Dear Members,
Upcoming Women Who Write Workshop
Developing Your Author Platform
Now that the craziness of April is behind us, don't forget to register for this workshop designed to help writers get a leg up when it comes to building a presence and designing strategies to increase your visibility. Stephanie Feger, author and marketing strategist will address the concept of an author’s platform and why it’s important as well as the basics of building one and strategies to increase your visibility.
The workshop is open to everyone who aspires to write but space is limited and registration is required.
Workshop: Developing an Author Platform
When: Wednesday May 15 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. wine tasting ($5 for 3 wines)
6:30-8:00 writer workshop
Where: Old 502 Winery, 120 S. 10th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Cost: WWW Member: $20
Non-Member: $30
*Note: advance payments only, no refunds
Register at: https://womenwhowrite.com/events/workshop-developing-an-author-platform/
June 22 – Field Trip: Churchill Downs
Inspired to Write: Field Trip to the Backside of Churchill Downs
See Churchill Downs like you’ve never seen it before and get inspired to write! On Saturday, June 22nd, Women Who Write members are invited to attend a special field trip to the backside of Churchill Downs. This event is designed to boost creativity, broaden cultural horizons, and challenge our literary skills in a multisensory learning experience. As Members, you are invited to experience the sights, sounds, smells of the racing industry and write about what you observe.
We will meet in the Kroger parking lot on 4th Street at 7:30 a.m. We’ll then car pool onto the grounds where Mel Dixon will sign us in. Training at the track occurs from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. We’ll reconvene at Wagner’s for an early lunch and to share our observations. You are invited to remain for the races, which begin at 12:30. Please carpool accordingly!
This is a members-only event and offered at no-cost (other than lunch and souvenirs). Please register via our website. An email with directions and meet-up time will be sent to you after you register.
The Devil’s in the Details: Research for Nonfiction Writers
If you’re writing biography, history, travel, how-to books, books on social and political issues, or many other types of nonfiction, you’ll need to conduct research to ensure your book is credible and accurate. Join WWW member Susan E. Lindsey to learn more about how to locate sources, conduct research, incorporate what you’ve learned into your manuscript, cite your sources, and ensure you’re complying with copyright law. Bring a laptop or writing materials. Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Shape & Flow Writing Studio, 1860 Mellwood Ave., Studio 123, Louisville. Register at www.safws.com
April Meeting and Readings
Thirteen members were in attendance. We had no visitors.
Member Readings:
Evelyn Thibaudeau-- memoir, “Mardi Gras Memories”
Pat Smith -- fiction novel, “A House Divided”
Cheri Powell--fiction novel, “Golden Rod”
Clea Lewis--fiction novel, “Prologue”
Brittni Caudill-- memoir, “Commuters”
Ramona Osborne-- memoir, forward, “Oak Grove Road”
Diane Cruze-- essay, “Finding Home”
Selene Phillips--poems, “Season of Death” “Kim” and “Invisible Mummies: Wrapped Up in Oneself”
Interested in Hosting a Seasonal Write?
Seasonal Writes events give members an opportunity to bring their laptop or writing tablet and start on that new writing project, revise and edit a piece, or use a writing prompt to jumpstart new writing ideas. It is also an opportunity for members to support each other in their writing pursuits.
We would love for members to volunteer to host a Seasonal Write at their home or at a community location. As the host, you choose the date, place and time for us to gather. Contact a board member if you would like to host a Write.
Writing Opportunities
Apply Now to Participate in November Kentucky Book Fair
The Kentucky Book Fair is one of the top book fairs in the area and titles must be selected for participation. If you have a book published after July 1, 2018, or a work in progress that will be ready by September 2019, consider applying. Special consideration is given to titles written by authors who are residents or natives of Kentucky, and to titles that have a clear Kentucky connection. Application are due by May 31. After the deadline, a selection committee will choose titles for the book fair, based on several criteria. See guidelines at www.kyhumanities.org/informationforau__thors_application.htm
THE WRITER'S BLOCK PRIZE in FICTION
https://www.louisvilleliteraryarts.org/writersblockprize
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 1, 2019. Tell us your story - your love story, ghost story, adventure story, your story of hope or despair, of longing, loss, or triumph. All themes considered and welcome. We want your fresh takes, experimental forms, iconoclastic characters, so long as your story is less than 4,000 words. Multiple entries will be considered with contest fee per submission. One prize winner will receive $500 plus publication in The Louisville Review, as well as an invitation to read the winning story at the Writer's Block Festival on November 16, 2019, in Louisville, KY.
