Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Nilki Benitez's Blog featuring Marcela Landres

From Marcela Landres:

Hi--Check out my Q&A on Nilki Benitez's blog, where I discuss:

* a must-read guide which describes the publishing process,
from acquisition to publication
* why writers should have an agent
* what you should expect from your editor

To read the Q&A, click on: http://nilkibenitez.blogspot.com/2010/06/q-with-editorial-consultant-marcela.html

or click on: http://tinyurl.com/2cno87x

Cheers,
Marcela

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Gemini Ink: Summer Literary Festival

From Gemini Ink:

Summer Literary Festival: What Would Nature Do?
July 9-25, 2010



ONGOING REGISTRATION
Registration for summer classes at Gemini Ink runs through July. Visit www.geminiink.org for more information.

Summer Literary Festival
July 9-25, 2010

Gemini Ink’s 2010 Summer Literary Festival focuses on biomimicry, which according to the Biomimicry Institute is “the science and art of emulating nature’s best biological ideas to solve human problems.” There has always been a bond between the natural world and the arts, a symbiotic relationship in which nature serves as conduit for artistic expression, and the artist works to preserve nature’s beauty and utility. Gemini Ink will celebrate artists focusing their work on the “green” age during our 2010 Summer Literary Festival, “What Would Nature Do?” Join us as we showcase a diverse group of writers, artists, and activists through the lens of the environment. The festival will feature workshops and readings with Joe Nick Patoski, Shin Yu Pai, Sherwin Bitsui, Mobi Warren, Lyle Rosdahl, and more. Our always popular, Young Writers Camp, with instructors Derek Delgado and Donna Peacock, will guide students as they nurture and celebrate their perspective and voice. And, in late July, our successful collaboration with Artpace continues with 2 to Watch, which will pair poet Trey Moore and artist/musician Ken Little together for a spirited demonstration and discussion.


CLASSES

FICTION
#1 Structural Biomimicry in Short Prose

Level: All
Instructor: Lyle Rosdahl
Structure in nature weaves beauty and complexity into our world, why not in our writing as well? Come explore how nature, through biomimicry, can inspire not only content and form in short prose writing (flash fiction and cross-genre short prose), but structure. Prepare to stretch your imagination and the limits of your writing. The class will consist of discussion, in-class writing, in-class reading and collaborative creation. We will look at a variety of reading and visual materials both in class and online. Bring your laptop, or some paper and a pen and your insatiable desire for life, nature and writing.
Date: Monday – Thursday, July 12 – July 15; 7 – 9pm
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Friday, July 9
CPE Credits: 6 Language Arts
Fee: $99

POETRY
#2 Poetry In Motion
Level: All
Instructor: Sherwin Bitsui
In Navajo language and thought, the world and universe are constantly in motion. This workshop will explore Navajo traditional and contemporary poetic works in an attempt to create a poem or the beginnings of a body of work that is informed by indigenous sensibilities of time and space. Utilizing indigenous perspective, participants will write into the formations of the land’s language by following the shapes and dimensions of places that speak to them.
Date: Saturday, July 10, 9am – noon
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 7
CPE Credits: 3 Language Arts
Fee: $81

#3 The Exquisite Eye: A Poetry Workshop
Level: All
Instructor: Shin Yu Pai
This workshop will focus on ekphrastic poetry, writing inspired by the visual arts. We will look at various models that deploy a range of strategies including descriptive illustration, the poem as interpretive occasion, and ekphrasis as a critical meditation. We’ll read poets with ties to the Southwest including Carol Moldaw, Arthur Sze, and Miriam Sagan. Participants will sharpen their powers of observation and try their hand at writing poems based on photographic images from the Wittliff Collections’ Southwestern and Mexican Photography Collection. In keeping with the theme of environment and landscape, we will contemplate images of place, drawing inspiration from images composed by children from Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato, to anonymous photographers documenting la zona de tolerancia in the red light districts of Mexican bordertowns, to Graciela Iturbide’s images of quotidian life in Juchitán, Oaxaca.
Date: Saturday, July 24, 9am - noon
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 21
CPE Credits: 3 Language Arts
Fee: $81

