Shut Up & Write!

April, 2010

THE BIRD'S NEST
Judy Redbird Bridges

Black Squirrels

The black squirrels are playing around under the mayapples in our backyard. Looks like they have their own little forest with umbrella branches overhead and the promise of delicate green apples they can eat later in the season. Their only worry is when Chloe, our lab-mix Big Time Squirrel Hunter takes off after one of them. Not much to worry about there, either.

I'm sitting in the sun in a faded Adirondack chair, smiling because next week Wednesday I get to be one of the writers reading at the RedBird-RedOak Showcase. For years, I organized the Showcase. Last year, I read for the first time, but was still in charge. This year, Kim's in charge and I'm hanging out with the squirrels, not worrying about a thing.

It's been ten months since Kim and I set up our Sister-Redbirds and I am thrilled with the way things are working. I get tweaky when I look at the three shelves of Redbird writers' publications -- because each holds a memory for me. But that's small potatoes alongside of the pride I have in the way we handled things. In the last four months, I've run seven major events at Redbird and elsewhere, and I can't count how many workshops Kim and the others have managed.

I'm beginning to settle into my new nest, physically and psychologically. Work continues on my new Redbird Studio at the Marian Center -- a delicious space on the main floor that will work well for small gatherings and private consults. I'm about finished with the hardest (for me) part of the book. Now we begin polishing, editing, designing, getting it ready for a November launch party in the social room, scene of next weeks' reading and so many Redbird memories.

Next week, I'll read from a chapter in Shut Up & Write! about what to do when the going gets rough. Today, it doesn't seem so rough.

Looking for a place to write?
I have one of my most favorite studios available for rent. It's a cozy space with a great view, hardwood floor and an old library table that has had many words written on it -- at least three novels that I know of. Call or email me if you want to talk about it. jb@redbirdstudio.com or 414-481-3195.

2. REDBIRD STUDIO PROGRAMS
details on the website, or call 414-481-3195
www.redbirdstudio.com

SHUT UP & WRITE! -- New Weekend Class with Judy Bridges

Develop your skills
Build confidence
Get moving!

This nationally known class has helped many writers get moving on the road to success. It doesn't matter whether you are just starting out or have been writing for years, there is always more to learn and this is a good place to do it.

Enjoy the company of a small group of people from all backgrounds, all ages, all levels of education and experience. Beginners use this class to learn the brass tacks. Pros use it as a tune-up or to polish skills in another area of writing.

Lessons include practical techniques for character development in fiction and nonfiction, organization, narrative drive, point of view, how to get your work published, and more. Be inspired. Get focused. Write!

Summer session: August 14 and 15, at the Marian Center
Fee includes materials and follow-up critique, $345 ($100 deposit)
Special rate (1/3 off) for grads of the young writers camps. For summer session only.
Register early. Class size is extremely limited. Classroom is fragrance free.

"I can't remember the last time I enjoyed something as much as I enjoyed this class. I felt safe, stimulated and inspired."   Marie Moody - New Berlin, WI

"Simplifies the process for me, even as an already professional writer."   Judy Fossen - Delafield, WI

"Gave me the help I need to organize and make something out of my thoughts."   Tricia Mowen - Austin , TX

WRITERS' WELLSPRING with Judy Bridges
(for beginner to intermediate)
Learn more about writing at The Clearing folk school in Ellison Bay, WI
Saturday-Saturday, May 29-June 5
Contact The Clearing, www.theclearing.org or 877-854-3225

WOMEN'S WRITING RETREAT with Judy Bridges
(for intermediate and above)
Write your head off at The Clearing folk school in Ellison Bay, WI
Saturday-Saturday, October 3-9
Contact The Clearing, www.theclearing.org or 877-854-3225

REDBIRD-REDOAK SPRING WRITERS' SHOWCASE
Wednesday, May 5, 7pm

Whats better than a room full of bibliophiles listening to working writers sharing fiction, nonfiction and poetry? NOTHING!

