Sunday, March 18, 2012

Kate's Miscellany moves to www.kateasche.com; Kate Asche opens spring workshop registration for The Craft of Shapely Writing (starts April 11)

Dear Writers and Readers,

No doubt you’ve noticed Kate’s Miscellany, the literary events blog for Sacramento Valley writers, has been very quiet lately. That’s because I’ve been in the process of moving the blog to its new home at www.kateasche.com/katesmiscellany/. Time for a virtual housewarming!

I invite you to come by for a peek. Also, please subscribe to the blog in its new location!

I remain committed to posting once each week (or so) about free, low-cost and exciting literary readings, events, workshops and other opportunities available to readers and writers in Sacramento, Davis and our region.

Subscription to the new blog is easy—scroll down just a little, and you’ll see the heading “Receive event postings in your email!” Enter your preferred email address in the field there, and you’ll be good to go.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me at asche.kate@gmail.com.

I am also pleased to announce my spring workshop, The Craft of Shapely Writing, is open for registration. Class begins April 11; full details below.

Yours in the literary arts,

 Kate Asche




**



The Craft of Shapely Writing (All Genres)

Wednesday evenings, April 11 - May 30, 2012

8 Meetings



Join Kate Asche this spring in an Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) generative writing workshop for all genres. Expand your craft toolbox by looking at structure in your stories and poems, and see how forms can inspire you. Generate new work weekly, and (if you like) receive gentle critique on one short piece of work you’ve already drafted. Talk casually with other writers as you become more deeply connected in our local writing community. Snacks and tea/coffee provided.



Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern and The Teachers & Writers Handbook of Poetic Forms will be our textbooks for discussion in this 8-week workshop.



How Do I Reserve a Space? Email me at asche (dot) kate (at) gmail (dot) com. I will send you a brief registration form. To complete registration (and reserve your place), please return your completed registration form to me along with payment. Registrations are accepted in the order received.



DETAILS:

Each meeting, we’ll enjoy brief discussion of that week’s reading selection, which we will have read in advance. Next, we'll spend time writing new drafts and sharing them (if we wish), as we respond to a prompt related to that week's discussion topic. Each meeting will close with another write, or with time spent in supportive workshop critique of one or more participant manuscript(s). This class will be facilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer will learn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/her first-draft work, as well as receive supportive feedback and strategies for continued work on the submitted manuscript. No one is required to submit a manuscript, and manuscripts will be distributed and read on the night of their discussion; manuscripts limited to one piece per person during the course (up to 5 pages of prose/2 pages for poem).



Class Size is Limited:  This private workshop is limited to 14 participants, plus the facilitator.



Time and Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective (1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Wednesday evenings. Our social time begins at 5:45 p.m., with class beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. We may go till 8:45 p.m. if the class fills completely. If you wish to participate but cannot arrive before 6:00 p.m., please discuss with Instructor. Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion, but no discount or make-up instruction will be given for time missed.



Workshop Cost and Payment Due Date: Workshop cost: $255 (if postmarked by 3/31/12) or $280 if postmarked 4/1/12 or later. Payment is due at the time of registration.



Sunday, February 5, 2012

Pardon our dust...new blog under construction

Friends and Writers:

It has come to my attention that subscribers are no longer getting notifications from this blog. I am hard at work on a new blog through another provider that I expect will be more stable. Pardon the proverbial dust as I get it put together. I expect to launch the blog by mid-February, and will post ample info here when that's ready. 

In the meantime: If you are interested in doing some writing along with receiving manuscript critique in the coming weeks, consider joining me and a great, intimate group of writers on Friday afternoons for my next private workshop. Full details below.

More soon!

Yours in writing,

Kate Asche

**


The Art of Recklessness (Generative Writing and Critique Workshop)

Fridays, 4:00-6:30 p.m. ~ February 24 – March 30 (5 meetings / no class March 2)
Text: The Art of Recklessness by Dean Young

To request a registration form and/or get your questions answered, please contact Kate Asche at
asche(dot)kate(at)gmail(dot)com.

Join Kate Asche this winter in a very intimate Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) writing and critique workshop. Class size is strictly limited to seven writers plus facilitator. Participants may submit up to 15 pages of prose and up to 8 pages of poetry (or some combo of the two, not to exceed 12 pages) per session.

