Ash Krafton: Secret Book Spy

Author and fellow Pennwriters member Ash Krafton is sharing a fun two-part series of articles that discuss the process of evolution from novel-writer to novel-author.  Join us at the Pennwriters Area 6 blog for parts 1 & 2:

Part 1: From Writer to Author: How I Became a Secret Book Spy

Philadelphia Writers Make Room to Run Wild

August 1, 2009

For immediate release
1 August 2009
Contact: Lisa Kastner, Founder
lisa[at]runningwildwriters[dot]org
www.runningwildwriters.org
 
Philadelphia Writers Make Room to Run Wild
 
Running Wild Writers, LLC  debuts as Philadelphia’s newest writers’ community with its first Fiction Workshop beginning September 2009.  Founded by Philadelphia-based writer Lisa Diane Kastner, Running Wild provides a venue for writers of all forms and all genres to learn and succeed in the craft.  Kastner is a fiction writer, former correspondent for the Philadelphia Theater Review, freelance journalist for the Delaware County Times, Features Editor for the Picolata Review, and President of Pennwriters, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit writers’ organization.
 
“In my years with the creative writing community, I have repeatedly been asked to provide writers a venue to more thoroughly explore the craft of writing.  Running Wild Writers is the answer to that request.”
 
The inaugural Fiction Workshop will begin September 24 and will run once a week for ten weeks through December 2009. Attendees will have two opportunities to submit up to 5,000 words of original material to be reviewed by participants and to receive a detailed assessment from Kastner.
 
“What makes Running Wild Writers unique is that we believe all forms and genres are valuable. Most workshops specialize in a specific genre such as literary, thriller, mystery, romance and so forth. At Running Wild, we believe that writers can learn and grow by reading and writing across genres,” said Kastner.   “The same is true for form.  Writers need to experiment in creative non-fiction, poetry, and fiction writing to hone their skills and discover who they are as writers.”
 
Workshop Details

Running Wild Writers Community will hold a 10-week Fiction Writers Workshop  from September 24 – December 3, 2009. The group will meet on Thursdays at 7 PM.
 
Participants will have the opportunity to workshop two pieces, maximum of 5,000 words each, during the sessions.  Each work will be given thorough written feedback by the instructor as well as feedback from fellow attendees.  In addition, the instructor will select elements of the craft to discuss during the sessions.  Craft discussions will be based on the pieces workshopped that evening.  Workshops will be held at 1241 Carpenter St., Philadelphia, PA 19147, in the heart of a thriving Philadelphia arts community.
 
Lisa’s Bio
 
Lisa Diane Kastner, fiction writer, creative non-fiction explorer, and former journalist writes fiction from Philadelphia and draws inspiration from her local experience. Kastner promises that her flaming red head tendencies will neither detract nor overly add to the commentary. If anything, it will bring a bit of flavor, like cinnamon.
 
A former correspondent for the Philadelphia Theatre Review and Features Editor for the Picolata Review, Kastner currently writes freelance and by invitation in literature and the arts. Her literary interviews include Charles Baxter (Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature 1997) and Lee Martin (Pulitzer Prize Nominee 2006).
 
Kastner is the Founder of Running Wild Writers Community, LLC and President of Pennwriters, Inc. (www.pennwriters.com) , a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting the novice to the award winning and multipublished writers to learn and succeed in the craft. She is the founder of the Pennwriters King of Prussia and Philadelphia Critique Groups, and can be found throughout the region leading workshops on business communications, and occasionally performing on the local stage with theater companies such as CelebrationTheater.  Her short stories have been published in 63 Channels Journal and The StraightJackets Magazine.
 
For more information go to www.runningwildwriters.org or contact Kastner via email at lisa[at]runningwildwriters[dot]org.

 

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Nalini Nadkarni tackles trees and people on NPR Morning Edition

Visit NPR.org to listen to an interview by Robert Krulwich with author and forest biologist Dr. Nalini Nadkarni:

“Going Out On A Limb With A Tree-Person Ratio”
Krulwich on Science by Robert Krulwich.  Morning Edition, November 12, 2008

In her new book Between Earth and Sky: Our Intimate Connections to Trees (University of California Press, July 2008), Nalini Nadkarni explores the many subtle and extraordinary ways that people rely on trees for the products they yield, the imagery they invoke, and the ecosystems they support.

It was my distinct pleasure to support Nalini Nadkarni in the creation of this book. You’ll hear me chime in with a few words in the middle of this NPR broadcast.

Music by Makadem

Please allow another artist to express the joy I feel today: “Obama Be Thy Name” by Makadem.  May we all continue to rise to the occasion.

Brainripples Returns in June

I am returning to Seattle this May, and Brainripples will be on vacation until June 1, 2008 while I pack and travel.

Once I am settled in Seattle I’ll be able to share some of my latest work, my new goals to connect with other writers in Seattle, and of course all our favorites: Monday Morning Muses, Feature Artist Interviews, Show-and-Tell Fridays, and discussions about the act of creating, and the business of working independently.  Until then, I wish you a productive, creative season.

See you in June!

Pennwriters: Resource for Writers

Writing can be a naturally independent and solitary profession.  Even as hobbyists, writers often create their material alone.  Professionals navigate potential writing markets using their own will, initiative, and creativity.

If you are a writer seeking a support, guidance, and networking opportunities, Pennwriters is the organization for you.  Pennwriters’ current goals are as follows:

- Promote excellence in writing;

- Help aspiring authors learn how to become published via traditional, professional venues;

- Advance the careers of published writers;

- Facilitate professional networking between members and representatives of the traditional publishing industry;

- Act as a liaison between authors and booksellers.

Membership is open to all writers at all levels – you do not have to live in Pennsylvania to be a member of Pennwriters.  The Pennwriters organization offers workshops, critique groups, contests, industry news, networking opportunities, and an annual Writers Conference held in a different location in Pennsylvania each year.

I am the new Pennwriters Area 6 Representative which means I work with members in southeastern part of Pennsylvania.  Brainripples readers are familiar with my writing critique group in the Philadelphia Area.  Now that I’m a Rep, I’ll be coordinating workshops, critique groups, and other activities throughout the region.  You’ll hear all about writing activities in my area right here at the Brainripples blog.  Please feel welcome to join us any time!

In May 2008 you will find me in attendance at the Pennwriters Annual Conference, this year hosted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania at The Host Resort.  I’ll be blogging about the conference in more detail soon.  You do not have to be a Pennwriters member to attend our conference.  To learn more and register, visit the Pennwriters website.

PS – Our Philadelphia Writers’ Critique Group meeting is tonight!  Check out the Critique Group page for details, and if you’re in or around Philly, come join us!