In This Issue

Guild Announcements: HVWG Board to Support Devastated Libraries, How You Can Help the Guild Newsletter

Member Announcements: K.A. Laity

Area Announcements: We Are the 99% Reading in Albany, Third Thursday Reading to Feature Anthony Bernini in Albany, Yes! Reading in Albany, Sunday Four Reading in Voorheesville, Writers Institute Community Workshops Announced, Community of Jewish Writers Call for Submissions, Writers Bloc Weekend in Richmond (MA), Women’s Writes Workshop in New Paltz, Writers Institute Summer Sessions in Saratoga Springs

Guild Announcements

HVWG Board To Support Devastated Libraries
The HVWG board voted at its last meeting to provide contributions to two public libraries that are still recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Irene. This was after a board member visited the area and reported back on the dire situation that remains. We urge our members to also provide individual assistance to these libraries to the extent possible. The HVWG will stay in touch with the situation and may provide some program activities in these locations in the future. The addresses for donations to be sent to the two libraries are:

• Schoharie Library: c/o Market Block Books; 290 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
• Middleburgh Library: P.O. BOX 670, 323 Main Street, Middleburgh NY 12122.

How You Can Help the Guild Newsletter
We didn’t have a rush of individuals volunteering to relieve our long time (and increasingly cranky) editors. So we are thinking of going to a monthly, rather than a twice-a-month, newsletter. There are several things contributors can do to help:

• Get your announcements in to us well in advance of the event. This will become even more crucial if we do go to a monthly format.
• Prepare (or change) your material to Times New Roman size 12 font prior to submission. Avoid underlining, italic, WORDS IN CAPS, bold and other attempts to highlight parts of your announcement. As editors, we will make those decisions in a way that is consistent with our format. (In other words, please clear all formatting from your text prior to submission.)
  
• Single space your piece.
• Oh! And remember you are writers and for heaven’s sake proofread before submission.

Member Announcements

K. A. Laity is happy to announce her story “It’s a Curse,” the 7th in the Drunk on the Moon paranormal noir series at Trestle Press (begun by Paul D. Brazill), was released in December to glowing reviews. The entire series will be collected for a release in one volume in February. Her story “Mandrake and Magpies” appeared in the anthology Dark Pages: International Noir (Trestle Press) also in December, and her story “Mandrake Anthrax” was featured at A Twist of Noir in December, as well.

She has participated in a few readings in Galway (a real city of writers!) including placing in the top three finishers at the Third Annual Over the Edge Fiction Slam in October. This spring will see the release of her urban fantasy novel Owl Stretching by Immanion Press in the UK, US and Canada. She will be teaching a course on writing commercial fiction at the National University of Ireland Galway this spring as part of her Fulbright Fellowship.

Area announcements

Human Needs Not Corporate Greed — We are the 99% Reading, January 18, 7 p.m.
The Poetry Motel Foundation, in partnership with the Upstate Artists Guild, announces an open mic for literary responses/reactions to the Occupy Albany/Occupy Wall Street movement on Wednesday January 18, 7 p.m., at the UAG Gallery, 247 Lark Street, Albany.

The open mic is being held in conjunction with the current exhibit at the Gallery, “Occupy UAG,” visual art from the Occupy Albany movement. Suggested donation is $5 which supports the UAG Gallery. The open mic host will be local poet & peace activist, Dan Wilcox. Bring poems, songs, rants inspired by Occupy Albany/Occupy Wall Street and by the fight for economic justice. Read your best (or worst) anti-corporate screed. For more information, contact the UAG at upstateartistsguild.org or Dan Wilcox at dwlcx@earthlink.net.

Third Thursday Reading, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
Antony Bernini will be the featured reader at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue in Albany on January 19. There is an open mic before and after the feature.

The first Yes! of the Season Friday January 20, 8 p.m.
Albany Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, Albany. Featuring poets Peter Fernbach and Anna Elena Eyre, fiction writer Jessy Poole and an art installation by Maureen Jolie Anderson.

Sunday Four Poetry Open Mic January 22, 3 p.m.
We have two wonderful poets featured: Tom Corrado & Mark O’Brien.
You have to put this on your calendar because their program is listed as “Multimedia and the Muse: Performance and Poesy.” They will be doing stuff with sound, images and the spoken word in different formats and arrangements. Expect something unique and interesting and beautiful. We have seen their work in the past, and you will get new ideas, as well as visions!!

Bring your own work to read. This month we will limit work to two short poems to give a wee bit more time to the multimedia event. We still meet at Old Songs situated diagonally across from Stewart’s in Voorheesville.

Writers Institute Writing Workshops Announced
Each semester the Writers Institute sponsors residencies of varying lengths by authors who have distinguished themselves both for their writing and their teaching. In tandem with these residencies, free writing workshops are offered on a competitive basis to members of the community.

The Writers Institute invites you to apply to participate in our free Community Writing Workshop, “The Art of the Short Story,” taught by Institute Fellow James Lasdun. For more information, visit our website. Application Deadline: Manuscripts delivered in person will be accepted up until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1. Mailed manuscripts must be postmarked no later than Thursday, January 26. No faxes or e-mails.

The Writers Institute also invites you to apply to participate in our free Community Writing Workshop, “Writing About Science and Technology– Nonfiction Workshop,” taught by Institute Fellow James Lasdun. For more information, visit our website. Manuscripts delivered in person will be accepted up until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22. Mailed manuscripts must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 17. No faxes or e-mails.

Request for Submissions for Community of Jewish Writers Event
The Adult Education Committee of Congregation Agudat Achim is seeking submissions of poetry and prose for its annual community reading event to be held in March at Agudat Achim. Please submit fiction, non-fiction and/or poetry which addresses being Jewish from a cultural, ethnic or religious perspective or addresses Jewish themes or issues relating to Israel. Submissions should be no more than 750 words each. Please include your contact information on a separate piece of paper, including your name, address, e-mail and telephone number. All submissions must be received by February 18. Submissions should be e-mailed to Leslie Neustadt at lesbn96317@aol.com Please direct any questions to her at that e-mail.

Writer’s Bloc Weekend Retreat, February 24-26
Writing is just such a wonderful and amazing and fulfilling thing — until one morning you wake up and can’t find an ounce of motivation. You look at what you’ve written and suddenly it feels as dead as the heel of your right shoe. There is hope. Lots of it. In fact, if you look at it the write, oops, excuse me, the right way; writer’s block can be an opportunity to rethink your entire approach to writing. Writer’s block can be a kind of door through which you not only find new inspiration, but also, you make some fascinating discoveries about who you are as a writer and a person.

If you’re intrigued by these ideas and if you want to spend a weekend by a cozy fire in a gorgeous Berkshire County inn learning about writing from two well-seasoned fiction writers who are also both experienced college-writing teachers, then you’re in for a big treat! Please join me, Claudia Ricci, and my long-time writing buddy and college teaching colleague Peg Woods –otherwise known as Dr. P.M. Woods — to get recharged. We are teaching a fabulous workshop that we’re calling Writer’s Bloc, a weekend-retreat February 24-26 at the very quaint Richmond Inn in Richmond, MA.

Peg and I have been college teachers of writing for almost 14 years. We’ve also taught a community writing workshop called “Write Your Heart Out.” In both the university and community settings, we’ve helped many, many, many students to get started writing fiction. And we’ve also showed students how to get re-started and recharged, redefining what it means to have a writer’s block.

You see, it’s only a block if you let it stop you. We’ll show you how to melt that writer’s block, transforming it into an opportunity for rediscovery. The writer’s retreat will include exercises that involve “art” — but no, you do NOT need to be an artist! We will also take you on an outing Saturday afternoon to the wonderful Normal Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, where we’ll discuss the way art and visual images can help spark your imagination and give you more inspiration for writing.

The February “Writer’s Bloc” workshop is limited to a small number of writers, so do get in touch soon. To register, contact Retreat Coordinator Jo Ann Losinger at jolosinger@aol.com. Or phone 413.445.5874. We hope to see you there. It will be a wonderfully energizing and productive retreat, we promise you!

Women’s Writes Workshop, March 3-4
The weekend of March 3 and 4, Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) in New Paltz is proud to present “Women’s Writes,” a reading and writing workshop featuring two popular and well-respected authors: Nava Atlas and Kate Hymes.

The weekend kicks-off on Saturday, March 3, at 3 p.m. with a guided tour of HHS’s Deyo House, which is set and interpreted in the Edwardian period, a popular time for many celebrated women authors. At 4 p.m., Nava Atlas will read from her latest book, The Literary Ladies’ Guide to the Writing Life, which explores the writing life of twelve celebrated women writers, including such renowned authors as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Madeleine L’Engle, Anais Nin, George Sand, Edith Wharton, and Virginia Woolf through their journals, letters, and diaries. On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., the Wallkill Valley Writers will read from their anthology which includes personal essays, poems, and stories.

