5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Southeastern Writers Workshop

The staff and faculty of the Southeastern Writers Workshop strive every year to make the Workshop the BEST tour days of your writing life. Here are a few things you can do to make your time even better.

Enter to win a  scholarship!  

TWO are available - Student and Adult! Deadline is April 18.  Read the details.

Enter as many of the contests you can!  

Nine contests offered and each has at least one cash prize!  Deadline is May 15.  Full guidelines are here.

Submit up to three manuscripts for evaluation for FREE! 

Each evaluation comes with a 15-minute one-on-one consultation. Deadline is May 28. Submission guidelines are here.

Go to ALL the classes!

We have gathered some of the best writers and industry professionals in the country.  You can learn something from everyone that may lead you to literary success from all of them. Find faculty bios and the class schedule is here.

Network!  

Over meals, between classes, in the bookstore, at the evening socials. There is plenty of time built in to network with fellow attendees and faculty members. If you don't have a writing family, you can build one at our workshop.

Check out our website - southeasternwriters.org - for all you need to know about the Southeastern Writers Workshop, June 17-21 at Epworth-by-the-Sea, St Simons Island, GA!

Register Today!

Where will you to be in 6 months?

Why not here? 

41st Southeastern Writers Workshop! 

June 17-21 - St. Simons Island, GA

Registration opens 1/31

When Family Isn't Supportive

from FundsforWriters Newsletter, Volume 15, Issue 51, December 18, 2015   

I received a heart-breaking Facebook message from a 15-year-old young man who asked me how to get his writing accepted. When I explained about polishing his words, agents, publishers, indie and the like, he replied: "For me, I come from an unsupportive familly that doesn't take writing as a talent or a valuable art. How can I practice in such conditions?"

My husband supports me unconditionally, often following me to my appearances. One son out of town reads my work and gives honest feedback. My sister-in-law in Iowa reads every book within days of release. Other than that, nobody else in my family has read my novels much, and definitely haven't read any articles, blogs or other items I've published. While I thank my lucky stars for the three people I have, I know how that stings when family doesn't care. 

I told the young man this: 

"At your age, it's a matter of being well-read first and foremost, then attempting to write stories from what you've absorbed via those good authors. They are your family right now. You are young. You will be an adult in good time and be able to do what you wish, when you like, but in the meantime, read with a writer's eye, seeing what makes for a grand story, great character, and snappy dialogue. Write as you can. And know that successful authors everywhere are in your corner."

When family doesn't believe in your writing, you do the following:

1. Join a writer's group. Use it like a support group.
2. Read with a writer's eye. Nobody puts down reading.
3. Write when you can: lunches, night, early mornings, outside, riding in the car, or while everyone else is watching TV.
4. Relate your interest in writing to your family member's interest in something else. I once used my teenagers' interest in playing hockey. Ask them how much time and money they "invest" in their sports, hunting, cars, video games, etc.
5. Carve out time and call it yours. It doesn't have to be called writing time, but you use it as such. Just make sure you capitalize on it and write instead of doing other non-productive things.
6. Refuse to feel guilty about a beloved hobby/profession.
7. Display how much writing makes you whole . . . and happier. If you act grumpy, you accentuate their opinion.
8. Ask them when they'll give up reading, watching television, going to movies, listening to music, playing online games, because a writer allowed all of those entertainment opportunities to happen. 
9. When someone asks when you'll do something other than "that writing stuff," tell them you adore what you do. Eighty percent of the world hates their job, and you aren't one of them.

Thanks ~ Hope

C. Hope Clark is a freelance writing expert, author of the award-winning Carolina Slade Mystery Series, the Edisto Island Mystery Series, and editor of FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service that reaches 40,000+ writers. Learn more at her website chopeclark.com

5 Undisputable Writing Truths

Build a platform

Everything I was told is true. Do it. It will make your life easier. Don’t know how to begin?  

a) Start with reading Get Known before the Book Deal by Christina Katz 

b) Go to conferences and attend sessions about promoting

c) Seek advice from professional such as My Write Platform  

Don’t whine

This sounds really easy, but I see it often on social media. If you’re a writer, don’t complain about the dark, dirty side of writing, like editing. It doesn’t matter how many times you make a pass through a book, your reader’s don’t need to hear you gripe. 

Network — Online or In-Person

You’re an introvert? Suck it up. Get your adrenaline pumping, then get out there. You never know what opportunity is waiting for you to fall into, which you can’t do if you’re stuck in your writing cave.

