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by Melissa Zimmermann

Educational Pursuits

Writing the Other: Bridging Cultural Differences for Successful Fiction
Check www.writingtheother.com for dates of the next workshop, which will "teach you to write sensitively and convincingly about characters of diverse backgrounds and cultures."

Tatyana Mishel offers writing classes—including "Playing Around With Poetry"—so check out her offerings at www.tatyanamishel.com.

Angela Fountas' class entitled "The Writing Habit" is still in progress: "A big challenge for many writers is finding the time to write. This class will help you design a writing discipline that works for you. Class discussions and activities will focus on overcoming obstacles, creating space, and prioritizing time. Writing exercises are designed to spark productivity." Check her Web site at www.writehabit.org for more information.

Calendars

Be sure to keep your eyes on the online events calendar called Real Live Seattle. It highlights "oddball, interactive, entertaining, challenging, and/or educational things" to do for less than twenty dollars. The calendar includes a small number of literary events. If you have events or classes to post, e-mail realliveseattle@yahoo.com.

Writing Events

Calling all science fiction writers! Norwescon, a regional science fiction convention, will be held in April 2004, in Seattle. Don't miss the science fiction, fantasy and horror writers' workshop for short fiction up to 10,000 words and novel excerpts up to 15,000 words. Submission deadline is Jan. 31, 2004. More information is available at www.norwescon.org.

13 Ingredients New York Agents and Editors Expect in Your Novel will be held in February of 2004 in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Marjorie Reynolds presents a weekend beach retreat of the Oregon Writers Colony Workshop. "This workshop uses lecture, discussion and hands on exercises to strengthen writers' understanding of how to deliver these ingredients." For more information, visit www.oregonwriterscolony.org.

Nurture Yourself and Others

Powerful Writers is seeking volunteer support during writing workshops in five Rainier Valley public elementary schools. Work one-to-one with students to help guide, encourage and celebrate their writing. Training is provided. Contact Arni Adler.

For the Seattle Live Literature blurb, change first paragraph to: Help Seattle Live Literature grow! In order to continue connecting people with Seattle's vibrant literary scene, SLL needs a few driven volunteer producers. If interested, please contact Nicole Jones, site manager.

Resources

Check out the Puget Sound Society for Technical Communication's event calendar. Next up: A holiday party on December 12th!

Thanks, Annette, for letting us know about LiteratiNorthwest, a resource for helping market Northwest writers. Here's an excerpt about them from their Web site: "LiteratiNorthwest.net is a new web-based resource clearinghouse and marketing support tool for the Northwest literary industry. The primary goal of LiteratiNW.net is to promote quality literature in the Northwest by helping authors, publishers and independent booksellers work together, creating a virtual literary community, to define and promote literature from the Northwest."

The Wooden Horse Publication site includes lots of writer information, including a database and e-books on tips for writing query letters.

Melissa Zimmermann spends her weekdays as a Human Resources flunky, her weekend nights as a salsa dancer, and her money on too many lattes.