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Saturday, September 30, 2006

GALA TO BENEFIT WEST VIRGINIA FOLKLIFE CENTER AT FAIRMONT STATE

An evening filled with music, food and traditional fun such as an old-fashioned cake walk, will mark the sixth annual West Virginia Folklife Center Gala on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Fairmont State’s Colebank Hall. The gala will also feature the presentation of the 2006 B.B. Maurer West Virginia Folklife Scholar Award, the 2006 Traditions Salute Award, a wine tasting and a silent auction.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the silent auction and folk music, a buffet of savory and sweets, folk art demonstrations and a vintage book sale. The cake walk will be from 7-7:30 p.m., followed by the closing of the silent auction bidding at 7:45 p.m.

“We try to show the three areas of folklife, which are oral, customary and material artifacts,” said Dr. Judy P. Byers, Director of the Folklife Center. “Even though it’s a fund-raiser, it’s a celebration, too.”

The presentation of the 2006 B.B. Maurer W.Va. Folklife Scholar Award and the 2006 Traditions Salute Award is set for 8 p.m. George A. and Mariwyn Faith McClain Smith representing McClain Printing Company will receive the 2006 B.B. Maurer W.Va. Folklife Scholar Award, and Phyllis Wilson Moore will receive the 2006 Tradition Salute Award.

The B.B. Maurer West Virginia Folklife Scholar Award annually honors a person or persons who have contributed to the preservation and perpetuation of Appalachian cultural heritage.
The new Traditions Salute Award is given to a person or group that has demonstrated a passion and commitment towards the enhancement of West Virginia folk culture through education and public resources. The recipient will always be recognized in Traditions: West Virginia Folklore Journal, and the actual honor will be bestowed at a public awards ceremony.

Phyllis is a cherished member of our writing community, having chaired a statewide committee, sponsored by Fairmont State, the West Virginia Library Commission, and the WV Center for the Book, the West Virginia Humanities Council and the National Center for the Book, to create a literary map for West Virginia. The map, published by the West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State is a boon to both teachers and tourist. She is also West Virginia’s unofficial literary historian. Please plan to attend.

For more information contact:
Amy Baker,Director of Public Relations, Fairmont State University
Office: (304) 367-4135; Cell: (304) 288-9540; Fax: (304) 367-4580
E-mail: abaker3@fairmontstate.edu

A $15 admission fee per person covers the cost of the gala events, except for the wine tasting. Those who wish to participate in the wine tasting will be asked to show proper ID. Fairmont State students and children younger than 10 will be admitted free.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month, where writers of all shapes and sizes try and often succeed in writing a novel in one month.

Learn more at... http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Saturday, September 23, 2006

WVW eNEWS - September 22, 2006

(The WVW eNEWS comes courtesy of President Emeritus Emeritus George Lies)

Morgantown Writers Group & WVU Press Host Valerie Nieman Workshop, Reading

October 7th Sat. Morning - Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop (Library)
October 6th Fri. Evening - Barnes and Noble Bookstore Reading

The Morgantown Writers Group (MWG) will sponsor a two-hour poetry workshop, Ekphrastic Poetry (the writing of poetry inspired by works of art), led by visiting poet Valerie Nieman. The workshop is scheduled Saturday October 7 at the Morgantown Public Library on Spruce Street from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A “dutch” treat lunch follows with the visiting writer.

In conjunction with the workshop, Nieman will read on Friday, at 6:00 p.m., October 6, at University Towne Center Barnes and Noble Bookstore. She will read from Fidelities, her collection of 18 short stories, as well as from her newest publication, Wake, Wake, Wake, a collection of poetry published by Press 53.

Advanced registration for the workshop is advised because it is limited to 14 writers. A nominal registration fee of $5 will cover the cost of materials. For details or to register, send email to George.Lies@mail.wvu.edu or Patricia.Patteson@mail.wvu.edu. Those interested should bring a small work of art or an art book.

To join West Virginia Writers, Inc., go to www.wvwriters.org and check details of the annual June 8-10, 2007 writers conference and the annual Spring writing competition, which opens January 2, 2007.

Nieman’s visit is co-sponsored by the Morgantown Writers Group and the WVU Press, which published Fidelities, a collection of her stories about the people, places, and subtleties of West Virginia. Most MWG writers have won awards in the WVW Spring Writing competition sponsored by West Virginia Writers, Inc.; several have published in journals and magazines, online media, and international publications. Founded in 1994, the writers meet twice a month for manuscript critiques and workshops, focusing on short stories, poetry, popular fiction, and memoirs. The group has published an anthology of 11 stories titled The Mist On The Mon.

Nieman was involved for many years in the Kestrel Festival sponsored by Fairmont State University. Her poetry collection, Wake Wake Wake, was published in September 2006 by Press 53. She has 2 poetry chapbooks, How We Live, State Street Press, 1997, and Slipping Out of Old Eve, Sing Heavenly Muse! 1988. Her work has appeared in journals such as Poetry, New Letters, REDiViDER, and West Branch, and in many anthologies.

