Writing as a Medium for Creating Social Change

By Randal Houle

There are many good reasons to write. Among the more noble motivations is the opportunity to illuminate, to educate and as a vehicle for further dialog. For the author of a book that explores such themes as capital punishment and forgiveness, there is also the ability to use the work as a medium for social change.

In her book, THE CRYING TREE, Naseem Rakha uses her work as a platform for social change. In it, she presents a powerful story of redemption and forgiveness.

Emotion indeed is one of the greatest components of the work as the characters are propelled through the story in powerful and moving ways. This technique, so masterfully executed, fully illuminates the chosen theme of forgiveness in a way that is not cliché while exploring injustice, hate crimes and capital punishment.

While promoting her book, Rakha is not afraid to use the themes explored in her novel as an opportunity to talk about hot topics such as hate crimes, capital punishment and forgiveness.

On her website, http://www.naseemrakha.com, the author explains how she came to develop the story. "The murder of a child dredges up the most painful emotions. There is no justice in it, no justification, and no way to find solace. Remorse and vengeance become inseparable from the souls of the people left behind. Yet, somehow there are inspirational stories of those who have come to forgiveness.

I found this baffling situation as a reporter covering an execution for public radio and then later in interviews with the parents of murder victims. I wanted to understand how an individual can move from one place to another - hate to forgiveness, despondency to hope - what that road looks like, and what toll it must exact.

THE CRYING TREE is that story, told through the lives of two main characters: Irene Stanley, the mother of slain 15-year-old Steven Joseph Stanley, and Tab Mason, the stoic and determined superintendent of the Oregon State Penitentiary who is preparing to execute the boy's murderer. Powerful and touching, this book provides insight into how murder, death row, capital punishment, and enduring these experiences deeply impact victims' families.

THE CRYING TREE is a story of things not being what they seem, family secrets and how they reverberate through lives, and being submerged in loss, yet finding ways to go on. It's a story of forgiveness and redemption and of the difficult decisions that lead people through life and that ultimately give life meaning."

On April 6th, at 7 pm, Naseem Rakha will speak to Willamette Writers how one can use their craft as a medium for creating social change. The meeting will be at the Old Church on 11th and Clay in downtown Portland.

Rakha is an award winning author and journalist. Her stories have been heard on NPR's All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Marketplace Radio, Christian Science Monitor, and Living on Earth.

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Our Nation - indeed the World - is at a tipping point. The Economy has been shaken like never before. Politicians make sweeping changes that affect every area of American life. Huge leaps in technology made in the next few years will further change how we communicate.

It may sound like a snapshot of our current times, but it is the background for Caroline Miller's Heart Land. The novel is set in America during the 1930-s and 1940-s.

Miller will speak with Willamette Writers at our Portland meeting on November 3rd. She will talk about her experiences marketing her own book and what to do after your book contract is signed.

Oregonians may be familiar with Caroline Miller's work in local politics. She served two terms as Multnomah County Commissioner and another term as Metro Commissioner. She also headed the Portland Federation of Teachers and won Oregon-s Labor Hall of Fame.

An avid painter, (her silk pieces have been sold in Portland art galleries and featured in juried exhibitions) Miller grew concerned at the portrait that seemed to represent America abroad. The events portrayed in Heart Land are rooted in a younger America, but they resonate with contemporary meaning: "...I wanted to remind myself and others of what's good about being an American," Miller said.

"I felt the United States had taken a bad turn recently in our relationship with the world... We're ugly all right, but we want to be loved anyway. And that, if I may be so immodest, is not only our vulnerability but also our strength¦I love that we keep trying to bring everyone into the tent¦even if it takes a while. That's my Heart Land."

Miller has also published several short stories. She has published in such magazines as Children's Digest, Grit and Tales of the Talisman. Her short story, Under the Bridge and Beneath the Moon, was dramatized for radio in Oregon and Washington. Miller's second novel, Gothic Spring, was released in September.

So, what do you do after the book contract? Come to the Portland meeting on November 3rd at 7pm to find out. The Old Church is located at 11th and Clay in Portland.

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I had heard of her long before I was assigned to help out during her workshop at last year's conference. It might have been before someone in my critique group had mentioned her book Manuscript Makeover as suggested reading to help improve the revision process. But that day, the first day of my first conference, became a trial by fire.

