New CCWW session started March 12

March 15, 2013

Hello, writers,

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Karen Davis, whose daughter passed away.  Karen and her family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Thirteen writers met at the Callahan library Tuesday evening, March 12.  Many writers brought in pieces and potential markets for their pieces.  There was no prompt. 

Richard N. and Suzanna D. joined us.  Welcome to the group!   

Here’s what happened…

We started the workshop with a choice of warm-up exercises.  I’ll list them here in case you want to do them at home:

Choose one of the following prompts and write for ten minutes:

1.                   Magnets

2.                   First kiss

3.                   Your experience with fishing

4.                   A free-write on anything

After a few members read their warm-ups, we introduced ourselves, shared information and told others the results of our assignment.  

Good News and Information Exchange…

CCWW is planning a Publication Party for Tuesday, April 16. In addition to eating yummy food, we’re preparing at least one publication-ready piece for submission to a magazine, a newspaper, a contest, an agent or a publisher. Of course, it’s up to CCWW members to figure out the submission guidelines for the chosen publication-some ask for query letters while others ask for sample pages.  Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece! 

Overview of assignments/critiques...

Karen D. began by reading a piece on her daughter.  Thank you for sharing a little bit of her life with us, Karen.  Robert O. is still working on choosing a piece to submit at the Publication Party in April.  Lori L. then shared a first-person realization piece.  Her use of the story of Elisha and the oil worked well.

Richard N. then read shared his “fishing” warm-up.  His skillful use of short questions and answers worked.  Connie W. then read a piece about an archaeologist.  She said her piece was about Lilith.  Heather then shared another installment in the “Big Joe” saga.  In this segment, we learned Joe is living with his sister in Jacksonville, and he dislikes hardware stores.  

Suzanna D. then read a piece based on the River Styx.  Her use of second person pronouns worked.  Cameron S. then read a continuation of an earlier piece.  Members commented her twist at the end worked well.  Lisa C. then read “Dream Crushers,” a poem.  Her piece showed the value of creativity and what can happen if it’s snuffed out.  

Shirley A. then shared her rap about the Bear Family.  She is researching markets and is considering submitting to Highlights.  Michele N. then shared her online dating piece.  Members said her piece really worked.  Connie K. then shared her status.  She is considering submitting her “prison” piece to a Christian magazine.  (I) Nancy B. then shared my status.  I’ve picked a 2500-word feature on a Callahan woman who beat cancer, but I don’t know where I’ll submit it yet.  

Wonderful work, everyone!

Links of interest…

Writing Contests

Here’s a site chock full of writing contests…

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writing-contests.php

Romance Markets

Write romance?  Check out these markets…

http://romance.fictionfactor.com/markets.html

Database of Writers’ Guidelines

Lots of great information here…

http://www.organizedwriter.com/guidelines.htm

Assignment for March 19…

Our prompt is…fire extinguisher.  You’re free to write in any genre you like (drama, non-fiction, poetry or fiction).  While there is no length requirement, you’ll want to share a piece that takes no longer than ten minutes to read aloud.  

Until Tuesday, March 19, happy writing!

~Nancy

Curiosity Killed the Cat...

February 21, 2013

Hello, writers,

Twelve writers met at the Callahan library Tuesday evening.  The pieces ranged from poetry to fiction.  Many of us chose to write on the “curiosity killed the cat” prompt. 

Please note CCWW will not meet on Tuesday, February 26 and Tuesday, March 5.  Our second six-week session will run from Tuesday, March 12 through Tuesday, April 16.

Here’s what happened…

We started the workshop with a choice of warm-up exercises.  I’ll list them here in case you want to do them at home...

Choose one of the following prompts and write for ten minutes:

1.                  A myth explaining some natural phenomenon

2.                  Your childhood crush(es)

3.                  Your experience with sports or athletics

4.                  A free-write on anything

After a few members read their warm-ups, we introduced ourselves, shared information and began the critiques.  

Good News and Information Exchange…

CCWW is planning a Publication Party for Tuesday, April 16. In addition to eating yummy food, we’re preparing at least one publication-ready piece for submission to a magazine, a newspaper, an agent or a publisher.  Members may wish to start researching markets now.  Each CCWW-er will choose his or her piece and a publication.  Of course, it’s up to CCWW members to figure out the submission guidelines for the chosen publication-some ask for query letters while others ask for sample pages. 

Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece!  I’ll bring a few market research resources beginning in March.  Are you up to the challenge?

We gave writers a three-part assignment Tuesday night.  It is due when we return from break on Tuesday, March 12.   The three-part assignment is as follows:

1.       Select your piece(s).                                              

2.       Edit and revise your piece(s).

3.       Begin researching writing markets matching genre, tone, subject matter, etc. of your piece(s).

Don’t know where to start?  Try looking at the “Links of Interest” section on past CCWW blog posts.  I’ll be at the Callahan library on Tuesday, March 5 from 6pm until 7:30pm to help anyone who may have questions.  I have some market listings for writers.

