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December 2013

For the FULL listing

of all of Alice's Events

 
 
 Connect with Alice
    

 

Like me on Facebook

  

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Poets! Interested in reading

at the Poets Cafe

at Gather

event in

downtown Cary

 on Thurs, January 23 at 7pm? Email   

Mary Piper Hansen

 

 

Sundry Poets: A Poetry Reading with Alice Osborn

Location: Quail Ridge Books & Music, Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3522 Wade Ave. Raleigh, NC 27607

  
Sunday, February 2, 2014

 

Time: 3-4:30pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Enjoy an afternoon of the Sundry poets, three well-respected poets in North Carolina at a favorite NC bookstore. Join Alice Osborn from Raleigh as well as poets Scott Owens and Tim Peeler from Hickory.

  

The 2014 Southern Writers Symposium Emerging Writers Contest is now accepting your stories and poetry through January 3, 2014 electronically .This year categories will feature fiction and poetry.

  
Submit to The Main Street Rag Anthologies starting Jan 1st! Fiction/nonfiction/poetry Details HERE  
  
  
What They're Saying About Alice & Blogging

Some years ago--how swiftly time passes--I took my first ever writing course from you at Meredith. I was thinking about writing a book based on my journal writings about heartache and the garden that was healing me. Almost as an aside, you mentioned blogging as one way to get writing and get the story out there.

It changed my life.  

I wrote that garden blog for three years; it gave me great satisfaction. It improved my writing and it helped me write more quickly and not obsess (a lesson I was needing to learn). I also picked up my camera to add visuals to the blog, and began seeing beauty better, as well as writing about it; and the camera has proved to be a great love in my life. 

 

I got several followers, a lot of affirmation, and made new acquaintances because of that blog. It led me to a Tinker Mountain writing workshop -- my first real experience of investing money in myself. I met one of my now-best friends there.
 
I'm on to a different blog now; and I built a website that I enjoy. I have even more followers of the new website. I'm working on a very different writing project (hopefully book).  I'm heading to my third week of writing camp. I have had columns published in the small local paper here and I attend two writing groups.  
All because I took a course from Alice Osborn and she mentioned blogging. Thank you thank you thank you. Namaste.

--Gretchen Staebler, Whidbey Island, WA
  
Alice headshot
Photo by David Williams
 
 
  
Did y'all have a yummy Thanksgiving / Hanukkah? I spent the holiday in NYC and on Long Island--I caught up on my fun reading with three issues of Glamour and three issues of O--I'm definitely smarter now on fashion and health topics. And when we returned to Raleigh, we celebrated my birthday. The funniest part was me waiting for breakfast in bed and hearing several crashes in the kitchen, one of which was my present.

I had a few folks tell me last month they were doing the NaNoWriMo Challenge--congrats to you! I didn't have enough participants to hold the Random Drawing, but for this month I'll add last month's participants. Here's the question: What is your favorite Twilight Zone episode and why? Every year on Dec 31 and New Year's Day is SyFy's Twilight Zone Marathon. Email me here
 
I'm teaching Comedy Writing Wed Dec. 4th through the nuLimina Center and in January back by popular demand, is my Memoir, The Next Level, which will run six Thursdays from Jan. 16 to Feb. 20th from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Center for Excellence in Raleigh. Here's the Live Registration Link 

 

SPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERS

Gift Certificates

 

Do you have a writer or aspiring writer on your list? Then buy them a gift certificate from me in quantities of $25, $50 or $100. Good for all of my workshops and even my Dream It, Do It Writing Retreat next August! Email me.

  

Jump Start Guide Into Writing Your First Book.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR MY NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS

Buy my 30-min recorded download guide on getting going with your writing for 2014! In this recording I cover how to be an effective writer, how to value yourself as a writer and tips on creating 15 minutes a day toward writing your first book. Only $9.99 (reg. $20). Order HERE 

TATTOOS, THE SHORT FICTION ANTHOLOGY ON SALE 

 
 

Now through Dec 31st, grab your copy of TATTOOS for only $9.99 (reg. $14.95) Perfect for that hard-to-buy family member!

