PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Redwood Writers,
As we move into autumn, I’m struck by how quickly the year is racing by. At the same time, I’ve been reflecting on the pace of life itself—especially in our digital age. Recently, I’ve found myself needing to step back from the noise of online spaces and rediscover the quiet joy of offline living. For me, that looks like walking outdoors, spending more time in face-to-face conversations, and carving out the stillness I need to write.
Writing, after all, is an invitation to pause. It’s how we notice the small things, how we tell our truths, and how we connect beyond the buzz of notifications. I hope that Redwood Writers can be that same sanctuary: a place where we gather in person, share our stories, and grow together.
We have several opportunities ahead to do just that:
-
October 12 Poetry Anthology Launch Party – Join us for live readings from contributing poets for this year’s poetry anthology, Just So, at Linda Reid’s home.
-
October 18 General Meeting – We’ll welcome Sarah Paris for a fascinating presentation on Contemporary English-Language Haiku.
-
November 7 & 8 – Six Winning Plays – Come see the winning plays from our 10-Minute Play Contest performed live!
-
November 15 – Holiday Book & Craft Fair – Just in time for the holidays, this fair will feature local books, crafts, and gifts. We’re also introducing Table Topics: mini-sessions on writing-related themes. (If you’re an expert in a particular area of writing and would like to lead a topic, please reach out—we’d love your voice at the table.)
-
Share your voice for our 50th – How has the Redwood branch contributed to your writing? For our 50th anniversary, we’re compiling a video of member voices.
In all these events, I see a common thread: connection. Whether it’s through poetry, performance, or the marketplace of ideas, we are building something bigger than ourselves. Thank you for being part of this community and for bringing your own creativity into the mix.
Let’s write on, together—online and offline, in words and in presence.
Until the next chapter,
Crissi Langwell
President, Redwood Writers
president@redwoodwriters.org
| | | |
Volunteer with Redwood Writers!
Our branch is a community of writers helping writers, and we have plenty of ways for you to get involved! We currently have an immediate need for a social media manager, newsletter editor, and web editor, as well as several other positions.
Curious about where you can step in? Check out our available volunteer positions at redwoodwriters.org/volunteer.
| |
Holiday Fair Callout!
We still have room for vendors at our Holiday Craft & Book Fair. Would you like to sell your crafts and/or books at this event on November 15?
Reserve your spot today
New this year will be Table Topics! We plan to have 6 tables available for experts to lead a writing-related topic to attendees. Would you like to lead one of these topics?
Contact Roger Lubeck at roger@iiwiipress.com to get your name on the list.
| |
50 Years of Redwood Writers | | |
This month marks the 50th anniversary of Redwood Writers! One of the fun things we’d like to do is a video montage of our members sharing who they are and how Redwood Writers has helped their writing. Ideally, these videos will be about 30 seconds long each.
If you would like to be a part of this 50-year video montage, please record a 30-second and email it to video@redwoodwriters.org.
We can’t wait to see why you love being a member of Redwood Writers! Happy 50th!
Looking for an example? Here’s a video example.
| | Congratulations to Our Award Winners! | | Redwood Writers is proud to honor two of our members for their outstanding service to both our branch and the California Writers Club. | | First, a hearty congratulations to Roger Lubeck, recipient of the prestigious Ina Coolbrith Award! Roger is the very first Redwood Writers member to receive this statewide honor, and it couldn’t be more deserved. As CWC president for the past several years, Roger has overseen the publication of numerous CWC and Redwood anthologies and has been a driving force behind so many of the efforts that keep the CWC thriving. Thank you, Roger, for your tireless dedication and leadership! | | We are also thrilled to celebrate Shawn Langwell, this year’s Jack London Award recipient for his service to Redwood Writers. Shawn guided our club through the challenges of the pandemic, coordinated several of our conferences, and continues to bring inspiring speakers to our meetings, workshops, and classes. We are so fortunate to have his vision and energy on our team. Congratulations, Shawn! | |
| October Meeting & Potluck with Sarah Paris on Haiku | The October meeting will be in Room 5 of the Senior Wing at the Finley Center.
Haiku poetry has become very popular in countries where English is the first or second language. Yet myths and misunderstandings about haiku form and style persist. This presentation by Swiss-American writer and haiku poet, Sarah Paris, will provide an overview of contemporary English-language haiku, with examples spanning the traditional to the experimental, plus a writing exercise.
