CWC. Julie Bauer has made a liv- sign, printing, and distribu- ing as a writer/editor since tion of each issue. In 2006, ticles for her, including How to Renew You, 1987 and joined Sacramento Julie took over the branch All Your Health Questions Answered, and branch that same year. After Web site and has been tak- booklets on diabetes, depression, weight earning a bachelor’s degree in ing photos, updating the in- loss and aging. journalism from San Francisco formation, and serving as Julie is an Associate Editor of Publica- State University, her first job Webmaster since. tions at the State of California Environmen- was a newspaper features edi- In 1988, Julie was hired by tal Protection Agency. She produces a tor for the Galt Herald. Julie an association management monthly employee newsletter. Through her has served as a branch board firm as a professional editor work with the CWC and the State of Cali- member and treasurer, and has to research and write ar- fornia, she is doing what she loves the most: assisted with past children’s ticles, as well as layout and learning and writing about the hardworking writing contests. design their clients’ maga- people who support and form the backbone In 1995, Julie became the editor of the zines and newsletters. For 14 years, until of a nonprofit organization. branch newsletter Write On!. She writes and Maureen Kennedy Salaman’s death in 2006, edits the articles, and handles all of the de- Julie researched and wrote books and ar- 9 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 South Bay – Dave LaRoche Inland Empire – Dave LaRoche has had a positive impact In 2007, Dave was elected president of on the South Bay Writers branch from the South Bay and was reelected in 2008. Us- moment he joined in 2004. He immediately ing the same team-building skills that were Libby Grandy volunteered to take on the job of editor of so successful as the newsletter editor, he Probably one of the newsletter. He worked to make the news- worked to make the branch bigger and bet- the best ways to letter bigger and better, and ter. He’s rallied new mem- describe Libby to become a true publishing bers onto the board, in- Grandy is in a opportunity for our mem- creased the number of single word: bers. He built a staff of edi- workshops, and continued Beloved. While we tors and columnists, im- to seek out ways to im- know she is a fine proved the layout, cut the prove the branch, which writer, those who time and costs of production, now has the largest mem- work with her (and printing, and distribution. He bership in CWC. laugh with her) through the Inland Empire organized regular writing Dave’s diligence, dedica- branch appreciate her passionate desire to contests for members, and tion, and contribution to mentor other writers, both youthful and made sure winners were hon- SBW has earned him the re- mature. Libby is the facilitator of a weekly ored and awarded prizes at spect and gratitude of the writers critique group that meets at Borders the meeting. South Bay membership, Books in Montclair, and she is the Programs Dave applied himself next to the budget— and made him their unanimous choice for Director for Inland Empire. Always, she mainly to the lack of one. Even though he this year’s Jack London Award. goes above and beyond her duties in both wasn’t the treasurer, he helped bring ex- groups to reach out to new members and penses in line by analyzing South Bay’s those just embarking on the journey of writ- monthly income and expenses. He also lo- ing and publishing. Friends from IECWC cated a better venue for the monthly meet- say of her that she is dependable, gener- ings. ous, welcoming and warm, also using words such as “dynamic,” “genteel” and “nurtur- High Desert – Bob Isbill ing” to describe her personality. Of course, one of the aspects that make her unique in Bob Isbill first nars from the “Best of the Best” in the in- our group is her authentic Southern charm. came to High Desert dustry. Libby has been published in Mature Liv- in 1972 as a supervi- Bob is currently focusing all his efforts ing, Alive, and Writer’s Journal, among sor and trouble- on creating a screenplay of his own. The other publications. She writes a regular shooter for the Host- working title is “Lights, Camera, Darkness” online column, and she draws ever nearer to ess/Wonder Bread and it promises to be a spellbinder. He is the publication of her first novel. The mem- Corporation. In vice president of High Desert, where the bers of Inland Empire CWC are thrilled to 1984, with a B.A. in members feel lucky to have him as part of nominate Libby for the prestigious Jack Lon- Psychology and the group. don Award, as she more than deserves this Economics, Bob went to work for the Team- praise and recognition. sters Union, Local 166, as a Business Rep and later as an officer, until he retired in Redwood – Karen Batchelor 1996. Today, he serves as an occasional