There was standing room only. She asked me to give attendees the handouts and I had run out before I got one third through the room. While other volunteers hurried to make copies, I went to the concierge for more chairs. We got a few, but I was soon told that there were simply too many people.

Stand they did. Some left, but many more stayed. It seemed that nothing would stop these hungry authors from hearing Elizabeth speak. When the extra copies came, I folded one handout and stuffed it into a pocket, then handed the rest out.

The next session was more of the same. Most attendees refused to give up their seats, foregoing a bathroom and coffee break to hold their place. I offered to bring coffee or water to them so they would not have to give up their seats and a few let me. When the session started, we had run out of handouts again. While I waited for more copies, I squeezed in to hear what all the fuss was about.

Well, I did not really get to hear much that day, but I did get the book Manuscript Makeover and I enjoy reading and rereading specific sections. The book is designed to be read straight through or skip into a specific section to work a particular aspect of your manuscript. Well, I know I approached this article a little differently. I suppose I wanted to share with you my own story to encourage you, whatever stage your writing is in, to come to our Portland meeting on July 7th at 7pm. The meeting is always held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Old Church in Portland.

Biblio:

A Writer's Guide to Nonfiction ('03)
A Writer's Guide to Fiction ('04).
Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write
The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit
Manuscript Makeover: Revision Techniques No Fiction Writer Can Afford to Ignore



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On June 2nd, the Old Church will be the setting for the release of Phil Margolin's fourteenth bestseller, Fugitive. He will also be speaking on "How to Turn an Idea into a Novel." He is this year's recipient of Willamette Writer's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Published in 1993, his third novel Gone, But Not Forgotten, was a runaway success internationally that came during a time when he had a full docket of cases and a successful practice. The time required to promote his new book was getting longer and he had a choice to make. But even after deciding to write full time, it took years before the many cases Margolin was involved in were resolved. That was after 25 years of private practice in criminal justice and appellate work.

As if there was too much time in the day, since 1996 Margolin has been President and Chairman of an organization called Chess for Success. The organization helps kids in Title I schools to develop skills necessary for success in school and life by learning chess.

When asked what one thing he would want aspiring writers to know he said, "Never plan on writing as a career. That's probably not what you would want to hear. The good news is you can't be a writer (Full Time) and a Brain Surgeon (Part Time) but you can be a (Brain Surgeon, Lawyer, Architect) and write for fun."

Always an avid reader, Phil wrote several short stories before becoming curious in how people were able to write an entire novel. That curiosity became his first several Bestsellers, but where did the ideas come from?

After clerking for an Oregon State Appellate Judge, Phil went into private practice defending Oregon's accused. It was during this time that he was involved with a case little known to folks outside of Oregon called the Peyton-Allen murders. That Novel became Heartstone, an Edgar award nominee. His great legal triumphs did not immediately follow into his literary endeavors. Although he was able to sell his first novel and a second, the Portland attorney couldn't spare the time for a book tour. The rigors of the law and time in court simply would not allow it.

Phil Margolin has defended 30 homicide cases, 12 of which were death penalty cases. He has appeared before the US Supreme Court, the Oregon Supreme Court, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Oregon Court of Appeals. He was the attorney of record in over 80 appeals at the appellate level and was the first attorney to use the battered woman syndrome as a defense in the case involving a battered woman who killed her abusive husband. Margolin explains some of his thinking on his website: "As a practicing criminal attorney, I am frequently asked how I can represent a person who I know is guilty. I decided to explore that ethical and moral dilemma in the context of a novel. My second book, The Last Innocent Man, is about a criminal defense lawyer who decides to base the way he represents a client on his own personal view of the client's guilt or innocence rather than being an adversary for his client, the way he is supposed to in the American criminal justice system. The idea for Gone, But Not Forgotten came from a dinner party conversation I had with a friend. It led me to think about what I would do if Adolf Hitler asked me to be his attorney. In Gone, But Not Forgotten, I have a heroine who is nationally known for representing women in cases involving women's issues The Burning Man is very loosely based on a real murder case that I handled in the mid-1980's."

Sometimes an idea can be in the form of a question; that the question may seem absurd, all the better for a novel.

