SLCC Community Writing Center Volunteers Blog

West Side story?

2011-01-15T20:39:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

I left the following comments on the Open City Hall site. I thought I’d share it with you in the interest of “Writing for Change.” What do you think? Am I city council material? Read, enjoy, and be inspired to “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

MrW

I receive regular e-mail invitations to comment on current proposals on the site Open City Hall. Here is a recent response to a proposed redevelopment plan for Salt Lake City’s West Side. Visit the site and register to comment on current issues that may affect you. it’s a great way to stay up to date, put in your two cents, and maybe even be inspired to get involved. What do you think? Am I future city council material? Please comment, and maybe even follow or subscribe.

“I have resided in Salt Lake for 26 years, lived in several neighborhoods, and was twice homeless, for a total period of five years.

Local and state officials say they want to create walkable, sustainable, green communities, and have recently been better about asking us what we want. Still, I'm concerned that much input is often ignored, and the will of the few takes precedence over the people’s rights when it comes to issues of widespread consequence, such as proposed redevelopment plans for the West Side? I offer the following ten suggestions, based upon my experience and observations over more than a quarter of a century here:

Any development/redevelopment plan should include:

1) Government transparency and frequent dialogue with residents of affected communities, resulting in…

2) …a responsible plan based on full consideration of sincerely solicited public input.

3) Retention and support of small, local businesses which have enhanced and sustained the community for decades.

4) Preservation and rehabilitation of unique historic buildings, rather than demolition, especially when there are neither allocated funds nor any solid deal to redevelop the “blighted” property.

5) Local government commitments to stop pandering to interests whose motivations are not congruent with the best interests of the city as a whole.

6) Affordable housing; better opportunity to own a home.

7) Preservation, creation, and improvement of parks and green spaces.

8) Conservation of natural resources, especially water and air quality.

9) Better, around the clock, public transportation.

10) Constituent education, empowerment, involvement, and stewardship.

Let me expand upon these suggestions and add a few additional points.

Don’t use eminent domain to impersonally condemn active, profitable businesses, or occupied residential properties.

Tax consistently and fairly. Give relief to those who support this city, love it, and want to maintain its unique appearance, small town feel, and quality of life. Don’t tax small businesses out of business.

Eliminate the sales tax on food.

Regulate financial institutions more stringently, to assure predatory practices and excessive fees aren’t bleeding people dry.

Hold corporations liable and responsible for their impact on communities and the environment. Many companies need to address and solve the problems they create, such as increased waste, pollution, and traffic, and sub-standard labor practices.

Become less dependent on federal government. Don’t defend state’s rights while begging Uncle Sam for money. Use our “Rainy Day Fund” and other revenue surpluses.

Don’t slash essential social services, education, and arts in a crisis. Instead, look for “porky” programs that can survive a trimming of fat.

Hold all citizens to consistent standards of ethics and law.

More accessible and frequent transit means a greener city, with cleaner air and water. Transit improvement to outlying areas should not reduce service for residents of Salt Lake proper. UTA officials collect the largest salaries compared to similar positions in this country, while customers pay more for less. Elimination and changes often seem to occur at their whim. Walking is often quicker than taking the bus or light rail. For example, the only day I have time to shop–Saturday– there is no bus service near my residence to my preferred stores. Similar inconveniences have almost convinced me to buy a car again.

The most convenient or most profitable solution is not always the best.

Give citizens information and offer opportunities. Challenge us with responsibility. Then we will produce and implement solutions.

History has proven that we cannot rely on higher powers to do what’s right, at least not until we compel them to do so. Grass roots government, with the help of all citizens, need to make those changes that the world needs now.”

J Phillip (John) Wilkes

“MrWrite”

SLCC-Community Writing Center volunteer/Trained Writing Assistant/Co-mentor of “Gay Writes,” a DiverseCity Writing Series group.

MrW’s blogs:

Mister Write

The Rio Grande Report

What do the numbers say

2011-01-11T06:46:00.001-08:00

On Saturday January 8, 2011 Jared Loughner, carrying a semi-automatic Glock 9 mm, with an arsenal of two extended clips and one standard, and a knife, shot Representative Gabrielle Giffords in the face before opening fire on a crowd of people gathered for a political meet & greet. The poem says everything else I wish to say about this tragedy.

What do the numbers say? (an epitaph)

J. Phillip Wilkes

for John, Dorothy, Phyllis, Dorwin, Gabe, “Gabby,”and Christina

Thirty-nine explosions launch thirty-nine missiles.

Just when some youngsters stopped killing themselves

One young man planned to kill at least one woman

On the corner where his neighbors shop.

One first, singular launch, once perhaps the only one,

Pre-empted Saturday’s agenda, interrupted functions,

Shattered her skull, splayed slivers, like her splintered door,

Someone had smashed some months before.

Twenty-three semi-automatic rounds slashed ripples through

The atmosphere between those gathered in hope, who gave a shit.

Sixteen projectiles met sixteen bodies. Six slugs slaughtered.

One bullet killed that girl, born on a smoke-darkened morning nine years hence.

Less than half your leaden soldiers achieved their targets.

Less than half from less than half produced the desired result.

Fifteen percent. You won’t get back into community college

Without better scores, and a note from your shrink.

Twenty-two seems young for an assassin.

Had you heard, “Don’t retreat, instead – RELOAD”?

Could nothing but this “Second Amendment solution”

Satisfy the voice(s), the ticking, the echoes, the itch?

Six remain dead. One came back. A fraction of

Her splintered skull still separate from her molested mind.

No one can repeal your decision; her wound cannot be postponed.

Will she ever race around the oval on two wheels again?

Immigration? Education? What issues bore your motivations?

Do you drink coffee or tea? Why don’t we ever see it coming?

Why does it still come, where does it come from, and who or what

Will come from it to heal us from our shameful self-inflicted terror?

Seventy-five rounds, three clips, one reload, thirty-nine gunshots,

Two days, thirteen minutes, five charges (two threatening death),

Later, denied as yet any plea, we still know nothing.

“When will we ever learn?” “How many deaths will it take ‘til…?”

Will Death just always just keep dropping in, out of the sky?

Six Saturday. How many Sunday? How much more murder?

Two thousand more years, two more million. Too many in any case.

Six too many died Saturday. Too many die each and every day.

Street news in Salt Lake City now a reality, CWC volunteer official vendor

2010-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, The Salt Lake City Mission finally got a street newspaper off the ground. I'm an official vendor. The second best thing to starting my own. I was on two local news stations, channel 5 and channel 4. It's called Salt Lake Street News. City Weekly also did an article. Shari (pictured at left) is our top vendor right now. Contact the Mission for subscription and advertising rates. Mention me, John Wilkes, Official Vendor #009, and I'll benefit from your ad or script. Contact Brad or Pamela at the Mission about that. New issue coming out in July 2010, but you can still get the premiere May/June 2010. If you see us on the street, please buy a copy. That is the most immediate way to help. Also, if you want to purchase quantities of the paper to distribute to the socially conscious clients and customers of your organization or business, email me (mrwrite@live.com). I'll deliver! [photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Weekly].

If you would like to submit writing on the subject of homelessness, or if you are a homeless or formerly homeless person and would like to tell your story or submit original work, call The Mission and speak to Brad or Pamela.

John Wilkes
Community Writing Center volunteer
DiverseCity Writing Series GLBTQ group co-mentor

Pride essay

2010-05-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share my submisson to Q Salt Lake's "What Pride Means to Me." If I'm chosen as one of the top five, you'll see this printed in Q's upcoming Pride Issue. Wish me luck. If anyone else would like to submit, you have until Sunday May 23 at 12 noon. Submit to editor@qsaltlake.com .

John

Day Without Pride

The first Pride I attended - let’s just say several years ago, and leave it at that - was in Sunnyside Park. There were no booths, no beer garden, no corporate sponsors; just softball, watermelon and soft drinks. It was a way to come “out” a little farther than I was at the time. I’ve tried to stay directly or indirectly involved in Utah Pride every year since. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s almost always a good experience.

I have my favorite Prides, like the first year there was a parade. I marched front and center with some of the proudest fags I’ve ever known, carrying the huge rainbow flag you still see in the parade today. Another year a friend and I marched with a banner for Radio City Lounge. My absolute favorite is the year Tyler (an “ex”) and I walked down State Street holding hands.

Opinions regarding Pride are mixed in GLBTQ communities. Its relevance and effectiveness are being challenged. Some think it has become too political; others not political enough. Many think Pride presents queer people in a frivolous light, and do not want to be represented by flamboyant fairies or quixotic queens on colorful floats. Still others think Prides have become too commercial, and are suspicious of how funds are used. Sadly, too many have been indoctrinated to believe they have nothing of which to be proud.

Most just find it a great excuse to party.

Dissent is to be expected when trying to affect progressive change. Sometimes egos or agendas get in the way, personalities clash. Still, every year, a dedicated team of volunteers makes Pride happen. That’s one testimony to the relevance of Pride – Teamwork: overlooking differences to promote a common goal.

It’s much more, too. Freedom: to kiss, hold, love whoever you wish, wherever you like, without fear. Visibility: having the courage to be out, establish our right to exist, and show the world we are not ashamed of who we are. Diversity: gathering people of different ilks – race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity – under the same umbrella to forward the same cause – the most important reason for Pride - our struggle for Equality: a day when queer folks will be treated like everyone else under the law.

On that day, there will be no need for Pride.

But we’ll do it anyway – for the party.

photo courtesy of Utah Pride

Update

2010-04-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

I love the writing group I mentor. The members are diverse and interesting, as is their writing. I'm glad I volunteered, and I'm glad I've stuck with it to watch it grow over the last nine months or so. I wasn't always sure of its success. Thanks all of you who are behind it and who participate regularly. You inspire, motivate and encourage me. Thanks to my co-mentor Doug for his input and assistance.

At the request of the writers, I've set up a private blog for the group to share writings. It's off to a slow start, but I want to encourage all the writers to view and contribute to it more regularly. It is private: you can post, comment, and view only by invitation, so there's no privacy issue. C'mon. give it a try.

