REDBIRD STUDIO -- A WRITERS'
PLACE December, 2007 1. THE BIRD'S NEST 2. WHAT'S UP AT REDBIRD 3. NEWS OF REDBIRD WRITERS AND
FRIENDS 4. OTHER PLACES/FACES 5. HOW TO HELP, ETC. 1. THE BIRD'S NEST Judy
Bridges When I asked my high school pal, Jo Morrissey, if turning 40
bothered her, she said, "No, I won't miss being 39. If I was going to be
bothered about anything, it would be that I'm not 26 anymore. And if I was
going to get upset about that, I should have done it when I turned
27." This year, I turned 68. After a few weeks of fussing, I realized I
wasn't troubled by 68, I was projecting to 90. Something, maybe the time I
spend caring for an elderly aunt, put really-old age in my face where I can see
that clean living and positive thoughts may help, but they aren't flu shots --
I might still get it. When I was very young, I was sure I'd never get as
wrinkled as my grandmother, or need a diet, or a lawyer. Now I'm a little more
realistic. At the same time, I'm like many women my age and older, skilled and
smart and ready for new challenges. At 90, I'll probably look back at now and
think, "Oh, to be so young." There's a point to this conversation. I heard a rumor that due to
my age, I'm retiring. Ha. We're changing things around here, but the changes
amount to more, not less. Young Authors -- Old Friend with a New Name We have exciting news about the growth of the young author
program. As of January1st, Kim Suhr is taking over the program in its entirety. This is a goal
we've been working toward for three years. Kim will maintain the summer camp
and Sunday roundtable groups at Redbird, and add a week at Ten Chimneys for
grades 7-12. The new name for the young author programs is Red Oak Young Writers. The teaching team
-- Kim,
Joan Boyce, Pamela Parker, Robert Vaughan, Kris Jaeger and Katie Lance -- remains the same. I'll
be in the stand-by cheering section, supporting the program in every way I can.
One legacy is the Redbird
Scholarship Fund, which we hope will be a continuing source of encouragement
to young authors. (Gifts may be sent to the studio.) Adult Authors -- The Commitment Deepens The adult writing workshops get better every year. Long ago, we
realized we could either do it big or do it well, and we opted for well. We
keep our classes small and the quality high, and do everything we can to
support our writers. (See notes on their success in "News About Redbird
Writers and Friends.") The starting schedule for 2008 includes: Two
roundtable groups with Robert Vaughan; A poetry critique group with Marilyn Taylor; Two roundtable groups with Judy Bridges, and three sections
of the six-week Shut Up and Write! seminar. Ken Brosky will be back after
promoting his newly published novel, GRENDEL. We have plans to celebrate our
15th Anniversary and produce the Writers Showcase in spring. And we continue to
support writers by serving on the Council for Wisconsin Writers board and the Book Festival committee; cheerleading
for Alverno
Telesis' Great Lakes Writers Workshop, Woodland Patterns, Still Waters, The
Clearing and
others; listing resources and author publications on our
website; subletting studio space to writers and artists, and offering
a limited number of private consults and manuscript critiques to writers. Hooray for Us! -- Redbird Named "BEST OF" by
Milwaukee Magazine Break out the champagne! Redbird Studio made Milwaukee Magazine's
list of BEST OF for the year 2007. There we are on page 66 of the October
issue, delightfully placed between Best Fried Green Tomatoes and Best Test of
Wits. This is cool stuff, guys. I'm going to frame the award and hang it in the
studio. Come see. You'll be proud. Time Flies -- Our 15th Anniversary Celebration 2008 is the 15th Anniversary Year of Redbird. Imagine that.
