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In This Issue
From Our Chapter President
WNBA-SF News
Announcements
From Our Literacy Liaison
Bookworm Talks To.....
WNBA National News
Link to Renew Membership (General Member - $45)
Link to Renew Membership (Senior/Student - $25)
WNBA-SF Holding Elections
WNBA-SF holding elections and we need
your input and your VOTE!
Here’s your chance to meet interesting
people, learn new skills and be a part of the guiding force shaping WNBA-SF. Being a part
of the Board offers a rich and rewarding experience, filled with networking opportunities
and the chance to really make an impact on the careers of authors and the lives of
readers. Please go to the web site to submit nominations and to read job descriptions
for the open board positions.
Contact Vicki Weiland at Nominations@wnba-sfchapter.org.
if you have any questions.
Slate of
Officers so far…
President: Linda Lee
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
********************
Break the submission barrior!
Learn from a pro! Published author, Joan Gelfand is offering a concise and comprehensive
workshop entitled Submission Strategies that
Work.
New class forming: five session class starts this month. Click on www.joangelfand.com to learn more and be sure to scroll down and read
Joan's impressive list of reputable testimonials.
Joan Gelfand, Writer, Editor and Coach
has published widely and internationally. Her book, Seeking Center, published by Two Bridges Press, has been
endorsed by Al Young, Poet Laureate of California.
This excellent opportunity is an
invaluable learning experience for writers wanting to break the submission barrior.
Bite the bullet and learn the tricks of the trade.
********************
SAVE THIS
DATE!
JUNE 7, 2008
MAKE YOUR
RESERVATIONS TODAY!
The 40th Anniversary of the San Francisco
Chapter of WNBA will be celebrated with a dinner at Sir Francis Drake Hotel
on Sat., June 7 in the heart of San Francisco.
Highlights include:
• Keynote speaker: Beth
Lisick, local best selling author and performance artist. Beth’s recent
book, Helping Me Help Myself, was
praised in Entertainment News and the San Francisco Chronicle.
• Honoring Effie Lee Morris, our founding
president and also recognized by the American Library Association as a living
legend. Ms. Lee has served the cause of children’s literacy around the globe.
• Installation of Joan Gelfand, WNBA-SF
Past President, as the new National President of WNBA.
• Come greet our national officers, make
new friends, network and make coast-to-coast connections. Presidents from all of
the National WNBA branches will be in attendance. This is a great opportunity for
WNBA-SF authors to schedule events in other WNBA chapter
cities.
Reservations need to be secured right. Contact Mary E. Knippel at president@wnba-sfchapter.org. Please
specify:
1. Will you be attending? (cost of the
dinner is estimated to be $58.00-62.00 per person.)
2. Will you be bringing guests (how
many)?
We look forward to seeing you there and
celebrating with you!
********************
Reminder: WBNA-SF Board
Meetings
Board meetings are open
to the entire membership and are held the first Thursday of the month 6-8
at the SFMoMA.
*********************
“Introduction to
Essential Elements in Writing a Story" with Teresa LeYung Ryan & Lynn
Scott
When: Saturday, April 12, 2008, 10am-4pm
Enroll: On-line, telephone, or at
store
Cost: $95.00
Where: Book Passage University
Corte Madera Store
www.bookpassage.com
(800) 999-7909
Co-teacher Teresa LeYung Ryan says: "A great story has a captivating beginning, a middle that
compels you to turn the page, and a satisfying ending." Co-teacher Lynn Scott adds: “We can
learn so much and watch our writing improve, if we accept that 3/4 of writing is tenacity, 1/4
talent.”
* What point of view should I use?
* What's the timeline and setting of my story?
* Should I use first-person narrator?
* Do I really need a thesis statement?
What you'll gain from the course:
* in-class writing
(with optional sharing and commenting);
* examples of how other authors use the essential
elements
* list of recommended readings and resources for
writers.
This is an introductory course for anyone who has an idea for a story.
OR
For the writer who has a first draft and wish to re-learn the tools and take the story to a
higher level.
*********************
CWC Writer's Forum Open Mic Night: 10 Writers Read,
for 10 minutes each
When: Third Wednesday of every month
Hosted by: Borders Books and Music, 2925 El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA (On El Camino Real, 1 mile
south of Highway 92, across from the Hillside Shopping Center.)
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Details: This is a great opportunity for authors to
get exposure and to practice public speaking skills. Open to all writers and listeners,
including CWC members and non-members. Each reader is given a choice of whether or not they
wish to receive feedback.
If you would like a free one-hour speech coaching lesson to prepare for our Open Mic, contact
Geri through CWC.
