Spring 2007 - GCR Member Pages

Writers Studio
Volume 2 Issue 2
The Writers Studio
South Boston, VA
Director:
Scott M. Foran
Assistant Director:
Curtis Brauda
website: http://memb
ers.gcronline.com/writ
ersstudio/
[email protected]
This free publication
is intended for educational purposes.
The opinions expressed are solely
those of the individual writers. If
you would like to
join our mailing list
and receive upcoming issues, please
contact us using the
email address listed
above.
Authors maintain
all rights to their
own material.
© 2007 S.M. Foran
W
S
W
S
Writers Studio
Journal
Editor/Designer
Scott M. Foran
Spring 2007
t h e j o u r n a l
t h e j o u r n a l
t h e j o u r n a l
“I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all.”
--E.B. White
Emyl Jenkins Visits The Writers Studio
At the March meeting of the Writers Studio,
writer and editor, Emyl Jenkins, addressed
members in the Chastain Theatre at the
Prizery.
Emyl is the author
of a number of nonfiction works on
antiques and is the
editor of Evince
Magazine , but the
main focus of the
evening was her first
work of fiction, a
mystery novel entitled
Stealing With Style.
Emyl spoke of her
publishing experience,
then explored the
unique roles that
dedication and hard
work
play
in
completing a truly
successful manuscript.
After reading an excerpt from her novel,
Emyl addressed questions from the audience
about the writing process. The event finished
with a book-signing in the lobby.
The Writers Studio would like to extend a
hearty thanks to Emyl for sharing her time so
generously, to Chris Jones and the Prizery for
allowing us the use of such a great venue,
and to Peggy Hammond and the Upper Case
Bookstore for providing copies of Emyl's
novel.
The following is a brief excerpt from
Stealing With Style:
"I've made a lot of mistakes along the way
because I've spoken first and thought second.
Like when I agreed to write a column on
antiques for a
newspaper syndicate.
Deadlines, questions
almost impossible to
answer in just a few
words, plus all those
letters about things
that are no more than
a few years old.
Seems most people
think anything that
belonged to their
granny is an antique.
Not so. Any lawyer
will tell you an object
must be at least a
hundred years old to
be an 'antique,' and
connoisseurs insist
that tr ue antiques
predate the 1820s or 1840s when new
machines and tools eliminated a lot of hand
work. Yes, I should have thought first and
spoken second.
But probably my biggest mistake was the
time I said, purely matter-of-factly, 'Invite me
over to see your things one day and after about
thirty seconds I'll know all about you.'
I wasn't bragging or trying to be smart.
Honest. I was just making casual cocktailparty conversation."
If you are interested in purchasing a copy,
please visit the Upper Case (which is located
inside Vintner's Cellar).
Volume 2 Issue 2
2
Stacey Cochran Appears at the Studio
Stacey Cochran appeared at the Writers Studio in January
and spoke on “Inspire, Encourage, Educate: Getting You
Published” and sold a few copies of his children’s novel,
Amber Page and the Legend of the Coral Stone. His
latest novel, The Colorado Sequence, a sequel to Amber
Page, has just been released at Lulu.com.
Stacey is continuing his appearances to promote selfpublishing and self-published authors. His scheduled future
events are listed below:
March 31, 2007 / 1pm - 3pm Greensboro, NC Public
Library, 218 N. Church St. “Write to Publish”
April 14, 2007 / 10am - 2pm Raleigh Television Network
Producer’s Workshop, Raleigh NC.
April 14, 2007/ 4pm – 6pm Wilmington, NC, Pomegranate
Books “Write to Publish”
April 21, 2007*/ 9am – noon Chatham Books, Chatham,
VA, “How to Get Published”
April 28, 2007/ 1pm - ? Richmond Public Library, Richmond VA, 101 E. Franklin
St.“Write to Publish”
April 29, 2007/ 3pm - ? Quail Ridge Books, 3522 Wade Av. Raleigh,
NC, “How to Get Published”
May 5, 2007* / 1pm – 3:30pm Wilmington, NC, Pomegranate Books, “How to Get
Published”
May 19, 2007* / 3pm – 5pm Charlotte, NC Public Library Francis Auditorium,
“How to Self-Publish”
May 20, 2007* / 3pm - ? Waynesville, NC Osondu Books, “How to Get Published”
* - At least one member of the Writers Studio is scheduled to be on the discussion panel.
