Newsletter Highlights

5th-Grade Story Contest winners

Speaker Profile: AYIZE JAMA-EVERETT

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (18571948) After the death of her husband in 1887, Gertrude Atherton devoted herself to writing. She often used her birthplace, San Francisco, and turn-of-the-century California as the settings for her novels and short stories. Her themes centered on the passions and struggle for self-reliance of the new Western-American woman.

June 2012

Authors are far closer to the truths enfolded in mystery than ordinary people, because of that very audacity of imagination which irritates their plodding critics.
Gertrude Atherton, The Bell In The Fog & Other Stories
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Presidents Message

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View from the Mountain Top

June 2012 contents
Presidents message June Speaker PR News Poetry Corner NorCal Leaders Interview Hangin Out with Writers Op-ed 5th Graders Accept Awards Volunteer Corner Member News Member Marketplace The Last Word Speaker flyer CWC Annual Picnic 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 9 9

Linda Brown Nine months ago I wrote my first presidents message for the Berkeley Branchs acclaimed newsletter, Write Angles. At that time, I changed the name of this column from View From the Helm (coined by former president and sailor Al Levenson) to View From the Mountaintop because of my love of the mountains: the sights, smells, and solitude of just being. It is fitting that as I write this last column I am sitting by a mountain lake at over 9,000-foot elevation in my beloved Rocky Mountains. I am also channeling author Stephen King. His experience in Room 417 of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park inspired The Shining. First, I thank you for the opportunity to be your president. A year ago, my hope was to strengthen the Branchs business management practices while ensuring that our programsspeakers, workshops, contests, and special eventsaligned with the CWCs mission: "to educate members and the public in the craft of writing and the publishing of their work. Second, I thank Write Angles editor Tanya Grove for giving me this publication space and copyeditor Anne Fox for helping me polish my prose as I met deadlines for this column, media releases, and public outreach. Lastly, thanks to the board members and other volunteers for their support, ideas, and time to make those ideas a reality. Your help was invaluable. As I wind down volunteer time for the current fiscal year (July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012), these challenges that we faced stand out: tectonic shifts in the publishing industry, growing use of the Internet as a communications tool, and the economy. Looking back, I ask you: Did the Club use and improve business practices to deliver valueadded programs? My view in a future e-mail. Looking forward, please plan to support your new board by Voting on new board members at the Sunday, June 17 speaker program Having fun at the Saturday, June 23, Planning Retreat, at the Berkeley Marina (where we hold the Hangin Out with Writers events) or, if you cant show up, e-mailing your suggestions for next year and beyond to berkeley.cwc@gmail.com
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Nominating Committee Results 10

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upcoming events
6/10 6/24 Write On! Contest submission window 6/23 CWC-BB Planning Retreat 6/30 Annual CWC dues deadline 7/21 CWC Annual Picnic

Volunteering however you can For yourself, please consider a submission to the Central Boards Literary Review by June 30 and/or our Berkeley Branch. Write On!

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WHAT MAKES A SUPERHERO?
David Baker

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Nordeen was right to send me. I feel three heartbeats at the ridges of the ancient crater were resting in. Snipers. I dont know for sure, but their hearts are tense and their trigger fingers twitchy.
We read the opening sentences from The Liminal People, by Ayize JamaEverett, and were hooked. The mention of snipers has us wondering what will happen next. Even more compelling is a protagonist who feels the heartbeats of people he cant see. Were ready for a story infused with special powers. Jama-Everett, our featured speaker for the June 17 meeting, doesnt disappoint. But the purpose of his novel is less to highlight the abilities he provides his character Taggert than to touch the readers heart. Superman, Jama-Everett points out in a podcast interview for The Agony Column, is not a superhero because of his powers but because he saw his parents killed and, instead of being a sociopath or a playboy, he goes out and tries to help people. Taggert does the same, attempting to save the teenage daughter of his ex. The girl discovers for the first time an adult she can depend on, world-weary Taggert realizes hes being depended on, and the core of the emotional connection driving the plot develops. In crafting such a relationship, JamaEverett drew on his experience working with teenagers as a therapist at a prep school. If a kid is relying on you, he says, most people would be surprised by what theyre willing to do.

Creating connections that push remarkable characters, and by extension readers, to reach beyond what they perceive to be their limitations is Jama-Everetts forte. Its also a talent he appreciates in other writers, one hell underscore at the June meeting, when he talks to us about science fiction, fantasy, and superheroes in the past.

