Memoir Writing: Is It Worth the Trouble? by Sonia Goodman (Guest Blog)

Last week I had the pleasure of reconnecting over tea in Toronto with five former workshop participants, Bernie, Celine, Margaret, Stan and Sonia. After attending a workshop series I led at North York Central Library in June 2007, these five eagerly banded together to form their own writers group, which they dubbed the WALRUS Club. They had got along well in my workshops and felt that by meeting regularly at one another's homes they could sustain the momentum and encourage one another to continue writing.

They kept in touch with me over the following months and I was interested in their progress. At some point I casually mentioned to Bernie that if they succeeded in keeping the WALRUS Club going for more than a year (an accomplishment, it seemed to me!), I would love to meet with them to hear about their experience in the group and give them some informal feedback on their writing projects. Bernie wasn't about to let me forget my promise -- and I'm glad of that!

Their projects turned out to be more varied than I could have imagined. Most recently, Celine has been working on a children's novella, Stan on a speech introduction, Margaret on her memoirs (she's also developing a children's picture book), Bernie on a film treatment (he's also self-publishing a book of limericks), and Sonia on the moving personal essay she's agreed to allow me to share with you below. All five say that taking the memoir workshop inspired them, though not all have continued with memoir as their chosen form. I say: writing is writing! And it fascinates me that each of these people has gravitated toward different forms of creative written expression. If it's my workshops that inspired them initially, it's their own enthusiasm and dedication to helping one another that's kept them experimenting and evolving as writers.

Sonia's piece is both memoir and a reflection on the importance of memoir, as you'll see.

Allyson


Memoir Writing: Is It Worth the Trouble?

by Sonia Goodman

In June 2007 I attended a memoir writing workshop at the North Toronto Library. This course was given by Allyson Latta. Apparently many people had telephoned in response to the advert in the paper, and as it was also advertised in "What’s On?" in the library system, we were all told that it was oversubscribed. So I was delighted, after a few weeks, to receive a phone call to tell me that I had been accepted -- and was asked if I was serious about participating. I agreed that I was, and promised to attend regularly.

I enthusiastically showed up and learned so much from the four lectures and exercises. After this, spurred on by Celine, 5 of us, from a class of about 20, decided that we wanted to continue meeting regularly, to try and encourage each other, hopefully to give and receive constructive advice, and presuming that a time frame would keep us working more diligently. Our selection method for this very elite set was a little unorthodox, but we ended up by becoming the group we wanted.

Over the last 18 months it has been so interesting to discover so much about each other, our talents, strengths and weaknesses, and to have formed this tightly-knit quintet -- caring and supportive. It has not always been easy to find a date and a satisfactory time that was mutually suitable, but we somehow muddled along and usually arrived on time, clutching our work -- straight off the press or, literally, the computer!

Over the last few months, however, possibly because my life has been so nomadic and disorganized, I have been seriously questioning whether it was really worth the trouble. No one in my family seemed especially interested in what I was doing, memoir writing, so why knock myself out doing something that was worthless?

On the 2nd of November my husband -- or more correctly my ex-husband -- Sidney, died in Johannesburg, South Africa. He had been in my life from the time I was 16 -- 62 years in fact. We were engaged when I was 18 and married when I was 19. We eventually divorced after 40 years of marriage, but remained very close as friends, parents and grandparents. The last time I spoke to him was on my birthday, 7th of July, when he phoned to give me his good wishes, and when I inquired about his health, he complained of a pain in his hip. I told him to attend to this problem and I would phone him for his birthday on the 20th of July to see how he was. Alas, that was our last conversation, as a couple of days later, he was taken into hospital after falling in the shower, and was in various other hospital systems with many challenging health problems until he died 4 months later.

My son, David, who was in Johannesburg, had the responsibility of looking after him, and he did a valiant task. Both he and Sidney agreed that during that time they were able to grow closer emotionally, so it seems as though everything, however hard, has its reason.

Obviously I was in almost daily touch with David, and when it came time for the service and prayers, David phoned me and said, "Was Dad’s mother also born in Glasgow?" -- Well, she wasn’t, she was born in Adelaide, Australia, and his father was actually born in Russia and only went to Scotland as a young boy. So I corrected these facts. Then David asked me other details -- about Sidney’s life at school, at university and then as a pilot in the Air Force -- and I was able to tell him all the information he needed as well as several anecdotes. I felt so strange that I couldn't be physically there during that time, and so I wrote my personal tribute to Sidney, and so did Anne, my daughter, and they were read out at the service by my niece. Family and friends have either written or called me to say how meaningful they were to them.

Afterwards I asked David to send me his eulogy, and also one written by his daughter, Joanna, who had gone to South Africa, from England, to support her father. When I read David’s very moving contribution, I was amazed to recognize how much of what I had told him recently was included. And I realized then, very strongly, that it was important for me to write down all this information -- as when I go, who will be able to fill in the gaps, and join the dots?

So my question was answered: it IS worth the trouble. And, our WALRUS group, we have a job to do -- and I thank you for helping me on my journey.

Scholastic's "Write It" Resources for Aspiring Writers

Scholastic's "Write It" online writing resource for teachers and students in grades 9 to 12 offers a unit on memoir writing and includes several accessible, well-designed writing samples and lesson plans. Though developed for student writers, these are excellent for anyone wanting to write about life experiences:

The main site for the unit is

Write It: Memoir

Here's a clickable link to the pdf of a short memoir by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and an exercise:

"Living to Tell the Tale"

Explore the "Write It" site for other tips, writing samples and exercises on memoir.

Workshopper Adele Simmons releases 2009 photo/poetry calendar

Adele Simmons sets off her poetry with vivid photos in a chapbook and striking 2009 calendar (7" x 8.5") titled Seasons of Rhyme. A special feature is her song for Earth Day, "Pennywise," complete with piano music and guitar chords. Seasons of Rhyme 2009 is available for $20. Contact Adele to order: (905) 263-4211 or AdeleCLCreative@sympatico.ca

Adele, who is also a freelance editor, announces as well the release of first-time author Erla Wilson's memoir Precious Memories, which Adele guided through the self-publishing process. The book launch took place in Whitby in early October. This memoir tells Erla's "stories of nurses' training at Oshawa General Hospital,
pioneer work with mentally handicapped children, farming, wartime, family and faith."