Blind Sight
by Norman Patterson
Writers Studio
I've never seen, a change of season...
My sight was bound, for special reason...
When I was born, I could not see...
I understood not, my destiny...
Then it came clear, one day to me...
That with my eyes, I would never see...
Not with my eyes, but with my soul...
I see from within, beyond my control...
I see feelings, from deep within...
I see thoughts, before they begin...
I see events, before they unfold...
I see stories, before they are told...
Unsure why, this gift is mine...
This is a gift, from the truly divine...
Computers, Bah Humbug!
by Ruthann Anderson
3
My computer and I are acquaintances;
We will never be best friends.
I use it just for typing,
But that’s where our friendship ends.
The computer tells me I am wrong
As it “dings” at me.
It tells me I have caused a problem,
A problem that I cannot see.
In this world of technology,
The computer reigns supreme.
But it is people who design them,
So help me with my dream.
Someone please build a different kind,
A simple one for me,
So I could find the problems
That I fail to see!
I Don't Speak Computereeze!
by Ruthann Anderson
My computer and I don’t get along.
It always tells me I’ve done something wrong.
It beeps at me all the time
To tell me I am out of line!
Computers are now a part of life,
But mine causes me much strife.
We will never be best friends
From now until eternity ends!
Through a Father's Eye
by Norman Patterson
Birth of a child, helpless and free...
Purity and innocence, two things that I see...
Life ~ so short, growth ~ so fast...
Time unstoppable, soon to have passed...
Reflections of youth, through eyes of my own...
Dreams of a life, yet to be known...
Paths that are chosen, not always are clear...
Through prayer and faith, direction is near...
Trials and tribulations, a world of strife...
Belief is a power, far greater than life...
With conscience your guide, you can never go wrong...
Spoken ever so softly, to hold you strong...
Choices of many, they're up to you...
Decisions of past, will follow you through...
Though we may stray, as right as it seems...
Take time to consider, your life and your dreams...
My love and compassion, to you I convey...
Always remember, the Lord ~ every day...
Volume 2 Issue 2
4
How Many Licks Does it Take to Get to
the Center of a Zen Koan?
If a tree falls in the woods
and no one is there to hear it,
does the light in the refrigerator stay on?
What does the color seven
smell like?
A chicken
darts through traffic
makes it to the other side.
Was the egg there first?
How do I acknowledge
the sound of one hand
clapping for me?
—AGC
Mariposa
Pressed under a thick pane of glass—
a collection of butterflies.
A boy sat in silent kinship
studying the tears
in their wings.
He would often lift the glass
so the breeze
from the open window
could breathe life
into their tattered wings.
Imagining every time,
that this time,
they would fly away.
It was a quixotic tilt
against the awful secret he kept:
she had snared them and
pressed them under the glass
still alive.
They did not belong
under the thick pane.
Writers Studio
— AGC
The Writers Studio Welcomes
Jessica Palmer and Mark Snead,
Members of Willa Smith's
Halifax High School Writers Group
Broken Heart
by Jalessa Palmer
Have you ever seen me?
Have you ever felt me?
Did you hurt from me?
Did you cause me?
Listen to the words that flow from me.
So much hurt, so much pain.
Have you ever tried to heal me?
When you use words that rack the brain.
I know at times you don’t care for me.
You give in to laughing at me.
You talk to others and make a fool of me.
But when I’m healed you don’t remember me.
But I remember you all the pain you brought.
I remember you never letting me be.
I remember, and from this I have been taught.
I’ve been taught the people I can trust.
I’ve been taught who is really here.
Will you be the cause that breaks me?
Or will you be the cause that heals me?
To Tell The Truth
by Mark Snead
5
You love this person but they don’t know
you love them so much you wish cupid
would go ahead and shoot you with
his arrow and bow.
This is the special someone for you.
They make you red with anger and make
You feel so blue.
But when it comes time to tell
You just turn away and wish you heard
That bell.
Because this information you have to
Tell is tearing you up inside.
There’s no way to run from it or even hide.
Your hoping to God that is isn’t true
But something is strange, that’s making
you blue.
But when it comes to tell mom and dad
Mom cries and dad is so sad.
But when it comes to tell your lover
You look at them and say we are now
a father and a mother.
While you sat there and cry
Your life goes through your mind like
A lullaby.