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IF YOURE GOING TO WRITE IT, WRITE IT RIGHT

- Donna McCrohan Rosenthal, PR chair, pr@calwriters.org

This last month of the CWC fiscal year invites us to look back on P/R considerations that came up since July 2011. Previous columns focused on the importance of partnering with other community groups to extend outreach when possible and always answering the question "what's in it for me?" when putting out stories about branch activities. But one thing that emerged recently behind the scenes may constitute the biggest lesson learned: You never know who will read your publicity and the extent to which they will depend on it. So get it right. Specifically, some time ago our organization named a handful of major California authors as "honorary members," even though those people had never in fact joined the CWC. Nothing wrong there. Groups do it all the time. However, at least one prominent researcher saw "member" on our website, took it literally and used the information in her work. Once we heard about this, it became a call to action on our part to exercise caution and confirm our facts. It also led to new investigation and delightful revelations that we will share on the California Writers Club website as we revisit our posted history. Good luck and sail on!

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Poetry Write AnglesPage

Poet Profile
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and Realism. The Sleepers is one of these and has recently been recorded as a song by the jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. (EDITORS NOTE: this is an extremely long poem. A portion of part I appears below.)

THE SLEEPERS
Source: Walt Whitman Archive

Walt Whitman
Alsya Chadow

I WANDER all night in my vision, Stepping with light feet, swiftly and noiselessly stepping and stopping, Bending with open eyes over the shut eyes of sleepers, Wandering and confused, lost to myself, ill-assorted, contradictory, Pausing, gazing, bending, and stopping. How solemn they look there, stretchd and still! How quiet they breathe, the little children in their cradles!

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is considered one of the most important poets in the American literary canon. Often called the father of free verse, he spent a lifetime revising and reediting his sole poetry collection, Leaves of Grass. Born in a farmhouse on the north shore of Long Island, New York, Whitman left school at 11 to take various jobs in order to help support his family. He was at times an office clerk, teacher, journalist, printer, and newspaper editor. He edited the Brooklyn Eagle from 1846-48, but lost the position for political reasons.

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The wretched features of ennuys, the white features of corpses, the livid faces of drunkards, the sick-gray faces of onanists, The gashd bodies on battle-fields, the insane in their strong-doord rooms, the sacred idiots, the new-born emerging from gates, and the dying emerging from gates, The night pervades them and infolds them. The married couple sleep calmly in their bedhe with his palm on the hip of the wife, and she with her palm on the hip of the husband, The sisters sleep lovingly side by side in their bed, The men sleep lovingly side by side in theirs, And the mother sleeps, with her little child carefully wrapt. The blind sleep, and the deaf and dumb sleep, The prisoner sleeps well in the prisonthe run-away son sleeps; The murderer that is to be hung next dayhow does he sleep? And the murderd personhow does he sleep? The female that loves unrequited sleeps, And the male that loves unrequited sleeps, The head of the money-maker that plotted all day sleeps, And the enraged and treacherous dispositionsall, all sleep

Whitman published the first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855 at his own expense. While some, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, praised the work, others considered it to be obscene and even trashy. Whitmans intention was to write an epic for the masses. To this end, he wrote poems on such topics as Pomonauk (the Native American word for Long Island), the common man, sexuality, and the Ameri-can Civil War, during which he was a volunteer nurse. Whitman died in Camden, New Jersey, following a stroke, and is buried there. While many of us know Whitman best through O Captain, My Captain, there are many other examples of his blending of Transcendentalism

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Kathleen L. Orosco

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NorCal Leaders Look to CWCs Future and Technologys Impact on Publishing

