Newsletter for January 2024

 Thank you, as ever, to Becky

Subscribe to the Vermont Arts Calendar! This is a statewide, crowdsourced directory of arts and culture events around the state. Check it out at HERE

Check out upcoming Vermont Humanities Council events HERE.

Joe Gouveia Outermost Poetry Contest Info HERE An annual prize of $1000 for a single poem, judged by Marge Piercy. Applicants can submit up to five poems with a $15 entry fee by January 31.

Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards. Info HERE.  An annual prize of $2000 for a single poem. Submit three copies of up to five poems with an $18 entry fee by February 1.

American Short(er) Fiction Prize. Infor found HERE. Submit up to three stories of no more than 1000 words each with an $18 entry fee by February 1. Prize of $1000.

Wild Women Story Contest. Info HERE. A prize of $1,000 and publication in TulipTree Review is given annually for a single poem, a short story, or an essay “whose main characters embody the wild woman spirit.” Submit up to five pages of poetry or up to 10,000 words of prose with a $20 entry fee by March 8.

James Jones Literary Society: First Novel Fellowship. Infor HERE   A prize of $10,000 is given annually for a novel-in-progress by a U.S. writer who has not published a novel. The first runner-up receives $3,000 and the second runner-up receives $2,000.  Using only the online submission system, submit the first 50 pages of a novel-in-progress and a synopsis of up to two pages with a $33 entry fee by March 15. 

Reedsy Prompts Weekly Writing Competition HERE. A prompt a week – winner gets $250.

Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prize.  Info found HERE Submissions are open from August 1, 2024 to November 2, 2024. Stories should be from 500 to 10,000 words and in any range of speculative fiction: fairy tale, magic realism, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and the like. Winner gets $1000; entry fee is $23.

BEST BOOKS FOR WRITERS

Got something to recommend? Just contact me!

By Paul Anthony Jones, The Cabinet of Linguistic Curiosities: A Yearbook of Forgotten Words (University of Chicago Press, 2019) pairs a word, a day, and a notable event for each day of the year. January 1 hits it off with quaaltagh, meaning the first person you meet on New Year’s Day, a word that comes from Manx.

Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024

 Attendees: Judith, Don, Vickie, Nancy, Becky, Michelle

Contests

Frontier Poetry Ekphrastic Poetry Prize. (Ekphrasis comes from “description” in Greek. Ekphrastic poems seek to vibrantly describe, interpret, or converse with a visual scene or moment, usually a work of art. They often are about the speaker’s encounter with the art, and how viewing or experiencing it has impacted them. Think of Ode on a Grecian Urn by John Keats. $3,500 prize.  January 28, 2024.  Find more information HERE

Master's Review short story aware for new writers. $3,000 prize.  Deadline January 28, 2024.  More information found HERE

Fractured Lit: Ghosts, Fables and Fractured Fairy Tales contest.  $3,500 first prize. Flash fiction contest, 1,000 words or less. Deadline February 4, 2024.  More information found HERE

Craft Novelette Print Prize: 30-60 pages (7,500-15,000 words) $3,000 prize. Deadline March 17, 2024.  Find more information HERE 

Reading

Vickie read chapter 15 of her novel set during the Covid pandemic; Nancy read a short piece rejecting resolutions, but touting wishes; and Becky read a short essay imaginatively titled "Resolutions."

Michelle and Eileen are zeroing in on publication for their respective books - Michelle's YA novel and Eileen's sequel to The Gosling Bride. (Keep us posted and we'll plan a book launch party!)

We discussed having Bill Schubart back again in the spring - we'll talk about dates at next meeting. I'll invite him!

WRITING PROMPT for the next meeting is anything to do with February. Dismal winter month? Valentine's Day? (Chocolates and roses? Or every kid in the class got a Valentine but you?) Presidential birthdays? The pros and cons of leap year? Seasonal affective disorder?

Next Meeting, February 15, 6 pm at the Swanton Library.

Meeting Minutes December 21 2023

Meeting attendees: Becky, Vickie, Judy and Michelle

Contests

The 2023 Edwin M Church award winner is our own Becky Rupp for her story "Muse"  So happy for her.   Link to the story can be found HERE  Judy confirmed that the contest will continue next year and will be expanded to multiple categories for youngsters involving pictures and prompts.  The adult category prompt will be determined by an open mic night with music and discussion.  All dates and details are still being determined.  Watch this space!

Also, the generous family of Edwin M Church have donated $35 to the Swanton Writer's Group to be used as we see fit.  Any ideas please contact Becky HERE or Michelle HERE.

Discussion tonight focused on advice for good story telling and generated a recommendation for the short story "You Were Perfectly Fine" by Dorothy Parker.  Read it HERE

Workshops/Events

See our Newsletter for more events upcoming.  January 9th Becky will be at the Lanford Library in Hyde Park giving a talk on the history of food.  Find more events at the Vermont Humanities council website.  

The Vermont Studio Center offers writers and artists in residency programs, talks etc.  Find more information HERE

Prompt Pieces

Michelle read  "An Atheist's Christmas," in which friends met in a coffee shop and debated Christmas and belief; Becky read "Elf," about Elf on the Shelf and the uncanny valley; and Vicky read a seasonable piece about climate change.

Our prompt for January is RESOLUTIONS. 

Next meeting is on Thursday, January 18, 6 PM at the Swanton Library. Hope to see you all there!

