Craft Chat and Critique Workshop: Point of View

Achieving a strong point of view (POV) is critical to storytelling regardless of the genre. Should you keep the same POV throughout the story? When can you change? Can you have several different points of view? One of the more difficult elements of the craft is learning how to use varying points of view and maintain them throughout the course of your story. We'll be discussing the differences and offering some ideas on how to assess which type of POV works best for moving the story along in this week's Craft Chat.

EVENT: Chico Writers Group Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

DATE:   Saturday, December 19, 2009

TIME:    1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Butte County Library, Chico Branch, Meeting Room
                  1108 Sherman Ave., Chico (cross street: First Ave.)

CONTACT:  
                  (530) 521-4264

AGENDA:

1:00 - 1:15 PM - Free write.
                         Bring along your pad of paper and pen or laptop and spend the first portion of our meeting writing to a prompt that will tie into our Craft Chat.

1:15 - 1:30 PM - Craft Chat: Point of View

1:30 - 3:00 PM - Critique Workshop - manuscript has been sent out to all members in good standing for review. Critique to be conducted round-robin fashion.

 

Next Meeting: Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy holidays and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all!

Idea Think Tank

Where do you get ideas?

Some of us get them from reading the tabloids (nope, don't even have to buy them, just stand in line at the grocery store and flip through one while you wait), watching television, arriving early at the movie theater and watching all the commercials and trailers -- the possibilities are endless. The key is using your imagination, giving your muse an opportunity to romp around.

But in a world that's crazy busy, sometimes we lack the time or the ability to slow our brains down long enough to let our muse out to play. Are we endlessly stuck in a gray world, unable to coat a fresh sheet of paper with those lovely scribbles that turn into being novels, short stories, poetry or prose? Of course not! We just need tools to help us unlock our muse's true potential.

Working with writing prompts is a terrific tool to exploring some thoughts and ideas. Whether you chose to select a topic or subject and see what a few minutes of free writing will expose, a more definitive prompt that might give you character names, a place and a situation, or do a fun little exercise that involves a dictionary (see below), spend some time to free write.

The Dictionary Prompt:

Open the dictionary and blindly pick a word. Don't even bother looking at the definition, jot the word down on your pad of paper. Do this again, two more times.

Once you have your three words, set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes, then write. You don't even have to use the words you selected. Maybe those words elicited another thought or idea. Maybe you'd prefer to write about something that eludes to the words. Or maybe your muse has taken off in a completely different direction. There are no right or wrongs to this exercise. Just write. Don't edit. Don't try to make sense. Don't worry about grammar or spelling or the mechanics. If you do, your muse will shut up and sit there, staring vacantly at you as if you've put her under lock and key and threaded a gag across her mouth. Whatever you do, don't piss her off.

If you find you like this exercise, consider signing up for "Word of the Day." You'll find that a number of online dictionaries have this free service that will deliver a new word to your in-box daily. Create a filter and save those words in a special folder so that you can easily and quickly return to it for some new words to play with.

Online Prompts:

Do a query for the keywords "writing prompt" and see what you stumble upon. There are hundreds upon thousands of sites out there where the fodder is chin deep and just a few keystrokes away. Use caution, however, in posting what comes of the prompt. Should the exercise evoke a much bigger story (isn't that the whole point to these exercises?), you wouldn't want someone coming along and swiping it from you, right? But more importantly, as the industry continues to evolve in light of the economy and the necessity of streamlining by using technology, online posts can at times be considered a form of publication and can, in some circumstances, ruin the opportunities for agented publication. A good resource for learning more about these legalities is to visit literary agent Nathan Bransford's web site and enroll in his online forums at http://www.nathanbransford.com

What Ifs:

Thinking back on your day, whether it's while you were standing in line at the bank or grocery store, straddling the in-box at work, mindlessly running copies, or driving around running errands, was there a person, a car, a landmark you passed that caught your fancy? A situation, an event, an observation you made, perhaps? Spend ten to fifteen minutes just thinking about that, letting your mind go and carrying that thought away on it's own little trip. Now spend another fifteen minutes chasing that idea across your paper. Save it. You might find it useful as a scene description, a character, even a plot point. Maybe even the jump-off point for your next free write that could reap a wild array or even a single solitary idea for a story.

Where else can you get ideas?

• commercials
• mailers
• online ads
• movie trailers
• tabloids
• magazines
• a cozy coffee shop
• a busy mall
• the list is endless...

Other ways to develop a playground for your muse:

• Mind mapping - to learn more about this, visit http://www.hollylisle.com who has a wonderful way to mind map
• Snowflakes - to learn more about this, visit http://www.ingermanson.com or better yet, http://www.writetoinspire.com/article1258.html 
• For logic thinkers, work on developing your creative brain by taking up drawing and for those of you who are all creative-minded, visit Wikipedia for some articles about logic thinking. Having two sides of your brain, the creative and logical sides, your muse has a much more expansive playground to cavort around on!

Where Do You Get Ideas? Craft and Critique Workshop

So where do you get ideas for your next novel? How do you get them? How can you tickle your muse and get her to speak to you? This is our topic for our upcoming Craft and Critique Workshop coming up on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Butte County Library, Chico Branch (1108 Sherman Avenue, cross street First Avenue) in the meeting room (directly across the breezeway from the circulation desk). Don't forget to bring your writing gear for our kick-off free write session!

Agenda

1:00 - 1:30 p.m.  Free Write
1:30 - 1:45 p.m.  Craft Chat: How do you get ideas for your next piece?
1:45 - 3:00 p.m.  Critique Workshop: Two pieces have been selected to be critiqued during this session. All members in good standing should have a copy and be prepared to review them at our meeting.

Next meeting: Saturday, December 19, 2009 1-3 pm @ Chico Branch - Butte County Library

For more information about the Chico Writers Group, membership, manuscripts and formatting and more, visit our official website at http://www.ejourn.net/cwg/ or look for us on Facebook!

 

Writers Workshop: The End All

Probably one of the most difficult things for writers, or should we say, storytellers, is learning how and when to come to an end. When and how exactly does one end the story? For most of us burgeoning novelists, this is the caveat, the one single solitary thing that keeps us from flourishing in the world of becoming published. You do, after all, need an ending to your novel, right? Well, step right on up, fetch some coffee and maybe a scone, grab a chair and listen to the story we're about to tell. The topic for this coming meeting is "How - and when - to end your tale." Catchy title, isn't it? Have faith, it's better than the other one that came to mind.

