THE KEEPER OF THE DREAM

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THE KEEPER OF THE DREAM

by Sharon Stevens

Barbara Brannon of Texas Tech University Press and I were just visiting about Andy Griffith and “The Lost Colony” this past week. Paul Green wrote this symphonic drama as well as our own musical drama “TEXAS.”  There is no doubt in my mind that Griffith probably returned as often as he could and sneaked backstage to join the magic circle with the cast and crew that gathered there before the show.

In our area William Moore, the director of “TEXAS” would do the same. I can’t tell you the times he attended performances of the Canyon High School musicals or dramas and you could hear his booming voice echo ‘bravo’ for the kids from his seat in the audience.

And I bet the Moore’s, the Harpers, the Brantley’s, the Hess’, and the Raillard’s may have seen him perform as they traveled to all Green’s dramas throughout the country learning everything they could so that our rendition in the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon would be as strong as it could be. Most all are gone now, and may they all rest in peace after a job well done. But I will always wonder if it’s a coincidence that Griffith died on July 3rd and this is the same date on the letter Margaret Harper wrote to Paul Green asking him to consider coming to our area to see what he could do. The rest is truly history, just as “The Lost Colony” and its 75th year.

Where would we be without all those who touched our lives and inspired our hearts? They are truly keepers of our dreams. And their legacy reminds us to be keepers as well.

Bravo Andy Griffith!

Sharon Stevens

The Five

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Outtakes 49

 The Five

The 2012 Frontiers in Writing conference was a success. Maybe the numbers were down, but the attendees received more one-on-one time with the speakers. We had a number of first time conference attendees, and that’s always good. Seasoned writers need to encourage and support the new blood. I was blessed to have the opportunity to renew acquaintances and catch up with friends. I also picked up some good advice from award winning writers.

  1.  Writing is a business; treat it as such. Most of us have full time jobs, families, personal commitments; yet we manage to get the kids to school on time and clock in by 8. The same rules apply to our writing jobs. Dress for your writing hours. Go into your office and shut the door. Answer your writing email and ignore all other messages. Write until quitting time, and then go home.
  2. Set your writing goals. Not every writer wants to be widely published. If your goal is to write your family history, that’s great. Are stories for your children and grandchildren your dream? Go for it! Just write it correctly. Learn proper grammar and punctuation. Read books on style, structure, and characterization. But if you want to see your books on the shelves, you must work toward that goal. Spend time educating yourself on publishing law, publishing trends, and genres. Find a writer’s group, a critique group, and attend a conference. Write and rewrite to make your work the best it can be. Do your homework before submitting to agents and editors.
  3. Accept the possibility you will be rejected. I hate being negative, but there’s a lot of competition out there. Agents and editors are looking for sales and acquisitions, and there are just not that many spots. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. Listen to multi-published authors regarding rejection. They’ve been there and can sympathize. Just remember that you are in good, talented company.
  4. Know when to say no. I listened to John Erickson talk about his HANK THE COWDOG series. He recently released the 59th book in the franchise. With HANK, he has created a character that appeals to children and adults. He will not allow his character to be trashed or turned into something less than it is now. He has turned down good money in order to protect his creation. I applaud his integrity. As a writer, you must decide whether the financial gain is worth compromising your work. You must be sure you can live with the consequences of your choice.
  5. This lesson comes from a bubbly, witty, lady. Talk about someone who juggles writing, her entertainment journalism job, family, and commitments! Candace Havens has more deadlines than I could manage. She’s well qualified to make this statement. “No excuses. Put your butt in the chair, your fingers on the keyboard, and write.” Enough said.

Cait Collins

WRITING CONTESTS BENEFITS

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Writing Contests Benefits

It cost money; why should I enter? What benefit will a contest be for my writing and me? I’m not good enough so I’ll never win.

Those who are looking at entering writing contests frequently express these statements and questions. I know, I’ve asked most of them myself.

Having entered my share of writing contests, let me offer some positive benefits from my personal experience.

