Arts&Culture

There are workshops for wriTers of all sTripes in The reno/Tahoe area

bY Sean Barron Say that you’re an author of some sort. You wrote a story or poem, a screenplay, or even a stage play. You’ve gone from kernel of idea to conception to hard copy in your hand. You’ve marked up that hard copy and revised, printed out another hard copy, marked that up, and revised. You’ve had your mother, father, sister, brother or significant other read your work and receive the standard response: “I really liked it. Great job!”

Since you consider yourself a serious writer, you’re feeling a little underfed. You were looking for feedback. You really have no idea whether your work is good or bad. You’ve written for your audience of one, you’ve brought your piece to what you imagine might be somewhere close to the finish line and put something that you yourself would want to read into the world. But how can you take it to the next level? What happens next?

You get some formal training. You change your major to English, much to the chagrin of your CPA mother and father, while attending the University of Nevada, Reno or Truckee Meadows Community College or simply take an entry-level or even advanced creative writing course as an elective. You read a story or poem couched in the point of view of a sentient piece of chewing gum and another about anthropomorphic wolves feuding in medieval kingdoms. Every once in a while you read something from a peer that excites you. Something that challenges you to expand your own margins. Something that calls on you to become a better writer. This is the workshop setting at its best.

But what happens after you graduate? What happens if you didn’t get into that competitive MFA program that costs tens of thousands of dollars a semester? What happens when you no longer have the opportunity to sit in a room with 20 people who are willing to diligently discuss your work and the act and craft of writing itself? What happens if you’re a little too strapped for cash to drop a grand in order to participate in a graduate level workshop at your alma mater?

By and large, it’s a common thing for a group of writers to band together in order to hone their craft outside of the college setting. People pledge to meet once or twice a month and, after two or three meetings, start dropping off. The shorter the member list, the quicker your writing group starts to look like a ghost town. But fear not, burgeoning Reno/Tahoe writers, there are groups that have been meeting for years and even decades right under your nose.

The Reno/Tahoe area was listed as literary borough number 26 in Ploughshares’ online literary blog. Reno and its surrounding areas have a rich literary history. It includes, but is not limited to, Mark Twain’s stay in Virginia City and John Steinbeck’s days as caretaker at Fallen Leaf Lake. (He also worked at a fish hatchery in Tahoe while writing his first novel.) Saul Bellow and Arthur Miller were neighbors at Donner Trail Ranch, which was a “divorce ranch” just minutes outside of Verdi.

WorkShop around

As for Reno/Tahoe writing groups, the granddaddy of them all is the Community of Writers at Squaw Valley. This is a one week event for poets, prose writers, and screenwriters. The organization has been around for over 40 years and boasts famous alumni like Amy Tan and Michael Chabon. The Community offers workshops, one-on-one conferences, lectures, panels, readings, and discussions on craft. Because of the high level of writing, the admissions procedure is competitive. Applications and submissions must have arrived by April 5. Poetry, writer’s workshops, and screenwriting workshops, which take place between mid June and mid July, each cost around $850

Members of the Reno Screenwriters Group: Tony  Gonzalez, Pam Dulgar, Michael Gossette, Amy Thyr,  Lou Eftimoff and Rodger Lilley.

Photo/Alliso N You Ng

Some of the Ash Canyon Poets: Susan Priest, Robert Priest, Wayne Carlson, Kathy Walters, and Krista Lukas. The Ash Canyon Poets meet at the Business Resource Innovation Center, 108 E. Proctor St, Carson City.

and include six evening meals. Lodging will run an additional $325-$650, depending on a person’s willingness to share a room. If the price—which is perfectly reasonable, given what the organization has to offer—is a bit daunting, there are scholarships and financial aid available, should a person qualify. Working various jobs at the conference will also reduce overall fees. Carpooling is available as well.

Some writers may like to meet more often than once a year. The Unnamed Writer’s Group once had a well-established community of writers, meeting the second Saturday of each month at 9 am at Evelyn Mount Community Center. The group has merged with Writers of the Purple Sage to create a new group called High Sierra Writers. Linda Enos can be contacted at 626-0982 for additional information.

If screenwriting is more your form, the Reno Screenwriters is a great starting point. The group began in 2000 with four members and has continued through the years, increasing its member base to around 12 active writers. They meet monthly, and keep an extensive library—possibly the largest in Washoe County—of books on screenwriting as well as full-length screenplays and DVDs. The group requires a prescreening for people interested, where they will gauge interest and skill level. RSW also offers free consultations as a public service. Each member is required to sign a confidentiality agreement, which will help an aspiring writer be at ease, secure from fear of theft of any sort. Members range in age from early 30s to 70s, some with decades of writing experience. Generally a screenplay is about 120 pages for a two-hour movie, so the group attacks a script in parts, offering advice and critiques along the way. Once the manuscript is where it needs to be, the members will encourage the writer to enter contests, or even hire a professional consultant to assist with a final polish. They also assist with query letters, talking to agents, and pitching ideas. RSW will ensure a screenwriter is “good in a room.” Some of the work generated has piqued interest from Hollywood. The group also organizes one major seminar a year. Group funds and registration fees pay to bring a renowned writer to Reno. Recently, they were able to bring in Bill Martell, who has more than 19 produced films and HBO specials. Pam Dulgar is the contact person and can be reached at pamjoann@yahoo.com.

Poets will have several resources in surrounding areas. Ash Canyon Poets meets once a week, every Friday night from 7-9 p.m. in Carson City. An interested poet can contact Krista Lukas at 392-0500 or kristalukas21@gmail.com. The Lone Mountain Writers meet at the Western Nevada Community College often and can be contacted at lonemtn@wncc.edu.