Natalie Goldberg - Old Friend from Far Away - Book Video

Watch this inspiring excerpt from the book "Old Friend From Far Away: How to Write Memoir," by U.S. author and writing instructor Natalie Goldberg.

Video: "Not Quite What I Was Planning"

"Not Quite What I Was Planning" is a book of six-word memoirs that resulted from a competition held by Smith Magazine and Twitter in 2006. Here's an entertaining video version of some of the submissions.

Workshopper Gail Rudyk to be published in Australia

Congratulations to workshopper Gail Rudyk of Richmond Hill, Ontario! Two of her short memoirs have been accepted for inclusion in an Australian anthology published by Life's Inspirational Moments. The new anthology, tentatively titled Caring Moments, is a follow-up to Stolen Moments (pictured above). Set to appear in it are Gail's stories "The Red Coat" and "Unforgettable."

Here is some information from the publisher:

"Life’s Inspirational Moments focuses entirely on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and supporting those who have to live with it. One of the ways we have chosen to do this is through our collections of true-life stories. While the disease itself is heart-breaking, our aim in these books is not to focus on the sadness but on the love, humour and strength of human spirit."

For more information, visit www.lifesinspirationalmoments.com

Gail recently read a version of "The Red Coat" to the Memoir Writers Social hosted by Days Road Writers' Workshops and held in Unionville on September 17, 2008.

Fall 2008 Workshops Update

My upcoming Online Advanced Memoir-Writing Workshop, which starts Monday, September 29, is now full. The eight group members hail from the Toronto area, northern Ontario, British Columbia, New York State, Arizona and New Zealand. Some are returning participants (a couple recent, others from years back), some new. I look forward to having them share their stories and their thoughts on memory and memoir.

There are spaces left in two live workshop series I'll lead this fall at Toronto Public Libraries -- Wednesdays through October at Albert Campbell District Library, and Fridays through November at the North York Central Library. These are both introductory workshops, which means that we'll go over the basics, but I also welcome participants who have done some memoir writing and are interested in group discussion, tips and writing prompts to further their efforts. These library workshops are free and you must pre-register. Note that the North York Central Library respectfully asks that individuals who have already taken one of my biannual workshop series there not register a second time. Thank you.

Memoir Workshop at Words Alive Literary Festival, September 21, 2008

I had the pleasure of presenting a workshop titled "The Memoir: Moments as Inspiration" to an enthusiastic group of 24 at the day-long Words Alive Literary Festival in Sharon, Ontario on Sunday. This second-annual celebration of words was attended by about 300 people, who gathered at the historic and beautiful Sharon Temple and surrounding buildings in Sharon, Ontario, to hear author readings and enjoy workshops, storytelling, public readings, writing contests, music and art.

The day got off to a chilly autumn start, but by late morning the sun was pouring through the large windows of the former temple, and warming the treed grounds as visitors meandered among scheduled events, sharing their appreciation of reading and writing. Governor General's Literary Award winner Karolyn Smardz Frost took part, as did Giller Prize nominees Anthony De Sa and Mary Swan and more.

The festival is run entirely by founder Vali Stone and a team of tireless volunteers, so kudos to them for their hard work in bringing to York Region such a multifaceted and entertaining literary event.

I encourage you to check out Words Alive Literary Festival and to plan to attend Words Alive 2009!

If you're looking for support in your writing and a way to motivate yourself, read my piece titled "Start Your Own Writers Group" on the Words Alive site under "News."

Memoir Writers Social Raises $1,000 for Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Blacksmiths Bistro was the scene of a lively party on September 17 when close to 40 people gathered for the Memoir Writers Social. The evening, as I told the audience, was to be a celebration of memory and writing -- a chance for some of my workshop students to meet (or meet again) and mingle and discuss memoir, and a fundraiser for an organization that helps those whose memories are failing, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

My mother has Alzheimer's, and I know that the families of several of my students have been touched by the devastating disease as well. We're far from alone. According to the Society, in 2008 in Canada, 1 in 13 individuals over age 65 has Alzheimer's or a related disease, and in individuals over age 85 the condition affects 1 in 3. Some 36 percent of Canadians know someone who has Alzheimer's. Through events like the Memoir Writers Social, funds can be raised to help those who suffer from it, and someday to find a cure.

On Wednesday the sun came out for our occasion. Some guests arrived early to enjoy a stroll along Unionville's historic and flower-bedecked Main Street. The two-storey space – "The Grey House" owned by Blacksmiths Bistro and used for special events – was warm and welcoming, as were the staff, and the hors d'oeuvres were delicious.

Attendees hailed from as far away as Dorset and Mount Forest. Some were students from my online workshops who had come to know one another through the course site and had been looking forward to meeting in person. (Good thing there were name tags, said a few!) Others were students from my live workshops. I was especially delighted to see most members of the WALRUS Club, a private memoir writing circle that developed out of one of my North York Library series and that's been meeting for over a year.

Author Kristen den Hartog was our key speaker. She charmed everyone there with her thoughtful reading and discussion about the difficult but ultimately rewarding process of writing a book based on long-ago family memories, and signed copies of The Occupied Garden (The Occupied Garden), co-written with her sister Tracy Kasaboski. McClelland & Stewart and the authors donated all proceeds from sales of the book to the Alzheimer Society. HarperCollins Canada Ltd. and Thomas Allen Publishers also kindly donated books to the event, as did authors Lawrence Hill, Blanche Howard and Allison Howard.

Gail Rudyk of Richmond Hill, one of my workshop participants, read her bittersweet story titled "The Red Coat," about her mother who lived with Alzheimer's for 15 years. (A version of Gail's story has been shortlisted for publication in an Australian anthology.) The other two readers were prize winners in my "Summer Days" Memoir Writing Contest: Mary McIntyre of Stouffville (1st prize: $75 plus a signed copy of A Memoir of Friendship: The Letters Between Carol Shields and Blanche Howard, published by Penguin Group [Canada]) and Tiina Heathcock of Dorset (2nd prize: $50). Mary, too, is a past workshop participant. (See clickable links to their stories at the top of the page.)

