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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Fund-raising Through Science Fiction

(THE FOLLOWING STORY AND TEXT COMES FROM THE io9 WEBSITE. IT IS VERY TIME SENSITIVE, SO PLEASE GIVE IT A LOOK ASAP)

Now's your chance to help one of science fiction's most entertaining writers, and get yourself some neat fiction into the bargain. Spider Robinson's wife Jeanne is battling cancer, and science fiction authors and readers are uniting to help out.

Dec. 30 is a "blog rally" for the Robinsons, and author Larry Santoro has agreed to donate all the proceeds from sales of his novella "Lord Dickens's Declaration," to the Robinsons' cause. Here are the details, from The One-Thousand:

Science Fiction author Spider Robinson's wife Jeanne is fighting cancer and they're both fighting to pay the bills. 100% of any money used to purchase Larry Santoro's excellent e-book, "Lord Dickens's Declaration," will go directly to the Robinsons. Here's the link:

http://www.starshipsofa.com/shop/lord-dickenss-declaration/

Dec 31st is the last day that people can buy Larry's story. I'd like to end the fundraiser with a bang. Let's get the word out all over the web to let people know on December 30th, there's only one day left to help. Why December 30th? Because if there's only one day left people won't put it off and say, "I'll do it later. I still have time." Make sure you link to the purchase page!

"So You Want to Write a Book" workshop

Rosalyn Queen Alonso will be conducting a workshop entitled "So You Want To Write A Book" at the United Technical Center on RT. 19 N, in Clarksburg.

It will start on February 2 and run for eight weeks from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

The course will cover the basics from getting started to marketing a finished product. There will also be local published authors sharing their experiences and tips.

For more information or to register contact Charlotte Lake at the UTC or clake2008@yahoo.com

Queen-Alonso is a published author with her book "Arriverdici, Recipes and Customs Every Italian Girl Takes From Home" now in its fifth printing

Monday, December 28, 2009

Jayne Ann Phillips on her home town origins as a writer

WV author Jayne Ann Phillips has published an article in Smithsonian Magazine on growing up in Buckhannon, W. Va., and how such small towns make perfect starting points for writers.

Thanks to Steve Goff for the forward.

Read the article online HERE.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Another passing...

Kirk Judd alerted us that West Virginia has lost another of its best poets. Paul Curry Steele, originally of Charleston, died Monday, December 22, at the Edgewood Manner in Lucasville, Ohio. Mr. Steele was 81.

From his obituary in the Logan Banner: "Paul was the son of the late George C. and Tava Curry Steele. Also preceding him in death was a sister, Sybil Washington; a brother, George C. Steele Jr., and a nephew, Robson Sage. He graduated from the University of Virginia and obtained an advanced degree from the University of Iowa. Steele taught at George Washington University, was a published poet, and later worked at a library in Charleston."

Mr. Steele was the author of Anse on Island Creek and Other Poems, published by Mountain State Press. This was a seminal work which explored through poetry the life, character and eventual death of the notorious Hatfield family patriarch William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield.

His work also appeared in Wild Sweet Notes: 50 Years of West Virginia Poetry 1950 - 1999. According to Kirk Judd, co-editor of that anthology, Steele was recognized as a great West Virginia bohemian poet.

Graveside services will be held Monday December 28, at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. Condolences may be left at www.honakerfuneralhome.org.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Keith Pitzer's passing.

Received some sad news today from friend of WV Writers, Pops Walker, regarding the passing of another friend of our organization, Keith Pitzer.

Pops writes...


Friends and loved ones….

It’s with a heavy heart that I write to you today, for we have lost a great friend and performer, Keith Pitzer. Keith passed on this morning after a courageous fight with cancer. His wife Joan, and his four grown sons mourn the loss of their loved one, as do I, Bobbi, and anyone who knew Keith.

I first met Keith in 2003 at the Mountain Stage NewSong Festival. After hearing him play, and jamming with him, I knew I’d found a kindred musical spirit. After talking with him for a while, I knew I’d met a dear friend.

He and Joan played at two of our events at the river, and another at the performing arts center in Luray. Each performance was special, and folks who had the good fortune of listening to them walked away richer for the experience.

We shared some stages together in West Virginia, and while on the road in that region, the Pitzer farm became our home-away-from-home. His hospitality was warmer than a fresh buttered biscuit, right out of the oven. And when dinner was done, and the dishes put away, the instruments came out. My oh my – did we have fun. Some of the best music I ever played was with Keith – he was such an accomplished musician, he brought out the best in me. And we laughed. Oh, did we laugh. I love him for it.

While driving today, taking care of some Christmas errands, Bobbi and I were amazed by the amount of snow still on the ground from this past weekend’s blizzard. We saw many cars still snowed-in, and many by-roads that looked impassable. Bobbi mentioned that it reminded her of Keith’s instrumental, “Loudon County Snow”. He wrote the song some years ago while at Drew McKnight’s place. They were snowed in that weekend and hadn’t much else to do except play music. Apparently, the snow brought out something deep within Keith’s soul. If you’ve ever heard him and Joan play it, you’ll understand. Quite simply, it’s a masterpiece of picking. How strange, and perhaps fitting, that he passed while so many of us were snowed in again.

There will be no public ceremony for Keith in the coming days. Rather, Joan and the boys will mourn with loved ones for a while, and in the Spring, host a celebration of his life at the family farm that he so dearly loved. As Joan told me this morning, Keith wouldn’t want a mournful event. Rather, a celebration is in order. And the timing of Spring will be just right. It’s a time of new life. No, gentle people, we don’t have a date yet.

One last thing … Keith was the Executive Director of “Friends of the Cheat”. The Cheat River in West Virginia had been abused and pillaged by industry for years. “Friends of the Cheat” are dedicated to restoring it and protecting its future. Keith took his job seriously and loved that river. So, rather than flowers or sympathy cards, I ask you, on behalf of Joan and the boys, to send a small donation in Keith’s honor to:

Friends of the Cheat
119 South Price Street
Suite 206
Kingwood, WV 26537-1478

I can hear Keith’s voice now – “Shucks Pops, just a couple of bucks each from a slew of caring folks could make a big difference”. You’re right, Keith – it would.

He was one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever met, and having him for a friend made me a richer man.

Your friend in loss,


Pops Walker

Monday, December 21, 2009

Author Ed Davis announces new blog

Ed Davis, author of I Was So Much Older Then and The Measure of Everything, has announced a new blog connected to his website. We have a link to it here, but you can visit it directly at authoreddavis.blogspot.com and subscribe to receive an e-mail when there’s a new posting.

New entries, just posted, include:

December 18, 2009: Free Fiction Writing Workshop to be offered in February at Blue Jacket Books in Xenia

December 17, 2009: Anatomy of a Reading: What I learned from a recent innovative literary event at Tipp City Public Library

Archived postings include:

July 30, 2009: Antioch Writers’ Workshop 2009. Words and wisdom of the workshop’s star, poet-teacher Rebecca McClanahan.

August 13, 2009: More on Writers’ Workshops. Valuable or destructive? Should workshops “fix” poems and stories?

August 26, 2009: One-Minute Muse. Meeting the literary giant who changed my life.

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Greatest Nerdy Gift Books in the Galaxy

Naturally, we at WV Writers think you should consult our own gift guide for all your holiday purchases. However, website io9 has offered their own take for the scifi/ fantasty/ horror/ writer-in-training aficionado in your life, as well.

