Newsletter of the Carrollton Creative Writers’ Club Issue Number: 8 Publishers: ADP\LDG Date: February 2008 The Carrollton Creative Writers Club is a support group of writers for writers. Our mission: To provide information and critique, and to facilitate the art of all forms of written expression. Meetings at Carrollton Cultural Arts Center: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm 2nd and 4th Thursdays Contact: Mary Wilburn 770-832-0575 
Beverly Bruemmer is updating our contact list. Those of you who have not been active for a while may receive a call or e-mail asking for your plans regarding participation with our group. Those we are not able to contact, or those of you wishing not to renew your membership through 2008’s dues will be taken off our contact list. We are making every attempt to keep our records and our group up to date, not to alienate anyone. If you are unable to attend presently please know we miss you. When you are able to reactivate your membership you will be welcomed back with warmth and open arms. Should you be unable to attend yet still want to receive our communications such as blanket e-mails regarding events, or the newsletters, simply send your $25 membership fee payable to CPRCAD to: Carrollton Cultural Arts Center 251 Alabama Street Carrollton, GA 30117 Our growth dictates the organization within our meetings be spit shined a bit. To enlighten new members, and refresh the memories of our veteran members, below are some guidelines for the meetings where we have a chance to read and critique. For those who are bringing work to read: Notify the facilitator of: *what you are going to read, i.e.; genre, chapter, poem, short story. *the word count or number of pages. *indicate specifically which draft your work is, rough, second, close to final or final, etc. Be careful with rough drafts, as critiques may focus CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 2 on the unpolished portions. Ask the group for their opinion in specific areas such as “Do you like this style?” or “Is this setup worth a Novel?” If you can notify the facilitator before the actual meeting via e-mail, that would be helpful. If you are unable to notify beforehand, that’s fine, just tell the facilitator as soon as you get to the meeting. Provide a copy of your work either by email or hard copy at the meeting. This ensures your critiques are as productive as possible; some members will make notes on their copy and give it back to you for your convenient perusal. Should you choose to bring hard copies to pass out, it may be best to contact the facilitator to see if they have an idea of how many members or readers they are anticipating. Ten copies are usually sufficient as none of us mind sharing. When reading your piece, give one minute, or less, of back story if you feel it’s vital to your presentation. At times, it may prove necessary to catch us up when you are reading a later chapter of a novel. Keep in mind we are all striving to be more professional in our writing, your story should stand on its own. If you use your time to explain why you wrote it, you may miss an opportunity to improve your story. It is also perfectly okay, sometimes even better, to ask someone else to read your piece for you, but please make this arrangement in advance so your reader has a chance to familiarize themselves with your work for a smooth delivery. When you’re done reading, sit back and accept your medicine gracefully. Being defensive helps no one, and burns up too much time. Make notes of the verbal critiques given you for later reference. Should you disagree with someone’s critique, just accept it and go on, we all have opinions. If you have a question regarding someone’s critique, ask for a brief clarification, or make arrangements to discuss it later, and then move on. Remember we are all in the same boat; we’re striving to polish our stories and get published. We are simply trying to make our work the best it can be. For those critiquing: Remember the reader is looking for constructive criticism. Take care to point out one thing you liked for each thing that bothered you. This is called sandwiching your comments. (Positive – critical point – positive). If you hate the style or genre, don’t comment, as it doesn’t pertain to CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 3 you as a potential audience. Be specific about what did or didn’t work for you. It’s not helpful to hear “I didn’t like that”. It’s more productive to hear: “I would like to see more of the surroundings in this scene, I couldn’t visualize very clearly”, or “I’d like to know more about your character and why he would do this,” or “I felt that word made me stumble, possibly another word would help it flow better, such as ____ or _____”. Be honest and direct in a polite and caring way. Again, remember the rough draft is probably the hardest to critique. It’s really still in the idea stage, so punctuation and other nitpickies may be unimportant in this phase of the work. Look for the idea; is the plot being laid out; is the scene being set; are the characters being rounded out and becoming real. Be encouraging, this is a new creation that needs sculpting. Here are some sites to visit that cover the art of critique. Please visit them for valuable input on how we can all help each other be the best. http://www.6ftferrets.com/critique-content.html , http://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~jonsmith/courses/engl236/critique.html http://www.sfwa.org/writing/hc_critique.htm FACILITATOR: Mary Wilburn facilitated February’s A.M. meetings. She