Bad Writing

Check out this documentary entitled "Bad Writing". Might be neat to do a screening on one of our writing nights. Thoughts?

and your free gift is...

As a post-Christmas-gift-to-myself-because-I-didn't-get-what-I-asked-for I purchased a subscription to Writer's Digest magazine. With my subscription came a free copy of an ebook entitled "Do I Have What it Takes" (Cue mystery instrumental - Du Du Duuuuu)

The book is formatted in a series of questions and answers. I laughed out loud when I read the following correspondence.


How can I be sure I really have creative writing ability?
You'll never be sure. 

That pretty much made my entire $29.95 well spent. The editor, Jane Friendman, goes on to say:

It's best to believe in yourself and keep moving forward. Most writers cycle between periods of self-doubt and periods of confidence.

I suppose with the New Year approaching I'll be making the same resolution I've been making for the past few years. To write more, to finish (and start) the novel, to make an honest commitment to explore this craft and see if there's actually something in it that I need. It beckons me.

And so I pass the floor on to you. Will you be making any writing related resolutions this year?

Writer's Digest Subscriptions - $29.95

To clarify...

Jill just wanted to let folks know that the assignment is for us to avoid using any of the PERSONAL pronouns but that you can use any other pronouns in the writing assignment. She had trouble posting anything to the blog and said to pass this on. Happy New Year!

Buckets of

From Jill:


The inspiration for the January 11th meeting with be "Buckets of". This phrase should occur somewhere in your piece of writing. Here's the catch; you can't use personal pronouns: A word that takes the place of one or more nouns. eg. I, he, she, etc.


Here's a link to a more complete list of personal pronouns.


Write whatever you can read in five minutes or so and get creative! Happy New Year... See you in 2011!

December Meeting Wrap Up

And so comes the end of the year. 2010 came in with a fury and flashed before our eyes. The Writers met one final time this year and enjoyed the exploration of character.

The assignment was to come up with a character that possessed an idiosyncrasy and have that obsession get them into trouble.

The warm up exercise built on the existing assignment. Writers were given a fictional situation to place their character in. Here's a link to a character questionnaire if you're interested in developing your characters further.  A wise woman once told me "You know 100% of your character, but you may only decide to tell the audience 10%".

Now lets face it, if you make up a character that's quirky you're going to get some laughs; this evening was certainly no exception. We were in the company of a compulsive liar, a kleptomaniac, a compulsive eater/adulterer, picky coffee connoisseur, a coaster collector, and a hoarder to name a few; there were a lot of nuts in there! It's true, ladies and gentlemen, idiosyncrasies like these can have you talking to the health inspector, missing your train, getting clocked between the eyes, embarrassing yourself in front of the media, getting berated by friends, and killed.

I've enjoyed playing master of my characters this session, I hope you have too. Merry Christmas.. I challenge you all: let's keep this blog busy over the holidays. If you have any ideas or inspirations, please do share! Health & Happiness to you all!

My regrets for not making it last night folks. I will catch up on Cabin Fever Daze stuff with you this week. I enjoyed doing the homework Nicole and can only imagine the shared stories last night. Have a Merry Christmas break everyone!

Luanne Armstrong Workshop Pictures

Inspired by Character

This assignment is for the meeting on December 14, 2010.

We will introduce a character and put them in a predicament. This character could be one you've made up in the past or someone brand new. Tell us about them in all some of their glory.

KEY COMPONENT: Give this character an idiosyncrasy that will become relevant to the story line. The predicament or conflict they get into will be a direct link to this idiosyncrasy. Essentially we want their idiosyncrasy to "get them into trouble".

An Example: ((From Building Believable Characters in Creative Fiction)) Do you know one of those people who have an annoying ability to remember everybody's birthday, anniversary, death and goodness knows what and loves sending cards of congratulations. (Well, maybe not for the deaths!) Think of how this obsession might have a bearing on the story. Maybe they sent wedding anniversary cards to two couples, but put them in the wrong envelopes. What trouble could that cause? What if they saw an obituary of a distant acquaintance and sent a card of condolence only to find that it was not really the friend just someone with the same name? Imagine someone who loves to use long or obscure words. What if someone overhears what a character says, gets the wrong end of the stick and acts upon it?
Read the Entire Article

These examples are spin offs into longer stories so try to keep it short; whatever you can read in less than ten minutes. No need to complete the story unless you can in reasonable amount of time. I'm hoping this exercise will help us develop character, introduce conflict and leave the reader craving more...

Oh, and for the poets; feel free to write poetry on this topic.

This will be our only meeting in December so we will have *WINE* Also, bring an appetizer. Should be fun!

Isolation Meeting Wrap Up

Nina hosted a great meeting last night that turned out to be a small and welcome lecture on poetry. Isolation and humour crept into a warm up exercise full of Synquain's, Quatrain's, Haiku's, and Limerick's.

We moved into the main event and one by one a glimpse of isolation was unveiled. To some of us isolation was as welcome as solitude. Isolation came in forms where family was missing and where individuals were alone. Isolated nations, isolated people. Isolation sprinkled with depression and isolation observation. A rich topic that proved to be a great leaping point for inspiration.

A snowy morn...

Really enjoyed the group last night gang! I appreciated, as always, the willingness to 'put it out there' with our writing and explore some known and unknown territory. Some laughs, some teary eyes, some poetic justice and injustice. (Dick is still a dick) Looking forward to delving into some rich characters for next time and don't forget a christmas nibblie!

Isolation

A little poem on how writing about isolation makes me feel. You know you're struggling when you write about writing...

Isolation
Trepidation
Perspiration
Inspiration
Salutation
Permutation
Compilation
Completion

Writing

Hi all,

Lately I have found myself with much less time on my hands, so I am opting out of our writing meetings for awhile. I feel that I need to put my head down and write, write, write in order to complete some of my personal projects. When I have achieved a sense of completion, I hope to re-join our group, and hopefully participate in a critique group.

Happy writing!
Susan

Elizabeth Gilbert Video

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.com

Workshop

That writing workshop was magnificent.

I would enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts and insights; what you liked, what we can bring to the group, what you will be working on. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful thing my friends.

messages

Hi
Susan asked if I would post my message from Tues. evening. Thanks for the kind words and support.
I spoke openly and honestly face to face
Wrote a wordy letter to you
Made a phone call
Sent a note
Forwarded an email
Resorted to the maze of Twitter, Facebook, and Blog
Even text
Yet, still you did not get the message

Re: Cabin Fever Daze

Hi Ingrid,

 

The Write On writers' group met last night and the following plan has been adopted for action.

