Zanesville Writer

Twilight Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:46:00 +0000

If you check back through my posts, I have been working on Twilight Dance for years now, though I never made it past the beginning and the revisions... I began to write it before I quit working in 2002.

Guess what? It's completed. It isn't novel length, but rather a novella or novelite. But it's done! And I am celebrating!!!

Tomorrow, I will read the story to see how it flows and make comments on things I will need to add or re-write. But it's done! It's done! It's done!!!

Our critique group meets Friday and we will see where we are going from there!

Rita
ritalsmith.com

Y-City Writers Meeting Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Today, Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 PM, the Y-City Writers' Forum has it's bi-monthly meeting. We meet at Central Presbyterian, 40 N. 6th St. in downtown Zanesville. Come and join us. All genres and skill levels are welcome. Our meetings are free.

The prompts for this meeting:

1. Write a story of mostly dialogue.
2. Write a complete story in 150 words

Open Mic

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Open Mic

Bring something of yours to read or just pull up a chair and listen. Bring some friends.

When: Thursday, November 12, 7:00-? P.M.
Where: Weaselboy Brewing Company
126 Muskingum Ave. Suite E
Located along the Muskingum River in downtown Zanesville, OH

Everyone is welcome.

Directions: From I-70 Eastbound (Columbus) Take exit 152 (US 40) towards Zanesville. Turn right on pine (just before the Y-bridge). Turn left on Muskingum Ave.

From I-70 Westbound (Cambridge) Take exit 155 for Underwood St/OH-60/OH-146. Turn left onto Underwood and follow OH-60/OH-146 about .6 mile. Turn right and follow US-40 Main St. Turn left on US-22 crossing the Muskingum River. Take an immediate right after crossing the river onto Muskingum Ave.

Nano Meet-Ups

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:52:00 +0000

A few of the Y-City Writers will be getting together on Friday's at 11 AM at The Barn on Linden. If you are attempting this feat please join us. We will discuss our novels and talk about any problems we may be encountering. I hope to see you there.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Saturday, October 10, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:22:00 +0000

2009 Y-City Writers' Conference

8AM-5PM

Coburn United Methodist Churchon Maple Avenue

in Zanesville, Ohio

Come join us for a day packed with speakers. We have 9 speakers and the cost of the event is $30. Register at the door.If you write or have a great idea for a book come join us. Find out the secrets of these writers.

Theme is Pottery Contest Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Summer K. Clark (left) took 3rd place and Heidi Durig Heiby (Right) took 2nd place. Congratulations Y-City Writers.

I received an Honorable Mention. So our writing group did really well.

2009 Y-City Writers' Conference Writing Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Theme: Summer's End
Deadline: 9-25-2009
Cost: Must be registered for the conference
Word Limit: 1500
2 Divisions: Students and All others
2 Categories: prose/poetry and fiction/non-fiction
The winners will receive: Refund of conference registration
Your story will be printed in a collection of other stories.
A copy of the book after it's printed.
(Each division will have 2 prize awards for prose/poetry and fiction/non-fiction.)

We have 4 judges:
Linda Regula--local artist and author
Dr. Lisa Stein--Associate Professor of English at OUZ
Mary Anne Suwczuk--Retired school teacher
Marilyn Knell--local artist and retired professor of english

The Y Bridge Anthology

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:45:00 +0000

The Y Bridge: An Anthology of Poetry, Fiction and Nonfiction Stories about Zanesville, Ohio’s famous bridge by the Y-City Writers’ Forum is ready for sale. If you would like a copy write to us at ycitywritersforum@gmail.com. The price is $10 + S&H.

FUZZY NAVEL by J. A. KONRATH

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:20:00 +0000

Fuzzy Navel is a fast paced, action packed novel. From the moment you pick it up right until the end, the reader is transported into the middle of the main character, Jacquelin "Jack" Daniels fight for her life and those she loves.

This reader was enthralled with the story and couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it to everyone.

-Rita
http://ritalsmith.com

Red, White and Boom!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Happy Independence Day America!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:37:00 +0000

For a writer getting your name out there is almost as important as getting your work out there. Writers want to be recognized, so that when their next title comes out people will buy it.How does a writer go about doing this?

Network: Go to writing workshops, join a writing group, participate in community events, such as poetry readings or open mics, contests, etc.
Join Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
Leave comments on blogs with your name.
Blog about your work, writing or interesting everyday stuff.
Get your own website. This should be easily searched. i.e. authorsfullname.com or thenameofyourbook.com.

