Idaho Writers & Readers Rendezvous, May 3-5

The Idaho Writers & Readers Rendezvous will be held in Boise at the Boise Centre, May 3-5. The website www.idahowritersrendezvous.com is now live, if you wish to view more details about this exciting weekend.
Here are 12 more reasons to sign up for the conference:

1. Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling thriller writer will hold workshops on creating plots and creating memorable characters.
2. David Trottier, award-winning screenwriter, consultant, and teacher will hold workshops on writing a gripping screenplay and how to avoid common blunders.
3. Anthony Doerr, award-winning short story writer and non-fiction author will hold a workshop on conflict in short stories.
4. Kim Barnes and Mary Clearman Blew, both winners of multiple top awards for their memoirs, will hold a memoir writing workshop and give one-on-one manuscript consultations.
5. Robert Wrigley, author of eight books of poetry, MFA and creative writing instructor, will hold a poetry writing workshop.
6. Steve Eaton, gold and platinum record award winner will hold a workshop on songwriting.
7. David Lakhani, business guru and best-selling author will hold workshops on the business of writing and how to create a dynamite marketing plan, plus give one-on-one advice on your marketing plan.
8. Meet all the authors and listen to their stories such as in those sessions and keynote addresses on stories and adding humor to them by Tim Cahill and Laurie Notaro, our keynote speakers. Tim began with Rolling Stone Magazine, and has gone on to write a number of books and magazine articles on his humorous true-life adventures. Laurie is a best-selling author of nine books, both fiction and non-fiction. Her work is noted for its humor.
9. Meet editors and publishers from Penguin Books, St. Martin’s Press, Mill Park Publishing, Limberlost Press, Caxon Press, Lost Horse Press, Sun Valley Magazine, High Desert Journal, Oregon Coast Magazine and The Idaho Review.
10. Meet agents from New York, San Francisco, and San Diego.
11. Banquet dinner at the Basque Center with entertainment and keynote speech by Tim Cahill is included in the price of registration, as is the luncheon at the Boise Centre with speaker Laurie Notaro.
12. Plus the many, many more workshops and activities that can be found at www.idahowritersrendezvous.com

Write to Publish Conference - Portland State University

On behalf of Ooligan Press, we would like to extend an invitation to attend this year’s Write to Publish conference on Saturday April 28, 2012 from 9 am – 6 p.m. at Portland State University. Write to Publish is a conference bringing writers and publishers together with the aim of demystifying the publishing industry. This year is our fourth annual event, and our theme is Step into Genre.

Write to Publish is Ooligan Press’s largest event of the year. Our goal is to give writers the knowledge and insight they need to navigate their way into the publishing world, and hopefully establish successful careers. This is not a writing conference: it’s a publishing conference. 

Write to Publish opportunities:

1. Author presentations by a diverse selection of genre authors including William F. Nolan, Phillip Margolin, and Chelsea Cain.  Authors will speak about their personal experiences with the publishing process.
2. A variety of panel discussions focused on aspects of book development and publishing. Seventeen published authors as well as other experts in the field will discuss specific issues surrounding the publishing industry. A small sampling of the panel discussions includes, The Basics of Publishing; Going Digital: The Future of Publishing and E-books; and DIY: Self-Publishing.
3. Ooligan press’s annual flash fiction contest. All submissions are due by April 15th. Writers are invited to write a short fiction piece of less than 500 words capturing a moment in time. The winner of the contest will have the opportunity to read his or her story on the author stage during Write to Publish, among other prizes. The top three winners will have their story displayed and distributed.
4. A developmental edit of a manuscript. This is a unique opportunity to have 50 pages of a manuscript developmentally edited by experienced Ooligan Press graduate students for only $50. The manuscripts must be received by April 1. Authors will receive a developmental edit letter as well as a one-on-one editing consultation at the Write to Publish conference. Deadline: April 8th.

Ooligan Press is a non-profit, trade publishing house focused on preserving the art and craft of publishing in the Pacific Northwest. We are run by the students of the master’s program in Book Publishing at Portland State, which aims to train aspiring publishers with the real world skills they need to enter the field.

More information can be found on our website: http://www.ooliganpress.pdx.edu/w2p/. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

External Promotions
Ooligan Press
events@ooliganpress.pdx.edu

-- 

Ooligan Press

External Promotions Department369 Neuberger Hall 
Portland State University
724 SW Harrison Street 
Portland, OR 97201

Opportunity for Self-Published Authors to Read and Sell Their Work

Know Local Authors August 13 and 14, 2011
Deschutes Public Library

May 10, 2011 (Bend, OR)— If you are a local, self published author, Deschutes Public Library is looking for you. The library is organizing two author events, the first on Saturday, August 13 at East Bend Public Library and the second on Sunday, August 14, at the Downtown Bend Public Library featuring the work of local, self published authors.