 

The event will be a variety show called Cabin Fever Daze, subtitled Verse & Worse, and will take place in the Theatre at Centre 64 on Friday, February 18th, starting at 7.30 p.m. The entertainment plan is to include readings of poetry and prose, songs and instrumental music, comedy sketches and other as yet undefined performances by local amateur musicians, singers, actors, and writers. The event will be preceded by a reception in the Gallery at Centre 64 offering suitable refreshments which will also be available during the show's intermission.

 

The event will be organized on behalf of the Kimberley Arts Council by an organizing committee composed of members of the Write On writers' group, which is an ad hoc group that meets every second Tuesday to share members' writings under the auspices of the Kimberley Arts Council literary arts programs committee, of which I am currently the default chair.

 

Admission prices to Cabin Fever Daze have not yet been determined but will probably be kept as low as possible, sufficient to cover costs and perhaps make a donation to an appropriate cause, such as the expansion of Centre 64. This will be decided by the organizing committee which will meet next Tuesday to develop plans for the event.

 

I hope this information is sufficient for your purposes and I thank you for providing this opportunity to get the word out early.

 

Mike

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Ingrid Liepa

To: Michael Redfern

Cc: Kimberley Arts Council - Centre 64

Sent: Friday, November 12, 2010 8:40 AM

Subject: Re: Cabin Fever Daze

Thanks Mike -

I've arranged with Maurice and Jenny from GO Kimberley to hold things open until next Wed evening, so if we could plan to touch base on Wed morning after the writers' group meeting, that would work really well.

Would that work with your schedule?

Ingrid

On 11/10/2010 5:36 PM, Michael Redfern wrote:

Hi Ingrid,

Currently Cabin Fever Daze is in the conception stage. The Write On writers' group meets next Tuesday evening at which time we will select a date and time and firm up the contents of the event. For now I can tell you it will be a literary and musical event, possibly subtitled "Verse & Worse", in which local poets and writers, actors and musicians, will entertain in the Theatre at Centre 64.

If you send me a reminder next Wednesday I'll fill in you in on as many details as I can. I'm out of town for the next four days so can do nothing earlier than that, I'm afraid. I hope this will be in time for your next issue of GO Kimberley.

Mike

----- Original Message -----

From: Ingrid Liepa

To: Michael Redfern

Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 12:15 PM

Subject: Cabin Fever Daze

Hi Mike,

I'd love to learn a bit more about what's planned with this event - as it would be great to include it in the general write up of the arts I'm doing for the winter issue of GO Kimberley.

Give me a shout when you have a chance - 250-520-0059

Cheers,
Ingrid

Last night's workshop

Don and I collaborated on this blog - Don did the work and I'm taking the credit.

Writing Group was, once again, a lot of fun last night. We laughed, cried, laughed some more, heard heartfelt writing and vivid childhood recollections.

We also discussed our Cabin-Fever Evening(I can't remember the subtitle, but it's a good one - Mike?) in February. Nola, Nina, Heather and Mike are going to head up this event. Any other volunteers will be welcome - just contact one of the above for the meeting time etc. (I believe it's 7 pm at Heather's house next Tuesday). It sounds like it will be a hoot!

We are looking forward to the workshop this weekend. We have a whopping 17 registrants - yahoo! See you all (who are attending) Friday at the Alpen at 7 pm.

Now back to last night. We wrote about the messages that we got in our Fortune Cookies. A fun exercise provided by our facilitator, Margaret. Next week's facilitator will be Nina, and our writing assignment is: isolation.

Last week's writing assignment brought forth some very interesting results. Here goes (thanks for the notes, Don):

Susan's characters found a message from God in their butter dish, only to have the family mutt eat it. But a message doesn't need to last, it just needs to reach its destination.

Heather A very heart rending story of messages from the past. Clara had died the year before and her husband Charlie took a walk through memory lane, holding history in his hand with a letter from his deceased wife. A jar was filled with mementos such as apple blossoms and one of Clara's handkerchiefs.

Nora A delightful stanza about a message sent in a variety of formats, by blog, Twitter, face to face, email and texted The bottom line "but you still didn't get the message".

Don A humorous array of answering machine messages to get away from the usual boring trite stuff that we are used to hearing, eg The advantage of call waiting. "Hi I'm probably home right now but I'm just avoiding people I don't want to talk to. Leave me a message. If I don't call back it's you."

Nina wrote about a place of healing. "What good is love when it comes at such a high price? Who am I without you? "Who would you rather love, who would rather love you?' The tempo of fhe writing was very musical with great potential for a new song.

Margaret mused about an email from son Daniel on a travel adventure across the province to Tofino where he learned to surf. He was successful in disputing a parking ticket and the response not only indicated a cancelled fine but empathy for his situation. It was a philosophical exploration with a variety of high and lows, finding room and board for $150 a month in Vancouver and discovering that the forest is a place of healing.

Mike received an email message from a friend in England whose dad had recently passed away at the age of 99, but it was not a cause for grief. He died at home surrounded by family at a grand old age. It stirred many past memories for Mike as a youngster with his earliest memory at two and half years of moving to Warminster during the war years and looking for lodging. This is where they found Molly Dawkins and her husband Bert, an association that along with Beret's daughter Aryda (?) that lasted for more than 60 years.

Alpen Cafe evening

Hello folks. For those that are coming to the workshop, we are wondering if people mind bringing a bottle of wine and a plate of nibblies to the Alpen Cafe Friday night. We don't need a liquor licence according to the guy I talked to at the store and this would be an easy thing for the Write On members to do. Bought or homemade, doesn't matter. Jenny is providing coffee/tea/clean-up there. We can get a sense of numbers and people willing to help out with that this Tuesday night or email the post with your thoughts!

Next meeting Tuesday November 16th

Margaret will be the facilitator and the writing assignment is titled "Messages"

Meeting Tuesday November 2nd

Writing assignment

"Impressions of Kimberley"

Christine wrote three short pieces that captured for her the essence of Kimberley very succinctly. In summary they included 1. fresh-baked huckleberry pies, nature's beauty, a bath in a mountain lake and not looking for Happy Hans. 2. Friendly locals in a welcoming community who were there when a crisis struck.
3.After 22 years Christine feels she is almost a local. They know my name, my children, my house and my car.