Our meeting will be held Saturday, November 21st from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at a location to be disclosed later. If you'd like to receive an email regarding the location, leave a comment here, just be sure to use a working email address.

Agenda

1:30 - 1:45 pm Free Write
  Writers are encouraged to spend the first 15 minutes of our session writing from the prompt given (which often ties into the craft chat topic) and afterwards, share with the rest of the group.

1:45 - 2:15 pm Writer Share and Craft Chat - "Endings"; selection of topic for upcoming session (Saturday, December 5, 2009)

2:20 - 3:30 pm Critique Workshop
  Selected authors will be sharing their current work and receiving feedback from other authors in the group. Manuscripts have already been selected and distributed. Please note that only members in good standing are eligible for having their work critiqued and members who have been in attendance previously and are planning on attending the upcoming session have been sent the selected manuscripts to read and prepare for the critique workshop.

For more information about the Chico Writers Group, read our post: Update on Meetings and Write-Ins (http://chicowritersgroup.blogspot.com/2009/10/update-on-meetings-and-write-ins.html) or visit our official site at http://www.ejourn.net/cwg/

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

In less than a week thousands will be sitting down to write a novel. Challenged by Chris Baty, the wonderbrain behind this mad adventure, writers of all types and around the world are spirited along to write fifty-thousand --that's right, 50,000-- words in thirty days. And if you've been so inspired to do this that you actually churn out a book (which are typically another 40-50K more words depending on your genre), literary agent Colleen Lindsay doesn't want you trying to pitch it to her. But don't let her stop you from pitching it to others. Just be sure it's worthy of the agent's time and not just sent out to a pool of agents on December first. Not cool.

Last year, Chico Writers Group hosted a number of write-ins as several took the challenge. This year, however, we won't be hosting write-ins. We will most likely continue holding our write-ins at the library on Wednesdays between 9:30 and 11:30 am, except we might be moving to the inside portion at the back of the reference area where it might be a tad warmer (see diagram below). If you plan on coming and haven't been before, you might want to stop off at the comment section and give us a holler so we know to be looking for you -- and that you'll be looking for us. If you have a laptop you'll be using and require power during the two hours, we suggest you bring a suitable extension cord as the number of open and available outlets is limited. There are some nearby our location, but for some, it might be a stretch.

Click on the picture above to enlarge.

If write-ins are your thing, one of our members will be working with the Chico NaNo liaison, Lynn, and hosting write-ins at her offices on Rio Lindo Avenue after 5:00 p.m. Want more information? Go to NaNoWriMo.org and register. Once you're done, edit your profile and select Chico, California as your region and be sure to sign up to allow the liaison to send messages to you. Still need more or can't figure that out? Hit that comment box and let us know. Just be sure to use a valid email address so someone can respond.

Update on Meetings and Write-Ins

Here's a list of our upcoming meetings which are open to new members. There is never a fee (no dues or membership fees). We just ask that if you plan on attending to please leave a comment here to let us know to look for you!

The following are held at the Butte County Library, Chico Branch (1108 Sherman Avenue, cross street First Ave.), Public Meeting Room (directly across breezeway from the Circulation Desk).

1-3 pm Saturday, October 24, 2009
1-3 pm Saturday, November 7, 2009
1-3 pm Saturday, December 5, 2009
1-3 pm Saturday, December 19, 2009
1:30-4:00 pm Saturday, January 2, 2010
1:30-4:00 pm Saturday, January 16, 2010
1:30-4:00 pm Saturday, January 30, 2010

We will also be holding closed session meetings, only open to active members in good standing. The locations are to be announced via email prior to the session. The tentative dates for these sessions are as follows:

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010

Our meetings are structured in the following format:

15-30 minutes (by member/participant votes) free writing from prompt followed by with sharing (optional, not required)
30 minutes craft chat - each session we will be talking about various elements of the craft of writing on topics selected by member interest during the previous session followed by a selection of the upcoming meeting's craft chat topic
Remainder of time is spent critiquing manuscripts that have been distributed to the current, active members of the group whom are in good standing. New and interested members are more than welcome to stay for the critique portion of the meeting (unless an author scheduled for critique prefers not to have their work discussed with others outside of the current group), however, we regret we are unable to provide extra copies of the manuscripts selected nor are we able to distribute manuscripts to anyone prior to the session as we do require all recipients have attended at least one full meeting due to privacy and copyrights.

For more information, take some time and browse this site as we have published a number of articles and links to supporting documents and sites pertaining to our group.

Write-Ins

During the month of November when many of our writers participate in the National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo (visit http://www.nanowrimo.org for more information and registration), we typically beef up our write-ins. These are open sessions for writers of all kinds, ages, genres, etc. It's a time to set aside and meet at an agreed upon location to do little more than write. It's a great motivational event, if you haven't done this before, give it a try!

Because this was popular and a great motivator, we've continued to hold write-ins. We usually meet every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 am* at the Butte County Public Library, Chico Branch (1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, cross street is First Ave.) at the very back tables just before the magazine and newspaper section. As the attendance varies, we suggest you leave a comment here to let us know you plan on attending. Also leave your current, working email address and check prior to attending as we do sometimes cancel and don't always publicize cancellations for a number of reasons.

*Write-in update: Our next write-in is scheduled for THURSDAY, November 19, 2009 from 9:00 am to noon in the conference room at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library (First Ave. and Sherman Ave.).

We will have another write-in on FRIDAY, December 4th, 2009 from 9-11:30 am in the same location.

CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE AND TIMES you will be attending the two aforementioned write-ins is required. You are not required to stay the duration, however, since this is a very open chunk of time, if there are not writers using this space, out of courtesy to the library and their patrons, we should return any unused time enough in advance that they are able to schedule for other use. (Updated Thursday, November 12, 2009)

Do you have to arrive and leave on-time? Absolutely not! This is your time to write.

Can we chat while we're attending a write-in? Generally this is frowned upon as (a) we're in a library and (b) we're there to write.

For more FAQs on this topic, see our post: Upcoming Write-Ins and What is a "Write-In"?