SWG December Newsletter

 The next meeting of the Swanton Writers Group will take place on Thursday, December 21, at 6 PM at the Swanton Public Library.

The Writing Prompt for this month is Christmas or an equivalent seasonal holiday. Try a poem, an essay, a memoir, a short story and come prepared to share – or bring a selection from your current work. All writers welcome!

IN THE NEWS:

Subscribe to the Vermont Arts Calendar! This is a statewide, crowdsourced directory of arts and culture events around the state. Check it out HERE

See upcoming events at Phoenix Books HERE There’s a virtual presentation by Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner on Tuesday, December 5, 7 PM, on her book 45 Ways to Live Life Like an Italian.

Who’s writing what at the Vermont College of Fine Arts? On Tuesday, December 5, at 7 PM  Writing Faculty members will be sharing their selections of their work. Available via Zoom. It’s free: to register.  Go HERE

From Vermont Public, a live reading of Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory by actor Dan Butler will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 7-9 PM. Tickets are free, but must be reserved.

Looking for some poetry before Christmas? The Fletcher Free Library (235 College Street,  Burlington) is hosting The Poetry Experience on Saturday, December 23, 1-3 PM. This is a local writing/sharing circle that meets every 2 nd and 4 th Saturday. Just drop in – poets, writers, and creative people of all ages are welcome!

Celebrate Jolabokaflod! On Christmas Eve in Iceland everyone traditionally gets a new book –and then cuddles up with a cup of cocoa and reads. Jolabokaflod – which translates as “Christmas book flood” – dates back to World War II. Read all about it HERE

BEST BOOKS FOR WRITERS or Good Picks for Jolabokaflod

Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer, longtime copy editor at Random House, is a perfect delight of a style manual. (A copy editor, says Dreyer, “is to prose what a cobbler is to shoes: a mender.”) He starts by advising everyone to stop usingsuch words as “very,” “really,” and “actually” for a week - which, he says, will make you “a considerably better writer than you were at the beginning.”

Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper, a lexicographer at Merriam Webster, is a fascinating look at both the making of dictionaries and the evolution of the English language. English, Stamper points out, isn’t solely a product of the Latin, French, and German speakers who invaded the British Isles; it’s also the result of Shakespeare’s fart jokes, Lewis Carroll’s word inventions, and 16-year-old Peaches Monroe’s inspirational description of her eyebrows as “on fleek.”

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.”

Ernest Hemingway

Happy Holidays to all!

Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023

Meeting attendees: Don, Ev, Vicky, Emmet, Michelle, Becky

Emmet filled in on his life after a long absence: While working and helping raise two young daughters he is still writing, participating in nanowrimo with a new sci-fi novel based in a world in which genders are totally separate. He shared that his novel "The Cure" is complete and he has secured an editor.  Very exited and supportive of Emmet.  

Vicky read a first chapter of her (finished) novel Tales from a Time of Plague, set during the pandemic, a mix of nonfiction and fiction. 

Ev read his short piece “Sticks and Stuff,” featuring the job of monback, which everybody caught onto immediately except me.

Michelle and Becky, who slavishly obeyed the month’s prompt, read pieces respectively titled “Stick Season” and “The Fall of Freddy.”

 Our discussion generated several interesting book recommendations:

"Herland" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman "Herland is a utopian novel published in 1915 and written by the feminist writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The story describes an isolated society composed entirely of women. The result is a perfect social order, free of all wars, conflicts and dominations."

"The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula Le Guin "A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants’ gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters..."

"A Journal of the Plague Year"  by Daniel DeFoe (thought of by Becky after the meeting) "In 1665 the plague swept through London, claiming over 97,000 lives. Daniel Defoe was just five at the time of the plague, but he later called on his own memories, as well as his writing experience, to create this vivid chronicle of the epidemic and its victims."

"Spinning Silver"  by Naomi Novik "Spinning Silver draws readers deeper into this glittering realm of fantasy, where the boundary between wonder and terror is thinner than a breath, and safety can be stolen as quickly as a kiss."  (pseudo Russian mythology recced after Michelle shared her current bedside read "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden

Writing prompt for next month is “Christmas.” Anything to do with, good, bad, indifferent, or peripheral.

For anyone looking for upcoming contests, workshops and resources please see our monthly newsletter.  Latest found HERE  

Our December meeting will take place on Thursday, December 21, 6 PM, at the Swanton Public Library. 

SWG November Newsletter

 Thank you Becky!

Swanton Writers Group Newsletter for November 2023

The next meeting of the Swanton Writers Group will take place on Thursday, November 16, at 6 PM at the Swanton Public Library.

The Writing Prompt for this month is the changing of the seasons and what that means to you. Share a tradition or discuss how you feel as we enter “stick season” (otherwise known as naked trees). Try a poem, an essay, a short story and come prepared to share – or bring a selection from your current work. All writers welcome!

IN THE NEWS:

November 1 marks the first day of NANOWRIMO, National Writing Month. The challenge here is to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days (or 29, if you skip Thanksgiving). For more information go HERE.

The latest issue of League Lines, the League of Vermont Writers Newsletter, is now available online. Check it out (Read, print or Download) HERE

Check out these upcoming events from the Vermont Humanities Council HERE (Becky is talking talking at the Platt Memorial Library on November 8 on the history of food.)

