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REDBIRD STUDIO -- A WRITERÕS PLACE
September,
2008
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 BIRDÕS NEST Judy
Bridges
What I learned
this summer...
1. It's
oh so lovely to have a quiet place to write.
2. Aunt
Claire really did see peacocks in her yard. (And I thought it was the
Alzheimer's.)
3. It's
easier to say Shut Up & Write than to do it.
I
got lucky this summer. Kim Suhr and her team took over the kids' camps and ran
them so smoothly I never worried for a minute. One day, when they seemed to be
doing too well without me, I got weepy, but that blew over and turned into joy.
How often do you get to put your heart and soul into building something and
have it go on beyond you, beyond your dreams?
While the kids were here, I was up at Aunt Claire's, scribbling
my head off. It feels good to be writing again, turning out page after
drafty page, looking forward to how good it's going to be after I rewrite. I'm
working on "Shut Up & Write!" -- a book I've been threatening to
write for years. It's based on the seminar and the things I learn working with
accomplished and beginning writers. Passing on the practical tools and
techniques that work for them is more than a worthy goal, it's fun.
This
week, we head up to The Clearing, where I lead an annual Women's Writing
Retreat and David attends Barbara Manger's printmaking class. While there,
we will celebrate our 15th anniversary. Our gift to ourselves is two of
The Clearing's "Mertha" style Adirondack chairs, which we will set up
in the woods at Aunt Claire's. If we see any peacocks, we'll let you know.
2. WHAT'S UP AT REDBIRD?
For
more information or to register: www.redbirdstudio.com or
414-481-3195
POETRY CRITIQUE GROUP with MARILYN TAYLOR
If
you're a serious poet, you've probably been yearning for a group like this --
one that's led by an award winning poet known for her warmth and leadership.
Present your works-in-progress for discussion and feedback. The atmosphere
is supportive and smart.
Meets
Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 pm. $85 per session
Fall
Session: Sep 2, 16, 30, Oct 7 (okay to pro-rate if you missed first
meeting)
Late
Fall Session: Nov 4, 18, Dec 2, 16
SHUT UP & WRITE! SEMINAR with JUDY BRIDGES
A
practical approach to craft, plus coaching and an introduction to the Redbird
culture. Great for new and experienced writers of fiction and nonfiction. Small
groups. Register early; there is often a waiting list.
Meets
six Monday evenings. 6:30-9:00 pm. Fee: $345
Fall:
Sept 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27 (just a few spaces left)
REDBIRD WRITERS' ROUNDTABLE CRITIQUE GROUPS
Roundtables are the
heart of Redbird. Led by experienced writer/teachers, they combine the best of
college workshops and living room groups to give you structure, support,
healthy feedback and the opportunity to build a network of writing
friends.
Roundtables
with ROBERT VAUGHAN
For all levels, fiction and
nonfiction
MONDAY MORNINGS 9:30
am to 12 noon, $85 per session
Fall
Session: Sept 15, 29, Oct 6, 20
Late
Fall Session: Nov 3, 17, Dec 8, 22
THURSDAY
EVENINGS 6:30 to 9 pm, $85 per session
Fall-Late
Fall: Sept 18, Oct 23, Nov 20, Dec 11
Roundtables
with JUDY BRIDGES
For
intermediate and above, fiction and nonficton.
Pre-requisite:
Shut Up and Write! plus 5 pages for instructor approval.
