You may remember Jim Stewart, poet, short story writer, novelist, musician and more from our May meeting. He returned for a much-anticipated second visit in August, where he invited and answered questions on editing poetry and how to make words count. Around 16 members of the Writers’ Mill braved the heat to attend. Notes on the questions and answers will follow these minutes. Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 201608
(with thanks to Karin)
Christi gave us a handout, ‘Following the Thread’ and read a poem by William Stafford about Following the Thread.
– We learn from the challenges we have.
– You can still consider yourself a successful writer if you have challenges.
– One obstacle is finding your way when you are lost. Continue reading Notes from Christi Krug’s talk, July 2016
With thanks to Karin and Judy…
WRITERS’ MILL MINUTES
13 writers attended the Writers’ Mill meeting with Wildfire Writer Christi Krug. As Sheila was vacationing in England, Norm had the honor of chairing the meeting. The inspirational talk and writing exercises provided by Christi were followed by Robin’s delicious snacks. After the break Judy handed out the writing awards on behalf of Jean for the July contest. Thereafter Lavonna led the critique of the second part of Matthew’s story as well as Robin’s story. Continue reading Minutes 201607
Ken’s road to writing began early when hi English teacher gave him an F for writing too well (his teacher wouldn’t believe the piece was Ken’s own work and Ken, being stubborn, wouldn’t rewrite it). Writing was replaced by a language of 2-syllable words when Ken joined the Navy, but afterward he took an elective in expository writing at Washington State, just to see if he still had any literary skills. Luckily for his readers, he did. A degree in English led to work in creative advertising, but the white shoes and golf stories didn’t fit, so he moved into other areas. But… Continue reading Notes from Ken Baysinger’s Talk in June 2016
Nearly twenty people gave up two hours of a sunny Sunday afternoon to attend April’s Writers’ Mill meeting and hear the talk from Steve Theme. Of those, many were able to buy copies of his book, and we hope you’ll remember to post reviews when you’ve read it. Steve would like you to know he’s happy to be contacted with questions at any time via the “contact form” on his website: http://stevetheme.com/contact/ Continue reading Minutes 201604
You’ve guessed it. Walt is the source for many (but not all) of these links. Follow. Read. Learn. Enjoy! (Oh, and join Facebook, where you’ll find much more on our private Writers Mill page,, with thanks to Catherin!)
Get writing!
Be both inspired and inspiring. There are some really cool ideas in this: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-ways-to-repurpose-content/
A nicely imaginative post suggests how to deal with those obstacles keeping you from writing: http://willamettewriters.org/2016/02/4-obstacles-keeping-finishing-manuscript/
If the book feels too big to tackle and you’re not sure where to start: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/three-things-before-you-write-a-book/
Follow the rules to become an author? http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2015/08/24/become-an-author-5-basic-rules/
Describe your book!
From back-cover copy to elevator pitch, how would you describe your book? http://buildbookbuzz.com/amazon-book-description/
Print your book!
Fonts are scary stuff. You may not be hugely wiser after reading this, but you’ll be better informed: https://designschool.canva.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-font-pairing/
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting e-conversation about fonts: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1697027/1697027-6120823027480485892
Practice better writing!
What shape is your story? This video’s well worth watching (only 4 minutes) http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-shapes-of-stories/
Want to outline your book? http://self-publishingschool.com/11-ways-outline-book/
A checklist to help your story: https://mystorydoctor.com/12588-2/
Use Point of view to create good writing https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/want-a-page-turner-you-need-deep-pov/
Create that summary: http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd398af5e14b804a37b7f273a&id=ba869c80d6
Tell the world about your writing!
A letter to librarians – if you’re trying to get speaking engagements, or get books into libraries, this one might help: http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/03/20/library-book-tour-letter-by-christine-husom/
How to pitch, which also helps with how to query: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/pitching-with-confidence/
Lots of book marketing comments from real authors: http://selfpublishingadvice.org/book-marketing-shots-in-the-dark/
Use the Internet!
Is there a way to effectively use blogs, facebook, twitter etc? http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/20-plus-social-media-hacks-and-tips-from-the-pros/
A cool way to look at platforms, with lots of practical advice: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2016/03/jason-gracia/
Some great stuff about what to put on your author website: http://writetodone.com/creating-author-websites/
And on the “about me” page of the site (or blog): http://buildbookbuzz.com/an-about-me-page-that-sizzles/
Go to conferences!
August 12-14 Willamette Writers conference: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/
November 5 Wordstock: http://www.literary-arts.org/2016/03/wordstock-2016-news-and-updates/
Send that query letter!
Master’s review – deadline March 31st – reading fee $20 http://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/
Women only (sorry, men), WoW is inviting queries for short sweet non-fiction posts before April 10 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101417136261&ca=35072501-8a54-4708-885e-2a3376bed932
Thinking of self-publishing. Giving away your email address (oh, how everyone loves to collect ouraddresses) will get you a free book on how 8 people succeeded – you’ll be intrigued by who they are: http://www.authorspublish.com/self-publishing-book/
How to make your dialog real – you have to give them your email address, but their emails can be useful: https://www.bookbaby.com/free-guide/autocrit
How to make your fiction writing real – and how it’s changed in 150 years: http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd398af5e14b804a37b7f273a&id=739284aef4&e=5a3f8cf76b
How to market – and if you haven’g got anything to market yet, how to get ready to market: http://www.macgregorliterary.com/blog/whats-fifth-step-marketing-book/ Don’t forget to look for earlier posts on the website too.
Have you looked at the contests, information and opportunities at the Attic Institute’s site? http://atticinstitute.com/
Don’t forget to email Helen Butler at hbutler@BeavertonOregon.gov for your chance to be featured at the Beaverton Author Fair. They’re looking for people who haven’t been there before… so not me!
Don’t forget to let me know if you’d like your writing featured in the Beaverton Resource Guide.
February contest deadlines: https://mastersreview.com/february-deadlines-14-contests-and-lit-mags-with-deadlines-this-month/
Plus lots more deadlines in this free download. If you’re writing short pieces, you really should get this: https://mastersreview.com/free-download-literary-calendar-jan-june/
All about ISBNs http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/book-isbn-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions/
How to write a picture book. This is wonderful – just read it, even if you don’t want to write one: http://www.buzzfeed.com/macbarnett/how-to-write-a-picture-book-i066#.ecqKzERxn
Prose poetry? Poetic prose? Find out more https://madmimi.com/s/18f647?o=tm
You’ve written the book. Why is no one reading it? http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1d3577f0f5a155c4813f5ff47&id=530b5d9c2c&e=a3918d2369 or for some serious thought-provoking suggestions http://www.macgregorliterary.com/blog/what-does-a-writer-need-to-know-about-marketing/
Want to avoid some blogging mistakes? http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/06/4-major-mistakes-to-avoid-when-writing.html
become a successful blogger http://thewritelife.com/how-to-be-a-successful-blogger/
or are you still wondering why you’d want to blog? http://buildbookbuzz.com/how-to-blog-your-way-to-discoverability/
Interested in copy editing? Be sure to read down the page for useful advice – it’s not just an ad for the course. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=edd09410-d4ff-4ad1-ab2a-29ad8b015a43&c=6551b3e0-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810&ch=655a3f60-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810
Is your manuscript too long… too wordy…? https://lewiseditorial.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/10-tips-for-trimming-a-lengthy-manuscript/
Are there any song lyrics in your manuscript? http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/01/20/using-copyrighted-song-lyrics-by-christine-husom/
Using all your senses: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/use-all-five-senses-to-enrich-your-writing/