********************* EDITCETERA,an association of freelance
publishing professionals, presents the following workshops to begin soon. For registration
and more info: www.edicetera.com, 510-849-1110, also learn about correspondence courses and
freelance editorial services.
Basic
Copyediting
Instructor: Patricia
Heinicke
When: Six Saturdays, April 5 to 19 and May 3 to 17 (no meeting April 26); 9:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m.
Where: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento
Cost: $320 for enrollments paid on or before March 28; $340 after
Details: Acquire the knowledge and skills you need for a copyediting career, with a focus on
Chicago style.
Lessons in Punctuation from the Comma
Queen
Instructor: Robyn Brode
Orsini
When: Saturday, April 5; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley
Cost: $135 for enrollments paid on or before March 28; $145 after
Details: Join a lively discussion about current punctuation rules and how to apply them, the
various systems of logic governing punctuation, and how to avoid common
pitfalls.
Developmental
Editing
Instructors: John Bergez,
Heather Dutton, and Melissa Stein
When: Three Mondays, April 7 and 21 and May 5; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley
Cost: $175 for enrollments paid on or before March 31; $185 after
Details: Learn from experienced editors who discuss their goals as developmental editors, talk
about the process of working with an author to shape a manuscript, and provide hands-on exercises
for practice.
The Versatile
Copyeditor
Instructor: Amy Einsohn
When: Six Tuesdays, April 8 to May 13; 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley
Cost: $320 for enrollments paid on or before April 1; $340 after
Details: Gain the knowledge and skills that will prepare you to copyedit books, journal articles,
corporate documents, and newsletters, under the guidance of instructor Amy Einsohn (author of The
Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications, University of
California Press, 2000; 2nd ed., 2006).
Proofreading A to
Z
Instructor: Robyn Brode
Orsini
When: Three Saturdays, May 3 to 17; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley
Cost: $295 for enrollments paid on or before April 25; $315 after
Details: Learn the skills you need to proofread—whether your project is a trade book or textbook,
computer manual, newsletter, or advertising brochure.
********************
Bookworm Talks To Laurel Anne
Hill
Laurel Anne Hill inspires CWC Young Writer Program
participants.
KOMENAR Publishing released,
Heroes Arise,
Laurel’s debut novella and parable in October 2007. Her shorter fiction and creative nonfiction
have been published in the Contra Costa Times, Nth Zine (Online Exclusives), Lynx Eye, the San
Jose Mercury News, Space and Time, and a variety of small-circulation magazines. KQED-FM (NPR,
San Francisco) broadcast her perspective in 2004 about the plight of homeless families.
Laurel was also a recent guest speaker for the CWC Young Writers' Program where she wowed the
imaginations of 15 talented Hillsborough middle school writers and gave an outstanding lecture
followed by a bountiful discussion period.
Please visit www.laurelannehill.com for more information
highlighting Laurel's past and present endeavors.
(Interview questions posed by Sara Cassella, WNBA-SF Newsletter Editor to author, Laurel Anne
Hill.)
When did you start writing?
I started writing stories early in grammar school before I
learned how to read. I cut pictures from magazines and comic books, pasted them in tablets,
then told my older sister the words to print on each page. The Authors card game was a
favorite and I dreamed of having my portrait included someday.
Why did you choose your particular genre?
My genre is general fiction laced with fantasy and science
fiction. This combination permits me to stretch my imagination, create alternate realities
and view the human condition from a fresh perspective. For example, Heroes Arise is a
parable and social issues work. The story relates the complexity and necessity of breaking
the cycle of vengeance, of resolving conflict rather than fueling it. The main character, a
non-human, struggles with his inner desire for vengeance against an enemy. His world of
warring desert and mountain tribes becomes a metaphor for our
own.
What inspired you to choose your subject matter?
I grew up in San Francisco, with more dreams of adventure than
good sense or money. My close brushes with death, love of family, respect for honor and
belief in a higher power have influenced my writing and life. My parable about timeless
ideals--the pursuit of honor and justice and the right to love and family--flowered naturally
from my experiences and values.
How difficult/easy has your experience been as a published
writer?
Being a new author and an unknown quantity can present
challenges. It’s easy to sink out of sight in a sea of famous names. I’m fortunate to
have been published by KOMENAR. They are very professional, supportive and an amazing
company.
What advice would you give other aspiring authors?
Write every day, join a critique group, attend writer’s
conferences and research potential markets. Polish your manuscripts until they shine.
Don’t forget to support small publishers and community bookstores. Your opportunities for
future success might depend on them. And don’t let rejection letters deflate your
dreams. Perseverance is essential.