Writers of any skill level can take advantage of these resources, whether they plan to pursue publication, or simply like to put words on a page, whether a writer is interested in receiving valuable feedback, or sharpening their own critical eye. So much of this process happens in the dark. These organizations can help put your work into the world. Ω

For more inform, check out the Nevada Arts Council’s Nevada Writer’s Resources list at http:// nac.nevadaculture.org/?option=com_content&task =view&id=1134&itemid=367

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EVENTS

CALL FOR ARTISTS – ARTS IN bLOOM

The 11th Annual Arts in Bloom Art & Wine Festival is seeking 35 local and regional Fine Artists for our event on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Victorian Square in Sparks. Exhibit and sell your art, receive an Artist Profile in the RN&R and be a part of a long-running, popular community event. Cost is $150, including space, canopy, feature in RN&R program and on website. For an application and more info: johnm@newsreview. com or (775) 324-4440, ext. 3515.

ACTIVITIES

WESTERN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Drawing from a rich heritage of ranching, railroading and mining, the Western Heritage Festival teaches visitors about the unique diversity of Nevada and the Reno area. Sa, 5/11, 11AM-6PM, free. Victorian Square, 1555 Victorian Ave.

WALLY’S WORLD: LONELIEST ART COLLECTION

Features 35 pieces of Nevada art from the unparalleled personal collection of Wally Cuchine.Tu-Sa, 11AM-4PM through 6/15. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144.

bUILDING THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD

The Hidden Wonder of the World: The Transcontinental Railroad from Sacramento to Donner Summit. This award-winning documentary film is presented by the film’s author. F, 5/10, 7PM, free. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144.

ORCHID EXPOSITION

Presented by Dr. Shawn Abbott with the Nevada Orchid Society. Get all of your orchid questions answered and see an orchid potting demonstration. Sa, 5/11, 11AM & 1PM and Su, 5/12, 11AM. Free. Canned food donations for the local food bank is appreciated. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551.

TIMELESS TREASURES: A CELEbRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

This colorful exhibit captures the vibrant spirit of Native American culture and includes paintings, pottery, arrowheads, cradle boards, baskets, musical instruments and more. Tu-Su through 5/26, $5/adults; under age 12 free. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144.

AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER

Annual registration for the local American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 166 Fall 2013 season. Everyone Plays philosophy. Tu, 4/30, 5:30-8:30PM, Sa, 5/4, 9AM-1PM, W, 5/15, 5:30-8:30PM and Sa, 6/1, 9AM-1PM. $100 per child until May 31; $135 per child after May 31. Mendive Middle School, 1900 Whitewood Dr. (775) 353-5780.

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

JOEL EDWARDS

Th, 5/9, 5:30PM, F, 5/10, 6PM and Sa, 5/11, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

bUDDY EMMER

Th, 5/9, 7PM, F, 5/10, 8PM, Sa, 5/11, 8PM and Su, 5/12, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

COUNTRY NIGHT WITH SILVERWING

Get ready to have a rockin’ great country time! F, 5/10, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030.

MOJO GREEN

Sa, 5/11, 8PM, $15. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

KYLE WOLVERTON & JOEY NAVARRO

W, 5/15, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

TODD bAUM

Get your mom out and party with Todd Baum and the gang! Sa, 5/11, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030.

CHILI SAUCE

Th, 5/16, 7PM, F, 5/17, 8PM, Sa, 5/18, 8PM and Su, 5/19, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

METAL ECHO RETURNS

Powerhouse female-fronted Rock-Grunge-Metal tribute performing all your favorites from Iron Maiden to Soundgarden to Tool! Sa, 5/18, 9PM, F, 7/12, 9PM and F, 8/30, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030.

CRUSH

Dance to some power pop-punk! F, 5/24, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030.

COUNTRY AT THE CAbARET

The Casino Cabaret will come alive with the best in country music and dancing for “Country at the Cabaret” fearuring DJ Jamie G. W, 7PM and Sa, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300.

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM through 12/27, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 (775) 657-8659.

COUNTRY NIGHT WITH SILVERWING

Get ready to have a rockin’ great country time! F, 5/10, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030.

LADIES 80S WITH DJ LARRY WILLIAMS

Ladies ’ with DJ Larry Williams, every Thursday! Th, 7PM through 10/4, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300.

bILL DAVIS

Sa, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659.

KARAOKE ASPEN GLEN bAR

Every Sat night. Hosted by Mike Millard of Cycorockstar Entertainment. Sa, 9PM-2AM through 9/14. Aspen Glen Bar, 5215 Vista Blvd. 89436 / (775) 354-2400. SPIRO'S F, 9PM, no cover. 1475 E. Prater Way (775) 356-6000. THE ROPER DANCEHALL & SALOON Country music dance lessons and karaoke, Th, 7:30PM, no cover. 670 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 742-0861.

OPEN MIC

GREAT bASIN bREWING Open mic comedy. Th, 9PM, no cover, 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711.

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CITY OF SPARKS

Mayor: Geno Martini. Council members: Julia Ratti, Ed Lawson, Ron Smith, Mike Carrigan, Ron Schmitt. City Manager: Shaun Carey. Parks & Recreation Director: Tracy Domingues. Mayor and Council members can be reached at 3532311 or through the City of Sparks website.

WEb RESOURCES:

www.sparksitshappeninghere.com www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com

THis secTion is pRoViDeD as a pUBlic seRVice BY THe Reno neWs & ReVieW anD is noT FUnDeD oR aFFiliaTeD WiTH THe ciTY oF spaRKs