“We’re offering local authors the opportunity to both read and sell their work,” said Chantal Strobel, Community Relations Coordinator for Deschutes Public Library. “We think this is a great way to highlight our local authors at the library.” The events will be structured similarly to the Portland literary festival, Wordstock, with each author having a scheduled time for a public reading and a table for book sales.

There is an application process and a limited number of authors will be selected to participate. “The library is looking for a variety of genres and variety of voices for our events,” said Strobel. Authors wishing to apply can download the application from the library website or call (541)312-1032 to request an application. All applications must be received by June 1, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. In addition, authors should plan on submitting a copy of their book for consideration.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at (541)312-1032.

3rd Annual NW Book Festival

We are now accepting applications from Authors, Publishers, Bookstores, Libraries, Colleges and Universities, that want to participate in the 3rd Annual NW Book Festival


"3rd ANNUAL NW BOOK FESTIVAL"

When: Saturday, July 30th 2011
Time: 11am to 6:00 pm
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland OR

Admission is free to the public
http://www.nwbookfestival.com/

Willamette Writers Conference is a Gem

The 2010 Willamette Writers Conference was a fantastic experience. Something every aspiring writer in Oregon should take full advantage of.

Held in Portland the weekend of August 6-8th, this writers conference has become one of the largest in the west. It not only offers an opportunity to pitch agents and editors in a wide range of genres, it offers the opportunity to pitch to top-notch agents and editors.

Since I was busy pitching, I did not get to attend many workshops. The thirty minutes of a panel, half a class and one full workshop I did attend were highly informative. The writers I met raved about many of the classes they sat in on. Most of the other attendees were from Oregon, which made it a very friendly conference to attend, but there were others who came in from Italy and Canada for the golden opportunity to pitch film and TV.

Three full days of classes / workshops / panels from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. make it a very cost effective writers' conference. Practice sessions for pitching and manuscript ER consults help the writer make it a successful conference.

I got my foot in the door with some top-notch agents and a publisher. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I signed up, but am pleasantly surprised with how it all turned out. It was better than I expected. Getting the notice you want in this business is hard to come by. Willamette Writers opened doors that otherwise might not have let me through.

Willamette Writers can easily grow to the largest conference in the country. They are certainly well on their way to making it so. Reports had over 1,000 hopeful writers attending. It is a gem of an opportunity available in this state which every writer should take advantage of. If you're getting ready to pitch or are ready to pitch, I highly recommend you attend in 2011. First weekend of August. Mark your calendars.

by Mary Pax

Oregon Christian Writers Fall One-Day Conference

When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 8:30-4:00 PM
Where: Multnomah Bible College, Portland, OR
Keynote speakers: Daniel E. Kline and Kay Marshall Strom
For more information on workshop teachers or to register: www.oregonchristianwritersorg

COWG January/February Newsletter

CENTRAL OREGON WRITERS GUILD REPORT
January - February 2008
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Redmond Writers is now Central Oregon Writers Guild. The name change is designed to reflect our group's commitment to the entire Central Oregon writing community as we carry out our mission to support, encourage and assist writers of all genres.

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Author Martin Winch to Present "Biography of a Place" at January 24 meeting

Tumalo author Martin Winch will talk about his book, "Biography of a Place: Passages Through a Central Oregon Meadow" at this month's meeting. "Biography of a Place" explores and weaves together the social and natural history of Camp Polk Meadow, which covers 160 acres of seasonal marsh and grassland just outside Sisters, Oregon. The book is a compelling account of the meadow itself and the impact of humans upon the area, from the earliest settlers to the present day. Winch's narrative about the creation of "The Camp Polk Meadow Preserve" details efforts to restore and conserve the meadow.

Winch's previous publications include "Tumalo: Thirsty Land," a history of irrigation development in the upper Deschutes Basin, and "Joseph Gervais: A Familiar Mystery Man," co-authored with Thomas Vaughan. Winch has worked as a lawyer, policy analyst, political aide and social services administrator. He is currently a mediator and elementary school tutor and he volunteers with the Deschutes Basin Land Trust at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve.

The public is invited to the Central Oregon Writers Guild meeting on Thursday, January 24 at the Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave. The meeting is free and begins at 6:30 p.m. A critique session follows the program, and those who would like to present their work (limit is three readers) should bring along 20 copies. Critique guidelines are available at the meeting.

February meeting: Paty Jager and Lindy Jacobs will present "Critique: Getting the Help you Need" at the February 28 Central Oregon Writers Guild meeting.

