Monday Night Writers

SD Wink Website

2007-05-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's about time!! San Diego Writers, Ink has a new website.
It looks great.
And we don't need a programmer to make TEXT updates!
how cool is that??

check out the listings for classes and workshops and readings and other special events.

Valentine Writing Contest

2007-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

San Diego Writers, Ink
The 3rd Annual Valentine Contest
Submission Deadline February 14, 2007
Theme: Love and Friendship
(feel free to stretch beyond the traditional)
Full Details including Valentine Contest submission guidelines, and previous contest winners online at the San Diego Writers Ink Website....

MoonPies and Movie Stars

2007-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

I admit I've not yet read MoonPies and Movie Stars by Amy Wallen, but seeing as how a friend of mine wrote it, I felt compelled to post about it. I have heard excerpts read at First Friday Open Mic nights (you can hear them too online). I've heard rough draft bits at writing workshops and I must say, Amy's rough drafts are pretty good, so her finished product must be amazing. I can't wait to read it. And review it for real.

But in the mean time, see what others have to say, read an excerpt, or buy your own copy all at Amy's website.

MoonPies and MovieStars

Viking Adult/Penguin Group
ISBN 0670038172
Cover art © 2006 Ross MacDonald
Hardcover December 28, 2006

A laugh-out-loud romp across America pits a feisty Texas momma against the Hollywood machine

Ruby Kincaid is busy these days—running her late husband’s bowling alley, wrangling her pistol of a sister, and chasing after the two grandchildren her daughter abandoned. When she sees her runaway daughter Violet starring in a TV commercial, there’s only one choice and Ruby knows it—Hollywood or bust. Ruby packs a Winnebago with two friends, two unruly grandkids, and a mondosize package of MoonPies and hightails it to California to fetch her wayward daughter. In a madcap road trip from the dusty flats of Texas to the glittering aisles of The Price Is Right, Ruby survives with a little pluck and some Texas spunk. Fans of Lorna Landvik and Billie Letts will love this tender and side-splittingly funny story of indomitable spirit and unstoppable force.

2006-11-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY UPCOMING EVENT

As part of the Performing Arts at The Neurosciences Institute Series, the San Diego Shakespeare Society presents "WILL HAS A WAY WITH WORDS", on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 7:30 pm at The Neurosciences Institute auditorium, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego (just off I-5 west on Genessee Ave., Torrey Pines area). Visit www.nsi.edu

Richard Lederer & Martha Barnette, of the KPBS award-winning program "A Way With Words", will be the Keynote Speakers.

The program will include a Sonnet Sampler, featuring Jonathan McMurtry, the consummate Shakespearean actor; Claudia Russell, Program Director of KSDS/Jazz88 and accompanist Mike Keneally (formerly of the Frank Zappa band); dancers from The California Ballet; Alex Kajitani,The Rappin' Mathematician; Daniel Myers (the 13-year old boy soprano who garnered headlines when he recently performed with the SD Symphony) and Rebecca Myers; and the Cheshire Singers, a cappella ensemble.

Host/M.C.: Alex Sandie, President, San Diego Shakespeare Society.

The program will be followed by a book signing and a Champagne Reception with hors d'oeuvres.

The public is invited. General Admission: $20.00; Students, Seniors & Military $15.00. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (619) 583-8525, or visit www.sandiegoshakespearesociety.org

2nd Anniversary First Friday Open Mic Prose Reading

2006-11-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

whew. Long title for what will be a short post.

October was the 2nd anniversary of the First Friday Open Mic hosted by San Diego Writers, Ink. I had thoughts of writing a review, but the point seems moot now. I will, however, summarize.

I arrived late, and just managed to miss a drama that involved police and a drunk and disorderly perhaps off-his-meds writer so all I have is second-hand accounts which I won't post here.

There was a great turnout-- maybe 80 writers. Awesome writers who were brave enough to take to the microphone and share. I did manage to sneak my name into the bucket and read a short piece, but while I was waiting, I gathered words. Words that I now offer as a Word Pool to use as you wish, words that suprisingly or synchronicitally appeared in more than one writers piece:

crackle
neon lights
rocking
bus stop
Fedora
relish
angora
linger
silver
cameo
oatmeal
puddle
fragment
echo
echo
echo
clever
ginger
port
ruby (or Ruby)
rattling

So go make some poetry or prose with these words!

POV: Point Of View in writing fiction

2006-09-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why Point of View (POV) is so hard. Part of the problem may be because we make assumptions about what we know about other people, and we let our characters do the same. Unfortunately when they do it it's not believable.

For example, if my story is about Randall, is being told from his point of view, he won't know what Thelma is thinking. He won't know what Thelma is feeling, unless of course Thelma TELLS him these things. He can make assumptions, but he can't KNOW.

Of course one way around that is to tell the story from an omniscient third person POV. That is really just as hard. It's sort of like playing God, and there's a reason why there's only one of those-- it's a tough job.

I've been reading Janet Burroway's book, "Writing Fiction" and looked online, here are some decent articles about Point of View, but the bottom line is, you have to just jump in and write:

POINT OF VIEW By: Sue Rich
Whose Point of View? by Lee Masterson
Several articles on POV are posted here, but I recommend you just write it. It is in the writing the actual putting words to page, that you will find the right POV for your story. And of course with the help of a read and critque group, you can be sure to be consistent.

