The only problem with this kind of dreaming is that there are no specifics. After all, we obviously knew exactly what it would be like to go roaring down a well-engineered road with no speed limits in an eminently powerful auto.

So it was that, at the grand young age of sixty-five, I agreed to go to Germany to visit my new wife’s relatives. Arriving in Frankfort, we picked up our rental car and suddenly my adolescent dream swept in like a tidal wave as we took off down the Autobahn.

Unfortunately, I found myself driving a Fiat Punto, which only rattled down the road, trying to stay out of the way of Porsches, BMWs and Mercedes.

Contributed by: Dennis Eamon Young

Our first meeting at KCBX.net will be on November 10, 2009, where Christine Taylor will present an interactive workshop on Social Media. You don’t want to miss this amazing workshop in building a writing presence on the internet.

The new KCBX.net Media Room offers SLO NightWriters distinct advantages. Today’s writer needs to be up-to-date on the latest computer and internet technology. The KCBX.net Media Room offers us a professional atmosphere with access to 20 computers, email, internet, printers and a full Power Point setup. In addition, Wifi is available for anyone who brings a laptop to the meetings. This will enable us to offer expanded presentations and workshops that will cover the technological aspects of writing that we were able to only touch on before. There is also abundant parking and adequate outdoor lighting.

The SLO NightWriter Board of Directors is really excited about this change for all our member and non-member writers. We feel this is a giant step forward in offering writers the tools they need to be successful in today’s market. If anyone needs further directions on finding KCBX.net, please email slonightwriters@yahoo.com (“Map” in the subject line) and we’ll be happy to send you full details.

Judythe Guarnera, 3rd Place, Short Story for: Joe, the Genie and the IRS

Debra Davis Hinkle, 3rd Place, Poetry for: Helping Hand

Anne Allen, 1st Place, Children’s/Young Adult for: The Big Ones

Debra Davis Hinkle, 2nd Place, Creative Nonfiction/Memoir for: It’s Not A Dream

Judythe Guarnera, 3rd Place, Creative Nonfiction/Memoir for: Sweet Cravings

Coming up in the next few months:

* October 13, 7:00 pm: The unveiling of our short story/poetry contest winners. The top finalists in both genres will read their winning entries. Come see how different writers interpreted this year’s theme, The Dream. It’s an entertaining and inspiring evening of great writing and mixing with some of the county’s best writers.

*November 10, 7:00 pm: A workshop on Social Media: Creating Internet Connections to Build Your Platform. No writer can afford to ignore today’s technology if they hope to become a successful, well-selling author. Come learn the tricks that will help you create a solid presence in cyberspace that will create a loyal following for whatever you write.

*December 8, 7:00 pm: Our second annual Holiday Party. A fun evening mixing with other writers in a social setting, which enjoying Holiday refreshments and watching our (famous) original entertainment geared especially for writers. This is a great way to explore what SLO NightWriters is all about in a relaxed atmosphere. Come meet the NightWriters and discover what we can offer you in the writing arena.

Writing is a solitary occupation. It’s easy for writers to drop into what I call “hermit mode.” We hunker behind our keyboards, stare at our flat screens, and tune out the world while we create new, and often more compelling, worlds with words and imaginations. But writers need a concrete presence in the real world, a platform from which they can proclaim their talent and to which they can draw an ever-enlarging circle of readers. And they need trusted compatriots who can help them hone their skills to the highest level, and encourage them to reach out by submitting work to contests, publications, agents and publishers.

That’s the value of SLO NightWriters. We offer the support, encouragement, extended learning and opportunities that can make a writer’s dreams of success come true. Join us this fall and see what we can offer to you, how we can help you realize the passion that rules your writing life.

Susan Tuttle

President, SLO NightWriters