How to Throw Yourself an Internet Book Launch (Par-TAY) Party

November 5, 2009 by lizhillwriter

You’ll be giving thanks for these great ideas all year long!

Colorado Authors’ League Luncheon

Wednesday, November 18th, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204

How to Throw Yourself an Internet Book Launch (Par-TAY) Party

The party’s over and the amazing Amazon sales results are in for Denver-based author, Cathie Beck’s award-winning memoir, “Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship”. Cathie promoted her book using this fresh marketing party tactic along with a ginormous email, internet, and blog web launch, following in the steps of best-selling author, Elle Newmark author of “The Book of Unholy Mischief”. Come hear all the juicy details of what went right for her promotion as well as what aspects were challenging. A story you won’t want to miss!

Cathie Beck is “The Wine Wench” columnist at KUVO 89.3 FM and a contributor to ColoradoBIZ magazine and The Denver Post, as well as the recipient of several awards, including: the Scripps-Howard Award for Excellence in Journalism, the University of Colorado’s Dean Grant Award for Writing, and the Denver Press Woman’s Writing Award.

Come join fellow writers for a delicious buffet lunch and networking. Guests are welcome and luncheons are open to the public. Cost for members is $16, non-members $25.

Information and Registration:
www.ColoradoAuthors.org, or Annette Shope at 303-756-6106 or
annetteshope@comcast.net

RSVP by 10 a.m., Monday, November 16th, 2009

Parking: There is street parking available with a 2-hour time limit ($4) and commercial lots near the building. LightRail station is also within blocks.

Teaching the Poetry of Rivers

November 4, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Dear Educator:

We’d like to invite you to participate in an inspiring workshop taking place next week at one of Denver’s coolest teacher resource centers!

Teaching the Poetry of Rivers
If a teacher understands the heart of poetry, then that heart will come out in the poetry of her students. The River of Words state and national poetry contest is a chance for students to explore the personal connections between themselves and the natural world, and its rivers, that surrounds them. Find out what the winners and finalists of the River of Words poetry contest know and learn to use the language and images of history, science, and literature as inspiration and prompts for poetry that will lead to self-discovery and epiphany.

Instructor Kathryn Winograd
Kathryn Winograd, Ph.D. is a Colorado Book Award winner in poetry and the author of four books including Stepping Sideways Into Poetry Writing (Scholastic Inc.), a teacher’s resource book on teaching poetry in the classroom. She is a full-time English professor for Arapahoe Community College and a poetry faculty member for Ashland University’s low residency MFA program. She has served many years as final judge for the Colorado River of Words Poetry state poetry contest.

When, Where & How Much
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm

At RAFT Colorado
2875 Blake Street
Denver, CO 80205

The cost is FREE for RAFT Members and $20 for non-members.

Ample free parking is available in their lot right outside the door!

Please RSVP to dawn@raftcolorado.org

New Kitchen Table Writing Series

November 2, 2009 by lizhillwriter

REWRITE WITH KITCHEN TABLE WRITING in November
Learn techniques for rewriting from the blank page.
Thurs PM Nov 5, 12, 19
EXPLORE STEPS TO EDIT YOUR WORK
• Are you struggling with your rewrites?
• Learn the secret to rewrite from the blank page.
• Do you want to keep your rewrites fresh?
• Want to edit, but still preserve the original energy?
Bring paper and pen and your imagination and pages you would like to edit–we’ll do fresh writing as well.
Anne Randolph, M.A., M.F.A. founder of www.KitchenTableWriting.com Keep fire in you rewrites.
Explore the delights of the blank page

KITCHEN TABLE WRITING INTENSIVE
Thursday Nov 5, 12, 19
6:15-9:00 pm
near Colorado and University Hills
$145 for 3 sessions, $55 for one
Sign up: AnneRandolph@comcast.net 303-758-3426
http://shop.AnneRandolph.com

Denver Woman’s Press Club vintage jewelry sale

October 31, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Just imagine.She wore that bracelet when her agent called with the 3-book deal that landed her on the bestseller list. Now, it can be yours!