Flock literary journal seeks submissions on the theme “Kith and Kin,” including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, genre-bending work, artwork, and b&w graphic lit. Deadline May 31. http://flocklit.com
River Styx Poetry Contest. Submit up to three poems, no more than 14 pages. First prize is $1,500, plus publication. Fees $15 and $20. Deadline May 31. https://riverstyx.submittable.com/submit/132970/2019-international-poetry-contest
BLACKACRE FOREST WRITING RESIDENCY
https://balticwritingresidency.submittable.com/submit/11494/poetry-blackacre-reserve-writing-residency
The Blackacre Writing Residency is located in a beautiful, 300-acre forest and nature preserve located near Louisville, KY. The writer receives a $200 honorarium, and resides, for one to two weeks, in a furnished house, on the grounds, offering all of the modern domestic necessities. The period of the residency is dependent, in part, on the institution's overall schedule of visiting artists and writers. In turn, the writer has an immense amount of say as to when they occupy the residency, having the ability to delay beginning the residency for up to a year of being awarded the residency. We are more than open to genre writing (YA, sci-fi, romance, thriller, crime, etc.).
CHICKEN SOUP I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING EDITION
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Deadline July 31, 2019. We are looking for stories about something that happened to you in your life - in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or home – that made you and the people around you laugh out loud. Did you mean for it to be funny? Did the other person mean to make you laugh? Did a situation just get out of control? Keep your story to 1,200 words or less. Story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. If we publish your story, you will be paid $200 one month after publication of the book and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.
CHICKEN SOUP STORIES ABOUT CHRISTMAS
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Deadline January 30, 2020. We are now collecting stories for our HOLIDAY 2020 book and we are looking for stories about the entire December holiday season, including Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and New Year’s festivities, too. We want to hear about your holiday memories and traditions. The rituals of the holiday season give a rhythm to the years and create a foundation for our lives, as we gather with family, with our communities at church, at school, and even at the mall, to share the special spirit of the season, brightening those long winter days. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less. Story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. If we publish your story, you will be paid $200 one month after publication of the book, and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.
CHICKEN SOUP STORIES ABOUT MIRACLES
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Deadline June 30, 2019. Miracles do happen each and every day. Everyone has experienced events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment and give them hope for a better future. Why did these things happen? Is there an explanation? Or did these things seem to happen for no reason at all? Keep your story to 1,200 words or less. Story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. If we publish your story, you will be paid $200 one month after publication of the book, and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.
CHICKEN SOUP FORGIVENESS FIX
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Deadline May 30, 2019. We are looking for stories that will show our readers how forgiving someone or being forgiven by someone changed your life in a positive way. Were you able to reestablish a relationship after forgiving or being forgiven? Did letting go of your hurt feelings heal you and bring you a sense of peace? Help others find the same resolution by sharing your story. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less. Story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. If we publish your story, you will be paid $200 one month after publication of the book, and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.
CHICKEN SOUP GOLDEN YEARS OR SECOND WIND
https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Deadline June 30, 2019. So, you’re a certain age now, and you’re ready for what’s next. You might be enjoying an empty nest, or starting a second career, or winding down a first one. You might be downsizing, or traveling, or caring for elderly parents. You might be going on the adventure of a lifetime or taking long walks in the woods. The one thing you know for sure is that you’re not ready to stop living! Looking for stories after 60. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less. Story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. If we publish your story, you will be paid $200 one month after publication of the book, and you will receive ten free copies of the book your story or poem appears in.
SATURDAY EVENING POST GREAT AMERICAN FICTION CONTEST
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 1, 2019. The winning story will be published in the January/February 2020 edition ofThe Saturday Evening Post, and the author will receive $500. Five runners-up will each receive $100 and will also have their stories featured online. Stories must be between 1,500 and 5,000 words long. All stories must be previously unpublished (excluding personal website and/or blog publication). No extreme profanity or graphic sex scenes. Entries should be character- or plot-driven pieces in any genre of fiction. More info at:
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest/
Community Events
May 16 7:00-8:00 PM
Louisville Story Program Reading/Book Launch
Carmichael's Bookstore
2720 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Join Louisville Story Program for a reading from their latest collection of stories,
No Single Sparrow Makes a Summer. In narratives rooted in six countries, nine young women document cultural and geographic communities of South Louisville from the inside, exploring topics such as the refugee experience, juvenile detention, motherhood, misperceptions of their neighborhoods, and more.
May 18 10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Iroquois Branch Library
601 W. Woodlawn Ave.
Louisville, KY 40215
a place, a space, a voice