Articles

Redbird Studio Gave a Dream Wings By Geeta Sharma-Jensen Milwaukee Journal Sentinel       "One of Judy Bridges' earliest memories is standing with her dad in an old warehouse at 6th and Virginia streets. The place was smoky with dust. Cobwebs hung from the corners. Her father stood in the huge, empty space and pointed out where things would go - the presses here, and the offices there..." Words of Comfort: 3 bereaved mothers find solace in writing and in one another By Denice Ryan Martin Illustration by Ruth Sykes Journal Sentinel       "Wendy Walter, Lynn Wagner Mehring and Karen Kelroy approached Bridges, owner of Milwaukee's Redbird Studios, in May 2004 for help writing a book about their sons' remarkable yet very short lives..." Writers Bloc By Nan Bialek, Photos by Charles Auer Reprinted with permission from Bay Viewer, May 26, 2005 Authors Offer Students Writing Advice By Rachel Youngberg Reprinted from Carthage College Newspaper, The Current, October 11, 2007 Wind Beneath Their Wings By Judy Steininger Reprinted with permission from M Magazine, October 2004 The Write Place to Learn By Jean Scherwenka Reprinted with permission from Boxx Magazine, Spring 2004 Redbird Studio: Ten Years and Counting by Marjorie Pagel Reproduced by permission of publisher Marshall J. Cook, Creativity Connection, Number 60 Prose to go by Heidi F. Schudrowtiz Reprinted with permission from the Milwaukee Sentinel, Saturday, November 5, 1994

Reprinted from Carthage College Newspaper, The Current, October 11, 2007

Authors Offer Students Writing Advice
By RACHEL YOUNGBERG
Copy Editor

While a majority of the Carthage community was celebrating homecoming and cheering on the football team last Saturday, a small group of students attended a party and panel discussion for writers. The Milwaukee celebration of the Wisconsin Book Festival hosted a free Panel & Party - for Writers. Four members of Carthage's Poetry Underground traveled to Bay View, Wis. for a few tips on "the writing life." Professor of English Pamela Smiley greeted the students and introduced them to Redbird Studio founder and experienced writer Judy Bridges. They were both excited to see Carthage represented at this event, because there were no other high school or college students in attendance. After enjoying a free dinner, the room prepared itself for a night of knowledge and networking.

First, published thriller writer and master of ceremonies J. A. Konrath shared his story of rejection while submitting his work to numerous publishers. Konrath gave tips about getting an agent, getting discouraged and getting a tattoo to express the disappointment. He promptly went on to share stories of successes and getting a tattoo to celebrate as well. The happy-face tattoo on his left arm countered the sad-face tattoo on his right arm. Keeping the audience entertained, as each author introduced him or herself, Konrath demonstrated the humor present in his novels.

The other six authors discussed their successes, published works and tips on "the writing life." Two authors with a background in journalism were also there to share their work and act as examples for writers who may not be professionally trained in novel writing. While Kurt Chandler, senior editor of "Milwaukee Magazine," and Paul Salsini, lecturer at Marquette University, are distinguished writers, they shared experiences of writing nonfiction and historical fiction.

Salsini made a point that historical fiction has journalism in it. There is research involved, even while writing fiction. Chandler said, "I enjoy that flexibility [in fiction writing]. It's enjoyable, but intimidating." Chandler notes that he had to "leave my reporter's mind behind" and added, "I had to sort of rethink my writing process." This advice was comforting for the inexperienced novelists in the audience.

Another panelist was Sharon Hart Addy. She fielded questions on writing children's literature as well as addressing concerns about illustrators. The other author of children's literature was Stacey Kannenberg. Her message focused on "finding your niche." Because her book ,'Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten" is sold primarily to schools, she stressed the importance of audience and prospective customer interaction. The suggestions were helpful for new writers pursuing a career in children's literature.

Sandra Kring is a newer writer; however, her immediate success in the industry made her a perfect addition to the talented panel. Her success was due to quick writing and finding a genre that suited her voice. She also gave the audience a general chronology of book promotion and publicity. Kring always loved writing but never thought she would pursue it as a career.

The final panelist was Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Liam Callanan, who will be visiting Carthage on Oct. 24. He is excited about his upcoming visit and will be presenting on "why English majors rule the world." Callanan is engaging and uses humor to teach elements of writing to writers of all abilities. He thinks writing is important for all people and said, "I don't want to sound too grandiose, but you write to figure out who you are."

The panel discussion was beneficial to the students who attended, and Poetry Underground President Eric Huff, '09, enjoyed "having the opportunity to really be told the truth about being published." He encourages all students, regardless of major, to attend the workshop here at Carthage Oct, 24.

