Six members participated via Zoom: Becky, Judy, George, Ev, Renee, Michelle. Discussion included writing contests, prompts, and a revamping of our meeting format. Three people read short pieces of poetry/prose.
Writing Contests
Vocal: “a platform for creators.” They sponsor periodic challenges with cash prizes – a number of these are currently open. “Hometown Feature,” for example, is looking for stories with original photos about what your hometown means to you; “Little Black Book” – which comes with a $20,000 grand prize – is looking for fiction stories about someone who unexpectedly comes into a large sum of money involving a mysterious little black book.
Fractured Lit Publishes flash fiction – open year round. Current contest on fractured ghost, fable, and fairy tales, with prize of $3000. Entry fee of $20. Deadline February 16.
Don't forget the 2021 Edwin M. Church Award. Entries must contain a train element. The expected length is 1,500-3,000 words. Proposed deadline is August 1, 2021. The winner will be announced at the Swanton Arts Spectacular, which is traditionally the second Saturday in September.
Exhibitions/Community Events:
The Swanton Public Library is sponsoring a Writers’ Response to "The Hate U Give" this year’s Vermont Reads book, Angie Thomas. Art or written entries are welcome; written entries can be up to 1500 words. Deadline April 1. A cash prize picked randomly from all entries may be offered. The book is available to buy, there is also an audio version and a movie available to stream on various platforms. To borrow a copy contact the Swanton Public Library and for more information contact Judy Paxman: Email1 Email2
Resources:
Iron Writer Challenge: Facebook group. Jason Brick is the owner/moderator. He has been pretty active in the past and is very accessible via messenger. Been 'in the biz' for quite some time.
Readings:
Renee Willard on a broken coffeemaker; Ev Larson – “Air Dry” – involving an ex-husband and a disastrous shower; and George Connelly read “Rain Shine High,” a poem loosely based on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
Upcoming:
Per the suggestion of Ev and after much discussion, we have decided to change up our meeting format for the foreseeable future. The plan is to have our usual period of social gossip and discussion followed by 20 minutes of writing and a post-sharing/discussion. Writers will finish their pieces offline for possible inclusion in a zine. Details at a later date. Our first series of proposed prompts: the Seven Deadly Sins, starting at the February 18 meeting with LUST.
And for those who don’t remember the Seven Deadly Sins, they are: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth.
Our next meeting via zoom will be February 18 at 6 pm. Follow this LINK and use the passcode: 289902 Hope to see you all there!
