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Redbird Studio: Helping writers find a
voice --
to say what they want to say in a way
that will be heard.
December 27, 2005
1. First, a Toast
2. New directors
3. Help needed
4. Tune into WUWM
5. New Year Resolutions
6. How to get first dibs
7. Winter schedule
8. Other places/faces
9. News of Redbird writers and friends
10. How to help/contact us/report news/get off the list
1. FIRST, A TOAST...
To those who helped make 2005 our 13th
successful year. Thanks for the advice, the favors, the contributions and the
memories.
Jan Armato, Shannon Jackson Arnold, Marilyn
and Charles Auer, Kris Babe, Shauna Singh Baldwin, Judy Beehler, Mary Lou Bell,
Anne Bingham, Dan Blank, Dave Blank, Rebecca Blemberg, Sally Blommer, Jack
Byrne, Rita and Steve Boehrer, The Council for Wisconsin Writers, Margaret
Ferris, Ellen and Tom Hanratty, Satchi Hiremath, Jean Harlan, Sheila Julson,
Terry Kaldhusdal, Stacey Kannenberg and Linda Desimowich, Amy Kraemer, Katie
Lance, Anne Landre, John Lehman, Jim Maki, The Marian Center, Marilyn McKnight,
Katie Miller, Linda Mrochinski, Karen Murawski, Marjorie Pagel, Pamela Parker,
Beth Ridley, John Rondy, Stephanie Sandy, Colleen Heather Rogan, Jean
Scherwenka, Pat Schlick, Connie Squire, Ruth Silver, Kim Suhr, Allyn Travis,
Robert Vaughan, Patricia Weisberg, Janese and Tom Wills, Carol Wobig and Doreen
Zeller.
2. NEW DIRECTORS
Redbird is lucky to have three new directors.
Kim Suhr is Director or Young Author Programs. Kris Babe is Director of
Marketing. Robert Vaughan is Director of Adult Programming. Dave Blank
continues as Vice President. Jean Scherwenka continues as Secretary of the
Board. Judy Bridges is still the boss.
3. HELP NEEDED
Winter flyers are ready for distribution. If
you can help, please come to the studio Friday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. to pick up
as many as you can deliver Friday or Saturday. These flyers are packaged in
envelopes addressed to book stores, coffee shops and libraries that are generally
happy to put them on display. We'll have the coffee ready.
4. TUNE INTO WUWM 89.7 FM
Robyn Cherry interviewed Judy for a segment of
At Ten. We don't have the date of airing yet, but it will be right around
January 1st. At Ten is aired twice per day, at 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
5. NEW RESOLUTIONS
Do you make New Year resolutions? I do. The
same ones, every year. I used to feel guilty about that; now I think it's a
convenience. I can just pull out the old list and I'm good to go. Lose weight.
Exercise. Be nicer to the people I love. Write more.
Ah. Write more. Is that on your list, too? If
so, scan ahead. You'll see lots of opportunity to gain skills and support, plus
a ton of motivation in the successes of your Redbird friends.
6. HOW TO GET FIRST DIBS
You are receiving this class schedule before
it hits the bulletin boards or mailboxes. That means you get first dibs on
registration. You can print the registration form on the web site, or just
enclose a note with your payment. As of this writing, all classes except the
Tuesday and Wednesday roundtables have space available.
7. THE WINTER SCHEDULE (Jan-April,
2006, plus Young Author Summer Programs)
--Shut Up and Write!--
New... Expanded...
In answer to requests, we have extended our
signature writing course to eight meetings. That's two more weeks of good
writing. We can offer only one extended class this winter, though, so please
register early. Class size is
strictly limited.
Eight Mondays in Seminar 6:30-9pm $345
WINTER CLASS: Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 13,
20, 27, Mar 6, 13
Do you want to write fiction, nonfiction, an
article, a play? Have you been talking (and thinking) about it for a long time,
but just canıt seem to get it done? Hereıs help for you a seminar with a writing
coach who just wonıt take No for an answer. Judy has heard every excuse (and
tried most of them!) and knows how to give you the nudge you need.