Read

This seems like a no-brainer, but after I published my first book, I limited my fiction reading due to time, instead I focused on books/blogs/websites about craft and promoting. And after a while, I was burned out. There’s no better way to gain inspiration than to read a book you love. One of the ways I make sure I keep up with my reading is to judge contests annually—it’s part of my way to give back. One contest is critiquing manuscripts from unpublished writers—I hope to be a cheerleader for all that’s wonderful in their story, and maybe impart some of what I learned—and the other contest is to judge published novels.  

Set Goals

They’re critical for success. Specific, measureable, attainable, realistic, timely, and don’t forget the REWARDS. Find ways to enjoy the little successes along the way. Rewards don’t have to cost anything: an afternoon at a museum or a botanical garden, a long soak in the tub, a nap, an extra glass of wine. 

Remember, no one understands a writer’s journey better than another writer. Get connected. Give back. Now, get going!

Linda Joyce is an award-winning author writing about assertive females and the men who can’t resist them. Her Fleur de Lis series is set in the south, mostly. Her Sunflower Series features Kansas. She penned her first manuscript while living in Japan, the country where her mother was born and raised. Now she lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and four-legged boys. www.linda-joyce.com

5 reasons to attend a conference (even if your manuscript isn’t pitch ready)

In the long list of decisions a writer will face, the question of attending a writer’s conference will inevitably surface. And it is an important one to consider. Conferences can be expensive, but they are worth the investment in your career.

When I first started writing, I was told that novice writers should complete their manuscript (to make sure they have the stamina to finish) before investing in conferences. Because of that advice, as well as being reluctant to attend a conference alone, I kept putting it off. But recently I’ve learned that, if you wait, you miss out on so many things that can help you to reach the finish line.

Here’s my list of 5 reasons to attend a conference (even if your manuscript isn’t pitch ready).

The Shop Talk 

You get to talk about writing – and nothing else – all day, with people who get it. All other life obligations are put aside for those few days while you focus on what you love. While our non-writer friends and family members try to understand and encourage us, no one “gets it” like other writers. No one else understands the joy of putting words on the page or the frustration when the right words just won’t come.

Gaining a Community

Hanging out with like-minded people lends itself to building friendships not otherwise possible. You are likely to start new lifetime friendships with people who push you to keep going, commiserate with you at times, and believe in you, especially when you’re having a hard time believing in yourself. These friends are priceless to our writing.

Although few will admit it, the voyeur in all of us wants to get a peek behind the curtain and see how other writers do it. With your writer friends, you don’t even have to ask permission to peek, they will open the door and invite you inside.

You will talk with writers who are one step ahead of where you’re at, five steps ahead, ten steps (how many steps there are) and learn from them. You may even find your writing mentor or critique partner at a conference.

Networking

While similar to gaining a community of writer friends, this is directed more to the other side of the table – the editors, agents, and publishers. You will meet industry professionals who are there to share their experiences and expertise. Even if you don’t have a manuscript ready to pitch, many of these individuals are very willing to talk over ideas with you and give you advice to improve (and finish) your work.

Introduce yourself, shake hands with someone you bump into while waiting for the elevator because you never know how your paths will cross down the line. The agent you sit next to at lunch may end up being the agent who signs you.

Learning

Conferences are full of learning opportunities. Even classes in tracks other than the one you’re following can offer nuggets that will help you improve your craft. And improving craft is one of the biggest reasons to invest in a conference. 

Retreating

Attending a conference can be the perfect opportunity to relax, catch up on some reading, and reflect on why you spend so much of yourself on this thing called writing. Breaks in the conference schedule are the perfect time to go for a walk (or a run, if you’re one of those crazy people,) take time to release some stress and absorb some peace; renew your mind and refresh your spirit or grab some of your new friends and go dancing or sing karaoke. 

I was reluctant to attend my first conference alone. Thankfully, I had a friend assure me that I wouldn’t be alone, but would be sharing the experience with all the new writer friends I would meet. My friend was right.

Heather Eslick, a freelance writer and aspiring novelist, lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband, David, and three of their four boys still in the nest, who supply much of the fodder that goes into her writing.  You can find Heather on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heathereslick and follow her blog at www.heathermeslick.wordpress.com. 

