April 20, 2024 Necessary Lies in Essays and Memoir Presenter: Tim Bascom Location: Attend in person at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library or join us via Zoom Presentation Category: Nonfiction While creative nonfiction is oriented toward fact, there are many ways that it borrows on fiction. A “true story” still requires plot, which is organized more meaningfully than actual events. If memory fails, the author invents the truth: picturing what clothes Mom was wearing or how the kitchen smelled or what "exactly" Dad said. The best writers aren’t shy about this creative necessity. Annie Dillard depicts an insect-poisoned frog skin on the bank of Tinker Creek when, in fact, she discovered the phenomenon in a book. James McBride takes on his dead mother’s point of view, letting her speak as if she is the narrator. In this presentation, I will describe the unique relationship of fact and imagination in memoirs and personal narrative essays. Tim Bascom is the author of a novel, two collections of essays, and two prize-winning memoirs about years spent in East Africa as a youth: Chameleon Days and Running to the Fire. His essays have won editor’s prizes at The Missouri Review and Florida Review, also being selected for the anthologies Best Creative Nonfiction and Best American Travel Writing. His short fiction has appeared in journals such as Zone 3, Front Range Review, and Briar Cliff Review, where he won the 2021 Fiction Prize. Bascom received his MFA from the University of Iowa. He taught creative writing for 20 years at a college level, and he continues to teach workshops at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. He currently directs the annual Kansas Book Festival.
The recording of the March program is now available for viewing by members at this link. (Member sign-on required.) This video will be available until replaced by the March program recording. Join Us in April![]() While creative nonfiction is oriented toward fact, there are many ways that it borrows on fiction. A “true story” still requires plot, which is organized more meaningfully than actual events. If memory fails, the author invents the truth: picturing what clothes Mom was wearing or how the kitchen smelled or what "exactly" Dad said. The best writers aren’t shy about this creative necessity. Annie Dillard depicts an insect-poisoned frog skin on the bank of Tinker Creek when, in fact, she discovered the phenomenon in a book. James McBride takes on his dead mother’s point of view, letting her speak as if she is the narrator. In this presentation, I will describe the unique relationship of fact and imagination in memoirs and personal narrative essays. Tim Bascom is the author of a novel, two collections of essays, and two prize-winning memoirs about years spent in East Africa as a youth: Chameleon Days and Running to the Fire. His essays have won editor’s prizes at The Missouri Review and Florida Review, also being selected for the anthologies Best Creative Nonfiction and Best American Travel Writing. His short fiction has appeared in journals such as Zone 3, Front Range Review, and Briar Cliff Review, where he won the 2021 Fiction Prize. Bascom received his MFA from the University of Iowa. He taught creative writing for 20 years at a college level, and he continues to teach workshops at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. He currently directs the annual Kansas Book Festival. Topeka poet and novelist Ana Wilkins will be the featured poet at Kansas Authors Club District 1's open mic next Wednesday, March 20, at Round Table Bookstore, 826 N. Kansas Ave. in Topeka. Sign-up begins at 6 p.m., and we will start at 6:15.
Anamarie Davis-Wilkins is a birth doula, writer and poet who loves to travel as well as to read and write. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and online magazines. She has published two collections of poetry, Reminiscence and most recently, To See My Own Words. One of her poems has been selected for publishing by the Poet Laureate of Kansas. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her second novel. Of her most recent book of poetry, Ana says, "This book of poetry describes the pain of growing up an African/American female. It questions the unsolved problems of today's society and voices poems from thoughts, experiences and afterthoughts. "They will take you through a gamut of emotions, with (the) hope you will find some connection." The March program will be available to all members via Zoom and members are also invited to attend the presentation live at Emporia State University, Plumb Hall, Room 406. The Zoom link has been delivered to members via the monthly news email OR can be accessed here. (Member sign-on required) You've written and book and it's being published. Do you have a plan for what happens after you open that first box of books? Ann will take us through practical and fun ways to market your book. She will cover launch events, the day after, using Facebook, watching out for those scam emails, and having fun. Ann Vigola Anderson is a native Kansan and author of Posts of a Mid-century Kid and The Adventures of Bottle Calf. She is grounded in her sense of place and is committed to the preservation of mid-century memories, open spaces and family stories. Her writing has appeared in 105 Meadowlark Reader, a National Geographic article by Sara Smarsh (Heartland), Tennis Pro Magazine, Itty Bitty Writing Space, and she is a contributor to Facebook sites 'Topeka History Geeks' and 'Friends of the Flint Hills'. Her Facebook sites are Ann Vigola Anderson and Posts of a Mid-Century Kid. Ann is a tennis coach at Jayhawk Tennis Center. She and her husband live in Lawrence with their three rescue kitties. www.annvandersonwordpress.com Save the Date! March 16, 1:30 PM CST The March program will be available to all members via Zoom and members are also invited to attend the presentation live at Emporia State University, Plumb Hall, Room 406. The Zoom link will be delivered via the monthly news email OR can be accessed here. (Member sign-on required) You've written and book and it's being published. Do you have a plan for what happens after you open that first box of books? Ann will take us through practical and fun ways to market your book. She will cover launch events, the day after, using Facebook, watching out for those scam emails, and having fun.
