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Program Calendar |
January 21, 2012
Ernest Hebert is best known for his Darby series, a collection of six novels about a fictional New Hampshire town and its transformation over the course of 25 years. Ernest Hebert has published nine novels as well as a book of essays about the Granite State. Hebert is widely recognized for his focus on New England and, following the publication of Spoonwood in 2005, was named 2006 New England Booksellers Association's fiction author of the year. A Keene, NH native and graduate of Keene State College, he is creative writing director at Dartmouth College and the first fiction writer to be granted tenure at Dartmouth. Hebert's tenth novel, NEVER BACK DOWN—fifty years in the life of a Keene, NH, working man—is scheduled for publication in late 2011 by David Godine, Inc. Photo Credit: Medora Hebert February 18, 2012 Guest Speakers: B. Eugene McCarthy and Thomas Doughton In recognition of Black History Month, guest speakers McCarthy and Doughton will discuss their book, From Bondage to Belonging: The Worcester Slave Narratives. With a PhD from University of Kansas, B. Eugene "Gene" McCarthy taught English at Holy Cross College from 1965 to 2000, specializing in 18th Century English literature as well as African-American literature—several colleagues and he created the African-American Studies program. His publications have been in those areas, most recently Thomas Gray: The Progress of a Poet, and with Thomas L Doughton, From Bondage to Belonging: The Worcester Slave Narratives. Thomas Doughton is a member of the Quinsigamond Band of the Nipmuc Nation, director of The Peoples Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, a historian and professor at the College of the Holy Cross, as well as one of the editors of From Bondage to Belonging, The Worcester Slave Narratives. March 17, 2012 A Panel Discussion with Guest Speakers: Publishing in the 21st Century: Sid Hall is the publisher of Hobblebush Books, an independent press dedicated to publishing books of the highest quality that present a unique voice and make a difference. They publish both literary and non-literary titles. In addition,Hobbleush creates books for other publishers, organizations, and individuals. You can visit their Web site at: http://webpages.charter.net/hobblebush
You can visit her Web site at: http://www.judyringer.com
Willard Williams has been co-owner of the independent Toadstool Bookshops for almost four decades. He has served on the advisory council of the Amercian Booksellers Association, and has been at the forefront of e-books and e-publishing and what it means for the independent bookseller. His staunch support of Monadnock Region writers is legendary. April 21, 2012
Joe Smiga made the transition from a lifetime of reading military thrillers to publishing his first thriller, Behind the Lies, in 2009. Behind The Lies is the culmination of his military background before working in the business world and his ideas of how current events could possibly cause a major catastrophe in our lives. Reviewer John Clayton states: Joe has scripted a cliff-hanger of a naval battle with a destroyer called the USS Manchester cast as a key player in the drama. You can visit Joe's Web site at: http://www.joesmiga.com May 19, 2012
Jennifer Richard Jacobson’s children’s books include picture books (Moon Sandwich Mom), a beginning reader series (Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle), a middle grade series (Winnie at Her Best), and young adult novels including the award-winning Stained, The Complete History of Why I Hate Her, and Small as an Elephant. Jennifer received her master’s in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has taught preschool through sixth grade and has served as Curriculum Coordinator, Head of Studies or Language Arts Specialist in several New England schools. As a continuing author-in-residence and educational consultant, she has worked with thousands of teachers and administrators to help students reach their highest potential. June 16, 2012 Members Only Read-Around Our June meeting is the popular Members Only Read-Around. Please bring a few poems or short excerpts from your writing to share with the group (5-10 minutes of reading time each). Please note that in the interest of time, this is not a critique session. It is your chance to shine and hear your voice within a welcoming, writer community. Previous Speakers September 17, 2011
Jane Brox is the author of Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light, which Entertainment Weekly called “....an addictively readable cultural history. In a word: dazzling.” Jane will speak about her book, as well as her experience in writing and publishing over the years.
Her essays have appeared in many anthologies including Best American Essays, The Norton Book of Nature Writing, and the Pushcart Prize Anthology. October 15, 2011
bg Thurston is a former systems analyst and a graduate of Vermont College's MFA in Writing Program. Most of her poetry focuses on nature as an illumination of human thought and emotion. Her chapbook, Saving the Lamb, was released by Finishing Line Press and was selected as one of Massachusetts Book Awards highly recommended reading choices in 2008. Her volume of full-length poetry, Nightwalking, was released this year by Haleys of Athol. She currently resides on a sheep farm in Warwick, MA and teaches writing workshops both online and in a variety of academic venues. November 19, 2011
Katherine Towler is the author of Snow Island, Evening Ferry, and Island Light, a trilogy of New England novels. She teaches in the MFA Program in Writing at Southern NH University and lives on the NH Seacoast. Katherine will read from her current work-in-progress, a non-fiction book about solitude, the writing life, Portsmouth, and the late poet Robert Dunn. Her presentation will include a discussion of the challenges and rewards of writing in different genres, and some tips for structuring a work of either fiction or non-fiction. Please visit Katherine's web site for more information about her work: www.katherinetowler.com December 17, 2011 Members Only Read-Around Our December meeting is the popular Members Only Read-Around. Please bring a few poems or short excerpts from your writing to share with the group (5-10 minutes of reading time each). Please note that in the interest of time, this is not a critique session. It is your chance to shine and hear your voice within a welcoming, writer community. If you have any questions about or suggestions for the Monadnock Writers' Group Program Calendar, please email info@monadnockwriters.org. |
Guest Speaker: Ernest Hebert
Judy Ringer is the self-published author of Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict. She provides conflict, communication, and presentation skills training internationally with innovative workshops based on mind/body principles from the martial art Aikido, in which she holds a second-degree black belt. 
Guest Speaker: Joe Smiga
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Guest Speaker: Jane Brox
Guest Speaker: bg Thurston
Guest Speaker: Katherine Towler