Sunday, Sept. 6th 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Twitter

Tonight starting at 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Twitter, tell about your best and worst critique story in 140 characters or less. The only rules that apply are:

• Don't out your critique partner(s)/group
• Use the hashtag #bwcs for followers (best/worst critique story)
• Keep tweets open for all readers (in other words, don't start your tweet with @user, you may include @user after the first character)

Can't make it then? Tweet your critique story any time, just be sure to use the hashtag #bwcs so it shows up in the search!

Hope you can make it, this should be fun! 

Craft Chat: Describing Setting through Character's Eyes

The Chico Writer's Group will be hosting a Craft Chat Saturday, September 12, 2009 on the topic of how to describe a setting through the character's eyes. This is a free event, writers of all walks, all levels of experience, are invited to attend.

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Date:	Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time:	1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location:	Butte County Library, Chico Branch
Address:	1108 Sherman Avenue (cross 1st Ave.)
	Chico, California
	Public Meeting room directly across breezeway from the circulation desk.
What to Bring:	Pen/pencil, writing tablet or a laptop/notebook
	Agenda
1:00 - 1:20 PM	Free write. Using prompts, writers will be given the opportunity to write for fifteen minutes, then share what they've written to the other members of the group.*
1:20 - 1:30 PM	Craft Chat: What are some effective ways to describe the setting in your fiction through different character's eyes that is unique to the character's own voice? We'll explore this question, exchange ideas, and review resources available to add to our writing toolbox.
1:30 - 3:00 PM CLOSED SESSION	Critique Workshop: Members in good standing will be offering critiques to authors of assigned manuscripts which are distributed prior to the meeting. Members: Please attempt to use the critique worksheet, available for download, when reading the manuscript, complete it and bring it with you to the meeting.
About:	Closed sessions are still open to the public, we just ask that anyone interested in this segment enters prior to the session, understands they are only there to observe, and may ask questions, enter into a conversation with the members after the session concludes (however, after session discussions should be conducted outside the meeting room). Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent at all times due to the nature of the conversations that take place. If, however, the authors do not feel comfortable having their manuscript reviewed in the presence of minors, we reserve the right to ask anyone under the age of 18 to please leave the room.
*Sharing written free write work	This portion of our group meeting is not critiqued. Other writers are encouraged to give feedback, provided it's positive. The free write portions of our group meetings is meant to inspire, challenge and bring about new and exciting ideas about the written word to those participating. While you are not required to read your work aloud, this is an invaluable opportunity to hear the differences in points of view and often quite enjoyable both for the writer and the members of the group. Alternatively, provided your writing is reasonably legible, you may always invite another member to read your work out loud to the rest of the group.

Coming Saturday, September 26, 2009: Writing Conference Review. Chico Writer's Group members who have attended writing conferences over the summer will be sharing useful information with us. This is also a free event, open to the public. If you are interested in attending this special presentation, please contact us (you may leave a comment here, just be sure to provide a working email address so we can reply. Email addresses are never published publicly.) as space is limited.

The Chico Writer's Group, is not affiliated with the Meetup Group with a similar name.

Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest

From the PNWA mailer: :

PNWA 2010 Literary Contest:

It's your chance to shine. Every writer knows there comes a time to send their work out into the world. Don't miss this opportunity to put your work to the test and compete with some of the best at the Annual PNWA Literary Contest. There are 12 categories, cash prizes and accepted entries receives two valuable critiques. In addition, finalists' entries are read and judged by an agent or editor to determine the top three in each category. Winners are announced every year at the Summer Conference in front of writers, agents and editors
Featuring Twelve Categories:

1. Mainstream
2. Historical Genre (NEW THIS YEAR)
3. Romance Genre
4. Mystery/Thriller Genre
5. Science Fiction/Fantasy
6. Young Adult Novel
7. Non-Fiction Book/Memoir
8. Screen Writing
9. Poetry
10. Short Story
11. Children's Picture Book or Chapter Book
12. Adult Short Topics (Article/Essay/Short Memoir)

Please visit our website (www.pnwa.org) for details and contest entry form.

Upcoming Write-Ins and What is a "Write-In"?

The Chico Writer's Group started hosting "write-ins" November, 2008 to help NaNoWriMo participants in the group and throughout the Chico community, reach their writing goal of 50,000 words in 30 days. Since then, several members were so happy with the results, they elected to continue this popular motivator.

As we gear up for this coming November's National Novel Writing Month challenge, we're putting out the call to all interested writers to come participate in our weekly event. No dues, no membership fees and a lot of fun! If you're interested, drop us a line or leave us a comment with your current, active email address (which is never published) and we'll include you in the scheduling process.

Want to know more about our write-ins? Read on!

A write-in is where two or more writers gather in a mutually agreed upon public place (coffee shop, 24-hour diner, public library, etc.) for a period of time (anywhere from 1-4 hours, typically. It all depends upon what the writers agree on doing.) The purpose of the meeting is to write.

For some, setting aside time to write and then actually using it to write, is difficult. A write-in holds the writer accountable. It also makes the time go by quicker and having others surround you, ideas flying, words adding up, it's also inspiring. We acknowledge it's not ideal for everyone, but give it a shot before you write it off entirely! (Yeah, pun intended.)

Write-in Rules:

• Talking is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. You are there to write!
       Things like "Hey, what are some types of weapons other than a knife or gun, that a woman of medium size and height, could wield to stave off her attacker?" or "What's the word for that thing that chops off heads, usually in a public forum?" are ok.
       Ordinarily those types of questions could be Googled, but during National Novel Writing Month (November), that can be too time consuming and big distraction, keeping you from reaching the goal at the end of the month of completing the 50K words.
       Asking for others to listen to you plot out your entire novel or read a chapter isn't okay. Save that for our regular critique workshops.
• If you say you're going to be there and for some reason can't or decide you're not up for it, be courteous and drop a line to the organizer, the earlier the better. It's not fair to the others in your group to just "not show up."  Same applies if you're no longer interested. Let the organizer know!
• Be sure to bring your writing materials including a plug for your laptop/notebook, couple extra pens/pencils, notepads, etc. Remember, if you're meeting in a coffee shop or restaurant, less is more. Space will be limited, so don't plan on bringing all your resource books and spreading them out.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to arrive and leave the times the write-in is scheduled to start and finish?
A: No. You're welcome to arrive earlier and leave later, arrive later and leave earlier. If you do arrive earlier, try to find a spot large enough for everyone. Arriving later or leaving earlier? Please be courteous of your fellow writers. Quietly set up and break down. Be sure to bus your table before leaving if meeting at an eatery.

