Area 2 Newsletter
November 2024
Pennnwriters Area 2 Happenings and News
I'm Katie Yelinek, the Area 2 representative. Please email me at area2rep [at] pennwriters.org or kathryn [at] kathrynyelinek.com if I can help you in any way.
I did not get any recommendations for writing-related supplies and gifts for the holidays. So, however you enjoy your holidays, I hope it brings inspiration!
Area Member News
Congratulations to Marta Perry, whose book, MATCH MADE AT THE AMISH INN, comes out in February from Love Inspired. After 88 books, numerous novellas, and many short stories published in a 30+ year career, Perry is looking forward to spending time with her family in retirement.
For those of you who don't know Marta Perry, she is a long-time Pennwriters member who was instrumental in the early days of the organization. She won the very first Meritorious Service Award in 1994. She is a gracious person, an asset to Pennwriters, and a diligent writer.
Two other members shared their memories of Marta and good wishes for her retirement. Marta (or Martha to her friends), I hope you know how well-loved and respected you are in this organization, and we wish you nothing but the best in the coming years.
From Nancy Martin: I remember Martha as a dedicated writer who put in her ten thousand hours for sure! She worked hard for her success, and was a delight to be around. I am sorry to hear she is retiring, but she earned it.
From Susan Meier: Martha is an all-around amazing writer. Her breakthrough came when she began writing Amish romances and she took off like a shot. But most Pennwriters remember her as warm, comfortable, generous with her knowledge, and inspiring. You could sit with Martha and chat about anything. She made you feel your story was worth writing and you had the talent to write it. Really, that’s what a writer’s group is all about: connection and inspiration. Have a wonderful retirement, Martha. I know your fans will miss new books, but you’ve got a long backlist that should keep them happy and get you new fans for years to come.
Got something to celebrate?
Got a new book out? Short story? Poem? Article? Did you get something reprinted? Won an award? Gave a reading or presentation? Send me a note so I can celebrate with you.
Meeting
The Area 2 critique group is currently alternating between meetings in Danville and Berwick. For information about the next meeting, contact Dave Freas, quillracer [at] pa.metrocast.net.
Pennwriters Organization-Wide News
Reminders:
- The writing contest is back in 2025! See the article in the latest issue of The Penn Writer for details, and start preparing your entries.
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- Do you want to see your name in print? The Penn Writer editor is always looking for articles. Contact her at newslettersubmissions@pennwriters.org
- You can join any area's Zoom meetings. You can find a list of area meetings on the website.
- Looking for feedback on your latest work in progress? Pennwriters offers the Critique Partner Program to match authors up with fellow writers. We want to know what you're looking for. Then, we'll find the most compatible partner based on genre, progress, and other factors. We can also handle articles, essays, or other nonfiction. Our goal is helping to create a mutually beneficial partnership for both parties. So whether you have a finished work you'd like a beta reader for, or a work in progress that you'd like critiqued, please email D. J. Stevenson a PennwritersCritiquePartners@gmail.com for more information.
- Help your Pennwriters colleagues by leaving reviews on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, Bookbub, etc.
Volunteer
Pennwriters needs you! We've managed to fill several openings, but still have to fill these positions:
- Conference Coordinators for 2026. You receive two free conferences and have lots of help from committee chairs. Interested? Contact president [at] pennwriters.org.
Upcoming online courses are:
Conference News
It's not too early to mark your calendars for next year's conference.The conference will be held May 16th-18th at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Our keynote speaker will be Natalie D. Richards. Brent Maguire will be the Saturday luncheon speaker. Hope to see you there!
That's it for now. Happy writing, everyone.