Article photos from the Southeastern Writers Workshop 2014 & 2015. By My Write Platform

ReBlog: What Good Sales People Know About Personal Branding That Everyone Should

The words "brand" or "branding" bring images grocery store shelves or maybe memories of a trip to the mall pop to mind first,  not writing, not your work. But writers have to be sales people to sell their work and themselves to clients and readers.  A strong personal brand helps to grab people's attention and keep it all on you. 

Joanne Tombrakos is an author and expert on building one's digital profile and personal branding. She recently published these tips for personal branding on the Huffington Post's "The Blog."

"Personal Branding is not a new concept.

"We used to call it building a good reputation and being clear on the direction you wanted your career to go. Then the age of digital dawned, and personal branding was taken to a whole new level. It's no longer just about the real life version of you. It's also about the digital version of you.

"Good salespeople have always been masters at this.

"The best ones have adapted their strategies to these new tools. Unfortunately there are not that many really good salespeople out there. I see too many using the new tools to automate instead of personalize and applying pushy tactics -- the kind that have always given sales a bad rap -- to technology that if used properly can enhance their image."

Read the remainder of Joanne's article.

Subscribe to The Purple Pros Blog (see above) to receive helpful and informative articles directly in your mailbox.  SWA does not share email addresses with third parties.

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A CRITIQUE GROUP

Among an author’s acknowledgments and thank you’s is often a reference to his critique group. A critique group may be the single best thing any writer can do to develop her craft and put a work-in-progress into publishable form. I was very fortunate to be a member of a quality critique group for about eighteen months and these are my thoughts.

GENRE

Generally, the more narrow the scope of the group, the better. If you’re writing poetry, then your group should be limited to poetry. People who write in other genres will probably not be able to give you quality feedback. It is best if you can find a group that writes only in your specific genre but you’re probably going to have to choose between three general categories: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

SIZE

If the group is too large then everyone will not have regular participation. If the group is too small, then an absence by one person will adversely impact the quality of the meeting. Also, different members will have different strengths and will notice different things. One of our members saw point-of-view issues while another member saw continuity problems. I recommend no fewer than six people and no more than twelve.

FREQUENCY

This is partly a matter of where you are as a writer and what you want from a critique group. If you are a developing writer and want regular feedback on a work-in-progress, then the group should meet every week. Once a month will not give you enough feedback to develop your craft. Also, meeting less than every week will easily turn into commitment problems.

COMMITMENT

Group members should attend every meeting and participate. If it is your turn to read, then bring material on which you have made a genuine effort. If it is your turn to critique, then give quality feedback to the writer. Of course there will be absences but members should know about these in advance. If a member cancels at the last minute because he has to pick up his wife at the airport, or if someone forgets about the group and schedules a work meeting at the same time, then their position in the group could better be filled by someone else. An occasional absence, with advance notice, is expected. Even longer absences can be accommodated. Our group was blessed with the arrival of two babies!   

QUALITY

This is the most difficult factor to control when forming a group. I was fortunate to have all quality writers, including published writers, in my group. A weak writer, who gives unhelpful feedback, is not productive and will not help you grow in your craft. You’re probably not going to have Pat Conroy or Amy Tan in your group, but members who are quality writers and make a genuine effort to improve their own craft, will help you improve yours.   

Tom Jordan is a lawyer in Atlanta. His short story, “The Treasure of Walker County”, won the Georgia Bar Journal’s 15th Annual Fiction Writing Competition and his short story, “The Boy Who Drew the Spidery X”, won the GT Youngblood Short Fiction Award at the 2015 SWA writer’s conference. He lives in Marietta with two cats, Donner and Blizten.

Will you answer the call? SWA extends an invitation to you.

Southeastern Writers Workshop 

June 19-23, 2015 

Epworth by the Sea on scenic St. Simons Island, Georgia

Writers helping writers, 

that's the SWA way. 

SWA offers a unique workshop experience. 

Classes lead by experience writers with industry experience.

Meals, a variety of options on the buffet,

 are taken in a private dining room with a water view.

There are different lodging opportunities to meet your needs. 

The value of networking and making writing friends? 

PRICELESS

Please join us!

REGISTER HERE

Agent-in-Residence: Sorche Fairbank – Fairbank Literary Representation -http://www.fairbankliterary.com/ 

Publisher: Maria McGaha – Dancing with Bear - http://www.dancingwithbearpublishing.com/

Publisher: CreateSpace - https://www.createspace.com/

Novel: C. Hope Clark - http://chopeclark.com/

Nonfiction: Don Vaughn – http://www.donaldvaughan.net

Poetry & Flash Fiction: Chris Tusa - http://christophertusa.net/wp/

Young Adult: S.R. (Shelli) Johannes - http://www.srjohannes.com/

Columns: Darrell Huckaby - http://www.darrellhuckaby.net/

Memoir: Dana Wildesmith - http://www.danawildsmith.com/

SWA Members SHINE!