Featured writers: Judy Bridges, Ken Brosky, Sharon Foley, Eric Hansen, Doug Jacobson, Larry Kresse, Laurel Landis, Felicity Librie, Pam Parker, Jeannee Sacken, Dave Thome. Emcee: Robert Vaughan

BOOKS FOR SALE FROM BOSWELL BOOKS
No registration necessary. Free.
In the Social Room at the Marian Center

REDBIRD-REDOAK CLASSES
Register with Kim Suhr
http://redbirdredoak.com

THE ABCs OF WRITING PICTURE BOOKS with KATY VOPAL
Sat, May 1   10 am - 2 pm   $50

WRITE 'TIL YOU'RE BLUE IN THE FACE with Kim Suhr
-- helps you bust through the block and write more than you thought possible.
4 Tues afternoons, May 4, 18, June 1, 29 12 noon - 2:30 pm $85

SATURDAY SESSIONS with Pam Parker
-- for those writing longer short fiction or book length works.
4 Sat mornings, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8, Jun 5   9 am-12 noon $100

ROUNDTABLE CRITIQUE GROUPS $85/4 meetings
Mondays w/Kim Suhr, Oconomowoc. 12:00-2:30pm (May-June)
Tuesdays w/Jeannee Sacken, 12:00-2:30 pm (May-June, July-Aug)
Wednesdays w/Kim Suhr, 6:30-9:00 pm (May-June) Tues evenings (July-Aug)
Thursdays w/Robert Vaughan, 6:30-9:00 pm (May-Aug)
Fridays w/Robert Vaughan, 9:30am-12:00 pm (May-June) 2-4:30 pm (July-Aug)

Registration now open for:
YOUNG WRITERS SUMMER CREATIVE WRITING CAMPS

4. 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.

A Sad Loss
Darla Barclay was putting the finishing touches on a book about the loss of her son when she died of cancer on January 23rd. Mind's Eye Radio Collective of Madison dedicated a program to her memory. The show, "Resilience, or, Hanging On For Dear Life," was the last show she contributed to. You can listen at http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/contriibutor/834

Showcase at Fixx Coffee House
Judy Bates, Dave Howard, Beth Huwiller, Brent Killakey, Pam Parker, Michael Proft, Kim Suhr and Dave Thome read excerpts of their work in progress at a RedBird-RedOak writers showcase at Fixx Coffee House.

This from the RedBird-RedOak Writers' Update
Judy Bridges moderated the interactive and lively conversation, "Getting Published in 2010," featuring writers, Kirk Farber, Shannon Jackson Arnold, Karen McQuestion, Eva Augustin Rumpf and Stacey Kannenberg. (Although Doug Jacobson was unable to be with us, his name and journey to becoming published were invoked as well.) In true Bridges style, Judy made full use of the vast experience of the writers in the room by inviting their insights. She even got the indie bookseller, Daniel Goldin of Boswell Books, in on the act. It was an all-around fantastic night. Thanks, Judy!

*****

A. Manette Ansay's novel, GOOD THINGS I WISH YOU, will be published in paperback this June. There's a promo for book clubs at: http//www.amanetteansay.com/wordpressbook/book-clubs/ (Ed note: I just looked at the site and found my response to reading the book! How cool is that?) Manette will present at the Southeastern Wisconsin Festival of the Book, Waukesha, June 18th, and at a Clara Schumann celebration, June 22, cosponsored by The Wisconsin Conservatory and Boswell Books.

Shauna Singh Baldwin's play, We Are So Different Now, was adapted for production in India and performed at Kamnai Auditorium, Delhi. The script is available for reading at: http://www.shaunasinghbaldwin.com/ArticlesBy.html Also, Shauna's response to the Proust questionnaire was aired on CBC http://www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter/MT/2010/03/march_2228.html

Stephen Boehrer gave a talk about the historical underpinnings of his novel, THE PURPLE CULTURE, at the national convention of Call-To-Action. You can read the text on his website: www.stephenboehrer.com

Susan Elbe and Kelly Madigan Erlandson guest edited the "Health" issue of Qarrtsiluni. http://qarrtsiluni.com (Ed. note: I've been loving my daily dose of Qarrtsiluni. A favorite factoid: the title comes from an Inupiaq word that means "sitting together in the darkness, waiting for something to burst.")

