E-Calendar

January 2004

Regional Literary Events
Compiled by LAKE SUPERIOR WRITERS

*** EVENTS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Mondays, 8 pm. Open mic at Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe, info: 218-723 0075.

Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Wednesdays, 7-10 pm. Open mic at Beaner's Central, info: 218-624-5957.

January 6, Tuesday, 7 pm. In-Store Book Club, Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

January 8, Thursday, 7-9 pm. MEMOIR PANEL with Mara Kirk Hart, Milan Kovacovic, Katharine Johnson, Bart Sutter. Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Thursdays, 8:05 pm. Chequamegon Bay Word Affiliate. Black Cat Coffeehouse; Ashland, WI. Bring your work to share.

January 11, Sunday, 2 pm. MEMOIR READING: All LSW members and Writers' Group participants are invited to read. Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218 722-3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

January 15, Thursday, 9 pm. Circular Muse presents its monthly Poetry Slam. Dick’s Basement (the Ripsaw called it “the best venue of the year”) 16 North Second Avenue E. At 9 pm: John Holden Zine Release: “Detrimental Info #5.” At 9:30 pm: Poetry Slam. Cheer for the favorites. Info: duluthpoetry@yahoo.com, 218-391-4869.

January 10, Saturday, 2 - 3 pm. Discussion and signing. Duluth television personality Michelle Lee will discuss and sign her new book “The Myth and Magic of Nemadji (Indian) Pottery” (Left Hand Publishing). The book reveals the true story of Nemadji Pottery, which was manufactured in Moose Lake, Minnesota, and serves as a guide to collectors. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

January 18, Sunday, 4:30 pm. Memoir Book Group -- “Breaking Clean” by Judy Blunt. Also discuss future titles and meeting times. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. (218) 218 786-0710.

January 20, Tuesday, 5:15 pm. Writers Group meeting. The Beecroft Writers Group will meet at J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee on Tuesday, January 20, at 5:15 pm. Writers of poetry and short stories are invited to attend. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

January 21, Wednesday, noon, Algonquin Club/Round Table --- Lunch Discussions for Writers. This is the first meeting of a regular Lake Superior Writers offering. The group will discuss writing, writing tips, publishing tips, publishing woes, the role of writers, the nature of being a writer and helping other writers. This is not a forum for reading one's own writing, but rather a place where writing artists can meet to share the ups (and downs) of the writing life.  We look forward to seeing you there.  The group will meet on the third Wednesday of every month at the Green Mill Restaurant in Canal Park.

January 22, Thursday, 7 pm. Book Group Information Night -- Veteran book group leaders will discuss what makes a great book group. Resource guides for starting and maintaining a book group will be presented as well as suggested reading titles and information about in-store book groups. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

January 25, Sunday, 3 pm. Interpretations, an art show featuring the collaborations of 20 local visual artists and poets, closes with a poetry reading in the Washington Studios Gallery. The show will be up through the month and open for viewing Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 pm (or by appointment: Sue 726-0341 or Bob 391-4869). Participating poets include: Erik Leavitt, Anna Owens, Rachel Mock, Mary Tennis, Ted Gephart, Liz Minette, Ryan Vine, AnnMarie O'Malley, Bob Monahan, and John Holden. 315 N. Lake Ave., Duluth. Info: duluthpoetry@yahoo.com.

January 29, Thursday, 7 pm. Personal Wellness Book Group -- The newest book group at Barnes & Noble features books on your health, mind, body and spirit. The topic of discussion for this introductory meeting will be “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Miller Trunk Highway. 218-786-0710.

January 29, Tuesday, 7 pm. Environmental Book Club, Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 307 Canal Park Drive, 218-722-5267.

January 30, Friday, 6:30 pm. P.J. Story Time --- Young readers are invited to come in pajamas, bring a pillow and blanket, and settle in to hear favorite wintertime tales. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

January 31, Saturday, 2 - 3 pm Discussion and signing. Wisconsin writer Mary Relindes Ellis will discuss and sign her new novel “The Turtle Warrior” (Penguin/Putnam). Set in Northern Wisconsin, the book “is filled with family secrets and devastating abuse, yet ultimately weaves an unexpected healing.” Ellis will discuss how her own Northern Wisconsin childhood impacted her writing of the novel. J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Ave., 218-394-2665.

