Gemini Ink Course at Special Price

Great News From Gemini Ink--Writing for Tweens Course at a Special Price for SLHW Literary Note Readers!

Writing for Tweens

How do you write for kids caught beTWEEN childhood and full adolescence? These nine-to thirteen-year-olds are too old for picture books, but not yet ready for the mature content of young adult literature. So what are their interests and how do they think? Our workshop will investigate the psychology and concerns of middle-school children and offer techniques for cultivating an authentic “tween” voice and an engaging plot. Be prepared to share a narrative sketch of a character you plan to write about.

INSTRUCTOR: Diana López
DATE: Saturday, May 9; 1 – 4 pm
LIMIT: 12 participants
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 1
REQUIRED SUBMISSION: Bring your narrative sketch of a “tween” character to class.
REQUIRED READING: Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo by Greg Leitich Smith (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2003)
WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: $50 for SLHW Literary Notes readers
CPE Credits: 3 Language Arts (all levels)
CONTACT: (210) 734-9673, info@geminiink.org, www.geminiink.org

Gaby Update

Great news! María Gabriela Madrid reports her book, "Entre los surcos del recuerdo," is now on sale at Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida. Here's a link to Mayra Calvani's blog report about the exciting news.

In case anyone would like to purchase the book by phone, please call (305) 442-4408 or via
e-mail: www.booksandbooks.com

Gaby also had a chance to meet with our President Emeritus, Ruben Soto, while in Miami last Friday. Her two readings at La Tertulia and at Velada Literaria went well.

Mary Lou Barrera Success Story--Publication!

Fellow member Mary Lou Barrera would like to share with us some good news! A story she wrote has been accepted for inclusion in a special edition publication of Tonantzin for the 28th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2009 published by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

It will be available right before the festival (about May 4), and at the festival itself, May 5-9. After that, it will be available at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Since it is the program magazine for the Conjunto Festival, the price is $2, plus shipping and handling. To order a magazine, call the Guadalupe at 210/271-3151.

Madrid Interview

Here's one more item on Maria Gabriela Madrid; she's been interviewed by Mayra Calvani on Examiner.com. Click HERE for the interview.

Continued Success for Maria Gabriela Madrid

Monday, May 11
7:30 p.m.
Maria Gabriela Madrid
Guest Speaker
Monthly Meeting of the Society of
Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio
Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing

Gaby has been invited to read and to present her book "Entre los surcos del recuerdo" at the following locations:

On thursday 23, she will be at Picante Grill as a "Honorary Guest" for the "Annual Dinner of The American Association of Spanish and Portuguese Teachers (AATSP-SA)"

On Friday, April 24, she will be at "La Tertulia" (Miami Writers), in Miami where hopefully she will meet up with Ruben!

On Saturday 25, I will at "Velada Literaria"(ICP) in Miami.

Gaby's book, "Entre los surcos del recuerdo," is a group of twenty one short stories where fiction and reality mixed allowing the reader to transport himself to different histories that culminate in surprising endings.

For more information on how to buy "Entre los surcos del recuerdo"for $10, please contact the author´s e-mail: mariagmadrid@yahoo.com

Poetry Event Invitation

Fellow member Berta Jacobson would like to share an email she received from Beverly Monestier:

It was a pleasure to meet you ladies on Wednesday at the Twig. Here is the invitation to our big event on Wednesday night. Please come and spread the word among friends and associates. THANK YOU! Looking forward to seeing you there.

On Wednesday, April 22nd at Viva Galleria, 8407 Broadway (just inside loop 4-10), at 7 p.m. Reception with refreshments begins at 6:30. MC is Dos Gatos Press and Texas Poetry Calendar editor Scott Wiggerman (Austin). Please help us welcome these special guests to our city, and enjoy this rare opportunity to listen to their work, meet them, and get your books signed. Reading space decorations will be from The Greenhouse in Terrell Terrace: Art and Environment exhibit by Beverly Monestier and artist Linda Draper, along with VIVA's current gallery feature.

Synergy Foundation promotes peace and intercultural understanding through literary arts and education. We do much to promote literacy, and have taken up the theme of environmental care as a unifying concern among us all. This free event, which features different literary and other artistic guests each year, is one of our annual gifts to the community.

