February, 2013
1. From the Bird's Nest 2. It's in the Book 3. New - Craft Workshops for You 4. Writing Retreats at The Clearing From the Bird's Nest...
In the faraway city of Timbuktu, there are libraries of treasured books, hand inscribed, holding words and thoughts written long before we even thought of building libraries in this country.
I held an old book once, in the archives at Newberry Library in Chicago. I don't remember the title, or the origin, only that it was small, bound in white leather, and fragile. The text was thin and delicate, and felt as if it was connected all the way back to the day it was written.
It's in the BookWe have so much to learn in libraries, not just in the books, but in the fact that the libraries existed. It's so easy to get ego filled, to think we are wiser now than other people in other times. I would like to see a map pinned with all the ancient libraries of the world. Imagine how many people sat, and read, and shared ideas with friends and strangers in places as far away as Timbuktu.
NEW – CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR YOU
Finally, an easy-peasy way to improve your writing skills, in less time, at less expense. These new craft workshops grew out of the nationally acclaimed "Shut Up & Write!" seminar. Each covers a specific topic, in a single evening, so you can sign up for one or all. How to Bring Characters to Life
Wed. Feb 6, 6:30-9pm, $45 (snow date Feb 20)
Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee Register with Judy (see below)
Characters are at the heart of writing. Whether people or parrots, real or imagined, alive or dead, principals in novels or case histories in how-to books, characters are the prime drivers of the written word. You write your best when you get to know them before you begin
In this workshop, you learn how to use your memories and imagination to flesh out characters so they seem fully alive to you. When you know how they look, sound, feel, taste and smell; when you "see" them sitting across the table or dancing in the moonlight, you are ready to bring them to life on the page.
How to Get Your Thoughts Organized
Wed. Mar 6, 6:30-9pm, $45 (snow date Mar 20)
Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee Register with Judy (see below)
We would all like to believe we can just start writing and the story or article will wind out before us, practically finishing itself. This does happen once in awhile, but more often, we need to get a grip on the plot or plan before we begin.
This workshop is for all writers who have a million ideas racing around in their heads. You will learn two methods you can use to get your thoughts organized - one for fiction, one for nonfiction. An extra bonus is that the nonfiction method can be used to organize projects as well as writing, so the book (or the motorcycle) can come together as planned. (One writer used it to reorganize a division of her bank.)
How to Get Happily Published
Wed. Apr 3, 6:30-9pm, $45 (no snow!)
Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee
Register with Judy (see below)
We all mourn "the good old days," when writers wrote and agents and publishers took care of the sticky stuff - or so we thought. Few writers, at any level, get this treatment today. Most of us have to do some or all of the work ourselves.
If you would like to see your words in print, or in an ebook, (or both) this is the workshop for you. Learn the pros and cons of working with traditional "New York Style" publishers, versus the various methods of self-publishing - custom, print-on-demand, or ebook. Get practical tips on how to approach agents, what to expect from publishers, and the ins and outs of self-publishing. Next thing you know, you'll be at the head of the line, signing your books.
TO REGISTER FOR CRAFT WORKSHOPS
For "Characters" by clicking here
For "Organizing" by clicking here For "Publishing" by clicking here
Note: Judy is allergic to fragrance. Please come "fragrance-free".
Click here for information about Fragrance-Free products. WEEK-LONG WRITING RETREATS AT THE CLEARING (See The Clearing website for registration dates beginning in February) 
Writers' WellspringThe Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI Sun-Sat. May 19-25, 2013 If you ever wished for the perfect opportunity to explore your love for writing, this is it. Whether you want to write family stories, personal essays, short stories, nonfiction, plays or novels, you will appreciate having the support of an experienced coach and a group of like-minded friends. Designed for beginning to intermediate writers, Writers' Wellspring is the perfect blend of time, space, and inspiration. Time.... A full week for you to dress casually, sleep 'til the bell rings, and show up just in time for meals. Learn more about writing in the morning, write in the afternoon, and read, write or hang out by the fire in the evening. Space.... Log cabins. Wooded trails. A shimmering lake. More stars than some people see in a lifetime - every one of them twinkling, "Do you want to write? Do it! Do it! Do it!" Inspiration.... Breathe in the good energy of every writer, every artist, every interesting person who has ever visited The Clearing. Read the books in the lodge. Sit in the Cliff House and listen to the words in the waves. Craft coaching includes character development, scene visualization, point-of-view, lively writing, and a primer on various methods of publication. Judy is committed to helping you make progress on the path you choose. Class is appropriate for all levels. Register with The Clearing 920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225 
Womens' Writing RetreatThe Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI Sun-Sat. September 8-14, 2013 Writers intermediate and above cherish this week full of hours they can call their own. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, long pieces or short, for yourself or for publication, you will enjoy the morning warm ups, quiet afternoons to write, and evenings to read, write or hang out by the fire. Add a conference with a caring mentor and the company of others who share your love of writing, and you are practically in heaven. The Womens' Writing Retreat is designed for writers who want a solid chunk of time in which to focus on their work. In the mornings, we gather for warm-up and optional feedback sessions. Afternoons are designated quiet writing time, giving you the luxury of writing in silence, with no interruptions, for as long as you please. Private conferences take place throughout the week and are optional. Whether you want to work on your book, finish a short story, craft a nonfiction article or complete your memoirs, you are bound to make progress during this wonderful week. Class is appropriate for experienced writers. Register with The Clearing 920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225 |
The Same Ol' List
This is the time of year when we speak of resolutions, the things we are going to do and not do in the coming year.