Every class meeting will begin with time to snack and socialize about what’s going on in our writing and our lives. At our first class meeting for each session, we will do some writing, as well as establish a manuscript workshop schedule and exchange manuscripts (in keeping with AWA philosophy, the facilitator will also participate). In each subsequent meeting, we’ll enjoy a brief discussion of that week’s craft book reading selection, to be read in advance. Next, we’ll write and then respond to each other’s just-written work. We'll then workshop two manuscripts, spending at least 30 minutes on each. This workshop will be facilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer will learn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/her first-draft work and manuscript submission, as well as receive supportive feedback and strategies for continued work on the submitted manuscript.

Time and Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective (1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Friday afternoons, 4:00-6:30 p.m. If you want to participate but cannot arrive promptly at 4:00, please let me know. Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion, but no discount or make-up instruction will be given for time missed. 

Workshop Cost and Payment Due Date: $195. Payment is due at the time of registration and must be submitted with registration form.  

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Rae Gouirand book release TOMORROW; SPC presents Literary Lectures Series; Swan Scythe Press poetry chapbook contest; California Writers Club Saturday meeting; author Judith Horstman speaks at NorCal EFA mtg 1/30

Readers and Writers, I hope I'll see you at one or more of these exciting local events this week and next! Stay dry as the rain comes in...!  ~Kate

**
TOMORROW (Thurs): BOOK RELEASE PARTY FOR RAE GOUIRAND'S PRIZE-WINNING OPEN WINTER

The double release for OPEN WINTER and Best New Poets 2011 (which was just published last week) is this Thursday (tomorrow!) at 8 PM at the Natsoulas Gallery (521 First Street), Davis.

Rae is a tireless builder of our writing community here in the valley. Please help her celebrate this very special moment!

**



Feb. 16 Joshua McKinney — "Bolo and Bullshit: The Other T.S. Eliot"

Feb. 23 V.S. Chochezi — "Poetry Collaborations: Sacramento and Beyond" [
Gary Snyder and Tom Killion, Electropoetic Coffee (NSAA and Ross Hammond), Poetry Machine (Mario Ellis Hill and friends, Fo'Shange, Straight Out Scribes) and much more
March 1 Molly Fisk — "Women Poets: Friendship, Critique & Support"

March 8 Emmanuel Sigauke — "Contemporary World Poetry through International Poetry Web"

March 15 Bob Stanley and John Allen Cann — "The Blab of the Pave: Rhythm, Texture, Silence and Other Elements of Post-rhyming Poetry"

March 22 Judy Halebsky — "Japanese Literary Traditions in West Coast Poetics"

March 29 James DenBoer — "Kenneth Rexroth: The World Outside the Window"

April 5 Tim Kahl — "Surrealism and its Academic Discontents"
Only $99 (10% off for Sacramento Poetry Center members). $65 Mix/Match Pass (any four lectures you wish). Or, $20 per lecture. Runs Thursday evenings, 7:30-9pm; Feb 16, 2012 –April 5, 2012. Tickets make fine gifts! Proceeds benefit the Sacramento Poetry Center. Contact Tim Kahl, 916.714.5401 for more information.

**

SWAN SCYTHE PRESS POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST

Swan Scythe Press, founded by poet Sandra McPherson, now edited by James DenBoer, announces its 2012 Poetry Chapbook contest.  Submissions will be accepted between January 15, 2012 - June 15, 2012.  Any poet writing in English is eligible to submit.  Winner will receive publication, $200, and 25 copies of a perfect-bound chapbook with full-color cover.  See details of submission at www.swanscythe.com/contest.html

**

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE SACRAMENTO CHAPTER OF CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB?

Luncheon Jan. 2012: Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords

Saturday, January 21st, 2011 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Tokyo Buffet, 7217 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights, CA. DETAILS

Speaker: Mark Coker, founder and CEO of revolutionary e-publishing website Smashwords