Sunday, March 4, will feature two 3-hour Wallkill Valley Writers Workshops led by Kate Hymes. Session 1 is from 9 a.m. –12 p.m. and Session 2 is from 1-4 p.m. Anyone with a desire to write, whether a beginner or experienced, is invited to attend these workshops which will be held in a safe environment.

Sources culled from the HHS archives and other local history will serve as an inspiration for writing throughout the weekend. Saturday includes a book signing and refreshments.

Fees are as follows:

• Saturday Deyo House Edwardian tour and reading with Nava Atlas: $15.
• Saturday evening reading with Wallkill Valley Writers: $5.
  
• Sunday per session: $40.
  
• Full weekend, including one workshop on Sunday: $50.
  

Copies of The Literary Ladies’ Guide to the Writing Life will be available for purchase at a 15% discount on Saturday.

To register or for more information, call 845-255-1660, x103 or email Jan Melchior at jan@huguenotstreet.org.

New York State Summer Writers Institute at Skidmore will be in session July 2-27, 2012.
Teaching faculty will include Elizabeth Benedict, Frank Bidart, Peg Boyers, Henri Cole, Mary Gaitskill, Allan Gurganus, Amy Hempel, Margot Livesey, Phillip Lopate, Campbell McGrath, Claire Messud, James Miller, Rick Moody, Victoria Redel, Joanna Scott, Danzy Senna, Darin Strauss and Rosanna Warren.

Visiting Writers will include Paul Auster, Russell Banks, Ann Beattie, Mary Gordon, Richard Howard, Siri Hustvedt, William Kennedy, Jamaica Kincaid, Joyce Carol Oates, Michael Ondaatje, Caryl Phillips, Robert Pinsky, Katha Pollitt, Francine Prose, Charles Simic, Mark Strand and Chase Twichell.

Visit the Skidmore website for more information and an application. Scholarship applications are also available.

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: HVWG Board Meeting, Help Needed for Newsletter

Member Announcements: Dawn Marar

Area Announcements: Third Thursday Reading to Feature Anthony Bernini in Albany, New Nonfiction Writing Group Forming in Albany County, Writers Bloc Weekend in Richmond, MA, Fiction Writers Group forming in Southern Saratoga County

Guild Announcements

HVWG Board Meeting, January 10
The next HVWG Board Meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Library’s Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany. There is plenty of street parking both on Washington Avenue and behind the library on Elk Street. In addition, the library has a parking lot at the rear of the building on Elk Street.

Help Needed for Guild Newsletter
The editors need relief as we have been working on this for some years now. If you have time and editing and/or computer skills please contact us at hvwginfo@gmail.com. The work involves pulling information together (usually cutting and pasting) from material sent to us by members or local organizations, and also editing and formatting the material and then publishing the newsletter to our e-list. This entails 3-4 hours twice a month but the function can be split. Currently, two Guild members act as editors. (A personal note from Carolee: I rarely have time to get the newsletter out on time anymore. I am willing to do a couple more newsletters, but really can’t dedicate time to it after that. I know Bob would appreciate relief, as well. Anyone?)

Member Announcements

Dawn Marar‘s poem, “Efflorescence,” has been selected as a finalist in the Chautauqua Literary Journal’s 2011 Prize and will be published in June 2012.

Area announcements

Third Thursday Reading, January 19, 7:30 p.m.
Antony Bernini will be the featured reader at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue in Albany on January 19. There is an open mic before and after the feature.

New Nonfiction Writers Group Seeks Members
Historian Liz Covart seeks nonfiction authors to form new writing group. Group will focus on nonfiction writing and its challenges and provide an opportunity for peer review. Group will meet either in Bethlehem or nearby Albany. Interested authors can contact Liz at lizcovart@mac.com.

Writer’s Bloc Weekend Retreat, February 24-26
Writing is just such a wonderful and amazing and fulfilling thing — until one morning you wake up and can’t find an ounce of motivation. You look at what you’ve written and suddenly it feels as dead as the heel of your right shoe. There is hope. Lots of it. In fact, if you look at it the write, oops, excuse me, the right way; writer’s block can be an opportunity to rethink your entire approach to writing. Writer’s block can be a kind of door through which you not only find new inspiration, but also, you make some fascinating discoveries about who you are as a writer and a person.

If you’re intrigued by these ideas and if you want to spend a weekend by a cozy fire in a gorgeous Berkshire County inn learning about writing from two well-seasoned fiction writers who are also both experienced college-writing teachers, then you’re in for a big treat! Please join me, Claudia Ricci, and my long-time writing buddy and college teaching colleague Peg Woods –otherwise known as Dr. P.M. Woods — to get recharged. We are teaching a fabulous workshop that we’re calling Writer’s Bloc, a weekend-retreat February 24-26 at the very quaint Richmond Inn in Richmond, MA.

Peg and I have been college teachers of writing for almost 14 years. We’ve also taught a community writing workshop called “Write Your Heart Out.” In both the university and community settings, we’ve helped many, many, many students to get started writing fiction. And we’ve also showed students how to get re-started and recharged, redefining what it means to have a writer’s block.

You see, it’s only a block if you let it stop you. We’ll show you how to melt that writer’s block, transforming it into an opportunity for rediscovery. The writer’s retreat will include exercises that involve “art” — but no, you do NOT need to be an artist! We will also take you on an outing Saturday afternoon to the wonderful Normal Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, where we’ll discuss the way art and visual images can help spark your imagination and give you more inspiration for writing.

The February “Writer’s Bloc” workshop is limited to a small number of writers, so do get in touch soon. To register, contact Retreat Coordinator Jo Ann Losinger at jolosinger@aol.com. Or phone 413.445.5874. We hope to see you there. It will be a wonderfully energizing and productive retreat, we promise you!

Wanted: Members for a new Southern Saratoga Fiction Writers Group
Are you a fiction writer (either published or aspiring)? Are you working on a project now? Are you interested in getting together with other fiction writers in the Southern Saratoga area for conversation, networking, brainstorming and critiques? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, please contact Keith via email at knightsofkilbourne@gmail.com. I am looking to form a small cadre of writers to meet on a fairly regular basis, possibly at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. The purpose of this group will be primarily to critique one another’s work, share information about writing/publishing, and discuss the dilemmas we face in our work. Interested individuals should be currently working on a fiction project (short story or novel) which they would like to have critiqued. All genres welcome.

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: HVWG Board Meeting, Request for Writers from Guilderland High School, Help Needed for Newsletter

Member Announcements: M.E. Kemp, Linda Sonia Miller, Laurel Saville

Area Announcements: Bookmark Holiday Reading in Troy, Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry Class in Niskayuna, Call for Submissions to Henry Anthology, Fiction Writers Group forming in Southern Saratoga County

Guild Announcements

Save the date: HVWG Board Meeting, January 10
The next HVWG Board Meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Library Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany. There is plenty of street parking both on Washington Avenue and behind the library on Elk Street. In addition, the library has a parking lot at the rear of the building on Elk Street.

Request for Writers from Teacher at Guilderland High School
We received the following request from a 10th grade teacher at Guilderland High School. Please contact her directly if you are interested:

From: Diane Geurin / geurind@guilderlandschools.org
Date: Wed, Nov 30, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Subject: Guest Poet/Author
To: hvwginfo@gmail.com

I would like to invite some local poets and authors into my 10th Grade classes at Guilderland High School. I just hosted some journalists, and the discussions my classes had with them were very productive and lively.

I am contacting you in hopes that you can put me in touch with some of the local talent in our area who might be willing to come in for about 90 minutes and share their work and answer question about their work with my sophomore students.

Help Needed for Guild Newsletter
The editors need some relief as we have been working on this for some years now. If you have time and editing and/or computer skills please contact us at hvwginfo@gmail.com. The work involves pulling information together (usually cutting and pasting) from material sent to us by members or local organizations, and also editing and formatting the material and then publishing the newsletter to our e-list. This entails 3-4 hours twice a month but the function can be split. Currently, two Guild members act as editors.

Member Announcements

M. E. Kemp’s, vice president of HVWG, latest novel, Death of a Cape Cod Cavalier, is scheduled by her publisher for a Fall 2012 release. Kemp will have a chapter essay in an academic anthology concerning the popular character Sister Fidelma (created by Peter Tremayne) and approved by the International Sister Fidelma Society.

Linda Sonia Miller, member of the Delmar Writing Group, has a chapbook of poetry (Something Worth Diving For) coming out in March 2012 from Finishing Line Press You can visit her website for details: somethingworthdivingfor.forpr.net

“In Something Worth Diving For Linda Sonia Miller pulls a pickerel from a cold lake and finds a heart, sees children who ‘hang like damp clothes/from sofa arms’ and discovers that one of the ‘small gifts’ from the world that continually astonishes her is poetry itself. Her love poems to infancy, childhood and maturity expand with this freedom and surprise. I welcome the debut of this lively metaphorist who meditates on time in such deft quick lines.” (Molly Peacock – author of The Paper Garden, and six books of poetry, including The Second Blush and Cornucopia: New & Selected Poems)

Laurel Saville’s memoir, Unraveling Anne, launched November 1 and, thanks to a great marketing campaign by her publisher, AmazonEncore, quickly jumped into a great sales position. At one point, in the Kindle store, it was ranked #2 in women’s memoirs (behind Kris Jenner – ha!), #3 in memoirs overall (right behind Joan Didion – gulp!), #3 in hot new releases, and #83 overall out of 750,000 books. The paperback version also seems to be moving right along.