Overview of critiques...

Shirley A. started the session by reading two humorous poems based on the prompt.  Her rhymes, such as “Georgia” and “check forg-a” worked!  Robert O. then shared a piece in which two siblings argued.  His vivid descriptions, such as “bright silver with rage” worked.  Oliver M. then read “Gift,” a short piece he penned in 2011.  Many CCWW members thought he skillfully showed how life is a gift.

I (Nancy B.) then continued “The Party,” a short story I started with the hardware store prompt a few weeks ago.  Members told me they enjoyed the way the story is unfolding.  Lisa C. then read “Lights Out,” a humorous short story about a woman who spies on her neighbors at night.  Her characterization worked.  Karen D. continued the session by sharing “Bobby, the Bob-Tailed Cat.”  Her piece garnered laughs as she described Bobby becoming a “warrior” cat.  

Michele N. read a piece about a middle-aged woman risking online dating.  Many members commented on the sense of suspense she created.  Lori L. then shared “Lesson of the Light.”  Her piece offered readers and listeners encouragement about God seeing our hearts.   Matt Y. then read a piece featuring a taxi driver who helps a woman in distress.  Turns out, the woman and her assailant come after the cab driver instead.  Nice twist, Matt!

Connie K. continued the critique session by reading more of “Emily’s Secrets.”  Her piece relayed the insecurities a young girl felt inviting her friend over.  Cameron S. then shared a piece featuring a girl who had been kidnaped then rescued by her brother.  She has amnesia, and she’s trying to regain her memory.  Connie W. finished the session with a piece featuring the Curiosity Rover on Mars.  After bringing a Martian cat back to Earth, “Satisfaction” must return the animal to its home planet.  

Wonderful work, everyone!

Links of interest…

Poetry

Here’s a database of literary magazines seeking poetry.  Many of them pay.  More here:http://www.pw.org/literary_magazines

Fiction

Since many of us write fiction, here’s a directory of 30 short story markets.  More here:http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/get-published-sell-my-work/get_inside_the_top_30_short_story_markets

Personal Essays

Here’s a list of paying markets for personal essays.  More here:  http://www.writingtoheal.com/markets.html

Pet Markets

Some of you are interested in writing for pet magazines.  Check out this article with links:  http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/pets.shtml

Assignment for March 12…

In case you didn’t see it above, here’s the first part of the assignment for our March 12 meeting.  I’ll list it again here: 

1.       Select your piece(s)                                       

2.       Edit and revise your piece(s).

3.       Begin researching writing markets matching genre, tone, subject matter, etc. of your piece(s)

Until Tuesday, March 12, happy writing!

~Nancy

Stamps

February 14, 2013

Hello, writers,

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Fifteen of us met at the Callahan library on Tuesday evening to share our creative writing.      

Please note CCWW will not meet on Tuesday, February 26 and Tuesday, March 5.  Our second six-week session will run from Tuesday, March 12 through Tuesday, April 16.

Here’s what happened…

We started the workshop with a choice of warm-up exercises.  I’ll list them here in case you want to do them at home:

    Choose one of the following prompts and write for ten minutes…

1.                  Taxi cabs

2.                  Valentine’s Day-the good, the bad, the ugly

3.                  A battle among knives, forks and spoons

4.                  A free-write on anything

After a few members read their warm-ups, we introduced ourselves, shared information and began the critiques.  

Good News and Information Exchange…

CCWW is planning a Publication Party for Tuesday, April 16. In addition to eating yummy food, we’re preparing at least one publication-ready piece for submission to a magazine, a newspaper, an agent or a publisher.  Members may wish to start researching markets now.  Each CCWW-er will choose his or her piece and a publication.  Of course, it’s up to CCWW members to figure out the submission guidelines for the chosen publication-some ask for query letters while others ask for sample pages.  Members are encouraged to submit more than one piece!  I’ll bring a few market research resources beginning in March.  Are you up to the challenge?

Connie W. is taking a free online philosophy course through Course Ra.  Check out course offerings here:  https://www.coursera.org/.  Way to go, Connie!

Lisa C. has been tapped to lead the Creative Writing Club for middle and high school students at Sonshine Christian Academy in Callahan.  Great job, Lisa!

Lori L. told us she just got a new job!  Yay, Lori!

Michele N. has been successfully editing college entrance essays for a high school senior.  Her work is paying off because the student has been accepted to several colleges, including the University of Florida.  Nice work, Michele!

Oliver M. was featured in a “Working on the First Coast” article in The Florida Times-Union.  The article showcases the antiques shop he and his father own.  Read the article here:  http://members.jacksonville.com/business/premium-business/2013-02-13/story/working-first-coast-collecter-doesnt-want-be-called

Overview of critiques...