Shut Up and Write! is a highly individualized
program in which Judy focuses on your particular goals and finds ways to help
you meet them. She's had a lot of experience doing this, so be prepared to make
progress.
The first few sessions include a fair amount
of stand-up teaching about the craft. Whatever your level or area of interest,
you'll learn more about writing fiction and nonfiction, characters, dialogue,
scenes, setting, structure, point-of-view, language, project management and
publication. As you learn helpful techniques, you will apply them to a project
of your choice. If you don't have a project in mind, Judy will help you find
one. By the end of the course, you will have completed a number of pages and
gained confidence and skills you can use to reach the goals you set. Plan on
having homework and on sharing your enthusiasm with others in the group.
Graduates have called this seminar ³Exciting²
and ³One of the best things Iıve ever done for myself as a writer.²
JUDY BRIDGES is the founder of
Redbird Studio. She has earned her living writing articles, stories, plays and
business communications. She holds a bachelorıs degree in writing and a
masterıs in adult education.
--Roundtable Critique Groups--
New Groups... New Leader...
We had waiting lists for our roundtable groups
nearly all of last year. This year, we added two new groups led by
writer/teacher Robert Vaughan. All
groups meet in the studio and have the same workshop format.
Four Meetings per Session $85
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS 12-2:30 Judy Bridges
Session #1 - Jan 10, 24, Feb 7, 21 (wait list)
Session #2 - Mar 7, 21, Apr 11, 25 (wait list)
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (Inkslingers) 6:30-9 Judy Bridges
Session #1 - Jan 4, 18, Feb 1, 15 (wait list)
Session #2 - Mar 1, 15, Apr 5, 19 (wait list)
New THURSDAY EVENINGS 6:30-9 Robert Vaughan
Session #1 - Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20
New FRIDAY MORNINGS 9:30-12 Robert Vaughan
Session #1 - Jan 13, 27, Feb 10, 24
Session #2 - Mar 10, 24, Apr 14, 28
These are the original Redbird critique groups
designed to support writers as they work on projects and continue developing
their craft. Leaders are committed to helping participants reach their
individual writing goals short term or long, big project or small. As a
member of the group, you read your work, receive feedback, share ideas and
build a network of writing friends.
Roundtable groups are appropriate for those
who have some writing experience and have attended skills courses (such as
"Shut Up and Write") at Redbird or other locations. Writers of all
interests are welcome.
ROBERT VAUGHAN 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 submitting plays and working on his first
novel.
First in a New Series of Special Topics in
Fiction
--Info-hunting for Fiction--
Shauna Singh Baldwin
Wednesday, Feb 8 6:30-9pm $75
For historical and contemporary fiction alike,
your authority as an author comes from your knowledge, so you can describe what
your characters do and why. Net and library research and interviews are sources
-- but where do you stop? In the age of the net, what's an authoritative
source?
Author Shauna Singh Baldwin understands the
importance of good research. In this workshop she shares what she has learned
about info-hunting via the net, libraries and interviews. Learn how to organize
your research, keep it focused, evaluate sources and find information fast.
Note: This seminar is focused on fiction, but
non-fiction writers will benefit as well.
SHAUNA SINGH BALDWIN's first novel,
"What the Body Remembers," the story of two women in a polygamous
marriage in Occupied India, received the Commonwealth Prize for Best Book
(Canada-Caribbean). "English Lessons and Other Stories" received the
Friends of American Writers prize. Her second novel, "The Tiger Claw"
(Knopf Canada 2004, Vintage Canada 2005), is inspired by the life of Noor
Inayat Khan (code name: Madeleine). The story of a Sufi Muslim secret agent who
searches for her beloved through Occupied France, it was a finalist for the
Giller Prize.
--Science Fiction and Fantasy--
Aaron Schutz
Thursdays, Feb 23 and Mar 2 6:30-9pm $125
Ready to try your hand at writing science
fiction or fantasy, but not quite sure how to get started? In this introductory
workshop you will learn some of the basic "rules" that are specific
to the genre, and examine the special challenges that science fiction and
fantasy writers face.