January 15, Thursday, 7 pm, Depot Great Hall, "Light Up the Night --- Sharing our Voices - Old and New." Northern Lights Books & Gifts is celebrating the writing community with a benefit for the Depot: St Louis County Heritage and Arts Center.
* Readings by: Louis Jenkins (“Winter Road,” “Nice Fish,” “Just Above Water”), Connie Wanek (“Hartley Field,” “Bonfire”), Sheila Packa (“Uncommon Light,” “Always Saying Good-bye”), Yvonne Rutford, and music from Wild By Nature (Mary Tennis, Beth Bartlett, Jody Anderson, and Barb Hanka). Coffee and wine bar. $2 suggested donation supports the Depot. Info: Northern Lights Books & Gifts, 218-722-5267.

FEBRUARY: Writers Speak Out on Love: LSW will hold its annual Barnes and Noble Valentine's Day Fundraiser, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 pm, Barnes and Noble. A percentage of sales accompanied by an official LSW flyer will be donated to Lake Superior Writers. Watch your mail for the flyer! 

MARCH LSW PROGRAM: Thursday, March 11, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Self-Publishing Workshop with Sue Gustafson and Tony Dierckins. A light sandwich supper will be available for purchase at 5 pm.  Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722-3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

April 14, 21, 28, and May 5, Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, LSW Spring Class:  INSIDE OUT, a four-session writing class for those who have lost a loved one, facilitated by Deborah Cooper, poet and chaplain. Finding words for grief and giving voice to it can be an avenue for healing, a way of recovering balance and deepening understanding.  The act of writing engages a process of expressing the heart's truth, a process that can offer insight, light and resolution.  Deborah Cooper is a certified chaplain. She has served in a variety of settings in the Twin Ports community over the last twenty years. Her poetry has been published in

numerous literary journals and anthologies. She is the author of two chapbooks, “Redirection of the Heart” (New Song Press) and “the gods of wild things” (Poetry Harbor). Fee:  Members: $60, Non-Members: $75. Register by April 7. Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722-3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

April 16-17.Wine & Words with award-winning travel writer and LSW member Jeff Rennicke. Rennicke teams up with Bayfield's Old Rittenhouse Inn to offer a weekend of writing workshops and gourmet dining. For more information call 1-800-779-2129 or visit the website at www.rittenhouseinn.com.

April 18, Sunday, 2 pm. Writers Speak Out: Travelling to Find Ourselves. Lake Superior Writers presents a reading event in conjunction with the Duluth Public Library’s Community Reading Project on “Huckleberry Finn.” Several regional writers will read selections on the theme of self discovery and epiphany, followed by an open reading, and discussion. All writers and listeners are invited to join in the exploration of the modern implications of Huck Finn’s adventurous journey down the Mississippi. Lake Superior Writers Meeting Room, Marshall School Annex (next to Sylvan Learning Center), 1301 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Questions? Call 218-722 3094. Leave a message and someone will return your call.

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***LSW MEMBER KUDOS! BRUCE HENRICKSEN’S story "Pablo and I" will appear in “Mota,” an annual anthology published by Triple Tree Publishing.

SHEILA PACKA along with northern Minnesota poets: Jeanine Emmons, Gladys Koski Holmes, Kathleen McQuillan, and Stephanie Stevens have their work collected in a new book of poetry, “Uncommon Light,” published by Tamarack Press. The book ($10) is available at Northern Lights Book Store and other local venues.

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LSW WRITING GROUPS

***OPEN, GENRE-BASED, WRITING GROUPS

Several LSW writing groups are open to all members. Expect a different number of people at each session and lively contributions from a variety of viewpoints.

IRON RANGE POETS: If interested in joining an LSW writing group, please contact Francine (218-262-2503) or FMSterle@uslink.net. Please note: this group is for serious writers only. They will focus on critiques of individual poems but issues regarding manuscript preparation will be addressed on an ongoing basis.

Fiction/Poetry. Meets the third Wednesday of the month, 6- 8 pm, Pepper McGregor's Coffeehouse & Cafe, 4721 E. Superior St. Contact Jill Hinners (218-525-1463) or Cheryl Reitan (creitan@.d.umn.edu, 218-728-3154) for information.