A few other writers displayed their work, including Stacey Lynn Newman and Robert Ward, as well as some of my students, Bernie Kuntz, Gail Rudyk and Ruth Zaryski Jackson. The evening also featured an art show and sale -- with contributions by Tilya Helfield (Polaroid transfer prints), Gail Rudyk (acrylics), Stacey Lynn Newman (photography; Stacey Newman), and Cheryl Andrews (acrylics, mosaics; FrogHairs) -- a book sale, and a raffle. Prizes in the draw ranged from movie passes to signed copies of bestsellers (Lawrence Hill's The Book of Negroes, recent winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, was a coveted one) to jewellery to a gift certificate from Cosmedicare Spa worth $500.

It was a very special evening, and I'd like to thank each and every guest -- students, colleagues, friends, authors and artists (many of you are more than one of these to me!) -- for their enthusiasm and support. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to a few individuals who donated even though they knew they couldn't make it, especially workshopper John Lee of Victoria. Cheryl Andrews, this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't planted the seed in my mind and watered me regularly. Nothing I could write would convey the myriad ways in which you assisted me. Anahita Printer Nepton, your way with the art and book displays was magical. Larry Hill, I kept your note on my bulletin board and re-read it often to bolster my resolve.

The Memoir Writers Social raised a total of $1,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. The following organizations and individuals contributed gifts or their valuable time to make the evening unforgettable:

Blacksmiths Bistro
Brick Literary Journal
Cineplex Odeon at First Markham Place
Cosmedicare
FrogHairs Art Studio
HarperCollins Canada Ltd.
Holtz Spa at the Hilton Suites
McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
Muriel’s Flowers
The Paper Place
Thomas Allen Publishers
Varley Art Gallery
Writers’ Circle of Durham Region

Allison Howard, Penticton
Amy Wu, Markham
Anahita Printer Nepton, Richmond Hill
Bernie Kuntz, Toronto
Blanche Howard, Vancouver
Cathy Witlox, Ajax
Cheryl Andrews, Newmarket
Gail Rudyk, Richmond Hill
John Lee, Victoria
Kendel Lloyd, Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Kristen den Hartog, Toronto
Lawrence Hill, Burlington
Nita Pronovost, Toronto
Shirley and John Kolanchey, Edmonton
Stacey Lynn Newman, Milton
Stephen Newman, Milton (photographer)
Tilya Helfield, Toronto
Tracy Kasaboski, Deep River
Tristan Latta-Goddard, Markham

Memoir Writing Contest Winners Announced

The winners of the Days Road Writers' Workshops "Summer Days" Memoir Writing Contest were announced last night, September 17, 2008, at the Memoir Writers Social in Unionville, Ontario. There were 31 submissions in all, most from Ontario, a few from other provinces, two from the U.S. and one from England.

First-prize winner Mary McIntyre of Stouffville was awarded $75 plus an author-signed copy of A Memoir of Friendship: The Letters Between Carol Shields and Blanche Howard, for her beautifully descriptive story "Scugog at Dark," a childhood memory of time at her family's cottage.

Second-prize winner Tiina Heathcock of Dorset was awarded $50 for "The Journey," a poem she wrote to come to terms with the loss of her Estonian homeland after the Russian invasion. Her mother, father and she -- only an infant at the time -- escaped, but her father died shortly after their move to Canada.

Both winners read their winning entries before an audience of about 40 people who gathered for an evening to celebrate memoir writing and to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. (More about the event in an upcoming post.)

A couple of judges' comments about Mary McIntyre's winning story:

"She really managed to transport me to her childhood as well as parts of my own. A very charming aspect of the story is its simplicity. It’s not a trip to Disney World or some other grand event; it’s a small, almost-everyday event, and yet it’s so special through the eyes of a child. I love the innocence of that. Some of the images/use of language that struck me as particularly wonderful"

"This story makes me feel like I am toasting marshmallows, while inhaling the smells of campfire and Muskol. It reminds me of grandparents, summertime, trips in the car away from home and the grand perceptions of small children. I found the story to be beautifully written, simple but layered and with a touch of bittersweet longing. Well done."

Honourable mentions in the memoir writing contest went to Tony Kicinski of Markham for his story "Freedom," and to Mike O'Connell of Kingston for his story "St. Lawrence River."

The prize-winning entries (1st and 2nd) will be published on this site within the next few days.

Congratulations Mary, Tiina, Tony and Mike!

Thanks go out to judges Cathy Witlox, freelance editor and U of T grammar instructor, Stacey Lynn Newman, novelist and former owner of Wingate Press, and Cheryl Andrews, adult educator, for taking the time to read and evaluate submissions.

"The Wisdom of Old Souls" book launch

DRWW workshopper Ruth Zaryski Jackson sends news of two book launches for the anthology The Wisdom of Old Souls, which contains her first published memoir. The first takes place Saturday, September 20, in Kingston at Chapters on Princess Street. The second takes place September 27, in Oshawa at the Stellar Literary Festival. Click on this link for details about festival: Stellar Literary Festival

Artist Tilya Helfield's New Exhibit Raises Money for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

Toronto artist Tilya Helfield is pleased to announce her upcoming exhibit of 46 paintings, at Royal LePage, Central Toronto Branch, 55 St. Clair Avenue West (half a block west of Yonge). The exhibit will continue from September 15 until the end of November, and will include recent oil paintings, individual and group portraits, still lifes and landscapes. Hours are Mon to Fri 9 am to 9 pm; Sat 9 am to 5 pm; Sun 11 am to 4 pm. Half of Royal LePage's percentage from sales of her paintings will go to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, which supports shelters for women and children fleeing abuse. For more information on the exhibit, please contact Aniko Kiss, 905-339-3338, info@anikokiss.com

Please note that Tilya will exhibit some of her Polaroid transfer prints at the upcoming Memoir Writers Social, hosted by Days Road Writers' Workshops, on September 17. Click link at the top of this page for details.

Born in Ottawa, Tilya Helfield is a multi-media artist who has lived and worked in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. She earned her MFA from Concordia University, and completed post-graduate art courses at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her work is included in 26 public collections, as well as numerous private collections, in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Pictured above is "Lakeside," Oil on Canvas, 20" x 28".

Car Pool Message Board for Memoir Writers Social, September 17

If you can offer a ride to the event, or need a lift there, please click "Comment" below this post and indicate your location and any other pertinent information, including a contact e-mail address or phone number through which you can be reached to firm up a plan. Days Road Writers' Workshops will not be organizing the car pooling; this is the responsibility of individual guests. But we hope this post will help.

