Kate's Blog

Pardon our dust...new blog under construction

2012-02-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

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

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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.

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

Everyclass meeting will begin with time to snack and socialize about what’s going onin our writing and our lives. At our first class meeting for each session, wewill do some writing, as well as establish a manuscript workshop schedule andexchange manuscripts (in keeping with AWA philosophy, the facilitator will alsoparticipate). In each subsequent meeting, we’ll enjoy a brief discussion ofthat week’s craft book reading selection, to be read in advance. Next, we’llwrite and then respond to each other’s just-written work. We'll then workshoptwo manuscripts, spending at least 30 minutes on each. This workshop will befacilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated withrespect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer willlearn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/herfirst-draft work and manuscript submission, as well as receive supportivefeedback and strategies for continued work on the submitted manuscript.

Timeand Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective(1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Friday afternoons, 4:00-6:30 p.m. If you wantto participate but cannot arrive promptly at 4:00, please let me know.Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion, but nodiscount or make-up instruction will be given for time missed.

WorkshopCost and Payment Due Date: $195. Payment isdue at the time of registration and must be submitted with registration form.

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

2012-01-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

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

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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!

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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.

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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

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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/

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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

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

2012-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

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

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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 13^th, 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 25^th St (@R).

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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/

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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.

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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.

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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/

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

2012-01-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

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!)

Kate Asche January 2012 private workshops open for registration

2011-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

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 alow-key gentle critique option) on Tuesday nights called The Craft of ShapelyWriting.

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 Fridayprogram, there's a discount for those who enroll in both sessions. Full detailsbelow.

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

Yoursin writing,

KateAsche

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

The Craft of Shapely Writing (AllGenres), Winter 2012

This year, do you want to expand your craft toolboxwhile generating new work, and also maybe get some gentle critique on piecesyou’ve already drafted? Would you like to have time to casually talk with otherwriters as you become more deeply connected in our local writing community?

Join Kate Asche this winter in an Amherst Writers andArtists (AWA) generative writing workshop, with a couple of twists: First, MakingShapely Fiction by Jerome Stern and The Teachers & Writers Handbookof Poetic Forms will be our "textbooks" for this 10-weekworkshop. Second: You’ll have the option to receive gentle workshop-stylecritique of a selection of your writing one time throughout this session.

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

Class Size is Limited: This private workshop is limited to 15participants, 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. ifthe class fills completely.) If you wish to participate but cannot arrivepromptly at 6:00, please let me know. Permission for late arrival may begranted at Instructor’s discretion.

Dates: Tuesdays,6:00-8:45 p.m. ~ January 17 - March 27, 2012 (10 meetings / no class February28)

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 ofregistration.

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

Join Kate Asche this winter in a very intimate AmherstWriters and Artists (AWA) writing and critique workshop. Class size isstrictly limited to seven writers plus facilitator. Participants may submitup 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, eachexploring a different aspect of craft. Sign up for both sessions and receive adiscount!

Every class meeting will begin with time to snack andsocialize about what’s going on in our writing and our lives. At our firstclass meeting for each session, we will do some writing, as well as establish amanuscript workshop schedule and exchange manuscripts (in keeping with AWAphilosophy, the facilitator will also participate). In each subsequent meeting,we’ll enjoy a brief discussion of that week’s craft book reading selection, tobe read in advance. Next, we’ll write and then respond to each other’sjust-written work. We'll then workshop two manuscripts, spending at least 30minutes on each. This workshop will be facilitated in the AWA method, in whichall shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on thewriting 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 thesubmitted manuscript.

Session I (Text: The Art of Description by MarkDoty)

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

Session II (Text: The Art of Recklessness byDean Young)

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

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

Time and Location: We will writetogether at the ThinkHouse Collective (1726 11th Street, Sacramento) on Fridayafternoons, 4:00-6:30 p.m. If you want toparticipate but cannot arrive promptly at 4:00, please let me know. Permissionfor late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion.

Dates: Seeabove.

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 isdue at the time of registration.

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

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

2011-12-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

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/

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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.