TUESDAY
AFTERNOONS 12 noon to 2:30 pm, $85/session
Fall
Session: Sep 16, 30, Oct 14, 28
Late
Fall Session: Nov 4, 18, Dec 2, 16
WEDNESDAY
EVENINGS 6:30 to 9:00 pm, $85/session
Fall
Session: Sep 17, Oct 1, 15, 29
Late
Fall Session: Nov 5, 19, Dec 3, 17
NEW -- THE HAIRSHIRT: Redbird Women's
Writing Retreat
Thanks
to planner Laurel Landis, a small group of lucky women will enjoy a winter
weekend in the perfect atmosphere to write without interruption or apology. The
Hairshirt is held at the Sinsinawa Mound Center in the southwest corner of
Wisconsin, near Dubuque. This is where retreat leader Judy Bridges graduated
from high school in 1957, when the Sinsinawa Dominican Motherhouse was home to
500 nuns and 97 obedient girls. Judy loves the place and so will you. Your fee
includes private room, meals, roundtables and a private consultation. The
Hairshirt Award will be presented on Monday, March 9th.
Thursday-Monday, March
5-9, 2009, Fee: $450
See
www.redbirdstudio.com
for details and registration information.
RED OAK YOUNG WRITERS
SUNDAY
WRITERS' CIRCLES Young
writers bring in photocopies of works in progress to receive feedback, share
ideas and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Meets in Redbird
Studio, Room 429 at The Marian Center. Info and
registration:www.redoakyoungwriters.com
Grades 4-6 with Kris
Jaeger
Session
I: Sept 14, Nov 9, Dec 14
1-3
pm $50 for all 3 dates
Grades 7-12 with Kim Suhr
Session
I: Sept 7, 21, Oct 19, 26
Session
II: Nov 2, 16, Dec 7, 21 1-3:30pm
1-3:30pm
$65 per session
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.
Shannon
Jackson Arnold has
redesigned The Inspired Writer, which she founded while living in Columbus and
serving as editor of Ohio Magazine, to include craft and creativity workshops.
When I asked if she'd like me to mention this in the news, she responded:
"I'd love for you to include that none of this would have been possible
without you and Redbird Ñ the place where I first experienced the power and
transformation of working in a group with a gifted and committed teacher Ñ and
the place where I first taught a class Ñ Reading for Writers -- which showed me
that not only am I called to write; I'm called to teach. (http://www.theinspiredwriter.org)
Shauna
Singh Baldwin While
her latest collection of short stories, We Are Not in Pakistan, is earning accolades, Shauna is
busy working on her third novel. She was awarded a coveted writers' residency
from The Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, Illinois. Also, one of her
poems was published in The
Fieldstone Review
- an online magazine. www.ShaunaSinghBaldwin.com
Elaine
Bergstrom is
adding her wit and wisdom to the blog community. http://elainebergstromblog.wordpress.com
She also leads a novelistsÕ critique group at Roberts on Howell, 2nd and 4th
Wednesday evenings. For information contact ebergstrom2@wi.rr.com.
Anne
Bingham had
two short stories accepted for publication by literary magazines this
fall, The Healing Muse and Fifth Wednesday Journal.
Ludmilla
Bollow was
chosen by Wisconsin Wrights as a Wisconsin Wright for 2008. Her play, "In
The Rest Room At Rosenblooms" was performed at the Boise Little Theatre
(Boise ID) and given a reading at Spring Green Public Library. "Choke
Cherry Corners -- Tavern & Dance Hall" was read at Hemsley Theatre,
UW-Madison.
Judy
Bridges was
caught purchasing a Blue Moon Smoothie at Outpost Natural Food Coop . See: http://www.outpostnaturalfoods.coop/current_owner.html
Peggy
Brown's book Collectopia All-Year
Yearbook, was
recently released. She's been a guest on programs such as Rachel Ray and
Milwaukee's Morning Blend, where she shows how kids and adults can have fun
with her games including Grand Corral and Battle in a Bucket.
Kirk
Farber For
all who are missing Kirk since he moved to Colorado, you can see his handsome
face at http://www.kirkfarber.com/
Diane
Goff was a
Tuesday afternoon roundtable favorite for nearly a year while husband Richard
used his teaching sabbatical to work at Harley. She has now finished her book
about her mother's duel with Alzheimer's. The 105th HOG anniversary party
brought Diane and Richard back for a visit, during which they vowed to return
for another sabbatical that they won't be spending in the Bahamas. Lucky for
us.