From Page to Stage

2006-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

As a writer, taking your work from the page, onto the stage can take many forms, including reading excerpts from your book, performance poetry, or even participating in open mic events.

I think I'm a closet extrovert, quite unlike the stereotypical writer hunkered down in his/her den with a coffee and a full ashtray. Alone and happy to be that way. Sure, I like that aspect of writing, the alone time pulling words out of my head, or sometimes just channeling them through my fingertips onto the keyboard. But I also like sharing my words, outloud.

San Diego Writers, Ink is offering a class, "From Page to Stage" that will teach you how to do add vocal texture to your words. Although geared towards poets, this class should offer any writer great tips for performing his or her words aloud.

The class meets at the new Semi-Permanent Ink Spot (710 13th St. Studio 210, San Diego CA) and begins Monday September 25, 2006 running 6 consecutive Mondays through October 30. Pre registration is required.

August First Friday Review / Word Pool

2006-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

The August 2006 First Friday Open Mic for PROSE writers/readers/listeners was another fairly full house. It was as always a welcoming environment for seasoned readers and newbies alike. Rather than write a traditional review, I'll just say there were some great WORDS spoken, and I've compiled a list of some that struck my fancy for one reason or another. Here they are in no particular order, feel free to use them in your own Prose, sort of a First Friday Word Pool:

crackle
bus stop
rocking
rattle
silver
Fedora
relish
angora
ginger
linger
puddle
echo
clever
Ruby
oatmeal
neon lights
porch
cameo
Sylvia
fragment
Pow.

August 4 2006 .First Friday.

2006-08-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Its that time again! First Fridays:

Friday, Augsut 4, 2006
7 pm
Free (although $5 donations are very welcome)

No Registration required. HOWEVER if you want to read, you need to get there before 7 pm to put your name in the silver bucket

Venue: The Grove at Juniper & 30th (30th & Fern & Juniper, South Park / San Diego)

Open Mic Prose Reading Bring 3 minutes of your own prose and read in a creative and relaxed atmosphere. Three minutes may not sound like much, but it's best to keep your audience wanting more! And there is more because First Friday readings are held every month.

Host: Amy Wallen is a writer and teacher in San Diego.

Also, this is not a competition, this is just fun. The worst that will happen is that you'll get polite applause

An Afternoon of Words and Music

2006-06-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

An Afternoon of Words & Music

2 - 5 pm, Sunday, June 25

at My Back Yard Nursery Art & Garden Center, 4017 Swift Avenue (at University), San Diego (North Park)

All are welcome to enjoy this free Sunday Afternoon Repast at My Back Yard in the gardens.

Reading presented by San Diego Writers, Ink

Poetry with Jihmye Collins, Olga Garcia, Victoria Melekian, Megan Webster
Prose with Candace Toft, Sue Diaz, Rich Baiocco **

Musical interludes by Irish Review, weaving sounds and tales of the Emerald Isles.**

"The Handwasher" and the "Dollar-a-Minute Masseur" will be on hand to soothe your aching hands and to knead those tired muscles.

Guests will be treated to coffee, teas, and tasty treats.

Oh, and this is a fundraiser for Water for Children of Africa, an organization that provides fresh drinking water to the children of Ethiopia and distributes HIV/AIDS health kits throughout Africa. So you'll be hit up for a donation, but it is a worthy cause.

**note, I looked for bios or websites on the other authors listed, but to no avail. I can tell you that Rich Baiocco is talented ... I read his work regularly in my Read & Critique group... his use of language astounds me. Megan Webster a well known local poet and long-time supporter of the San Diego writing community in its various incarnations is publishing a book of poetry about dealing with manic depression. I've never met Olga, but Calaca Press calls her "one of the most accomplished young poets in the United States today." Victoria Melekian is a good sushi pal... and her chapbook "Fractured Blue" received first place in the 2003 San Diego Book Awards.

Bottom line is there's some talent in this group, and this event should be really good. Hope to see some of you there... that's where I'll be!

3 Women, 23 Novels

2006-06-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

When 3 women authors get together for an afternoon panel discussion, you know an aspiring author is bound to get some good advice, and maybe a little inspiration too, and that's exactly what happened on Sunday June 11,2006. The Masters of the Craft event hosted by San Diego Writers Ink featured three San Diego authors offering advice on writing, on writing well and on publishing.

The authors included Drusilla Campbell, Sara Lewis and Abigail Padgett. Each author read about 10 minutes of their published works before the discussion turned into "lively dialogue, passionate opinions" as promised.

The first question, "What makes good writing?" elicited sage advice for the audience of writers.

Campbell said that good writing "lifts you into a story and takes you into the world of the author," and that a good story keeps you reading. While good characters need to have some interesting traits, they should seem real, that the reader needs to be able to see "behind the blue hair, behind the irritating twitch."

Padgett, a mystery writer, added to the discussion of character, saying that setting as a character is actually a good tool for mystery writers. In her books, the desert, which she loves, plays the role of a character but a character can be "a car, a pet, or a kitchen drawer." Padgett admitted that mysteries are somewhat formulaic, but defining a character in these terms can be a good way for your mystery to stand out.