"My novel Executive Privilege asks the question: Is the US President a serial killer?" Margolin stated about his latest bestseller, which received a Spotted Owl Award. The Spotted Owl is chosen by a volunteer committee of Friends of Mystery members, and is announced each Spring.

But writing about serial killers does not mean Margolin has to write serials. "I decided when Gone was so successful that if I started writing a series, I wouldn't have time for anything else."

Now, with fourteen Bestsellers including Fugitive, he is finally ready to look at sequels. Fugitive stands on its own, but perhaps the next book will pick up where Executive Privilege leaves off.

Whether you are a fan of Phil Margolin's novels or want to learn more about the craft from someone who was self taught and has done it well, come to the June 2 WW meeting at the Old Church. Phil will show you his technique, where the ideas come from and how you can turn an idea into a novel.

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At 7:00 pm, on the 5th of May, Laura Whitcomb will speak about "Diving into the Fetch" at our Portland membership meeting.

Many new writers (and some old ones) spend years on a single novel. Their efforts are noble, and yet there is a way to cut down on the amount of time to get to a finished product.

While writing her novel The Fetch, Laura Whitcomb discovered techniques that allowed her to deliver a solidly written book in the amount of time it usually takes for the rent to come due.

"Because my first novel was doing well, my publishers bought my second novel, The Fetch, on an outline and a short sample," says Whitcomb. Her first novel, A Certain Slant of Light (Houghton Mifflin, 2005), was a Barnes & Noble "Discover Great New Writers" selection, an American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults and translated into six different languages.

With only the outline and a sample of her writing, she had sold another book. But getting from outline to press is a long road. Just to get the manuscript in the editor's hands would be an uphill climb. Whitcomb describes the pressure and her reaction.

"I had only a few months before my editor would be reading my new manuscript and being inspired or disappointed. I revised some of my old tricks, and came up with some new ones, to try and get at a great draft faster."

She does not need to say whether the effort paid off or not. Last February her supernatural love story, The Fetch (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) was released. The book made #5 in the YA "Next List" (formerly Book Sense) Top Ten for Indy book stores and got a starred review on Book List.

Out of this experience Novel Shortcuts (Writers Digest Books) was conceived. In it, Laura describes the habits that enabled her to get to a finished draft faster. And its release, so close to her novel, demonstrates this better than anything. The book on writing was released in March, less than two months from the release of The Fetch.

Using her experience in writing both books and getting them released so close together, Laura Whitcomb will share the writing tips that helped her get the job done and get it done well. You will learn how to get at a finished draft faster which will improve your overall writing.

The meeting will be at the Old Church in Portland on May 5th at 7:00 pm. In the meantime, you can study ahead and buy the book Novel Shortcuts or one of Laura Whitcomb's many other great books.

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If writing is masonry then sentences are the bricks and mortar of good prose. For many, poetry is a form that can strengthen and tone language. Poetry also regularly takes risks that other forms shy away from. Maybe that approach is too practical for poetry. After all, it was Paul Valery who said, "A poem is never finished, only abandoned."

To ensure that Poetry itself would never be abandoned, April was chosen as National Poetry month. It was an effort by the Academy of American Poets, in coordination with government, libraries and teachers, to put more of an emphasis on Poetry. The tradition started in 1996 after much consideration for the previous two months: Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March).

With April being National Poetry Month, why not accept an invitation to participate in a poetry workshop titled "Writing the Life Poetic" presented by Sage Cohen?

And in the spirit of poetry, I'll move on from there and meander here awhile. I shall leave a little of myself in these phrases, but not really. Well, it's a good thing I'll be attending the monthly meeting in April based on Sage's new book. "Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry" written by Sage and published by Writer's Digest Books is packed full of captivating new ways to generate ideas and have fun with the writing process.

Sage will share some of her favorite exercises and invite writers of all backgrounds to experience their life through a poetic lens. Participants will discover new ways to think and write about the subjects that interest them and get inspired to start capturing those observations on paper immediately.

A self described 'Jersey girl gone West,' Sage moved from San Francisco to Portland after a two year detour to obtain her MA in English, Creative Writing at New York University. On her website, sagesaidso.com, she describes the experience as "where I was given money to write poetry for possibly the first and the last time." In January 2006 she was awarded a writing residency at Soapstone, an organization that among other things, provides a retreat for women writers. With strong academic credentials like these, or maybe in spite of them, Sage insists that poetry is one of the great pleasures in life and no one needs an advanced degree in creative writing to reap its rewards. It was with this mind that she wrote her new book on poetry.