The first several years that I taught a January session of Shut Up & Write, I shared my list of top 10 resolutions. Eat less. Exercise more. Be nicer to my mother. Finish that special writing project….
Nice list. But it never changed. Every year, I hoped it would need editing, but no, the issues remained, including that one about writing The Book.
If this has happened to you, have heart. I am but one of many who stalled and stalled until we finally kicked it in the butt and got the job done. If we did it, you can, too.
Is this your year? I hope so. To help, I've broken the Shut Up and Write seminar into individual workshops so you can master one skill at a time, take one class or all, whatever works for you.
The best plan of all is to attend the monthly Shut Up & Write workshops, and as soon as you are ready, join the Redbird-Redoak roundtable groups for continued feedback.
We are all in this together. We start out with The Same Ol' List, and eventually, with the help of our writing friends, we get the job done.
Let's make this the year we kick it in the butt.
Location:
WORKSHOPS, JANUARY, 2013
Itchy Pens – Start the New Year RightWed. Jan 9, 2013, 6:30-9 pm, $45 (snow date Jan 23)Sat, Jan 19, 12 noon-3:30pm $35 (snow date: Jan 26th)
Milwaukee, WI
“Itchy Pens” is for all who want to write, know it's time to get moving, and could use a little boost to get started.
"Itchy Pens" helps you get your feet on the ground, walking in the right direction. Learn what it takes, the steps in the process, and how to write the all important first lines of an article, memoir, or the novel you've had in your head for years.
Registration required.
Bring your favorite notebook and pen.
All levels, all genres, welcome.
Location:
The RedBird-RedOak Classroom at The Marian Center3195 S. Superior St., #205
Milwaukee, WI
To Register:
• Online, with a credit card or your PayPal account, click here.
• By mail, send your check and contact info to:
Redbird Studio
3136 S. Indiana Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Important: Class is Fragrance Free. I am allergic to fragrances, including those in lotions and shampoos. Please check labels and wear only FF products into the classroom.
Questions?
Email or call Judy: jb@redbirdstudio.com, 414-481-3195Register now for any or all of the Four Shut Up & Write! workshops scheduled for January through April, 2013. All cover fiction and nonfiction.
"Itchy Pens: Start the New Year Right" Wed. Jan 9, 6:30-9 pm
"Bring Characters to Life" Wed. Feb 6, 6:30-9pm
"Get Your Thoughts Organized" Wed. Mar 6, 6:30-9pm
"Get Happily Published" Wed. Apr 3, 6:30-9pm
Click here for details.
Writing About Your Life & Family
Waupaca, Wisconsin
Holly History Center
321 S Main Street, Waupaca, WI
Whether you are a beginning writer or a pro, this workshop will help you mine the riches of the people, places and events in your life.
Did you really get married on a motorcycle? What was it like to live through a dire illness, or visit Grandma, or dance on a cobblestone street? Would you like to write memories of your life or your family, to give as gifts, or maybe to just get-it-down for yourself?
I'm working on stories of my own this year. For me, the writing takes all kinds of forms - short stories, personal essays, monologues and one act plays. Whatever form you choose, the important thing is to bring the story to life, to keep your readers engaged. In this workshop, you will:
Important: Class is Fragrance Free. I am allergic to fragrances, including those in lotions and shampoos. Please check labels and wear only FF products into the classroom.
- see samples of things others have done with their writing - gifts, family keepsakes, published collections and novels
- recall unique experiences, funny stories and bits of wisdom that your family treasures
- decide where to begin so it is lively and interesting
- learn how to find your natural writing voice
- learn from the writing, yours' and others'
- learn skills that are transferable to other types of writing
- get a list of helpful resources
- enjoy the company of others who like to write
To Register:
• Online, with a credit card or your PayPal account, click here.
• By mail, send your check and contact info to:
Redbird Studio
3136 S. Indiana Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Shut Up & Write! - Gluten Free
Dave puts the finishing touches on his entry to THE EDIBLE BOOK contest, a Waupaca Book Festival event at Hansen's Furniture Store, Thurs, Oct 11, 3:45-5:45 pm.
Come. See. Taste. It's Gluten Free! (and it will be all-gone by the time I do my workshop, "Itchy Pens," at the library Friday morning.)
Did I mention that it's fun living with this guy?
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