For information about Nieman’s Fidelities and Vandalia books, or the Barnes and Noble Reading on Oct. 6, call 1-866-WVUPRESS or visit www.wvupress.com.

Therese Boyd, a professor of creative writing at Penn State praises Fidelities’ “panoramic shot” of life in rural Appalachia. Ruth Moose, a creative writing professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, says “Nieman writes stories that show real people in real life.” She praises Nieman’s ability to write from multiple points of view, “Nieman is one of few writers who is equally at home and at ease in both male and female viewpoints.” Fidelities, published by the Vandalia Press, is Nieman’s first published collection of short stories. She has previously authored Survivors, a novel about the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

The Vandalia Press is the West Virginia University Press’ literary imprint, specializing in contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Since 2001, Vandalia Press has published literary titles each year by regional writers or by other authors whose work has a strong connection to Appalachia or West Virginia. Among Vandalia Press’ authors are Richard Currey, West Virginia Poet Laureate Irene McKinney, Lee Maynard and most recently, Priscilla Rodd (Surviving Mae West) and Kevin Oderman (Going).

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Thursday, September 21, 2006

Peppermint Sticks & Bananna Peels

WV Writers would like to call attention a collection of essays and short stories written by one of our members, Betty Ingram. It's entitled Peppermint Sticks & Bannana Peels and can be found for sale at Buy Books on the Web.com.

Check it out.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

The ‘Intensive Journal’ comes to Morgantown

(This news courtesy of Terry McNemar.)

The Intensive Journal workbook is the basic instrument in which you write about your life. It is a three ring binder containing tabs, each of which covers a specific area of your life. Examples include personal relationships, career and special interests, body and health, events, dreams, and meaning in life. The structure of the sections and corresponding writing exercises in the workbook mirror the subjective process of perceptions and thoughts taking place inside you. For example, Progoff believed that the way to work with dreams and other forms of imagery is through an unfolding process, rather than analyzing or interpreting them, and this unfolding process is implemented in the exercises pertaining to dreams in the workbook. Therefore, the structure avoids the problems of unstructured journals that tend to diminish and eventually neutralize themselves, and result in analytical and circular forms of thinking. The structure also makes possible the Journal Feedback process which you will learn.

In Morgantown: a "Intensive Journal" Introductory Class in "Life Context" -- based on the writings and teachings of Ira Progoff, PhD -- will be presented on November 4 (9 am - 5:30 pm) and November 5 (9 am to 3:30 pm)

Tuition is $135.00

The leader is E. Jane Martin, PhD, RN, dean & professor at WVU School of Nursing.
Location is the Comfort Inn at 225 Comfort Road off Exit 1 of I-68 south of Morgantown.
Call 304-296-9364 to reserve a room - $55 a night (specify "Intensive Journal" for group rate.)

To sign up: Call 724-852-6413 or write to E. Jane Martin, 222 Zimmer Lane, Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Email: ejmartin@hsc.wvu.edu. No credit cards.

Monday, September 18, 2006

The Write TIght Build Your Novel Course

From WVW President Emeritus Sandy Tritt:

A friend of mine, Sherry Wilson, is offering an email course on building a novel in just ten weeks. Sherry is a fabulous writer and editor. She was the 2005 judge for the WVW Spring Competition, Children's Stories. Be sure to check this out, and if you have any questions, contact Sherry directly or you can ask me.

Sandy Sandy Tritt
Inspiration for Writers
http://www.InspirationForWriters.com


Write Tight Now! Build your novel in 10 weeks. Complete the first draft of your novel & polish your submission package BEFORE THE END OF 2006 with this instructor-led course. Get one-on-one feedback from a professional, published editor as you work through the course materials. Starts October 9, 2006.

Register now: http://www.writetightnow.com/Pages/Novelcourse.html

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Coming soon!! The West Virginia Book Festival

Mark your calendar! The sixth annual West Virginia Book Festival will be held October 21& 22, 2006, at the Charleston Civic Center. Each year the festival offers something for book lovers of all ages and interests: authors, publishers, book vendors, the Festival Marketplace, a special section just for children, a used book sale, meet the author events, workshops and panel discussions.

Admission is free. Don't miss the chance to meet visiting authors!

Now, here’s the best part, if you are an active member of WV Writers and you have a book for sale, we are extending an invitation to join us at the ‘WVWriters, Inc. booth and sell and sign your book. We provide the venue and you provide the lit and ink. Please contact us in advance so that we may schedule your time slot for a signing.