Kirk Farber's debut novel, POSTCARDS FROM A DEAD GIRL, was named a March 2010 Indie Next Selection -- Inspired Recommendations from Indie Booksellers. He also presented at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

Dennis Ference's poem, "Cancer," was published in Ars Medica.

Bill Gagliani published his new novel, SAVAGE NIGHTS, on Amazon Kindle. He says this new book is a "straight-out thriller rather than a thriller-horror-hybrid." (Ed. note: Either way: EEK. Bill and I go back a long way together and I can assure you he writes good scary stuff.)

Eric Hansen read his essay, "Lake of a Thousand Dances," on WUWM's Lake Effect. Eric is a regular contributor to WUWM and Wisconsin Public Radio.

Tom Hanratty taught a seminar on "Forensic Science for Mystery Readers and Mystery Writers" at Discovery World. (Ed. note: When he teaches this at Redbird, we provide the class with a dead body. I wonder if Discovery World was able to do that!)

Sheila Julson continues as a regular contributor to Bay View Compass. She also placed an article with BUST! magazine.

Leslie Kagan's third book, TOMORROW RIVER, is being released April 29, with a ticketed party at Next Chapter Bookshop.

Deb Karpek's article, "Service Work and Reiki," appeared in the Spring issue of Reiki News Magazine.

Amy Lou Jenkins is celebrating the release of her nonfiction book, EVERY NATURAL FACT: FIVE SEASONS OF OPEN AIR PARENTING, with book launches at Urban Ecology Center on May 24th, and Wauwatosa Public Library, May 25th. She will also be at Write By The Lake Writers Retreat in Madison, June 14-18; A Room of One's Own Bookstore in Madison, June 17th; Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo, July 8th, and Garcia Street Books in Santa Fe, August 5th.

Dasha Kelly of Still Waters Collective is facilitating a quarterly event, "The WordShop Salon," at Woodland Pattern Book Center.

Russell King was quoted on the Dylan Ratigan show on MSNBC.

Carol LaChapelle is leading workshops based on her book, FINDING YOUR VOICE: TELLING YOUR STORIES. She and Judy team-taught a workshop on "Writing Life Stories" at Redbird Studio in Milwaukee.

Doug Jacobson's second novel, THE DARK AND SILENT, was accepted for publication by McBooks Press, Ithaca, NY. The book focuses on the massacre at Katyn Forest, which Doug discussed on NPR radio shortly after the plane crash that took the lives of Poland's president and other Polish leaders. Katyn is also mentioned in his first novel, NIGHT OF FLAMES.

Sister Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND, is looking forward to the publication of her book in Spring, 2011. She shared her success story at the UWM Spring Writers Festival where she met her agent, Sheree Bykofsky, at a workshop a few years ago.

Robert Kiefert is publishing the online magazine, GreenBayProgressive.com

Mark Krieger's short story, "Dead End" made it into the final five for the Danahy award from the Tampa Review. The story received honorable mentions and was longlisted for the anthology of Fish Publishing, Durrus, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Karen McQuestion's novel, A SCATTERED LIFE, was selected for publication by AmazonEncore, the new publishing division of Amazon. The release date is June 22nd. Karen also presented an afternoon workshop at RedBird-RedOak, "Self-Publishing: Not Just for Vanity Anymore."

Jenny Najoom's script, "The Conductor," was selected for production at the Village Playhouse 25th Annual One Act Play Festival. Production is scheduled for May 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, at 7:30 pm at the Alchemists Theatre, 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in Milwaukee.

Pam Parker's submission binge has netted her six acceptances! Among them: "The Cost of New Shoes," by MacGuffin; "Secrets," by elimae; "The Echoes of Infinity," by MadSwirl; "The Silence of Harold" by Founding Review and "The Bumpy Way" by The Binnacle.

Lois Patton's memoir, A BOWL OF CHERRIES, was published by Booklocker, Inc. She said to say special thanks to Robert Vaughan and the members of the Friday morning roundtable for their support and encouragement.

Kay Pliszka served as vocal director and sang several songs in The Villages production of "Music in Motion." Fellow writer and Florida resident, Pat Lorenz, planned a visit to Kay that included attendance at one of the rehearsals.