The next question was "How do you start, how do you finish and what about the middle?"

Lewis said she starts with her character, with a quirk, then journals that character, rambling around for a while before a voice comes through. "It sounds kind of mystical, and it is," she said, adding that her approach is more organic as she lets her characters tell the story.

Padgett said mysteries are more structured, and you know you're at the end when the crime is solved.

For Campbell, she starts with a "cosmic, big idea" then searches for a character and that "the answer about how to end it will come."

When asked how you get the complete story that comes so fast and so full of detail from your head to your pen before you lose it, Lewis said she "quick writes through the first draft then goes back for draft one, draft two, three, four," and admitted she will go through dozens of drafts before she gets to the end.

Padgett has a different approach, more methodical, "I delve deeply from the get-go," she said.

Campbell advised, "Don't worry about it, just keep going. The scene will stay in your head and just get richer."

I look forward to more presentations from the San Diego Writers, and admit, I hope one day to be on the other side of the table. I left feeling like it was possible.

From Lewis, "The best writing comes from your heart and your soul. That will take you where you want to go."

From Padgett,"If you're writing, you're a writer and you have something to say."

From Campbell, "I don't like being a novelist... I just can't NOT do it."

From me, "Surround yourself with successful people who encourage and inspire you."

Third Thursday

2006-06-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Join Jill Badonsky (The Muse Is In) and a wacky crew of creatives as they play with words at the monthly Third Thursday event in Del Mar, Calif.

When: 7-9 pm, Thursday, June 15, 2006
Where: Bookworks bookstore, Flower Hill Mall on Via De La Valle Del Mar Calif
Cost: $15

Well worth the price, you'll leave with words you never thought you could write, the start of a novel, short story or poem, or maybe the piece of prose that you've been struggling with . Jill has a way of pulling those words right out of your head, down your arm, to your pen and paper.

Once Upon a Day

2006-06-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book by Lisa Tucker, Once Upon a Day. I actually had the opportunity to meet the author at the launch of her book tour. She said her original editor, the editor she had worked with on her previous books wasn't excited about this book at all.. called it "too literary" which is apparently code for "boring." Fortunately, Lisa found another editor who loved it, and with good reason. This book was one of those can't-put-it-down stories. The main character is a cab driver who used to be a doctor with a promising career but had lost his wife and daughter in a car crash. He meets a young woman who had been brought up in an extremely sheltered environment... extemely sheltered, she'd never been outside the family compound until the day she decided she needed to go find her brother. this is the story of when these two characters come together, and how they change each other's life.I think I need to read it again, to relish the language, the words, let them simmer in my brain a bit and look at how Tucker so successfully structered a complex story into a good read.

3 Women, 23 Novels

2006-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

An afternoon with Drusilla Campbell, Sara Lewis, and Abigail Padgett.

4-7 pm, Sunday, June 11, 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
YMCA Youth and Family Services Building, 2927 Meade Avenue at 30th.
$10 suggested donation.

The third Masters of the Craft event coordinated by San Diego Writers Ink features three women fiction writers with more than a score of published novels among them. From tangled human relationships to sly wit and gentle charm to murder, mystery and suspense – each of these writers tells her stories with a unique style and voice that has garnered both critical acclaim and devoted readers. And they do it again and again and again.

Join a panel discussion that promises lively dialogue, passionate opinions and enough writing savvy and literary experience to fill the main floor of any mega-store. Opportunities to win one-on-one sessions with the authors, and other great prizes.
DETAILS....

First Friday PROSE open mic for April

2006-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Friday. April 7.
7 pm
(6:30 pm to mingle)

Bring 3 minutes maximum. Prose only. No poetry. Cool crowd.

Query Letters

2006-03-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

If you want to get your writing published, you'll eventually have to write a query letter... which is where I am now. I have an idea actually for a spot on NPRs "This American Life," TAL for short. Since that is a long shot, not to mention a long process, I thought I would spin part of my idea into an article first, and maybe get double duty out of the content.

There are lots of good websites out there with great information on the Dos and Don'ts, so rather than reiterate here, I'll just point you in the right direction:

eHow has a well written How-To:
A query letter can be the key to getting the attention of an agent or editor - people who can be instrumental in getting your work published. While a query letter should be brief, it should also be detailed and leave the reader eager to see your complete article or manuscript. ...MORE...

Write101.com also had a concise write up, and writer Moira Allen had a sample query letter on her website, along with more great tips.

There's a lot of info out there to slog through. Whatever you do, make sure you have your best editor friends and fellow writers give it the once over. Not much worse than a query letter laden with typos. And the best advice I got from an editor friend is Be SURE you know the submission guidelines for the publication... and follow them to a tee, else you risk really ticking them off... not a good way to start a relationship.

SLAM: Monday Feb. 13, 2006

2006-02-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

Full Moon Poets Poetry Slam :: Encinitas

The Winter Slam hosted by Encinitas based Full Moon Poets will be held at the La Paloma Theater (Hwy 101 and D St, Encinitas)

7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2006… FREE …

Poets call: 5:45 pm. (names will be drawn out of the infamous popcorn bucket to determine who will be able to compete)

Poets should be prepared to perform 3 poems, 3 minutes MAX in length.