Dave
Howard was the
guest at Red Oak Young Writers Literary Luncheon. He talked about what it's
like to devote yourself to writing and read pages from his novel in progress.
He was impressed with the feedback he received from the discerning young
authors.
Doug
Jacobson's book Night of Flames was selected for Outstanding
Achievement recognition for a 2007 publication by the Wisconsin Library
Association Literary Awards Committee.
Amy
Jenkins' essay
"Still Autumn," is a finalist in the SF writers project essay
contest and can be read at
http://sfwp.org/2008/07/31/still-autumn-by-literary-awards-finalist-amy-l-jenkins/. Her essay "Real
Packers Fans" will be published in the next issue of Sport Literate. She's also been
awarded a Mesa Refuge writing fellowship and will be off
to California for a few weeks of support and uninterrupted writing
and research.
Sheila
Julson wrote
several articles for The Bay View Compass newspaper, including a story about St. Ann Center
and one about Bay View's corner taps.
Deb
Karpek has
been writing monthly articles for Sobering Thoughts, a newsletter for Women for
Sobriety. She is also moving Peaceful World Reiki to a new home in Franklin,
Family Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies.
Stacey
Kannenberg,
president of Cedar Valley Publishing, says: "I just finished my mom
spokes-gig for SC JohnsonÕs Scrubbing Bubbles 'Spring Cleaning those Germs'
campaign with a national satellite media tour, radio media tour and an audio
news release. They sent cars to transport me to Chicago and my Morning
Blend segment in Milwaukee and flew me to NYC as their ÒtalentÓ and the next
ÒtalentÓ in to the studio after I wrapped up was -- Barack Obama.
HA! Who knew!!! Smiles - Stacey"
Thea
Kovac, artist,
writer and founder of Lost Playground Studio, offers a series of art workshops
at Garden Room on East Knapp Street.
Al
Krueger is
hosting an internet radio show on BlogTalkRadio.com covering branding and
public relations. He started on Sept. 3rd @ 11:00 a.m.
Mel
Miskimen writes:
"I couldn't have written my first book without Redbird. I'm currently
working on another book: Fix A House. Save The World. It's about living in the
'hood, fighting crime, building bridges and patching walls. I have a publisher
who wants half of the MS by the end of spring (yikes!) So far, um, I have
only like, 30 pages. I've got a new website and blog: Catholicomedian.com
where I get to write about all things relating to growing up and being Catholic. Check
it out."
Will
Mueller wrote
articles for Bay View Compass, including one about electric vehicles .
Marjorie
Pagel wrote about
attending Kim Stezala's book launching party for her blog in www.myhalescornersnow.com.
"Celebrity Status... I Knew Her When..." was chosen Best of the Blogs
for that week. Marjorie and Kim are both Redbird writers, so we get double fun
out of this.
Kay
Pliszka -- now
residing in Florida -- added another stage credit when she played Gooch in
"Mame."
Sandra
Priebe won
an honorable mention from the grief blog for her poem, My Third Child is
Grief.