#4 An Intense Exploration of Writing about Nature
Level: All
Instructor: Joe Nick Patoski
Over the course of four hours the class will cover what nature writing is and isn’t, how to effectively communicate ideas, concepts, and issues concerning the natural world through the use of words as opposed to images, and the various motivations behind nature writing. We will also explore who the audiences are, the use of nature writing to win hearts and minds, and what exactly constitutes great nature writing. The class will consist of lecture, discussion, and writing and reading.
Date: Friday, July 9, noon – 4pm (short break included)
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 7
Required Materials: Students should bring pen and paper, laptop, and an article, book, or collection of their favorite nature writing. They should be prepared to read a passage and discuss it as means of explaining why the writing is so compelling.
Recommended Reading: For those lacking a background in nature writing, the following books are suggested – Walden by Henry David Thoreau, A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, Desert Solitaire and Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey, Into the Wild and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, The Springs of Texas by Gunnar Brune and Helen Besse
CPE Credits: 4 Language Arts
Fee: $90

MULTI-GENRE
#5 Getting Published Despite the Economy
Level: Intermediate and above
Instructor: Marcela Landres
Getting published is never easy, but the current economic climate offers additional challenges—and opportunities. In this workshop, you will learn: why debut writers are more valuable than published authors; what agents and editors are looking for more than ever; and the one trait that will ensure publication (hint: it’s not about the writing).
Date: Saturday, July 17, 9am - noon
Limit: 35 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 14
Fee: $45

#6 Private Appointments with Editorial Consultant
Level: Intermediate and above
Instructor: Marcela Landres
The first 20 writers to register and send a manuscript will each receive a 20-minute private consultation with editorial consultant Marcela Landres, who will offer professional suggestions and advice for each writer.
Date: Saturday, July 17; 1 – 8pm
Limit: 20 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 14
Required Manuscript: By the registration deadline, submit a writing sample of up to 10 double-spaced pages of prose. Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address on the first page of your manuscript. Note: poetry and children’s books are not eligible.
Fee: $45

SCREENWRITING
#7 Writing Treatments for Documentaries
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Doug Hawes-Davis
You never know what a camera might catch when the script is thrown out! While this is the thrilling part of filming a documentary, it can also prove to be an impediment in the planning process. However, a solid treatment or outline will provide the framework necessary to bring your vision to fruition. Join producer and director of the award-winning documentary Libby, Montana, Doug Hawes-Davis, as he offers advice and guidance on writing treatments for documentaries. Students are encouraged to bring their ideas, outlines, and “films-in-progress” to be workshopped and refined in class.
Date: Saturday, July 17, noon – 4pm (short break included)
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 14
CPE Credits: 3 Language Arts
Fee: $81

LIFELONG LEARNING
#8 North American Indians: Spiritual and Physical Survival Through Nature
Level: All
Instructor: Marian Aitches
Have you ever wondered how indigenous people managed to thrive on this continent for thousands of years in balance with the earth and her resources? This course will introduce fundamental principles of respect for the natural world such as mimicry of natural forms, seasonal rounds, reciprocity, sustainability, and natural law. Students will experience lecture, documentary film, and discussion of readings provided. We will also workshop our writing (poetry and prose), focusing on ways we can regain balance through cooperative and generative work.
Date: Sunday, July 18, 1pm – 5pm (short break included)
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 14
CPE Credits: 4 Language Arts
Fee: $45

#9 Dawn and Dusk: Crepuscular Writing
Level: All
Instructor: Mobi Warren
Certain mammals are most active at the crepuscular hours, dawn and dusk, when the soft blurring of light provides protection from predators. We will explore the crepuscular nuances, shadows and lights, in our own voices while exploring the trails of Government Canyon State Natural Area. This workshop combines 4-5 miles of hiking with journaling. We will meet at the Government Canyon Visitor’s Center on Sunday and Monday, and then gather at Gemini Ink on Tuesday to craft journal entries into poems.
Dates: Sunday, July 18th, 7am – 10am at Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Rd. San Antonio, TX 78254, Monday, July 19, 7pm – 10pm at same location, Tuesday, July 20, 1pm – 3pm at Gemini Ink
Limit: 12 Participants
Registration Deadline: Friday, July 16
Required Materials: $6.00 per day entry fee for Government Canyon, a journal to write in, a quart of water with a snack, wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, a flashlight
CPE Credits: 6 Language Arts
Fee: $85

