Second Fall Session of CCWW Begins on October 18

October 24, 2016

Hello, writers,

Fifteen writers met at the Callahan Branch Library last Tuesday, October 18, for the first workshop of our second fall session.   

We want to welcome new members, Sally S. and Mr. Braddock to our group. Welcome!

Please find a recap of our evening, a few links of potential interest, and optional writing prompts for tomorrow night’s session.

Recap of October 18 CCWW

Several writers shared their warm-up writing, including Allen M., Abigail S., and Danielle T.

I, Nancy B., shared a book called “Let the Elephants Run” about creativity.

Here are the warm-up prompts, in case you’d like to do them at home: 

                *Optimism or pessimism

                *A magic power you wish you had

                *A country you’d like to visit

                *A freewrite about anything

Lisa C. started the session by reading “Rude Awakening,” a poem about an alarm clock. As usual, her rhymes (such as bed/head and alright/fight) worked well, and her poem connected with everyone. Aunita W. then read “Blessed to Cook,” a prompt-based (cooking triumphs or disasters) piece. Members complimented her wording (such as “various yums”) and her descriptions. Allen M. then read chapters two and three of his WIP (work-in-progress). Members complimented Allen’s humor (especially between the siblings) and his descriptions (powdered sugar creation).

Sally S. then read her warm-up (a magical power you wish you had) about having the power to know a person’s heart. Members complimented her thought-provoking and unique piece. Lauren L. then read a thought-poem-ish piece about loving another soul and finding a soul mate. Members complimented her piece and the emotional hit it had, as well as the beautiful phrases she used. Danielle T. then read “Wounds,” a personal piece. Members said her imagery worked, as well as the universal nature of her piece.

Richard N. then shared a continuation of his second Dodge book. Members complimented Vikki’s analytical nature and his excellent descriptions. Michele N. then read “I Would Have Loved You Anyway,” by Mary Dana and Troy Burgess. Many members connected to the song. Meredith M. then read “Mystery of the Tiny Trees,” a chapter of a book written in first person. Members complimented Meredith’s word play (Saturn pine and saturnine), as well as her descriptions. Ines R. then read chapters one and two of “Red Balloons,” a new piece written in diary format. Members connected to many aspects of Ines’s piece, such as the color red, the releasing of balloons as a ritual, and the passage of time.

Excellent writing, everyone! 

Prompts for October 25

The prompts are “the unrequited love poem” or “eye contact” Of course, you’re free to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), if you like.

Links of Interest

1.       Chicken Soup for the Soul Needs Submissions

                First deadline is October 30.

                More here: http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/submit-your-story

2.       Looking for a writing contest? Look no further than this site with lots of contests.

 More here: http://www.writermag.com/writing-resources/contests/

Quote of the Week

“Metaphors have a way of holding the most truth in the least space.”

                                                                                                ~ Orson Scott Card

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night.

~Nancy B.

The Symphony or Zendoodle

September 26, 2016

Hello, writers,

A bunch of writers met at the Callahan Branch Library for our third workshop on Tuesday, September 20.  

Though we missed several of you due to various reasons or commitments, we shared many laughs and wonderful words.

Please find a recap of our evening, a couple links of potential interest, and optional writing prompts for tomorrow night’s session.

Recap of September 20 CCWW

Several writers shared their warm-up writing, including Abigail S. (all four prompts!), Richard N. (all four prompts), Allen M. (halitosis), and Mrs. Jeanne S. (pedicures).  

Here are the warm-up prompts, in case you’d like to do them at home:

                *Pedicures or manicures

                *Left-handedness

                *Halitosis (bad breath)

                *A freewrite about anything

 

Abigial S. began the critique session by reading the first three chapters of her piece about the girl falling in darkness. Members complimented her pacing as well as the contrast of brightness and darkness in her piece. I, Nancy B., then read more of my “Camp Connect” piece about kids addicted to the Internet. Members said my characterization of the man with bulbous fish eyes worked. Meredith M. then shared a prompt-based poem (Zendoodle), which everyone raved about! Members said her descriptions of the beautiful Zendoodle as a woman worked well.

