THURSDAY MAY 23 GUILD MEETING FEATURES AUTHOR CATHY LAMB

Portland author Cathy Lamb is the featured speaker at Central Oregon Writers Guild’s Thursday May 23 meeting. Born in Newport Beach, California, when she was ten, Cathy’s parents moved her, her two sisters, a brother, and two poorly behaved dogs to Oregon before she could fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a surfer bum. In high school, she landed on the newspaper staff, and when she saw her byline above an article about people making out in the school hallways, she knew she had found her true calling. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Oregon, after which she became a fourth grade teacher, but her goal was always to become a writer. Cathy says she loved teaching, but also loved the nights and summers where she could write and try to build a career filled with creativity and her strange imagination. After writing freelance articles for a variety of publications, her first novel, Julia’s Chocolates, was published, following by The Last Time I was Me, which is set in Oregon. Her subsequent novels include The First Day of the Rest of My Life, A Different Kind of Normal and Henry’s Sisters. She lives in Portland with her husband and children, who she adores. Currently, she reports she is working on her next novel and not sleeping much. Cathy will share her writer’s journey at this month’s Guild meeting, along with her advice to authors and would-be authors of all genres. Cathy’s website is www.cathylamb.net.

Cathy Lamb

Central Oregon Writers Guild’s Thursday, May 23 meeting takes place at COCC Redmond Campus, 2030 SE College Loop, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9 p.m. The meeting is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

MEETING NOTES:

Thursday April 25:

Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed author Kim Findling Cooper’s presentation, which included readings from her book Chance of Sun: An Oregon Memoir. In her debut as an author, Kim’s memoir unfolds the story of an Oregon girl coming of age in the 1970s and 80s, navigating her way through pick-up trucks, dive bars, higher education and backwoods trails before finding a place she belongs. Beginning with her childhood in Coos County, Kim relates a rural upbringing spent walking beaches and hiking in the woods with her forester father, among other adventures she experienced growing up in Southwestern Oregon. Following a move to Oregon’s biggest city after college, Kim lost her way and her connection to Oregon’s landscape, but it was Oregon that helped her find herself again , this time on the east side of the mountains, where she found clarity in High Desert trails and a wide-open sky, as well as life’s most grounding phenomenon—love.  A chapter from Chance of Sun titled “The Friday’s Trilogy” won the 2011 Oregon Quarterly Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest. Judge Debra Gwartney said, “Fresh, alive, exciting and bold writing. A compelling piece of writing, heartbreaking and redemptive.” Kim’s book is available at www.nestuccaspitpress.com or via her website, www.kimcooperfindling.com.  Kim is also the author of Day Trips From Portland: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler. Kim is editor of Central Oregon Magazine, and she announced that articles by local authors about Central Oregon are welcome. Writers’ guidelines and submission details are available at www.CentralOregonMagazine.com.

We really appreciate Kim sharing her writing experiences and expertise during her memorable and compelling presentation. Thanks from all of us!

The April meeting also featured our 4^th Grade Book Contest winners, Shelby McCauley and Jessica Simpson, whose book readings were greatly enjoyed by all. Thanks to them both for sharing!

Upcoming Meetings:

Thursday, June 27—Poet Judith Montgomery, East Branch, Bend Public Library, 62080 Dean Swift Road (near 27^th and Greenwood), 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 25—Bend author Ellen Waterston, COCC Redmond Campus, 2030 SE College Loop, Building 3 Room 306, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 22—Members Showcase, COCC Redmond Campus, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Details to follow.

Thursday September 26—Bend author Tawna Fenske, COCC Redmond Campus, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Friday, October 18—2013 Literary Harvest, Comfort Suites Inn, Redmond, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday October 24—David Jasper, Journalist, COCC Redmond Campus, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday November 21—Speaker to be announced, COCC Redmond Campus, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday December 19—Annual Holiday Social and Members Showcase, COCC Redmond Campus, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. 

Happy Holidays… in May? 

That’s right. This is an early bird special asking you to participate in an upcoming holiday project for the Oregon Pittock Mansion.

Every year, the Pittock Mansion decorates for the holidays; each room is assigned to a group of volunteers for the enjoyment of the 18,000 visitors. This year’s theme is Local, and we have volunteered to decorate the writing room with the theme “local writers.” Would you consider being a part of our project? There are three ways for authors to participate:

1) Books: If you are a print author, your donated book would be a welcomed addition to our decorations. If you aren't a print author, you still have the option of donating a print book by an Oregon author to be represented in the writing room.