Order HERE



Check out this Month's Blog Posts

13 Literary Things About Me
12-02-2013 18:14:42 PM

In my last blog post I wrote about "13 Things About Me" which was more personal stuff-now in this post I've listed 13 Things About Me-the Literary Version. Enjoy!   1.     What was your favorite book as a child?   Animal Farm by George Orwell-I read it when I was 9 years old and I [...]...�

11-21-2013 09:55:08 AM

By now you've all seen or written the "9 or 8 or 7 or 5 Things About Me on Facebook," where you're supposed to list random things about yourself that most people don't know. Then after you do so you're supposed to tag more people and they tag you once they post. Well I got [...]...�

11-13-2013 08:32:02 AM

You're packing for your very first writers' conference. What do you bring? What do you say? Relax, I have a few tips for you so you can make the most of your investment, because conferences do cost you in terms of time and dollars. If you arrive prepared and collected, you'll be sure to leave [...]...�


In Love and Gratitude,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!




Dream It, Do it: 2nd Annual Women's Writing Retreat with Alice Osborn
 **See Special Savings Offer Below!**

Location: Bend of Ivy Lodge, Marshall, NC outside of Asheville 3717 Bend of Ivy Rd. Marshall, NC 28753
www.bendofivylodge.com
Friday-Monday   August 8-11, 2014 4-Day, 3-Night Retreat!

EARLY BIRD RATE: $50 Deposit in 2013 and $600 in 2014 ($650, savings of $150) if you act now before Dec. 31, 2013. (Reg. $800, all inclusive)  WOW! This is a GREAT DEAL!!!
To Register Click Here

bend of ivy lodge Immerse yourself in a weekend of writing without interruption in the mountains of Western Carolina. This is your answer to, "I'll write when I can find the time!" Come and fulfill your purpose, which is to write. Empowered women are powerful writers-grab your power so you can dream and accomplish your dreams of writing your story! Together over the course of this weekend, we'll delve into our stories of defining moments, healing and self discovery. This is called "Living the Writing Life!"

There'll be plenty of time for reflection and individual writing during the day, and on Saturday night we'll share our work over marshmallows and fellowship. Bend of Ivy Lodge is an intimate retreat setting surrounded by woods, rivers and streams that will foster community and creativity. Relax by the waterfall, hear the call of herons and walk the many trails on the converted tobacco farm property.

Participation limited to 15 women writers of any genre and  experience.
If you haven't already worked with Alice, please submit a two-page writing sample with your registration to Alice Osborn to best accommodate your experience at this retreat. You'll be treated to eight organic meals and snacks. Bring your hearts, your pens and paper. All writers receive a 10-minute consult with Alice Osborn.


Writing Tips from Alice

 

Alice Osborn 2013-2
Many readers skip long narrative passages to get to the good stuff, i.e., what characters say and do to each other. Do the same as you write.

High-tension dialogue calls for fewer beats (less stage business). More beats will elongate a scene, as when characters get to know each other over dinner.

"We must have a weak spot or two in a character before we can love it much." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes


Wake County Open Mics

 

Alice guitar 1 

Royal Bean Coffee House (Literary Open Mic)

1st Thurs of every month

Next one is Thurs Dec 5th  

Time: 7-8:30pm

 

Organizer: Maureen Sherbondy

 

Fuquay Varina Third Thursdays Open Mic Reading Series (Literary Open Mic)

STARS Theater and Arts Center, 123 E. Vance St.
Thurs Dec 19th

3rd Thursday of every month, 6-8:30pm  

Organizer: Jan B. Parker         

 

Amplified Voices Poetry Open Mic (poetry and music)

Amplified Art Gallery, City Market, 325 Blake St. Downtown Raleigh
 

4th Tuesday of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm  
Dec & Jan Events &Programs!
Women's Creative Breakthrough Package with Coaches Elaine Bayless and Alice Osborn

This package includes 6 coaching sessions with Elaine and 3 Reiki Sessions with Alice (all 1 hour long)
FALL SPECIAL 2013 Fee: $449 (Regular price is $999=year-end savings of $550)
Special ends 12/31/13
Registration:

Do you feel like you never have any time for yourself? That it's always go, go go? You do have a creative side-but it hasn't seen the light of day for a long, long time. Take a break from giving out to others and nurture your own gifts for a change! In the Creative Breakthrough Package, Coach Elaine Bayless of InSpire Coaching (http://www.soulcourse.com) will help you uncover hidden obstacles and blocks in order to breakthrough to creativity. Using questions and other tools, Elaine empowers her clients to uncover what they already know and gives them permission to do it. Master and Coach Alice Osborn (http://aliceosborn.com) of Write from the Inside Out will help you tap into your intuition and creativity through your included Reiki sessions. Reiki is an ancient natural healing method that promotes balance and wellness. Reiki, applied with the hands by an attuned practitioner, addresses all levels of well-being on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. It is highly effective for reducing stress, tension and pain, and for promoting specific healing on the self and others. Stop putting your life on hold-take advantage of the Creative Breakthrough Package today! Open to all women seeking more peace and creativity in their lives. Questions? Call 919-971-9414.


Intro to Comedy Writing with Alice Osborn

Location: The nuLimina Center, MacGregor Park, 107 Edinburgh South Dr, #109, Cary, NC 27511
Wednesday, December 4, 2013      Time: 7-8:30pm
Fee: $29
Registration:Click Here

Writing memorable comedy can be so rewarding and so terrifying all at the same time. Getting folks to laugh exposes the author to fear and anxiety, but usually these risks are worth the reward! In this class with experienced author, editor and humorist Alice Osborn, you'll learn basic comedy writing: the rule of 3s, timing, detail, absurdity and acute observation. Alice learned that once she injected humor into her writing, more people liked her work-imagine that! We welcome anyone who wants to liven up their prose or poetry. All writers at all levels of experience are welcome.


Blogging to Build Your Business - Triangle Lunch Talks with Alice Osborn and Dave Baldwin

Location: Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet, 3131 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC
Thursday, December 12, 2013   Time: 11:30am-1pm
Fee: $12 for a delicious lunch buffet
RSVP: HereDave Baldwin

If you own your own business and you're not blogging, you are missing a huge opportunity. Blogging is not rocket science, but it does require discipline and a consistent practice to keep your creative juices flowing. If you said "yes" to any of these questions, this is a talk you will not want to miss! Seasoned bloggers Alice Osborn and Dave Baldwin will be sharing their secrets for building and keeping up a successful blog year after year!


Holiday Open House with the Wonderland Book Club, Co-sponsored by the NC Writers Network

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Suite 106, Raleigh, NC
Friday, December 13, 2013     Time:  10:00-noon

Registration: Click Here

Join us at our Holiday Open House where we exchange wrapped used books, eat holiday cookies and present the reading/author schedule for 2014! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and especially folks who are interested in learning what we have to offer which is a fabulous forum for readers, writers and live author discussions. For more details Click Here


Blogging to Build Your Business with Blogger Entrepreneurs Dave Baldwin and Alice Osborn

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Ste. 106 Raleigh NC
Friday, Jan 10, 2014   Time: 9:30am-4:30pm
Refreshments served
    Fee: $99
To Register: 
Alice 2013 If you own your own business and you're not blogging, you are missing a huge opportunity. However, blogging is a misunderstood phenomenon. In order to reap the benefits of blogging, it's essential to understand the true purpose of a blog, integrate blogging into your selling process and ensure a steady flow of topics to keep your audience engaged. Blogging is not rocket science, but it does require discipline and a consistent practice to keep your creative juices flowing. Seasoned bloggers and entrepreneurs Alice Osborn and Dave Baldwin will be sharing their secrets for building and keeping up a successful blog year after year even if you don't like to write! Come prepared for an action-packed and fun-filled session. If you are serious about taking your business to the next level and you'd like to explore how blogging can help you accomplish your goals in 2014, come join us and be ready to leave with an action plan!


How to Write and Publish Your Novel or Memoir Like a Rock Star!

