Unbound Book Festival: George Hodgman Discusses His Memoir BETTYVILLE

Over the next few weeks I’m going to share some notes I took during the Unbound Book Festival in Columbia, Missouri, on April 23.

The first event I attended, along with writing friends Dianna Graveman and Mary Horner, was George Hodgman’s candid and inspiring conversation about his memoir, Bettyville.

I read Bettyville a couple months ago and was captivated by Hodgman’s lovely writing, unvarnished honesty, and moments of grace and humor. So, I was excited when I read he was going to be one of the featured speakers at the festival. Bettyville is Hodgman’s award-winning book, which has been described as a “Love letter to small towns that are declining and to his mother who is in decline.”

After sharing some background information and a few personal stories, Hodgman spoke about memoir writing.

Here are some highlights:

Memoir is a mixed state of knowing and admitting.

Memoir is about a relationship, a trusting relationship with the reader.

Give them (the reader) something so they know you trust them.

Storytelling is totally healing.

We connect and we learn.

Admit your reality.

Look for moments of recognition.

There is a relaxation in the “letting go” part of writing, solving problems.

You have to let go!

Place is a central character in memoir.

The richest (memoirs) always have a background of place.

He ended his writing day with a specific thing, e.g. revision of a scene.

That way he would start with a specific task the next day.

His writing process was self-punishing; he wrote at the card table at 4 a.m. until his mother awoke.

He also shared a few personal stories:

When he returned home to Paris, MO, to care for his mother Betty, a scene grew, a picture in his mind of his mother Betty driving a blue Impala taking him to kindergarten.

After returning home, he fell in love with Missouri again.

Most people don’t know Missouri: it’s beautiful, it’s cultural, people here are funny and smart.

He felt rooted in small towns and as a child was comfortable with adults.

He felt accepted here (in Columbia), in this cultural and artistic community.

He grew up around kindness, with community and church.

Moments of surprising kindness move him.

***

The most memorable moments during his conversation were when he read an excerpt from Bettyville and spoke lovingly about his mother Betty, who died last July 26. He said, he is “only now starting to grieve,” and “Spring flowers make me think of her.”

He also said he loves his dog (a black Lab). Of course, anyone who has ever had a black Lab (like our thirteen-year old Harley) knows how lovable they are.

If you haven’t read Bettyville, I recommend you pick up a copy, especially if you appreciate elegant writing, have an elderly parent, understand what it's like to be from Missouri, or grew up in a small town.

Next week I’ll post some notes I took during Senator Claire McCaskill’s conversation about Pretty Ladylike, the book she co-wrote with Terry Gainey.

Spring Cleaning for a Good Cause

I'm looking forward to this Saturday's free Unbound Book Festival in Columbia.

It's well worth the just-under 100-mile drive to the event on the campus of Stephens College.

The line up of events and speakers for the April 23 festival is impressive. What's more impressive is that the event is free.

Alex George, festival founder and director, and his volunteers have worked tirelessly to organize the event and obtain sponsors and write grants to put on the festival. Here's a link to his interview with Jane Henderson of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Although the event is free, festival organizers ask that attendees please donate gently-used books and deposit them in the  bins which will be placed outside the doors of the meeting rooms. The books will then be distributed throughout the Columbia area to people who love to read but might not be able to afford to buy books.

My bag of books is sitting next to my front door ready to be put in my car.

To me, it's a triple benefit. I get to do some spring cleaning, attend a free festival where I can learn from some amazing writers, and pass on some good books to other readers.

How great is that?

Free Unbound Book Festival Features Author Events, Panels, Signings and More

If you're looking for an educational and inspirational writing event this month, the Unbound Book Festival should be on your list. Festival founder and director, author Alex George, has done a brilliant job planning and organizing this literary event, which celebrates literature of all kinds.

Note: While all events are free, festival organizers have requested that attendees bring gently used books to deposit in bins that will be placed outside the doors of the meeting rooms. These donated books will be distributed throughout the community after the event.

Friday evening, April 22, the Missouri Theater in Columbia will be the site for a conversation with internationally renowned bestselling author of The English Patient and many other exceptional novels, memoirs, and books of poetry -- Michael Ondaatje.

The main event will be Saturday April 23 on the campus of Stephens College in Columbia, MO. The schedule includes programs for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Children's Events. Senator Claire McCaskill is among the score of top-notch speakers who will be featured during the day. You can find a complete list of speakers here.