#10 Madroño Ranch Seminar
Instructors: Martin Kohout and Heather Catto Kohout
Where is the intersection of place and creativity? Of community and creativity? Solitude and creativity? These are the questions we ask in our efforts to open Madroño Ranch: A Center for Writing and the Environment in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, which we hope will combine humane ranching, organic farming, and ethical hunting, with a creative space. Join us for a discussion of what makes an artists’ community flourish in a rural setting. Time for lively talk and
writing will be included.
Date: Saturday, July 10, 9am – 1pm (short break included)
Limit: 20 Paticipants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 7
Fee: $45

YOUNG WRITERS CAMP
How Does Your Story Grow?
Instructors: Derek Delgado and Donna Peacock
How does a caterpillar know when to spin a cocoon, a seed to pull itself from the earth towards the sun? From childhood tales of “Jack and the Beanstalk” and The Wind in the Willows, to classics of Twain and Melville, the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, and on into contemporary fiction writers and poets like Cormac McCarthy, Mary Oliver, and Gary Snyder, nature has proved a constant inspiration for art and literature. Students will explore ways they have been inspired by nature and experiment with bringing these muses to the page in prose and poetry. The playful environment will nurture and celebrate each student’s perspective and voice and encourage sharing within a supportive writing community. Finally, on Sunday, July 25, all camp participants are invited to share their work in a public reading at Gemini Ink.

#11 Session I (ages 13 – 18)
Dates: Monday – Friday, July 12 – July 16, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Limit: 20 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 7
Required Materials: Bring your favorite writing tools and a sack lunch
Fee: $140

#12 Session II (ages 8 – 12)
Date: Monday – Friday, July 19 – July 23, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Limit: 20 Participants
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 14
Required Materials: Bring your favorite writing tools and a sack lunch
Fee: $140

EVENTS

Community Talk
Moderated by Annalisa Peace of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, the executive director of Solar San Antonio Lanny Sinkin, and Greg Harman, the environmental writer from the San Antonio Current, this summer’s Community Talk will explore the issue of environmental justice and each citizen’s responsibility to protect land and natural resources. What can we do in our homes to protect the environment? What governmental policies will do the most to achieve our goals for the environment? And what should our priorities be regarding environmental issues? This honest, organic discussion is open to all members of the community. Come let us know what you think!
Gemini Ink
513 S. Presa
Sunday, July 25 at 4:30pm
Free and Open to the Public

PBS POV Documentary Series
This summer Gemini Ink, in partnership with SAY Sí, kicks off an ongoing PBS POV (point-of-view) documentary series with a screening of the award winning documentary Libby, Montana. Previously aired on PBS’ popular POV series, this documentary follows the tumultuous and shocking struggle of a small town whose health and security was sacrificed by the mining company that fueled their economy. Summer faculty member and the film’s director and producer, Doug Hawes-Davis, will be on hand to take questions following the screening.
SAY Sí
1518 S. Alamo
San Antonio, TX 78204
Friday, July 16 at 7pm
Free and Open to the Public

Summer Literary Festival Faculty Reading
Join Gemini Ink welcome Summer Literary Festival faculty members Joe Nick Patoski, Sherwin Bitsui, and Marian Aitches as they read from their works.
DATE: Friday, July 9; 7pm
WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: Free and open to the public
CONTACT: (210) 734-9673, info@geminiink.org, www.geminiink.org

Summer Literary Festival Faculty Reading
Join Gemini Ink welcome Summer Literary Festival faculty members Shin Yu Pai, Lyle Rosdahl, and Mobi Warren as they read from their works.
DATE: Friday, July 23; 7pm
WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: Free and open to the public
CONTACT: (210) 734-9673, info@geminiink.org, www.geminiink.org

2010 Young Writers Camp Reading
Join Gemini Ink’s 2010 Young Writers Camp participants as they read from their works.
DATE: Sunday, July 25; 2pm
WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: Free and open to the public
CONTACT: (210) 734-9673, info@geminiink.org, www.geminiink.org

Staff Reading
We work hard all year to build and maintain our community of writers. But we also find, make, and steal time to write. There’s a variety of forms practiced within our tribe, so come get to know us in a new way.
DATE: Friday, August 6; 7pm
WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205
COST: Free and open to the public
CONTACT: (210) 734-9673, info@geminiink.org, www.geminiink.org