Edie
Ramer is
co-organizer of a Margie Larson Workshop on Empowering Characters' Emotions, to
be held at the Downtown Ramada on Nov. 1st, sponsored by the Wisconsin Romance
Writers. For more information, email edie at edieramer@gmail.com
Paul
Salsini, author
of Cielo and "longtime state editor for The Milwaukee Journal, writing
coach to scores of young journalists" was inducted to the Milwaukee Media
Hall of Fame by The Milwaukee Press Club's Past Presidents Council. He was also
a guest on Milwaukee Authors, a new TV show and website dedicated to showcasing
the work of talented authors in the Greater Milwaukee area and Southeastern
Wisconsin. http://milwaukeeauthors.com/index.html
Nancy
Sandstrom uses
her Redbird experience to write for her Bayfield, WI bed and breakfast,
Pinehurst Inn. www.pinehurstinn.com
Kim
Stezala's book, Scholarships 101: The
Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College was released this summer. She appeared on
Fox 6 Wakeup News and on Channel 4 Morning Blend talk show. Kim credits
her fellow Redbird writers in the acknowledgments. www.scholarshipstreet.com
Kim
Suhr reports
that Red Oak Creative Writing Camp welcomed 80 young people entering grades 4
though 12 to a week writing together and honing the craft. "We must have
done a pretty good job judging from participant and parent feedback: 'Thank you
for giving me the best week of my life!' -- Emily, grade 6. 'Nothing else comes
close to satisfying our daughter's creative (and social) needs.' -- Leann,
mother of 7th grader. She and the other teachers look forward to offering this
unique opportunity to young writers for years to come. http://www.redoakyoungwriters.com/320.html
Marilyn
Taylor was
awarded a three-week Associate Artist Residency at The Atlantic Center for the
Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She was selected by the poet Eamon Grennan,
with whom she will be studying during her stay. She will also lead
"Getting a Word in Edgewise: A Poetry Workshop" at Bjorklunden Sept
21-26.
Tom
Wargin of Liberty
Financial was featured in an Investment Trends article by Kathleen Gallagher,
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 28.
Rick
Whaley's article
"2008 Sacred Sites Journey Heals as It Runs" appeared in the national
newspaper published in Hayward, WI, News from Indian Country.
4. OTHER PLACES, OTHER FACES
SPECIAL
LISTING
MILWAUKEE
BOOK FESTIVAL October 5Ð14
www.sce-MilwaukeeBookFestival.uwm.edu
Contact:
Anne OÕMeara, UWM, 414-227-3311, aomeara@uwm.edu
Sunday,
October 5
6 p.m.,
Reading
Richard
Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author (Empire Falls and The Bridge of Sighs),
kicks off the Milwaukee Book Festival at Marquette University
Site:
Marquette UniversityÕs Weasler Auditorium, 15th and Wells
Info:
414-288-7179
Monday,
October 6
7 p.m.,
Reading/Talk
Roberto
Hern‡ndez Center Presents Junot D’az, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of
Oscar Wao
Site:
UWM Union Ballroom, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Info:
www.rhc.uwm.edu
or call 414-229-6156
Tuesday,
October 7
6 p.m.
Reception and Art Exhibition (and following the event)
7
p.m. Dramatic Reading and Presentation of The Oxford Project at
Carroll
University with Peter Feldstein, photographer, and Stephen Bloom, author
Site:
Reception and Exhibition: Marciel Pultorak Atrium Gallery
Reading and Presentation: Dorothy Goff Frisch
Recital Hall, Shattuck Music
Center, Carroll University, 100 N. East Avenue,
Waukesha
Info:
Contact Michael Kula, Department of English, 262-524-7262. mkula@cc.edu
7 p.m.,
Talk
Ettinger
Book Artist Series: Chicagoland binder and book artist Karen Hanmer will
offer a presentation on her dynamically expressive book works
Site:
Special Collections, 4th floor, UWM Libraries
Wednesday,
October 8
7 p.m.