All that you can think of is the past
And finally you make the decision at last.
You want to do right, you want to be fair
It doesn’t matter you just want to be there.
Volume 2 Issue 2
6
Stepping Off the Curb
by Dane Skelton
We had just passed Lord Botetourt’s statue,
when I stopped, grabbed my wife’s arm and
hauled her to a halt. An alarm was ringing
deep inside me, getting louder as we
approached the exit of the William and Mary
Campus about a hundred feet away. It was
one of those invisible barrier warnings, like
the feeling you get
approaching the coffin
at your first open
casket funeral. Every
primal claxon is
screaming “Stop!
Turn around!” But all
logic, reason and
propriety insist you
move forward.
“I don’t want to
leave her here,” I said.
“We haven’t seen her
for three hours but the closer I come to
stepping off the campus the more the finality
of it all hits home.”
The ‘her’ in this story is my oldest daughter.
Straight “A” honor student, top ten in her
class of 375, top SAT scores and the girl
whose head in a “daddy hug” still hits the
same spot on my chest that it did when she
slept there as a babe.
“I know,” my mate says softly, “but this is
what we’ve worked for all these years. This is
how it’s supposed to turn out. And it’s time
to go.”
Going is what we had been doing for the
past week, going and nothing but going.
Buying last minute dorm room furnishings,
filling out final forms, hosting the farewell
party, checking the finances and checking them
twice, loading the van, driving the van, moving
Writers Studio
in to the dorm, going to receptions, going to
orientation…We were tired of going and
ready to head home. But leaving the campus
meant leaving my little girl in an as yet
untested environment.
A Good Orientation
Not that W&M hadn’t done a fine job of
getting us ready for
this moment. In fact
they had. I don’t have
other
university
orientations
to
compare it with yet,
but looking back on
the weekend of
meetings
and
speeches, The College
(as it is known by
insiders), covered all
the bases. My daughter
is now in her second semester and so far there
have been no real surprises. We were well
served about what to expect from her and
from them. None of her phone calls and emails
and journal postings came as a shock. I didn’t
revert to rescue mode when loneliness set in
as our ‘home girl’ felt our absence, we had
been prepared for that. She didn’t become
distraught when some of her grades were less
than stellar; she had been prepared for more
difficult academic expectations.
And my wife was right about something else.
We had done our homework. Our daughter
looked at five colleges, in state and out. We
analyzed her gifts and passions and matched
them against the offerings of the various
schools. The programs were there at W&M.
The high standards were there. The quality
was there. The history, which we both dearly
love, was there. Even a family connection was
present as I am descended from President John
Tyler, a W&M alumnus. Finally, the College
is just a three and half hour drive from our
home, not too close but not too far either.
I knew all this in my head. But my heart
was still in my shoes, making them lead-like.
Bliss and Blue
Given what I’ve said so far you might think
W&M paid me for this reminiscence. They
didn’t. There are many very fine colleges and
universities in this country. I have two younger
daughters who will no doubt attend different
schools more suited to their interests and gifts.
But I think the point for me is the importance
of doing your home work as a parent and a
student. Check a college out from stem to
stern and make sure it is right for you and
your family. Be sure your student can handle
the social as well as academic pressures. And
don’t be afraid to make financial sacrifices to
get her there.
So it was a peculiar mixture of pride and
pain I felt on my daughter’s first day of college.
My wife and I made some difficult decisions
in the early years of her education, decisions
designed to give her a love for learning but at
costs that were sometimes hard to bear. And
our girl turned out beautifully, exceeding our
highest expectations. W&M is not an easy
place to gain acceptance. She worked just as
hard if not harder than we had for this day
and we were all reaping a harvest of bliss over
her success. Now if I could just get past the
blues and Lord Botetourt the real living would
begin. So we began walking away from the
statue and toward the apex of the triangular
shaped campus where it meets Colonial
Williamsburg. The brick path and ancient
trees gathered to a point, an open gate, and
the Richmond Road. I took a deep breath,
whispered a prayer, and stepped off the curb.
At Easter Time
by Shirley A. Mandel
7
At Easter time
the lilies announce
the festivities of Spring
by lifting their trumpet-heads.
At Easter time
the trees turn green
and are reflected
in pools of water made fat
by mountain streams.
At Easter time
we lift our eyes
to the Risen One
who rose from the loneliness
of the grave
like the sun bursts forth
from the void
to shine on us.