Erika Hoffman’s winning entry, The Little Engine that Could, will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Searcher, the journal of the Southern California Genealogical Society.

What are you waiting for? 
Register now for SWA's 40th Writing Workshop and Send in those manuscripts: 

Guidelines for Manuscript Evaluations 
(Authors must be registered for at least 2 days to submit manuscripts for evaluation.) 

GENERAL

1. There are 7 evaluation categories:
• Poetry (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - No more than 100 lines (one long poem or several short poems) - Poetry can be single-spaced
• Novel (Evaluator: C. Hope Clark) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis
• Flash Fiction (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - Complete manuscript of at least 100 and not more than 500 words
• Nonfiction (Evaluator: Donald S Vaughan) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis –OR– Complete manuscript not over 1500 words
• Columns (Evaluator: Darrell Huckaby) - A 1-paragraph description of the column, including the intended media and the target audience, and a 750-word sample column manuscript.
• Memoir (Evaluator: Dana Wildsmith) - The first chapter and a three-page synopsis
• YA Fiction (Evaluator: SR Johannes) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

2. Each conference member can submit up to 3 manuscripts for evaluation, but ONLY 1 entry per member per evaluation category.

3. Each manuscript may be submitted to ONLY 1 evaluation category.

4. Manuscripts must be submitted by EMAIL ONLY.

5. The submission DEADLINE IS May 15, 2015. NO extensions. 

6. Manuscripts must be previously unpublished, including cell publication, Web publication and blogs. If your work is openly available to readers online on a blog or article directory (i.e.: ezinearticles.com, gather.com, associatedcontent.com), it is considered PUBLISHED. If your manuscript has been critiqued online through membership website that requires members to login to see the work, it is considered UNPUBLISHED.

7. Simultaneous submissions are OK.

MANUSCRIPTS 1. Manuscripts should have standard 1-inch margins all around. Must be double-spaced and 12-point font, Times New Roman. 2. NO contact or identifying author information should be on the manuscript. Manuscripts should have a header with the title on the left, and page numbers, right. 3. Manuscripts should be attached in a Microsoft Word file. One attachment per email only. 4. The entire submission should be included in one attachment. For example: a book chapter and synopsis should be submitted in one file.

SUBMISSION EMAIL 1. The subject line of the email should include “manuscript + evaluation category name.” For instance: “manuscript – Novel Evaluation.” 2. Author's name, address, phone number, e-mail, and payment-received information should be in the body of the email. Your PayPal receipt or the text from the email you received from the registrar as proof of registration, e.g. Web Accept Payment Received (Unique Transaction ID #xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) 3. The manuscript title, word count, and category should also be included in the body of the email. 4. Email manuscript evaluations to evaluation@southeasternwriters.org


** Manuscripts submitted for evaluations by faculty members are not entered in contests. If you want to enter a contest, please see Contest guidelines. **

SWA Members SHINE!

Buzz Bernard:  I'm one of the (many) featured interviewees in this month's edition of THE BIG THRILL, The on-line publication of International Thriller Writers. 

Patrick Hempfing’s moMENts column titled “A Wagon Filled With Memories”

was published in the April issue of ten regional parenting magazines, spanning seven states (NY, PA, NC, SC, FL, TX, and ID), and four newspapers (Capital Gazette, Carroll County Times, Orlando Sentinel, and Sun Sentinel).  Houston Family Magazine published “Lessons Learned” as a web exclusive.

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and author of a monthly column titled “moMENts.” Follow Hempfing at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing. - See more at: http://www.carolinaparent.com/articlemain.php?A-Wagon-Filled-With-Memories-4377#sthash.IkKUvgF3.dpuf

Linda Joyce signed a contract with Doctor’s Dreams Publishing for the inclusion of two of her poems in Katrina Memoirs to be released on July 1st. Additionally, she'll be a presenting a workshop at the Moonlight and Magnolia Conference, then a guest speaker at the Gulf Coast Writers Association, both events are in Octobers. She's presenting a workshop on SMART-R Goals for Results. 