brought Penny Lewis, manager of Carrollton Cultural Arts Center, to speak on playwriting. Penny and her husband have written and produced many plays internationally. Ms. Lewis started the first monthly meeting with a brief telling of “her story” She began writing plays which were retellings of older stories, adding her special twists! She also wrote some original plays, often including poems in the plays for the children. Ms. Lewis’ husband scored the music for her plays, which, for the most part was a wonderful union. (For the not so wonderful tidbits, the editor prefers you speak to Ms. Lewis herself! “wink”) The plays Ms. Lewis and company have produced are based on humor and morals, but never get too preachy. She is a true writer in the sense that she has resorted to writing anywhere she could whence the “play muse” calls, including on her leg, at a stoplight, on the way to her own child’s piano recital! As a special treat, Ms. Lewis had the group divide into two teams of blood thirsty pirates, one group lead by none other than Cap’n Crunch, CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 4 to read one of her original works, Pirates of the Carroll-bean… Ahoy Ya Landlubbers! (It is the editor’s opinion that Joe really was a pirate at one time; just ask him to “Aaaargh fer ya.”) The second A.M. meeting briefly hosted Lawanna Wilkerson. She spoke to us regarding “Main Street,” a national program aimed at bringing shopping back to the downtown areas. This is a hand in hand event with May Fest in which some of our group is participating. Beverly Bruemmer will be providing more details as they unfurl. Aside from the abundance of readings, Diana Black provided an interesting close to our meeting. She took us on a tour of South Africa with photos of some of the people she met, inclusive of Desmond Tutu’s descendants. She shared photos of some of the prevalent animals in that area as well as souvenirs depictive of that part of Africa. Through Diana’s lively and entertaining presentation of her experience it was very clear the purpose of her trip with a hospice sisterhood took precedence over her role as a tourist. Thank you for sharing Diana. Dave Green facilitated February’s P.M. meetings. The P.M. meetings are still trying to get off the ground so to speak. Ms. Lily Ward and Dave have been the only attendees for the past few weeks. And while we are thoroughly enjoying the time discussing writing elements and reading to one another, we would love some more company. So . . . If you know of anyone who is a night/late afternoon owl, send them our way. Ms. Lily doesn’t bite, Dave on the other hand, well we do have a muzzle on hand for those rough nights! Joann Dunn is facilitating March’s meetings. She’ll be sharing some of her experiences and the information she gleaned from Sleuth Fest in Florida. READINGS: Am Readings 2/12/08 Joe Byrd illuminated our minds with his story entitled DEATH TOOK OUT HIS COLORING BOOK. The story unfolded with death, a small child, coloring pictures for his mother to put on the refrigerator. Joe introduced a conflict between Death and Life, another small child, who refused to play with Death. Life was mad CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 5 at Death for breaking her creations. In his unique voice, Joe danced between the squabbling children, real life situations and finally resolved the conflict with Life allowing Death to only break her “older, used” toys. The surprise ending was a nice touch. (I cannot spoil it, so you will have to catch up with Joe if you want to know more.) READER’S COMMENTS: Unfortunately, due to the lack of time, and of course the thunderous applause, Joe did not receive any public critique other than a round of atta-boys. (Editor’s Note: If you wish to comment on the story, please consider sending Joe an e-mail. I am sure he’d appreciate any comments.) Readings 2/26/08 Joe Byrd read an insightful poem entitled IN CANYONS OF GLASS AND STEEL, inspired by an experience he had at last year’s Decatur Book Festival. Joe also read a short story, OLD WILEY AND THE END OF THE WORLD. This story touches on the imagination and impressiveness of children in a way that is . . Joe. READER’S COMMENTS: Judi Presnell shared a picture book targeting Pre-K to Third grade readers. CHRISTOPER BEAR WHO WAS NOT THERE resembles the style of our Denise Williams and her puppy series. Judi is artist and author of this amazing work. READER’S COMMENTS: Beverly Smith read the first pages of her work in progress DINNER WITH PETER. The story opens in the disastrous timeline of 9/11 as she shares both personal and national impressions. READER’S COMMENTS Beverly asked for more critique input after everyone else had had their turn. Way to grow, Beverly! Richard Anderson read an essay, SIGNS OF SPRING, a lyrical piece about the local flora that brings such joy to every southern gardener’s heart. Richard also terrified us with his poem APRIL CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 6 ANATHEM, a work of horror about the tax man. READER’S COMMENTS Thank you for the suggestions where I might publish Signs of Spring. Mary Cunningham presented the first chapter in her fourth book in the Cynthia’s Attic series. CYNTHIA’S ATTIC: THE MAGICIAN’S CASTLE is a charming addition to her collection. READER’S COMMENTS Everyone focused on a line that had been bugging me, so that section will be tightened. Sometimes I just need to be hit over the head! Also, in my quest to cut out "useless tags," I cut too many and made it confusing for the reader to figure out who was doing the talking. This