The page has moved to:
this page


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Call for Papers: Appalachian Visions of China

(This courtesy of Cat Pleska)

Call for Papers

SAMLA Convention
November 9-11, 2012
Durham, North Carolina 27709
http://samla.gsu.edu/index.html

Session: Appalachian Visions of China

Appalachian literature is known for its strong sense of place, emphasizing the local. However, the influence of Chinese poetry and philosophy on contemporary Appalachian writing is surprisingly strong. Chinese images, ideas, and styles appear in numerous poems and stories by contemporary Appalachian authors, for example, in the works of George Scarbrough, Jeff Daniel Marion, and Charles Wright. This session will explore how twentieth- and twenty-first century Appalachian poetry and prose uses images, ideas, and styles associated with ancient and modern China. Also welcome are presentations on how American authors—such as the Nobel-Prize winning author, Pearl Buck, and Beat-generation poets Gary Snyder and Kenneth Rexroth—have influenced Appalachian writers' concepts of China and its culture. In brief, this session seeks papers that discuss and illustrate the "China" of Appalachian imagination, both in terms of theme and technique.

(Session Chair, Rob Merritt; Session Secretary, Eddy Pendarvis)

Please submit a 250-word abstract no later than May 15, 2012 to Rob at the email address below.

Rob Merritt, PhD
Professor of English
Chair, Division of Language, Literature and Communications
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA 24605
276-326-4270 (office)
304-920-1860 (cell)

robmerritt202@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Free Improv/Creativity Workshop!

West Virginia Writers' own Steve Goff will host a Free Improv/Creativity Workshop!
"Improv Your Creativity, Improv Your Life!"

This will take place at the Bridgeport Public Library - Sat. May 12, 2012 from 1:30 pm - 4 pm.
Utilizing the techniques of comedy improvisation, participants will learn how to jump start and maintain their creativity. Comedy improv requires getting out of your own way, being in the moment, and quieting your inner critic. Recharge your muse. Focus your creative efforts. Challenge that
cranky critic.

Space is limited, pre-registration required. Call 304-842-8248 to register.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Cheryl Denise Poetry Reading in Morgantown

(This news courtesy Kirk Judd)

On Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30pm, Cheryl Denise and Kirk Judd will present a poetry reading at the Blue Moose Cafe, 248 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV. 

This reading will be to celebrate the publication of Cheryl's new collection "What's in the Blood". Please join us to hear this unique blend of two of West Virginia's finest poetic voices.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Morgantown Poets featured writer: Susanna Holstein (aka Granny Sue) is the featured...

(This news courtesy of Diane Tarantini)

Susanna Holstein (aka Granny Sue) is the featured writer at Morgantown
Poets this Thursday night at the MAC in Morgantown at 7:00 p.m.. If
you're within an hour's drive, I hope you'll come out and make her
(and Larry) feel at home.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Ruby Lioness Press seeks submissions

Ruby Lioness Press Co-owner, Marissa Dobson, is taking 1-5 line pitches on http://dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/

She is mainly looking for short stories and novellas, but is open to novel-length pitches as well.

The rules are simple:

1. Contest opens at 8:00 A.M. EST and runs through 8:00 P.M EST April 26, 2012

2. Submit a 1-5 line pitch.

3. Please provide the length (finished or expected) and genre of your pitch also.

If you have any questions, or would prefer to email them, you can email me at: marissa@rubylionesspress.com

About Ruby Lioness Press:

Ruby Lioness Press is a semi new publisher, but all of our staff has been in the business for years. We are here to help authors reach their goals. Our release schedule is growing rapidly; be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of the Ruby Lioness Press family. Ou rstandard royalty percentage is 50% of the sale price of your e-book and 40% for print.

Website – http://rubylionesspress.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruby-Lioness-Press/279190975451409

We have a multi-author series (which you can pitch for also, just please mention that in the post). For more information on the multi-author series, follow these links:

Website – http://clearwaterrlp.wordpress.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterSeries

Marissa's bio:

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, I now reside about an hour from Washington, D.C. I am a lady who likes to keep busy, and am always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, I believe you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave me the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read I have always had my nose in a book. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started writing down the stories I came up with.