Car pooling is good for the environment, and can be fun as well!

Memoir Writers Social and Fundraiser to Take Place September 17, 5 p.m.

Event: Memoir Writers Social and Fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Host: Allyson Latta & Days Road Writers' Workshops

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Blacksmiths Bistro, 166 Main Street (Unionville), Markham, L3R 2G6 (near Hwy. 7 & Warden Avenue)

Come on out to charming Blacksmiths Bistro to meet and mingle with other memoir writers and workshop leader Allyson Latta, and to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

All proceeds above costs go to the Society, and Allyson will personally donate an additional amount equivalent to 10% of ticket sales.

Please RSVP to lattamemoirs@gmail.com by September 14, 2008 (new deadline). Cost is $30 per person. You can request in your e-mail to be billed via PayPal, or simply mail your cheque, made out to ALLYSON LATTA, to

Days Road Writers' Workshops
Memoir Writers Social and Fundraiser
12-16715 Yonge Street, Suite 207
Newmarket, ON, L3X 1X4

You're welcome to bring along friends or family, but spaces must be reserved. Arrive earlier in the afternoon to explore the shops and galleries of historic Unionville, or stroll around Toogood Pond. At the social, Kristen den Hartog, co-author of The Occupied Garden, will speak and sign copies of the family memoir she wrote with her sister, Tracy Kasaboski. Event includes hors d'oeuvres, coffee, tea, and cash bar. Enjoy an art exhibit, prize draws, speakers, music, discussion, announcement of "Summer Days" Memoir Writing Contest winners, and more.

PRIZES include a $500 gift certificate for Cosmedicare Spa, and books and other surprises thanks to HarperCollins Canada Ltd.; Thomas Allen Publishers; Varley Art Gallery; The Paper Place; Brick Literary Journal; FrogHairs Art Studio; Writers' Circle of Durham Region; authors Lawrence Hill, and Blanche and Allison Howard; and Cineplex Entertainment.

Car pooling. If you can offer a ride, or need a ride, leave a comment after the post on this blog titled "Car Pool for Memoir Writers Social."

Dinner anyone? A couple of tables will be reserved at the Bistro for anyone who wishes to stay for dinner and order from the menu. Space is limited, so let us know early!!

Between August 11 and 22, please direct any queries about the event to Cheryl Andrews at cheryl@candrewsgroup.com

Allyson Latta's Interview with David Gilmour, author of the memoir "The Film Club"

You'll find the interview under "More Links" in the sidebar.

Eve Claxton's Picks for the Top 10 Memoirs and Autobiographies

Eve Claxton, author of The Book of Life (Edbury Press, 2005), a collection of the best-written memoir and autobiography throughout history, shares her top 10 with Guardian.co.uk. Check these out at Top Ten Memoirs and Autobiographies.

London-born Eve Claxton studied literature at Manchester University before moving to New York in 1995. She has written for many publications in the U.S. and abroad, and is the author of The Book of Life as well as two guidebooks to New York. She lives in Brooklyn.

First Person Impressions Competitions: Deadline August 15, 2008

First Person Impressions: A National competition for Memoir and Documentary Writers, Filmmakers and Photographers.

Each day countless stories unfold. Take a real life experience of your own and tell it in a way that only you can. Craft your story with words, photos or video. Make the ordinary magical, or the exotic familiar. Shock us, amaze us or make us pause to reflect. The only rule is that it’s real.

All entries must be new works that have not previously been published, exhibited or screened, including on the Internet.

Categories
Film – up to 5 minutes
Essay – 1500 words or less
Photography – up to 5 images. Single images are welcome; multiple images must be related, as in a photo essay.

Prizes
The top three winning entries in each category will be presented at the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art at the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia, November 12-16, 2008.

$500 – 1st place category winners
$100 – 2nd place category winners
$50 – 3rd place category winners

The 1st place writing and photography winners will have their work published in various publications including the Philadelphia City Paper. For a complete listing of publications go to impressions.firstpersonarts.org. The top five entries in each category will be featured on firstpersonarts.org

Judges
Documentary Video
Steven Rea, Film Critic, Philadelphia Inquirer
Samuel Adams, Contributing Editor, Philadelphia City Paper
Ron Kanter, Emmy Award-winning director of New Cops, Acting Out, Life and Death – Dawson, Georgia

Photography
Katherine Ware, curator of Photography, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Short Memoir
Daniel Jones, editor of the Modern Love column in the New York Times
Laurence Kirshbaum, Founder and agent, LJK Literary, former CEO Time Warner Book Group
Amy Salit, Producer, Fresh Air, WHYY FM

Enter at impressions.firstpersonarts.org

Video: http://www.viddler.com/explore/FirstPersonArts/videos/33/

For more information, visit First Person Arts

PRISM International Creative Nonfiction Contest Deadline Announced

The following is from Prism's website:

This year, all contest entries must be post dated by Tuesday September 2, 2008.

To enter, download a handy contest form, put it together with your finest Nonfiction work, and a cheque for $28 (the entry fee entitles you to a 1 year subscription to the magazine). Mail it to:

Creative Non Fiction Contest

PRISM international

Creative Writing Program, UBC
Buch. E462 - 1866 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1
Canada

For the first time, PRISM will be imposing a maximum word count of 6000 words.

Contest judge to be announced.

For further information and contest entry form, visit Prism International

Days Road Writers' Workshops site now incorporates features from former "Treasures in the Attic"

As of July 2008, my previous blog, Treasures in the Attic, a forum in which workshop participants shared their memoir writing, has merged with Days Road Writers' Workshops. "Treasures" is no longer publicly accessible. Its resources, however, have been moved here.

Student writing from the former blog is in the process of being transferred here too. Some stories already appear at the bottom of this page -- see clickable links under the section title "Treasures in the Attic" -- and there are more to come! Please note that students will no longer be able to post their own memoirs as they did on "Treasures." However, if you have a story that you'd like to share with readers, e-mail it to me at lattamemoirs@gmail.com and I'll create a webpage for it. These stories can be read by anyone on the Internet, either via this site or via the individual URL attached to each. (Click on the story title and open the page to view and copy the URL.)

Thank you for your patience with these changes, which I hope will make the DRWW site even more entertaining and comprehensive for visitors.