Word from the Editor: 

SWA's workshop in June is special. It's unlike other writing workshops. From the moment

you arrive and check-in at Epworth by the Sea, you're able to relax. There are different types of lodging available. Yes, you may bring your family and make it a vacation. There's plenty for them to do while you're immersing yourself in the workshop. (Your room reservation does include your three daily meals.)

We take our meals together in a lovely dining room overlooking the intracoastal waterway. It's a time to break bread, nourishing our bodies, and at the same time, filling ourselves with community. Meal time is a time of exchanging of ideas, learning about your fellow attendees--you never know what expertise they may have that you'll need for a future story or poem. Networking takes place southern-hospitality style.

Classes are lively. Questions are encouraged. Content will enhance the richness of your writing craft and feed your creativity.

Then, there's Open Mic Night, a fun and engaging event where writers read some of their works--no criticisms allowed. Just fun and encouragement in the form of applause. 

And I can't forget the excitement of Awards Night! Everyone waiting with great anticipation to hear the winners of the contests. I've been blessed with several first prize wins, however, I'm equally excited when my friends win. 

As the newsletter editor/blog boss and Author Liaison, a new position on the Board of Directors created to highlight the work of authors attending, I work to spread the news about the benefits of SWA. People often refer to a board position as "sitting," yet its far more like conducting an orchestra with all the juggling I'm doing.  

I wouldn't volunteer my time to SWA if I they hadn't proven to me they live their mission: Writers helping writers.

Let us show you how invested we are at SWA in helping you. Register now and join us!

Warmest Regards, 

Linda Joyce

 

What do you get with SWA?

What does your money buy you when you register for the Southeaster Writers Association 40th Anniversary Workshop? 

Check it out!

Scholarship

Win one of two scholarships to the SWA Writers Workshop!  SWA is offering two scholarships. One for the Fiction mini-workshop (June 20-21) and one for the Non-Fiction mini-workshop (June 22-23)

Just submit a 300-word essay on why you should be selected to attend the Fiction mini-workshop or the Nonfiction mini-workshop. You MUST state which miniworkshop you want to attend.

The entry deadline is midnight on April 15th. The scholarship pays for tuition only. Please email your entry to DebraAyersBrown@gmail.com with a subject line of SWA Fiction Scholarship or SWA Nonfiction Scholarship.

Manuscript Evaluations - (Authors must be registered for at least 2 days to submit manuscripts for evaluation.)

GENERAL

 There are 7 evaluation categories:

• Poetry (Evaluator: Chris Tusa)  - No more than 100 lines (one long poem or several short poems)

- Poetry can be single-spaced

• Novel (Evaluator: C. Hope Clark) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

• Flash Fiction (Evaluator: Chris Tusa) - Complete manuscript of at least 100 and not more than 500 words 

• Nonfiction (Evaluator: Donald S Vaughan) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis –OR– Complete manuscript not over 1500 words

• Columns (Evaluator: Darrell Huckaby) - A 1-paragraph description of the column, including the intended media and the target audience, and a 750-word sample column manuscript.

• Memoir (Evaluator: Dana Wildsmith) - The first chapter and a three-page synopsis

• YA Fiction (Evaluator: SR Johannes) - The first chapter and a five-page synopsis 

 The submission DEADLINE IS May 15, 2015. NO extensions.

Find out ALL the details here: http://southeasternwriters.org/uploads/EvaluationsGuidelines2015.pdf

Contests

2015 SWA Workshop Contests & Guidelines

The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Novel

- The first 10 pages (double-spaced)

- 1-page synopsis

- 1-paragraph "elevator pitch."

- Any genre, literary or mainstream

The Past Presidents’ Romance Award

- The first chapter and a five-page synopsis

- Romance novels only

The GT Youngblood Short Fiction Award

- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words

- Any genre, literary or mainstream

The Microcosm Award

- Fiction of at least 100 and not more than 500 words

The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction NEW

- Complete manuscript not over 4000 words.

- Stand-alone novel chapters also accepted

-

Lines of Worth Award

(in honor of Dorothy Williamson Worth and all she did to encourage poets at SWA)

- Each entry should be a collection of three poems, each up to thirty lines, not

including the title.

- Awards will be made to collections.