Memoir. Meets the third Sunday of every month, 3 pm Chester Creek Cafe, At Sara's Table (back room). Contact Mara Hart (mhart2@d.umn.edu, 218-728-3154) for information.

Writing for Children. Meets at 6:30 pm on the third Monday of the Month at J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, 3631 Tower Avenue. For information call 715-394-2665.

Writing About Gardening. An e-mail group. Contact Jeanne (aens@vicksburg.com) for further information.

Open Genre. Thursday nights 7 pm Browser's N'etc. Cafe. Contact Bob or Rachel at 786-0102.

Creative Non-Fiction. Call the Lake Superior Writer's Office (218-722-3094) for information of time and place for the next meeting.

Fantasy. Contact Lacey (the_real_sedeara@yahoo.com) for information.

Fiction. Interested in joining a fiction writing group? Contact Lori Larson (lml@excelonline.com, 218-729-5341) for further information.

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Interested in Starting a Writing Group?

Call the Lake Superior Writer's Office (218-722-3094) for information, sample guidelines and suggestions. LSW is especially looking for members interested in starting Essay, Journaling and Scriptwriting groups.

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Closed Writing Groups (Which May Have Openings)

Writing is an extremely personal activity and often times a small group works best for giving support and critique. Several LSW groups meet regularly. When established groups have openings, we will list the contact people in this space. Call to arrange a meeting with the contact person to see if your work and style will be a good fit.

Call first, and be prepared to submit a sample of your writing in advance. Note: Commitment level is high. You're expected to show up and to follow procedures set by the group.

MEMOIR. Contact Colette (218-724-2262; bocop09@aol.com) for possible openings.

MEMOIR. Carlton County. Contact Katharine (218-879-9390; katjay66@yahoo.com) for further information.

MEMOIR. Contact Donna (218-525-1012) for further information.

MIXED GENRE. Sault Ste. Marie. Contact Kristin (906-632-8892) for further information.

POETRY. Contact Sheila (218-279-3549; spacka@juno.com) for further information.

POETRY. Iron Range. Contact Francine (218-262-2503; FMSterle@uslink.net) for further information.

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***NEWS/CONTESTS/SUBMISSIONS

Katharine Johnson, a member of Lake Superior Writers and of Northwoods Writers of Carlton County, organized a reading at a nursing home recently. They had seven readers and about 25 in the audience. The response was excellent. The activities director also read two poems the residents had written as a group. In 2004, Katharine’s group will (hopefully) get some of the resident’s stories into book form. If other writers are interested in reading in nursing homes, Katharine may be able to help you out. E-mail Katharine Johnson at: katjay66@yahoo.com

CAT HOUSE, a review of poetry by women, is currently seeking submissions for its first issue! Deadline is Friday, April 30. Please send 3-6 poems along with bio letter and SASE to: Cat House, attn Liz Minette, editor, 1215 1/2 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55806-2223. Compensation for published authors is one promised great review of poetry that your work appears in! Queries or questions may be directed the beautiful editor, at 1215 1/2 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55806.

WI POETS’ CALENDAR: The editors of the 2005 Wisconsin Poets' Calendar are seeking submissions for the annual publication. Poets must be Wisconsin residents. Deadline is February 28. There is no entry fee. For submission quidelines, please go to www.wfop.org and click on "calendar".

AUTHORS TO CLOQUET: The Cloquet Public library is starting an author program. If you've published a book and are willing to spend an hour or so reading/discussing and having the opportunity to sell, get in contact with Mary Lukkarila at the Cloquet library. 218-879-1531.

MUSE PRIZE: The Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets announces the Muse Prize for Excellence in Poetry Contest. The contest closes February 1. Contestants must be Wisconsin residents 18 or older. An entry form and $3 fee ($6 for non-WFOP members) in required. For more information and the entry form, see the WFOP website, www.wfop.org

MAD POETRY website: Check out www.madpoetry.org --- many contests and deadlines

MN LIT: Minnesota Literature is a statewide, monthly newsletter ($10/10 issues) that provides the literary community with information about workshops, residencies, new publications, grants, awards, contests, and a monthly calendar of readings. They have a new editor, Mary Treacy! Minnesota Literature, 2224 Stinson Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55418, mnlit@frontiernet.net.