Q. Are all write-ins at the same time/same day of the week?
A: No. The November write-ins are "any time we can get a couple of people and a couple of hours that all coordinate." They can happen any time of any day of the week and usually more than once a week. Most writers are trying to squeeze in as much time as possible to reach that 50K goal. However, after NaNoWriMo, we do tend to meet on the same time/same day of the week, but that's not written in stone. Yup, 'nother pun. Sorry! If you're interested in the non-NaNo month write-ins and see that the schedule doesn't fit with yours, drop us a line (or comment - just be sure to give us a working email address to respond to you at), let us know you're interested and what days/times work best.

Q: Why are your non-NaNo month write-ins always at the Chico Public Library?
A: They're not. But usually they are. The reason is it's free. No one feels obligated to buy a coffee or drink, there's no charge for parking, it's quiet and there's usually plenty of room to write. Downtown Chico has metered parking and during the school year, there aren't many "quiet" places to write. There aren't any completely free places to write, either, other than the library.

Q: I want to come to a write-in, but I don't always have access to transportation. Does that mean I'm excluded?
A: No. However, you might want to arrange for a ride or take the bus/a taxi the first time to make sure it's something you want to do and have the opportunity to meet and get to know the others in our group. During that time, you can ask if there's anyone willing to give you a ride.

Q. I'm an obsessive Googler because it helps me with on-the-fly research as the story I'm working on develops. If I come to a write-in, will I be able to access the Internet and Google?
A: Usually. The Chico Public Library now has free Internet Wi-fi and most of the locations we've picked in the past have offered free access. If you're a habitual Googler and this is imperative you have access, let us know in advance so we can keep that in mind when looking for locations.

Q: I'm a full-time college student and only have free time between midnight and 2:00 a.m., does that mean I won't be able to attend a write-in.
A: No. But don't expect it to be a write-in we've organized! Of course, if there's enough of a demand, we might be willing to entertain the idea. (But seriously, midnight to 2? Have you heard of this much needed thing called "sleep?")

Q: My daughter is interested in attending, but she's fourteen. Can she come to a write-in?
A: Yes. However, special arrangements for drop-off attendees under the age of eighteen is required for safety and legal purposes. We require the parent/legal guardian to contact us prior to attendance unless the parent/legal guardian will be accompanying the minor and staying on the premises the entire time.

Q: So can my nine year old son attend, too?
A: No. Male and female minors between the ages of 13 and 18 may attend (see above Q/A), however we're unable to accommodate anyone under the age of 13. As a suggestion, contact your child's school and ask the language arts department about hosting write-ins and writer group meetings for students interested in writing but under the age of 13.

Q: I'm not a writer, but I am an avid reader. May I come and offer to read some of the works in progress novels, maybe give a few suggestions, kick around some ideas with the writers?
A: Thanks, but no. At least not at a write-in. If you are truly interested in reading some of the works in progress and provide feedback, please drop us a line!

Adverb Abuse and How To Avoid It: Craft Chat & Critique Workshop

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Topic: Adverb Abuse and How To Avoid It
Host: Chico Writer's Group
Date:  Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Butte County Library, Chico Branch - Meeting Room
Street: 1108 Sherman Ave.
City/Town: Chico, CA
View MapQuest Map Google MapQuest Microsoft Yahoo

*****AGENDA*****

1:00 - 1:20 pm Free write exercise
During this time, members will be given the opportunity to write from prompts provided and then share (voluntarily) with others at the end. Be sure to bring writing tools (paper and pen or laptop, stone tablets work well but can be a bit noisy)!
1:20 - 1:40 pm Craft Chat: Adverb Abuse and How To Avoid It
This is a step beyond and ten times better than Schoolhouse Rock! As writers, we sometimes slip into a habit of using and then abusing adverbs. How many times can your character be found looking, glancing, frowning, smiling, catapulting or picking the hairs out of his ears? Learn some of the tools of the craft and how to avoid adverb abuse during this insightful chat session. Handouts will be distributed at the close.
1:40 - 3:00 pm Critique Workshop
(open to members in good standing, guests and visitors are invited to listen,
but we are unable to provide copies of the scheduled author's work)
Members: Remember to have your manuscript in to Ruth by Thursday, August 13th. This is a strict deadline.

Upcoming Meetings

The following is a list of our upcoming meetings (2009). New members and those interested in the group are more than welcome to attend except when noted as "closed session." New and interested members are respectfully asked to contact us prior to attending the meeting so we can provide you with information about the session and about our group.

Except where noted, meetings are held in the meeting room directly across from the circulation desk at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library (1108 Sherman Avenue - cross street 1st Ave. - Chico).

Manuscript Due Date	Manuscript Distribution Date	Meeting Date	Time	Location
Thu., July 9	Fri., July 10	Sat., July 18	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library
Thu., Aug. 13	Fri., Aug. 14	Sat., Aug. 22	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library
Thu., Sept. 3	Fri., Sept. 4	Sat., Sept. 12	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library
Thu., Sept. 17	Fri., Sept. 18	Sat., Sept. 26	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library
Thu., Oct. 1	Fri., Oct. 2	Sat., Oct. 10	1-3 p.m.	CLOSED SESSION*
Thu., Oct. 29	Fri., Oct. 30	Sat., Nov. 7	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library
Thu., Nov. 12	Fri., Nov. 13	Sat., Nov. 21	1-3 p.m.	CLOSED SESSION*
Thu., Nov. 26	Fri., Nov. 27	Sat., Dec. 5	1-3 p.m.	Chico Library

The noted (*) closed session locations will be disclosed to members in good standing prior to the scheduled meeting.

Dates and times are subject to change. We will attempt to update this blog and other web sites where announcements regarding upcoming meetings are located with the corrections. All active members in good standing are automatically notified via email.

Meetings typically begin with a "free write" segment (time allotted is voted on by participants) typically with a prompt that leads into the prearranged craft chat portion of the meeting. Writers are encouraged to bring paper and pen/pencil or a laptop for this portion. Afterwards, everyone is encouraged to share what they wrote as this portion is not a "critique."