The Harry Rubin Award for Limericks NEW

- Submit 3 Limericks in standard form

The Julie L. Cannon Award

- Writing which exemplifies the southern spirit preferably in a subtle, nuanced, and

non-stereotypical manner

- 1,000 words or less

- Fiction or nonfiction, NO poetry

The Bill Westhead Memorial Award

- Complete manuscript not over 3000 words

- For the best short story with a subject matter of an event occurring during the

writer's childhood that shaped his/her life.

The Angel Award for Holiday Seasonal Writing

- Short fiction, poetry or essays of 1200 words maximum about the holiday season.

The ThomasMax “You are Published” Contest

- Prize is publication and 25 copies of the book with no obligation to author.

- Manuscript may be submitted in full or only first three chapters.

- A complete synopsis (3 to 10 pages) should accompany all entries. Approximate

word count should be included with synopsis, preferably 40,00 to 90,000 words,

fiction, non-fiction, or a collection of short stories.

- Do not send work currently under consideration by the publisher.

- The standard contract, which will be modified slightly to show that no money is due from the author, can be seen by  clicking here: http://www.thomasmax.com/images/authorcontract.pdf

- Other details are available at http://www.thomasmax.com/contest.htm or send

SASE to “You are Published,” P O Box 250054, Atlanta GA 30325

The Very Merrie Bosom Buddy Award

- Nonfiction up to 750 words about your best friend.

- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Dr. George L. Sheppard Memorial Award –

- Nonfiction up to 750 words about a supportive sibling.

- This poignant true story must make the reader laugh and cry.

The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing

- The piece may be religious or secular.

- It should be wholesome and leave the reader with a “take away” message of

encouragement, hope, comfort, fresh motivation, or renewed spiritual strength.

- Complete manuscript not over 1500 words

The Cappy Award for Humor

- Complete manuscript not over 1000 HILARIOUS words

Manuscripts entered in these contests will not receive evaluations by faculty members. Contests are judged by the contest sponsors. If you want a faculty evaluation, please see Evaluation guidelines

http://southeasternwriters.org/uploads/2015ContestsJan.pdf

How do you get register? 

Click here

Island retreat. Beautiful views. Writing workshop. SWA has it ALL!

Where will we find you June June 19-23, 2015? 

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland  offers some advice:

Alice: From the moment I fell down that rabbit hole I've been told where I must go and who I must be. I've been shrunk, stretched, scratched, and stuffed into a teapot. I've been accused of being Alice and of not being Alice but this is *my* dream. *I'll* decide where it goes from here.

If you dream of being a writer, dream of writing success, then Southeastern Writers Association 40th Anniversary Workshop has something for you! Join us on lovely St. Simons Island.

Find out all the details HERE

SWA's faculty bring wisdom, experience, and support. This is your faculty for 2015: 

Agent-in-Residence: Sorche Fairbank – Fairbank Literary Representation 

Publisher: Maria McGaha – Dancing with Bear 

Publisher: CreateSpace 

Novel: C. Hope Clark 

Nonfiction: Don Vaughn 

Poetry & Flash Fiction: Chris Tusa 

Young Adult: S.R. (Shelli) Johannes 

Columns: Darrell Huckaby 

Memoir: Dana Wildesmith 

This week, we're featuring Dana Wildesmith. 

Dana will be teaching memoir writing. 

Dana Wildsmith grew up in south Georgia, the daughter of a Methodist minister who was active in working for social justice. She attended college wherever her Navy husband’s career took them, finally obtaining a B.A. in Sociology from Virginia Wesleyan College. In 1999, she returned to her family’s land in north Georgia , where she and her extended family work to preserve a 125-year-old family farm in the midst of encroaching development. She teaches English to adults of many nationalities in the English Literacy Program of the Adult Literacy Program of Lanier Technical College.

In 1992, Wildsmith was named a Poetry Fellow in the South Carolina Academy of Authors, and her second chapbook, Annie, won the Palanquin Press competition of the University Of South Carolina, Aiken. She has worked as a Writer-in-residence for the Devil’s Tower National Monument and the Island Institute in Sitka, Alaska. She worked as an Artist In the Schools for the South Carolina Humanities Department. She teaches poetry workshops throughout the United States. Her poems and essays have been widely published in both literary and commercial journals, including Yankee, The Kentucky Poetry Review, and The Chattahoochee Review. She is among the writers featured in the University Press of Kentucky’s Listen Here: Women Writing in Appalachia. Her other published works are: Alchemy, Our Bodies Remember, Choices (an audio collection), One Good Hand, and Back to Abnormal. 

Find out more about Dana and her work HERE