Unfortunately, I have decided to quit, at least temporarily, two regular blogs I've been writing weekly for about a year. Time and other considerations, such as lack of interest, really wore me down. So Mister Write and The Rio Grande Report are no more, but their purpose will live on.

I'm really having a hard time picturing the CWC without Tiffany. I wish her the best, and hope she'll come check in on us once in a while. She has always been there, as long as I've been involved. It will be great to have Andrea step into her spot, though. I"m also looking forward to participating in the Utah Arts Festival literary events again this year. Last year was awesome. I also plan to volunteer at more community events such as Farmer's Market, People's Market, Avenues Street Fair, and perhaps the center will be able to swing Pride Day this year.

Well life is constantly changing, some for good, some for not so good. It's keeping me on my toes, and constantly reminding me that change means growth.

John Wilkes
DiverseCity Writing Series
LGBTQA Writers Group co-mentor

The Secret DNA of Writing Essays

2010-04-08T18:12:00.001-07:00

The Secret DNA of Writing Essays gets right to the heart of successful writing. NewView method provides a new way for thinking about writing and for creating new ideas to write about – one that will help struggling writers improve, while also enabling more experienced writers to take their work to the next level.

Don't Let 'Em Getcha Down

2010-03-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Go HERE to check out a little writing pep talk.

John

Homeless literature

2010-02-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here's something of interest:

Does literature of the homeless exist? by Ben Myers guardian.co.uk

[photo: Fabian Cevallso/Corbis Sygma "Ocasionally homeless...Charles Bukowski]

If you've never read Bukowski, you're missing out. He's one of the best,a nd one of my favorites.

John

Shameless plug

2010-01-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

Check out my latest blog posts The Rio Grande Report and Mister Write's Blog. Please take time to comment, or even subscribe.

Thanks

John

[image: Alex Pickett, Tales of an Unemployed Journalist]

Butterfly effect

2009-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

I want to share with everyone an experience that indicates our influence is not only felt in Salt Lake City.

There was a young man who came to the first two meeting of our new LGBT Writers' Group. Sadly he was just visiting, and returned home to Arizona. I've really missed his writing and input, but what can you do?

Today, I recieved an e-mail from him. He is starting a GLBT writing group in his area of Phoenix, and was asking for some advice. I don't know how helpful my ideas will be to him: I just gave him the rundown of how I've been winging it, suggested he ask the writers what they would like to get from the group, and wished him luck.

But I'm pleased to get feedback that our efforts don't just make a difference in our community, but spread outward to other places. That in turn will perhaps spread beyond that realm, and so forth.

Volunteer. No effort is too small, and the impact may be larger than you imagine

John

[image: photobucket.com]

Another possible motivational tool

2009-12-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer, do not reflect the views of Salt Lake Community College, The Community Writing Center, any other writer on this blog, and should not be construed as an endorsement of any product, publication or process.

I am the world's worst procrastinator, so I'm always looking for ways to set goals for my life, and for my writing. recently, I introduced you to The Pomodoro Technique, a time management tool.

A local entrepreneur I met in another writing group (gasp!), Phil Davis, is an author as well as a publishing guru. His latest effort is entitled the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal.

I 've never been very successful at keeping a daily journal, but I recommend that all writers attempt it. I think this publication may get me further into this activity than past attempts because of its unique approach.

We're all aware that since the world began prophets have been foretelling its demise. The big scare these days is the supposed Mayan Prophesy that the world will end in 2012. Various theories exist as to what will actually happen on December 21, Winter Solstice 2012. They involve everything from global to universal cataclysms, a new world order, sweeping change in collective human philosophies and religions, and absolutely nothing at all. I think the best source for clarification is straight from the horse's mouth:

"Anthropologists visit the temple sites and read the steles and inscriptions and make up stories about the Maya, but they do not read the signs correctly...Other people write about prophecy in the name of the Maya...The Mayan elders are angry with this. The world will not end. It will be transformed."

-Carlos Barrios, sprirtual guide of the Mayan Eagle Clan.

Davis shares this more positive outlook concerning the future, and challenges us to work toward a better future for ourselves by "creating a legacy of choice rather than running away and hiding in fear." With his 2012 journal, he creates a simple daily process anyone can adopt to inspire themself to get more out of each day.

Here's how it works"

"Significant Acts" Prompt: Each day begins by prompting you to think of one "Significant Act" you will perform.
"Quotes" and "Facts": Throughout the journal you will see "Seize the Day" prompts, 2012 Facts and Random Quotes....one of these prompts may get your creative juices flowing.
"How did it go?" Prompt: Write down if you did what you said you were going to do and if so, what happened.
"Other thoughts and ideas" Prompt: In this space, write down any other significant events, ideas or thoughts that occured on that day.

( from the I Survived 2012 Daily Journal by Phil Davis)

Easy, right? All in an attractive, spiral bound journal. The quotes are funny and thought-provoking, the facts are intriguing, and the prompts are motivating. It's simple enough that anyone from about Jr. High age (perhaps younger) on up can understand and make use of the devices. I can't wait to start mine in the new year; that's my resolution.

John Wilkes
CWC Volunteer
DWS co-mentor
The Rio Grande Report
Mister Write's Blog

For more information or to order your I Survived 2012 Daily Journal, go here.

Phil Davis is the president of ZDocs- a book printing and self publishing business based in Lindon, Utah-and Authors On the Net and The Author Platform, two sources for eCourses, online publicity, self-publishing programs, and an online writing community.

Isabel Allende at University of Utah tonight

2009-12-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Something I thought might be of interest.
-John

Renowned Chilean author Isabel Allende is the speaker tonight, December 2nd for the 2009 Tanner Lecture on Human Values. the lecture takes place at the University of Utah Olpin Union Ballroom, 200 S Central Campus Drive at 7:00 PM. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Allende has sold over 51 million books worldwide in 32 languages. Her titles include Eva Luna, Aphrodite, and The House of the Spirits, which became a major motion picture starring Meryl Strepp, Glen Close, Jeremy Irons, Wynona Rider, and Antonio Banderas. Ms. Allende's latest book, The Sum of Our Days is a memoir in which she shares her thoughts about love, marriage, motherhood, spirituality and religion, infidelity, addiction, and memory.

Ms. Allende is a vocal social activist and feminist. In tonight's lecture, "In the Hearts of Women," she expresses her views on female empowerment, perseverance, and unity.

Learn more about Isabel Allende at her website . Photo cortesy of Ms. Allende and U News Center.

Good Luck, and welcome

2009-11-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

Bon Voyage and good luck to those who have served us well and are moving on.

You'll be missed.

Welcome to those who are joining us in spreading the mission of CWC. Look froward to working with you.

John Wilkes

(photo courtesy of freefoto.com)

Give Me the Bird

2009-11-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, to all the staff, volunteers, and writers at CWC:

(photo courtesy of istockphoto)

John Wilkes

Volunteer Brunch: Thanks!

2009-11-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

The volunteer brunch was great. Thanks to everyone who put it together. I especially appreciated the brainstorming session. I'm glad we're going to do it each quarter. Good to meet all of you I had not met previously.

I was very pleased and surprised to learn that I was officially the very 1st CWC Volunteer. I was not expecting the nice certificate. Thank you very much, and as I said, it really has been my pleasure to be involved in such an important organization. Wish I could do more.

I appreciate the opportunity to co-mentor the DWS GBLTQA Writing group. I hope we can clear up the mentor issue soon, so the group can continue. I think it's an important group to have. I'd like to see us doing a DWS group for homeless people again. The apartment complex where I've lived since April, Palmer Court, is transitional housing for formerly chronically homeless people. (If they built a few more of these, I think the homeless population would drop by half.) Therefore, there is a possible meeting space available, and people to whom I can broach the subject. They may be more interested in it under the auspices of a social activity for the residents. Just say the word and we'll get together to discuss it.

Thanks again,

John Wilkes

Pomodoro Technique

2009-11-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

I thought this might be a good technique for those writers who, like myself, have to break big writes down into manageable bits.

John

THE BIG TOMATO EFFECT

I am a professional procrastinator. Therefore, I rarely meet my goals, then I beat myself up over it. This is especially disappointing to me when it involves my writing. I feel I should be much more prolific than I am. I always just put it off until an idea is forgotten, or the spark has gone out of a piece I've workrd on, then abandoned.

I've recently learned of a promising time management technique that I think might help. I learned of it from a blog entitled The Corporatepreneur . Usually, anything involving the word corporate would not appeal to me, but the day I stumbled upon Dale's blog through my Google Reader, he had posted a bit called "Hitting 4 hours a day-with the help of a tomato." That was just weird enough to catch my eye. After spotting the heading "HELP! I'm an entrepreneur trapped in the job of an employee!", I was hooked.

As I began to read, I realized that the method he was trying could be very helpful to writers. Let's admit it, we all have the tendency to gravitate toward anything that will tear us from the blank computer screen or empty journal. This technique breaks tasks down into time increments and regular breaks using nothing more complicated than a kitchen timer.

Of course that's a simplification. There is some palnning and prioritization involved on our part to get the ball rolling. But the concept is so simple that if you're willing to invest a few minutes at the beginning of each day to list the tasks you want to acheive, then stick to the technique, I think you'll soon be spending more time doing and less time wishing or putting off.

I've decided to try it. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Anyhow, it's called The Pomodoro Technique. Click on the link above to read Dale's blog on it, and the link in this sentence to learn more and dowload the book for FREE.

Good luck and good writing.

MrW

Volunteer Brunch November 14, 2009

2009-11-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank, support and celebrate all of our volunteers for the amazing work you have done over the past year. Come eat brunch, receive recognition and share challenges and successes with other volunteers November 14, 2009 from 9:30am—12:00pm.

9:30– 10:00 am Brunch
10:00– 10:30 am Introductions
10:30– 11:30 am Small Group Discussion of successes and challenges: Mentors, Coaches & Workshop Facilitators
11:30 am– 12:30 pm Awards and Recognition

To RSVP contact Rachel Jardine at rachel.jardine@slcc.edu or call 801.957.4992. Hope to see you all there.

Would things really be less stressful if you were...

