Central Connecticut Writers Group

I would blog more, but I'm writing instead

2012-01-09T06:21:00.000-05:00

I realized the other day that I sorely neglect this blog. It's not that the writers group isn't alive and kicking, because it indeed is thriving much better than I ever could have imagined. The membership has doubled in the past six months and looks like it could possibly triple by the end of the summer.

I just haven't had time to create interesting, meaningful articles about the state of publishing and how writers can improve.

Because I'm writing.

I'm working on my novel, and am in fact very close to finishing my 4th draft and letting the book see some daylight through a circle of trusted friends and critique partners. I haven't had time to touch this blog because I am doing the very thing that I claim to love and advocate. I'm not making excuses about how I don't have time, I'm not reading books about writing instead of actually doing it - and I'm not wasting time on this blog.

When I'm done with this project, I shall return. In the meantime, please visit the CCTWriters Groupsite, the link marked "CCTWriters Headquarters." We would love for you to join us and discuss your work.

New Year 2012

2012-01-03T23:52:00.001-05:00

Well, NaNoWriMo did not go so well. I found it difficult to gain momentum after losing power for almost a week, and then finding anywhere to go write besides home (which has many distractions these days) was impossible, as many didn't have power well into the next week after the snow storm and all coffee shops and restaurants were slammed for at least two weeks.

I know, "Excuses, excuses."

What NaNo did do is give me the impetus to start a new project after working on Guenzel for almost six years. Now that Guenzel is finished and officially shopped around, I had to get started on something new. I haven't written anything new in over half a decade besides short stories. The thought of starting a larger project filled me with excitement. I opened up my word processing program, named my novel appropriately as "NaNoWriMo 2011" and poised my fingers above my keyboard.

Then I froze like a bucket of water left outside in winter. In fact, its currently 15 degrees outside, so I'm going to test that metaphor. I stared at a blank page for half an hour and then gave up and surfed facebook for the rest of the evening until it was time to leave Panera.

The characters that I grew to love over the past half decade, that I could write so effortlessly, were gone, replaced with strangers that stirred their drinks and smiled coyly whenever I asked a question of them. The fantastic settings that I created out of dust and caffeine were replaced with real life cities that I knew nothing about, that I had to actually research.

I called my best friend and talked to her about my new novel idea and how I was trying desperately to unthaw myself. This new project is different from anything I've written, but I feel like the premise could be breakout if I can execute it skillfully. I was excited about it, and my best friend could feel it in my tone. She told me to force myself to overcome my fear of the blank page.

I broke out of my comfort zone, starting with getting to know my new main character. I found a picture so I could visualize her, and then gave her a back story, a personality deliberately different from my own. I tackled one of the most difficult subjects through her eyes - death - and after about three thousand pages I got to know Kari Gallo a little bit better. We became mates, although the kind one constantly has to lecture about proper life choices. After that icebreaker, the story flowed.

I've heard many other beginning writers have the same issue, separating themselves from their first novel and beginning a new project. Its scary, but it absolutely must be done. Statistically, many first novels never see publication, and that is the harsh truth that drives me forward to my next novel, to new experiences that will make me a better writer and hopefully, in the future, a published author. Feeling uncomfortable isn’t nice, but it is the grind of overcoming such obstacles that reminds me writing isn't just a hobby, it is my job.

Despite how much I can tell my skills have grown in the past six years, I'm pleasantly surprised at how the process of writing a novel changes the second time around, especially since I'm writing mainstream fiction versus genre. The most difficult thing is constructing setting based on reality. Some say creating fantasy is difficult because every detail must be considered. My imagination must be deeper than most, because I find world creation to be the best part of writing fantasy. Creating a setting based on a real place requires accuracy and a careful hand. And research, lots of research. I hate it, but it must be done to tell the story that I have grown to love just as much as Guenzel.

So I’m back into my routines, and trying out new word processing software that could take some of the aggravation out of researching that I shall write about next post. One of my New Year goals is to finish my new project by summer and have a final draft by November so I can begin a new project for NaNoWriMo and hopefully, barring any freak snow storms, win!

Till next month, Happy Writing!

NaNoWriMo 2011

2011-11-05T16:37:00.001-04:00

We're well on our way into the first week of NaNoWriMo, and mother nature has tested the CCTWriters with blackouts, lack of electricity and, as a result of the previous, no room at Starbucks or Panera to sit and write our 1,667 words a day.

For those who aren't aware, NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month. It is a world-wide challenge to write a 50k word novel in one month. Winners get the satisfaction of a job well done, losers get the satisfaction of a job well done, since no words written are wasted.

I've heard criticism of NaNoWriMo from all fronts, writers, publishers, agents. They have valid points - NaNoWriMo for hobbyists is just a game, a fun challenge, and makes light of a profession that often struggles with bombardment from writers who have not taken the time or energy to hone their craft. I've also heard that it encourages sloppy writing, unstructured plots and weak character development.

I challenge all of these accusations. I love NaNoWriMo because it is the one time of the year that I can evaluate my daily writing habits and force myself to go beyond those goals and be better. Thirty days is the length of time it takes to build a habit, and I believe strongly that many good writing habits have started in the month of November. I've finished one novel so far, and NaNoWriMo has forced me to move on to the next one, to stop stalling at the sight of an empty page. A truly empty one.

