Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023

Meeting attendees: Don, Ev, Vicky, Emmet, Michelle, Becky

Emmet filled in on his life after a long absence: While working and helping raise two young daughters he is still writing, participating in nanowrimo with a new sci-fi novel based in a world in which genders are totally separate. He shared that his novel "The Cure" is complete and he has secured an editor.  Very exited and supportive of Emmet.  

Vicky read a first chapter of her (finished) novel Tales from a Time of Plague, set during the pandemic, a mix of nonfiction and fiction. 

Ev read his short piece “Sticks and Stuff,” featuring the job of monback, which everybody caught onto immediately except me.

Michelle and Becky, who slavishly obeyed the month’s prompt, read pieces respectively titled “Stick Season” and “The Fall of Freddy.”

 Our discussion generated several interesting book recommendations:

"Herland" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman "Herland is a utopian novel published in 1915 and written by the feminist writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The story describes an isolated society composed entirely of women. The result is a perfect social order, free of all wars, conflicts and dominations."

"The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula Le Guin "A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants’ gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters..."

"A Journal of the Plague Year"  by Daniel DeFoe (thought of by Becky after the meeting) "In 1665 the plague swept through London, claiming over 97,000 lives. Daniel Defoe was just five at the time of the plague, but he later called on his own memories, as well as his writing experience, to create this vivid chronicle of the epidemic and its victims."

"Spinning Silver"  by Naomi Novik "Spinning Silver draws readers deeper into this glittering realm of fantasy, where the boundary between wonder and terror is thinner than a breath, and safety can be stolen as quickly as a kiss."  (pseudo Russian mythology recced after Michelle shared her current bedside read "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden

Writing prompt for next month is “Christmas.” Anything to do with, good, bad, indifferent, or peripheral.

For anyone looking for upcoming contests, workshops and resources please see our monthly newsletter.  Latest found HERE  

Our December meeting will take place on Thursday, December 21, 6 PM, at the Swanton Public Library. 

SWG November Newsletter

 Thank you Becky!

Swanton Writers Group Newsletter for November 2023

The next meeting of the Swanton Writers Group will take place on Thursday, November 16, at 6 PM at the Swanton Public Library.

The Writing Prompt for this month is the changing of the seasons and what that means to you. Share a tradition or discuss how you feel as we enter “stick season” (otherwise known as naked trees). Try a poem, an essay, a short story and come prepared to share – or bring a selection from your current work. All writers welcome!

IN THE NEWS:

November 1 marks the first day of NANOWRIMO, National Writing Month. The challenge here is to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days (or 29, if you skip Thanksgiving). For more information go HERE.

The latest issue of League Lines, the League of Vermont Writers Newsletter, is now available online. Check it out (Read, print or Download) HERE

Check out these upcoming events from the Vermont Humanities Council HERE (Becky is talking talking at the Platt Memorial Library on November 8 on the history of food.)

Many free workshops for writers are available through the Burlington Writers Workshop

Contests:

Looking for a contest? From Poets & Writers, see the Writing Contest, Grants & Awards list at Poets and Writers Grants

From The Write Life  see this list of free (“reputable, well-reviewed”) contests for poets, fiction writers, essayists, and more.

Recommendations: 

BEST BOOKS FOR WRITERS according to the Center for Fiction here’s the essential list:

On Writing by Stephen King (Scribner, reissue 2020) I highly recommend. (M)

Still Writing by Dani Shapiro (Grove Press, 2023)

On Moral Fiction by John Gardner (Basic Books, 1979)

First You Write by Joni Rodgers [out of print]

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner (Riverhead Books, 2919)

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard (Harper Perennial, 2013)

Writing Past Dark by Bonnie Friedman (Harper Perennial, 2020)

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (Pearson, 1999)

Story by Robert McKee (Regan Books, 1997)

Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern (W.W. Norton, 1991)

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin (Harper Perennial, 2015)

Got a recommendation? Bring it to the meeting!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

The road to hell is paved with adverbs.

Stephen King

Meeting minutes October 19 2023 and Group revamp

 Hi All,

So this group has struggled greatly since the onset of Covid in 2020.  After much soul searching and discussion among our core members we have decided to move forward with some changes to our meeting structure. Looking to entice new members and revitalize our base.   

October meeting attendees: Nancy, Heather, Don, Eileen, Ev, Michelle and new member from Canada Vicky. 

Becky could not attend so Michelle lead the group.  The focus of our discussion was how the group might move forward.  A number of changes were suggested and will be tweaked in successive meetings.  Michelle shared Becky's impute on her behalf.  The following ideas/practices were favorably received:

Newsletter: Becky and Michelle will assemble and email a newsletter containing contests, resources, seminara etc, the week before each monthly meeting.  The form of the newsletter is to be determined, possibly a calendar format.  A few printed copies will be made available at the library (logistics to be determined)  The purpose: to allow more time during meetings to discuss writing, critique each other's work etc.  

