November 23, 2013
Hello, writers,
Happy Saturday! I’m glad it’s
the weekend.
This morning, Stan and I
bicycled from our house in Spring Lake Estates to the railroad tracks on River
Road and back. We heard several trains on our way to the tracks, but we didn’t
see any pass when we got there. Have you ever biked through Callahan?
Also, Hayden and I visited
the Sweet Shop, a new bakery in Callahan. It’s located across the street from Callahan
Barbecue. We enjoyed doughnuts, cinnamon rolls and strawberry rolls before
school Friday morning. Perhaps we need to have some writing workshops there?
Meanwhile, here’s the recap
of the last two writing workshops, one on November 12 and one on November 19. Also
included is an overview of our critique session, links of interest and information
on our holiday party.
Warm-ups
We started both workshops with
a choice of warm-ups. Then, we wrote for 10 minutes. Here are the warm-ups:
From November 12
1. In line at Starbucks…
2. In cooking class…
3. At the shooting range…
4. At therapy…
From November 19
1. Yarn or twine 6. The firefly
dragon
2. Plaid or polka
dots 7. The
hoppity-hop bunny
3. Bottled water
or tap 8. The
pretty old queen
4. Riding mowers
or push mowers 9. The rainbow
horse
5. Describe your
opposite 10. The love,
love fairy
~Numbers 6-10 submitted by
Hayden, age 5
A few of us shared our warm-ups. We then introduced ourselves, shared good news and started our critique session.
Critique overview from November 12 workshop
Robert O. began
the session by reading the prologue of his Gabriel Whitewolf piece. Several
members commented on how well he used both figurative and literal storms. Kaitlyn S. continued her dream story. In
this segment, we learned about two girls named Emily and counting sheep.
Members said the humor and the authentic teen voice in Kaitlyn’s piece worked.
Connie W. then
shared “Bullfight Symphony,” a piece set at the St. Louis Opera House. Her
newsy writing style and information on the opera, “Carmen,” worked. Cameron S. then read a continuation of
her story featuring Jack and Lucy. Members said her descriptions and story line
worked. Lisa C. then shared a
stream-of-consciousness piece about putting together a puzzle. Members said the
piece could be taken on a couple of levels. (Turned out Lisa really read Lori’s
piece. Ha ha! Good joke, ladies)!
Richard N. continued
the session by reading another part of his ongoing novel. Many members
commented on his skillful use of description and plot. I, Nancy B., then shared “At the Symphony,” a short piece about a
man and woman going to a concert. Members said they would like to hear more. Lori L. then read, “I’m a Gnome,” a
poem. Members said the rhymes and the suspense in the piece worked well. (Lori
actually read Lisa’s piece)! Matt Y. continued
the session by reading “Econowar,” a commentary about corporate America.
Members said his voice and humor really worked!
Critique overview of November 19 workshop
I, Nancy B., began
the critique session with a piece written on the “parsley” prompt. Members said
they liked my simile comparing tasks to train cars. Kaitlyn S. then shared a continuation of her dream story. In this
section, Charlotte and Michelle found themselves in a large house with a living
clock. Members commented on the creativity of Kaitlyn’s piece. Michele N. then shared more of her story
featuring Wyatt and Katherine. In this section, Katherine confronted Wyatt by
telling him she would not “be a slave” to his whims! Members said her story
flowed, and it reminded them of the movie, “Titanic.”
Robert O. then
shared a revised Gabriel Whitewolf piece. Members commented on his skillful use
of description and second person pronouns. Connie
W. then read more of her Irish piece. In this part, we saw Aidan prepare to
apprentice with the town rope-maker, Leary. We also learned Colleen will
probably work as domestic help in a neighbor’s home. Members loved Connie’s
piece, especially her use of vivid phrases like, “snuggled into his father’s
side.”
Lisa C. continued
by reading the poem, “It’s What’s For Dinner.” Her piece, featuring an arrogant
chicken, took place at a chicken farm. Members said her rhymes and her humor
worked very well. Matt Y. finished
the session by reading a prompt-inspired piece. In it, a girl goes to prison
for stabbing her boyfriend 214 times on Valentine’s Day. Members said Matt’s
piece, though violent, worked well in pacing, wording and plot.
Great writing, everyone!
Links of Interest
Database full of writing
opportunities
Poets & Writers Magazine has updated their database of literary magazines and
journals seeking work. Please consider spending some time searching this
database. You may find a home for some of your work.
Read more here:
+++++++++++++++
Memoir Contest
Good
Housekeeping and Shebooks are sponsoring
a memoir contest. Deadline is Dec. 15.
Read more here:
++++++++++++++++++
‘Every Mother Has A Story’ Memoir Contest
Here’s another contest sponsored by Good Housekeeping and Shebooks. This is the one I mentioned at
workshop a few weeks ago. Deadline is also Dec. 15.
Read more here:
+++++++++++++++
In need of prompts over the break?
We’re scheduled to begin
workshops again on Tuesday, January 14. If you need writing prompts between now
and then, here are a few places to look:
Also, if anyone wants to meet
over the break, please let me know. We could always have a write-in at the new
bakery in Callahan. Did I mention how good their coffee is?
Holiday Party
Our CCWW holiday party will
be held Tuesday, December 3, at my house from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. I’ll prepare a
main dish. We passed around a sign-up sheet for side items, drinks and desserts.
Hope you and yours will plan to come and bring a holiday-inspired piece of
writing.
I sent a flyer to everyone
via e-mail on Saturday. If you did not get one, please let me know.
Thanks for great workshops
this fall!
~Nancy B.
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