The book was included in a front page New York Times story on Amazon’s entry into the traditional publishing sphere; Laurel was asked to contribute to a NYTimes.com “Room for Debate” feature on the changes in the publishing industry; the Los Angeles Times Magazine featured an adaptation of the book in its November issue; it was included in LA Magazine‘s November reading list; and, it was included in December Elle magazine‘s Reader Prize feature.

The book’s website has also been updated: UnravelingAnne.com.

Area announcements

BOOKMARKS READING | family at the holidays
Monday, December 19, 7 p.m., free. Participants will read works of prose about family and the holidays. What more can we say? What a mix, right? Curated by Marion Roach Smith. BookMarks is part of The Memoir Project, a program of The Arts Center of the Capital Region, and features a series of group readings featuring writing that is grounded broadly in personal experience. All BookMarks readings are free and open to the public.

Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry
As of January 4 on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., Susan Comninos will be teaching an eight-week reading, discussion and writing course, “Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry,” at Congregation Agudat Achim, in Schenectady.

The class is open to the community. It will explore a host of contemporary Jewish-American identities in poems by such authors as Gerald Stern, Grace Paley, Matthew Dickman, Katha Pollitt and Matthew Zapruder. Cost: $65 per attendee. Send a check made out to Congregation Agudat Achim (“poetry program” on the memo line) along with contact information to the Congregation’s mailing address at 2117 Union Street, Niskayuna, NY 12309. Note that the class will be limited to the first 15 students to submit registration.

Call for Submissions for Henry Anthology
Attention writers and artists – Henry, an anthology of Hudson Valley writing and art is now accepting submissions. Henry is open to writers and artists who live, work, or attend school in the Hudson Valley and whose work reflects the people, history, culture and landscape of the Hudson Valley. Short story, poetry, memoir, character sketches, interviews, photography and other art will be considered for this premiere issue. We are especially interested in interviews of Hudson Valley characters who add to the personality of our area. The deadline has been extended to January 15, 2012. For guidelines go to flamingo-publications.com or email flamingopublications10@gmail.com.

Wanted: Members for a new Southern Saratoga Fiction Writers Group
Are you a fiction writer (either published or aspiring)? Are you working on a project now? Are you interested in getting together with other fiction writers in the Southern Saratoga area for conversation, networking, brainstorming and critiques? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, please contact Keith via email at knightsofkilbourne@gmail.com. I am looking to form a small cadre of writers to meet on a fairly regular basis, possibly at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. The purpose of this group will be primarily to critique one another’s work, share information about writing/publishing, and discuss the dilemmas we face in our work. Interested individuals should be currently working on a fiction project (short story or novel) which they would like to have critiqued. All genres welcome.

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: HVWG Board Meeting

Member Announcements: M.E. Kemp, Keith W. Willis

Area Announcements: Writers Institute Readings at UAlbany, Caffe Lena Reading in Saratoga, Third Thursday Reading in Albany, Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry Class in Niskayuna, Call for Entries for East Line Books Anthology, Amazing Little Warriors Call for Submissions

Guild Announcements

Save the date: HVWG Board Meeting, January 10
The next HVWG Board Meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Library Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany. There is plenty of street parking both on Washington Avenue and behind the library on Elk Street. In addition, the library has a parking lot at the rear of the building on Elk Street.

Member Announcements

M. E. Kemp, vice president of HVWG, eagerly awaits the birth of her fifth “child,” Death of a Cape Cod Cavalier. Fifth in the historical mystery series she writes with two nosy Puritans as detectives, the book should be out any day now. The setting for this book, as the title makes clear, is Cape Cod, and Kemp was forced to spend time on the Cape doing research — a tough job, but somebody had to do it. Please look for the book on Amazon, at your library or at your local book source.

Keith W. Willis came across a great website which our members might be interested in: San Francisco Writers University (sfwritersu.com). Their mission is to create “a space online and in the real world that can offer valuable lessons and resources to writers of all types, at every stage of their writing journey.” There are classes available, both free and for-pay; forums; on-line critique groups, etc. Keith has signed up as a member, as he thinks it might be a valuable resource. Email Keith at: knightsofkilbourne@gmail.com

Area announcements

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series, December 6, 8 p.m.
This series wraps up with non-fiction author of biographies of American Colonial and Revolutionary War period figures Willard Sterne Randall reading at the Huxley Theatre, NYS Museum in Albany on December 6 at 8 p.m. For additional information, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

Caffe Lena Poetry Night, December 7, 7:30 p.m.
Judith Prest and Jan Tramontano will be the featured poets at this event. There is also an open mic. Caffe Lena is at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.

Third Thursday Poetry Night, December 15, 7:30 p.m.
This month’s edition of the series will feature the poetry and music of Murrow (Thom Francis and Keith Spencer.) There will be an open mic before and after the feature. Readers will get to sit on Santa’s lap. At the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue, in Albany. Readings start at 7:30 p.m.

Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry
As of January 4 on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., Susan Comninos will be teaching an eight-week reading, discussion and writing course, “Jewish Identity in Contemporary American Poetry,” at Congregation Agudat Achim, in Schenectady.

The class is open to the community. It will explore a host of contemporary Jewish-American identities in poems by such authors as Gerald Stern, Grace Paley, Matthew Dickman, Katha Pollitt and Matthew Zapruder. Cost: $65 per attendee. Send a check made out to Congregation Agudat Achim (“poetry program” on the memo line) along with contact information to the Congregation’s mailing address at 2117 Union Street, Niskayuna, NY 12309. Note that the class will be limited to the first 15 students to submit registration.

Call for Entries for New Anthology
Every Moment, Lightly Shaken: The East Line Anthology of Short Contemporary Literature. Edited by Robyn Ringler. In 2012, East Line Books will publish an anthology of writing by the students who have studied in classes at East Line Books. The book will be of the highest quality both in content and in format. Robyn is now looking for submissions from current and former students of any adult class or tutoring at East Line Books.

Please send entries in any genre: memoir, article, essay, blog entry, fiction such as short story, book chapter, or any format. Entries should be, above all, POWERFUL. Entries should be between 500 and 2500 words and should be sent to Robyn Ringler. Competition to get your pieces published in this anthology will be tough–I am only selecting pieces that are excellently written, well-edited, and powerful. That being said, I hope every student I have ever had will send in a piece, because so many of you are truly outstanding writers and you do have powerful pieces.

Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2012. Please send entries by email to RLDSR12@aol.com or drop them off at East Line Books. Include your name address and all contact information and whether your piece has been published previously (which will not normally be a problem).

Thank you for supporting this project with your work! If your piece is chosen, you will be paid with a copy of the anthology (I’m sorry it’s not more–we have a strained budget.) And you will be in a prestigious book, prestigious because it will be in a book of outstanding literature. Great for the resume and also something to be very proud of. Looking forward to your entries!

Amazing Little Warriors: Call for Submissions
Kara Skelly, who founded amazinglittlewarriors.com, is compiling essays about children diagnosed with debilitating medical conditions, birth defects or illnesses. Essays should be upbeat in nature, emphasizing the strength and courage of the child and family. Accepted essays will be published in a Chicken-Soup-for-the-Soul-style anthology. Kara’s son Jack was born with bladder exstrophy, a rare and devastating congenital deformity in which part of the bladder is present outside the body. After several years of researching the disease, she began to meet other families dealing with the same condition, as well as many other childhood diseases and serious illnesses. Realizing that sharing stories helped her begin to heal, she has decided to compile these and other stories into an anthology to help heal and inspire others. Her goal is for parents to be able to read stories of hope, faith, strength, success, love and the positives of these children’s lives. For more information or to submit your story, go to amazinglittlewarriors.com.

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: Schenectady Community of Writers Event

Member Announcements: Mary Kathryn Jablonski, Mimi Moriarty, Melinda Morris Perrin, Lisa M. Ross, Barbara M. Traynor, Dan Wilcox

Area Announcements: Writers Institute Readings at UAlbany, Third Thursday Reading in Albany, East Line Books November Workshops, Sunday Four Reading in Voorheesville, NYFA is Taking Online Grant Applications, Call for Entries for East Line Books Anthology, Amazing Little Warriors Call for Submissions

Guild Announcements

Schenectady Community of Writers, November 20, 2-4 p.m.
The Schenectady Community of Writers is November 20 at the Schenectady Public Library from 2-4 p.m. Readers will be available before and after the program for signing and selling their books. Refreshments will be served. The program includes the following participants: Virginia Bach Folger, Sara Foss, Carol Graser, D. Alexander Holiday, M.E. Kemp, Bob Sharkey, Steven Swartz, Barbara Louise Ungar and David Weiss. Alan Catlin will serve as moderator.

