“It seems like yesterday when we sent Junior off to kindergarten, and now he’s starting college!” “There, there, Marge, think of the bright side. Now we can put a hot tub in his room.” Like parents sending their child off to college, writers must release their work for scrutiny and possible publication. Not unlike parents,…
A NaNoWriMo Success Story
Quite by accident, I had the radio on this morning when author Erin Morgenstern came on The Diane Rehm Show on NPR. Erin’s debut novel, The Night Circus, is a sensation that’s drawing comparisons to Harry Potter, but for adults. Here’s what they had to say about it on the radio show’s website: It’s the…
Workshops for Screenwriters
Is your work-in-progress a screenplay? Take advantage of the Bluecat Screenwriting Workshop coming to Wichita in October, sponsored by the Tallgrass Film Festival. First Ten Pages Workshop Up to seven writers are accepted to submit the first 10 pages of their screenplays to the group before the workshop day. At the workshop, the pages are…
Hearing Voices
“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. “–E.L. Doctorow At the August meeting of the Kansas Writers Association, several members jokingly referred to their writing experience as “hearing voices.” Although schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, most writers have regular occurring bouts of voices in their heads. Fellow KWA member B.D. Tharp talks about “the…
Keynote Speaker Announced for 2012 Scene Conference
Our 2012 Scene Conference is taking shape fast! We’re thrilled to have landed author William Bernhardt as our keynote speaker for the event, which is set for March 16-17. William’s bestselling novels explore politics, power, ambition, crime, and the law. He’s written more than 20 books and teaches several writing workshops and seminars of his…
2011 Writing Contest is OPEN!
We’re putting out the call: our annual Prose and Poetry Competition is accepting submissions! Win a little cash, earn some cred, and get feedback on your writing. We have several categories in adult and youth divisions. Winners will be published in an anthology, and awards will be presented at our annual Scene Conference in March….
Doubt is a Snuggie
Doubt is one size fits all. It comes in many sizes, shapes and colors. Kind of like a Snuggie. It covers and envelops our bodies and spirits and hearts, squeezing out all imagination. Doubt is just another word for fear, and that can be paralyzing. Think back to when you submitted your writing for the…
New Agents=New Opportunities
I have a new favorite website for writers: Guide to Literary Agents. Chuck Sambuchino’s advice on agents is insightful, and he frequently shares up-to-the-minute news on what’s happening at the agencies. Like this: New Agent Alert: Halli Melnitsky of Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Chuck starts off with a reminder: Newer agents are golden opportunities for new…
Don’t Revile the Rewrite
I’m gearing up to talk about Editing and Revising this Saturday at our monthly meeting (you ARE planning to attend, aren’t you? There’ll be snacks, and air-conditioning). Funny thing about writers: Mention rewriting or revising, and you’re guaranteed an eye roll, a groan, or a slump in even the squarest of shoulders. Why do we…
Jubilee of Kansas Authors
A Barnes & Noble rep sent this announcement our way. Chatting with local authors, discovering new reads, and throwing some support to an area library: sounds like a good way to pass a hot summer afternoon! The Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, located at 1920 N. Rock Road, will host eight Kansas authors at…