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Reprinted with permission from M Magazine, October 2004

Wind Beneath Their Wings

By JUDY STEININGER

Judy Bridges' labor of love is Redbird Studios, a safe haven for writers.

London had the Bloomsbury Group. New York had the Beats. Milwaukee has Redbird Writers; serious scribblers associated with Redbird Studio, Judy Bridges dream come true.

The studio is located in the Marian Center for Non-Profits (formerly St. Mary's Academy) on South Superior Street. Its a metaphor makers dream; a writing studio in a former convent. As if writing were not painful enough, pilgrims and supplicants must climb the double-switch, back travertine stairs to the top floor of the four-story building. The climb must be worth it, because Bridges has blessed, forgiven and brought hope to more than 4,000 writers since she opened the studio in 1993. She can scarcely believe it herself.

She welcomes the weary and the hopeful into the main room where big windows look north and east toward the park along the shore of Lake Michigan. A computer flickers demandingly from her desk. File cabinets abound. In the center of the room, large, durable tables are arranged in a square where writers face off with their fears and other writers. Along the windowsill sits a family of stuffed gorillas. Gorillas? They're one of her favorite writing tools. "Tell your story to one of the gorillas. He's just dying to listen and won't say one bad word about it." And that is the essential Bridges.

A former member of the corporate world (she might use the word "survivor"), she's all about "helping people write and do what they want to do with writing. Some people may need help with a resume, others a master novel. I'm a good generalist and very good at being practical."

The only physical reminder of the corporate world she inhabited for 15 years is her attractive but practical hairstyle. Her T-shirt and blue jeans wouldn't cut it even for casual Fridays. The voice is soft, the smile quick and crinkly, the blue eyes bright. Unlike the days of her corporate life when she traveled the country on assignment for corporations - writing speeches for CEOs, producing training videos and annual reports - Bridges now lives three blocks from the studio with her husband, David Blank. Blank runs a Web site (Acting Workshops On-Line) and authored "I Gotta Get An Agent" for the Writers Digest series of books.

In the corporate world, Bridges never had the luxury of caressing a word or delighting in the perfect pun. She had to get the job done, yesterday. No writers block allowed. Consequently, there's not a writer's plaintive cry that Bridges hasn't wailed herself. She is sympathetic with the hurdles any writer at any level faces and seconds Mark Twain's witticism, "Writing is easy; it's the words that are hard."

Sending your life to re-write is a tough assignment but thats what she did when she returned to Milwaukee and at 43 earned her bachelors degree from UW-Milwaukee. She edited it yet again by earning her masters degree at 53. This openness makes her effective conducting classes for elderly people. "I helped a painfully shy woman at a nursing home write a poem. At the end of any course, students must read their works aloud; she came in costume - wore a bathrobe and had her hair in curlers - stood up there and belted out that poem. She died not long after at the age of 87, but she read her poem on stage."

As a writer, Bridges understands the need for space and time; the romantic image of a genius in beret scribbling out "War and Peace" while swilling coffee (or something stronger) at the local cafe isnt worth a tuppence. Redbird was born out of her discovery that she could rent a former nuns room at the center (they're cell-like but with large windows). Now, Redbird occupies most of the top floor space that includes several cells she rents to creative people. The writers' cells are sparsely furnished: desk, chair and bookshelf. The tenant can bring in a comforting afghan.

The usual tenure is a few weeks to several months. One larger room, stripped of its original equipment - toilets - is rented out to artists who can pretty much slop their paint around with abandon on the indestructible flooring.

Life is funny. "I always said I would never teach and I'd never work with kids. Now I do both at the studio."

Bridges teaches some courses herself such as "Shut Up and Write." After six consecutive Mondays, she'll turn talkers into writers. The studio also brings in successful novelists like Shauna Singh Baldwin and Elaine Bergstrom to teach their art and craft. City Poet Laureate Marilyn Taylor teaches "techniques for expressing emotion in your poetry more effectively and gracefully than ever." Poet Mara Ptacek runs a one-day workshop on handmade books.

The studio also offers Roundtable Critique Groups that meet for six-week sessions. Participants find themselves seated at those utilitarian tables asking for criticism. Bridges referees these matches. "Criticize the technique not the content. You may not like werewolf gore descriptions but as a member of the group you are to help the writer make those descriptions better."

Bridges is surprised by the success of her weeklong Young Authors sessions. She started out with one and now needs four Milwaukee Public Schools primary teachers. Yet, every summer she turns away disappointed kids because the classes are full. On the last day, the children read for doting family members and guests.