Upcoming 2008 programs:

March 27 - Rod Morris - Dialogue

April 24 - Ali McCart - Editor with Indigo Editing - "What an Editor Looks For"

May 22 - Bill and Mary Lewis - "Interviewing - Mining for the Story's Golden Nugget"

Upcoming Events:

February 16, 2008-Oregon Christian Writers is hosting a one-day conference "Bring Forth the Words of a Serious Writer" at Corban College in Salem from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost is $8 for OCW members, $30 for non-members, and lunch is $8.50. Online registrations can be made at their website, http://oregonchristianwriters.org/, which also includes information about future OCW workshops and conferences.

April 5, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (time to be confirmed): Central Oregon Writers Guild will host a DVD Workshop by Chris Vogel at the Comfort Suites Inn, Redmond. Details about the workshop will be forthcoming, but it should be noted that participants are encouraged to view the movie "Erin Brokovich" prior to the workshop, as it will be referenced in the presentation.

October 17, 2008 - Fall Literary Harvest, Comfort Suites Inn, Redmond, 6:30 p.m. We will present details soon for those who are interested in reading their work at the Fall Literary Harvest, as well as how to participate in planning and organizing the event.

THE WRITER'S LIFE
Our December 2007 pot luck was a successful event, an enjoyable time of sharing, visiting and of course savoring the sumptuous fare. We thank all who participated and brought such delicious food. While he was unable to attend the session, Neil Mason asked Cindy Prescher to read a holiday story he wrote. It was a touching account of some youngsters who had fallen on hard times but thanks to the generosity of strangers, had a very special Christmas. Thank you, Neil, for sharing such uplifting words with us.

DUES REMINDER
Just a reminder that membership in the Central Oregon Writers Guild is $12.00 annually, and our Membership/Finances chair Elsie Rochna is in charge of collecting the dues, maintaining the membership lists and keeping our financial records. Those who would like to join our group or renew their dues may do so at any meeting, or contact Elsie to obtain her mailing address. Checks should be made payable to Elsie Rochna-Redmond Writers. Central Oregon Writers Guild is funded by membership dues, which help us sponsor activities such as the upcoming DVD workshop and the Fall Literary Harvest.

CONTESTS, CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Ink-Filled Page
Quarterly Literary Journal, Spring 2008 Young Adult Issue
Submissions accepted January 1 through February 29 from youths age 11 to 18. Visit http://www.indigoediting.com/ for submission guidelines and to order the Ink-Filled Page 2007 anthology.

Oregon State Poetry Association Contest
OSPA's Spring 2008 Poetry Contest is now open. Deadline for submissions is February 29. Go to their website http:www.oregonpoets.org/index.php? for contest categories and read the rules carefully to assure your entry is considered.

77th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition
The deadline for entries in this prestigious contest is May 15, 2008. For details about the categories, rules, entry forms and requirements, go to their website, http://www.writersdigest.com/.

Cool Stuff 4 Writers
January Cool Contest Challenge: Write 7 ridiculous writing resolutions that were probably made in a drunken, eggnog stupor. Use the following header before listing the impossible goals: "My 2008 Writing Resolutions." Submit entries to http://www.blogger.com/sandy@coolstuff4writers.com with "January Contest" in the subject line and the entry in the body of the email. There is no word limit and the winner will receive $25. Deadline is January 31, 2008. For further details and some cool writers' tips, go to their website, http://www.coolstuff4writers.com/


Nature of Words Third Annual Rising Star Competition
This competition is awarded in fiction, literary nonfiction and poetry in two age categories, 15-18 and 19-25. Winning writers will receive a cash prize, recognition at an awards ceremony during the Nature of Words festival in November, and a scholarship to one of the event's workshops. Entry deadline is May 10, 2008. Competition details are at the Nature of Words website: http://www.thenatureofwords.org/.

CENTRAL OREGON WRITERS GUILD BLOG
We are happy to announce that our blog is now online. We are grateful to Tia Linschied, our blog administrator, for the time, energy and effort she devoted to getting the blog up and running. Thanks too to Cindy Prescher and Lindy Jacobs, who recently assisted Tia in putting the final touches on the blog prior to "liftoff". Besides the monthly newsletter, the blog will feature member websites, Central Oregon Writers Guild updates and activities such as workshops, book signings and other news of interest to the Central Oregon writing community. We welcome your comments, feedback, positive or negative and suggestions for information that should be included in our blog. The site address is: http://centraloregonwriters.blogspot.com/

CO WRITERS GUILD CONTACTS:
Executive Director: Cindy Prescher
Membership & Finance Chairperson: Elsie Rochna
Membership & Finance Assistant Chairperson: Carol Brian
Publicity Chairperson: Anita Lanning
Program Chairperson: Paty Jager
CO Writers Report Editor: Anita Lanning
Refreshment Chairperson: Lindy Jacobs
Photographer: Jo Ann Senior
Blog Chairperson: Tia Linschied