Barb's Editors Note: This WWA NewsBrief is for and about our membership. If you have ideas or comments, suggestions, or complaints, hopefully not :) Please share them with me. bjm.writer@gmail.com.

WWA News about member accomplishments, writing events, and contests is sent by email each month. Please send news bits for the June 2019 WWA NewsBrief no later than Monday, May 20, 2019, to Barbara Messick at bjm.writer@gmail.com. Thank you.

PLEASE NOTE: To access web links inserted throughout the NewsBrief
just click on the blue text to jump to the web link provided.

To print a copy of this NewsBrief, CLICK HERE, or follow the issue link below.
WWA June 2019 NewsBrief Download

You will need Adobe Reader to view the PDF materials. If you don’t have Adobe Reader you can get it here. It's free!

A Note from WWA President Barry Wightman:

WWA President’s Message – June 20, 2019

You’re a writer. Tell me what you think.

You’re at some family event, or maybe a neighborhood thing,or something. People may know you’re a writer, and some of those people are there—Weird Cousin Andy, Cranky Uncle Floyd, Kindly Aunt Jane, or that nice guy down the street whose name you can never remember, that chatty woman with all those cats up at the lake—you’re chatting, and maybe the conversation flags a bit.

“So, how’s your novel going?”

I don’t know about you, but that question always drives me nuts. They’re being nice, showing polite interest—even weird Andy or cranky uncle Floyd. But somehow, the question goes zinging into a weird space in my head where that work-in-progress is perpetually bubbling. Inside, I tense up, I don’t want to talk about it. Particularly if I’m at some point in the crappy first draft.

I respond nicely, try to smile, say something like, “Yes!It’s going really well. Thanks for asking.” And it is nice of them. But still. Rather not go there.

I think it’s a character flaw.

Is it just me?

Summer is upon us and whatever your writing habits and plans for July and August, know that your Wisconsin Writers Association is busy supporting writers all over the state. We just had a great workshop in Burlington last Saturday – Time to Write! We’re sponsoring the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s excellent Priory Writers Retreat, July 18 -21. There’s an outstanding WWA conference in Solon Springs on September 28 with a star-studded line-up of authors and speakers. Then on October 5, WWA will host a day of workshops near Madison with another marvelous cast of presenters. More in the works. Visit our new website at wiwrite.org for details and to register.

Summer days ahead. Keep on writing, and stay in touch.

Barry

Board Members Needed:

WWA is a registered 501 (c) 3, managed by a Board of Directors and is in need of new board member volunteers. Board members serve a three-year term, and duties include attendance at two board meetings per year and accepting a volunteer assignment that fits their time availability.

Board members focus on policy and long-range planning to fulfill our mission of supporting Wisconsin writers in achieving their individual writing goals. Please join us in this important work. If interested in further discussion or to ask questions, contact barrymwightman@gmail.com.

Upcoming Board Vacancies:

WWA Board Treasurer/Financial Chair - Beginning October 2019

WWA General Board Member - Two general board positions beginning October 2019

Meet Your Board

Head on over to the Board of Directors page for easy links to contact WWA Board Members.

Executive Committee:
President: Barry Wightman
Vice President: Kymberly Pekrul

Treasurer: Kim Suhr

Secretary: Lisa Lickel

B0ard Members:
Gary Banker
Nick Chiarkas
Charlie Haislet
Adrienne Hulbert-Stroud
Christine Keleny-Craven
Debra Raven-King
Thomas Wayne King
Russ Klingaman
Barbara Messick
Christine Schultz
Karin Schmidt

You too could be a member of this esteemed group! Contact President Barry Wightman.

WWA Board Calls & Meetings:

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 – 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. – WWA members are welcome to call in or attend the meeting as observers. To request, a call invite, contact kpekrul.editor@gmail.com

WWA Business Membership Available:

Promote your writing-related service business. Just $35 one-year annual membership for individuals who own/operate a business that provides related writing services may join WWA and secure a listing on the Business Member Profile Directory page of the WWA website.

Become a WWA Member
JOIN NOW

Interested in Helping?
SIGN UP NOW! VOLUNTEER WITH WWA

Upcoming WWA Events
Planning for WWA's future. Interested? Want to be involved? Contact barrymwightman@gmail.com for details.

WWA Website News:
Send all requests for website changes, corrections, routine updates, and questions associated with the WWA website to Board Operations Chair, Kymberley Pekrul, kpekrul.editor@gmail.com.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WIWrite/ WONDERING HOW YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH WWA EVERY DAY? Visit the WWA Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/WIWrite/ – Post your exciting writing news! Stay up with the pulse of what’s trending in today’s shifting marketplace. Network via Facebook with other members. Explore, learn, discover, keep up with authors, and connect.

Help Promote and Support Wisconsin Authors by Ordering Your Copy of the WWA Creative Wisconsin Anthology Today!

Order online: WWA Shop

Or, to order by mail send a check for $10 to Kymberley Pekrul at W1347 Pit Road, Mount Calvary, WI 53057-9508 (please include the address to which you would like the copy sent).