Nothing prevents the NaNoNovelist from taking their 50,000 words in December, and completely dissecting them, keeping what they want and throwing out the rest. Lord knows that with GUENZEL, which was not a NaNoNovel, I re-wrote many sections two or three times. I don't understand the hostility toward National Novel Writing Month, and I do not strive toward that empathy. Instead, I'm writing a new novel, a very exciting one for me that I've been thinking about the better part of two years. Yes, plotting and planning is allowed, and I've done my share of research and outlining before starting this project.

Good luck, NaNoNovelists, and if you are on the site please friend me, my screen name is Starbrusttiger.

October! November!

2011-10-09T14:52:00.005-04:00

Quote of the month - “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King

I can't stress it enough, if you don't have time to study how others write by reading, then you have no business saying that you're a writer, or even an aspiring one. Think about other types of artists - who is a musician that never listens to music? A bad musician. Or a filmmaker that never goes to the movies? Doesn't make sense, not at all, and it applies also to the writer who never picks up a book.

Don't have time to read? Then you don't have time to be a writer, at least not a very good one. When I read I study dialogue, the pacing of the novel, the descriptions. I learn from it. I also learn the markets and what is selling and what is not.

I feel the same disdain for writers who don't try to improve their craft through daily practice, workshop or reading books about how to improve their technique. These are all the tools of a career writer. I warn against the impulse to read about writing rather than actually doing it, because it can be a false comfort, but I can't stand someone who feels that they couldn't benefit at all from reading "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott or "Zen in the Art of Writing" by Ray Bradbury. They don't need it. Well, they better have damn perfect writing than, because having such a wealth of knowledge from so many wonderful storytellers at my fingertips is a blessing.

Quote of the Month - May

2011-05-15T12:21:00.002-04:00

"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor. Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force. Clutter is a wonderfully fertile ground--you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip."
~Anne Lamott, Bird By Bird

Quote of the Month - March

2011-03-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

"A writer is a person who cares what words mean, what they say, how they say it. Writers know words are their way towards truth and freedom, and so they use them with care, with thought, with fear, with delight. By using words well they strengthen their souls. Story-tellers and poets spend their lives learning that skill and art of using words well. And their words make the souls of their readers stronger, brighter, deeper."
— Ursula K. Le Guin

Borders and the Two Worlds

2011-03-01T12:15:00.017-05:00

Borders declared chapter 11 early February and there has been endless speculation about what the financial collapse could mean to publishers and writers. The second largest brick and mortar book store in the United States is closing up to 275 loations and tightening up operations. Writers are shaking in their boots and asking "What does this all mean?"

In short, to writers it means that that the markets are going to get tighter and more competitive. To readers, it means you'll have less choice if the Borders in your town closes. Overall, it will not have a significant impact on the writing markets. It is simply a new shift in the evolution of traditional print publishing, a process that will continue to evolve as technology becomes evermore pervasive in our society.

Why fear the inevitable emergence of e-books and self-publishing? The basic human impulse for storytelling is not going to cease to exist. There will be writers and publishers who are on the cusp of change and will find success. How is this any different than in days past? It isn't. Writing, like most art forms, is half determination, a quarter talent and a quarter luck. Being in the right place at the right time is still the golden ticket. In short, the fire-and-brimstone mystics who are predicting literary Armageddon are tin-foil-hat-wearing pessimists. The bookapocalypse isn't going to happen.

Afraid of never getting published because the publishing markets are shrinking as we speak? Don't freak out. Don't give up. Become consumed with the world of the writer. Tell your story. Write beautifully and with excellence. Be honest with yourself and with your audience. Work hard. Write every day, even when you don't want to. Treat your writing like it's your second job. Most importantly, write your heart out and love what you do. Be passionate. These are the only things that truly matter in the world of the writer.

Then enter the world of publishing. This world can seem cold to new writers who have soft skin that hasn't been flayed raw by rejection. There is also a misconception among some circles that the publishing world and its inhabitants exist for writers, and not the other way around. This is a misconception born from elitism and snobbery and makes the shock of that first rejection letter all the more heartbreaking and palpable. Also, if publishers existed to serve writers then Borders declaring chapter 11 wouldn't matter.

Publishing is a business that serves the public. New writers entering the publishing world should become archaeologists and study the customs and ceremonies of agents and editors with care and treat those traditions with the utmost respect. When entering this world, put on your grown-up pants and do your homework. Study market trends and find out what agents and editors are actively looking for in the slush pile. Become educated on how to write a query letter, what to say to an editor or agent during a pitch and how to write a proper synopsis. Don't be lazy. Play by the rules. Be persistent in the face of rejection and failure. Be a teachable spirit. Be professional.

It will all be okay. The end of 2011 will be here before we know it. Writers will still be writing, publishers will still be publishing, and the readers of the world will wait for you.

Conferences

2011-01-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

I've just posted the dates and information for two local conferences on the groupsite. One is for the Unicorn Writers Conference in Portland, CT this April and the other is for NECON this July.

I would love to see our members go to these conferences. I've personally never been to a writers conference for various reasons, but not knowing that they exist should not be one of those reasons! I'm going to be as diligent as possible about keeping CCTWriters up to date on what conferences and events are in the area and posting them on the groupsite event calendar.

If you know of any conferences, workshops or events in the area that you feel CCTWriters would be interested in, please email me at magro.catherine@gmail.com.

