April 10, 2014
Hello, writers,
Hard to believe we’re at the
end of our third year of writing workshops. This Tuesday, April 15, is not only
tax day; it’s also our final CCWW of the spring.
Reflecting on CCWW, I realize
I’ve learned much about the small town where I live. I’ve met all kinds of people,
some quirky, some straight-laced and some downright ornery. What I’ve enjoyed
even more is being in a group where people share their innermost thoughts through
writing. I feel a kinship with each of you because I’ve been fortunate enough
to hear, see and read your writing. So, thank you for being a part of the
Callahan Creative Writing Workshop.
Last Tuesday, we passed
around a sheet designed to gauge interest in a short session this summer. Many of
you responded. Lisa C., Michele N. and I will be brainstorming ideas soon, and
we’ll let you know our thoughts.
Meanwhile, the Spoken Word
Poetry Festival celebrating National Poetry Month (April) is fast approaching.
It’s open to everyone in the community. Please consider signing up to read your
favorite poetry (written by you or a favorite poet). If you’d rather not read
any poetry, please show your support of writing in Callahan by attending the
event. More details below.
In other news, here’s a
review of Tuesday’s workshop.
Warm-ups
As a writing warm-up, we
chose from prompts below and wrote for ten minutes:
1. Shopping for a new car…
2. Weightlifting
3. Beaches vs. Mountains
4. Graveyards
After a few of us shared our
warm-ups, we introduced ourselves, shared good news and started our critique
session.
Celebrate National Poetry Month at Callahan Branch
Library
To sign up to read poetry at
the Spoken Word Festival on April 22, please call Alison at the Callahan Branch
Library. The phone number is 904-879-3434. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends
at 7:30 p.m.
The Sweet Spot and the Callahan
Friends of the Library will provide refreshments. Yum!
The event is free and open to
the community.
Photo of the Week
Critique overview from April 8 CCWW
Matt Y. began
the session reading a prompt-based poem (the
ex). Member said the poem’s witty nature and sarcastic tone worked well. Kaitlyn S. then shared the first chapter
from a story she wrote long ago. Members enjoyed vivid descriptions in her
first-person narrative as well as the speaker’s honesty and confidence. Sandra H. then shared an ode written to
her chicken, Becky. Members complimented her diction, rhymes and subject
matter. Thomas E. then shared a revised
version of “Welcome to Eden,” the fire scene in his ongoing work. Members said the
sense of urgency he created about the fire and his descriptions of the fire
escape worked.
Ashley T. then
shared “Broken,” a poem. Members said her broken glass motif and her word
choice worked. Robert O. then read a
continuation of “The Furry Writing Group.” Members enjoyed the decisiveness of
his characters, his use of humor and the banter between characters. Lisa C. continued the session by reading
“The Ex,” a prompt-based poem. Members said her rhymes and the sense of hope
the piece portrayed worked. Hayden B. then
shared “Two Good Friends,” a short story. Members said her use of natural
dialogue between Rebecca and Rachel worked.
I, Nancy B., then shared “My Pick of the Litter,” a non-fiction prompt-based
piece about a puppy named Crackerjack. Members complimented the ending and the
connection the piece created between my puppy and me. Cameron S. then read a suspenseful piece featuring Officer Peter
Rowley and a kidnapper. Members said her strong beginning, realistic dialogue
and mounting tension worked.
Sherri S. then
read two poems. The first used interesting words from a newspaper article, and
the second was a haiku about stars. Members complimented her diction and the
flow of her poems. Connie W. continued
by reading a prompt-based piece (pick of
the litter). Members said her use of irony in showing the kids running wild
but the puppies being cared for worked. Richard
N. ended the session reading another section of his Dodge story. Members found
Vicki to be likeable because of Richard made her so human.
Fantastic work, everyone!
Links of Interest
National Poetry Mont and 30 Ways to Celebrate It
I’ll keep this link up for
another week or two since April is National Poetry Month. The first link shares
information on National Poetry Month. The second link offers 30 ways to
celebrate poetry in April.
.
Link to information on
National Poetry Month here: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41
Link to 30 ways to celebrate
here: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/94
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Feeling creative?
Creativity Portal is a site
full of ideas, imagination generators, lists of questions and more. Site is
designed to celebrate and spark creativity. Thanks to CCWW member, Cheryl L., for recommending this site.
More here: http://www.creativity-portal.com/
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Publisher seeking book submissions
More here: www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job7257.htm
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Prompts for Tuesday, April 15
The first prompt is hot sauce. The second prompt is a penny saved is a penny…. You’re free
to write in any genre you like (fiction, drama, non-fiction, poetry, etc.). If
you’d like to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), please do.
Please keep pieces to 1500
words or less and bring copies if you can.
Have a great week!
~Nancy B.
P.S. CCWW has an active
Facebook page. Please log on and search for Callahan Creative Writing Workshop.
We’d love to see you there.
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