Anything else you would like to share with the
WNBA?
KOMENAR Publishing released Heroes Arise, my debut parable, in
October 2007. Heroes Arise was recently announced as a finalist in two categories (science
fiction and young adult fiction) for ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award for 2007.
My shorter fiction and creative nonfiction have been published in the Contra Costa Times, Nth
Zine, Lynx Eye, the San Jose Mercury News, Space and Time, and a variety of small-circulation
magazines. KQED-FM broadcast my perspective in 2004 about the plight of homeless
families.
In 2005, I was awarded first prize in the Ninth Annual
Captivating Beginnings Short Story Contest. I received an honorable mention in the 2004
Soul-Making Literary Competition, an extended community arts outreach program of the National
League of American Pen Women, Nob Hill, San Francisco Bay Area Branch. “Crescendo,” my
personal essay, won honorable mention in the Foster City 2003 International Writer’s
Contest.
I am a member of CWC SF/Peninsula Branch and served on their
executive board for five years. I also am a member of Women Writing the West. My
current writing project is a novel set in early California. I live in Orinda with David, my
husband, and Bear, our rather large “shelter-mix” dog.
Would like to be featured as our Author Spotlight?
Please email Sara at newsletter@wnba-sfchapter.org.
******************
Poet's Corner
A Personal Vision
(Dedicated to Myron Lunning, painter)
By Shyne
It starts from a desire to understand, a sublime inquisitiveness likening to a scholar
who meticulously reads volumes.
One studies the mechanics, the complexity of life's movements trying to puzzle out the
great rolling orbit of microcosm.
There is nothing that is not of interest between the heavens.
Past, present, future become playgrounds to learn in.
Awareness is the key, receptivity combined with grace and humble ways.
The personal vision is man's gift to himself and others.
He becomes the impresario of his dreams, nudging out seeds of ideas that bring forth a
rare vegetation, foliage.
A gardener that plants, prunes, cross pollinates,
building Edens in the midst of rocks, sand dunes, shriveled shrubs.
Without personal vision there would be no cathedrals, symphonies.
The tiniest vision must be coaxed out, coddled.
Personal vision demands thinking of an independent nature—the superb surreal realm of the
true mind of genius.
I need my dreams to live, seeking their brilliance over and over.
I treasure the contours and play becomes work and work becomes play as my particular art
is born.
Shyne is the author of “My Human Heart”. She is working on a collection of poetry
on the creative process of writing tentatively called “Reflections In the Poet’s Eye”.
She is also currently working on a play under the direction of David Ford at the Marsh
Theatre in San Francisco. Her email address is lunni8@aol.com.
Do not miss these poetry events this
month:
Billy Collins—April 7th, Herbst Theatre 415 392-4400
Jane Hirshfield and Al Young—April 11th, Books Inc. 415 931-3633
Nikki Giovanni—April 24th Oakland Museum 510 238-3271
Ishmael Reed—April 24th San Jose State University 408 924-4489
Mary Oliver—April 24th, Dominican University 415 457-4440
Check out www.poetryflash.org for further events and
the pink section of the Sunday March 30th San Francisco Chronicle.
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From Our Chapter President
 Dear WNBA-SF Friends,
April showers bring May flowers used to be true when I lived in the Midwest, but now that I'm in
California the heady aroma of my beautiful budding Lilacs inspires me as I write this month's
WNBA-SF message. We're planting lots of seeds in this issue for our membership to reap the
benefits of belonging to our wonderful organization.
We had a very entertaining evening at BookShop West Portal courtesy of some very talented
writers. We also had an opportunity to do some networking and learn about what other members are
working on. It was great fun and I hope to see more of you there next time.
Speaking of fun, join us for a WNBA-SF Membership Mixer on April 26, 3-5 p.m. in at Faz
Restaurant in Pleasanton. This is a strictly social program to give us a chance to get to know
each other and find out how WNBA-SF can best serve the membership. There will be lots of great
food and good conversation - so don't miss it!
My time as your president is almost up and we need to start thinking about a slate of officers
for the next two years. A position on the board is a great way to meet some terrific women (and
men), hone your skills and contribute to the growth of our organization. Is there a program/event
you'd like to see WNBA-SF sponsor? Don't think you have the time to commit to a specific board
position, but would be willing to take on a specific project? Let us know. Anyone who wants to
coordinate a program for the WNBA-SF members should bring their suggestion to the board. If you
would like to nominate anyone for an office, please visit the web site where we'll have a page
set up for this purpose. The May newsletter will include a final slate of officers, and you will
receive an e-ballot to return for the actual election. Our new board will take their positions at
the June board meeting.