Quote of the Month - January

2011-01-11T22:45:00.001-05:00

"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
— Stephen King

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

2010 was a great first year for CCTWriters. We saw members come and go. More went than came back, but c'est la vie. This February the group officially turns 1 year old, a milestone that I can't believe has already come. In celebration, all of the CCTWriters will be going to Sliders Bar & Grill in Berlin to celebrate after the Round Table Critique. All are welcome, just please RSVP on the groupsite.

2011 also brings us two new members, Nick and Nancy, and possibly a third. I'm very excited to see what this new year will bring for the group. I'd like to plan a retreat, some workshops and attend at least two conferences this year. Those are my resolutions for CCTWriters.

What are your writing related 2011 resolutions?

An Exerpt from Lemony Snicket's NaNoWriMo Pep Talk

2010-11-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

"In short, quit. Writing a novel is a tiny candle in a dark, swirling world. It brings light and warmth and hope to the lucky few who, against insufferable odds and despite a juggernaut of irritations, find themselves in the right place to hold it. Blow it out, so our eyes will not be drawn to its power. Extinguish it so we can get some sleep. I plan to quit writing novels myself, sometime in the next hundred years."
--Lemony Snicket

Quote of the Month - November

2010-11-23T19:52:00.002-05:00

"One always has a better book in one's mind than one can manage to get onto paper."
— Michael Cunningham (The Hours)

Check our Calendar

2010-11-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

The calendar of events has been updated on the groupsite. Go there to see all of the exciting events that are happening for the rest of 2010 and into 2011.

The Fiction Factory

2010-11-14T13:31:00.002-05:00

I just read this post from blogger Stephanie Oakes about James Frey and his "Fiction Factory" of MFA graduates writing a YA series. The first novel in the series I AM NUMBER FOUR is already on the NYT bestseller list without even coming out, and the film rights were purchased by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg. James Frey gets the money, Hollywood gets to merchandise the crap out of this drivel, none of the writers get any credit for any of it, and young adult readers get poorly written books with no value or substance. I see a loose-loose situation here for everyone involved - except for Mr. Frey.

Even after his "memoir" (I wont advertise by listing it's title here. If you missed that slice of controversy, Google him) was discovered to be a complete lie, Frey still managed to emerge from the sludge. Or maybe he didn't, and Bay and Spielberg are just down there with him, feeding the public mindless, pop-culture-infused garbage that they're trying to pass off as entertainment. I saw Transformers II, Mr. Bay, and I was not entertained. Try again. And this time, with feeling.

According to Stephanie's blog post, Frey was inspired by Harry Potter to become the next J.K. Rowling. The exact words from his mouth apparently were, "Someone is going to replace Harry Potter. Maybe it will be me." First off, Mr. Frey, you, nor an entire platoon of MFA graduates, have the talent and vision to replace Harry Potter that easily. Sorry to burst your bubble. Second, I'm so tired of hearing that phrase from writers, publishers and reviewers. No one should ever aspire to become the "Next J.K. Rowling." I aspire to be the next Catherine Grant. I want a reputation and a readership of my own, I don't want to inherit her fans. Not that James Frey is even thinking about inheriting fans, or even respect. He is just hoping to someday have more money than Queen Liz.

And that is the most disturbing part for me. Frey is motivated by money and greed. Publishing is a business, but it has a soul. Writers write for the love of the craft and publish so that they can share their vision with the world. Yes, I don't think there is a writer out there that doesn't dream of making good money and becoming famous, but writers follow a conscience and code of ethics that obviously Mr. Frey doesn't live by. I sincerely hope that word gets out about this con artist. Again. As a writer with a conscience who loves my craft, I am going to boycott anything and everything that has to do with his publishing company, Full Fathom Five. That means the books, the movie, and at this point, Stephen Spielberg and Michael Bay are on that list too.

CCTWriters member achievement

2010-10-31T16:33:00.000-04:00

I wanted to announce, at risk of tooting my own horn, that my short story EXPOSITION won 2nd place in Horror Bound Magazine's "Carnival of Fear" short story contest. Go to the site to read my story (if you haven't already read it during our Round Table Critique) and the submissions from the 1st and 3rd place winners as well.

I look forward to making many more posts like this about the members of CCTWriters.

Nanowrimo - National Novel Writing Month

2010-10-25T23:25:00.000-04:00

I want to do this as a group. It is a commitment, but I think it would motivate us all to be more productive and make writing a priority. I know this is an area where many writers struggle - just getting out there and writing with no excuses.

Each CCTWriters member would have to write approx 1,700 words a day for all 30 days in order to make the 50,000 word deadline by November 30th. That is tough to fit in that much writing time every single day, but writing every day like that for 30 days is also goes a long way towards building self-discipline and good writing habits.

My motivation to do this? After writing my 2nd draft for two years and finally finishing this past week, I'm ready for something fun, loose and most of all, new.

I'd like to plan a few all-nighter type activities, as well as support meetings that will play out like Weight Watchers weigh ins. I'll also be opening up a forum on the groupsite for everyone to update on their word counts, and of course, there's always the Nanowrimo website.

Who else is in?

Quote of the Month - October

2010-10-06T21:23:00.000-04:00

"The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams. It is alive as dreams are alive, more real than real ... for a moment at least ... that long magic moment before we wake.

Fantasy is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli. Reality is plywood and plastic, done up in mud brown and olive drab. Fantasy tastes of habaneros and honey, cinnamon and cloves, rare red meat and wines as sweet as summer. Reality is beans and tofu, and ashes at the end. Reality is the strip malls of Burbank, the smokestacks of Cleveland, a parking garage in Newark. Fantasy is the towers of Minas Tirith, the ancient stones of Gormenghast, the halls of Camelot. Fantasy flies on the wings of Icarus, reality on Southwest Airlines. Why do our dreams become so much smaller when they finally come true?

