Jo March

Finally, I am back and intending to post on this blog regularly again. For today, I have a link which will help inform you about Louisa May Alcott, a strong influence upon me. Her character in "Little Women", Jo March, is a writer also and empowered by this occupation. I knew at a young age that writing was my vocation and Jo March affirmed this for me.

Please see http://www.alcottfilm.com/the-documentary/

Tonight on PBS there is a documentary about Alcott and her life.

Happy New Year,

Suzy

NPR: Julie Andrews Celebrates the Sound of Poetry

On October 16, National Public Radio did a story about Julie Andrews. During the program, she read some of her favorite poetry, but also referred to a project she and her daughter accomplished which relates to their favorite poetry selections.

You may enjoy the readings and get more information at:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113791709&sc=emaf

How Local Sites Can Participate in the National Day on Writing - National Writing Project

How Local Sites Can Participate in the National Day on Writing - National Writing Project

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NOTE: YOU MAY COMMENT ON MY POSTS BY CLICKING ON IT TO THE RIGHT OF THE SCREEN UNDER ARCHIVES. THANK YOU.

Price is Right

On October 2 and 3, there is a very affordable writer's conference taking place in San Luis Obispo.

It is named the Central Coast Writers' Conference and is located at Cuesta College there. The description below is taken from part of the website at :

http://www.communityprograms.net/wc/wcteaser.htm

Enrollment is limited and the cost ranges from $40 to $149, depending upon how much you want to participate. See

http://www.communityprograms.net/wc/conf-fee-reg.htm for more information.

32 workshops covering fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, freelancing, poetry, writing for children and screenwriting

A special rate for Teen Writers (High School/Jr High)

Friday night reception & Saturday continental breakfast

Table Talks with the faculty

Manuscript critique and contest

More Advice About Writing a Book

Last Tuesday, at a meeting of the South Bay Writers, I had the privilege of hearing Katie Hafner speak about her writing and book: "A Romance on Three Legs." The South Bay Writers is the largest chapter of the California Writers Club. You can learn more about the organization at:

http://www.southbaywriters.com/

Katie Hafner has been a journalist for years for some impressive periodicals. She wanted to write a book and offered the advice that "Not only should we write about what we know, but about what we are truly passionate." She adds, " It brings out the best in us." Hafner also chose to "stay within my comfort zone," and wrote a non-fiction book. Finally, she spoke about writing as if the reader knew nothing about the topic and gearing your book towards what the reader wants to know.

All this insight is from experience, which, as they say, is the best teacher.

The success of Katie Hafner's book about "Glenn Gould's Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Piano," testifies to her wise counsel. The book is a fast read, well-written, and hard to put down. You can obtain your copy at "http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1596915242/httpwwwkatieh-20

Colleagues

It is important to network and meet people in the same field. Pat Nipper is someone I met at a class which focused on starting your own critique group, led by Martha Alderson. Pat went on to do just that, start a critique group. I became her first member. Because of her leadership of the group, the growth of my writing was facilitated.

Pat and I became good friends as well as associates. She has sent ideas and listings of writing opportunities my way.

Recently, she passed on a gem I wanted to share. We were talking about writing books, ( and Pat has had several creations published), and she said that the question that is asked by most authors when they tackle that project is: "What If?" At the time we were chatting about the book, "The Time Traveler's Wife." In that particular case, the question the author posed was "What if time travel were possible?"

Pat Nipper's website is www.patdeckernipper.com/index.html She is also quite the grammar guru.

July/August Saturday Evening Post

"America" is a poem by Ray Bradbury. It was published most recently in the July/August issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Bradbury turned 89 on August 22. In the September/October issue of the Post, there is a new story by the renowned author entitled "Juggernaut." See
http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2009/06/25/art-literature/fiction-poetry/ray-bradbury-america.html should you choose to comment on the poem.