Don read excerpts from his book "Headwinds and Horizons" which recalled the first memories of arriving in Kimberley in 1967 with his new bride. June's reaction was to burst into tears and sob uncontrollably. Don didn't help matters by spending time in the pub with the locals for a couple of hours leaving June to discover his whereabouts after her short shopping spree.

Sue's impressions were of the beauty of the natural environment and Kimberley folk being hardy souls with an incessant cheeriness. They give directions based on how things used to be. They need to take a trip to Frigon Island to get get a dose of world reality and drink something other than berry and flower tea.

Nina came to Kimberley via Toronto "to be" Lost memories haunt her of a life once lived. She feels a lack of attachment, ambition and purpose so far but has a sense of freedom.

Heather. Two poems captured her impressions. Kimberley, how do I love you? Let me count the ways. They included kindred spirits that reside in the mountains blessed with elk and bear, toddlers laughter, Mark Creek's ebbs and flows, wingterscapes and trails, resplendent forests, lakes and rivers. Let me end my ode. Calgary is the toad.

Kay has a new used dog for company to ease the loneliness of waking alone. She is looking for a partner. That charming young man she discovered, after an evening of gin and tonics, confessed his love for leading a single life. She is resigned to being single. There is still room on the bed for the dog.

Margaret shared lots of reflections of her 25 years in Kimberley that included seeking recreation rather than employment, to be recognized, to listen to trees and deer, to await seasons patiently, to evolve never. She loves the brisk mountain air, the reflective clear waters and graceful golden larch. It's here that she is able to pursues her passions.

Mike. Kimberley has changed over the years from a working class commmunity that has morphed into a middle and upper class community becoming dominated by vacant holiday homes of the wealthy. Where there were once forests surrounding the town with trails close beyond the backdoor there are now barbed wire fences across old trails and resident bears that once roamed free are being slaughtered because of the encroachment into their habitat. There has been a loss of it's character as a diamond in the rough and commmunal independence has been lost. It is certainly a diffferent place.
"Impressions of Kimberley"

Christine wrote three short pieces that captured for her the essence of Kimberley very succinctly. In summary they included 1. fresh-baked huckleberry pies, nature's beauty, a bath in a mountain lake and not looking for Happy Hans. 2. Friendly locals in a welcoming community who were there when a crisis struck.
3.After 22 years Christine feels she is almost a local. They know my name, my children, my house and my car.

Don read excerpts from his book "Headwinds and Horizons" which recalled the first memories of arriving in Kimberley in 1967 with his new bride. June's reaction was to burst into tears and sob uncontrollably. Don didn't help matters by spending time in the pub with the locals for a couple of hours leaving June to discover his whereabouts after her short shopping spree.

Sue's impressions were of the beauty of the natural environment and Kimberley folk being hardy souls with an incessant cheeriness. They give directions based on how things used to be. They need to take a trip to Frigon Island to get get a dose of world reality and drink something other than berry and flower tea.

Nina came to Kimberley via Toronto "to be" Lost memories haunt her of a life once lived. She feels a lack of attachment, ambition and purpose so far but has a sense of freedom.

Heather. Two poems captured her impressions. Kimberley, how do I love you? Let me count the ways. They included kindred spirits that reside in the mountains blessed with elk and bear, toddlers laughter, Mark Creek's ebbs and flows, wingterscapes and trails, resplendent forests, lakes and rivers. Let me end my ode. Calgary is the toad.

Kay has a new used dog for company to ease the loneliness of waking alone. She is looking for a partner. That charming young man she discovered, after an evening of gin and tonics, confessed his love for leading a single life. She is resigned to being single. There is still room on the bed for the dog.

Margaret shared lots of reflections of her 25 years in Kimberley that included seeking recreation rather than employment, to be recognized, to listen to trees and deer, to await seasons patiently, to evolve never. She loves the brisk mountain air, the reflective clear waters and graceful golden larch. It's here that she is able to pursues her passions.

Mike. Kimberley has changed over the years from a working class commmunity that has morphed into a middle and upper class community becoming dominated by vacant holiday homes of the wealthy. Where there were once forests surrounding the town with trails close beyond the backdoor there are now barbed wire fences across old trails and resident bears that once roamed free are being slaughtered because of the encroachment into their habitat. There has been a loss of it's character as a diamond in the rough and commmunal independence has been lost. It is certainly a diffferent place.

Meeting Tuesday November 2nd

Writing exercise.
Christine provided the following opening sentence that we had to finish in story form...
"So Nick Wally lived a half hazard life from the day he was born. Mostly due to no fault of his own but by the time he was seventeen....."
Margaret's Nick headed out for new horizons in his van with his dog.
Kay. Nick discovered that he was a genius which meant that life only became tougher for him.
Heather's Nick lost his virginity albeit late in the day after being successfully taunted by Candace.
Nina. Nick had to take responsibility for his actions. Someone was dead and Nick believed he was involved.
Sue. Nick plunged into degenerate negativisms being on drugs and shooting up in the foul washroom of the Cecil Hotel. Death was waiting to release him from his despair.
Don. Nick had been in jail three times that he claimed was no fault of his own. Once for hosting a drunken party that got out of hand and again for delivering a box of health food itmes to a friend in Mexico that the customs agents believed were drugs.
Christine's Nick left his half-crazed mother to go in search of his dad who his mother told him was dead and had gone to hell.
Mike. Nick was determined to leave his Italian Mafia connected relatives to find hbis own way in the world.

Workshop with Luanne

In Luanne's email, she said that people who have specific questions about their work can email her some reading ahead of time if they wish at luannea@telus.net.

Here are the details.....


“WRITE ON” WRITERS’ GROUP PRESENTS…

A WRITING WORKSHOP WITH
LUANNE ARMSTRONG
THEME: ‘A SENSE OF PLACE’


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 7 PM - location TBA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 9:30-3:30 - at Center 64, DEER PARK AVE. KIMBERLEY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST
(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS BY APPT.)

REGISTER AT CENTER 64, (250) 427-4919
REGISTER BEFORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH $70
REGISTER AFTER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH $80


FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL HEATHER AT
(250) 427-5112
or email heatherwattie@gmail.com

National Novel Writing Month 2010

Who has heard of NaNoWriMo?
I've been meaning to do this for years now and have never tried it. Are there any brave souls willing to give up the month of November?
Here's a summary

What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.

Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.

When: You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Next Meeting

From Christine in regards to our next meeting's assignment...