We read fantasy to find the colors again, I think. To taste strong spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us, to the child who dreamt that one day he would hunt the forests of the night, and feast beneath the hollow hills, and find a love to last forever somewhere south of Oz and north of Shangri-La.

They can keep their heaven. When I die, I'd sooner go to middle Earth."
— George R.R. Martin

Publishing News: e-Readers

2010-10-05T20:26:00.001-04:00

I'll admit I'm one of the people that has been skeptical about e-readers. I want one, but the cost has been prohibitive and I just don't think that a machine can ever replace the feeling of having an actual printed book in my hand.

Not to mention that as a writer the thought of having my book as data on a machine is not very exciting. I already have that. Part of becoming published for a writer is seeing the genesis of the manuscript into a physical book. Most writers that hope to someday reach publication dream of holding their first printed novel in their hands and feeling waves of satisfaction and joy. I have this dream daily.

Holding an e-reader in my hand with a copy of my novel distributed by a large house publisher, that is still exciting, but I don't dream of it. Then I read this article, and I think it might have single-handedly changed my views about e-readers.

After reading the article, what are your thoughts about e-readers and the future of the publishing industry?

Free Software for Writers

2010-10-02T22:49:00.002-04:00

Distraction-free software (for those of us who are addicted to facebook and twitter)

Quote of the Year

2010-09-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

"But mostly I sat down and said, I'm not going to write a boring story. And that actually, surprisingly, solves most of your problems. Don't dick around too much in the weeds of, oh, gee, this character's deep interiority or anything like that. Get it done and make this character do some stuff and make stuff explode. That seems to work pretty well." - Paolo Bacigalupi

Read more

Meeting Minutes - September 12 - Self Publishing

2010-09-16T15:15:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday was our first meeting at Borders. There were only three of us for this meeting, so it was short and sweet. And quiet. So quiet. I think we were actually disturbing people around us, including a gentleman that had 25-30 books piled around him that I kept staring at and trying to figure out exactly what he was doing. He had a stack of writing books 6 deep and I was tempted to go over and ask if I'd like to join us, but I didn't. I'm painfully shy at the worst possible moments.

I had a short story that I'm entering into the "Carnival of Fear" short story contest for Horror Bound Magazine. Wish me luck! I'd like to encourage more of our members to enter these types of contests. Winning short story contests is a good way to build up one's resume so that when members are ready to query agents, they will have publishing credits to show their writing chops, even if they're small print or online publications.

Mr. Howard Layton was at the bookstore the same day we were there and we had the honor and pleasure of learning about his experience writing and publishing his books. He is a self-published author of two books in a trilogy, The Thirteen Club and the Love and Sand and is currently trying to option Love and Sand to Hollywood and is working on the movie adaptation. He is also a local businessman, operating a high-tech manufacturing company out of Danbury, CT. We had a great time speaking to him about his books, his publishing house and his success with self-publishing.

Self-publishing is one subject we haven't talked much about as a group. I'd love to know opinions on this topic. Discuss!

Quote of the Month - September

2010-09-02T21:53:00.001-04:00

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."
— Sylvia Plath

Meeting Minutes - August 22nd - CCTWriters goes digital

2010-09-02T21:40:00.001-04:00

Last meeting was exciting with the addition of a new member. We welcome Jodi! We're also sad to find out that one of our members wont be able to come to regular meetings. So, I've opened up a new forum for online critique. Go to the groupsite for more information.

I'm very excited to announce that we have a new home at Borders in Farmington. The hours will change slightly, but we'll have both our workshop and the critique at this location starting September 12th. They seem very excited to have us (at least for now, wait until they realize what a crazy bunch we are.)

I also wanted to let everyone know about the Horror Bound "Carnival of Fear" short story contest. It looks like an interesting subject that could be a great creative jumping point for some of our writers.

Also, I wanted to announce that CCTWriters will be participating in NaNoWriMo. More on this to come.

Quote of the Month - August

2010-08-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

"If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster."
— Isaac Asimov

Meeting Minutes - 7/25 - Distractions

2010-08-06T13:16:00.001-04:00

This meeting was interrupted by my boyfriend Ron's co-workers bringing me our new kitten half an hour early. So, therefore, instead of doing the workshop with everyone I ended up waiting in my car with the air conditioning cranked for Ron to show up and take Miss Mau home.

One of the members wasn't prepared for the workshop (this was a two part exercise), so ironically we changed it up on the spot and did an exercise that involved writing about the relationship between two people from the perspective of a household pet. I wasn't able to participate since I was in the car outside, but when I was able to return the product of the exercise was really interesting. I might try it myself from the perspective of Miss Mau.

There were only a couple people who submitted, so the meeting was short. I would love to see more pages submitted, but I realize that part of the reason for less pages is that people are busy with summer shenanigans. I understand, and I await my favorite season, fall. To get everyone back into the good habit of coming to critique/workshop, I'm going to plan some fall "kick off" events. More to come, stay posted.

