The May 2019 meeting of the WhipCity Wordsmiths has been set for Saturday, May 18th, at 3PM at Blue Umbrella Books. We tried out a new seating arrangement with an assortment of chairs arranged in a long oval with open floor space between them. Didn't feel so formal as being seated around twelve feet of table!!
Join us if you can!
We welcomed new member Christine Blacke at the April meeting, James Holman wore a The Black Squirrel sweatshirt! That made me smile.
A suggestion was made to do a bit of writing at the next meeting...so bring a notebook and a pen!
Monday, April 29, 2019
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Checking Stats
Just looked at the page stats. There have been 185 visits to the Book Gallery and 356 author biography visits!
April 20th Meeting
The WhipCity Wordsmiths will meet at Blue Umbrella Books on Saturday, April 20th at 3PM. Come if you can. I know it's Easter weekend so understand if you cannot make it.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
March Meeting Notes
The March meeting was preceded by a program led by author and co-founder Kelly Buffum. She ran a program at the bookstore on how to format ones finished manuscript for self publication to a print on demand platform such as KDP and also for uploading as an ebook (for platforms like Kindle ebooks or Nook). Five Wordsmiths and one guest attended the program.
Following the program the WhipCity Wordsmiths met with 19 persons in attendance-Susan, Kelly, new Wordsmith James L. Holman, Sue F., Iris, Glen, Geri, Andrew, Avis, Tanya, Ayden, Heidi, Mimi, Judith F., Carrie, Shawn, Claudia, Rhonda, and Russell.
The meeting began with refreshments since Susan and Kelly had been involved in ArtWalk from 11AM-1PM, had eaten lunch on the fly, attended the program from 1:30PM to 3PM, and needed to take a quick break prior to the meeting.
Susan called the meeting to order, thanking everyone for showing up on a beautiful sunny Saturday, and introducing James Holman, our guest who was made a Wordsmith before the end of the meeting. James has a dance career background, and was involved in off Broadway theater. He's written a book about healing from the loss of his partner that he had a prototype copy of in hardcover that had a striking cover he'd designed.
The second order of business was to congratulate our youngest author, Ayden, on his decision to try his hand at oil painting. Susan was so impressed with his very first 8x10 canvas that she purchased the scenic landscape of a gray mountain with evergreens and grassland in front of it and white clouds rolling across a bright blue sky. It was pointed out that many authors also have a second creative outlet and often it is art. Ayden's mother, Tanya, was commended for allowing her son to express his creativity, and for encouraging him in his crafts and supporting him wholeheartedly. Too often parents ignore who their child is and force them into participating in sports and other activities because of some misconception that children need to be involved in sports, or gymnastics, r some other physical activity. While exercise s a good thing, suppressing a child's desire to write, draw, or otherwise be creative is not good. Susan was also like Tanya in raising Kelly, not parking her in front of the TV, but rather encouraging her to be creative and herself.
Next Susan gave some revised and updated information to the authors in attendance who have signed up to participate in Artculture2019 on May 4th, with an opening night reception on Friday evening from 5-8 on May 3rd.
Because James was new to the group, a round of introductions and brief bios were made which took some time with so many in attendance, but it was also good because Claudia, who is still fairly new to the group had the opportunity to meet us all.
We, as a group, talked about self-publication. Shawn is doing very well promoting his The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him book which is now known internationally. The process of buying ones own ISBN numbers from Bowker was reviewed and discussed. Those who had attended the program prior to the meeting felt more confident about going forth with their book projects. Book layout was also touched upon with endorsements page (if an author has gotten remarks and reviews back from ARC readers), title page, copyright page, dedication, other titles by author, acknowledgements, table of contents (if there is one), forward, prologue, epilogue, and about the author page placement.
Glen spoke about his new mystery Seaside Secrets which Susan had read in February and reviewed, giving it a well earned 5-star rating. Glen has the sequel available as an ebook at this time. He is a prolific mystery writer well worth looking into as he has several series in print.
Many Wordsmiths have been following The Artist's Way. Mimi is beginning an Artist's Way group on March 31st in Huntington.