Redwood is proud ments include: editing a branch anthology Mediator for the Small Claims and Unlawful to honor Karen for four consecutive years; creating and Detainer cases in the San Bernardino courts. Batchelor with the managing a series of editing workshops for Bob’s work for the High Desert branch 2009 Jack London two years; setting up routine reading op- includes putting together the new web page Award. Karen has portunities for members, and an annual and doing a fantastic job of publicity. Due been a loyal member Book Launch party to celebrate recently in great part to his many creative ideas and of the Redwood published members, including Redwood’s hard work, the membership has grown dra- branch for decades, own co-published authors. She spear- matically since he took on these jobs. all the while working headed plans for the upcoming Redwood Bob’s lifelong love of good movies piqued full–time as a col- Writers Conference, the first conference for his interest in determining what made them lege instructor in San Francisco. When the branch in over 20 years. The result of work, or not work. He began to read scripts Karen was elected president of Redwood her hard work has been the rapid growth of and to look at movies in an analytical way. A Writers in June 2007, she brought her pro- Redwood from approximately 36 to 130 class with Michael Hauge spurred him fessional expertise to the club. A quiet, un- members. Under Karen’s leadership, the on. He has attended the Show-Biz Expo and assuming president, Karen put the needs members found themselves in the spotlight. the Creative Screenwriters Magazine of the members first and foremost and set Now it is Karen’s turn to be in the spotlight, Expo. Bob studied memorable scenes from about meeting those needs with an ambi- honored with the Jack London Award, a tes- movies and sought out classes and semi- tious, goal-setting agenda. Her accomplish- timony of her members’ gratitude. 10 California Writers Club Bulletin FallEast 2009 Centennial Sierra Special Edition – Steve Wersan As much as loving couples speaker programs at sev- Tri-Valley – everywhere complement and eral CWC branches, among complete each other, Steve them High Desert, Inland Kathy Urban and Fran Wersan radiate Empire, and East Sierra. Kathy Urban has something special. East Si- Steve’s contributions to been a pillar of the erra branch members see it, East Sierra include book re- Tri-Valley branch and Steve and Fran write views for the branch’s since its begin- about it, most recently in a weekly newspaper column, ning. She was the delightful publication cel- service on the East Sierra first newsletter ebrating their 50th wedding board of directors, and an- editor, second anniversary. nual arrangements for the president, and the Steve holds degrees in holiday party. With Fran, branch’s only rep- mathematics and physics they co-wrote, directed, and resentative to the and a doctorate in civil engi- performed a puppet show Central Board. After the untimely death of neering. He spent his career that that broke branch at- founding president Sue Tasker, Kathy was in software development for computer and tendance records. the prime mover in establishing the Sue defense electronics manufacturers. Yet, East Sierra proudly recognize Steve’s tal- Tasker Memorial Service Award to recog- says Steve, “My right brain just refused to ent and dedication. Incidentally, Fran gets nize a member for significant service to the quit.” His interest in poetry dates back to an award this year too – East Sierra’s local, Tri-Valley Branch. the 1980s, and resulted in his book Smooth unofficial Charmian London Award. Kathy has also been instrumental in bring- Stones on the Bottom. Steve has given ing structure as well as unity to the club. She developed a survey that Tri-Valley uses Mt. Diablo – Joanne Brown each year to get feedback from branch mem- Joanne Brown is a California native and been the source bers. Kathy is currently co-chair of the com- graduate of UC Berkeley. She earned her of many inno- mittee working to publish a club anthology. teaching credential at the College of Holy vative ideas, She coordinated the redesign of the branch Names in Oakland and taught elementary usually pre- website and provided the content for the school. She has published numerous pieces sented with web pages. In 2008, she became the Central including humor essays for “My World” in sound reason- Board treasurer. the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, ing, careful Kathy writes for a variety of markets, but and for “Real Life” in the Contra Costa planning, and most enjoys writing for children. Her recent Times, including several cookbook reviews. with a delightful and forthcoming publications include ar- Writing for children is her passion. Raising touch of ticles, features, crafts, and poems in High- three sons has provided stimulus for two whimsy at times. She often takes that