Poetry Slam, is a competitive performance art form that began at The Get Me High Club, then later the Green Mill Tavern in Chicago in 1984 by construction worker/poet Marc Smith (so WHAT!). Poets, without the use of props, perform their poems and are scored, by a panel of judges randomly chosen from the audience.

At the Full Moon Poets Slam, the winner could end up with a popcorn bucket full of cash, collected from the audience in nickles, dimes, and dollars.... this could total a couple hundred dollars if past slams are any indication.

Don’t expect a lot of high-brow poetry, but rather a rollicking good time.

Events of Note February 2006

2006-01-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

Craft and Process of Poetry Writing

February 9 - April 6 (9 meetings) Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Pre-Registration Required $180 members / $216 nonmembers of San Diego Writers, Ink (a non-profit writing org) AT Spectrum Center, National University, in Kearny Mesa area

Designed for poets of all levels, Craft and Process of Poetry Writing reviews the nuts and bolts of poetry writing and presents some of the best examples of contemporary poetry. DETAILS....

A Novel? What a Novel Idea!

Mondays February 13, 27; March 13, 27; April 10, 24 (6 weeks) AT
$120 (members) $144 (nonmembers)of San Diego Writers, Ink (a non-profit writing org) AT National University,Kearny Mesa

"I will, I will, I will write my novel this year." New Year's Resolution? Hmmm! But how do you get started? Where do you begin? DETAILS....

Flash fiction

Saturday, February 11, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, $30 (members) $36 (nonmembers)of San Diego Writers, Ink (a non-profit writing org)AT National University,Kearny Mesa

Learn the art of the increasingly in-demand genre of short, short fiction (1000 words or less), where brevity and intense language pull you right into the story. DETAILS....

Memoir Writing

Saturday, February 25 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, $30 (members) $36 (nonmembers)of San Diego Writers, Ink (a non-profit writing org)AT National University,Kearny Mesa, Pre-Registration Required

Discover the secrets of turning your life's experiences into riveting and publishable narrative. "Memoir Writing" covers what a memoir is and is not...DETAILS....

Short Stories Wanted!

2006-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

San Diego Downtown Magazine is looking for fiction....previously unpublished short stories ranging from 1500-3000 words. Even .... all stories must (at least) make mention to some aspect of downtown San Diego’s lifestyle or culture.

The deadline is February 1

See craigslist entry for details

Upcoming Events / Workshops

2006-01-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2006

A Celebration of Women Writers

Saturday, January 14 7:00 pm
The Grove @ Juniper
3010 Juniper Street (and 30th) South Park
Suggested donation $5.00

A prose reading by six Southern California Women Writers Los Angeles writers Jody Hauber, Karen Horn and Rochelle Low whose work is featured in Women on the Edge: Writing from Los Angeles. Edited by Samantha Dunn & Julianne Ortale with an Introduction by Janet Fitch.

San Diego writers Amy Wallen, Moon Pies and Dead Armadillos forthcoming from Viking/Penguin, January 2007; Patty Santana, Motorcycle Ride on the Sea of Tranquility; and Judy Reeves. Sponsored by San Diego Writers Ink.

Truth is in the Detail

Saturday, January 21 1:30 pm
Handlery Hotel - Mission Valley
Romance Writers of America – San Diego

A Judy Reeves Workshop. Chapter One of the ways to move the reader from reading to experiencing your writing is through the effective use of detail. Not enough detail and you’re awash in a sea of generalities; too many and you must slog your way through seaweed to get to shore. But the right details in the right places bring the writing to life and include the reader in the world of the story. This workshop will address the use of specificity in description, character, dialogue and narrative, and focus on how to select and render the telling detail. Contact Romance Writers of America - San Diego

SDSU Writers' Conference

January 27-29, 2006

Whatever your level or skill and experience, the SDSU Writers' Conference will help you improve your writing and increase your publishing savvy. Meet top level editors, agents, and professional writers of fiction, nonfiction and screenwriting. If you have questions, please call (619) 594-2517 or visit the website.

Ongoing....

NEW Fresh Words Read & Critique Group

Wednesdays, 2 – 4:30 pm beginning February 1st
The Art Center Studio 210 710 13th Street (between F & G streets)
Downtown San Diego
$100/month

Read and critique in the safe and nurturing confines of a writing group may be one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our writing. This small group is for those who are committed to their practice and the craft and who have or are starting works in fiction, creative nonfiction, personal narrative or memoir. This group will meet weekly for three months (12 sessions), and may continue as an ongoing group. Submit up to five pages of any genre listed above (double spaced) via email to Judy by January 20th.

Thursday Writers Write Again!

5:10 - 6:00 pm
Lestat’s West
3343 Adams Avenue (under the Normal Heights sign)

Drop in for a lively and fast-paced session of writing and camaraderie every Thursday afternoon. Long-time Thursday Writer and teachers Steve Montgomery and Judy Reeves alternate leading the group. Thursday Writers is sponsored by San Diego Writers, Ink a non-profit literary arts organization.

Advanced Read and Critique Group... CURRENTLY FULL...