A meeting reminder will be included in the newsletter.

Writing prompts: in an effort to get people writing actively, and to stretch our creative muscles, a regular writing prompt will be set at the end of each meeting.  Members will have a month to respond to the prompt and hopefully share their interpretations at the next meeting. A reminder will be included in the newsletter.  If the prompt does not inspire a member, then sharing a piece of their current WIP (work in progress) is encouraged.  As always, healthy constructive feedback will be offered if the member asks.  Prompts will range in topic.  It was suggested that certain formats might be suggested to encourage members to think outside of their comfort zones ie: a piece written entirely as dialogue, descriptive writing or poetry.  A possible alternative is to spend a few minutes during the occasional meeting free writing to a prompt.

More routine meeting activities resumed after the above discussion.  

Resources

Eileen recommended the online writing workshops offered by the Burlington Writer's Workshop. This website is a fantastic resource for all types of writers and formats of writing.  Find more information about the specific group recced by Eileen HERE.

Recommended

Nancy recommended "Up North" by Neal Zirn "Up North, in a series of poems, looks back at the author's experience of living in the North Country, close to the Canadian border. It speaks to family, relationships, single life, and rural living. It is, at times, emotional, humorous, and insightful regarding human nature."

Ev read "The Bone Saw".  A story about a sentient surgical robot.  Had us all cringing and laughing.  Definitely had the Halloween vibe with distressing notes about where we are going in regards to AI and society.  Yikes!

Writing Prompt: The writing prompt for November is the changing of the seasons and what that means to you.  Share a tradition, how you feel as we enter 'stick season', otherwise known as naked trees.  A poem, a short story, an essay?  Bring something to share and promote discussion. 

Next meeting is Thursday November 16th. 6 pm at the Swanton Library.  

Meeting Minute June 15, 2023

 Attendees: Eileen, Nancy, new member Hank and Michelle

We did not have a formal list of announcements to start this meeting.  The group launched into a discussion about the Swanton Arts Council and specifically the meet the author's event held on June 3rd.  The majority of the limited attendees were friends/family of the authors and members of the writer's group.  The consensus seem to be that more advertising is needed for future events.  The group would like to get an update from the council as it pertains to writing group and related activities.  Request for a future meeting. 

Upcoming Events

BookStock is June 23-25th.  Please consider attending.  Information found HERE

Contests:

Don't forget the Edwin M Church Award.  Deadline for submission has been set for September 1.  1,000-3,000 words.  More information HERE

Resources

Eileen offered to talk about her experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing during a future Writer's Group Meeting.  Find some information HERE

Hank used Finishing Line Press to self publish his poetry.  Perhaps we could ask him to expand on the process at a future meeting.  Information found HERE

Michelle brought up the concept of A Human Library as explained to her by author Bill Schubart.  He wrote a  wonderful article for VTDigger.  Find it HERE  Bill is a font of information and he is always willing to share.  Reach out to him via email HERE

Readings

Nancy read a journal entry about worrying/thinking about the future.  Such thoughts can be distracting and consuming.

Hank read from a work in progress.  It's called "Basic Questions".  Inspired by his experiences during basic training for the army during the Vietnam War.  A reflection of what is the purpose of training people to kill/hate others.  Delved into areas of spiritualism, race etc.  Intense!

Eileen read a draft of the prologue to her second memoir "The Builder's Wife"

Meeting wrapped up a little after 7.  Our next meeting is July 20th at 6pm. at the Swanton Library. 

Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023

 Attendees: Judith, Ev, Katie, Michelle

Announcements:

Bookstock (Woodstock, VT, June 23-25) Schedule is up.  Find more info HERE

The Vermont Reads 2023 book is Malinda Lo's "Last Night at the Telegraph Club". If you've got an idea for a program or project to accompany the book, the VT Humanities Council is accepting applications. For more info go HERE

MEET THE WRITERS will take place at the Swanton Library, Saturday, June 3, 10:30 to noon - come share coffee and doughnuts and chat with Vermont writers!  Our own Eileen Williams will be one of the attendees!

Also June 3.  Our new member Katie Richards will be launching her newest book "My Last Hope" from 1-5 at 14Th Star's "The Room" 133 N Main St #7, St Albans City, VT 05478   Come out and show her our support!

Remember to check out the Vermont Arts Calendar for literary events around the state: Information HERE.

Ongoing the 2nd Wednesday of each month: Open Mic Night at Witcomb's Garage in Whallonsburg NY.  Come and share stories and listen to musings of local authors. More Info HERE

Resources:

Check out Open Library  Free online library!

