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Address
P.O. Box 928, Petaluma, CA 94953
Phone
(707) 762-3208
Email
sbono@tiny-lights.com
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
A good editor gives you at least two extra eyes—one in the center of your forehead that stays focused on your literary vision; one in the back of your head for tracking details and keeping your bases covered.
In my former career as a high school English teacher and in my current work as a writer’s group facilitator, workshop presenter, editor, and small press publisher, I’ve been helping writers improve their vision for more than 20 years. I enjoy every type of editing project, but specialize in facilitating you and your fiction, essays, and memoir.
Literary Services
Editing & Coaching
For inquiry or quotes, please see contact info above
The Flat Rate Edit
For short pieces (3,000 words or less), I offer a flat rate edit. $75.00 includes margin notes and an in-depth written analysis, with emphasis on practical suggestions. In these "essay intensives," I am often able to help writers identify and break through patterns that have been limiting the scope of their work. Hard copy or email submissions okay, but please query first.
Endorsements
- Patricia Harrelson, essayist, Community College instructor, Jamestown, CA:
"We who keep scribbling are blessed by the likes of you who scribble on our work."
- Judith Ryan Hendricks, author of Bread Alone (Morrow, 2001), Isabel's Daughter (June 2003) and Baker's Apprentice (2005). www.judihendricks.com:
"Susan, thanks for showing me why God created editors."
- Rebecca Lawton, author of Reading Water: Lessons from the River (Capitol Books, 2002). www.becca.lawton.net:
An accomplished writer in her own right, Susan is a superlative editor as well: incisive, sensitive, tactful, and respectful of the author's unique voice. Her light, sure touch only improved my work. The literary conversation we had while revising my essay "Faith in the Dry Season" not only led to a deeper understanding of the piece but to a Pushcart Prize nomination. Beg, borrow, barter--do anything you can to raise the funds to work with her. You'll be glad you did!"
- Alla Crone, author of East Lies the Sun , Winds over Manchuria , North of the Moon , Legacy of Amber , Rodina and Maxim. www.allacrone.com:
"After writing for years and publishing six books, I have never had such in-depth help as I did from Susan Bono. My only regret is that I didn't meet her earlier! Her critique was detailed, meticulous, not only in regard to the theme and structure of my current book, but also the grammar and lazy writing. For that I am eternally grateful. In short, she didn't let me get away with anything, and yet her comments were tactful and kind. My next manuscript is going to her as soon as I finish my first draft."
Classes and Events
Literary conferences, fairs, meetings, and courses
2nd Annual Redwood Writers Conference
Theme: Celebration of the Written Word
Redwood Writers, a branch of the California Writers Club, is producing its second annual writing conference, set in the beautiful city of Santa Rosa.
Pre-conference Poetry Evening, Friday, October 29th
Redwood Writers 2010 Conference, Saturday, October 30th, 7:30 am – 6:30 pm
Flamingo Hotel and Resort, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, CA
This one-day conference will feature agents, editors, (including Susan Bono!) and writers from all genres. They will offer their insights and experiences in the craft of writing at beginning through advanced levels, as well as the encouragement of fellow writers in a relaxed and friendly, wine-country setting.
www.redwoodwriters.org.
Write Ways to Love: A Retreat for Writers
Spirit Mountain Retreat Center
Idyllwild, CA
October 1-3
Time: Friday 7:30 pm – Sunday 12:30 pm
We will explore the many faces of love through meditation, writing prompts, journaling and sharing our personal and common experiences. We will host a deep appreciation of what love has meant to us, how we see it today, and how we hope to fulfill the capacity for love through mindfulness and practice. Our approach will be anchored by Bell Hook’s All About Love, and by the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn, especially Taming the Tiger Within. This retreat, open to all genders and lifestyles, is part of Spirit Mountain's program focus on what it means to be fully human.
Fee: $250 includes retreat, private room at Spirit Mountain and meals
Commuter Fee: $150 for retreat and meals
Deposit: $50 by August 15th (Retreat limited to15 Participants)
Registration: Call 951-659-2523 or email
Abigail@spiritmountainretreat.org
Facilitators: Susan Bono and Joan Zerrien
Spirit Mountain Retreat Center.