At Easter time,
and all the time,
He shines on us.
Passion
by Gert Slabach
P urposely,
A
S
S
I
O
N
avior
teps
nto
ur
ight
Volume 2 Issue 2
8
T.V. Baby's Lament
by Trey Cooper
Oh, television, I miss the
way we were. I watched you
watch me grow up. You
were the giver of life and
laughter that raised me.
Babysitter. You used to
hold me, keep me transfixed
for hours. Now I can't even
look you in the eye--you've
changed. Teacher, nurturer,
secret lover. Where hast
thou gone? You are like an
old friend who went mad.
You now spew unending
depravity and nonsense. I don't even
recognize you anymore. I am ashamed of
your vulgar display of innocence lost. Come
back before it's too late. You're drifting too
far from your core. Though Mr. Rogers, Andy,
Homer, Jerry and George will remain as
immortal as the waves of energy that course
through your flat screen, the thrill is gone.
Who are we kidding? We've seen this
coming for quite some time. We ignored it
and pretended our relationship was still
strong. It all started when MTV stopped
showing videos, then it was the reality shows.
Then suddenly the reality shows weren't real
anymore--if, in fact, they ever were. You can't
even keep your own lies straight. Finally I
hear that people are eating worms--handfuls
of worms--and for what? Fifty bucks and a
case of Bioré pore strips! And I have to hear
about this on the street? We both know that
you were always selling something. Well, I'm
just not buying it anymore. And that's the
way it is.
It's time you knew the truth. I've been
going out on you--for a while--right about
when Andy left Conan. I felt so betrayed. It
was then that I started...reading. Yes, reading.
Books, magazine, newspapers, anything I
could find, and it was wonderful! I don't mean
to hurt you--it's just that David Sedaris
understands me. Don't look so shocked. I
Writers Studio
thought you would have noticed by now. In
fact I really can't see how you could be upset
by infidelity, the way you nurture and promote
it. What's the show with the four crazy
women? The one where they fight and kill
and screw and take drugs, all while
maintaining a home? That show is the most
disgraceful protrayal of American culture that
I have ever seen. And people wonder why we
get bombed. If anyone still has questions,
they should tune in Sundays at nine. You're
defense is always that by portraying these
women in this way it can not possibly fall
under promotion. But when these same
women are behaving this way and they manage
to stay drop dead gorgeous and have plenty
of money and drive nice cars to their gated
community homes, that, sir, is glamorizing.
And it puts you right up there with the most
violent video games in the world. It makes
me sick.
But, oh, that's right, you never even noticed
my wandering mind in the first place. You
were too busy with your precious American
Idol. Idol this and Idol that. Well, you know
what? I've never even seen it--not one episode.
I have too much respect for music and too
much respect for myself.
The bottom line is I'm just not the same
person I was twenty years ago. I'm just not.
You went your ways, and I went mine. I stood
behind you and defended you for as long as I
could, and I just can't do it anymore. So,
look, I should go. Melville's waiting in the
car. He's just a friend, nothing serious. Don't
look so sad, Myth Busters is pretty cool. And
besides, if there is one thing about you, it is
that you are loved by millions and millions
of people. Some never turn you off at all.
They don't call you the opiate of the masses
for nothing. I'll check in now and then to see
how Conan is doing. Who knows, if you're
doing better later one, we could work it out,
but until then this is best. So, see you in the
funny papers! Oh, sorry, I didn't mean that
the way it sounded. It's just awkward, you
know. I'll go. Don't hate me. Bye.
CELEBRATE
CELEBRATE
CELEBRATE
9
Laws of Inevitability
compiled by Edward W. Allen
Murphy's Law is too general (If anything can
go wrong, etc.). Allen's Laws of Inevitability
apply in specific instances. The following are
a few gleaned from personal experience and
astute observation.
1. When two vehicles approach each other at
a high rate of speed from opposite directions
on a two lane highway that is devoid of traffic,
they will pass each other at the narrowest point
in that road.
Corollary 1: If you are driving one of the
vehicles, the other vehicle will be an 18wheeler.
Corollary 2: If the 18-wheeler is pulling a wide
load, the narrowest point will be a bridge.
4. The streak caused by the windshield wiper
on a rainy day will always be in the direct line
of your vision through the windshield
regardless of your height.