Ann Vigola Anderson is a native Kansan and author of Posts of a Mid-century Kid and The Adventures of Bottle Calf. She is grounded in her sense of place and is committed to the preservation of mid-century memories, open spaces and family stories. Her writing has appeared in 105 Meadowlark Reader, a National Geographic article by Sara Smarsh (Heartland), Tennis Pro Magazine, Itty Bitty Writing Space, and she is a contributor to Facebook sites 'Topeka History Geeks' and 'Friends of the Flint Hills'. Her Facebook sites are Ann Vigola Anderson and Posts of a Mid-Century Kid. Ann is a tennis coach at Jayhawk Tennis Center. She and her husband live in Lawrence with their three rescue kitties. www.annvandersonwordpress.com Of Interest to Kansas writersLocation: Downs, Kansas Date: April 26-27, 2024 Submitted by Kansas Authors Club Member Sheryl Brenn.
An Invitation to Volland: Ann Vigola Anderson and Sara Long, The Adventures of Bottle Calf2/21/2024
Upcoming at Volland _________________________________ Ann Anderson & Sara LongThe Adventures of Bottle Calf Sunday, March 3, 2024 Doors open | 1pm Reading & Presentation | 2pm Admission | Free Reservations appreciated. Artist Sara Long and author Ann Anderson, a long-time friend of Volland, come to Volland on March 3rd, 2024 to share their latest work The Adventures of Bottle Calf, published by Meadowlark Press! Anderson, a specialist in warming hearts and delightful fun, will present a reading from her new book and Long will share a few of her paintings that were created especially for The Adventures of Bottle Calf. Rumor has it there will be a special Bottle Calf song for all to enjoy! In 2020, Anderson teamed up with local artist and dear friend Sara Long to share the story of Bottle Calf, who was born during an early spring blizzard at Anderson’s grandfather’s farm. For two years Anderson and Long worked in tandem, writing and illustrating a read-aloud book for all ages to enjoy. The Adventures of Bottle Calf builds off the success of Anderson's Posts of A Mid-Century Kid, a book of short stories written her childhood, which included time in Volland. Prints, puzzles, kids’ tees and kids’ activity kits will be available at the gallery and at saralongart.com. Conversation and refreshments will round out a most pleasant afternoon. Bring your kids, grandkids, and neighbors and come join Ann Vigola Anderson, Sara Long, and Bottle Calf at Volland! Ann Vigola Anderson is a member from District 2 and currently serves as our state secretary. ![]() If you have news of writing events that would be of interest to all Kansas Authors Club members, or if you are a member (dues current) who would like to announce an achievement, please submit your news via this form. The recording of the February program is now available for viewing by members at this link. (Member sign-on required.) This video will be available until replaced by the March program recording. plan to join us in march!What to Do After You've Sold 50 Books to Your Family and Friends: An Intrepid Marketing Plan for Authors and Poets
Presenter: Ann Vigola Anderson Location: Zoom AND Live Site To Be Announced Presentation Category: Craft (skills and techiniques), Inspiration, Marketing You've written and book and it's being published. Do you have a plan for what happens after you open that first box of books? Ann will take us through practical and fun ways to market your book. She will cover launch events, the day after, using Facebook, watching out for those scam emails, and having fun. Ann Vigola Anderson is a native Kansan and author of Posts of a Mid-century Kid and The Adventures of Bottle Calf. She is grounded in her sense of place and is committed to the preservation of mid-century memories, open spaces and family stories. Her writing has appeared in 105 Meadowlark Reader, a National Geographic article by Sara Smarsh (Heartland), Tennis Pro Magazine, Itty Bitty Writing Space, and she is a contributor to Facebook sites 'Topeka History Geeks' and 'Friends of the Flint Hills'. Her Facebook sites are Ann Vigola Anderson and Posts of a Mid-Century Kid. Ann is a tennis coach at Jayhawk Tennis Center. She and her husband live in Lawrence with their three rescue kitties. www.annvandersonwordpress.com February 17, 2024 1:30 pm Program: Writing Glitter: How Art Gets Into Everything Presented by Christine Benner Dixon Covering: Craft (skills and techiniques), Writing This presentation is for writers at any level who are struggling to make room for their writing practice in everyday life. Program Location: Zoom (Members will receive this link by email, and can also use the button below to find the link on our website, sign-in