Susan's third book in the Black King/White Queen series, White Bishop Among the Pawns is now in print. Kelly just published Empathic Touch (the sequel to Parapsychology) and another novel, Hawkists for which Wordsmith Melissa Volker designed the cover. Claudia Turner's novel The Scions of Atlantis was recently published. This follows her novel Scars and Stripes Forever.
Edible goodies were provided by Rhonda Boulette- mini cupcakes, frosted brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. Susan provided bottled water.
The meeting, as usual was lively and energizing with everyone having an opportunity to contribute. James entertained us with stories from his career in dance and theater.
The March edition of Ghost Stories Live! will be Saturday, March 23rd, at 6PM with special guest reader Bram Stoker Award winning horror author Tom Deady. Tom is a recent new member of WhipCity Wordsmiths and will be at Articulture2019 in May. Susan and Kelly will also have new ghost stories that evening as they are permanent cast members of GSL! hosted by Pugsley the Fiendish ghost and Wordsmith and Blue Umbrella Proprietor Russell Atwood.
The meeting concluded around 4:20PM with some members needing to leave and others staying behind to chat further together.
The next meeting is Saturday, April 20th, at 3PM, same location!
Following the program the WhipCity Wordsmiths met with 19 persons in attendance-Susan, Kelly, new Wordsmith James L. Holman, Sue F., Iris, Glen, Geri, Andrew, Avis, Tanya, Ayden, Heidi, Mimi, Judith F., Carrie, Shawn, Claudia, Rhonda, and Russell.
The meeting began with refreshments since Susan and Kelly had been involved in ArtWalk from 11AM-1PM, had eaten lunch on the fly, attended the program from 1:30PM to 3PM, and needed to take a quick break prior to the meeting.
Susan called the meeting to order, thanking everyone for showing up on a beautiful sunny Saturday, and introducing James Holman, our guest who was made a Wordsmith before the end of the meeting. James has a dance career background, and was involved in off Broadway theater. He's written a book about healing from the loss of his partner that he had a prototype copy of in hardcover that had a striking cover he'd designed.
The second order of business was to congratulate our youngest author, Ayden, on his decision to try his hand at oil painting. Susan was so impressed with his very first 8x10 canvas that she purchased the scenic landscape of a gray mountain with evergreens and grassland in front of it and white clouds rolling across a bright blue sky. It was pointed out that many authors also have a second creative outlet and often it is art. Ayden's mother, Tanya, was commended for allowing her son to express his creativity, and for encouraging him in his crafts and supporting him wholeheartedly. Too often parents ignore who their child is and force them into participating in sports and other activities because of some misconception that children need to be involved in sports, or gymnastics, r some other physical activity. While exercise s a good thing, suppressing a child's desire to write, draw, or otherwise be creative is not good. Susan was also like Tanya in raising Kelly, not parking her in front of the TV, but rather encouraging her to be creative and herself.
Next Susan gave some revised and updated information to the authors in attendance who have signed up to participate in Artculture2019 on May 4th, with an opening night reception on Friday evening from 5-8 on May 3rd.
Because James was new to the group, a round of introductions and brief bios were made which took some time with so many in attendance, but it was also good because Claudia, who is still fairly new to the group had the opportunity to meet us all.
We, as a group, talked about self-publication. Shawn is doing very well promoting his The Kitty Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him book which is now known internationally. The process of buying ones own ISBN numbers from Bowker was reviewed and discussed. Those who had attended the program prior to the meeting felt more confident about going forth with their book projects. Book layout was also touched upon with endorsements page (if an author has gotten remarks and reviews back from ARC readers), title page, copyright page, dedication, other titles by author, acknowledgements, table of contents (if there is one), forward, prologue, epilogue, and about the author page placement.
Glen spoke about his new mystery Seaside Secrets which Susan had read in February and reviewed, giving it a well earned 5-star rating. Glen has the sequel available as an ebook at this time. He is a prolific mystery writer well worth looking into as he has several series in print.
Many Wordsmiths have been following The Artist's Way. Mimi is beginning an Artist's Way group on March 31st in Huntington.