America
By Ray Bradbury

We are the dream that other people dream.
The land where other people land
When late at night
They think on flight
And, flying, here arrive
Where we fools dumbly thrive ourselves.
Refuse to see
We be what all the world would like to be.
Because we hive within this scheme
The obvious dream is blind to us.
We do not mind the miracle we are,
So stop our mouths with curses.
While all the world rehearses
Coming here to stay.
We busily make plans to go away.

This is just an excerpt of the stirring poem.

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan: Poet as Teacher, Teacher as Poet - National Writing Project

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan: Poet as Teacher, Teacher as Poet - National Writing Project

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Book Recommendation

Better late than never... : )

I opened a book last night that is a joy to read. "The Three Junes" by Julia Glass, was applauded by the Pulitzer prize winner Richard Russo, so that should say something to you. Almost every sentence is rich with wonderful words, and the story line is absorbing. I wish I could devote more time to this treasure. I can hardly wait to get back to it.

Please see the separate posting for info about Kay Ryan, written by another author. Kay Ryan is serving her second year as National Poet Laureate.

Rethinking writing a book,NPR...

First of all, my apologies for not updating my blog.  Lots going on...

On car trips I took the last few weeks, I tuned in to public radio more often than in the past.

One thing I learned from the interview there of the author of "Eye of the Whale" is that he wrote his book to answer a question for himself.  So, that is one more way to think of a topic for writing a book: pose a philosophical question.

Also, I realized that I need LOTS more training before I undertake that project.  I saw a blog entry from Martha Alderson, and she addresses that very point.  She talks about writers' egos getting in the way of learning more about the structure of the craft in her August 9 post of www.plotwhisperer.blogspot.com   

Back to National Public Radio...Garrison Keillor has a show wherein he has poetry read there too.  Film reviews also can be found. Quite the resource and entertainment...

If you are having trouble commenting on this blog, please e-mail jomarch06@yahoo.com

Thanks!

A Book for This Season

As we all know, the current economic and employment scene is dismal.  So, when I was told about a book entitled,  "Job Interview Body Language," I thought it was worthwhile to review.

Authors Michael J. Willson and Karen Kelly wrote a straightforward, easy to read set of guidelines. These tips take the interviewee from start to finish during a job search.  The reader becomes aware of not only the impression the prospective employee makes and how to refine it, but also the body language cues the interviewer might be relaying.

This book is divided into short chapters, with a summary at the end of each.  There are also samples of situations and ideas highlighted throughout the paperback.

"Job Interview Body Language" is well worth the read, and a good reference, even for those networking.  I gave it four stars on Amazon, where it can be ordered.

WORDS

Unfortunately, I am delayed in reading the book I promised to review this time: "Job Interview

Body Language."

Instead, I am devoting this post to words...

Steve Wetlesen, local poetic artist, coined a new word in his line offered to the poet laureate for Nils Peterson's mass poem.  ( Look back at my past blog for more info on the county call for a line as an entry.)

The word is "skywhale" and Wetlesen's line was referring to a blimp he saw over Moffett Field.

The line is: "Moffett tarmac-white blimp, the floating skywhales return!" He notes that the new word might also refer to balloons.

Another time recently where the wonder of words hit me was after seeing the performance, "Wicked."  Unexpectedly, there are some turns in words in the dialogue that are very amusing and entertaining.  I am not going to give any examples so as not to spoil the effect.  It is my hope that "Wicked" will be transformed into a movie, complete with all the sets, costumes, singing, etc. like both "Rent" and "Mama Mia" were recently.

Words may also be used to remember a loved pet. Our dog Copper died last week and I am submitting a poem in his honor to the Poodle Rescue Society's newsletter.

The King of the High Wire & More

This past Sunday, working in my journalist role, I got the privilege of covering a unique story.  Nik Wallenda, of the famous Wallenda family, walked on a wire above the Great America Theme Park here.