2 to Watch
Artpace and Gemini Ink team up again this summer to present our version of The Odd Couple. Join literary artist Trey Moore and visual artist Ken Little as they discuss the ins and outs of their work and their processes, and the intersections of their unique artistic perspectives.
Thursday, July 22
6:30pm
Artpace
445 N. Main

Open Writing Workshop
Join this peer-driven workshop facilitated by longtime Gemini Ink volunteers Dario Beniquez, Jim Dawes and Roland Huff. Share your writing and get feedback on works-in-progress in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The workshop is held from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, on the last Monday of every month at Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa. This season’s Open Writing Workshops will be held on June 28, July 26, and August 30. Bring 6 - 10 copies of your work to share! Free and open to all writers!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Driver Safety

From founding member, Gil Dominguez:

I'm a state-licensed driver-safety instructor and am starting a school to teach a couple of courses. Please pass this on to our members that I'm offering Drug and Alcohol Driver Awareness Program (DADAP) classes in case anyone is interested. Most of the time drivers are ordered by the courts to attend this training as part of a judgement, but you don't have to be a violator or have drug or alcohol issues to attend the class. I took it and got a 10 percent discount on my car insurance policy. Although the class usually costs $50, I can give members a $10 discount. The course fee will more than pay for itself when you add up the insurance savings. But people should check with their insurance providers first to see if the discount would apply in their particular cases. I'm working also on getting my defensive driving (ticket dismissal) certification and later this year will be able to offer that course as well. If I can get enough members to sign up for the DADAP class, however, I can schedule one for next month. For more info, people can contact me at
sadriversafety@gmail.com or (home) 210-497-0949/(cell) 210-216-8330.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Awaken the Sleeping Poet

Awaken the Sleeping Poet
Thursday, June 24, featuring
Performance poet Anthony Cooremans and
La Pryor's favorite son, Juan Perez

Come listen to Anthony recite his astounding poetry from memory. He will make you think
and laugh as he makes connections between words and ideas that you've never even considered.

And Juan, always a crowd favorite with his booming voice, will make you laugh and think about
what it means to be Chicano in todays world.

Anthony is home for the summer from college in Illinois, and Juan comes to us all the way
from La Pryor, Texas. No matter what obstacles you must overcome to be at this Thursday's
poetry venue at Northwoods Barnes and Noble, it will be well worth it. Anthony and Juan are
two of the finest poets you will hear all year, and they are together at one venue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony and Juan begin at 7 p.m.
Open Mic begins at 8 p.m.
Then encore poems by our featured readers at 8:50 p.m.

Northwoods Barnes and Noble
281 and 1604, Henderson Pass Exit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bring yourself; bring a friend; bring a poem!
See you Thursday!

Host:
Floyd L. Lamrouex
lamrouex@sbcglobal.net
210-656-3131

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Information on Xlibris

Becky wanted to share this information with us:

Greetings!

It was good to talk to you. I am happy that I was able to share information about our services to you. As promised, here’s a complete list of the services I offered you on the phone.

I introduced the NEW Professional package to you. Yes, based on all the information you shared with me about your book and your plans, it is indeed very beneficial for you to purchase our Professional package with all its new service inclusions. The Professional Service combines our most popular publishing features into a more robust package. It includes all the services of the Basic package plus more books, more marketing materials, more design options and hardback availability. Authors using the Professional service may customize elements of the interior templates to create an interior that is truly unique.

Let me present them one by one:

NEW Professional Service features include:

* Books (Free Shipping)

1 paperback Primary Print Copy

5 trade paperback copies

* Publication Registration:

Availability of your book in E-book format (this is the newest book format we have)

Availability of your book in Professional Paperback format

Availability of your book in Hardback Format

Unique ISBN Code and UPC Barcode

Registration with Books In Print

Registration with Baker & Taylor

Registration with Ingram and all channel retailers (Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc)

Book and Author Webpages on the Xlibris’ website

U.S. Copyright Registration (to make sure your book is protected from anyone who would attempt to copy your work and ideas)

Library of Congress Registration

Miscellaneous (production)

Allowance of cover art (up to 3 images) and author Photo

Your choice of 18 cover templates

Your choice of 9 interior templates

Ability to customize certain elements of the Interior Templates

25 Allotted Interior Graphics and tables

* Marketing Aide (To help you promote your book):

Printed Materials (50 bookmarks, 50 business cards,50 postcards,5 posters)

Personalized advertising materials you can hand out to your friends and relatives.