Substack: Direct to consumer writing. "Substack lets independent writers and podcasters publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions."  Grant Faulkner co director of NaNoWrimo highly recommended by Ev. Check it out HERE

Online book tours recommended by Katie.  These organizations are great resources for self published authors. Check out R&R Book Tours: "In an age of indie and self-publishing, it can be really hard to introduce your book to the masses. One of the best ways of sharing your book, is by making friends with a book reviewer or two. I should know, I am one. I also happen to know a few (500+), and they would love to read your book. It also doesn’t hurt that we’ve been in business for nearly 6 years and know a thing or two." And Moonlight Book Tours on Facebook

Discussion:

We ranged from discussing eulogies (Michelle is writing one for a family friend) to mistaken identities.  Small group but a lively chat.

I hope everyone can make it to our June meeting in person on June 15th at 6 pm at the Swanton Public Library.

Meeting Minutes April 20, 2023

 Attendees: Becky, Eileen, Judith, Michelle and new member Katie Richards

Workshops:

League of Vermont Writers is hosting a seminar in Middlebury on April 22 from 9-3.  Title: “Stay on the Write Side of the Law: Legal Issues Every Writer Should Know”, What every writer needs to know about copyright and defamation laws with guest speaker, Cindy Ellen Hill.  Topics:  copyright protection, defamation, invasion of privacy, and strategies for keeping yourself out of trouble and on the right side of the law. Location: Ilsley Public Library 75 Main Street Middlebury, VT 05753.  Find more information HERE

Resources:

Eileen recommended Reedsy. Lots of info on writing and publishing; connection to agents, editors, designers, and marketers; critique groups (by genre), and much more.  They’re offering an online presentation by author S.J. Watson (best-selling thrillers) on Wednesday, April 26, 3 PM. Topic is “zero drafts” – that is, go for messy first-draft versions and avoid self-editing.

Eileen also recommended Scribophile. "Take writing classes, meet beta readers, and become a better writer in our online writing group  Scribophile is one of the largest and most award-winning online writing communities."  She highly recommended joining a genre group for helpful support and critical feedback. 

Events:

Poems Around Town: We received a total of 24 poems, 22 were posted, 2 were too long, unfortunately. A list of where they were displayed can be found HERE 

Vermont Spring Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair: Book Fair and Author Open House. Sunday May 7, 10-4. St Albans City Hall, 100 N Main St,Saint Albans,VT. Information HERE Or reach out to The Eloquent Page, bookstore in down town St. Albans. 

Meet the Writers: at the Swanton Library. Saturday June 3 from 10:30 – noon, We’ve got ten local writers signed up! Come chat, check out their books, and share coffee and doughnuts!

Bookstock, Festival of Words: June 23-25.  Find more information HERE.  Becky highly recommends!

Contests:

Don't forget the Edwin M Church Award.  Deadline TBD (tentatively July or August)  Available details HERE

New group member Katie read a portion of the first chapter of her third book. "My Last Hope" Suspense/Romance. Launch party is June 3 from 1-5 at  14th Star's, The Room: 133 North Main Street St. Albans, VT 05478.  Respond to the event page on Facebook HERE  Eileen is working on the second volume of her memoirs. 

The next meeting is Thursday, May 18th at 6 pm at the Swanton Library.  I hope to see everyone there!

Meeting Minutes March 16, 2023

 Attendees: Becky, Ev, Dot Campbel

Events

POETRY SLAM at the Swanton Public Library: Friday, April 1, 5-7 PM. All welcome - read something of your own or a favorite poem by somebody else.

POEMS AROUND TOWN! Deadline for submission is March 20th.  EMAIL to Becky or drop off at The Swanton Public Library.  Becky taught a poetry class at NCSS Academy of Learning in St. Albans this week.  The group came up with ten poems.  She would like to repeat the class.

MEET THE WRITERS: Saturday, June 3 at the Swanton Library, 10:30 - noon, we've got ten participants signed up so far - just let me know if there's anybody you'd specifically like me to invite. (The offer of doughnuts seems to be particularly effective.)

Writing projects/ideas

Dot mentioned that one of her writing projects involved Drabbles - which are short pieces 100 words (exactly) in length. Learn more HERE. If the concept interests you there is an entire literary magazine devoted to them.  Check them out HERE to read and submit. 

Recommendations

Ev shared some of poet Bernadette Mayer's journaling prompts and writing experiment suggestions - for the complete huge go HERE  For more on Bernadette, see these articles from the New Yorker and the NY Times.   She's done some fascinating stuff - you have to love a poet who wrote a book titled Another Smashed Pinecone.

Readings:

Dot and Ev shared the poems they submitted to Poems Around Town. "Crooked" by Dot, "A Ringing in the Ears" by Ev.

Next meeting will be on Thursday, April 20, 6 PM, at the Swanton Library - you can expect a note from me reminding you of this at the very last minute.