Category: Member News

Writing Contests Open April 1

3/29/2023

Kansas Authors Club holds annual contests for writers of all ages. All residents of the state of Kansas are invited to enter. Members of Kansas Authors Club may reside anywhere (and get a reduced entry fee). ALWAYS read the guidelines before entering writing contests. Our guidelines can be found at https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/writing-contests---all-ages.html

We accept entries April 1 – June 15.

Yes, we do charge fees for our adult writing contests. We are a 501(c)3 organization and our fees go to cover awards, honorariums for judges, and youth contests (there are no fees for our young writers to enter our contests).

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Welcome New Member Marie Asner

3/12/2023

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We welcome Marie Asner of Overland Park to District 2 and to the Kansas Authors Club!

M.A. Asner is an entertainment reviewer, poet, and journalist. Her reviews are on www.tollbooth.org. She is a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle. Marie is a past member of Kansas Arts on Tour, and currently a member of the Missouri State Poetry Society. In 2022, Marie’s poems were published in Calliope, Grist, Pegasus, The Rockford Review, and Distilled Lives, Volume 6. In January 2023, Marie was a Zoom guest speaker of the Rockford Writers Guild on the topic of film and book reviewing.

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CAT WEBLING TO RELEASE NEW POETRY COLLECTION SUMMER 2023

2/10/2023

D6 Member Cat Webling announced today that she will be releasing a new poetry collection on June 5, 2023. The description of the collection is as follows:

Stars in their beauty only last a short time, and when their lives end, what's left is nothing more than a void. This collection explores the stars, supernovas, and voids left behind that shape us and change us as we live our lives.

Pre-order the Collection

D6 Member Ginger Zyskowski To Be Published in Evergreen Arboretum Project

2/3/2023

A verdant, green garden with a grey paved path overlooked by pillared arches. A metal cutout sign in front reads

Via Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens.

District 6’s Ginger Zyskowski is proud to announce that her poem, “The tree stands silent,” will appear in the “Out on a Limb” project at the Evergreen Arboretum in Everett, WA in April of 2023.
This project, co-sponsored by the Everett Public Library, takes two dozen poetic works from authors of all ages and inscribes them on clay tablets that will hang from the branches of the trees in the arboretum to “create and maintain an inspirational” setting, according to the management of the facility.
The exhibit will run for the month of April in 2023, which coincides with National Poetry Month. There will be a grand opening event on April 1, 2023, and additional events throughout the month that have yet to be announced.

Learn More

Member Published in Night Forest: Folk Poetry & Story anthology by Flying Ketchup Press

1/27/2023

Julie Ann Baker Brin is thrilled to have three pieces published in the Flying Ketchup Press Night Forest: Folk Poetry & Story anthology, launched January 21, 2023 after a long wait (submitted in February, 2020 and accepted in April, 2020 … take a wild guess at what caused the publication delay)! Excerpts and purchasing info are in the “lament” section of Julie's portfolio site (link below). For lack of a better category—they were actually submitted for a “love” theme call for entries, but fall lopsidedly toward the unrequited and/or imperfect side of that topic.

Excerpts at JulieBrin.org

Visit Flying Ketchup Press for More Info

Julie is a member from Park City.

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.

December Publishing News from Duane L. Herrmann

1/7/2023

The Adirondack Center for Writing posted three of my responses to their weekly prompts. Reiter's Block, the personal blog of Jendi Reiter posted a poem of his which he wrote in response to a comment. A review of Zephyrs of the Heart was posted on the Pegasus Literary site – a surprise to Herrmann. A poem of his from an anthology published by Poet's Choice appears in the compilation: PostCards, vol.2. Heron Clan X. An annual anthology of poetry, published his poem, "Feeding Cattle." Herrmann's poem, "Open the Door," is included in the first ever anthology of spiritual themed poems, entitled Offerings, published by Tiferet journal. And, on the very last day of the month, Kansas Public Radio invited him to come to their studios in Lawrence, Kansas, to record readings of several poems on disabilities that he had sent them in response to their call for such poems.

Mark Scheel Published in The Milk House

1/6/2023

Mark Scheel's essay "The Empty Road" appeared on the online publication The Milk House on January 5, 2023. It relates the childhood memory of a farm hand who suffered from alcoholism and is an excerpt from a memoir-in-progress. https://www.themilkhouse.org/the-empty-road-by-mark-scheel/

click image to visit The Milk House website

Writing Goals for a New Year

1/2/2023

Have you made any writing-related resolutions for 2023?