lights for Children, Humpty Dumpty’s middle grade novels currently awaiting imaginative extra step that turns a routine Magazine, Spider, Babybug, and publication and a third under development. task into an impressive result. Her detailed Fandangle Magazine. She’s been a corre- Her writing goal is for her books to be a record-keeping and her talent for manag- spondent for two local newspapers, the cross between Erma Bombeck and Beverly ing often times complicated branch fi- Danville Times and the Pleasanton Times. Cleary. nances has won high praise as branch trea- She did extensive editorial work on the 2001 Joanne is greatly valued by the leader- surer. Because of her diligence, the branch award-winning California Fresh Harvest ship of the branch for consistently volun- remains in the black. cookbook and has written numerous ar- teering first for any important task. She has ticles about the Philippines for Inklings Magazine. For two years, Kathy was edi- tor of Tri-Valley’s newsletter, Write Around San Fernando Valley – Cara Alsom the Valley, and currently serves as the Tri- Valley treasurer. Cara Alsom first for me to repay what I’ve received in a small came to the San way – by offering the same hand of friend- Fernando Valley ship to new writers that cross my path.” Is Jack London branch when JoEd Cara has served on three branch confer- really the founder Griffith was president. ences, been both Hospitality and Programs In Cara’s words, Chair, and has been published in ByLine, of CWC? “The people of CWC Writer’s Digest, Art Villa, Israel Today, Check out our made me feel possible as a writer. It was Pulse, The Jewish Times, and The Valley possible for me to explore and grow as a Daily News. She is current secretary of the Mysterious Origins writer. It was possible for me to brave the newly-reorganized, risen-like-the-phoenix scary world of submission for publication San Fernando Valley branch. on page 7! and contest entries. It has been possible 11 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Mysterious Origins: Is Jack London Our Founder? continued from page 7 Club of Alameda County, Janu- speech on the history of the Club. As he ary 10, 1910 through March 18, notes, one theory holds that the CWC 1913, attests: emerged from the Alameda Press Club, while “March 7, 1911, at a meeting the other adheres to Austin Lewis’s 1936 held in Shattuck Hotel Parlors, letter in which Lewis states that he, Jack the Club’s name was changed London, Herman Whitaker, and George Ster- to California Writers Club from ling were responsible for the inception of Press Club, Alameda County. At the Club. the meeting were Torrey Perhaps the divergence of views between Connor and Agnes Morley the two primary Cleaveland. At the time, Mrs. origin myths of Connor was President of the Berkeley’s Shattuck Hotel, seen here in a 1910 postcard, was the CWC stems Press Club.” Also responsible an early meeting venue for the group that may have become from the substan- for the initiative was Florence California Writers Club. tial rivalry that ex- Hardiman Miller, a woman char- isted between the acterized as “[a] heart of faith! Of such was by an ever-increasing number of picnick- men of the Coppa she - our friend - whose mind and heart ing writers and eventually came to identify Four and certain created us - the California Writers Club.” themselves as the “California Writers Club.” members of the (“In Memoriam,” Mary Lambert, 1913) As Austin Lewis, original member of the Alameda Press Club (which was Coppa Crowd and first president of the Ina Coolbrith CWC, (in 1909), wrote on January 15, 1936: dominated by “I don’t think that the California Writers women). According to Ina Coolbrith, who Club emerged from the Alameda County writes of the California Writers Club in West Press Club. It was started by a small group Winds: A Book of Verse, the CWC origi- of us: Jack London, Herman Whitaker, nated in 1907. 1907 may have been the year George Sterling, and myself, with a few other the Alameda Press Club originated, or it may people, one or two of whom came from have been the year that the Coppa Four Alameda... As far as the inside group was first began holding their literary gatherings. concerned, it was started with the idea of Regardless, it is clear that the Alameda Press forming a somewhat distinguished group, Club effectively merged with the CWC in but the general attitude to literary matters 1911 by changing its name to California Writ- on the part of the members very soon dis- ers Club. posed of that notion and the originators of In the end, while the true details surround- the enterprise retired in disgust.” ing the beginnings of the CWC may remain a With his usual diplomacy, Dr. William S. mystery, it is clear that the controversy has Morgan, fourth president of the CWC, ac- had no power to affect the Club’s efficacy, knowledges both theories in his 1939 influence, and resiliency.