As you might remember, I was reading a poem from a poster of Nelson, which I have had in my possession for many years. Here it is:


"To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable;
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to the stars and the birds, to babes and sages;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious grow up throught he common."
...This is life in Nelson


Opinions where divided about the poem and how it really relates to living in the City of Nelson, but that is in the eye of the beholder.


What I would like to ask as an assignment is for everybody to write something up about Kimberley. Could be a poem, a story or even a rant - whatever comes up.

One Book, One Kootenay 2010 Selection

Announcing the One Book, One Kootenay 2010 Selection.

Treading Water

by Anne DeGrace has been chosen as the book to read this year.

Set in a fictional community based on Renata, B.C., the novel traces a community and its people from the first settler to the last to leave in the face of hydroelectric dam development in the 1960s. For people living in the Columbia Basin, and for anyone who has faced forced evacuation, this book is close to home.

Join us Friday, October 29, 7 pm Kimberley Public Library

Anne DeGrace reads from Treading Water, with slideshow from Remembering Renata exhibition

Sponsored by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance,

Kimberley Public Library, and the Kootenay Library Federation. www.obok.ca

Author photo by Timothy Schafer

October 19th, Meeting Wrap Up

This week facilitator Heather opened up the floor extra wide for our creativity to flow through. A warm up exercise prompted by only the word Halloween and, of course, the take home exercises prompted by the words "Fall Leaves".

We were happy to welcome, again, some new faces to the group; Leigh Ann and Nina. Even with the comings and goings of some members, just the curiosity is a mere demonstration of the interest in the this quirky and subjective art form in our area. Subjects ranged from poetry to creative non-fiction.

Margaret started us off with poetry that illustrated a "copper coloured sky", Don described the beautiful Lois Creek forests and their ancient cyclical nature, Susan's poetic & personal piece used Fall "Leaves" as a verb as did Leigh Anne's. Both of the ladies' pieces were unique, vivid and beautifully written. Nicole (me) triggered the sense of smell through the "fall leaves" prompt. Heather did two shorter pieces, one regarding a Fall Leaf found in her Great Grandmother's journal and a second hide-and-seek in the fall leaf piles. Linda told of a woman named "Fall" and her struggles with the politics of South Africa. Marilee did three pieces that couldn't hide a gardener's expertise. Mike wrote, and as always, flawlessly performed, an older style rhythmic poem about the seasons that surround fall.

We're all looking forward to the workshop with Luanne. Please post - what is it you're looking to get out of the workshop? Have your say!

Happy thanksgiving and just a note...

On our webpage sidebar it was written that the assignment on 'fall leaves' has to be 500-1000 words. If you end up having a few shorter prose or poetry pieces instead of one long one, that is fine too. Mix it up if that feels right!

Open mic at Kootenay Roasting Co.

The Mocha Muse Strikes Again! The College Creative Writing Class is hosting another eclectic

open-mike night at the Kootenay Roasting Co. on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm.

Workshop with Luanne

Hi all,

I let Luanne know that we would like to run the workshop the weekend of November 20 - 21st.

This is what I wrote her :

Our writing club met last night; I asked the members to give some
thought about what they would like the workshop to include. We meet
again October 19th and I can get back to you after that (as long as
that's not too late for you). We discussed starting the workshop on
Friday evening with a casual gathering (maybe wine/tea and cheese
evening), Saturday workshop and Sunday one-to-one meetings. I asked
if members would like to focus on creative writing or publishing, or
something else, and they said they want it all. If you have any
suggestions, please let me know. We are a group of about 7 at various
stages in our writing (some working on novels, others just writing for
fun). We will advertise in Cranbrook and Kimberley, so we will likely
get a few more.

And she said:

Hi Susan, sounds wonderful. Well, we'll see what we can fit into a weekend -- often a lot, actually, and the one on one meetings really help a lot because then I can be very specific with whatever people are struggling with.

Warmest best wishes
Luanne

October 5th, Meeting Wrap Up

Here we go again, the first meeting after a long summer break. I got through it with sloppy penmanship, but got through it nonetheless. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until we got in there scratching away during warm up exercise and until I saw the welcoming new faces and smiling old ones (reference to familiarity, not age). Wow, I sure missed this group and am so happy to be back at it again. Thank You! It was nice to see every single seat taken last night.

Susan facilitated the meeting and came to the table with a great exercise and homework assignment. We warmed up by choosing three random words from a container. The words were found in magazines. The goal was simple enough; write a paragraph using all three words. The ooh's, aah's and applause were evidence that we all missed being in that room and that no one seemed all that rusty.

The take home assignment was quite specific. Send a couple mattress shopping and use their dialogue and action to describe what's going on in their relationship. A great metaphor and everyone certainly delivered.

Margaret had us laughing at the mattress' expense. Infidelity reared it's head through the female names of the sleep-ware "Thanks Sears Catalogue". Mike imparted the subtleties, that can become enormous concerns, of marital problems with Jack and Jill. Merrillee portrayed her characters in a scenario of miscommunication and the need for "floating covers". Heather locked Betty & Hilda into an Ikea overnight to tell a sweet endearing tale that had conflict only on the outskirts of their relationship.
Susan used mattress symbology to take her young couple to "the next level" while Keri detailed a couple's issues and confusions about exactly where their relationship was headed. Tara delivered an intense mattress purchasing scenario that ended abruptly. Nicole (me) used humour to describe the deepest unfulfilled desires of her female protagonist. Christine took a less abrasive approach with her female character who convinced her partner to really commit to an upgrade. Nola produced a story of misunderstanding and the need to hang on to what it is that represents the past. Kaitlan was present and we hope to hear something from her at the next meeting.

It felt so good to put the pen to paper again. The next meeting will be Tuesday October 19th and Heather will be facilitating. The assignment will be wide open - only two prompt words "Fall Leaves".

Details for the Luanne Armstrong workshop to be coming soon. Keep the weekend of November 21st open boys and girls!

First assignment of the season

Hi all,

Another reminder, we will be meeting on October 5th upstairs at Centre 64 (that's one week). Please invite all your interested friends.

At the meeting I will be discussing the upcoming workshop with Luanne, (how many are interested, what format/subject we want to cover and any other ideas that you have), so please give it some thought.

And here's a little something to get everyone warmed up. Strive for 500 - 1000 words.
Good Luck:

Write a scene in which a man and a woman go into a mattress store to buy a bed. The couple can only talk about the bed, but must nonetheless reveal through the conversation the real situation between them. (For an example of how this kind of scene can work, read Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants.")