Find it HERE.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Reminder: Doug Van Gundy appearance tonight in Morgantown

(This news courtesy of Morgantown Poets)

Poet, musician, teacher and Pushcart Prize nominee Doug Van Gundy will be featured with Morgantown Poets at 7 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 17).

The reading at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) is free and open to the public. The MAC is at 107 High Street, downtown Morgantown (beside Hotel Morgan).

Van Gundy's poems, “Engineers” and “The Return of the Almighty,” were nominated for Pushcart Prizes this year. His first book of poems, "A Life Above Water," was published in 2007 by Red Hen Press.

The author's poems and essays have appeared in many journals including The Oxford American, Ecotone, Waccamaw, The Louisville Review and The Fretboard Journal.

A graduate of the Goddard College Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program, Van Gundy has been a visiting poet at Randolph-Macon College, Barton College, Coastal Carolina University and Davis & Elkins College. The author was recently an associate artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. He has been a panelist at The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) and South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) conferences, and has read at various venues across the United States.

In addition to being a writer and teacher, Van Gundy is a well-known traditional musician. He plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo in the old-time music duo, Born Old.

Van Gundy teaches writing at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with special mobility requirements. Please schedule ahead at least seven days prior to the event by calling 30... , or write to info@monartscenter.com.

Morgantown Poets is an informal, all-volunteer community group that meets from 7-9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at MAC, providing literary enthusiasts in north-central West Virginia the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors. New writers are welcome. Meetings usually begin with a spoken reading by a featured author followed by readings from attendees.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Morgantown Poets wants people to be aware we are now in winter driving season and encourages everyone to exercise caution. Please do not to attempt to drive to an event if road conditions are (or may become) hazardous. Remember, Morgantown Poets hosts an event every month. Thus, no one should feel any pressure to attempt to drive to any particular event if road conditions are hazardous. Safety first!

Join the group on Facebook by entering “Morgantown Poets” in Facebook’s search. Or join Morgantown Poets mailing list by writing to morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or the listserve at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motownpoetry.

Doug Van Gundy on the Web: http://www.fishousepoems.org/archives/doug_van_gundy/index.shtml

An interesting fundraising/book promotion combo

Author Alan DeNero has come up with a novel way of promoting not only his novel Total Oblivion, More or Less, but also to raise funds for a worthy cause at the same time. He's doing it with the help of his readers.

Read on to find out the details courtesy of the website io9.

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Family of Sicilians reviewed

GoodReads.com posted a review of the book A Family of Sicilians, written by WV Writers' own Sal Buttaci.

Find the review HERE.

Friday, December 11, 2009

WVW Podcast: Lee Maynard Recorded Live Reading

Our 6th WVW Podcast Bonus Show is now online. It features a recorded live reading from Lee Maynard's appearance at the WV Book Festival, in October. Mr. Maynard reads the first chapter of his new novel-in-memoir-form The Pale Light of Sunset: Scattershots and Hallucinations in an Imagined Life, published by West Virginia University Press.

Be sure to also check out Episodes 21 and 22 for parts 1 and 2 of our podcast of the conversation between Lee and Cat Pleska.

Get the Lee Maynard Recorded Live Reading HERE.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Granny Sue's new CD reviewed


WVW's own Granny Sue Holstein's has a new CD out entitled Beyond the Grave, Ghost Stories and Ballads from the Mountains. A review of it written by Matthew Burns has been posted to his Appalachian Lifestyles blog.

Check it out HERE.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Article regarding WVW's New Mountain Voices Student Writing Contest

WVW's Regional Representative for Region 10 (Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral & Morgan counties) has penned an article for the Martinsburg Journal about WVW's New Mountain Voices Student Writing Contest.

Check it out HERE.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Uncle Terry's Gift Ideas from WV Authors List 2009

UPDATED 12/10/09

  • `Seeking the Swan' by West Virginia Writers, Inc.
  • Everything I Know’ and Tips and Techniques Workbook by Sandy Tritt
  • `Oscar and the Rainbow' by Marilyn McIntosh Blair
  • The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Ken Sullivan, editor
  • The Pale Light of Sunset’, ‘Crum’, Screamin’ with the Cannibals' by Lee Maynard
  • Journey of the Snow Goose’ and ‘No Name Harbor’ by Barbery Chaapel
  • I Saw God Dancing’ by Cheryl Denise
  • `Jewels in Our Crown: the State Parks of West Virginia' by Maureen Crockett
  • `Hometown Reunion' by Pam Andrews (a.k.a. Pam Hanson)
  • ‘Crum’ and ‘Lost Highway’ (audiobooks) by Ross Ballard
  • PSI Blue' by Rob Walker
  • `A Family of Sicilians' by Sal Buttaci
  • The Tree of the Nevee: A Kabbalistic Story of Elijah the Wizard’ by Jerry Blair
  • Chick Flicks’ by Barbara Smith’
  • `Arrivederci, Recipes and Customs Every Italian Girl Takes From Home' by Rosalyn Queen Alonso
  • Feast of the Seven Fishes' by Robert Tinnell
  • ‘The Rock and the Pebble’ by Mark Defoe
  • `Mountain Voices' by The members of the WV Writers Roundtable
  • `Black Days, Black Dust' by Armstead and S.L. Gardner
  • `Return to Io' by Henry Palek
  • `Surviving Mae West' by Priscilla Rodd
  • ‘Family Spirit’ by Jill Decker
  • `Bad Dragonflies' (children’s) C.S. Davidson (all proceeds benefit St. Judes!
  • `Sarah Beth, Eat Your Broccoli!’ and `A Child Shall Lead Them' by Nancy Merical
  • `Wild Sweet Notes I & II ' by ……everyone
  • To Keep The South Manitou Light ’ and ‘Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story' and `The Life of St. Brigid' by Anna Egan Smucker
  • Blood Kin and Other Strangers’ by Patsy Pittman
  • `My.th' by Boyd Carr
  • `Legends: Profiles of West Virginia University Basketball' by Norman Julian
  • `Clarksburg' by Robert StealeyClarksburg' by Robert Stealey
  • `The Well Ain't Dry Yet,' `The Bingo Cheaters,' and `Buckle Up, Buttercup' by Belinda Anderson
  • `Risk, Return, and the Indigo Autumn' by Tim McGhee
  • `Lake Effect' by Laura Treacy Bentley (poetry)
  • `The Green Rolling Hills: Writings from West Virginia' edited by V.J. Banis (anthology, various authors, included) or from Amazon.
  • `Echoes of a Woman’s Soul' by Dianna Doles Petry
  • ‘Bit and Pieces’ and ‘Peripheral Visions’ by Robert Flanagan
  • `Alzheimer's Care with Dignity' by Frank Fuerst
  • `The Transparent Feather' by Barbara June Appelgren
  • `Creighten’s Crossroads' and `Howard Hill' by Betty Larosa
  • `Silent No More' by Krista Fink
  • 'Life's Second Chances' and 'Thoughts From Within' by Debra Quick
  • `Beached in the Hourglass' illustrated by the author, Ethan Fischer and available from: The Bunny & the Crocodile Press, shops near Shepherdstown)
  • `In the Heart of the Hills: A Novel in Stories' by Dwight Harshbarger
  • `Eyes in the Attic' by Nadine McKinney
  • `Down Life's Path with Mom and Dad' by Nancy Merical
  • `Bequest for Nathan' `Azariah's Legacy' by Lois Casto
  • `the Almost Christmas Pony' by Ruth Lynn Kirk
  • `Short and Simple Annals: Poems About Appalachia' and `Llewellyn McKernan's Greatest Hits' by Llewellyn McKernan
  • `Scrambled Eggs at Midnight,' `Dream Factory,' and `Jars of Glass' by Brad Barkley
  • `Beyond the Grave, Ghost Stories from the Mountains' CD of stories by Granny Sue Holstein

  • While you’re finishing up your holiday shopping, don’t forget to support these WV Writer, Inc. authors. And don’t forget to stop at your local bookstores: Tamarack, James and Law, Borders, B & N, Frog Creek Books, the Open Book in Lewisburg, McClain’s Printing, Vandalia Press, Main Line Books, …to name just a few. This is where you might find these books! You may also send links if you have a website as a sales tool. Be happy to post it. Thanks.