NorCals elections, held April 2, 2012, brought to a close an impressive tenure for Dave LaRoche as chair for the NorCal Group, the northern branch regional association, and welcomed Joyce Krieg as new chair. I asked them about leadership, technology, and NorCals role. What kinds of changes in leadership would you like to see that you believe would strengthen membership numbers and effectiveness of California Writers Club? Joyce: It would be great if the regional associations could serve as a clearinghouse for best practices at the various branches, a place for sharing of ideas and solving problems on a collaborative basis. The Central Board has always taken a hands-off attitude toward getting involved in the activities of the various branches. Id like to see NorCal become more hands-on when it comes to providing much needed services and support to the branches. Dave: Strong, forward-thinking people, with an emphasis on PR and growth. Growth brings resources, both ideas and money. Today, and during the five years of my tenure, the CB is and has been engaged primarily in putting out fires. While thats important, what we need is a proactive groupdeveloping appropriate goals and seeing them through. Energy needs to be focused on branchesthats where the membership is. How do you envision the impact of technological advances in publishing on CWC? Joyce: When it comes to publishing, were living in the most exciting times since Gutenberg invented moveable type. The process has become much more accessible and democratizedits easier now than it ever was to hold a book with your name on the cover in your hands. Seems to me, this enthusiasm for writing can only help CWC. Dave: Only good, as members are faced with countless and increasing new opportunities for publishing. The NorCal Group has addressed these advances with Publishing Pathways.By way of this program, members may become aware of the multiplying publishing opportunities. Although, bottom line, our club is still about writing. Technology in publishing is causing rapid waves of change. What actions do you believe CWC can take to help make these changes reflect our organizations goals, activities, and accomplishments in writing and publishing? Joyce: Weve already taken tremendous strides with Publishing Pathways. A shout-out to Nancy Curteman (Fremont) and her committee for making it happen. The challenge facing Publishing Pathways and similar programs is that technology is changing so rapidly, its difficult to keep upHaving said that, I would also like to say that I hope CWC also keeps one foot in the past as well as the future. As a history geek, I love our heritage with Jack London and Joaquin Miller, and I hope we can continue to honor our rich history. Dave: We are a writing community. Thus we need to focus on craft. The fact is, craft will become more important as publishing technology expands. Readers will no longer have the selection assurance offered by publishing stalwarts. (A book that gets through the traditional hoops is bound to be good.) They will increasingly rely on local and webbased reviews, and no one generating those is going to promote crap. The Lit Review is a great benefit to members for testing the waters of craft.The Central Board could strengthen this project with contests and other awards, better feedback, and frequently published issues. The CB might form a marketing limb and go after a few sponsors. Mostly and easily right now, they can publicize. The members of the California Writers Club extend our congratulations to Joyce Krieg and our appreciation to Dave LaRoche.

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Lucille Bellucci

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Hangin' Out with Writers Is Fun

Hangin Out with Writers, hosted by Membership Chair Clifford Hui on May 12, saw five new members. Erin Meadows is writing a novel. Marilee Stark is a columnist and working on a memoir. Diane Hira Rose, a PR maven who teaches memoir writing, will hold a workshop on Saturday, June 9, at her home. (Call (510) 525-8056 for more information.) And Lynne Fix won Cliff's name-that-mystery-novel contest with her title Murder for Dummies. Her prize, a large package wrapped in newsprint and dangling several coupons to Murphy's Pizza, turned out to be, after much unwrapping and digging, a book.
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And then there was Ricky, whose last name remained absent from his nametag, who kept going outside to search for a friend who appeared to be lost. He did not return after the final foray. We trust he will account for himself fully at our next CWC meeting. Cliff's claim of there being a piano player seemed to be spurious, but then it depended on who was there seeking to listen to him/her. The refreshments he provided were real and lavish--three kinds of soda beverages and hampers of chips and cookies. The peanut butter cookies were especially succulent and real, alas. Side note: tied up right outside the door was a yacht named HAPPY HOOKER.
Contest winner Lynne Fix with her prize

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Oakland Main Library Bradley C. Walters Community Room 125 14th Street 94612 Entrance on Madison Street (wheelchair accessible) Our monthly meetings are free and open to the public and feature a speaker, an author event, or both.

Remember to check out our website: www.cwc-berkeley.com

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Op-ed
Jing Li
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Teaching Writing in Schools Needs a Boost

I applaud our CWCBB for sponsoring the 5th-Grade Story Contest, an enlightening contribution for the well-being of America. High literacy performance of American citizens is exactly what America needs nowadays and has needed since the landmark publication of A Nation at Risk, the 1983 report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Writing well is like an endangered species in America. Even handwriting is not being taught well in this worlds #1 superpower-countrys public schools. When I came to America from China as a graduate student 20 years ago, I was shocked to see how sloppy peoples handwriting was, with beautiful cursive penmanship a dying art, especially among young people. And self-expression through writing is not being taught well, with people making such errors in everyday writing by confusing your for youre; too for to; there for their; its for its; etc., etc. I speak English-as-a-second-language immigrant and also as a classroom teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District. Im disheartened by the lack of basic English writing skills my high school students demonstrate on a daily basis. I teach Mandarin Chinese as one of the foreign languages required for high school graduation. For over 10 years up to the present time, Im dismayed and frustrated at my students English skills. For example, Whatever you write, you need a title for your writing, I have to constantly remind these teenagers, who in a couple of years are supposed to be able to take up rigorous college studies. But the truth of the matter is that many of Californias high school graduates arent ready for college. They often have to take remedial reading, writing, and math classes before they enter their mainstream college studies. The CWCBB offers a role model by helping America prepare students for the future by sponsoring literacy activity through story writing for young kids. It is on the right track. Children are our future. As the old Chinese saying goes, it takes ten years to grow a forest, but it will take one hundred years to grow a generation of excellent citizens.