To begin, you might consider the many different stressful situations that develop between couples: divorces, pregnancies (as with "Hills"), substance abuse issues, transfers, etc. If you're having problems thinking of a conflict, start with a situation from your own experience. The situation doesn't matter as much as the conversation. The exercise will force you to think about how couples communicate, how much goes unsaid between them. At the same time, when you're done, your reader should have a very good idea of what is happening in the lives of these two people.

Let's get writing!

Hi all,

October 5th will be our first meeting after a lazy summer (ha!). Hope to see you all at Centre 64 - 7 pm to 9 pm. Give some thought about what you would like to get out of the writing group/changes you'd like to see/aspects you'd like to continue etc, so we can discuss it . Please spread the word.

Our summer workshop with Stefan Czernecki was inspiring! I know that I had a great time and I feel like it's one more step toward becoming a published writer/illustrator. And I feel like I made a new friend.

The next workshop that we have lined up is for early November with Luanne Armstrong. I'm hoping for input from the group about what we would like to see (subject matter, exact dates, workshop format etc.). I need to get in touch with Luanne soon - if anyone would like to help organize the workshop, it would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know (it'll be fun!).

In the meantime, wipe the cobwebs off those pens/keyboards/brains..... and let's get writing!

Oct 5

October 5th works for me. My computer doesn't, though, it won't let me post this as a comment, only as a new post.

September meeting

Hello fellow writers,

 

I'm wondering about when the Write On writers group will reassemble. Who is to make that decision? I will be away on holiday until September 18 so will not be able to attend a meeting until after that date. If a meeting takes place before then, I will join you for an October meeting. Please keep me informed!

 

Mike

Children's Illustration Workshop

Hi all,

A last minute reminder that this weekend is the Children's Book Illustration, Storytelling With Pictures Workshop. Stefan Czernecki is very interesting. He will talk about online publishing, self-publishing, children's illustration and more. The workshop includes Friday night round table discussion from 7 to 9 pm (free), Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 3 pm, all at Centre 64. Sunday will be one-on-one discussion, so bring something along to share. Stefan stressed that he values creativity and imagination over technique - he wants everyone to feel comfortable sharing their ideas.

The workshop will be $70 - but if we have more than 8 people register (which we already have if everyone shows up who said they would), we will have a surplus. I propose that we divide the surplus amongst the participants. If we get 10 people out, we will each get $14 back ($56 for a workshop - not bad!) We could also use it to go out for supper on Saturday night. We went out for supper to the Bistro last year and it was a lot of fun. We can discuss it at the workshop.

If anyone wants to bring refreshments, please feel free. I bought some cookies (was going to make them, but didn't), ice tea, juice, and we'll have tea and coffee.

I really think this workshop will be a great experience!

Upcoming workshop.

Come One Come All

congratulations Mike

I just finished reading where Mike won the poetry contest :) The Handshake

Well done Mike !

Look forward to meeting again in Sept.

Hugs
Nola

Arts on the Edge 2010

Hello fellow Write On writers,

 

Seems for ever since we last met. I miss our Tuesday evenings and hope we restart with a vengeance in September!

 

We had talked about putting on a literary reading evening at Centre 64 in the lead-up to the Arts on the Edge 2010 festival this August. However, I understand from Susan that only Heather is available to work on this with me. As I have my hands full helping to organize many other aspects of the festival I feel unable to organize a literary reading event, too, so the festival steering committee has agreed to cancel the event. Thanks anyway, Heather!

 

Perhaps once we have started meeting regularly again we can try an evening reading in a coffeehouse, as Nicole had planned for the Bean Tree before Pierre found it conflicted with something else he had going on. Anyway, my apologies for not following through on the festival event. I'll try harder next time!

 

Hope you're all enjoying a good summer.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

Snuffleuppagus...

Sorry I missed it! Didn't want to share my wicked cold germs and am taking a sick day today to get rid of the snuffles etc. Perhaps see y'all at the literary night for Arts on the Edge once details are posted here...

Wrap Up Gathering

Thank you all for last evenings gathering on Christine's deck.
Writings were read to the sound of the distant rolling thunder, the rains held.
Oh yeah and the food & wine was tasty also ;)
Sorry to hear that Mike & Heather were not well.
Missed everyone, so hopefully we will all be able to meet again with the change of season.
Have a wonderful summer.

Hugs
Nola
PS. Nicole I like the new look .

recent email about writing workshop fyi

Hi Susan,

You might want to take the first draft of this work up on a flyer to your meeting. Dates are final ... we haven't yet determined the fee ... it will be less than $250 and more than $180. We are still calculating food costs.

Kuya

draft 1:

Kootenay Lake Writing Retreat

Writing Workshop with Luanne Armstrong and Kuya Minogue.

A weekend of writing, camping by Kootenay Lake and good, farm grown, vegetarian food at the Armstrong Farm on Kootenay Lake. Start and end the day with Zen Writing Practice and attend two morning workshops with Luanne Armstrong. Afternoons will be free for beach time, hiking, canoeing, reading etc. Private beach, kayaks, canoes, available. Wireless also available.

Accommodations:

Tenting spaces with picnic tables and fireplaces are available for participants. Also available, small trailers, or bunk beds in the main house. Campsites are level, beside the lake and accessible by car. The Armstrong farm is a working heritage organic family farm that has been in existence for 80 years. The family welcome visitors. Food from the farm will form a large part of the menu.

When: Starts Friday September 10 at 7:00 pm and ends Sunday Sept 12 after lunch.?

Where: The Armstrong Farm and ZenWords Zen Centre Lakeside hermitage.

The farm is 31 kms. north of Creston BC. The fire number is 9941. The phoneno. is 250-223-8203.

Cost: TBA (includes land fee, food and instructor fees)

Spaces are limited and filling fast.

Zen Writing Practice: learn to link a meditation practice to your writing process.

Writing Workshops: learn to Luanne Armstrong is an award winning writer of fourteen books and a creative writing instructor at the University of British Columbia.

Kuya Minogue is a Zen monk and the Canadian Dharma heir for Natalie Goldberg's Zen Writing Practice lineage. She will teach Zen meditation and Zen writing.

Zen writing

Like the new look!

I got the following email from Kuya (Zen Writing). This sounds like fun - wish the summer wasn't so busy! If anyone is interested, please let me know.

Hi Susan,

I appreciate your effort at looking for grants. Not much money out there for the arts these days.