The Craft Chat is about a variety of topics (character development, how to name your piece, worldbuilding, adding red herrings, etc.) all pertaining to the craft of writing.  Handouts covering the topic are typically distributed at the end of this segment.

We conclude our session with a critique of (typically) two submitted manuscripts.

Rescheduled Craft Chat & Critique Workshop

Due to illness, our last Craft Chat and Critique Workshop was canceled. It's been rescheduled for this coming Sunday, June 28 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Butte County Library, Chico Branch (1108 Sherman Avenue) meeting room.

Agenda:

3:00- 3:30 PM Craft Chat
Planting Red Herrings
A red herring can divert your reader until you’re ready for them to know the truth. How do you set up a red herring and make your reader follow its scent - without being suspicious?

3:30- 5:00 PM Manuscript Critique
All members in good standing have been sent the manuscripts for this week’s critique session.

Craft Chat & Critique Workshop Canceled

Due to illness and schedule conflicts, today's craft chat on red herrings has been postponed and the critique workshop is canceled. Further information to come.

(Sunday, June 14, 2009)

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Planting Red Herrings

Host: CWG: Chico Writer's Group
Type: Education - Workshop
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009
Time: 12:30pm - 3:00pm
Location: Chico Branch, Butte County Library Conference Room (across from cirrculation desk)
Street: 1108 Sherman Ave.
City/Town: Chico, CA
View MapQuest Map  Google MapQuest Microsoft Yahoo

Agenda:

12:30 - 1:00 PM Craft Chat
Planting Red Herrings
A red herring can divert your reader until you're ready for them to know the truth. How do you set up a red herring and make your reader follow its scent - without being suspicious?

1:00 - 3:00 PM Manuscript Critique
All members in good standing have been sent the manuscripts for this week's critique session.

Worldbuilding and Rule Creation Resources

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions by Patricia C. Wrede, http://www.sfwa.org/writing/worldbuilding1.htm - These are specifically geared toward fantasy worlds, but they're esily adapted to any other kind of worldbuilding. This is a much more expansive look at the aspects of the world mentioned briefly above.

The Rules of Quick and Dirty Worldbuilding by Annalee Newitz http://io9.com/5039477/the-rules-of-quick-and-dirty-worldbuilding - This takes on more of a science fiction bent, but again has some advice that can be generalized to other worldbuilding.

The Mythopoets Manual by Loren J. Miller http://www.rpgmud.com/WorldBuilding/Mythopoets/tmm.html - Specifically looks at the issue of religion.

Worldbuilding Links http://www.bmarch.atfreeweb.com/Worldbuilding.htm - A collection of links to other worldbuilding resources.

World Builder Projects http://hiddenway.tripod.com/world/ - Another collection of links to other worldbuilding resources.

Our next meeting we'll discuss red herrings which is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2009 from noon (possibly 12:15pm) to 3:00 pm at the library. More information to come.

Craft and Critique Workshop Saturday, May 30, 2009

Topic: Worldbuilding and Rule Creation
Host: CWG: Chico Writer's Group
Type: Education - Workshop
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Chico Branch, Butte County Library Conference Room (across from circulation desk)
Street: 1108 Sherman Ave.
City/Town: Chico, CA
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Phone: 5305214264
Email: kathie(dot)blog(at)gmail(dot)com

Get ready for an exciting writing workshop and craft chat this coming Saturday, May 30th!

Agenda

4:30 - 5:00 pm Writing Exercise
5:00 - 5:30 pm Craft Chat - Worldbuilding and Rule Creation
"How do you create a story world? What makes it real for your readers? How do you create rules and keep them consistent?"
5:30 - 7:30 pm Critique Workshop
Manuscripts have been emailed out to the members in good standing and will be critiqued.

Resources for Writers

The following are links and information that was shared during our recently meeting.

The Exploding Cat - how to foreshadow and some other helpful tips for writers by the novelist, Holly Lisle.

http://howtothinksideways.com/crashtests/writing-videos/holly-lisle-and-the-case-of-the-exploding-cat=/

Holly has a lot of other resources for writers. Check out:

• www.writercrashtest.com
• www.howtothinksideways.com
• and of course, www.hollylisle.com which is crammed full of useful information (you might want to tie yourself down before going in there, you could get lost in there!)

LJ Sellers, author of The Sex Club, is a mystery writer. She offers some tips and advice on plotting your story and keeping things organized. Here's a great post to read and while you're there, check out her other sage advice she gives:

http://ljraves.blogspot.com/2008/08/10-ways-to-keep-your-writing-organized.html

Another blot/site to visit is JA Konrath's (Jack Kilborn series) site, specifically the "Newbie's Guide to Publishing" which is a free book and well worth the read even before you start (or finish) your novel.

http://www.jakonrath.com/writers.htm

What resources do you have that you can share? Add a comment so we all can enjoy!

Look for news on our upcoming meeting and craft chat topic coming soon!

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop Sat. May 16

(We are not affiliated with the Chico Writers Meetup Group*)

"Describing Sounds"

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico
Room: Butte County Library - Chico Branch conference room (directly across the hall from the circulation desk)
Fees: None

Agenda

3:30 - 4:00 PM Free write - We always have a fun writing exercise assigned that inspires creativity (and has resulted in poems, short stories and even the beginnings of longer pieces!). Come join!
4:00 - 4:30 PM Craft Chat: Describing Sounds
What was that noise - and how can you describe it to your reader? Whether it's the creak of a basement door, the babbling of a brook, or the rush of the wind, your characters encounter sounds. We'll talk about ways to describe those sounds so your reader hears them too.
5:00 - 6:30 PM Critique Workshop
All manuscripts have been turned in and distributed to members in good standing.

*Chico Writers Meetup Group is through a paid membership site, Meetup. We do not have anything to do with this group and are not affiliated. We never charge membership dues or collect fees.

Resource Links

From our March workshop on Culture, Race and Ethnicity, here are some resourceful links:

Required reading: Transracial Writing for the Sincere by Nisi Shawl. Other links from the handout:

• A primer on privilege: what it is and what it isn't by Betty
• "Check my what?" On privilege and what you can do about it by Andrea Rubenstein
• Stephen King's Super-Duper Magical Negroes by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
• Appropriate Cultural Appropriation by Nisi Shawl
• I Didn't Dream of Dragons by Deepa D.
• Mary Anne Mohanraj Gets You Up to Speed, Part II by Mary Anne Mohanraj
• White people, its not all about you, but for this post it is by Deepa D.