Also included:

Paperback royalties: 25% of cover price (direct sales), and 10% (Distributor/Reseller sales)

E-book royalties: 50% of the net price

Author discounts of up to 60% (trade paperbacks respectively)

Author Service Representative who provides support throughout the publication process

Control over your book excerpt viewable in Xlibris' Online bookstore

Online Book Sales Reporting

There is no deadline for submitting the materials. We do request that you inform us when to expect the materials so we can start scheduling the publication process. We start the publishing or lock in the publishing spot for a particular special like the package above with the first installment. The New Professional Package is now priced at $599 only which is the original price of $999, a good price for a package that gives you the professional services to help you come up with a professional book. And you have a choice to pay this in full or by installment. Here’s the computation:

I.
Trade Basic Upgraded to Professional Service:
$ 599.00

Promotion/discount
$ -

$ 599.00


Installment Option:

*installment surcharge
$ 30.00

$ 629.00


Payment Term

1st payment
$ 209.66

2nd payment
$ 209.66

3rd payment
$ 209.66

Installment payment option will allow you to pay for the package in three equal payments using your Credit or Debit Card only.

Or

You have the option of paying for the service in full through Credit/Debit Card, Check, Money Order or Wire Transfer.

For check and money order payments, please send it to the address below:

Xlibris Corporation
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403

We are able to provide services that are not normally offered by other self-publishing companies: 24/7 Book Ordering Service, an open-ended and non-exclusive agreement, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you (the author) retain all rights to the book and have full control of the publishing.

Let me help you write your own success at a minimal cost. In case you have questions or you’ve made your decision, you may call me at 1-888 795 4274 ext. 7416 or reply to this email. I am in my office from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday. You may also visit our website at www.xlibris.com.

I welcome you to Xlibris in advance!

Best Regards

Valerie Summers
Customer Services Representative
Sales & Marketing Department
Xlibris Corporation
1663. Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
Tel: 888.795.4274, ext. 7416
Fax: 610.915.0294
Valerie.Summers@Xlibris.com
http://www.xlibris.com

Let us know how we’re doing
customersatisfaction@Xlibris.com

Why choose Xlibris?

eXcellent selection of publishing services and comprehensive marketing services Largest 24/7 customer service staff Incredible monthly offers Books never go out of print Retain the Rights of your Book Industry giant for more than a decade Satisfaction Guaranteed

Monday, June 21, 2010

Visit Historical Roses

From Lupe Gonzalez:

Come visit the Historical Roses and learn about summer vacation in the 50s and 70s and tell me about your favorite vacation.

Check it out here:
http://twrphistoricalroseline.blogspot.com/


Lupe M. Gonzalez
http://www.myspace.com/lesmora
Writing stories by and about Latinas and their lives and loves.
Released Sep 23, 2009 - A Love for Eternity, TWRP, Vintage Miniature Rose
Too Late For Romance? (Debut Book, Jun 2008, The Wild Rose Press)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Society Needs Your Help

An open letter to the members of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio from Ruben Soto:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fellow SLHW Members and Supporters:


As we celebrate our 6th anniversary next month I cannot help but feel excited and proud to see how far our group has come. We are honored to have had so many authors and literary experts as our guests throughout the years. Thanks to the Barnes and Nobles management at the San Pedro Crossings location for their continuous support that make our monthly meetings possible. And I am also proud that we have an excellent group of Spanish writers that meet monthly at the Barnes and Nobles at La Cantera.


Because of the existence of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers many people’s lives have been changed and new friendships have been created. We are definitely “a home away from home” for many of us who consider the members of the Society to be their “second” family – somos una familia. We have all grown and matured not only as writers, but as human beings.