NOTE: You are invited to bring something savory or sweet to share for our potluck. | | | |
Sarah Paris:
About the Presenter:
Sarah Paris is a Swiss-American writer and haiku poet. Her collection of haiku, For the Birds, was published by Red Moon Press in 2024. Among her prose publications are the novellas The Hermit and The Traveler (as “Chris Solano”), the short story collection Waywards, and the German-language novel, Ahnenbeschwörung.
| | |
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. when Redwood Writers will host our annual Holiday Book & Craft Faire in the beautiful Person Theater at the Finley Center.
This festive event is a wonderful opportunity for authors and crafters to showcase and sell their books and handmade items just in time for the holiday season. We have room for 20 vendors, and we will reserve spaces on a first-come, first-served basis—so claim your spot now!
New this year, we’re introducing “Table Topics,” round-table discussions happening during shopping hours. Experts will share inspiration and practical tips on writing, marketing, craft, and more, adding another layer of value for both vendors and attendees. If you’re interested in hosting a Table Topic, please contact Roger Lubeck at roger@iiwiipress.com.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fun, lively event that brings our community together to celebrate creativity. Sign-up details are at the link below—reserve your table today!
|
Redwood Writers Member Appreciation Day Slide Show | Roger Lubeck created this lovely tribute to the volunteers. |
| Six Winning Plays - November 7 & 8, 2025 | Six 10-minute plays by Redwood Writers playwrights will be performed by Off the Page Readers Theater on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets: $25/person
“Sorry” by Barbara Anderson
“The Visit” by David Beckman
“Back to the Office” by Joan Goodreau
“Legacy” by Elaine Maikovska
“The Birthday Present” by MP Smith
“In His Shoes” by Roberta Smith
Off the Page Readers Theater:
Actor-Directors: RW Hessler, Beth Moise, Hilary Moore, Jeff Savage, Stefan Wenger | | | |
Announcing the Release of Vision & Verse II
| | | | |
The California Writers Club is proud to announce the release of Vision & Verse II: A Fusion of Art, Photography, Prose and Poetry.
This beautiful anthology brings together the talents of writers and artists from across California Writers Club branches, pairing visual art with the written word to create a true dialogue between mediums. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant collection of paintings, photography, poems, and prose—each piece reflecting the unique creativity of our members.
Vision & Verse II is available now for purchase. Order your copy today.
| | | Get Lit with Redwood Writers | |
Tuesday Mornings on The Krush
Every Tuesday at 8:45 a.m., tune in to The Krush, 95.9 FM, to hear a member of Redwood Writers talk about their book on the Mornings with Mindi show on KRSH. Watch your email for the lineup from coordinator, Carol Jacobsen.
If you miss it live, you can hear a recording of the interview at www.krsh.com/getlit
Coming up on Get Lit
| | | | Samantha Rose | October 14 | | Crissi Langwell | October 28 | | Lally Pia, MD | November 11 | | Carol Jacobsen | November 25 | | Shawn Langwell | December 9 | | Debra Palmer, PhD | December 16 | | Melissa Geissinger | December 23 | | | |
We are inviting twelve Redwood Writers members to read from their works in progress or published pieces. Readings are five minutes. We also welcome all listeners who would like to join us.
If you’ve ever wondered what your fellow RW are writing, this is the place to find out!
2025 DATES:
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25
Saturday, December 13
To receive address information and to sign up for a reading, contact our Salon Chair, Robin Gabbert, at salon@redwoodwriters.org.
| | Poetry Anthology Launch Party | | | | |
Celebrate the Launch of JUST SO, Redwood Writers' 2025 Poetry Anthology
Sunday, October 12, 1-4 p.m.
RSVP REQUIRED!
If you would like to attend, please email Linda Reid at lindalreid100@gmail.com (address will be shared upon RSVP)
| |
Please bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck. We will provide wine and other beverages.
We will have a limited number of copies of Just So at the anthology launch party.
You can order copies on Amazon.
| | |
Les Bernstein, editor of Redwood Writers’ Just So anthology will nominate on October 1st, 5 poets from the Just So Anthology for a Pushcart Prize.