Do you think your group would be interested in coming to Creston for a weekend workshop? Tenting at Luanne Armstrong's farm, workshop in a screened deck looking out on Kootenay Lake. I would teach Writing Practice in the early morning and in the evening; Luanne would teach a class between breakfast and lunch. Afternoons would be free for swimming, reading, writing etc.

We haven't set a date yet, but I envision it starting at 7:00 on a Friday night and ending at noon on Sunday. Meals would be included. Check with your interested people and see what they say.

Kuya

Same Blog, New Template

Hope you like it! Business as usual.

Wrap Up Party

Our busy writing season has come to an end. There are so many members that will be too busy to commit to summer meetings that we've decided to take a little break. 


This is not to discourage action on the blog or email, or of course hinder anyone from meeting over the summer. Only the official Centre 64 meetings will not be a go.


Christine has been kind enough to offer her beautiful space for our wind up party.


Date: Monday June 21
Time: 7PM 
Place: Natural Attraction (The hemp clothing store behind the cuckoo clock in the platzl)
Please Bring: A friend or two if you'd like, a bottle of wine or two, some sort of hors dourves, and of course a piece of writing to be shared amongst all joiners (details to be announced by Don who will be the facilitator at this last reading).


It will be spring solstice and if weather cooperates the evening sun should be hitting the deck perfectly. Looking forward to seeing everyone that participated in the group - whether you were there one time or every time you we hope to see you!

Workshops

We have gotten approved for grants for two workshops: one with Luanne Armstrong in mid- October, and one with Stefan Czernecki this summer. We will need to do a poll as to the best possible weekend: July 24 - 25, July 31 - August 1, August 13 - 15, or August 28 - 29.

At the meeting tonight, Sue asked how many people we need to run the workshops. I had to look back at my application forms - I budgeted for 10 people for each workshop at $70 each. That is to cover the cost of advertising, posters, space rental, and for Luanne's workshop, a lunch. The grants cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and food for the instructors.

If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

June 8th meeting

Hi all,

I've been getting mixed messages about whether we want to continue to meet regularly over the summer. I have a lot of fun at the meetings and the group is pushing me to stay creative, so I'm keen to keep the meetings going, (isn't keen a nerdy word, I love it) as long as others are keen as well. So, for everyone interested, lets get together this Tuesday (June 8th) and then again on June 22nd, (as per Heather's earlier suggestion) and we can see what transpires after that. I apologize for my wishy-washy ways, and appreciate any feedback that you might, or might not, have.

On that note, for the next meeting, here is a short and sweetie: M&M Candies "Melt in your mouth, not in your hands." Miller Lite "Tastes great, less filling." Describe yourself (or your writing) in ten words or fewer. (I didn't say easy!)

Another meeting?

Hi all,

Should we meet June 22nd to go over what we have written for the spoken word night in August and discuss whether or not we want a practice night? We could discuss what we want to do over the summer - break or continue to meet. Please let me know what you think!

Susan

Hello folks! Mini-update seeing as no-one else is jumping in. We had four of us last night and just got right to it without a writing warm-up exercise. Kay shared poetic pieces around her Kenyan experiences and other personal pieces of the heart. Some great stuff there for spoken word night. Sue shared a gutsy, wrenching slam poetry style piece and due to my tired brain, I am unable to recall the others. Margaret and I didn't share our writings but contributed to the feedback which appeared to be helpful. It sounds like the spoken word night may be better in the fall as we need someone to get an alternate location if Pierre's is out. I chatted to Christine about her place so that may be an option. We should get a sense of how many want to continue through the summer so post your thoughts folks! Nicole has already so let's follow suit so we know wether to carry on through the summer. Any ideas for June meetings/facilitators? It wasn't the same without the 'regulars' and irregulars. Hope to connect in the next meetings however it works out. Ciao for now.

Missed meeting

Hi all,

How did the meeting go last night? I totally forgot - I'm so bummed! I've been busy with domestics (house painting, gardening etc) and lost track of the date. I missed my meeting today, too. Ooops! Is anyone else in disbelief that it's the end of May already?

Spoken Word Night Postponed

Pierre from the Bean Tree is dealing with some unusual circumstances so we won't be able to have our spoken word night on May 28. Perhaps we can discuss at the next meeting what date in June would work best for everyone.

Kimberley Literacy champions

If you know someone in Kimberley who deserves recognition for their work in advancing literacy, you can nominate them as a Literacy Champion. Everyone nominated will be recognized in September as part of International Literacy Day. Nomination forms are available at a number of locations in town, ie Centre 64, the Library, grocery stores, Black Bear books etc. The deadline for nominations is June 4th. You can nominate as many people as you want. This is a Kimberley Community Literacy Committee initiative.

What's my excuse?

Tuesday night's writing group started out with a prompt provided by Nicole. Although she couldn't make the meeting, we appreciated her prompt and spent a lot of time laughing at the results. "You're late for work because you overslept, but your boss hates over-sleepers. He does love entertaining stories, so create the most outlandish excuse as to why you were late." We had a lot of fun with it, excuses ranging from a lack of clean underwear, bank robberies, flooding toilets, runaway babies, indiscretions with members of the boss's family, Lego in unfortunate body orifices and extra long vacations.

We spent the rest of the time critiquing personal work, and got about half way through the group, so we'll have to continue with that another night. Heather shared her lovely story about Faith and cute poem about Queen Calamity and King Crab, we heard two chapters from Sue's mystery: secret messages, Chinese tea, large-muscled hit men and creepy pulp mills. The description of setting was distinctly Canadian, and very well done. Mike presented the extended version of his Laundry poem, expanding the visual image of what life in a mill town in England was like, and the final piece of the evening was Nola's entertaining engagement with a canoe (she'd give Don a run for his money with her outdoor adventure writing), her perfectly matched gum boots and lipstick and the expansion of her adventure gene.

We had a vote as to which night would work for the oral presentation at the Beantree. Most can make May 28th, but Margaret, Joanne and Don can't (correct me if I'm wrong) - we could go ahead with the 28th or reschedule for later in June. We did decide to bring the writing that we want to present to our next meeting to fine-tune/practice. Which brings me to the next point.

We decided that the next meeting, May 25th, will be dedicated to the presentation, so we won't have a facilitator or a designated assignment. Anyone who can't participate at the Beantree, please still come to the meeting - bring along any writing that you'd like to share and your sharp wit.

Also, we'd like to welcome Kay to Write On. Great writing, Kay! We look forward to hearing more.

Slam

Did anyone check out the slam poet on the weekend? I had a potluck, so I missed it.