Share your pride in WWA membership and promote the organization at the same time!

Download badges to include in your email signature and other areas where you want to tell the world about your associations. Visit the WWA website to download your badge.

Writing Quote of the Month:

The road to hell is paved with 'works-in-progress.'" Phillip Roth, author of Portnoy's Complaint

Make sure you add the WWA Fall workshop to your calendar. You don't want to miss this. So far we have two exciting presentations on the roster... Poet Laureate Peggy Rozga and Chicago mystery writer Susanna Calkins, with more to come!

Sat, October 05, 2019
Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton, Wisconsin

More details to come!

Have you paid a visit to the new WWA website, yet? You'll find tons of great information for writers. Check out the "Contests and Publishing Opportunities" page for a list of opportunities for your writing.

St Croix Writers Northland Fall Conference, sponsored by Wisconsin Writers Association. September 28, 2019, 8:30 AM – 4:00 pm.

This conference is designed for you, writers and readers. During this exciting and eclectic day, you will explore and learn about several genres of writing, plus examine the benefits of professional editing for your manuscripts. This full-day conference includes opportunities for you to purchase books by regional authors in a vendor area. Conference fee includes your catered lunch, plus morning and afternoon refreshments.

Location: Solon Springs Community Center, 11523 South Business Highway 53
Solon Springs, Wisconsin 54873

Early Registration: $49.00 ($39.00 for WWA members) includes conference, catered lunch, morning & afternoon refreshments. Artisanal coffee by Headwaters Roasting. Early Registration deadline is September 17, 2019 for food count.

Late Registration: $55.00 ($45.00 for WWA members)

Vendor Registration: $64.00 ($54.00 for WWA members) includes six-foot covered table, conference, catered lunch, morning & afternoon refreshments.

Special Note! All WWA Members receive $10.00 discount. Join today at WI.Write.org

Register at: www.WI.Write.org or download registration form.

UPCOMING CLASSES, CONFERENCES, RETREATS,
WORKSHOPS & WRITING FESTIVALS...

Announcements
WWA forges relationships to help us better serve our membership, improve our organization's performance, and engage our professional networks.

WWA Affiliate Announcements:
WWA develops long-lasting partnerships between complementary organizations and businesses where a mutually beneficial relationship serves each organization's interests. WWA will consider proposals to work together or on events and projects but does not guarantee acceptance.

Madison Continuing Studies offers Writing Classes (in person and online): Manuscript critiques, writing retreats, and workshops. Prices and times vary. Check here for details: continuingstudies.wisc.edu/writing

WWA is A Proud Sponsor of UW's Weekend with Your Novel Retreat–

Time for you and your writing!

This annual retreat is small, affordable, and supportive. Meet other writers and return home with a weekend’s worth of new ideas, approaches, inspiration, and with new work. Work with an acclaimed novelist in a small group over three days, with time for writing, reading, and networking. Choose from eight workshops led by published writers who are also experienced teachers.

For more info contact Christopher Chambers, christopher.chambers@wisc.edu or phone 608-262-5095.

Visit Weekend with Your Novel website: https://continuingstudies.wisc.edu/weekend-with-your-novel/

Announcements from our WWA Friends:
WWA provides a monthly listing of non-sponsored, non-affiliate opportunities for its membership community. WWA shares this information solely as a service to its members.

Call for Submissions! Forward Theater and Wisconsin Wrights will begin accepting submissions for Forward Theater's 2020 Wisconsin Wrights New Play Development Project on August 31, 2019. Up to three selected playwrights will be given the opportunity to develop their plays with professional directors, and actors, culminating in a public reading during Forward Theater’s 2019-2020 season. Check it out.

Subscribe to Masters Review for contests and other writing opportunities. Masters Review offers a quality platform for emerging writers. Click her for details.

Be the smartest author. Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers. She is a columnist with Publishers Weekly and a professor with The Great Courses,

Subscribe to her free email newsletter where she shares digital media tools and resources for authors. Over 30,000 subscribers receive helpful writerly tips in her biweekly email. Sign up here.

Red Oak Writing offers programs for writers of all levels of ability and experience: Registration is open for Roundtable Critique Groups (online and in person), Craft & Publishing Workshops, and Youth Creative Writing Camps.

UW-Madison Continuing Studies offers Writing Classes (in person and online): Manuscript critiques, writing retreats, and workshops. Prices and times vary. Check here for details: continuingstudies.wisc.edu/writing

Contests:
Contests Listings WANTED! – Do you know of a contest that may be of interest to WWA Members? Submit contest details with deadlines to bjm.writer@gmail.com.

Do you have a story to tell from your own life? Check out these opportunities: Personal Essays and Memoir

Looking for Freelance Work online? Check out these sites:

Upwork offers both short- and long-term projects, hourly or pay-per-project.

Freelancer allows you to compete with other freelancers in contests to prove your skills. It’s a great way to find your niche and attract clients.

Guru lets you showcase your past work experience and has a daily job-matching feature so you won't miss out on opportunities.