WRITING COACH. Experienced Writers: Would you like to earn $25/an hour, and at the same time encourage a fellow writer? Lake Superior Writers will act as a clearing house for those who feel qualified to be a writing coach, and those who wish help. If you wish to participate, please send a letter of intent stating your area(s) of expertise, a brief resume, and $10 for Website maintenance. Your name and a brief resume will be posted on the LSW Website. See www.lakesuperiorwriters.org for info. Send information to LSW, 1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 132, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, Att'n. Mara.

duluthpoetry duluthpoetry duluthpoetry A reasonably reliable source for under and above ground twin ports poetry events and information. When it comes to poetry, they've got their hands on the pulse. To subscribe: e-mail duluthpoetry@hotmail.com.

BLUE EARTH REVIEW, biannual publication, accepts original poetry, fiction, non-fiction, photography and graphic art through May 1. Submit bio (50 words), address, phone and email to Blue Earth Review, Thomas Maltman, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato, Student Union 192, Mankato, MN 56001. Contact wordmucker@yahoo.com.

NEW IMMIGRANTS: Editor seeks memoir, fiction, poetry for anthology exploring "new immigrants" (since 1965) to Minnesota: David Anderson, 1106 Payne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55101.

KUMQUAT Meringue is a strange acorn of poetry dedicated to the memory of Richard Brautigan. Send your quirky minutiae of love, sex, syrup, life, and death. If there's a connection to Richard Brautigan, so much the better. Sample: $6. Three issue subscription: $12. P.O. Box 736, Pine Island, MN 55963

THE 2004 Raymond Carver Short Story Award at Carve Magazine. First: $2,000. Second: $1,000. Third: $300. Seven finalists: $100. All entries considered for publication. Deadline: February 1. Entry: $15/one, $25/two, $30/three. Contest Judge: Mary Hood. Electronic submissions preferred. Limit: 8,000 words. Guidelines at www.carvezine.com.

PHANTASMAGORIA invites submissions of short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Include SASE for return of manuscript or notification. No previously published work. Send manuscripts to Abigail Allen, Editor, Phantasmagoria, English Dept., Century College, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

MID-LIST PRESS --- First Series Award for the Novel. An advance of $1,000 and publication by Mid-List Press is given annually for an unpublished novel. Writers who have not previously published a novel are eligible. Submit a manuscript of at least 50,000 words with a $30 entry fee by February 1. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for the required application and complete guidelines. Mid-List Press, First Series Award for the Novel, 4324 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407-3218. Marianne Nora, Executive Director. www.midlist.org

THE NEOVICTORIAN/COCHLEA seeks poems of formal integrity for an issue on Utopia (in any sense; work by poets who have read Celan's "Meridian" speech particularly welcome). Simultaneous submissions OK if notified. Subscription: $10. Sample copy: $6. Send manuscripts with SASE to The Neovictorian/Cochlea, P.O. Box 55164, Madison, WI 53705.

COLERE, a journal celebrating cultural exploration, welcomes thought-provoking fiction, poetry, essays, and artwork. Limit submissions to 5 poems or 20 pages on experiences abroad or at home. Submissions (by January 15) or subscriptions ($5 annually) to Colere, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

FOURTH GENRE Explorations in Nonfiction Annual Editors' Prize for Best Essay/Memoir. $750 First prize, $250 Runner-up, plus publication. Deadline: January 20. Entry fee: $15, includes 1 sample issue. Limit: 6,000 words, double spaced. Essay must be unpublished. Judge: Sue William Silverman. Send manuscripts to Fourth Genre Editors' Prize, Dept. of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures, 229 Bessey Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1033. Visit www.msupress.msu.edu/FourthGenre for complete guidelines.

