President’s message – December 2021
Greetings to all,
Has the year seemed long to you? Still wondering about 2020? Yes, it has been 2 years, or near enough, of the pandemic. This fact was mentioned to me the other day by a friend of mine who asked, “Has it been 2 years?” We sat silently for a moment, trying to absorb that information. It’s been difficult, hasn’t it? Everything changed. Days slipped by practically unnoticed. Maybe you got some writing done, maybe not. What I do know, at least for myself, is that this has been a quiet time.
Yes, a positive. A time of contemplation. A time to review. A gift, if you will, of solitude and meditation. There has been time to evaluate and decide what is most important. The end of the year traditionally is a time for that but, after two years, I think I’ve got most of that evaluation completed.
The end of the year is also the time to look forward. You’ve decided what’s most important to you so now, how will you achieve those things? If you’re a planner, have you written out steps that need to be taken to reach your goal? If you are a pantser (to use writing terms!), do you have the goal firmly in mind so that when decisions are made you choose the ones that get you closer to your goal?
So now, just days before the shortest day of the year, just short of Christmas and New Year, I want to wish you all peace, joy, and yes, solitude. A gift of time to let your mind rest and recuperate, and decide what’s most important to you. I look forward to seeing you all, over Zoom or in person, in 2022.
Connie Cockrell
President, APW
APW December Virtual Meeting – 12/11/21
Susan Anderson and Connie Cockrell are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Rim County and Central APW Virtual Meeting – December 11
Topic: I Meant It for Good with Mary Rechkemmer-Meyer
Date: Saturday, December 11
Time: 10 a.m. Arizona
Zoom Meeting –the link has been sent to members. If you did not receive it or wish to attend as a guest, contact Susan Anderson Susan.APW@hotmail.com for the Zoom link.
Mary Rechkemmer-Meyer will be discussing her book, I Meant It For Good: A Memoir of Dreaming, Visualizing, and Becoming My Authentic Self and how she came to write it.
After hearing the words, “You have cancer,” Mary knew that everything in her life had prepared her for that moment. Through a series of synchronicities Mary found integrative treatment that would save her life. She visualized healing daily, as she chose to believe she was healed. Mary’s vision is to share her story in hopes of helping other people know they, too, have options and can choose what is right for themselves, that they can set their own goals and visualize—and attain—both physical and spiritual healing. Utilizing the experience she gained over multiple careers, Mary is excited to share her expertise and give back to others through personal coaching. Mary’s coaching shows you how to plan, dream, and visualize yourself into the life you want in all six areas of your life: spiritual, health and wellness, relationships, emotional, professional, and financial. Mary lives in Arizona with her husband, Jan, and travels throughout the Midwest in the summer. Mary and Jan have seven children and twelve grandchildren. Mary is the author of I Meant It for Good: A Memoir of Dreaming, Visualizing, and Becoming My Authentic Self. You can visit Mary on her website at https://maryrechkemmermeyer.com/ or follow her on Facebook at https://business.facebook.com/DreamandVisualize
APW November Virtual Meeting 11/10/21
Connie Cockrell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting with Randy Roberson.
Topic: APW Rim Country Meeting- Randy Roberson -Podcasts-Building a listenership
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Time: 01:00 PM Arizona
Zoom: The link has been sent to APW members. If you did not receive it or would like to attend as a guest, contact Connie for the link. Members can also access the members-only tab for the link.
Contact: Conniecockrell@gmail.com
Randy Roberson divides his time between producing Commercial Radio and On-Line Newscasts and other freelance production work (For the past 37 years), while also heading up non-profit Global Disaster Response Operations, and has also done consulting work for NATO, USTDA and others. The disaster effort that has taken him thus far to 35 countries.
In either operation he says, “building a listenership, viewership, readership following has been critical to operational success.” As commercial ON-AIR broadcasts are quickly being replaced by ON-LINE sources (right there in your pocket all the time), Randy has endeavored to stay on the cutting edge of communications. Whether it is small-town newscasts, or large-scale disasters, he has found a way to get his messages heard and by the specific audiences he targets.
Randy looks forward to sharing what has worked for him, a little bit about how to pull that all together as well as answering any questions those attending may have.