The unusual image of Bridges' studio is that red bird logo found on her newsletters, course announcements and each landing of the stairs to the studio. "It's not a cardinal; I had a dream once about a red bird but couldn't quite remember what it looked like. My husband drew some sketches and when I saw this one in flight, striving, I knew it was the one."

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Reprinted with permission from Boxx Magazine, Spring 2004

The Write Place to Learn

Redbird Studio, A Writer's Place: Founder Judy Bridges offers support and guidance for Milwaukee writers.

By Jean Scherwenka

Judy Bridges and I have been friends since grade school, and there are those who might say I shouldn't be writing an article about her. Truth is, I don't think I'd be writing this article or any other if it weren't for Judy Bridges and her Redbird Studio. Besides, she and I belong to the Old Girls' Club, and we actually believe something the Old Boys say, "One hand washes the other." It's the "writerly" thing to do, to help other writers whenever we can. Here's the story:
Judy and I had been writing pretty much all of our lives, mostly in our secret journals, when she got the smart idea to go to school and get her bachelor's degree in writing and her master's in adult education. Now that paid off for her, for me and for a lot of other folks. First, she earned her living for 15 years writing fiction, nonfiction, plays and corporate communications.

Then one day while walking the shores of Lake Michigan, plotting stories in her head, Judy passed the old St. Mary's Academy. Overlooking the lake from a bluff on Bay View's Superior Street, St. Mary's was renting out its vacant classrooms and studios, formerly used by the Catholic teaching nuns in the convent behind the school. Judy found a perfect room on the third floor with a view of the lake and immediately moved her books, computer, paper and pencils out of her house and into her new writing studio. That was 1993 and the early beginnings of Redbird Studio, A Writer's Place.
Perched up there in her cozy little room, Judy wrote and thought and wrote some more, and ideas hatched as fast as she could use them. Soon she decided she wanted the company of other writers, so she rented additional space and invited a few writers to join a roundtable group.

We met weekly and we grew, both in size and ability, and Judy was happy. She loved helping writers at all skill levels turn their dreams into reality. Some were getting published, some were collecting family history, others were starting novels, and all of us were having a good time.

We learned how to organize a story, article or book using Judy's favorite organizational tool, the alligator, a simple drawing she created to help organize anything from writing projects to funerals. We read our work to each other and received valuable feedback, a must for any writer. We learned about markets and how to approach them, and best of all, we were writing consistently, something most of us hadn't accomplished on our own.
Word spread and Judy designed more workshops "for the long haul," she said, "to help keep you on track and motivated." She brought in teachers and published writers to teach poetry, journaling, novel writing, and the business of writing.

One summer she developed a program for Riley Grade School students. For two weeks during their summer break, Riley's fledgling writers came to Redbird every day where Judy nurtured their potential, bolstered their confidence and fed their love of writing. She took the kids on walks along the beach to collect stones and shells. She walked them through the old convent's cemetery and back to the Studio where their creativity spilled out into their notebooks. They had such good times that they returned year after year, and, as a result, these kids don't just talk about writing, they actually do it. This year Redbird offers young writers weeklong seminars during July and August for any students entering grades 2 through 12.

Judy realized that many adults talk a lot about writing a book or a story or a memoir and never actually bring themselves to sit down and do it. She designed a program just for them, and spinning a kinder title from the tempting, "Put up or shut up," she named the popular seminar, "SHUT UP and Write!" So many participants have benefited over the years from Judy's coaching in this six-week program, that she decided to sit down herself and write a series of books based on the seminar, a project now in progress.
Ten years have passed since Redbird took flight. Over 4,000 writers have attended workshops and seminars since then. A bulletin board hangs in the hall outside the writing room posting Redbird writers' recent publishing successes. It's a big board, and it's jammed with good news.

The Studio now holds workshops throughout the year ranging in subjects from Pure Horror to Poetry for Lovers. "It's been said that all good writing is done in the closet alone," says a workshop participant. "Redbird manages to bring the closet to the classroom where writers can experience together the art and craft of this trade. The collective spirit here is remarkable, and I'd say, unmatched."

Writer and schoolteacher Judy Beehler says, "Judy Bridges is a master teacher. My own teaching has improved from being in her classes and analyzing why she is so effective."
You can sample Redbird by coming to the Spring Reading held on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 pm in Loretto Hall on the first floor of Old St. Mary's Academy. This is a free event where you'll enjoy hearing Redbird writers and instructors read from their published works. After the presentations, refreshments are offered, and you can mingle with other writers, meet Judy, and ask questions of the instructors.

