GWG Newsletter

THE GREENBELT WRITERS GROUP, 15 Crescent Rd., Greenbelt, MD 20770 August 8 1996, Issue 3

New Hour of Discussion/ Networking After Open Readings
GWG to Hold Only One Business Meeting Per Month

At the last GWG steering committee meeting in July, the question was raised: why are we holding a steering committee meeting and, a week later, a business meeting after the monthly open readings (especially since it's usually the same people at both, discussing the same topics)? The answer: because it's always been done this way. This, we realized, could and should change. Many people come to our open readings hoping to meet other writers; but after the open readings, which usually last an hour, we've had 10 minutes for coffee and socializing, and then the business meeting. It left little time to network with other writers in the community.

There are many things we could do in the hour or so after the open readin gs, now that it is free of business. We could have an extended social hour. We could plan to hold an informal (unmoderated?) discussion on selected topics each month. We could ask members to informally share their expertise or experience in various areas, from writing effective query letters to finding appropriate venues for various genres of writing. Once a year, on a selected month, we could hold a contest fo r "My Worst Rejection Slip". Annually, or more often, we could celebrate member s' publication triumphs. Those wanting to form critique groups but who couldn't make two meetings in one month could have the opportunity to meet together after the open readings. The possibilities are exciting and almost endless. We will discuss what to do with our free new hour at the next Open Reading on Aug. 16 at the Community Center.

Note: the GWG steering committee/business meeting is held on the Sunday before the Open Reading. Steering committee members are expected to attend. All GWG members are invited to attend, as well. It is here we'll discuss the future of t he GWG in ways both concrete (our budget) and visionary (possible programs and events). The next business meeting is scheduled for August 11 in the Media Room at the Community Center. For more information on the business meeting, call Sue Jordan (474-2896 ) or Guillermo Olivos (345-0215).


GWG NEWS IN BRIEF

GWG Anthology to Go on Sale
The long-awaited, first GWG Anthology, Genius Loci, will go on sale during the Labor Day weekend. Copies will be available during the GWG Open House on Sunday, Sept. 1 at the Media Room in the Community Center, from 1-5 p.m. Copies will also be available at all GWG Open Readings starting in September. Also, look for it (ask for it!) in local stores.

GWG at the Labor Day Festival
We will sponsor an information table at the Labor Day festival on Saturday, Aug. 31, 12 - 5 p.m. Drop by and say hello. We'll offer general info on the GWG and a chance to meet some GWG members.

GWG Open Mike at the New Deal Cafe
GWG members and others are invited to attend and participate in an Open Mike reading sponsored by the GWG at the New Deal Cafe on Saturday, Sept. 7 starting at 8 p.m. Bring your own prose or poetry or those of another author to share. The cafe is located in the Greenbelt Community Center (at the end closest to the outdoor swimming pool).

No Halloween Bash This Year
The GWG Steering Committee has decided to abandon plans to hold a Halloween party this year due to the high cost both in time and money. Perhaps next year, with many more months to prepare for it, (and perhaps more members?) we'll be able to hold a fund-raising bash at Halloween. However, we will hold a Holiday potluck/party in December, to which only GWG members will be invited.

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GWG PROFILE:
Guillermo Olivos
by Robert Thomas Levine

Though not a founding member, Guillermo Olivos has made himself an instrumental part of GWG. He frequently reads at our monthly open readings and has contributed much sound advice at our business meetings. He has submitted a prose piece to the group's forthcoming anthology and serves on the anthology committee. Through these and other efforts, Guillermo has earned the position of GWG co-chair, which he shares with Sue Jordan.

Guillermo, a native of Peru, first came to the United States in 1956 to complete his psychiatric education. Afterwards, he returned to Peru and held various academic and research positions in psychology. In 1962, he moved once again to the U.S., this time to settle permanently. He came to Greenbelt in 1984. Guillermo's interest in writing began in childhood. "I was always interested in the Psalms ," he said. "The sound of the words was very important to me." He was also "impressed by the recitation of poetry, which was very important--and still is--in South America." Gradually, Guillermo's writing expanded from its base in rhythm to focus on imagery as well. "I don't know how it happened," he confessed. He did, however , conjecture that the theme of suffering which runs through much of his poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction is influenced by his psychiatric work with Prince George's and Montgomery County social services.

Guillermo attended one of GWG's open readings in the spring of last year after seeing an announcement for it in the Greenbelt News Review. He was "yearning" to find a group of people who also liked to write. He was impressed by the group, and decided to join: "I felt that the people were accepting of each other, and not adopting postures." Involvement in the group has not only "inspired me to continue writing," Guillermo said, but has led to "the beginning of a nice friendship" with many members. As co-chair, Guillermo wants to achieve a higher profile for the group in Greenbelt. In the future, he would like to hold larger readings and attract more members, especially younger and older members. He believes that many of the group's current projects, such as the anthology and the acquisition of space in the Community Center, will help establish the group's presence in the community. "I want to find some recognition," he asserted. "I would like the group to be known."

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GWG READINGS AND MEETINGS

Open readings are held the third Friday of each month at the Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Rd. Meeting rooms may vary -- look for directions at the entrances. Sometimes readings may be cancelled or reading times changed; look for information on such changes in the Greenbelt News Review, or call one of our co-chairs for more information.

Readings begin at 7:30 p.m., with reader sign-up beginning at 7:15. A social/discussion hour now follows the readings. The public is invited to attend any of the open readings. However, those who regularly attend the readings and others interested in the future of the GWG are urged to become members. Business/steering committee meetings are held the Sunday before the Open Reading.

Greenbelt Writers Group

Co-Chairs: Sue Jordan and Guillermo Olivos
Planning Coordinator: Dorothy Sucher
Treasurer: Charles Braun
Recording Secretary: Andrew Nitz
Newsletter/Librarian: Beth Blevins
Publicity: Robert Levine
Webmistress: Jenifer Kirin
Mailings: Mary Moien

If you have an item for the newsletter, please send it to B. Blevins by e-mail: beblevins@aol.com or by mail (P.O. Box 221, Greenbelt, MD 20768) or, in a pinch, call her at 345-5879. If you have general questions about the GWG, please call Sue Jordan (474 -2896) or Guillermo Olivos (345-0215)




GWG IN CYBERSPACE!
Our web site was used recently by a fan of GWG member Dorothy Sucher to locate her! Here's how (excerpts from his email):
"I found your organization by doing a web search for Dorothy Sucher [Sucher was mentioned in our last newsletter].... I recently hit upon her books by accident (I was looking for a biography of a forensic anthropologist entitled 'Dead Men Do Tell T ales', and hers was right under it in the listing). I liked the title and checked it out of the library and greatly enjoyed it. Then I went back and found her second book, published in 1989. It, too was fantastic. On the back cover, one of the endorsements refered to an upcoming third book in the series. Unfortunately, I can only find the two 'Dead Men Don't...' titles by Ms. Sucher.... Are there any other books published or forthcoming by Ms. Sucher? Thanks very much for you help. Jeff Cole, Dayton, OH" Mr. Cole sent his email to beblevins@aol.com (Beth Blevins), which is the only email address listed in the newsletter. From there, it was back to old-f ashioned communications: Ms. Blevins printed the letter (on paper) then mailed it to Ms. Sucher.

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