  1. Training for working with deadlines – Writing contests give a writer the opportunity to work under a deadline. Most contests will have strict dates for submitting an entry. This is good conditioning for working with agents, editors, and publishers who will place deadlines on your writing.
  2. Provides automatic platform – A platform is your audience, those who will read your writing. While your mother and “BFF” will gladly volunteer readership, contest judges can provide you with an unbiased and anonymous audience for your writing. And who knows, the judge may be an agent, editor or publisher.
  3. Gain feedback – One of the most valuable benefits of a writing contest is the critique. To have the judge’s comments noting any mistakes, suggestions for improvement and yes, even praise can help improve your writing.
  4. Build your portfolio – Writing contests are a perfect why to build your portfolio. When seeking an agent or publisher, a few writing clips, accomplishments and certificates may be the edge you need to sell the deal.
  5. Increase your confidence – Entering a contest gives a writer the opportunity to gain confidence in their writing. Have you ever written something only to tear it up or hide it in a drawer? Have you ever said, “I could never write good enough to be published!” A writing contest provides an inexpensive way to test the waters of being an author.
  6. Avoid scam contests – As with most everything, there are people who take advantage of others. Before entering a contest, research the person or organization holding the contest and make sure they are legitimate. There are a few contests that are no more than book selling scams. When your entry wins, it is accepted for publication in an anthology, with all of the other first place winners, then you must pay an outrageous price to obtain a copy. Winningwriters.com lists a few of these writing contests to avoid. To help find your next contest check out www.placesforwriters.com or www.fundsforwriters.com
Rory C. Keel

Frontiers in Writing 2012

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2012 Frontiers in Writing Conference

By Natalie Bright

Ladies and gentlemen,

The 2012 Frontiers in Writing Conference is finished, wrapped up, sealed in a box. And what a conference it was! We were graced by such huge names as Phyliss Miranda, Hilary Sares, Candace Havens and Jodi Thomas, as well as local PPW talents such as Jeff Campbell, Joe Trent, and Mary Lou Cheatham. If you missed it, you missed a treasure trove of information, support and inspiration.

It is with great pleasure that we declare the 2012 FiW Conference an absolute success.

Watch panhandleprowriters.org for more information.

The Great Muse Meet

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The Great Muse Meet

In one week there will be an epic meeting taking place. The Muse Meet, otherwise known as Frontiers in Writing. Let me tell you about it.

New York Times bestselling authors, editors, writers, bookstore managers, English teachers, and every other type of word-loving person you can think of will be gathering under one roof. There will be learning, sharing, hugging, buying, selling, meeting, talking, yarn spinning, poetry, music, food, and handshakes galore. All genres possible—horror, romance, non-fiction, poetry, western, childrens, and just general main stream—will meet face to face. This will be the show the world has been waiting for.

When this many wordy people and imaginative people and happy people get together, only one thing can happen:  UTTER BLISS!

Don’t miss it! Your muse will pelt you with a shillelagh if you don’t bring her to this bash. And you’ll sit home with a knot on your head while the rest of the writing world has a giant party.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Nandy Ekle

DISCOVER THE PROMISE

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DISCOVER THE PROMISE

by Sharon Stevens

I don’t know what I feel each time I watch the viral video of Karen Klein being bullied on the school bus. There are no words. None! Of course there is disgust and there is anger, and there is dismay, and there is outrage, and there are tears, so many, many tears.

It was so hard to distance myself from the words of horror I had witnessed so I approached it from a different angle. I decided to Google Greece Town New York, the city where the incident occurred. It seemed like such a pleasant place filled with a cross section of humanity. Who knew the town with the motto of “discover the promise” would harbor families that raised such ugliness. Sort of like our own Tulia Texas who faced a tragedy of its own a few years ago.

Still there were no words.

I can only imagine the pain Karen went through listening as they taunted her. What gave her the grace to not lash out at the kids? How many times did she face this in the past? What words did she carry in her heart and soul that brought her peace with each mile she rode?

No one knows, no one can fathom…ever, forever!

And then there is Sandusky!

Everyone needs inspiration! We face unspeakable horrors, pain, and tragedies, but also tremendous joys and celebrations. No matter the media we still need to discover the words that keep us whole and sane and center our soul.

Those of us who love to write try to find words in everything that crosses our path. When I put pen to paper or fingers to computer I want to set down all thoughts and every feeling. It is important for me to make sure each and every person understands what I am trying to say whether they want to or not. I know I need to focus, and tighten. There is no question I have a problem, but I need this. I live for this. I cherish this. In all the terrible destruction in the world with writing I can find a solace in my soul.