But you don't need to wait until the end of April to come to Redbird. Visit the Studio's website at www.redbirdstudio.com for more information and a complete schedule of workshops and seminars. You can call Judy at 414-481-3029. She's there. She's waiting to help you discover how to shut-up and write.

Redbird Studio, A Writer's Place is located at 3195 S. Superior Street (2 blocks south of Oklahoma Ave.) in Room 429. Phone/fax 414-481-3029; email: jb@redbirdstudio.com; web: www.redbirdstudio.com.

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Originally printed in Creativity Connection, Number 60
Reproduced by permission of publisher Marshall J. Cook
Thank you to Marshall and Marjorie Pagel.
For info about Creativity Connection email Marshall at mcook@dcs.wisc.edu

Redbird Studio: Ten Years and Counting
by Marjorie Pagel

Diane Porter Goff came to Milwaukee for four months with her husband, a university professor on sabbatical. "I want to 'jump start' my writing while I am here, free from the demands of my life in Virginia," Diane promised herself. An opportunity to do just that came when she learned about Judy Bridges and Redbird Studio.

Judy is celebrating 10 years since Redbird opened its doors to help writers like Diane achieve their goals. Since 1994 over 4,000 people have participated in Redbird programs, offered onsite and at dozens of other locations.

Two of the workshops that caught Diane's attention were Shut Up and Write and Writer's Boot Camp. "They sounded like just what I needed to address my writing style, which is best described as 'anguished procrastination,'" she says, "but would my tender feelings about my efforts be trampled by someone who was half teacher, half drill sergeant?"

A phone call to the studio put her mind at ease. "Judy was friendly, and we laughed together easily," she says. When the two met face to face, Diane was reassured to find a "lively woman - no combat boots."

In her four months in Milwaukee, Diane participated in every class Roundtable offered. "Thanks to Judy's teachings, I began to understand structure in a whole new way," she says. "I began to get a handle on the editing process. I learned from hearing others' work and critiques."

Preparing to return to Virginia, she says, "I write and rewrite. Ideas flow through my head, words fall into place. I feel my confidence grow and soar." Should she ever return to Milwaukee, "I know there will be a welcoming place. . . . For near the shores of the lake, up under the eaves of an old grey stone building, I have found a nest."

Both fledgling writers and those with many published works to their credit keep coming back to Redbird, for there is always something more to learn.

In honor of Redbird's tenth anniversary, here are excerpts from more people who, like Diane Porter Goff, have found the Studio a welcoming nest and its founder, Judy Bridges, the person who gives them the push they need to spread their writers' wings and fly. There are many reasons I keep going back to Redbird - one being just that it is an inviting place to hang out with a diverse group of interesting people. - Judy Beehler

Judy knows when something you've written isn't working, but even better, she can usually give you at least three ways to fix it. She gets to know each writer - and she knows how much push and pull you can take. - Mel Miskommen, author of Cop's Kid

Judy is a great critic and very adept at keeping a group going. She finds something encouraging to say, even about pieces that don't quite work, without compromising her integrity. - Jon Olson

I love Judy's positive energy and her responsiveness. Her light, happy approach makes writing seem like a lot of fun, but when something needs pondering she creates a serious atmosphere that focuses on the problem at hand. - Sharon Addy

Judy has an ear and a sense for good writing. She is free with criticism, even when it hurts. However, after the ego adjusts, one realizes that she has done you an immense favor. - Steve Boehrer

Judy's style of teaching is wonderfully focused on the writing - what makes it work, what could be tweaked to improve it. Some writing teachers get too wrapped up in themselves, but Judy is a 'guide on the side' keeping the focus where it should be. She also makes a point of sharing Redbird writers' successes with members of her groups. - Kim Suhr

Judy has a great eye for what works and what doesn't. Being part of Judy's workshops integrates that group sense of what works into how the writer approaches new challenges. Kelly Vetter

What joy it was for me, at 75 years of age, to see my published book of travel sketches and stories! I'll be forever grateful to Judy's enthusiasm and help. - Mary Rosina ("Roses") Baer

Marjorie Pagel of Franklin, Wisconsin, has known Judy Bridges since the founding of Redbird Studio. Formerly a writer for Community Newspapers, Marjorie teaches college level writing at Concordia University. She and her husband share their home with Annie, a 3-year-old cocker spaniel. They have two grown children and one grandchild.

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Reprinted with permission from the Milwaukee Sentinel
Saturday, November 5, 1994

Prose to go
Creative writing teacher takes classes far afield to find inspiration.
by HEIDI F. SCHUDROWTIZ Sentinel staff writer

In her perch overlooking Lake Michigan, Judy Bridges has taken on the task of teaching fledgling writers how to flap their wings - their expressive wings, that is.