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5th Graders Accept Awards

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At our May meeting we honored the winners of CWC-BBs 2012 5th Grade Story Contest. All those who placed first, second, or third place, as well as those who received honorable mention, read their stories aloud at the ceremony before receiving their awards. Also honored was the first place winners teacher. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends were all in attendance to support these young writers. We congratulate them and hope they keep writing.

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Volunteer Corner
Madelen Lontiong

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June: an exciting month for graduations, degrees, presentations, honors. This month the Berkeley Branch lauds and records heartfelt recognitions honoring members whose tasks promote our branch and keep it functioning smoothly. The listing of many names is in appreciation of the writers who have helped make the club an ongoing, enriching resource. We encourage using this list as a conversation starter and as an inspiration to future volunteers. Listed in alphabetical order by first name are the volunteers who made something happen from July 1, 2011 to present for the betterment of CWC-BB. Note: someone else may now perform some listed jobs. Al Levenson VP Administration Alon Shalev Marketing Education Chair Alysa Chadow Write Angles Poetry Page Editor Anne Fox Five-Page Support/Critique Group Cofacilitator Write Angles Copyeditor/Member News/Tidbits Copyeditor for all external communications April Kutger Write Angles Survey Analyst/Reporter Barbara Gilvar VP Writing Groups New Member Orientations Nominating Committee Carol Newman-Weaver Assisted with editing of membership brochure Charlie Russell Members with Newly Published Books Chair Clifford Hui VP Membership Nominating Committee Chair Member Communications: Surveys/Introduction Roster Contributed to HOW* paragraph & hosted David Baker Five-Page Support/Critique Group Cofacilitator Write Angles Speaker Profile David Sawle Provided location for NorCal meetings David Simmons Provided audio equipment for meetings Debby Frisch Fifth-Grade Story Contest Chair/judge Kiddie Lit-ers Group facilitator Eva Merrick Holiday Luncheon Chair Flash Fiction Contest Administrative support for president Francine Howard VP Marketing of Writers Products Write-On! Contest Chair Raffle assistance Gerald Mahoney Meeting room set-up
*HOW stands for Hangin Out with Writers

Irv Hamilton Raffle assistance Jane Glendinning Speaker Programs Chair Jeff Kingman Co-NorCal Delegate Jill Perry Novel Writers Group facilitator Jim Wiseman Planning Retreat support Marketing products researcher Jing Li Contributed articles to Write Angles JoAnn Smith Ainsworth Marketing Outreach Program Published Authors Web Page Editor/profiles John Q. McDonald Write Angles contributor Karren Elsbernd Write Angles Cover Author Contributor Kathleen Orosco Co-NorCal Delegate Kristen Caven Graphic Designer Webmaster/Advisor/Upgrades Tech Team Leader Contributed to HOW paragraph* Kymberlie Ingalls Tech Team Facebook & Twitter Planning Retreat Support (continued on next page)

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Barbara Ruffner VP Programs Host of New Member Orientations Nominating Committee Member Hospitality Membership Brochure Write Angles Poetry Page Editor Barry Boland Secretary Meeting room set-up Bruce Shigeura Sixteen Eyes Group facilitator Contributed to HOW paragraph*

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Volunteers (continued) Linda Brown President Communications: industry, media, public outreach Central Board Rep Friends of Joaquin Miller Park Board Lloyd Lofthouse NorCal Publishing Pathways Mentor Write On! Contest Tech Team Wordpress Coach Lucille Bellucci Fifth-Grade Story Contest reader/judge Contributed article to Write Angles Contributed to HOW paragraph* Lynn Fraley Tech Team LinkedIn & Technology Use Survey Madelen Lontiong Treasurer Volunteer Recognition Nominating Committee Volunteer Corner column in Write Angles Mary Luersen Organized first writers social at Heinolds Ray Faraday Nelson Club history Risa Nye Contributed HOW paragraph* Ruby Long Refreshments Coordinator Sasha Futran Contributed article to Write Angles Contributed to HOW paragraph* Shelley Wagner Raffle Chair Shereen Rahman Membership Committee greeter/prospect list Nominating Committee Hospitality/Refreshments Therese Pipe Club history

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Tanya Grove Write Angles Editor Fifth-Grade Story Contest reader/judge Contributed to HOW paragraph* Thomas Burchfield Solicited member profiles for Write Angles Tim Jollymore Provided refreshments Meeting room set-up Van Moore Meeting room set-up Vernon Dolphin Workshop host Walter Price Middle Grade/Young Adult Critique Group facilitator

And we extend a thank you to our donors: Independence Plaza in Alameda (workshop space) City of Berkeley (space for writers events) Peets Coffee (Piedmont Ave., Oakland) for coffee

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*HOW stands for Hangin Out with Writers

We also thank all those members who read stories for the 5th Grade Contest and anyone else who helped out in some way this past year who are not named. It is not possible to thank everyone because there are always folks who work quietly behind the scenes and slip out the door before anyone can say, Thank you. You may not be mentioned by name but we are grateful to those who helped set up and break down tables, chairs, and displays; downloaded and posted flyers around town; talked up meetings; brought and set up refreshments; or greeted a new memberin other words, gave a helping hand where needed. Each of you contributed to make our club a welcoming, informative, vital place where writers feel at home. And theres always room for improvement. Let us know what we can do to make 20122013 better. Thank you to all!

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Member News
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Write Angles welcomes letters to the editor, book reviews, and articles of interest to writers. Submit to writeangles@gmail.com. If you are a member and want to share news, please write Member News in the subject line. Deadline for the September issue is August 15.
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Anne Fox is listed in the British anthology, You, Me, & a Bit of We (Chuffed Buff Books), for her secondperson short story, The Bedroom Mirror. (October 2012 publication) Risa Nyes piece on the craft of writingIn the Moodcan be found in the May 1, 2012 issue of Hippocampus Magazine. What is your mood muse? ? See also Risas May 17 piece, Happy Hour, under Arts & Entertainment at www.examiner.com/
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Patricia L. Morin reports that her play, The Gatekeeper, won first place at the 2012 Fringe of Marin Playwright Contest and won Critics Choice, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress status as well. Top Publications Ltd., Dallas TX, has released Crime Montage, the second of Patricias short-story series, in addition to having published her first collection, Mystery Montage, in 2010. The story "Homeless" was a finalist for a Derringer and an Anthony Award, while "Pa and the Pigeon Man" was nominated for a Pushcart Award. Books and information available at https://www.amazon.com/author/www.patricialmorin.com.
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Thomas Burchfield's novel, Dragon's Ark, has won the Bronze medal (3rd place) in the Horror Category for the 2012 Independent Publishers Book Award (the "IPPY"). The IPPY awards have been held every year since 1996, and this year over 5,000 entries were fielded. Thomas wishes to thank the CWC-Berkeley for their support.

Charlotte Cook and Jon James Miller are planning several short summer workshops: Working with an Acquisition Editor in Mind; Introduction to Writers Workshops; Paragraphing! (See contact information below.) More on the agenda for Charlotte and Jon: The exciting DIY Bare-Bones Writers Retreat on Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4, for twelve writers. Early signup is encouraged. In addition, F&W Media (Writer's Digest University and The Writers Store) have scheduled more webinars, following upon the success of previous ones hosted by Charlotte and Jon. For more information on these special events and workshops, contact Charlotte at charlotte@adaptingsideways.com or via the website www.adaptingsideways.com
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Member Marketplace
Write Angles wants to help promote our members. If you are a member and want to advertise writing-related services, please submit to writeangles@gmail.com and write Marketplace in the subject line. Deadline for the September issue is August 15.
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Thomas Burchfield offers editing and proofreading services for nonfiction books by CWC-Berkeley members. You can contact him for details at tbdeluxe@sbcglobal.net or call 510-817-4432.
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Anne Fox offers copyediting services for all genres of fiction and nonfiction. References available. writefox@aol.com

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Branch Officers Are Nominated