required.) ![]() Even with limited time to dedicate to their craft, writers can enhance their everyday writing practice by nurturing an artistic mindset. Let your art get into everything: from cooking to watching TV to sitting through meetings. Develop habits of mind that keep your writing alive between writing sessions. Setting aside dedicated writing time is key to being a writer—but you can make the most of your writing time by keeping the creative pump primed. Join M. C. Benner Dixon, co-author of Millions of Suns (2023) named one of Poets & Writers "Best Books for Writers," for a conversation on the writing life. This presentation, which includes practical exercises as well as a philosophical framework, encourages writers to let their art expand into every part of their life. Christine Benner Dixon (M.C. Benner Dixon) is a teacher, poet, editor, and award-winning novelist living in Pittsburgh, PA, where she serves as the interim executive director of Write Pittsburgh. Christine’s writing has appeared in outlets such as Literary Hub, Reckoning, Flash Fiction Online, Appalachian Review, and elsewhere. Along with poet Sharon Fagan McDermott, Christine is the co-author of Millions of Suns: On Writing and Life, a collection of hybrid craft-of-writing and personal essays about navigating life as a creative person. Millions of Suns is out now from the University of Michigan Press as part of their Writers on Writing series. Christine’s debut novel, The Height of Land, is scheduled for release in late 2024 from Orison Books. You can find Christine online at bennerdixon.com.
In case you've missed the news, we are hosting our 2024 Writing Convention (the full thing this year) at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City.
Save the dates: October 4-6, 2024. For those who attended the 2023 Writing Retreat, we will be utilizing the same housing as last year and we will have an additional cottage which will allow private room space for couples and individuals. Attendees will also have the option of day campus attendance only and a portion of the workshops will be available to virtual ticket holders. Many details to come, but we wanted to start early sharing news and information. Right now, we are looking for Workshop Proposals. Visit this page to review the guidelines and fill out the proposal submission form. Deadline for proposals: April 15, 2024. An invitation from our friends at Johnson County Community College Hey there!
I'm writing from the English department of Johnson County Community College. This spring, we'll be hosting our annual Cavalier Conference on Writing and Literature. While the conference is mostly geared towards educators, we thought there might be plenty of members of the Kansas Authors Club who would be interested in the conference and in particular our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Stacey Waite. Dr. Waite is a poet, activist, educator, and scholar conducting research in the field of composition and the teaching of writing. This year’s conference will be from 8 AM to 3 PM on Friday April 12th and registration is $35 including lunch. We’d really appreciate if you could pass this invitation on to Kansas Authors Club members of your district. Anyone interested in attending the conference can head to the following website to register: https://www.jccc.edu/conferences/cavalier-writing/ Thanks so much! Bob Sykora The recording of the January program is now available for viewing by members at this link. (Member sign-on required.) This video will be available until replaced by the February program recording. We had a lovely program to kick off 2024 featuring three award-winning authors. K.L. Barron, Laura Lee Washburn, and D.L. Winter shared thoughts on their writing processes, entering contests, and advice they would give to authors just beginning the process of publishing. On Writing Groups: "Knowing that I had to show up with something new every two weeks guaranteed at least one thing, and often I would write it that morning." -Laura Lee Washburn Author of The Book of Stolen Images Support a Kansas Author! Read a book. Buy a book. Recommend your local library buy the book. Leave a review for the books you love! ![]() A stunning betrayal forces a young woman to flee a relationship and forge a new life in one of the most brutal landscapes on earth. Gradually adapting to her new surroundings, she becomes aware of the impending dissolution of an entire culture. A diverse cast of displaced Westerners, local nomads, and djinn converge as everyone scrambles to survive and everything comes undone. Winner of the 2023 J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award