Gaelic
Literature Night in conjunction with An Leabhar M˜r: The Great Book of Gaelic
exhibit
Site:
UWM Art History Gallery
Info:
414-229-3302
Thursday,
October 9
7 p.m.,
Talk
The
Milwaukee Public Library Presents: Jim Schley on the Poetry of Robert
Frost
Site:
Milwaukee Public LibraryÕs Centennial Hall, 733 N. 8th Street
Info:
www.mpl.org
or call 414-286-3031
7:30
p.m., Reading
Milwaukee
Poet Laureates reading at UWM Hefter Center presented by the UWM Creative
Writing Program featuring John Koethe, Antler, Marilyn Taylor, Peggy Hong and
Susan Firer
Site:
UWMÕs Hefter Center, 3271 N. Lake Drive
Info:
414-229-6991
Friday,
October 10
7 p.m.,
Open Mic
ÒTeen
Coffee House & Open Mic NightÓ Presented by Red Oak Young Writers
Site:
Redbird Writing Studio, 3195 S. Superior St., Milwaukee, (Marian Center Rm 210)
Info:
262-901-5171, kim@redoakyoungwriters.com
Saturday,
October 11
2 p.m., Panel
Editor/Agent
Panel and Reception at the UWM School of Continuing Education featuring
Michelle Grajkowski, Michael Rothenberg and Jim Schley
Site:
161 W. Wisconsin Ave., Plankinton Building, 7th floor
Info:
414-227-3311
7 p.m.,
Reading
Woodland
Pattern Book Center Presents: An evening of poetry with David Meltzer and
Michael Rothenberg
Site:
Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust St.
Fee:
$8 general / $6 members / $7 students and seniors.
Info:
www.woodlandpattern.org
or call 414-263-5001
Sunday,
October 12
1-3
p.m., Workshop
ÒPizzazz!
Sparking Ideas for Creative WritersÓ presented by Red Oak Young Writers
Site:
Redbird Writing Studio, 3195 S. Superior St., Milwaukee, (Marian Center Rm.
314)
Info:
262-901-5171, kim@redoakyoungwriters.com
Monday,
October 13
7 p.m.,
Reading
Wisconsin
Authors Night at Marquette University featuring Sandra Kring, Lesley Kagen and
many more
Site:
Marquette UniversityÕs Weasler Auditorium, 15th and Wells
Info:
414-288-7179
Tuesday,
October 14
7 p.m.,
Reading
Council
of Wisconsin Writers Award Winners Night at Schwartz Bookshop on Downer
including Linda Aschbrenner, Christi Clancy, Jean Feraca, Benjamin Percy and
Paul Zimmer
Site:
Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, 2559 N. Downer Avenue
Info:
schwartzbooks.com or call 414-332-1181
7 p.m.,
Talk
Seth
Tobocman, co-founder and editor of the longest-running, political comic
book/zine in the U.S., World War 3 Illustrated, will offer a presentation on
his 28 years with this influential magazine
Site:
Conference Center, 4th floor, UWM Libraries
Ongoing
Exhibitions:
An
Leabhar M˜r: The Great Book of Gaelic at UWM Golda Meir Library and the UWM Art
History Gallery
"World
War 3 Illustrated: America's Longest Running Political Comic Book"
September
2-December 12, 2008
Fourth
Floor Exhibition Gallery
UWM
Libraries, 2311 E. Hartford Ave, Milwaukee
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
"People
of the Book: Jewish and Israeli Book Arts"
September
2-October 19, 2008
Main
Floor, West Wing, UWM Libraries
Hours:
All the hours the library is open: http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/hours/
"Women
of the Book: Mirta Kupferminc and Shirah Apple"
September
14-October 19, 2008
Mary L.
Nohl Galleries
Helene
Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
3rd
floor, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday, Noon-5 p.m .
Presenting
Partners: UWM School of Continuing Education, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, UWM
Creative Writing Program, Marquette University English Department, Carroll
University English and Writing Program, UWM Union Programming, Redbird Writing
Studio, Milwaukee Public Library, UWM Peck School of the Arts, UWM Institute of
Visual Arts, Woodland Pattern Book Center and the UWM Center for Celtic Studies
Media
Sponsor: Shepherd Express newspaper
Funded
in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the
National Endowment for the Humanities.