Chris Roerden's DON'T SABATOGE YOUR SUBMISSION: INSIDER INFORMATION FROM A CAREER MANUSCRIPT EDITOR, won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Literary Criticism, the ForeWord Magazine's Bronze Medal for Writing Book of the Year, the Florida Writers Association's Royal Palm Award and a best of show Royal Palm for Book of the Year. This book is the expanded all-genre version of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, which in 2007 received the Agatha Award for Best Nonfiction Book. (And in which she says it's no wonder there's usually a waiting list for "Shut Up & Write!")

John Rondy's article, "Catholic church at crossroads in Milwaukee," was published by Reuters news service.

Paul Salsini has published DINO'S STORY: A NOVEL OF 1960s TUSCANY. It is the final volume in his "A Tuscan Trilogy," which began with THE CIELO: A NOVEL OF WARTIME TUSCANY, and continued with SPARROW'S REVENGE: A NOVEL OF POSTWAR TUSCANY. There was a reading and celebration for DINO'S STORY at Boswell Book Company on Downer Avenue.

Bela Sandor will be lecturing on "Tutankhamun's Horsepower in Religion and Sport" at Bjorklunden Seminar Center and at UW-Madison this fall.

Roi Solberg is showing her SPIRIT OF ARCHTYPES: CARDS OF SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE at the 9th Annual New Living Expo in San Francisco, April 30th, May 1 and 2. If you are in SF, you can find her at booth 1020 and sign up for a reading.

Boyd Sutton deserves a bushel basket of thank you notes from Wisconsin writers for his (often behind the scenes) support of them as editor of the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association Journal. Although he is shifting his job description at WRWA, he remains a strong presence in the Wisconsin writing scene.

Marilyn Taylor appeared at Poet Laureati! -- "a convergence of Midwest Poets Laureate" -- a reading cosponsored by the Kansas Arts Commission, Spencer Museum of Art, the Lawrence Arts Center, the Lawrence Public Library, The Raven Book Store, Free State Brewery, and the Community Mercantile. On May 13, Marilyn will be at Avol's Books in Madison for a reading and booklaunch of RECESS, poems by R. Virgil Ellis.

Dave Thome's novel, HEAT RISES, was one of l,000 to advance from among 5,000 general fiction entries to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. (Ed. note: Redbird fans may recall that four of the "advancing" novelists in the first Amazon Breakthrough contest were Redbird writers.)

Robert Vaughan has four new publications to report. "Gone Before Dawn," at Short, Fast, and Deadly! "Double Barrel," at 50 to 1. "Gingko" at Postcard Shorts, and "Tardy" at Thunderclap Press. Robert is also making almost daily entries to his blog: http://rgv7735.wordpress.com./

Carol Wobig's story, "Mother Regina," was accepted by online journal Clapboard House, for their summer issue. The magazine is connected to Georgia Southern University and the summer issue is a tribute to Eudora Welty.

Judith Zukerman read two of her poems at Avol's bookstore in Madison. She also received an acceptance from Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets for the 2011 edition of the Poet's Calendar.

5. OTHER PLACES, OTHER FACES

Special Note: Search for Poet Laureate
(following excerpt from Wisconsin Regional Writers website)
The Poet Laureate Commission of Wisconsin has begun the search for Wisconsin's next Poet Laureate. All qualified poets living in Wisconsin may apply for this prestigious post. Nominations of poets may also be made, with the poet's consent. The two-year term of service will begin on January 1, 2011. See WRWA site www.wrwa.net for added info. The application form is on http://wipoetlaureate.wi.gov

Alverno Telesis
A variety of writing classes including The Great Lakes Writers Workshop
telesis.alverno.edu

ArtDoozle
Free Arts Events Listing for Milwaukee and Wisconsin
No memberships, logins or registrations required
redbirdstudio.com/artdoozle

Arts Wisconsin
Arts Advocacy group
artswisconsin.org/

Avol's Bookstore
Independent used bookstore. Active supporter of WI poets.
315 W. Gorham, Madison 608-255-4730
avolsbookstore.com