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Earlier in the year, five members of the club formed an ad hoc Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee members consisted of Barbara Ruffner, Barbara Gilvar, Madelen Lontiong, Shereen Rahman, and Clifford Hui. Our task was to enlist volunteers to serve as elected officers or as appointed committee members. We met several times to plan, and spoke with many members over the course of several months. We have managed to fill almost all of the positions that were open. We present the following slate of members who have generously agreed to serve for the 2012-2013 year as the Berkeley Branch officers if/when elected at our June meeting: President: Tanya Grove Vice President: Kymberlie Ingalls Treasurer: Gurnam Brard Secretary: Barry Boland In addition, other members are also dedicated to the smooth operation of our club. They have agreed to fill various positions when appointed by the incoming president. Listed below are the appointment positions and those who agreed to fill them. You will notice some remaining unfilled positions. Activating those positions would be a great boost to the club. If you are interested, talk to one of the Nominating Committee members. Delegate Central Board: Linda Brown Delegate NORCAL: Kathleen Orosco Write Angles co-editors: Lynne Fix & Tanya Grove Web Master: Al Levenson Advertising & Public Relations: OPEN Membership Committee: Kristen Caven New Member Orientation: Barbara Gilvar Meeting Hospitality: Ruby Long Greeter & Prospect List: Shereen Rahman Volunteer Recognition: Madelen Lontiong Nominating Committee: Barbara Ruffner

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Programs Committee: OPEN Speakers: David Sawle Workshops: OPEN Fifth-Grade Writing Contest: Debby Frisch Write On! Contest: Francine Howard Book Raffle: Shelley Wagner & Shereen Rahman Marketing of Writers Products Group: Francine Howard Marketing Education: Alon Shalev Members w/Newly Published Books: Charlie Russell NCIBA: Debby Frisch AD HOC groups 5-Page Support/Critique Group: David Baker & Anne Fox Novelists: Jill Perry 16 Eyes: Bruce Shigeura Kiddie Lit-ers: Debby Frisch Middle Grades Group: Walter Price Offer many thank-yous to those who agreed to support the rest of us by generously giving of their time to serve as officers and to serve in appointed positions.

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The Last Word
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Tanya Grove

Ive never actually been a big fan of change. However, Ive learned in the last few years that as tempting as it is to coast along the well-worn, familiar paths, its often gratifying to veer off in another direction, take in new scenery, and end up somewhere else entirely. Not that I frequently take those unknown, dimly lit paths by choiceIm much more likely to get there by accident. (I have a lousy sense of direction.) I know that once I adjust, I will find my new surroundings invigorating and discover opportunities I never knew were there. But that doesnt make it any easier to run headlong down that lesser-known path. In 2007 I lost my job at a school where Id been for 19 of my 24 years as an educator. I had never planned to do anything but teach elementary school. But here I am five years later happily copyediting at my day job; and during those hours Im not at work Im doing what I can to be a writer. And part of that time I set aside is spent participating in the writers community of CWC-BB. As a new member, I was happy to take advantage of the clubs benefitsthe speakers, the critique groups, the connections, and the camaraderie. Then two years ago at the annual CWC picnic at Joaquin Miller Park, I was asked to plan the holiday party in December, which didnt seem like too much to ask when Id certainly been enjoying the perks of membership. The next thing I knew I was editor of the newsletter, a reader for the 5th-Grade Story Contest, and joining a newly forming critique group in the club, skipping down all sorts of paths. Getting Write Angles out each month was challenging at first, but eventually it became more routine. The upside of routine is familiarity and comfort; the downside is that those same elements that make life easier can also make it stale. So after two years of producing Write Angles, its time to bring in fresh energy. And providing that fresh energy is new member Lynne Fix. Starting with this June issue of Write Angles, Lynne and I will be co-editors, and she will take over this column in the fall. I will still help produce Write Angles, but I have the feeling that in the near future I will be traveling another path that will require a good deal of my energy. Welcome aboard, Lynne!

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Editor
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Tanya Grove__
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Co-editor
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N L Fix
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Copyeditor/Member News/Tidbits
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Anne Fox ______ Karren Elsbernd Linda Brown____

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Cover Author Contributor

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Presidents Message
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Speaker Profile
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David Baker____
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Poetry Page Editor

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Alysa Chadow___
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Member Profiles
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Thomas Burchfield
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Survey Analyst/Reporter
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April Kutger______
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