    Tuesday, December 01, 2009

    Doug Van Gundy Reading

    Poet, musician, teacher and Pushcart Prize nominee Doug Van Gundy will be featured with Morgantown Poets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.

    The reading at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) is free and open to the public. The MAC is at 107 High Street, downtown Morgantown (beside Hotel Morgan).

    Van Gundy's poems, “Engineers” and “The Return of the Almighty,” were nominated for Pushcart Prizes this year. His first book of poems, "A Life Above Water," was published in 2007 by Red Hen Press.

    The author's poems and essays have appeared in many journals including The Oxford American, Ecotone, Waccamaw, The Louisville Review and The Fretboard Journal.

    A graduate of the Goddard College Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program, Van Gundy has been a visiting poet at Randolph-Macon College, Barton College, Coastal Carolina University and Davis & Elkins College. The author was recently an associate artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. He has been a panelist at The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) and South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) conferences, and has read at various venues across the United States.

    In addition to being a writer and teacher, Van Gundy is a well-known traditional musician. He plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo in the old-time music duo, Born Old.

    Van Gundy teaches writing at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

    Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with special mobility requirements. Please schedule ahead at least seven days prior to the event by calling 30... , or write to info@monartscenter.com.

    Morgantown Poets is an informal community group that meets from 7-9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at MAC, providing literary enthusiasts in north-central West Virginia the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors. New writers are welcome. Meetings usually begin with a spoken reading by a featured author followed by readings from attendees.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Morgantown Poets wants people to be aware we are now in winter driving season and encourages everyone to exercise caution. Please do not to attempt to drive to an event if road conditions are (or may become) hazardous. Remember, Morgantown Poets hosts an event every month. Thus, no one should feel any pressure to attempt to drive to any particular event if road conditions are hazardous. Safety first!

    Join the group on Facebook by entering “Morgantown Poets” in Facebook’s search. Or join Morgantown Poets mailing list by writing to morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or the listserve at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motownpoetry.

    Doug Van Gundy on the Web: http://www.fishousepoems.org/archives/doug_van_gundy/index.shtml

    Sunday, November 29, 2009

    Poetry Opportunities in Princeton this week.

    WV Writers' own Sal Buttaci and Jeff Travers will be the featured poets at a poetry reading at the Princeton Public Library, this coming Thursday, December 3, at 6 p.m. Following the featured poets, members of the public are invited to read one or two of their poems or the poems of others.

    The Princeton Public Library is located at 205 Center Street, Princeton, WV.


    ----------------

    The same evening, at Concord University, there will be a reception and poetry reading held in honor of the second issue of the new literary journal Holler. The reception and reading will take place at 7:00 P.M., in the State Room of the Jerry L. Beasley Student Center at Concord University, Athens, WV.

    Driving directions and a campus map are available on the university's website (http://www.concord.edu) under the "Parents and Visitors" menu. (The Stateroom is on the second floor of the Student Center.)

    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    Independent Publishers Who are Reinventing the Future

    Sci-fi blog io9 has a nice article about some independent publishers in the sci-fi/horror/fantasty genre that are growing and producing great things. Could be a good market or two in there.

    Check it out HERE.

    Wednesday, November 25, 2009

    Greenbrier Valley Theatre Accepting Play Submissions

    Greenbrier Valley Theater is now accepting submissions for the second annual “New Voices” Short Play Festival. The winning plays are given a public performance in GVT’s Festival of Community Plays in January/February 2010. This is an opportunity for local playwrights to have their work produced. A panel of professional theatre artists judges the pieces and winners are chosen in early December.

    Submissions are welcome from anyone, but local playwrights in the Greenbrier Valley are especially encouraged to participate. Entries should be 10 to15 minutes in length (longer plays will be disqualified) and include between two and five characters. Plays should be appropriate for all ages (with minimal offensive material) and should be written to be played by adult actors (15 and up.) There is no official theme for the plays. Musicals may be considered depending on available production staff. Due to the nature of the festival and production restrictions, plays with single unit sets will be given priority. The deadline for receipt of entries is December 15, 2009.

    Entries must be received by GVT no later than December 15, 2009. The public festival performance dates are to be announced at a later date. Please email submissions to Kurtis Donnelly, kurtis@gvtheatre.org (prefered) or mail them to PO Box 494, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Please do not submit an original copy of your play, as copies will not be returned.

    By submitting a play to the “New Voices” Festival, you grant GVT the rights to perform your play at the festival in January/February 2010, if chosen. The number of winners selected to be performed will vary on the length of the selected shows. Anywhere from 4-7 may be chosen for performance. If an inadequate number of entries are received, GVT reserves the right to not select any play for performance.

    For complete details visit http://www.gvtheatre.org/ or contact Kurtis Donnelly at 645-3838 or kurtis@gvtheatre.org.

    Tuesday, November 24, 2009

    Survey from Phyllis Wilson Moore (Audience Participation Required)

    FROM WV WRITERS PRESIDENT TERRY MCNEMAR:

    Phyllis Wilson Moore of Clarksburg, West Virginia, an avid reader and word lover, researches and writes about the literature of West Virginia and she credits Dr. Jim Wayne Miller with inspiring her research project. Her publication credits are in the genres of fiction, literary history, memoir, nonfiction, and poetry. She headed the state’s effort to create its first official literary map, “From a Place Called Solid” and she managed www.mountainlit.com through much of its beginning.

    In a continuance of this good work, Phyllis has requested our assistance in the form of a questionnaire about southern lit and West Virginia lit. Read it carefully and please respond. My mind is already spinning with ideas (well, that and visions of pumpkin pie). Please pass this on so that it gets a good circulation, to members of your own writing and reading community, in your schools, on Facebook, etc. This is an important project, please jump in with both feet.

    Thanks!


    FROM PHYLLIS WILSON MOORE:

    Dear Members of WV Writers, Inc. and Others:


    Would you care to have a go at sending your answers to these five questions about West Virginia literature, along with any other thoughts on the subject ? If so, thanks in advance.

    Phyllis Wilson Moore.

    Send your answers to: scoutdil@aol.com

    2010 will soon be here. I'm looking back at the developments in West Virginia literature over the last fifty years.

    • When you think of West Virginia fiction written since 1960, what ten works of fiction best portray the West Virginia you know?
    • Over the years, folks in the know have been asked to describe West Virginia's literature in two words. The range has been wide: blood and politics; hope and suffocation; religion and family, etc.
    • What two words would you come up with?
    • A scholar asked to define southern literature quipped, "Is there a dead mule in it?" This humorous idea became the genesis for the Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. http://www.deadmule.com/
    • Does WV's literature differ from southern literature?
    • If so, do you have a humorous name to suggest it?
    • I'm interested in organizing panel discussions on West Virginia's literature; can you suggest knowledgeable panel members? I'd like the panel to represent the state’s ethnic diversity.

