February 21, 2013
Hello, writers,
Twelve writers met at the Callahan library Tuesday evening. The pieces ranged from poetry to
fiction. Many of us chose to write on
the “curiosity killed the cat” prompt.
Please note CCWW will
not meet on Tuesday, February 26 and Tuesday, March 5. Our second six-week session will run from
Tuesday, March 12 through Tuesday, April 16.
Here’s what happened…
We started the workshop with a choice of warm-up exercises. I’ll list them here in case you want to do
them at home...
Choose one of the
following prompts and write for ten minutes:
1.
A myth explaining some natural
phenomenon
2.
Your childhood crush(es)
3.
Your experience with sports
or athletics
4.
A free-write on anything
After a few members read their warm-ups, we introduced
ourselves, shared information and began the critiques.
Good News and
Information Exchange…
CCWW is planning a
Publication Party for Tuesday, April
16. In addition to eating yummy food, we’re preparing at least one publication-ready
piece for submission to a magazine, a newspaper, an agent or a publisher. Members may wish to start researching markets
now. Each CCWW-er will choose his or her
piece and a publication. Of course, it’s
up to CCWW members to figure out the submission guidelines for the chosen publication-some
ask for query letters while others ask for sample pages.
Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece! I’ll bring a few market research resources beginning in March. Are you up to the challenge?
Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece! I’ll bring a few market research resources beginning in March. Are you up to the challenge?
We gave writers a three-part assignment Tuesday night. It is due when we return from break on Tuesday,
March 12. The three-part assignment is
as follows:
1.
Select your piece(s).
2.
Edit and revise your piece(s).
3.
Begin researching writing markets
matching genre, tone, subject matter, etc. of your piece(s).
Don’t know where to start?
Try looking at the “Links of Interest” section on past CCWW blog
posts. I’ll be at the
Callahan library on Tuesday, March 5 from 6pm until 7:30pm to help anyone who
may have questions. I have some market listings for writers.
Overview of critiques...
Shirley A. started
the session by reading two humorous poems based on the prompt. Her rhymes, such as “Georgia” and “check
forg-a” worked! Robert O. then shared a piece in which two siblings argued. His vivid descriptions, such as “bright
silver with rage” worked. Oliver M. then read “Gift,” a short
piece he penned in 2011. Many CCWW
members thought he skillfully showed how life is a gift.
I (Nancy B.) then continued
“The Party,” a short story I started with the hardware store prompt a few weeks
ago. Members told me they enjoyed the
way the story is unfolding. Lisa C. then read “Lights Out,” a
humorous short story about a woman who spies on her neighbors at night. Her characterization worked. Karen
D. continued the session by sharing “Bobby, the Bob-Tailed Cat.” Her piece garnered laughs as she described
Bobby becoming a “warrior” cat.
Michele N. read a
piece about a middle-aged woman risking online dating. Many members commented on the sense of
suspense she created. Lori L. then shared “Lesson of the
Light.” Her piece offered readers and
listeners encouragement about God seeing our hearts. Matt Y. then read a piece featuring a
taxi driver who helps a woman in distress.
Turns out, the woman and her assailant come after the cab driver
instead. Nice twist, Matt!
Connie K. continued
the critique session by reading more of “Emily’s Secrets.” Her piece relayed the insecurities a young
girl felt inviting her friend over. Cameron S. then shared a piece featuring
a girl who had been kidnaped then rescued by her brother. She has amnesia, and she’s trying to regain
her memory. Connie W. finished the session with a piece featuring the Curiosity
Rover on Mars. After bringing a Martian
cat back to Earth, “Satisfaction” must return the animal to its home
planet.
Wonderful work, everyone!
Links of interest…
Poetry
Here’s a database of literary magazines seeking poetry. Many of them pay. More here:http://www.pw.org/literary_magazines
Fiction
Since many of us write fiction, here’s a directory of 30
short story markets. More here:http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/get-published-sell-my-work/get_inside_the_top_30_short_story_markets
Personal Essays
Here’s a list of paying markets for personal essays. More here:
http://www.writingtoheal.com/markets.html
Pet Markets
Some of you are interested in writing for pet
magazines. Check out this article with
links: http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/pets.shtml
Assignment for March
12…
In case you didn’t see it above, here’s the first part of
the assignment for our March 12 meeting.
I’ll list it again here:
1.
Select your piece(s)
2.
Edit and revise your piece(s).
3.
Begin researching writing markets
matching genre, tone, subject matter, etc. of your piece(s)
Until Tuesday, March 12, happy writing!
~Nancy
