Kung Fu Writers?

March 30, 2013

Hello, writers,

Thirteen writers met at the Callahan Branch Library Tuesday evening, March 26. 

      

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.                  Pens or pencils?

2.                  Continue the phrase, “Go west, young man…”

3.                  Orange

4.                  A free-write on anything

After a few members read, we introduced ourselves, shared information and started our 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, a contest, an agent or a publisher. Of course, it’s up to CCWW members to figure out the submission guidelines for the chosen publication.  Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece! 

Thank you to everyone who signed up to bring something to the party on April 16.    

In other news, Richard N. submitted a one-sheet to a contest.  He shared the one-sheet with us.  It includes a picture of Richard, a short bio and a brief synopsis of his book.  Way to go, Richard! 

I (Nancy B.) announced a new freelance writing opportunity I have with a community newspaper in Jacksonville.  My first story, outlining a potential new use for the Haydon Burns Library downtown, was due Thursday! I’m not sure if it will run in the April or May issue.

Finally, Michele N., her daughter, E., and I had tea at Cozy Tea in Five Points on Friday.  While there, I saw ruffle scarves for sale at one of the area's edgy stores.  If you haven't seen one of these scarves, here’s a picture:

Several CCWW members knit these lovely neck decorations.  I was happy to see them being sold in such a trendy place!

Overview of assignments/critiques...

Richard N. started the critiques by asking Karen D. to read a continuation of his novel.  Many members commented on his compelling plot.  Robert O. continued the session by reading an introspective piece questioning identity.  Several members commented on his skillful use of masks and contrasts.  Lori L. then read a piece about young adults taking a trip.  She used many powerful phrases, such as “shrunk in a trunk.”  Oliver M. then shared a piece written on the kung fu prompt.  In it, he said, “I’ve been told I have no filter.”  Members appreciated the honesty of his piece. 

 

Matt Y. then shared a humorous piece about a woman with bad breath.  Members loved his twist at the end!  Michele N. continued by reading a continuation of her novel.  She created a vivid pre-wedding scene and included an honest conversation between Katherine and her mother, Vivienne.   Karen D. then read “How Do I Live with the Loss?”  We all appreciated her honesty and empathized with her on the loss of her daughter.  

Connie W. then shared “The Teacher,” a piece where a teacher named Carol considers taking kung fu lessons.  Her characterization and her ending worked well.  Lisa C. then read two poems.  The first, “Kung Fu Carrot,” featured vegetables.  The second (I think “Chi” was the title) was a diamante poem.   Members said both poems worked well.  

Connie K. then read a continuation of her memoir.  In it, she reached a perfect balance of child-like wonder and adult responsibility.  Sandra H. then shared a short piece she wrote to the painting American Gothic.  Members loved her fresh approach to what the woman in the painting is thinking.

Wonderful work, everyone!

Some CCWW’ers suggested we change our name to Kung Fu Writers.  Any thoughts?

Links of interest…

Saturday Evening Post Fiction Contest

Here’s the contest I mentioned on Tuesday.

http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest

A Database of Markets for Romance Writing (especially short fiction)

You might want to spend some time researching this one.  

http://romance.fictionfactor.com/markets.html

Some Short Story Writing Markets

This article is full of short story markets. 

 http://suite101.com/article/paying-short-story-markets-a150588

 

Prompt for April 2…

Our prompt is…flappers.  You’re free to write in any genre you like (drama, non-fiction, poetry or fiction).  While there is no length requirement, you’ll want to share a piece that takes no longer than ten minutes to read aloud.  

As always, you’re free to bring a WIP (work-in-progress) if you’d rather.  Please do bring something to share with the group.

Happy Easter!

Blessings,

~Nancy

P.S.  CCWW is on Facebook!  Please join our Callahan Creative Writing Workshop page.