2009-11-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

...A housefly?

Just thought I'd post something for those who might need a laff.

There's no such thing as bad press

2009-10-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the article that JoSelle Vanderhooft wrote for Q Salt Lake's most recent issue about our new GLBTQ writing group. You can pick up a copy of the October 15 issue at most nightclubs, various distribution points, and in news stands on the streets of downtown.

Let's hope it elicits some calls and visits.

See you soon
---John W.

DiverseCity Offers Gay, Transgender, Allied Writers a Chance to Shine

As any writer knows, putting words to paper and refining them into a truly strong piece of work is often a lonely process — especially if you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and otherwise queer. But for several years, queer writers have had a group to help them through all of those frustrating edits and periods of writers block.

The DiverseCity Writing Group meets at the Salt Lake City Public Library on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. It is one of many such programs administered by the Salt Lake Community College Writing Center, which is housed in the building. Although the group is sponsored by the school, it is open to members of the public at large, as is the center itself. The center, said John Wilks, who co-coordinates the group with Christina Smith, is available to help individuals — students as well as the public at large — with writing cover letters and resumes, writing coaching and other non-school-related projects.

“As a general rule, we’re not here to assist students with their academic work,” he said.

The writing groups sponsored by the center are just one more aspect of its outreach said Wilks. And this one, he said, is particularly vital to the community at large.

“I think this is an important group because gay and lesbian people being marginalized in society may not feel comfortable going to a regular [writing] group. They might not feel comfortable sharing their work there,” said Wilks, noting that bisexual, transgender and straight allied writers are welcome to join as well, despite the group’s name.

Wilks added that several other writing groups are held across the city in places like the King’s English Bookstore, the Sorensen Community Center and other libraries. None of the groups, he said, is focused on a particular style of writing, like fiction or poetry.

“[The group] is an opportunity for writers to come together to share ideas, give each other feedback to form a community,” he said. “We think people of different writing styles all bring different approaches to writing. So if you write fiction, it’s good to get people who write articles to look at it [for example]. That’s why we mix our writers as much as possible.”

Wilks said he or DiverseCity co-mentor Brian Short starts each group session with a few announcements of upcoming local writing events, and then opens the floor for people to share work they have brought. Often, he also leads the group in writing exercises. Overall, he stresses that participants in the DiverseCity group do not need to write specifically about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or even about issues facing the community.

“You could be writing about something totally different,” he said.

Along with regular workshops, the Community Writing Center has released a publication twice a year, which features pieces workshopped in its various groups.

“It’s an actual physical book released once a year in June, and we do an online publication in December,” said Smith. A reading, she added, typically accompanies the unveiling of both publications, and one is scheduled for Dec. 9 this year. The compilation is then distributed to libraries and bookstores in the city.

“It’s a great opportunity for all writers in our groups, but I’d be especially happy to have the GLBT voices in there, to have their pieces in that anthology,” she said.

While the group has a few regulars (mostly in their 20s and older), Wilks and Smith said they are hoping for more writers to come and get involved. Wilks said he has plans to send some signs advertising the center to high schools and various gay-straight alliances on high school and university campuses.

“We’re here and we’re a resource for writers no matter who they are, what educational background they may or may not have, whatever competency level they think they have, they’re welcome to just come and hang out,” said Smith.

DiverseCity will meet Oct. 25, Nov. 9 and Nov. 23 at the downtown library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information about the Community Writing Center, visit slcc.edu/cwc/.

sine cera Announcement

2009-10-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings DWS Mentors!

This is your final reminder that sine cera submissions are due no later than Friday, October 9th (3 days!).

Email or drop by the CWC for the "2009 Writer Consent Release Form." Remember: We CANNOT publish writer's work without the Consent Release Form.

And may I just say THANK YOU for all the hard work and dedication you have all shown this year: Thank you!

Christina

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

2009-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

For all Writers and Writing Coaches at SLCC's Community Writing Center, The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is beginning its first-ever Fall Intensive program the week of Oct. 19th. Teachers, storytellers, writers and family historians are invited to participate in this fantastic opportunity to learn the art of historical retellings with Syd Lieberman, one of the finest storytelling experts with experience teaching at the Smithsonian Institution and the Kennedy Center.

Syd and his wife Adrienne will guide participants one-on-one through the research process and use of original documents, and provide writing and editing tools to fine-tune stories and create a sense of time and place. Participants will also enjoy field trips to various Utah locations and special performances of Syd's award-winning stories, including One Righteous Man: The Story of Raoul Wallenberg, which was presented at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.

Please see the attached document for more information about this unique opportunity. Registration is available with or without accommodation and can be purchased online at www.timpfest.org.

Thank you,

Krystin Anderson

Orem Public Library Publicity

(801) 229-7379

kmanderson@orem.org

Sine cera Announcement

2009-09-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone!

Just a quick reminder: sine cera submissions are due Friday, October 9th.

Remember, all submissions must be accompanied with a publication release form. You can get them from your writing group mentor or contact the CWC at (801) 957-4992 or cwc@slcc.edu for a copy.

Also, all the pieces from the December 2008 reading will be included in this edition.

See you all at the reading (if not sooner)!

Sine cera Announcement

2009-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone!

Just a quick reminder: sine cera submissions are due Friday, October 9th.

Remember, all submissions must be accompanied with a publication release form. You can get them from your writing group mentor or contact the CWC at (801) 957-4992 or cwc@slcc.edu for a copy. Submissions that do not have a waiver form will not be included in the sine cera publication.

Also, all the pieces from the December 2008 reading will be included in this edition.

See you all at the reading (if not sooner)!

Salt Lake Valley Fall Book Show

2009-09-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake Valley Fall Book Shows

Get your book in front of
10 Thousand people

This unique opportunity is available to
all authors of any genre

Our Book Shows are in local
Hospitals
Office Complexes
and Universities
and more
through the months of
September - December

For the small fee of $250.00. Your book will be placed in
20 Book Shows. You get the full Retail Price of each sale. No other fees apply.

Don’t wait our Holliday Books Shows fill up fast. We introduce the books to a wide audience. And just in time for the Christmas Gift Season.

Contact Brenda Rogers of Salt City Books for an application and more information (801) 309-7820

Eight years later

2009-09-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

Friday, September 11, 2009

Eight years ago today, I watched the most horrific thing I've ever seen on live TV.

Eight years ago today, as planes kept falling from the sky,

I thought, This is the beginning of the end of my country.

Eight years ago today, I cried as thousands of people lost thier lives in a sensesless act of agression.

Eight years ago today, we realized that we are as vulnerable as any other people.

Eight years ago today, my first reaction were thoughts of hatred and vengeance.

Eight years ago today, we vowed to unite as a nation.

Eight years ago we went to fight for a common cause.

Today, eight years later, thousands more have died.

Eight years later, more mothers have cried.

Eight years later, our enemies laugh at us still.

Eight years later we've lost our direction,

Eight years later, death still rains down from the sky

in another land;

Death by our hand-

and injustice

and torture

and hatred.

Eight years later, we have forgotten who we are

who the enemy is,

what we stand for

and the good reasons to fight and die,

If there be any
Eight years later, we're just going through the motions.

Eight years later, although so many more are lost

We have not found security, unity, peace.

Eight years from now

Can't be foreseen.

But the definition of insanity is said to be

repeating the same action and

expecting a different result.

---Peace, everyone

John

(original post at misterwritesblog.blogspot.com)

Go here for a hard hitting commentary in verse by Emmanuel Ortiz, and download the podcast.

Youth DiverseCity Writing Group Needs Mentors

2009-09-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

The CWC, in conjunction with Sorenson Clubhouse, is opening a YDWS group for youth ages 10-17. This is a great group to mentor; they are an engaged group of teens with deep insights into the daily issues of social justice in their lives. For more information on the Sorenson Clubhouse visit: www.slcgov.com/clubhouse

Meeting times:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 6-8 p.m.

If you are interested in mentoring for either of these groups, please write Andrea Malouf for details at andrea.malouf@slcc.edu.

Since cera Announcement

2009-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings DWS Mentors,

This is your first reminder that submissions for Sine cera are due Friday, October 9th. Please encourage your writers to get their work in early along with the submission waiver form (check your email for the form or tell writers to drop by the CWC for a copy).

Just to remind you, this issue will be published online only. The June 2010 publication will be a physical copy that will include this fall and next semester’s submissions.

We are very looking forward to a new ine cera! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at: (801) 957-4992 or Christina.Smith@slcc.edu.

I hope you all realize how lucky you are

2009-08-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hello Everybody,

I know there are many new volunteers at the CWC, but those of you who have been around a while may remember working with me last year before I moved away. I still think about the writing center regularly and miss it. I was always so inspired by the volunteers that gave so much to others, the writers who worked to express themselves, and the writing center staff—always open to new ideas that might improve the center.

Now I am living in Indiana and am sorry to report that after a two month long search I have still not found a community of writers as alive and exciting as the one you have at the CWC. There are businesses that offer writing help, but they are expensive and impersonal. The one community writing program that used to be here is gone, and both the college and the university writing centers only offer help to students.

Things are not hopeless. There is a community here, and people who write. In time I may be able to organize something.

I just hope that all of you realize how rare the CWC is, and how wonderful.

Keep up the good work!

-Chanel Earl

Hello Volunteers

2009-08-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Volunteers:

On my first day back at the SLCC Community Writing Center (CWC), Robbi welcomed me with enthusiasm and grace. Many volunteers have shared stories of Robbi creating a welcoming environment in which they became a member of the CWC family. It is an honor and a privilege to return to the CWC, as well as to follow such a class act. Thank you Robbi for all your hard work and sincerity, we miss you already.

To those of you who do not know, I am an old employee once set free now returning to the nest. It is with great joy that I return. I have had a long, painful struggle with words. Personal struggles finding my voice have led me to appreciate and acknowledge the power words hold in our society. It was here at the CWC I found a model of education that proactively combats the process of oppression. In all actions the CWC works to empower people to give voice to problems they face, the hopes they carry and the change they crave.