Susan's third book in the Black King/White Queen series, White Bishop Among the Pawns is now in print. Kelly just published Empathic Touch (the sequel to Parapsychology) and another novel, Hawkists for which Wordsmith Melissa Volker designed the cover. Claudia Turner's novel The Scions of Atlantis was recently published. This follows her novel Scars and Stripes Forever.
Edible goodies were provided by Rhonda Boulette- mini cupcakes, frosted brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. Susan provided bottled water.
The meeting, as usual was lively and energizing with everyone having an opportunity to contribute. James entertained us with stories from his career in dance and theater.
The March edition of Ghost Stories Live! will be Saturday, March 23rd, at 6PM with special guest reader Bram Stoker Award winning horror author Tom Deady. Tom is a recent new member of WhipCity Wordsmiths and will be at Articulture2019 in May. Susan and Kelly will also have new ghost stories that evening as they are permanent cast members of GSL! hosted by Pugsley the Fiendish ghost and Wordsmith and Blue Umbrella Proprietor Russell Atwood.
The meeting concluded around 4:20PM with some members needing to leave and others staying behind to chat further together.
The next meeting is Saturday, April 20th, at 3PM, same location!
April 2019 Meeting Date
The WhipCity Wordsmiths will meet again on Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at Blue Umbrella Books, 2 Main Street, Westfield, MA at 3PM.
Monday, March 11, 2019
March Meeting
The March meeting of the WhipCity Wordsmiths will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 3PM at Blue Umbrella Books, 2 Main Street, Westfield, MA. Wordsmith Kelly Buffum will be speaking on How To Format One's Book for Self Publication and as an ebook at 1:30PM at Blue Umbrella. The program has a $10 registration fee payable to Blue Umbrella.
And if you're interested, author me is now also artist me since taking up pen & ink again and keeping myself busy drawing wildlife and birds during the fall and winter in between the proofreading and editing and publishing of White Bishop Among the Pawns, and helping Kelly proofread and edit her two recently published novels Empathic Touch and Hawkists. It's been a busy 6.5 months here at the kitchen table to say the least!
Just a few other things. My art is for sale in Blue Umbrella Books and also in my etsy shop BicycleCityArtworks.
There will be a new Ghost Stories Live! ghost story reading event at Blue Umbrella on Saturday March 23rd with Bram Stoker Award winning horror author and Wordsmith Tom Deady making his first appearance with Russell and cast.
I read Glen Ebisch's new mystery novel Seaside Secrets while down with a head cold and loved it! I posted a review on Amazon...and want to read the second book in the series NOW! But, I'll be patient.
I bought books by Wordsmiths Claudia Turner (her new novel The Scions of Atlantis) and Wordsmiths Sean Sweeney (several of his older works and a mystery novella) and Jacquie Sears (her art book and famous Holyoke residents) that I'm looking forward to reading.
Our Book Gallery keeps on growing and growing!
And finally...our youngest Wordsmith, Ayden Rogalski, has taken up the paintbrush as another creative outlet. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase his very first painting. If you attend the meeting on Saturday I'll be finalizing the purchase and you'll be able to see his brushwork! Oh, and did I mention his new book on Homesteading will be out soon and he's working on writing a mystery?
See you Saturday!
And if you're interested, author me is now also artist me since taking up pen & ink again and keeping myself busy drawing wildlife and birds during the fall and winter in between the proofreading and editing and publishing of White Bishop Among the Pawns, and helping Kelly proofread and edit her two recently published novels Empathic Touch and Hawkists. It's been a busy 6.5 months here at the kitchen table to say the least!
Just a few other things. My art is for sale in Blue Umbrella Books and also in my etsy shop BicycleCityArtworks.
There will be a new Ghost Stories Live! ghost story reading event at Blue Umbrella on Saturday March 23rd with Bram Stoker Award winning horror author and Wordsmith Tom Deady making his first appearance with Russell and cast.
I read Glen Ebisch's new mystery novel Seaside Secrets while down with a head cold and loved it! I posted a review on Amazon...and want to read the second book in the series NOW! But, I'll be patient.
I bought books by Wordsmiths Claudia Turner (her new novel The Scions of Atlantis) and Wordsmiths Sean Sweeney (several of his older works and a mystery novella) and Jacquie Sears (her art book and famous Holyoke residents) that I'm looking forward to reading.