Michele N. then read a continuation of her piece featuring Jenna and Jackson. Member complimented her flowing style and her skillful set up of the coming conflict. Lauren L. then read a poem written in first person from Death’s point of view. Members complimented Lauren’s subject matter, her writing, and the slow reveal of who/what Death is in the poem. Allen M. then shared the second chapter of his WIP (work-in-progress). Members complimented his descriptions (of Imagi and Reality) and the imagination evident in his piece.

Elaine H. then shared a continuation of another story featuring Violet and Sally Mae who must adjust to life in Florida while their dad is in prison. Members said her writing was easy to visualize and full of excellent characterization and description. Richard N. then read a continuation of his Dodge story (book two). Members complimented his balance of dialogue and narration, as well as the believable conflict he created between Rosellini and Dodge and between Vikki and Dodge.

Exceptional writing, everyone!

Prompts for September 27

The prompts are “cooking triumphs or disasters” or “the check is in the mail” Of course, you’re free to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), if you like.

Links of Interest

1. A writing group called Word Weavers:

                This is Richard N.’s group. They meet once a month, on Saturdays, at North Jacksonville Baptist Church. I’m     keeping the link here for one more week, in case anyone’s interested in attending.

                More here: http://word-weavers.com/

1. Indie Author Day at the Callahan Branch Library
    
   Kay Dew Shostak will be at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    
   http://nassaureads.com/event-directory/
    

Quote of the Week

“Poetry creates the myth, the prose writer draws its portrait.”

                                                                                                ~ John Paul Sartre

Looking forward to seeing you in two weeks for the beginning of Session Two on October 18.

~Nancy B.

 

 

 

Local Honey or Monopoly?

September 19, 2016

Hello, writers,

Ten intrepid writers braved the rain to attend our second workshop at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesday, September 13. 

Please find a recap of our evening, a few links of potential interest, and optional writing prompts for tomorrow night’s session.

Recap of September 19 CCWW

Allen M. celebrated a birthday on September 9. Happy birthday, Allen!

Abigail S. built a bat house with her dad. Way to go, Abigail!

Several writers shared their warm-up writing, including Richard N. (all four prompts!), Ines R. (lifelong learning), Abigail S (chess or checkers and the number 8), Danielle T. (freewrite about being electronically hacked),  Allen M. (freewrite on the grim reaper), and Aunita W. (freewrite on relationships). 

Here are the warm-up prompts, in case you’d like to do them at home: 

                *Chess or checkers

                *The number 8

                *Lifelong learning

                *A freewrite about anything

I, Nancy B., began the critique session by reading part of “Camp Connect,” a short story I wrote a while ago. Members complimented my descriptions of apple juice and fermented body odor lingering in the bus seats. Aunita W. then shared “Life Monopolized,” a prompt-based (Monopoly) poem. Members complimented her dice and game metaphors, as well as her fresh phrases (such as “It’s really lonely when you look around, and you’re the new old.” Allen M. then shared “A Boy and His Gadgets,” from a larger work entitled “The Good Squad.” Members complimented his dialogue, the relationship between Creed and Carl, and the sense of mystery/discovery his piece created.

Richard N. then shared a scene between Dodge and Sweeting in which Dodge learns he’s adopted. Members complimented Richard’s characterization, as well as his balance between dialogue and narration. Ines R. then read “Myrkurt,” a rewritten chapter one of her new story. Members complimented the unpredictable nature of the piece as well as the underlying theme of good versus evil. (I don’t think anyone figured out the story featured rat characters)! Michele N. then read a short story featuring what we think will be an office romance between two lawyers, Jenna and Jackson. Members remarked on how well Michele set up her story, as well as many descriptions she used (such as Jackson’s calloused hands).

