California Writers Club, Sacramento Branch

Dedicated to Educating Writers of all Levels

New book by CWC member Cheryl Stapp: Sacramento Chronicles A Golden Past

Happy release day to CWC-Sacramento member Cheryl Stapp for her latest local history book, Sacramento Chronicles: A Golden Past.

About the book:

Sacramento boomed when forty-niners flocked to California, but the road from riverfront trading post to cosmopolitan capital was bumpy and winding. In this collection, historian and local author Cheryl Anne Stapp reveals the setbacks and successes that shaped the city, including a devastating cholera outbreak, the 1850s’ Squatter Riots, two major fires, the glamorous Pony Express and the first transcontinental railroad built by Sacramento merchants. Even bursting levees and swollen riverbanks couldn’t keep the fledgling city down, as Sacramento hoisted its downtown buildings and streets above flood level. Come discover the diversity of Sacramento’s heritage from agriculture and state fairs to war efforts, Prohibition and historic preservation, and explore the historic sites that mark the city’s development.

About the Author

Cheryl Anne Stapp lives with her husband in Sacramento, where she was born, raised, and acquired an avid interest in Sacramento’s exciting Gold Rush History. A graduate of California State University, Northridge, she currently serves as vice president of the California Writers Club, Sacramento branch. Visit her website “California’s Olden Golden Days” at CherylAnneStapp.com.

New book by CWC member Cheryl Stapp: Disaster & Triumph: Sacramento Women Gold Rush through Civil War

CWC-Sacramento congratulates long-time member Cheryl Stapp on the recent publication of her excellent work of regional women’s history, Disaster and Triumph: Sacramento Women, Gold Rush Through the Civil War.

About the book:

Most histories highlight men’s lives. Disaster & Triumph: Sacramento Women, Gold Rush Through the Civil War is the first one to uncover the women who helped shape history in today’s California capital–then an important “hub” city of the great California Gold Rush.
Thousands upon thousands of men from all over the world descended on the region eager to find a fortune . . . but expecting to get rich quick and return home, few brought wives and families. Two years into the Golden Immigration, less than 8% of Sacramento’s residents were women. Yet those women made their mark, proving their mettle as decision makers and breadwinners in a uniquely masculine society. Displaying spunk and determination and skills honed by new experiences, their successes altered women’s perceived traditional roles in a turbulent city beset with major fires, devastating floods, and other disasters. Read intriguing cameos of respectable ladies and scandalous harlots–then experience the lives and times of six extraordinary women:
  • Jennie Wimmer, the camp cook and laundress at the Coloma gold discovery site;
  • Dorothea Wolfinger Zins, a Donner Party survivor who made bricks for the construction of Sacramento homes and businesses;
  • the accomplished governor’s wife Mary Zabriskie Johnson;
  • overland pioneer Margaret Frink, church founder and dairyman’s wife;
  • Lavinia Waterhouse, successful water-cure practitioner, midwife, and fiery suffragette;
  • Margaret Crocker, the beloved benefactress to a maturing city.

Meticulously researched and visually written with spirit and wit, Disaster & Triumph: Sacramento Women, Gold Rush Through the Civil War is for history buffs, students, women’s discussion groups, or anyone who savors an entertaining and educational read about the struggles and attainments of pioneer women.

About the Author

Cheryl Anne Stapp lives with her husband in Sacramento, where she was born, raised, and acquired an avid interest in Sacramento’s exciting Gold Rush History. A graduate of California State University, Northridge, she currently serves as vice president of the California Writers Club, Sacramento branch. Disaster & Triumph: Sacramento Women, Gold Rush Through the Civil War took two years to research and write. Visit her website “California’s Olden Golden Days” at CherylAnneStapp.com.

New book by CWC member Laurie Hoirup: I Can Dance

Happy release day to CWC-Sacramento member Laurie Hoirup!

I Can Dance tells of a child diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy who achieved education (bachelor’s and master’s degree), friendships, family, and professional employment as teacher and administrator. Throughout, the author speaks with frank intimacy about her life with a disability, the good, the bad, and the sometimes strange and surprising. I Can Dance will open eyes and hearts to the potential of people with even severe physical disabilities and show a unique and vibrant individual growing and thriving amidst challenges and opportunities in the lively background of the 1960s and 1970s and beyond, from childhood to grandparenthood. This is a life lived fully and told with enthusiasm. Foreword by Catherine Campisi, former Director, California Department of Rehabilitation, and disability advocate.

Click to purchase on amazon.com

California Writers Club Literary Review first issue on its way!

Attention CWC members: watch for your copy of the inaugural issue of the

California Writers Club Literary Review, soon to arrive in your

mailbox.

 

The WinterSpring 2012 edition contains fiction, memoirs, essays, mood

pieces, poems and cartoons about love and death, longing and madness,

horses, poison, Vincent Van Gold and his obsession with colors, the attics

of our memories, floundering about aimlessly searching for the meaning of

life instead of living it, the quirkiness of writing and aspiring for

recognition, and absolutely so much more.

 

We can take pride in the talent of our fellow members as we read the

Literary Review and show it to prospective members. You might find it so

worthwhile that next time the call goes out, you’ll study the guidelines

in the back of the issue and send in a submission or two of your own.

Appearing in this handsome magazine definitely counts as a credit for you,

and your best work will make it a better publication. We all benefit from

that.

 

We may not wind up with many extras to keep on hand, so the magazine has

the potential of becoming a collectible. Nonetheless, consider mentioning

at meetings that if members do not want to keep their copies, your board

or branch would like to have them for future use.

 

So read on,

Sail on, and by all means,

Enjoy,

Donna McCrohan Rosenthal

CWC PR Chair