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Ste. 106 Raleigh NC
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Time: 9:30am-2pm-Refreshments served
Fee: $25    Registration: Click Here

Want to finally write your novel or memoir in 2014? You can do it!  Throughout the morning, participants will be treated to discussions such as "I'm With the Band" about looking, acting, and being a professional writer; "Backstage Pass" for an insider's view of market info and finding places to sell your writing and "The VIP Room" with tips on working with editors and publishers once your work is selected. Belea T. Keeney and Alice Osborn, two authors and editors who have guided countless aspiring novelists and memoirists on their way to publication, will discuss the importance of writing well so you can attract your audience.

You'll also get all of your burning publication questions answered. Whether you're just starting to think about your book or have completed your manuscript, this workshop will set you on the path to stardom! All participants will receive a Backstage Pass Packet containing a writing notebook and a how-to book on writing.


Fiction Editing Boot Camp with Alice Osborn

Location: Online Webinar Series (Call numbers will be provided upon registration)
Three consecutive Tuesdays: Jan 14, 21st and 28th
Time: 1-2:15 pm
    Cost: $149    
Register Online: Here

This intensive online workshop series is for both editors and authors of fiction who are interested in breaking into freelance fiction editing or who want to advance their skills. This three-week series will cover the publishing process and will give you confidence with specific editing concerns such as timelines, characters, point of view, revision and more. The lessons will also cover logic, flow, voice, point of view, characterization, setting, and more. On the freelance editing business end, we'll also discuss time management, communication, and other smart business practices. This webinar series will be recorded so you won't miss the lesson if you cannot make the "live" class.


Memoir: The Next Level with Alice Osborn

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Ste. 106 Raleigh NC

Thursday, Jan 16 to Thursday, Feb 20, 2014 (Class meets for 6 Thursdays)
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm-Bring your lunch!

Tuition: Early Bird $149 (Till Dec 31st)/ $200 After
Additional editing package is $250, Tuition includes two 10-min accountability phone chats.
Registration: Click HereDiary with roses

Have you completed Alice's Beginning Memoir Workshop Series and wish to continue? Or have you started working on your memoir and now wonder what is the next step? Get on track with Memoir: The Next Level with Alice Osborn where you'll have in-class writing exercises and feedback to help you construct your memoir and build upon your foundation. Move forward in the direction you want to go by creating a memoir that will dazzle your readers. This class is best-suited for writers who have previous writing experience or who have been working on their memoirs. Participants bring their own lunch and there'll be a half hour lunch break. Your tuition includes two 10-min accountability phone chats and if you'd like Alice to edit your memoir pages during the class, consider purchasing the $250 editing package (valued at $800).


Poetry Out Loud District Competition for the Statewide Contest

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Ste. 106 Raleigh NC
Thursday, Jan 16th 2014 Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Open to the Public and refreshments!
Support young, talented poets!

This is the Wake County area wide contest for high schoolers competing in the national poetry out loud contest. Winners continue to the state-level contest in March in Greensboro.
Alice Osborn is the Wake County Coordinator. Light refreshments. Email Alice Osborn at [email protected] or call 919-971-9414 for more information.

Want to Get Published the Right Way? Contact Alice TODAY!

 

919-971-9414
9660-138 Falls of Neuse #294
Raleigh, NC 27615
 

Alice Osborn, M.A. is the author of three books of poetry: After the Steaming Stops (Main Street Rag, 2012), Unfinished Projects (Main Street Rag, 2010) and Right Lane Ends (Catawba, 2006) and is the editor of the anthology, Tattoos (Main Street Rag, 2012); she is also a writing coach, speaker, blogger and teaching artist. Besides working with corporations and small businesses, Alice teaches creative writing in schools and in community settings where she uses sensory images and road-tested prompts to stimulate her students' best work. Her writing has appeared in Raleigh's News and Observer, Soundings Review, The Pedestal Magazine, and in numerous journals and anthologies. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina Writers' Network. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two children. Visit her website: www.aliceosborn.com.


SAVE

 

$100 

It's BACK!

Book your seat at Alice's Dream It, Do It, Women's Retreat Aug 8-11 for only $50. Register HERE.
Offer Expires: Dec 31st