15 years in our wonderful studio at the Marian Center. 15 years surrounded by
the most interesting people in the world. We'll have a party, of course. Mark your calendar right
now for the evening of May 1st, for Redbird's 15th Anniversary Celebration and
Writers' Showcase. Wisconsin Book Festival at Redbird If you were here for the Wisconsin Book Festival events
you know how exciting a roomful of writers can be. On Saturday evening, over
100 people gathered to hear authors Sharon Hart Addy, Liam Callanan, Kurt Chandler, Stacey
Kannenberg, Sandra Kring and Paul Salsini discuss the writing life with the audience and
emcee Joe
Konrath. You
can read about it in the article Nan Bialek wrote for the NOW section of Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. (www.bayviewnow.com/story/index.aspx?id=673546)
Rachel
Youngberg, one
of a group of Carthage College poets who attended the event, wrote an
article for the Carthage College Current. (See "In The News" on the Redbird website.) On
Sunday afternoon, over 60 young authors gathered for a writing workshop led by Kim Suhr. We owe abundant thanks to
angels Annie
Chase, Lisa Coryell, Katie Lance, John Rondy, Carol Wobig and all the others who were so generous with refreshments and
assistance. (More names in the thank you list below.) A Sad Loss There is also sad news. Dick Fraser, husband and best friend of Kathy Fraser and dear friend of many
Wisconsin writers, passed away October 14th at the age of 62. Dick was a member
of Working Writers and Business Marketing Association. He was also one of the
most respected writers in a team of us who traveled many miles together writing
speeches and corporate productions. I'll never hear a bagpipe without thinking
of him. With Sincere Appreciation Redbird may look like a one-woman show, but it's actually
supported by many wonderful people, including: Sharon Hart Addy, Marilyn Auer,
Shauna Singh Baldwin, Judy Bates, Judy Beehler, Mary Lou Bell, Anne
Bingham, Dan Blank, Dave Blank, Jo McReynolds Blochowiak, Steve and Rita
Boehrer, Joan Boyce, Ken Brosky, Richard Carter, Annie Chase, Lisa
Coryell, Scott Donaldson, Susan Elbe, Chris Falk, Dick Fraser, Bill Gagliani,
Sheila Goodman, Eric Hansen, Jean Harlan, Satchi Hiremath, Dave Howard, Les Huisman,
Doug and Jane Jacobson, Kris Jaeger, Geeta Sharma Jensen, Wilma Johnson, Stacey
Kannenberg, Deb Karpek, The Kiefert Family, Maureen Kolb, Nancy Krase, Katie
Lance, Kris Lance, Laurel Landis, Anne Landre, John Lehman, Felicity
Librie, Marilyn McKnight, Karen McQuestion, Katie Miller, Aline Mohr, Linda
Mrochinski, Elizabeth Neary, Kathy Olsen, Anne O'Meara, Diane Palacek,
Marjorie Pagel, Annie Parcels, Debra Pass, Sara Rattan, Colleen Heather Rogan,
John Rondy, Jeannˇe Sacken, Jean Scherwenka, Ruth Silver, Pamela Smiley, Jeri
Smith, The Marian Center for Nonprofits, Roi Solberg, Kim Suhr, Marilyn Taylor,
Allyn and Bob Travis, Carolyn Kott Washburne, Pat Weisberg, Janese Wills,
Carol Wobig, Robert Vaughan, Sr. Lourdette Van Driel, Judith Zukerman and many
others whose names I will wish I had mentioned. 2. AT REDBIRD THIS WINTER (Details and registration info: www.redbirdstudio.com or call
414-481-3195) 15th ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION AND WRITERS SHOWCASE Save the Date -- Thursday, May 1, 6:30 pm. Details tba POETRY CRITIQUE GROUP with
MARILYN TAYLOR Marilyn is not only famous for her poetry, she's famous for her
teaching. If I was going to work on poetry (trust me, I'm a dunderhead with it)
she's one of only two or three people I'd beg to help me. Once I learned more
and had serious works-in-progress, I'd sign up for this critique group so I
could get intelligent, worthwhile feedback from Marilyn and the others in the
group. See the website for class guidelines. Register soon, this class is
likely to fill. Meets
4 Wednesday nights per session, 6:30-8:30 pm. Fee: $85 Winter
2008: Jan 23, Feb 6, 20, Mar 5 Spring
2008: Apr 2, 16, 30, May 14 SHUT UP AND WRITE! SEMINAR
with JUDY BRIDGES "There's a reason that Milwaukee's Redbird Studios has a
waiting list for its 'Shut Up and Write' program." (from Chris Roerden's award
winning book, DON'T MURDER YOUR
MYSTERY) Beginners and pros love this class because it helps them get off the
dime and do more good writing. We work on craft, character development, story
ideas, project planning, publication, and most of all, finding the voice within
you. The class can be taken as a stand-alone or as prep for the roundtables.