In addition to "Writing the Life Poetic," Sage has written the collection "Like the Heart, the World." She writes four monthly columns about the craft and business of writing and serves as Poetry Editor for VoiceCatcher 3.

But writing is not the only thing that keeps Sage busy. She also has served on the board of the Next Word Literary Center and run reading series at New York University and in San Francisco as well as being a Co-Curator of a monthly reading series at Barnes & Noble.

What can you do for National Poetry Month? Here are three suggestions:

1. Come to the Willamette Writer's Monthly Meeting on April 6th, 2009 at 7pm to hear Sage speak and participate in a workshop that is fun and inspiring.

2. Buy a copy of "Writing the Life Poetic" and do the exercises.

3. Learn more about Sage and her work by dropping by her blog and zine: www.writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com or visit www.sagesaidso.com.

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"Some are writers, some are born writers and others have writing thrust upon them." No, Shakespeare did not say that in Twelfth Night. But what if he had to change diapers in between sonnets or the day job worked him overtime so he couldn't finish Henry V?

Meet Elisabeth Naughton, Salem's newest Romance Adventure author. On December 31st of last year, Stolen Fury, the first in a series of three books, was released by Dorchester. This is the first of several books for the new author. Last November, Publisher's Weekly reported the sale of two more book deals to Dorchester, this time in the Paranormal Genre.

Every writer has his or her challenges. Few go from the decision to write that first story to published author without any struggle. Like the stories novelists typically set out to write, the path to publication is fraught with obstacles straight out of Vogler's "The Writer's Journey."

"My writing journey has not been easy. I didn't just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt." She continues by highlighting the struggles, the rejections, and the all nighters.

She describes writing in romantic terms: "A love I discovered along the way I just can't live without."

Stolen Fury is a romantic adventure featuring Dr. Lisa Maxwell who is searching for three Furies, a priceless set of Greek reliefs. When the handsome and sexy Rafe Sullivan comes along, Lisa finds herself momentarily forgetting about the reliefs. The next morning, she wakes up to an empty bed and an empty safe. She tracks Rafe to Florida where the adventure heats up as the two must now work together and run from yet another faction after the Furies.

With one book published and four more deals already under contract, it seems like family and friends would take a back seat. Not so, says Naughton.

"When life gets busy, writing is often the first to go, but it doesn't have to be. Many writers feel guilty about the time they devote to writing - time they think should go toward chores, family, work, etc."

Carving time out of a busy schedule is something Naughton knows well. The former Junior High science teacher was already busy with kids and family when the writing bug bit her.

"I began writing in 2003 after I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. I quickly learned I'd go nuts without something to keep my mind busy, so I started writing. I never intended for it to be my next career, but here I am."

Career would be a very good word. Long before her debut release, Naughton has been busy on blogs, with her critique group, and as the President of the Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America.

Add to that a speaking engagement at our February meeting where she will talk about her journey and how to balance writing and life. Tuesday, February 3rd at 7pm come prepared to "Steal Time (to Write)"

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Join us January 6th when Eric Witchey will do a presentation on How to Turn Critiques into Useful Revisions for the Portland Chapter of Willamette Writers.

Eric Witchey's next article for The Writer Magazine, the longest publishing writer's magazine in America, appears in the January issue. This time, he writes about how to get the most from critiques and how to give the most to your critique group. In addition to his publication credentials and teaching credentials, Mr. Witchey brings almost 30 years of experience in critique groups and writers circles to the table. He is a graduate of the Clarion West program and the Writer's of the Future seminars. He has acted as a paid consultant for a number of groups, and he has worked in groups with James N. Frey, Kate Wilhelm, Damon Knight, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith, Tim Powers, Algis Budrys, and many others. He has served on the boards of a number of writing organizations, and he has acted as the table manager for the Wordos, a very successful group in Eugene, Oregon. At the January 6th meeting at Old Church, he'll discuss techniques for transforming weak criticism into sharp, useful revisions in your stories. Bring just yourself or your whole crit group to this meeting and learn how to get the most out of writers groups and the advice that comes out of them.

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