The lucky bling that could take your career in a completely new direction is waiting for you at the Denver Woman’s Press Club Vintage Jewelry Sale on November 7, 2009.

Writers assembled this jewelry, so you know there will be some interesting treasures! Plus, it’s a great chance to go inside the Denver Woman’s Press Club’s charming, early 20th century house. Meet some members. Maybe join. Now, that’s how to really move your career!

Come find your talisman!

What: Denver Woman’s Press Club vintage jewelry sale with jewelry assembled by club members and their friends.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 9:00 – 1:00

Where: The DWPC historic clubhouse at 1325 Logan Street, Denver. Free parking in the lot to the north of the clubhouse.

Why: Benefits the DWPC scholarship program for students pursuing writing or journalism careers.

For information contact committee chair Mary Kelly O’Donnell at 303.322.9654 or mkellyo@comcast.net.

The Denver Woman’s Press Club gives annual scholarships to students interested in pursuing writing or journalism careers. Come make our annual sale a success!

A Twist on Na-No-Wr-Mo from Pikes Peak Writers

October 31, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Pikes Peak Writers invites you to
TRY your hand at writing a novel with
“NaNoTRYmo”
a free, light-hearted approach to
“National Novel Writing Month.”
Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? Thanks to author Chris Baty (No Plot? No Problem!), writers around the world celebrate the art of writing a novel during the month of November. Baty’s program “NaNoWriMo” (for National Novel Writing Month) began in 1999 with 21 people each setting out to write a 50,000 word novel in a mere 30 days. Now, ten years later, participating “WriMos” number over 100,000 per year. NaNoWriMo is a frenzy-palooza of word-slinging. It’s all about flying by the seat of your pants and writing, writing, writing, without regard to form, format or detail. The focus is on the quantity, not the quality of writing. And editing is banished completely for those delirious, delicious, debilitating thirty days. It’s an incredible experience.
But, you say, what if you can’t commit to writing 50,000 words in a single month, much less the month of November, when feasting, family and football are beckoning at every turn? For you, Pikes Peak Writers has developed a program where you can try your hand at this “NaNo” business without the requirement to produce a set number of words: NaNoTRYmo.
All month long PPW is hosting events to support, encourage and facilitate your writing: weekly write-ins, one full-day write-a-thon, a half-day “fight to the finish” opportunity, plus a “TGIO” (Thank God It’s Over) party. All are free and open to the public.
But that’s not all.
At each of PPW’s NaNo events, seasoned writers will be on hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you start writing and keep writing. THE RULES SUGGESTIONS:
1. There are no rules. Each writer decides for him/herself how to celebrate National Novel Writing Month.
2. We suggest that participants set personal writing goals for the month. If a “word count” goal works for you, you can commit to a certain number of words per day, week and/or month. You can even set the “WriMo” goal of 50,000 words. Alternately, consider setting your sights on completing your novel (an existing work-in-progress or a new one), regardless of how many words it takes. Or, instead of writing, make a plan to outline or revise. However you define your intentions, articulating your writing goal can help you stay focused and motivated.
3. If you set a goal, write it down. It makes it more real. PPW will provide a “goals worksheet” (available for download at pikespeakwriters.com) that can serve as your contract with yourself. Keep it in your wallet, post it in your writing space, or share it with a friend or critique group. Recording your goal helps you feel accountable for making progress toward that goal. You’re held even more accountable if you’ve made that goal “public” in some way.
4. Write with others. Writing alongside fellow writers can lift you up when you’re feeling low, and can inspire if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, so come to as many of PPW’s NaNoTRYmo writing events as you can. If you can’t make it to the official get-togethers, you can still “play along” by setting a goal, writing a contract with yourself, and participating in discussions on PPW’s NaNoTRYmo Yahoo loop (to join, visit
pikespeakwriters.com). In addition, you can find or make a group to write with for the
month. Crash a WriMo “write-in” in your local area — most cities have them, and the attendees won’t know if you’re an official WriMo or not. Or consider hosting your own gathering.
5. Do what works for you. Participate in TRYmo as an alternative to WriMo, or use it to augment the WriMo program. Set a goal or don’t. Write in a group or on your own. Take November to celebrate the art of novel writing in your own way. But however you do it, regardless of the where, when and how often, make a commitment to write.
Join us at these PPW NaNoTRYmo events:
Friday, October 30th, 5 to 8pm –
Stop by the PPW studio at Cottonwood Center for the Arts to pick up your NaNoTRYmo Welcome Packet while you’re enjoying the “Day of the Dead” celebration and art exhibition.
Every Tuesday in November, 4 to 8pm –
Attend write-ins with fellow TRYmos. Seasoned writers will be available for help and encouragement. PPW will provide water, coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate, as well as a “share table” where attendees can deposit snacks to share pot-luck style. Help us GO GREEN by bringing your own water bottle and/or coffee mug.
Saturday, November 21, 9am to 7pm –
A full-day write-a-thon! Come for the entire time or drop in when you can. PPW will provide bottomless hot beverages. Again, bring some snacks to share (if you choose–not required), as well as your water bottle and coffee cup. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.
Sunday, November 29, 1 to 7pm –
“Fight to the Finish” in the company of other frantic finishers. Bring a drinking vessel — you know the drill.
Monday, November 30, 530 to 8pm –
Revel in the aftermath with fellow writers at a TGIO (Thank God It’s Over!) party held in conjunction with our regular “Member’s Night” gathering at Poor Richard’s in downtown Colorado Springs. If you’re feeling good about going “green,” you can still bring your own mug, but no outside food, please.
All NaNoTRYmo events –except for the TGIO party– will be held at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, located at 427 E. Colorado in downtown Colorado Springs.
And all NaNoTRYmo events are free and open to the public.
Let’s get writing!
Top Five Reasons to “Try”
Contributed by Deb Courtney, PPW’s “Writer-in-Residence”
Whatever your goal, daily writing creates excellent habits for writers…write something every day for a month and you will find it easier to write
something every day for a year
Participating in Pikes Peak Writers events builds writing community and accountability
Where else will you find coaches ready to assist you through the tough spots?
The feeling of completing your writing goal, whatever it is, is unparalleled and will motivate you further
Because writers write!
********************************************
Location: Cottonwood Artist’s School. Note New Address:
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Address: 427 E. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
Building is near the corner of Colorado and Wahsatch downtown. Park in lot on the east side of the building. Pikes Peak Writers’ office is in Studio #116;
Write Brains and workshops are usually held in Studio A. Get _map_
(http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Colorado+Springs&state=CO&address=427+E+Colorado +Av) .
********************************************
Jodi Anderson
Pikes Peak Writers Program/Volunteer Coordinator

