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.