in Fiction. K.L. Barron is a writer of place: poetry and prose. Her prize-winning fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction has been published in New Letters, The Bennington Review, Little Balkans Review, terrain.org, ChickenBones (Library of Congress), among others, and in several anthologies. She earned an MFA from Bennington in 2005 and taught writing and literature at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas for nearly 20 years. She lives and writes in the Flint Hills. Her debut novel Thirst came out in November 2022 from Sea Crow Press. ![]() In a fantastical neo-classical sense, The Book of Stolen Images speaks novelly toward culture, politics, and collective humanity. This poetry collection recognizes personal yet relatable ordinary and existential experiences, particularly in a timely contextual fashion regarding modern social issues--what makes us feel alive, imperfect, concerned, and inspired to do better. Unique imagery and diction flavor each poem and set this collection apart from other offspring of fairy tales and social commentaries. Winner of the 2023 Nelson Poetry Book Award. Laura Lee Washburn is the Director of Creative Writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and the author of This Good Warm Place: 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition (March Street), Watching the Contortionists (Palanquin Chapbook Prize), and The Book of Stolen Images (Meadowlark Press, 2023). Harbor Review’s chapbook prize is named in her honor, and she’s the president of Small Harbor Publishing’s Board of Directors. Her degrees are from Old Dominion University, where she interned for the Associated Writing Programs Newsletter, and Arizona State University. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she has also lived and worked in Arizona and in Missouri. From her home in Pittsburg, Kansas, she edits The Coop: A Poetry Cooperative. ![]() Armed with his trusty birch wand and protective shield, young apprentice wizard Alistur Grimaldi believes he can wield his powers with the same determination and results as his beloved mentor, his Great-grandfather Balthazar. His amusement quickly turns to anguish when his inexperience triggers a chain of disastrous events, putting him-and others-in dire circumstances. Mere hours after the most important event in his fourteen years, Alistur must find the courage to face the catastrophic proof of his foolish actions and make things right . . . if he can. From the coast of the Azlyn Sea to the depths of the Crystal Caverns-befriending magical and mystical creatures along his way-Alistur must learn the journey to becoming a wise and responsible wizard will not be walked alone. Winner of the 2023 "It Looks Like a Million" Design Award. D.L. Winter was raised in Kansas and spent her adult life in Northern California. Many years ago, on her first trip abroad, inspired by the nostalgic allure of legends, lore, and architectural wonders of the Mediterranean region, the concept for Alistur’s story was born. However, crafting the fable would have to wait. Plotting adventures in the fictitious Kingdom of Fleurbania would be among the creative projects of her retirement. After a corporate career, D.L. now resides in her home state of Kansas once again, telling tales and enjoying life with family members. Join us in conversation with Kansas Authors Club Members K.L. Barron (2023 Coffin Fiction Award), Laura Lee Washburn (2023 Nelson Poetry Award), and D.L. Winter (2023 "Looks Like a Million" Design Award). We will discuss writing, entering contests, and best practices for producing an award-winning book!
The Sunrise Project Writing Group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6-8pm at 1501 Learnard. Participants are from the community and people can register through the Events page on the Sunrise Project website at https://www.sunriseprojectks.org/ I am also leading a group at The Senior Resource Center for Douglas County each month on the 2nd Thursday from 2-3pm. The Group is called The Power of Poetry. The Senior Center is located at 746 Vermont in Lawrence, Kansas. Anyone considering themselves to be a "senior" is welcome to attend. More information can be found on their website at https://yoursrc.org/home/news-events/ ![]() If you have news of writing events that would be of interest to all Kansas Authors Club members, or if you are a member (dues current) who would like to announce an achievement, please submit your news via this form. Blue Cedar Press announces a contest for memoir pieces or short stories or poems about LOVE in all its forms. Details at bluecedarpress.com and in the flyer posted here.