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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

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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/

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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

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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

MONDAY 12/5: American River Review reading @ SPC; Kate Asche reads @ Why There Are Words in Sausalito 12/8; UC Davis Extension Final Writing Courses open for enrollment; Zoe Keithley offers one-day Story Workshop 12/17; SPC Quinton Duval Chapbook Winners announced; Writers Who Wine holiday potluck THIS Friday

2011-12-04T20:15:00.001-08:00

Friends,

This is the season of giving, and there are so many folks giving their words in readings this month! There are also holiday writerly gatherings to attend. I do hope to see you at one or more of these lovely events--particularly, of course, the reading I myself am giving at Why There Are Words in Sausalito this coming Thursday, 12/8--details below!

Yours in writing,

Kate

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Sacramento Poetry Center Presents:

American River Review Reading

Monday Dec. 5, 2011 at 7:30 PM
1719 25th Street
Host: Bob Stanley

The Sacramento Poetry Center will host the American River Review Writers whose work appears in the 2012 Silver Edition of the magazine will read from their work and be available for questions and interviews.

This award-winning literary and fine arts magazine is produced annually by students from ARC’s Art New Media and English Departments. Currently in its twenty-fifth year, the ARR showcases the best student art and literature of the last two years. Please join us in recognizing our talented 2012 poets and writers.

The Sacramento Poetry Center is located at 1719 25th Street, Sacramento. Light refreshments will be served. Please join the staff of the American River Review and the Sacramento Poetry Center for this important literary event. For any additional information or with questions, please contact Professor Michael Spurgeon at SpurgeM@arc.losrios.edu.

American River Review Reading hosted by the Sacramento Poetry Center
Sean Ventura- Introduction
Danny Dyer- Prologue Reading

Contributor Readings:
Claire Davis
Viola Allo
Dane Ellis Steele
Chakira Louise Parsons
DJ Stipe
Sarah K. Tutt
Robert MacMahon
Nathan Feutz
Rachel Gardner
Danny Dyer
V. L. O’Farrell
Linda Collins
Zachary Adams

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KATE ASCHE READS (PROSE!) at WHY THERE ARE WORDS

Full details at http://whytherearewords.wordpress.com/.

Friends, if you can swing it, come hear me read a bit of prose (my first public prose reading!) alongside these amazing folks: UCD professor and nonfiction writer Lynn Freed, musician-writer David Berkeley, fiction writers Cary Groner and Faith S. Holsaert, memoirist Nick Krieger, poet Dean Rader, and photographer-writer Ian Tuttle. What a night!

Join us December 8, 7 pm, at the fantastic Why There Are Words in Sausalito!

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The last quarter of writing course offerings is now open for enrollment at UC Davis Extension.

Topics include Novel Craft Workshop, Creative Nonfiction Workshop, Reading Contemporary Poetry as a Writer, Short Fiction Workshop (online), and Nonfiction Writing Workshop.

More info and to enroll: www.extension.ucdavis.edu/arts

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Give yourself the gift of a workshop amidst the holiday bustle! We will meet at our usual time and place on the third Saturday of December, December 17th, from 12:30-4:30 pm at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 27th and Capitol, in the education building next to the cathedral. Look for the room number postings on the entry doors.

Our reading this month is from American Short Story Masterpieces (Edited by Carver and Jenks), Barry Hannah's "Water Liars".

Looking forward to seeing you! And whether or not, very happy to holidays to everyone!

If you plan to attend, contact Zoe to let her know in advance: mzoekeithley@aol.com

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Sacramento Poetry Center
Announces the winners of the
2010 Quinton Duval Chapbook Contest
Denise Lichtig,
Davis, California, for her chapbook,
Crystal Gods
and
Janet McCann,
College Station, Texas, for her chapbook,
Carlos’ Café

Denise Platt Lichtig has previously published in Hayden's Ferry Review, the Antioch Review, The Suisun Review, and has received a Pushcart Small Press nomination, and an internship/ scholarship at the Dorland Artist colony. Denise was also a semi-finalist in the Discovery/Nation contest. She received her B.A. in English and French Literature from U.C.S.C. and her M.S. in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from A.C.T.C.M. Denise is opening the third Lien-Ying Tai Chi Chuan Academy, and teaches Beginning Meditation and Tai Chi Chuan. She is the owner of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Davis, CA.