As volunteers you are vital to these efforts. Each moment you wait at an off-site writing coaching location, mentor a group or spread the word about the CWC at a community event you are providing opportunities for others to find their voice. It is my hope that in this position I can serve as a support to you, as well as maximize the assets our volunteers bring.

Thank you each for all the work you do.

Sincerely,
Rachel Jardine
Volunteer Coordina

Will the waiting pay off? Yes it will

2009-08-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Please know that although you may not feel as though you are doing much just sitting there waiting for writers to show up for assistance, your very presence is advertising the CWC and our programs. In the end, that is nearly as valuable as helping a writer.

We would like to commend the tremendous dedication of our Off-Site Writing Coaches: Chrystine Lee, Kevin White, Steven Duncan, Jerry Puckett, John Robinson, Paige Mehlhoff, Steven Warren, Carl Yutrzenka, Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt, Helen Radkey, MaryJane VanBurn, Holly Welker and Dylan Winslow.

If you would like to become an Off-Site Writing Coach we currently have two positions open.

More Details.

~Rachel, Volunteer Coordinator

~Christina, Off-Site Program Specialist

Help me out here

2009-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of free time to volunteer right now, so don't hesitate to ask. If I'm available and I can get there, I'm there. I really enjoyed doing time at the Utah Arts Festival, and I had the pleasure of hanging with Ken and Shannon at the People's Market this past Sunday.

The GLBTQ DWS group started out well. It was disappointing that nobody showed up to the last meeting however. I'd like to ask all of you mentors what things you do to keep people coming on a regular basis. I don't expect everyone to make every meeting, of course. From past experience, I believe that there is a need and desire for this group. I just need some help reaching people and keeping their interest.

You may e-mail me with suggestions at riograndereport@live.com .

I want to thank Susan Abney, chanel, and DvntWriter for their supportive comments to my last blog. And, chanel, in answer to your question, I've posted a photo.

Thanks

Making A Difference?

2009-08-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

We all want what we do to matter, don't we? I ask because I need your help. There are a couple of other projects that I put a lot of work into for no compensation and very little to no recognition. One project at least gets me profuse thanks from the staff and director, but is that enough?

I've been writing for an on line news and entertainment source since March. It takes a big chunk of time to research and develop article ideas. You'd think that when you approach people and ask them if they'd like to be interviewed for an article that will give them and their organization/business, etc. free advertising/publicity that they would jump at the chance. It ain't so folks. The last interview I did, it took me three months to talk the guy into it.

Supposedly, if we plug in all available bells and whistles here and there, we make a little bit of money off these endeavors. I have yet to see one penny.

That leads me to pose the question, "Is it really worth it?" Sure my work, name, and face are all over the Internet, but does anyone see it? Does anyone really care?

Judging from the coments I've received on my articles and blogs or rather, the lack thereof, I gotta say no. Total comments received on this blog, another blog which I've written since January (both), and my articles at the other site equal maybe 10 total.

It's months of work, an amazing commitment of time and energy. For nada (except a pat on the back for my volunteer work, which I greatly appreciate, guys.)

"So why do it? Are you crazy?" you might well ask.

The answers to those questions are easy. It's what I do. It's what I love to do. I am a writer. It's one of two things I truly enjoy doing, and that I feel I do very well. Don't ask me what the other thing is, but I once made more money at it than I've ever made writing. I like to delude myself that all these extracirricular activities mean something. The issues they address, the activities they promote are important to me, and I want to share that with others.

But do these "others" or anyone at all, give a rat's butt that I do it? That's what I don't know. Sometimes that makes it very difficult to continue. In fact in the case of the two blogs and the on line literary reporting I've been neglectful for a full month.

Posting here and on my other blog today after 30 days of inactivity has renewed my commitment to what I do. Tomorrow I'll submit a new literary article to my reporting site. I may as well enjoy all this time I have to write, because when I finally get paying work, I won't have as much time for it.

I may well never make a living writing. Oh well. That saddens me, but I'll keep doing it. Because I can. Because even when it seems like times are tough and my effort is irrelevant, writing makes me feel good. Writing is a hopeful thing that never lets me down in the long run. It always gets me where I want to go, even when it takes me the long way.

So yeah. It's worth it just for that.

[This blog post also appears HERE. Check out Mister Write's blog.]

Welcome Rachel Jardine!

2009-07-23T15:35:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if you all know, but this is my last week at the CWC. As such, I would like to welcome the new Volunteer Coordinator, Rachel Jardine! Many of you may already know Rachel and I encourage those of you who don't to introduce yourselves. Rachel is amazing and is going to do great things as the Volunteer Coordinator.

As a final note, thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the CWC. I have enjoyed working with all of you.

Volunteers Needed: The People's Market

2009-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are needed for the People's Market at the International Peace Gardens (1000 South 900 West). The People's Market includes local artists, farmers, food, live music and more! Volunteers will be there to create awareness and answer questions about the CWC. We are looking for volunteers for the following dates/times:

Sunday, October 11th

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

(1 volunteer needed)

If you are interested, or have questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at rachel.jardine@slcc.edu or (801) 957-4992.
Thanks!

Volunteers Needed: The 2009 Avenues Street Fair

2009-07-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 12th, the CWC will be participating in the 2009 Avenues Street Fair. The Avenues Street Fair is a community event with local artists, food, live entertainment, etc. The CWC is looking for interested volunteers to setup /pack-up the CWC booth, inform attendees about CWC services, and answer questions. Volunteers are needed for the following times:

Saturday, September 12th

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
(1 volunteer needed)

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(2 volunteers needed)

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(2 volunteers needed)

If you are interested in this opportunity, or have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Rachel.Jardine@slcc.edu or (801) 957-4992.
Thanks!

Volunteers Needed: Off-Site Writing Coaches

2009-07-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

Off-Site Writing Coaches are currently needed at...

Chapman Library
577 South 900 West
Every other Tuesday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(1 volunteer needed)
Every other Wednesday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(1 volunteer needed)

Columbus Library
2530 South 500 East
Every other Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
(1 volunteer needed)

If you are interested in becoming a writing coach for this location, please write for details at rachel.jardine@slcc.edu.

GLBTQ DiverseCity Writing Series Group

2009-07-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I'm really excited to tell you about a new DiverseCity Writing Series group at SLCC Community Writing Center.

Monday July 13 2009 is the 1st meeting of the new Gay, Lesbian, B-sexual, Transgendered, and Questioning/Queer writing group.

This group has sort of petered in and out over the years, due to the regular comings and goings of CWC staff and volunteers. Now, thanks to myself, and Brian Short, who so graciously volunteered to co-mentor, it's up and running again. All we need is participants. That means you.

The DiverseCity Writing Series is an incredible program with regular groups meeting all over the city. It gives writers of all backgrounds and experiences a chance to express themselves, share their work at annual readings, and even publish in the sine cera, a yearly anthology. The amazing thing is - it's all FREE!

So, If you're GLBTQ, or supportive, please come on Monday to see what it's all about. Bring friends; spread the word. You're encouraged to bring something you've written just to share, or receive feedback if you wish. Also, think of ideas for a cool name for our group.

Just to recap:

GLBTQ Writers' Group
2nd and 4th Mondays of every month
beginning July 13th
at SLCC Community Writing Center
210 E 400 South (Library Square)
Suite 8 (on The Wall, under the steps)

6:30 - 8:00 PM

I hope to see a lot of my brothers and sisters from the family there. Remember: "Everyone Can Write!"

John Wilkes aka "Mister Write"
CWC Volunteer
Co-Mentor GLBTQ DWS Group
"The Rio Grande Report"

Volunteers Needed: DiverseCity Writing Series

2009-07-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

DiverseCity Writing Series Mentors are currently needed at...

The CWC Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month
from 6:30 PM to 8 PM
(1 volunteer needed)

The Literacy Action Center
1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month
from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
(1 volunteer needed)

The Literacy Action Center Groups are part of a partnership which may require some additional training prior to placement. If you are interested, please write for details.

We are also interested in opening a GLBTQ friendly writing group, and a bilingual Spanish/English group. If you are interested in mentoring for either of these groups, please write for details at cwc@slcc.edu.

Be Involved: SLCC Community Writing Center Training!

2009-07-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with the SLCC Community Writing Center, but haven’t already attended or scheduled to attend a Volunteer Training day, now is the perfect time to register! Learn the tools necessary to be an effective writing assistant—as a Writing Coach, Writing Group Mentor or workshop Facilitator. The next one-day Volunteer Training dates are:

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5pm – 8:30pm

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 5pm – 8:30pm

Saturday, August 29, 2009 12:30pm – 4pm

Call 801-957-4992 or email cwc@slcc.edu to RSVP for an upcoming training.

Thank You Utah Arts Fest Volunteers

2009-07-06T16:40:00.001-07:00

The CWC would like to thank the volunteers who donated their time during the 2009 Utah Arts Festival. It was amazing to see the hardwork and dedication expressed by each volunteer in organizing events, getting people to participate in "Just Write a Minute" and creating awareness of the center.

I really appreciate having such a great group who can be counted on to support the CWC. This year's Utah Arts Festival could not have gone better, and it is all thanks to volunteers!

Volunteers Needed: Utah Arts Festival

2009-06-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th, the Utah Arts Festival will be visiting Library Square. During this time, the SLCC Community Writing Center will become The Word Ecstatic—encompassing a variety of literary arts programs and events at the Festival. We will be offering opportunities to take workshops, enter a writing competition, participate in a Poetry Slam or just enjoy readings from local authors and poets.

As you may already be aware, we need of a band of volunteers to help keep everything running smoothly during this festival. Volunteers will assist in answering questions about the SLCC Community Writing Center, signing up individuals interested in joining any of our programs, providing information regarding The Word Ecstatic events, and generally assisting the crowd. Volunteers shifts for this event are filling fast. If you are interested, choose your shifts now!

Thursday, June 25, 2009 2pm – 5pm:
~~3 volunteers needed~~

Volunteer goal achieved!

Thursday, June 25, 2009 5pm – 8pm:
~~3 volunteers needed~~

Volunteer goal achieved!