Meeting Minutes - 7/11 - Sympathy for the Devil

2010-07-12T11:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's meeting was pretty casual, but productive. Lily and I were the only two for the pre-critique workshop and then involved Jason in the workshop when he came later in the afternoon. The exercise was inspired by last meeting when we discussed how difficult it is for a man to write from a woman's perspective and a woman to write from a man's perspective. There was an exercise in The 3 A.M. Epiphany called "Control" that asked a man to write from a perspective of a woman that is dominated by her husband/boyfriend, and for a woman to write from the perspective of the man/husband dominating the woman. The trick is that it had to be written in a way that explained the motivations of the character - in other words, you had to make excuses. You know that woman who always says "oh, he's just tired," when her boyfriend/husband is a jerk?

This exercise was really hard. Lily and I both struggled with it. When Jason arrived for the critique later in the day we read our efforts out loud and he felt that Lily had hit the nail on the head. I would love to continue to explore these types of themes and strengthen areas where members feel they are weak or don't normally explore in their own writing. Next week we're going to be doing a more fun exercise involving common kitchen utensils and a sex scene. I'd give more details, but I'd rather people just COME to the workshop instead and see for themselves. More information will be posted next week on the workshop as it is a two part exercise.

Jason, Lily, Lauren and I shared and critiqued. We're really getting far into some of the novels that are being shared and it is very exciting to see the evolution of the work and the progression of the characters and plot. I look forward to continuing the critiques and seeing how writers progress and grow.

I've also been exploring the possibility of the group going on a field trip to a convention or writers conference and am looking at local venues. If you hear about any events, please contact me at magro.catherine@gmail.com.

Quote of the Month - July 2010

2010-07-02T13:26:00.001-04:00

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
— Ernest Hemingway

Meeting & Workshop Minutes - 6/27 - Characters

2010-07-02T13:21:00.000-04:00

This meeting we had our first pre-critique workshop with Lily, Scott and Catherine. The workshop goal was to write a letter from one character to another, not intending to use the letter in your work. Also, it had to be written like the character would not be actually sending it to the other character, so it was more of a "venting" type letter that would never be seen, therefore allowing more freedom of expression. The workshop went very well and I felt like everyone was happy with the results. I know that I worked out my own little Gordian knot with this workshop between two of my own characters.

The workshop also got all of us thinking about characters in general, and during the meeting Lauren brought up the "500 question surveys" that one usually takes on livejournal or facebook, and the concept of doing such a survey for a character to better understand them. We all thought it was a great idea and Lauren has since posted the survey in the discussion board on the groupsite. Coincidentally enough, Writers Digest also posted this article titled "9 Questions to Ask Your Main Character" which I found helpful as well.

This is exactly the type of helpful information that I want shared between members and is, honestly, the reason why I created CCTWriters. I hope that much more of these tips can be shared both in meetings and on the discussion board.

Meeting Minutes - 6/13 - Summer fun, attendance policy

2010-06-21T20:44:00.001-04:00

I know it's really late to post minutes from the last meeting, but I thought it is better late than never.

Only Jason I., Lily and myself were at this meeting. Because of summer activities and vacations, I'm just going to accept that not many people will be able to participate in every meeting this summer. We did the Round Table and then discussed a couple issues. The big issue I wanted to bring up was an attendance policy. Right now there are seventeen members on the groupsite. Only 9 of them have ever been to a meeting and out of those 9, only 6, including myself, are regular attendees.

In order to more accurately reflect the membership I've created an attendance policy for members that join the groupsite. It isn't going to be that bad, I promise. After 3 months of non-attendance I'm going to send you an email and ask what's up and what your intentions are towards the group. If that email goes unanswered for two weeks, I'm going to remove your account from the groupsite. You can rejoin at any time, no questions asked. However, after 6 months of continuous non-attendance you will be removed from the CCTWriters groupsite with no warning. Again, you can rejoin at any time. Just don't be surprised, after 6 months or more of non-attendance, if you get an email from me asking why you want to join.

I hate to be the party-pooper and start dishing out "rules" but CCTWriters is not a club, it is a group that requires active participation and communication from its members. This means that you have to be willing to, well, participate and communicate, which I think is fair. However, on the flip side we're not an exclusive group, we're an inclusive one. When I was searching for a group to join in Connecticut I was met with all types of snobbery. I was asked to submit pages so that I could prove my worth to the group before they let me in. I saw many groups that were closed to new members or would only accept published authors. I never wanted that and will never, ever, want that in CCTWriters. However, I want members who are dedicated and willing to come learn with their peers on a regular basis.

Quote of the Month - May

2010-05-24T08:04:00.002-04:00

"You must write every single day of your life... You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads... may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world."
— Ray Bradbury

Meeting Minutes - 5/23 The 5:00 PM Epiphany

2010-05-23T20:31:00.001-04:00

Minutes are back after a short hiatus caused by a combination of moving and procrastination.

Today's meeting was productive as usual. Those who have been to the meetings regularly have developed a routine during the critiques that has made the meetings go by much more quickly. I feel that members are now comfortable with critique and at knowing what types of comments are helpful versus what can stay a quick pen mark on the page for later review by the author.

There were a couple topics that came up that need to be decided among the group:

The format of the critique was discussed. The "Round Table" format has been the only one that we've used at this point. Lily suggested using a more loose format where the person's pages are discussed among all the other members in an open conversation. There would be a time restraint on how long the discussion can go on. The author cannot speak or be addressed by the rest of the group, almost as though they aren't there.

The only drawbacks that were brought up is that quiet, shy or new members of the group might be reluctant to participate in the conversation or could be talked over by more vocal and assertive members. I think this can be addressed by myself if it becomes a problem. Just as with the Round Table, this new type of critique would have rules that I'd have to enforce.