His Disaster Work: 2Emergency.com
His Media Work: GlobalTrails.media
APW October Virtual Meeting 10/9/21
Susan Anderson and Connie Cockrell are inviting you to the APW October Virtual Meeting on October 9 at 10 am with Sharyn Jordan, a life-long Writerly. Since we are having virtual meetings, we will have a statewide meeting once a month while this continues. Please join us!
APW October Virtual Statewide (Meeting
Topic: “Creating a Sacred & Strategic Writing Process” with Writerly Sharyn Jordan
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Time:10:00 AM Arizona
Join the Zoom Meeting. Members have been sent the link. If you did not receive it, lost it or are not a member and would like to join us, message or email Susan Anderson at Susan.APW@hotmail.com or Connie Cockrell at CCockrellAuthor@gmail.com
Sharyn Jordan
Sharyn will be speaking on Creating a Sacred & Strategic Writing Process covering topics like timeless titles; evergreen books; write, write, write; and best year to publish.
As a life-long Writerly, Sharyn published her first best selling book The Home Whisperer: Treasures of the Inner and Outer Home in 2007. Its newly expanded edition rolls out in 2022.
In late 2020, Sharyn & her business partner, Sandy Rogers, founded Triangulus 3 Publishing, LLC. They co-compiled the recent 9.21.2021 highly acclaimed book, Wisdom of the Silver Sisters, Guiding Grace which ranks on Amazon No#1 Best Sellers in seven categories.
They are delighted it is on Barnes & Noble Best Books for the Fall list. It is also a Best Selling book in seven countries and, ecstatically, the algorithms are still updating.
Beginning in 1977, Sharyn’s first biography, My Sweet Sister St. Suzanne, was written specifically for their extensive family. Since then, five other books have followed suit.
At the pandemic’s outset, Sharyn focused on refining, editing and mainstreaming these endearing stories. Now titled “The Pearl Legacy Series,” these five books include the genres of historical fiction, celestial matchmaking, spiritual inspirations, political intrigue, and dreaming true.
On December 8th, 2022, Volume I, Book of Nathaniel: The House of LaRose is launching.
Sharyn and her beloved husband Jay moved to Arizona in 1974. After 42 years of their incredible marriage, Jay passed away in 2012. In addition to being an esteemed mom of three sons Jason who is in Glory, Jeremy and Ian Wells, her daughter Olivia Suzanne, and each of their spouses, she is an avid reader, enthusiastic writerly, and adoring GRANDmother of fourteen GRANDS, ages 7 – 29..
APW Board Meeting – 9/18/21
All members are invited to attend the September 18, 2021 Board Meeting. The Zoom link and the agenda can be found under the Member’s Only page. If you need the password, contact your Chapter Chairperson.
We’ll be starting discussion on next spring’s annual conference. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please attend or send them to President, Connie Cockrell at connie.cockrell@gmail.com We have open positions as well. Contact Connie for information.
President’s page – September 2021
Hello and welcome to September. I do hope you all had a wonderful summer whether you did a stacation or you had the chance to travel. If you’re new, welcome to the Arizona Professional Writers!
July was a busy month for the Rim Country Chapter as they held their book festival on July 17th. We had about 50% fewer attendees this year and far fewer authors. However, everyone who did attend had a good time and there was a lot of feedback on how much both the attendees and the authors liked the festival.
August had both the Central and the Rim Country chapters return to regular meetings, continuing to being held on Zoom. The book club is also still meeting via Zoom.
We need help! We need volunteers. Many of the APW officers have been serving for years. The Payson Book Festival committee needs a new Media Manager as Marie Fasano must step down for health reasons. New people bring fresh, new ideas and we want to keep our organization both active and relevant. You can contact me at connie.cockrell@gmail.com to talk about it.
APW Board Meeting: My calendar has September 18th, 10 a.m., as our APW Board Meeting. The meeting is open to all members, and it’s being held via Zoom. Contact me if you’d like to attend.