    Thanks again,

    Phyllis Wilson Moore
    Clarksburg

    Monday, November 23, 2009

    Stony River Microfiction Monday from Irish writer, Susan Carleton

    (This news courtesy of Granny Sue Holstein)

    Susan Carleton, a writer who lives in Ireland, runs a Monday morning writing prompt called Microfiction Monday. She provides a photo and her story based on the photo, and those who want to can do the same on their blogs. The only catch: the story can only be 140 characters (same number as a tweet). That includes punctuation and spaces.

    Susan visited West Virginia twice in the past year and bought a home here. Her blog is an interesting chronicle of her life in Ireland, her writing and links to places accepting submissions or writing contests.

    Find the Stony River blog at...http://www.stonyriver.ie/

    Friday, November 20, 2009

    Podcast Episode 21: A conversation with Lee Maynard


    Episode 21 of the WVW Podcast is now available, featuring a conversation between WV Writers 1st Vice President Cat Pleska and Lee Maynard, author of the book Crum, its followup Screaming with the Cannibals and the new novel-in-memoir-form The Pale Light of Sunset: Scattershots and Hallucinations in an Imagined Life, published by West Virginia University Press.


    As those of you who've attended Lee's workshops at previous WV Writers Summer Conferences well know, he's an extremely talented writer who specializes in gut-level writing. This week's part of the conversation explores some of that as well as his writing discipline, his philosophy on truth in memoir vs. storytelling and his feelings about West Virginia.

    Hear it for yourself at our PODCAST PAGE.

    Thursday, November 19, 2009

    Ray Bradbury's Advice to Writers

    Science fiction great Ray Bradbury has some advice for struggling writers: Struggle harder. Read what he has to say courtesy of the sci-fi blog io9.

    http://io9.com/5408150/ray-bradburys-advice-to-struggling-writers-struggle-harder

    Wednesday, November 18, 2009

    Morgantown Poets welcomes novelist Emily Mitchell this Thursday

    Novelist Emily Mitchell will be featured during Morgantown Poets 7 p.m. literary event Thursday (Nov. 19) at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC).

    The reading is free and open to the public. The MAC is at 107 High St., downtown Morgantown (beside Hotel Morgan).

    Mitchell's first novel "The Last Summer of the World" was a finalist for the New York Public Library's Young Lion's Fiction Award in 2008.

    "First time novelist Mitchell pulls off the dazzling trick of allowing readers to see through the eyes of art-photography pioneer Edward Steichen in her excellent reconsideration of his life and art," says Publishers Weekly. "This would be merely impressive if the book confined itself to the stormy end of Steichen's first marriage, a subtheme that gets its due and packs a psychological punch. Instead, Mitchell follows Steichen through his airborne reconnaissance work during WWI, providing a devastating portrait of the insanity of war in general and the Great War in particular... this commanding novel is about the images one can never quite burn from memory."

    Mitchell's short fiction has appeared in New England Review, Indiana Review, Raritan and Agni. She also has a story that will be published in a forthcoming issue of Ploughshares. Her reviews have appeared in The New York Times and New Statesman.

    Mitchell is a faculty member in the Department of English in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University. Born in London, she has lived in Virginia, Vermont, Osaka, New York, California and now, West Virginia.

    Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; please schedule ahead at least two days prior to the event by calling                30...       , or write to info@monartscenter.com for more information.

    Morgantown Poets is an informal community group that meets from 7-9 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the MAC, providing literary enthusiasts the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors.

    New writers are welcome. Meetings usually begin with a spoken reading by a featured author that is followed by readings from attendees.

    Join Morgantown Poets’ mailing list by writing to morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or join the group on Facebook by entering "Morgantown Poets" in Facebook’s search. We also have a listserve at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/motownpoetry.

    On the Web: http://lastsummeroftheworldbook.googlepages.com/home

    Morgantown Poets Fall 2009 Series

    Dec. 17 - Doug Van Gundy, author of the poetry book, "A Life Above Water"

    (Note: This falls on WVU Final Exam Week. WVU Winter Break begins Dec. 20. Christmas is Dec. 25.)

    Morgantown Poets Spring 2010 Series

    Jan. 21 - Special Morgantown Poets spring series/new year kick-off event featuring three authors: T.W. McNemar, president of West Virginia Writers, Inc. and author of the novel, "Ragdoll Angel," and poets Matt Anserello of Morgantown and Isaac Pressnell of Keyser. Adam Atkinson of the regional arts organization, Open Thread (http://openthread.org) will introduce the poets. (Note: Due to the nature of this special event and the number of featured authors, Morgantown Poets may not conduct the usual open reading portion of the event Jan. 21.)

    Feb. 18 - Mark DeFoe, author of the poetry books, "Bringing Home Breakfast," "Palmate," "AIR," "Aviary," "The Green Chair," and "Greatest Hits."

    March 18 - Elizabeth Savage, faculty member, Fairmont State University, poetry editor of Kestrel, FSU's literary publication

    (Note: WVU Spring Recess begins March 27.)

    April 15 - Kirk Judd, performance artist and author of the poetry books, "Field of Vision" and "Tao Billy"

    May 20 - Judy Byers, storyteller, folklorist, faculty member and director, The Frank and Jane Gabor WV Folklife Center, Fairmont State University

    (Note: WVU Commencement is May 16.)

    NOTE: If you know of any upcoming literary arts events, programs, publications, collaborations and/or publishing opportunities and would like Morgantown Poets to announce it, feel free to e-mail us back at morgantownpoets@yahoo.com with the date, time and location of the event, as well as all other details such as deadlines. One of our goals is to support authors, artists and the literary arts throughout the community.. While we are very busy and cannot make any promises or 100 percent guarantee we will be able to announce every single event or opportunity, we will do our best to share these opportunities during our scheduled events, and will make an effort to help get the word out online as well. Our deadline for announcements is no later than 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. (Or one week prior to our regularly scheduled event.)

    Generally, we focus on announcements concerning the literary community in north-central West Virginia, where Morgantown Poets is located, with a few exceptions for announcements such as publishing opportunities. For statewide literary announcements, we highly encourage everyone to join/get in touch with the statewide writing organization, West Virginia Writers, Inc., http://www.wvwriters.org. West Virginia Writers publishes a frequent e-newsletter and does a wonderful job announcing what's going on in the literary world throughout West Virginia. To get on the West Virginia Writers e-newsletter mailing list, email twmcnemar@verizon.net.

    Saturday, November 14, 2009

    Granny Sue Releases New CD

    (This news courtesy of "Granny" Sue Holstein)

    Friends,

    I am happy to announce that my newest CD is ready! Beyond the Grave is a collection of West Virginia ghost stories, with some of our most famous--Greenbrier Ghost and Wizard Clipp, and some not as well known but every bit as interesting. Included on the CD are three ballads, and one of them I wrote right here on the Roundtable when someone posed a ballad challenge. I wrote a ballad about the Greenbrier Ghost and realized that I could sing it to the melody of Barbara Ellen--it's now called The Cruel Blacksmith on the CD.

    I have listed the CD on CDBaby, and it will be ready for downloads or purchase there and on amazon.com and other sites in the next week or so. You can also buy it from me :-) at a discounted price of $12ppd. It would make a great Christmas present for anyone into ghost stories or West Virginia stories. Today three co-workers listened to the CD during a road trip and immediately bought copies for Christmas gifts. That was unexpected but nice!

    Call or email me if you're interested in a copy.

