Since we have been on two monthly meetings every month, I can't seem to keep up with this blog. Especially for the second one as it's when all my other deadlines are due.
We had a good and informative meeting last week with Elizabeth's second visit. I even shared her tip about cutting words by taking out one word in each sentence, It works because then you find other sentences that are redundant and you can cut them entirely. It's easier to think in terms of words and sentences than entire excerpts or story lines. Slowly, the repetition or over explaning jumps out at you. I will put it into practice everytime I complete a chapter. Thanks, Elizabeth.
A few announcements: Check out Madeline Mora-Summonte's website. She has just had another story published in Referential Magazine. Madeline's stories are always excellent and if you'd like to see some more really good writing, check out the link to the latest on her website which is linked under the links column to the left of your screen.
I had a wonderful note from John McCafferty in which he sent a newspaper article about the Authors Event at the Free Library in Philadelphia. This is one of the better known events held every year and authors come from all over the country to display their wares and meet with writers and readers. Infinity Publishing has a big display there every year and encourages their authors to come. It is a gorgeous library and I visit it when I'm in Philadelphia. My problem is I'm always up there in the fall for Valley Forge Conference. I will bring John's article to the meeting and share it with all of you. Some good info on 'trends' in today's world of writing.
Rod Digruttolo shared the schedule for Adult Enrichment Courses provided by the Adult and Community Education Center for Sarasota County Schools. I was surprised at the number of writing courses available there. I strongly urge folks to go to their website and ask to be put on the mailing list for Fall Courses. www.ace-sarasota.com Or phone 941-361-6590. There may also be some openings for the Summer Schedule.
Diane Robertson, a freelance writer and author of "Adventures in Writing" is running a workshop this Saturday at Gulf Gate Library - How To Have a Productive and Respectful Critique Group - More information is available at her website www.freelancewritingbydiane.com
The workshop will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 and the cost is $30. For more information you may call Diane at 941-752-5669.
More good news - Jane Gill, who has attended our meetings at the firehall has just been accepted by a small publisher press, Double Edge Press out of Pennsylvania. They will be publishing her first novel, "A Matter of Pride". Guess where she met the editor?! At the FWA Annual Conference in Orlando. There's a sunray for those who don't think anything comes out of attending Writers Conferences. Congratulations Jane!!
Another FWA author to watch is Dr. Karen Pirnot. Karen, you will remember is the Child Psychologist who devoted her life to Garret Frey author of "As I Am". The story of how a quadriplegic child has grown into a productive young man. Karen also writes stories for kids and a novels. Her works continue to garner awards and the good news is a big house publishing agent is considering taking on her work. Congratulations Karen! More proof that Independent Publishing does NOT close the doors to major publishing houses. But may, in fact, help open them!
And, for Irv Newman who continues to resist the world of electronics, he is making his debut in coast to coast exposure on "Fox and Quill" just released today. His story on "Friendship" was accepted and he borrowed my access to the internet to send it in. :)) www.foxandquill.com
Congratulations Irv!
Again, I apologize for not posting here more often. My intent is there, the time isn't. See you all on Wednesday.
Susan