Spoken Word Night

Well group. Are you ready to go public with your pieces?

I spoke with Pierre and he's happy to host us on a Friday night. He just needs notice.

Because there are so many of us and consensus might be difficult on a date, I will post some options. If you have a preference of one of these dates let me know and if you cannot make any of them let me know in the comments section of this blog entry.

Friday May 21st

Friday May 28th

Friday June 4th

If any or all of these dates are good for you, let us know (the next meeting is Tuesday May11th) or you can place your vote on the poll to the left.

Library Renovation

If you haven't already heard about our wonderful little library undergoing renovation, you've heard it now. During the course of the makeover we will be unable to access the older titles. They are, however, letting patrons take out books from the old sections and asking that they do not bring them back until the renovations are complete.

That means you can seriously stock up with all the books you want to read this summer and take your time doing it. So if there's a pile you've always wanted to read, and not have to worry about overdue book fees, now's the time. By the way, I think the last day is today, April 28.

Ideas from the sole

Last night was proof that even the smallest suggestion can result in the biggest idea. Heather was our facilitator and the writing warm up was a great as ever. Heather brought with her an array of unique items, all no bigger than what you can fit in one hand and each with distinct characteristics. We were to choose an item and write. Simple and creative. Many of us were coming off of poetry mode after a week of getting ready for the poetry contest on the 30th. Even Mike wrote a poem, more to his own surprise than anyone else's.

For the main event Heather's idea was simple, "shoe on the road", and from it all members that turned up came with varying ideas and some of the best writing we've heard to date.

Nola started us off with her first person journey from the shoe's comedic perspective. Susan weaved her story of a satin Italian hand carved heel through three generations of shoe wearers until it met its fate. Nicole (I) made the shoe the victim of a sour relationship that ultimately panned out on a city freeway. Margaret inspired us with an uplifting Father/Son piece. Heather continued with three shorter pieces one in particular that dug deep with feelings of grief. Mike was so inspired by the prompt he completed the first chapter of a new mystery novel that involved several fingers of Highland Park Single Malt.

There was plenty of applause and much hootin' &hollerin'.  I'm particularly proud to say that we're are slowly inching our way into a more critical mind frame. Heather had some suggestions for critiquing one another's work; I think we should try this at our next meeting.
1. What would you like to hear more of?
2. What did you appreciate?
3. What would you have approached differently?

I think this meeting has definitely inspired me to keep the prompts simple more often than not. With simple prompts the imagination opens a gate to a huge garden of possibility. What fun!

See new "writing prompts" in the column to the left...

The next meeting will be Tuesday May 11th. I will be loosely facilitating (I'll just bring a warm up exercise). We'll be changing the format slightly for this meeting. Many of us have been working on larger manuscripts and so this will be an opportunity to bring print-outs for everyone to look over or take home. Alternately between now and then we will also be emailing one another with our writing. I know all those in attendance last night will be happy to read, edit and give feedback so let's get those pieces circulating!


Nice work everyone!

Shoe on the road...

O.K. folks. I'll agree to facilitate the next meeting and let's save the personal items for critique for another one if that's OK with everyone. As I was driving to Cranbrook awhile back, I noticed a shoe on the road. I thought that would be a great item to build a writer's evening around. So the assignment is this: write something in whatever format flows from your pen about a shoe in the road. That's it. I don't want to lead into this with any details but leave it wide open for you to explore. However, you may want to think about who's shoe it was, what kind it is and how that reflects on the wearer, how it got to be there on the road and the steps it's 'walked' to get there. Have fun!

Next meeting

I have a proposal.... since we don't have (to my knowledge) a facilitator, what about if we bring in personal projects for our next meeting and have a constructive critique. We could bring in our poems/stories too, and then something that we would personally like some help with. What do you think?

The Secrets

I have recently acquired a new toy that has opened up a little world for me. This toy is called an ipod (don't laugh at me, I'm what marketers call a laggard) and although I don't need it to do all of the things I'm doing with it, for that the Internet is availbale to me, I find the portability fantastic and have taken to looking for and listening to podcasts.

Now if you've never listened to a podcast before it's basically an internet radio show. There are podcasts out there for EVERYTHING. One of the most popular podcasts in the writing category is called "The Secrets" and I am quite excited after listening to a couple episodes... so whether you have an ipod or MP3 player or just access to a computer, sit back and listen to the tried and true methods from Michael A. Stackpole at stormwolf.com


Click here for a list of podcasts

Also, you must promise not to laugh at me for bringing your attention to the obvious, and if it's not obvious hop aboard the podcast train; destination: "seeing-your-name-on-the-spine-of-a-book".

Life of Pi

I was looking at Nicole's profile and one the books she sites as a favourite is Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I decided to pick it up at the library. After reading a few chapters, I became curious about the author. I googled him. He has his own website, and then one that he calls What is Stephen Harper Reading? This is an excerpt from that website; it speaks for itself....

Who is this man? What makes him tick? No doubt he is busy. No doubt he is deluded by that busyness. No doubt being Prime Minister fills his entire consideration and froths his sense of busied importance to the very brim. And no doubt he sounds and governs like one who cares little for the arts.

But he must have moments of stillness. And so this is what I propose to do: not to educate—that would be arrogant, less than that—to make suggestions to his stillness.

For as long as Stephen Harper is Prime Minister of Canada, I vow to send him every two weeks, mailed on a Monday, a book that has been known to expand stillness. That book will be inscribed and will be accompanied by a letter I will have written. I will faithfully report on every new book, every inscription, every letter, and any response I might get from the Prime Minister, on this website.

Good press

At the Literacy meeting a number of people commented on reading about our group in Mike's column, how we laugh, cry and have a great time writing. Thanks Mike! The word is getting out...

Kimberley Literacy Meeting

Hi all,

I went to a Kimberley Literacy meeting today representing our writing group and Kimberley Arts Council/Centre 64. I have a question for fellow Write-on-ers. At the meeting I said that everyone is welcome to our writing group, youth included. I thought afterward that I should run that by the group to make sure that that is OK with everyone. I figure if we have youth keen enough to come to our meeting we would welcome them, but if others would rather keep it adult only, that's fine with me too. I had to put it in writing but have yet to send the final draft, so I can easily change it. Any comments?