Another topic I brought up is that I'd like to do writing exercise workshops regularly as well as the Round Table. The prompt was fun, but I'd like to do some skill building with the material that some of us already have so that we can make our projects better and stronger. I could lead the writing workshop on Saturdays, or it was suggested to do the workshop before the critique and people who were interested in the critique could come to the workshop as well if they wanted to. I like this idea a lot and think it would be easier for people to do both who wanted the experience and skill building.

I'm also looking for a new space to have meetings since Panera can sometimes be loud. We'll be at Panera for now, but if anyone has any suggestions about locations please let me know.

Quote of the Month - April

2010-04-12T20:01:00.000-04:00

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
— Mark Twain

Meeting Minutes - Round Table Critique 4/11

2010-04-12T19:53:00.001-04:00

Because of my little accident a couple weeks ago, I hadn't prepared anything to discuss before or after the Round Table Critique this past Sunday. However, I did bring two reference books that I had purchased on Friday from Barnes & Noble. The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols and The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells are new additions to my reference library and will sit next to the very useful The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.

Coincidentally enough, Michael also brought The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits by Rosemary Ellen Guiley. She has published an extensive list of encyclopedias and references on the supernatural and religious. I'm putting all of her books on my list after I purchase all of the Element Encyclopedia series. I find these types of books not only useful for researching, but also for giving me ideas when I'm at a dead end. It is even developed into a hobby of mine and I began collecting books on fairies around when I first starting writing my novel. I'm particularly found of Brian Froud's books.

Michael also brought Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss and Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, two very useful and highly acclaimed books on writing style. I've been carrying two similar books in my purse for months, Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones and Spunk & Bite by Arthur Plotnik, which I like to think of as the anti Strunk and White.

I could go on and on about my favorite books on the art of writing. What are some of your favorites?

Round Table Critique - 3/28 - Minutes

2010-03-31T19:58:00.001-04:00

At this past Sunday's Round Table Critique we discussed the format requirements for future critiques as well as some guidelines and etiquette for the group that I would like to follow going forward.

For future critiques, the manuscript requirements will be as follows:

12 point font
Times New Roman
Double Spaced
Include your name and the title on the first page
Please number the pages for easy reference

Rules for critiquing:

Critique the writing, not the writer.
Find what is right as well as what is wrong.
You don't have to like a story to give it a fair critique. Recognize your biases and critique around them.
Remember that there is a person behind the writing.

Rules for being critiqued:

Listen. Wait until everyone is finished speaking before commenting. Take notes.
Explain only if necessary. You don't have to give away your entire plot.
Realize that everything can be improved. That's what the critiques are for.
Be willing to make changes, but don't change something that your piece needs in order to be yours.

I think that these are some great guidelines and rules for the critiques going forward. After the reciting of the rules, the critique moved forward more smoothly and we were able to finish the meeting an hour earlier than last time.

We also decided to continue with the Round Table Critiques the second and fourth Sunday and are going to do a critique for the prompt on a separate Saturday. I've posted that meeting as well as the dates and times for the Round Table Critiques for April on the groupsite. Please go to the "CCTWriters Headquarters" link on the left to sign up for the groupsite and RSVP for the meetings.

The Friends of New Britain Spring 2010 Book Sale

2010-03-29T18:48:00.000-04:00

Dates: Thursday, April 15th, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday, April 16th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 17th, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The book sale is in the Community Room at the New Britain Public Library on 20 High Street in New Britain, CT. There is free admission to this event. You can pay $5 and go to a "preview" event on Wednesday, April 14th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

It features a wide variety of books, including a very large donation of Science Fiction. All proceeds benefit the library. I consider this a great opportunity to add to my collection and encourage everyone to come out and support one of the libraries in the Connecticut Community.

Unicorn Writers Conference

2010-03-22T19:37:00.000-04:00

http://www.unicornwritersconference.com/

My manuscript isn't near ready for this type of action, but if it was, I would totally go. It sounds *very* informative. For an extra $35 you can have an agent or editor review your manuscript and have a one-on-one meeting with you to discuss it.

Like I said, if only my novel were ready. But it's not. But I would LOVE for some of my members to go to this and report back to the group what it did for them and their novel.

Writing Prompt Workshop Meeting Minutes

2010-03-17T19:39:00.001-04:00

Sunday's workshop had mixed results for me. There were four people that participated in the prompt. Three of us had science fiction related stories on "the oldest profession" and one had a fantasy approach. I thought they were all wonderful ideas with potential for publication. However, the participation wasn't as high as I had hoped. I like the idea of the prompt, but I think this type of workshop would be better with a much larger group. Updates to follow.

We also discussed how each of us formed our idea and outlined the plot, setting and characters. It was remarkable to see that all of us had a different method to our madness. Below are the different methods that were discussed for idea brainstorming and development.

Develop a character and then form the story organically out of that character and what they would do and where they would go.
The idea is fully formed and one has to translate that vision onto paper. This was related to Stephen King's idea in "On Writing" that a story is like a fossil that has to be unearthed.
Research heavy writing, where the idea is born from information and extensive outlining of the plot, characters, themes and setting.

I hope all of these methods help those in the group. Just remember that there is NEVER one single method that is "right" vs "wrong." Every writer that I've met, and I've met quite a few, has their own style and process that works for them. Find one that works for you and you've come one step closer to publication.

Quote of the Month

2010-03-01T19:42:00.002-05:00

"Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write."

