PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Dear friends,
Whether you’re amid a new manuscript or polishing the imagery and meter of a playful poem, remember that every word you write is a step toward discovering new truths—not just for your writing topic, but for yourself as well. Because don’t we learn more about ourselves and the world around us every time we pick up a pen?
I’m hoping to learn more about you, as well, which is why I sent out a survey a few weeks ago. This survey seeks to find out the reasons you joined our branch, how we can best support you in your writing journey, and what topics will best align with your interests. The results of this survey will help our board and volunteers as we continue to shape the future of Redwood Writers. I do hope you’ll take part in this survey, because this branch is yours, and I want to make sure we continue to be an encouraging partner in your writing journey.
Link to survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/3PBTHPY
Expect to hear results of this survey at the Redwood Writers Town Hall meeting on Sept, 21, 11 a.m. at the Finley Center. This meeting will also serve as an introduction or recap of what Redwood Writers currently offer members to help familiarize yourself with the branch, and you’ll have a chance to meet all the volunteers who keep this branch running.
We have a lot of really cool things happening over the next few months, all of which you can read about in this newsletter.
First up is an all-CWC workshop on Sept. 7 with Robbie Samuels who will bring your book launch to a whole new level.
Then, of course, the general meeting (aka Town Hall) on Sept. 21.
The launch party for this year’s poetry anthology, One Day, is on Sept. 22, with an afternoon of readings, food, and friendship.
And on Sept. 27 & 28 is our “In the Dark” event, featuring works from several of our members, performed by Off the Page Readers Theater.
Next month, we get to celebrate the launch of our prose anthology, Transitions on October 13, and hear several of the stories from that collection.
And on October 19 is our greatly anticipated Sonoma County Writers Conference, packed full of incredible speakers and a wide variety of writerly topics.
Mark your calendars: our RW Circle is September 28 and our October Salon is October 26.
Phew! I know it’s a lot, so be sure to mark your calendars and RSVP for the events you plan to attend. Each of these events is a great way to meet other writers, gather inspiration, and improve your writing practice. I hope to see you at one of these events.
One last thing. My next Coffee with the Prez event is on Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to noon at Cafe Noto in Windsor. If you’re looking for a low-key way to connect with other writers, this is a fun, casual drop-in coffee date with me and anyone else who shows up. Details are below.
Happy writing!
Crissi Langwell
RW President
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CWC Workshop: Don't just hit publish, LAUNCH your book! | Congrats, you wrote a book! You’ve been counting down to the day it publishes. Have you realized that publishing isn’t the final goal?
Wouldn’t it be great if your network actually read your book and discovered how valuable your content is so they can buy from you and/or refer you?
What’s your strategy to use this book to wake up and engage your network?
Our workshop presenter, Robbie Samuels, will cover three areas: timing, building a launch team, and getting 50+ Amazon reviews. | | | |
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Redwood Writers Town Hall | Note: We invite you to bring potluck items to share
At our September general meeting, learn the results of our members-only survey that will help guide the future of our club. This meeting will also serve as a Redwood Writers 101 as the board and our volunteers share the many things our branch offers to members, and how you can make the most of your membership. | | | |
Redwood Writers Membership Survey | |
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With the start of a new fiscal year of our club membership, the Redwood Writers board would love your help in planning the future of our branch. We have put together a comprehensive survey to learn more about you and how Redwood Writers can best support your writing-related goals.
Please fill out the following survey. It should take around 5 minutes to complete, and the results will be anonymous. We plan to share the survey results at our general meeting on September 21.
Survey deadline: September 15, 2024
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Poetry Anthology Launch Party
On Sunday, Sept. 22, 1-4 p.m., join us in Linda L. Reid's garden as we celebrate One Day, the 2024 Poetry Anthology, with editor Les Bernstein.
This is a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share as you enjoy an afternoon of poetry readings. Wine and beverages will be provided.
Books will be on sale for $20 at the event.
Directions will be emailed upon RSVP
We look forward to celebrating with you!
RSVP to LindaLReid100 @ gmail.com
RSVP to Linda Reid
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“In the Dark” – A Multi-Genre Readers Theater Event | Darkness implies mystery, magic, dread, fear, confusion, serenity, romance ... Off the Page Readers Theater will perform a multi-genre show of many kinds of literature that connect to the theme "In the Dark."
This event will be at the Santa Rosa Finley Center, Senior Wing, Room 4. Signs will be in lobby to direct you to the event.