A variety of panels will also be held during the day, including the First Page Rodeo, where an expert panel (New York literary agent Margaret Sutherland Brown, Unbridled Books senior editor Greg Michalson, and New York Times bestselling authors Eleanor Brown and George Hodgman) will share their thoughts on a selection of first pages of novels submitted in advance of the festival by the general public.

Five first pages have been selected, from authors as far away as Texas to Massachusetts. The panelists will discuss what works and what does not, as well as what will grab the attention of industry professionals.

Note: At least one of the first-page selectees is from Missouri, and she will be in the audience hoping the panel isn't too harsh on her one-page submission.

You can find a complete schedule, list of authors, and more details on the Unbound Book Festival site. Hope to see you there! And don't forget to bring your gently used books to donate.

News from AKA Publishing/Compass Flower Press

AKA Publishing/Compass Flower Press has announced the release of its first anthology, Uncertain Promise: An Anthology of Short Fiction and Non Fiction, edited by Von Pittman.

Among the contents of the anthology are these winning entries: 

• First Place: “Body Language” David G. Collins, Fulton, MO
• Second Place: “Our Ventana” Mary Pacifico Curtis, San Jose, CA
• Third Place (Tie): “Ballerina” Sally Whitney, Millersville, MD and“The Broom” Marlene Lee, Columbia, MO


Other selections include the works of finalists in the anthology contest.

Von Pittman served as the anthology's editor. Following a career in academic administration, Pittman began writing fiction.  His short stories and creative nonfiction pieces have appeared in The First Line, Cantos, Crime and Suspense, Perspectives Magazine, Well Versed, Cuivre River, and Iowa History Illustrated.  In addition, he has contributed to several recent anthologies, including Storm Country (Missouri Writers Guild, 2011), Deep Waters (Outrider Press, 2012), and Educators as Writers (Peter Lang, 2006). Pittman has won first-place awards in the annual Missouri Writers Guild competition in the categories of Short Story and (2008) and Article (2012), as well as several other awards.

Uncertain Promise can be pre-ordered at a discount through AKA Publishing.

Interview with Sarah Kohnle: Reporter, Editor, Cyclist, Humanitarian, and Author of "Shifting Gears"

I'm pleased to have Sarah Kohnle as my guest today. I met Sarah a couple years ago when I was a speaker at the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers guild conference, and she invited me to give a writing workshop at the annual Missouri State Teachers' Association retreat along the Jacks Fork River in the Ozarks. During the retreat I met so many teachers who are also writers, which was an inspiring experience. When Sarah told me about her book, I invited her to be interviewed on my blog, and she graciously agreed to do it! 

Sarah has been a reporter/editor for many years and has multiple publishing credits to her name in newspapers, trade magazines, and corporate newsletters. A native of North Dakota, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois. Currently, she is managing editor for a state association for teachers.


For Shifting Gears, she put her professional skills to work, interviewing numerous professionals including those associated with cycling and exercise, law enforcement, and funeral homes. Additionally, she conducted first-hand research while bicycling on roads across Kansas and Idaho, and on bicycle trails in Illinois and Missouri.

Thank you, Sarah, for taking time from your busy schedule to visit, and congratulations on the release of your novel, Shifting Gears.   You are an accomplished writer, reporter, photographer, editor --- and now a published novelist. What (or who) inspired you to become a writer?            
Sarah: My journalism career started early; I recall publishing a newspaper in elementary school with a classmate. I have no idea where the inspiration came from, however, I do know one of my relatives was a newspaper columnist in the 1800s. It’s a real treat to have some of her articles. 
 It seems like you were destined to become a reporter! One of your passions is long-distance cycling. How did long-distance cycling spark your idea for Shifting Gears, and what kind of research did you perform while writing your novel?          

Sarah: I had ridden across Iowa years ago. When this idea came along, as a former newspaper reporter, I wanted to do some firsthand research, so I signed up for a ride across Kansas. To train, I logged many hours on a bike trail in Illinois. My love of long-distance cycling was rekindled. So far, Idaho was my favorite state to ride. Next spring, my husband and I hope to go on a bike and barge trip in Holland.

 Traveling to Holland for a bike and barge trip sounds so exciting! Shifting Gears has been described as a relational novel, written in the style of Anne Tyler. What can you tell us about the characters and story line of Shifting Gears?         

