PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Redwood Writers,
September is shaping up to be a truly special month for our branch, and I couldn’t be more excited. At our September 20 general meeting, we’ll take time to celebrate the incredible volunteers who keep our club running strong. Redwood Writers thrives because of the many people who give their time, talent, and energy, and this is our chance to recognize them. We’ll also offer a “Redwood Writers 101” overview—an introduction to all the opportunities our members can enjoy throughout the year, from contests and anthologies to meetings, workshops, and special events. Whether you’re brand-new or a long-time member, this will be a great way to connect with everything the club has to offer.
I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who submitted plays for our 10-Minute Play Contest. The judges now have the fun—but very difficult—task of making their decisions. Winners will be announced at the September meeting, and we’ll look forward to seeing the plays come alive when Off the Page Readers Theater performs them at the “Six Winning Plays” event on November 6 and 7.
And as we look ahead to the holiday season, I’m thrilled to share that our Holiday Book & Craft Fair will be held on November 15. Last year was such a festive and memorable event, and I’m looking forward to seeing members once again showcase their books and handmade creations just in time for the holidays. Sign-ups are included in this newsletter, and tables will be offered on a first come, first serve basis—so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Thank you, Redwood Writers, for continuing to inspire me with your creativity, generosity, and dedication. I look forward to celebrating with you all this month.
Until the next chapter,
Crissi Langwell
President, Redwood Writers
president@redwoodwriters.org
P.S. If you haven’t yet renewed your membership, don’t forget to do so. This community would not be the same without you, so please be sure to renew before the September 30 deadline!
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Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
As a romance author who writes on-the-page love scenes, I was intrigued by Tommie Whitener’s review of Love, Camera, Action, but I’d like to gently push back on one detail: the claim that romance’s growing popularity is because women can now “hide” their reading on e-readers.
In my experience, today’s romance readers aren’t hiding at all—they’re proudly owning their love for the genre. From BookTok trends to “blind date with a book” displays in bookstores, romance is mainstream and celebrated. Barnes & Noble in Santa Rosa has expanded their romance section into several rows with vibrant table displays. Copperfield’s Books now has a full corner of the store devoted to romance. WordeHorde Emporium in Petaluma keeps its dark romance books in a literal “spice cabinet.” And The Velvet Chapter, a new romance and fantasy bookstore in Petaluma, already draws a steady stream of enthusiastic readers.
Romance has always been about more than just sex scenes. At its heart, these books center women’s pleasure, desires, and well-being, with partners who support and uplift them. That’s a refreshing—and sometimes radical—focus, given that real life doesn’t always reflect those same priorities. Romance offers both an escape and a reminder of how women deserve to be treated, and that’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
So while readers may once have been discreet about their spicier reads, today’s romance fans are leading the charge in declaring their stories, their fantasies, and their joy as something worth celebrating—not hiding. After all, the only thing we’re hiding these days is how late we stayed up reading “just one more chapter.”
Sincerely,
Crissi Langwell
Author of The Jilted Lovers Club
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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!
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Redwood Writers 101 & Volunteer Appreciation | |
This month’s gathering will serve as an introduction to Redwood Writers, showcasing the many opportunities available within our branch and the greater California Writers Club. You’ll get a preview of the exciting events and happenings planned for the year ahead, along with ways you can get more involved.
We’ll also share how you can learn about opportunities to volunteer with the club—an important way members can grow their connections and support our vibrant writing community. In addition, we’ll take time to recognize and celebrate the incredible volunteers whose dedication makes our club thrive.
We hope you’ll join us and discover how Redwood Writers can inspire, connect, and support you on your writing journey.
Please bring something savory or sweet to share in our potluck.
| | September Meeting: Redwood Writers 101 & Volunteer Appreciation | This month’s gathering introduces Redwood Writers and the many opportunities within our branch and the California Writers Club. Learn about upcoming events, ways to volunteer, and how to get more involved. We’ll also recognize the incredible volunteers who make our club thrive. Join us and discover how Redwood Writers can inspire, connect, and support your writing journey. | | | | It's Time for Membership Renewal | | |
If you are already a member, the annual membership renewal period for the Redwood Writers branch runs June 1–September 30.
If you don’t renew during this period, you must join as a new member at the full price.
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Announcing the Release of Vision & Verse II
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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, 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
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Would you like to be on The KRUSH Radio author chat? On air Tuesday mornings at 8:45 a.m. and sponsored by Copperfield's Books, Get Lit is a special seven-minute segment where authors can chat about their books. We now have spots open for the first 20 authors who sign up.
Scheduled appearances are based on first-come, first-served, though we will try to accommodate special event requests when possible. Dates are subject to change, so we ask each author to be flexible.
The organizers can only schedule authors for one slot, and they will prioritize authors who have not been on Get Lit before.
Interested? Details and registration can be found here: https://forms.gle/wKe9JuuRB4VYLRYQ9
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How to sign up:
Members who would like to attend should send an RSVP email to our Circle chair, Linda Reid, at rwcircle@redwoodwriters.org. Upon confirmation, you will receive more information.
Mission:
The Circle’s mission is to offer members a constructive and enjoyable environment in which to read their works, among the warmth and support of fellow writers, and to include brief evaluations and short talks on craft and other writing-related subjects.
Agenda:
Agenda for meetings will follow the following format:
Each reader will have a total 5 minutes (including, introductory remarks)
Meeting runs 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Those to be “readers” will be limited to the first 20 RW members who register
Other attendees may participate as “listeners”
To receive address information and to sign up for a reading, contact our Circle chair, Linda Reid.
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Moonshadow: Tales of Hidden Light
Judges are reviewing your submissions. The editors will be contacting selected authors to help polish your stories.