5. When the repair of a vital, complicated piece
of machinery or electronic equipment requires
the services of a profesionally trained
technician, the item will always break down
on a Friday evening and the technician's
business is closed for the week-end.
6. The first driver to see that the traffic light
has been changed to green will always be the
driver of the car behind yours.
2. In a do-it-yourself project, after you have
carefully measured a 2x4 twice and doublechecked the measurement three separate times,
you will find, after you have meticulously
sawed along the precisely marked cut line, the
2x4 is exactly one half inch too short.
7. When the tiny, round, spring-loaded cap
on the top of a can of insect spray is pressed
down, the little hole will be pointed in the
wrong direction.
Corollary: If you are the one aiming the spray,
the hole will be pointed directly towards your
face.
3. Within two days of having divested
yourself via trash can or garage sale of an
item that has been taking up space and
gathering dust in your basement, you will find
that you have a desperate need for it.
There are more, but this gives you an idea of
the blots on the fabric of life. I would be
delighted to hear from other enlightened souls
who have experienced or observed their own
laws of inevitability.
Volume 2 Issue 2
10
Writer's Session Log
by Melissa Elmes
5:00 a.m.
Oops, forgot scrap of paper with bit of
dialogue scribbled during commute home
yesterday. Hang on.
5:23 a.m.
Coffee refill. Read somewhere that Balzac
drank a hundred cups a day, or something like
that. I think it was Balzac.
5:03 a.m.
Oh, God. Left coffee on counter. Back in a
minute.
5:24 a.m.
Think I’ll go with Plot Number Two. It just
seems more realistic. Okay! So I’ve got a
storyline. Wow, this waking up early to write
thing – amazing. Am really accomplishing
something, here!
5:25 a.m.
Scrap of dialogue doesn’t seem congruous
with Plot Number Two. Minor setback.
5:05 a.m.
Okay, I’ve got laptop, coffee, scrap of dialogue
– am Good to Go. Read an article about
writing novels in which Famous Published
Author recommended waking up an hour
earlier than usual as a method of finding
uninterrupted writing time. Published Author
says this is how He completed his first full –
length book. Am going to try it. Hurrah! Am
going to be an Author!
5:10 a.m.
Ran out of coffee mulling over scrap of
dialogue. Hang on.
5:15 a.m.
Did I take my Pill last night?
5:16 a.m.
Okay, the plot. There are
three basic plots in the
western canon. One:
Poor guy makes good.
Two: Important Figure
falls from grace and
everyone dies in the end
in a bloody holocaust of
Fate. Three: star –
crossed lovers suffer for
about five hundred
pages. Which to
choose…
5:18 a.m.
Small bladder. Back in a
sec.
Writers Studio
5:26 a.m.
Dogs are barking out back. Better go check it
out. Don’t want any unnecessary interruptions
to my work.
5:35 a.m.
Gave up – it’s too dark to see anything back
there. Distracted them from barking with a
ball. Back to work! Need a name for the main
character – something inspirational, but not
pretentious. Let’s see…Richard, Jonathan,
Philip, Michael, Harold, Theodore, Alexander,
Andrew, Trevor, Derek, Ewan…hmmm,
Ewan would be a great name for a boy, if we
ever have one. Ewan Elmes. Cool. Needs a
middle name that starts with a consonant,
though; otherwise it would be too alliterative.
5:40 a.m.
The Balzac thing is really bothering me. Think
I’ll just go look it up quick. Will only take a
minute or so, and then I won’t be distracted
by the wondering.
5:45 a.m.
It WAS Balzac. But only fifty cups a day, not
a hundred. Caffeine poisoning was listed as
one cause of his death. Glad I checked that
out. Mind is clear. Ready to write! Need an
opening sentence, something to hook the
reader. Let’s see…
5:48 a.m.
Maybe I should switch to decaf. Wouldn’t want
to end up like poor Balzie-Baby.
5:49 a.m.
I wonder if it’s going to be as hot today as it
was yesterday. Think I’ll just pop on the
internet quick and find out. Can research
weather for my novel at the same time. Genius!
Am multi-tasking, making the most of my
precious writing hour. Am clearly a natural at
this!
5:55 a.m.
Oh, God. Need more coffee. Real People don’t
get up this early.
5:57 a.m.
Right! Back to work. What was my story idea,
again?
11
5:58 a.m.