Snacks and beverages will be on sale at the event. | | | |
Redwood Writers Circle
Time to RSVP for the next Writers Circle
Date: September 28, Saturday
Time: 10:30 - 1:00 (Be in the building at 10:30...we begin sharp!)
Place: Private home address will be sent upon rsvp
Reading:
Writers Circle is a place for you to join other Redwood Writer friends to read your work. Each person has 5 minutes to read prose, essay, poetry, play, or whatever you like.
Refreshments:
Light morning refreshments will be provided by the host.
You are not required to bring a dish to share, however, it is always welcome.
RSVP for Redwood Writers Circle
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Coffee with the Prez
Sunday, September 8,
10 a.m. to noon
Cafe Noto (630 McClelland Dr., Windsor)
Redwood Writers president, Crissi Langwell, invites you to Cafe Noto in Windsor Town Green for an informal coffee with the prez! If the weather is nice, we will be outside. Show up anytime between 10 a.m. - noon to ask questions about Redwood Writers, talk about writing, or just hang out and get to know Crissi and other members of our branch. No reservations are required. If you show up, please purchase something from Cafe Noto to support their business and thank them for letting us use their space.
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From L-R: Clare Monteschio, Ken Herman, Taylor Metzler, Malena Eljumaily, and Crissi Langwell at the August “Coffee With the Prez” | |
Looking for a Writing Group? | |
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Marie Judson keeps an ongoing list of members interested in joining or creating a writing group. If you would like to find a critique group, or add more members to an existing group, send your genre(s) and contact information to mariejudson@gmail.com.
You'll receive an email with the subject line, "Writers seeking writing groups." You can then either reply to all or select specific writers to contact. This has been an ongoing free service for Redwood Writers members for nine years.
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Time to Renew Ends September 30!!!! | | |
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Renew your membership for 12 months! Enjoy the benefits of membership and update your information. Add value with Express Ticketing and you can donate.
And members save when they register for meetings, workshops, and events including the Sonoma County Writers Conference.
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SONOMA COUNTY WRITERS CONFERENCE | |
Your 2024 Sonoma County Writers Conference | |
There is so much to share about the conference and it is available on our website.
Our Keynote:
Jeff Goins is the best-selling author of five books, including The Art of Work and Real Artists Don’t Starve. His award-winning blog Goinswriter.com has been visited by tens of millions of people, and through his online courses and events, he's taught over 20,000 writers since 2012. Jeff lives outside of Nashville with his family, where they spend most of their free time listening to records and making homemade pasta.
Shawn Langwell
Conference Chair, Vice President, and Director of PR and Communications, Redwood Writers
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Conference Opportunities for Members | |
Attention Authors, Editors, Designers, and Book Marketing & Publishing Professionals!
Promotional Opportunity at the 2024 Sonoma County Writers Conference
If you’ve attended an industry conference before, you know the impact of the gift (or Schwag) bag packed with valuable giveaways and promotional items. This year, we’re offering you a chance to stand out at the 2024 Sonoma County Writers Conference!
For a flat fee of just $50, you can include a lightweight branded product, a single-page flyer, or an advertising specialty item in our conference Schwag bag. This opportunity is open to all CWC Members, Vendors, and Conference Attendees. Plus, your participation will be recognized in both our conference program and the November Newsletter!
How to Participate:
Email 2024 Conference Chair, Shawn Langwell, at conference@redwoodwriters.org with the following details:
- Your Name
- Business Name (if applicable)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email
- A brief description of what you’d like to include
Once you confirm, our Treasurer, Malena Eljumaily, will promptly send you an invoice.
Deadline: All materials and payment must be received by October 1, 2024.
Don’t miss this chance to boost your visibility and connect with a targeted audience at this year’s conference!
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Call for Conference Volunteers
Pamela Heck is the volunteer coordinator x 3. She has a list (like Santa) and if you want to be part of the magic. See a job that calls to you? Connect with Pamela.
Your help is vital to making this event possible.
