Special Feature: Autumn Poetry

Last Glory

Autumn comes not peacefully, but as a shock.

Summer will be missed; its brilliant sun-stunned color,

bodacious energy fades into nuance

that seems to greedily suck the vibrancy

back into the bronze lap of our time-worn earth,

except for a breathtaking superb moment

when trees valiantly cling to one last glory

before relinquishing their beauty to stand

silent and naked in the frigid tundra.

Life takes blind refuge behind walls and closed doors

where movement is constrained, quiet, and careful.

Summer’s boisterous play and its neglectful heart

succumbs to memory, bits and parts swallowed

by the early evening shadows that slowly,

but steadily, creep from corners to consume

the core of the room decorated with care

in anticipation of holiday fetes,

maddened attempts to snare hope a bit longer,

before all is buried beneath frozen snow.

Gazing fireside, the flames crackle and flicker.

Within their dance, memories sink into darkness:

a buzz of the lawn mower; wafts of freshly cut grass

skate board wheels on concrete; a sprinkler’s rhythmic castanet

the smell of salt on an ocean breeze; the chink and creak of a porch swing

--all beckon the gray and weary traveler.

Drafts of early winter seep beneath a door,

and the soul seeks safety in recollection

of summer’s child at play heated by laughter,

the voice of an angel, comprehending bliss.

~~ Karen A. Oberlin

Special Feature: Autumn Poetry

Autumn Lovers

The golden maple spread her skirt

Before the flirting breeze

To show her courting lover

All the glory of her leaves;

But overcome with shyness then

She only whispered to the breeze,

Who gently stroked her naked limbs

And kissed her golden leaves.

~~ Susan Lindsley

Susan is a former journalist and the author of several books, including Susan Myrick of Gone With The Wind: An Autobiographical Biography, Yesterplace: Blue Jeans and Pantaloons in Post World War II Georgia and Margaret Mitchell: A Scarlett or a Melanie among others.

Calling SWA Poets!

What do You Like Best About Autumn?

Reminder...We're running a Poetry Special Feature Oct 7-14! The theme is your favorite thing about Autumn and can include the holidays! IMPORTANT - Don't tell us what you like, SHOW us!

The Guidelines

• Poets must be SWA members to submit
• One poem per person
• Poem should fit on one page
• Use font: Times or Times New Roman, 12pt.
• NO shape poems, they won't translate
• NO artwork, use your words to draw us pictures
• Submit by email to purple@southeasternwriters.org with Poetry for Autumn in the subject line
• Attach your poem in a .doc or .docx file

Deadline: Oct 1, 2013 

Ready, Set, Write!

We have NEWS!

NY Times bestselling author Bob Mayer has signed to teach at the 2014 SWA Writers Workshop!

Bob has taught at the Workshop before to rave reviews so we're so excited to have him back! He will teach Novel Writing.  He has over 50 books published and has sold over five million!  His latest, The Jefferson Allegiance, was released in August.  Bob is in demand as a team-building, life-change, and leadership speaker and consultant

Bob graduated from West Point and served in the military as a Special Forces A-Team leader and a teacher at the JFK Special Warfare Center & School. He teaches novel writing and improving the author via his Write It Forward program.  He is the CEO of Cool Gus Publishing, which has grown to a seven figure business in just two years, and is one of the bestselling indie authors in the US. For more see www.bobmayer.org or  www.CoolGus.com.

Special Feature: Poetry for Autumn

Calling SWA Poets!

We're going to run a Poetry Special Feature Oct 7-14! The theme is What do You Like Best About Autumn and can include the holidays! IMPORTANT - Don't tell us what you like, SHOW us!

The Guidelines

• Poets must be SWA members to submit
• One poem per person
• Poem should fit on one page
• Use font: Times or Times New Roman, 12pt.
• NO shape poems, they won't translate
• NO artwork, use your words to draw us pictures
• Submit by email to purple@southeasternwriters.org with Poetry for Autumn in the subject line.
• Attach your poem in a .doc or .docx file

Deadline: Oct 1, 2013 

Ready, Set, Write!

I’m Just Wild About Harry

A newspaper column twenty years ago changed my life and rewarded me with some of my closest friends.  The year was 1993.  I was just beginning to show a few people my “scribbles.”  I published a couple of things and even got paid once.    