Two of the “Coppa Four”: Jack Lon- don (left) and George Sterling. Did You In a dueling narrative, the members of the Know . . .? Coppa Four envision themselves to be the true patriarchs of the California Writers Club. According to this scenario, novelist Lon- CWC’s documents don, storywriter Whitaker, pamphleteer are considered of Lewis, and poet Sterling found themselves such historical seeking a niche for the more “elevated” significance members of the Alameda County Press Club they’re housed at to relax and discuss their writing. They the prestigious settled for a picnic in what is now Oakland’s Bancroft Library at Joaquin Miller Park. In the first years of its UC Berkeley! bohemian existence, a blanket in the park Joaquin Miller’s home in the Oakland hills circa the time and a basket of chow were all the Coppa Jack London and his literary friends would have been en- Four required. Over time, they were joined joying “a blanket in the park and a basket of chow.” 12 Fall 2009 Centennial Special Edition California Writers Club Bulletin CWC’s “Cathedral in the Woods” In 1886, famed poet Joaquin Miller pur- conceived of a grand amphitheater – As the years went on, CWC’s tradition of chased a barren hillside overlooking the Woodminster, a cathedral in the woods – planting a tree every year to honor a Cali- town of Oakland and built a home that he along with waterfalls, staircases, pools and fornia writer continued. The last tree-plant- called The Abbey. It was at The Abbey where fountains – all dedicated to the achieve- ing that we have record of took place in he penned his most famous poem, “Chris- ments and legacy of California writers. They 1985, honoring Will and Ariel Durant. topher Columbus,” the work that inspired were able to secure funding for their vast In our Centennial year, CWC is working the CWC motto “Sail on!” And he planted and extravagant dreams through the De- to re-establish our connection with Joaquin thousands and thousands of trees, creat- pression-era economic stimulus plan known Miller Park. Linda Brown of our Berkeley ing a park-like setting that lured his fellow as the WPA – the Work Projects Adminis- branch is exploring the possibility of plac- Bay Area literati as a site for picnics. Among tration. On March 5, 1941, Woodminster was ing a sign identifying Writers Memorial those were several founders of CWC. Upon dedicated to California writers and opened Grove, and of installing a display in the Miller’s death in 1913, CWC, under the lead- to the public. ranger station explaining the history of ership of Gertrude Mott, lead the campaign CWC and our connection with Joaquin to turn the poet’s home into a park. In 1919, Miller Park. While planting a new Joaquin Miller Park became part of the Oak- tree in Writers Memorial Grove land parks and recreation system. is an appealing idea, in this The tradition of planting trees to honor drought year the city of Oakland writers began 1930, with the idea of plant- is discouraging any activity that ing a new tree each year to celebrate a spe- might involve the use of addi- cific California writer. The first tree was dedi- tional water. cated on October 15, 1930, to honor the Though just nine miles from park’s namesake. downtown Oakland, 500-acre Then came a period of glorious ambition Joaquin Miller Park exudes an and monumental plans and schemes. CWC atmosphere of rustic serenity, ful- filling CWC’s original dream of creating a “cathedral in the woods.” Branching Out Detail from the granite carvings at Woodminster. Joaquin Miller Park, on Sanborn continued from page 5 Tri-Valley Road off of Highway 13, is open daily from West Valley dawn to dusk. Admission is free. http:// One hundred years ago, a colorful cast of oaklandnet.com/JoaquinMillerPark. characters founded the California Writers Kathy Highcove, editor of West Valley’s Club “to mentor and educate writers of all newsletter and its Jack London Award hon- levels in the art and craft of writing.” This oree, wrote extensively about CWC’s his- October, Tri-Valley Writers will celebrate tory in the September issue of In Focus. The Nation’s Oldest CWC’s Centennial with a birthday bash devoted to character. What’s a story - or a Writers of Kern Writers Club? club - without great characters? David WOK will be holding its California Writ- Though it would be cool if CWC were Corbett, author of three successful thrillers ers Week/CWC Centennial meeting on Oc- able to make that claim, the reality is some- including Blood of Paradise, a San Fran- tober 17 