We have discussed a wide variety of topics over the past few months including point of view, mentioning trademarked products and real place names in our writing, the trend toward product placement in books, the last edition of the newsletter, and the spring conference.

Jane Osypowski had two poems published in the WRWA newsletter and a poem published in Free verse.

We could be seeing Jack Magestro's Redstripe books in Japanese. A publisher from Japan is interested in possibly translating the books into Japanese, then printing and distributing them in Japan. Jack says it will be interesting to see how they translate the Jamaican dialect of some of his characters.

One of our newest members, Elayne Clipper Hanson, had three poems published in Free Verse.

Among all of his other writing projects, Boyd Sutton, has a series of articles on personal information privacy and security being published in his local newspaper (see http://www.the-leader.net/ and look for “Your Information and You At Risk”). His co-author, M. Evon, is a security consultant based in the Washington, D. C. area.

HB Husinga is now doing a column for The Ink, a newspaper in Freeport, IL.

Patty Miler participated in the WFOP art/poetry ramble April 1 in Appleton.

Several new members joined over the past few months. They are: Jen Bero, Mary Ellen Ryall, Jamilah Kolocotronis, Marsha Jordan (also known as the Peanut Butter Queen-PBQ), and Elayne Clipper Hanson.

Ten members attended the spring conference May 6 in Appleton, including Claudia Anderson, Pat Fitzgerld, Dawn Mork, Jane Osypowski, Jack Magestro, Nate Scholze, Bill Bright, Jenny Turner, Jamilah Kolocotronis, and Elyane Clipper Hanson.

If you would like some help with your writing, have a question, or just enjoy fellowship with other writers, come join us! Sign up at http://www.wrwa.net/. Click on Local Groups, then scroll to the bottom and click on Online Discussion Group.

Sandra Tully was one of two winners in a contest of poetry celebrating the end of winter. Her poem, “God of Winter” was published in the spring issue of the Wisconsin Regional Writer. She also had a poem accepted and published in the May 2006 issue of St. Anthony Messenger, entitled, “Femmina.” The theme describes the feminine face of God.

Susan Kileen had her poem, “Frankie Cox,” published in the spring 2006 issue of the WFOP MUSELETTER, in the center page devoted to poems by members.

Getting off the Beats, by “Sad of Sky,” is a chapbook published by Paul Sadofsky, and Late for Lunch Press with design by FrogDog Graphix. Twenty-eight pages of poems are included.

Kelly Bleich certainly understands the importance of place, perspective and presentation. He designed the button logo for the Fox Lake Historical Days event. On June 17th he volunteered to play and sing at the top of Clausen Tower to entertain the visitors who came for the event! We enjoyed his singing the words of Jim Klecker at our June meeting as well.

Congratulations to Mary Jacobsen who won First Place in the 2006 Florence Lindemann Humor Contest. Boyd Sutton, who won in 2003, attended the WRWA Spring Conference in Appleton and accepted the trophy, certificate, and check on Mary's behalf. He presented them to her at the NWRW's meeting on May 12.

The NWRW's Spring Conference on April 22 was a smashing success, with 63 attendees. Guest speakers included Wisconsin's Poet Laureate, Denise Sweet; Amery Poet Laureate, LaMoine MacLaughlin; and author, John Koblas, who has published 23 books.

The NWRW Spring Conference also served as an appropriate occasion for the introduction of the club's fifth anthology of members' writings, Come Read With Me. The anthology, which was edited and produced by Boyd Sutton, Carolyn Marquardt, and Mary Jacobsen, contains 265 pages and includes 117 works by 32 authors, including several “guest authors” from a sister club in Florida. That group publishes a quarterly anthology, The Contributor, which often includes works by members of the NWRW, thus broadening the exposure of writing by authors in both groups.

Come Read With Me offers essays, articles, poetry, and short stories. The cover features an empty bench on the edge of a shady woods, lush green accented by bright red flowers-a photograph taken by club member Maxine Fluegel of Grantsburg. (See thie advertisement on p. 11.)