Do the above and you may make a name for yourself, before you are ready to publish your book.
Even though I have yet to complete my novel, I have recently created my website. I have blogs (too many) and am on the three communities I listed above.

Rita L. Smith
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://ritalsmith.com/
http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/
http://zanesvillewriter.blogspot.com/

Save Our Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Our libraries are in jeapardy! Governor Strickland has recommended the elimination of $200+ million from the Public Library Fund over the next two years. This means a 50% funding cut. To help stop this contact Governor Strickland and your state and local representatives. For more information go to: http://www.columbuslibrary.org/save_our_library.

Writers Groups

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:52:00 +0000

When I first began this blog, I was looking for a local writing group. I couldn't find them in the paper or on the web. I finally asked at the Muskingum County Library and they led me to the Y-City Writers' Forum.

I was made to feel welcome at my first meeting, which kept me coming back. I am still a member and co-chair the Y-City Writers' Conference. I have been developing as a writer due to feedback I get from this wonderful group. They meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 40 N. 6th St. in Zanesville. Free and Open to writers of any level.

This past summer I learned of another writing group out of Crooksville called Pen & Quill. I attend this group as well. This group has introduced me to the joys of community theater, as well. They meet on the third Wed. of every month, at 7:00 p.m., at 266 E. Main Street in Crooksville. Free and Open to writers of any level.

One of the Y-City Writers' and Co-Chair of the Y-City Writers' Conference has began her own writers group, Write Away Writers. They meet the 2nd Thursday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. at BUTTERNUT FARMS RETREAT & EDUCATIONAL CENTER, 16563 Laurell Hill Rd. in Glenford. Free and Open to writers of any level.

So now there are three area writing groups in my little section of Ohio. We have so many writers in the area that I am not surprised. So if you are a writer living near any of these areas feel free to attend one of the meetings. I promise we won't bite...

Book Review- The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkhard

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:49:00 +0000

About The House in Grosvenor Square:

England, 1813: As Ariana Forsythe plans her wedding, she must adjust to the realization that she will soon become the wife of an extremely wealthy man. She wonders if it's wrong to rejoice that her future husband is rich. But, she promises herself to use her new position to do what she can to aid the numerous street waifs she sees all too often in London. During a tour of her future home-the house in Grosvenor Square-Ariana impulsively makes plans to redecorate (just a little) according to her tastes . But when Philip arrives home later, he is informed that an expensive silver candlestick and a miniature portrait of George III have gone missing. Moreover, each time Ariana visits the house, another item disappears.

When Ariana suffers an abduction attempt by two villains, and other mysterious goings-on are unexplained, Mr. Mornay must unravel the mystery of who is after her, and why. He knows he has to prevent any harm from befalling his future bride, even if it means he must keep her under lock and key in his own house!

Romance, suspense, and a deft touch of humor are part of the wonderful story of Philip Mornay and Ariana Forsythe's march to the altar. Fans of Linore's first book, Before the Season Ends, will love this delightful addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.

About the Author:

Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

Book Review:

The House in Grosvenor Square is packed with action. The characters seem to jump off the pages in this well written story. I enjoyed the twists and turns every step of the way. Before the Season Ends and Grosvenor Square blend Ariana's spirituality seemlessly, but I find Phillip Mornay's to be a bit forced. Linore Rose Burkhard's love for the Regency shines through. Jane Austin fans will enjoy both of these books.

I look forward to reading more from this up and coming author. Linore is currently working on the third novel in this series.

Rita L. Smith

Getting in the Writing Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:26:00 +0000

As you know I recommend writing everyday. It doesn't matter what you write, just get something down on paper, disk or wherever. This will get you into the writing habit.

If you have a novel in you screaming to get out, start putting your ideas on paper. Some people write summaries, others just delve into the act itself. The form is up to you, though I recommend people with alot of ideas to write summaries. This was recommended to me by Christine Witthohn and her associate at the 2008 Cleveland Rocks Romance Writers Conference.

I took most of last month off and now am trying to get into the habit again. I should have at least wrote in my diary. There are many sites with writing prompts to get you started. I give prompts about 5 times a week on Y-City Writers' Forum.

There are so many ways to get inspired... Pictures and Paintings offer a wide variety of subjects to write about. Get out and observe people and make up stories about their lives. Nature offers something different everyday. Titles can inspire new stories. Wherever you find inspiration, jot something down.