They are in alphabetical order:
- Amrita Skye Blaine for her poem Murder in a Tree
- Nancy Cavers Dougherty for her poem Sight Lines
- Robin Gabbert for her poem The Palm Reader
- Jo Ann Smith for her poem Piano Player
- Linda Stamps for her poem Out of the Shadows
Congratulations go to these wonderfully talented Redwood Writers poets for their nomination for this prestigious award.
The Pushcart Prize is an annual American literary award that recognizes the best writing published in small presses the previous year. It was first published in 1976 and is considered the most honored literary project in the United States. Each year, editors from small presses and magazines can submit up to six works of poetry, short fiction, or essays for consideration.
|
| Attention Poets, Monthly Poetry Lab! | | |
Poetry Lab meets once a month on Zoom. Les Bernstein and Amrita Skye Blaine host the meeting, and we encourage people to bring their poems that are puzzling, frustrating, or confusing them. In the format, you send your poem to both Les and Amrita a week before Poetry Lab, then we meet in a positive, fun environment to make our poems stronger! Find reminders on Redwood Writers groups.io.
As Les Bernstein says, “Dare to be great and send us a poem you’re wrestling with. We promise you it is the safest, most empowering space… and if you just want to only observe, that’s okay, too. And remember—no risk, no reward.”
amritaskyepoetry@gmail.com
lessieb13@yahoo.com.
| | |
day one
for Dr. Albert Goldberg
51 years ago
when the pediatrician
I’d only just met
rested his gaze,
placing his hand
on my premature son
said severe heart defect
and read my eyes,
adding yes, open-heart
when he hits 20 pounds
a chill blew through, carving
a steep and rocky ascent
I grabbed the bed frame
to stay on my feet
the slant of light
in the hospital room,
his pink Oxford shirt
how he opened
his arms to my tears
the mind’s benediction
he won’t go to war
but he did
a private combat
fighting to live
to pump enough blood
for the strength to nurse
until he reached weight
required for the flaying
"day one" by Amrita Skye Blaine won first prize and $250 in the RUNNR literary journal, judged by poet Charles Jensen
Charles Jensen, PMFA Mentor and judge for the finalists in your genre, described how your poem resists sentimentality and preciousness, two easy traps of a poem on a topic as urgent as the life of a newborn child. The poet smartly focuses on the sensory details of the moment in the poem—a chill “carving a steep and rocky ascent” through the room, a sense of vertigo. Then, to emphasize the speaker’s emotional fracture, fragments of light, garment, and a disembodied embrace. The final gambit of the poem, framing the life-saving event as “the flaying,” resonates with the fear and horror of the speaker’s acceptance. Each word here feels urgent and necessary.
About Amrita
Amrita Skye Blaine develops themes of aging, disability, and awakening. She received a PocketMFA in poetry in 2024. She has published a memoir, a three-novel trilogy, and has been published in nineteen anthologies including fourteen poetry anthologies. Two poetry collections, every riven thing and strange grace, were published Spring 2025.
| | |
Prose Anthology
Moonshadow: Tales of Hidden Light
The editors will contact selected authors to help polish their stories.
Address questions to your editors, 2025anthology@redwoodwriters.org
| |
The next book in my series is out!
Barbara Cottrell is proud to announce that Shadow Zone, the third book in her series The Shadows of Miskatonic is now available from all major online retailers.
A daring daylight art robbery, a graveyard teeming with unnatural activity, and shadowy creatures stalking the halls of an Arkham retirement home. Coincidence? Or the first signs of something far worse?
Ellen Logan and Andrew Carter reunite to investigate these unsettling events. Their path takes them down a twisted trail of forbidden art, impossible mathematics, and a house that defies physical space. Only then do they discover the terrifying scope of what's unfolding. And if they don't stop it in time, the boundary between nightmare and reality may vanish forever.
| | |
Book Launch: Stories We Didn't Tell
Anna Citrino is inviting you to join her to celebrate the release of her new book, Stories We Didn't Tell.
Living on what was previously called the Great American Desert, Adah’s family of homesteaders and ranchers seeks to eke out a life on the Great Plains amidst the effects of droughts, economic depression, two World Wars, the mechanization of farming, and the forging of modern America. Confronting the many challenges, Adah seeks to define a life for herself larger than the confining one she was born into.
