Calling All Writers, Wanna-Be-Writers, Book Writers

Do you like to write, but never take the time?

Do you have a book in your head or your desk drawer that you want to show to the world, or at least your mother before you die?

Are you a writer ready to change careers because you just can't seem to make any money?

Do you just need to get away and the thought of writing by a lake sounds peaceful and intriguing?


If you said "Yes" to any of the above questions then come join me at two upcoming writer's conferences this summer! First you can Write-By-the-Lake in Madison, Wisconsin from June 14-18. Hosted by the University of Madison, this inspiring, supportive, nurturing and informative conference has daily classes in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, creative non-fiction, manuscript critique and more. My class will be on how you can earn multiple streams of income as a writer. I believe diversification is the key to a career as a writer and I have experienced a wide variety of products and services that participants will explore and execute in the week we spend together. Class size is limited so that personal attention can be given to each student. Click on the link to read all about it. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at deb@slightlyoff.com http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing/wbtl.htm


Then, in August, just like Thoreau, you can spend your time in the woods contemplating life as you write at the Green Lake Writer's Conference in Green Lake, Wisconsin from August 22-27. Held on the grounds at the Green Lake Conference Center, you can take week-long workshops in Non-fiction, fiction, inspirational writing and poetry. In addition, there will be seminars on children's writing, book writing, and manuscript critique. I will be presenting the pre-conference seminar on How to write a Book the Slightly Off Way. One of my writing mentors, Marshall J. Cook, author of many books and UW-Madison writing instructor, will present a seminar titled after his book, How to Write with the Skill of a Master and the Genius of a Child. If you have any questions or would like a brochure mailed to you, please e-mail me at deb@slightlyoff.com or click on the link for more information http://glcc.org/glcc/files/conferences/Writers%202010.pdf


Don't wait for "someday" to follow your dream! Remember my motto, "Success is doing the thing you say you're going to do some day." That's it. Don't put any expectations or stipulations on it, just get out there and do it!

Poet Publishes First Book at 89!

It's easy to put your dreams up on a shelf for "some"day, but Charles Denton, age 89, took it down, dusted it off and discovered that dreams don't have expiration dates!

Last October, I was critiquing manuscripts for an author fair and Charles shuffled in with a binder of hand-written poetry under his arm. In a short time, I not only fell in love with his work, but with Charles himself. Soon I was typing and submitting poems for publication and meeting with Charles on a weekly basis.

After a few rejections from poetry journals, I asked Charles if he would like to self-publish. I'm glad he agreed. His poetry is meant to be shared and preserved. Crossing Purposes is now available and can be purchased and shipped for $15 (e-mail deb@sligtlyoff.com to order copies.).
Reviews –
“Charles Denton writes from the heart. He is a close observer, whose poems mirror the wondrous complexities of existence. Richly tempered and finely textured, they take us not to a distant place or time, but to a finer inner self.” – John Lehman, founder Rosebud Magazine http://www.rsbd.net/ and poetry editor.

“A thought provoking and rich collection of poetry with just a hint of southern charm. Mr. Denton inspires you to reflect on the profound relationships in nature, and in your own life.” – Deb DiSandro, author and writing instructor

Charles is an inspiration to us all and his poem, Dream Reaching, may just be the motivation you need to pull your own dream off the shelf.

Dream Reaching
by Charles Denton
How far is one’s spirit cast down
Beyond his reach, seemingly
Beyond his effort to endure
For a time perhaps
But not beyond his dream
For the dream is like a cleft
Where fingers grip
And each vision reaffirmed
An uplifting niche
On a gaping chasm wall
Where the sands of misadventure
Sift in choking dust
And the rocks of failure
Pelt heavily the upturned face
So that the being entire cries out
To bow the head and hunch the shoulders
In beaten retreat
But the drawing dream
Will not accede
And one has but to grip it
With the eye
And not set it loose
For there is no depth
Greater than the sight
Of a dream embraced

You’re all invited to Charles Denton’s Book Signing!
For those local to Chicago, please join us:
Sunday, July 19th 1-4 p.m.
Driscoll’s Pub (815-436-0992)
201 Vertin Blvd., Shorewood, IL 60404
(No reservations required. Drop me an e-mail if you plan to stop by)
deb@slightlyoff.com