Working from the top floor of St. Mary's Academy, 3195 S. Superior, Bridges, executive director of Redbird Studios, welcomes into her nest writers and actors from all walks of life.

Bridges, 55, founded the nonprofit organization in December 1992. It has grown from one writing workshop to include 19 writing workshops and one acting workshop, which is led by her husband, David Blank, 43.

Learning usually conjures images of a teacher standing before her students, pointing to a chalkboard.

Not at Redbird. Here students' creativity is not just nurtured from within four walls, but frequently the outdoors becomes their classroom.

Recently, eight students armed with pens and notebooks and lunch bags met at Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail at Ottawa Lake in the southern Kettle Moraine for a 3-hour write/hike.

Students attending the workshop included two massage therapists, an actress, a professional writer and a grandmother, among others.

Wrote one participant in her evaluation: "Judy, once again you have proven to be one of the most organized, creative, interesting and thoughtful teachers ever. I loved every minute of this glorious day. I don't want to leave!"

Other workshops have been held on a train excursion to Chicago, with a side trip to a library. Another group visited a cemetery.

Each workshop is led by a published writer who guides the class.

Classes held at the studio are conducted in a comfortable, living room-type setting in a room with windows that overlook Lake Michigan.

There are books and plants sharing company with a toy tractor and stuffed teddy bear. Framed art hangs on the walls, coffee cups overflow with pens and pencils, and a coffee pot brews nearby.

For years Bridges wrote speeches and training programs for large corporations, all the while nurturing her own creative talents.

"For years, I was wishing for a place where writers could learn and play together for the long-term, as opposed to the school structure," Bridges said.

"A friend said, 'Do your own thing.' I was interested in having a learning place and (Dave) was tired of seeing me pull my hair out"

But there was another reason for her career switch: She wanted to help Wisconsin writers achieve their highest potential and help them make a name for themselves, as well as for their state.

And she wanted them to have fun while they did it.

And fun they have. More than 300 people, ages 15 to 87, have taken her writing workshops, said Bridges.

A professional writer and speaker for more than 15 years, Bridges has won several awards for her writing, including best feature article from the Milwaukee Press Club and a creative writing award from Wisconsin Woman magazine. Her one-act plays have been produced by the Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa.

Bridges, who used to live in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, thinks the conservative nature of the Midwest lends itself to good writing.

"There is a stability in Wisconsin, the writing is better here. People are allowed to be more creative," she said. Wisconsin is more solid, she contended, which gives people security.

"I have this passion... I'm committed to Wisconsin writers," she said. "My biggest kick is to get people to do what they want with writing, whether it's a. novel or notes to the kids or a memo ... That's just as valid in my mind."

Bridges has certain convictions about writing, most importantly, to not let rules get in the way of good writing.

"I preach against the rules, such as the commonly held belief that writers must practice their skills every day.

"The whole process of writing has people writing from the outside in. I try desperately to get people writing from the inside out. Write from the gut, the heart, without rules," she said.

Even writing instructors at times need a boost to get their creative juices flowing. And Bridges' inspiration comes in the form of a furry, stuffed gorilla named Alfred.

"When I get stuck, I talk to Alfred. He's been with me since 1980. It's hard to talk like Faulkner when you talk to Alfred. It's easier for my own style to come out."

While he wasn't out to win a Pulitzer Prize, Gene F. Bleidorn, 78, of Wauwatosa, did have an important project he needed to complete - his memoir. The retired priest enrolled in a creative writing workshop at Redbird and devoted a year to polishing his skills before he set out to write "In My Time."

The book summarizes his life - from his childhood in Racine, his teaching years at St. Francis Seminary to his work as a priest in southeastern Wisconsin to his retirement from the ministry and finally to his marriage to his wife of 24 years, Mary Agnes Blonien.

"I think it's important to share life experiences with the family and it's a psychologically healthy thing to do as life draws near its end," he said.

A book seemed like the logical way to go.

"I began to draw things together and saw it was a pretty complicated thing," he said.

"Being a teacher, I've done a lot of writing. I had some competency, but I sensed as well that I din't have the polish or skills to write something with a popular appeal.

"On that basis, I thought I better go over (to Redbird). I needed someone else to help with the methodology of the presentation of the ideas and the structure."

As part of the workshop, students produce works to be critiqued in class.

"The class was helpful from the viewpoint that I was in a group of people who were anxious to write," he said.

"The feedback I got was very supportive. I got more insight into what I might say and how I might say it."

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