Schedule and Location

Our group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Nokomis Fire Station. From Sarasota or North, proceed a few blocks south of Albee Road on US 41 (past Matthews-Currie Ford) to Pavonia Road. Turn right (West, toward the bay) at the Fire Station's flashing yellow caution traffic light. From the south on US 41, we are two blocks north of Dona Bay. Turn left onto Pavonia Road at the flashing yellow caution light. At the Fire Station, drive to the fire hall's far end or west side; PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOORS! We gather in the training room at the far end of the complex for a meet and greet at 6:00 pm but call the Meeting to order at 6:30 pm and take a Ten-minute break at around 7:50 pm. Meeting Adjourns: 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Win a Kindle ... and More!

Kerri Dieffenwierth passed along a website that she thought might be helpful to our devoted and versatile group. It's sponsored by the Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City. Their website is http://www.writingclasses.com.

This particular group is a wide-ranging source of information that covers just about every genre and every skill level. The site currently provides information about a variety of writing contests, one of which will be giving away to the winners IPads, Kindles and other eReaders. The site also has a list of How-To books for writers, plus up-to-date news about the publishing industry. As its web address suggests, the site is also the gateway for numerous writing classes.

Check it out. And win an IPad. Maybe. Or a Kindle. Maybe. But what was that old saying? "You can't win if you don't play." So give it a whirl.

Posted by
Russ Heitz

Wolfman Photos Wanted

For those of us who were at our mid-November meeting, FOX & QUILL editor, John Wolf, gave a very informative and interesting presentation about how us writer-folks can use our computers more effectively. He also sang a song that he wrote especially for our leader Susan Haley. In return, he'd like a favor from us.

Did anyone at the meeting take any pictures of John giving his presentation? Or of John eating cake? Or of John playing the guitar? Or of John, period?

If so, contact him at http://www.johnwolf.lobo@gemail.com.

Thanks!

Posted by
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/

Monday, December 06, 2010

Nineteen Day 'Til Christmas

Hi All -

Like you need a reminder - right? :)

I feel fortunate to have hobbled into an only December meeting last Wednesday evening. I truly appreciate the kudos offered me for this past year which has been a bit off pace for me as you all know. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season regardless how you choose to celebrate it.

Kerri has forwarded me the information on the Poynter Institute out of St. Petersburg's live bi-weekly chats. Anyone who has had interest in the world of writing is most likely familiar with the name "Poynter".

The host of these *Free* live chats is Roy Peter Clark, vice-president and senior scholar at Poynter Institute. Mr. Clark is the author of "Writers Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer." Kerri recommends them higly as Roy is there to offer encouragement, direction and answer specific questions you might have. All with a sense of humor which is a much needed element when learning the stresses of presenting your best work. Yes, work! Good writing is hard work and requires dedication to always improve.

The topic of the next live chat to be held on December 16th at 3 p.m. will be "How to Pace My Writing to Create Strong Middles and Great Endings." I've always referred to it as balance. I do believe all writers are challenged with the middle of a story. Say you have a great 'hook' opening and an edge-of-the-seat ending. It's crucial to hold the reader's interest in the valleys inbetween.

For more information about the chats and signing up, visit http://www.poynter.org/ What I find especially nice about this method of learning is that you can participate in the comfort of your own home.

As my feeble bones are able, I will continue to post throughout the month. If anyone has something they'd like to have included on the blog, feel free to send it in to me.

Best,
Susan