The local newspaper, The Inter-County Leader, which serves Polk and Burnett Counties in Northwestern Wisconsin, began a regular weekly feature, “Writers' Corner,” to showcase local writers' work. Submissions come from throughout the area and are edited by NWRW members Carolyn Marquardt and Mary Jacobsen. Both have had items published in “Writers' Corner, including Carolyn's “My Mom, and Mary's “The Right Word.” Other club members whose work has been published there include Walter Fleugel's “Luggage,” and Jody Pearson's “ Confessions of a Cherry Picker.” About 50 percent of the items published in “Writers' Corner” thus far have come from NWRW members. The remainder came from people throughout Northwest Wisconsin and the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area.

As any writer knows, any opportunity to be in print is welcomed. Bernice Abrahamzon and Alice Ford will have two original poems published in a local church newsletter. Alice also has a fiction book “in the works” at (Bill) Heins Publications, Inc., Eau Claire. Other members who have published books through Bill include Glendora Hauger, Kathy Krantz, Arleth Erickson, and Bernice Abrahamzon-all satisfied customers. [Editor's Note: See Bill Heins' advertisement on page 23.]

New member, Russ Hanson, just published a book of local history, The St. Croix River Road, about the people and places along Northwest Wisconsin's oldest road. Russ also writes a weekly column in The Inter-County Leader, “River Road Ramblings.”

Boyd Sutton and his writing partner, M. Evon, are writing a series of articles on identity theft and other personal information privacy and security issues. Part 1 (which focuses on how identity theft happens) appeared in the May 31 edition of The Inter-County Leader (see http://www.the-leader.net/). Part 2 (focusing on how to protect yourself against identity theft) appeared in the June 6 edition. Future parts will address computer and Internet issues, relevant legislation, and trust. Check it out. It could help you prevent problems.

Karen McQuestion placed first in the online Blogging 4Books contest. Her winning essay can be read at http://joshilynjackson.com/mt/. Ms.McQuestion won Third Place in the Shepard Express and Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops First Short Story Competition for "Saturday Night Fever." Karen's article, "TV's Ancient History was published in the Christian Science Monitor. Karen Mcquestion was the Writer to Writer discussion group's guest speaker on the topic of humor writing.

Community columnist Joe Geck wrote an article about safety and drunken driving for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Ramon Klitzke published "The Munsters" in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Colleen Terry published a children's book, Can I still be Happy-When my Sister is Sick. WRWA President Don Schambow met with Chapter One to talk about the benefits of WRWA.

Chapter One meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Martha Merrell's Books in Waukesha.

Amy Debroux's poem, “Homestead Passing,” has been accepted for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets' 2007 calendar.

A Commentary by Mary Valentyn Pribbenow titled “Death penalty Is An Injustice” was published in the April 19 edition of the Appleton Post Crescent.

Betty Smedlund's article titled “Retirement Is A Whole New Life” was published in the May 7 edition of the Appleton Post Crescent.

Appleton's Barnes and Noble Store featured readings by Barbara Jo Gauthier, Susan Pearl Hansel, Jan Elias, Mary Valentyn Pribbenow, and Don Wydeven during the months of February, March, and April. To complete their 2006 sessions at the store, all members of the Unpolished Gem's will read the evening of May 15.

Members of the Sheboygan Co. Writer's Club have seen much success in the last few months. The following outlines just a smattering of what our talented members have accomplished.

Paul Hanson had a poem published in Heel Tap. Mary Kunert had one of her poems, “Beacon of Hope,” sung at a Unity Festival at the Stephanie Weill Center in Sheboygan. Don Cooper read one of his poems at the Fond du Lac Library. Sy Regan sold several more of his books on whittling. Ann Grote-Pirrung and Jane Kocmoud received honorable mention notices in Byline Magazine. In addition, Kocmoud and Rosemary Eigenberg had poems accepted for the 2007 Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Calendar. Irene Luethge had her poem printed in the spring edition of The Wisconsin Regional Writer. John Textor's book, Phoenix: The Fateful Journey, has received much attention, and he has made many presentations at libraries and museums in the area. He also had an historical perspective article published in an East Coast newspaper.