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 pm (Beginning Oct. 12)
$100.00/month

This is an ongoing, private group for experienced writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, personal narrative and memoir. Work will be submitted in advance for review by participants and the instructor. We will review and respond to four manuscripts each week. (12-15 pages per ms.) Group is limited to eight participants. Previous read and critique workshop experience required. Email Judy Reeves for information and/or to be placed on the waiting list.

TUESDAY NOONERS

Writing Practice with Jill Badonsky
at E Street Cafe, Encinitas
Keep the creative juises flowing with this weekdly drop in group. Just show up!
$8

THIRD THURSDAYS... No Resolutions!!

Writing Workshop with Jill Badonsky @ Book Works in Del Mar at the Flower Hill Mall $13 Keeping the muses out of hibernation with prompts that make prose, poetry, journal writing and creative expression easy. Wine and cheese sometimes. Chocolate always.

A Room With a Muse

2005-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

either way, you gotta love the title...

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/09/HOGANEMICS61.DTL

cool article about where writers write.

--Jenn

Third Thursday

2005-11-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Next Thursday is the Third Thursday...

I'll be at Jill Badonsky (TheMuseIsIn) 's word play workshop.

This is a great group, usually 10 or fewer people huddled around an antique oak table at Bookworks bookstore in the Flower Hill Mall in Del Mar (on Via de la Valle, just east of I-5)

We hang out, we get prompts to write, we share, or we don't share, no pressure...

Thursday, November 17
7-9 pm. $12

Really, its fun. You should come ;-)

--Jenn

First Friday... for November 2005

2005-11-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

San Diego Writers Ink presents...

FIRST FRIDAYS
Open mic prose reading

Friday, November 4 (and First Friday of every month)
7:00 p.m.
at The Grove at Juniper and 30th in South Park
619.284.7684

Bring 3 minutes of your own prose to read in a creative and relaxed atmosphere. Three minutes may not sound like much, but it’s best to keep your audience wanting more! And there will be more because First Friday readings are held every month.

$5 suggested donation
Hosted by Amy Wallen and sponsored by San Diego Writers, Ink.

--I'll be there... hope to see some more familiar faces!! --Jenn

Next Monday Meeting

2005-06-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

7 pm.
Monday.
June 27.
Lobby.
NU.

Marsha in charge.

Mark Your Calendars. 7 pm. Monday. June 13.

2005-06-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing like watching your words ripped to shreds by a boss or teacher. To have prized press releases or feature articles returned, dripping in red ink-- even if most of the edits and corrections jabbed in between the words are, in fact, right on target.

Judy Reeves says that writing is a two-step process, “first the raw, rough draft, then the rewriting of it.” I would counter that the writing process is more of a multi-step process: first the rough draft, then the first draft, then the rewriting of it, and the rewriting of it, and the rewriting of it....and so on, before it gets to an editor with a sharp red pen.

So, come on down to National University on Monday, June 13, 7 pm and find out ....

Do You Have the (re) Write Stuff?

NOTE: Michelle had asked me to do a class on editing... however, I shifted to re-writing as the focus because "editing" is the careful reading that an editor gives your piece. He/she acts as a surrogate for the reader, and is the last line of defense against mistakes. We need to learn to catch our own cliches, jargon, assumptions, as much as possible-- and hopefully attract the attention of someone who wants to publish our work!

In the meantime...

1. Read your piece. Outloud.
2. Read your piece as if you've never seen it before.
3. Read these couple of articles:
"Speak Up! I can't Read You" by Chip Scanlan (check out this site, by the way... lots of good stuff, even though its focus is journalism)
and "Revising and Re-writing" by Judy Reeves

and FINALLY...

Marsha: where are you? is Hell Month over? what do you believe? did you hear the one about the pizza delivery guy?
Claire: we've missed you! how's the dialogue coming along?
Michelle: got the next chapter. good job!
Barbara: keep at it! its coming along and we're all looking forward to reading more!
Eber: open invitation! See you First Friday!
Lex: where are you? did you go to Italy? everyone else did...
Jenn: reconstructing my mother... I'll be recycling some stuff you've already seen, so be warned, and bring a hankie...

And everyone: KEEP WRITING!!! and RSVP please.
--Jenn

Brain Dump...

2005-05-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a minute and share a few things writerly:

First Fridays 7 pm: Open Mic prose reading at The Grove in South Park
at Juniper & 30th ( 30th & Fern & Juniper, South Park)
hosted by Amy Wallen (local writer/teacher)
I went this month. The vibe was nice. Folks were friendly. Writer/readers an ecclectic bunch, lots of different "voices" some mediocre writers, some awesome writers... I'll probably go to the June 3 event.
There was some snicky snacks, wine, other beverages...

Third Thursdays Writing Workshop 7-9pm
at Book Works in Del Mar at Flower Hill Mall (exit Via de la Valle) led by Jill Badonsky, creativity coach, muse extraordinaire. For all levels. Easy going no pressure, no critique, just writing prompts to get the pen moving. Share if you like. Or don't. $12

Also, I've added some local writing links to our blog... I'd like to add more resources, so let me know if you have a favorite site or resource online to link ...

--Jenn

And the plot thickens....

2005-05-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

How do good writers keep us turning the pages? Come and find out about plot. We'll talk about what plot is. Is it character motivation or is it action?

Think about your favorite novel or creative nonfiction piece. When does the story pick up? Slow down? Why?