Musical Performance of Diane Bertrand's Book

Thank you to Cynthia Ramirez for providing this information:

Fellow Society member and acclaimed San Antonio author Diane Bertrand--a writer-in-residence at St. Mary's University has been honored with a remarkable tribute. Music professor Bro. Michael Sullivan, S.M., wrote an original work based on the book "Sip, Slurp, Soup, Soup Caldo, Caldo, Caldo." Ph.D. John Moore will accompany the piece.

The original work will be performed on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23, at St. Mary's University's Reinbolt Hall Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, please call 210-436-3011.

May's Guest Speaker

Monday, May 11

7:30 p.m.

Maria Gabriela Madrid

Guest Speaker

Monthly Meeting of the Society of

Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio

Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing

Maria Gabriela Madrid (Caracas-Venezuela) studied Education at Metropolitan University of Caracas-Venezuela; English as a second language and Creative writing at Harvard University, Boston University, and Columbia University.

She received a Diploma and Mention of Honor for participating in the “XVII Poetry and Narrative contest” held by “Instituto Cultural Peruano,” Miami-Florida. She moved to the United States a while ago, and now live in San Antonio where she belongs to different literary groups and writer workshops.

Her book “Entre Los Surcos del Recuerdo” came out this year in Caracas, Venezuela, as well as short stories in different antologies such as “Poetas y Narradores 2008 supported by “El Instituto Cultural Peruano” in Miami; and Women Voice’s/Voces de Mujeres supported by “Mujeres Writing Group” at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Her Book “Entre los surcos del recuerdo” is part of the syllabus for the advance Spanish classes at Saint Mary´s Hall (a private school in San Antonio) and other university libraries across the USA.

For more information,the author´s e-mail is: mariagmadrid@yahoo.com

Award Winners

The following notice is sent by Regina Chavez y Sanchez:

Please join the Northwest Vista College English and Art Departments in congratulating former NVC student Kacee Belcher for her poem, “Piedras Negras” winning first place and two hundred dollars!

Also, please join us in congratulating Trish Stone for her poems, “Wonder Bread White Woman Poem-Part I” and “Wonder Bread White Woman Poem-Part II” winning second place and one hundred dollars!

These two poets showed great control, discipline, wisdom, and beauty in their cross-cultural tapestries.

Our remaining prize money went to the winning artist! (TBA)

Also, we want to extend a special congratulations for the following runner up poets who showed marked signs of development, skill, and beauty in their craft.

Matthew Guzman, “The Mechanic”
Alecks Malanowski, “Perdida”
Jorge Benavides “To Be Born Again (For T.S. Eliot)”

The team of judges encourages each of you to attend local poetry readings, slams, workshops (at Gemini Ink, The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and other local writing venues) as well as classes at NVC or at any of the colleges and universities in the San Antonio area. We want you to continue to develop your special gift for language and expression. Also, the San Antonio Express News has a weekly poetry contest for local writers. Check it out! But go beyond this step! It is just a beginning!

Next week, we hope you can all come to the Second Annual Trinidad Sanchez Jr. Poetry and Art Festival, “Lowriders and Other Cuentos,” where some extraordinary poets will accompany the two winning poets in a celebration of art and expressions San Antonio style!

Come see Terry Ibañez, Norma Cantu, and Levi Romero, a winning poet, and our special guest, Regina Chavez y Sanchez in a constellation of language!

The winning artwork will also be displayed at this special event!

The date is Wednesday, April 22nd, and we are holding the event twice so that everyone has an opportunity to come. Join us in CCC (Cypress campus Center) 122, next to the new cafeteria by the lake at 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. here on the Northwest Vista College campus. See the flyer and the map for more details.

On behalf of the judges, thank you so much for contributing to the celebration of Trinidad Sanchez Jr., a legendary poet and teacher to many artists and students all over the country.

Hernandez on "A Book and a Chat"

Society member Jo Ann Hernandez is this Saturday’s guest on blog radio's "A BOOK AND A CHAT"at 11am EST (10 a.m. San Antonio time) Saturday, April 18 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Call-in Number: (347) 237-5398

Jo Ann has vowed to answer any question that the first six callers may pose.

Calvani Interviews Becky

Fellow Society Member Rebeca Galindo Gomez was interviewed by Mayra Calvani for the examiner.com, which is quite a feat!Calvani has interviewed authors like Reyna Grande and Caridad Pineiro.

