April 4, 2013
Hello, writers,
Eleven writers met at the Callahan Branch Library Tuesday
evening, April 2.
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.
The story of your name
2.
Hymns
3.
Which plant symbolizes your
life? Why?
4.
A free-write on anything
After a few members read their warm-ups, we introduced ourselves,
shared information and started our critiques.
Several CCWW members have already submitted pieces to contests,
magazines, publishers, etc.
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!
I’ll share the sign-up sheet in a separate blog post.
In other news, CCWW member, Connie W., requested help finding someone to house-sit and dog-sit
for two weeks in May. If you know
someone who would be interested, please see her contact information in the e-mail
I just sent.
Overview of assignments/critiques...
Richard N. started
the critiques by reading a continuation of his novel. His characterization of Hamed and his
building of suspense throughout the chapter worked. Lisa C.
then read “Flap but don’t Flop,” a piece set in the 1920s complete with
authentic dialogue. In her piece, Hattie
cuts her hair and goes out with a wild bunch of girls. I
(Nancy B.) then shared a poem entitled “The Flapper.” Members said my both my long and short rhymes
worked well. Robert O. continued the session by reading a continuation of the
story of Hiro and Toby. Members
commented on how well he created tension between the brothers.
Connie K. then read
a continuation of her memoir. In it, Sam
tells Perna what ‘flappers’ are after he returns from a trip to the general
store. Members commented on Connie’s excellent
use of detail. Connie W. then shared a piece in which a boy named Lenny is able to
become one with a pinball machine. She
based her piece on the song, “Pinball Wizard.”
Suzanna then read a
descriptive piece based on the ‘flappers’ prompt. Members commented on her use of second person
point of view as well as her masculine voice.
Both worked well. Sandra H. then read Matt Y.’s piece. In few
words, his piece painted a picture of musicians in the 1920s. Members enjoyed his descriptions and
dialogue.
Wonderful work, everyone!
Links of interest…
Real Simple
Essay Contest
Do you write essays? This
contest for possible publication in Real Simple
may be for you. It has a May
deadline and a $3000 prize. More here:
The Threepenny
Review is currently accepting submissions
Threepenny Review publishes
articles, poems, stories and reviews.
They also pay well. More here:
Writing Markets for Inspirational Poetry
This database is full of places to publish inspirational
poetry. More here:
Prompt for April 9…
Our prompt is the idiom…’dog
in a manger’. 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.
Blessings,
~Nancy
P.S. CCWW is on
Facebook! Please join our Callahan
Creative Writing Workshop page.
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