President’s message August 2024
Arizona Professional Writers
Typerider Newsletter
August 2024
Have you taken to writing in the cooler hours of this neon-hot Arizona summer? I have! And I still seem to get more done pushed against a deadline.
The 9th Annual Payson Book Festival was a success although a bit quieter than in 2023. Rim Country Chapter President Connie Cockrell and her team put hundreds of hours into making the event worthwhile for authors and the public. Cue applause!
Next up: (Click here for pdf of flyer – White Mountain Book Festival 8-3-24
SURVEY RESULTS
To the 19 out of 75 members who responded to the survey, my humble THANKS!
I hope this information will assist our chapter presidents when they seek someone to speak at chapter meetings.
If have yet to respond, kindly look for it in your email (July 17th from carol@talesofalifetime.net) take a few moments out of your busy life to do so. What you want from APW matters to me.
This email and the survey are accomplished via MailChimp, the email services company I have used for more than a decade. I assure you Mail Chimp is a safe company.
Retreats and Online Workshops
“I think of a “writing retreat” as 2-7 days of mostly undistracted writing time at a lovely location that includes a few short writing classes, and optional interaction at other times. I think of a “writing workshop” as an interactive event with classes, writing prompts, panels, etc. These might not be your definitions, but please keep them in mind as you answer the next few questions. Are you interested in an overnight writing retreat in 2026?”
12 yes*, 8 no * Note that 14 people answered the next question!
To read the rest of Carol’s August message click here for the full message.
Carol Baxter, APW President.
Rim Country Writer’s Retreat a success!
Sixteen overnight APW members, spouses, and and including four non-member writers, plus three others who came during the day, attended the writer’s retreat at the Merritt Center just north of Payson, under the Mogollon Rim.
Tucked away in tall ponderosa pines, the secluded mountain lodge provided time to relax, a choice of activities and good food. A number of activities such as creating a vision board, journaling, taking creative photos, and writing exercises were offered. Many did their own thing. Hammocks invited relaxation, nearby woods begged to be explored. Several walked the native stone labyrinth. One spouse painted, another explored nearby attractions.
Betty Merritt, owner and founder, gave us a history of the lodge and shared her mission of helping veterans. We also gathered at mealtimes and got to know each other better. The food was delicious with plenty of snacks in between.
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Saturday night we were fortunate to have entertainment. Gail Hearne gave a presentation on Leo the MGM Lion when he spent unexpected time in the wilderness in Rim Country. After that Kathleen Kelly & Jim West entertained us in the patio with a variety of music.
Sunday morning Betty Merritt led those who wanted to go on a short hike up to a sacred Native American site and invited us to participate in a ceremony.
After the hike and breakfast, some participated in writing exercises.
We wrapped up with a delicious lunch and group photo. Pam Stevenson presented Betty with a copy of Skirting Traditions, signed by the authors who were there. It was a relaxing but refreshing experience. Everyone came away with something valuable.
Photos by Carol Osman Brown, Bill Stevenson, Jaimie Bruzenak, Barbara Lacy and Gail Hearne.
Reminder – deadline for writers’ retreat coming up
The time to take advantage of discounted registration fees for the writers’ retreat up in the cool pines of Payson will end on June 26. Join us on July 27 and 28 in a 
lovely setting. Kick start your creativity, write, paint, hike or relax. The $95 fee is a real steal; it includes a room plus four meals, water and snacks. The retreat is sponsored by the Rim Country District. Read the recent blog entry for more information.
APW Writers’ Retreat near Payson- July 27-28
Arizona Professional Writers 