There were only three attendees in the library meeting room this month – perhaps not surprising given the recent weather. Many thanks to Christine for setting up there, and to Matthew for being in charge. Meanwhile we had ten members online – a smaller meeting than usual, but a lively one! We celebrated achievements of 2023 and discussed our goals, both personal and group goals, for 2024.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 2024012114 members attended July’s Writers’ Mill meeting, and if you missed it, you missed a fantastic presentation from Erick Mertz. His topic—Self-Publishing Success: What Worked, What Didn’t, & What I Would Do Differently—was particularly timely as we approach the release of our next anthology, and included excellent advice and inspiration for all of us. Notes from his presentation will be posted online shortly, with the current password—which you will find in your emails.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes Sunday July 16th 2023Self-publishing used to be somewhat frowned on and considered less legitimate than “really” getting published, but that is changing, as Erick showed us in his presentation.
Continue reading Self-Publishing Success: What Worked, What Didn’t, & What I Would Do Differently, with Erick MertzPublish or Perish is a common phrase in British academia. If you don’t publish papers you’ll never advance your career. Guessing that we’re more interested in just putting our words out there, even if we never achieve that great writing career, Sheila offered a few ways we might use to let others see our words. You can find her presentation online at https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230319-publishing-presentation.pdf (pdf file) or https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230319-publishing-presentation.pptx (powerpoint presentation file).
Continue reading Publish or Perish, or just Put your words out there?March’s meeting was well-attended, with some new in person members, and lots of members online. Sheila had intended to be present in person, but COVID intervened, so her “Publish or Perish, or just Put your words out there” presentation was given via zoom instead. Afterward, members were invited to introduce themselves, both online and in person, and there was lots of lively discussion, leading to various unresolved questions. Please contact admin with your thoughts on:
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 2023 03 19December’s Writers’ Mill meeting was well attended, with 12 members online and 5 in person at the library. Those who’d been with us a while knew what to expect, as December or January is when we review the year that’s passed and make plans for the year to come.
Continue reading Minutes 2022 12 18 Goals and AchievementsSadly we still can’t share Christmas treats or exchange books at our end-of-year Writers’ Mill meeting, but 16 of us met over zoom and enjoyed the chance to celebrate achievements and set goals for 2022.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes Dec 2021Our end-of-year Writers’ Mill Zoom meeting was well-attended on Zoom, with one future speaker and one new member joining us. Jim Mockford, February’s speaker, was able to introduce himself, his book, and his website, https://kumquatkids.com/, where the events page lists, among other things, the gentle art of book unmasking and his upcoming talk with us. Don’t miss February’s meeting for more on children’s books, picture books, bilingual books, and innovative promotion ideas!
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes Dec 202018 members attended January’s meeting, where we enjoyed much discussion about requested topics, completed our “clipboard” checkup of member interests and needs, took part in a lively critique, and even managed a thinking/writing exercise. It was great to welcome several new members and one former member too – we hope to see you all again next month for Maryka Biaggio’s talk of research for writing, research for publishing, and more…
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 202001 January 2020Twenty people attended January’s meeting, a number that included Matthew, celebrating his tenth anniversary with the group; two members attended for just their second time; and four newcomers. We are delighted to welcome all of you and look forward to a productive and encouraging year. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201901