Story Quest & More Exciting ‘Firsts’ for Writers in SL

I’ve been fighting that Big, Bad Time Monster lately — trying to juggle my income-producing work … with revising my novel … with attending an increasing number of great writers’ events in Second Life … with blog-writing … with everything else in life … blah, blah, blah.

And as they say in that great movie, Sordid Lives, “It ain’t a-workin’!”

I have to confront the truth about myself:  I’m a lousy juggler.  Still, I had to write this post to let you know about some great new writing-related developments in Second Life.

March 20: Join the Second Life Story Quest

One of my in-world projects has been assisting Jenaia Morane in organizing the first annual Second Life Story Quest to be held on World Storytelling Day, March 20.

Jenaia built and runs the fabulous Story Trail in SL (see my post about it here), which is part of her Virtual World Story Project.  From the Virtual World Story Project Web site:

“…first annual Story Quest, to be held on World Storytelling Day, March 20, 2009.  With a goal of helping writers and storytellers imagine, craft, and share Second Life stories, the Quest will lead participants along one of five Story Trails.   Along each trail will be a series of Enchanted Books. Touching the books will not only provide information to include in the story, but clues that lead to other points on the trail as well.” (read more here)

Both of the writers’ programs in Second Life that I’m connected with — Story Mountain Center for Writers and TLE Creative Showcase for Writers & Authors at The Learning Experience — are participating in the Story Quest, which will take participants to a variety of SL locations during the course of the event.

Here’s how it works:

• Start by going to Jenaia’s Storybook Island or Karuna Island  in Second Life (check back here before the event to find out which one) any time after midnight SL time (Pacific time) on March 20.
• Choose a story genre (romance, murder mystery, fantasy, science fiction, or creative nonfiction) and pick up the initial instructions for the quest.
• Using the clues, the information along the way, and helpful guidelines in the instructions, proceed to write a story sometime before 5 p.m.
• Submit your story (if you wish to submit it) by 5 p.m. SL time.
• Join the celebration and party at Karuna Island in SL starting at 5 p.m.
• All stories submitted will be read, and the winners of each category will be published in the online magazine, Rez Libris.
• For more details on the event and how to contact Jenaia if you have questions, do check out her Virtual World Story Project article about it.

I’m so excited at the creative possibilities writers of any experience level might find in this fun quest!  Also, I’m hoping this event, which straddles both the virtual and physical worlds, will contribute to one of my goals (and one which Jenaia Morane shares), which is to introduce even more writers to the incredible community of writers and writing resources in Second Life.

Weekly Radio Show for Writers in SL Premieres March 15

I can’t wait to listen to this:  The first-ever radio show focusing on the literary scene in Second Life premieres Sunday, March 15, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. SL time (Pacific time).  It’s titled Off the Shelf and will consist of interviews of Second Life writers, poets, publishers, editors, literary agents, librarians, and literary venue owners.

Inside the Bookstacks Pub

Off the Shelf will be broadcast live on the air each Sunday on Radio Riel, an Internet radio station that has sprung out of and focuses on Second Life.  It will also be recorded and available on iTunes and in a podcast form for later listening.

Two wonderful writers/supporters of the SL writing community – Kghia Gherardi and Simeon Beresford — will host each show, which will be taped live at Awen, the home of Bookstacks (one of the great writers’ places featured in this post).  Mark it on your calendar and tune in online or head over for the live program at Bookstacks!

Children’s Author Kristen Darbyshire Is First Writer-in-Residence at Inkygirl Haven

Over at Inkygirl Haven, Inkygirl Omizu (Debbie Ridpath Ohi) has inaugurated what I expect will be a great resource for writers and illustrators of children’s book:  a Writer/Illustrator-in-Residence program.

Her first resident author is Kristen Darbyshire, whose book, Put It On the List, was recently published by Dutton.  As the resident writer/artist, Kristen’s work is featured at Inkygirl Haven, where you’ll be able to meet her in virtual life on Monday, March 23, at 5 p.m. SL time (Pacific time).

I love the energy Inkygirl is bringing to the SL writing scene and encourage every writer — for adult as well as children’s audiences — to visit her place!

An Update About a ‘First’:  Lots More Info About SL Writing at Story Mountain

As promised, I’ve finally updated what I unofficially call “The Information Wall” at Story Mountain Center for Writers.  As soon as you walk in through the (brand-new, by the way) front lodge doorways, turn to the left where you’ll see on display the SL Events for Writers calendar, flanked by signs you can scroll through to get information about many of the writer-related groups in Second Life and many of the SL locations that support the writing community here:

Tagged as: Bookstacks, Inkygirl's Haven, Jenaia Morane, literary radio, TLE Educational Network, Virtual Worlds Story Project, writers calendar, writers resources