"Citrino gives us a universal story even if our own families did not participate in homesteading and the westward movement."- Barbara Krasner, author of Ethel's Song: Ethel Rosenberg's Life in Poems
| | |
Book available for purchase at from Shanti Arts Press, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, & Amazon.
More about Anna at https://annacitrino.com/
| | |
184 pages
Publisher: Soho Crime
Publication date :November 6, 2018
ISBN: 978-1641290111
Available on Amazon
| |
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
Reviewed by Mara Lynn Johnstone
I stumbled upon this book with no context and found it a delightful surprise. It’s a petite little hardback, the perfect size to carry in one’s purse or bag of knitting, and it tells stories I was NOT expecting.
I’ve read many a detective story, and tales of amateur sleuths tracking down villains to triumph against them. I did not expect that to be flipped on its head. The main character of this book is elderly, unassuming, and unbothered by the concept of … getting up to No Good.
I learned after I read the whole thing in one sitting that the author is famous for her Detective Inspector Irene Huss series, and she felt like writing a bit of something from the other side of the murder weapon.
If the detective books are anywhere near as engaging as this, I’ll have to track them down!
| | |
It's Your Turn to Contribute a Short and Sweet Book Review
Use the Newsletter Submission Form to send in your 250-word (or less) book review. We accept reviews of non-member books.
Include:
Book Title
Genre
Author
ISBN
What you loved, or didn't
Why do you recommend the book
How many stars: 0 – 5 Stars
A cover image
Tell us Your Name
Where to submit
| |
Art of Poetry Series
Members Ginni Grossenbacher and Robin Gabbert are offering a series of poetry workshops in October.
Ticket Information
| |
Art Opening & Book Launch (plus book giveaway)
The Women of Color and Accomplishment series will be on exhibit through October 31, 2025.
Join author and artist Carol Jacobsen to celebrate!
This show will include colorings from elementary school students, along with portraits by Carol Jacobsen
Location: Community Media Center of Marin,
819 A Street, San Rafael, CA
Date: September 26, 2025 - Time: 6 - 8 PM
Art Talk
Virtual Panel Discussion with educators talking about teaching Black History using art as a focus.
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Event hours: 6 - 8 PM
Panel Discussion: 7 PM
carolj94941@gmail.com
| | |
Book Launch at Readers Books in Sonoma on Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30PM
The Long Red Hair and Other Short Stories,
Released by Nancy J. Martin
Writers are always reminded to listen and take note of conversations that they might hear in a cafe or on a bus. I've found this to be excellent advice for mining info for future stories. I slightly fictionalized two of this book's stories gathered in that manner, adapting true stories that unwitting storytellers shared with me. Each time I heard those stories, I raced home to write them down. Other stories are flash fiction, which I enjoy writing, others are memoir pieces, and I added a couple of essays for good measure.
I am indebted to the many good folks taking part in various writing groups who have included me over many years. We shared our work, listened to others' writing, and offered writing prompt suggestions; some of the fiction stories here originate from these suggestions.
| |
An Evening of Inspiration: Touched by Hannah Book Launch Celebration
Award-winning filmmaker Chris Hennessy introduces his memoir about his one-pound miracle daughter and simultaneous cancer battle. Join Chris and Hannah Hennessy for a special book launch celebration during National Preemie Awareness Month.
Tuesday, November 4th • 5:00-7:30 PM The Wild Grove Collective, 510 Main St, Woodland, CA. Free and open to the public
Hannah weighed just one pound, nine ounces at birth—small enough to hold in one hand. Her father, Chris, underwent radical cancer surgery just three weeks before her arrival. Their heroic fight to live has become an inspiring memoir already touching thousands.
| | |
For ordering information: go to
Touched by Hannah
| |
Event highlights:
Book signings and Q&A. Chris reads from Touched by Hannah. Hannah delivers a motivational talk. Gourmet food, baked goods, specialty coffee.
First 50 adults receive FREE Subway sandwich coupon.
Prize drawings for free books. Join us for meaningful connections and inspiration.
Bring your pre-purchased copy or buy one at the event.
| |
Dharma for Awakening and Social Change, Winner of Another Book Award!