And I think this is why attending writing conferences like Frontiers in Writing matter so much to me. As I sit in a room with others I soak up inspiration from not only the speaker, but each person in the room. The questions they ask and even the way they frame their queries gives me a glimmer of hope. At the very least I find a quote phrased in-between the ideas. I can study the characters around me at the same time. Names, plots, settings, emotions, all find their way into my psyche and my notes.

But you don’t always need to share just with written words. Take for example Delbert Trew’s column in the Amarillo Globe News about his family’s mercantile store. When I read the article I knew the words would be perfect for Biffle and Cross Mercantile for the opening of the new Pioneer Town at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. I made copies and carried them over and placed them in the store. On the way back to the Buffalo Bookstore I just had to stop under the shadow of the American and Texas Flag at the entrance to the museum and take pictures of the flowers planted there. Sunflowers are always special as they bring up memories of my daughter. Her words are that you always have to smile whenever you see sunflowers. There are no bad memories associated when you share the beauty of these bright, yellow treasures.

This weekend hosts many different events in our area. The Frontiers in Writing Conference will be held at Amarillo College and sponsored by Panhandle Professional Writers hosted with PPW president Matt Sherley, and chaired by Natalie Bright with guest speakers of Candace Havens, Jodi Thomas, John Erickson, Jeff Campbell, Hilary Sares, Craig and Nancy Keel, Chris Stewart, Mary Lou Cheatham, Joe Trent, and so many others. Jim Gleason at Barnes and Nobles also will give a presentation about publishing.

And the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum will be hosting the grand opening of Pioneer Town-a long awaited celebration. WTAMU will be sharing along with the English Department, The Legacy with selected readings and open mic at the Palace Coffee House on the courthouse square in Canyon Texas.  The musical drama TEXAS continues in Palo Duro Canyon, and Canyon is gearing up for July 4th.

How can anyone choose?

I urge everyone to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in our community. We have so much facing us in the future and need to take these moments to heart. Don’t miss a single moment to celebrate the rich legacy and heritage that surrounds us. As a writer, Frontiers in Writing meets every need for those who love to write and share.

Just as in the case of Karen Klein, it will help us to find the write words.

Sharon Stevens

Stuck

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Outtakes 48

Stuck

There are times when I reach an impasse when writing my novel.  My brain will not engage and allow me to move from one scene to another. I’m stuck now. I know where the story needs to go, but where do I start? Should I continue with the heroine’s crisis, or is it time to toss the antagonist into the mix? Unfortunately, I have no idea. I may be stuck, but I still need to write something today. Therefore, I will pull out my handy Journal Jar and grab an assignment.

Describe a perfect autumn day. What kind of activities would you do on that day?

A perfect autumn day would be a day one I spend in Bar Harbor, Maine. I’m staying at a bed-and-breakfast developed from an old sea captain’s home. The three-story clapboard house was built during the whaling days. The owners have invested considerable time and effort in renovating and modernizing the structure while maintaining the charm of beauty of the whaling days. Brass lanterns decorate the book shelf in my room. A sea green dust ruffle kisses the pine floors. The matching hand-quilted sea-green patterned quilt covers the bed. White eyelet curtains shade the room from the bright morning sun.

The crisp air greets me as I sit on the balcony enjoying a cup of fresh-ground Columbian coffee and a wild blueberry muffin.  The inn overlooks the rocky Atlantic coastline. Sand beaches are not common in Maine. Instead, the beaches are composed of large boulders weathered smooth by centuries of ocean tides and storms. I finish my coffee and head indoors to dress for a day of exploring.

I climb over the boulders as I approach the Thunder Hole. The rushing tides crash into the rocks and crevice in the cliff wall and are forced back out, creating a thundering noise. The spray wets my face. I glance up and allow the sun to dry the salt spray from my cheeks.  I back away from Thunder Hole, and find a flat surface for my tripod.  Focusing on Thunder Hole, I set the timer on my camera in hopes of catching the perfect shot of the waves against the rocks.  (Yes, I still prefer 35mm photography to digital.) I shoot a roll of film before retracing my steps down the beach toward the sea anemone cave. The tide is too high to explore the cave, so I decide to go for a drive.

