Minutes from 1-10-12 Meeting

Attendance: Doug, Keith, Adam Delia, Cathy, Ryan, P.J., Patrick, Jane, Patricia, Ann, Dominic, Bob, Melissa, Rick, Olivia, Wendy, Holly

I. Critique:

This month we critiqued two submissions. The first was Cathy’s Redemption. The group had mixed reactions concerning jumping time periods and point of view. Some felt they were fine, while others suggested writing short chapters for different points of view. Consensus: we’re all looking forward to the next chapter.

Doug’s Caravan City was next. A longer piece, Doug was more interested in an overall critique, as he would like to send it off as is for publishing, but left room to extend it into a full-blown novel. Great job, Doug, and good luck!

Discussion began on sending one’s work out to secure an agent vs. self-publishing. Several of our authors who have self-published gave their view points. Everyone was in agreement that the important thing was to keep on writing!

II. Other Business:

If you are interested in being a volunteer reader or would like to submit for the on-line Science Fiction journal for which Doug is editing, please contact Doug through the website. (the theme is communication, 75,000 words or less)

Cadavre Exquis, French for Exquisite Corpse, is a collection of words or images collectively assembled. PSWG is creating its own version titled “10 of Clubs”. If you are interested in joining in and writing a chapter, look on the website for the rules and conditions under the thread 10 of Clubs.

For Our Next Meeting on February 14, 2012 7-9 PM:

We will be critiquing submissions from Eric and Ryan. Bob is our alternate.

Hope to see you there!

Minutes from 12-13-11 Meeting

Attendance: Steve. Cathy, Shaun, Ann, Doug, Shawn, Adam, Keith, Delia, Melissa, Lori, Wendy

I. Critique:

Delia was first as we discussed her family’s story. Everyone seemed to be in agreement that we love the historical points, but want to hear the story told in her voice, which is beautiful and descriptive. There was a bit of discussion and some suggestions of how to include letters without losing the rhythm of the piece.

Shawn’s submission, which is loosely based on local history, spurred conversation on conflicts that can occur with changing events in the past, and if keeping to proper etiquette and traditions is important if that isn’t the main thrust of the story.

II. Other Business:

Doug is editing an on-line Science Fiction journal, and told us a little more about it. If anyone would like to be a volunteer reader of submissions, or if you’re a sci-fi writer and would like to submit 75,000 words or less with the theme of communication, contact Doug through the website.

For Our Next Meeting on January 10, 2012 7-9 PM:

Because of the number of people who attend the meeting, we’ve decided to concentrate on 2 submissions per month. Therefore, we’ve set aside room for Patricia, who was unable to attend the last meeting. Cathy will submit, and Doug is interested in hearing what people have to say about “Caravan City”. This is a longer than usual submission, but he’s interested in an overall critique, not a word-by-word critique.

We hope you can join us!

Minutes from 11-8-11 Meeting

Attendance: Ann, Shaun, Keith, Doug, Eric, Shawn, Ryan, Adam, Patricia, Delia, Elliot, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

First was Adam’s “The Big G”, a religious satire. We’re looking forward to more – maybe picking up on the ending with a day in Vegas! Next, we read a new installment on Ann’s “Soul Mates”, which she thought was slow. We decided it wasn’t, and that she really nailed descriptions of smell and setting. Ryan’s new story has a philosophical bent that, as usual, had us clamoring for more. We’re all looking forward to more from these talented writers.

NaMoWriMo is in full swing, and those participating were wished good luck!

For Our Next Meeting on December 13, 2011, 7-9 PM:

This month we will read submissions from Delia, Patricia and Shawn. Hope to see you there!

Minutes from 10-11-11 Meeting

Attendance: Ann, Shaun, Keith, Doug, Eric, P.J., Cathy, Maria, Joan, Shawn, Ryan, Adam, Patricia, Jim, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

No critique this month! Instead, we shared Halloween themed stories. We heard about stalker candy bars; candy corn killers; goblins, psychopaths (nice way to incorporate the names from our group, Shawn!); gray city days; zombies, Renaissance re-enactors; vampires, witches, and ghosts. A little prose, a little poetry, and great narration! Thanks to everyone who brought treats, too. What a fun way to spend October, and presented many of us with a challenge – we’re wordy, to say the least. The consensus of the group is to maybe do the same thing in the spring – more discussion will follow, I’m sure.

Welcome to our new members who came to the October meeting – we hope you won’t be “scared” away!