Maetreyii Ma Nolan, Ph.D, shares:
My book on the ancient teachings of yoga that relate to our current world situation just won a Gold Medal from Global Book Awards! This is the book's third award. It also won a COVR Award and the 2022 Global Book Award.
This is a very relevant book for today's world and our current situation. It delves into our personal Dharma, or life purpose, and our collective Dharma - what it means for society to be in alignment with the highest good.
| |
In this book you will discover:
- Understanding of both personal and collective dharma
- Ancient teachings that explain and often solve modern problems
- How to work with the struggles that our world faces today
- How to access your connection to nature
- How to bring life into balance both personally and in society
If these things interest you, you might enjoy this book. Maetreyii Ma Nolan, PhD
maetreyii@comcast.net
| |
Novella Publication & Interview (PBS/KRCB)
Fantasy/Sci-fi author J.L. Henker recently published Daughter of the Dispossessed, a fantasy novella. The novella is the prequel to her novel (Cave of Whispers), which is being released later this year.
Daughter of the Dispossessed is available at all major on-line retailers.
She was interviewed on Sunday, September 21st, by Gary Carnivele, host of Outbeat Collage KRCB/PBS 104.9.
Listen at: https://www.outbeatradio.org/category/outbeat-collage/
| | |
Linda Loveland Reid has Joined the Upstairs Art Gallery
November 1 will mark my celebration of joining the Upstairs Art Gallery in Healdsburg as a partner.
Nov 1 I will be the "featured artist" - 3-6pm. Would love to see friends there!
| |
Hot Flash in Print
Richard MacCallum is pleased to see his poem "Hot Flash: published in the Redwood Writers Poetry Anthology, Just So (with a little inspiration from his wife).
High Desert CWC featured my first InkSlinger podcast blog, Mr. Roboto keep me from being Beheaded.
Learn more about Richard MacCallum at https://remstories.com/
| | | Share Your Good News With Us | | |
Got a Story to Share?
It is now easier than ever to share your news. We are using Gravity Forms for all newsletter submissions as of October 1, 2025.
Submit member news by the 15th of the month using the button below or access the form
You can add your content, images, and a brief news article. Include your name and contact info in your announcement.
Please review your submission and send it only once per month.
Have you published a new book? Please announce your book once.
Got a book deal?
Received media coverage?
Earned an award?
We want to share your good news.
The newsletter may or may not include submissions.
Checklist for submissions:
- Include your name and contact information in your item.
- Add your phone, email or website (as you wish)
-
50 words or less about book events, publications, awards, and classes of interest to our members.
- Image formats: Photos, JPEGs, or PNGs are welcome.
- Send a Word doc or PDF if you want to include a link to the document in your announcement.
| |
If you have a paid event, you can purchase an ad in the newsletter as follows:
3 lines (text only) for $25.00
Display ads (square or horizontal images: .png, .jpg only, under 2M) for $50.00
Canva can help you format your ads
Please submit your paid advertisements here and pay online:
redwoodwriters.org/advertising-in-redwood-writer/
| | REDWOOD WRITERS LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS | | |
Volunteers make Redwood Writers possible. Thank you to our wonderful leaders and chairpeople who generously give their time and efforts. We appreciate you!
Board of Directors
Crissi Langwell, President
Mara Lynn Johnstone, Vice President
Shawn Langwell, Vice President
Barb Cottrell, Secretary
Malena Eljumaily, Treasurer
Judy M. Baker, Immediate Past President
Roger Lubeck, Membership Chair
Karl Kadie, Welcome Chair
Open, Vault Master, Policies & Procedures
Chairs and Editors
Judy M. Baker, Newsletter Editor, Author Launch, Prose Anthology Editor
Amrita Blaine, Newsletter Poetry Editor
Les Bernstein, Poetry Anthology Editor
Robin Gabbert, Writers Salon
Pamela Heck, Conference Volunteers Chair
Carol Jacobsen, Get Lit Coordinator
Mara Lynn Johnstone, Author Launch
Crissi Langwell, Website Editor
Shawn Langwell, Speakers, Communications & PR Director, and Conference Chair
Linda L. Reid, Writers Circle, Poetry Anthology Party
Janice Rowley, Author Launch
Board meetings are held 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted and are open to any member in good standing. Contact president@redwoodwriters.org to receive an invitation.
| | | | |