Tim, my husband and proudest supporter, handed me the newspaper and said “call this person”.  The person was Amy Munnell.  The piece was an article about a fledgling writers’ group meeting at the library.

When I did telephone Amy, we instantly clicked.  I began going to the group and later attended Southeastern Writers Conference.  Although it was at times a financial sacrifice, I know I wouldn’t be writing now if it hadn’t been for Amy, Cec Murphey, Linda Tomblin, and the irrepressible Harry Rubin.  When He made Harry, God definitely threw away the mold.

Fortunately for me, my grandfather was also a Lt. Colonel so Harry’s gruff exterior didn’t intimidate me one bit.  In fact I think it endeared me to Harry even more.  Perhaps because Harry and Dee had daughters, he seemed protective and almost affectionate to me.

When I first was invited onto the SWA board, Harry commissioned me to assist Amy in her duties as editor of the Purple Pros, to co-write columns, and all around fill in wherever Amy needed help.  I took this commission seriously and did my utmost to fulfill his expectations.

Likewise, when Tim assumed the role of SWA Treasurer he did so with Harry’s blessing, a plus.  Both of us respect Harry and his generous demonstrations of love for SWA and its goal of helping writers.  

Harry is a rare mixture of Teddy Roosevelt, Teddy Bear, with a smidge of curmudgeon – a blend that only gets better with age.  Harry, the Hudsons love you.  Because of you, our lives have changed for the better.

~~ Sheila Hudson

Sheila Hudson's work appears in Chocolate for a Woman's Soul series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Patchwork Path, From the Heart, Vols. 1 & 2, plus numerous periodicals including Costumer Magazine. She established Bright Ideas to bring hope and inspiration through the written word.  Sheila has also served as president of Southeastern Writers Association.

Tribute to Harry Rubin

It is a pleasure to pay tribute to my friend, Harry Rubin, while he can see how much he is loved by his peers.

I learned of the Southeastern Writers Association Writers Workshop from Harry Rubin via my husband Allen. “Tell her she needs to attend,” Harry had told Allen. “It will take her writing to the next level… Plus, she’ll love everyone.” I remember it like it was yesterday.

I attended that year by signing up on a whim at the last minute. It changed my life. If not for Harry, I may not have found out about the workshop for years. But his invitation to attend started my process of learning to be a professional writer. I met writers that year, including Harry, who have continued to be lifelong friends.

As I returned to the workshop through the years, I found Harry with a ready smile. I could count on visiting with him at registration and in the bookstore.

Sure, he could be a bit cranky, opinionated, and blunt with a loud, booming voice that carried through the silence. But how refreshing! I could always count on Harry to be honest.

Harry was also a hoot at the banquet. A highlight included the results of his limerick contest. The naughty ones always had an edge for winning. I can remember prim and proper Sydnea Miles causing me to raise my brows and giggle about the risqué limerick. Harry inspired everyone to think outside of their genre and to take a bit of a risk in the name of fun.

After the conferences, Harry and I developed an email friendship. He critiqued several of my stories. I read his novel drafts. He’d check on me, and I’d check in to see how life was treating him. Usually, he’d have a book project underway.

Harry provided great inspiration for me because he started his writing career after military retirement. “If I can do it, you can,” he told me on many occasions. But the truth is that he didn’t just talk about it. He did it. He wrote, published, wrote, and published until he had many books to his credit.

Actually, once he got going, he was prolific. I was surprised when reading one of his books to find a character named Debra Brown. Though startling at first, it became fun to see what kind of trouble came her way.

Through the years, Harry became “Uncle Harry” for my daughter Meredith. He even wrote glowing recommendations to a long list of colleges under consideration. To this day, I remain thankful for his assistance in her college quest.

Not too long ago, Harry said to me, “I don’t really feel like writing now. I am more into reading.” He admitted he’d lost some of his zeal for living with the unexpected loss of his beloved wife Dee. But even then, he asked, “What are you writing now? How is Meredith? Are you attending the next workshop?”

I’ve really missed him at recent conferences. For me, he’ll always be a “first thought” when I think of Southeastern. But Harry will always be a member of my family – both my writing family and our beloved “Uncle Harry.”

~~ Debra Brown

Debra is the Marketing and Social Media Director for SWA and a magazine writer, humorist, columnist and business owner. Learn more at her website.

Another Harry - Tribute to Harry

Another Harry

This world could use another Harry.