And thanks to all the current and former workshoppers who over time contributed their wonderful life stories to Treasures in the Attic.

Glimmer Train Stories journal seeking submissions for "Family Matters"

Glimmer Train Press, Inc., of Portland, Oregon, publishes a quarterly journal of literary fiction, Glimmer Train Stories. One of the categories is "Family Matters," and competitions for prizes and publication are held each year in January, April, July and October. Here's some information on the current competition:

"The July Family Matters competition closes July 31. We're looking for original, unpublished stories on family, word count range: 500 – 12,000. First-place wins $1,200 and publication in Issue 72 of Glimmer Train Stories. Second- and third-place winners win $500/$300 (or, if chosen for publication, $700)."

Of interest to memoirists, according to the Glimmer Train website, "This category has stimulated lots of questions about fiction/non-fiction/creative non-fiction, since many people have significant real-life stories they want to write. It seems to us that a substantial proportion of fiction submissions are heavily rooted in actual experience, which is entirely fine with us, but we do want stories to READ like fiction and anything we publish is presented as fiction. (Also, sticking too tightly to "truth" can limit the larger truth that fiction is able to reveal.) I would certainly recommend changing details that would allow the real-life people to say, Hey, that character is--without a doubt--me."

The press's main page is Glimmer Train Press, Inc.. Click on this link for general submission guidelines, Submissions, and this one for specifics on Family Matters submissions, Family Matters

Note: The Press also produces Writers Ask, a journal of advice from published writers.

Memoirist David Sedaris to sign at Toronto's Ben McNally Books, July 11

One of my favourite memoirists, David Sedaris, a man with an unerring talent for seeing the wacky humour in his own experiences and letting his readers in on it, will make a stop in Toronto this month to sign copies of his latest book. The following is from the Harbourfront Centre International Readings newsletter:

David Sedaris, When You Are Engulfed in Flames
Presented in partnership with Ben McNally Books and H.B. Fenn & Company

David Sedaris is the #1 bestselling author of Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked, Holidays on Ice and Barrel Fever. "David Sedaris's ability to transform the mortification of everyday life into wildly entertaining art," (Christian Science Monitor) is elevated to wilder and more entertaining heights than ever in this remarkable new book. When You Are Engulfed in Flames is Sedaris's sixth essay collection.

Sedaris signs copies of When You Are Engulfed in Flames at Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, on Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m.

The Scribes of Uxbridge publish "In Lucy Maud's Style"

The Scribes of Uxbridge, a memoir writing group, has published a small chapbook titled In Lucy Maud's Style. The collected stories were written in the style of author L.M. Montgomery, who lived in the nearby hamlet of Leaskdale from 1911 to 1926, to commemorate Uxbridge's "100 Years of Anne." It was 100 years ago that Montgomery published Anne of Green Gables. Montgomery, who was born in P.E.I., wrote 11 of her 22 books while living in Leaskdale Manse. She moved in 1926 to Norval, where she lived for nine years before moving finally to Toronto. She died there in 1942.

In Lucy Maud's Style contains fourteen original stories, one of them by 90-year-old Scribes member Marion Owen. The Scribes (formerly called the Senior Scribes) was formed in 1989 by students who had taken a creative writing course at Trent University and felt inspired to continue meeting. With occasional changes in membership, they have been getting together to write twice a month ever since.

Heather Beveridge, a member of the Scribes, participated in more than one of my online workshops and invited me to speak to her group about memoir writing.

Ruth Zaryski Jackson's memoir appears in anthology "The Wisdom of Old Souls"

Ruth Zaryski Jackson is pleased to announce that her short memoir "Room in My Heart," about the woman Sadie who was like a grandmother to her, will appear in the anthology The Wisdom of Old Souls , published by Hidden Brook Press. Ruth is thrilled that the photo of herself with Sadie has been chosen to grace the book's cover (see above).

"Room in My Heart" is based on the first assignment Ruth wrote for one of my online workshops. She had to edit it to meet the word count required for the anthology. To her fellow workshoppers, Ruth says, "Thanks to each and every one of you for all your encouragement and support. It means everything."

If you would like to purchase a copy of this anthology through Ruth, the discounted price is $15 (including shipping). To order, contact her at RZaryskiJackson@gmail.com

Soul-Making Literary Competition 2008

Visit Soul-Making Literary Competition for further details on this contest sponsored by an extended community arts outreach program of the National League of American Pen Women, Nob Hill, San Francisco Bay Area Branch.

Deadline is November 30, 2008. Note that international writers are welcome to submit. There's a US$5 entry fee, which must be sent via traveler's cheque drawn on a U.S. bank.

Here's what they are looking for in the memoir category:

LINDA JOY MYERS MEMOIR PRIZE
Sponsored/Judged by Linda Joy Myers

One memoir per entry, up to 3,000 words. Judge's Comments: A memoir is a story that draws upon memory. Its plot, dialogue, scenes, and narration immerse me into the places, times, and characters of the story. It is not analysis or a list of things that simply happened. Meaning and an epiphany are part of a well-written memoir story, the "Soul-making " moment when everything changed. I want to be drawn into the new world of the story, eager to find out why I am reading it. Write the stories from your heart, write your memories and bring them alive. I look forward to reading your work.

Joan Sinclair publishes "Lieber Walter, Deine Margret" (Dear Walter, Love Margret)

Joan Sinclair, who attended one of my workshops at Varley Art Gallery, sends news that in late June she will launch her self-published epistolary memoir based on letters between her German mother, Margret Cohen-Tuteur, and Margret’s young beau from 1935 to 1940, Walter Roos. The Second World War separated Margret and Walter, and eventually each of them married another and had a family. Many years and thousands of miles later, they were reunited in Canada, widow and widower, during the final years of Margret's life. Walter, who had kept her letters, painstakingly translated each of them from German into English for this touching tribute, which is written by Joan and includes other writing by Margret. Lieber Walter, Deine Margret (Dear Walter, Love Margret) has been published for family and friends and, according to Joan, "for anyone who needs to be reminded that true love never dies and for those who enjoy a love story with a very happy ending." Joan Sinclair is a family mediator and counsellor.

