Weekly Round Up

CAPTAINS LOG 22nd February 2019

Sorry for the delay in this weekly report but it’s been one of those weeks.

So, on Wednesday, Terry was back, which is great, there was an apology from Kristen who is under the weather, Julee, Tracey, Sonia and Janeen were on deck. I had an appointment with the fang farrier, so I missed most of Julee’s critique, arriving just in time to hit her with mine.

Julee’s re-write is coming on very well, with very little to comment on. She’s hoping to have it finished by the end of the year and the way she’s going I feel she is well on track.

Then it was my turn. I submitted a short story I’d adapted as the first chapter of a new book. I took a well-deserved canning and am unsure whether to continue on with it or not. I’ll submit my second chapter to see if the book has any merit and then I’ll make up my mind from there.

My thanks to everyone for their well thought out comments and suggestions, a great help as always and much appreciated.

Next week, Janeen and Terry will be giving a combined workshop on publishing. Both have experiences which will prove invaluable to the rest of us, so it will be interesting and enlightening. I hope everyone can be there to support them.

Just a reminder that our first theme day will be held on the 13^th of March.

Writing genre:  Romance - Maximum of 500 words - Beginning, Middle, Satisfactory end - No parts, or characters, from stories you are writing or have previously written to be used- No first drafts, polished, competition ready.

Don’t leave it until the last minute because you think you have plenty of time, start now and be happy with what you’ve written. 

Finished pieces should be sent to me no later than the Sunday prior to the day.

I hope to see you all next Wednesday.

Until then, ‘Live long and prosper.

Changes for 2019

A change has been made to our 2019 calendar to make space for more emphasis on short story writing and each month members will be challenged to write a 500 word FLASH FICTION story to a set theme.

Please find below the details for our first theme day to be held on the 13th of March.

Writing genre: ROMANCE

For Authors:

* Writers will have one month to consider and write the piece.

* Stories are limited to a maximum of 500 words.

* Normal writing scenarios apply i.e. Beginning, Middle, Satisfactory end. 

* Do not use parts, or characters, from stories you are writing or have previously written.

* Submissions should be polished. The best you can do. Competition ready, not first drafts.

* Finished pieces should be sent to the facilitator via e-mail by the Sunday before the              nominated Theme Day for distribution.

For Those Submitting their Critique:

* Once received, please critique and review each piece in line with our critiquing guidelines. 

* A Verbal critique will be presented to all attendees on Theme Day for respectful discussion with each author.

* Printed marked up copies of the critique will be presented to the author of the piece.

Critiquing hints:

* Condense your critique.

* Ignore spelling, grammatical and layout errors.

* Comment only on readability, plot and setting.

* Are the characters believable?

* Does it show not tell?

* Does it make sense?