Crafting Opening Lines and Critique Workshop

Agenda

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Flash Writing Exercise and Craft Chat: Opening Lines

How do you pull your readers into your story from the very first line? What makes for a good first line? When should you write it?

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Critique Workshop

Manuscripts have been turned in and distributed to the members in good standing. Order of critiques are as follows:  R. A., K. L., D. H.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Butte County Library, Chico Branch - Conference Room
Address: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico (cross street - First Avenue)

The Critiquey Critique Workshop

Getting the most from critiquing and being critiqued

Host:  CWG: Chico Writer's Group
Type: Education - Workshop
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location:  Chico Branch Meeting Room, Butte County Library
Street: 1108 Sherman Avenue
City/Town: Chico, CA
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Agenda

11:00 AM - Craft Workshop: Getting the Most from Critiquing and Being Critiqued

You've written your heart and soul out. Worked long, tireless hours perfecting your manuscript and now you ache for feedback other than from Grandma, the cat and your significant others. Fellow writers, perhaps. A critique group. But the size, type and availability of these groups might be far and few between, how can you go about getting the most out of your time spent with them and get the valuable insight you crave and desire? How do you, in turn, provide enough feedback to other authors so they are equally rewarded? We'll be presenting effective, useful methods which will help you and your fellow writers achieve their goals during this session which is free to the public.

12:00 pm Closed session (members only) Critique Workshop
Manuscripts have been already sent out and members should be in receipt and have responded to the like. The order of these is: R.S.A. followed by K. L.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th, 2009 from 3:30 - 6:30 pm

Yes, there really are great things that are free!

do you duotrope?

what is duotrope? Duotrope’s Digest is a free, online resource for writers of fiction and poetry.
why duotrope? Search for the perfect market for your fiction and poetry, based on a number of criteria. We list well over a thousand current markets and keep them as up to date as humanly possible. You can also get nifty reports on response times and acceptance/rejection ratios. Sign up for a free account and track your submissions. We’ll even remind you when it’s time to query. Explore and see what else we have on tap.
how can duotrope? Pull up your web browser and head over to duotrope.com. Remember, it’s free!

Craft Chat: Race and Ethnicity

How do you make characters of a race (describing biological descent) or ethnicity (describing cultural heritage) other than your own realistic? How can you avoid reducing them to a stereotype? Where do you go for information? What obvious traps should you avoid?

We'll be answering these questions and enjoying some free write time during our regular writers group meeting.  Visitors are welcome! This is a free event.

Critique Workshop and Craft Chat

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Times: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room (directly across from circulation desk)
Chico Branch, Butte County Library
Address: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico

Agenda

• 4-4:30 p.m. Free Write followed by Craft Chat
• 4:30-6:30 p.m. Critique Workshop
• m.s.s in this order:
• D. H.
• R. A.
• L. H.*

How NOT to be targeted by the evil #queryfail

Thursday, March 6, 2009

Yesterday various agents and editors got together on Twitter and posted a wild rash of reasons they will reject a query letter. If you haven't read the 140 or less character tweets we collected, now would be a really good time.

How do you write a winning query letter that won't be labeled "fail" by these editors, agents and interns working in publishing houses? We've collected a few really good articles that will help you get your foot in the door. Take a gander: (hint: click the links as they'll take you directly to the article we're referencing.)

• Mystery author, S. W. Hubbard, has a great article here: www.swhubbard.com
• Ester Heller, Editor-in-Chief, Targum Press posted the following guidelines Nov. 2008: http://blogs.targum.com
• A summation of yesterday's #queryfail experiment and lessons learned can be found here at the Belletrinsic blog: http://belletrinsic.blogspot.com
• Tara Lazar did a summation, too, that's worth perusing and can be found here: http://taralazar.blogspot.com
• Colleen Lindsay, the literary agent (FinePrint Literary Management) responsible for yesterday's #queryfail, has a site crammed full of useful information to pick through. Start here: http://theswivet.blogspot.com and be sure to look around the site, it's very useful!
• Jill Corcoran has a very well put together "how to write a query letter" post that's very timely, too, as it was published on March 1st, 2009: http://jillcorcoran.blogspot.com Be sure to check out the posts she links to as well (run your cursor over the page to find the links which aren't underlined). Bookmark the post as it is a great resource!

Still need more? Want a template of sorts? Short of sending out the monkeys to write it for you (and no, we won't do that -- didn't you read yesterday's capture of the #queryfail tweets?), Nathan Bransford with Curtis Brown LTD provides you with a great "Mad Lib" style query letter. Just be sure to change it up a bit so it's more personalized! Go check it out at: http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2008/03/query-letter-mad-lib.html

If you have your own tips, winning recipe, experience to share, by all means, leave a comment! Good luck, too!

#Queryfail on Twitter

Agents and editors are posting snippets of what makes a query fail.  Searching Twitter using the #queryfail tag, you can see all of these tweets.  This has been a very educational, if not funny, experience. 

Here are some of the pass/fail, along with sage advice, query tweets (taken verbatim)