    Susanna
    R2 Box 110
    Sandyville, WV 25275
    toll free 866-643-1353
    susannaholstein@yahoo.com
    www.grannysu.blogspot.com

    Thursday, November 12, 2009

    Mountainline Poetry in Motion Accepting Entries

    (This news courtesy of Granny Sue Holstein)

    Mountain Line Transit is interested in setting up Poetry in Motion. Poetry in Motion will be an on going project where local poets’ poems will be displayed on our buses. This is a great opportunity for the West Virginia community to display their talent. Ideally the poems we are looking to display would represent West Virginia, the Morgantown area, or transportation in the area but all pieces will be accepted.

    All poems received will be approved by the Mountain Line Transit Board of Directors for appropriate content. Poems will be displayed on an 11″ x 5’ printed board that is displayed on the interior of our buses. The Poetry selected will also be complimented by a background designed by a local artist. The background will support the poems expression and theme.

    Poetry in Motion will be a continuing program between Mountain Line Transit and the West Virginia community. Poems will be refreshed every six months. Deadlines for future submissions will be announced at a later date.

    Poetry in Motion Outline:

    Poetry in Motion will be an on going project between Mountain Line Transit and the community of West Virginia.

    Five Poems will be selected. Poems relating to the local region or transportation will be more likely to be chosen.

    The deadline for submitting poems is Nov. 13. Poems will be displayed on buses by Jan. 1, 2010.

    One submission per person.

    Submission guidelines:

    Poems must be: approximately 20 lines or less, previously unpublished, written by local first-time or established poets of any age.

    Flash fiction of 50 words or less will also be considered.

    We look for poems that celebrate words, the region, an experience, and/or personal thoughts and feelings. The poems may take on a regional flavor or be an inspiring look at life and the language.

    Submit poems in a word or text document with your name and phone number to marketing@busride.org.

    Please contact fisher@busride.org for any questions.

    Thursday, November 05, 2009

    Billy Collins Speaking at Fairmont State

    (This news courtesy of WVW Contest Coordinator, Steve Goff)

    Billy Collins, one of the greatest living American poets, will be speaking at Fairmont State on Nov. 16. He has really become quite the ambassador for poetry. Any of his collections are very good. He is usually witty, sharp, thoughtful and inspirational in everyone of his poems.

    Following the speaking info. I have included a poem of his from the collection The Art of Drowning. I recommend going to a library or bookstore and check out some of his other work for yourself.

    He is a very good speaker and quite funny in person. Garrison Keillor has had him on his radio show a lot and he holds his own when the witticisms start flying.

    In the poetry world, this is a big "get" for our region. Hope you can make it. I'd go early because I think there will be a very good turn out.


    William "Billy" Collins
    Nov. 16, 2009
    7 p.m.
    Turley Center Ballroom

    William "Billy" Collins, born March 22, 1941, is an American poet. He served two terms as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. In his home state, Collins was recognized as a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library in 1992 and selected as the New York State Poet for 2004. He was recently appointed Claire Berman Artist in Residence at The Roxbury Latin School, in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He is a distinguished professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York.

    Collins received a B.A. degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1963 and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Riverside. Collins joined the faculty of Lehman College in the Bronx in 1968 and has taught there for over thirty years. He is a founding Advisory Board member of the CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies at Lehman College. He has taught and served as a visiting writer at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York.

    In 1997, he recorded "The Best Cigarette," a collection of 34 of his poems that would become a bestseller. In 2005, he recorded "Billy Collins Live: A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space" in New York City.

    Poetry Magazine has awarded him several prizes in recognition of poems they publish. The magazine selected him as "Poet of the Year" in 1994. In 2005 Collins was the first annual recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry, bestowed by the Poetry Foundation (Poetry Magazine). He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation in 1993 and the New York Foundation for the Arts.

    Wednesday, November 04, 2009

    Sandy Tritt Free Workshop in Clarksburg

    (This news courtesy of el Presidente Terry McNemar)

    For anyone who likes to write, there will be a free writing workshop this saturday at the Waldomore Mansion next to the Clarksburg Public Library. The presenter is Sandy Tritt, and she will be giving a workshop on creating lean and strong prose.

    If you would like to attend, it will be at 9:30, and there will be a gift drawing at 9:29.

    PLEASE RSVP to the.crows.quill@gmail.com if anyone would like to attend.

    Tuesday, November 03, 2009

    Novelist Emily Mitchell Reading in Morgantown

    Novelist Emily Mitchell will be featured during Morgantown Poets 7 p.m. literary event Thursday, Nov. 19, at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC).

    The reading is free and open to the public. The MAC is at 107 High St., downtown Morgantown (beside Hotel Morgan).

    Mitchell's first novel "The Last Summer of the World" was a finalist for the New York Public Library's Young Lion's Fiction Award in 2008.

    "First time novelist Mitchell pulls off the dazzling trick of allowing readers to see through the eyes of art-photography pioneer Edward Steichen in her excellent reconsideration of his life and art," says Publishers Weekly. "This would be merely impressive if the book confined itself to the stormy end of Steichen's first marriage, a subtheme that gets its due and packs a psychological punch. Instead, Mitchell follows Steichen through his airborne reconnaissance work during WWI, providing a devastating portrait of the insanity of war in general and the Great War in particular... this commanding novel is about the images one can never quite burn from memory."

    Mitchell's short fiction has appeared in New England Review, Indiana Review, Raritan and Agni. She also has a story that will be published in a forthcoming issue of Ploughshares. Her reviews have appeared in The New York Times and New Statesman.

    Mitchell is a faculty member in the Department of English in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University. Born in London, she has lived in Virginia, Vermont, Osaka, New York, California and now, West Virginia.

    Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; please schedule ahead at least two days prior to the event by calling 304-906-7268, or write to info@monartscenter.com for more information.

    Morgantown Poets is an informal community group that meets from 7-9 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the MAC, providing literary enthusiasts the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors.

    New writers are welcome. Meetings usually begin with a spoken reading by a featured author that is followed by readings from attendees.

    Join Morgantown Poets’ mailing list by writing to morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or join the group on Facebook by entering "Morgantown Poets" in Facebook’s search.

    On the Web: http://lastsummeroftheworldbook.googlepages.com/home

    Friday, October 30, 2009

    Noah Copley Book Signing on Halloween


    WV Writers member Noah Copley will be signing copies of his supernatural novel, Late Season, at Borders Books in Huntington on October 31st from noon to 2 pm.

    Visit his website for more details on the book.

    Thursday, October 29, 2009

    Online Q&A with editors of Cup of Comfort series

    (This news courtesy Rhonda Browning White)

    In this interactive webinar, writers will have the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with Paula Munier, the creator of the Cup of Comfort series, and Meredith O’Hayre, the in-house editor of the Cup of Comfort series. This is a great chance for contributor and hopeful contributors alike to ask Paula and Meredith for advice and tips to get their COC story selected from the thousands of competitors.

    CLICK HERE for more details and how to sign up.

    Friday, October 23, 2009

    Bridgeport Library "Author Extravaganza"

    The Bridgeport Library is hosting an "author extravaganza" on Saturday, October 24th, from noon to 5pm. Authors will have displays and have scheduled times to read from their work.

    Author list includes:

    12:30 Phyllis Wilson Moore, Literary Historian June Langford Berkley, Poet Opening remarks.

    1:00 Puppet Show

    Patsy Pittman, Author
    1:30 Cheryl Denise Miller, Poet

    Cheryl Ware, Children’s Author

    2:00 Lori Wilson, Poet

    Anna Egan Smucker, Children’s Author

    2:30 Debra Conner, Portraying Rebecca Harding Davis
    Sonya Dunlap & Sharon Snider, Author & Illustrator, Children’s Books

    3:00 Susanna Holstein “Granny Sue”

    3:30 Steve Goff, Comedian

    4:00 Dwight Harshbarger, Author
    Trick-or-Treat Begins

    4:30 Charlotte Snead, Author


    Thank you to the Bridgeport Library for this exciting event.