Many free workshops for writers are available through the Burlington Writers Workshop

Contests:

Looking for a contest? From Poets & Writers, see the Writing Contest, Grants & Awards list at Poets and Writers Grants

From The Write Life  see this list of free (“reputable, well-reviewed”) contests for poets, fiction writers, essayists, and more.

Recommendations: 

BEST BOOKS FOR WRITERS according to the Center for Fiction here’s the essential list:

On Writing by Stephen King (Scribner, reissue 2020) I highly recommend. (M)

Still Writing by Dani Shapiro (Grove Press, 2023)

On Moral Fiction by John Gardner (Basic Books, 1979)

First You Write by Joni Rodgers [out of print]

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner (Riverhead Books, 2919)

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard (Harper Perennial, 2013)

Writing Past Dark by Bonnie Friedman (Harper Perennial, 2020)

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (Pearson, 1999)

Story by Robert McKee (Regan Books, 1997)

Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern (W.W. Norton, 1991)

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin (Harper Perennial, 2015)

Got a recommendation? Bring it to the meeting!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

The road to hell is paved with adverbs.

Stephen King

Meeting minutes October 19 2023 and Group revamp

 Hi All,

So this group has struggled greatly since the onset of Covid in 2020.  After much soul searching and discussion among our core members we have decided to move forward with some changes to our meeting structure. Looking to entice new members and revitalize our base.   

October meeting attendees: Nancy, Heather, Don, Eileen, Ev, Michelle and new member from Canada Vicky. 

Becky could not attend so Michelle lead the group.  The focus of our discussion was how the group might move forward.  A number of changes were suggested and will be tweaked in successive meetings.  Michelle shared Becky's impute on her behalf.  The following ideas/practices were favorably received:

Newsletter: Becky and Michelle will assemble and email a newsletter containing contests, resources, seminara etc, the week before each monthly meeting.  The form of the newsletter is to be determined, possibly a calendar format.  A few printed copies will be made available at the library (logistics to be determined)  The purpose: to allow more time during meetings to discuss writing, critique each other's work etc.  

A meeting reminder will be included in the newsletter.

Writing prompts: in an effort to get people writing actively, and to stretch our creative muscles, a regular writing prompt will be set at the end of each meeting.  Members will have a month to respond to the prompt and hopefully share their interpretations at the next meeting. A reminder will be included in the newsletter.  If the prompt does not inspire a member, then sharing a piece of their current WIP (work in progress) is encouraged.  As always, healthy constructive feedback will be offered if the member asks.  Prompts will range in topic.  It was suggested that certain formats might be suggested to encourage members to think outside of their comfort zones ie: a piece written entirely as dialogue, descriptive writing or poetry.  A possible alternative is to spend a few minutes during the occasional meeting free writing to a prompt.

More routine meeting activities resumed after the above discussion.  

Resources

Eileen recommended the online writing workshops offered by the Burlington Writer's Workshop. This website is a fantastic resource for all types of writers and formats of writing.  Find more information about the specific group recced by Eileen HERE.

Recommended

Nancy recommended "Up North" by Neal Zirn "Up North, in a series of poems, looks back at the author's experience of living in the North Country, close to the Canadian border. It speaks to family, relationships, single life, and rural living. It is, at times, emotional, humorous, and insightful regarding human nature."

Ev read "The Bone Saw".  A story about a sentient surgical robot.  Had us all cringing and laughing.  Definitely had the Halloween vibe with distressing notes about where we are going in regards to AI and society.  Yikes!

Writing Prompt: The writing prompt for November is the changing of the seasons and what that means to you.  Share a tradition, how you feel as we enter 'stick season', otherwise known as naked trees.  A poem, a short story, an essay?  Bring something to share and promote discussion. 

Next meeting is Thursday November 16th. 6 pm at the Swanton Library.  

Meeting Minute June 15, 2023

 Attendees: Eileen, Nancy, new member Hank and Michelle

We did not have a formal list of announcements to start this meeting.  The group launched into a discussion about the Swanton Arts Council and specifically the meet the author's event held on June 3rd.  The majority of the limited attendees were friends/family of the authors and members of the writer's group.  The consensus seem to be that more advertising is needed for future events.  The group would like to get an update from the council as it pertains to writing group and related activities.  Request for a future meeting. 

Upcoming Events

BookStock is June 23-25th.  Please consider attending.  Information found HERE

Contests:

Don't forget the Edwin M Church Award.  Deadline for submission has been set for September 1.  1,000-3,000 words.  More information HERE

Resources

Eileen offered to talk about her experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing during a future Writer's Group Meeting.  Find some information HERE

Hank used Finishing Line Press to self publish his poetry.  Perhaps we could ask him to expand on the process at a future meeting.  Information found HERE

Michelle brought up the concept of A Human Library as explained to her by author Bill Schubart.  He wrote a  wonderful article for VTDigger.  Find it HERE  Bill is a font of information and he is always willing to share.  Reach out to him via email HERE

Readings

Nancy read a journal entry about worrying/thinking about the future.  Such thoughts can be distracting and consuming.

Hank read from a work in progress.  It's called "Basic Questions".  Inspired by his experiences during basic training for the army during the Vietnam War.  A reflection of what is the purpose of training people to kill/hate others.  Delved into areas of spiritualism, race etc.  Intense!

Eileen read a draft of the prologue to her second memoir "The Builder's Wife"

Meeting wrapped up a little after 7.  Our next meeting is July 20th at 6pm. at the Swanton Library. 

Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023

 Attendees: Judith, Ev, Katie, Michelle

Announcements:

Bookstock (Woodstock, VT, June 23-25) Schedule is up.  Find more info HERE

The Vermont Reads 2023 book is Malinda Lo's "Last Night at the Telegraph Club". If you've got an idea for a program or project to accompany the book, the VT Humanities Council is accepting applications. For more info go HERE

MEET THE WRITERS will take place at the Swanton Library, Saturday, June 3, 10:30 to noon - come share coffee and doughnuts and chat with Vermont writers!  Our own Eileen Williams will be one of the attendees!

Also June 3.  Our new member Katie Richards will be launching her newest book "My Last Hope" from 1-5 at 14Th Star's "The Room" 133 N Main St #7, St Albans City, VT 05478   Come out and show her our support!

Remember to check out the Vermont Arts Calendar for literary events around the state: Information HERE.

Ongoing the 2nd Wednesday of each month: Open Mic Night at Witcomb's Garage in Whallonsburg NY.  Come and share stories and listen to musings of local authors. More Info HERE

Resources:

Check out Open Library  Free online library!

Substack: Direct to consumer writing. "Substack lets independent writers and podcasters publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions."  Grant Faulkner co director of NaNoWrimo highly recommended by Ev. Check it out HERE

Online book tours recommended by Katie.  These organizations are great resources for self published authors. Check out R&R Book Tours: "In an age of indie and self-publishing, it can be really hard to introduce your book to the masses. One of the best ways of sharing your book, is by making friends with a book reviewer or two. I should know, I am one. I also happen to know a few (500+), and they would love to read your book. It also doesn’t hurt that we’ve been in business for nearly 6 years and know a thing or two." And Moonlight Book Tours on Facebook

Discussion:

We ranged from discussing eulogies (Michelle is writing one for a family friend) to mistaken identities.  Small group but a lively chat.

I hope everyone can make it to our June meeting in person on June 15th at 6 pm at the Swanton Public Library.

Meeting Minutes April 20, 2023

 Attendees: Becky, Eileen, Judith, Michelle and new member Katie Richards

Workshops:

League of Vermont Writers is hosting a seminar in Middlebury on April 22 from 9-3.  Title: “Stay on the Write Side of the Law: Legal Issues Every Writer Should Know”, What every writer needs to know about copyright and defamation laws with guest speaker, Cindy Ellen Hill.  Topics:  copyright protection, defamation, invasion of privacy, and strategies for keeping yourself out of trouble and on the right side of the law. Location: Ilsley Public Library 75 Main Street Middlebury, VT 05753.  Find more information HERE

Resources:

Eileen recommended Reedsy. Lots of info on writing and publishing; connection to agents, editors, designers, and marketers; critique groups (by genre), and much more.  They’re offering an online presentation by author S.J. Watson (best-selling thrillers) on Wednesday, April 26, 3 PM. Topic is “zero drafts” – that is, go for messy first-draft versions and avoid self-editing.

Eileen also recommended Scribophile. "Take writing classes, meet beta readers, and become a better writer in our online writing group  Scribophile is one of the largest and most award-winning online writing communities."  She highly recommended joining a genre group for helpful support and critical feedback. 

Events:

Poems Around Town: We received a total of 24 poems, 22 were posted, 2 were too long, unfortunately. A list of where they were displayed can be found HERE 

Vermont Spring Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair: Book Fair and Author Open House. Sunday May 7, 10-4. St Albans City Hall, 100 N Main St,Saint Albans,VT. Information HERE Or reach out to The Eloquent Page, bookstore in down town St. Albans. 

Meet the Writers: at the Swanton Library. Saturday June 3 from 10:30 – noon, We’ve got ten local writers signed up! Come chat, check out their books, and share coffee and doughnuts!

Bookstock, Festival of Words: June 23-25.  Find more information HERE.  Becky highly recommends!

Contests:

Don't forget the Edwin M Church Award.  Deadline TBD (tentatively July or August)  Available details HERE

New group member Katie read a portion of the first chapter of her third book. "My Last Hope" Suspense/Romance. Launch party is June 3 from 1-5 at  14th Star's, The Room: 133 North Main Street St. Albans, VT 05478.  Respond to the event page on Facebook HERE  Eileen is working on the second volume of her memoirs. 

The next meeting is Thursday, May 18th at 6 pm at the Swanton Library.  I hope to see everyone there!

Meeting Minutes March 16, 2023

 Attendees: Becky, Ev, Dot Campbel

Events

POETRY SLAM at the Swanton Public Library: Friday, April 1, 5-7 PM. All welcome - read something of your own or a favorite poem by somebody else.

POEMS AROUND TOWN! Deadline for submission is March 20th.  EMAIL to Becky or drop off at The Swanton Public Library.  Becky taught a poetry class at NCSS Academy of Learning in St. Albans this week.  The group came up with ten poems.  She would like to repeat the class.

MEET THE WRITERS: Saturday, June 3 at the Swanton Library, 10:30 - noon, we've got ten participants signed up so far - just let me know if there's anybody you'd specifically like me to invite. (The offer of doughnuts seems to be particularly effective.)

Writing projects/ideas

Dot mentioned that one of her writing projects involved Drabbles - which are short pieces 100 words (exactly) in length. Learn more HERE. If the concept interests you there is an entire literary magazine devoted to them.  Check them out HERE to read and submit. 

