Recap of November 3 CCWW

November 10, 2015

Hello, writers,

What a warm start to November! I wonder if the higher temperatures have affected anyone’s writing.

Here’s a recap of our November 3 session, which included words, words and more words!

It’s hard to believe there’s only one more session after tonight, but alas, it is true.

Recap of November November 3 CCWW

After Ines R., Richard N. and Ruth A. shared their warm-ups, we began our critique session.

Ruth A. started the session with “The Gift Not Taken,” a short story about an old woman and her dog, Tiny. Members adored her descriptions (i.e. “a pothole-ridden road called dementia”) and the O. Henry-esque irony in her piece. Elaine H. then shared another chapter of her WIP. Members complimented her descriptions of White Dove receiving her name from the Name Giver as well as the mythic quality of her work. Connie W. then read a continuation of a hemp rope piece she read a few weeks ago. Members complimented Connie’s physical descriptions of an older Aiden as well as letting her reader in on the developing plot against him. An interesting discussion about gypsies in Augusta, Georgia ensued.

Lisa C. then had her poem, “The Review,” read by Ashley T. Members connected to her rhymes and the subject matter of her piece. I, Nancy B., then shared another chapter of my WIP. Member complimented my characterization of the droid. Irina R. then read another chapter in her WIP featuring Rita and Ryan. Members enjoyed learning more about Ryan’s injured ankle. 

Lori L. then read a continuation of a piece she started last week featuring four ladies going on four journeys. Members complimented the movement of her piece as well as powerful phrases, such as “the symphony of her daughters’ voices.” Ashley T. then shared more of her fan fiction based on “The Mortal Instruments” by Clare. Members complimented the balance between narration and dialogue in Ashley’s piece. Ines R. then read chapter six of one of her WIPs. Members complimented the revelation of Alyson’s childhood as well as her inner conflict. Richard N. then asked Elaine H. to read another segment of his WIP. Members complimented the flow and the use of sound in his piece.

Superb work, everyone!

Upcoming Prompts

    November 17 – the Taj Mahal

Links of Interest (since these are still current, I’ll keep them here another week)

*Times-Union’s Holiday Short Story Contest is going on now. The deadline is Nov. 23. Stories must be fiction, 1000 words or less and include a ghost, a department store Santa and a woman with amnesia. 

More here: http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2015-11-05/story/enter-our-annual-holiday-short-story-contest

*Narrative Magazine’s fall story contest is seeking fiction and non-fiction submissions. First prize is $2500. Word limit is 1500. Deadline is November 30.

More here:  http://www.narrativemagazine.com/

*Blackbird: An Online Journal of Literature and the Arts is seeking submissions.

More here: http://www.blackbird.vcu.edu/v14n1/submissions.shtml

Quote of the Week

“Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely essential.”
                                                                                                – Jessamyn West

Until next week, happy writing!

~Nancy B.