“Notes from a Reunion,” a story by David Harris about a high school classmate murdered while hitchhiking, was accepted for publication by On the Seawall. “It’s the third story I’ve submitted to them,” David says, “and the editor had sent thoughtful and encouraging rejections with the two other stories. The third time was the charm for this one.” His writing critique group provided “very helpful feedback.” 

Claudia Hyslop has been invited to read her poem, “The Lake,” at CWC-Redwood Writers’ launch party for their 2024 poetry anthology, One Day, on Sunday September 22. The potluck launch party is being held at a member’s private home.

Dr. Jeanne Powell’s writing submission was one of sixteen chosen for a ten-day writing retreat in Tuscany with Anaphora Arts. Writers took classes with three instructors, then relaxed in an air-conditioned villa near Lucca with day trips to Lucca, Pisa, and Florence. Dr. Jeanne is planning a weekly online journal to start September 2024.

Geri Spieler’s latest book of historical fiction, Regina of Warsaw, based on her grandmother’s flight from Poland’s pogroms, received a glowing review from Midwest Book Review.

On The Andrew Jose Show in a recorded interview entitled “Regina Anuszewicz’s Heroic Flight from Antisemitism in Eastern Europe with Geri Spieler,” Geri discusses chronicling her grandmother’s life and experiences as a Jewish refugee in the US from Eastern Europe.

Carole Bumpus’s latest work, Adventures on Land and Sea: Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and Along the Côte d’Azur, has gone to the printer. The book will launch November 12. Carole “can’t wait to share some of the stories hidden in those pages.”

Whether taking the traditional publishing route or striking out on your own by self-publishing, working with a professional editor is essential.

At the CWC meeting on Saturday, September 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., editors Eva Barrows and Lila LaBine will introduce you to the different types of editing professionals who can help you through various stages of the writing process. Learn about interviewing potential editors, what deliverables to expect, and how to support your editor partner. Gain confidence in what step to take next in your publishing journey.

On Thursday, September 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the San Mateo Public Library, join Kate Adams, Fault Zone poetry editor, and fellow writers as we generate lines and see where they go.

For California Writers Club members who want to submit their work to the next issue of Fault Zone, this is a good opportunity to be inspired!

Your story (or poem or article) is special, but how can you make the manuscript catch an editor’s or agent’s attention? 

At Writers Helping Writers in Palo Alto, Vanessa MacLaren-Wray will give writers the necessary tools to make their manuscripts shine. Her workshop will cover submission requirements, demystification of the cover letter, and the wait for acceptance. Please join us on Thursday, September 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rinconada Library in Palo Alto.

Bruce Neuberger’s Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in a Time of Terror is a contestant at the National Jewish Book Awards. In the final stages of preparation, the audiobook will be out soon. A Hindi language version of Postcards will be published by Gargi Books of Delhi, India. Pkys AFT Local 2121 Retirees is hosting a reading of Postcards to Hitler on September 6 at 1 p.m. at the S.F. Main Library, Paley Room. 

Tice Swackhamer announces the publication of her flash fiction piece, “The Pantry,” in the recently released California Writers Club’s Visions and Verse anthology, an ekphrastic book of poetry, prose, art, and photography. Her photo, “The Golden Hour,” is among the fifteen art contest winners. Her short story, “Bread,” will appear in the forthcoming Redwood Writers 2024 anthology, Transitions.

Audrey Kalman, co-creator with Jennifer Browdy of the Birth Your Truest Story online writers’ community, is offering “Gather at the Oasis,” a FREE ten-week creativity/mindfulness program beginning September 2. Participants will receive weekly affirmations, writing prompts, and guided meditations, along with an invitation to attend online community writing sessions. Join here for free or send questions to info@birthyourtrueststory.com.

Jim Hanna’s novella Lights Out Lizzie is available on Kindle. Gertie McDowell from backwoods Kentucky joins Sister Sue and her Christian Ladies of Wrestling. Their mission is to bring folks to Jesus by having women posing as Christians beat the daylights out of women pretending to be sinners.

The show becomes a sensation, and Gertie, now known as Lights Out Lizzie, is recruited to entertain American forces in Afghanistan.

Packed with zany humor, bruising bouts, and a couple of Biblical allusions, Lights Out Lizzie is rated a five-star must-read by Book Viral.