Address questions to your editors, 2025anthology@redwoodwriters.org
| | Judy M. Baker, 2025 Prose Anthology Editor-in-Chief | | | |  | |
Judy is the past president of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and Redwood Writers and is our Club's Newsletter Editor. In addition, she co-chaired Author Launch 2025. She helps find notable speakers for the club and keeps her eyes open for ways to build membership.
Her day job is helping authors get seen, get read, and get paid.
Buzzworthy Books and brands begin at: buzzworthybooks.com
| | | 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)
If you would like to read your anthology poem at the launch party, please email Les Bernstein at lessieb13@yahoo.com
(first-come, first-served!)
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Please bring your favorite dish to share in the potluck. Wine and other beverages will be provided.
PRE-ORDER JUST SO BY SEPTEMBER 10:
redwoodwriters.org/poetry-anthology-pre-order
We will have a limited number of copies of Just So at the anthology launch party. If you would like to guarantee a copy for yourself, please click the link above to pre-order your book(s). Order must be placed by September 10 to ensure delivery.
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Unnecessary Words
You will die, of course.
It happens as naturally
as conception, when
James slips through Janie's
window while
her parents are asleep.
At a certain point your face,
the image of a thousand
mid-western corn furrows,
will no longer be there for me.
Gone, those eyes that bestowed
love with a critique;
that smile containing
a generation of obduracy
you bequeathed to me.
I will miss you
as easily as peeling
the skin off my bones,
the bones you gave me,
that hold me up.
Bart Scott is a lawyer living in Northern California, where he represents people accused, and sometimes guilty, of crimes. He has been writing since he was a kid, which was a while ago. He also plays guitar and sings, with mixed results.
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WHO WILL BE OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER EDITOR?
It's time to pass the typewriter! My business and writing are taking off. Before I go, I have agreed to help find my replacement.
Qualifications
Layout skills
Familiarity with Constant Contact is a plus
Graphic design skills
Experience with Canva and Google Drive
Light Editing
Does this sound like you?
Do you have approximately 4 hours a month to contribute to the Club?
Let's talk.
Judy M. Baker
editor@redwoodwriters.org
+1 707 210 6696
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Art Opening & Book Launch (plus book giveaway)
The latest show of the Women of Color and Accomplishment series will be on exhibit from September 1 through October 31, 2025.
This show will include colorings from elementary school students, along with portraits by Carol Jacobsen
Opening Party
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
Join author and artist Carol Jacobsen to celebrate! carolj94941@gmail.com
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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.
Book launch at Readers Books in Sonoma on Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30PM.
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Member Spotlight: Natalie Gould
Natalie Gould lives in Fulton on a few acres called Sparrow & Crow Farm, next to the farm her grandparents bought in 1950.
After 13 years as CFO for a micro-multinational software company, she became disabled with Long Covid in July 2021 and fully recovered by March 2025.
This recovery journey influenced her transition to work as a coach, storyteller, and retreat leader, guiding individuals and organizations through transformation using grounded, soulful practices rooted in nature and narrative and informed by neuroscience.
Natalie believes that writing and telling our stories opens possibilities for healing and change.
Her 30-year career spans theater, baking, academics, outdoor education, pastoral ministry, and software development. She earned a degree in Theater Arts from UC San Diego.
In California she has lived in San Jose, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. She also spent 12 months on the Isle of Mull in Scotland and nearly four years in Bologna, Italy.
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Currently, she's writing a spiritual memoir—centered around a decade of living on her farm, exploring themes of recovery, belonging, and self-compassion.
In her monthly Substack (https://sparrowcrowfarm.substack.com/) she shares farm stories and life lessons.
She's grateful to join the friendly and supportive members of Redwood Writers!
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Bass Player Searching for Poets
I'm looking for a poet who may be interested in combining spoken word with upright bass accompaniment.
I've performed in SF, the East Bay and Sacramento with about a dozen poets. It is primarily improvisatory, however I did work out some arrangements with one poet.
This would be for casual performance or just a get together.
Please let me know if have an interest in this. I'm in Sebastopol.
Mike Shea
shea.baseball@gmail.com
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From History Pages to Marketing Strategies: A California Author's Journey
Ever wondered why writing the book feels like the easy part?
California Writers Club Sacramento member Cheryl Anne Stapp discovered this truth firsthand when she joined Judy M. Baker's Live "Love Seats" session on August 11th. As the author of six compelling nonfiction books on California history, Cheryl has mastered the art of bringing the past to life—but like many authors, she found herself facing the modern challenge of book marketing.
The candid conversation revealed a universal truth: Writing a book is often the beginning, not the end, of an author's journey.
During their engaging discussion, Judy and Cheryl dove deep into what's actually working in today's marketing landscape versus the untapped opportunities that could transform an author's reach. From leveraging historical storytelling skills to building authentic connections with readers, their conversation offered practical insights that any author can apply.
Want the inside scoop? The edited recording is now live on YouTube—just click here or the image above to watch these two pros dissect the marketing puzzle.
Don't miss future sessions! Judy streams live to LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with edited recordings posted afterward for easy viewing.
Apply for your spot on the Love Seat at BuzzworthyBooks.com
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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 as well.
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
| | | | Share Your Good News With Us | | |
Submit member news by the 15th of the month using the button below or access the form at: forms.gle/ZHjJNW41xuGdVBHv6
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 only send it once per month.
Have you published a new book? Announce your book once.
Got a book deal? Received media coverage, earned an award? We want to share your good news.
Submissions may or may not be included in the newsletter.
Checklist for submissions:
- Include your name and contact information in your item.
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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
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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, Member at Large
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.
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