Freelance Writing Gigs: As the name implies, this site is specific to writers, editors, bloggers and others in the industry.

Fiverr: A site for creative types, including writers. Name your service and price and businesses in need of content can contact you. Helps you build a platform and reputation.

r Morales

Friday,

The Masters Review - Stories, Submission Deadlines, and MORE! – Subscribe to The Masters Review Monthly Newsletter to receive curated contest lists, free fiction, links to craft essays, and other excellent resources for writers. All for FREE!

Make your writer friend one of us.
Give them the GIFT they'll LOVE You For!
Give a WWA Gift Membership TODAY!

START HERE

Member News:
Got News? Send your member news by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s WWA NewsBrief issue. Send to bjm.writer@gmail.com.

Here's Nick Chiarkas holding down the fort at the WWA Booth in Madison at the 30th Annual Writers’ Institute, “Pathway to Publication,” that took place April 4-7, 2019! Many thanks to board members Nick and Christine Keleny for waving the WWA flag. We got a bunch of new members... If you have a few minutes to spare and would like to help WWA out at any of our upcoming events please contact our president Barry Wightman at barrymwightman@gmail.com This is how we grow. This is how we can bring you more benefits through WWA. WE NEED YOU!

Member Christine Keleny has just published the final book in her three-book Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure Series: All is Revealed in Russia.

It is primarily for middle grade readers but for adults too (kind of like a Nancy Drew book).

I am also running a deal for the next month: Anyone who buys the first book in the series Intrigue in Istanbul in the series and sends me a link to an online review (on any website), I'll give them the next 2 ebooks for free! Email your link to Christine

Opportunities and Events:

Do you know of an event? Send event news by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s WWA NewsBrief issue. Send to bjm.writer@gmail.com.

Do you live in southeast Wisconsin? The Kenosha Writers Guild meets at the beautiful Carthage College on the shores of Lake Michigan. See videos of members and their success and upcoming events at Kenosha Writers Guild.

Ever wondered where you can find writing opportunities, writing tools, and inspiration online? Wonder no more. The Write Life has compiled a list of the 2019 One Hundred Best Writing Websites. Join an online community of writers here.

Monthly Poetry Readings First Tuesday of each month at Suzy's Steakhouse in Portage WI; 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The group extends an invitation to Wisconsin Writers to attend or to request an opportunity to be a Featured Poet. The goal for each month is to have one male and one female Featured Poet and time for Open Mic. Contact June Paul at junegpaul@gmail.com to learn about current openings.

Writers Groups Writing is a solitary endeavor, but we can learn so much from fellow writers, sharing our works, listening to others share theirs improves our writing. Do you know of writers groups in your area that welcome new members? Share them with us, send your information to bjm.writer@gmail.com. Let's work together!

Networking Opportunities:

Did you know that WWA is On Meetup? Yep, we’ve been on Meetup since November 2018. What’s Meetup you ask? It’s a new way for Wisconsin Writers to connect with writing groups and events around the state! Connect through Meetup with other writers you know from all over Wisconsin, learn about writing-related events that happen everywhere! WWA now has 210 Meetup members! Meetup is a great member benefit coordinated by board member Adrienne Hulburt who regularly adds new conferences, events, and interesting writer events and anything else that gets thrown her way onto the WWA Meetup events calendar. Follow the link below to join WWA’s, Meetup Page! https://www.meetup.com/WisconsinWritersAssociation/

Publication Opportunities:

The Masters Review/New Voices – The Masters Review New Voices category is open year-round to any new or emerging author who has not published a work of fiction or narrative nonfiction of novel length. Authors with short story collections are free to submit. They accept simultaneous and multiple submissions but ask that you inform them immediately if your story is accepted elsewhere. They pay New Voices authors $0.10/word up to $200 and do not charge submission fees but are highly selective. To read previously published stories, or to submit a piece of fiction or narrative nonfiction up to 7000 words, please see the New Voices page of their website.

2019 WWA NewsBrief Submission Deadline Calendar:

To help WWA Members and our Partner Groups & Organizations schedule submissions for inclusion in the WWA NewsBrief, we’ve put together a handy Issue/Deadline Reference (see below) for the upcoming year. Feel free to print and keep the reference in a convenient place to schedule your news submissions.

Please note that the November and December NewsBrief is combined into one issue. Also, the January NewsBrief has an earlier December submission deadline to allow for timely distribution to members before Christmas week each year.

August NewsBrief 2019 - Deadline Saturday, July 20, 2019
September NewsBrief 2019 - Deadline Tuesday, August 20, 2019
October NewsBrief 2019 - Deadline Friday, September 20, 2019
November/December NewsBrief 2019 – Deadline Sunday, October 20, 2019
January NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Friday, December 13, 2019
February NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Monday, January 20, 2020
March NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Thursday, February 20, 2020
May NewsBrief 2019 - Deadline Saturday, April 20, 2019
April NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Friday, March 20, 2020
May NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Monday, April 20, 2020
June NewsBrief 2020 - Deadline Wednesday, May 20, 2020