"dear editor, hello! I would like to thank you for taking the time to read the first 3 chapters..." Absolutely no need, seriously	fail
"The purpose of this letter is not earth shaking, so, if it will be ignored, and I'm sure it will" Yeah.  Now it will.	fail
"Allow me the privilege of publishing it through your company, so I can be the best selling author I know I am meant to be."	fail
The Artichoke and the Onion: A Love Story (in which artichoke peels away layers to reval its "secret hidden place inside")	fail
Here are synopsis for fifteen completely different projects I've completed.  I am currently working on these 5 additional novels.	fail
Greetings from Sweden.  We hardly have any agents.  So I sent my query directly to the publisher.  Book'll be out this spring.	fail
"P.S. I collect stamps.  Should you have any stamp... that is destined for the trash can, [please] stuff them in the enclosed SASE.	fail
Page numbers, no. Chapter heading, no. ANY sort of header, no. #queryfail, yes	fail
Dear XX Publishing, I guess I am unable to write a synposis that is short and reflects my manuscript so..."	fail
"Have u ever lost yr partner in the fringes of a war u didn't approve of which subjecting him to an unsubstantiated war?" Grammar	fail
I'M TYPING MY QUERY IN ALL CAPS SO YOU WILL BE SURE TO NOTICE IT.  Okay, now that my pupils have stopped burning	fail
"This is a very exciting narrative which relates how I was attacked by a whore house" Exciting in what sense?	fail
"[TITLE redacted] contains sexually graphic descriptions, a violent rape scene [...] and mayhem. On the bright side..." No.	fail
It is unnecessary (and $$$) to fed-ex queries, it ends up in the same stack.	advice
"enclosed is a sample of my book XX. It is incomplete but there is enough for you to get an idea of the content." Errr....	fail
Creepy query = having your character send the query	fail
My favorite query typo from past: She mustard her power	fail
A classic: don't use a spokesperson, ok? Don't let your dad/lawyer/wife/brother query on your behalf	advice
If your spam blocker has to authorize my response to your query, I probably won't resent - approve agent emails ahead of time	advice
FedExing with signature required a query letter?	advice
not using contractions in your character dialogue/narrative... (unless it's time period appropriate)	advice
Don't send me your manuscript and tell me to start reading at page 312 because that's "where it gets good"	fail
It isn't a #queryfail, but you should know that unnecessary pen names do make me wonder about you	advice
These words are the kiss of death: "first book in a [multi]-book series	fail
People, query one book at a time please	advice
Handwritten query on scrap paper w/ eyeblass ad/7th bday party cloud paper/label peel saying "Sorry about the paper, we recycle"	fail
You want to write a nonfiction book but you have no impressive credentials or platform? This is a huge issue, folks	advice
Sentence fragments, which are not used for effect	fail
"This novel is very similar to The Da Vinci Code but much more plausible and better written."	fail
"I read about ur interest in poetry so Im querying U" Really?  Where?  You mean in my gidelines whre it says I dont accept poetry?	fail
"I have covered my sexual exploits with literally hundreds of women, mostly exotic dancers" - sorry, yuck	fail
Authors, PLEASE use a tracking system and don't query the same agent multiple times with an already-rejected book!	advice
Writing back to my form rejection for me to recommend another agent at my 2 person agency.	advice
Tight first paragraph, references, a recent relevant blog post of mine, awesome hook, good pages. Query WIN!	pass
One line hook, wordcount, genre, short blurb, short paragraph of writing background and polite closing. Query win	pass
tells me you read interview with me re: your genre, tells me what you learned from interview, & how your book is a fit. Win.	pass
Top reasons I don't read further: overwriting, info dumping and starting the story in the wrong place (often relates to info dump)	advice

If you'd like more information, please leave a comment and be sure to include a working email address (will not be published but necessary for a response.)

Happy query writing!

Writers Workshop Sat., March 7

Agenda 

Craft Chat: Creating Suspense
You want your reader to both understand what's going on and want to keep reading. How do you create mystery without either giving away too much or losing the reader?

Critique Workshop
This segment is only for members-in-good standing.  Manuscripts have been delivered, please be prepared to actively critique the three manuscripts.  We'll be working in the following order:

• R. A. S.
• L. H.
• L. G.

Date:  Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Time:  4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Chico Branch Meeting Room
          (directly across from circulation desk)
          Butte County Library
          1108 Sherman Avenue (cross street 1st Ave.), Chico

Please note: members are requested to help put everything away after our sessions and check with the organizer before leaving.  Thank you.

Read and then Write

Our upcoming Craft Chat will be on how to add suspense to your novel.  Here is an excellent resource, one that is worthy of being bookmarked and referenced every now and again: Suspense Writing and Action Scenes (http://www.creative-writing-solutions.com/suspense-writing.html)

The article (be sure to read both pages) guides the author through some thoughtful ways in which to write good physical fight scenes, characters and "the hook." 

At the end there are a few writing prompts.  Why not give them a whirl? 

Writing Exercise: Creating Suspense

From Curtis Winkle's (Executive Director at Tate Publishing) blog, there's a terrific article to read, written by Meghan Barnes, about creating suspense in your story.  Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in writing suspenseful tales.  You can find the entry here: http://tatepublishingeditors.blogspot.com/2008/10/building-suspense-by-meghan-barnes.html

From the "bonus" section of the entry, we've created a little writing exercise for you to enjoy.  Have fun!

Write a scene where your character(s) have to endure a primal fear, such as darkness, the basement, etc.

Write a paragraph or two that shows the character's internal struggle between sanity and madness.  Better yet, a few paragraphs where the character is oblivious to the changes but an interacting character questions the other's sanity or lack thereof.

For our workshop attendees, if you chose to rise to the challenge, why not bring in your completed exercise and share it with us? 

Workshop Saturday, February 21, 2009

Chico Writer's Group Craft and Critique Workshop
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Place: Meeting Room (across from Circulation Desk) 
          Butte County Library, Chico Branch
Address: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, CA

Agenda

4:30 - 5:00 PM Craft Chat

Naming Characters - Given names, chosen names, and nicknames are a part of who we are. How do we find the right names for our characters? What do the characters' names mean for the story? Or does finding just the right name even matter?

5:00 - 6:30 PM Critiques

Members have been sent the manuscripts for critiquing.  This is a closed session.  Persons interested in attending our workshop may attend the first portion (Craft Chat) but will be asked to leave for our critique portion. 

Synopsis Workshop Announcement

The Chico Writer's Group is looking to host a synopsis workshop/seminar.  If you are a published author, an editor and/or an agent and are interested in presenting, please leave a comment below (your name and working email address are required, we never sell, share or publish your email address) and someone will be in touch with you.

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop Feb. 7th

Location: Butte County Library - Chico Branch 
                Public Meeting Room (across from circulation desk)
Address:  1108 Sherman Avenue (cross First Avenue)
Date:       Saturday, February 7, 2009
Times:      4:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Agenda

4:00 - 5:00 PM  Craft Chat and Exercise
Topic: Punctuation

As always, we have a great time with the creative, insightful, thought-provoking writing exercises.  Be sure to bring your laptop or a pad of paper and pen and write on the topic assigned.

5:00 - 7:00 PM  Critique Workshop

Members-in-Good-Standing will critique manuscripts already distributed to the membership.

Next meeting: Saturday, February 21, 2009 4-7pm at the Chico Branch, Butte County Library.

