Sachse Public Library prepares for NaNoWriMo
That recurring dream of walking across the stage and accepting the National Book Award for the novel you wrote in just one month could actually happen, says Sachse Library manager Mignon Morse. “It’s possible,” she said. “There just may be that exceptional writer out there.”
The Sachse Public Library is participating in the National Novel Writing Month campaign, providing support, guidance, inspiration, and motivation to local writers and non-writers who participate in the unique program. The month-long campaign, known as NaNoWriMo, encourages would-be novelists to start writing their novel on Nov. 1 and complete their 50,000 words manuscript by midnight, Nov. 30.
“We’ll be offering support in several ways,” said Morse. “In addition to being their principal cheerleaders, we will also offer some specific assistance in the way of speakers and workshops. And, of course, we are always available as the perfect place to write.”
On Tues., Oct. 13, the Sachse Public Library will host a “kickstart program” for those interested in participating in NaNoWriMo. Dallas author Patricia Burroughs (www.patriciaburroughs.com) will conduct the program, giving advice to writers on the various aspects of putting thoughts on paper in a logical and understandable way. The seminar starts at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the general public.
The library is located on the grounds of the Sachse Municipal Complex, 3815 Sachse Road, Building C, adjacent to Sachse City Hall. Directions can be obtained by calling 972-530-8966 or by visiting www.cityofsachse.com/library.
Then, after the writing has begun, the library will present New York Times best-selling author Taylor Stevens on Tues., Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. Stevens will talk about the process of writing, share her experiences, and offer encouragement and inspiration to budding writers.
“There are writers out there disguised as police officers, teachers, crossing guards, and yes, librarians,” said Morse. “We want to encourage that hidden writer to emerge and share their story.”
Last year, the NaNoWriMo program attracted over 325,000 participants worldwide who started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle-school English teachers and walked away novelists.
Over 250 NaNoWriMo novels have been traditionally published. They include Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Hugh Howey’s Wool, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, Jason Hough’s The Darwin Elevator, and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder.
That recurring dream may finally come true. Now comes the question, what will you wear?
Events:
November 3, at 6 pm: keynote speaker Taylor Stevens will share her experience about the world of writing and offering insight to those who are interested in writing.
November 10, at 6 pm: Library Program Room open to those who would like to have some time of brain storming with fellow writers or just a new space to be able to write. (Please bring your own electronic device for writing.)
November 16, at 6 pm: Lost and Found: Has Anyone Seen Where My Plot Went? Author Michelle Munzeler will help with motivation as you have reached the halfway point of the month of November. Also, there will be time for writing afterwards.
November 23, at 6 pm: Library Program Room open to those who would like to have some time to brain storming with fellow writers or just a new space to be able to write. (Please bring your own electronic device for writing.)
November 30, at 6 pm: Library Program Room open to those who would like to have some time to brain storming with fellow writers or just a new space to be able to write to have that final push to finish your story by 11:59 pm. (Please bring your own electronic device for writing.)
Taylor Stevens is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Vanessa Michael Munroe series. Published in over twenty languages and optioned for film by James Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, the books are international boots-on-the-ground thrillers featuring a mercenary information hunter in a non-testosterone mix of Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher. Stevens came to writing fiction late. Born into an apocalyptic cult and raised in communes across the globe, she was denied an education beyond 6th grade and spent her adolescence as child labor. Stevens now calls Dallas home. In addition to writing novels, she shares extensively about the mechanics of storytelling, writing, overcoming adversity, and her journey into publishing at www.taylorstevensbooks.com.
(Information from organization's press release)
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5th annual Dobie Dichos: Campfires, Chili con Carne, and the Words of J. Frank Dobie slated for Nov. 6 in Oakville
On Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, the 5th annual Dobie Dichos storytelling event will take place at the Historic Oakville Jailhouse Lodge in Oakville, Texas, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. The cost of meal and performance is $15; admission for the performance only is $10. Tickets go on sale in September
Presented by George West Storyfest Association, Inc., this event honors Live Oak County’s most famous son, J. Frank Dobie, to celebrate Dobie’s works and contributions to literature, folklore, and storytelling.