What many of you may not realize is that even though we do not pay for the space at the bookstores, there are other costs associated with holding our monthly meetings. Since we never established a membership fee we have had to rely on contributions from a few of our members to pay for most of our costs. From the first time we invited a guest speaker six years ago up until our latest monthly meeting this week, we have provided an honorarium to the guest speaker. The honorarium averages between $20-$40 (usually a gift card from Barnes and Nobles) and the money has come exclusively from Vince Bosquez and to a lesser degree from me, Ruben Soto - that is over $200 a year that has come from our own money and it averages to over $1,200 in the last six years. We have done this because it was the appropriate thing to do since many of our authors travelled from out of town to be our guest for the meeting. It is the least we could do for them and we wished we had more money to help them with their travel cost.


But now it is time that we get everyone who has benefitted from these meetings throughout the years to assist us financially. We need your financial assistance!


We have other goals as well and we need money to accomplish them. One of our goals for 2011 is to award scholarships to at least 2 graduating high school seniors who will major in Creative Writing. The amount of the scholarships will depend on the amount of money we have in the bank. The other goal is to have enough funds so that we can bring in renowned authors, editors and agents to hold special seminars for us. And all of this requires that we have the financial ability to accomplish them.


So, as the Founder of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio I am asking you to consider sending us a tax deductible donation today. The Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so your contribution is tax deductible.


Please send in your donation by check or money order to:


The Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers
P.O. Box 1040
San Antonio, Texas 78294-1040


I thank you sincerely in advance for your donation!

Ruben Soto

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Marcela is Coming to San Antonio!

From Marcela Landres:

WHAT: Getting Published Despite the Economy

Getting published is never easy, but the current economic climate offers
additional challenges--and opportunities. In this workshop, you will learn:
why debut writers are more valuable than published authors; what agents
and editors are looking for more than ever; and the one trait that will
ensure publication (hint: it's not about the writing).

Private consultations are also available. Space is limited, so register early!

WHEN: Saturday, July 17, Workshop - 9 a.m. to noon
Private Consultations - 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205

WHO: Marcela Landres is the author of the e-book How Editors Think:
The Real Reason They Rejected You, and is the publisher of the
award-winning e-zine Latinidad. An Editorial Consultant who helps
writers get published by editing their work and educating them on the
business side of publishing, she was formerly an editor with Simon & Schuster.

TESTIMONIAL: "Let me just say again how beneficial I found your
presentation. As I mentioned before, I have been writing for most of my
life but until relatively recently have not looked into publication. I have
attended many workshops and presentations on breaking into the
market in the last few years, and yours tops the list. You definitely have
a gift. You give very specific advice (which so many seem to avoid) and
are very encouraging. Please let me know if you are ever in the area
again."--Alicia Clay-ONeill

REGISTER: Visit http://geminiink.org/
***********************************************************
For a list of all my upcoming workshops, visit
http://www.marcelalandres.com/
***********************************************************
Marcela Landres
Author of the e-book "How Editors Think: The Real Reason They Rejected You"
http://www.marcelalandres.com/E-book.html

Breakfast with Dr. Santiago Daydi-Tolson

Fellow Writer,

You are invited to attend a presentation by SLHW member Dr. Santiago Daydi-Tolson, a Professor of Spanish and Comparative Literature at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The topic of the presentation is: The road to publication via the Albuquerque´s Annual National Latino Writers Conference.

Dr. Daydi-Tolson's presentation will be on Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. Ruben Soto has reserved a Conference Room at the Egg & I Restaurant, which will be providing us with a special menu for the event. As usual, everyone pays for their own meal--but the presentation itself is FREE!

Egg & I Restaurant
‎700 East Sonterra Boulevard,
San Antonio, TX 78258-4386
(210) 491-0010

I hope you can make time to attend this informative event with us!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Gaby Madrid published in Voices de la Luna

From Gaby Madrid:

I am writing to share wonderful news. Just recently, another short story I wrote in English got published again in "Voices de la Luna". This time in June 2010 magazine. The short story is called "Why" and in order to access it you must click on "select prose" and then "short prose".
I hope you enjoy it and please share the news with others.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Business of Writing


Top Photo: Lupe Gonzalez poses with Edna Campos Gravenhorst at last night's meeting of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio

Bottom Photo: Ruben Soto poses with Edna Campos Gravenhorst at last night's meeting.


