February 3, 2011

From the Bird's Nest . . .

The Button Box

I am basically lazy. If I could eat well, look beautiful, and be loved without having to move, I would sit on my butt all day.

This morning, I sat and went through Aunt Claire's button box. Black, beige, red and navy blue, art deco, rhinestone studded, plastic and pearl. One little bag is filled with black glass beads, another contains hand painted ceramics. These enchanting treasures make me wish I had been more careful when I sorted Aunt Claire's clothing. I should have looked at, snipped off and saved more of the buttons.

The buttons that are not in the box, the ones I didn't save, are like all the ideas for stories I was too lazy to write.

I can make an argument for laziness. My dad, who designed and manufactured electrical equipment, said it creates efficiency. He sat in his green leather chair and figured out how to do things the easy way, and people paid him for that.

But no one has paid me for a story I didn't write.

You know where that leaves me, don't you. With no choice but to put the lid on the button box and, eek, ouch, oww, okay, okay, okay... Shut Up and ....

Making time for it

So far, I've kept my promise to schedule no more than two or three events a month, despite the urge to appear everywhere I'm invited. In January, I taught a SU&W class at Redbird -- a great group that included a doctor from Montana, an artist from New York, and their dad from Illinois.

Then, thanks to Jane Genzel and the Friends of Muskego Library, I visited the library for a "reading and conversation" that could have gone on for at least another hour.

And I got to see my friend Anne Kingsbury and the wonderful people who support Woodland Pattern at the book store's annual marathon. Scanning the names of this year's readers was a kick for me because every hour had at least two or three people I worked with over the years.

In February I have two events. In March, three. See, plenty of time....

2. EVENTS (as of 2-3-11)

Shut Up & Write! – The Class
February 12-13, Sat-Sun, 9:30-3:30
(snow dates: Feb 26-27)
This is a fun, energizing and informative class for beginners and pros. There is normally a waiting list, but this time we've had a few cancellations so there is space available.

The class includes material covered in the book, but goes much deeper. I ask what you want to achieve in the way of writing, and then do everything I can to help you. Whether you are looking for general information or for specifics about writing life stories, plays, novels, non-fiction or letters to the editor, you are bound to grow in confidence and skill. You don't need to bring anything but your lunch. Fee, $385, includes the book. Class size is limited to ten, so check availability. 414-481-3195 or jb@redbirdstudio.com
Registration information and directions: www.redbirdstudio.com

Waupaca Community Art Center, Waupaca, WI
February 20, Sun, 2pm
Reading and conversation about writing.
Everyone's welcome.
Free drawing for a copy of Shut Up & Write!
200 N Main St, Waupaca
www.wcacenter.com 715-258-3741

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
UWM Spring Writers' Festival, March 4-6
Judy's workshops: March 5, Sat, 9:45am and 2pm
9:45am: "A Hatful of Rabbits:What to do when the going gets tough"
2pm: "Critiques and Writers Groups:How to get the help you need"
Register with UWM: sce-writersfestival.uwm.edu

Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
March 10, Thurs, 7pm
Judy shares the program with writers Joanne Nelson,
Christi Clancy, Kim Suhr and Shannon Jackson Arnold
1039 Summit Ave. Oconomowoc,
www.booksco.com 262-567-0106

Raconteurs Writers Group, Wauwatosa, WI

March 20, Sun, 2pm
Reading and Conversation about writing.
Open to everyone interested in writing.
Free drawing for a copy of Shut Up & Write!
Mayfair Shopping Center, RM G150
For information about the group, contact Marilyn Auer
at 414-257-0376 marilynauer@juno.com

Avol's Bookstore - Madison, WI
April 3, Sun, 2pm
Judy shares the program with writers Laurel Landis,
Roi Solberg, Judith Zukerman and Robert Vaughan.
315 W. Gorham St, Madison
www.avolsbooks.com 608-255-4730

Shut Up & Write! – The Class at Redbird
April 9-10, Sat-Sun, 9:30-3:30

The Hairshirt Writers' Retreat -- Sinsinawa, WI
Apr 28 - May 1, Thurs-Sun
A Redbird Studio retreat at St. Clara Convent
Register with Redbird, www.redbirdstudio.com

Woodland Pattern Book Center - Milwaukee
May 11, Wed, 7pm
Reading features Judy and friends. Names tba.
720 E Locust St., Milwaukee, 414-264-5001

Writers' Wellspring at The Clearing, Door County
June 5-11, Sun-Sat
Register with The Clearing: www.theclearing.org

Women's Writing Retreat at The Clearing, Door County
Sept 11-17, Sun-Sat
Register with The Clearing: www.theclearing.org

3. REDBIRD-REDOAK CLASSES
See details at www.redbirdredoak.com
Register with Kim Suhr, kim@redbirdredoak.com

ROUNDTABLE GROUPS
Monday Mornings with Kim Suhr
Monday Afternoons with Kim Suhr (Oconomowoc)
Tuesday Afternoons with Jeannee Sacken
Tuesday Evenings with Kim Suhr
Thursday Evenings with Robert Vaughan
Fridays with Robert Vaughan

"Write 'til You're Blue in the Face" with Kim Suhr
RedBird-RedOak "On The Road" Showcase Readings
Creative Writing Camps and Writing Circles for Young Writers

4. NEWS ABOUT REDBIRD WRITERS AND FRIENDS
Watch for news in full length newsletters.

5. OTHER PLACES, OTHER FACES
Links to organizations of interest to writers are listed on Redbird website.