Mark Coker founded Smashwords–an ebook publishing and distribution platform for ebook authors, publishers, agents and readers–in 2008 to change the way books are published, marketed and sold. Today, ebooks are one of the hottest trends in the publishing industry. Coker promises to demystify an unfolding world relevant to writers regardless of genre and form. Bring your notebook and questions!
Mark is co-author along with his wife, Lesleyann, of Boob Tube, a novel that explores the behind-the-scenes world of daytime television soap operas. It was Mark’s experience trying to get Boob Tube published that inspired him to start Smashwords. He believes Smashwords holds the promise to make publishing more enriching for authors, readers, and publishers.
In the three years since its launch, Smashwords has grown to become the leading ebook distributor serving indie authors, small presses, and literary agents. Over 30,000 authors from around the world have published more than 80,000 books at Smashwords. In June 2010, The Wall Street Journal named Mark one of the “Eight Stars of Self-Publishing.” Mark is a contributing columnist for the Huffington Post, where he writes about ebooks and the future of publishing.
Monthly luncheon is open to the public. Cost is $12 for members, $14 for nonmembers.

Questions? Email Margie Yee Webb or call 916-213-0798.

View full details at:
http://www.cwcsacramentowriters.org/2012/01/14/luncheon-jan-2012-mark-coker-founder-of-smashwords/

**

AUTHOR JUDITH HORSTMAN SPEAKS AT NOR CAL EDITORIAL FREELANCER'S ASSOCIATION (EFA) JANUARY MEETING 1/30

Judith Horstman on writing a successful magazine query letter

Monday, January 30, 2012 (7:00 pm)
Writing a winning query letter: A lesson for freelance magazine writers or wannabe magazine writers.
Date: Monday, January 30, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Thinkhouse Collective 1726 11th Street Sacramento, CA

Presented by Judith Horstman, an award-winning journalist who writes about health and medicine for doctors as well as the general public. She has been a Washington correspondent, a journalism professor, a Fulbright scholar, and has written and edited in just about any medium including newspapers, newsletters, special health publications, radio, video, the Internet, annual reports and books.

http://www.judithhorstman.com/bio.html
www.thinkhousecollective.com
www.the-efa.org

View the NorCal EFA chapter website here: http://www.the-efa.org/chp/?chp=norcal


Sunday, January 8, 2012

Early Enroll discount still available for Kate's private workshop; CNF writer Brenda Miller reads 1/13; AWA Sacramento winter programs; Writer's Brush at SPC 1/14; 916 INK call for volunteers; WTAW anniversary reading

Hello Friends!

Start your year off right with some great literary events, below.  And more great calendar items are coming!

Also, if you're thinking of doing some (or more) writing this year, consider participatingin one of my private workshops! They start next week, and the early enroll discount is still available for the Tuesday night workshop, The Craft of Shapely Writing. I also still have space in my Friday afternoon critique workshop; January's session of that is The Art of Description. See full details by scrolling down to two posts back.

Wishing you a new year filled with words,

Kate

**

BRENDA MILLER READS CREATIVE NONFICTION, 1/13

Award-winning creative nonfiction writer Brenda Miller will give a reading from her latest book, Listening Against the Stone: Selected Essays (available for purchase and signing) on Friday, January 13th, 7PM at the Sacramento Poetry Center. In addition, Brenda will discuss markets for publishing creative nonfiction, and end with a brief audience Q&A.

The Sacramento Poetry Center is located at 1719 25th St (@R).


**

CHECK OUT ALL THAT AWA SACRAMENTO HAS TO OFFER THIS YEAR!

AWASacramento is a chapter of the non-profit, Amherst Artists and Writers (AWA), an international arts organization dedicated to the principle that everyone can use words to create art. AWA was founded over thirty years ago by Pat Schneider, author of Writing Alone and With Others, Oxford University Press. AWAS, formerly Sutterwriters. Sutterwriters, which was an expressive writing program intended to help people use writing as a means to heal, was created by Lawrence Spann, Ph.D. and launched at the Sutter Medical Center Library in 2002.

Check out the webpage at www.awasacramento.com to see all kinds of different writing opportunities this winter, including some free groups!

And: want to do join an AWA group in Davis?

"Writing to Free the Soul" at the Davis Art Center (www.davisartcenter.org)
Each of us has stories to tell, insights to share, and ideas to unleash. Writing to Free the Soul workshops provide a warm environment for any adult to experiment with writing and to develop his or her own unique voice. Participants come not to “learn how” to write but to practice written expression in a supportive group. All writing is done in class and we read aloud our just-written work only if we choose to do so. We offer only gentle, positive feedback about what is strong in the writing. Writers of all experience levels, genres, and styles are welcome. Participants bring their own writing materials.