Plan on having homework. Meets
six Monday evenings. 6:30-9:00 pm. Fee: $375 Winter 2008:
Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Spring 2008:
Mar 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 Summer 2008:
Jun 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 REDBIRD WRITERS ROUNDTABLES Writers Roundtables are the heart of Redbird. They combine the
best of college workshops and living room groups, giving participants
structure, support, healthy feedback and the opportunity to build a network of
writing friends. The group leaders -- Robert Vaughan and Judy Bridges -- are
well trained and passionate about writing. Keynotes of all roundtables are
honesty, respect, kindness, encouragement and support. Read up to 10 pages
of your work per session (rules on the website). Pre-requisite: Shut Up and
Write! or approval of the leader. with ROBERT VAUGHAN This popular instructor has 25 years experience teaching and
writing plays, poetry and fiction. His plays were produced in New York, Los
Angeles and San Franciso. His poetry was included in an anthology of Best Poems and Poets of
2004. An
active participant in Redbird Studio workshops, he is currently putting
the finishing touches on his first novel. THURSDAY
EVENINGS (4 meetings in 4 months) 6:30 to 9 pm, $85 Fall, 2007:
Sept 20, Oct 25, Nov 15, Dec 20 Winter/Spring,
2008: Jan 24, Feb 14, Mar 20, Apr 17 Half-Session:
May 22, Jun 12 (Fee: $45) FRIDAY
MORNINGS (4 meetings in 2 months) 9:30 am to 12 noon, $85 Fall,
2007: Nov 16, 30, Dec 14, 28 (okay to register for 1/2 session) Winter,
2008: Jan 4, 25, Feb 8, 22 Spring,
2008: Mar 7, 28, Apr 4, 18 Summer,
2008: May 2, 16, June 6, 20 with JUDY BRIDGES Prior to founding Redbird, Judy earned her living writing
articles, stories, plays and business communications. She holds a bachelor's
degree in writing and a master's in adult education. The second biggest
joy in her life is to see one of her writers accomplish a goal -- get
published, finish the memoir, have the play produced, get the article accepted,
find the voice. Happily, this happens often. TUESDAY
AFTERNOONS (4 meetings in 2 months) 12 noon to 2:30 pm, $85 Fall,
2007: Nov 13, 27, Dec 4, 18 (okay to register for 1/2 session) Winter,
2008: Jan 8, 22, Feb 5, 19 Spring,
2008: Mar 4, 18, Apr 1, 15 Summer,
2008: May 6, 20, Jun 10, 24 WEDNESDAY
EVENINGS (4 meetings in 2 months) 6:30 to 9:00 pm. $85 Fall,
2007: Nov 7, 21, Dec 5, 19 (okay to register for 1/2 session) Winter,
2008: Jan 16, 30, Feb 13, 27 Spring,
2008: Mar 12, 26, Apr 9, 23 Summer,
2008: May 7, 21, Jun 11, 25 YOUNG WRITER PROGRAMS with
KIM SUHR SUNDAY AFTERNOON ROUNDTABLE GROUPS Young writers (grades 7-12) work together in a supportive
environment to share ideas, offer feedback and learn from each other.
Roundtables meet in Redbird Studio, Rm 429. (4 meetings
per session) 1-3 pm, $65 per session Winter
session, 2008: Jan 6, 20, Feb 3, 17 Spring
session, 2008: Mar 2, 16, Apr 6, 20 To register, send check payable to Red Oak Young Writers, LLC
along with registration form on the Redbird Young Author site: www.redbirdstudio.com/YoungAuthors/programs.html
(As soon as the Red Oak site is ready, we will put a direct link on the
Redbird site.) Mailing
address: Red
Oak Young Writers, LLC P.O.
