Recap of September 1 and (corrected) September 8 CCWW Sessions

September 28, 2015

Hello, writers,

Our third and fourth workshops of the first fall session were held Tuesday, Sept. 1, and Tuesday, Sept. 8, respectively at the Callahan Branch Library.

Below you’ll find a listing of community events, a recap of our third and fourth sessions and some links of interest to writers.

Community Happenings

Family Game Night – at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesday, October 6, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Bring your own games or use the library’s games. More here: http://nassaureads.com/events/

Genealogy After Hours – Research your family history at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesdays from August 18 until October 27 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. West Nassau Genealogy Society experts will be available to help you. http://nassaureads.com/events/

Saturday Night Life (SNL)  - A non-traditional way to do church. SNL meets every Saturday evening at 6:30pm at inside the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Callahan. http://www.callahanfbc.org/saturday-night-life/

Critique overview from September 1 CCWW

Cameron S., Matt Y. and Connie W. shared warm-ups.

Elaine H. then started the critique session by reading a continuation of her young adult novel. Members complimented the connection she created between the grandmother and White Dove and Magnolia as well as her vivid descriptions of the Florida swamp. Connie W. then shared a prompt-based piece (nail salon and furniture store) featuring a woman named Peggy reflecting on her day. Members praised her descriptions and the flow of her piece.

Matt Y. then read a continuation of his story featuring Theodore, Toby, Frank and Catfish. Members said his use of dialogue and his visual writing worked well and reminded them of Guy Noir! Cameron S. then shared a chronological account of the days following a break-up. Members complimented Cameron’s writing, especially phrases like “my spine is nothing but an icicle.”

Danielle T. then read a continuation of her piece featuring Mary Lou and Michael’s break-up. Members commented on her powerful descriptions and powerful shift in points of view. Ashley T. then read a continuation of her story featuring Julie and Mason. Members really connected to her bridge image with its powerful symbolism. I, Nancy B., then read “The Quieters,” a short piece about a man who goes to a meeting where people go to enjoy the quiet. Members complimented my use of the phrase “oral pollution.”

Irina R. then shared a continuation of her sci-fi speculative fiction. Members really enjoyed the descriptions of the weapons Emily creates as well as the futuristic setting of the piece. Ines R. then read chapter two of “Cotton.” Members complimented Ines’s characterization of Hannah and Andrew and the dramatic nature of her piece.

Lisa C. then read “The Struggle,” a poem about good versus evil. Lisa’s rhymes and her whole piece worked well, according to members. Butch K. then read a memoir about moving from the Arlington area of Jacksonville to Callahan. Members enjoyed the sense of suspense he used in writing about leaving his wallet on the counter of Subway.

Great work, everyone!

Critique overview from September 8 CCWW (corrected on 10/5)

Irina R. began the session by reading a continuation of her futuristic saga featuring Blake and Emily. Members complimented Irina’s characterization and the flow of her piece. Lisa C. then read “The Pot and the Kettle,” an older piece featuring married couple, Margaret and Henry. Members ooh’ed and aah’ed over Lisa’s realistic dialogue and spot-on marital situations. Lori L. then shared another installment of her Eddie story. Members commented on how well the ending worked.

Danielle T. continued the session by reading a continuation of her piece about a family. Members complimented Danielle’s descriptions, such as “felt detached yet strangely aware of himself” about Michael. Michele N. then shared one of her personal journal entries. Members complimented her honesty and her willingness to share her piece. Connie W. then read another “Hemp Rope” piece which also tied into the “tyranny” prompt. Members praised Connie’s characterization and her development of the relationship between Caleb and his mother.

Ines R. then shared chapters one and two of “Waves,” a new piece featuring mermaids. Members lauded her descriptions, such as “assassin stones” and “freckled nose.” Cameron S. then read a piece featuring a conversation between two teens. Members connected to the way Cameron conveyed a feeling of smallness and the phrase, “I’m just a raindrop in a hurricane.” Ashley T. then shared chapter three of her ongoing piece featuring Julie and Mason. Members enjoyed learning more about Julie as she turns up pregnant, a victim of rape.

I, Nancy B., then shared chapter six of my WIP. Members said my characterization of Lars worked well. Danielle C. completed the session by reading a prompt-based (“graveyard shift”) piece. Members complimented her phrasing, especially “warm hug to a chilled soul.”

Great work, everyone!

Quote of the week:

“A great writer reveals the truth even when he or she does not wish to.”

                                                                                                ~Tom Bissell

Dates for Session 2

Session 2 will begin Tuesday, October 13 and run through Tuesday, November 17. Please watch your e-mail for prompts.

Have a great week!

~Nancy B.