Friday, June 26, 2009 2pm – 5pm:
~~3 volunteers needed~~
2 volunteers needed

Friday, June 26, 2009 5pm – 9pm:
~~4 volunteers needed~~
Volunteer goal achieved!

Saturday, June 27, 2009 1pm – 4pm:
~~3 volunteers needed~~
Volunteer goal achieved!

Saturday, June 27, 2009 5pm – 8pm:
~~4 volunteers needed~~
Volunteer goal achieved!

Sunday, June 28, 2009 12pm – 3pm:
~~4 volunteers needed~~
Volunteer goal achieved!

Sunday, June 28, 2009 4pm – 7pm:
~~3 volunteers needed~~
Volunteer goal achieved!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu with the dates and times you are interested in assisting. All volunteers will receive a pass to the Utah Arts Festival, and are asked to work no more than one or two non-consecutive shifts.

sine cera reading: Be there or be square!

2009-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings CWC volunteers!

Come out and support your fellow writers and volunteers at the sine cera reading this week.

When: Wednesday, June 10th at 7PM
Where: Salt Lake City Library Square Auditorium (210 E. 400 S.)

There will be a reception (with food!) immediately following the reading at the SLCC Community Writing Center (Library Plaza, suite 8).

We here at the CWC greatly value everything our volunteers and writers do to support us. Please join us as we celebrate the creativity and honesty of local Salt Lake Writers.

Volunteers Needed: DiverseCity Writing Series Reading

2009-05-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th, the Utah Arts Festival will be visiting Library Square and the SLCC Community Writing Center will become The Word Ecstatic. During this festival, we will be offering opportunities to take workshops, enter a writing competition, participate in a Poetry Slam or just enjoy readings from local authors and poets.

On Saturday, June 27th, members of the DiverseCity Writing Series are invited to participate in a public reading event from 7pm – 8pm in the SLCC Community Writing Center. Readings can be from the upcoming or previous editions of sine cera, or anything you have written while participating with the DWS.

If you are interested in reading, please contact the DiverseCity Writing Series Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu. All volunteers will receive a pass to the Utah Arts Festival.

New Volunteer Training Manual!

2009-05-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re a current volunteer, or just interested in volunteering with the SLCC Community Writing Center, a new Volunteer Training Manual is now available to assist you. The new manual includes the CWC Mission Statement and Founding Principals, details on volunteer opportunities, hints on providing feedback and group management, as well as discussions on pedagogy, philosophy, process and rhetoric.

Adapted by Jeremy Remy and edited by Andrea Malouf and Jeff Dixon, this new manual is a valuable resource for any CWC volunteer. Included within is training and assistance developed over the course of the SLCC Community Writing Center by Sara Gunderson, Joanna Sewall, Melissa Helquist and Tiffany Rousculp.

Get your copy today by visiting the PDF link listed under “Volunteer Resources” to the right.

sine cera: Reading and Book Release!

2009-05-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 10th, several writers from the DiverseCity Writing Series will participate in a reading of sine cera: What I Think People Think About, an anthology of writing produced through these open writing groups. sine cera began in 2003 as a way to showcase writing from the DiverseCity Writing Series, and every six months the SLCC Community Writing Center publishes a new edition of sine cera, and hosts a public reading and book release event to celebrate participants' work.  

You are cordially invited to the next reading and book release of sine cera. This event will happen

Wednesday, June 10th

from 7 PM – 8:30 PM

in Salt Lake City’s Main Library Auditorium (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111). A reception will immediately follow at the SLCC Community Writing Center.  

This event is free to the public, and you are encouraged to invite family and friends. For more information, please call the SLCC Community Writing Center at 801.957.4992.

To hear readings from our previous edition of sine cera go to kcpw.org/article/7087.

Volunteers Needed: Arts Festival, Iron Pen

2009-05-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Also during the Utah Arts Festival, on Friday, June 26th, from 8pm – 9pm the CWC will be judging the Wasatch Iron Pen writing contest. ~~9 judges are needed~~ 7 judges are needed. If you are interested in judging, please contact the DiverseCity Writing Series Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu.

Volunteers Needed: Utah Arts Festival

2009-05-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th, the Utah Arts Festival will be visiting Library Square. During this time, the SLCC Community Writing Center will become The Word Ecstatic—encompassing a variety of literary arts programs and events at the Festival. We will be offering opportunities to take workshops, enter a writing competition, participate in a Poetry Slam or just enjoy readings from local authors and poets.  

We will be in need of a band of volunteers to help keep everything running smoothly. Volunteers will assist in answering questions about the SLCC Community Writing Center, signing up individuals interested in joining any of our programs, providing information regarding The Word Ecstatic events, and generally assisting the crowd. Volunteers for this event will be needed during a variety of shifts. For shift details visit the CWC Volunteer Blog at http://cwcvolunteers.blogspot.com/2009/04/volunteers-needed-utah-arts-festival.html.  

If you are interested in volunteering, passes for the week will be provided, but are quickly running out. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu with the dates and times you are interested in assisting. All volunteers are asked to work no more than one or two non-consecutive shifts.

Art Festival Volunteer Opportunities #2

2009-05-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings CWC Volunteers, here is another volunteer opportunity for the Arts Festival taking place June 25th - 28th.

Each year at the Arts Festival, the CWC hosts the Iron Pen writing contest, and we are in need of 9 judges. Thus far we have two confirmed, leaving just 7 spots open.

The Iron Pen is a 24 hour writing contest for adults and young adults. Friday the 26th at 5PM, writers will receive the prompt and will have until exactly 5PM Thursday to submit their work.

Writers can submit pieces to one of three categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry) or submit to all three in what is called the Ultra Iron Pen.

We need 9 judges total, 3 per category. If you are interested in judging or would like more information, contact me, Christina, at the CWC. And of course, let your group members know about the contest!

Volunteer Needed: Workshop Facilitator—Tasteful Narratives: Food Writing

2009-04-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays, May 20th and 27th from 6pm to 8pm, the SLCC Community Writing Center will offer a food writing workshop: Tasteful Narratives. In this workshop, participants will write about a beautiful and simple necessity: food. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a chef, writer or just a good eater, food has metaphorical and transformative qualities.

This workshop needs a facilitator, someone willing to share food history and heritage, recipes and anecdotes, and help writers find inspiration and creativity in the process. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at cwc@slcc.edu.

sine cera submissions due in two weeks!

2009-04-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings DWS Mentors!

This is your friendly reminder that sine cera submissions are due no later than Monday, April 27th (two weeks!).

Email or drop by the CWC for the "Call for Submission Flier" and the "2009 Writer Consent Release Form."

We CANNOT publish writer's pieces without the Consent Release Form.

Please get these forms and distribute them at your next writing group meeting. Encourage everyone to get their submission in early!

Also, December pieces that were published online WILL BE INCLUDED in this edition of the sine cera publication.

sine cera submissions due soon!

2009-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone!

Just a quick reminder: sine cera submissions are due Monday, April 27th. Remember, all submissions must be accompanied with a publication release form. You can get them from your writing group mentor or contact the CWC at (801) 957-4992 or cwc@slcc.edu for a copy.

Also, all the pieces from the December 2008 reading will be included in this edition.

See you all at the reading (if not sooner)!

Save the Date: sine cera Reading!

2009-04-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 10th, several writers from the DiverseCity Writing Series will participate in a reading of sine cera, an anthology of writing produced through these writing groups. sine cera began in 2003 as a way to showcase writing from the DiverseCity Writing Series, and every six months, we publish a new edition of sine cera and host a public reading to celebrate participants' work.

You are cordially invited to the next public reading of sine cera. This event will happen Wednesday, June 10th from 7 PM – 8:30 PM in Salt Lake City’s Main Library Auditorium (210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111). A reception will immediately follow at the SLCC Community Writing Center.

This event is free to the public, and you are encouraged to invite family and friends. For more information, please call the SLCC Community Writing Center at 801.957.4992.

Save the Date: Utah Arts Festival

2009-04-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th, the Utah Arts Festival will be visiting Library Square. During this time, the SLCC Community Writing Center will become The Word Ecstatic—encompassing a variety of literary arts programs and events at the Festival. We will be offering a variety of opportunities to take workshops, enter a writing competition, participate in a Poetry Slam or just enjoy readings from local authors and poets.

We will be in need of a band of volunteers to help keep everything running smoothly. Volunteers will assist in answering questions about the SLCC Community Writing Center, signing up individuals interested in joining any of our programs, providing information regarding Word Ecstatic events, and generally assisting the crowd. If you are interested in volunteering, mark your calendars now. In the weeks to come we will be making an official call and scheduling an Arts Fest orientation date, so watch this blog for details as they become available.

CWC Volunteer Training

2009-02-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center supports, motivates and educates people of all abilities and educational backgrounds who want to use writing for practical needs, civic engagement and personal expression. We provide opportunities to enhance writing abilities through such programs as Writing Coaching, Writing Workshops, the DiverseCity Writing Series and Writing Partners. These services are open to all Salt Lake area residents.

Several volunteer opportunities are currently available for individuals interested in providing writing assistance and mentoring. Our next volunteer orientation and training day will be:

Tuesday, February 10th
from 5 pm to 8:30 pm.

Space is limited. So, if you or someone you know is interested in attending, please comment below, or contact the SLCC Community Writing Center at cwc@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992 to RSVP for the event. If you are unable to attend, please contact us for the next official training date, or to schedule a time for independent training.

For more information about the SLCC Community Writing Center, and all of our programs, visit www.slcc.edu/cwc

Fellow volunteers: What distinguishes civic writing from personal and practical writing?

2009-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

I walked in to the CWC last week while they were conducting a staff meeting, and was kindly invited to join and share my thoughts on Tiffany's topic du jour: civic writing, particularly the seeming lack of it among those with whom we work in the community.

We have three broad categories -- as you all know -- under which most composition falls, with personal and practical being the most prevalent.

When was the last time you gave someone feedback on a letter to the editor or a public official?

As opposed to the résumé or personal letter? When was the last time any of us composed civic writing, or was our last missive (and the one before that) personal or practical?

When does personal or practical become civic?

I feel that there are primary and secondary purposes for any piece of writing.

