June 14, 2023

NewsblastMember NewsNews
Written By Tim Flood

Dear members of the San Francisco Peninsula Branch of the CWC,

 

Newsblast Update June 14, 2023!

 

Find our website at https://cwc-sfpeninsula.org

Members submit news to: newsletter@sfpeninsulawriters.com

 

Meeting: Sat, June 17, 2023, 10am-12pm

Between traditional publishing and self-publishing there is small publishing. Get all your questions answered by the co-founder of Paper Angel Press and its imprints, Steven Radecki, regarding the place that independent publishers play in the publishing ecosystem.  Read more and pre-register for $15 to attend meetings or pay at the door. In-person only, Sequoia Yacht Club.

President’s Message (Geri Spieler)

Leaving You All in Good Hands

As I write this month’s message, I will be “termed out” in June 2023. It’s been a great and challenging two years. Even at its most challenging, I wouldn’t change it.

One of the reasons I even thought of running was the impressive and strong board of this CWC branch, San Francisco Peninsula.

I took a hiatus from our CWC branch after publishing my first book. The process was exhausting, and if it wasn’t for the support I received from our members, honestly, I wasn’t sure I would survive the pressure. But everyone was there for me in every way. I had heard that the hard work comes when the book is complete. Now I faced the editing and the millions of decisions that come before the book is finally published.

I was contacted by Carole Bumpus for the club’s 50-year anniversary celebration and I was so impressed at how the branch had evolved I started attending again and volunteered for various jobs, including hospitality and vice president for the programming job. I also helped at the check-in table when there was only one person performing the membership role.

It seems like I just became president and it’s been two years already. What have I learned?

I won’t use the phrase “it takes a village,” but that is how it feels. The president is the referee to everyone on the board, those who have a vote, and those who perform many jobs that bring you great meetings, speakers, and food, plus those who manage the membership for our local branch and the statewide responsibilities.

We accomplished much these two years.

  • We have a fabulous new website that functions as a way to pay for a membership, sign up for meetings, and more.

  • We performed and responded to a survey of the members to see what they like.

  • We created a group where members could talk to each other.

  • We created support for writing critique groups.

  • We updated our policies & procedures and our bylaws.

I leave you in good hands for the next president. I also encourage you to explore the many positions and support our club has to offer. It’s a ton of fun to be a part of such a fabulous group.

Geri Spieler

New Members

Welcome to these new members of our branch:

  • Dr. Anuj Guruacharya: Novel, short fiction, poetry

  • Donna Wocher: Poetry, Non-Fiction / Professional, Memoir / Bio

  • Erin O’Doherty: Memoir / Bio, Non-Fiction / Professional, Non-Fiction / How To

  • Miriam Freedman: Historical, General, Memoir / Bio, Non-Fiction / Professional

  • Springer Teich: General

Heads Up! Renew Your Membership coming July 1 

July 1 approaches — the day annual membership renewal begins. There’s nothing to do until you receive an email inviting you to renew online. Of course, we hope you continue to be part of the oldest writing club in California and avail yourself of all we have to offer in support of your writing. Members create the vibrancy and energy that makes our branch work so well. Renewal will cover your membership from July 01, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

Picnic? Yes! A Picnic!

Let’s have some fun and make some great connections at our annual CWC picnic on Saturday, July 15th, 12:00 Noon to 3:00PM. BYOL (Bring your own lunch) but we’ll provide beverages and the most delish-ious deserts. More info and RSVP.

Special Events

Writers Helping Writers Palo Alto is on hiatus over the summer. 

Writers Helping Writers San Mateo is on hiatus over the summer.

Open Mic (On Line Weekly)

Shut Up and Write (On Line Weekly)

2023 Redwood Writers Prose Anthology “One Universe to the Left” is now accepting two submissions from CWC Members in good standing of fantasy or sci-fi short stories by June 30.

Member News (see more online)

  • Marianne Brems’ poem “Sea or Dough” appears in the Spring 2023 issue of The Green Silk Journal.

  • James Hanna’s story, “Blow-Up Bella” appears in A Thin Slice of Anxiety.

  • Another of James’ stories, “A Second Less-Capable Head” appears in The Chamber Magazine. This tale is about a Tea Party activist who one day discovers that he is growing another head.  

  • Carolyn Curtis had a third story of hers published in GreenPrints current issue, Summer 2023.

  • Congratulations all! We’re celebrating with you!


Special Invitation

Darlene Frank presents: Writers Read & Celebrate Their Work 

You’re invited to a free special event celebrating 10 writers reading brief excerpts from their work in progress. They’ve been working together for many months on memoir, fiction, poetry, essays. Some are CWC members! The event is on Wednesday, June 28, at 6:00 - 7:15 PM Pacific Time via Zoom. Register.

Take Advantage

Go Forth! Do Good! Write Much! Read Many!

One of Your Newsblast Writers Pat Obuchowski

California Writers Club

San Francisco / Peninsula Branch

Tim Flood
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