Another Harry who

unlocks doors of the heart and

windmills of the mind.

Another Harry who

rescues kittens and writer’s workshops,

admonishes injustice, protects his family

and his country.

Another Harry who

squeezes pennies, holds onto nickles

and quarters

and chokes the life out of a dollar.

Another Harry who

sees into souls of lonely people,

laughs in the face of evangelists,

and lusts for earthy Bimbos.

Another Harry who

fights apathy with limericks and a butterknife,

whacks a breath of conscience into our indifference

and wears a hero’s hat.

There are many Harolds, Hanks and Horace’s

and there may still be a few Don Quixotes.

But what this world could really use is

Another Harry.

                                    ~ Cappy Hall Rearick

Harry Rubin, Writer Extraordinaire

 I met Harry Rubin in the early ‘80s. Cannot pinpoint the date but it seems I’ve always known this wonderful, tough, giving man. It was during my first nervous venture to Southeastern Writer’s worship that we connected. He immediately took me under his wing and introduced me to everyone and filled me in on their writing accomplishments and aspirations, paving the way for a relaxed, family-like adventure.  

Harry was a people-person of the highest order and that impressed me. Did I mention that my first time at the SWA workshop was one of apprehension? At least it was initially. I drove the five-hour trip alone and plunged into a passel of strangers who were unique to say the least. Writers are an atypical lot, in case you hadn’t noticed. None are without strong opinions on every imaginable topic and most are garrulous in voicing them. Especially the Colonel, as Harry was affectionately called.  I was hooked the first day because the whole experience stimulated my mind to new horizons. Too, I realized that my eccentricities were, at least here amongst this new lot of peers, not so unacceptable. Finally, I was among kindred spirits. Harry’s laid-backness helped me through the “melting pot” experience of bonding with extremely differing personalities who shared one strong common denominator: WRITING. 

Harry’s writing talent is marvelous. He is quite proficient in spanning genres, from his legendary humor (limericks), poetry, short stories, adventure novels to romance. Harry did them all with aplomb. Like voicing his opinions, he created stories with gusto. No. Harry was never half way with any endeavor.

Harry Rubin is the quintessential friend. During the first insecure years of attending classes and submitting manuscripts to the annual SWA contests, I found in Harry a support that fostered within me a growing confidence that I could succeed. Before email days, we exchanged weekly snail mail letters, hand written. I found him to be, without fail, open, honest, and down to earth. When needed, I could always count on Harry for good old common sense advice. 

Then we both began serving on the SWA Board of Directors. Those years added a new dimension to our alliance. We remained friends but many times in the new arena, we were required to make organizational decisions that forced us to agree to disagree. And to—ahh, that magic word—compromise. Through it all, Harry remained a gentleman. He taught me much about diplomacy and unconditional love. 

Among my fondest memories of Harry is his doing the Jewish “blessing” at our annual Awards Banquet. ..reading his Limericks on open mike night…presenting awards…telling engaging stories at the cafeteria table…proudly introducing his lovely Dee to us…and one memory in particular stands out. I’d gotten a particularly bad critique from one of that years’ judges and was feeling shredded. He reassured me that the lady was just jealous because I was (in his words) both pretty and smart and to pay her no mind. He insisted that I was a very talented writer who would succeed because I was determined and willing to work hard. His encouragement went a long, long way in keeping me focused and hanging in there.

Now we all know that there is a tough side to the “Colonel”. I saw and experienced it many times through the years. As I mentioned earlier, the Colonel had very strong opinions. He was never half way. He left no doubt as to what he thought on any given subject. Few could talk him down. No. Make that NONE could talk him down. He rarely changed his mind once it was set.  But that proved to be to our advantage during SWA’s hard times. More than once, Harry bailed us out and paved the way for future SWA workshops.  Most of all, he spoke life and hope to us all. He never gave up on us.

He validated us.

Thanks, Harry Rubin, for being you. And thanks for investing in me during my early struggles. I am where I am today, with a measure of success, because of friends like you who took time to care and help me along the way. In a sense, you are family. And as such, I wish for you undying happiness, joy, and peace.

~~ Emily Sue Harvey

Emily Sue is a long-time member of SWA, a former SWA president and a successful novelist.  Follow her on Facebook.