The Business of Writing
by Edna Campos Gravenhorst


12 Tips I picked up from talking to agents, editors, publishers and other writers:

1. If you write, call yourself a writer. You don’t need to wait until you are published.

2. Start building your writer’s platform right away, design a basic author’s website, make it easy for people to find you.

3. Design business cards specifically for your writing, always carry them with you.

4. Tell everyone, who will listen, what you write and what you are working on, you never know where a contact will come from.

5. If you are looking for an agent or need an editor’s name, spend time at a bookstore reviewing books that are similar to what you are working on, read the acknowledgement page. The author of the book will usually thank their agent and editor.

6. Writing is a business, networking is part of the job.

7. Take every opportunity to do a book event or read from your work in progress, make sure to have the venue post your event. When you pitch your work to an agent, editor and/or publisher they will research your name on the Internet to see how you are marketing your work.

8. There are few overnight successes in our business, tenacity is a writer’s most important trait.

9. Support other authors by attending their book events, you will always learn at least one valuable tip from their experience.

10. Write what you feel you must write first, then look for a market.

11. As writers we are lifetime students; attend classes, workshops, conferences, teach when you get the chance and read, read, read.

12. HAVE FUN AND LIVE YOUR WRITING LIFE WITHOUT FEAR, GUILT OR SHAME!

Litmag for Writers of Color Seeks Interns

From Marcela Landres:

Hi--I'm on the Board for Kweli, a literary journal for writers of color. Kweli
is currently seeking interns; below is more information. Please forward widely,
and many thanks in advance. Cheers, Marcela

Litmag for Writers of Color Seeks Interns

Kweli is a newborn journal and yet it is set to become home to the most
curious and most compelling artists of color. As a collective, their work
reflects a world that is "complex, multi-vocal and contradictory." Recent
and forthcoming contributors to Kweli include Nelly Rosario, Thomas
Sayers Ellis, Lorna Goodison, Victor LaValle, and Santee Frazier.

Kweli is looking for highly motivated editorial interns who want to learn
the literary journal business. Intern responsibilities include reviewing
manuscripts, conducting research, and assisting with administrative tasks.
Kweli needs interns that are detail-oriented, close readers, and strong
writers. Internships are generally unpaid; interns must work a minimum
of 8-10 hours per week. Artists of color are encouraged to apply. Research
will be on two fronts:

1. Kweli wants to expand its outreach to emerging writers of color. They
have recently added Diné College to their e-blast list (Diné College is a
two-year, tribally controlled community college on Navajo Indian
Reservation) and they will soon reach out to the Farafina Trust Creative
Writing Initiative in Lagos (a writing workshop spearheaded by
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie).

2. Kweli also needs help gathering research material for their author
interview series, KWELI in CONVERSATION. Previous interviews and essays
(both online and print) need to be compiled and then forwarded to
designated editors.

To apply read the journal by visiting http://www.kwelijournal.com then
mail them a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples. Internships are
available for the summer and timing is flexible. Kweli can be contacted at:

KWELI JOURNAL
P.O. Box 693
New York, NY 10021
E-mail: kwelijournal@me.com
Website: http://www.kwelijournal.com
*****************************************************************
Marcela Landres

Monday, June 14, 2010

Book Review: King of the Chicanos


Interested in reading a good book? Check out my book review on "King of the Chicanos" by Manuel Ramos

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Monday's Meeting

Fellow Writer,

Just a quick reminder about the meeting of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio on Monday, June 14 at Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting will feature Edna Campos Gravenhorst, an author and Historical researcher. The topic of her presentation is "The Business of Writing."

I hope you will be able to join me at important event.

If you want to nominate someone to run for an SLHW Office, please be sure to do it soon!

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Bihl Haus Arts

Dear Friends of Bihl Haus Arts,

Join us for an intimate reading at Bihl Haus Arts on 2nd Thursday, June 10th, by poet, playwright, and teacher VINCENT TORO. Vincent’s poems have been published in the Paterson Literary Review, Vallum, and Bordersenses. He has performed his poetry in his home state of New York and throughout New Jersey and Texas. His plays have been staged at INTAR, Teatro La Tea, Repertorio Espanol, and The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, where he is currently Director of Theater Arts. He has been a finalist for the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Prize and the 2nd place winner of the Metlife Nuestras Voces playwriting competition.