Finally, June 6-9 will be an exciting time for WNBA-SF as we host the National board meeting and
celebrate our 40th anniversary on Sat., June 7 with a banquet at the Sir Francis Drake. Our
program will feature the Bay Area's own Beth Lisick, writer and performer. She was the speaker
for our October Book Group Month launch at BookShop West Portal where she read from and talked
about the writing of her recently released book, "Helping Me Help Myself." This will be an
opportunity for our members to network with WNBA chapter presidents who are here for the National
meeting. If you are planning a book tour to the East Coast, just think of the insider information
you could glean from our Boston, Washington D.C., or New York associates.
As I enjoy the blooms on the Lilacs, it makes me think of how glad I am that I was encouraged to
take on this "growth opportunity" to stretch myself in taking on the presidency of WNBA-SF. I
feel I have blossomed and I thank all of you for your faith and encouragement. I hope to be able
to tell many of you my thanks in person when I see you at the Membership Mixer.
Be well,
Mary
From our Litaracy
Liason Dear WNBA-SF Chapter Members,
Calling all Members and Colleagues who are (or wish to be) involved with BRING ME A BOOK, founded
by Judy Koch, whose mission is: To provide easy access to the best children's books and inspire
reading aloud to children. President Dianne Calvi has sent me a lovely response to my
invitation to link our organizations.
BRING ME A BOOK offers three innovative programs that are easily replicated on a large scale.
The Bookcase Library Program
The First Teachers® Program
The Book Bag Library Program
These simple yet effective programs are community-focused, partnership-driven, and easily
expandable.
Our list of literacy partnerships is growing! Last month we hooked up with Reach Out and Read. I will be meeting with Roya Yasharpour,
California Statewide Program Director in early April. If you'd like to join us, please email me
ASAP. LiteracyLiaison@wnba-sfchapter.org
And, of course, there's our partner Project Read—the adult literacy program—doing awesome work in
the community. Project Read San Francisco 415-557-4388; ask for Randall Weaver, Project Read
Manager of SF. There is a Project Read center near you. Just Google "Project Read
California" or ask your librarian.
If you are involved with these or other literacy advocates, please email me and I'll showcase you
in this Column. Please put "WNBA and Literacy" in your subject line.
Be well!
Teresa LeYung Ryan
LiteracyLiaison@wnba-sfchapter.org
********************
WNBA-SF
News
Alice
Wilson-Fried read from her novel "Outside Child" set in New Orleans.
WNBA-SF would like to congratulate Alice on becoming last week’s Redroom’s Rising Star
award. Alice says, “When I read ‘We chose you to be a Redroom Rising Star because your two
books represent an interesting range of subject matter and because of your blog post from New
Orleans,’ I was elated to say the least. I felt just as privileged making my debut
appearance at WNBA's Open Mike on Tuesday. Thank you, for including me and giving me
another place to learn and to grow."
Alice Wilson-Fried,
OUTSIDE CHILD
MENOPAUSE, SISTERHOOD AND TENNIS
alicewilsonfried.com
Redroom.com
Additional Open Mike authors
included....
Kit
Kennedy reading her poetry at BookShop West Portal.
“It was a
joy to share my poetry, meet other members, and hear so much fine work,” Poet Lucille Lang
Day shared her thoughts after the reading.
BookShop
West Portal reader Pam Reitman reading a Memoir piece.
Author
and humor columnist, Cynthia Borris, offered a glimpse into the world of No More Bobs, a
misadventure of greed, wayward prayers and escalating
hormones.
********************
Networking Opportunity for Members
Come meet your fellow writers and readers in a fun, strictly
social
gathering on Sat., April 26, 3-5 p.m. at Faz Restaurant
in
Pleasanton.
Faz Restaurant at the Four Point Sheraton, 1 mile from
Bart
5121 Hopyard Road (close to 580/680
junction)
925-460-0444
Join us for our WNBA-SF Membership Mixer on April 26, 3-5 p.m.
at Faz Restaurant in Pleasanton. The agenda for the
aftenoon is to give us a chance to get to know each
other and find out how WNBA-SF can best serve the
membership. Are you stuck on a writing project? Do you
want to find out about a writing conference? Want to learn more
ways to promote yourselves/build your national
platforms? Come meet other WNBA-SF members and get some
answers! Bring interested friends and let them meet some
of your fellow members.
There will be lots of great food and good conversation - so
don't miss it!