In general, civic writing is addressed to a community or a representative thereof, and concerns issues that have a community impact.

A letter to the local utili-naut about a crummy, time-consuming customer service experience, its confusing, redundant billing, and its high rates is practical as it aims for relief in the form of relief an apology and hopefully a change in the way it does things. The desired end here is a positive outcome, which would be that the recipient understands the writer's frustration, hopefully shows some empathy, but mostly, that it takes corrective action to right past wrongs and prevent future ones.

How about sharing a recipe, an instructive task which demands detail, clarity and consideration for possible non-cooks among its readership. That's practical too, but with whom do we share our recipes? Actually, I don't share mine. But if I did, it'd be limited to close friends; maybe some family members. Then, it's highly personal. The instructive, practical side is mean to a personal end. I must feel good simply to share it. The recipient is probably happy to just to receive it and appreciates the gesture, the thought behind it, regardless of whether they ever care to prepare

Wasn't the letter to the utility for personal satisfaction, too? It was impersonal in that the relationship to the reader is practical, consumer to service-provider. Same with plaintiff/defendant to judge letters, even if one must tell a personal story in that letter. The letter itself isn't satisfying, the aim might be.

A letter to a public official about increasing or decreasing funding to entity x or to call for outlawing or legalizing this or that is civic, for sure. Civic writing is persuasive writing, and any combination of ethos, pathos and logos will and can be used, depending on the situation. Take an appeal to emotion, in which one attempts to appeal to the reader by sharing a personal story of suffering due to government action or inaction, an exemplary case of the effect of public policy.

There's an example a personal story whose aim is some sort of personal satisfaction, but in which the recipient has no personal relation to the writer.

In fact, when we write op-eds and letters to editors, the audience is both all and none; it's abstract, because 'community' is abstract.

There are infinite combinations of these three writing types, and it's possible that a piece can never be just one if we really want to nit-pick.

For one, it's all expressive, which is personal at its core. Musicians, visual artists, writers, chefs, architects, performers all get personal satisfaction from doing what they do and doing it well.

Take this blog post, for example:

I enjoy articulating my thoughts on this blog. I hope whomever reads this thinks I've made good points, have started an interesting discussion, and have done so effectively and in a way which keeps your attention. That's the personal element. But is that my primary purpose?

My purpose for volunteering is personal, civic and practical. I can't pick any one over the other. I have talents, I want to share them with the community, and I want to put it on my résumé. It's a three-fer.

Continuing on...

The practical element of this post is that Jeremy asked me to write it in order to elicit responses from my fellow volunteers about this topic. I considered what might be a practical way to do so and decided that a) I'd share a few of my thoughts on it which would hopefully lead to b) other volunteers joining the discussion. Is that the most practical way to get one involved? I'd sure hope. Effective communication, whether instructive or persuasive, has logic to it. We analyze the audience, determine what we want from them, and take the path of least resistance and/or confusion. The practicality of the method I've used will be determined by how effectively it is received, and perhaps from the responses I elicit. You will determine whether this is unfocused mumbo-jumbo, a thoughtful analysis of this issue, or a bit of both.

Beyond what was hopefully a practical method, this post serves a practical need for us volunteers as we think about and engage in what we do at CWC, hopefully making us better volunteers, and for the CWC itself as it hopes to get answers as to why it's not being utilized as a resource for civic writing needs and why.

Furthermore, having a discussion as a group is certainly social, but is this post in any way civic?
That's where things become a stretch and deeper meanings and broader contexts, underlying or implicit, come through.

Why was this discussion even prompted? Is there a better way in which we can serve the community? Or are the types of writing that are most prevalent, personal and practical, simply a reflection upon the needs of the people that come to us for collaboration and assistance? What does that say about the community? What does it say about the CWC, and by extension, SLCC? Or even, the role of higher education institutions within the community, town and gown? See how far off-topic we can get with the civic thing?

While that's an undertone and a prompt, this is for practical purposes.

Society and its civic structure effect nearly all writing because it effects each of us deeply. However, it seems that it's rarely the reason why lots of people are writing, or at least coming to us with their writing. Always in the background, rarely in the foreground.

Why we're not getting a lot of civic writing is another matter entirely; it's a symptom of apathy and civic inactivity. Hell, people vote. Whatever happens in the interim will be on the news for us to think about, but not act upon.

Besides, if we have writing to do, it's gonna be to share that secret recipe or a complaint to that utili-naut.

Can we accept that there's nearly always a civic element to our writing? Nearly any topic on which we write can be directed to have a civic purpose, even if it did not start out that way.

Writing itself -- not just as a writer for whom writing is an exercise and thus an end in itself -- is practical, because its better than semaphore or Morse code or phoning or telling one or lots of people the same thing in person. We can revise and edit our writing, not worry about large crowds and really present our most organized, clear, focused thorough and eloquent self.

And the topics, they can always be given a civic spin. Change the audience, change the context, voila, civic writing.

Unfortunately, it's rare that a civic purpose is the primary purpose.

So, fellow volunteers:

What writing is civic to you?

When is it civic enough to be labeled as such?

Are these categories too rigid?

Should we have a different way of categorizing the writing we work with?

Perhaps we could label the purpose of a piece in descending order. Or, we could give them numerical values: "This piece was 60 percent practical, 30 percent personal, and 10 percent civic."

Absurd? Well, what do you think?

Thanks for reading. Here's looking forward to your many and profound responses.

Yours in writing and in volunteering,

Jeff Dixon

CWC Volunteers in the News

2009-01-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

As you know, last week the SLCC Community Writing Center took part in the National Day of Service, celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Answering the challenge of President Obama to help “Renew America Together,” volunteers attended a one-hour orientation to familiarize themselves with the methods used by the CWC to support, motivate and educate people of all abilities and educational backgrounds who want to use writing for practical needs, civic engagement and personal expression. These volunteers have been contacting non-profit organizations, government agencies, businesses and educational institutions in an effort to create ongoing Writing Partnerships.

For those of you who missed it, the story was covered briefly by ABC 4 News, and a more in-depth report was written by Kim Nguyen of the SLCC Globe. The ABC 4 video can be viewed below. You can read the Globe article, “Writing for Empowerment” at the following link:

http://media.www.slccglobelink.com/media/storage/paper442/news/2009/01/26/Campus/Writing.For.Empowerment-3597617.shtml

If you are interested in becoming an ongoing volunteer, the next Volunteer Training will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 12 – 3:30 pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact the SLCC Community Writing Center Volunteer Coordinator at 801.957.4992 or jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.

CWC Volunteer Training

2009-01-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 31st
from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Renew America Together

2009-01-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the SLCC Community Writing Center took part in the National Day of Service, celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Answering the challenge of President Obama to help “Renew America Together,” volunteers attended a one-hour orientation to familiarize themselves with the methods used by the CWC to support, motivate and educate people of all abilities and educational backgrounds who want to use writing for practical needs, civic engagement and personal expression. These volunteers are now contacting non-profit organizations, government agencies, businesses and educational institutions in an effort to create ongoing Writing Partnerships.

Volunteers are encouraged to let each other know who they have contacted over the Inauguration week, and how their meetings went. You may get a chance to read about these meetings in the comments section below.

All together, after two orientation sessions, over 20 volunteers took the opportunity to participate in the Renew America Together: Writing for Empowerment event. Many of the volunteers will be continuing their service to the community, becoming trained volunteers in the CWC Writing Coaching and DiverseCity Writing Series programs.

If you were unable to participate in Renew America Together with the CWC, you can still help us continue to meet this challenge. If you have been a volunteer, are currently a volunteer, or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the SLCC Community Writing Center at 801.957.4992 to take part in developing ongoing Writing Partnerships in the Salt Lake community.

If you are interested in becoming an ongoing volunteer, the next Volunteer Training will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 12 – 3:30 pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact the SLCC Community Writing Center Volunteer Coordinator at 801.957.4992 or jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.

Writing for Empowerment

2009-01-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

In 1994, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others. As a tribute to that legacy and the very real needs of our nation, the President-elect and Vice President-elect launched "Renew America Together," organizing effort on the eve of their Inauguration to engage Americans in service. This national day of service will fall on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19, 2009. Never has it been more important to come together in shared purpose to tackle the common challenges we face, and President-elect Obama is calling on all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to our communities.

In response to this call, the SLCC Community Writing Center is asking for volunteers to rise to the challenge, and assist in bringing the message that "Everyone Can Write" to the Salt Lake community.

Volunteers are asked to attend a one-hour Day of Service orientation:

Monday, January 19, 2009
Noon to 1 PM
at the SLCC Community Writing Center

The orientation will familiarize volunteers with the methods used by the CWC to support, motivate and educate people of all abilities and educational backgrounds who want to use writing for practical needs, civic engagement and personal expression. Volunteers will also be provided with a list of non-profit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions to contact over the Inauguration week. These contacts will be used in an effort to create ongoing Writing Partnerships to empower these organizations' clients, staff, and volunteers through workshops and individual consulting.

We are asking for your participation in meeting this challenge. If you have been a volunteer, are currently a volunteer, or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the SLCC Community Writing Center to RSVP for this event.

RSVP online at http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4vcrz#rsvp

For more information, or to RSVP over the phone, contact the SLCC Community Writing Center Volunteer Coordinator at 801.957.4992 or jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.

sine cera: What I Think People Think About

2008-12-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

This Friday, December 5th, several writers from the DiverseCity Writing Series participated in a reading of sine cera: What I Think People Think About:

Dave Bastian
John Boles
Tiffany Carver
Hal Davis
Chanel Earl
Randy Eggert
Misty Evans
Gregor Gable
Elvin Gage
John Hicks
Julie A. Liljenquist
Robbie Poulson
Richard Scharine
Albert E. Smith
Deborah Young

sine cera began in 2003 as a way to showcase writing from the DiverseCity Writing Series. Every six months, we publish a new edition of sine cera and host a public reading to celebrate participants' work. This December we fully embraced the online capabilities of the publication. As such, sine cera: What I Think People Think About has been collected as an electronic publication, and the reading was recorded as a KCPW podcast, available for download.

