RedBird-RedOak Writing

Sounds like there was lots of “heat” in Robert Vaughan’s recent workshop, “Flash in the Pan.” Participants ranged in aged from 18 – 70 (wow!) and included brand new faces (count ‘em 7!) and a bunch of writers who have been around the studio for a long time. They explored sample pieces and wrote a few of their own. An optional follow-up Roundtable will give them a chance to share their revised “flashes” for feedback on Thurs. May 26th. Many thanks to the participants and to Robert for sharing his love for and expertise in writing Flash Fiction!

Interviewed by Marjorie Pagel

When the summer issue of Wisconsin People & Ideas arrived in the mail, I turned immediately to “Prizewinning Fiction.” I love short stories, and I knew that the top prize of the 2010 contest had gone to one of RedBird-RedOak’s writers, Sheila Hanrahan. By the time I finished reading her story, I knew why it was a winner: it’s one of the best short stories I’ve ever read.

Sheila’s story, “Anything That Sticks,” is written from the point of view of Carter Conway, a fifth grader on the autism spectrum.  It is illustrated with a neat row of sharpened yellow pencils – Carter loves sharpened pencils.  He also loves WD-40, his grandfather, the Boston Red Sox, and Faneuil Hall.  All of these images come together in Sheila’s brilliant story, and I guarantee the reader will fall in love with Carter by the end.

If you can’t get your hands on a copy of the magazine (available in libraries and bookstores) you can read the story online: www.wisconsinacademy.org. Click on “Magazine,” then “First Place Fiction.”

To read Marjorie’s full interview, click here

With over 40 in the audience, RedBird-RedOak Roundtable Writers lit up the place (Fixx Coffee House, that is!) with flash fiction, humorous fiction, novel excerpts, creative nonfiction and memoir.

It was great to welcome Katy J Vopal’s Creative Writing students as well as some folks who just happened to be in the cafe and got hooked on listening to our writers. Special thanks to the other RedBird-RedOak writers who were not reading but joined us to support their comrades-in-ink. Finally, a giant THANK YOU to Fixx owner, Shari Franz, and her intrepid helper, Julia, for their hospitality.