    Wednesday, October 21, 2009

    Meredith Sue Willis Online Writing Classes offered for January

    Jan Plan 2010: An Online Class for Writers of Prose Narrative

    Meredith Sue Willis is offering a four-session online creative writing class called Jan Plan 2010 for intermediate and advanced prose writers who want to get a project started or restarted– or who just need feedback on their writing. The class takes place on four Tuesdays in January:

    January 5, 2010
    January 12, 2010
    January 19, 2010
    January 26, 2010

    The class welcomes writers of all kinds of prose narrative (novels, stories, memoir, and more).. We will explore the techniques that are common to these forms, emphasizing narrative, dialogue, description, and the shaping of a piece through story arc. There will be exercises and individual feedback on up to 900 words per week.

    Until January 1, 2010, the course costs $200, payable in advance. On January 1, the price goes up to $240. To apply, send an email to Meredith Sue Willis at meredithsuewillis@gmail.com explaining why you think this class would be a good match for you. If you are accepted, she will send you the next steps. You must apply, be admitted, and have your payment arrive by Monday, January 4, 2010; however, the class will close early with no notice if it fills. There will be no cash refunds. For testimonials and more information, see http://www.meredithsuewillis.com/summerstories2008.html

    Please pass on to others who might be interested!

    Meredith Sue Willis

    Saturday, October 17, 2009

    Sotto Voce Event on Shepherd University Campus tonight!

    This is a reminder of the Sotto Voce Poetry Festival events on the campus of Shepherd University today.

    Earn strong culture points for attending and writing up your impressions . . .
    Do plan to attend readings and discussions by poets from across the country! ==
    Especially wonderful this year are Peggy Shumaker and Alice Friman, superb
    tellers of tales that weave a net of enchantment and surprise. Biographies of the poets
    and more information about the festival can be found at
    http://www.somondocopress.com/sottovoce/.
    Saturday, 10/17:
    THIS READING WILL BE WONDERFUL!
    7:30 pm Readings by
    Rick Campbell and Peggy Shumaker
    Stanley Plumly and Alice Friman will also read
    Erma Ora Byrd Auditorium, Shepherd University
    Free and Open to the Public

    8:30 – 9:00 pm Dessert and Coffee Reception and Book Signing
    Sponsored by Shepherd University
    Erma Ora Byrd Foyer, Shepherd University
    Free and Open to the Public

    9:00 pm Open Mic
    Stone Soup Bistro
    Ethan Fischer, MC
    Workshop participants have priority for reading at Open Mic.

    Friday, October 16, 2009

    Press53 Call for Submissions

    Call for Submissions for new Anthology

    What Doesn’t Kill You… a new anthology coming from Press 53 in Spring 2010 is looking for stories of struggle—real or imagined, physical or mental.

    Contributors will receive a complimentary copy of the anthology plus the opportunity to buy unlimited copies at a discount.

    Contributors will also have one page in the back of the anthology for his or her bio, photo, and story comments.

    We’re looking for eight stories to run alongside the seven we have already requested from some of today’s top award-winning writers.

    Stories can be fiction or nonfiction, from 100-10,000 words.

    There is NO reading fee.

    Please limit your submission to one story.

    Previously published works are acceptable, so long as the author holds all rights and no previous publication agreement is violated.

    DEADLINE: Submissions will be accepted until the New Year rings in at midnight December 31, 2009.

    Send your submission via email attachment to co-editor Murray Dunlap at murraydunlap@gmail.com.

    If you have any questions, please email Kevin Morgan Watson at kevin@press53.com

    ALL THE DETAILS HERE...
    http://www.press53.com/whatdoesntkillyou.html

    WVW Podcast Bonus Show 4


    Our 4th WVW Podcast Bonus Show is now online and features trimmings from our Episode 12 interview with Pops Walker.

    We also pass along the results of the Shenandoah Valley Acoustic Roots Fest and Songwriting Contest, which we talked to Pops about in Episode 12.

    Click HERE to go THERE.

    Wednesday, October 14, 2009

    Legends of the Mountain State 4 Accepting Submissions

    Title: Legends of the Mountain State 4

    Publisher: Woodland Press

    Editor: Michael Knost

    Format: Trade Paperback

    Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

    No reprints (and please do not resubmit rejected stories from previous editions)

    Story length: Up to 2000 words

    No multiple or simultaneous subs

    Deadline: April 1, 2010

    Do NOT query about submission status until August 1, 2010

    Send submissions to: LOTMS4@yahoo.com

    E-mail submissions only. We will accept .doc or .rtf attachments only. Do NOT copy and paste story into the body of your e-mail. Send submissions or inquiries to the above e-mail address.

    Publication date: September 1, 2010

    I do NOT want stories with legends or ghosts already covered in previous editions of this series. Reading the other books is a great way to see what I am buying.

    Stories MUST expand a known legend/ghost tale from the state of West Virginia.

    You do not need to be a West Virginian to submit, but you will need to keep the story (and legend/ghost) true to the state. All stories should include real towns and counties from the Mountain State. Do not tell us the biography of a legend/ghost-tell us a story with the legend or ghost at story's center.

    We are looking for tales with a solid plot and good character development. Stories should grab the reader's attention quickly and hold it until the end. We want powerful and emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and moody. However, we DO NOT want stories containing explicit language or content.

    The most common reasons for rejection will be lack of originality, slow pacing, poor writing, and failure to follow the guidelines. Please visit www.shunn.net/format/story.html for the only manuscript format we accept.

    We purchase First World Anthology Rights for publication in the English language anywhere in the world.

    Tuesday, October 13, 2009

    Shenandoah Valley Acoustic Roots Fest Songwriting Contest Winners

    Performing Arts of Luray is pleased to announce the top three winners of the first Shenandoah Valley Acoustic Roots Fest and Songwriting Contest.

    Those songwriters are: 1st place: Bryan Elijah Smith, of Dayton, VA, for his song, “The Other Side of Town”. Bryan won $500, six hours of studio time, and a future gig with Performing Arts of Luray.

    2nd place: Judith Avers, of Weirton, WV, for her song, “Raining”. Judith won $300 and a guaranteed future booking.

    Con Burch, Fort Valley, VA, for her song “Maybe Someday”. Con won $200.

    The finals competition took place on October 3, 2009, at the BB&T Center for the Performing Arts in Luray, VA.

    Be on the lookout for news about next year’s show and competition. Details are forthcoming at: http://www.popswalker.com/ and http://www.performingartsluray.org/.

    Monday, October 12, 2009

    The Morgantown Writers Group presents "The Pale Light of Sunset: Conversation With Novelist Lee Maynard"

    The Morgantown Writers Group presents . . .

    "The Pale Light of Sunset: Conversation With Novelist Lee Maynard"
    Special Literary, Jazz, and Arts Event -- Tuesday October 13 - Arts Mon Gallery
    (next to Huntington Bank) Starts at 7 p.m. Refreshments. No Charge.
    ===
    AUTHOR LEE MAYNARD JOINS
    A BRASILIAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE
    IN RARE 'IMAGINED JOURNEY'

    Morgantown Writers Group is proud to feature Novelist LEE MAYNARD in a unique literary arts program that combines literature with an incredible Brasilian jazz ensemble called Music Alive! plus a unique Exhibit of Local Artists in the Jackson Kelly Gallery.
    WVU Director of Jazz Studies Paul Scea leads a great Brasilian jazz ensemble playing flute, piano, bass, guitar, and the pandero at 7:15 p.m. Lee Maynard follows at 8:00 p.m.