Member Announcements

Visual artist and poet Mary Kathryn Jablonski will present two poetry readings in November and December. On November 16 she will read at 7 p.m. at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd., Old Forge. On December 10 she will read at 2 p.m. at the Woodstock Poetry Society & Festival, which meets at the Colony Cafe, 22 Rock City Road. Both readings are free, open to the public, and include an open mike.

Jablonski is the author of the chapbook To the Husband I Have Not Yet Met (APD Press, 2008), and her poems have appeared in numerous literary journals including the Beloit Poetry Journal, Salmagundi, Chronogram and Blueline, among others. She recently completed her first book-length collection of poems and two additional chapbook manuscripts. Her artwork has been widely exhibited throughout the Northeast, is held in private and public collections and can be viewed in group exhibitions in November and December at the Riverfront Studios in Schuylerville and at the Arts Center Gallery in Saratoga Springs.

HVWG member Mimi Moriarty and her brother, Frank Desiderio, have a new book of poetry due out in February titled Sibling Reverie. This slim volume contains companion poems, poems written on the same topic or theme with a particular spin by Mimi or Frank. The poems are about family and relationships, spirituality and the Mummers parade. You may have heard Mimi and Frank read their companion poems at several local venues, such as Caffé Lena and Poets in the Park.

Finishing Line Press is the publisher of Sibling Reverie. Currently they are taking pre-orders. In order for them to publish the book they need to see interest, at least 55 preordered copies, so if you would like a copy, please pre-order your book now. You can do that by going to the publisher’s website: www.finishinglinepress.com, then clicking on “new releases.”

They appreciate your support and believe you will enjoy the work of siblings who share a unique relationship as poets.

Poet Melinda Morris Perrin will be reading from her latest volume, Winterberries: Poems of Hope, at the Open Door Book Store on Friday, December 16, as part of Schenectady’s Arts Night. Winterberries is published by Ice Cube Press, North Liberty, Iowa.

Lisa M. Ross, who was a literary agent for 20 years offers individual client coaching on book projects or ongoing work. Her website is lisamross.com.

Barbara M. Traynor, author of Second Career Volunteer … would like to have you join her at any one of the dates and times of author book presentations listed below (details and directions on calendar at secondcareervolunteer.com):

New York –Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m., Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs.

Connecticut –Thursday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m., Southington Public Library, Southington; Saturday, Nov 19 at 2:00 p.m. Bethel Library, Bethel, CT (rescheduled due to snow); Tuesday, November 22, Noon – “Lunch & Learn,” Cyrenius H. Booth Library, Newtown; Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 7 p.m., DUAL author presentation with Prill Boyle and Barbara Traynor, Ridgefield Public Library, Ridgefield. (Rescheduled from December.)

Upcoming 2012 events include readings in Charleston, SC; Augusta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; and Richmond, VA.

Poet and Peace Activist Dan Wilcox, currently president of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and a publisher of other poets will speak on December 3 after a luncheon in his honor. Main Auditorium, Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Preceded by a luncheon buffet: University Club, 141 Washington Avenue, Noon, Good Food for $20. Checks payable to the Friends of Albany Public Library may be sent to the Friends, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, 12210. Reservations by Tuesday, November 29. F or more information, please contact Gene Damm, gdamm@nycap.rr.com

Area announcements

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series
Among the upcoming events are Pulitzer Prize winning non-fiction author Tony Horwitz reading at the Clark Auditorium, NYS Museum in Albany on November 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and non-fiction writer Kirstin Downey leading a discussion in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center of the Uptown Campus on November 18 at 4 p.m.; and novelist Tom Perrotta reading at Assembly Hall, Campus Center, Uptown Campus on November 29 at 8 p.m. For additional information, including about seminars conducted by these writers and about several more events during this stretch, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

Third Thursday Poetry Night, November 17, 7:30 p.m.
This month’s edition of the series will feature the poet Illiptical. There will be an open mic before and after the feature. At the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave. in Albany. Readings start at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays in November: Writing Workshop Series for Adults at East Line Books
Each Saturday in November. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Four two-and-a-half hour classes for adults on specific aspects of the creative writing process. Great for amateurs and professionals alike. Perfect for easing back into writing, spicing up your successful writing life, or just for fun! Come to all sessions or just a few. $45 per session. Call 371-4151 to sign up!

• November 19: How to read to write / Each participant should bring a short passage from a favorite book that they find especially resonant. In this class, participants will demystify the greats by exploring specific techniques their favorite authors are using. We will also learn how to incorporate these techniques in our own writing.

• November 26: Turning memoir into fiction / In this class we will discuss the thin line between memoir and fiction. You will learn how to lift people, places, and events from your own experiences and place them gracefully (and anonymously!) into your fiction.

About the Instructor: Lily Ringler graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in June with a degree in English and creative writing. She has been teaching creative writing classes since she was sixteen. Her writing has been featured on NPR and in Multicultural Review among many other venues. She is the recipient of the Erksine Caldwell Prize for excellence in the short story.

East Line Books, 1714 Route 9, Clifton Park, One block north of Route 146, (518) 371-4151, eastlinebooks.com, RLDSR12@aol.com

Sunday Four Reading in Voorheesville, November 27, 3:00 p.m.
Please make your calendars for Sunday NOVEMBER 27 at 3 pm for Sunday Four Poetry Open Mic. Our featured poet this month just happens to be one of the co-hosts of Sunday Four, EDIE ABRAMS. Edie has been experimenting with new verse in New Scotland and with Bernadette Mayer in East Nassau. She will amuse and delight with her way with words.

Bring your latest work to read. Three short poems, two medium, or one of longer length. And make yourself at home in our fine venue. We are located, of course, at Old Songs situated across from Stewart’s in Voorheesville.

NYFA’s Online Application is now Open
Please go to nyfa.org/afp to apply and to review application guidelines. The following categories will be reviewed during the 2011 – 2012 cycle:

Painting
Painting applicants also have the option to apply for the Basil H. Alkazzi Award for Excellence in Painting, awarding two painters with an award of $20,000 each.
Fiction
Interdisciplinary Work
Folk/Traditional Arts
Video/Film

DEADLINES
December 15, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.
Painting
Fiction

December 16, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.
Interdisciplinary Work
Folk/Traditional Arts
Video/Film

Call for Entries for New Anthology
Every Moment, Lightly Shaken: The East Line Anthology of Short Contemporary Literature. Edited by Robyn Ringler. In 2012, East Line Books will publish an anthology of writing by the students who have studied in classes at East Line Books. The book will be of the highest quality both in content and in format. I am now looking for submissions from current and former students of any adult class or tutoring at East Line Books.

Please send entries in any genre: memoir, article, essay, blog entry, fiction such as short story, book chapter, or any format. Entries should be, above all, POWERFUL. Entries should be between 500 and 2500 words and should be sent to Robyn Ringler. Competition to get your pieces published in this anthology will be tough–I am only selecting pieces that are excellently written, well-edited, and powerful. That being said, I hope every student I have ever had will send in a piece, because so many of you are truly outstanding writers and you do have powerful pieces.

Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2012. Please send entries by email to RLDSR12@aol.com or drop them off at East Line Books. Include your name address and all contact information and whether your piece has been published previously (which will not normally be a problem).

Thank you for supporting this project with your work! If your piece is chosen, you will be paid with a copy of the anthology (I’m sorry it’s not more–we have a strained budget.) And you will be in a prestigious book, prestigious because it will be in a book of outstanding literature. Great for the resume and also something to be very proud of. Looking forward to your entries!

Amazing Little Warriors: Call for Submissions
Kara Skelly, who founded amazinglittlewarriors.com, is compiling essays about children diagnosed with debilitating medical conditions, birth defects, or illnesses. Essays should be upbeat in nature, emphasizing the strength and courage of the child and family. Accepted essays will be published in a Chicken-Soup-for-the-Soul-style anthology. Kara’s son Jack was born with bladder exstrophy, a rare and devastating congenital deformity in which part of the bladder is present outside the body. After several years of researching the disease, she began to meet other families dealing with the same condition, as well as many other childhood diseases and serious illnesses. Realizing that sharing stories helped her begin to heal, she has decided to compile these and other stories into an anthology to help heal and inspire others. Her goal is for parents to be able to read stories of hope, faith, strength, success, love and the positives of these children’s lives. For more information or to submit your story, go to amazinglittlewarriors.com.

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: HVWG Annual Membership Meeting, Schenectady Community of Writers Event

Member Announcements: Carolee Sherwood, Mary Kathryn Jablonski, M.E. Kemp, Melinda Morris Perrin, Jan Marin Tramontano, Barbara M. Traynor, Dan Wilcox

Area Announcements:  Fiction Group Seeks Members, Poet Needed to Conduct a Workshop in Albany, Writers Institute Readings at UAlbany, New Reading Series in Saratoga Springs, Frequency North Series in Albany, Yes! Reading Series in Albany, Writers Open Mic in Slingerlands, New Reading Series in Hudson, NYFA is Taking Online Grant Applications. 