We'll discuss this and more when we meet:
Monday, May 23rd
7-9pm
National University, same place, same time, always different.

May 2 RECAP: DIALOGUE DOs

2005-05-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome Barbara! Great to meet you... Claire you were missed. Thanks to everyone else who showed up!

For next time: Michelle will email out another chapter for comment. If anyone hasn't gotten comments to her on Chap. 1, please do.
Jenn will work on her "manuscript" for the Taos writing conference (Flashes of Friendship).
Marsha is going to work on a This I Believe essay even if it doesn't fit into the NPR This I Believe style: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138
Barbara will bring the next section of her reunion story...
Lex will continue the saga of Bogie and the soon to erupt scandal in the neighborhood as Bogie is named one of the 3 worst cats in the neighborhood by the Bird Rock News... will Bogie soon resign as Mayor?
Claire: hoping you are well... looking forward to more about Trevor and Julie and some good juicy dialogue.

AND: Next meeting May 23. Monday. 7 pm. Michelle is taking the steering wheel.

I'm posting the info from the handout... but would add one more thing:

Watch your commas! Dialogue that is not structured correctly is particularly cumbersome to read, and totally takes your reader out of the story...

--Jenn

Dialogue DOs....

Use your dialogue to show what you want to tell the reader.
Instead of coming out and saying it with narration, let your characters do it for you, giving your characters time to interact and your reader time to get to know your characters.
Let your characters tell the back story for you through dialogue
It’s much more interesting, plus it gives the characters a chance to develop.
Use dialogue to define your character
How a character speaks can tell us what region he/she is from, what personality type (airy fairy, type A, etc) education level... When dialogue is used properly, it should define your characters so thoroughly that if you took off all the tags of "Jake said," or "Daisy whispered," we would still know who was talking.
Avoid redundancy
If we know there are only two people in a scene, you don’t need to tag every bit of dialogue. That’s why we start a new paragraph each time a new person speaks:

“Listen,” said Maria. “I think I hear something.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” John grumbled.
“Don’t call me ridiculous, Maria snapped. “If you just listen, you’ll hear the noise too.”
“Maria,” John said with a grin, “you are still afraid of the dark after all these
years, aren’t you?”

A better way to write it would be:

“Listen.” Maria stilled John with her hand on his arm. “I think I hear something.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” John brushed her hand away with a laugh.
“I’m not!” (No need to repeat the word ridiculous again)
“You’re still afraid of the dark after all these years, aren’t you?”

Get to the Point
Use all your dialogue for a purpose and avoid small chat such as introductions that take up pages, or telephone calls that say:

“Hello?” said Susie, speaking into the receiver.
“Hello,” answered her good friend, Mable.
“How are you?” Susie’s voice perked up at hearing the voice of her friend she hadn’t seen in a while.
“I’m good, how about you?” answered Mable.
“I’m doing okay,” sighed Susie, “ but I’ve been a bit tired.”
“Yeah, I think this weather has everyone tired and depressed,” Mable agreed.

Cut to the chase, while keeping the pace of the story:

Tired and depressed, Susie picked up the phone, surprised to hear the voice of her good friend Mable.
“Mable, it’s been so long since we’ve talked.”
“Yes, I know. But I just had to call to let you know I’m getting married.”

The corrected version is simplified but still lets us know that they are old friends who haven’t seen each other in awhile and Mable’s reason for calling, while maitaining the pace of the story.

"Dialogue is important," she said.

2005-04-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

In preparation for Monday, May 2, 2005:

HOMEWORK: Listen to how people talk!!
Bring some dialogue you've written for us to read aloud and consider...

Some Dialogue Conventions to Consider:

Each new speaker requires a new paragraph, properly indented and set off by quotation marks.

``Use double quotations,'' the novelist ordered, ``and remember to place commas and periods inside those quotation marks.''

``If a speaker goes on for more than one paragraph,'' the count responded in his heavy Transylvanian accent, ``do not close off the quotation marks at the end of the first paragraph.

``Simply place quotation marks at the beginning of the next paragraph, and carry on to the end of the quotation.''

Use ``he said'' expressions only when you must, to avoid confusion about who's speaking. You can signal increasing tension by moving from ``he said'' to ``he snapped,'' to ``he snarled,'' to ``he bellowed furiously.'' But the dialogue itself should convey that changing mood, and make such comments needless.

Action as well as speech is a part of dialogue. We expect to know when the speakers pause, where they're looking, what they're doing with their hands, how they respond to one another. The characters' speech becomes just one aspect of their interactions; sometimes their words are all we need, but sometimes we definitely need more. This is especially true when you're trying to convey a conflict between what your characters say and what they feel: their nonverbal messages are going to be far more reliable than their spoken words.

Speak your dialogue out loud; if it doesn't sound natural, or contains unexpected rhymes and rhythms, revise it.

Rely on rhythm and vocabulary, not phonetic spelling, to convey accent or dialect.

If you are giving us your characters' exact unspoken thoughts, use italics. If you are paraphrasing those thoughts, use regular Roman type):

Now what does she want? he asked himself. Isn't she ever satisfied? Marshall wondered what she wanted now. She was never satisfied. If you plan to give us a long passage of inner monologue, however, consider the discomfort of having to read line after line of italic print. If you wish to emphasize a word in a line of italics, use Roman: Isn't she ever satisfied?