Here's a challenge for our members. Share your writing goals with us in the comments section. (Now open for the first time!)

“Dip your pen into your arteries and write.”

― William Allen White

"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it.

Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window."

― William Faulkner

"The first lesson to be learned by a writer is to be able to say, 'Thanks so much. I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m working.'"

― Edna Ferber

D6 Members Enjoy Signing Event in Wichita

12/12/2022

Several members of District 6 made appearances this weekend at an author event hosted by At The Market! in Wichita. This retail and development center hosts an annual event for the community which connects local authors to readers and each other with independent booths and readings throughout the day.

This year's event featured eight authors including D6 members Jared Vaughn, Karis Ens, Melody Cole, Julie Stielstra, and Cat Webling. The day's event was held in collaboration with a local bookstore event for children.

Those looking for more information about the event and future events can visit At The Market!'s website.

September Publication News from D1 Member Duane L. Herrmann

10/6/2022

September 2022 saw the following results from the literary efforts of Duane L Herrmann: three responses posted to three prompts each from the Adirondack Center for Writing and Carrot Ranch blog; Topeka Geneological Society Quarterly carried one poem; and three anthologies were released with Herrmann's poems in them: Foodways (Agrarian Trust) – 3 poems, Writers and Werewolves (Kansas Writers Association) – 5 poems, and The Trick is to Keep Breathing (Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe) – 3 poems; plus the blog: I Write Her – 6 poems.

And, people in at least 21 cities in the US, plus people in: Oslo, Norway; Prague, Czechia; Weesp, Netherlands; London and Bedford, UK; Temara, Morocco; Nha Trang, Vietman; Vienna, Austria; Korea; Ramat Gan, Israel; Nairobi, Kenya; and Adelaide, Australia; and an un-named city in Korea looked at and maybe read something of his work.

Ann Anderson Presenting to Wichita Area Retired Teachers on October 24

10/3/2022

Book News from D2 Member, Ann Anderson!

I am excited to be sharing stories from my book Posts of a Mid-century Kid, to the Wichita Area Retired Teachers and Personnel, October 24, in Wichita at 11:45 am! They will be meeting at the Riverside Christian Church, 1001 Litchfield. Teachers helped put me on my writing journey!

Linda Ahrens Brower published in Ghosts, Ghouls and Haunted Happenings

9/13/2022

Linda Ahrens Brower, a District 6 member, has her poem "The Cat's Tale" accepted for publication in the current Southern Arizona Press anthology Ghosts, Ghouls and Haunted Happenings.

Congratulations, Linda!

IMPORTANT: Team Members Needed

9/11/2022

MAKE YOUR MARK ON OUR GROWING ORGANIZATION!

Do you have talent to spare? Time to invest in your community of writers? We are looking to fill the following positions in 2023.

Contest Managers: We are actively seeking individuals to manage our 2023 adult poetry and youth writing contests. This person should be comfortable using Submittable (and/or willing to learn how to manage things on the back side). An enthusiasm for promoting and growing our contests is always a plus. Contest managers are charged with selecting judges for the contest, assuring that entries meet the requirements, answering contest questions, and preparing the awards presentation at the annual convention each October. Contest managers work closely with each other and with the Manager. We do ask that managers not enter the contest that they are managing while they are serving in the position. (So if you are a prose writer, managing the poetry contest might be the ideal job for you!)

Publications and Website: Do you have experience with layout and design? Are you proficient (or willing to learn) programs such as Microsoft Publisher and/or Adobe InDesign? Would you like to gain experience with website work or email newsletter services? Perhaps you would be interested in joining our publications team. We currently produce a print yearbook and an electronic newsletter, and publication opportunities within Kansas Authors Club may just be growing! Extra eyes for editing and proofreading are also always appreciated.

Social Media Contributors: If you follow us on Facebook, you already understand the power of teamwork to give an organization a presence. If your district (or area of writing interest) is underrepresented, perhaps you would like to join our teal of social media contributors. We also could use assistance with Twitter and Instagram.

State Secretary: Job Duties (quick version) attends 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. Our Secretary keeps the minutes, prepares a summary for publication, and will work closely with the manager and President as a member of the executive board.

State Financial Officer: Job Duties (quick version) attends 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. Our Financial Officer reviews financial reports generated by the Manager quarterly, sets our budget in coordination with the Manager each year, and works closely with President as a member of the executive board.