- Information Table
- Registration Table
- Room Monitors (timers)
- Speaker Shepards (make the speakers feel at home)
- Merchandise Table (club materials)
- Roving Guides (between sessions)
- Food Director (breakfast/lunch)
- Clean-up
- As Needed (the unsung heroes)
- Fill conference bags with materials (one week before the event)
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Homegrown Poetry and More | |
Beech Tree
I do not have a grand view
of mountains, woods or sea
I cannot hear the wind
whispering through pines
or waves lapping the shore
when I wake
I do have memories
sensory memories
deep and pleasurable
and I have the beech tree
just outside the big window
in my living room
leaves golden yellow
now in autumn
filling my view
I look and look into the tree
through the hours
through the seasons
observe minute details
of its trunk, limbs
and leaves
the birds that come and go
so close I can see fine details
of their feathers
the light gathering
slowly, slowly
each morning
me sitting in the dark
holding a cup of tea
waiting
—Betty Les
Betty Les is a poet and zoologist, exploring everyday observations and experiences through a lens of science, mystery and connection. Betty was chosen as a Redwood Writers Award of Merit poet in 2018 and was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2023. Her chapbook Just Enough to See was published in 2023 by Finishing Line Press. Her second chapbook Touring the Stars will be released in 2025.
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Poetry Lab
The Poetry Lab is an online gathering for poets to share their original works—whether in progress or complete—and receive constructive feedback and craft suggestions. Les Bernstein and Amrita Skye Blaine will guide participants in a supportive and encouraging environment.
How to Participate:
- Submit your poem to Les at lessieb13@yahoo.com and Amrita and amritaskyepoetry@gmail.com one week before the meeting.
- Use "Poetry Lab Poem Submission" as the subject of your email.
- Include your name in the text of the document.
Date for the first meeting:
October 31st
Time: 3:30 pm–5 p.m.
Zoom link provided upon receipt of your poem
Limited to 10 participants per session
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Announcing a statewide CWC poetry contest beginning on October 1, 2024.
Details will be posted in September on the CWC website under CONTESTS.
or click the button below.
https://calwriters.org/
AWARDS
First Place $100
Second Place $50
Third Place $25
Submission period is
October 1st to October 31st
$10 submission fee for CWC members
$20 for non-members
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A
BIG
CONTEST
FOR
SMALL
POEMS
Billy Collins, past Poet Laureate of the U.S.A writes in his book, Musical Tables, “Whenever I pick up a new book of poems. I flip through the pages, looking for small ones. Just as I might trust an abstract painter more if I knew he or she could draw a credible chicken, I have faith in poets who can go short.”
Here is an example of one of his poems from this book:
Falling Asleep
Walking backwards
into a dark forest,
I sweep my footprints
out of existence
with a large
weightless branch
For questions, please contact Les Bernstein
at lessieb13@yahoo.com
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Gather at the Oasis
Gather at the Oasis to Refresh, Renew, and Replenish Your Creative Spirit
Redwood Writers member Audrey Kalman, co-creator with Jennifer Browdy of the Birth Your Truest Story online writers' community, is offering "Gather at the Oasis," a free online ten-week creativity/mindfulness program beginning September 2. Participants will receive weekly affirmations, writing prompts, and guided meditations, along with an invitation to attend online community writing sessions.
Send questions to: info@birthyourtrueststory.com
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THE BOOK BUZZ CAFE
Judy M. Baker invites you to the Book Buzz Cafe. We meet about twice a month on Mondays via Zoom. It's an hour of marketing honey for authors focused on building an audience.
Dates: September 9, 23, October 7 and 21.
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
Authors practice interview skills, celebrate wins, and brainstorm solutions for challenges.
To register: Scan the QR Code or click on https://bookmarketingmentor.com/cafe-sign-up
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Submit member news by the 15th of the month to editor @ redwoodwriters.org
Include your name and contact information. 50 words or less about book events, publications, awards, and classes of interest to our members. Photos, jpegs, or pngs are welcome.
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REDWOOD WRITERS LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS | |
Redwood Writers would not be a possibility without our many wonderful leaders and chair-people who generously volunteer 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
Tommie Whitener, Vault Master, Policies & Procedures
Roger Lubeck, Membership Chair
Chairs and Editors
Les Bernstein, Poetry Anthology Editor
Crissi Langwell, Website Editor
Judy M. Baker, Newsletter Editor
Amrita Blaine, Newsletter Poetry Editor
Robin Gabbert, Writers Salon
Linda L. Reid, Writers Circle, Poetry Anthology Party
Janice Rowley, 2024 Prose Anthology Editor
Marie Judson, Critique Groups
Laura McHale Holland, Social Media
Shawn Langwell, Speakers, Communications & PR Director, and Conference Chair
Pamela Heck, Conference Volunteers Chair
Board meetings are held 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Monday 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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