Students who are currently working on stories
are welcome to send one to the studio along with their registration. Excerpts
from these stories may be selected for reading during the workshop. As part of
the course, Aaron offers each participant a written critique of one short story
draft. But you don't need completed work to attend the class. Writers at all
levels are welcome.
AARON SCHUTZ has published short
stories in Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, Realms of Fantasy, and elsewhere.
He participated in a monthly workshop with the core teachers of the famous
Clarion Science Fiction Writing Workshop for five years and subsequently
received a master's degree in Creative Writing from New York University. He
taught writing for a number of years at different universities, and currently
teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the School of Education.
A Special Event!
--Poetry:From Personal to Powerful--
John Lehman
Saturday, March 18, 9:30am-3pm $195
Lunch included Enrollment limited to 13
What do you bring to the writing of a poem and
what stays with someone after they read it?
Come prepared to grow to intensify your
poetry by sharpening its drama; to shape its movement so its form fits its content.
Discover how to transform an entire piece into a metaphor for your reader by
choosing the correct titles and endings. Through discussion, short exercises,
feedback on the work of others and analysis of short pieces by such poets as
Robert Frost and Lorine Niedecker, youıll discover how to make that poetic leap
from personal to powerful.
Participants may submit one of their own poems
prior to the workshop (send to John Lehman, 315 E. Water St, Cambridge WI,
53523). There will also be time after the seminar for individual conferences.
JOHN LEHMAN is a nationally
published writer and poet with twenty years experience teaching creative
writing and twelve years as a creative director/senior copywriter for Midwest
advertising agencies. He is one of two commended poets (runners-up for the
Wisconsin Poet Laureate position) and founder of The Wisconsin Poetry
Initiative. He is the poetry editor of the Wisconsin Academy Review and his
poetry has appeared in over twenty literary magazines and anthologies.
John has presented writing seminars in dozens
of cities throughout the country and is founder and first publisher of Rosebud,
one of the fastest growing magazines of short fiction, poetry and art in
America today, as well as publisher of the free quarterly Cup of Poems and a
Side of Prose, distributed in Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Iowa City and
North Chicago. John's latest books of poetry, "Shorts:101 Brief Poems of
Wonder and Surprise" and "Dogs Dream of Running," as well as his
book on Wisconsinıs Lorine Niedecker, "Americaıs Greatest Unknown
Poet," are available at local bookstores and at WisconsinPoet.com.
--Playwriting--
Robert Vaughan
Saturday, April 1 9:30am-3pm $125
Do you have an idea for a play but no idea how
to go about creating it? Learn from a seasoned playwright how premise, story,
characters, dialogue and conflict all work together to make a unique piece of
theater you can be proud of.
Robert gives you pointers on finding your
"voice" and the unique "voice" for other characters. Learn
about writing the play, getting it read while in progress or finished, and
getting produced as a playwright. Also includes a look at the local Milwaukee
theater scene.
Note: This seminar is designed for
playwrights, but other writers will find the material useful and are welcome to
attend.
ROBERT VAUGHAN has worked on and off
in New York and Los Angeles theaters for more than 25 years. He has acted in
and directed over 50 plays, everything from Musical Theater and Comedy to
Dramatic plays. His playwriting career took off after schooling at New York
University, and his own plays have been produced in such places as New York,
Los Angeles and San Francisco. He is also an accomplished poet and is working
on his first novel. He has taught workshops in several states and leads
writers' roundtable groups at Redbird.
--Redbird Writer's Showcase--
Thursday, April 27 6:30-9pm
Open to the public (free-will donation)
Marian Center Social Room (on the main floor)
Mark your calendar now for a delightful evening.
Members of Redbird workshops will read selected excerpts from published and
in-progress novels, short stories, essays, poetry and plays.