    This special program is next Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Arts Mon Gallery (next to Huntington Bank) is on High Street, just off corner of Pleasant Street. downtown Morgantown.

    This Literary Arts event allows WV writers (and community residents) to converse informally with Lee Maynard, the controversial author of "Crum" and "Screaming with the Cannibals". In the Jackson Kelly Gallery at Arts Mon, there is the Fall 2009 Regional Invitational Exhibit featuring 14 wonderful WV artists -- a fabulous background to jazz and literary nuance. - G.

    The WVU Press released Maynard's latest novel and will host Lee in a premiere reading at WVU Mountainlair Ballroom, Monday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Complete Book Tour is below.

    Morgantown Writers worked closely with the WVU Press, Arts Mon, WVU Jazz Studies, and the Greater Morgantown Community Trust, to set up this gig. It gives all local writers an opportunity to hear a unique blend of Brazilian beats and later, ask questions of master novelist LEE MAYNARD, in an informal setting. Come and ask about his new book, about his past, about his novels. . .

    There is no charge for event. A book signing and autograph session will be hosted by The Book Shelf, during the evening. This novel is a great gift idea for West Virginians. And there will be fine refreshments offered by the Morgantown Writers Group at Arts Mon.

    PODCAST -- "Conversation with Novelist Lee Maynard". For advance insights, into Lee's vision, view a 3:45 minute Podcast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg9bkRyW-RE

    TUESDAY OCTOBER 13th EVENT SCHEDULE:
    7:00 p.m. Welcome + Introductions + Refreshments
    7:15 p.m. Brasilian Jazz "WVU-Brasil Music Alive Ensemble"
    ===
    Paul Scea (Director of WVU Jazz Studies) leads Music Alive! Brasil and WVU musicians:
    Paul Scea - flute -- Brandon Lucas - guitar
    Diego Lyra - piano (Music Alive!) -- Greg Thurman - bass
    Michael Vercelli - pandero (Director of World Music)
    They will entertain you when you walk in the door right after 7:00 p.m. with an array of jazz, bossa nova, drums, percussion, and more. They start at 7:15 p.m. sharp. No charge for the event.
    ===
    8:00 p.m. Lee Maynard "Conversation with Author"
    8:45 p.m. Autograph Book Signing
    9:00 p.m.+ Wrap Up
    ===

    AUTHOR BACKGROUND:
    Lee Maynard's recent novel, "The Pale Light of Sunset" (Scattershots and Hallucinations in an Imagined Life) is a breakthrough fiction-memoir, with a tone that takes readers through different years in West Virginia. As Chuck Kinder, the good friend of Lee's, put it: "This reads like a prose poem and memoir -- only the story is fiction." To illustrate, the "Pale Light of Sunset" is a 2009 New Mexico Book Award Finalist where Lee now resides

    Consider this summary of Pale Light of Sunset:
    "In 1936, a child is born in the mountains of West Virginia. In 2005, he scatters his past into a deep canyon of rock. The Pale Light of Sunset illuminates the journey of this boy, a constant tourist and visitor, who travels everywhere, yet belongs nowhere. Through tales of swarming hornets and swinging bullies, love affairs with the land and the people, and near death by frostbite and heat stroke, the absurd hilarity and clear, tender voice found within this story navigates a surreal road paved by the experiences of one man.

    "As many of you know, Lee Maynard does not run from controversy. He is the author of nationally acclaimed and locally banned novels "Crum" and "Screaming with the Cannibals", Lee Maynard details an imaginative account of his journey through seventy years of hard living-from West Virginia, to Mexico, the Arctic Circle, and beyond. Scattered and hallucinated, The Pale Light of Sunset grants a long-awaited glimpse into the bent condition of the Maynard brain."

    ===
    LEE MAYNARD WEST VIRGINIA BOOK TOUR
    - Friday, October 9: A Reading with Lee Maynard at Taylor Books, Charleston, WV (4 pm)
    - Saturday, October 10: A Book Signing WV Book Festival, Charleston, WV (1 pm)
    - Saturday, October 10: Reading with Lee Maynard at WV Book Festival, Charleston, WV (4 pm)

    - Monday, October 12: A Reading with Lee Maynard at WVU Mountainlair, Ballroom, Morgantown, WV (7:30 pm)
    - Tuesday, October 13: A Book Signing and Reading at Borders at Meadowbrook Mall, Bridgeport, WV (4-7 pm)
    - Tuesday, October 13: A Night of Brazilian Jazz and A Conversation with Lee Maynard, Arts Monongahela (7-9 pm, with a Q&A with Lee at 8 pm)
    ====

    Sunday, October 11, 2009

    Ethel Morgan Smith will be the featured author during Morgantown Poets literary even

    Ethel Morgan Smith will be the featured author during Morgantown Poets 7 p.m. literary event Thursday, Oct. 15, at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC).
    The reading is free and open to anyone interested in the arts. The MAC is at 107 High St., Morgantown.
    Smith is the author of "From Whence Cometh My Help: The African American Community at Hollins College."
    Her essay "Love Means Nothing" won the Mid-Atlantic Arts Prize for Nonfiction. "Outside of Dreams" has recently been published in "Shaping Memories: Reflections of African American Women Writers." Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Callaloo, African American Review, ThatMinorityThing.com, and other national and international outlets.
    Smith has earned numerous awards and honors in the following literary and scholarly programs: Fulbright Scholar (Tubingen, Germany), Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (Bellagio, Italy), DuPont Scholar (Randolph-Macon Woman's College), Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome, Visiting Scholar in the Women's Studies Research Center at Brandeis University, Bread Loaf Writers Conference, Jane C. Camp Fellowship at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and others.
    Her novel-in-progress, "The House of Flowers," placed second for the West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Writing Competition, and her play for the stage, "African Violets," placed third for the same contest.
    Smith is an associate professor of English at West Virginia University..
    Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; please schedule ahead at least two days prior to the event by calling 304-906-7268, or write to info@monartscenter.com for more information.
    Morgantown Poets is an informal community group that meets from 7-9 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the MAC, providing literary enthusiasts the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors.
    New writers are welcome. Meetings usually begin with a spoken reading by a featured author that is followed by readings from attendees. Join Morgantown Poets’ mailing list by writing to morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or join the group on Facebook by entering "Morgantown Poets" in Facebook’s search.

    Saturday, October 10, 2009

    Come see us at the Book Festival!

    The eighth annual West Virginia Book Festival will be held today, October 10 and tomorrow, Oct 11, 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.

    It would be a treat to meet and display the talent of this group.

    Friday, October 09, 2009

    Stephen Earley Jordan II Performing at Morgantown Poets event at Monongalia Arts Center.