ORCHID: A Literary Review 2004 short fiction contest. First prize: $500 and publication. Finalists: notation, possible publication. Deadline: April 1. Fee: $10/entry (7,000 words maximum). Final judge: Will Allison. Include an SASE for a list of finalists. Orchid: A Literary Review, Attn: 2004 Short Fiction Contest, P.O. Box 131457, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-1457. More info: www.orchidlit.org

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*** GRANTS

ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS FOR SCREENWRITERS 2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Screenwriters. IFP MSP and the McKnight Foundation will award two $25,000 fellowships to two Minnesota screenwriters in 2004. Deadline: February 10. Contact Jeanne O'Brien, IFP MSP's Funding Programs Director and Administrator of the fellowship program with questions: call 612 338-0871 or email jobrien@ifpmsp.org

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*** RESIDENCIES

BLACKLOCK NATURE SANCTUARY 2004 FELLOWSHIPS: two to four week residencies including housing and a cash stipend. Deadline: received by Jan 30. See www.blacklock.org or contact Catherine Jordan at 612-823-6257, jorda021@tc.umn.edu.

The ANDERSON CENTER Residency Program. Emerging and established artists/writers are welcome. Deadlines: February 1, March 1. Room, board, and workspace provided. Anderson Center : jackie@andersoncenter.com, http://www.andersoncenter.org, P.O. Box 406, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone 651-388-2009.

JENTEL ARTIST Residency Program. One-month residency in rural ranch setting for artists and writers. Includes private room, studio, and $400 stipend. January 15 deadline for May 15 – December 13, 2004. Check www.jentelarts.org or contact jentel@jentelarts.org to request information and application.

DORLAND MOUNTAIN Arts Colony, The unspoiled environment and undisturbed solitude foster creativity. Working in a natural setting without distractions or interruptions, Dorland residents can tap into their inner resources. Without electricity, they find a new, natural rhythm for their work. $450 per month. Applications due: September 1 and March 1. Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, http://www.ez2.net/dorland/,  P.O. Box 6, Temecula, CA 92593

RAGDALE Foundation artists' retreat. Ragdale supports national and international visual artists, writers and composers. Ragdale provides a quiet place to focus on one's work along with a connection to history, nature and the Ragdale community. $15 daily fee includes room and board. Deadline January 15. 1260 North Green Bay, Lake Forest, IL 60045, Phone 847-234-1063, FAX: 847-234-1063, mosher@ragdale.org, koy@ragdale.org, http://www.ragdale.org

VCCA: The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts is a working retreat for writers, visual artists, and composers. It is located at Mt. San Angelo, a 450 acre estate in Amherst County, Virginia. Application Deadlines: January 15, May 15, and September 15. Suggested daily fee, $30. Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Mt. San Angelo, Box VCCA, Sweet Briar, VA 24595, Phone 434-946 7236 FAX 434-946-7239, http://www.vcca.com/

UCROSS Foundation; Housing, studios, food provided. Deadline: March 1, October 1. Ucross Foundation, ucross@wyoming.com, www.ucrossfoundation.org. 2836 US Hwy 14-16 East, Clearmont, WY 82835; Phone 307-737-2291.

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***LSW NEWS!

CALLING ALL LITERARY "FOODIES": Are you creative in the kitchen as well? LSW Hospitality Committee is seeking recruits to assist with decor and refreshments for our monthly events! If menu and site enhancement planning including musical accompaniment, food prep, procurement of supplies, delivery and set up - piques your appetite, please respond to: msclaudia2you@yahoo.com

WRITE IN THE LSW OFFICE ---The board of Lake Superior Writers is seeking applications by members who need a room of their own in which to write. For a nominal fee, you would be able to use our quiet, well-furnished office space. Please call 722-3094.

THE LSW ANTHOLOGY, "Between Stone and Flesh," contains twenty LSW poetry and prose writers. To purchase this book, which is available to LSW members for $8, or to find out more about our contest, contact Jim at 724 1653.

We have two e-mail addresses: writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org
and a special e-mail for this calendar at calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org
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***ABOUT THE LSW CALENDAR

THIS CALENDAR is a benefit of your membership in Lake Superior Writers.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the literary arts. We welcome information from you regarding events, classes, kudos or announcements to be included in upcoming calendars.We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

TELL US ABOUT IT! Have you just been published? Received a grant or an award? Let us know! We love to celebrate the successes of the members of our writing community. E-mail your news items to calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org.

SEND CALENDAR ITEMS to calendar@lakesuperiorwriters.org by the third Friday of the month. Include date, time, location, brief description and contact person. Be sure to include "LSW Calendar" in your subject line.

LSW MISSION: to foster writing communities, to provide an audience for literature, and to further the artistic development of writers through workshops, readings, and publications.