He is a descendant of Karl Wallenda, who started The Flying Wallendas, and who also is credited with the origin of the seven man pyramid.  Nik is the holder of two Guinness Records: one is for the EIGHT man pyramid, and the other is for riding a bicycle 131/2 stories above the ground. 

The story I wrote is published in the Santa Clara Weekly. I have been writing for the paper for over two years.  See www.santaclaraweekly.com for more information.

Wallenda is scheduled to honor his ancestor Karl by walking over the Grand Canyon before the year is over.

It is nice to be able to go behind the scenes at events like this due to holding a press pass.  Nik Wallenda appears to be quite a stable, good role model for his family and he and his wife seem quite close.  She blew him a kiss when he was at the point of walking on the high wire at 100 feet above the ground.  He watches what he says in front of his children and the children sat well-behaved until the show was over.

Regarding my book, I decided to write about my personal journey over the next two years because a lot is happening in my life that might be helpful and relevant to others.  The journal I won in a raffle at eWomen ( a leadership group) is perfect for the daily entries.  Stay tuned...

And speaking of books, I expect to be finished with one entitled "Job Interview Body Language" by Michael J. Willson and Karen Kelly so I intend to post my comments next week.

Santa Clara County Poet Laureate

Wow, was this morning's e-mail exciting! I was informed the one line I submitted to the Santa Clara County's Poet Laureate's call for a mass poem is included! ( I did write this on Monday, but wanted to make sure that it was okay to include the below in my blog first. Now it is public knowledge.) There were about 500 entries according to the media, and 100 were chosen.

The reading is to be Wednesday June 24 at as the invocation for the Board of Supervisors in the lobby at 70 West Hedding Street at 9:30 a.m.  There is also a news conference at 11:30 a.m. where the poem is to be unveiled on Tuesday June 23.

Nils Peterson, who is the first Santa Clara County Poet Laureate, is reciting the 100 line poem which is composed of lines from Santa Clara County residents.

The requirements were to write a line every morning with 9 to 13 syllables and then submit a favorite at the end of the month. About those offered, Nils Peterson is quoted as saying (from an e-mail from the County Office of Public Affairs): "...there were many good lines that had to be left out.  Some were very close in subject matter and I had to choose one over another.  Others just didn't seem to find a comfortable place as the album grew.  We all have boxes of pictures that never got put in the book that are as good as the ones that did. Some lines had a syllable or more too many.  I hasten to add, there will be more chances to speak about this place and our time in it."  

Nils Peterson, according to his biography web page at www.pcsj.org/biographies/nilspeterson.html was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2005.

He is well known in the Silicon Valley as being a premiere poet and taught for over 30 years at San Jose State.  He also serves as a poetry consultant and editor, and is a key figure at Poetry Center San Jose.

See

www.sccgov.org/poetlaureate 

An aside: Re last post: Regarding press releases, it may be indeed that in order to be legal, an initial one has to be published in a local paper per my friend, editor Sara Aurich.

3 Tips/Learning for Free

Today is a random day, since I am at Starbucks writing this due to no DSL.  I intend to add my favorite blogs soon to this page.  And the server I am using is free also, by the way.

The first tip I have is that in response to a friend's friend asking me the question, press releases are best sent via a service by e-mail.  Newspapers are no longer the best way to go. This info was learned in a free teleconference offered by The San Francisco Writers Conference.

The second tip I gained by going to a free seminar from an eWomen associate and involves Linked In.  It appears that if you are looking for employment through Linked In, the more endorsements you have there, the better.

And, finally, regarding my search for a book topic, an associate from South Bay California Writers Club offered the suggestion that I read non-fiction books to see what speaks to me and incorporate the subject that resonates even in a fiction book.

If you have any questions you would like me to address, please don't hesitate to comment.