Texas poet Janet McCann has published over 500 poems in journals and anthologies. She has been teaching at Texas A&M since 1969, and received an NEA Fellowship in Poetry in 1989. McCann’s book Wallace Stevens Revisited—The Celestial Possible was published in 1995. She has authored textbooks, edited anthologies, and has at least seven previous chapbooks, from How They Got Here (1985) to Emily's Dress (Pecan Grove Press, 2005) and House (Plan B Press, 2010.)

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Writers Who Wine Holiday Pot Luck Party

Public Event for Writers Who Wine

Friday, December 9, 2011

6:00pm until 9:00pm

ThinkHouse Collective, Sacramento

Give yourself the gift of wining and join your fellow writers for a holiday pot luck at the Thinkhouse Collective. Bring your favorite festive food or beverage and toast a year of great projects, mingling and, of course, wining. I look forward to seeing you there.

FREE Holiday-Theme One Day Workshops, led by Kate Asche, 11/30 and 12/7; Editorial Freelancers Association branch mtg 11/28; Sacramento Poetry Center Annual Fundraiser 12/1; Writer Who Wine Holiday Potluck 12/9; Slam Poetry Invitational 12/10

2011-11-23T19:28:00.001-08:00

Friends, there is plenty of great Sacramento and Davis writing stuff going on, to keep you in the writing mood all through the holiday season!

*FREE* HOLIDAY WRITE NIGHTS WITH YOURS TRULY! For adults and teens!

To really kick off your season "write," join me on 11/30 (if you're an adult writer) or 12/7 (if you're a teen writer) from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Rancho Cordova Library. Get into the holiday spirit as we write to prompts with a seasonal theme. In this FREE single-session generative creative writing workshop, you'll have the opportunity to share your just-written words, if you like, and receive feedback about what is strong, beautiful and memorable in them. All genres welcome. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, register today--as space is limited--at the Rancho Cordova Library website here.

Happy holidays!

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EDITORIAL FREELANCERS' ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO COME SAY HI!

Susan Hoard Herman, writer, editor and EFA member, says:

"I'd like to invite each of you to attend the Editorial Freelancers Association (NorCal chapter) meeting on Monday evening, 11/28 at 7pm. We meet at ThinkHouse Collective at 11th and R in downtown Sacramento. Part of the meeting will be "business" but I think we'll dedicate the first part, from 7-8pm, to talking about WRITING.

Is anyone writing a NaNo (50,000 words in the month of November, for National Novel Writing Month)? I am taking a stab at it. No particular outline, just generating journal contents that I plan to work over for my blog and possibly other creative nonfiction outlets. Hoping to skid off the path into fiction by the end.

I'll be presenting what I learned in The Art of Expressive Writing [class at UC Davis Extension, summer 2011] and during NaNoWriMo, but mostly I'll be asking questions for discussion such as :

1. How does it feel to write with abandon (that is, abandoning your inner editor)?

2. Have you ever written yourself into scary territory and if so, what did you do?

3. What have you discovered about yourself through the expressive writing process?

[for members of the group who are editing professionals:]

4. How does writing make you a better editor?

5. How does editing make you a better writer?

6. How do you combine your creative writing with your business, or are they two separate things?

Hope to see you there!

Susan Herman
Blogging at www.slideshowandicecream.wordpress.com

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SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AND PARTY @ THE MILLERS' HOUSE 12/1

Watch the SPC website for more information about this annual event! www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org. It usually runs from 6-8:00 p.m. an includes food, poetry, often some music, and many opportunies for supporting SPC by becoming a member, donating, or generally conributing goodwill!

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WRITERS WHO WINE HOLIDAY POTLUCK @ ThinkHouse Collective, 12/9

Get all the details via this public event on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/140811939356134/

In short, I hope to see you there--from 6:00-9:00 pm at ThinkHouse Collective!