Oh, right – Plot Number Two. And my
Important Figure is…shit! Forgot to name
him.
5:59 a.m.
Sebastian. Hmmm… Sebastian Elmes. No,
Darling Hubby would never go for it.
600 a.m.
That was an hour?! I never have any time to
write. It’s so unfair! All I ever do is work and
take care of other people. What about my
dreams? Is a little free time to work on my
novel too much to ask? There’s got to be a
way – I mean, look at Balzac, the guy wrote
over a hundred stories and still found time to
drink fifty cups of coffee a day! Clearly, he
knew something I don’t. Maybe I should find
a good advice book about writing. No more
silly articles by Famous Published Authors. I
mean, what do they know? They have agents
to do the work for them. Balzac did it solo.
6:03 a.m.
I think he wrote over a hundred stories. I
should look that up, though. Novelists should
always verify facts, strive for the truth…
6:04 a.m.
Oops, I hear the Baby upstairs. Better go check
it out.
A Brief Glimpse
Margaret S. Covington
Bauhaus
Progressive, assertive
Breathing, exploding, thriving
Crafted by brilliant masters, demolished by Nazi demons
Gasping, shrinking, dying
Destructive, submissive
Rubbish
Volume 2 Issue 2
12
Chatham Independent Book Stores
Host Panel Discussion on Publishing
On Saturday April 21, Chatham Books in
those that have a book idea or a completed
conjunction with Shadetree Rare Books will manuscript they would like to have published.
host “How to Get Published,” a panel
discussion organized and moderated by
Following the panel discussion, the group and
NCSU professor and author Stacey Cochran
a representative from Lulu (Lulu.com), the
(The Colorado Sequence). The public is invited world’s fastest-growing provider of print-onto Chatham Books from
demand books will be
9-10 a.m. for a “Meet
available to answer
the Panel” reception.
questions. The authors
Chatham Books is
will be available for
located at 10 North
book signings following
Main Street in the heart
the panel discussion
of Chatham’s historic
event.
district. The “Panel
Discussion” event will
“Independent
take place a few doors
bookstores
have
down at Shadetree Rare
historically
supported
Chatham Books / Chatham, VA
Books’ spacious library
and cultivated the work
from 10:15 -11:15 a.m. at
of independent authors
26 South Main Street.
and poets,” as quoted in
a press release from an
The panel of selfevent at McIntyre’s Fine
published authors
Books & Bookends in
includes Scott Foran
Pittsboro,
North
(Recently Wise), Gene
Carolina in January
Curtis (The Seventh
2007. This similar panel
Mountain) and D. S.
discussion drew an
Curtis (2007 Poetr y
audience of over 100
Shadetree
Rare
Books
/
Chatham,
VA
Journal). The three panel
people, standing room
members are also
only and some were
represented in The Writers Studio 2007 turned away due to space restrictions.
Anthology, Sweetbay Review. Some topics to be
addressed are; what it takes to get published- This event is free and open to the public. For
free, procedures and benefits of self- more information on the “Getting Published”
publishing, cover art, distribution and panel contact Stacey Cochran at
marketing on a budget. This event is ideal for [email protected]
Celebra
te Na
tional Poetr
y Month
Celebrate
National
Poetry
With the Writers Studio and the Upper Case Bookstore
poetr
y reading
poetry
at vintner's cellar
sa
turda
y / april 28 / 2 p
.m.
saturda
turday
p.m.
Writers Studio
come and share a f
avorite or original poem
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Author Panel at Quail Ridge Books
Batson vs. Shaber
Jon Batson
(self-published / Lulu Press)
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Sarah Shaber
(traditionally published / St. Martin’s Press)
Raleigh, NC (March 09, 2007) Quail Ridge Books and Music on Wade Avenue in Raleigh
will host a panel discussion on “An Intro to Publishing – What You Need to Know About
How to Publish Your Book” on April 29, 2007, at 3:00 PM.
NCSU professor and author Stacey Cochran (The Colorado Sequence) will moderate the
discussion featuring two award winning authors - St. Martin’s Minotaur author Sarah Shaber,
(The Professor Simon Shaw series) and Jon Batson, (The Rands Conspiracy), with experience in
self-publishing through Lulu Press. Rounding out the panel are a representative from Lulu
Press and Sarah Goddin, manager of Quail Ridge.