Members: $90/ Non-members: $100

Member-only online registration begins November 11; nonmember registration begins November 18.
Tuesdays 10am - 12pm
Session #1:    1/10 -2/14 
Session #2:    2/28-4/10 (no workshop on 3/27)
Session #3:    4/24-6/5 (no workshop on 5/29)

Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm
Session #1:    1/10 -2/14 
Session #2:    2/28-4/10 (no workshop on 3/27)
Session #3:    4/24-6/5 (no workshop on 5/29)

More information can be found at: http://www.davisartcenter.org/

**

WRITER'S BRUSH AT SAC POETRY CENTER 1/14

Jennifer Pickering will be on the Capitol Public Radio, on Insight talking up the Sacramento Writer's Brush on Jan 11.

All proceeds collected from the Sacramento Writer’s Brush event go to the Poetry Center.

You may know that Jack Kerouac, Sylvia Plath, and Frederico Garcia Lorca were writers, but did you also know they were visual artists? In the tradition of these literary greats the third annual Sacramento Writer’s Brush features local writers/artists Maceo Montoya, Julia Connor, D. R. Wagner, Trina Drotar, Frank Graham, Jennifer O’Neill Pickering, Sandy Thomas, and Tim Mchargue, in an art exhibit and reading of their writing. Singer songwriter, Mike Pickering, with guitarist, Chris Mackey, and singer, Argelia Hill, will also perform. Join them at the Sacramento Writer's Brush, Saturday January 14th, 5-9pm at the Sacramento Poetry Center Gallery, 1719 25th Street (25th&R). The art reception is January 14th 5-7pm and the reading follows from 7-9pm. Event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted and benefit the Sacramento Poetry Center.

**

916 INK looking for Wordslingers and more!
916 Ink, a new Sacramento nonprofit, is helping local youth write and publish their original work, and the group needs volunteers to help young writers this spring. If you’re a writer who likes to work with kids, consider becoming a volunteer for 916 Ink. The commitment is 2 hours every week for an 8 week session, plus a three hour training on either Jan. 16th from 6-9 pm or Jan. 18th from 4-7 pm at the Salvation Army in Oak Park.

This spring, 916 INK is working on three projects:
1. High school students from mid-February to the end of April on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 pm.
2. Third, fourth, and fifth graders from mid-February to mid April on Wednesdays from 2-4 pm.
3. "Tweens" from mid-April to the end of May on Thursdays from 4-6 pm.

All the writing for 916 Ink culminates in a book publication for the youth who participated (printed on the Sacramento Public Library's new book machines) and a celebratory young authors’ reading in June at the downtown Galleria.

Attached is a volunteer packet that outlines the volunteer positions, sites, and an application. With exciting volunteer positions like Word Slinger, Inspirator, and Eagle Eye-- how could you NOT want to take on a role?

You can learn more about 916 Ink at www.916ink.org <http://www.916ink.org> . They were recently highlighted in the Sacramento Bee's Book of Dreams: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/12/4115954/book-of-dreams-publishing-materials.html

If you have any questions you can also email Katie McCleary at 916ink@gmail.com.

**

WHY THERE ARE WORDS IN SAUSALITO CELEBRATES 2 YEARS!

Consider a field trip to the very wonderul prose reading series in Sausalito, Why There Are Words, curated by Peg Alford Pursell.

View details for what looks like an amazing anniversary celebration here: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dd4a356de3c634d74b92f45c4&id=05d84ca5af&e=95824f566f

Find out more about WTAW at http://whytherearewords.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Happy New Year; I Street Press @ Sac Library to be on Insight TOMORROW

Dear Writers and Readers,

Happy New Year to you! I hope you enjoyed some good reading, and perhaps even some good writing, over the holidays. I got a nice holiday present: another publication! And that wouldn't truly not have been possible without the wonderful community of writers we have here in Sacramento. Thank you!

So, this blog post is a quick one to let you know that I STREET PRESS at Sacramento Public Library will be featured on Insight, on Capital Public Radio, **tomorrow** (Wednesday, January 4th). Listen in live, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., on the following stations:


  • KXJZ 90.9 Sacramento
  • KKTO 90.5 Tahoe/Reno
  • KUOP 91.3 Stockton
  • KQNC 88.1 Quincy


  • ...or, stream the show later at http://www.capradio.org/news/insight.