My first experience in publishing was reviewing and then marketing. It wasn't until I was in the business a year or more that I had enough courage to submit something to be published. Now between writing, marketing, and running Ruby Lioness Press my days are full.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

West Virginia Writers Inked anthology selections announced

(From WV Writers President Cat Pleska...)

On behalf of Woodland Press, LLC, Editor Michael Knost, and myself, I am happy to announce the works and their authors selected for the West Virginia Writers Inked (working title) anthology. First, I admit the choices were difficult, but in a way, it was a delightful difficulty. Let me explain: with so many good entries, it was difficult because I could not choose them all, but the ones chosen are representative of the diversity and quality of writing by members of West Virginia Writers. Thanks go to all of you who submitted. Cat Pleska, senior editor

Wilma Acree If You See Buzzards
Belinda Anderson Pee Wees' Playhouse
Laura Treacy Bentley Caving
Beverly Bisbee Holding Memories
Ginger Hamilton Caudill Bringing Home the Bacon
Mary Lucille DeBerry Odd
Ethan Fischer New Choir Choice
Geoff Fuller Splinters
Karin Fuller Puddles
Kathleen Furbee Christmas Cards
Mathilde Hall The Forgetting
Susanna Holstein Sago
Marion Kee On Hearing Bill Withers in the Ninth Grade
Frank Larnerd Garbageman Stan
Llewellyn McKernan Time and Change
Rob Merritt Sky Teacher
John Mugaas Arizona
Patricia Patteson Broken Chain
Edwina Pendarvis Hallowmas
Joshua Robinson Last Letter
Christine Roth Calling Me Home
Jason Roth The Song
Lynne Schwartz-Barker The Climb
Susan Sheppard The Green Children
Barbara Smith Dog Days
Diane Tarantini To Make Her Smile
Frances VanScoy Canning Beans

Geoff and Karin Fuller win Writers Digest contests

(From WVW Member Diane Tarantini...)

Whoo hoo!  If you get Writers' Digest (specifically the May/June issue), turn to pages 46 and 47. Geoff Fuller is on p. 46 with his win in the crime genre. Karin is on 47 with her win in romance. Way to go Fuller family. Way to go West Virginia Writers:)

Monday, April 09, 2012

Romance Writing Conference in Virginia Beach

Virginia Romance Writers is hosting a romance conference in Virginia Beach (May 4 and 5).  Workshops are planned that writers of all genres might find of interest, include a two-part workshop by author Barbara Samuel (Barbara O'Neal) on voice. They're also offering agent/editor appointments and single-day registration options.
Here are details:
2012 For the Love of Writing Conference
May 4 - 5, 2012
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center
Virginia Beach, VA
Now accepting conference registrations.

Monday, April 02, 2012

"Location Location" Play Contest seeking submissions



Charleston Stage Company & FestivALL announcethe 2012 LOCATION, LOCATION!

-New Play Contest-
The Library Play

This year’s play will take place at Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street, in the Children’s Reading Room, June 23, 2012 at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm.

The Rules are as follows:
•Play must have at least one Librarian
•Play may incorporate one or any of the following NOISE making props; BELL, TAMBOURINE, WHISTLE, WIND CHIMES OR A WHOOPEE CUSHION
•The first line of Dialogue must be “Quiet, please.”
•Play may have 4 to 6 characters of any age/gender
•Play must have a run time of no more than 15 and no less than10 minutes
•Play may be comedic or dramatic, but must be appropriate for all ages.
•All playwrights must be West Virginia residents.
•Play may not have been produced previously.
•Playwrights may submit more than one play. Collaborations between writers are also acceptable.
•Playwrights should be able to attend the 11am performance on Saturday, June 23rd
•All plays must be typewritten and mailed to the Charleston Stage Company at 123 Summers St., Charleston, WV 25301 by May 10, 2012 or emailed in Word or PDF format to charlestonstagecompany@yahoo.com

The plays will be read and judged by out-of-state judges who will consider (among other things) creative use of the space.

For more information call 304-766-5721 or visit www.charlestonstagecompany.com.

Made possible by funding through the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and FestivAll Charleston.

This is the Seventh year for LOCATION! LOCATION! Past productions include the Bank Lobby Play, the Trolley Play, the Elvis Play, The Crossing Play, River Play and the Salon Play.