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THE ILL LIST 8: A POETRY SLAM INVITATIONAL

For more info, visit the facebook event at http://www.facebook.com/events/181504721925312/ or the website below!

The most prestigious and highly anticipated spoken word event in the Central Valley is back. The ILL LIST 8: A Poetry Slam Invitational returns to the historic State Theatre Sat., Dec. 10 at 8 PM. This event will feature eight nationally renowned spoken-word artists, many of whom have previously appeared on HBO's Def Poetry Jam. Through three rounds of original poetry, poets will match metaphors and battle rhyme for rhyme on their quest for $1,500 in cash prizes. Randomly selected judges from the audience, using Olympic-style scorecards, will award points to poets based on the strength of their poems and the quality of their performances. Audience members are strongly encouraged to root for their favorite poems as cuts will be made after every round. Cheering, yelling, booing, hissing, whistling, and good-natured heckling are welcome and expected.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: http://www.slamonrye.com/ill_list.htm

THE HOSTS:

---> SAM PIERSTORFF

---> GREG EDWARDS

THE POETS:

PROUDLY INTRODUCING the SUPER spectacular, SLAMalicious POETS who'll be rocking the stage and blowing your mind at THE ILL LIST 8!

---> Joaquin Zihuatanejo (Dallas, TX) - 2010 ILL LIST CHAMP

---> D'dra White (Oakland, CA)

---> Sevan Kelee (Berkeley, CA)

---> Amy Everhart (Portland, OR)

---> G Yamazawa (Durham, North Carolina)

---> Rudy Francisco (San Diego, CA)

---> Elizabeth Sousa (Turlock, CA)

---> Novakane (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)

TICKETS:

Admission to this world-class literary boxing match is $15 for general reserved, $22.50 for middle reserved or $30 for premium reserved seating.

Get YOUR tickets at http://www.thestate.org/calendar/event/412/view OR The State Theatre Box Office.

One spot left in Brenda Miller CNF Workshop Jan 2012; ThinkHouse Collective celebrates 1 year this Fri; Indigo Moor poetry reading TOMORRW; Release party for Rae Gouirand's OPEN WINTER postponed; Two Calls for Creative Nonfiction from Local Writers; Jazz and Poetry to Benefit Stanford Children's Home 11/19

2011-11-16T20:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Wow! The writing activities and opportunities in Sacramento this fall just don't stop! Perhaps I'll see you at one of these many events. Do please say hi. Celebrate the season--read, write, and "wine" with your community!

Kate

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Stories on Stage's next MASTER TEACHER WEEKEND WORKSHOP features Brenda Miller

Friends, I hope you'll join me (one spot left!) for a weekend of intense consideration of creative nonfiction craft with Brenda Miller, this coming January in Sacramento. Be on the lookout for my interview of her on the Stories on Stage blog later this month!

January 14&15, creative nonfiction writer Brenda Miller, author of the essay collections Season of the Body and Blessing the Animals, and co-author of the creative nonfiction textbook Tell it Slant: Writing and Shaping Creative Nonfiction.
12 students max
$400

http://storiesonstagesacramento.wordpress.com/

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ThinkHouse Collective Celebrates One Year THIS FRIDAY!

November is our 1st birthday!

We figured that our first birthday is a pretty big deal and a good reason to celebrate -- so we are throwing a party.
Friday, November 18, 7-9 p.m.
ThinkHouse Collective
1726 11th Street, Sacramento
Now's your chance to see what this coworking thing is all about -- check out the space, meet some of our members and see some original art by Sacramento artist Jim Shepherd. And of course there will be birthday cake!
We hope you can join us!
November is our 1st birthday!

We figured that our first birthday is a pretty big deal and a good reason to celebrate -- so we are throwing a party.
Friday, November 18, 7-9 p.m.
ThinkHouse Collective
1726 11th Street, Sacramento
Now's your chance to see what this coworking thing is all about -- check out the space, meet some of our members and see some original art by Sacramento artist Jim Shepherd. And of course there will be birthday cake!
We hope you can join us!

www.thinkhousecollective.com

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Indigo Moor reads at Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis TOMORROW!