Speaking of media, take a look at our Facebook page for APW. This is a great place to announce your newest book, magazine article, or speaking engagement. This is just one of the many perks you, as an APW member, have so take advantage! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArizonaPressWomen
That’s it for September. Everyone stay safe, enjoy the upcoming autumn, and hope to see you at the next meeting!
Connie Cockrell, President
August 11 – Share what you have been writing this summer
Connie Cockrell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. The APW Rim Country meeting for August will be a time for sharing what you have been writing this summer.
Topic: APW Rim Country August Meeting
Date: Aug 11, 2021
Time: 01:00 PM Arizona
Maybe the Book Festival inspired you! Maybe your travels! Let us know what you’ve been working on. APW members have been sent the Zoom link. Nonmembers are welcome to attend and participate as well. If you misplace the link or did not receive it, you can find it in the Members-only section of the website. Or, email Connie.
President’s Page – July 2021
April was a month packed full of activity. First of all, Welcome! I’m Connie Cockrell, newly elected President for the Arizona Professional Writers. The biggest event was the April 17th Virtual State Conference. In our short business meeting, we elected new officers. I was elected President, Marie Fasano steps into the Past President role, Bobbie Bennett remains Vice President, and Brenda Whiteside remains Secretary.
Most importantly, we are in need of a Membership Director and a Treasurer. These are vital positions in any organization. Both areas are in good shape, we just need a couple of people to see the value in keeping our organization vibrant by stepping up to volunteer. You can contact me at connie.cockrell@gmail.com to talk about it.
June was the National Federation of Press Women virtual conference. In the national contest, Dianne Beeaff from Tucson, won second place in the category Collection of Short Stories, with her book titled On Traigh Lar Beach. See her website for info on the book. Wynne Brown, also of Tucson, won second place for the category Newsletter, Web, and Social Media. Her entry, Personal, The Sara Lemmon Project can be found at her website or contact her at wynne@wynnebrown.com. Congratulations to both as there were thousands of entries nationwide making competition very high.
Our Communicator of Achievement, Marie Fasano, attended the NFPW virtual award ceremony. We’re sorry to say that she didn’t win. Sherri Burris was selected. You can find her details at NFPW. Congratulations to Ms. Burris.
July features the Payson Book Festival. It is July 17th at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino from 9am to 3:30pm. We have over 70 authors this year. We’ll have a shortened children’s program in the morning and entertainment by Marshall Trimble, Buckshot Dot, and a panel of Grand Canyon experts scheduled for the afternoon. I do hope you can make it to the festival even if you aren’t a “seller”. It will be a great time to catch up!
Speaking of the book festival, we’re doing a lot of posting on our Facebook pages for both APW and the book festival. Take a look at those pages and share the posts. Lots of people sharing creates a big boost in the number of people who get to see the post. It’s an easy way for you to get to know the authors appearing and to help us drive attendance to the festival. Payson Book Festival Facebook page and Arizona Professional Writers Facebook page.
That’s it for July. Everyone stay safe, enjoy the summer, and hope to see you at the book festival!
Connie Cockrell
APW President
APW president, Connie Cockrell, was interviewed by Randy Roberson of KRIM 96.3 regarding the Payson Book Festival to be held July 17. Connie’s interview is archived on June 9: Humor and the Author’s Platform
Connie Cockrell of Rim Country Chapter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: APW Rim Country Meeting – Guest Brad Graber: Humor and the Author’s Platform
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 01:00 PM Arizona
Humor and the Author’s Platform
Everyone loves to laugh. So how can an author leverage a great sense of humor to sell books? Join us on June 9th at 1:00 pm to hear Brad Graber discuss the use of humor in building and maintaining relationships with readers.
Brad Graber is an award-winning author who writes novels because he grew up in a family where no one ever listened to him – so he made up stories about them. Brad’s latest release is What’s That Growing in My Sour Cream? – a collection of over seventy essays from Brad’s monthly humor blog: There, I Said It! Brad is also the author of two novels of contemporary fiction: After the Fall and The Intersect. Brad’s third novel Boca by Moonlight is scheduled for release January 2022. Brad currently lives in Phoenix with his husband, Jeff.
Contact: connie.cockrell@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
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- What’s That Growing in My Sour Cream? Brad Graber
Arizona Professional Writers 