is chapter one of "Cynthia's Attic," Book Four, and while I'm not trying to make excuses, it's incredibly difficult to find the right blend of back-story from the other three books without boring the reader, and to get quickly into the action. Thanks to the insightful (not inciteful!) critiques of the group, I think I have a better handle on it. I appreciate it, scribes! Zan Marie Stedham read her poem SNOW, inspired by that February 20th gift from nature. READER’S COMMENTS Thank you one and all for the input. I was gratified that the line in the poem I was worried about was okay. And thanks especially to Mary W. for a great suggestion for the first line in the 3rd stanza. Y'all are great as always. Pm Readings Lily Ward offered a beautiful rendition of her memories of her first traditional German Christmas with her parents, A MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS. Her story pulled you in and put you right into the scene with the night before Christmas anticipation of the child in each of us. READER’S COMMENTS: Dave Green read from his YA/MG fiction manuscript, UNDER THE GRAY SKY. In first person, Dave writes from the view point of the leader of a group of 14 year old boys running from a band of robotic evil girls bent on the destruction of all boys. (This was a re-write of chapter one.) READER’S COMMENTS: Lily, through the meeting and a few other CCWC members have helped me to push, pull, stretch, beat and whip this story into shape. I am thoroughly enjoying the process CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 7 when it is not driving me absolutely bonkers! Lily Ward continued her councilor brand of story telling, this time focusing on the issue of bullying, in I DIDN’T KNOW. The story, intended to be a picture book unfolded as a councilor was discussing the specific progression of bullying, from the simple teasing and rolling of eyes through the more severe acts associated with this issue. Though it was a first draft, again Lily astounded us with her unique brand of sensitivity in dealing with such difficult issues in the lives of not only school children, but even us older folks. READER’S COMMENTS: Dave Green read a first chapter from another work entitled The Fairy Wars. The story starts with a Grandmother recalling her childhood memories of moving into a farm house from the city, with her father, after her mother dies during childbirth. READER’S COMMENTS: Lily, being the only other in attendance had good things to say about this chapter. I was particularly thankful that the voice of the grandmother came through clear. And yes, Lily, you will have to wait a few more chapters to know how the grandmother came to know “a great many trolls”… CHECK YOUR CALENDARS: Another reminder for the contest in the Writers’ Group of the Triad, Greensboro, NC. The prize is $500 for each genre. The postmark deadline is April 30th, 2008. For submission guidelines visit http://triadwriters.org/Greensboro_Awards.html . April 30th is the deadline for your submissions to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Getting Into College. For details if you missed Mary W.’s email visit www.chickensoup.com . Writer’s Digest is searching for the best self-published books of the past few years. This competition is exclusively for self-published authors. All genres are accepted. For submission guidelines visit www.writersdigest.com/contests/self_published.asp CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 8 PERSONALS: Diana Black is back. She shares a great deal of her experience in South Africa through her blog: http://www.southafricansojourn.blogsot.com/ Congratulations are in order for Joann Dunn and her LitChix. Chris Roerden mentioned their mystery novel, A WELL MANICURED MURDER as one of the how to do it rights in her book DON’T SABOTAGE YOUR SUBMISSIONS. Well done Joann. Chris’s book will be available soon. Zan Marie Steadham received a request from Creative Communications for a proposal on her book AN EASTER WALK. Good work Zan Marie, and best wishes with your proposal. Helpful links: http://www.usu.edu/journalism/faculty/sweeney/resources/ap.htm http://www.bu.edu/com/writingprgm/ap_styleguide1.pdf www.ask.com S.T.R.A.P. Submissions Take a Look Rejections Acceptances Pledge Amber 1 10 Dave Richard ZanMarie 1 1 Anyone who would like to participate please submit your name and your pledge. If we don’t submit . . . well, none of these others will happen. The more no’s we get, the closer we are to publishing. So let us know. How many submissions do you pledge to make in the next month, quarter, year, whatever. CCWC Newsletter February 2008 Page 9 WRITE, WRITE, WRITE . SUBMIT, SUBMIT, SUBMIT. Happy writing fellow scribes. See you next month. Please be kind enough to bring any incorrect data, mistakes, or omissions to our attention via amber_pickle@msn.com Or davidgreen@carrollcountyschools.com . Thank you for your patience if they exist in this issue. ADP/LDG http://www.6ftferrets.com/critique-content.html http://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~jonsmith/courses/engl236/critique.html http://www.sfwa.org/writing/hc_critique.htm http://www.usu.edu/journalism/faculty/sweeney/resources/ap.htm http://www.bu.edu/com/writingprgm/ap_styleguide1.pdf www.ask.com http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=124992397&blogID=3324 See you next month. Please be kind enough to bring any incorrect data, mistakes, or omissions to our attention: amber_pickle@msn.com davidgreen@carrollcountyschools.com
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Carrollton Creative Writers' Club