Yes, this means you should always carry a pen and something to write on. I have a little composition book that I carry in my purse.

If you are serious about writing... Do it... Don't talk about it.

Good Writing!

Rita
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/
http://zanesvillewriter.blogspot.com/
http://ritaswrite.blogspot.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Poets and Writers on Painters...

Last night I participated in the preliminary stage of becoming part of the 1st Friday Art Walks in Zanesville with other from the Y-City Writers and Pen and Quill Writing Groups. We went through the Paul Emory Art Gallery in downtown Zanesville and chose one of the pieces of art to write about. Next month we will gather back at the gallery to read our work.

I am excited about getting more people to hear our stories and poetry. That is what this writing biz is all about. I look forward to many more of these types of events.

We browsed a couple of other galleries and I found a small painting that appealed to me and bought it by a fabulous painter, Kathy Jenkins.

This morning I wrote my story for February's Art Walk. I hope that I will be able to find a great piece to write about next month as well.

Happy New Year to All!!!

Akron Art Museum's Poetry Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:06:00 +0000

Guidelines for submission of poetry to Akron Art Museum’s NEW WORDS 2009Poetry Competition

Only adult poets (at least 18 years old) currently residing in Ohio are eligible to enter.
Submit a maximum of THREE poems not to exceed FIVE pages total. Please include THREE COPIES of each poem (the copies of the poems do not count towards the five page limit).
Since the poems will be judged anonymously, the poems and copies of the poems MUST NOT have the poet’s name on them. Instead, please include ONE cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, email address and the titles of all submitted poems.
Poems that have been previously or simultaneously entered to other contests ARE eligible for submission. Poems that have been previously published are NOT eligible. The Akron Art Museum reserves the right to publish winning entries.
Contestants should keep a copy of all entries since poems WILL NOT be returned.
Submissions will be accepted beginning January 2, 2009 and must be postmarked by February 27, 2009. Poems submitted by email will not be accepted.
Submit entries to: Poetry Competition Akron Art Museum One South High Akron , OH 44308 Competition winners receive cash prizes of $125, $100 and $75. The top eight finalists will have the opportunity to read their poems (or have them read) at an awards ceremony during the New Words 2009 Poetry Reading on Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. at the Akron Art Museum. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on the New Words 2009 Poetry Contest and Reading , visit http://www.akronartmuseum.org/ or call 330-376-9186 x241.

The final judge for the competition is Northeast Ohio poet Lynn Powell, author of The Zones of Paradise and Old & New Testaments.

New Words 2009 Poetry Contest and Reading is presented with generous support from Frances Buchholzer and Dr. John and Libby Jacobs.

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Opening Night is finally here. This is me and Dan, we play a homeless couple, Hazel and Willy in the play. I am getting a fine case of opening night jitters. The Christmas Legacy runs tonight, tomorrow and Sunday.

If any of my fellow cast members are reading this... BREAK A LEG!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:59:00 +0000

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkhard

At the Y-City Writers Conference in November, I was fortunate to meet a sweet lady, Linore Rose Burkhard. Prior to that I reviewed Before the Season Ends, a terrific Regency Romance with a strong female main character, who remains grounded in her faith in spite of the circumstances in which she finds herself.

Previously, self-published Before the Season Ends was picked by Harvest House Publishers and re-released with an extra chapter earlier this month. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend picking up your copy of Before the Season Ends today.

The sequel The House in Grosvenor Square is slated to be released in 2009. I for one am looking forward to continuing the saga. If you love Jane Austin, you will love Linore Rose Burkhard!

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkhard

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:50:00 +0000

At the Y-City Writers Conference in November, I was fortunate to meet a sweet lady, Linore Rose Burkhard. Prior to that I reviewed Before the Season Ends, a terrific Regency Romance with a strong female main character, who remains grounded in her faith in spite of the circumstances in which she finds herself.

Previously, self-published Before the Season Ends was picked by Harvest House Publishers and re-released with an extra chapter earlier this month. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend picking up your copy of Before the Season Ends today.

The sequel The House in Grosvenor Square is slated to be released in 2009. I for one am looking forward to continuing the saga. If you love Jane Austin, you will love Linore Rose Burkhard!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:55:00 +0000

Busy and Getting Down to Business

I have been keeping myself busy. I am trying to get back into shape, so I am doing Tai Chi every Monday. Of course, I need to do it the rest of the week as well. I am working on this.