Box 342 Genesee
Depot, WI 53127--0342 SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR YOUNG WRITERS Mon-Fri, 9 am-2:30 pm, $325 ($100 deposit) Registrations for all camps open January 2008 "Red Oak at Redbird" For
Students Entering Grades
7 - 8 July 21 - 25 Grades
4 - 6 July 28 - Aug 1 Grades
9 - 12 Aug 4 - 8 Additional Location: "Red
Oak at Ten Chimneys" For
Students Entering Grades 7 - 12 June 23 - 27 3. NEWS ABOUT REDBIRD WRITERS
AND FRIENDS Note: "R.W. and Friends" either attended Redbird
workshops, or taught them, or support the studio in some special way. If you
sent information and it did not appear, please forgive and send it again. Web
sites are listed but not necessarily linked. Sharon Hart Addy's most recent children's picture book, LUCKY JAKE, received
starred reviews from both Booklist and Kirkus. www.sharonhartaddy.com Shauna Singh Baldwin's new collection of short stories, WE ARE NOT IN PAKISTAN, was
selected as a Book of the Year, 2007, by Quill and Quire, the Canadian equivalent
of Publisher's Weekly. See www.ShaunaSinghBaldwin.com for the latest press
interviews/reviews. Shauna was also featured in a Writer's Chronicle article
written by Kris Babe, and a full page cover story in Ottowa Citizen's Weekly
written by Paul Gessell. Elaine Bergstrom's article about her dad's experience in WWII, "Thoughts of
'last good war' return" appeared in the Sunday, November 11th edition of
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. On another topic entirely, Elaine, who has been
called one of the top five vampire novelists in the country, was quoted in an
October article about Vampires titled "Still drawn to Drac." Nan Bialek's article about the Book Festival event at Redbird appeared in NOW
online. There's also a great photo of panelists taken by Charles Auer.
See http://www.bayviewnow.com/story/index.aspx?id=673546 Peggy Brown will be signing copies of her new book Saturday, December
1st at the Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop on Kinninkinnic Avenue, from 2 to 9
p.m. (Note: This is the same day as the KK Holiday Art Crawl, so plan to look
around.) Peggy was also featured in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel NOW article written
by Nan Bialek. Richard Carter won an honorable mention in Wisconsin Regional Writers Association
contest for his short story, "Hand Me Down Dog." Kirk Farber's award winning story, "Salting the Walks," appeared in
the fall issue of Wisconsin
People and Ideas.
Kirk writes from his new home in Colorado: "This month I made the
transition to high altitude, and became a member of Pikes Peak Writers. I
participated in their 3rd annual live-reading/contest they've playfully
dubbed "American Icon." About 70 people attended and there were
three local authors who acted as judges. I read an excerpt from my novel
POSTCARDS FROM A DEAD GIRL. The response was incredibly positive. I was
awarded Audience Favorite, Best Overall, and Best Character. (Then
I won the raffle prize, which was spooky). But it was a dang fine way
to kick things off out West. Still not nearly as cool as Redbird,
though. Seriously. But I must say thanks again, to you and the
Inkslingers for all your feedback and motivation over these past years, helping
me get my writing into shape." Diane Goff An excerpt from Diane's book, MISSING PIECES, is being published in the anthology, BEYOND FORGETTING: POETRY AND PROSE ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. Diane worked on this book the year her professor husband used his sabbatical to work at Harley Davidson in Milwaukee. (Gotta love those motorcycle guys.) Eric Hansen set a record for speedy turn-around on a submission. His essay,
"Let's keep mine away from U.P. headwaters," received an
approval within 30 minutes of submission to The Capital Times. You can read it at
madison.com Doug Jacobson will be meeting with the "Comete Kinship Belgium" in
Brussels on Dec. 3rd. The Comet Line was a WWII escape organization that
rescued Allied aviators shot down over occupied territory. The Comet Line was
started by Andree de Jongh, a 24 year old Belgian woman, who survived the war
and was a recpient of the U.S. Medal of Freedom. She passed away last month at
the age of 90. Doug memorialized Andree de Jongh and the Comet line in his new
book, NIGHT OF FLAMES. You can also hear his radio interview with Door County