Sign up on the WNBA-SF web site using Pay Pal or, send your
check for $15 to:
WNBA Membership Mixer
P.O Box 244
Half Moon Bay, Ca 94019
We will take money at the door , but we need a head count, so
please
RSVP at (650) 361- 0344
Leave your name and how many in your party by April 21st so we
can let the restaurant know. See you there!
********************
Introducing
Simple Abundance
Close-to-Home Workshop
Free Talk
April 22, 7 p.m.
Ink Spell Books, Half Moon Bay
Hello Kindred Spirits,
Is the closest you get to a luxurious bubble bath that TV commercial while you are making
peanut butter sandwiches for the kids? Is the last time you had 15 minutes to yourself
when you arrived early at the dentist? Would you like to change that? Please join us.
We’ll discuss coping strategies for those who find themselves hurdling through each day
as if it were an out of body experience. Learn how to slow down, take stock of your world
and perhaps make changes in your life. Celebrate quiet joys, simple pleasures and
everyday epiphanies.
Are you ready to join the company of like-minded women who share your challenges, dreams
and hopes? More importantly, are you ready to begin a journey which will lead you on an
amazing quest to become acquainted with the most important woman in your world?—Your
Authentic Self.
Mary E.
Knippel
Writer and Creativity Mentor
Simple Abundance Close-to-Home Certified Leader
info@openuptoyourcreativity.com
www.simpleabundance.com
********************
WNBA-National
News
One of the benefits of being a WNBA-SF member is that you are connected to seven chapters
nationwide.
Here a few benefits the National organization has for you:
1: Permanent Collection of WNBA member books. In 2007 the Boston Public Library set aside a
section for a permanent collection of all WNBA authored books.
Please contact Katherine Dibble to have your book included in the collection:
kdibble@att.net
2: Have your book listed on our National Web site/WNBA Author's page. National web site
member password is included in your membership kit.
Please contact Shyne Lunning for more information: lunni8@aol.com
3: Get published in WNBA's National Newsletter, The Bookwoman. Send us a short article on a
favorite book you read while traveling for our "Have Book Will Travel" section. Contact
Joan Gelfand for more information about The Bookwoman: joangelfand@pacbell.net
4: Nominations for our bi-annual WNBA award are due in May. Please nominate your
favorite 'bookwoman' for the award. See www.wnba-books.org for
more information on the WNBA Award.
Lastly, tell us about your successes with WNBA for our endorsements page.
Joan Gelfand
Vice President, National Women's Book Association
joangelfand@pacbell.net
(510) 757-5626
Blog: http://jg.typepad.com/ciel
WNBA: http://www.wnba-books.org
History: The Woman's National Book
Association is a national organization of women and men who work with and value books. WNBA
exists to promote reading and to support the role of women in the community of the book.
The San Francisco Chapter of WNBA was founded in 1968 by Effie Lee Morris, then coordinator
of Children's Services for the San Francisco Main Public
Library.
Membership has ranged from
sixty to one hundred. Our members are writers, booksellers, agents, editors, publishers,
publicists, librarians, graphic designers, career coaches, marketing specialists,
conference planners, aspiring authors and avid readers.
The San Francisco branch of
WNBA is one chapter in a vibrant organization with over 800 members across the county. Each
branch has its own flavor and lively events to honor books, the creation of books, the
world of books, and allied arts.
The Women's National Book
Association has been a Non-Governmental Organization member of the United Nations since
1959. An NGO is defined as "any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on
a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common
interest, NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens'
concerns to governments, monitor policies and encourage political participation at the
community level." In effect, WNBA members are to be ambassadors for the UN. Our
organization disseminates information about the United Nations through all the means at our
disposal, especially through our national and chapter publications and monthly
programs.
****************
WNBA-SF Chapter Board Members President: Mary E. Knippel
president@wnba-sfchapter.org
Vice President: Linda Lee
vicepresident@wnba-sfchapter.org
Treasurer: Allegra Harris
treasurer@wnba-sfchapter.org
Literacy Liaison: Teresa LeYung Ryan literacyliaison@wnba-sfchapter.org
Membership Chair: Mary "Shyne" Lunning membership@wnba-sfchapter.org
Newsletter Editor: Sara Cassella
newsletter@wnba-sfchapter.org
Publicity Chair: Barbara Whittaker
Hospitality Chair: Vicki Weiland
Founding Member:
Effie Lee Morris
Immediate Past President and
Secretary: Joan
Gelfand
WNBA National Board
Members
President: Laurie
Beckelman
lbeckleman@aol.com
SF Chapter
Correspondent, National Book Woman: Joan
Gelfand
secretary@wnba-sfchapter.org
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The
Bookworm