Guild Announcements

Annual Membership Meeting, November 14, 7 p.m.
Please join fellow members of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild for our annual Membership Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, at the William K. Sanford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. Refreshments and mingling, reports of the year’s activities and your chance to nominate yourself or your friends for the Guild Board. What the “Guild” does is what you do. The meeting is free and open to the general public. Hope to see you there!

Schenectady Community of Writers, November 20, 2-4 p.m.
The Schenectady Community of Writers is November 20 at the Schenectady Public Library from 2-4 p.m. Readers will be available before and after the program for signing and selling their books. Refreshments will be served. The program includes the following participants: Virginia Bach Folger, Sara Foss, Carol Graser, D. Alexander Holiday, M.E. Kemp, Bob Sharkey, Steven Swartz, Barbara Louise Ungar and David Weiss. Alan Catlin will serve as moderator.

Member Announcements

Carolee Sherwood will be the featured poet at Caffé Lena on November 2.

Visual artist and poet Mary Kathryn Jablonski will present two poetry readings in November and December. On November 16 she will read at 7 p.m. at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd., Old Forge. On December 10 she will read at 2 p.m. at the Woodstock Poetry Society & Festival, which meets at the Colony Cafe, 22 Rock City Road. Both readings are free, open to the public, and include an open mike.

Jablonski is the author of the chapbook To the Husband I Have Not Yet Met (APD Press, 2008), and her poems have appeared in numerous literary journals including the Beloit Poetry Journal, Salmagundi, Chronogram and Blueline, among others. She recently completed her first book-length collection of poems and two additional chapbook manuscripts. Her artwork has been widely exhibited throughout the Northeast, is held in private and public collections and can be viewed in group exhibitions in November and December at the Riverfront Studios in Schuylerville and at the Arts Center Gallery in Saratoga Springs.

November 6, Sunday, is the Chronicle Book Fair in Glens Falls, sponsored by the Chronicle newspaper.  M. E. Kemp will have a table with her books, do a reading from her soon-to-be published 5th book and give a panel talk along with other regional authors. Kemp will also give a talk on “Writing the Historical Mystery” to the Women’s Club of Valley Falls on November 9.

Poet Melinda Morris Perrin will be reading from her latest volume, Winterberries: Poems of Hope, at the Open Door Book Store on Friday, December 16, as part of Schenectady’s Arts Night. Winterberries is published by Ice Cube Press, North Liberty, Iowa.

Jan Marin Tramontano‘s poetry chapbook, Paternal Nocturne, will be available for pre-order purchase through Finishing Line Press: finishinglinepress.com/newreleasesandforthcomingtitles. The number of copies pre-ordered determines the print run. The book will be available January 2012. Jan is doing a reading at the Book House on Saturday, November 5, at 3 p.m. and will read at the Women’s Building on November 11 (details forthcoming).

Barbara M. Traynor, author of Second Career Volunteer … would like to have you join her at any one of the dates and times of author book presentations listed below (details and directions on calendar at secondcareervolunteer.com): 

New York –

• Thursday, November 3, at 6:30 p.m., Troy Public Library, Troy;
  
• Wednesday, November 9, Noon, “Lunch & Learn,” Bethlehem YMCA, Bethlehem;
• Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m., Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs.
  

Connecticut –

• Tuesday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m., Bethel Public Library, Bethel;
• Thursday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m., Southington Public Library, Southington;
• Tuesday, November 22, Noon – “Lunch & Learn,” Cyrenius H. Booth Library, Newtown;
• Thursday, December 15, at 7 p.m., DUAL author presentation with Prill Boyle and Barbara Traynor, Ridgefield Public Library, Ridgefield.

Upcoming 2012 events include readings in Charleston, SC; Augusta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; and Richmond, VA.

Poet and Peace Activist Dan Wilcox, currently president of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and a publisher of other poets will speak on December 3 after a luncheon in his honor. Main Auditorium, Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Preceded by a luncheon buffet: University Club, 141 Washington Avenue, Noon, Good Food for $20. Checks payable to the Friends of Albany Public Library may be sent to the Friends, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, 12210. Reservations by Tuesday, November 29. F or more information, please contact Gene Damm, gdamm@nycap.rr.com

Area announcements

Fiction Group Looking for New Members
The Hudson Valley Fiction Writers Group has openings for new members interested in critiquing and being critiqued by a group of mutually supportive writers. The group, which meets every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., was founded by former Guild officer, Joachim Frank, and has been active for more than 25 years. We welcome new, as well as experienced, writers. If you are interested, please contact Noelle at Noelle@nycap.rr.com. 

Poet Needed to Run a Workshop for Second Graders
I’m looking for a local poet to run a poetry workshop for second graders at an Albany elementary school this spring. The second graders will visit both a local hospital and a local homeless shelter and will explore what needs exist at these settings that they can address through art and writing. The culminating piece of this large project is a poetry workshop in which the children will write about their experiences. A poetry book will be published with all the work included. I am also hoping we can do a reading!

So, I am looking for a poet who would be able to run a week long poetry workshop, exploring different genres of poetry with the children. I think the poet would come for about an hour a day for five days. New Scotland Elementary School is on New Scotland Avenue here in Albany.

Contact: Avi Bower, PhD, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Lally School of Education, The College of Saint Rose, 432 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. bowera@strose.edu. (518) 454-2843.

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series
Among the upcoming events are art critic Ken Johnson reading at the University Art Museum, Fine Arts Building on the Uptown Campus of UAlbany on November 7 at 7 p.m.; science writer Dava Sobel reading in the Assembly Hall of the Campus Center of the Uptown Campus on November 10 at 8 p.m.; and non-fiction writer and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson reading at Page Hall, Downtown on November 15 at 8 p.m. For additional information, including about seminars conducted by these writers and about several more events during this stretch, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

New Reading Series in Saratoga, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
The Adirondack Center for Writing and Spring Street Gallery are presenting a fall reading series, starting on Monday, November 7. Novelist and critic James Howard Kunstler, a Saratoga Springs resident, will read at 7:30 p.m. This is the first reading in a month-long series that will also feature Linda Simon, Curt Stager and Daniel Swift. All readings are free and open to the public and will be held at 110 Spring Street.

This reading series is co-sponsored by Adirondack Center for Writing and the Spring Street Gallery. For more information, call (518) 587 6433.

Frequency North Reading, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
This edition of the series will feature the novelist Megan Abbott (The End of Everything) reading at the College of St. Rose in the Standish Rooms of the Events and Activities Center on 420 Western Avenue.

Yes! Reading, November 11, 8 p.m.
This edition of the series will feature poets Macgregor Card and Conchitina Cruz, as well as local video and audio performer Jason Cosco.  At the Albany Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue. 

Writers Open Mic Night, November 11, 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the red oak tree, Rootdrinker Institute and the Delmar Writers Group, a Writers Open Mic Night will be held at the Pine Hollow Arboretum Visitors Center, 16 Maple Avenue, Slingerlands, on Friday, November 11. Linda Sonia Miller will be featured. Other poets can read three short poems, or two long poems, or any combination thereof. Also two pages of prose will be acceptable. Light refreshments. Donations welcomed.

New Hudson River Loft Reading Series, November 12, 7 p.m.
The Musica Loft, 17 N. 4th Street, Hudson. Featured Readers: Daniel Nester, Sean H. Doyle, Chloe Caldwell, Stacy Pershall, Mira Ptacin, Danielle Winterton. Suggested donation of $5. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, books for sale and a wonderful night filled with prose, poems, essays and fiction.

NYFA’s online application is now open
Please go to nyfa.org/afp to apply and to review application guidelines. The following categories will be reviewed during the 2011 – 2012 cycle:

Painting
Painting applicants also have the option to apply for the Basil H. Alkazzi Award for Excellence in Painting, awarding two painters with an award of $20,000 each.

Fiction

Interdisciplinary Work

Folk/Traditional Arts

Video/Film

DEADLINES

December 15, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.
Painting
Fiction

December 16, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.
Interdisciplinary Work
Folk/Traditional Arts
Video/Film

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: October Writing Conference, Save the date for HVWG Board Meeting

Member Announcements: Anthony Bernini, Carolee Sherwood, M.E. Kemp, Melinda Morris Perrin, Jan Marin Tramontano, Barbara M. Traynor

Area Announcements: Writers Institute Readings at UAlbany, Third Thursday Reading in Albany , Sunday Four Reading in Voorheesville, Writers Open Mic in Slingerlands, New Reading Series in Hudson, Artist Wishes to Hire Writer

Guild Announcements

HVWG Writers Conference
The HVWG writing conference held at the East Greenbush library on October 2 was a great success, from attendance of about 45 people to a lively discussion on electronic publishing vs. print books and a workshop with Hallie Ephron, author of award-winning novels and books on writing, who gave practical advice and tips on writing. The conference was organized by M. E. Kemp.

Save the date: November 14
Please mark November 14 on your calendar for the annual HVWG membership meeting at the Colonie Town Library starting at 7 p.m.