The evening begins with a poetry workshop at 6 pm—share your works in progress with master teacher Jim Brandenberg--followed by open mic at 7pm. Vincent reads at 8 pm. Your hosts this Thursday are poets Josie Mixon, Mo Saidi, and Carolyn Sanchez. See you then!

Kellen

Kellen Kee McIntyre, PhD
Executive Director
Bihl Haus Arts
P.O. Box 100806
2803 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 383-9723 (cell)
(210) 732-3502 (off)
kellenkee@swbell.net

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Dr. Santiago Daydi-Tolson Presentation

You are invited to attend a presentation by SLHW member Dr. Santiago Daydi-Tolson, a Professor of Spanish and Comparative Literature at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The topic of the presentation is: The road to publication via the Albuquerque´s Annual National Latino Writers Conference.

Dr. Daydi-Tolson's presentation will be on Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. Ruben Soto has reserved a Conference Room at the Egg & I Restaurant, which will be providing us with a special menu for the event. As usual, everyone pays for their own meal--but the presentation itself is FREE!

Egg & I Restaurant
‎700 East Sonterra Boulevard,
San Antonio, TX 78258-4386
(210) 491-0010

I hope you can make time to attend this informative event with us!

NOTE: Don't forget to send in your nominations for the SLHW Officers Election!

Julio Pinet on "Desde San Antonio"

This is to inform everyone that Julio Pinet's interview on Univision 41 - San Antonio will be broadcast Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m., on the program "Desde San Antonio" with host Amparo Ortiz. Univision 41 is also on TimeWarner Cable channel 8.

Julio will talk about his trip where he met Donald Trump and about his involvement with The Trump Network. For those that don't understand Spanish you can use the translation function on your TV.

Julio is married to author Rebeca Gomez Galindo, a former Vice President of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio.

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Esto es para informarles a todos que la entrevista de Julio Pinet en Univision 41 - San Antonio será mañana a las 10 a.m. en el programa "Desde San Antonio" con la presentadora Amparo Ortiz. Univision 41 también se ve en el canal 8 de Time Warner Cable.

Julio hablará sobre su viaje donde conoció al empresario billonario Donald Trump y con su afiliación al negocio The Trump Network.

Julio está casado con la autora Rebeca Gómez Galindo, que fue Vice-Presidente de la Sociedad de Escritores Latinos e Hispanos de San Antonio.

Friday, June 04, 2010

SARA Build-A-Book Information

From our friends at the San Antonio Romance Authors:

BUILD-A-BOOK is San Antonio Romance Authors’ 4-part series of hands-on workshops educating aspiring writers how to write, sell and promote fiction in the twenty-first century. This series of workshops, led by our award-winning published SARA authors, is open to the general public.

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.

WHEN:
Our last Build a Book Workshop of the season will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010,
and will run from 1030am - 1:30pm.

WHERE:
Landa Library
233 Bushnell Avenue (at the corner of Shook & Bushnell behind Trinity University.)
San Antonio TX 78212
210-732-8369

WORKSHOP:
Presentations and Speakers are:
"Narrative" presented by Janice Edgerson
"Scene & Sequel" presented by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Workshop Registration fees:
SARA members: $13.00 per person ($15.00 per workshop if paid with Pay Pal).
NON-SARA members: $20.00 per person ($22.00 per workshop if paid with Pay Pal)
Seating is limited, so please register soon to reserve your seat.

*For Questions please contact: Joni Hahn, Workshop Chairperson, at jhspursfan@gmail.com,
or Patricia Walters-Fischer, SARA 1st Vice President, at paw1067@yahoo.com
You may also visit www.sararwa.net for details.

SARA REFUND POLICY:
The refund policy for special events (including, but not limited to, Merritt Conference, the Fall Workshop and any other event for which a fee is charged) is 100% of the registration fee if cancellation is made thirty (30) days or more before the event, and 50% if made less than thirty (30) days and prior to seven (7) days before the event. There will be no refund if cancellation is made seven (7) or less days prior to the event.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Book Review:


In case you missed it, here's my review on The Godfather of Poker

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

SLHW Officer Nominations

It's time to nominate candidates to be officers of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio!!! You should have already received nomination instructions via email, but if you haven't received the email, please email me at Vincent_bosquez@yahoo.com

We need everyone to participate and send in their nominations!