Meredith M. then read a prompt-based poem (local honey) about local honey. Members said her rhymes worked well (such as notorious/glorious) as well as the theme of the piece (i.e. being kind to others brings in more returns and more business). Abigail S. then read a continuation of her story about the girl falling through darkness. Members complimented her creativity, her use of the Veleveteen Room, and her mixing of dream versus reality. Danielle T. then read a continuation of her Michael and Mary Lou piece after Beth Anne has found her mother’s note. Members complimented Danielle’s details (such as the color of the yellow tablecloth) and her characterization and motivation of wife/mother/woman, Mary Lou.

Wonderful writing, everyone! 

Prompts for September 20

The prompts are “Zendoodle” or “the symphony.” Of course, you’re free to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), if you like.

Links of Interest

1.       More on Word Weavers:

This is Richard N.’s group. They meet once a month, on Saturdays, at North Jacksonville Baptist Church.

More here: http://word-weavers.com/

2.       Want to enter a writing contest? Check out TheWriteLife.

Here’s a list of 29 contests with cash prizes.

http://thewritelife.com/27-free-writing-contests/

Quote of the Week

“A blank piece of paper is God’s way of telling you how hard it is to be God.”

                                                                                                ~ Sydney Sheldon

Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday, September 20!

~Nancy B.

Welcome to Our First Fall Session

September 12, 2016

Hello, writers,

Eleven writers, many of them new to our group, met at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesday, September 6. 

Please welcome Meredith M., Allen M., Abigail S., Aunita W., and Nancy K. to our group. Welcome, new members. We’re glad you’ve joined us!

Co-moderator, Lisa C., did a wonderful job greeting everyone and running our workshop.

Below, you’ll find a recap of our evening, a few links of interest and prompts for tomorrow night’s session.

Recap of September 6 CCWW

Several writers shared their warm-up writing, including Abigail S., Connie W., Allen M., Nancy K., and Aunita W. Here are the warm-up prompts, in case you’d like to do them at home:

                *Plaid, stripes or polka dots

                *Lawn mowers

                *Election year

                *A freewrite about anything

Meredith M. began our session by sharing a poem focused on the color green. Members said her rhymes worked, as well as the truths her poem shared (such as our universal knowledge of the ‘green-eyed monster’). Allen M. then read the rough draft of a chapter from his new book. Members enjoyed his descriptions (such as drizzling caramel sauce) as well as his writing (such as, “By now, frappes were in his muscle memory.”). I, Nancy B., then shared a rough draft of a story series about a family who has thorns on their heads. 

Danielle T. then shared a continuation of her saga featuring Michael and Mary Lou. Members loved the suspense Danielle created as Beth Anne found a note! Ines R. then shared an untitled piece featuring Avaline and Taz. Members loved her character names as well as how she may or may not use magic in her piece. Nancy K. then shared a meditation piece about a saint and prayer. Members complimented the flow and honesty of her piece.

Lisa C. then read “Stumped,” a poem about directions. As usual, her rhymes worked very well! Connie W. then read a poem about a storm (prompted by Hurricane Hermine). Many of her phrases worked, members said, but especially these: “The sun shines on the branches, like humans that hang on to a spent life of bad decisions” and “Another storm will give them back to the earth.” 

Abigail S. then read a story about a young person seeing a girl falling through blackness. Members connected her piece to both “Alice in Wonderland” and “A Wrinkle in Time.” Irina R. finished the session by reading new fiction featuring a huntress named Marie who is searching for a deer.  Members complimented her writing from Marie’s perspective as well as the flow of her piece.

Excellent pieces, everyone! 

Prompts for September 13

The prompts are “local honey” or “Monopoly.” Of course, you’re free to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), if you like.

Links of Interest

1.       Great magazine for writers:

  Poets and Writers Magazine has tons of information and articles for writers.

 More here: http://www.pw.org/magazine

2.       A writerly place to hang out:

The Writer Magazine’s site is chock full of information on agents, contests and writing.

http://www.writermag.com/

Quote of the Week

“All literature is protest. You can’t name a single novel that isn’t protest.”

                                                                                                ~ Richard Wright

Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday, September 13!

