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, April 23, 2017

April 19th

It looks like summer is fast approaching and our attendance shows the departure of the sun-birds. I'ts inevitable, happens every year about this time. Thank you all for coming to the meetings each month. Your input and wisdom are invaluable and needed. 
But, there is an advantage to be found in even the most undesirable situations.
 With fewer attendees we have time for more in-depth discussions, longer reading time for each reader, and time to analyze the pieces read more thoroughly. We’ll miss our friends until next fall but, we’ll muddle through.
As we discussed character development at this meeting it might seem appropriate to follow up on a few more basic things at this meeting. I suggest we discuss where do we get our ideas for plots and plot development, how do we name our characters, why do we give our characters some of the foibles and strengths. Do plots develop as we write or do you know where you’re going when you start?
Are you involved in the story while writing? If so, to what degree? Do you ever find yourself thinking like your character when you’re not writing? Do others recognize themselves in your writing? Why?
Fun isn’t it.
Come prepared to discuss these and other things that pop up at our next meeting, May 3rd at 6:30 PM. Bring a few paragraphs to read, more if you can and there’s time, and be prepared to listen to other authors give you suggestions, critique, and, most of all, help.
Keep on writing!
See you there,

Rod

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Learning is Part of Writing



Learning about your craft is always important. Writers are craftsmen as are mechanics, carpenters, and anyone working with their hands and minds to create things. All writers create with style, like a signature and we all use tools. As Ed Ellis presented a workshop on using models last Wednesday evening, I couldn’t help but think, “Dang, I hadn’t thought of that before.” His presentation was filled with tips, tricks, and methods of organizing thoughts. As with any tool, it doesn’t work in the same way for all of us. But, with a little modification, a form of the tool can help most of us in one way or another.

Non-Fiction writers probably benefit the most using Ed’s methods but Fiction writers can make use of the principles shown in the presentation. Outlines, charts, graphs, and timelines are all part of the model group and all are useful in some form. I can’t say I know any with the thinking power of Albert Einstein, but I know many who can use his methods.

Thank you Ed, your presentation was informative and helpful in many ways.

I want to thank all those writers from other groups who attended the meeting. I hope you enjoyed your visit and found it informative. You are always welcome to come back. Our next meeting is April 19th, and we will be discussing character development. Bring your ideas, an open mind, and be prepared to learn something, even if it’s something you already knew but have simply forgotten.

Andrew Parker will be the first scheduled reader after the discussion but we should have time for a good number of readers. Come early and get you name on the list.

Write often and well,

Rod