Some Dialogue Hazards to Avoid:

Too much faithfulness to speech: ``Um, uh, y'know, geez, well, like, well.''

Unusual spellings: ``Yeah,'' not ``Yeh'' or ``Yea'' or ``Ya.''

Too much use of ``he said,'' ``she said.''

Too much variation: ``he averred,'' ``she riposted''

Dialect exaggeration: ``Lawsy, Miz Scahlut, us's wuhkin' jes' as fas' as us kin.''

Excessive direct address: ``Tell me, Marshall, your opinion of Vanessa.'' ``I hate her, Roger.''

``Why is that, Marshall?'' ``She bullies everyone, Roger.''

...MORE...

and still more:

Writing Successful Dialogue

Writing Dazzling Dialogue

March 14: The Cowardly Lion Has It

2005-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow
that talent to the dark place where it leads -- Erica Jong

Monday, March 14 MondayNight Writers
7 to 9 p.m.
National University Lobby

The Cowardly Lion Has It

"The facts of the matter are less demanding to write about than the feelings. Literal truth doesn't demand as much from a writer as emotional truth." The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear by Ralph Keyes.

Please send me an e-mail before Sunday, March 13 letting me know if you'll be there or not!

Claire

February 28: Meeting RE CAP

2005-03-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

COMING TO YOUR SENSES....

February 28th Marsha, Michelle and Claire met at the National University Lobby. It worked out great. This is now our permanent meeting place, unless we get kicked out. We missed Jenn, Eber, Lex and Michael.

-- We talked about blogs and their benefits. Hopefully Jenn will be able to bring us up to speed at the next meeting.
-- We discussed adding members to our group. At the present time we have 7 members. It was decided to leave our group as it is for now. If in the future our numbers dwindle, we may invite others to a meeting to see how they fit in.
-- Starting with the March 14 meeting, we would like all members to confirm their attendance to that meeting's leader (in this case it's me, Claire -- so either respond with an e-mail or call me at 619-370-4052 before Sunday, March 13). We all know how things come up. If everyone responds, then the group would know if we should wait for you or not. As you recall, the two hours fly by, so getting started on time -- or close to it -- is important.

Writing Exercise
Michelle introduced her "Come to Your Senses" exercise. She shared two books with us on the topic of writing while keeping sensory words in mind:
-- Burroway, Janet, "Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft."
-- Brandeis, Gayle, "Fruitflesh: Seeds of Inspiration for Women Who Write."
We then experienced fresh, flavorful strawberries and wrote about them, considering all five of our senses. This was an excellent exercise. Thank you Michelle! It was time well spent.

Writing Commitments
Jenn: honing her sister piece by writing a query.
Marsha: will polish and send out at least 5 queries to various publications re: "Caffe Freddo" Also, she will query some editors about their interest in her upcoming trip to Italy, in the hopes that she can provide them with an article upon her return.
Claire: Promised to put her "butt in the chair" and write. She will bring in a new chapter from her work-in-progress for critique.
Michelle: Will provide Chapter 3 of her book, as well as an synopsis for our review.
Lex: submit something to the group
Eber: outline of his novel
Michael: What are you working on??

February 28: Come To Your Senses!

2005-02-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Michelle: the hostess of the next Monday Night Writers:

Date: February 28th, 2005

Time: 7-9pm

Where: National University Lobby (old stomping ground)-Candice meets a group there in the lobby and it has worked out wonderfully.

Who's on first: Jenn-honing her sister piece by writing a query

Marsha-working on "Caffe Freddo" and query letter(s)--Please bring the baseball steroid piece

Claire-working on submitting "Mother of the Year" piece

Michelle-distributing Chapter 2 to group

Lex-submit something to the group

Eber-outline of his novel

What's on second: We need to talk about "letting" other people in our group.

I Wanted to Paint the Night
by Laurie Kutchins

I wanted to paint the night:
the glow that comes from nowhere
the yearly spill of lilacs
filling an open window
moonless steetlampless shine
the eyes adjust to
after the snuffed yellow smudge of lamp oil
loses its aferscent after the bodies of lovers
slip back into separateness
and the newborn sniffs out the milky
tit alert inside the gown
and the ears adjust to the still blue
breath falling on cattle
on hills windless as closed eyelids
and there memory of giving up
the long lulls between trains
the sound of a dog that chases rabbits
in its sleep and a green-eyed black cat
moving from one room to another
like a dream we usually sleep through
unless like me
you wanted to paint the night's own light
thin plum skin

February 28 :: Next Meeting

2005-02-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

7-9pm, Monday, February 28th

Location-TBN

Driver: Michelle

Regarding the location, we have found that the Wired Cafe is a little loud. So we are looking for a place "centrally" located, which means a location between Encinitas and Chula Vista. The Wired Cafe was nice because it was right off the 805, so a little east for us La Mesanites. The idea of going back to National University came up...do either Candice or Sue...know who I can contact about perhaps getting a room or hanging out in the lobby (it sounds like a seedy motel)? Or if anyone knows of a cool, centrally located place for our group, please let us in on the secret.

