September 12, 2013
Hello, writers,
This afternoon, my writing
schedule involves editing a piece (from 1200 words to 800) I wrote last month
and sending it to an editor. I’m also writing pitches for two stories I’ve
already written.
I’ve only recently started
writing pieces first and then pitching them to editors. I used to query editors
first, receive assignments from them and then write the pieces. I like both
approaches, but I’m glad to be trying something new.
What about you? Are you
thinking about submitting something this week? If so, please let us know.
Meanwhile, here’s the recap
of last Tuesday’s writing workshop, complete with warm-ups, an overview of our
critique session, links of interest and prompts for next time.
The warm-ups
We started the workshop with
a 10-minute writing warm-up. I’ll list
the choices here in case you want to do them at home:
1.
Share a time when
someone praised and/or criticized your writing.
2.
Write about
pride. When is it helpful? When is it harmful?
3.
City
or country? Which suits you better? Why?
A few of us shared our
responses. We then introduced ourselves,
shared good news and started our critique session.
Critique overview
Heather G. began
the session by reading another installment of her ongoing series about Big Joe.
Her piece featured Big Joe saving Linda’s life by performing the Heimlich
maneuver on her after she choked on a cinnamon roll. Several members said Heather
did a good job showing a change in Linda’s perception toward Big Joe. I (Nancy B.) then read a piece about
going crazy with the Clairol. Several members said my use of short paragraphs
and my sentences worked. Judy M. then
shared a piece featuring a male wool seller in England who is intrigued by the
baker’s daughter. Her descriptions, such as comparing the girl’s thigh to fresh
dough worked, according to several members.
Richard N. continued
the session by reading another section of his novel. In this portion, Richard’s
balance of dialogue and narration, his syntax and his descriptions worked. (Connie W. said Richard’s piece reminded
her of a short story about ice by Kurt Vonnegut). Ann W. then shared more of
her continuing work featuring her character, Marick, as a boy. Her use of
setting and suspense drew us into the story.
Robert O. then
shared another section of his ongoing work. In this part, he revealed that his
female character, Emily, has died before, and she’s seeking help with a spirit
merge. Connie W. then read “The
Dinner Invitation,” a piece based on “Alice in Wonderland.” In it, she
skillfully worked in the chess set, formaldehyde and lasagna. Cameron S. then read a piece
incorporating all four prompts-cinnamon,
formaldehyde, lasagna and a chess set!
Her piece featured kids creating hybridized animals in a laboratory (such as a
bear with gills and a lion turtle). Several members loved the imagination
present in the piece and would like to read more.
Connie K. was
unable to attend, but I read her devotional piece entitled, “God’s Provision.” Members
commented on her easy to read style and how she did not allow her son’s
problems to become a stumbling block. Dee
C. finished the session by reading a piece featuring detective Sam Baker.
Her tight structure and rich descriptions (such as the elevator relying on
psychic power) worked well.
Hope you’ll think about
submitting your stuff, everyone!
Links of Interest
(I’m keeping NaNoWriMo on our
list in case you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet).
NaNoWriMo
(National Novel Writing Month)
November is National Novel Writing Month. Want
to write a novel from November 1 to November 30? Several of us have done this
before. It’s fun!
Read more and sign up here: http://nanowrimo.org/
+++++++++++++++
Tanglewood
Books
This book publisher is currently seeking fiction
picture books for children in the following genres: adventure, animal, concept,
contemporary, fantasy, humor. Average word length for picture books: 800.
Read their submission guidelines here:
++++++++++++++++++
Cricket Magazine
Family
Over 15 magazines listed here needing both fiction and
nonfiction writing for children. You might want to spend some time on this site
exploring the different types of writing they’re seeking.
More information here: http://www.cricketmag.com/submissions
+++++++++++++++
Prompts for Tuesday, September 17
There are two prompts for
next time. The first is poker. The
second is the idiom, eat humble pie.
You’re free to use one or
both prompts for next Tuesday, or you can share a WIP (work-in-progress). Please
keep pieces 1500 words or less.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Nancy B.
P.S. Due to a scheduling
conflict, we will not begin session two of CCWW on Tuesday, October 15 as
originally planned. Instead, we’ll start on Tuesday, October 22 and run through
Tuesday, November 19. We are considering a holiday party in early December to
make up for our lost Tuesday. Please let me know your thoughts on when and
where to have the party.
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