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Recognitions

Joan McNulty Pulver

Welcome to Recognitions, a column dedicated to proclaim the writing successes of Writers' Village University members!

Nannette Croce's short story, Dora's Memoir, will appear in the winter 2004 issue of Beginnings Magazine. "I thought I had a pretty thick skin, but I didn't realize how much those rejections ate at me." remarks Nannette. "Now I feel like I can tell the world that I'm a writer without dreading the inevitable question, 'Where have you published?' It's never too late. I put my dream of being a writer aside for many years while I had a career and raised a family. I'll be 50 next month and have just published my first short story ever."

Nannette joined Writers' Village University a little over two years ago but never joined a particular study group. On average Nannette signs up for at least one course every couple of months, sometimes two at a time. She took F2K, Writers' Village University's free writing course, twice. The second time she won the short story contest. "WVU provided me with a place to learn and practice my craft on a regular basis. Many of my best stories have come from assignments that I re-worked based on feedback from my peers."

For the past year, Nannette volunteered as Assistant Nonfiction Editor at T-Zero. She said she learned a lot about both editing and writing from Nonfiction Editor, Whitney Potsus, and her fellow Assistant, Perley-Ann Friedman. "In fact, the entire staff at T-Zero has been great to work with."

Lori Romero was ecstatic when she found out that her two poems, This Side of Paradise and Last Call at Kelly's, would be published in Mobius's November edition. One of the poems, This Side of Paradise, a simultaneous submission, had been selected by two publications. "Unfortunately, I had to turn one down but it's still a welcome dilemma."

Lori joined Writers' Village University over a year ago. She is a member of P123 Senior Poets Workshop and the Persist and Publish study group. "I feel so fortunate to have found WVU — it's an incredible community of writers. I feel challenged every day, and it's a place that I can constantly hone my craft through support and excellent feedback. There is one facilitator that, in my opinion, deserves special recognition: Carol Malley. In P121, Carol designed a special assignment called the "Sending Out Project." The project, among other things, helped us select and evaluate markets for our poetry. It is because of Carol's knowledge and helpful tutoring in this area that two poems I sent out were selected. Carol is an amazing writer, poet and facilitator who gives so unselfishly of her time."

During the spring and summer months, Lori can often be found on the Great Plains, storm-chasing! She is currently working on a chapbook of her adventures.

Gwen Austin, author of two published novels, Twilight Manor and Fateful Days, recently self-published Through a Dusty Lens, a book of 44 poems written about her experience in Vietnam from 1967 through 1968.

"I took F2K and before I was even finished with the course, I knew WVU was the place for me." Gwen became a WVU Lifetime member on May 12, 2001. A member of P123 Senior Poets Workshop for over two years, she sometimes participates in the Word Weavers study group as well as Poetry Triggers and other courses that catch her attention, such as the Pleasures of Reading Poetry. "WVU gives me a chance to interact with other poets, to hone my skills at not only writing poetry but in reading poetry and giving useful feedback."

Gwen worked for 25 years in the therapeutic recreation field and now lives in the woods in Washington State not far from Mt. Rainier. To find out more about this amazing author and her writing, visit her website.

Shanna Lewis recently completed her first week at her new job, writing feature stories and other articles for the local newspaper, the Wet Mountain Tribune. "I was thrilled to be offered a writing job!"

Shanna took the F2K course in 2001 and then joined WVU. She participates in the Natural World, Fantasy and Science Fiction and the Writing Process study groups. "Joining WVU gave me the means to stop talking about being a writer and actually become one. I've learned a great deal about the entire craft of writing from first ideas through final edits and manuscript preparation to critiquing from so many folks at WVU. I've benefited tremendously from both the classes and the study groups."

In addition to her job at the newspaper and another one as the Business Development Manager for a local environmentally conscious forestry and wood products company, Shanna plans on continuing to pursue a freelance writing career. "Life is busy!"

Sally Rogow's new book, Faces of Courage, is available in bookstores now. "I was delighted that my book was accepted. I think it is very important that young people have knowledge of history and of the lives of young people who demonstrate courage in difficult or dangerous situations. It took a few years to collect the information and write the stories. All the stories are based on factual information. Every story tells of a rescue, act of resistance and/or survival of a young person in Nazi-occupied Europe."

Other books written and published for young people by Sally are Lillian Wald, the Nurse In Blue and Rosa Minoka Hill: Native Woman Physician. She also has written books and articles for teachers. Her most recent one is Language, Literacy and Children with Special Needs.

Sally, a retired Professor for the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, taught courses in Special Education and did research studies in language development, literacy, play and social development.

"It is so good to be part of WVU, an organization that supports, encourages and actively assists writers. Belonging to WVU has certainly benefited me. I have participated in informal critical groups within WVU. I belong to a recently organized group in Vancouver B.C. and will share this information with them. You can be sure of that."

Congratulations Nannette, Lori, Gwen, Shanna and Sally. We wish you continued success in all your writing endeavors.

We look forward to reading about your writing accomplishments in this column. If you or someone you know received recognition for writing, please send the information to recognitions@wvu.org. Let us know!