District Representatives: Each district needs a representative to the board. The commitment includes attending 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. This is a great way to get to know Kansas Authors Club in more depth and to perform a service for your local community of writers. If you are interested in helping out at the district level, talk to your District President about the many ways you can be involved. Note that District Representatives are elected or appointed at the district level. Pay attention to memos from your officers as districts will begin filling local positions toward the end of this year.

Contact Kris or Tracy Today!

Member Published in the American Foreign Service Journal

9/9/2022

Member Mark Wentling has an article in the American Foreign Service Journal. You can read it here: Much Cause for Worry: A Clear-Eyed Look at Africa.

Congratulations, Mark!

Mark G. Wentling retired from the Senior Foreign Service in 1996, after serving as USAID’s principal officer in six African countries. He has worked in Africa for the Peace Corps, nongovernmental organizations and as a contract employee for USAID. He has published eight books, including a three-volume Africa Memoir released in 2020 and is a frequent contributor on Africa to the FSJ.

Mark is a member of District 5.

Watch Lisa D. Stewart's Interview on YouTube!

8/30/2022

Lisa D. Stewart, District 2 member, was recently interviewed by Carly Cade. They spoke on Long Riding the Midwest, saddle anatomy, and overcoming loss.

Lovers of horse books should check out Carly's offerings.

Carly Cade Creative

Lisa D. Stewart Website

Board of Directors, August Meeting, & List of Open Positions

8/19/2022

The Board of Directors for the Kansas Authors Club met for a summer business meeting on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 10:00 to 12:00, by Zoom. Those in attendance were Tracy Million Simmons (president, transitional manager); Kristine Polansky (vice-president); Monica Graves (financial officer); Cathy Callen (secretary); Anne Spry (D1); Adelaide Bauman (D3); Gretchen Eick (D5); and, Jim Potter (D6). Minutes from the March 26, 2022, board meeting were reviewed, corrected, and approved. The financial report submitted by Monica Graves was reviewed; Tracy sends quarterly reports to Monica, and finances are reported to be in good shape. District representatives took a few moments to report on activities within their districts. Contest managers submitted updates regarding the number of submissions to the various literary contests, with total submissions reported to be within normal limits when compared to previous contests.

A significant portion of the August 13th meeting was spent discussing the restructuring of the organization and the need to finalize changes to the bylaws for approval by members in October. The Board voted unanimously to approve changes and to submit the final version to members for their review. (see link below) Also discussed were plans for the Kansas Book Festival in September at Washburn (Kansas Authors Club will sponsor an informational table), and the upcoming Kansas Authors Club annual convention, to be held in Lawrence in October. We were reminded that there was an “early bird special” conference fee for those registering by September 1.

The nominating committee is preparing a slate of potential officers for 2023. There are still openings, and interested applicants can contact Kristine Polansky. See the list of open positions below.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m. The next board meeting is scheduled for October 8, by Zoom.

Submitted for website publication by
Cathy Callen, State Secretary

Click here to view the proposed 2023 Bylaws

Note: The proposed 2023 bylaws are being emailed to every member by end of day on 8/19/2022. If you do not receive this email, please contact Tracy to confirm that your details in our master list are correct.

Make Your Mark on Our Growing Organization!

Do you have talent to spare? Time to invest in your community of writers? We are looking to fill the following positions in 2023.

State Secretary: Job Duties (quick version) attends 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. Our Secretary keeps the minutes, prepares a summary for publication, and will work closely with the manager and President as a member of the executive board.

State Financial Officer: Job Duties (quick version) attends 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. Our Financial Officer reviews financial reports generated by the Manager quarterly, sets our budget in coordination with the Manager each year, and works closely with President as a member of the executive board.

District Representatives: Each district needs a representative to the board. The commitment includes attending 3 board meetings each year plus the annual membership meeting in October. This is a great way to get to know Kansas Authors Club in more depth and to perform a service for your local community of writers. If you are interested in helping out at the district level, talk to your District President about the many ways you can be involved. Note that District Representatives are elected or appointed at the district level. Pay attention to memos from your officers as districts will begin filling local positions toward the end of this year.