Alverno
Telesis
A
variety of writing classes
For
info email nancy.krase@alverno.edu Phone
414-382-6176
Broad
Vocabulary
Feminist
Bookstore in Bay View
Books,
workshops and special programs
www.broadvocabulary.com
414-744-8384
Cool
Plums
Interactive
webzine for writers (John Lehman)
www.CoolPlums.com
Council
for Wisconsin Writers
Recognizing
Literary Excellence Since 1964
http://www.wisconsinwriters.org/contests.htm
The
Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI (Door County)
Folk
School offers a variety of programs, including:
ÒWomenÕs'
Writing RetreatÓ with Judy Bridges, Sept 7-13
www.theclearing.org
Green
Lake Christian Writers' Conference, Green Lake WI
Contact janwhite@glcc.org;
920-294-7327; visit www.glcc.org.
Harry
W. Schwartz Bookshops
Independent
bookstore. Active supporter of Wisconsin authors.
www.schwartzbooks.com
Also
see Book
Clubs for Kids, http://schwartzbooks.com/bookclubs.php
Still
Waters Collective
Community
creative writing and spoken word programs
www.stillwaterscollective.com
Soulstice
Theatre
Intimate
theater in The Marian Center, Bay View
Phone:
414-431-3187. www.soulsticetheater.com
The
Marian Center, Bay View
Home of
Redbird and dozens of dedicated nonprofits
See
Activities List: http://www.mariancenter.net
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 Ed
Many
writing classes, including Annual Spring Writers Festival
Contact
Anne O'Meara, aomeara@uwm.edu or
414-227-3311
University
of Wisconsin, Madison, Div. of Continuing Studies
Many
writing classes, including Write by the Lake, Writers' Institute and
Rhinelander SOA
Phone
608-262-7942, www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing
Wasteland
Poets
5th
annual "Food for the Heart & the Hungry Poetry Reading"
Open
mic reading begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 13
Martha
Merrell's Books & CafŽ 231 W. Main Street, Waukesha
Anjie
Greene-Martin at poetanj@gmail.com,
or call Liz Rhodebeck at (262)695-2761
www.wastelandpoets.com
for more information and downloadable flyer
Wisconsin
Book Festival
2008
Festival: October 15-19, Madison, WI
http://www.wisconsinbookfestival.com/
Wisconsin
Fellowship of Poets (WFOP)
Statewide
network for poets. Contests and information.
Publishes
Muse Letter and annual Poet's Calendar
Fall
Conference, October 31ÐNovember 1, 2008
Marshfield
Holiday Inn 750 South Central Ave. Marshfield,
www.wfop.org
Wisconsin
Regional Writers Assn. (WRWA)
Contests,
conferences, writers groups, excellent newsletter
60th
Annual Fall Conference Sept 26-28, 2008, at the Plaza Hotel & Suites in
Wausau
www.wrwa.net
Woodland
Pattern Book Center, Milwaukee
Outstanding
poetry resource, plus readings and workshops
www.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.
www.workingwriters.org
WriterÕs
Ink, Cudahy
Meetings
are held year around on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m.
in the lower-level meeting room of Chase Bank, on the southeast corner of S.
Packard Avenue and E. Layton Avenue in beautiful, downtown Cudahy. New members
are always welcome.
Lawrence
Van Veghel: vanveghella@att.net
414-769-6846,
http://www.writersinc.writernetwork.com/index.html
5. HOW TO HELP, CONTACT US, REPORT NEWS or GET OFF THE LIST
How
to help:
Redbird
Studio is a small outfit run by people who could make more money elsewhere. We
could probably do pretty well if we sought funding, but I'd rather work with
writers than write proposals. We operate with a simple business philosophy --
we don't spend any more than we earn. If I stay awake worrying, it's not about
the money.
All the
same, it would be nice to have a few extra bucks. Our income comes from course
fees, rent on studios sublet to writers and artists, consulting fees
and, hallelujah, gifts from friends. If you would like to be one of those
friends, we will use your gift to do something wonderful -- like send a kid to
camp.
To
contact us, report news or get off the list:
Judy
Bridges
Redbird
Studio
3195 S.
Superior St. #429
Milwaukee,
WI 53207
414-481-3195