A Writer’s Testimonial

During this year’s banquet, I was shocked, thrilled, and humbled to receive a number of awards for my contest entries.  I felt validated as a writer.  But most importantly, I was thankful.  The Southeastern Writers Association (SWA) has been instrumental in my growth as a writer, increased confidence, and publication success.  I decided to share my story to motivate writers, both aspiring and established, to attend future workshops, and to thank the wonderful people of the SWA who have made such a difference in my writing career.

For more than 20 years, I had professional careers in banking, accounting, and internal auditing.  In 2004, I became a dad to a beautiful daughter and have been “Mr. Mom” since her birth.  When she began Pre-K, I decided to pursue my fourth career – writing.  I wrote a manuscript based on my life as a stay-at-home dad, as well as a number of children’s stories.  Yet only few close family members had read them.  The time had arrived to get out from behind my computer.  I came across a website for the 2011 Southeastern Writers Association workshop and, after much thought and prayer, registered.  As I drove toward St. Simons Island where the workshop is held annually, I felt like a lost puppy and wondered what I had been thinking when I signed up.  I’m glad I didn’t turn around.

At the registration desk, Tim and Sheila Hudson greeted me.  I remember saying, “Here I am, but I don’t know if I belong here.”  Sheila said, “Sure you do.”  A few minutes later, I sat around the dinner table talking with other writers, many of whom have become my friends, sounding boards, teachers, and inspiration to continue my writing journey. 

The workshop rocked!  I plugged into as many sessions as possible and asked lots of questions.  I met with a New York City literary agent – twice.  The instructor who evaluated my children’s manuscript liked it so much that she contacted Holly McClure, a local literary agent.  She and one of her employees met with me for over an hour the next day and let me share my work with them. Though I didn’t walk away with a contract, I had better direction for where I needed to go.  

Cappy Hall Rearick did a session on newspaper column reporting.  Through group discussions, I came up with a plan to get my work published in a parenting magazine.  I was also thrilled that my children’s story won honorable mention in the Young Child and Juvenile Writing category during the awards banquet.  I left the workshop with more confidence and a plan.  I learned that it would take a lot of time and work to build my writer’s platform, but it was essential to begin the process.

Patrick receiving an award from Jan Kellerher,  June 2013

Motivated by the workshop, I put together four sample columns and submitted them to the editor of a local parenting magazine.  She called me the next day and offered me a monthly gig.  I earned my first publishing credit in September 2011, when Moments Magazine published my first column of “moMENts.”  

The drive to the 2012 SWA workshop seemed much shorter.  I was greeted with hugs and handshakes and had five great days of listening, writing, and learning.  Once again, the instructors were top-notch.  I pitched my book idea to the literary agent-in-residence.  She requested that I send her my manuscript and wrote back with her feedback.  Although the manuscript needs more work, I know it’s getting there.  My essay won an honorable mention in The Hal Bernard Memorial Award for Nonfiction at the awards banquet.  Again, I left the workshop pumped.

Near the end of 2012, I decided to self-syndicate reprints of “moMENts” to other parenting magazines across the country as I continue to define my niche and build my platform.  As of this writing, my work has been published 46 times in eight states and two Canadian provinces.  It’s exciting to update my website, http://patrickhempfing.wordpress.com, a website made better because Charlotte Babb, a writer I met at the 2011 conference, took time to answer my WordPress questions.  “Writers helping writers,” that’s the SWA motto.

This past April, I attended a function at my wife’s work and had an epiphany.  Since my daughter’s birth, whenever I’ve been asked what I do for a living, I’ve responded, “I’m a Mr. Mom.”  This year, when someone asked my occupation, I responded, “I’m a writer.”  Wow!  I am a writer!

The 2013 workshop couldn’t roll around fast enough.  I’m lucky I didn’t get a speeding ticket driving to St. Simons.  Once again, I received great instruction and spent quality time with other writers.  The awards were great, really great, but of secondary importance to the knowledge and friends I have gained. 

I have lots to read, learn, write, and rewrite, if I am to realize my dream of becoming a NY Times national best-selling author.  But I also know I’m making strides in the right direction.  I’ve been blessed to meet many wonderful people – fellow writers who share my dream, professional literary agents, talented instructors, and board members who devote their time and energy to make SWA successful.  Thank you all.

