Janice Anderson nudged me about this the other day, when she remarked “I love the writing books you recommend!” So she wondered if I could open up my library and share it with the group.
So, here goes… (and BTW, I’m making this “sticky” so it’s there for everyone to share) Keep reading →
Hi Fellow Writers,
It was great seeing everyone on Oct 17! For those of you who weren’t there, we talked writing basics, and had three outstanding readers — including yours truly. 
So, what’s coming up next? Still thinking about it, but since November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), there could be some good topics there. We could even discuss the whole NaNoWriMo (trying saying THAT five times fast) approach to writing. I know a few of you (ahem, Alice) are participating…so maybe you can share your experience.
But, as always, I’m open to your ideas. If you have a better, burning idea you’re dying to discuss, bring it forward. Or feel free to volunteer to lead a discussion.
We also have room for writers. I like going with the less is more approach to this, so let’s keep it at 3 slots per meeting. Interested? Sign up here.
Also, thanks to LaRaine (and others) for suggesting some ideas on publicity. I have been remiss in getting our meetings into the paper — and PSAs on public radio would be a great idea too (I may want to save that for our New Year’s reading event). Do you have an idea for getting the word out? Come on down and share with us…inquisitive minds are dying to know.
That’s it…I will be stopping in before our meeting to hound you…er…remind you of what’s coming up. In the meantime, happy writing!
P.S.: I’ll be getting a prompt up on the blog shortly.
I just ran across the neatest place on the internet called librarything.com. You can use it to create a virtual bookshelf for all of the books you have ever read, or you can make an inventory of your home library and print off a list, but best of all it is a social network that connects you with people who read the same things you do. The basic membership is free with space for 200 of your books.
It looks like you can use this huge bibliophile network however you will, such as participate in forums, see other people’s comments on a book you just read, or post your own reviews. Several best selling authors participate in q&a sessions about their works and their own reading habits.
I listed my own published novels under my profile and applied for a little yellow button that gives me author’s status. Now I am in process of stocking my virtual bookshelf with everything I hoard at home in my research library, in hopes of finding new friends who enjoy a love of historical fiction and the classical period of ancient Rome. If nothing else, it might turn up a little word-of-mouth publicity among those who are interested in the type of books I write.
They say list your entire home library, or several books you love, or just the book you are reading at the moment, to find others who (eerily) have many of the same interests you do. I’ll let you know how it goes. - Sherrie Goff
Dear Fellow Writers,
Our October meeting is coming up, and with the cold weather sweeping in, there’s never been a better time to gather together at the library and talk writing. As always, we’re meeting 4 to 6pm on this Saturday (Oct 17), in the Minnie Howard Room of the Marshall Public Library.
So, what’s on the agenda? First hour, we’re going to get back to basics — writing basics. I’d like to talk basic methodology. How do you achieve unity in your writing? How do you start and/or end a piece? What other tips do you have for the writing craft? Let’s talk.
Second hour, we’ll have readings. After discussing w/ other writers in the group, I’ve decided we need to keep our readers to no more than 3 per meeting — that way, every reader gets at least 15 minutes to read their piece. For our upcoming meeting, you’ll need to sign up to read here. I will send an e-mail out in advance of our meeting to confirm readers. If you are unable to read this meeting, we’ll put you on our list for the next meeting. Remember, bring 10 copies to share with the group, so we can follow along as you read, and comment.
Also, the October writing prompt is up on our blog for your writing pleasure.
Can’t wait to see you Saturday. As always, happy writing!
Write a response to the following prompt. You can do it on your own, or add it as a comment to this post:
“A noise outside awakens you one night. You look out the window and see a spaceship. Write what happens next.”
We have some fantastic member news to share!
First off, Janice Anderson walked away with some prizes in writing contests she entered this past summer:
Good news from the writing front. I just received a packet…from the Arizona writing conference writers’ contest. I entered four categories and won two third place categories, and a first place honorable mention for another category. There was even money involved. I am sooo excited.
Also, the China Series written by me, Jocelyn Eikenburg, just started running in the Idaho State Journal. If you missed it, you can grab a PDF copy here, or just read the article online here.
If you’re a member and have news to share, let us know and we’ll share it here on the blog.
Hi Fellow Writers,
Our outdoor reading extravaganza was a smash hit! Thank you so much to everyone who came and brought delicious snacks and drinks. More importantly, thanks to all of our readers. I am wowed at the diversity of styles and topics we heard on Saturday. Plus, there really is nothing better than listening to the written word — it’s the most intimate way to connect with writing.
I’m thinking, we need to do this more often. My thought is, let’s aim for once a quarter to have an all-readings meeting. That would make our next all-readings event in January, and we could just hold that one at the Minnie Howard Room in the library (where we can still have the snacks and drinks, provided there’s no alcohol served). Sound good?
So, what’s coming up? Keep reading →
Hi Fellow Writers,
Just a reminder about tomorrow — I checked the weather, and it looks like we’re going to have a beautiful day — sunny, 82 degrees. Couldn’t have asked for better weather to enjoy the written word in the outdoors.
To refresh your memory, here’s the game plan:
Where: Caldwell Park
When: Sept 19, 4-6pm
What: Readings from our local writers. (Remember, you do not need to bring copies, and there will be no critiquing — just enjoying some fine writing).
My plan is to get things started promptly at 4pm so our readers will have the most time possible to read.
We’ll have the refreshments set up at one table. You are welcome to enjoy them at any time throughout the event — just do so quietly if someone should be reading when you get up.
I’ll see you tomorrow and, in the meantime, happy writing!
Here’s the September Writing Prompt:
“Pretend you were selected to receive a special award. Write the article that would be in the newspaper to announce your award.”
Feel free to keep your written response to yourself, or share it by posting it in the comments to this prompt.
Hi Fellow Writers,
First off, I just wanted to say — you guys are truly inspiring. Just this past meeting we heard two positive reports from members about their progress on the road to getting published. I can’t wait to hear more about what’s going on in September.
But before we talk September, here’s a brief overview of August 15. For those of you who didn’t get there, we got caught up on our summers (a writer’s version of “what I did with my summer vacation”!), talked plot and plot structure (which provided me with a lot of new perspectives, especially in the realm of fiction), and had some readings (me, Judy Minshall, and Donna Jordahl). If you’re interested in reading up more on plot structure, I posted a few links up on the blog. Certainly not the last word in plot structure, but a place to start.
Okay, so here’s the deal on September 19. We’re going to do an all-readings meeting that day, at the beautiful Caldwell Park (located at 8th Avenue and E. Center Street). No critiques, no copies required to pass around — just the opportunity to savor the fruits of your labors while enjoying the verdant pleasures of the outdoors.
Depending on how many people would like to read, we can also allocate more time than the usual 5 minutes (I will keep you updated on how many people we have). Sign up here to do a reading.
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to sit on, a light refreshment (a snack or beverage…just keep it simple, no need to go all out and kill yourself in the kitchen!), and a guest who loves good writing, if you’d like.
What if it rains? In the event of rain, do NOT go to Caldwell Park — we will meet at our usual place, the Minnie Howard Room in the Marshall Public Library. Don’t worry, we can still bring in our snacks to share there and beverages (except the alcohol — sorry, not my rules!).
Look forward to seeing you on Sept 19 at 4-6pm in Caldwell Park!