Here is a link to the interview: Becky's Interview

SARA Merritt Conference--May 2

SARA 2009 Merritt Conference: May 2, 2009

San Antonio Romance Authors is delighted to announce their 2009 Merritt Conference. New York Times #1 best-selling Author Victoria Alexander will deliver our keynote address. Peter Senftleben of Kensington Publishing will attend as our 2009 Merritt guest publisher editor, and Vivian Chum of the Prospect Agency will join us as our Merritt 2009 guest publisher agent to educate attendees and help further their professional advancement as an author. Best selling author, Susan Krinard, will present a writing workshop, and a book fair and author book signing will occur in the afternoon. Incredible gift baskets will also be raffled off during the conference.

The 2009 Merritt Conference will take place Saturday, May 2nd from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Hilton San Antonio Airport, 611 NW Loop 410.

Conference fees are:
SARA Members-$70 Early registration until April 25 for Non-Members-$80
General registration for Non-Members after April 25th-$90

Conference registration includes lunch and the opportunity to schedule an appointment to meet with the guest editor or guest agent. Appointments are on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more details about the conference, registration, or making editor/agent appointments please visit www.sararwa.net.

Night of International Poets, Poetry and Peace

The following message is from Beverly Monestier:

Synergy's Night of International Poets, Poetry, and Peace

Synergy Foundation presents FREE performances by 2008 Poet Laureate of Texas, Larry Thomas (Houston), and international poets Agnes Meadows (London, work in Palestine) and Beverly Monestier (Cyprus/US), on Wednesday, April 22nd at Viva Galleria, 8407 Broadway, at 7 p.m.

Reception begins at 6:30. Books signed afterward.

Guest host Scott Wiggerman of Dos Gatos Press (Austin) should have Texas Poetry Calendars and the new "best of" anthology available also.

Please help us welcome these special guests to San Antonio, and take advantage of the rare opportunity to hear and meet them!

For questions/clarifications, contact:
Beverly Monestier
beverlymonestier@hotmail.com
c/o Synergy Foundation
824-5379

Monday's Meeting

Please remember that the monthly meeting of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio will be on Monday, April 13 at the Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing at 7:30 p.m. This month we will feature our own members as this will be our quarterly "Cinco Minutos with You" meeting.

The San Antonio Express-News has listed our blog on a special section of its website: http://www.sacultura.com/
Look for our link in the column on the far right side under "Mas Useful Links."

Thank you to everyone who sent me their comments on my review in last Sunday's paper. In case you missed it, here's the link: http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/books/Review_In_the_Shadow_of_the_Giant.html

Finally, this July marks our 5th Anniversary! With this important milestone approaching, I believe now is the time to select a new president for the Society. I have spoken with Ruben Soto and Lupe Gonzalez, whose counsel I value very highly and they are supportive of my wish to let someone else take the reins of the month-to-month leadership of the Society. Don't worry, I'm not going any where. I want to focus my time on grant writing and obtaining funding for future projects and events. If you are interested in discussing with me the selection of a new president, please stay after Monday's meeting to go over possibilities with me.

Where to Purchase Becky's Book

If someone is interested in buying Becky's book (highlight below) you can buy it at www.edamex.com or directly from Becky at vivoparaescribir@live.com

Habitantes de Mi Tiempo

Fellow Scribes,

It is with great pleasure that I announce that one of our long time members, Rebeca Gomez Galindo, has just published her book in Spanish, Habitantes de Mi Tiempo (Relatos Breves)!

And the book's ink was still wet when Becky was invited to present and exhibit her book at the Salon du Livre 2009, held in Paris, France, March 13-18! According to Becky, at this year's conference Mexico was the featured guest of honor. Thirty-six of the most important Mexican writers attended the conference and 3,000 of the most important Mexican literary books were exhibited there.

Becky also reports that several French publishers were interested in her book.

To catch a glimpse of the book, please visit Becky's website at www.habitantesdemitiempo.com

SARA---Build a Book

BUILD-A-BOOK is San Antonio Romance Authors’ [SARA] uniquely designed series of hands-on workshops that educate aspiring writers how to write, sell and promote fiction in the twenty-first century.

This series of workshops, led by published authors, will help aspiring writers get their stories written—and published. The series is open to the general public and we invite anyone who has ever thought of putting pen to paper for publication to attend. Join us for information, fun, and a novel way to learn about writing, and the business of books!

