Category Archives: News & Events

Writing Life Workshop Happens

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On February 11, the Flatiron Writers and Papershine co-sponsored their first workshop: Creating Your Writing Life. Despite the snowy weather, twenty brave souls joined us at the Unitarian church in Asheville for the daylong workshop. The seminar focused on helping people develop the commitments and habits necessary to realize their writing goals. It was a wonderful and productive day.

Heather Newton welcomed everyone and served as the moderator for the entire day. Margie Klein discussed the importance of your writing space and environment. A.K. Benninghofen spoke about the rituals and routines that support the writing life. Maggie Marshall then talked about the writing process and ways to approach new projects or those that have stalled. Heather filled in for Geneve, who was feeling under the weather, and led a conversation about the importance of a supportive writing community. Marc Archambault graphically recorded the entire workshop on a gigantic poster. At the end, we all gathered in small groups to identify things we’d like to change in each of these areas and committed to making these things happen. After the workshop was done, everyone enjoyed wine and cheese and hopefully connected with other writers who will be able to support their writing goals.

Special thanks to Jeremy Bacon for all his help making the day happen.

Download a printable version of the graphic notes from the workshop. (2.3 MB)

Stay tuned for our next workshop!

Creating A Writing Life Seminar

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Flatiron Writers Present “Creating Your Writing Life”

On Saturday, February 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Flatiron Writers and Papershine will present “Creating Your Writing Life.” This all-day seminar, moderated by novelist Heather Newton, is designed for those who want to want to make regular and sustainable room in their lives for writing. The workshop will focus on Routines and Rituals, Space and Environment, Writing Process, and Community. A social hour will follow from 4:00 to 5:00 for participants interested in connecting with others to form or join critique groups.

When: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday, February 11, 2012 followed by social hour at 4:00
Where: Sandburg Hall, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC, 28801
Cost: $55 per person

Click here for more information and to register.

A Card Carrying Member

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I got to do something recently that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I became a real member of The Authors Guild. I had been an “at large” member for a while, because I represent writers as part of my law practice. But I wasn’t eligible to join as a writer member, because the publications that had accepted my stories were all too teeny weeny or not literary enough.
At-large members enjoy plenty of benefits, including access to the Guild’s Model Trade Book which alone is worth the annual dues. So why did I care what kind of member I was?
I’m a plaintiff’s employment lawyer. I have a soft spot in my heart for those who work to produce goods and services. I think it’s a good thing when such folk join together to get what they deserve for the work they do. In my life as an attorney, I’m part of the legal team that represents the state’s largest teachers’ association. I know all the words to “I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night” and can tell you more than you would ever want to know about the history of May Day and the modern labor movement. You get the picture.
Now that a publisher has accepted my novel, I am an associate member of the Guild. When the book comes out, I will be a “regular” member. I’m proud to carry the card in my wallet, and to have this fine organization advocate for me.
For more information about The Authors Guild, go to http://www.authorsguild.com.
Copyright 2010 by Heather Newton

Update on the Flatiron Writers Short Fiction Contest

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As of this morning, the Flatiron Writers Short Fiction Contest has not yet reached its cap of fifty entries and is still open for submissions (see contest rules on the home page). Once we receive fifty entries that meet all eligibility requirements (word count, genre, file type etc.), or reach the December 31, 2009 contest closure date, we will notify the people who are entered in the contest. Thanks to everyone who has sent in a submission to date. We will post any necesseary contest updates on our blog–become a follower!