Upcoming events: Synopsis workshop and lecture series.  The Chico Writer's Group is preparing to present a workshop on how to write an industry acceptable synopsis.  Currently we are seeking published authors of fiction, preferably individuals whose first work has been published within the past 5-7 years, who are able to speak about the process of writing a synopsis.  We are also interested in agents, editors and publishing representatives to address the group.  If you are interested, please contact Kathie Leung at kathie dot blog at gmail dot com.  Be sure to include in the subject line: Synopsis Workshop Interest. 

An Example of Very Creative Writing

In answer to your question that will surely arise at the end of this tale, yes, this did come from an email; one of those chain-letter style emails.  However, it was beautifully done and a shining example of good creative writing.  See if you can write a short one like it and if it comes out well, send it along to your friends and see if it ever comes back - a true sign that the hungry masses enjoyed it!

A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no lessons, nor prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted, and the horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slide from the saddle. In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck, but she slides down the horse's side anyway.

The horse gallops along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider. Finally, giving up her frail grip, the blonde attempts to leap away from the horse and throw herself to safety.

Unfortunately, her foot has become entangled in the stirrup. She is now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves, and her head strikes the ground over and over.

As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness when to her great fortune, Frank, the Wal-mart greeter sees her dilemma and unplugs the horse.

And you thought all they did was say Hello.

Describe This

Here are just a few pictures snagged from Flickr.com of living rooms.  You can check out more by going here.  Your assignment is to write a description of the room you pick.  Try to evoke some emotion as you describe it.  Remember to include two to three senses when you describe the room (touch, taste, scent, sight, sound). 

Physical Description of Setting Exercise

Try describing a room from three perspectives: through the door, looking in; from inside the room for the very first time, and then from the perspective of being an active participant in the room's use on a regular basis, maybe focusing on a couple particular elements within the room. 

Next, interject a character at the three different points. 

How does the room's view change the character?  The mood?  Does it affect the relationship between the character and the reader?  If so, in what way?

Exploring these aspects will help you, the writer, engage or disengage your reader as you so desire.  This is a useful tool to learn and master!

Good luck and, as always, write on!

Saturday's Craft Chat Blurb

" When we're telling a story, we need to tell our readers something about where it takes place. How do we bring the reader into the story's space? What kind of physical details are important? What's best left to the reader's imagination? "

For more information, check out the previous post announcing our upcoming meeting this Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Agenda

1-2 p.m. Craft Chat and Writing Exercise
Topic: Physical Description - Setting

2-4 p.m. Critique Workshop
Members will critique manuscripts
which have already been distributed.

Note: If you have not previously attended
a Chico Writer's Group workshop, you are
welcome to attend the craft chat session.
Critique Workshops are for members only.

Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Location: Butte County Library, Chico Branch
1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, CA
Meeting room directly across from Circulation Desk

For further information, leave a comment
below with your current, functional email address.

Describing the Physical Setting

The topic of our upcoming craft chat (Saturday, January 24, 2009) is how to describe the physical setting in your novel.  Over the next two weeks, we'll attempt to post prompts and challenges along with some helpful tidbits about this topic here. 

One thing that seems to be overlooked when writing a scene is using several senses.  Draw your reader in by including at least three of the five senses: smell, touch, taste, sight, and sound.  Thinking about the five senses, how could you describe an artist's studio?  Try playing around with the five senses, using a different set of three each time.  How does it change the feel of the room? 

Character Study

Write a description for one of the "characters" shown below or go to Flickr's People Pool to find a character to write about.

This Old House

Writing prompt:

Write about a situation where the first character wishes to achieve a certain goal, but is prevented by the second character. 

Character 1:  Octavio Washer
Goal: To restore a creepy old house
Character 2: Paul Shaner

Writing Prompt: The Snooping Neighbor

Write about a situation in which an obstacle causes problems for this character:

Character: Daisy Swiss
Obstacle: A snooping neighbor

Writing Prompt: Character vs. Character

Write about a situation where the first character wishes to achieve a certain goal, but is prevented by the second character.

Character 1: Rebecka Lorenzo
Goal: To die penniless
Character 2: Roland Woodring

I Can't Read You

LJ Sellers, author of The Sex Club, lists several reasons why she can't finish a novel. It's a compelling list even for authors or those aspiring to become one. 

Check out LJ's post and then think about the reasons you might put down a novel or at least rank it in the bottom two out of five stars.  Are these reasons your own work might not be well liked by your readers?  What can you do to change that in your writing? 

Here's your challenge:  Take something you've written recently and consider the problem areas you've identified in reading other works or LJ's list.  If you find some of these problems, hammer out a working draft that will help solve them. 

Writing Prompt - Character's Physical Description

Entertain some dialogue between two of your characters.  As you write the dialogue, only focus on one particular physical description, such as their eyes, their hands, chins, etc.  Pick only one.  Try to write your physical descriptions to convey emotions, or better yet, have the emotions from one character contrast dramatically with the other character and show that through how you portray their physical description. 

Writing Challenge: Author Biography

Not long ago the prize-winning author, Tania Hershman, shared she didn't mind as much being interviewed.  An idea was fielded in her direction, would conducting interviews help write a biography, seeing that most writers don't care much for this task.  She agreed, that would be a great way to get over that hurdle. 

Thinking about writing a biography can be daunting.  At writing-world.com there are some tips that might help get you warmed up for writing one, then consider getting someone to "interview" you to help you get on your way.  Get started by reading the writing-world page here: http://www.writing-world.com/basics/bio.shtml

Writing Prompt: Character's Physical Description

Introduce the antagonist in a story, allow his physical description and body language to convey his/her sinister or selfish nature. (From: Creative Writing Solutions)

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Time: 3:30 - 7:30 PM (may break at 6:30 pm)
Location: Meeting Room directly across from Circulation Desk
          Chico Branch, Butte County Library
          1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico (cross is 1st Ave)
RSVP: Leave a comment below with a valid email address (never published) to RSVP.

Agenda

3:30-4:30 PM  Craft Chat and Writing Exercise

Physical Description of Characters
When we're telling a story, we need to tell our readers something about our characters, and that often includes what they look like. How do we do that without making it sound like a police report? What kind of details are important? What's best left to the reader's imagination?

4:30 - 6:30 PM Critique Workshop

Manuscripts are distributed January 2nd to members in good standing.
Queue:  B. C.
                D. H. 
                R. A.
                N. J.
                K. L.