Appointed Positions

Contest Managers: We are actively seeking individuals to manage our 2023 adult poetry and youth writing contests. This person should be comfortable using Submittable (and/or willing to learn how to manage things on the back side). An enthusiasm for promoting and growing our contests is always a plus. Contest managers are charged with selecting judges for the contest, assuring that entries meet the requirements, answering contest questions, and preparing the awards presentation at the annual convention each October. Contest managers work closely with each other and with the Manager. We do ask that managers not enter the contest that they are managing while they are serving in the position. (So if you are a prose writer, managing the poetry contest might be the ideal job for you!)

Publications and Website: Do you have experience with layout and design? Are you proficient (or willing to learn) programs such as Microsoft Publisher and/or Adobe InDesign? Would you like to gain experience with website work or email newsletter services? Perhaps you would be interested in joining our publications team. We currently produce a print yearbook and an electronic newsletter, and publication opportunities within Kansas Authors Club may just be growing! Extra eyes for editing and proofreading are also always appreciated.

Social Media Contributors: If you follow us on Facebook, you already understand the power of teamwork to give an organization a presence. If your district (or area of writing interest) is underrepresented, perhaps you would like to join our teal of social media contributors. We also could use assistance with Twitter and Instagram.

Publishing News from D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann

5/6/2022

April seems to have been a month of threes for Duane L Herrmann. Both the Adirondack Center for Writing and Carrot Ranch published three of his responses to their weekly prompts during the month. Also, three of his poems were accepted by ACW to be among the 200-plus poems included in this year's Poem Village where poems are printed on broadsides and posted around the town of Lake Saranc, New York. Poetry Super Highway not only included six of his poems in response to daily poetry prompts for National Poetry Month, but used one of Herrmann's prompts, and one poem. "Juden Friedhof" was included in the Holocaust Remembrance anthology by PSH for Yan HaShoah. Also, Gonzo Press published/posted his poem, "Churning Butter," while Discretionary Love published/posted his poem, "Family Hands" on their websites.

2022 Literary Contest & Book Awards Contest Guidelines Published

2/14/2022

Now Available!

2022 Guidelines for Adult Literary Contests, Youth Writing Contests, and Book Awards.

Stay tuned for news about our
New Special Category Announcement:

Poetry Chapbook Contest, coming 2022!

2021 Year End News from D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann

1/4/2022

During the months of Nov & Dec, Duane L Herrmann accomplished:

five responses to prompts by Carrot Ranch
six responses to prompts by Adirandack Center for Writing
Two short stories-one on Literary Yard (website) and one in the book US/THEM.
Five short memoirs were published: three in It Wasn't Funny Then, and two on Page & Spine (website).
Seventeen individual poems in seven places.
Five poems in two micro chapbooks at origamipoems.com, one in English the other German.

D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann, Publication News

7/14/2021

The Origami Poems Project has selected Herrmann's collection of six poems, entitled: Lunar Locus, to be published as one of their micro-chap (books). These are formatted to be printed on one sheet of 8.5x11 paper, double sided and, if folded properly (and cut on one certain fold), become a micro-chap (book). This is Herrmann's second publication with them, the first was, In Praise of Prairies in 2017. The release date has not yet been determined, but sometime in 2021.

A short story, based on the experience of a friend, has just been published by Literary Yard, out of India.
"My God ! What a surprise, how expertly, you can turn a simple incident (very much familiar to me), into such an interesting and spell binding story," the friend said after reading the story.

<<Previous

Writing Contests Open April 1

Welcome New Member Marie Asner

CAT WEBLING TO RELEASE NEW POETRY COLLECTION SUMMER 2023

D6 Member Ginger Zyskowski To Be Published in Evergreen Arboretum Project

Member Published in Night Forest: Folk Poetry & Story anthology by Flying Ketchup Press

December Publishing News from Duane L. Herrmann

Mark Scheel Published in The Milk House

Writing Goals for a New Year

D6 Members Enjoy Signing Event in Wichita

September Publication News from D1 Member Duane L. Herrmann

Ann Anderson Presenting to Wichita Area Retired Teachers on October 24

Linda Ahrens Brower published in Ghosts, Ghouls and Haunted Happenings

Congratulations, Linda!

IMPORTANT: Team Members Needed

Member Published in the American Foreign Service Journal

Watch Lisa D. Stewart's Interview on YouTube!

Board of Directors, August Meeting, & List of Open Positions

Make Your Mark on Our Growing Organization!

Appointed Positions

Publishing News from D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann

2022 Literary Contest & Book Awards Contest Guidelines Published

2021 Year End News from D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann

D1 Member, Duane L. Herrmann, Publication News

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