Boswell Book Co.
Independent bookstore (formerly Schwartz Books)
2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee
boswellbooks.com

Cool Plums
Interactive webzine for writers (John Lehman)
CoolPlums.com

Council for Wisconsin Writers
Recognizing Literary Excellence Since 1964
Sponsors annual contests for published work of Wisconsin Writers
Awards banquet: Saturday, May 15 at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee
wisconsinwriters.org

The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI (Door County)
Folk school in a natural setting in Door County
Presents a variety of short and full-week programs
(See classes with Judy Bridges May 30-Jun 5 and Oct 3-9)
www.theclearing.org

Fox Cities Book Festival
Third Annual Festival, April, 2010
focol.org/bookfest/index.asp

Fox Valley Technical College
"Power of The Pen"
(See classes with Judy Bridges and other Redbird writers)
fvtc.edu/neenah

Green Lake Christian Writers Conference, Green Lake WI
August 22-27, 2010
Contact Jan White, Co-Director and Registrar, 920-294-7327 or 920-229-2418

Interlochen College of Creative Arts, Interlochen, MI
Screenwriting, Poetry, Prose & Paint, Retreats
Kristin Celeste Hills
interlochenorg/college

Lost Playground Studio
Thea Kovac offers at home and studio art classes
(She got me scribbling around at the easel. She can do it for you!)
theakovac@sbcglobal.net

Milwaukee Book Festival
Celebrates literary arts of all genres with readings, workshops, talks and panels
aomeara@uwm.edu

Milwaukee Public Library
Email newsletter alerts you to great selection of current readings and events.
mpl.org.

Next Chapter Book Shop
Independent bookstore in Mequon. (formerly Schwartz Books)
nextchapterbookshop.com/

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Mineral Point, WI
shakeragalley.com

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Wisconsin SCBWI-WI
Professional organization for writers and illustrators
Workshops, networking, resources.
scbwi-wi.com/

Soulstice Theatre
The Marian Center, Bay View
soulsticetheatre.org

Still Waters Collective
Resource network for language artists and enthusiasts
stillwaterscollective.com

The Inspired Writer
Creativity coaching and workshops
theinspiredwriter.org

The Marian Center, Bay View
Home of The Redbirds and dozens of dedicated nonprofits
mariancenter.net

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, School of Continuing Ed
Spring Writers Festival
4.uwm.edu/SCE/course.cfm?id=13682

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Div. of Continuing Studies
Write by the Lake Writers' Institute
Rhinelander School of the Arts summer program
Phone 608-262-7942,
dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing

Waupaca Community Arts Co-Op
200 North Main Street, Waupaca
waupacaarts.org

Waukesha Writer's Workshop
Sponsors Bo Carter Memorial Contest
donaldschambow@aol.com

Windhover Center for the Arts
Fond du Lac, WI
windhovercenter.org

Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters
Publishes Wisconsin People & Ideas
Sponsors Short Story and Poetry Contests
wisconsinacademy.org

Wisconsin Book Festival
Book Festival in Madison and other locations
September 20-October 3, 2010
wisconsinbookfestival.org

Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets (WFOP)
Statewide network for poets. Contests and information.
Publishes Museletter and annual Poet's Calendar
Annual Student Poetry Contest.
New Chapbook Contest for Wisconsin poets
wfop.org

Wisconsin Regional Writers Association (WRWA)
Contests, conferences, writers' groups, excellent newsletter
2010 Spring Conference in Manitowoc, May 1st
wrwa.net/

Wisconsin Romance Writers
www.WisRWA.org

Woodland Pattern Book Center, Milwaukee
Outstanding poetry resource, plus readings and workshops
woodlandpattern.org

Working Writers
Association of full time professional independent writers based in S.E. WI.
Members serve business clients, non-profit organizations, publishers and authors.
workingwriters.org

WriteCamp2
Saturday, June 5
www.writecampmilwaukee.com

Writer's Ink, Cudahy
Writers' group welcomes all levels, all styles, all genres.
Meets first and third Mondays, 7pm, in the lower-level meeting room of Chase Bank in Cudahy.
Contact Gail Torpe: gtoe@aol.com or 414-744-9664