Daily News. It is linked on his website, http://douglaswjacobson.blogspot.com . Sheila Julson's articles appear regularly in the Trade Winds section of The Bay View Compass newspaper. One story covered
the St. Augustine clock tower, which is newly illuminated and loaded with
history. Stacey Kannenberg writes: "My NYC trip was so amazing, I was invited by
Better TV (owned by Meredith who owns Better Homes, Red Book, Child, Parents, etc) to do my first national
segment-- the best 48 hours of my life from primo seats at David Letterman
- to my 30 second elevator pitch to Diane Sawyer (she and the Today Show
both want to see my Better TV tape) to meeting a bunch of guests of the
Susan Lucci Party at the Rainbow Room elevator and bathroom to the
adventure with Miss Florida to meeting some fun people from Major League
Baseball to the designer of the new Shea Stadium to the New York Times
Harley Biker...WOW! ...And guess what, Molly Fay of The Morning Blend
congratulated me and invited me for Thursday Morning!" Patricia Lorenz (now living in Largo, Florida) just sold her 10th book, THE
FIVE THINGS WE NEED TO BE HAPPY to Guideposts Books. It will be published late in 2008 or early 2009. She
writes that two other books she co-authored for Chicken Soup, CHICKEN
SOUP FOR THE TEA LOVER'S SOUL and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVER'S SOUL
were released in fall, 2007. Mark Lucius received an Honorable Mention in the Article
category of the WRWA's recent Jade Ring contest. He says, "The
article was entitled "Cake Eaters," which I wrote at
Redbird Studios. If anyone asked, I would thank you and the
other members of the group for their help." (We should ask,
right?) Jim Maki's art is being featured in a showing at Lakeshore Gallery titled
"The Old Homestead Revisitied: A collection of watercolor paintings and
drawings." Jim works in his studio at Redbird. The showing extends to
December 15th. Barbara Malcolm's short story, "Soup for Marco," was accepted by Sheepshead Review, the art and literary journal
of University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, for publication in Fall 2007. Michelle McGrath's letter "From Bay View to Mequon" appeared in The Bay View Compass. Joel Narlock's second novel, SOFT TARGET: THE AIR was recently released by Dan
River Press. His first novel, TARGET ACQUIRED, was published by Leisure Books
in 2003. Marjorie Pagel's story, "Presumed Guilty" was published on Sid
Leavitt's Readers
and writers blog: http://readersandwritersblog.com/ Marjorie
also had the fun of seeing herself quoted at the "Billie the Brownie"
exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. The quote was from an
article that appeared in the Green Sheet in 1979. (Oh, to have the Green Sheet
and Wisconsin Magazine back in the paper!) Sr. Doris Pehowski's history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, BY GOD'S
PROVIDENCE, was recently released. When you see a copy, notice the reviews on
the back cover written by Archbishop Rembert Weakland, John Gurda, Sister Justine Peter
and Judy Bridges. (I'm in good company.) Kathleen Petrella won third place in the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association Jade
Ring Contest for her short story for juveniles, "Run, Lizzy, Run." Kay Pliska has just been published in another Chicken Soup
book--FOR THE COFFEE LOVER'S SOUL. It will be on the shelves in November.
Kay has also been performing in musicals since her move to Florida. She
received a standing ovation for "The Sound of Music" and has one of
the leading roles in the musical "Mame" Mara Ptacek's work with Threaded Metaphors will be on display at PyraMax Bank, 318 N. Water Street, until December 31. Threaded Metaphors is a collaboration between poets Carolyn Muchhala, Helen Padway, Mara Ptacek, Margaret Rozga and Phyllis Wax, and fiber artists Linda Benson, Peggy Magill, Connie Resch, Pat Zalewski. and Judy Zoelzer Levine. Mara also gave us the news that former young author Ellen Roller published her first book, TRADING PLACES, and had her first
book signing Saturday, Nov. 17th at Creekside Books in Cedarburg. Jean Scherwenka's articles appear regularly in Riverwest Currents. One recent article featured
Rhonda Teller's book, GRANDPA'S TREASURE, which just happens to be a favorite
of Jean and her granddaughter Grace. Another issue of the Riverwest Currents included her interview with Friar Jerry Schroeder, the Pastor of St. Ben's.
