Late, late, late. I always seem to be getting the Journal out late. This time I can blame computer problems, jury duty, an unexpected trip, commercial work-and procrastination. I will not admit that procrastination was the largest factor.

We're all guilty of it, you know-procrastination, that is. That probably explains a large measure of why so few of our 400+ members actually enter our contests. It was very disappointing that only 28 writers entered the contest sponsored by the Shawano Area Writers-too few for the contest to continue, so all entry fees had to be returned. And it offered real prizes-$400 for first place, for example. Only 97 entered our own Jade Ring Contest this year, with two categories having only 13 entrants. See the articles by Claudia Anderson (page 17) and John Mutter (page 16) addressing this issue.

I know I said a few editions ago that I was pretty much done with introducing new features. I was wrong. Starting with this edition, Attorney, writer, WRWA member Lois Rentmeester will write a regular column, “Let's Talk Law” (page 21). It won't just be about the business-legal aspects of writing, such as contracts and copyright. It will also talk about incorporating legal matters correctly as you write fiction, articles, and essays. And, she'll take questions and incorporate the answers in future columns. But she won't give legal advice.

Also, our Poetry Editor, LaMoine MacLaughlin, has agreed to write a column on poetry (page 20). His column will address a range of poetry issues, from talent to technique. He, too, will take questions.

LaMoine has also accepted Don Schambow's invitation to Chair the WRWA 60th Anniversary Committee. Members interested in helping him should contact him. His contact information is listed on the Leaders' page (18). Next year, 2008, will mark the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association's 60th anniversary, so we're starting to think of ways to mark the event. If you have ideas, please contact LaMoine.

Creative writing submissions to the Journal have picked up-a little, not enough. We especially need more short stories. Most of what's coming in are essays and poetry. I'd really like to keep a balance of types. When submitting via e-mail, please put WRWA Submission in the subject line. I've had to rescue some submissions from the junk mail folder.

I've been gratified by some e-mails and phone calls saying that the slogan, Real Writers Submit, has motivated some of you to submit to the Journal and to paying outlets. Please keep that up-submitting and letting me know that the Journal is helping you as writers. That's why we're here, after all.

We have an exciting line up for the Fall Conference in Reedsburg. Please get your registrations in soon. If you are there, please come up and say hi. I'd love to meet you in person.

WRWA members whose writing is published in The Wisconsin Regional Writer retain the copyright to their work. Submission of your work grants one-time rights for publication by TWRW. Items printed here should be regarded as “published” and authors should make this known when declaring “prior publication” when submitting the work elsewhere. Because of our limited distribution, most editors probably will not regard that as an issue. Finally, the editor will do his best to uphold high standards of quality in the selection of what is printed here so authors may be proud of having their writing presented to the full WRWA membership.