Gail Rudyk to Host Summer Memoir Writers Club

Gail Rudyk, a regular participant in my online workshops over the past few years who has self-published (some of!) her memoirs, is looking for interested individuals to join a weekly summer memoir writers club, starting June 25th, near Balm Beach on Georgian Bay. Details appeared recently in the Midland Free Press:

Memoir Writers Club

Gail Rudyk, a self-published memoir writer, is offering a free, weekly, informal get-together for aspiring memoir writers. They will meet at her cottage, near Tiny Beaches Road and Concession 13, every Wednesday morning from 10AM till noon, starting June 25th.

***

Do you want to share your stories with your children and grandchildren? Some people feel that if they haven’t survived a tsunami or some such tragedy, they shouldn’t be writing a memoir, but the truth is, everyone has a story to tell. You don’t want to leave your loved ones with unanswered questions. I wish I had asked my father about his childhood but it’s too late now. As I read somewhere this week, “When you’re gone, the library is closed.”

This is an opportunity to discover how to get started writing or to share some of your stories.

For more information e-mail me at Gail.rudyk@sympatico.ca or call on weekends 705-533-3852, and weekdays 905-881-0771.

Words Alive Literary Festival Short Story Competition

Here's the Call for Submissions for the Words Alive Literary Festival's upcoming writing contest. Founder and chair Vali Stone says that fiction based on memoir will be accepted. The festival takes place September 21, 2008, in Sharon, Ontario. I will lead a workshop from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., "Banish Those Excuses: Why You Can (and Should) Write Memoir."

Check out www.wordsalive.ca. If you have further questions, please contact vstone@wordsalive.ca.

Call for Submissions: Words Alive Literary Festival Second Annual Short Story Competition

ADULT SUBMISSIONS (ages 17 and over)


Contest Rules:

1. Entrants must be commercially unpublished writers.
2. Entries must be original, unpublished, non-contracted works of fiction.
3. Length of entry must not exceed 2000 words (including a, an, the, etc.) Only one entry per person.
4. Entries are confidential and non-returnable.
5. All work submitted remain the property of their authors.


Submissions:

1. Work must be uploaded to the website at www.wordsalive.ca under Contests and correct age category or mailed to the address on the website.
2. The title of the story must be typed at the top of the first page along with your name, address, phone number and “Adult Submission” – otherwise your entry is disqualified.
3. Be sure of your word count! Type the word count under your title.
4. Every entry will be read by judges. Judges’ decisions are final.
5. DEADLINE: August 15th, 2008.
6. Top three winners will be notified by phone by September 15th, 2008.
7. Prize winners will be announced at the Words Alive Literary Festival on Sunday, September 21st, 2008 in the Sharon Temple.

Bernie Kuntz to Launch "Limericks to Save Planet Earth" in Fall 2008

Workshop participant Bernie Kuntz shares the news that his creative poetry-for-charity project, a self-published book titled Limericks to Save Planet Earth, is written, and production is well underway. Limericks will be available for purchase in Fall 2008. Bernie is also a member of the WALRUS Club, a writing group that he and several other enthusiastic writers -- Celine Kessler, Margaret Nosworthy, Sonia Goodman and Stan Stevenson -- created after meeting in my June 2007 North York Central Library workshop series.

Here's the preface to his book, along with his bio.


Preface

This book is an endeavour to support three worthy charitable organizations involved in cancer, heart and climate change. None of these organizations were involved in, or have in any way endorsed, the contents of this book.

I plan to donate one-third of the profits from the sale of this book to each of the organizations. Regarding the first two causes, I have lost family and friends who have succumbed to cancer and heart related problems at too young an age.

As for the third cause, before the environmental issue caught on in a big way with the public, business community, politicians and media in 2006, I was involved in several initiatives to try and spread awareness and support action against global warming and climate change. Much of this work was done with the help of a friend, Prodyot (PK) Lala.

Hopefully, most readers will find that by buying this book they will share the same good feelings that I experienced, knowing that they have supported one or more causes they can identify with through their life experiences.

***

Readers may even enjoy some of the poetry as an unexpected bonus!!!

While many of the limericks are based on real people, places and events, names have been changed to preserve anonymity.

***

WARNINGS:

Please don’t operate heavy machinery for at least 4 hours after reading any limericks…!

While most of the poems are about nature, people, etc. a few actually deal with "mature content"!!! (Readers who shun the traditional “naughty” genre of limericks should refrain from reading the chapter titled “Mature” in Part 1.)

Bernie Kuntz

About the Author/Poet

Bernie Kuntz grew up in South Africa where he qualified as a Chemical Engineer. He then worked for many years in a variety of industries in South Africa and England. He later qualified as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa – and Canada, after his emigration there.

He has held management positions in industry, public accounting, the public sector and consulting. He has also been active in volunteer activities.


His interests include, but are not limited to, activities involving words and creativity, e.g. reading, writing, theatre, music, poetry, puns, Scrabble, cryptic crossword puzzles, inventions and the like.

He maintains that his time spent in England and the special attributes of his two professions helped to provide the interest and structure required to write limericks! That may be a stretch…

Bernie is married and lives in Toronto, along with his two married children and three grandchildren.

Call for Submissions: 2008 Lake Country Literary Lapses

This just in ...

Attention Writers!

2008 Call for Submissions

Lake Country Literary Lapses

The Mariposa Writers’ Group is seeking submissions for its annual Lake Country Poetry and Short Story Competitions (for commercially unpublished writers) to be held in conjunction with the 2008 Lake Country Literary Lapses Festival.

This year’s Festival (the fourth annual) will take place on Friday August 15 on the grounds of the Leacock Home and Museum, in Orillia. A variety of events (workshop, readings etc.) will take place throughout the day and the Manticore Book Awards (and cash prizes) for the competitive Short Story and Poetry submissions will be presented at an evening Gala.

We are interested in works, real or fictional, which evoke emotion and/or comment in some way on the human condition. We are also accepting submissions for our (non competitive - no fee) “Summer Readers” feature as well.

For full entry guidelines (Poetry, Short Story or Summer Reader), please contact

Heather Gosein at heather_gosein@hotmail.com or call 705- 484-5644

John Forrest at johnforrest@rogers.com 705 -325 - 9403

Randy Pausch Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

This inspirational -- and entertaining -- lecture by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch, who has pancreatic cancer, was presented in September 2007. "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," which has since been viewed by millions of people on YouTube, is part of a lecture series titled "Journeys," in which professors share thoughts on their lives. The lecture is about 76.5 minutes long, and well worth watching.