Schenectady Community of Writers, November 20, 2-4 p.m.
The Schenectady Community of Writers is November 20 at the Schenectady Public Library from 2-4 p.m. Readers will be available before and after the program for signing and selling their books. Refreshments will be served. The program includes the following participants: Virginia Bach Folger, Sara Foss, Carol Graser, D. Alexander Holiday, M.E. Kemp, Bob Sharkey, Steven Swartz, Barbara Louise Ungar and David Weiss. Alan Catlin will serve as moderator.

Member Announcements

Anthony Bernini announces the publication of his second volume of poetry, Immediate Worlds. Those who visit Albany on October 24 can obtain an inscribed copy from the author at McGeary’s tavern, located at 4 Clinton Square, where Bernini will be the featured poet at a reading beginning at 8 p.m. Cheeses and sweets will be served, and libations will be available from the bar.

Carolee Sherwood will be the featured poet at Caffé Lena on November 2.

M. E. Kemp spoke on “Writing the Historical Mystery” at the Clifton Park/Half Moon library on September 23. Kemp will also give a talk to the Women’s Club of Valley Falls on November 9.

Poet Melinda Morris Perrin will be reading from her latest volume, Winterberries: Poems of Hope, at the Open Door Book Store on Friday, December 16, as part of Schenectady’s Arts Night. Winterberries is published by Ice Cube Press, North Liberty, Iowa.

Jan Marin Tramontano‘s poetry chapbook, Paternal Nocturne, will be available for pre-order purchase through Finishing Line Press: finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles. The number of copies pre-ordered determines the print run. The book will be available January 2012. Jan is doing a reading at the Book House on Saturday, November 5, at 3 p.m. and will read at the Women’s Building on November 11 (details forthcoming).

Barbara M. Traynor, author, Second Career Volunteer…. a budgetary lifestyle of travel with free room and board, will be at the following locations with a PowerPoint presentation along with signing books: Friday, October 28, Rensselaerville Public Library, 7-9 p.m.; Thursday, November 3, Troy Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 9, “Lunch ‘n Learn” – Bethlehem YMCA, Noon-1 p.m.

Area announcements

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series
Among the upcoming events are poet and cultural critic Wayne Koestenbaum reading at the Assembly Hall, Campus Center on the Uptown Campus of UAlbany on October 20 at 8 p.m.; poet and memoirist Philip Schultz reading in the Standish Room of the Science Library of the Uptown Campus on October 25 at 8 p.m.; and fiction writer Colson Whitehead reading at the Assembly Hall on November 1 at 8 p.m. For additional information, including about seminars conducted by these writers and about several more events during this stretch, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

Third Thursday Poetry Night, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
The next meeting of this open mic series will feature poet Mike Jurkovic at the Social Justice Center in Albany at 33 Central Avenue. Dan Wilcox is the host.

Sunday Four Reading, October 30, 3 p.m.
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 30, 3 p.m. -— the 5th Sunday of the month, repeat, the 5th Sunday of the month for Sunday Four Poetry Open Mic. Our featured poet this month will be long-time friend of Sunday Four, Jason Crane. Jason has been experimenting with new verse so we are in for a great treat. Not to be missed. He is always good.

Bring your own latest work to read. We are located, of course, at Old Songs situated across from Stewart’s in Voorheesville. Check the Old Songs website for detailed directions. For those who like to toast the poet and the Muse after the event, well, many of us repair for a pint at the POETS’ CORNER at Smith’s Tavern.

Writers Open Mic Night, November 11, 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the red oak tree, Rootdrinker Institute and the Delmar Writers Group, a Writers Open Mic Night will be held at the Pine Hollow Arboretum Visitors Center, 16 Maple Avenue, Slingerlands, New York on Friday, November 11. Linda Sonia Miller will be featured. Other poets can read three short poems, or two long poems, or any combination thereof. Also two pages of prose will be acceptable. Light refreshments. Donations welcomed.

New Hudson River Loft Reading Series, November 12, 7 p.m.
The Musica Loft, 17 N. 4th Street, Hudson. Featured Readers: Daniel Nester, Sean H. Doyle, Chloe Caldwell, Stacy Pershall, Mira Ptacin, Danielle Winterton. Suggested donation of $5. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, books for sale and a wonderful night filled with prose, poems, essays and fiction.

Local Artist Seeks Writer
miChelle M. Vara, a local artist, is looking for some one with excellent art writing skills who is for hire. It is only occasionally that she has projects. The candidate must be a writer who is experienced in arts, i.e.: art historian. Contact information is: miChelle M. Vara 518-587-8706; 6 Ballard Road Art Studio, Wilton NY; www.michellevara.com; michellevara-art.blogspot.com; or picasaweb.google.com/michellevara09

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.

Thank you!

–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

Personal Essay

Winner
Fran Yardley, Tupper Lake / “Roots”

Finalists
Kathleen Anne Smith, Loudonville / “Why I Can’t Write”
Pamela Clements, Albany / “Tuna in Truro”
Faye Silton, Albany / “Muse, Mystery and Music”

Memoir

Winner
Judy Staber, Old Chatham / “My Baby Docs”

Finalists
Chloe Caldwell, Hudson / “Who the Others Were”
Francine Dempsey, Albany / “Confessional”
Jean Venable, Poughkeepsie / “Sounds Remembered”
Jean Van Dyk, Delmar / “Black Tight Pants”

Humor

Winner
Sandra Powley, Loudonville / “Friday Night at the ‘Vent”

Finalists
Christina Pultzer, Phoenicia / “Safe!!”
Rodney L. Aldrich, Troy / “Mozart’s Rest”
Christa Holder Ocker, Newburgh / “Sister Bernadette”

Honorable Mention for HVWG Member
Mary Murphy, Albany / “Beauty Secrets”

The winning entries and the honorable mention will be read at the Community of Writers Event on October 15. Presentation of awards will also be featured, as well as recognition of the finalists and judges. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Albany Public Library’s Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, from 2-4:30 pm. The rest of the slate includes Jan Tramontano and Howard Kogan. Tramontano will be reading from her recently published novel, Standing on the Corner of Lost and Found, and Kogan will be reading from his new book of poems, Indian Summer.

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: October Writing Conference, Non-Fiction Contest Winners Announced, Albany Community of Writers, Dates to Save for Upcoming Guild Events

Member Announcements: Anthony Bernini, M.E. Kemp, Mimi Moriarty, Melinda Morris Perrin, Jan Marin Tramontano, Barbara M. Traynor

Area Announcements: Writers Institute Readings for Fall Begin at UAlbany, Yes! Reading Series in Albany, Romance Writers Conference in East Greenbush, Bookmarks at Arts Center in Troy Inviting Submissions, Local authors to read at Proctors, New Reading Series in Hudson

Guild Announcements

HVWG Writers Conference, October 2, 1:30 p.m.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will sponsor a free Writers Conference tomorrow starting at 1:30 p.m. at the East Greenbush Community Library, Community Way, East Greenbush. The conference will include a panel discussion on e-publishing and a writing workshop by award-winning novelist Hallie Ephron.

The panelist for the discussion on e-publishing will be Susanne Alleyn, author of the Aristede Ravel series of historical mysteries set during the French Revolution; Gloria Waldron Hukle, author of three novels; Robyn Ringler, owner of East Line Books in Clifton Park; and Daniel Nester, author and professor of English at the College of St. Rose in Albany. The panel moderator will be mystery writer M.E. Kemp. The panel will be followed by a writing workshop lead by author Hallie Ephron (hallieephron.com) whose novels include Come and Find Me and the award-winning Never Tell a Lie, which was made into the film “And Baby Will Fall.” Her book Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel was an Edgar Award finalist.

The program is free and open to the public. To pre-register, contact the East Greenbush Public Library at (518) 477-7476 or online at eastgreenbushlibrary.org.

Winners of Non-Fiction Contest Announced
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild is pleased to announce the winners of its 2011 Non-Fiction Writing Contest. The winners and honorable mentions will be recognized at a reading on Saturday, October 15 (see item below for details about the reading). The Winners of the HVWG Non-Fiction contest are:

Personal Essay — Fran Yardley, Tupper Lake, NY
Memoir — Judy Staber, Old Chatham, NY
Humor — Sandra Powley, Loudonville, NY
Honorable Mention for an HVWG Member — Mary Murphy, Albany, NY

Albany Community of Writers, October 15, 2 p.m.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will host the annual Community of Writers reading at the Albany Public Library on Saturday, October 15, 2-4:30 p.m. The program will be in the auditorium at the Library’s Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany. The program will include a reading by the winners of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild non-fiction contest. See item above for names of the winners. Certificates and prizes will also be awarded at the reading.

Also reading will be Jan Tramontano from her recently published novel, Standing on the Corner of Lost and Found (CreateSpace), and Howard Kogan from his new book of poems, Indian Summer (Square Circle Press).

Save These Dates
Please mark these dates on your calendar: November 14 (note date change) for the annual HVWG membership meeting at the Colonie Town Library starting at 7 p.m. and November 20, 2-4 p.m. for the Schenectady Community of Writers event at the Schenectady Public Library (more details including the list of readers will be forthcoming).