Recommendations

Ev shared some of poet Bernadette Mayer's journaling prompts and writing experiment suggestions - for the complete huge go HERE  For more on Bernadette, see these articles from the New Yorker and the NY Times.   She's done some fascinating stuff - you have to love a poet who wrote a book titled Another Smashed Pinecone.

Readings:

Dot and Ev shared the poems they submitted to Poems Around Town. "Crooked" by Dot, "A Ringing in the Ears" by Ev.

Next meeting will be on Thursday, April 20, 6 PM, at the Swanton Library - you can expect a note from me reminding you of this at the very last minute.

Edwin M Church 2023 contest details and the 2022 winner!

 Edwin Church was an avid writer who believed that spirits were all around us. He had regular visitation from the other realm and spoke of them often. Edwin never published the majority of his work, but his spirit lives on in the Edwin Church Award for Local Writers. This award was established to act as an incentive for local writers to share their work and to take the next step towards getting published. The $500 cash prize is open to anyone 18 and over who lives, works, gathers, or plays in Swanton, Vermont.

Entries must be a 1000-3000 word original short story that tells the

tale of Morgan, who is under a deadline to finish writing an item that is personally important to them. Before they can finish, there is an interruption that involves a spirit.

It's up to the writer to tell us how Morgan reacts to this ghostly interruption or if the important piece of writing ever gets finished. The possibilities of your short story are unlimited, but you must include the phrase "seeing is believing" somewhere in the last paragraph.  Deadline for the entries has yet to be determined.  Projected early summer 2023.  Watch for the deadline in a future entry.  

Shannon Lucy won the 2022 contest.   Find her entry entitled "After You've Gone" can be found HERE

Meeting Minute February 16 2023

 Attendees: Ev Larsen, Don Lefebvre, Michelle Willard, Nancy Fuller, Eileen Williams, Judy Paxman, Heather Lavoie, Shannon Lucy, Becky Rupp

Congratulations to new group member  Shannon Lucy, winner of this year's Edwin Church Award.  I will be posting a separate blog entry containing a link to Shannon's story and details for the 2023 Edwin M Church contest.  The contest has been funded for two more years!

Events:

POEM TOWN, St. Johnsbury, VT, is looking for submissions of poems no longer than 28 lines (limit of two poems) on theme of "Embracing Change." Deadline is February 28. Find more information HERE.  Montpelier VT has a similar event entitled "Poem City" Submissions are now closed but more information about past events can be found HERE. 

POETRY SLAM will be held at the Swanton Library on Saturday, April 1, 5-7 PM. Email Becky or Judy for participation guidelines.  Our own Scott Martel will MC the event.  In conjunction with the SLAM and in the spirit of April being National Poetry month the writer's group would like to create their own version of the St. Johnsbury and Montpelier events.  We'd like to host a POEMS AROUND THE PARK. Poems should be submitted by March 20 and will be posted in windows around town. More details on where to submit and how will be available after the next writer's group meeting.  For now: get writing!

BOOKSTOCK LITERARY FESTIVAL 2023 will take place on June 23-25; keep an eye on their WEBSITE for schedule and details.

Resources:

League of Vermont Writers is hosting an online book discussion of Jeff Vandermeer's Wonderbook - the "definitive guide to writing science fiction and fantasy" - on Thursday, February 23, 7 PM. (The Swanton Library has a copy - check it out!) Or purchase HERE  If interested in attending, send an email to Shawn Anderson.

The Vermont Humanities Council hosts both online and in-person events throughout the state - see the long list HERE   Some interesting stuff for writers: a Zoom talk "The People's Tongue: Americans and the English Language" on March 1, and on March 15, Tracy Smith - a US Poet Laureate - will be doing a reading and talk at Middlebury College. 

The Poets & Writers website (companion to the print magazine) has tons of up-to-date info on writing contests, literary magazines, agents and editors, conferences and workshops, and more. More info HERE

Future plans:

We are planning to host a LOCAL WRITERS EVENT at the Swanton Library - possibly in early May - in which writers display/sell/sign their books and talk to the public. (What to call it? And who to invite? Please send your suggestions.)

Judy tells us that the SAC may be able to give us some financial support for these. (Thank you, Judy and the SAC!)

Writing prompts: a couple of people were interested in having these, and Michelle suggested we revisit the infamous Machine of Death project. Ev pointed out that Seven Days Vermont is a great source of inspiration - check out the legal section and the group meet-ups. (There's got to be a story in the Potato Intolerance group.)

Judy gave us a preview of the next Edwin Church challenge - which will involve ghosts and the phrase "Seeing is believing." How good is that? Stories will be due sometime this summer - details to be posted soon.

Who read what:

Nancy read "The Story of Sky" - an account of a lovable rescue dog with a traumatic past, now relegated to the isolation tank at the dog park for not playing well with others. (But there's hope for the future, due to a helpful  dog named Obi-wan Kenobe.) We're all pitching for Sky.

Eileen read a proposal for her latest memoir project, tentatively titled "The Builder's Wife," with themes of moving, dislocation, leaving vs. new beginnings, family, and the meaning of home.

Ev read "A Mindfile Named Otto," a terrific hybrid prose/poetry work with roots in Alan Ginsberg's Howl. (Complete text of Howl is at the Poetry Foundation: HERE

Ev's essay spawned a conversation about GPT technology vs living writers.  Pros and Cons and what it means for our future.  Helpful article on Wiki HERE

Next meeting:

Thursday, March 16, 6 PM at the Swanton Library.

Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022

 Attendance: Eileen Williams, Don Lefebvre, Ev Larson, Nancy Fuller, Michelle Willard, Scott Martell Becky Rupp

Meeting commenced at 6 pm. 

Events

Bookstock Vermont, June 24-26 2022 "Come to Woodstock for this premier literary festival with a boutique feel and a big heart! Showcases literary luminaries and cross-cultural voices, including Pulitzer Prize winners, Poets Laureate, National Book Award winners, plus debut and best-selling authors from Vermont and beyond. Features a huge sale of used, rare, and vintage books, along with author book signings, live music, food, and entertainment all on The Green in this storybook New England village. It’s free, walkable, and fun for all ages. Be part of the story!" Find all the information HERE

Green Mountain Book Festival, September 23-25 2022  "The Green Mountain Book Festival honors free expression, embraces diverse voices, and encourages a deeper understanding of self and community through a shared love of reading and books."  Find more information HERE

Brattleboro Literary Festival October 13-16 2022.  Find all the details HERE  

Also, if you are in the area considering attending their monthly Literary Cocktail Hour.  Description: "The Literary Cocktail Hour is an fun, informal monthly event featuring a pair (or more) of speakers in an entertaining, illuminating virtual event that opens with the notion of cocktails!" Schedule found HERE

Tuesday, June 21, is World Make Music Day! Scott will be performing on the Swanton Green - and NW Access TV is an official venue and is looking for volunteer helpers (anywhere from 10 AM - 10 PM). If interested - or if you're a potential performer - contact Roger Lindala at   EMAIL

Tuesday, June 21: next meeting of the But I Progress Book Club (renamed club), 6 PM at the Swanton Public Library. A group devoted to feminism and related cultural and political issues. Book for this meeting is Rebecca Solnit's "Men Explain Things to Me."

Resources

Literary North "Literary life in Northern New England"

Burlington Writer's Group

Workshops

Joy Choquette, self-publishing coach and author will hold two workshops in the next few weeks.  

Tuesday June 28th 6 pm: "Writing your first novel: Tips and Tricks to help you get to the end"

Tuesday July 5th 6 pm: "Book publishing options: Traditional, Indie Hybrid-Oh My"

Location: The Swanton Public Library.  Preregistration is required.  EMAIL the library to register.  Call for additional information (802) 868-7656

Book Recommendation

"Several Short Sentences about Writing" by Verlyn Klinkenborg "An indispensable and distinctive book that will help anyone who wants to write, write better, or have a clearer understanding of what it means for them to be writing"

In between discussions several members read their work.

Michelle read "The Pay-loader" Artifact story: a poignant account of her conflicted relationship with her dad and a favorite toy

Eileen, who has been watching a front-porch robin's nest, read "Mama Robin," a poem that showed that there's much more to robins than just robins.

Ev read "Catching a Break," in which everyone's favorite characters Grub and Hook provide entertainment at a vineyard.  He elaborated on his writing process by discussing an ever growing list of nicknames he has collected and how the names help inspire stories-sometimes loosely based on characteristics of the name holders. 

Nancy, inspired by Eileen's memoir "The Gosling Bride", read a great account of her experiences with religion and spirituality, which began with a Nigerian phone call and progressed through transubstantiation and cannibalism.

Scott shared the first episode of "Around the Back Food and Drink Reviews," in which he revealed the awful truth about coconut water. (Scott! This could be a great blog!)

Next meeting is July 21st at the Swanton Public Library.  In person at 6 pm.  Zoom is available.  Our ongoing writing assignment is to pick an artifact in your home/office and write a piece no longer than 1,000 words.  Essay, poem, story.  Please share and bring a picture of the item if you can.  Hope to see you all soon!

Meeting Minutes May 19 2022

Meeting commenced in person at 6 pm.  Attendees: Michelle Willard, Ev Larson, Scott Martell, Emmet Matthieu, Nancy Fuller, and Becky Rupp.  So nice to see some of our core members!  

Events

Bookstock Vermont, June 24-26 2022 "Come to Woodstock for this premier literary festival with a boutique feel and a big heart! Showcases literary luminaries and cross-cultural voices, including Pulitzer Prize winners, Poets Laureate, National Book Award winners, plus debut and best-selling authors from Vermont and beyond. Features a huge sale of used, rare, and vintage books, along with author book signings, live music, food, and entertainment all on The Green in this storybook New England village. It’s free, walkable, and fun for all ages. Be part of the story!" Find all the information HERE

Green Mountain Book Festival, September 23-25 2022  "The Green Mountain Book Festival honors free expression, embraces diverse voices, and encourages a deeper understanding of self and community through a shared love of reading and books."  Find more information HERE and read the VT magazine "Seven Days" article HERE 

Poetry Slam was a hit on April 22, though it was generally agreed that prizes not a plus and should be discontinued in the future. It was suggested that a monthly poetry slam –perhaps wirh added opportunity for varied short readings – might be an excellent program for the library – perhaps on Saturday mornings. (Input welcome!)

Ev suggested Whitcomb’s Community Space in Whallonsburg, NY, which holds open-mic storytelling sessions on the second Wednesday of every month: check it out HERE

Resources and Groups

As always find a wealth of information as well as workshops and support from The Burlington Writer's Workshop

A splinter of BWW called The Green Mountain Writer's Group offers workshops and reviews.  Check it out!