Julie Cousin's article telling of the writing achievements of her mother, Dorothy Schwenker, was published in the spring 2006 edition of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Museletter. This was at the request of Peter Sherrill, President of WFOP, and Chris Falk, Museletter editor. Julie's poem, “Spring Training,” appeared in a recent issue of Northwest Herald.

Lona Koltick has written a reminiscence, “A Horrible Mistake,” which has been purchased by Good Old Days for publication in it June 2007 edition.

Sherry Derr-Willie attended the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC) conference in San Antonio, TX, where two of her books were finalists in the EPPIE Awards competition, which honors the finest electronically published books of the year. Takes from the Treasure Trove won the Anthology Category, receiving both a medallion and a certificate, and included one of Sherry's stories. Hattie's Preacher, one of Sherry's books, was a finalist in the Inspirational Category and was awarded a certificate. Sherry published two more books recently: Kate Armstrong-Over-the-Hill Coed, and Never a Bridesmaid. Another, Hello, Do You Know Me? is due out in June.

Dorothy Schwenker's poem, “Spring Breakers,” was published recently in Northwest Herald.

Greg Peck, author of Death Beyond the Willows, gave us insights and background into the writing of his book as guest speaker at our February 22 meeting. [See Greg's advertisement on page 21 of this newsletter.]

Curtis Brown, who writes the Curmudgeon column monthly in Scene Magazine, had "How's your Punctuation" in the January edition. Curtis' “How to Improve Your Word Count” (from “Ego Trips”), was reprinted in Marshal Cook's Creativity Connection, Madison. His book, Incredible But True, was published in May by M.I.M.E. Press or Neenah, WI.

Earl Gates, who with his wife, spent time with the Red Cross Relief after the hurricane in the south, wrote a story about their experiences that was published in a December issue of The Post Crescent newspaper in Appleton. Earle had an article in the Community Commentary Column, “Health Care and the Free Market.”

Linda Wichman, Fox Valley writer, was listed in the American Christian Fiction Writers, in the general fiction genre. She also was interviewed by Writers Digest, 2006, Novel and Short Stories Market. Linda's novel, Legend of the Emrald Rose, was published.

Doug Dahlke had a column in “Stent News.”

John Purvins had an article published in Science of Reality.

Randal Files published his mystery novel, Close to the Edge.

Michael Brown published a biography: John. F. Kennedy.

Joyce Loeck's “In Touch” was published by Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, “A Personal End of the World.”

Winners of the 2005 Shirley Lee Contest include Randal Files (1st), Judy Verhoven (2nd), and Cheryl Root (3rd).

Earlier this year the Fox Valley Writers Club staked a presence on the Internet by launching its website. Located at www.focol.org/foxvalleywriters, the site meets multiple objectives. First, it acts as an electronic commercial, letting the world know of the club's existence. Prospective members can easily learn about the club and contact key club members for more information.

Second, it serves as a vehicle for promoting the writing activities of the club's members. Each member may place a short description of their writing interests and accomplishments in the Member Profiles section of the website. In addition they can attach several short manuscripts to their profile.

Third, the site provides members with important information about club activities, including the monthly meeting schedule and club writing contests, rules, and deadlines.

Finally, the site also acts as a partial archive for the club. The Publications section of the website lists the tables of contents of each annual issue of Ego Trips, a collection of selected writings by members of the club. Later this year a new section, Events, will be added to the document, using text and pictures, to list special functions sponsored by the club.

The club's web site was set up by member Craig Booher assisted by Brian McCorkle.

Muriel Getchel continues to read chapters of her memoirs she plans to put into a book.

Idella Anacker had an article, “Be a Groupie,” and two poems published in Working Writer. She also had three poems accepted by Free Verse.

Pastor Jim Kline, a new member, is working on a book.

Marge Inselman was awarded a blue ribbon and a merit award by Columbia County Home, Community and Education for an essay titled “Oahu Adventure” at the annual CCHCE Rendevous-Portage Blankenhaus.

Sarah Selah Mautz had a poem published in the magazine Purpose titled “Mary's Nerd.” She also attended her first WRWA Conference in Appleton May 5-6.