I am in a play, which premieres this Friday in Crooksville. For times and ticket information go to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Theater Guild.

I have been writing everyday, or as much as my health will allow. I am involved in two writing groups. One here in Zanesville and the other in Crooksville.

I am trying to find something that I can do to make money. I have decided to try pet sitting. I think this is something that will allow me a little versatility... If I need a short nap, I can take one as long as my charges have their needs met. As a rule there aren't many flourescent lights in peoples homes, so that is one trigger I can avoid in my new venture. For information about hiring me to pet sit go to my blog, Pet Sitter.

Lastly, I am making Christmas gifts this year. I like doing this and it will save money, something which is necessary since Ken is no longer working and has been denied his short term disability.

I am remaining positive. That amazes me. I thought after going off of my Zoloft that my emotions would be bouncing all over the place, but I am amazingly level. I guess, the Lyrica is effective for one of the FMS symptoms.

So far, I have not presented any new symptoms and I pray I never will. Especially, if the new symptoms will lead to a diagnosis of Lupus, which my blood tested positive for. I am not worrying over every little nuiance of these chronic illnesses, which helps tremendously.

When I first became ill, everything happened at once and I can't help wonder if I contributed to the severity of the symptoms by worrying about what could happen next. Once I left the stress of work and got off a medication that zapped my energy, my symptoms lessened. My next step was to force myself to get out of bed. This is the hardest thing to do when your body is hurting and fatigued, but you must do it if you want to live. Staying in bed is not living.

I will come off my soap box, but I want to tell you all to get out their and have fun. Join some activities, get involved in something that you want to do. LIVE!!!

Y-City Writers Forum Meeting Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:59:00 +0000

The Y-City Writers Forum meets tonight at 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Central Presbyterian on 40 N. 6th St. in downtown Zanesville.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your skill level. There is no dues. We do take up a collection for the church who have opened their doors to us, though this is completely optional.

After group we meet at Bob Evans on Underwood for coffee and conversation. If you can't make the meeting, perhaps you can join us at Bob's at 8 PM.

Cross Posted at Y-City Writers' Forum: Y-City Writers Forum Meeting Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:49:00 +0000

Corky is home again! I was so happy to see my girl, until about 3 AM when I awoke to a dog fight. Both girls are fine, since they were muzzled. I sustained some scratches on my face, but I will survive.

So, once again I am looking for a home for Corky. This time she must have someone home most of the day, this could be just a play mate. Preferably, no female dogs. I really don't know why Molly and Corky fight. Corky is fine with my male dogs and the cats, especially the kittens. She is good with children.

I love this dog and hate to lose her, but Molly is nine years old and not feeling well. She is my first priority. -Rita

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:44:00 +0000

Busy, I am keeping busy. Between writer's groups, play practice and life in general, I have been keeping busy. Too much lifting, I think? I have been enjoying myself so I am not complaining.

Today, I am really sore in between my shoulders. Maybe it's from going to the laundry mat. That is alot of work. I miss my washer and dryer.

I miss Corky as does her pal, Dinny. Both are pictured above. She was such a happy dog. I have to keep telling myself that Molly is happier without her. The girls aren't trying to tear each other apart. Molly is gaining wait again. In general, the house is quieter. Still, I miss Corky.

Tomorrow is Open Mic at the Ladybug Coffee Galleries, 601 Putnam. We are booked at 6:00PM to 7:30PM. Come on out and enjoy the stories and poetry written by people in your community. If you have written something you would like to share come on by and join us!

Next week, I am doing the writing prompts for the FlashXr Yahoo Group. I hope I can live up to the current prompter. The one prompt I did for the group last weekend was taken from a song that wouldn't leave my head. Buffett's Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost. The line I used was These are the things that terrify me the most.

Well, I will stop rambling for now. Do you wonder how I can write a story under 1000 words?

Open Mic at the Ladybug Coffee Galleries

noreply@blogger.com (Rita's Write) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Friday, October 24 at 601 Putnam Ave., Zanesville from 6:00PM to 7:30PM.

Bring your stories or poetry and join in the reading. Keep your time to 6 minutes. Please no sermons or politics. Or come on in and listen. We have some fine writers among us.

If you want to write a fresh story. Write a piece of flash fiction, under 1000 words with the prompt: These are the things that terrify me the most.