RM MWA Nov 12 Dinner

October 31, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers of America Invites To Dinner: Forensic Biologist Professor Jane Bock

WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2009
WHERE: The Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm, Denver
TIME: 7:00 p.m. dinner, 8:00 p.m. program
COST: $20 for dinner (price includes: meal, dessert, taxes, gratuities AND program!). Cash, checks only please.

MENU: TBA
Cash bar available.

PROGRAM:

Since 1982 Dr. Bock has worked with Dr. D. O. Norris on developing the use of plant cells in the gastrointestinal tract to aid in homicide investigations. Both Dr. Bock and Dr. Norris have consulted on other botanical evidence for criminal investigations. They have been certified as expert witnesses in this area for the State of Colorado. They are members of Necrosearch International, a nonprofit association of Colorado law enforcement personnel and scientists organized to provide expertise in the location and excavation of clandestine graves in Colorado and throughout the world and to conduct scientific research on grave sites.

They also are members of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Association for Identification.

RSVPs ARE MANDATORY. The reservation deadline is Monday, November 9, Noon. RSVP to Becky Martinez: rebgrace50@aol.com

No shows and anyone not cancelling their reservation 72 hours in advance will be expected to pay since RMMWA will be billed for their reservation.

The directions to the Denver Press Club: 1-25 to 6th Ave. east. Turn north from 6th Avenue onto Santa Fe Drive, then turn right from Santa Fe onto Colfax Ave (15th). You will be heading east. Go about 4 blocks to Glenarm and turn left (north). The Denver Press Club will be about a block and one-half on the right side, across from the Denver Athletic Club. It’s a small stone building with an awning.