    In addition to hearing about these exciting new programs at the Library, tomorrow's show will also feature local author Judith Horstman as she talks about her new book, The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex and the Brain.

    In the next couple of days, look for my first events posting of 2012! Stay tuned!

    Yours in writing,

    Kate Asche

    (P.S.: If you're looking to do more writing in the new year, consider drafting new work and getting some gentle critique on works-in-progress with me, in one of the private creative writing classes I'll be offering starting in a couple of weeks. Complete details are at the blog post just below this one. Happy writing!)

    Friday, December 16, 2011

    Kate Asche January 2012 private workshops open for registration

    Dear Writers and Friends:

    Registration is now open for my winter 2012 private creative writing workshops!

    I will be offering a ten-week AWA-style generative workshop (with a low-key gentle critique option) on Tuesday nights called The Craft of Shapely Writing.

    On Friday afternoons, I will offer back-to-back, five-week manuscript critique workshops called The Art of Writing: Description and Recklessness. This class will be strictly limited to 7 participants, plus instructor.

    I'm offering an early enroll discount for the Tuesday program, and for the Friday program, there's a discount for those who enroll in both sessions. Full details below.

    I hope you have a holiday filled with lovely words—in the songs and traditions of the season, and maybe even within the pages of a good book by a fireplace!

    Yours in writing,

    Kate Asche 

    **

    How Do I Register? Email asche (dot) kate (at) gmail (dot) com. I will send you a brief registration form. To complete registration (and reserve your place), please return your completed registration form to me along with payment. Registrations are accepted in the order received.

    **

    The Craft of Shapely Writing (All Genres), Winter 2012

    This year, do you want to expand your craft toolbox while generating new work, and also maybe get some gentle critique on pieces you’ve already drafted? Would you like to have time to casually talk with other writers as you become more deeply connected in our local writing community?
     
    Join Kate Asche this winter in an Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) generative writing workshop, with a couple of twists: First, Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern and The Teachers & Writers Handbook of Poetic Forms will be our "textbooks" for this 10-week workshop. Second: You’ll have the option to receive gentle workshop-style critique of a selection of your writing one time throughout this session.

    We’ll begin each meeting with time to snack and socialize about what’s going on in our writing and our lives. Then, we’ll enjoy a brief discussion of that week’s reading selection, which we will have read in advance. Next, we'll spend two hours writing and sharing our writing (if we wish), as we respond to a prompt related to that week's discussion topic. Each meeting will close with time spent in supportive critique of a single workshop member’s manuscript (up to 6 pages of prose/3 pages of poetry) or—depending on how many participants choose to submit for critiques—another quick writing prompt. This workshop will be facilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer will learn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/her first-draft work.

    Class Size is Limited:  This private workshop is limited to 15 participants, plus the facilitator.

    Time and Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective (1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-8:45 p.m. (We may go till 9:00 p.m. if the class fills completely.) If you wish to participate but cannot arrive promptly at 6:00, please let me know. Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion.

    Dates: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:45 p.m. ~ January 17 - March 27, 2012 (10 meetings / no class February 28)

    Workshop Cost and Payment Due Date: Workshop cost: $325 (if postmarked by 12/28/11) or $350 if postmarked 12/29/11 or later. Payment is due at the time of registration.

    **

    The Art of Writing: Description and Recklessness (Critique Workshop), Winter 2012

    Join Kate Asche this winter in a very intimate Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) writing and critique workshop. Class size is strictly limited to seven writers plus facilitator. Participants may submit up to 15 pages of prose and up to 8 pages of poetry (or some combo of the two, not to exceed 12 pages) per session. Two sessions will be offered, each exploring a different aspect of craft. Sign up for both sessions and receive a discount! 

    Every class meeting will begin with time to snack and socialize about what’s going on in our writing and our lives. At our first class meeting for each session, we will do some writing, as well as establish a manuscript workshop schedule and exchange manuscripts (in keeping with AWA philosophy, the facilitator will also participate). In each subsequent meeting, we’ll enjoy a brief discussion of that week’s craft book reading selection, to be read in advance. Next, we’ll write and then respond to each other’s just-written work. We'll then workshop two manuscripts, spending at least 30 minutes on each. This workshop will be facilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer will learn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/her first-draft work and manuscript submission, as well as receive supportive feedback and strategies for continued work on the submitted manuscript.