Fw: Slam Poetry workshop & performance - Eye on Entertainment

FYI This could be an instructive workshop and performance experience for
those of us interested in developing our own literary performance
evening(s).
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Katherine Hough" <KHough@thehub.literacy.bc.ca>
To: <redruth@shaw.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 6:04 PM
Subject: Slam Poetry workshop & performance - Eye on Entertainment

> hi Mike
> we have an exciting day coming up on May 1st - I have attached a copy of
> the poster going up around Cranbrook. We're targeting teens (they get in
> free to both workshop and performance) but its open to anyone ($3 charge
> for aduts). Below is an outline.
> Whatever you can publish for us would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Barbara Adler, one of Canada's most exciting young performance poets, is
> coming to Cranbrook on May 1 to host a Slam Poetry workshop and
> performance.
>
> Barbara has been a Canadian Slam Champion as well as a CBC Poet Laureate
> and CBC Poetry Face Off winner. "Adler's carefully crafted rants are
> breathlessly precise," says Uptown Magazine, Winnipeg.
>
> The workshop will begin at 6pm and the performance will follow at 8 pm at
> the Manual Training School beside the library. You can attend one or both,
> but pre-registration would be appreciated (email khough@cbal.org with your
> name and Slam as the subject).
> If you are 18 or under, it's free! Adults are $3.
>
>
> cheers
> K+
>
> Katherine Hough
> Cranbrook Community Literacy Coordinator
> Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
> Phone: 250-417-2896 Fax: 250-417-2672
> khough@cbal.org
> www.cbal.org
>
>
>

Writeon

Hi Nicole Would you mind adding my name to the list of names in the Writeon Group? Thank you Cheers Don

Poetry contest entry form

Hi,

Karin sent me the library poetry contest (the same one that Mike told us about some time ago) entry form, if anyone is interested.....

I can't figure out how to add it as a link. If anyone is interested, let me know and I can forward the original email and attachment.

2nd annual Kimberley Public Library Poetry Contest

To be eligible, each entry: Must be written in English; Only one poem per page Arrive at Kimberley Library by closing on April 30th, 2010 Poems are not eligible if they have already been published or accepted for publication. Plagiarism rules apply. Authors retain the rights to their writing Entry Fee by donation

April is National Poetry Month. The Kimberley Public Library is celebrating by holding its 2nd annual Poetry contest. Entries will be accepted from until closing on April 30th, 2010. Entries will be judged by a three person panel. Poems can be written in any poetic form, Contest entry is open to poets as young as ten years old, and separated into divisions of 10-13 years, 14-17 years, 18 & up. There will be prizes for each division. For more information please contact the library at 115 Spokane Street, Kimberley BC V1A 2E5 Phone: 250-427-3112 Email: staff@kimberleylibrary.net (include “Poetry contest” in Subject line) Thanks and Good Luck!

Kimberley Public Library Poetry Contest

Entry Form

This form can accompany up to three poems. Three entries maximum per person.

NAME:_________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE:_________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (E-MAIL) _________________________________________

TITLE(S) OF POEM(S):

a. ________________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________________

c. ________________________________________________________

I have read the contest rules and regulations for The Poetry Contest. I understand that I must be a Kimberley area resident to enter. By entering this contest, I give the Kimberley Public Library permission to publish my entry and my name in the event that I am declared a winner.

Signed,_____________________________(Date)_____________________________

Please circle age group : *10-13 years* *14-17 years* *18 & up*

(Under 14?) Parent signature – consenting to the release of the name, photo, and winning poetry of entrant:

___________________________________________________ Date_______________________________

Writing contest

Hi all, Karin sent me this email to forward to our group.

Hello writers,
Please pass on the following information to your writing groups. (email attached below)

Thanks,
Karin

Karin von Wittgenstein
Director, Kimberley Public Library

From: Kara Donadt [mailto:karadonadt@shaw.ca]
Sent: April 8, 2010 3:17 PM
To: Director@kimberleylibrary.net
Subject: Writing Contest

Dear Karin,

We are an Edmonton based publishing company who’s aim it is to give writers an opportunity to have their voices heard. We are currently running a writing contest which your local writer’s groups may be interested in. I would be grateful for your help in passing on this information.

Christmas Chaos Writing Contest

We invite you to share your favourite Christmas stories. For our upcoming anthology, Christmas Chaos, we are looking for your tales of “Christmas gone wrong.” Your stories can be humorous or heart-wrenching, light-hearted or ironic, but they must be well-written, and they must be true.

Your story may be recent or from the distant past. It might be an account of a holiday road trip or a Christmas dinner fiasco. It might be the story about a gift you didn’t expect to receive or the tale of your perennially tippling aunties’ antics.

Please visit: www.prairiedogpublishing.ca for Submission Guidelines and information on our company.

For your convenience, I have a PDF Poster that I would be happy to forward to you.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Kara Donadt
Prairie Dog Publishing
e. kara@prairiedogpublishing.ca

Aloha

Hello

Well I am off to Hawaii for 2 weeks. As exciting as that is I will miss hearing your wonderful writings on Tue. See you on the 27th.

Write On

Nola

Conference Reminder

Just another reminder about the upcoming Fernie Writers Conference...

www.ferniewriters.com

July 18-25 2010, Fernie, B.C.

Join the Fernie Writers' Conference this Summer with Governor General’s Award winner Robert Kroetsch and Governor General’s Award Nominees Sid Marty and W.H. New. Fernie's intimate yet spectacular setting creates a stimulating, collegial environment to hone your writing and visit with established and emerging authors on a day to day basis. Visit our website to learn more and feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions.

Our core courses include:

·      Crafting Fiction with Peter Oliva

·      Fiction-Writing with Steven Heighton

·      Writing Compelling Non-Fiction with Sid Marty

·      Songwriting from Scratch with Mae Moore

·      Screenwriting Take One! with Geo Takach

·      Finding the Want, Defining Desire - Fiction with Betty Jane Hegerat

·      Youth Writing Workshop with Kim McCullough

·      Writing in Place - Poetry with Alison Calder

In addition to the core courses above, the 2010 Conference includes readings, discussions and events as well as a festival open to the public. The two-day festival will be held July 23^rd and 24^th at Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort and Historic Downtown Fernie.

Conference registration opens March 15^th 2010

Festival passes go on sale on April 1^st 2010.

Visit www.ferniewriters.com for more information.

Fernie Writers’ Conference
P.O. Box 2313 Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0

info@ferniewriters.com

250-423-7461

 

Thank you for your interest.

 

Randal

 

Randal Macnair

Fernie Writers' Conference

P.O. Box 2313

Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0

 

info@ferniewriters.com

www.ferniewriters.com