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.