What will happen to your book after the exhibit?

a) If you would like your book back, we will provide you with the date and time the decorations will be removed, so you can swing by the Pittock Mansion and take back your item(s).

b) Our group has been in contact with the Beaverton Public Library and has requested that our donated books be added to their library circulation system for future readers to enjoy.

2) Book Cover Ornament: Embrace your creativity and create an ornament using your book cover images. Michaels Craft Store has many easy ornament project ideas. (Please note that if your cover depicts an extremely bloody battle or a couple with exposed body parts, please crop the image appropriately for a family friendly event.)

3) Bookmark or Pen (one of each only please): This item will be turned into a tree ornament or room decoration.

To be included in this project, please mail items no later than September 1, 2013 to:

Jessica Smith
6085 SW Erickson Ave
Beaverton, OR 97008

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at jessicasmithportland@gmail.com.
For more information about the Pittock Mansion, please visit this website: http://pittockmansion.org

REDMOND STREET FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 15  |  06/15/2013 10:00 AM -5:00 PM

Dorothy Bell wishes to notify COWG members that space is available at the Redmond Street Festival on June 15 for authors to display and sell their books. So far there are five people signed up and have room for more, as there will be three tables and not all of them have physical books, some have e-books. For more information, please contact Dorothy at 2doghydroto@gmail.com.

Central Oregon Writers Guild Saturday Workshop

Making Meaning in Short Fiction

With Jamie Houghton

 Saturday, May 11

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

COCC Redmond Campus, Room 306

Cost: $12 members $18 nonmembers: Tickets at the door.

Jamie Houghton has performed and placed in poetry slams in Vermont, Massachusetts, Texas and Oregon, and her work has been published online in High Desert Journal, Folly, La Fovea, Qarrtsiluni and is forthcoming in the next issue of Abramelin. She has been teaching workshops of her own design since 2006, and continues to teach for The Nature of Words' programs in the schools while currently serving as their Interim Executive Director. She also writes book reviews for High Desert Journal as well as serves as their Web Editor.

So What? Making Meaning in Short Fiction

We all have anecdotes that we tell over and over again, or family stories that are passed on for generations. These are great fodder for fiction, but how do we give them meaning beyond a punch line? In this three hour long workshop students will explore the concept of anecdote vs. story while playing with voice and character. We will mine our memories for those stories that beg to be re-told, and work on crafting them into fiction with a broader theme. Students should bring pen, paper or something to write with, and a willingness to participate in discussion and writing exercises.

Questions and to sign up: lindyj@bendcable.com

Thursday April 25 Guild Meeting:
Bend Author and Editor Kim Cooper Findling

Bend Author Kim Cooper Findling is the featured speaker at Central Oregon Writers Guild’s Thursday April 25 meeting. Kim is the editor of Central Oregon Magazine and writes and edits for many magazines and a wide range of professional organizations. Kim was born in Seattle and grew up on the Oregon Coast. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Oregon and a M.S. in Natural Resource Education from Oregon State. Prior to embarking upon her career as a writer, Kim worked as an educator at The High Desert Museum. Her work has appeared in magazines and literary journals, and she wrote chapters for the books Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest, Day in the Life: Central Oregon, Back from War, and the anthology You’re Invited. She is an AskOregon Ambassador for Travel Oregon and a member of the board of BendFilm. She teaches writing workshops to children and adults, and coaches writers one-on-one. One of her most recent adventures was as writer-in-residence at Cascades Academy in Bend, which she says was a blast! Kim lives in Bend with her husband and two daughters. Her website is www.kimcooperfindling.com.

We are also pleased to announce that this year’s Redmond School District’s 2013 4^th Grade Book Contest winners will present their stories at the April 25 meeting. First place winner Shelby McCauley, a student at Central Christian School, will read her book A High Buzzing Adventure, and runner-up Jessica Simpson, who attends Tom McCall School, will read her book Cowgirl Love. 

Central Oregon Writers Guild’s Thursday, April 25 meeting takes place at COCC Redmond Campus, 2030 SE College Loop, Building 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9 p.m. The meeting is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Kim Cooper Findling

Meeting Notes:
The Guild’s March meeting speaker, award-winning novelist Jill Williamson shared her writer’s journey with us. Her energy, enthusiasm and delightful way with words encouraged all in attendance to follow our own writing path and keep our eyes on our goals. Jill is a Young Adult author whose stories inspire and entertain young people. She also conducts workshops that teach them to write their own stories. Many thanks to Jill for her excellent presentation! To keep up-to-date with Jill’s writing and activities, check out her website, www.jillwilliamson.com.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, April 27--Critique Intensive Workshop & Small Group Critique with authors Paty Jager and Lindy Jacobs, COCC Redmond, Bldg 3 Room 306, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 11—Short Fiction Workshop conducted by Jamie Houghton, 9:30 a.m., COCC Redmond Campus, Bldg 3 Room 306

Thursday, May 23—Portland Author Cathy Lamb, COCC Redmond Campus, Bldg 3 Room 309, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 1—2013 Literary Harvest Writing Contest Opens

Thursday, June 27—Bend poet Judy Montgomery, Bend Library East Branch, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 25—Author Ellen Waterston, COCC Redmond Campus, Bldg 3 Room 306, 6:30- 9 p.m.