Jerry is also a Redbird writer and has published more than one poetry chapbook.
(See the show off shelf in the studio.) Kim Stezala was featured in an article written by Nan Bialek for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel NOW section. Kim, "The
Scholarship Lady," just finished the manuscript for her new book,
SCHOLARSHIPS 101: THE REAL WORLD GUIDE TO GETTING CASH FOR COLLEGE, which is
being published by Amacom Books of New York. It's scheduled for release in
July, 2008. David Thome's articles appear regularly in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel transportation section. If you
think car-writing is dull, try this lead from his article on auto monikers:
"Just as they did with "tomato-tomahto, potato-potahto, George and
Ira Gershwin would have had fun with Audi. You can almost hear Fred Astaire
singing, 'OW-dee, AW-dee, AW-dee, OW-dee... let's call the whole thing
off!'" Pat Weisberg won first place in the Wisconsin Regional Writers Jade Ring
contest for her article "20th Century Crusader." This is one in a
long series of WRWA wins for Pat. Carol Wobig won out over -- get this -- 17,000 entries to win an Honorable Mention 76th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. Her
story "Ravishing Red" earned the prize in the
Mainstream/Literary Short Story Category. Judith Zukerman's poem, "Cheshvan," is being published in the fall issue
of The
Deronda Review
(formerly The Neovictorian Cochlea). 4. OTHER PLACES, OTHER FACES Broad Vocabulary Bay View bookstore offers workshops and special programs www.broadvocabulary.com
414-744-8384 Cool Plums Interactive webzine with monthly themes, contests and book
excerpts Council for Wisconsin Writers Recognizing Literary Excellence Since 1964 CONTEST SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JAN 31, 2008 (For works published in
2007) http://www.wisconsinwriters.org/contests.htm The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI (Door County) A full catalog of opportunities includes a WomenÕs' Writing
Retreat with Judy Bridges, Sept, 2008 Goblin Fern Press Offering online teleseminars and other workshops. http://www.goblinfernpress.com/ Milwaukee Writers Workshop Critique group meets at Sven's European Cafe Contact James Boone Dryden at editor@jbdrydenco.com Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops Many author readings. Active supporter of Wisconsin authors. Still Waters Collective Community creative writing and spoken word programs Dasha@Stillwaterscollective.com Soulstice Theatre Intimate theater in The Marian Center, Bay View Phone: 414-431-3187. http://www.soulsticetheatre.org/ The Inspired Writer Writing circles and workshops in Waukesha/Oconomowoc area Shannon Jackson Arnold: theinspiredwriter@wi.rr.com University of Wisconsin, Guild for Learning in Retirement Writer's Forum. Members published WORD GAZING Phone: 414-227-3222 University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, School of Continuing Educ. 2008 Annual Spring Writers Festival scheduled for March
7-9. Contact Anne O'Meara, aomeara@uwm.edu or
414-227-3311 Wild Space Dance Company Performances often merge text and dance Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets (WFOP) Sponsors contests. Publishes Wisconsin Poets Calendar Wisconsin Regional Writers Assn. (WRWA) Contests, conferences, writers groups, excellent newsletter Spring Conference Dates: May 4-5, 2008 Woodland Pattern Book Center, Milwaukee Outstanding poetry resource, plus readings and workshops WriterÕs Ink Writers critique and fellowship group meets in Cudahy. VanVeghelL@msn.com or Gtoe@aol.com 5. HOW TO HELP, CONTACT US,
REPORT NEWS or GET OFF THE LIST TO HELP: Distribute flyers. Tell people about Redbird. Contribute to the Scholarship Fund. Contribute to Redbird! May we suggest: -- A Contribution to Redbird -- A gift to the Redbird Young Author Scholarship Fund in your
name, or as a tribute to someone special. -- A Redbird gift certificate for your favorite writer (for full
or partial registration.) -- Books by Redbird Writers and Friends. See the list on our
website. -- Books, period. First choice is to purchase from your local
Independent bookstore. Judy Bridges Redbird Studio 3195 S. Superior St. #429 Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-481-3195 |