at the Wyndham Hotel on Buck what less superlative. At least two other cisco Chronicle Notable Book and one of Owens Blvd from 10:00 a.m. to approxi- organizations beat us to starting gate: the The Washington Post’s Top Ten Mysteries mately 12:00 p.m. Each month a new speaker National Press Club, founded in 1908, and and Thrillers of 2007, will discuss what is provided to teach and entertain the group the Boston Authors Club, founded in 1900. makes characters memorable and how to of published and aspiring authors. All at- Technically, any claim to be “the oldest” craft them. A former private investigator tending are invited to stay for lunch and also needs to carry the qualifier “continu- who teaches writing courses through UCLA visit with the speaker. WOK schedules sev- ously active” or “in continuous operation.” Extension and at Book Passage, David eral annual events. March is set aside for Who knows? Thomas Paine may very well brings an intriguing background and a keen the Annual Writers Workshop. Each year have set up a critique group for his pam- eye to his own characters, variously noted is different with new speakers, including phlets, and the Pilgrims had to do some- as “ deeply engaging,” “complex,” “rivet- authors, publishers, and others in the writ- thing to entertain themselves on those long ing,” and “impossible to forget.” Don’t miss ing profession. It is sometimes an all day winter nights in New England. this banner event, as we pay playful hom- affair, other times a half day event. In June, We’re probably safe in claiming to be “The age to CWC’s century of literary history, WOK holds an anniversary dinner. Mem- Oldest Writers Club in California,” or “The and to the characters who made it happen. bers are invited to read something they have Oldest Continuously Active Writers Club Expect some surprise visitors—and, yes, written. December is WOK’s Christmas in The West.” Another possible solution: there will be cake! The celebration is sched- party where once again the members enter- “The Oldest Writers Club of Its Type,” which uled for Saturday, October 17, starting at tain the group with something they have pretty much covers every eventuality! 11:30 a.m. at the Oasis Grille in Pleasanton. written. 13 California Writers Club Bulletin Centennial Special Edition Fall 2009 Why Does Our Logo Have a Ship on It? Our newer members may Joaquin Miller was the very created a woodcut featuring one of be forgiven if they wonder definition of a colorful, larger Columbus’s ships as the CWC seal and the why a writers club has a than life character. The self- club adopted “Sail on” as its motto, taken ship on its logo and a motto styled Poet of the Sierras, the from the refrain of Miller’s poem: of “Sail on!” Byron of the Rockies, he was The answer lies in the very born Cincinnatus Hiner A light! a light! a light! a light! early days of the club, and Miller in 1841 and given his It grew, a starlit flag unfurled! the early years of the 20th pen name by Oakland librar- It grew to be Time’s burst of dawn. century. Movies, radio, and ian Ina Coolbrith – another He gained a world; he gave that world recorded music were in their significant player in CWC’s Its grandest lesson: “On! sail on.” infancy, and television and history. Miller’s home in the the Internet was only the Oakland hills was a favorite Thus, while one might assume that a writ- stuff of fantasy. It was the gathering place for the Bay ers club would feature a pen or a book on golden age of print, when Area literary crowd, includ- its logo, CWC honors our founders and, newspapers and magazines ing the founders of CWC. perhaps, captures the enduring optimism were the mass media. Writ- Miller’s poem “Columbus” and unwavering faith of the creative soul ers of short fiction and was wildly popular in its day, through our unusual seal and slogan. popular poetry thus became the media ce- much like a Top Ten hit on the radio, and lebrities of their day, the equivalent in sheer quickly became a staple in school readers star power of today’s hip-hop artists. throughout the country, with generations Among the brightest stars in the constella- of children memorizing its stirring stanzas tion were two names destined to play a key for recitation on October 12. role in the formation of California Writers In 1913, when CWC was incorporated with Club: Jack London and Joaquin Miller. the Secretary of State, artist Perham Nahl

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Centennial Special Edition and Jack London Awards