Independent bookstores like Quail Ridge have historically supported and cultivated the
work of independent authors and poets. North Carolina author Charles Frazier (Cold Mountain,
Thirteen Moons) a regular at the store, launched his national book tour for Thirteen Moons at a
Quail Ridge Books event held at Meredith College.
Sarah Shaber’s (SarahShaber.com) mystery writing career with traditional publishers
began when her first novel, Simon Said. It won the Malice Domestic Award for Best First
Traditional Mystery. The grand prize in the contest was a book deal with St. Martin’s Press.
“Being a published writer is the most fun I have ever had in my life. I like everything about
it, the research, the writing, the book signings, the travel, everything. I just wish I could
write faster!”
Jon Batson, (JonBatson.com) author of The Rands Conspiracy, a Who’s Who in
America and Who’s Who in the World, is one of the panelists. He says he publishes his books
through Lulu, a producer of print-on-demand books in Morrisville, NC because, “Lulu
makes it easy for me. They don’t charge up-front fees and I retain control of my content
and especially my copyrights; which as a songwriter I know is important.”
Quail Ridge Books & Music is an independent shop specializing in fine literature and nonfiction for adults and children with a special focus on the South. Founded in 1984 by Nancy
Olson, QRB relies on creativity and close relationships with authors and customers to
compete with the big chain stores. A wide variety of carefully selected books, readings,
events, and discussion groups keep people coming back.
Volume 2 Issue 2
14
Spring Shall Come Again
by Gert Slabach
I see before me through the rain
a tree with buds on it again
aburst with life ’midst winter’s strain
for spring is on its way
The seeds of plenty in the ground
are springing forth from all around;
soon flowers and fragrance will be found
for spring is on its way
And I can know as time moves on
and winter winds, still coming on
breathe o’er the world from dusk to dawn
that spring is on its way
And so I rest in Him to know
that moments come, and moments go
and still He cares and plans it so
for spring is on its way
So you who wrestle and wearily plod
and oft times ask and question God,
be still—and list’—spring breaks the sod
as it comes once again
For He who formed and made the world
and planned the seasons, yet unfurled,
with sovereign hand and loving rule
bids spring to come again
“THAT SMELL”
by Barbara Hatcher Shaver
Be still—and list’—and quiet be
and He Who Is Eternity
As I walked across the lobby at work, I smelled it;
will calm your storming, raging sea
Sweet, fresh as spring, with a hint of nature.
for spring was meant to be!
I looked around and there they were;
Roses, small round ones, setting on the receptionist’s desk.
Immediately they took me back to the farm;
The place where I grew up and loved.
On my mental trip I could see them; wild roses
Growing along a fence, across the field from an abandoned house.
As a child I loved going there, especially in the spring;
The jonquils, wild roses, open spaces, the earth.
A penetrating sadness swept over me as I wondered if the roses
continue to bloom, and if their smell lingers in the air?
Writers Studio
What is National Poetry
Month? National Poetry
Month was established by the
Academy of American Poets as
a month-long, national
celebration of poetry. The
concept was to increase the
attention paid-by individuals
and the media—to the art of
poetry, to living poets, to our
poetic heritage, and to poetry
books and magazines. In the
end, we hoped to achieve an
increase in the visibility,
presence, and accessibility of
poetry in our culture. National
Poetry Month has been
successful beyond all
anticipation and has grown
over the years into the largest
literary celebration in the
world.
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Who designated it? The
Academy of American Poets
has led this initiative from its
inception in 1996 and along the way has enlisted a variety of government agencies and
officials, educational leaders, publishers, sponsors, poets, and arts organizations to help.
When is National Poetry Month? April. Every year since 1996.
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What are the goals of National Poetry Month? The goals of National Poetry Month
are to:
Highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets
Introduce more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry
Bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways
Make poetry a more important part of the school curriculum
Increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media
Encourage increased publication, distribution, and sales of poetry books
Increase public and private philanthropic support for poets and poetry
Shouldn’t we celebrate poetry all year round, not just in April? By all means, yes! We
encourage the year-round, life-long reading of poetry. National Poetry Month is just one of
the many programs of the Academy of American Poets. To keep the celebration going, consider
becoming a member of the Academy and receive special benefits and privileges year round,
start or join a Poetry Book Club, listen to a few of our poetry audio clips, or attend a poetry
event in your area.
Volume 2 Issue 2