— Rainer Maria Rilke

Round Table Critique - March 28th

2010-03-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

Round Table Critique will be held on March 28th at the Panera Bread on Farmington Avenue in Bristol, CT from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Please email up to five pages of your work or post them to our groupsite page. Please send/post your pages no later than Saturday, March 20th so that each person participating can have one week to review all the pages. Please come prepared with feedback, criticism and helpful advice.

These meetings are meant to draw on the collective knowledge of the group to help every writer reach the goal of a publishable product. If you do not have any pages to share, please feel free to email me requesting pages so that you can give feedback to other members. If you would like to come to observe the meeting and meet the members, you are also welcome. As always, guests are encouraged at every meeting.

Writing Prompt Workshop: The Ladies of Trade Town

2010-03-01T19:08:00.001-05:00

For a change of pace, the next meeting will be a Writing Prompt Workshop based on this prompt . The guidelines are for an anthology of stories based on "the oldest profession." I was originally going to have everyone write during the meeting, but the logistics of that were more complicated and a lot of people weren't interested in that, so I've decided instead to do a multi-layered workshop where the end result is a manuscript that can either be shut away never to be seen, burned or submitted to the anthology for publication.

The next meeting will be on March 14th, 2010 at the Panera Bread on Farmington Avenue in Bristol from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. I would like everyone to bring an outline and synopsis to share with the group as well as your "tools of the trade" that you use to write and brain storm. I think this exercise would be a great way for everyone in the group to see the different methods to our madness.

There are no restrictions on this workshop. If you do not want to submit to the anthology you do not have to do a fantasy or science fiction based story. In fact, I would prefer that anyone who struggles with this genre write something more natural. However, I encourage everyone to broaden their horizons with this exercise.

Also, please be patient with any changes that may occur with this workshop. This is just as much a "first" for me as it is for everyone else, and the entire workshop is still evolving.

Round Table Critique - 2/28 - Minutes

2010-03-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

The last Round Table Critique was awesome. We had a new member, Michael, and six other attendees. There was a lot of useful feedback and critique given. Overall a very productive session. However, we did run a bit over on our critique since Panera closes at 8:00 PM. I apologize for not realizing it sooner, but I'm usually only at Panera during the week when it is open until 9:00.

However, three hours should be enough for feedback. I think that I'm going to be making a list of rules for future critiques so that we can adhere to time restraints and make sure that everyone has equal attention to their work. Also, some people in the group showed interest in accelerating the page count to 10 pages. I would be interested in accelerating the page count as long as everyone who participates in the critique can keep up with the readings. I'll also be adhering very strictly to the rule, whereas before I was willing to bend it a little.

I also introduced the groupsite page to the group. I would LOVE for this to be our central hub. I know at first it can seem a bit daunting, but since I've been playing with it it has really grown on me (thank you, Dr. B) and I see it as a very useful tool.

Miss Snark, Literary Agent - and others of the less snarky variety

2010-02-16T13:33:00.001-05:00

In our last meeting, the subject of agents and querying came up, specifically Miss Snark. Her blog is retired, but there is a lot of helpful advice there that anyone looking to eventually query agents/editors for publication should know.

It was revealed after Miss Snark's retirement that she is actually Janet Reid, a famous New York City agent with such clients as Jeff Somers, Patrick Lee and Bill Cameron. Her blog is still updated and is full of useful information and she also continues her sharp-tongued critiques under the Query Shark blog. Submit if you dare.

Are there any other agents that anyone else follows? What type of useful information have you gathered that you can share with the group?

Round Table Critique - Minutes

2010-02-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Round Table Critique on Sunday was a succes. There were five attendees, Kathy, Cat, Jason, Lily and Lauren. Four of the attendees shared up to five pages of their work for feedback. The critique comments were well received and helpful. I would love to see more writers involved in these meetings and I hope that more members are able to attend the meeting on the 28th and reap the benefit of the knowledge and skill of their peers.

Some in the group were interested in doing a prompt writing exercise during one of the meetings. Next month we will be taking a break from critiques to do a Writing Workshop which be announced within the next couple weeks.

February 28th - Round Table Critique

2010-02-08T17:37:00.002-05:00

Round Table Critique will be held on February 28th at the Panera Bread on Farmington Avenue in Bristol, CT from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Please email up to five pages of your work to magro.catherine@gmail.com. Please email your pages no later than Saturday, February 20th so that each person participating can have one week to review all the pages. Please come prepared with feedback, criticism and helpful advice.

These meetings are meant to draw on the collective knowledge of the group to help every writer reach the goal of a publishable product. If you do not have any pages to share, please feel free to email me requesting pages so that you can give feedback to other members. If you would like to come to observe the meeting and meet the members, you are also welcome. As always, guests are welcome and encouraged at every meeting.

Quote of the Month

2010-02-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
— Madeleine L'Engle

A Word on Word Count

2010-02-01T19:21:00.000-05:00

At the last meeting there was a question about word count and how many words make a short story, novella, novel, etc. There is a lot of information on this statistic on the web, but I wanted to give everyone in the group an educated answer on what word count really means. According to Wikipedia, these are the following word count ranges:

Short story - under 7,500 words
Novelette - 7,500 to 17,500 words
Novella - 17,500 to 40,000 words
Novel - 40,000 words and over

These are the word count requirements for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America when thy consider the Nebula awards. I feel that this is a fairly good measure of word count and how an agent/editor would view your manuscript.