You can read the full version of sine cera: What I Think People Think About on the SLCC Community Writing Center website at: http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/publications.asp#sinecera. With additional stories from:

Mimi Broadhead
Larry Chaston
Kate Cushing
Paul Kartchner
Cyndi Lloyd
Joyce Lutrell
Paul Rosser
Winnie Mae Walker
Becky Wilson

You can also listen to the podcast on the KCPW website at: http://www.kcpw.org/article/7087.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the Literacy Action Center, Sam Weller’s Bookstore, the King’s English Bookstore, the U. S. Veterans Medical Center of Salt Lake, St. Mark’s Tower, and the Salt Lake City Public Library for the use of their facilities and continued support.

Thanks also to Salt Lake Community College for making this publication possible.

LAST CALL: sine cera Submissions Due by November 29th

2008-11-20T11:47:00.001-08:00

As you all know, the public reading of sine cera is Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7 PM in Salt Lake City’s Main Library Auditorium. Thank you to all those who have submitted:

Dave Bastian *
Tiffany Carver *
Larry Chaston
Kate Cushing
Harold W. Davis
Chanel Earl
Gregor Gable *
Elvin Gage
John Hicks *
Peggy Kadir
Paul Kartchner *
Julie A. Liljenquist *
Cyndi Lloyd
Joyce E. Luttrell
Paul L. Rosser *
Albert E. Smith
Winifred M. Walker
Becky Wilson
Deborah Young *

If you have not yet submitted a piece for this edition of sine cera, you still have time. The official deadline has passed, but there is still room for more submissions! Submit your writing by Saturday, November 29th, and you can still participate in the reading on December 5th.

Submissions should be sent to the DiverseCity Writing Series coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu. But, hurry. Time is running out, and there will be no additional deadline extensions.

* (If you have not already submitted a writer consent release, please be sure to drop one off at the SLCC Community Writing Center by November 29th)

Follow the Volunteer Blog

2008-11-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

A new feature has been added to the SLCC Community Writing Center Volunteer blog. Readers with a Google account are now able to use the Blogger Following feature to keep track of the blog and highlight themselves as a reader. If you don’t have a Google account, the Following feature can help you sign up for free.

To follow the CWC Volunteer blog, click on the “Follow this Blog” link under the “Follow Us” widget to the right. You’ll then see a popup window with options to either follow publicly or anonymously. Select how you’d like to follow the blog, and click the orange “Follow” button. It’s that simple, you are now a follower of the CWC Volunteer blog.

If you elected to follow the blog publicly, your profile picture will be displayed with a link to your Blogger profile, and the CWC Volunteer blog will be added to your Reading List--allowing you to read all of the latest posts from your favorite blogs right on your Blogger Dashboard! It will update instantly each time a new post is published on any blog in your Reading List.

Start following us today!

sine cera Reading!

2008-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to the

SLCC Community Writing Center’s
public reading of
sine cera

A DiverseCity Writing Series anthology

Friday, December 5, 2008
Salt Lake City's Main Library Auditorium
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Reading
reception immediately following
at the SLCC Community Writing Center

Free to the public
For more information, call the SLCC Community Writing Center
at 801.957.4992

sine cera: Deadline Extended!

2008-11-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

This December, the SLCC Community Writing Center will publish sine cera, an anthology of writing produced through the DiverseCity Writing Series. Everyone participating in the DWS is welcome and encouraged to submit writing for publication. Because December’s edition will be electronic (with all accepted submissions appearing in print in the spring edition), the official deadline for submissions has been extended.

The final deadline for submissions to the December issue of sine cera is Tuesday, November 18th. Writing can be submitted anytime prior to this date, but writing submitted after this date will be too late for publication.

For more information about sine cera, submission guidelines, or how to participate in the DiverseCity Writing Series, contact the DWS Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992.

Electronic Worksheet: Character and Setting Prompts

2008-11-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

Both your characters and your setting can be explored endlessly. This sheet will provide you with ideas to further deepen your characters, expand your setting and use them to discover your novel plot.

Setting:

Start with the natural landscape. What would your setting look like if it were unoccupied?
What sort of buildings and structures can be found in your setting?
Describe the interiors of these structures.
Every novel is set in a time period. Describe the time in which your novel takes place.
What is the political and economic setting of your novel?
Describe the emotional atmosphere your characters find themselves in.

Character:

Make a list of all the characters you can imagine using in your novel.
Write a one paragraph physical description of each.
Write about your characters' pasts. What happened to them before the story began.
Write about one of your characters' greatest fears. Now deepest wishes.
What relationships do your characters have with each other? Show this through interaction.
Sometimes it might help to step away from the writing for a minute. Find pictures that look like your characters, or go out into the world and try to see them in others.

Connecting to plot:

Describe any weather that might move your characters to action. How do they respond to it.
What happens when your characters find themselves in a setting that is totally unfamiliar?
How does a character's past influence the present? What happens when others find out about it?
Write about what a character does to finally obtain (or achieve) his/her deepest wish.
What happens when you bring two characters together who have never met?

These are just a few ideas that may help as you write your novel this month. Do all of them, or think of your own questions and prompts. This month is special: you have a lot of writing to do, and very quickly. Sit down and explore every aspect of setting and every character you can imagine. All of this will help you find your novel and deepen it.

NaNoWriMo

2008-11-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

November is National Novel Writing Month, and the SLCC Community Writing Center is opening its doors to all the budding novelists in our midst. Each Wednesday from 7 to 8:30, through the month of November, the CWC is welcoming NaNoWriMo participants to make use of our open space. Join us as you write your novel in a supportive environment, with other writers focused on a similar goal, novel writing handouts and a Writing Assistant on staff to help out if you get stuck

Even if you don't join us for the event, give it a shot--NaNoWriMo is a "fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing." Some participants have already started writing, with the goal of reaching a 175-page (or 50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30. Check out their website to sign up and start tracking your progress today:

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Volunteer Opportunities: Writing Coaching

2008-11-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center is continually in need of volunteer Writing Coaches. Writing coaches provide 25-minute one-on-one collaborative writing assistance for all types of writing, and all levels of writer. Writing coaches are immediately needed at the following locations:

Bingham Creek Library
4834 W 9000 S
Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
(One coach needed)

Hunter Library
4740 W 4100 S
Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
(Two coaches needed)

Sorenson Unity Center
1383 S 900 W
Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
(One coach needed)

If you or someone you know is not yet a volunteer, we would love to meet and discuss this volunteer opportunity, or schedule your attendance for the next volunteer orientation and training. Please contact the Writing Coaching Coordinator to express your interest, or for more information, at andrea.malouf@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992.

The CWC Facebook Page

2008-11-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center is happy to announce the launch of the CWC Facebook page! Now you can find out about the goings-on of the CWC, take a look at our photo albums, add us a friend, or even sign our wall.

The CWC Facebook page can be found at:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/SLCC-Community-Writing-Center/21798437409

Thank you...

2008-11-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center’s
would like to thank everyone who made the
first annual
Haiku Event Fundraiser
a success

Thank you to everyone who attended and assisted in the preparation of the Haiku Event Fundraiser on October 2nd. Donations collected during the event helped to raise $4000 for the SLCC Community Writing Center. Funds raised will help to support CWC programming and events in the upcoming year. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the CWC Facebook page at:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/SLCC-Community-Writing-Center/21798437409

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39829&id=21798437409

Among the events at the fundraiser was a reading by the winners of the Haiku-A-Thon writing contest. These winners were students grades 1 – 12, and were some fantastic young writers. You download a PDF of the winning haiku from our website at:

http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/docs/Haiku_Contest_Winners.pdf

Volunteer Opportunities: DiverseCity Writing Series Mentor

2008-11-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center is continually in need of volunteer Writing Mentors. Writing mentors facilitate on-going writing groups throughout the Salt Lake valley, assist in the development of the DiverseCity Writing Series anthology--sine cera, and participate in public readings for all types of writing, and all levels of writer.

Writing Mentors are immediately needed for the following location:

The City Library Group
Salt Lake City's Main Library
1st & 3rd Mondays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
(1 volunteer needed)

GLBT Group
SLCC Community Writing Center
Dates & times TBD
(1-2 volunteers needed)

Literacy Action Center
The Literacy Action Center
Call for dates & times
(2-3 volunteers needed)

If you or someone you know is not yet a volunteer, we would love to meet and discuss this volunteer opportunity, or schedule your attendance for the next volunteer orientation and training. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to express your interest, or for more information, at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992.

Volunteer Training Dates

2008-11-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center has several volunteer opportunities available. If you or someone you know is not yet a volunteer, we would love to meet and discuss current and upcoming volunteer opportunities. Our next volunteer orientation and training day will be:

Monday, November 10th
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Following this orientation, we will schedule a time for training in the specific program each individual would like to volunteer with.

Space is limited. So, if you or someone you know is interested in attending, please contact the SLCC Community Writing Center at cwc@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992 to RSVP for the event. If you are unable to attend, please contact us to schedule a time for an independent training.

Volunteer Opportunities: Haiku Event

2008-09-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center will be having a Haiku Event fundraiser on Thursday, October 2nd, and we are still in need of volunteers. Volunteers will assist in answering questions about the SLCC Community Writing Center, help to set up the location and work to ensure the fundraiser is a success.

The SLCC Community Writing Center’s Haiku Event will take place on Thursday, October 2, at 6:30 PM, at the Art Barn at Reservoir Park--54 South Finch Lane (1325 East), Salt Lake City.

For more information about this event, and a list of haiku packages, visit the SLCC Community Writing Center website at http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/upcomingevents/index.asp#Haiku_Fundraiser. If you are interested in volunteering for the CWC at the Haiku Event, please write to the Volunteer Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.

Volunteer Opportunities: Salt Lake People's Market

2008-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center will be participating in the Salt Lake City People's Market on Sunday, September 14th and Sunday, October 12th, and we are still in need of volunteers. Volunteers will assist in answering questions about the SLCC Community Writing Center, and sign up individuals interested in joining any of our programs.

The Salt Lake City People's Market takes place every Sunday through October 26th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, at the International Peace Gardens--1000 South 900 West, Salt Lake City.