Thursday night the Poetry Night Reading Series will proudly welcome back poet Indigo Moor. He will be performing on Thursday, November 17th at 8PM at the John Natsoulas Gallery at 521 1st Street in Davis.

Indigo Moor is an award-winning poet and the author two acclaimed books of poetry. His work has appeared in a number of anthologies and journals including the Xavier Review, LA Review, Poetry Now, and Suisun Valley Review.

His first book,Tap Root, was published in 2006 byMain Street Rag's Editor's Select Poetry Series. His most recent book of poetry, Through the Stonecutter's Window, was the 2009 winner of the nationally recognized Cave Canem Northwestern University Press Poetry Prize and writing fellowship. He is also the recipient of numerous accolades including the 2005 Vesle Fenstermaker Poetry Prize for Emerging Writers and the 2008 Jack Kerouac Poetry Prize. He has been a finalist for numerous awards, such as the T.S. Eliot Prize, and in 2009 he was nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

The facebook event for the Indigo Moor reading can be accessed here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=227175037347701

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POSTPONED from TOMORROW: Release Party for Open Winter by Rae Gouirand

Friends, Rae is a phenomenal poet and writer in the community. I do hope I'll see you at the release party for her first book!

Rae says: Come one, come all, for a reading, to get your hands on the books, to eat the ISBN cake, & to take home some snowflakes from the veritable storm on my dining room table.
>>>New date: Thursday, January 19, 2012. 8 PM, at the John Natsoulas Gallery (521 First Street, Davis).

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TWO CALLS FOR CREATIVE NONFICTION FROM LOCAL WRITERS

CALL FOR HEARTWARMING TRUE CHRISTMAS STORIES
Jennifer Basye Sander says:
Okay everyone, the search is on for the true meaning of Christmas... I am currently putting together an anthology of true stories and would love to hear about yours! Hear are the details: Call for Stories -- Heartwarming Christmas Stories
I am currently collecting short, first person stories involving heartwarming holiday encounters for an anthology to be published by the non-fiction division of Harlequin in the fall of 2012, A Miracle Under the Tree: Real Stories of Hope, Faith, and the True Meaning of the Season. Stories should be between 1,500-2,000 words in length, feel free to submit longer and I will consider them. Deadline for submission is December 31, 2011. Should your story be chosen, you will receive author credit, a small payment , and a copy of the published book. Feel free to call me to discuss ideas or stories you already have. Jennifer Basye Sander, 916-847-9090. basyesander@yahoo.com.

UNDER THE GUM TREE: A LOCAL LITERARY JOURNAL
Janna Marlies Santoro, editor and founder of Under the Gum Tree, says:
Writers: if you write creative nonfiction (or know someone who does), we're still looking for submissions. Please share, thanks!
http://underthegumtree.submishmash.com/submit

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JAZZ AND POETRY TO BENEFIT STANDFOR CHILDREN'S HOME, 11/19

Poet and abstract artist James Humphrey (1939 to 2008) left a large mark on the literary landscape. He published 17 books of poetry and was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
His widow, Norma Humphrey of Sacramento, has organized "Jazz & Poetry Live: The Wonder of This Moment," a tribute to his legacy.
"It will benefit the Stanford Home for Children, honoring my husband's wishes to raise awareness for at-risk youth," she said.
Sacramento poet laureate Bob Stanley will be joined by poets Eve West Bessier, Mary Zeppa and Lawrence Dinkins in readings from Humphrey's works. Accompanying them will be the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet. Food and wine samplings will be included in the $25 donation.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 with a raffle and book sale at California Stage, 2509 R St., Sacramento.
Reserve tickets at (916) 451-5822 or www. brownpapertickets.com.
The exhibit "Paintings by James Humphrey" will hang through Dec. 5 in the Urban Hive Gallery, 1931 H St., Sacramento; (916) 585-4483
For more information: (916) 240-1897, www. sacramentopoetrycenter. org, www. jameshumphrey.net.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/07/4034679/mysteries-of-sactown.html#ixzz1dwHJepP4