A new SPL book club – name is Fiercely Femme, but is open to everybody – meets for the first time on Tuesday, May 24, at 6 PM at the Swanton Library. Book to be discussed is Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men  by Caroline Perez.  Come and share discussion and opinions. Book club leader: Bianca Braman.

Member news

Emmett has acquired an editor and is about a third of the way through his sci fi novel.  Michelle submitted the first chapter of her novel "The Cage" to a second contest. Eileen Williams will be doing a book signing for her memoir, "The Gosling Bride", at the Swanton Public Library  on Saturday, June 11, at 10 AM. (Accompanied by Lovin’ Lattes.)  Scott has produced a new album with music which centers around depression, medication and love. Becky just won a national grant from Candlewick Press and the ALSC, for providing programs for underserved kids (and is thrilled) spent most of the past month planning a kid’s Native-American themed camp. Also doing VHC talks, writing book proposals, and reviewing a book on the history of orchids. 

Book Suggestions

"Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead" by Olga Tokarczuk

"Old Sparky" by Anthony Galvin

Our discussions were decidedly dark and included the history of prisons in the US, Insane Asylums and Depression and the purpose of 'burn letters': hence the book recs!  We did have a few laughs regarding discussions overheard in bars and the questionable nature of the new 'empowerment' mottos printed on Girl Scout Cookies.  "I'm a Risk Taker' could be problematic!

Readings

Ev presented a pair of hilariously politically incorrect list poems (“Michigan: Burlington Style” and “Michigan: North Country Style”) and a short piece, “Lemon Up,” which combined the electric chair at Sing-Sing prison and the new Girl Scout cookies.  Nancy read a journal entry.  Scott recited the lyrics from the title track of his new album.

Next meeting is June 16th at the Swanton Public Library.  In person at 6 pm.  Zoom is available.  Our ongoing writing assignment is to pick an artifact in your home/office and write a piece no longer than 1,000 words.  Essay, poem, story.  Please share and bring a picture of the item if you can.  Hope to see you all soon!

Meeting Minutes April 21, 2022

 Hello All!

Sorry for such a long lag in updating.  Didn't realize it had been a full year!  And this was our first in-person meeting in two years!

Attendees: Becky Rupp, Ev Larsen, Don Lefebvre, Michelle Willard, Eileen Williams

Announcements:

 The upcoming Vermont League of Writers Spring program, featuring Ralph Walker with exercises on “Techniques for Building Tension into Any Story.” Saturday, April 23, 10 AM–1 PM. Available via Zoom.  Go HERE
 

Poetry Slam at the Swanton Public Library, Friday, April 22, 6-8 PM. Cash prizes, musical entertainment, and a chance to cheer for your favorite poet!

News

 Eileen’s memoir, The Gosling Bride, will be available on June 8. We’re hoping to host her at the SPL for a book signing.
 

Group discussion

We talked about various genres of writing and how they have evolved over time.  Favorite authors over the last two centuries were mentioned.

Ev read his short piece “In Mysterious Ways” which got us all thinking about gambling gods and taught us the meaning of the phrase “above the snake line.”

 Michelle shared her poem “I Don’t Know Who I Am.”

Upcoming group activities 

We discussed a number of plans for group writing projects – Tarot cards? The Machine of Death? - and decided to try Artifacts: pick one from your home collection and write a short (no more than 1000 words) story, essay, poem, or other genre of your choice about it. To share at next meeting. For an example of this concept see The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities – an anthology of stories by writers such as Kelly Barnhill, Neil Gaiman, China Mieville, and Holly Black based on objects that range from a saint’s thighbone to Lord Dunsany’s teapot.

Our next meeting is Thursday, May 19th 2022 at the Swanton Public Library.  The meeting is in person but members can join via zoom.  Unvaccinated attendees must where a mask.

ZOOM link.  Passcode: 289902

Meeting Minutes for April 22, 2021

 A bit of a whoops for us all.  Four people attended this one week delayed meeting via zoom.  We are all hoping July will see us in person once again. Ev, Nancy, Becky and Michelle met for an hour.  Our discussion was a bit random but did include some book recommendations and local writing/contest/zine news.

The Hate U Give art and essay response zine is now available at the Swanton Library for anyone who is interested.

April 28th is the deadline for submitting to the poetry zine

Don't forget the 2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. The deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.

Proposed Workshops/Panels

Becky proposed approaching regional authors who specialize in Memoir Writing. An in person panel which would be held later this year.  The focus: the process and the research involved in writing a memoir.

Book Recommendations

The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities. Fantastical anthology of written and visual art edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer. 

Amber and Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz. Young Adult historical fiction/fantasy

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen

Mayflower, Voyage, Community, War by Nathaniel Philbrick

Not Quite What I was Planning. Six Word Memoirs. 

Our next meeting is via Zoom on May 20, 2021 at 6 pm.  Click on this LINK and use the passcode 289902 when prompted. Hope to see you there!

Meeting Minutes March 18, 2021

 There were five members in attendance via zoom.  We are all hopeful in person meetings will resume in early summer.  The attendees agreed zoom meetings might be more practical for winter meetings.   

