We had six members who met via zoom. After about 30 minutes of catching up and news, we launched into a new format. Writing to a word prompt for 20 minutes and then sharing the result. For this meeting, we knew the prompt in advance. Starting in March we will all bring a random prompt to the meeting and people can choose to use one or all of the prompts in a 20 minute free writing session, excluding their personal prompt.
Becky reminded everyone to check the Facebook page for contest and resource ideas. She posts them as she finds them.
Book Recommendations
For those interested in books for middle grade readers (reccs courtesy of Becky)
"They Threw Us Away" by Daniel Kraus.
"Scary Stories for Young Foxes" by Christian McKay Heidicker
"Trigger Warning" by Neil Gaiman (recc courtesy of Renee)
Contests/Community Events
The artist response to "The Hate U Give" is due by April 1st, 2021. Written responses must be 1,500 words or less. The responses will be published in a zine available at the Swanton Library. There will be a random drawing of all entries for a cash prize. Contact Judy Paxham with questions EMAIL Get reading and get writing!
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.
Writing Prompts
This month "Lust", one of the seven deadly sins, was our writing prompt. Judy floated the idea of publishing a monthly zine with our prompt responses. A deadline would be imposed for authors to polish their free writing responses and submit. Ev suggested we move to the surprise format as outlined above. After 20 minutes all members shared their responses to Lust. Ev shared a poem by another member, Becky shared her writing diagram/brain storming tool. George, Judy, Renee and Michelle read their short pieces.
Our next meeting via zoom is Thursday, March 18th at 6 pm. All are welcome. Follow the link below and enter the code when prompted. Happy writing!
ZOOM LINK Code: 289902
