September 28, 2015
Hello, writers,
Our third and fourth
workshops of the first fall session were held Tuesday, Sept. 1, and Tuesday,
Sept. 8, respectively at the Callahan Branch Library.
Below you’ll find a listing
of community events, a recap of our third and fourth sessions and some links of
interest to writers.
Community Happenings
Family Game Night – at the Callahan Branch Library on Tuesday, October
6, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Bring your own games or use the library’s games. More
here: http://nassaureads.com/events/
Genealogy After Hours – Research your family history at the Callahan Branch
Library on Tuesdays from August 18 until October 27 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. West
Nassau Genealogy Society experts will be available to help you. http://nassaureads.com/events/
Saturday Night Life (SNL) - A
non-traditional way to do church. SNL meets every Saturday evening at 6:30pm at
inside the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Callahan. http://www.callahanfbc.org/saturday-night-life/
Critique overview from September 1 CCWW
Cameron S., Matt Y. and Connie W. shared
warm-ups.
Elaine H. then
started the critique session by reading a continuation of her young adult
novel. Members complimented the connection she created between the grandmother
and White Dove and Magnolia as well as her vivid descriptions of the Florida
swamp. Connie W. then shared a
prompt-based piece (nail salon and furniture store) featuring a woman named
Peggy reflecting on her day. Members praised her descriptions and the flow of
her piece.
Matt Y. then
read a continuation of his story featuring Theodore, Toby, Frank and Catfish.
Members said his use of dialogue and his visual writing worked well and
reminded them of Guy Noir! Cameron S. then
shared a chronological account of the days following a break-up. Members
complimented Cameron’s writing, especially phrases like “my spine is nothing
but an icicle.”
Danielle T. then
read a continuation of her piece featuring Mary Lou and Michael’s break-up.
Members commented on her powerful descriptions and powerful shift in points of
view. Ashley T. then read a
continuation of her story featuring Julie and Mason. Members really connected
to her bridge image with its powerful symbolism. I, Nancy B., then read “The Quieters,” a short piece about a man who
goes to a meeting where people go to enjoy the quiet. Members complimented my
use of the phrase “oral pollution.”
Irina R. then
shared a continuation of her sci-fi speculative fiction. Members really enjoyed
the descriptions of the weapons Emily creates as well as the futuristic setting
of the piece. Ines R. then read
chapter two of “Cotton.” Members complimented Ines’s characterization of Hannah
and Andrew and the dramatic nature of her piece.
Lisa C. then
read “The Struggle,” a poem about good versus evil. Lisa’s rhymes and her whole
piece worked well, according to members. Butch
K. then read a memoir about moving from the Arlington area of Jacksonville
to Callahan. Members enjoyed the sense of suspense he used in writing about
leaving his wallet on the counter of Subway.
Great work, everyone!
Critique overview from September 8 CCWW (corrected on 10/5)
Irina R. began
the session by reading a continuation of her futuristic saga featuring Blake
and Emily. Members complimented Irina’s characterization and the flow of her
piece. Lisa C. then read “The Pot and
the Kettle,” an older piece featuring married couple, Margaret and Henry.
Members ooh’ed and aah’ed over Lisa’s realistic dialogue and spot-on marital
situations. Lori L. then shared
another installment of her Eddie story. Members commented on how well the
ending worked.
Danielle T. continued
the session by reading a continuation of her piece about a family. Members
complimented Danielle’s descriptions, such as “felt detached yet strangely
aware of himself” about Michael. Michele
N. then shared one of her personal journal entries. Members complimented
her honesty and her willingness to share her piece. Connie W. then read another “Hemp Rope” piece which also tied into the
“tyranny” prompt. Members praised Connie’s characterization and her development
of the relationship between Caleb and his mother.
Ines R. then
shared chapters one and two of “Waves,” a new piece featuring mermaids. Members
lauded her descriptions, such as “assassin stones” and “freckled nose.” Cameron S. then read a piece featuring a
conversation between two teens. Members connected to the way Cameron conveyed a
feeling of smallness and the phrase, “I’m just a raindrop in a hurricane.” Ashley T. then shared chapter three of
her ongoing piece featuring Julie and Mason. Members enjoyed learning more
about Julie as she turns up pregnant, a victim of rape.
I, Nancy B., then shared chapter six of my WIP. Members said my
characterization of Lars worked well. Danielle
C. completed the session by reading a prompt-based (“graveyard shift”)
piece. Members complimented her phrasing, especially “warm hug to a chilled
soul.”
Great work, everyone!
Quote of the week:
“A great writer reveals the
truth even when he or she does not wish to.”
~Tom Bissell
Dates for Session 2
Session 2 will begin Tuesday,
October 13 and run through Tuesday, November 17. Please watch your e-mail for
prompts.
Have a great week!
~Nancy B.