    Author, spoken word artist and cultural critic Stephen Earley Jordan II will be performing as a special guest of Morgantown Poets from 7-9 p.m. TODAY (Friday, Oct. 9), at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC).
    The MAC is at 107 High St., Morgantown. The performance is being presented as an extra feature in addition to Morgantown Poets regular series of events. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.
    Jordan will be headlining the event with an opening spoken word performance by Ted Webb of Morgantown Poets.
    "I'm thrilled Stephen is sharing his engaging work with the north-central West Virginia community," said Webb, who organizes the Morgantown Poets events at the MAC with Tamara Woods, Charlotte Firestone, Casie Fox and others. "Stephen's a multitalented writer and a dynamic speaker. This will definitely be a very special, unique performance in Morgantown you won't want to miss."
    Jordan grew up in Huntington, graduating from Ceredo-Kenova High School (1995) and Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi (1999). He currently lives in Bronx, N.Y.
    Jordan recently released his debut CD, "Black Baby Tears." The album is an eclectic collection of spoken word poetry mixed with cutting-edge beats. Jordan’s lyrics challenge modern thought on race, class, gender issues and poetry itself. The CD, including free excerpts, is available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/sejordanii, Amazon.com and iTunes.
    Following the black literary tradition of such gifted writers as legendary Langston Hughes and James Baldwin, and contemporary writers such as Essex Hemphill and Sapphire, Jordan wrote "Beyond Bougie" (2006). A collection of creative nonfiction, essays and poetry, "Beyond Bougie" has been used for book clubs and college multicultural/sociology courses.
    Along with the book, Jordan created the "Are You Bougie?" presentation for a series of talks at colleges where he discussed being progressive in the black community. He is also the producer and host of a weekly online show, "The Bougie Black Show," which can be heard on iTunes.
    In August 2007, Jordan released his sophomore collection of writing, "Cold, Black and Hungry."
    Jordan is the founder of a nonprofit organization, OutStretch Literary Advancements, which is dedicated to advancing higher education and literacy rates among black males in foster group homes.
    In addition to Jordan's Oct. 9 performance, Morgantown Poets will conduct its monthly community literary arts event at its regularly scheduled time, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the MAC. A notice with all information for the Oct. 15 event is forthcoming.
    Morgantown Poets schedule for its fall/spring series of events is available at http://www.monartscenter.com.
    Join Morgantown Poets’ mailing list at morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or join the group by entering "Morgantown Poets" in Facebook’s search.
    Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; please schedule ahead at least two days prior to the event by calling 304-906-7268, or write to info@monartscenter.com for more information.
    Stephen Earley Jordan II on the Web: http://www.sejordan.net

    Thursday, October 01, 2009

    Pluck Seeks Submissions

    (This news courtesy of Rhonda White)

    Pluck! The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture is seeking poetry submissions from African Americans who live in states within the Appalachian Mountain Range.

    Info here:

    http://www.pluckonline.com/about.htm

    Wednesday, September 30, 2009

    June Langford Berkley to be Honored

    (This news courtesy of Phyllis Wilson Moore)

    In celebration of homecoming, June Langford Berkley, author-writing coach-educator-performer-mentor-world traveler, and humorist, will receive the Salem International University’s Outstanding Achievement Award, October 3, 2009, Salem, West Virginia.

    Members of West Virginia Writers Inc, and the West Virginia Library Commission will recognize June not only as a noted author but as the willing judge of state writing contests and as a humorous capable presenter of workshops and historical monologues.

    Her novella SHANNAGANEY BLUE, set in West Virginia, is felt by many to have the ring of truth of Harper Lee's novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. It is available at James and Law in Clarksburg.

    Reservation for the banquet may be obtained by contacting Cheryl L. Rogers, 304-326-1344 or .

    Those unable to attend may want to send June a message of congratulation on this, her latest, award. .

    Tuesday, September 29, 2009

    Poet Stephen Earley Jordan II reads at Alderson-Broaddus

    On Thursday, October 8, Stephen Earley Jordan II will be on the Alderson-Broaddus campus to read his poetry and prose. The reading will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Humanities Division Lounge, 206 Withers-Brandon. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to attend.
    Jordan, originally from Huntington, WV, is a 1999 graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College, where he earned a BA in writing and literature. Shortly after graduation, Jordan left West Virginia for New York City, where he established an editing business, offering clients short- and long-term writing/editing consultations. Clients have included educational publishers, universities, travel magazines, encyclopedias, web sites, and various pharmaceutical advertising agencies.

    In May 2006, Jordan published Beyond Bougie, a collection of creative nonfiction, essays, and poetry on race, class, and gender. The book has been used for book clubs and college (multicultural/sociology) courses. During this time, Jordan also created the “Are You Bougie?” presentation, allowing him to visit colleges and speak about being progressive in the Black community. In August 2007, Jordan published a follow-up collection of his works, Cold, Black, and Hungry.

    "I see myself as an educator, even though I don't teach in a classroom,” Jordan has said. “Editing and writing allow me to educate my readers about our own deep-rooted hidden agendas, whether it's with my creative writing, nonfiction, or poetry. I write about real life people and our uncomfortable circumstances. People rarely want to talk about these issues. But we must recognize these issues if we want to progress in life. This is why I write."

    Jordan recently founded OutStretch Literary Advancements, an educational, literary nonprofit organization building mini-libraries for foster group homes. He also recently released his spoken word CD "Black Baby Tears.” Jordan lives in Bronx, New York.

    Monday, September 28, 2009

    Press 53 Open Awards 2010 Contest Now Open

    The 3rd Annual Press 53 Open Awards Contest is underway and accepting entries for the 2010 Press 53 OpenAwards writing competition.

    This year there are six categories: Poetry, Flash Fiction, Short-Short Story, Short Story, Creative Nonfiction, and Novella.

    Details are online now at www.press53.com/openawards_2010.html .

    Friday, September 25, 2009

    WVW Podcast Episode 17 Now Online

    Episode 17 of the WVW Podcast has now been posted. It's our second recorded live reading, this time originating from a session of the Greenbrier Valley Theatre's October Literary Tea series, from 2007. The featured material is the short story "Faux Fangs" from Beverly Pauley's collection Gothic Bedtime Stories. This story is the first appearance of Bev's reoccurring character, elderly West Virginia vampire Rutherford Zucks.

    The episode also has information about the 2009 Literary Teas as well as a preview of what WV Writers will be doing at the 2009 WV Book Festival in Charleston and some hints about presenters for our upcoming 2010 Summer Conference.

    Check it out at our PODCAST PAGE.

    Thursday, September 24, 2009

    Writers Digest Popular Fiction Awards Contest

    Writers Digest has opened their 5th Annual Popular Fiction Awards Writing Contest. Deadline for it is November 2 for the following categories:
    • Romance
    • Mystery/Crime Fiction
    • Science Fiction/Fantasy
    • Thriller/Suspense
    • Horror
    See their website for entry requirements and all details.

    http://www.writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards

    GVT and WVW’s Annual Literary Tea Series Scheduled for October

    GVT’s Annual Literary Tea Series Scheduled for October

    Sit back, relax, enjoy hot, fresh tea, and listen to an hour of great works of literature, read by local writers and theatre artists, Thursday evenings in October at Greenbrier Valley Theatre. The Teas begin at 5:30 pm on October 1, 8, and 15, and 22 and offer a soothing experience for the mind; a relaxing hour of reading, complete with tea and coffee and tasty treats.

    GVT’s Annual Literary Tea Series is in partnership with the West Virginia Writers and, in addition to guest-artist readers, it features some of the winners of the West Virginia Writers competition. This year’s readers include Belinda Anderson, Willa Izzo, Sara Crickenberger, Tim Armentrout, and many others.

    GVT invites the Community to join them for their Annual Autumn series of Literary Teas. Admission is free and no reservations are required. Call GVT Box Office at (304) 645-3838, 10 – 6pm, Monday – Saturday, for more information.

    Greenbrier Valley Theatre is handicap accessible and is smoke-free. To be reminded by email of upcoming events, call GVT. Visit www.gvtheatre.org for all GVT events.