Central Oregon Writers Guild Presents

Critique Intensive Workshop & Small Group Critique

With authors Paty Jager and Lindy Jacobs

Saturday, April 27, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM 

Central Oregon Community College Redmond Campus,

2030 SE College Loop, Building 3, Room 306

·         Is your critique group or partner giving you the help you need?

·         Do you know what to look for so you can give effective feedback?

Join us as we look at some brand new ways to sharpen self-editing and group critique skills that will improve everyone’s writing skills. After a short presentation, we’ll start with warm-up quizzes before moving into small groups for critique. Bring six copies of the first 1-2 pages of your current work-in-progress, a pencil and an open mind!  All levels and genres are welcome!

About the instructors:

Award winning author Paty Jager is a member of national and local writing organizations. She not only writes the western lifestyle she lives it. With sixteen novels and several short stories published, she continues to have characters cavorting in her head. You can learn more about Paty at her blog; www.patyjager.blogspot.com  her website; http://www.patyjager.net

Lindy Jacobs is a member of several national writing organizations and is a long-time member of Central Oregon Writers Guild. She has written screenplay, story lines for CBS television, short stories and is currently at work on a novel set in Pakistan. Lindy actually enjoys the revision process and has taught a number of critique workshops. She writes about second chances and the writing life on her website, Writer at the Well, www.LindyJacobs.com.

Cost: Free for Guild members; $10 for nonmembers payable at the door. 

Refreshments: Coffee and Tea.

RSVP to Lindy at lindyj@bendcable.com. 

Handouts will be provided. 

Attention COWG Poets, here is an invitation from the Oregon Poets Association:

If you haven't yet registered for OPA's Spring 2013 Conference in Silverton, this Friday, April 5, is the postmark deadline to pre-register at the reduced rate of $55 and to be guaranteed lunch. Full conference information, including a conference registration form and a book table registration form, are on the OPA website at http://www.oregonpoets.org/content/opa-conferences.

There are still slots for individual consultation on a group of poems! If you would like to have 5 or 6 of your poems (10 pages max.) reviewed by Chris Anderson, Barbara Drake, Donna Henderson, or Lex Runciman, include the optional $15 fee for consulting, indicate your first and second choices for consultant, and send the poems right away.

Workshop leaders Don Colburn and Jennifer Richter have just sent descriptions of their workshops. The conference schedule is set up to allow everyone registered to take both, one in the morning and one in the afternoon:
TIME TO RENEW! ACT NOW! SPECIAL OFFER!  POEM-MAKING AS RENEWAL
with Don Colburn

Make it new, said Ezra Pound, that brilliant crackpot. Great advice in just three hard-working words.  But, to borrow and bend a line from another of our forerunners, William Carlos Williams: So much depends on what you mean by “it.” And “new.” Let’s renew our  poetic licenses (and, yes, mix some metaphors) by brainstorming how to do two nearly contradictory things: 1) Start a poem by getting some words down onto a blank page, and 2) Revise that scribble into something like a poem. Isn’t renewal – make it new – critical to each? We’ll share examples, tell stories and offer suggestions that might help one another. I’ll bring some handouts to provoke or steer the conversation.

Suggested Donation: Bring a poem, by you or anyone else, that you find renewing, however you define that. Maybe we can build our own (renewable) anthology.

OBSESSIONS
with Jennifer Richter

This workshop will help you identify or reconnect with the underlying obsessions that drive your work.  In a recent New York Times Book Review, J. Robert Lennon observes, “…it is hard for any writer to recognize what those obsessions are, to face them squarely when they are frightening or puzzling, and to shape them into persuasive works of art.”  To this end, we’ll examine published examples of individual poets’ thematic and structural obsessions, I’ll offer prompts to spark your own poetry, and you’ll leave the conference launched back into your writing lives with renewed energy and focus.

If you have any questions, please contact Eleanor Berry by e-mail at eberry@wvi.com.