Elayne Clipper Hanson announced the Wis. Writers' Conference in Baraboo, June 9-10. She also attended the WRWA Spring Conference at Appleton May 5-6. Elayne had three poems accepted by Free Verse. Shared Jimmy Carter's book, “Always a Reckoning.”

Lorelee Sienkowski attended the WFOP Spring Conference in Door County.

Sarah Selah Mautz, Marge Inselman, Idella Anacker, Dave Manthey, and Charlotte Clark all had articles in the “Writers' Write” column of the Portage Daily Register.

Pauquette Wordcrafters meet Wednesdays, bi-monthly, 9:30 a.m. at the Portage Public Library. New members are always welcome.

My prayers and good wishes go out to Pres. Donald Schambow on his serious illness.

Deb Baker, Heartland, has two first mysteries coming out this year. Murder Passes the Buck, the first in her new Gertie Johnson Yooper series, will be published in August by Midnight Ink. The first in the Gretchen Burch Dolls to Die series, Dolled Up for Murder, will be available October 3rd from Berkley Prime Crime. See Deb's Web site at http://www.debbakerbooks.com/. Two more books in these series are scheduled for publication in 2007.

Marsha Jordan, also knows as the Peanut Butter Queen (PBQ), notes that her boon, Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter, was selected by Parent to Parent for their “Best of the Best Adding Wisdom” award for products they consider to be valuable resources for parents. Jodie Lynn, syndicated parenting and health expert, radio personality, and author of the family/parenting book Mom CEO, said, “Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter is a great book for parents, teachers, and patients in hospital and clinic waiting rooms….Our Family Testers found this book to be incredibly uplifting. It helped us to laugh at life as opposed to sitting down and crying over difficult challenges. Personally, I loved it and found Marsha to be a true inspiration.”

Jane Osypowski's poem, “Promise of Spring,” was published in Issue #85 of Free Verse.

John Campbell's poem, “A New Word” won 1st place in the Bo Carter Memorial Writing Contest. He also placed second in the essay and short story categories and won an honorable mention for his nostalgia entry. John's book, Writing In Retirement, has recently been published. (His advertisement will appear in the fall edition.).

Susan Engebrecht received a surprise letter offering to pay for reprinting one of her articles in a large circulation magazine. She thought it was junk mail and was about to throw it out. “I'm so excited, it's possible I may explode,” she said.

Mary Ellen Ryall reports that the Cornwall Butterfuly Conservation is publishing her article, “Europe's Butterflies Are Declining,” in Great Britain. The article may be viewed online at http://www.happytonics.org/nsletr/v2i4/v2i4p3.html.

Jane Ellis of New Berlin won an Honorable Mention in the Nature Haiku contest in Free Verse, Issue #84.

H.B. Huisinga spoke at the Barnes & Noble in Rockford, IL, on March 24 on her recently published novel, Deracination. The Chicago Writers' Association profiled HB in the May issue of their newsletter, The Clarion (see http://www.chicagowrites.org/index.php?n=Main.5-1-2006). Her writing also appears regularly now in The INK, Freeport's community newspaper. Her short story, “Little Black Camera,” appeared in a recent edition. See HB's Web site at http://www.hbhuisinga.com

[Editor's Note: Information I receive, or become aware of, about any member who is not associated with a club, whose club affiliation is not known by me, or whose club has not reported in the current issue, will be reported under Members at Large. Please feel free to send me information about your writing achievements. I'd like to share it with all members of the WRWA.]

Experienced writers are needed to share their skills. Groups can be valuable to the novice for refinement of their work. With 70 registered groups in Wisconsin and one in Duluth, and round tables available to help both within Wisconsin and a dozen states around us, it's pleasing to know the progressive spirit hasn't left us. In two years, WRWA will celebrate its 60th anniversary, an entirely voluntary effort.

With Membership Chairman Robin Butler's latest membership list collated by city, you have the opportunity to help form groups when inquiries are received. We do not share the list with anyone except Board members and other people in WRWA leadership positions. But, when inquiries about available clubs come in, we use the list to help people become aware of other members nearby. This past quarter, we received inquiries from people in Stevens Point, Green Bay, Salem, Beaver Dam, and Warrens. We have organizational suggestions and Writers' Magazine prompts to help a group get started.