Assignments/goals (call them what you will) are as follows:

Marsha-polish up a travel piece, begin to write queries for a travel article

Jenn-write a query focusing on the piece she brought last time about her sister, Jenn and the c-word

Michelle-Bring Chapter 2 to distribute

Eber-write outline on 3x5 cards and share with group

Claire-I can't remember if you signed yourself up for an assignment...please enlighten me.

Next week I will confirm location and give more details about the meeting on the 28th.

--Michelle

Meeting February 7 :: Recap

2005-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Devil is in the Details

In attendance: Jennifer, Marsha, Michelle and Claire.

We talked, we commiserated about being writers, we drank warm and cold beverages and tried to get water.

We talked about adding detail to our text. Jenn read some stuff from Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott... and then shared the opening, detail-laden couple of paragraphs from one of Anne Lamott's novels, Joe Jones: A Novel.

Absent: Mike, Lex, Eber... Nellie... did we scare you off? Join us when you can!

We wrote....

about an old lady walking
home from the library or the farmers market...
She wore a tattered brown or green wool coat
and orthopedic shoes or bedroom slippers

depending on who
you believed.

Claire shared an essay on being a GR8 mom-- a wonderful start, and everyone wanted more details more story telling... Jenn (that's me) keeps trying to make the essay about her sister work and needs to keep working on it or move on to something else... Marsha did quite a bit of research on markets, thinking about the direction she wants to take her writing, and managed a little guilt about not bringing a draft, but that's ok, it's only a goal not a mandate!
Michelle brought Chapter One which we didn't get a chance to read, she emailed us later.

Next Meeting TBD: Michelle taking the lead, penance for being late!
Feb. 21, which is Presidents Day, may not be a good meeting day if kids are off school. Michelle will get back to us with details.

Also, we're thinking about meeting back at National University... just hang out in the lobby on those nice comfy couches. Its quiet. Or check into the libraries.... we'll keep you posted. Please if you have suggestions, please share. This is a group thing.

The Devil is in the Details!

2005-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Who: Monday Night Writers
What: Writing, friendship...
Where: Wired Cafe (map)
When: 7-9 pm, Monday February 7
How: With exuberance
Why: To Write!

Devil is in the Details... The "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996) shows this phrase as a variation of "God is in the details - Whatever one does should be done thoroughly; details are important. The saying is generally attributed to Gustave Flaubert (1821-80), who is often quoted as saying, 'Le bon Dieu est dans le detail' (God is in the details). Other attributions include Michelangelo, the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the art historian Aby Warburg. 'The Devil is in the details' is a variant of the proverb, referring to a catch hidden in the details. 'Governing is in the details''and 'The truth, if it exists, is in the details' are recent variants.

For Class:

Bring a short sample (a paragraph or two) of a piece of writing (yours or someone else’s) you find chock-full and dripping with details.
We’ll be doing an “in-class” writing practice, so bring paper, pen, etc.
Bring something for Read/Critique

"Truth is in the Details" by Judy Reeves

Details, truthfully rendered, bring your writing to life and create connection points for the readers.
....
Fact: We had dinner at 6 p.m.

Detail: We had dinner of roast chicken, boiled red potatoes, corn on the cob, and tomatoes. It was a little early for the corn; that, which she bought at the Farmer's Market earlier in the day, probably came force-ripened from some greenhouse in the middle of the city. Certainly not a farmer's field.

Single, telling details skillfully wrought relate more about a character or a place than a thousand more general aspects. MORE>>

First Meeting January 17::ReCap

2005-01-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

Our small gathering last night was nice. It was good to visit and catch up... and we made a few decisions about the format and direction of the group, which of course are not set in stone... and subject to change as the group evolves...

First, we will meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month...

Second, we will devote a bit of each meeting to chit chat and personal updates, and the like.

Third, we would like to do some sort of in-class writing exercise. Short.

Fourth, we would like to have plenty of read/critique time....

Fifth, we will rotate the leadership position: Next meeting, Feb. 7, I'm in charge

And finally, we would use the group as support for setting writing goals, and accomplishing them! Specifically in regards to the process of writing/submitting, etc.

Toward that end, those of us who were there set the following goals:

Marsha, is going to polish up a travel piece and begin researching outlets. And ultimately, publish some stuff.

Jennifer (that's me) is going to email a recap (this is it) and re-work her piece about her sister into a more traditional essay for submitting to a cancer magazine she knows about and already got the editorial guidelines for --yes, Claire, I was listening to your advice;-) And ultimately, publish some stuff!

Eber is going to do an outline of his novel... using 3x5 index cards so they can be constantly re-arranged. He might think his first goal is to just buy the cards, but hey, I'm doing the recap here ;-)

Michelle is going to write her novel. Just kidding. She has already written it. Her goal for next meeting is to do a re-working of, and bring Chapter 1. Her overall goal is complete 3 chapters, and shop for an agent.

Not in attendance, not off the hook ( in other words, define a small goal for next meeting... and we'll hold you accountable): Lex,Claire, Michael, Nellie, and anyone else on this email list that I may have missed...

Candace, Sue, hope to see you at some point. Let us know if you want off our distribution list...

I'm getting my thoughts organized for the upcoming meeting, and will send out a reminder notice, with instructions regarding what to bring, etc.

And keep on writing everyone!!!!