Parking is available to the south, in the lot next to the Press Club. Bring singles or a credit card, as the machine won’t make change. You must pay the machine and then leave the ticket on your dashboard or be ticketed. In addition, there is some meter parking on the street, for which you will need quarters. The Denver Press Club telephone number in the event you get lost is 303-571-5260.

Kitchen Table Writing

October 27, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Keep fire in your rewrites.
Explore delights of the blank page

Do you want to keep your rewriting fresh?
Want to rewrite, but want to preserve the original genius?
Kitchen Table Intensive

Bring paper and pen and your imagination.

Thursday, Oct 29, Nov 5
6:15-9:00 pm
near University Hills
(plus you get soup!)
$95 for 2 sessions, $55 for one

with Anne Randolph, M.A., M.F.A. founder of www.KitchenTableWriting.com

Sign up: info@KitchenTableWriting.com 303-758-3426

CAL Luncheon Nov 18th

October 27, 2009 by lizhillwriter

How to Throw Yourself an Internet Book Launch Party

Colorado Authors’ League Luncheon

Wednesday, November 18th, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204

The party’s over and the amazing Amazon sales results are in for Denver-based author, Cathie Beck’s award-winning memoir, “Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship”. Cathie promoted her book using this fresh marketing party tactic along with a ginormous email, internet, and blog web launch, following in the steps of best-selling author, Elle Newmark author of “The Book of Unholy Mischief”. Come hear all the juicy details of what went right for her promotion as well as what aspects were challenging. A story you won’t want to miss!

Cathie Beck is “The Wine Wench” columnist at KUVO 89.3 FM and a contributor to ColoradoBIZ magazine and The Denver Post, as well as the recipient of several awards, including: the Scripps-Howard Award for Excellence in Journalism, the University of Colorado’s Dean Grant Award for Writing, and the Denver Press Woman’s Writing Award.

Come join fellow writers for a delicious buffet lunch and networking. Guests are welcome and luncheons are open to the public. Cost for members is $16, non-members $25.

Information and Registration:
www.ColoradoAuthors.org, or Annette Shope at 303-756-6106 or
annetteshope@comcast.net

RSVP by 10 a.m., Monday, November 16th, 2009

No reservations accepted or cancellations refunded after noon on October 20th.

Parking: There is street parking available with a 2-hour time limit ($4) and commercial lots near the building. LightRail station is also within blocks.

RMFW Eclectic Mic – an evening of prose, music and art.

October 23, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers

Presents

RMFW Eclectic Mic – an evening of prose, music and art.

Featuring authors Carol Berg and Mario Acevedo,
a release party for the anthology Broken Links, Mended Lives, a sneak peek at Michael Madigan’s Heroes, Villains, Dames and Disasters, and the music and stand-up comedy of Gusto Dave

Free to the Public
Saturday November 14, 2009
7PM
Borders
241 W. 104th Ave
Northglenn, CO 80234

RMFW From Fact to Fiction

October 18, 2009 by lizhillwriter

Ken Follett, Bernard Cornwell, Caleb Carr….Mary Renault.

How did they (and many more) manage to write such compelling historical fiction?

Next week is your opportunity to learn some techniques that will help you develop a vivid, detailed setting from history.

Join Marc Graham on Saturday, Oct. 24 for a free workshop sponsored by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers.

Graham will share ideas on how to research your novel. From libraries to journals to the internet, the information you need to inform your writing
with realism is often little more than a mouseclick away. Marc will also share tips on how to weave the facts into your narrative, and how to leave
out the ones that don’t advance your story.

Even if your writing is based in the present, no doubt you will pick up a few tips and ideas to help you along.

Marc has completed two historical novels, with settings ranging from 7th-Century Spain to 19th-Century Australia. A past finalist in the Colorado
Gold Writing Contest, he has also won contests sponsored by Pikes Peak Writers and the National Writers Association.

Workshop title: FROM FACT TO FICTION
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 … 2:30 to 4:30 PM
Location: Lakewood Library, 10200 W. 20th Ave. (just west of Kipling a few blocks)