Sarah: A reviewer really nailed it: “I enjoyed the writer's clear voice, the consistency of the book's purpose and progress as Meg and Josh traversed life together -- but not quite together. This was a careful drawing of the changing relationship of a mother transcending her care-worn past and navigating new realities with her ever more independent son. The author thoroughly explored the power and presence of the absent husband-father. The supporting characters were well drawn and the description rich and visceral as the two travel together through thick and thin across America.”  That is an impressive review! Now, onto the business end of your book. Shifting Gears was published by Astraea Press. Why did you choose Astraea to publish your novel, and how was your experience with them?          

Sarah: I discovered Astraea Press last summer and was intrigued by their concept of publishing clean fiction. They were exceptional to work with. The editors were wonderful and pushed me in a good way. Working on the cover with a lot of fun as the artist and I tried various approaches. I love the cover; it is colorful and inviting. You and the artists did a wonderful job. So, where can readers find Shifting Gears?

Sarah: It is available online through Astraea Press, Amazon, iBooks, and Barnes & Noble. In your full-time job, you are managing editor of the MSTA magazine. Will you please discuss submission guidelines for the magazine—who is eligible to submit, what kinds of submissions you’re looking for, etc.

Sarah: Our quarterly magazine is mailed to approximately 44,000 educators. I am always looking for good pitches from writers on a variety of education topics. For MSTA questions, please contact me at skohnle@msta.org

You also are coordinator of the annual MSTA retreat at Bunker Hill. What can you tell us about the annual creative retreat—how did it get started, where is Bunker Hill located, when is the retreat held, who is eligible to attend, what kinds of speakers or workshop leaders are involved, etc.? 

Sarah: When I first started at MSTA, I spent a weekend at Bunker Hill, a rustic property that has a fascinating history and has been part of the organization since 1947. The tranquil property sits along the Jacks Fork River in the Ozarks. I was inspired during my first weekend and thought other writers could benefit as well. From there I started the annual fall Creative Retreat. This year it is for writers and photographers Oct. 3-5. Enrollment is limited and more information at www.bunkerhillretreat.com. This year, I am excited to welcome you and Lou Turner back to meet with aspiring writers. It will be a weekend to create and to learn.
 Another of your other passions is mission trips to Central America. How did you get involved in these service trips, and what can you tell us about your experiences?          

Sarah: This spring was my fourth trip to Honduras. We work with World Gospel Outreach, an organization that has been in Honduras for 30 years. We provide medical, dental, optical services and children’s ministry to neighborhoods. One of the aspects I like about the organization is how it partners with local churches and professionals to provide on-going physical and spiritual care. That is a worthy cause, and I'm certain it is also gratifying to make a difference in the lives of so many children. I do have another writing question: What are you working on now, and what’s the best way for readers to contact you to find more about your writing?     

Sarah: I have another fun story I am working on. Readers can find me at sarahkohnle.com. I'm looking forward to learning more about your next book. Any final thoughts or anything else you would like to add?

 Sarah: Donna, thanks for this opportunity. I am really looking forward to our fall weekend, when the air has a slight crispness to it and the leaves begin to change.

Thank you, Sarah, for your answers to my questions, and I look forward to seeing you at Bunker Hill again this fall!

If anyone has a question or comment for Sarah, please feel free to leave them.

Launch of Well Versed 2013 at the Unity Center in Columbia on July 14

 

The Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild has announced the launch date for release of the 2013 version of Well Versed. 

 

The launch will be Sunday, July 14 from 2-4 p.m. in the Founder's Wing of the Unity Center, 1600 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO. 

 

The Unity Center is tucked off of the main road in a residential neighborhood. Surrounded by trees, the Center is a peaceful place where wind chimes tinkle, squirrels scamper, and birds flit. Every time I visit the Center for a CCMWG event, I'm inspired to write. The Center is also easy to find.

 

 

The launch of Well Versed 2013 features:  

* author readings

* refreshments

* awards

* meet and greet of contributors

 

I'm honored that my essay, "Amo, Amas, Amat," was awarded second place in the Judge's Pick Essay category. I'm also excited to be in the same anthology with my writing friends from Coffee and Critique -- Marcia Gaye, Karen Guccione-Englert, and Jack Zerr -- as well as local writers Lynn Obermoeller and Sheree Nielsen.

 

Linda Fisher of Mozark Press does a fantastic job compiling and editing Well Versed. For a complete list of names of judges, contributors, and winners, visit the CCMWG blog.

 

If you're in the Columbia area and have some free time Sunday, afternoon, July 14, please stop by the Unity Center for the launch party.