Our Book Gallery keeps on growing and growing!
And finally...our youngest Wordsmith, Ayden Rogalski, has taken up the paintbrush as another creative outlet. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase his very first painting. If you attend the meeting on Saturday I'll be finalizing the purchase and you'll be able to see his brushwork! Oh, and did I mention his new book on Homesteading will be out soon and he's working on writing a mystery?
See you Saturday!
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Authors and Articulture Update
The date of Articulture2019, the biggest art, literary, and music event in Westfield has been changed to Saturday, May 4th, 2019. The hours of the event are 10AM to 5PM. I have table space for 14 authors this year, up four from last year. If you have not responded to the call for authors you can email me at sebuffum415@gmail.com to inquire about a table at the event.
The event was supposed to be at the end of April but the venue had already been booked by the time Artworks reached out to the facility manager to book the event, therefore, May 4th it is. There is an artists and authors reception on Friday evening, May 3rd from 5PM-8PM. Set-up for those able to get to the Church of Atonement on the corner of Court and Pleasant Street on May 2nd, Thursday afternoon or evening is from 4PM to 7PM sharp. Otherwise, authors can set-up between 9AM and 9:45AM the day of the event. There is a ramp at the rear of the church and that door will be open.
There will be 1-2 food trucks on site. There are several local restaurants that deliver. Or you an bring your own lunch. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day courtesy of Artworks. There is ongoing discussion in regards to a bake sale being held on site that day as well.
If you have already contacted me and confirmed that you will be there on May 4th you do not need to contact me again. I have your name on my list and will email or messenger you updates as they become available. If anyone has any questions email me or messenger me through facebook.
Artworks does post author bios and pictures on their page in promotional posts to advertise the event. This is the fourth Articulture event sponsored by Artworks and the nonprofit group is hitting their stride, drawing larger attendance with the more convenient location which includes parking! We're tinkering to decrease crowding which was an issue last year. The church is making additional spaces available to us. The authors will have the lovely, cozy Guild Rom with the fireplace again this year, and a second room behind the kitchenette off the hallway and across from the rest rooms- the Chapel Room. We hope to have seven authors in each room which should allow us ample elbow room and give attendees room at each table to talk to the authors and look over their offerings.
The WhipCity Wordsmiths had a strong showing last year with nine of ten Wordsmiths able to attend. We are an amazing group of talented authors- I am so happy to see some new faces joining us this year!
The event was supposed to be at the end of April but the venue had already been booked by the time Artworks reached out to the facility manager to book the event, therefore, May 4th it is. There is an artists and authors reception on Friday evening, May 3rd from 5PM-8PM. Set-up for those able to get to the Church of Atonement on the corner of Court and Pleasant Street on May 2nd, Thursday afternoon or evening is from 4PM to 7PM sharp. Otherwise, authors can set-up between 9AM and 9:45AM the day of the event. There is a ramp at the rear of the church and that door will be open.
There will be 1-2 food trucks on site. There are several local restaurants that deliver. Or you an bring your own lunch. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day courtesy of Artworks. There is ongoing discussion in regards to a bake sale being held on site that day as well.
If you have already contacted me and confirmed that you will be there on May 4th you do not need to contact me again. I have your name on my list and will email or messenger you updates as they become available. If anyone has any questions email me or messenger me through facebook.
Artworks does post author bios and pictures on their page in promotional posts to advertise the event. This is the fourth Articulture event sponsored by Artworks and the nonprofit group is hitting their stride, drawing larger attendance with the more convenient location which includes parking! We're tinkering to decrease crowding which was an issue last year. The church is making additional spaces available to us. The authors will have the lovely, cozy Guild Rom with the fireplace again this year, and a second room behind the kitchenette off the hallway and across from the rest rooms- the Chapel Room. We hope to have seven authors in each room which should allow us ample elbow room and give attendees room at each table to talk to the authors and look over their offerings.
The WhipCity Wordsmiths had a strong showing last year with nine of ten Wordsmiths able to attend. We are an amazing group of talented authors- I am so happy to see some new faces joining us this year!
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