--Young Authors at Redbird--
Kim Suhr, Joan Boyce, Katie Lance, Pam
Parker,
Robert Vaughan, Judy Bridges and
visiting authors
Mon-Fri 9am-2:30pm $325 ($100 deposit)
Students entering:
Grades 4-6 July 2428
Grades 7-8 July 31Aug 4
Grades 9-12 Aug 711
Kids who like to write love our summer Young
Author programs. Imagine spending a week with other young writers, learning
from professional writer/teachers, writing outside and in the studio called
"home" by many published authors. Our goal is to give young authors
the time, space and support they need to nurture their passion for writing.
Sessions are led by accomplished writing
teachers who tailor activities specifically to the age and interests of each
group. All ages spend time in the studio and outdoors. They may walk on the
beach, hike a wooded trail or visit a cemetery; gathering inspiration and
learning practical skills. Each day includes some lighthearted activities,
age-appropriate lessons on the craft of writing and best of all, time to write.
For more information, ask for the Young Author
brochure or see the Young Author pages at redbirdstudio.com
8. OTHER PLACES-OTHER FACES
17th Annual T.E.A.M. Conference, Northeastern Illinois
University, Chicago.
Feb 10, 11. (neiu.edu/~team)
Two days of workshops for teachers of
experiential education, including J. Bridges: "Journaling:Five Easy
Pieces"
The Power of the Pen: A Day for
Writers, Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton
April 8. (www.fvtc.edu or 1-877-555-5151)
Day of workshops presented by Judy Bridges,
Joanne Flemming, Shannon Jackson Arnold, Ellen Kort and John Lehman.
Fourth Annual Spring Writers Festival,
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
April 28-30. (www,sce-arts.uwm.edu, click on Programs, then Spring
Writers Festival)
Weekend conference includes workshop by JB:
"Point of View Made Easy"
Council for Wisconsin Writers Annual
Awards Banquet
June 6.
Milwaukee
(www.wisconsinwriters.org)
Wisconsin Regional Writers Assn.
(WRWA) Spring Conference
May 6. Appleton (wrwa.net)
21st Annual Great Lakes Writers
Workshop, Alverno College, Milwaukee
June 23-24. (nancy.krase@alverno.edu)
The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI (Door
County)
Full catalog of opportunities
(www.theclearing.org)
"Women's Writing Retreat" led by JB,
Sept 10-16
Woodland Pattern Book Center,
Milwaukee
Workshops and special events. (www.woodlandpattern.org)
9. 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 story,
"Lillian and Granpere," appeared in the November issue of Cricket
magazine.
Christi Clancy's story, "Home,
I Hope," appeared on the website Literary Mama .
Shannon Jackson Arnold's recent publications
include part of a Fall Drives feature in Wisconsin Trails and pieces for
Milwaukee Home.
Kris Babe had an essay
published in the anthology "Sacred Fire."
Shauna Singh Baldwin was featured in the
Hindustan Times as a person who has made a breakthrough in fiction in the year
2005. The Greek edition of "What The Body Remembers" was published in
December. Shauna also read from her latest novel, "The Tiger Claw,"
at the Heliconian Club in Toronto. and at GritLit in Hamilton, Ontario.
"The Tiger Claw" was discussed at a meeting of DesiLit Chicago Book
Club in December. Shauna has a new website: ShaunaSinghBaldwin.com
Sally Blommer's writings about her
worldwide biking adventures appear on her website: ridetheroad.com. She and
husband Peter have been touring the world for over 30 years. The most recent
posting is about their trip from Guatemala to El Salvador.
Mary Brill is leading a seminar
titled "Shapeshifting" at Aurora University in Williams Bay, WI,
Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19.
Richard Dawley published his second
book, "Amish:Journey in Contentment." He has two more books in the
mill, "Amish Assimilation" and "Amish in Minnesota."
Bill Gagliani's Bram Stoker Award
finalist novel "Wolf's Trap" will be released in May, 2006 by Leisure
Books (Dorchester Publishing). An article will appear in Writing Horror: A
Handbook by the Horror Writers Association, a Writer's Digest Book edited by
Mort Castle. Bill's book reviews appear in Cemetery Dance, Hellnotes, and The
Chiaroscuro.
