Wino writers took a trip to Gatlinburg and The Great Smoky Mountains and as Borat would say, “It was great success!”

We got loads of work done and even hiked up several of the scenic trails, which was a good thing because we spent the rest of our time drinking rasberry vodka and diet tonic and snacking on the fudge and funnel cakes that are bountiful in the uber touristy Gatlinburg. And we even made two new cullinary discoveries: fried peanuts (you can even eat the shell) and green apple flavored, home-made twizzlers (much better than the regular kind but tres caloric). These went well with the wine we bought at the Smoky Mountain Winery. We recommend the Mountain Red.

There wasn’t much to do at night that didn’t involve hoedowns and mini golf, but we did manage to catch a comedic Elvis show with impersonator Lou Vuto headlining in Pigeon Forge at “Elvis and Friends.” This amazing show, which is mostly viewed by octogenarians, included other musical icons like Tim McGraw, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. We definitely recommend catching this act. You can even take a picture with Lou Elvis and friends on a motorcycle at intermission or at the end of the show. You can’t beat that with a stick!

For some reason reading about famous writers’ rejections made me feel better. Made me want to persevere…Check it out…

I’ve just heard about a book that is supposed to change writers’ lives…

It’s Self Editing for Fiction Writers: How to edit yourself into print. According to one Wino Writer, it is a book that should be reread once a year.That’s a powerful endorsement if I’ve ever heard one.

Have you read this book? I’m going to check it out and let you know what I think.

For almost 35 years now the Agnes Scott Writers’ Festival has brought renowned novelists, poets, playwrights and essayists to the campus. In the past, distinguished literary figures such as: Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike and many others have shared their work and writing experiences with Agnes Scott and the larger Atlanta community.

Come with Wino Writers March 26-27, 2009 to check out this year’s festival!

After the latest Wino Writers’ meeting, we’ve decided two things…one is that we need some inspiration this spring in the form of a conference. We’re looking into Savannah since we like the beautiful trees and courtyards and the close proximity to Atlanta. We’ll keep you posted on that…

The other thing we decided was that we like Ménage à Trois. Not that!! Keep your pants on, we’re talking about the wine. We just tried Ménage à Trois White and it is some kinda good with a light fragrant taste that is, dare I say, silky and flowery. It almost seemed low on the alcohol content. BUT it is not, so don’t go swilling it like it’s water. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts!

While perusing the good ole internet for some words of wisdom to inspire me to write, I stumbled on 6 Must-Read Writing Blogs listed on Scribophile. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Afterall, “Reading usually precedes writing and the impulse to write is almost always fired by reading. Reading, the love of reading, is what makes you dream of becoming a writer.”
- Susan Sontag

Ain’t that the truth? I’m currently reading The Time Travaler’s Wife and it is fabulous! It’s got me hooked and it’s dragging me by the hair all the way through. Best of all, it is definetly firing me up to finish my dusty old (emphasis on old) novel.

Wino Writers is taking a road trip to Kennesaw State University to hear Chris Roerden, author of Don’t Sabotage Your Submission,  share the secrets of submitting a manuscript on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 10AM – 12PM. The event is free and open to the public.

We’ll be doing lunch afterwards and discussing the keys to getting published. Come join us!

We wanted to share an excerpt from Malcom Gladwell’s new book Outliers – he wrote The Tipping Point and Blink.

He says that all great achievers have one thing in common – you have to work 10,000 hours on your craft before you are really great at what you do. He specifically notes that this applies to fiction writers.

Well…it seems we all need to keep at it!

That is the question. Of course, the answer varies widely. We Wino Writers think it’s best to answer this question by first asking, what do agents hate?

We found useful answers to that question on Writer’s Digest – click here to find out.

What have you found that agents want/don’t want/love/hate?

Skirt! Magazine is a great place to get your essays published. This is a publication that can help you build your resume, your confidence or just place that personal piece that you’ve been working so hard on.

However, there are guidelines and the ones for 2009 are in – check ‘em out!