Anne Frank

Anne Frank's 80 th birthday would have been June 12.  I have been a member of  The International Women's Writing Guild and just received an e-mail that the organization has teamed up with the Anne Frank Center of New York to honor Anne Frank.  The opening night ceremony for the 32nd annual "Remember the Magic" Summer Conference of the IWWG will be free and include  Part 1 of the Anne Frank Birthday Tribute with Maureen McNeil, the Director of Education at the Anne Frank Center.  The location for this event is the Gannett Auditorium at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.  The conference schedule is from June 12-19. For more information, see www.iwwg.org

According to the email I received from Hannelore Hahn, Founder of the IWWG, Anne Frank received her diary on her thirteenth birthday.  Anne Frank wrote about her family in hiding during World War II.  She was captured and her diary was found in her family's hiding place after her death in a concentration camp.  According to the information at www.annefrank.org, Anne wanted her diary to be published and started rewriting it with that in mind.  Her father followed through and made that happen.

The blog regarding press releases will come at another time. Stay tuned...

The Key(board) to Success

Writing for businesses and about the business of writing is my specialty. I have experience with journalism, web text, and a newsletter column. I also have assisted clients with marketing ideas.

Having been diagnosed with arthritis in my hands, back and neck, I have been looking for ways to ease the stress on my body while writing on the computer. Below I summarize some research.

Laura Moser wrote a column regarding this topic in the St. Petersburg, FL. Times on May 21.
She conducted tests on 6 different ergonomic keyboards with regard to relief of pain for those suffering from ills which compromise comfort when typing for long periods of time. Moser also looked into ease of use and also if any extras are included.

The four keyboards that met her standards ( the price range for all six was $57 to $299) are:

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000, Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave,Kinesis Freestyle VIP, and Kinesis Advantage Ergonomic Keyboard.

The two keyboards that did not do well in the survey are Adresso Tru-Form Pro Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard, and Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard.

Voice recognition software is also a tool for those with physical limitations. I broke down and bought MacSpeech Dictate but just recently fixed my faulty computer so I haven't learned it fully. Seems there is an upgrade now called MacSpeech Dictate 1.5

Of course, taking breaks -for which you may choose to set a timer- is one of the best medicines for a sore body.

Next week, I plan to address press releases since I had someone ask me about this.

Memorial Blog

Today is Memorial Day, a memorable day to start my blog about my life as a writer. My dad was a veteran and he left his mark on the world.

This past week I awoke on Wednesday morning, feeling happy, and the first thought that popped into my mind was: "I am going to write a book."

My next thought was: " About what?"

A dear friend reminded me about my journals.  That brought to mind notes I had taken over the years for book ideas.  But they are no longer timely, as they were going to be non-fiction-pertinent to the experience.  For example, I had wanted at one time to write about living in another country, but that log was created too long ago.

And, then it hit me!  I had once bought a book by a popular author of our times which was a guide to writing and which included exercises that are book beginnings.  So, that is a project for me to pursue...I need to find that book and revisit those spotlights.

And, reading a fellow author's blog reminded me there are other tools at my disposal, since I have never written a book. I have composed articles, poetry, essays and papers-some of which have been published.  This associate's name is Martha Engber and her book has won 5 stars: " Growing Great Characters from The Ground Up." This guide would most certainly help my plan along.

I know there are courses out there also, including affordable ones at Adult Ed, and more expensive selections online or through local universities.  For example, Writers Digest offers online courses.

 Right now, I have a lot of other paying writing prospects in the fire, so I will savor this and write the book for myself. What got me to this point, I believe, is an offer to join a critique group.  At that time, I felt my priority should be making an income, but that didn't feel right. I realized I needed a creative outlet in addition to my other writing.  Poetry used to provide that fulfillment for me.

Seems like my path is widening. Upon reflection, I realized I had written bits of a fantasy legend at the age of eight-darting to my desk in the middle of the night.  That may not be my intent now, but this new goal is invigorating!

My next blog, a week from now, will be regarding software and keyboards to save your hands.