How many words should your short/story novel be? I've seen figures ranging for a novel from 85,000 words to 125,000 words for a first novel. My favorite answer to this question is this - however many words it takes you to tell the story is an acceptable word count. Don't let issues with word count destroy your story. Worry about that later when you're querying and trying to find a market.

Round Table Critique

2010-01-31T23:25:00.000-05:00

The first "round table critique" will be held at Panera Bread on Farmington Avenue in Bristol, CT on February 14th at 5:00 PM. Please email up to five pages of your story or novel to magro.catherine@gmail.com for distribution to the group prior to the meeting. Each attendee should come prepared to give constructive criticism and feedback to the members who choose to share their work. If you do not have anything to share, please feel free to participate by emailing me and I will send you pages of those sharing.

If anyone is interested in just attending the meeting to see what the group is all about, also feel free to come. Guests are always welcome. Please RSVP here prior to the meeting.

Meet and Greet Minutes

2010-01-31T23:13:00.000-05:00

Today's "Meet and Greet" was extremely productive. Along with myself and Dr. B, I welcome Kathy, Heather, Lily and Lauren into the group. I look forward to what is to come on the horizon.

Today the group discussed what we would like to see from future meetings. It was agreed that all current members are interested in the following topics and events:

Critique and feedback
Working retreats
Workshops
Writing conferences
Book talks and book signings, including RJ Julia in Madison
Networking

Meetings will be held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month and will consist of round table critiques for the time being. The agenda for future meetings will be set as the group evolves and progresses. In order to save time reading pages, any work submitted for the critique will be emailed to members beforehand for review. Those who do not want to share can still participate in the critique and give feedback.

Myself and other members will also be keeping an eye out for writers conferences in the area to attend as a group. I would also like to have a Meet and Greet event once every three or four months to welcome new members. However, new members and guests are welcome to any meetings at any time.

Meet and Greet, Part Deux

2010-01-08T00:41:00.001-05:00

Today's meeting had one attendee besides myself. I still consider it a success and hope that this person becomes a vital part of the group. Since there were many who showed interest but could not attend due to the date and time, I intend to have another meeting this month with a similar agenda so that those people can have an opportunity.

The second "Meet and Greet" event for the Connecticut Writers Group will be held at Panera on Farmington Avenue in Bristol on Sunday, January 31st at 5:00 PM. This will be an informal event where interested members can mingle, talk about writing, what they are looking for in the group and see if it is something they would be interested in. I am also looking for feedback on how to format the next meetings to come.

Please feel free to invite anyone who would be interested in the group. I ask that those who are attending RSVP here, but it is not mandatory in order to attend. If there are any questions, please email me.

Reminder

2010-01-04T22:34:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that the Meet and Greet is this Thursday at 5:00 PM at Panera Bread on the Berlin Turnpike. The general agenda is to meet those interested, mingle and find out what people are looking for from the group. Also, if you want to share, I will still open up the floor at the end of the meeting for any readings and feedback. No pressure.

If you know anyone who wants to come, even if it is last minute, do not feel that just because they didn't RSVP that they can't come. PLEASE bring them. I'm sure Panera can accommodate us all.

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night. I will be sitting near the entrance on the right side.

Advertise Me, Please

2009-12-30T17:17:00.001-05:00

Advertising online is fun - and time consuming.

The Central Connecticut Writer's Group can be found here as well as on this blog and facebook. I've also advertised on craigslist and have passed the word around at work and among friends and family.

Come one, come all, to the Central Connecticut Writers Group Meet and Greet on Thursday, January 7th at Panera Bread on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington, CT. There is absolutely no pressure or committment needed to come to this event, just come and meet other writers and see how you could benefit from being involved in a community.

The agenda for the meeting is to just meet those interested in the group and become comfortable with one another as well as decide what everyone is looking to gain from the group and from the meetings themselves. There is no pressure to share work, but I will open the floor at the end. I am looking foward to the first meeting and encourage everyone to bring friends, family and anyone they know who is interested in writing.

Goals and First Meeting

2009-12-11T19:49:00.003-05:00

One of the most important elements of becoming a successful writer is setting goals.

The same is true for creating a writers critique group.

My goal is to have at least 20-30 people involved in this group by next year. I've met enough writers in the local Hartford area to start the seed of what this group can become with proper planning, guidance and of course, drive.

Since none of my goals I just mentioned will ever happen without a start point, I have decided to make my first blog post and announce that the first Central Connecticut Writers Group meeting will be held at Panera Bread on the Berlin Turnpike on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 5:00 pm to 9:00pm and could possibly carry over to Sliders Bar and Grill in Berlin. I will be at Panera early with a sign that reads "Central CT Writers Group" on my laptop. It will be the standard meet and greet with no pressure to share, but I will be opening up the floor to anyone who wishes to share their work with a limit of no more than five double spaced pages.

I thought a start date after the holidays would give me time to gather up the willing into my fold and it wouldn't put any unrealistic expectations on anyone to start something like a writers group around the insanity of the holidaze. Although joining a writers group can be intimidating, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of a writer's life as well as a invaluable tool towards publication. I hope to create a group that cultivates open, constructive criticism of work. I also hope to create a support structure that can encourage and provide information to fellow writers who are feeling like they're drowning in a sea of information. I look forward to it and hope to see a good turn out.

Please RSVP to the event either through emailing me at magro.catherine@gmail.com or through Facebook using the link below. See you there.

RSVP Please!