Workshop #3 – Queries/Synopses/Self-Editing, Saturday, April 18th, 2009 from 8:30am-12:30pm.
Speakers are: Jo-Ann Power
Mary Fechter/AKA M.J. Fredrick
Linda Carroll-Bradd/AKA Layla Chase

Workshop attendees should bring a pen and notebook to take notes. Laptops are allowed, but electrical outlets are not readily available.

Workshop Registration fees: SARA members: $12 per workshop Non-members: $20 per workshop

For Questions please contact: Joni Hahn, Workshop Chairperson, at: jhspursfan@gmail.com
Or visit: www.sararwa.net
Workshop held at:
Boerne Convention and Community Center
820 Adler Rd (Off IH 10 West, 20 miles north of Loop 1604, San Antonio)
Boerne, TX 78006(830) 249-2811

Spanish Group Meeting

Hola a todos,

Tendremos nuestra junta del grupo de español el día 6 de Abril del 2009 a las 7:00 pm en Barnes & Noble de San Pedro y I 410.

Yo voy a ser la facilitadora de este mes, así que después de leer y compartir nuestros escritos nos vamos a divertir con algunos ejercicios de escritura.

Aquí envio una fotografía que nos comparte nuestra amiga Lourdes Nuñez, ¡Gracias Lourdes!

Y recuerden ¡LO IMPORTANTE ES SOLTAR LA IMAGINACION Y A DISFRUTAR ESCRIBIENDO!

Los esperamos ¡AHI NOS VEMOS!

Escríbelo o se pierde,
Martha Curcio
La Sociedad de Escritores Latinos e Hispanos de San Antonio

The Week in Poetry

Thank you to P.C. McKinnon for compiling the information below:

MONDAY APRIL 6 – FRIDAY APRIL 10
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: KRTU Radio: Jazz & Poetry lunch feature with Aaron Prado and Jim LaVilla-Havelin

TUESDAY APRIL 7
10:30 AM: LEON VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY (LVPL) / 6425 Evers
“Poetry Story Time: Poetry for Toddlers,” including tips on sharing
poetry with young children and recommended resources
7:00 PM: LEON VALLEY CITY HALL
Poetry Month in Leon Valley – a Mayoral Proclamation & Poetry
Calendar

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8
7:00 PM: TRINITY UNIVERSITY / Attic Theater
Barbara Ras and Ellen Watson conversation & reading

THURSDAY APRIL 9
6:00-8:00 PM: SAN JACINTO SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER / 1512 El Paso St
In collaboration with “El Placazo Community Newspaper”
OPEN MIC and Poetry Reading Night (info: 226-7466)

SATURDAY APRIL 11
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: LVPL, during LV Trade & Market Days
“Poetree” Children writer/illustrate poems on leaf-shaped paper to be placed on the “tree”
“Poetry Path” participants use a provided map and make stops at “poetry places/” Those visiting all the stops on the path receive a “Poetry Lover” button at the Library
10:30 AM: LVPL / 6425 Evers
Share Your Poem – local poets are invited to read
6:30 PM: GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Westside Poets Celebrate National Poetry Month
Ramon Vasquez & Santiago Garcia’s group of writers & musicians

SUNDAY APRIL 12
10:00 am – NOON: GOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA
Family Poetry Hike: Parents and children ages 8-up will enjoy a short hike and writing poetry together – magnifying glasses and writing journals – in hand (provided) Reservations: (reservations@friendsofgc,org)
THIRD COAST STUDIO in SEASHELL VILLAGE / Port Aransas
6th “Texas Laughing Gull Writing Contest Awards,” with high school Emerging Writers Poetry Contest Winners (info: 361 / 749-7334)

Writing for Tweens

From Gemini Ink:

WRITING FOR TWEENS
How do you write for kids caught beTWEEN childhood and full adolescence? These 9-to 13-years-olds are too old for picture books, but not yet ready for the mature content of young adult literature. So, what are their interests and how do they think? Our workshop will investigate the psychology and concerns of middle-school children and offer techniques for cultivating an authentic "tween" voice and an engaging plot. Be prepared to share a narrative sketch of a character you plan to write about.

Instructor: Diana López
Date: Saturday, May 9; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Limit: 12 participants
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1
Required Submission: Bring your narrative setch of a "tween" character to class.
Required Reading: Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo by Greg Letich Smith (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2003)CPE Credits: 3 Language Arts (all levels)Fee: $72
To Register: Call 210.734.9673

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month!

Here's a poem I would like to share with you: