Guest Authors on the CWC?

"Possible Authors" to Meet and Read on the CWC

The Creative Writing Community is now discussing possibilities for guest authors to study and meet in our online "book club" style atmosphere. Here are some ideas for authors and/or editors who may be interested in joining us (no guarantees). Which are you interested in reading and meeting? If you're interested in good books and creative writing, we hope you'll visit soon, create a profile for youself, and join in the discussion.

Lee Herrick: Lee Herrick is editor-in-chief of a fantastic Fresno-based literary journal called In the Grove. He also happens to be a poet who has published in a variety of literary journals. In addition to the literary journal, In the Grove puts out a book series. He would be able to offer perspectives in the writing world AND the publishing world. In our book club, we might discuss the most recent edition of In the Grove and then discuss the pieces and the journal with Lee.

David Borofka: David Borofka is a fine novelist and short story writer who lives in the San Joaquin Valley. His books are listed on his college website, and some of the stories are readable directly online.

Sterling Warner: Sterling Warner is a poet with a brand new book of poems entitled Without Wheels published by none other than In the Grove. If we discuss Warner's book in our book club, we may be able to include in our discussions both Lee as publisher AND Sterling as poet.

Steve Yarbrough: Southern novelist in the gothic tradition of Faulkner. Very contemporary. Read an interview here, and see his Random House selections here.

Corrinne Clegg Hales: Corrinne Clegg Hales was Utah born and now teaches at Cal. State Fresno. She is a poet who has published several collections of poetry. Fine!

Liza Wieland: A poet and fiction writer of great talent. Grew up on the South, now teaches in California. Read her poem "Lie Near" published in Ploughshares, and read an overview of her novel Bombshell here.

N. L. Belardes: N. L. is a Bakersfield native coming out with a new novel entitled Lords of Bakersfield. The book release party is being scheduled for early November. He may even be joining us soon in conversation as he's very active in the local literary and music scenes. His music blogs are the stir of Bakersfield.

Work Worth Doing

"Far and Away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." Theodore Roosevelt

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this quote. In one to three paragraphs,

1. Introduce the quote and author
2. On the surface, this quote may seem simple. But dig deep, explaining what you feel the quote means, paying close attention to the key words. Be sure to explain any metaphor included in the quote and define the terms "prize," "hard work," and "work worth doing" as you think Roosevelt is using them.
3. Do you agree with Roosevelt? Do you think this view of the world dead-on? Simplistic? Generous? Narrow minded? Is it a cliche we're better off without? Is it helpful to us? Argue your case, providing examples and reasons to support yourself.

CWC Website and Possible Guest Authors

The CWC is currently developing a CWC moodle website for its initial meeting place. It's an open key website that's--yes--under construction, so there's no action yet. I'll keep you posted as soon as we know more.

Possible guest poet for the near future? Poet, scholar, and educator Sterling Warner, author of the collection Without Wheels recently published by In the Grove. I will let you know with a sufficient amount of time in advance so that you can pick up a copy from the publisher.

Possible guest editor and poet? We may be able to persuade Lee Herrick, poet and editor-in-chief of the literary journal In the Grove, to join us. Again, we will schedule this with plenty of time and get the word out when we know more; that way, you'll be able to pick up a copy of the latest journal issue.

And yes, I'm thinking of fiction writers as well. ;^)

New Creative Writing Community

Dear Creative Writers,

Cerro Coso Community College is forging ahead with the creation of its own Creative Writing Community (CWC), a student-based club focusing on the literary arts. Are you a CC student interested in being a founding member from the ground up? Read on...

CWC will feature a cool website portal to a host of features, including online discussions of contemporary literature and original student pieces (Yours? Yes, if you wish!), guest online lecturers, great links, and much more. In addition, as an active member, you will be able to participate in the creation and editing of the next edition of Metamorphoses, the literary and art journal of Cerro Coso.

SEND ME AN EMAIL

If you're a student interested in the literary arts, simply email me back and express your interest in membership! Don't worry; membership doesn't mean more work (though there are opportunities for gaining leadership experience as an officer). This club is about fun and enrichment and being part of a community of writers. In your email, list the following:

1. Your full name (The same one the college has on record!)
2. How many units you're currently taking
3. How you heard about the new club?
4. If you're interested in being a club officer (pres, v.p., secretary, treas., ASCC rep.)?

If you are an interested community member who is not a student, we do hope to open up discussions and resources to the community once the club is running, so keep checking back for more news.

Metamorphoses, the Literary Journal, Funded!

I just got the news today: Metamorphoses is funded for this next year! This means an excellent publication for Cerro Coso and its community. More soon.

Cerro Coso Creative Writing Club Update

Many students, faculty members, and community members have sent their support for starting a Cerro Coso Creative Writing Club and revitalizing Metamorphoses, the literary journal of the college. I've posted the comments at the bottom of that post.

The more support, the better. If you are a motivated student writer, supportive faculty member, or interested community member with an encouraging word, please send me a note via email, and I will add your comment to the blog.