Lori L. started by reading a thoughtful piece featuring women characters. Her vivid details (such as the scent of chicken) and her powerful verbs (such as –peered, -perched and –migrated) worked well.  I (Nancy B.) then read a continuation of “The Party,” a short story I started with the hardware store prompt a few weeks ago.  Members said the weaving between past and present worked in the piece.  Matt Y. then shared a piece written as a sales pitch.  His humorous piece informed readers about an upcoming meeting for an anarchist group called STAMPS (Stop the American Machine’s Political System).      

Oliver M.  then shared a piece written as a riddle.  CCWW’ers tried unsuccessfully to figure out the answer.  It was about a clubhouse.  Cameron S. then read a piece featuring a character named Cereal Boy.  Her well-written story captured many members’ imaginations.  Robert O. then read a continuation of the piece he began with the “Stonehenge” prompt.  His portrayal of family connections as well as the coming-of-age nature of the piece worked, according to many members. 

Lisa C. continued the critique session by reading “The Pot and the Kettle,” a story showcasing a humorous argument (over stamps) between a husband and a wife.  Her characterization of Margaret and Henry and her story’s resolution worked well. Christine R. then shared a piece featuring a woman dealing with the loss of her father.  The setting of her piece worked well.

Heike M. then read a crime-scene piece.  Her balance of narration and dialogue and her syntax worked well.  Connie K. then shared a continuation of “Emily’s Secrets.”  Connie’s ability to “show, not tell” was evident in her descriptions.  Shirley A. then read a slice of life piece showing what grandmothers go through when they keep grandchildren.  Her piece offered many insights.  Sandra H. then read “The Funeral,” in which a teenage boy must say goodbye to his grandmother.  Her skillful writing produced an emotional punch in the reader/listener.  

Connie W. finished the session by reading a piece in which a wife must use food stamps at the grocery store.  Her piece caused many of us to consider the assumptions we make about people every day.   

Betty C. and Michele N. did not read pieces.      

Links of interest…

Here’s an index of flash fiction markets.   As you may know, flash fiction is short (usually up to 1000 words).  Read more here:  http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59234

Ready to start researching markets for our Publication Party?  Try this comprehensive database featuring paying and non-paying markets in a variety of genres:  http://www.writerswrite.com/writersguidelines/

Here’s an article featuring 15 paying markets for life stories and personal essays.  Maybe you’ll find a match for one of your pieces here:  http://www.writing-world.com/creative/fifteen.shtml

Prompt for next week…

Prompt for next week is…curiosity killed the cat.  You’re free to write in any genre you like (poetry, non-fiction, fiction or drama).  If you’d rather bring a WIP (work-in-progress), please do.  

Please bring something to share with the group.

Until Tuesday, February 19, happy writing!

~Nancy

Meeting tonight

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at CCWW tonight.  I'm going to finish up my "stamps" piece now. 

~Nancy

"The Sleeping King" by Robert Oxfurth

The Sleeping King

Wake, O Sleeping King, know ye not that the hour be late?
 

But what thou says, awake I am! The sleepless king is more fitting for me.

Nay, oh slave of Hypnos, asleep thou stay! Though I try to roost.
In a darkness deep within is where thou slumbers, O Leader of Men.

Thou was once a great warrior of the field, a regal fighter upon a hill.
Until into a pit thou fell, and a dreamless rest began its spell.

How dare thou speaks to me this way? Thy ask as ye is gripped with rage.
A king I be! Thou should honor me! Ye scream, trying to instill fear in me.

What right have thee to wear that crown so proudly upon thy brow?

By right of my name! You reply so vain, as if the answer should be plain.
 

Wrong again, O Royal One! ‘Tis nothing thou hast done!
Thy claim comes from another’s blood, one more noble than any of us!

Gabriel Whitewolf 

Copyright 2013

"The Dreamer" by Lisa Crosby

The Dreamer

Girdles, corsets and petticoats

Wearing this crap really gets my goat.

What evil genius mind

Thought to make things that restrict and bind?

Even as I draw a breath

I fear the outcome might be my death.

But I must watch how I speak

And appear calm, demure and meek.

I need be proper and well-mannered and sweet,

And watch what I think, what I do and what I eat.

There are so many rules to follow.

It's a very hard pill to swallow.

For my family's sake and name

I dare not cause them any shame.

So I stifle my yawns at their droll conversation

And dream to be free in a new found nation.

Maybe this is the dream and someday I'll wake.

I don't know how much more of this life I can take.

But for now I close my eyes 

And imagine a place with wide open skies.

A place where not only the fowls are free

Where you can be you, and I can be me

~Lisa M. Crosby 

Copyright 2013