Texas writers/authors and storytellers read from or tell stories from the works of J. Frank Dobie under the stars on the grounds of the Historic Oakville Jail, located on IH37 in Live Oak County.
The meal consists of a bowl of chili, pan de campo, a bottle of water, and dessert. Beer is available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chair.
Participants in the 2015 event include Andres Tijerina, Mary Locke Crofts, Carmen Tafolla, Bruce Shackelford, Mike Cox, Jerry Young, and Lanny Joe Burnett.
Co-program director William Jack (Bill) Sibley will serve as emcee, and musical entertainment will be provided by the Lonestar Bluegrass Band. Proceeds from the event benefit the Dobie/West Performing Arts Theatre, George West, Texas.
For more information visit www.georgeweststoryfest.org.
(Information from organization's press release.)
Texas turns out for National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month starts Nov. 1, ends Nov. 30
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing.
On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.
More than 20 Texas groups, and tens of thousands of Texas participants, have registered on the organization's website for 2015.
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-amarillo
Austin • 8965 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-austin
Bryan-College Station • 945 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-bryan-college-station
Collin County • 1099 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-collin-county
Corpus Christi • 884 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-corpus-christi
Dallas/Ft. Worth • 13841 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-dallas-ft-worth
El Paso • 768 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-el-paso
Ellis County • 192 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-ellis-county
Erath County • 89 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-erath-county
Galveston • 544 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-galveston
Houston • 10034 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-houston
Killeen • 551 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-killeen
Longview/Tyler • 950 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-longview-tyler
Lubbock • 891 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-lubbock
Midland-Odessa • 537 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-midland-odessa
New Braunfels • 38 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-new-braunfels
Rio Grande Valley • 329 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-rio-grande-valley
San Antonio • 4012 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-san-antonio
Waco • 665 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-waco
Elsewhere in Texas • 2679 members
http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-texas-elsewhere
(Information from National Novel Writing Month website)
Dahlstrom’s TEXAS GRIT among Texas titles winning big in 2015 Will Rogers awards
In a ceremony held Oct. 25 in Fort Worth, coinciding with the Red Steagall Cowboy Symposium, Texas Grit (Paul Dry Books, 2014), book #2 in the Wilder Good series by S.J. Dahlstrom, has won the Will Rogers Gold Medallion for Young Reader fiction. The awards are meant to “recognize excellence in Western literature.”
Speaking of the novel, award administrator Charles Williams said, “The other books in this category were written for an audience; Texas Grit was written by the audience.” Dahlstrom has written three books in the Wilder Good series, with the fourth, The Green Colt, due out in spring 2016. He lives and teaches creative writing and English in Lubbock.
Other Texas titles, authors, and publishers taking home honors in the 2015 awards include:
Inspirational Fiction
Girls and Gunsmoke by Mikki Daniel (MD Productions)
Western Fiction - Younger Readers
Journey to Galveston by Melodie A. Cuate (Texas Tech University Press)
Texas: Cowboys and Campfires by Nancy Sifford Alana
Western Nonfiction
Kit Carson and the First Battle of Adobe Walls by Alvin R. Lynn (Texas Tech University Press)
Death of a Texas Ranger by Cynthia Leal Massey (Globe Pequot Press)
Old 300: Gone To Texas by Paul N. Spellman
Photographic Essays
Unbranded by Ben Masters (Texas A&M Press)
Biographies & Memoirs
Western Women Who Dared To Be Different by Gail Woerner (Wild Horse Media Group)
Western Fiction
The Big Drift by Patrick Dearen (TCU Press)
(From supplied press release and organization's website)
David Sedaris coming to Odessa Fri., Nov. 6
Odessa College and the Odessa Council for Arts & Humanities are partnering to bring David Sedaris to Deaderick Auditorium on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. The show is free to the public. Tickets will be available in August.
(Information from Odessa Council for Arts & Humanities)
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