Member Announcements

Anthony Bernini announces the publication of his second volume of poetry, Immediate Worlds. This 72-page bound paperback volume, produced with exacting care by The Troy Bookmakers, includes a discerning preface by Selma R. Burkom, past professor of English and American literature at San Jose State University. Bernini is the author of Distant Kinships, a volume of poetry published in 2002.

Copies of Immediate Worlds may be ordered on-line through the website of TBM Books (tbmbooks.corecommerce.com) or through Amazon. Consider buying Immediate Worlds through your local independent bookseller. You may also arrange to purchase directly from the author by calling (518) 588-6419. Those who visit Albany on October 24 can obtain an inscribed copy from the author at McGeary’s tavern, located at 4 Clinton Square, where Bernini will be the featured poet at a reading beginning at 8 p.m. Cheeses and sweets will be served, and libations will be available from the bar.

M. E. Kemp spoke on Writing the Historical Mystery at the Clifton Park/Half Moon library on September 23. Kemp will also give a talk to the Womens Club of Valley Falls on November 9.

Kusamakura International (Japan) is pleased to announce that Stephen W. Leslie has been awarded the silver medal for his second place finish in the prestigious 16th annual International Haiku Poetry Competition.

Here’s the award winning haiku:

Her far away look
Tire swing on a nearby tree
The missing children

Mimi Moriarty has had a string of good luck with submissions and would like to share with you that her short story, “Ordinary Time,” was awarded second runner-up in the Oasis Journal 2011 Best Fiction Contest (Tucson, AZ); her poem, “I Hear Geese,” was awarded second place in the Green Heron Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Upper Delaware Writers Collective (Narrowsburg, NY); and her poem, “The Strangest Weather,” was awarded third place in the Voices of Lincoln Poetry Contest in the “Seeing is Believing” category (Lincoln, CA).

She thanks her very supportive writing partners in the Delmar Writers, Tai Pan Writing Group and www.group for their attentive eyes and ears as she honed her work and recommends a writing group for those who are thinking of jumping into the submissions game. See the HVWG web page for available writing groups in your area.

Poet Melinda Morris Perrin will be reading from her latest volume, Winterberries: Poems of Hope, at the Open Door Book Store on Friday, December 16, as part of Schenectady’s Arts Night. Winterberries is published by Ice Cube Press, North Liberty, Iowa.

Jan Marin Tramontano’s poetry chapbook, PATERNAL NOCTURNE, will be available for pre-order purchase through Finishing Line Press: finishinglinepress.com/NewReleasesandForthcomingTitles.htm. The number of copies pre-ordered determines the print run. The book will be available January 2012.

In a world of Facebook and iPhones, it’s hard to remember a time when handwritten letters were the way we communicated with family and friends. There was a time, not so long ago, when mail was eagerly awaited and letters were savored—read and reread, tied in bundles and saved. Max Silverman, living apart from his family in the 1930s and 40s, wrote letters home everyday. They became his life line, written almost as a daily blog. It was how he survived his solitary existence and the tear of being away from his beloved. And it is how we get to know him fifty years after his death. PATERNAL NOCTURNE is a granddaughter’s tribute to a man she barely remembered, whose immigrant beginnings are part of the universal American story.

In addition to participating in the Community of Writers event (above), Jan is doing a reading at the Book House on Saturday, November 5 at 3 p.m. and will read at the Women’s Building on November 11 (details forthcoming).

Barbara M. Traynor, author, Second Career Volunteer…. a budgetary lifestyle of travel with free room and board, will be at the following locations with a PowerPoint presentation along with signing books: Friday, October 28, Rensselaerville Public Library, 7-9 p.m.; Thursday, November 3, Troy Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, November 9, “Lunch ‘n Learn” – Bethlehem YMCA, Noon-1 p.m.

Area announcements

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series
Early October is a busy time for this series. Among the many events through mid-month are humorist and journalist Ian Frazier reading at the Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center on the Uptown Campus of UAlbany on October 5 at 8 p.m; journalist and nonfiction writer Sylvia Nasar at the Main Theatre of the Performing Arts Center on October 11 at 7 p.m.; and a conference on the Spanish Writer Gonzalo Torrente Ballester in the Standish Room of the Science Library of the Uptown Campus on October 14 between 1:30 and 5 p.m. For additional information, including about seminars conducted by these writers and about several more events during this stretch, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

Yes! Reading Series, October 4, 8 p.m.
The next offering of the Yes! Reading Series will have readings by Kristi Maxwell, Megan Martin and a performance by Peter Edwards (Casper House Electronics). At the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue in Albany.

Romance Writers of America Conference, October 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Capital Region chapter of Romance Writers of America (CR-RWA) will hold a special all day mini-conference on October 8 at the East Greenbush Community Library from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

After our monthly business meeting 10-11 a.m., the award winning, bestselling author, actress and playwright Leanne Renee Hieber, will be presenting her highly acclaimed workshop, “Direct Your Book: Theatrical Techniques to a Blockbuster Novel” from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

During this workshop, Ms. Hieber will share her unique writing process entirely defined in theatrical terms. Authors will come away from the workshop with a whole new way to think about fiction by using techniques inherent to actors, directors and other theatre professionals. Sparks will fly as authors troubleshoot their way towards an engaging, character-rich, one-of-a-kind hit novel. For more information on Ms. Hieber, visit leannereneehieber.com.

We are brown-bagging lunch. RSVP is required for this event. Please send your registration to kris.mcconville@gmail.com. This event is free to members of CR-RWA. A non-member fee of $25 is payable at the door via cash or check. If after attending this event the guest decides to join CR-RWA, $10 of this fee will go toward their new membership.

The CR-RWA is open to people 18 years and over, seriously pursing a writing career in romantic fiction and to certain related professionals, all of whom are members in good standing with the national Romance Writers of America. Our members live in Western Massachusetts, Central and Northern New York and the mid-Hudson Valley. The chapter holds monthly meetings at the East Greenbush Community Library. For directions to the East Greenbush Library, please visit eastgreenbushlibrary.org/ or call (518) 477-7476.

For more information on CR-RWA, visit cr-rwa.org

BookMarks: The Memoir Project Reading Series
The Memoir Project, a program of The Arts Center of the Capital Region, invites submissions for Bookmarks, a series of group readings featuring writing that is grounded broadly in personal experience. Experienced writers, as well as those whose work has not previously been read publicly or published, are encouraged to submit work.

Each scheduled reading will be curated by a member of the Arts Center’s Literary Committee. Details about the submission criteria and schedule for each curator are listed below and on the website at artscenteronline.org. New this year, rather than a single deadline, each individual reading has a separate submission date. The first deadline is October 10. Works will be evaluated “blindly” on literary excellence and relevance to the broader Memoir Project theme (i.e. Does the work mine the personal to express the universal?) as well as the individual requirements set by each curator. Please submit no more than once to any individual curator. Works may be edited for length and for synergy with other readers. Here are the readings:

• Special Young People’s Category new this year! “TRADITIONS” curated by Tammy Robinson, Skribbler’s Magazine /Students aged 9 to 12 are invited to submit works of poetry or prose on the theme of traditions. Entries should not exceed 500 words and are subject to editing by the curator. Reading: November 16. Deadline: October 15.
• “CREATIVE ENDEAVORS: BEING TERRIFIED AND DOING IT ANYWAY” curated by Kathryn Allen /Works of prose, no longer than 1,500 words. Reading: November 21. Deadline: October 10.
• “FAMILY AT THE HOLIDAYS” curated by Marion Roach Smith / What more can we say but families and holidays? What a mix, right? Works of memoir, No longer than 750 words. Reading: December 19, 7 p.m. Deadline: November 1.
• “FOOD” curated by Robyn Ringler / Submissions up to 1200 words of memoir in any of its forms–personal essay, poetry, letters, monologue, drama but it must be memoir and related to memories that involve food. Reading: January 23, 7 p.m. Deadline: December 1.
• “TEXT AS ART” curated by Nancy Klepsch / Submissions may include visual or multi-media works. Reading, March 19, 7 p.m. (and/or a visual display during the month of February). Deadline: January 15.
• “CIRCLING THE DARK; CHOOSING LIGHT: MOMENTS OF TRANSFORMATION” curated by Donna Miller / This evening’s reading will explore transformation. Our life stories are filled with moments of grief or insight and inspired by grace and joy. Take us along for the journey that transformed your life story. Poetry and prose are welcomed. Participants in last year’s Grace reading are cordially invited to return and new voices are especially encouraged to submit. Readings will be approximately 1,000 words each, but submissions may exceed this limitation. When the theme and time constraints are established for the reading, your work can be edited for a perfect fit! Reading: February 27, 7 p.m. Deadline: January 1.
• “I DID!” curated by Nancy Klepsch and Lauren Pinsley / Memoir about getting married with a special focus on same sex marriages. Works should be no longer than 5 minutes. (Up to three pieces may be submitted for consideration). Reading: Monday, April 23 2012, 7 p.m. Deadline: March 1.