We also talked about a writing challenge posted on NaMoWriMo for November: as many words as possible in one month. Several of us have signed up – post your word count on the site, and good luck to everyone!

For Our Next Meeting on November 8, 2011, 7-9 PM:

We were concerned that since the 8th is election day, the library wouldn’t be open. IT IS! So, on the 8th we will critique submitted work from Adam, Ryan, and Ann. Please get your submissions to Holly, and we’ll see everyone there.

Minutes from 9-13-11 Meeting

Attendance: Ann, Shaun, Keith, Flo, Doug, Eric, P.J., Delia, Cathy, Elliot, Maria, Joan, Shawn, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

We started off critiquing Eric’s ‘Starjumpers’, a sci-fi story. We all agreed the auras and Eric’s description of them were awesome, and are eagerly awaiting a peek at the “hidden” chapter! This was Cathy’s first time sharing with us. The flow and juxtapositions in her book were very well received, and with the promise of help from a writing friend to connect her with an agent – well, that’s great, and we wish you the best of luck! We’re looking forward to reading more. Keith’s second installment of “The Power of Three” was a re-write of the first chapter, and all seemed to agree that it was definitely the way to go. Pronunciations of Irish names brought on a discussion of glossaries vs. footnotes, and several members mentioned other authors and their fix. One was “The Stolen Child” by Keith Donahue. Another was “Hounded” by Kevin Hearne, and Graham Joyce was also mentioned. All sound like good reads, too, if you want to check them out.

We also talked about a writing challenge posted on NaMoWriMo for November: as many words as possible in one month. Up for the challenge? Check it out – you might want to contact Eric for more info.

Doug shared info on an on-line writing workshop with James Glenn. If you’re interested, contact Doug for the URL.

For Our Next Meeting on October 11, 2011, 7-9 PM:

Autumn is in the air, bringing with it frosty nights, spiced treats, and the smell of bonfires. It also brings Halloween, and all things fun and scary. For our next meeting, bring something you’ve written, 1,000 words or less, with Halloween as the theme. It can be scary or fun; you don’t even have to mention the holiday at all! (Think of it as your inspiration – go from there!) We’ll take turns reading and discussing our work! Don’t send it to Holly – just bring it with you. Happy writing!

Minutes from 8-9-11 Meeting

Attendance: Ann, Shaun, Keith, Flo, Doug, Eric, P.J., Delia, Jeanne, Cathy, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

This month we critiqued Wendy, Delia, and Doug. Wendy shared the first draft of a second book, meant to be a sequel to Virtuous Actions, and many great comments were given. Delia’s installment of her family story was intriguing, and full of wonderful description. She shared pictures of some of the people mentioned in the story. Everyone agreed that the neutral images with pops of color really worked in Doug’s Caravan City, a short sci-fi story.

Some of our members from the Greensburg area have formed a writer’s group called “The Caffeinated Quill” that meets at the Barnes and Noble café in Greensburg on the last Sunday of the month, at 1:00. All are invited to come.

Stuck for ideas? Is the blank page haunting you? Writingfix.com will provide you with monthly/weekly prompts, and you can sign-up as a teacher or a writer!

Do you know a web site that would be helpful to other writers? Post it on our blog!

Looking to self-publish? We’ve heard recently that Bookbaby, a competitor with Smashwords, is a must-see.

II. For Next Meeting on September 13, 2011, 7-9 PM:

1. We will read and critique work from Eric, Cathy, and Keith. You will be able to find their work under “Group Forums” on the left of your screen on the home page.

2. There is often plenty of time to share, so members should bring ideas, materials, and sources to the next meeting. See you then!

Minutes from 7-12-11 Meeting

Attendance: Shawn, Ann, Shaun, Keith, Dan, Flo, Doug, Eric, Phyllis, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

At our July meeting, we critiqued work by Dan, Shaun, and Flo. Dan’s work, “Burning Pepper” brought on a lot of discussion about vegetarians, phantom limbs, and chaos in families. We wondered who the narrator was, and had fun talking about the possibilities. We read the fourth installment of Shaun’s “Model 37” – some of us weren’t happy about who died, but all agreed he’s telling an awesome story, and we can’t wait until he finds an artist for collaboration! Flo’s short story, “Early Morning Call”, dealt with a touchy subject that she handled well, with dignity. Keep those short stories coming!

Some of our members from the Greensburg area have formed a writer’s group called “The Caffeinated Quill” that meets at the Barnes and Noble café in Greensburg on the last Sunday of the month, at 1:00. All are invited to come.