    Session I (Text: The Art of Description by Mark Doty)  

    Fridays, 4:00-6:30 p.m. ~ January 20 – February 17 (5 meetings)

    Session II (Text: The Art of Recklessness by Dean Young)

    Fridays, 4:00-6:30 p.m. ~ February 24 – March 30 (5 meetings / no class March 2)

    Class Size is Limited:  Both session of this private workshop are strictly limited to 7 participants, plus the facilitator.

    Time and Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective (1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Friday afternoons, 4:00-6:30 p.m. If you want to participate but cannot arrive promptly at 4:00, please let me know. Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion.

    Dates: See above.

    Workshop Cost and Payment Due Date: The cost of a single workshop session is $195; sign up for both sessions for a discounted total of $350. Payment is due at the time of registration.

    Contact Kate Asche at asche (dot) kate (at) gmail (dot) com with any questions and/or to register.

    Wednesday, December 14, 2011

    Tis the season for literary merrymaking: THIS Thursday noon join Sac Poetry Center at Central Library; Poetry in Davis THIS Thursday night 12/15; Library presents writing classes at I Street Press; Sacramento Press 3rd Annual Journalism Open Contest; Why There Are Words 2nd Anniversary Celebration

    Friends, there's still time to get more literary merryment (or did we mean mayhem?) in before the bell tolls twelve and the New Year rings in.  Enjoy, and warmest wishes of the season to you and yours!

    ~Kate

    P.S. Looking for something nice to read by the fire? Check out my recent interview of creative nonfiction writer Brenda Miller for the Stories on Stage Master Teachers Workshops! In fact, if you want to write with Brenda January 14-15, 2012, last I heard, there was still one open space. I will be there in workshop, and I can't wait!

    http://storiesonstagesacramento.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/kate-asche-interviews-brenda-miller/


    **
    THIS Thursday @ noon: Sacramento Poetry Center in the Sacramento Room at Central Library


    Third Thursdays in the Sacramento Room 
    Thursday, December 15 at the Central Library

    828 I Street, 12 Noon
    Mary Zeppa and Lawrence Dinkins hosts
    In the bleak midwinter,
    (Christina Rosetti)
    Let there be light.
    (Genesis)
                           
    On December 15, let’s counter midwinter’s bleakness with poetic light.  Bring your favorite poems (preferably by a writer other than yourself) which explore or celebrate the welcome phenomenon of light out of darkness.  And/or which explore or celebrate one or more of December’s festivals of light (in this year’s chronological order): Chanukah, the winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa. Cast your net wide.  Think metaphorically as well as literally.  Let your mind (and your senses) run free.

    **

    THIS Thursday night, 12/15: POETRY IN DAVIS


    Joan Gelfand and Jenny Holland Perform at the John Natsoulas Gallery

    Thursday, December 15 at 8:00pm

    Get the full scoop at: www.poetryindavis.com

    **

    SACRAMENTO LIBRARY announces new writing classes at I Street Press Community Writing and Publishing Center!

    Sacrament Library says: Welcome to I Street! Join Sacramento Public Library as we jump into the world of print-on-demand, self-publishing and writing/publishing classes. We hope that I Street will become the go-to destination for all things writing and publishing. Do you have a book inside? We can print it for you!

    To register and for full details (and to download the winter 2012 catalog of classes), visit www.saclibrary.org/istreet/



    **

    SACRAMENTO PRESS Third Annual Journalism Open Contest - $600 grand prize!

    The Sacramento Press will be holding our third annual Journalism Open writing contest in January.  The contest is open to anyone who lives or works in Sacramento and we will be giving away cash prizes (grand prize is $600).  Let me know if you have any questions! http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/60864/The_Sacramento_Press_Journalism_Open_2012_begins_Jan_1

    **

    WHY THERE ARE WORDS in Sausalito celebrates 2 years of great literary prose readings!

    Join us January 12 at Studio 333 in Sausalito, 7-9pm when we present Other Voices: Come Together and find out what all the rave reviews have been about. This will be a special show with a surprise treat. The following authors’ readings are going to be anything other than ordinary!

    Full details, including reader bios and photos, at http://whytherearewords.wordpress.com