This Friday, July 10th, drop by Writer’s Block bookstore to meet Cate McGowan, author of the collection True Places Never Are, which won the 2014 Moon City Short Fiction Award.

The book’s title borrows from Moby Dick: “It is not down on any map: true places never are.” McGowan’s characters are indeed off the map; they venture into wondrous worlds as knotty and distressing as the places they aim to leave. Her characters represent an unusual hodgepodge of everyman- children, men, and women who inhabit different eras and countries, all sharing the need for deliverance. McGowan teaches writing at Valencia College.

• Friday, July 10th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Writer’s Block Bookstore (124 E Welbourne Ave, Winter Park FL, 32789)
• Free to attend
• RSVP to the Facebook event page (requested, not required)

You’ve written (or are writing) a story. Congratulations!

Now what?

Before you publish or submit your work, make sure it’s as polished as possible. Editing is essential, but use your own red pen before hiring an editor. Investing time and effort in self-editing will save you money in future costs (and it’ll save your future editor’s sanity, too).

Thursday, July 9, Teresa TL Bruce will lead the FWA Maitland Writers Group in a discussion of self-editing, including general guidelines and specific steps. Join us in the Maitland Library (501 Maitland Avenue South, Maitland) at 6:30 p.m.

Teresa TL Bruce is a proofreading, ghostwriting freelance editor who burrows into stories as much for work as for fun. Her published words appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids, the Florida Writers Association’s annual Collections (volumes 3 – 6), and the College Park Community Paper. She was a finalist in NYC Midnight’s 2014 Flash Fiction Challenge, and in 2013 Segullah awarded an honorable mention to her “Eggplant Elegy.” Teresa’s website advises “What to Say When Someone Dies” (and what not to say) on TealAshes.com.

Teresa Bruce Writing Services LLC proofing, editing, writing

writeTLBruce@gmail.com P.O. Box 540173, Orlando, FL 32854-0173

407-617-8011 @TealAshesTBruce  www.facebook.com/TealAshesbyTeresaBruce

There is no single way to write a good book, but we all have to start at the same place by writing those first few pages. But how do we know how good they are, and if we’re on the right track?

Thursday, September 24, 9am-4pm: The Conference Critique Workshops offer a day of inspiration, motivation and positive feedback from faculty members and fellow students in an intimate setting. Small groups of no more than 12 writers (select Fiction or Nonfiction) will come together to critique each other’s ten-page submissions. Workshop critiques for each individual will last at least 30 minutes, and workshop leaders will provide a written one-page critique to each student.

Friday, September 25, 9am-4pm: A full day of one-hour writers workshops covering both the craft and business of writing. Take your writing to the next level with practical advice, solid instruction and a chance to network with your fellow writers.

Saturday, September 26: Shop and have your books signed on Saturday from 9am-5pm. Meet publishers and authors. Book-related products will be available. The BookMark of Neptune Beach is the official bookseller for the Festival.

You can register for a single day or the package, with the price ranging from $90-$235.

After registering for the September 24 Critique Workshops, your ten-page, double-spaced manuscript is due by Tues., Sept. 1, in order to give us time to disseminate materials to the faculty and attendees. Submit manuscript here.

Located at Flagler College, in the Ringhaver Student Center (50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, Fl, 32765)

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is pleased to present Monty Python’s Spamalot from September 9 – October 11, 2015 in the Margeson Theater. Directed by Artistic Director Jim Helsinger with musical direction by Steve MacKinnon and choreography by Billy Sprague, Jr., the production will headline the Theater’s upcoming 27th Season Signature Series. Tickets to Monty Python’s SPAMALOT are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Based on the classic film Monty Python and The Holy Grail, this saucy musical parody tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. On a quest for the Holy Grail, the Knights encounter flying cows, killer rabbits, and taunting Frenchmen while performing heart-stopping musical numbers. Winner of three Tony Awards including “Best Musical”, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT takes silliness to a whole new level.

“Following the incredible success of last season’s Les Misérables, we’re excited to present our audiences with something completely different this year,” said SPAMALOT Director Jim Helsinger. “Davis Gaines and Michael Hunsaker will reunite on our stage for this hilarious musical, joined by a cast of Broadway sensations and local stars. Be prepared to laugh and sing along on this wild adventure!”

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is presented through the support of Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s 27th Season Producing Partners: Alan & Kelly Ginsburg, Ken & Trisha Margeson, John & Rita Lowndes, Albert & Lisa Prast, Kay Ustler, Jim & Diane Barnes, Suzanne Gilbert, Dan Dantin & Frank Santos, Jim & Valerie Shapiro, Bryce West, Gordon & Susan Arkin, Steve Goldman & Melanie Love, Marilyn Goldman, Jack Hanson & Grant Gribble, Francille MacFarland, Lester & Sonia Mandell, Simon & Ellen Snyder, A. Brian Phillips, Jack Lord & Adam Hunter, and Jim & Alexis Pugh. Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is sponsored by Massey Services, UCF College of Arts and Humanities, and the UCF Office of the President.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of www.power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Please contact Public Relations Coordinator Melissa Landy at (407) 447-1700 ext. 250 or melissal@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.