A book with winning submissions will be published May 1st 2024 and the best entry in each category, selected by our independent judges, will be awarded a cash prize. Let’s Start a Salina Writing Group That Has Staying Power By Mike Durall, Kansas Authors Club District 4 President I’ve never cared for writing groups that consist only of “read arounds,” in which people read their work and ask for comments. Sometimes when these writing groups are sponsored by public libraries, it’s a random assortment of mostly strangers and nobody knows what to say if the readings aren’t all that good. I’m proposing a new writer’s group, one in which participants will commit to delve into the writing process, how we generate ideas, where our passion comes from, and how we stick with it when the words don’t flow. I would like to start a group in which we include references, stories, and information about how other writers have addressed the art and craft of writing. We could talk about writers we admire, and why. We could talk about books. We could talk about our own ideas that are in formation and ask others if our ideas have merit and how they might further be shaped. And of course, from time to time we would read our own work. I believe these “read arounds” would be vastly more meaningful if people knew one another better, and what motivates them to write what they do. I suggest we schedule an initial meeting in Salina, at the Ad Astra Coffeehouse and Bookstore, 141 North Santa Fe Avenue. From there, we can determine how frequently we wish to meet, and what we would like to accomplish. Also, there are Zoom possibilities. Give me a holler if you’re interested. Mike Durall The next board meeting of the Kansas Authors Club will take place on Thursday, November 30, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. All executive board members and district representatives to the board will receive the link via email. If you are a member who would like to attend as a guest, complete the contact form below. Save the Date! Increasingly, authors find themselves the target of unscrupulous services that prey on dreams of creating a successful book. While there are many legitimate publishing and marketing services, there are also a lot of nasty, expensive scams. In this presentation by Thea Rademacher, a former social justice attorney and now CEO of Flint Hills Publishing, you’ll learn how authors are being targeted and how to protect yourself and your work. All attendees will receive a free PDF of Thea’s book, Authors Beware! Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Help Avoid Legal Pitfalls. This presentation will be broadcast via Zoom. Members should receive a link to this program via the monthly news note or from their district presidents. Members may also access the program link via our "member pages" (sign-in required). Thea Rademacher (Thee-a Rod-a-maker) started her professional career at Kansas Legal Services after graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota School of Law. Since then, she’s done a variety of different things which she now understands prepared her for her true calling—helping authors publish and speak about their creative work. Eight years ago, she started Flint Hills Publishing after her inspiring experience co-authoring A Drop in the Night, the Life and Secret Mission of a WW II Airman. Her company has published nearly 80 books—including a Spur Award winner—and she has presented to authors around the world about important and relevant legal topics. Agenda for the 2023 Annual Meeting of the General Membership
Zoom link was sent to all current members via email. Minutes from 2022 for approval
2022 Kansas Authors Club Annual Membership Meeting Lawrence, Kansas Saturday, October 22, 2022 KAC president Tracy Million Simmons called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. There were 55 members in attendance in person, and 6 attending virtually. The current elected officers were introduced, and appreciation was extended to them. Awards were announced by Anne Shiever for members with continuous, active membership: 10-year Raj Bajaj Jerilynn Henrikson H. John Sanders 15-year Judy Keller Hatteberg Joan Breit Hazel Hart Sally Jadlow 20-year Barbara Brady Tom Mach 40-year Doris Schroeder In addition, Anne Shiever announced Octogenarian awards for Connie Rae White and Marilyn Hope Lake. Curtis Becker, Gretchen Eick, and Connie White received service awards. Maureen Carroll received recognition for achievement in writing. It was announced that KAC added 22 new members over the past year. Maureen Carroll recruited 5 of those single-handedly. New members were warmly welcomed. Business Minutes from the 2021 General Membership meeting were made available on the KAC website and through yearbooks placed on each table. They were approved as read. KAC “Transitional Bylaws,” in place over the past year, were reviewed briefly. The new position of KAC Manager was reviewed, with plans to separate the manager position from the position as KAC president; expected hours of employment were updated. The recommended changes to both the bylaws and the manager position had been made available in advance via the KAC website. A motion was made and seconded to approve those changes, and they were approved unanimously by voice vote. The new bylaws are now in place. The candidates for elected offices for 2023 were introduced. President: Kristine Polansky Vice President: Anne Spry Secretary: Ann Vigola Anderson Financial Officer: Chuck Warner Kris Polansky moved, and Duane Johnson seconded, a motion to accept the proposed 2023 slate of officers. There was no discussion, and the slate was approved by voice vote. In addition to the elected officers, each of the seven districts will appoint one representative to the Board. Appointed positions for 2023 include: Yearbook: open Newsletter: Curtis Becker Publicity: open Poetry Contest Manager: open Prose Contest Manager: Lindsey Bartlett Youth Contest Manager: open Welcome Wagon: Cheryl Unruh Archivist: Bill Karnowski Ruth Maus made a motion to adjourn the business meeting; seconded by Barbara Waterman-Peters. Adjourned at 12:51 by unanimous voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Callen Molineux, secretary |
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