August 29, 2013
Hello, writers,
Welcome! We had a wonderful
night of writing Tuesday at the Callahan Branch Library.
Here’s what happened
We started the workshop with
a 10-minute writing warm-up. I’ll list
the topics here in case you want to do them at home:
1.
Describe a
favorite sound. Why is it your favorite?
2.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be? Why?
3.
“The
drill whined in the next room. Frederick stood and….” Continue the story.
4.
Write
about your relationship with time.
A few of us shared our
responses. We then introduced ourselves,
shared good news and started our critique session.
Critique overview
Robert O. started
the session by reading a continuation of his Gabriel Whitewolf story. His use
of second person pronouns and vivid descriptions made his piece work. Gina A. read next sharing a piece about
General Tavlock and Soren. Her piece featured a good balance of dialogue and
narration. Connie W. had Matt Y. read her memoir written on the
interstate prompt. Her memory of her dad’s truck driving combined with his kind
treatment of Indians resonated with group members. Cameron S. then shared more of her story featuring siblings, Ben
and Clara. Her description of their grandmother as an angel and the sadness
they felt seeing her leave worked.
Richard N. continued
the session by reading a continuation of his novel. In describing the setting,
he used several powerful descriptions, such as “time itself oozing from the
place.” Lisa C. shared “Road Rage,” a
story about Henry and Margaret. Her use of the map Margaret used to hit her
husband worked well.
Matt Y. incorporated
both prompts in a first-person piece set in an apartment over an interstate.
Members said his piece worked, especially the Phoenix image. Judy M. continued the session by reading
an historical piece set in the 13th century. Rich with pathos, her
piece featured a speaker reflecting on past loves while preparing to give her
daughter away in marriage.
Dee C. continued
by reading a humorous prompt-based story. In her piece, Eddie, a motel owner,
is approached by a man driving a red Corvette offering him a better life in
exchange for his soul. Connie K. shared
a prompt-based essay on the ‘state’ of the interstate. Written from a wife’s
perspective, her piece also explored the connection between marriage, travel
and the interstate highway system.
Ann W. then
read “The Gift,” a story featuring an Italian family with a tradition of meeting
for Sunday afternoon meals. Group members audibly gasped when Ronnie, Flora’s
son and Lorenzo’s grandson, lets his mother know he traded his grandfather’s
bag of Italian marbles for a game disk. Michele
N. continued with another installment of her story featuring Wyatt and
Katherine. In this section, Katherine’s visceral reaction to Wyatt worked. I (Nancy B.) ended the session by
reading a prompt-based poem. Members told me my choice of words worked.
Excellent work, everyone!
Links of Interest
New
Writer’s Magazine
Contact:
newwriters@aol.com, www.newwriters.com
Bi-monthly magazine targeting new writers
(paying market)
Looking for non-fiction, cartoons, fiction,
fillers and poetry
Submission guidelines here: http://newwriters.com/submit.html
+++++++++++++++
Mudlark:
An Electronic Journal of Poetry and Poetics
A publication of the UNF Department of English
Submission guidelines on the web here: http://www.unf.edu/mudlark/
+++++++++++++++
One Story
This online literary magazine publishes each writer
only once. Publishing a new story every three weeks and sending it to their
e-subscribers, One Story is a paying market.
More information here: http://www.one-story.com/index.php?page=submit
Prompts for Tuesday, September 3
There are two prompts for
next time. The first is tuxedo. The
second is the following
Shakespeare quote: “All the world’s
a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their
entrances: and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven
ages.”
You’re free to use either or
both prompts to write a piece for next Tuesday, or you can share a WIP
(work-in-progress).
Write in any genre you like
(fiction, poetry, non-fiction, drama), but please keep pieces 1500 words or
less.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Nancy B.
P.S. Thank you, Michele N., for moderating the group Tuesday evening!