I must thank one other person, Harry Rubin.  I had the pleasure of sitting with Mr. Rubin during lunch at the first workshop I attended.  I could tell he was instrumental in the Association’s success when he was given an award at the end of lunch.  At this year’s banquet, Lee Clevenger, SWA President, said that the SWA would not be here today if Mr. Rubin had not used his personal funds a number of years ago to keep it up and running.  

Thank you, Mr. Rubin.  You made a big difference in this writer’s life.  It is because of you and the SWA that I can say “I am a writer.”  

~~ Patrick L. Hempfing

A Friend To All He Meets: Tribute to Harry

Harry is a friend to all who meet him. I recall sharing meals with Harry and Bill Westhead at the SWA Conference at Epworth and I knew enough to keep my mouth shut and soak up all the writing knowledge of those two wonderful men. I’m sure I’ve purchased and read all of Harry’s books and I’ve learned from his manner of storytelling. Harry’s presence is missed, as is Bill’s, but their contributions have helped SWA grow. I feel sorry for the people who will never have a chance to know Harry and Bill personally and I strongly advise newcomers to purchase their work in the bookstore so they can share in the love we feel for them.

~~ John House

John is a a retired physician, novelist, poet and short story writer.  In June, he became a member of the SWA Board of Directors.

When Harry Met Cappy: Tribute to Harry

Worlds didn’t collide the day we met, and nobody said, “I’ll have what she’s having.” 

The year was 1990 and I had flown in from Los Angeles to attend my first SWA Conference. Delighted that I would be among Southern writers for a change, at the same time I was also apprehensive since I didn’t know what I was supposed to do once I arrived or where I was supposed to do it. Driving through the arched gateway to Epworth-By-The-Sea, how could I have known that the next five days would bring about a sea change in my life?

I flitted into the registration area like I knew what I was doing and bumped into Harry Rubin. He was giving instructions, aka the Army way. I would later discover that he was a retired Army Colonel who, after learning military methods at a young age, the Army way became Harry’s way

On the other hand, the flitter (that would me) having lived in California for years, felt the word organize was like setting the alarm clock so as not to be late for work. Harry took one look and thought: Kalifornia Kook. I gave him a look and thought: well, never mind what I thought. Suffice it to say that I stayed out of his way and he mine. When Harry met Cappy in 1990, they did not become friends, nor did they become enemies.

The following year, however, we both relaxed and were able to have decent conversations and a lot of laughs. Harry could always tell a joke the right way. I, on the other hand, always forgot the punch line. The shared laughter got us over the hump so that we could become friends.

Over the next few years, the hump got bigger and bigger and what had been a pretty good acquaintance was taken to a higher level: friendship. We found that we both loved sailing, good wine, cats, cooking and creative writing. We did not agree on everything and we disagreed on things, like politics. I was never in doubt as to where he stood on issues and he never gave up trying to change my mind. Are you getting where this is going?

Harry couldn’t understand why I was a peacenik and I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t. The Gulf War was going on at that time and the longer it raged, the supportive of it Harry became. He raged at Saddam Hussein and he delighted in calling me a lily-livered liberal. 

One of us finally suggested that instead of weakening our friendship with issues we had not control over, we should write our frustrations. Creatively. We penned limericks. Harry would write one to me venting his anger at Saddam, and I’d read it and respond with a limerick giving my own POV: Make love not war.  

Did he ever change my mind? No. Did I change his? Get serious. But we didn’t take pot shots at each other any longer. We accepted the other, warts and all because of the limericks emailed back and forth. As silly as it may sound, those little ditties saved a rocky friendship that has lasted for over twenty years. 

It would be nice if everyone could have what she is having both then and now. That would be the gift of Harry Rubin’s friendship, a man of integrity, courage and generosity.

~~ Cappy Hall Rearick

Cappy is a former president of SWA, a novelist, columnist and humorist.  You can read more about Cappy and check out her books on her website: simplysoutherncappy.com

Sailor’s Delight - A Tribute to Harry

Sailor’s Delight            

                         

A smile has his lips

limericks his laughter

prayer his utterance

military his posture

country his loyalty

fellowman his help

friends his kindness

family his generosity

Dee his devotion

sailing his passion

high tide his sea

full wind his sails

red sunset his sky.

                        ~~ Mary Stripling

Mary Stripling has been a member of SWA for 23 years.  She is an award-winning poet and short story writer and sponsors The Award for Excellence in Inspirational Writing at the SWA Writers Workshop.