Ellen Hanratty's letter to the editor
was published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in December.
Doris Hayes was featured in an
Standard Press (Burlington, WI) article about her Fulbright-Hays trip to
Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Vicky Hinshaw's novel, "Least
Likely Lovers" is available from Zebra Regency Romances.
www.victoriahinshaw.com.
Doug Jacobson's WWII novel,
"Taking Freedom," has been accepted by a New York publisher (name
withheld 'til all the papers are signed.) Doug followed tradition and brought
wine and cheese to the Tuesday roundtable to celebrate. We will celebrate again
when the book is published. And again when we attend his readings. And again...
Amy Jenkins is due to receive her
MFA from Bennington College in January.
Stacey Kannenberg and Linda Desimowich's book, "Let's
Get Ready for Kindergarten," was featured in a Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
article written by Ashley Johnson. It was also featured in the Los Angeles
Family Gift Guide for the holidays.
Deb Karpek's writings appear in
"Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Daily Inspirations Journal."
Boomerwomenspeak.com also accepted three of her stories for publication.
Peggy Kiefert announced the opening
of her own art studio. She specializes in hand-drawn portraits created from
photographs. www.peggysstudio.com.
Carolyn Lawrence, a participant in Young
Authors Camp, August 2004, won the Iron County Michigan Harry Potter Essay
Contest.
John Lehman and Shoshauna Shy
read at AVOL's Bookstore in Madison, to celebrate the recent book release of
John's collection "Shorts:101 Brief Poems of Wonder and Surprise,"
and Shoshauna's "White Horses on Sale for a Song."
Marilyn McKnight's article about
prominent Milwaukee-area leaders who play musical instruments, "On a
Positive Note," has been accepted for publication in the City edition of M
Magazine.
Karen McQuestion placed first in the
Blogging 4 Books contest, a competition hosted by author Joshilyn Jackson and
judged by Megan Crane. Karen won a signed copy of Megan Crane's novel
"Everyone Else's Girl." The results of the contest and the link to
the winning essay can be seen at http://joshilynjackson.com/mt/
Mel Miskimen's weekly "Tales
of Woe" can be heard on podcast.net. (in the search window, type
Melodrama.) Episode 1. Check Your Toes At The Door - when power corrupts.
Episode 2. Fourth Of July - a civics lesson gone bad.
Mara Ptacek and other members of
the poetry groups Sparks and Poets, Inc. will read at Schwartz Bookstore on Oakland
at 7 pm, January 4, in celebration of the winter solstice. Readers include Cary
Fellman, Jane Kircher, Mary Lux, Helen Padway, Peter Piaskoski, Mara Ptacek,
Charlesetta Thompson, Caolyn Vargo and Phyllis Wax. Mara was also featured as
Milwaukee Art Museum's Member of the Month.
Jean Scherwenka's article about
Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center appeared in Riverwest Currents. Jean is a
regular contributor to Currents.
Doreen Zeller's book "Chance
Encounter With a Dandelion" is garnering interest with readers and gift
shop managers. It may be featured in a spring display at a botanical garden.
Greetings from friends we don't see often but who are still a
part of us:
Mary Roses Baer, Milwaukee, Wi
Claudia Burns Sanibel Island,
Florida.
Diane Goff, Blacksburg,
Virginia.
Mary Jane Johnson, Delafield, WI
Rae Spencer, San Francisco.
Jane Wood, Collierville, TN.
10. HOW TO HELP, CONTACT US, REPORT
NEWS or GET OFF THE LIST
TO HELP: Distribute flyers.
Tell people about Redbird. Contribute to the Young Author Scholarship Fund.
May we suggest:
-- A gift to the Scholarship Fund in your
name, or to honor your favorite writer.
-- 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.
-- If you are purchasing books from Amazon,
you can help Redbird by ordering through our site.
-- Purchase "Redbird Writers" tee
shirts for your writer-friends. $12 plus postage.