Contests

April is National Poetry Month.  The Swanton Arts Council is sponsoring a poetry compilation contest. The prompt is "Kindness".  There will be adult and youth categories judged professionally. First and second prizes in each category: $50 and $25 respectively. The deadline for submissions is April 16th. Entrants will be published in a zine, which will be available at the Swanton Library.  There will be an online poetry reading, or possibly recorded at NW Television on April 30th.  Please contact Judy P with questions EMAIL

The artist response to "The Hate U Give" is due by April 1st, 2021.  Written responses must be 1,500 words or less.  The responses will be published in a zine available at the Swanton Library.  There will be a random drawing of all entries for a cash prize.   On April 8th, there will be an online zoom discussion of the book. Contact Judy Paxham with questions and log in information  EMAIL  

Don't forget the 2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. Proposed deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.

Exhibitions/Performances

Vermont Libraries summer reading 2021 - TAILS & TALES. If anyone would like to read a favorite story about animals or their own work of the same vain, the Swanton Arts Council is planning a recording session for late April or early May. If interested in participating please contact the Swanton Public Library.   

Group members discussed the idea of offering book reviews as a service to Swanton library patrons.  As well as offering monthly recommendations to each other during our meetings.

We had a 20 minute writing prompt session during our meeting.  Members offered the following prompts for consideration: Sunshine, Lemony, How to Express Happiness, Is she lost? and Frankenswan. It was an enjoyable exercise which we will continue for the foreseeable future.

The next meeting is April 15th 2021 at 6 pm via zoom.  Login via this LINK and enter password: 289902 Hope to see you there!

Meeting minute for February 18, 2021

 We had six members who met via zoom. After about 30 minutes of catching up and news, we launched into a new format.  Writing to a word prompt for 20 minutes and then sharing the result.  For this meeting, we knew the prompt in advance.  Starting in March we will all bring a random prompt to the meeting and people can choose to use one or all of the prompts in a 20 minute free writing session, excluding their personal prompt.  

Becky reminded everyone to check the Facebook page for contest and resource ideas.  She posts them as she finds them.  

Book Recommendations

For those interested in books for middle grade readers (reccs courtesy of Becky)

"They Threw Us Away" by Daniel Kraus.

"Scary Stories for Young Foxes" by Christian McKay Heidicker

"Trigger Warning" by Neil Gaiman (recc courtesy of Renee)

Contests/Community Events

The artist response to "The Hate U Give" is due by April 1st, 2021.  Written responses must be 1,500 words or less.  The responses will be published in a zine available at the Swanton Library.  There will be a random drawing of all entries for a cash prize.   Contact Judy Paxham with questions EMAIL Get reading and get writing!

Don't forget the 2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. Proposed deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.

Writing Prompts

This month "Lust", one of the seven deadly sins, was our writing prompt.  Judy floated the idea of publishing a monthly zine with our prompt responses.  A deadline would be imposed for authors to polish their free writing responses and submit.  Ev suggested we move to the surprise format as outlined above.  After 20 minutes all members shared their responses to Lust.  Ev shared a poem by another member, Becky shared her writing diagram/brain storming tool.  George, Judy, Renee and Michelle read their short pieces. 

Our next meeting via zoom is Thursday, March 18th at 6 pm.  All are welcome.  Follow the link below and enter the code when prompted.  Happy writing!

ZOOM LINK Code:  289902 

Meeting Minutes January 21, 2021

Six members participated via Zoom: Becky, Judy, George, Ev, Renee, Michelle.  Discussion included writing contests, prompts, and a revamping of our meeting format. Three people read short pieces of poetry/prose. 

Writing Contests

Vocal: “a platform for creators.” They sponsor periodic challenges with cash prizes – a number of these are currently open. “Hometown Feature,” for example, is looking for stories with original photos about what your hometown means to you; “Little Black Book” – which comes with a $20,000 grand prize – is looking for fiction stories about someone who unexpectedly comes into a large sum of money involving a mysterious little black book.

 

Fractured Lit Publishes flash fiction – open year round. Current contest on fractured ghost, fable, and fairy tales, with prize of $3000. Entry fee of $20. Deadline February 16.

Don't forget the 2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. Proposed deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.

 

Exhibitions/Community Events: 

The Swanton Public Library is sponsoring a Writers’ Response to "The Hate U Give" this year’s Vermont Reads book, Angie Thomas.  Art or written entries are welcome; written entries can be up to 1500 words. Deadline April 1.  A cash prize picked randomly from all entries may be offered.  The book is available to buy, there is also an audio version and a movie available to stream on various platforms. To borrow a copy contact the Swanton Public Library and for more information contact Judy Paxman: Email1 Email2 

Resources:

Iron Writer Challenge: Facebook group.  Jason Brick is the owner/moderator.  He has been pretty active in the past and is very accessible via messenger.  Been 'in the biz' for quite some time.

Readings:

 

Renee Willard on a broken coffeemaker; Ev Larson – “Air Dry” – involving an ex-husband and a disastrous shower; and George Connelly read “Rain Shine High,” a poem loosely based on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

 

Upcoming:

 

Per the suggestion of Ev and after much discussion, we have decided to change up our meeting format for the foreseeable future. The plan is to have our usual period of social gossip and discussion followed by 20 minutes of writing and a post-sharing/discussion. Writers will finish their pieces offline for possible inclusion in a zine. Details at a later date.  Our first series of proposed prompts: the Seven Deadly Sins, starting at the February 18 meeting with LUST.

 

And for those who don’t remember the Seven Deadly Sins, they are: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth.

Our next meeting via zoom will be February 18 at 6 pm.  Follow this LINK and use the passcode:  289902 Hope to see you all there!