~Nancy B.

Updates, a Recap of 2/2 and Prompts for this Session

March 8, 2016

Hello, writers,

We are looking forward to the start of our second spring session tomorrow night, March 8, at 6:15 p.m. inside the Callahan Branch Library.  Will you be there? We hope so!

Several of our members will be involved with a school performance at SCA, but many of us will be at the first session.

We are fortunate to have co-moderator, Michele N., leading the new session. She is such a gifted writer and leader.  

Prompts for this new session are listed below.

Without further ado, please find the recaps from our February sessions below.  The February 9 session was cancelled due to cold weather and multiple events going on at the Callahan Branch Library.

Recap of February 2 CCWW

We began the session introducing prompts for the warm-up. After Connie W (“I was born…”), Cameron S. (“the most beautiful smile”, Irina R.(“I was born…”), Danielle T.(“I was born…”), and Richard N. (“the most beautiful smile),”  read their war-ups, we started our critique session. The warm-ups, in case you’d like to use them at home, were:

*Write about nature. Include the following words: hard drive, stapler, phone, car, billboard.

*Write about one (or both) of your parents. Start with “I was born…”

*The most beautiful smile I ever saw…

*A freewrite about anything

                                                                                Source: writingforward.com

Connie W. started us off by reading an autobiographical piece about Prairie Dog Records and Tapes.  Her piece, set in Aberdeen, Kansas, offered an authentic historical feel, according to members. Michele N. then read “Southern Hospitality,” a prompt-based thought poem. Members loved her imagery and phrasing. Ashley T. then read a continuation of her ranger story. Members complimented her descriptions, especially of the forest.

Irina R. then shared a piece featuring characters named Melody, Ivan and Douglas. Her line, “My sister is in therapy because of me” resonated with members. Cameron S. then read a continuation of her psychiatric ward piece. Members complimented her powerful theme and vivid descriptions. Ines R. then read chapter nine of her WIP (work-in-progress). Members commented positively on her lyrical writing (such as “the fresh wind coming from the terrace caught me by surprise rearranging my thoughts and my posture”).

Elaine H. then shared “Great Ape,” a poem. Members adored her poem, especially the line, “I gave you respect; you gave me a Jane Goodall moment.” Richard N. then read a revised part of his second Dodge. Members complimented his sentence variety and the budding relationship between Vikkie and Dodge.  Danielle T. then shared a piece about Lester, who goes to the gym wearing fleece pants. Members complimented the true-to-life feel of her piece brought about by her vivid details.

Ruth A. then read “Marsha Mayfield,” a piece about a character with the same name. Ruth’s piece, with its suspenseful slow revelations, worked very well. Lisa C. then read “Southern Belle,” a prompt-based poem. Members complimented her clever rhymes and the piece as a whole. I, Nancy B., ended the session by reading a prompt-based poem about Jell-O. My poem’s humor and voice worked, according to members.

Excellent writing, everyone!

Recap of February 16 CCWW

I will recap this session soon.

Prompts for this Session

March 8 – “the paisley tie” or “lollipops”

March 15 – “making mountains out of molehills” or “spring training” or “spring cleaning”

March 22 – “memories of past Easters” or “boarding school”

March 29 – “pudding” or “chewing gum”

April 5 – “Maine” or “lumber mills”

April 12 – “the blue silk scarf” or “Dr. Seuss”

Links of Interest (I’ll keep the same ones here for another week)

1.       Writers and Editors Annual Writing Contest (for poetry, nonfiction and fiction)

                Deadline:  March 15, 2016

                Please click here for more information.

2.      

 American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) 

With low fee, members can access critique groups, contests, writing classes and more. Please click here for more information.

3.       Fiction Writing Contests from About.com

                If you’re looking for a place to enter your fiction, you might want to click here for several upcoming              contests with March deadlines. 

Quote of the Week

“I hope someday to write something worth plagiarizing.”

                                                                ~Author unknown

Hope to see you tonight!

~Nancy B.