January 17, 2013
Hello, writers,
We started 2013 with a bang on Tuesday evening as 15 writers
shared laughs, words and opinions. Many
writers wrote pieces on the “hairspray” prompt.
Please welcome Dave P. and Cameron S. to the group!
Here’s what happened…
We started the workshop with a warm-up exercise. I’ll list them here in case you want to do
them this week:
Choose
one of the following and write for 10 minutes:
1.
Describe a near-death experience you’ve had.
2.
Describe yourself as a writer. What do you most enjoy writing?
3.
Write a dialogue in which one character tries to
scam another.
After a few members read their warm-ups, we shared our good
news. Then, we began our critique
session.
Good News…
Betty C. published
her book, “Be Lifted Up.” It took nine
years, Betty says, and a few restarts along the way, but it’s done! See Betty’s web site with book information
here: http://bettycrews.com/.
Shirley A. has a
new job at the Callahan Community Center located in the MCCI building across the
street from Callahan Elementary. She
teaches knitting, crochet and other crafts.
The community center offers classes, workshops and game days. See more here: http://www.mccigroup.com/calendar.php.
Oliver M.’s shop, Oliver’s Outpost Antiques, is
open for business. Featuring an
assortment of valuables from typewriters to fine furnishings, Oliver’s store is
the go-to place for unique pieces. The
store is located at 10965 North Main Street in Jacksonville. Phone number is 904-696-0884.
Heike M. finished her book! She’s in the middle of the revision process
now.
I (Nancy B.) had two columns published in the
January issue of Jax4Kids (www.jax4kids.com), and my piece on the
status of the Advanced Placement Program in First Coast high schools is slated
to run in the February issue of Jacksonville
Magazine.
Overview of critiques...
Karen D. began
with a powerful memory piece about her mother’s use of Aqua Net hairspray. She also included interesting facts about the
history of hairspray. Michele N. then read a vivid scene in
which two Southern women visit with each other in a restaurant. She used excellent detail and imagery, according
to many CCWW members.
Dave P. then
shared “The War Within,” a piece written from the perspective of a can of
hairspray. His use of personification
really worked. Sandra H. then read a scene between Louise and her brother,
Justin. It takes place in a bathroom
where Louise attempts to mimic the look she sees in a magazine ad. Many CCWW members complimented Sandra’s
piece.
John F. then read
“Zeno’s Advice to His Son,” a touching piece in which a father advises his son
about song, women and wine. Heike M. then read “The Devil Called
Home,” a thoughtful fictional piece about a person’s return home. Many members commented on her use of color
and the somber, dark mood her piece created.
I (Nancy B.) then
read a short piece told from the perspective of hair. A young woman’s hair decided to revolt and
mess up her blind date. Connie W. then shared “A Sticky
Situation.” In the piece, a spider
considers going to the prom atop a girl’s hairsprayed ‘do.
Rosemary S. then
read three prose poems entitled, “These Nightmares.” Many members commented on her powerful use of
imagery. Oliver M. then shared “Wild Year.”
His piece offered self-reflection and thoughts for how society can
improve itself. Then, Robert O. continued his story about
Seven. Many CCWW members commented on
his skillful use of details.
Links of interest…
1.
Here’s an
article on a really, really big library that just opened in North Carolina…
2.
Many of you write Christian fiction or
non-fiction. Here’s information on the
Florida Christian Writers Conference.
More here…
Prompt for next week…
Prompt for next week is…Stonehenge. You’re free to write in any genre you
like (poetry, non-fiction, fiction or drama).
If you’d rather bring a WIP (work-in-progress), please do. Please do bring something to share with the
group.
Until Tuesday, January 22, happy writing!
~Nancy
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