If you are interested in volunteering for the CWC at the People's Market, please write to the Volunteer Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.

Haiku Event Fundraiser!

2008-09-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to the
SLCC Community Writing Center’s
Haiku Event

A fundraiser to help support SLCC Community Writing Center programming

Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Art Barn at Reservoir Park
54 South Finch Lane (1325 East)
Salt Lake City, UT 84102

6:30 PM – Social Hour and Silent Auction
7:15 PM – Presentations and Guest Speakers

$20 per person ($10 fixed income)
Seating is limited
To order tickets, call the SLCC Community Writing Center
at 801.957.4992

For more information about this event, and a list of haiku packages, visit the SLCC Community Writing Center website at http://www.slcc.edu/cwc/upcomingevents/index.asp#Haiku_Fundraiser

Haiku Contest!

2008-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Asking you to write
Inventing lines to blossom
All for a good cause

The SLCC Community Writing Center is accepting haiku poetry from students grades 1-12. Entrants will compete in four grade levels against students from across Utah.

Level I: Grades 1 - 3
Level II: Grades 4 - 6
Level III: Grades 7 -9
Level IV: Grades 10 - 12

Students interested in participating in the contest should contact the SLCC Community Writing Center at (801) 957-4992 for additional contest details, or to obtain an entry form.

New Writing Group Starting at the CWC

2008-08-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

Quick question: What's happening with the Pride/GLBT writing group? I've got a couple writers interested in coming, just need a day/time to tell them to set aside...

Save the Date: CWC's First Fundraiser

2008-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

October 2nd
from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.
at the Art Barn

The SLCC Community Writing Center will be having it's first fundraiser. The event will happen at the Art Barn, and will include food and drink, guest speakers, and... best of all... our Silent Auction.

The auction includes handwritten haiku from local and national celebrities paired with signed books and phenomenal gift baskets. Gift baskets include everything from magazine subscriptions, bus passes, hiking gear, Utah Jazz paraphernalia, art lessons, free writing workshops, even a shadow day with Jackie Biskupski.

The Art Barn’s capacity is quite limited so tickets will go fast! Watch this space for details on how to get yours when ticket sales open!

The Environmental Writing Group

2008-08-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was in the CWC the other day and we started talking about the early days of the Environmental Writing Group, when Melissa and I would sit at an empty table and talk for two hours, waiting for a writer to show up. We spent six months as a group with two mentors and no writers. I was pretty sure we were never going to advance beyond that. Now, four or five years have passed and we have a solid group of writers who also happen to be some of my favorite people to spend time with. We have taken trips together, read each others work, laughed, and solved many of the worlds problems through our collective brilliance!

For those mentors who are in that spot, sitting at empty tables waiting for writers to show, don't give up!

Volunteer Training: Adobe InDesign CS3

2008-08-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

InDesign CS3 is a page layout program offered by Adobe. This program provides a variety of features for creating rich, complex document designs for multiple forms of media--both print and electronic. Volunteers who are interested in learning more about creating documents using this program are invited to attend an Adobe InDesign training at the SLCC Community Writing Center. This will be the first in a series of trainings on Adobe programs, including InDesign, Illustrator and PhotoShop.

Friday, August 29th
from 6-8 p.m.
(12 volunteers maximum)
Cost: Free to volunteers

If available, training attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop with Adobe InDesign CS3, but a screen projection will be made available to all participants to follow along and experiment with.

Due to limited space, it is necessary to RSVP if you plan to attend this training by writing to the Volunteer Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu or commenting below.

Electronic Worksheet: Standard Manuscript Format

2008-08-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

When writing for a publication, it is always a good idea to research the desired standards for how that publication would like to receive a manuscript. If a writer is unsure of the desired format, or doesn't know where the manuscript will eventually be sent, standard manuscript format is a good option.

The cover page should include the writer's name, address and telephone number (in some cases, the manuscript's total word count should also be given) in the upper right-hand corner.
The title of the manuscript and writer's name or pen name should be halfway down the cover page.
Each page following the cover page should include the writer's name, manuscript title and page number in the upper right-hand corner.
A standard font should be used, and italics should be avoided (in some cases, italicized words are underlined to later be changed by the publication).
Paragraphs should be left-justified and single-spaced.
New paragraphs should start with a five-space indention.
Margins should be at least an inch wide and equal on each side.
Pages should be printed on only one side and left unbound (a paperclip would likely be appropriate for larger manuscripts, but avoid staples).

Beyond this, writers should check the publication's formatting standards as they get closer to submitting the manuscript, and alter the format to specifications.

Group Signs

2008-07-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hey DWS Group Mentors!

We've just finished designing the new group signs and bookmarks to help you market your group and increase your membership! The signs are designed to be put out while your group meets, then taken down after your group concludes its meeting. These should help bring people into your meetings so they can see what you're all about. You are welcome to store them here at the CWC, your trunk, your house, or wherever you'd like. If you think that two or three signs would be more effective where you're located, let me know and I'll get you some more.

We want the mentors for each group to distribute the bookmarks at various businesses and institutions close to where that group meets, i.e. cafes, libraries, schools, etc. You don't have to hand these out; you can just stack them near registers, etc. (but make sure you have permission first). If you don't think you were given enough bookmarks to cover your area, let me know and I'll get you some more.

These should all be printed and ready to be picked up at the CWC by next week, so drop on by at your earliest convenience.

Thanks,
Quintin Graves
quintin.graves@slcc.edu

sine cera: Call for Submissions

2008-07-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

This December, the SLCC Community Writing Center will publish sine cera, an anthology of writing produced through the DiverseCity Writing Series (DWS). Everyone participating in the DWS is welcome and encouraged to submit writing for publication. While it is a bit early, the official deadline for submissions has been selected. You'll likely receive a reminder email as the deadline approaches, but this seemed the appropriate place to make the initial announcement.

The deadline for submissions to the December issue of sine cera is Saturday, October 25th. Writing can be submitted anytime prior to this date, but writing submitted after this date may be too late for publication.

For more information about sine cera, submission guidelines, or how to participate in the DiverseCity Writing Series, contact the DWS Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu or 801.957.4992.

Electronic Worksheet: Haiku, Renga, Haibun

2008-07-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Haiku is a Japanese style of poetry with specific sound-units, called “on.” These sound units are written in three metric phrases of five, seven, and five “on,” one placed below the next—called the morae pattern.

When a haiku is written in English, the “on” are replaced with 17-syllables. Interestingly, this makes for a much longer poem than the Japanese version. To further keep true to the original haiku form, writers often make use of a “kingo,” or seasonal word, indicating the season in which the haiku is set.

Meaning lies as much
In the mind of the reader
As in the haiku
-Douglas R. Hoffstadter

Renga is a style of haiku written as a collaborative, linked poem. This type of poem starts with a haiku, typically written by a master haiku writer, or the writing group’s host. The poem is then passed to the next person in the group, who writes a waki—or a poem written in two metric phrases of seven and seven “on,” or syllables in English. The full renga should end on a waki, written by the final member of the group, or by the host after the poem has made a full cycle through the other poets.

The cat was yellow
And his tail was very long
He walked with a strut

He strutted with all his might
To impress the cat next door

She wasn't impressed
She thought he had a big head
And so she soon left

Continuing his love quest
He strutted to the city

Where he found a can
He walked right past it
And smelt the tuna

"Tuna's good, I like tuna
But I would rather eat mice"
-The Writers of Westminster’s Writing Your World Camp 2008

Haibun is a Japanese style of prose poetry, typically written in two autobiographical paragraphs followed by a haiku. This, however, isn’t a strict rule. The haibun should be written with a blend of haiku poetry and prose written in the spirit of haiku. The length of a haibun is unimportant, so long as it retains the brevity of haiku, with the focus on complimentary enhancement of text through an interaction of poetry and prose.

Ghost Calls

My friends give me a hard time about my seeming inability to answer my cell phone. I figure, there's a chance I might answer, and I almost always call back. I can't be alone in this habit.

Buzzing in pockets--
crowds of people with cell phones.
Many unanswered?

I just prefer to talk on the phone when I know I have a moment to speak, and when I'm not going to be overwhelmed with socialization.

It isn't as if I don't notice my phone ringing. The damn thing goes off all the time. I've started to develop these odd ghost-rings in my leg—right next to where the phone sits in my pocket. Little muscle spasms that feel like the vibrations of my phone. Sometimes my phone isn't even on me, and I instinctively reach for... nothing.

Nothing but spirits.
Calling. Wanting attention.
Leave them unanswered.
-J.E. Remy

We Want to Write a Book with You!

2008-07-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center is writing a book and we want you to be part of it. We hope this book will tell the story of the Community Writing Center through the many voices and experiences that have shaped it. There are no page-limits, no style requirements—we just want to hear from you in your own words.

Send your stories, statements, opinions or musings on all things writing, before October 10th, to the SLCC Community Writing Center at cwc@slcc.edu, or call 801-957-4992 to make other arrangements. You can also drop off your writing, in standard manuscript format, to the SLCC Community Writing Center at Library Square, 210 East 400 South, Suite 8.

DWS Mestizo Group: New Bilingual DiverseCity Writing Series Group

2008-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

A new bilingual DiverseCity Writing Series Group is now opening! The SLCC Community Writing Center in partnership with the Salt Lake City Brown Berets is opening a Spanish/English writing group at Mestizo Coffeehouse—631 W. North Temple, Suite 700. The dates and times for this group are not yet set, and will be based on community request. If you are interested in joining the DWS Mestizo Group, please email the DWS Mestizo Group at mestizowg@gmail.com.

The CWC Volunteer Blog

2008-07-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

The SLCC Community Writing Center is happy to announce the launch of the CWC Volunteer Blog! Now volunteers for the CWC will have access to a central location for volunteer opportunities, ongoing training dates, Writing Center news, and more. All volunteers are welcome to communicate with each other through the comments section of each post. Writing Coaches and DiverseCity Writing Series mentors will each receive a personal log-in to add details regarding their own locations. If you do not receive an invitation by next week, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at jeremy.remy@slcc.edu.