About Writing, by Dolores Kivi

Thunder Bay freelance writer Dolores Kivi publishes a weekly column in the Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal for COPA (Council on Positive Aging). In her latest, she shares her thoughts on writing.

*****

About Writing

by Dolores Kivi
When it comes to writing, I've done some things right and a lot wrong. I learned to read early and was reading everything accessible including adult magazine stories by the time I was nine years old. I understood some of them. About the same time, I started writing poetry. Today I defend my verses, pointing out that they all rhyme.

I have written little verse as an adult, but I kept those from my youth. Some years back I discovered a few old prose pieces. At age 15 I had entered a national essay contest on Winston Churchill and placed among the 10 honourable mentions. That achievement was balanced by a flippant treatment on Gasoline Rationing which earned me my only failing English mark.

I get questions about writing, mostly commonly how long it takes to write this column. Answer: It varies. My shortest time for writing and editing one is rarely) two hours, but even a extensively researched piece usually requires fewer than 10 hours. Median is five to six. I try to arrange matters so that a later draft rests overnight or at least a couple of hours. Finally, I read the column aloud. Many talented journalists produce publishable copy with their first draft, but mine are wordy and I need to rewrite several times.

Also, I'm asked how to become a writer -- even a modest writer. I'm tempted to inquire if my questioner likes to read. That doesn't mean that all book lovers can be writers, but the converse is true -- most writers read extensively. One must want to write even if it does not provide a livelihood. Volunteering to contribute to community newsletters may result in being published earlier -- or oftener. True, some writers are born more gifted, but writing is also a craft. Learned techniques must be practised. Writers must write, whether for pay or just for the joy of putting pen to paper -- or fingers to keyboard.

Crafts require tools. Yesterday's typewriter is now a computer and laser printer. A large dictionary is a must. Aim to wear it out. Also, on my essential list are Strunk and White's The Elements of Style and a basic grammar book. When your budget permits, keep investing in other books and magazines. For advice, ask a librarian or a writer.

Public libraries are invaluable. Utilizing them has been one of the smart things I've done. When I found myself repeatedly borrowing a book, I'd buy it. Both The Canadian Writer's Guide and The Writer's Handbook are filled with short, focused articles on the art, craft and business of writing. The Writer and Writer's Digest are found on the magazine racks of even many small libraries.

Courses are available online and in classrooms. Check them out before investing big money. You can't go wrong with Thunder Bay's Sleeping Giant Writer's Festival sponsored by Northwestern Ontario Writer's Workshop. Adjusted fees make it possible for members or non-members to take in only one session or the entire festival.

Wise advice I didn't follow, until recently, was to write a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes daily -- at least five times weekly. A year's output can surprise you. Perfectionism and procrastination can be enemies of the aspiring writer, while perseverance and productivity bring their own rewards. Even a well-crafted letter can be a joy both to write and to receive. I should know. I married a man who repeatedly told me how much he loved my letters.

***

Dolores Kivi is currently writing an epistolary memoir based on letters she and her husband exchanged throughout their years together. She has participated in several Days Road Writers' online workshops.

Jane Boruszewski's Writing News / Oasis Journal Submission Guidelines

Past workshop participant Jane Boruszewski, who lives in New York State, passes on the news that she has finished writing and is seeking a publisher for her memoir-based children's novel Escape from Russia, based on her family's harrowing but inspirational experiences when they were exiled from Poland to Russia during the Second World War. Jane's writing has also appeared in Oasis Journal, an annual anthology published by Imago Press of Tucson, Arizona.

Oasis Journal accepts submissions from writers 50 years of age and older, including Canadian citizens. Following are their guidelines (references are to U.S. dollars). If you have further questions or would like to receive an Oasis Journal submission form, please contact Leila Joiner at ljoiner@dakotacom.net or phone 520-327-0540.

OASIS JOURNAL 2008
Submission Guidelines

1) The OASIS Journal is an annual anthology dedicated to older writers. Anyone 50 years of age or older is eligible. New writers are especially encouraged to submit their best material.

2) All submissions selected for publication in OASIS Journal 2008 are automatically entered in our contest for Best Poetry, Best Fiction, and Best Non-Fiction. The winner in each category will receive a prize of $100 and special mention in OASIS Journal 2008. Please read the judges’ bios, which you will find on the next page, along with answers to some of your Frequently Asked Questions. This is a blind contest; all author indentification is removed from the judges’ copies.

3) We accept submissions in poetry, personal essay or memoir, creative nonfiction, and short story. Prose submissions may be 5000 words or less. Three pages of poetry (or 3 single-page poems) counts as one submission.

4) Manuscript Preparation: Prose: Your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if applicable) should appear at the top left-hand corner of your title page. Please include approximate word count and indicate if it is a fiction or non-fiction submission. Your name, title of submission, and page number should appear on the upper right-hand corner of every page following the title page. All submissions must be typed. Prose should be double-spaced. Poetry: Poetry may be single-spaced. You may list your name, address, etc. on a separate cover page, but please include your name on each page of poetry.

5) You may submit as many manuscripts as you wish. A $10.00 reader’s fee must accompany each submission. Make check payable to Imago Press.

6) If you have an original photograph or original artwork that has not been published elsewhere and you think it would enhance your text submission, please enclose a photocopy. The original must be available if chosen for publication. If it is someone else’s original photography or artwork, you must have written permission from the artist to use it.

7) Do not submit manuscripts that have been published elsewhere in magazines or books with a circulation over 500.

8) No manuscripts will be returned. All will be recycled, so don’t send us your only copy. Please do not use staples. Paper clips are okay.

9) Everyone who sends in a submission will receive one complimentary copy of OASIS Journal 2008.

10) Make sure to include a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) if you want to receive written notification of whether or not your manuscript has been selected for publication. If you send multiple submissions, please send only one (1) SASE. Final selection will not be made until after close of submissions, so don’t expect to be notified before late August 2008. Contest winners will be notified mid-September.

11) Submissions will be accepted May 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008 (postmark). Publication date is November 2008.

12) To purchase a copy of last year’s OASIS Journal 2007, send $13.00 plus $3.00 S&H to Imago Press, 3710 East Edison, Tucson AZ 85716. Make check payable to Imago Press. (Arizona residents add $1.05 sales tax.)