Interested writers should submit a work sample as indicated and a resume/CV, both in PDF form to: hans@artscenteronline.org. Please include the following text in the subject line: “Memoir Project: (name of theme for which you are submitting) (your name)”. All submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline indicated in the description specific to each category.

Local authors to read at Proctors, October 15, 1-2:30 p.m.
The spirit and energy of the upcoming Capital Region MOHU Arts Festival (mohufest.com) has not eluded the literary world. Local authors Winifred Elze (The Borgia Prince), John Blandly (The Greatest Novel Ever Written), Lucilla Epps (Phantom’s Legacy) and Zackary Richards (Noon) will read from their work and take questions about writing and publishing from the audience at Proctors Bookstore on Saturday, October 15, 1-2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

“People regularly stop by Proctors Gift Center to inquire about the books we carry that showcase local authors,” says Robert Warlock, who manages the two gift shops along Robb Alley in Proctors. “hey ask about the authors and their literary careers. It seemed only natural to schedule this rare event in concert with the 9-day MoHu Festival of the Arts.” For more information, contact Robert Warlock, Proctors Gift Centre, 432 State Street, Schenectady. (518) 382-3884, ext. 128; cell: (518) 256-8395.

New Hudson River Loft Reading Series, November 12, 7 p.m.
The Musica Loft, 17 N. 4th Street, Hudson. Featured Readers: Daniel Nester, Sean H. Doyle, Chloe Caldwell, Stacy Pershall, Mira Ptacin, Danielle Winterton. Suggested donation of $5. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, books for sale and a wonderful night filled with prose, poems, essays and fiction.

***

The Hudson Valley Writers Guild offers space in its newsletter for submission and program opportunities but does not endorse any programs or publications that are not offered through the Guild. Two notes from the newsletter editors:
* Within each section, announcements/events are arranged, when possible, by relevant dates.
* We are always curious to know if the formatting “works” (appears neat and tidy) in your email or if it causes issues (is difficult to read). Send feedback and suggestions regarding any formatting issues to hvwginfo@gmail.com.
* News items should go to Bob Sharkey at riverrun@nycap.rr.com. Please use Times New Roman size 12 font whenever possible.
Thank you!
–Carolee Sherwood, Newsletter Co-Editor
-Bob Sharkey, Newsletter Co-Editor

In This Issue

Guild Announcements: October Writing Conference, Albany Community of Writers, Dates to Save for Upcoming Guild Events, Facebook Announcement,

Member Announcements: Anthony Bernini, Djalloul Marbrook,

Area Announcements: Writers Institute Readings for Fall Begin at UAlbany, Sunday Four Reading Series in Voorheesville Resumes, Yes! Reading Series in Albany, Arts Center Workshops in Troy, New Reading Series in Hudson

Guild Announcements

HVWG Writers Conference, October 2, 1:30 p.m.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will sponsor a free Writers Conference on Sunday, October 2, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the East Greenbush Community Library, Community Way, East Greenbush. The conference will include a panel discussion on e-publishing and a writing workshop by award-winning novelist Hallie Ephron.

The panelist for the discussion on e-publishing will be Susanne Alleyn, author of the Aristede Ravel series of historical mysteries set during the French Revolution; Gloria Waldron Hukle, author of three novels; Robyn Ringler, owner of East Line Books in Clifton Park; and Daniel Nester, author and professor of English at the College of St. Rose in Albany. The panel moderator will be mystery writer M.E. Kemp. The panel will be followed by a writing workshop lead by author Hallie Ephron (hallieephron.com) whose novels include Come and Find Me and the award-winning Never Tell a Lie, which was made into the film And Baby Will Fall. Her book Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel was an Edgar Award finalist.

The program is free and open to the public. To pre-register, contact the East Greenbush Public Library at (518) 477-7476 or online at eastgreenbushlibrary.org.

Albany Community of Writers, October 15, 2 p.m.
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will host the annual Community of Writers reading at the Albany Public Library on Saturday, October 15, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program will be in the auditorium at the Library’s Main Branch, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany. The program will include a reading by the winners of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild non-fiction contest. One winner in each of three categories will read: humor, personal essay and memoir. There will also be an Honorable Mention awarded to a member of the HVWG whose entry is considered notable. Certificates and prizes will also be awarded at the reading. Also reading will be Jan Tramontano from her recently published novel, Standing on the Corner of Lost and Found (CreateSpace), and Howard Kogan from his new book of poems, Indian Summer (Square Circle Press).

Save These Dates
Please mark these dates on your calendar: November 15 for the annual HVWG membership meeting (details to be determined) and November 20, 2-4 p.m. for the Schenectady Community of Writers event at the Schenectady Public Library (more details including the list of readers will be forthcoming).

HVWG on Facebook
We have a Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Hudson-Valley-Writers-Guild/246872298662241. Won’t you “like” us? You may have been part of our Facebook “group,” but Facebook changed its guidelines, and now we are a “page,” which you have to like in order to see our updates in your news feed.

Member Announcements

Anthony Bernini announces the publication of his second volume of poetry, Immediate Worlds. This 72-page bound paperback volume, produced with exacting care by The Troy Bookmakers, includes a discerning preface by Selma R. Burkom, past professor of English and American literature at San Jose State University. Bernini is the author of Distant Kinships, a volume of poetry published in 2002.

Copies of Immediate Worlds may be ordered on-line through the website of TBM Books (tbmbooks.corecommerce.com) or through Amazon. Consider buying Immediate Worlds through your local independent bookseller. You may also arrange to purchase Immediate Worlds directly from the author by calling (518) 588-6419. Those who visit Albany on October 24 can obtain an inscribed copy from the author at McGeary’s tavern, located at 4 Clinton Square, where Bernini will be the featured poet at a reading beginning at 8 p.m. Cheeses and sweets will be served, and libations will be available from the bar.

Djelloul Marbrook announces the following upcoming readings:
September 22, 5 p.m. – Djelloul reads poetry at an exhibition of paintings by his mother, Juanita Guccione; 6:30 reception; SUNY/Orange, Kaplan Hall. Corner of Grand and First Street, Newburgh.

• September 24, 7 p.m. – Djelloul reads from his new novel, Artemisia’s Wolf, at Spoken Word Cafe, Unitarian Universalist Church, 67 S. Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie.
• November 6, 2 p.m. – Djelloul and also Susan Sindall read their poetry, Chatham Synagogue, Route 28 at Rt. 66, Chatham.
• December 3, 5 p.m. – Djelloul reads from his new novel, Artemisia’s Wolf, Woodstock Library Forum, Library Lane and Tinker Street, Woodstock.

Area announcements

Writers Institute Fall Reading Series Begins, September 22, 8 p.m.
The first reading of this series will be provided by novelist Nicole Krauss on September 22 at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the Performing Arts Center of the SUNYA uptown campus. Additional upcoming readings include investigative journalist Eliza Griswold on September 27 in the Assembly Hall at the Campus Center and novelist William Kennedy on October 3 at Page Hall on the downtown campus. All begin at 8 p.m. For additional information, including about seminars conducted by these writers, visit the website at albany.edu/writers-inst.

Sunday Four Reading Series to Resume September 25, 3 p.m.
Please make your calendars for Sunday, September 25, at 3 p.m. for the opening of the 4th season of the Sunday Four Poetry Open Mic! A BIGGA DAY! Our featured poet of opening day will be award-winning Susan Comninos of Niskayuna. Come hear Susan read her well-crafted and filled-with-feeling poetry. It will be an afternoon of insight and feeling. Bring your latest work to read as well. We look forward to seeing you at our Old Songs venue across from Stewart’s in Voorheesville and maybe later sharing a pint at the Poets’ Corner at Smith’s Tavern. Come see who the poet of the month is!!!

Yes! Reading Series, September 30, 8 p.m.
The next offering of the Yes! Reading Series will welcome poets Nick Demske and Charles Alexander and also poet and novelist Rebecca Wolff. At the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Avenue in Albany.

Arts Center Announces Fall Writing Workshops
The Arts Center of the Capital Region at 265 River Street in Downtown Troy has several writing workshops coming up this fall. Many of them begin in mid-September. Check out details at the Center’s website: artscenteronline.org. Classes include:

· Writing What You Know with Marion Roach Smith
· Creating the Poetry Chapbook with Julie Gutmann
· Memoirama with Marion Roach Smith
· Shaping the Short Story with Lucia Nevai
· Reading Memoir so You Can Write Your Own with Donna Miller
· Master Class with Marion Roach Smith—note that this requires a writing sample that is due September 15. See the website for the details.

New Hudson River Loft Reading Series, November 12, 7 p.m.
The Musica Loft, 17 N. 4th Street, Hudson. Featured Readers: Daniel Nester, Sean H. Doyle, Chloe Caldwell, Stacy Pershall, Mira Ptacin, Danielle Winterton. Suggested donation of $5. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, books for sale and a wonderful night filled with prose, poems, essays and fiction.