The list of presenters is still not complete, but do visit their website, check out the program, and get ready.

http://www.wvhumanities.org/bookfest/bookfest2.htm

Saturday, September 16, 2006

National Will Rogers Writing Contest Announced

(This news courtesy of WV Writers 2nd VP, Terry McNemar)

The National Society of Newspaper Columnists is sponsoring a Will Rogers Writing Contest, which is open to writers everywhere who are interested in the writings of Will Rogers, the philosopher-humorist whose words are still as alive as when he kept America laughing, and thinking, in the 1920s and ‘30s.

Prizes will be awarded for entries that best reflect the Rogers style of writing.

In addition to national recognition, the first place winner will receive a free registration (worth $250) to the Will Rogers Writers' Workshop, to be held March 15-18, 2007 at the Renaissance Convention Center Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. Second place entitles the winner to half-price registration (worth $125) and third place will earn a $50 discount on registration. The awards are not transferable.

Looks like a goodin’. Check it out : http://www.willrogersok.org/

* Oh, by the way, Will’s the one who came up with the one about the chewing tobacco.

Monday, September 11, 2006

WV Writers Newsletter Seeks Poetry Submissions

We are now accepting poetry submissions for the West Virginia Writers Newsletter, upcoming (October) edition. All submissions are welcome: rhyming, free verse, seasonal, etc. We'd love to hear from members who have never before been published in the newsletter, though previously published members are welcome to submit their work for consideration.

Submissions should be emailed both in the body of your email and as a Word attachment to: rwhite_writes@charterinternet.com.

We do not offer financial compensation for your work, as WV Writers is a non-profit organization and we do not have a budget for article compensation at this time. However, you will have a prestigious byline for your writers resume, and a new clip for your file. If your work is selected, you will be asked to submit a brief bio that will be published in addition to your poem.

Thanks

Rhonda!
Secretary for WVWriters, Inc.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Appalachian Writers Guild Seeks Submissions

The Appalachian Writers Guild is a non-profit organization of writers, established for the purpose of advancing the creation and dissemination of literature and history relating to the Appalachian region. AWG is currently preparing a themed anthology of Appalachian Short Stories and welcomes submissions from authors at this time. Short stories are expected to contain approximately 2000-5000 words.

We request that submissions be made by Email (Address: AWGuild@gmail.com) in standard Word (.doc or .rft) format.

Please send only one Work at a time, with a front page letter that specifies the title of your Work, author's name in preferred form, mailing adddress, approx.word count, email, tel. and other contact information on the first page. Submissions will receive an acknowledgement and will be reviewed. Authors are welcome to contact us after a few months.

Authors retain significant rights to material submitted to us. Authors will will receive one complimentary copy of the anthology in which the work appears, plus sharing net royalties on a pro rata basis.

For future publications, AWG is also seeking short fiction, biography, novellas, and creative non-fiction, including memoirs, opinion pieces and historical sketches. Unsolicited literary manuscripts, historic or cultural writing relating to Appalachia are welcomed. We are interested only in original work that is not being considered elsewhere and that has never been published.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Annual Summer Play Festival Submissions Sought

(News forwarded courtesy of Joe McCabe and Terry McNemar)

The Summer Play Festival for Emerging Writers is held in New York City each July in the Theater Row Complex in midtown Manhattan. Each year, the festival organizers read through hundreds of play and musical submissions and select 15-18 to give full productions under the guidance of their founder, Broadway producer Arielle Tepper. They are currently accepting submissions for the Fourth Annual Festival in July 2007 and are trying to spread the word to theaters and play development centers around the country. Also this year, for the first time, they are accepting submissions of children's theater pieces.

This is a great opportunity for artists to have their work produced in a protected environment at no cost to themselves. (The Festival arranges to fly in and house the out-of-town writers as well.)

More information on our festival and our submission process can be found on our website at www.spfnyc.com .

If you have any questions, please direct them to...

Sarah Bagley
Literary Coordinator
Summer Play Festival
212.279.4040 (p)
212.279.4041 (f)
sarah@spfnyc.com

Bridgeport Author has a new hit on her hands!

(News courtesy of WVW 2nd VP Terry McNemar)

Anna Egan Smucker's latest book To Keep The South Manitou Light received the 2006 Award of Merit from the Historical Society of Michigan. It's the highest recognition presented by the state's official historical society and oldest cultural organization.

More good news re this book, it is now in a paperback edition ($13.95). The paperback info will soon be indicated on Amazon.com where you may read reviews of the youth novel.

Amazon.com: To Keep The South Manitou Light (Great Lakes Books): Books: Anna Egan Smucker.

Anna is also being honored by the Marion County Arts and Humanities Commission for her achievements in the field of children's literature. West Virginian's from other artistic fields will also be honored at this yearly gathering (but I don't have their names yet). The event is scheduled for 3:00 pm October 22, 2006 in the Carriage House at Highgate, 830 Walnut Avenue, Fairmont, WV. A donation fee of $15.00 requested for attendance and light refreshments are served.