II. For Next Meeting on August 9, 2011, 7-9 PM:

1. We will read and critique work from Wendy, Doug, Eric, and Delia. You will be able to find their work under “Group Forums” on the left of your screen when you are on the home page.

2. There is often plenty of time to share, so members should bring ideas, materials, and sources to the next meeting. See you then!

Minutes from 6-14-11 Meeting

Attendance: Shawn, Ann, Shaun, Keith, Dan, Richard, Flo, Giulio, P.J., Eric, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique:

This month we read and commented on the work of 3 members, P.J., Holly, and Shawn. P.J.’s paranormal romance “Sanctum Angel” was well received. All agreed her imagery and description was excellent. We learned some new words, such as “glamour” and “daemons” and ideas for where these words originated. We look forward to reading more of P.J.’s work. She also recommended books by J.R. Ward, who she feels is representative of the genre. Holly submitted two short stories, “Constellations” and “Magnets”, both of which were enjoyed by all. There was a lively discussion about the main female character in “Constellations” that brought about a little dissension between the genders – friendly, as always! There was general agreement that it would be lovely to see her short stories gathered into an anthology. Shawn submitted two more chapters of his yet unnamed piece, giving us a little more insight into the plot and characters. We hope the critiques have offered our members encouragement and food for thought.

With time remaining, Giulio read two poems we’d not yet heard, and someone made a request for one he’s read previously.

Some of our members from the Greensburg area have formed a writer’s group called “The Caffeinated Quill” that meets at the Barnes and Noble café. Look for more information to come, especially for our members who live in that area, or if you’re looking for more input and want to take a Sunday drive!

II. For Next Meeting on July 12, 2011, 7-9 PM:

1. We will read and critique work from Dan, Shaun and Flo. You will be able to find their work under “Group Forums” on the left of your screen.

2. There is plenty of time to share so members should bring ideas, materials, and sources to the next meeting. See you then!

Minutes from 5-10-11 Meeting

Attendance: Shawn, Ann, Shaun, Richard, Flo, Emily, P.J., Holly, Wendy

I. Critique: Ann provided us with another segment of “Soul Mates”. Everyone present still loves the originality. Shaun gave us more of “Model 37”. Graphic book form is new to most of us, and we’re becoming better acclimated to the format. Everyone agreed that connection to the characters is there, and we can’t wait to see more. Ann and Shaun shared picture file they have developed to help with description. Most pictures were found on the internet and they keep them in a binder. Great visuals! Flo wrote a wonderfully inspirational piece that is an analogy of Michelangelo’s “The David” and our lives, which she called “The Chiseler”. We are looking forward to more essays by Flo. Emily shared her original work called “The Library at Night”, which was received very well, and while intended as a short story, we could see potential for a longer work.

One new member was welcomed at the table this week, P.J., who we hope will be sharing some of her work next month.

Richard Wahlberg shared his experience of self-publishing, and how to continue generating interest in selling one’s books through mailings, word of mouth, and book signings. Holly and Shawn also had helpful information to add.

II. For Next Meeting on June 14, 2011, 7-9 PM:

1) Members will read and critique work from P.J., Shawn and Holly. They will send their pages to Holly and she will post them on the website.

2) There is plenty of time and room to share so members should bring ideas, materials, and sources to the next meeting.

Minutes from 4-12-11 Meeting

Attendance: Shawn, Ann, Shaun, Keith, Giulio, Delia, Rich, Flo, Elliot, Emily, Lori, Holly, Wendy

I. Critique: Ann provided us with her first submission, “Soul Mates”, which all felt was original and an enjoyable read. Giulio’s poetry submissions were discussed, responding to how the poetry made people feel. As always, everyone was in awe of the magnitude of feeling, and loved hearing him read the verse in the intended voice. There were many valuable comments made on Wendy’s “Virtuous Actions”.

II. All members were asked to bring a poem in honor of National Poetry Month, whether a favorite by another author or an original verse, and the group had a wonderful time reading and talking about the selections.

III. We welcomed new members Flo, Elliot and Emily, and encourage more new (and old) members to attend meetings, and post comments on the website, especially if you know you won’t be able to be here in person.

IV. For Next Meeting on May 10, 2011, 7-9 PM:

1) Members will read and critique work from Shaun, Emily, Flo and Delia. They will send their pages to Holly and she will post them on the website.

2) There is plenty of time and room to share so members should bring ideas, materials, and sources to the next meeting.