I cross the bridge linking the island to the mainland. The orchards are heavy with ripe McIntosh and red Delicious apples. A sign advertises the opportunity to pick your own apples. I pull into the lot and pay my fee.  Climbing the step ladder is a challenge as I try to balance the peck-size basket and not fall. A young man steadies the ladder as I fill my basket. I move from the McIntosh section to the Delicious trees. Once again, I climb up the ladder and search for the best looking fruit.

I stow the baskets in my car and return to the island. I have just enough time to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunset. Poised on a pink granite outcropping, I snap another roll of film as the day darkens to night. When the sun is gone, I return to the town. Stopping at a seaside restaurant, I order lobster bisque and fresh-baked bread for dinner. The evening breeze chills me. I wrap my thick sweatshirt tighter around my body. It’s time to go home. I need my sleep as tomorrow I drive to Camden to board a windjammer for a three-day cruise. Nothing beats autumn in Maine.

This is my day. Why not take a few minutes and describe your perfect autumn day. One more thing; my heroine needs to confront the ghosts from her past. I wonder what she will find in her grandmother’s journal.

Cait Collins

PEN TO WIN!

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PEN TO WIN!

With the precision of a surgeon’s hand, the written word can touch the human heart. The arched and looped letters of the alphabet skillfully arranged can fill the mind or thrill the soul.

Like a machine that transcends the barriers of time and space, the passages of a story are able carry the reader through the ages, both past and future. The words on every page turned reveals to the reader grand and exotic far-away places or the dark areas that are hidden within themselves.

The writing of the wise often compels the strong to see their own weaknesses and flaws, while the weak can learn to be strong with the same words. Yes, the pen is truly mighty.

In the early 1800’s, a young child by the name of Edward wore the label of a neurotic child. Pawned from one boarding school to another after his father’s death, he discovered the craft of writing. Encouraged to publish a small work of poetry at the age of fifteen, he went on to publish many famous works. The name of this young boy was Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

In 1839, this English politician, poet, playwright, and novelist coined the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword,” in his play Richelieu.

So where do you begin? You start with “From Pen to Win!”

This is a special orientation session for first-time Frontiers in Writing Conference attendees to explain what to expect and answer all of your concerns. It will be held  Thursday, June 28 at Barnes and Noble, starting a 7:30 P.M., located at 2415 Soncy Road in Amarillo, TX.

You’ll walk into the FiW conference on Friday feeling confident and prepared to begin your writing journey.

Rory C. Keel

Frontiers in Writing 2012

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By Natalie Bright

Frontiers in Writing 2012 will open with a Thursday night book signing event held at Barnes and Noble, 2415 Soncy Road., 7:30 – 9:00 PM, June 28. Classes on Friday and Saturday will be held at the CUB on the Amarillo College Washington Campus. The closing event with John Erickson as the keynote speaker, will be held in the Ordway Auditorium.

Just for Newbies! If this is your first writers conference ever, don’t be shy. We’ll have a short orientation in the Barnes and Noble Classroom just for you starting at 7:30 PM. You’ll be done in plenty of time to attend the autographing and meet some of this years faculty.

The Friday night banquet featuring New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas, will be held in the REC Hall at the FORTAMARILLO RV PARK located at 10101 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo. The REC hall is located on the corner of Amarillo Blvd andHelium Road, just behind Gander Mountain.

PPW is having a Book Fair at Barnes and Noble during this weekend. Every purchase made in store or online will benefit the organization. This gives us much needed funds for future conferences allowing us to keep registration fees as affordable as possible.

Print the registration form by going to www.panhandleprowriters.org

Hope to see you all in June!

Natalie Bright


The Great Muse Meet

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POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The Great Muse Meet

In one week there will be an epic meeting taking place. The Muse Meet, otherwise known as Frontiers in Writing. Let me tell you about it.

New York Times bestselling authors, editors, writers, bookstore managers, English teachers, and every other type of word-loving person you can think of will be gathering under one roof. There will be learning, sharing, hugging, buying, selling, meeting, talking, yarn spinning, poetry, music, food, and handshakes galore. All genres possible—horror, romance, non-fiction, poetry, western, childrens, and just general main stream—will meet face to face. This will be the show the world has been waiting for.

When this many wordy people and imaginative people and happy people get together, only one thing can happen:  UTTER BLISS!

Don’t miss it! Your muse will pelt you with a shillelagh if you don’t bring her to this bash. And you’ll sit home with a knot on your head while the rest of the writing world has a giant party.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Nandy Ekle