Mendocino Coast Writers Conference
July 29-31 Fort Bragg, CA
Presenters like Alison Luterman, Kat Meads, Lynne Barrett, Valerie Miner, Ellen Sussman and MORE, are even more inspiring than the wild California coastline!
This truly special and enlightening experience will help you remember why you are a writer. See you there!
www.mcwc.org.
Aqus Speakeasy Literary Saloon #2
Aqus Cafe
2nd & H Streets
Petaluma, CA
July 22, 2010 7-9 p.m.
Admission: $5 (sliding scale)
Gather for a drink, a bite & a feast of words with hosts
Susan Bono & Ransom Stephens
Featuring: Joe Quirk, author of It's not You. It's Biology. & The Ultimate Rush
Barbara Baer, author of Grisha the Scrivener
Nic Nicastro, author of Passion
Nancy Long , creator of the 5 Minute Street Play Festival
Guy Biederman, editor of Bust Out Stories
Attn. Writers: Bring a short piece of writing and
enter the drawing for two open mic slots (7 min. each)
Speakeasy.
Sonoma County Book Festival
Saturday, September 25, 2010
10—4 Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa
Admission: FREE
Dozens of authors, thousands of readers. As always, hope to see you there!
www.socobookfest.org.
15th Annual Petaluma Poetry Walk
10 a.m.-8 p.m. at venues around Petaluma.
I’ll be hosting readings for Mimi Albert, Kit Kennedy, Eileen Malone, Amber Tamblyn & Ed Mycue. Don’t miss this avalanche of poetry!
www.petalumapoetrywalk.org.
No events or classes are currently scheduled. Please check back soon!
Past Highlights
Highlights of 2009
5th Annual Pt. Reyes Writing Retreat
Facilitated by Patti Trimble and Susan Bono
7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22--4 p.m. Sunday, May 24.
Pt. Reyes Lifeboat Station at Chimney Rock
$175 ($170 members)
Don't miss the chance to write and relax at the old Pt. Reyes Lifeboat station, a location with ocean views and our own rocky beach! Our peaceful, rustic retreat (think summer camp!) is for anyone who enjoys writing. We will spend the weekend weaving images and thoughts from our memories and from our observations of the natural world. There will be (optional) workshops on poetry, memoir/essay, and we will share new work in our small, supportive community. Accomodations included at the Pt. Reyes Lifeboat Station. Meals are potluck.
Contact Cathy @ PT. Reyes Field Seminars to register: 415-663-1200, ext. 373.
Point Reyes Field Seminars.
Sonoma County Library's March Writers Nights
5—8:30 p.m.
Central Branch Forum Room
Third and E Streets in Santa Rosa
Local writers are invited to come,
talk with other writers ,hear presentations by experienced writersand work on their own projects.
Scheduled presentations:
March 4 — Debbie Koehler, fantasy novelist
March 11 — Michael Shapiro, author of
A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers
Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration
March 18 — Susan Bono, freelance editor;
publisher of Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative
March 25 — Vicki Delany, mystery writer ,
author of Valley of the Lost
Doors open at 5, presentation at 6, open writing time 7-8:30.
Santa Rosa Library Calendar.
CA Writers Club Redwood Branch
Saturday, February 7, 2009 10--11 a.m.
Editing/Revision Workshop:
Personal Narrative: Make it Read Like a Story
E-Mail For Info
www.redwoodwriters.org.
WOW! (Women on Writing) Conference
Skyline College in San Bruno, CA offers its annual one-day literary women's conference on March 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Launching Your Writing: Savvy Strategies to Promote your Work."
From 2:30 --4p.m. I'll be exploring ways to find your audience in a panel discussion with Sandy Boucher, Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Calvin Crosby, and Kathleen McClung. Lots of fabulous presenters, including Julia Whitty, Susan Wooldridge, Tristine Rainer, Suzanne LaFetra, Amy Rennert, Micheline Aharonian Marcom, Nona Caspers, and more!
WOW! website.
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