Thanks, Jane, for sharing this information.

Gail Rudyk Shortlisted for Australian Anthology

Returning workshop participant Gail Rudyk shares the exciting news that her story "Unforgettable" has been shortlisted for the Australian anthology Stolen Moments II (working title, and a follow-up to Stolen Moments), published by Life's Inspirational Moments. Congratulations, Gail, and best of luck in the next round!

Leacock Memorial Medal Winner Will Ferguson to Read at Toronto Reference Library April 10

Past workshop participant Vivian Carter passes on the news that her brother, Canadian author and memoirist Will Ferguson, will do a reading from his novel Spanish Fly at the Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditorium, April 10, 7 p.m.

Spanish Fly was recently nominated for the 2008 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. Will Ferguson has won the Stephen Leacock medal twice before, for Happiness and Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw: Travels in Search of Canada. Will's memoirs include I Was a Teenage Katima-Victim: A Canadian Odyssey, and Hitching Rides with Buddha: A Journey Across Japan.

Drop in to his site: www.willferguson.ca

Gail Rudyk's Self-Published Memoir: "The Perils of Miss Pepper"

Click on image to enlarge.

Here's the whimsical cover of workshop participant Gail Rudyk's self-published memoir, "The Perils of Miss Pepper." The cover and inside illustrations are by Pat Wheeler. An interview with Gail on her self-publishing experience is part of the online introductory course. Gail, who is also an artist, is now at work on a second volume of her memoirs.

Guildford Book Festival Award-Winning Story by Chris Hazelgrove

Former online workshop participant Chris Hazelgrove, of England, won the 2007 Guildford Book Festival Short Story Competition for "End of Summer," which was fiction based on memoir. Congratulations, Chris! Chris had previously made the top ten in the 2006 Writers' Circle of Durham Region 24-Hour Writing Contest. To read "End of Summer" online, click under "Links" in the sidebar.

A note from Chris:

Yes -- 'tis part of the Guildford Book Festival, various components of which are sponsored by BBC (Southern Radio) or other august bodies. The writing 'stars' of their firmament are considerable, so I feel particularly buoyant about this. And haven't they presented the story beautifully, with that picture of a lone child on the beach?

It HAS taken me about five years so far learning the craft of writing through courses, books and application, but once the nuts and bolts are learned I found I became far more fluent and found it more gratifying. My debt to you is enormous; thank you SO much for the encouragement you gave me.

There are loads of contests about, but I suspect many organisations are just in it for the entry fee and then choose a friend as winner -- in fact met someone who runs just such a website! DO encourage your wonderful group to go for the Big Ones! What is there to lose -- and you might just be what they are looking for.

Chris

Flyer for Spring Memoir Writing Series at Angus Glen Library

Click on image to enlarge.

Kory Shillam Publishes "Under the Lilacs"

Two-time former online course participant Kory Shillam, 90, has self-published a children's novel based on some of her memoirs (see cover above).

Says Kory: "Under the Lilacs began as a story for young people, but by the time it was finished I discovered that people of all ages enjoyed its humour and pathos. The book, which was originally written as two novellas, is presented in two parts beginning in 1929 and ending in 1932.

The story is about Milly and her little brother, Freddie, who live with their mother in Kitsilano, a portion of Vancouver. Milly is desperate to find her father whom she has never seen. Her life becomes even more complicated when the man in the felt hat moves into the house next door. The two story parts take Milly from age thirteen to sixteen."

My recent interview with Kory on her self-publishing experience is part of my advanced online workshop.

To purchase a copy of Under the Lilacs ($21.95) from the author, please contact her at the following email address:

underthelilacs@shaw.ca

Stories by Tilya Gallay Helfield and Jane Boruszewski Published Online

Poignant wartime stories by workshop participants Tilya Gallay Helfield, and Jane Boruszewski of New York, have been published on the website for Kristen den Hartog and Tracy Kasaboski's memoir The Occupied Garden. See under Links.

DRW Workshop Participant Ruth Zaryski Jackson to be Published in Anthology

Congratulations to workshop participant Ruth Zaryski Jackson, whose short memoir about Sadie, the grandmother figure in her life, has been accepted for inclusion in the Grandmothers anthology being published by Hidden Brook Press, and who recently shared with me that her evocative photo (above) will grace the book's cover.

"Why I Write Memoir," by Allyson Latta (Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre newsletter)

Check out the February 2008 issue of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre newsletter for my short essay on writing memoir:

http://www.jccc.on.ca/news/Feb08/Web%20Feb08%20Newsletter.pdf

or click under Links in the sidebar.

Call for Stories of Wartime Memories, from Kristen den Hartog and Tracy Kasaboski

The following is from author Kristen den Hartog, co-author of The Occupied Garden, which I recently edited.

***

As you know, The Occupied Garden, the book my sister Tracy Kasaboski and I have written, is due out in March, and we are very excited about its release. Early in March, we'll be launching a website, and one of the components will be a page on which people share their own family stories about the war, along with images they have from that time. We hope to hear lots of stories from a variety of perspectives, but would like also to start with some when the website is launched, which is why I'm contacting you. If you have an anecdote or a longer tale you would like to share, either anonymously or with your name attached, please write it down and send it to me. If the story is fuzzy or full of gaps and questions, that's okay too -- memories and passed-down stories are often that way. An accompanying photograph is not essential, but of course would be appreciated. Our site will have lots of our own family photographs, as well as wartime photos we've found in archives etc.

If you know of someone who might like to contribute, please feel free to forward this email.

Many thanks. I look forward to hearing your stories!

Kristen den Hartog

kcdh@magma.ca

Allyson Latta presents "Get It Published," Jan 31, 2008

Allyson Latta of Days Road Writers' Workshops will make a one-hour presentation, "Get It Published," at the Jess Hann Branch of the Oshawa Public Library, Thurs, Jan 31, at 2 p.m. The library is located at 8-199 Wentworth Street W., Oshawa, ON, L1J 6P4. Admission is free.

For information, contact Joseph Sansalone, Branch Supervisor, 905-728-2441 ext. 5862, or jsansalone@oshawalibrary.on.ca

Still Life with Laughs: An Interview with Richard Scrimger

To check out my interview with author Richard Scrimger, including tips for writers, click on "Still Life with Laughs" under Links. Allyson Latta