November 21, 2012

Notes from November 21 meeting
Next Meeting:  December 5, 2012 in a new location:

Cellar Door Books,

5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Suite 30A/B,

Riverside, CA

Okay, we met last night - and maybe for the last time - at Goodwin's. There were five of us, but we managed to run two and a half hours anyway. If forms counts, it was a disaster. If enthusiasm is the rule, we were a grand success. Also, something happened last night that had never happened before. We were interrupted by a baby crying. A young couple brought their two young kids to the meeting room where we were each discussing our best sellers when their youngest started to cry. He must have been very sad to be seeing us leave Goodwin's.

Dawn brought in chapter six of Stormborn. Personally? I think she's sitting on a best seller. She's also writing Instinct - and as much as I hate stories about vampires and werewolves - this one is THAT good. Props to you, Dawn. Cat brought in another chapter from The Legion, but all we could talk about was her new ending. She's adamant. THIS ONE is permanent. Either way, she's written a good novel and I hope she continues EDITING IT!!!! Julia brought in chapter two of Fauxmytes, but talked about the art and craft of writing as much as she did her story. Either way, she's one of us now - AND YOU CAN'T HAVE HER! Nancy brought in the last chapter of Part Two of her novel wherein Cass learns about homosexuality and the truth about Lady Fowler. I can't brag enough about Nancy's book. She's handling Cass's most turbulent years with a grace and sensitivity that is astounding.

And me? I cried a lot because these four women are just so good - and all I had was 35 and 36 of Suffer The Children. Peace, ladies. There's only five more chapters.

Next time?

Cellar Doors Books in the Canyon Crest Towne Center.

*Post by Jim Rozhon

November 7, 2012

Notes from November 7th meeting

Next Meeting:  November 21, 2012

We had our biggest group in quite a while last night with the addition of three new members. Estelle, Kaitlyn and Julia joined us. We discussed a move to Cellar Door Books in the Canyon Crest Towne Center that I will confirm this Monday with Linda Nurick, the store owner.

We also discussed publishing an anthology of the groups' work. While we agreed that it is still a work in progress, my hope is that people begin posting stuff on our Facebook page that I can download and begin assembling the book.

And t-shirts. Yep, we discussed them. I'll start preparations for getting some made. Who knows? Maybe they'll be Christmas presents.

As for the writing, Lucio wrote a short story that I STILL don't believe isn't patterned after a video game. if not, I'm waiting for an explanation that I'm certain he'll provide. Don wrote the first part of what might be a very good story, a spy in 1937 Rome. Don? PLEASE make his partner a woman. Pretty please. I promise not to call them 86 and 99. Dave wrote part 4 of Why It's Hot This Summer. While it's still very visual, I'm beginning to wonder what he has up his sleeve. I mean, what can be causing that hole and why is it growing? Stay tuned. Nancy? What I can I say about your novel? It's brilliant. I love Cass and I can't wait to learn the truth about Uncle Stan. Julia wrote a few things and we discussed them. To me, Fauxmytes would sound better as Fauxbytes. Either way, it's an intriguing idea for a story. Estelle said she writes children's stories. That's fine. Cat can discuss this with her. Kidding, Cat! Kaitlyn professed her preference for poetry. That's fine, too. And Cat brought her latest installment of The Legion. All of us think she has a good story on her hands. I thought she should drop the AKA's, but it's so immaterial that I think the story can stand without that change.

And me. I brought in Chapters 33 and 34 of Suffer The Children. Lucio still thinks I'm a perv, but I'm going to make him read the last page anyway.

That's it until the 21st. I'll let you know about Canyon Crest this Monday after I talk to Linda.

*Post by Jim Rozhon

October 17, 2012

Next Meeting:  November 7, 2012

Okay, let's see; what happened last night?

Oh! We have a new member! Julia Nguyen joined us last night and we're really glad she did. Welcome aboard, Juilia.

Now, for other stuff...

Lucio brought chapter 3 of Lady Ansa. I love the way the chapter ended with a mystery. What's below decks and why is it so important? Stay tuned. Cat brought chapters 33 and 34 of The Legion. She was so excited that she started telling us about her next blood-stained story. Keep it up, Cat. You'll convince us yet. Don brought in chapter 1 of his work "untitled as of 10-4-12". I'm sure he'll think of a title with the word "Il Duce" in it soon enough. Otherwise? It's a good start to your work. And Nancy? How can the publishing world keep overlooking Cass and her life? Her latest chapter was quite brilliant. I love her work and hope she keeps writing.

And me? chapters 31 and 32 of Suffer The Children. An aside? You can now read the ending tot he story in our Facebook group because I posted all 8 John Overland novels there. Help yourself.

See you the AFTER THE ELECTION, on November 7th. Goodwin's as usual. This time? Brings ideas for our group book. I'll bring some short stories.

And Gene?

I hope you're okay because we miss you.

*Post by Jim Rozhon

A Contemplation on Writing Group

I've been in this writing group for just over a year now.  I made an attempt to check the date, and I believe the first meeting I attended was July 6, 2011.  I had made a decision to get a little more serious with my writing, and knew one of the first things I had to do was get some extra eyes on my work.  

I poked around online, and found a few local groups.  My thought was that I'd attend a couple groups and feel out which one fit me and my needs best.  I got a little lucky; there happened to be one group meeting in a few days, and their website had no indication of a membership fee.  They also met up at Borders, not 15 minutes from where I work, and I'm not one to turn down an excuse for coffee, nor the chance to peruse the book store.  

I never checked on those other groups.

The people in that group were pleasant and welcoming, and though members have come and gone, the group remains this way at its core.  I have to admit that when I went home the first night, I had trepidation about returning--I told my wife they were a little "too nice" to my work.  I'd like to say something pompous here, that maybe my work was just that good, that it didn't need criticism--in person I probably would, but only because in person you'd see my body language that tells you that I don't really believe that.  Maybe they were being nice to the new guy, maybe it happened to be one of my better chapters, but I can tell you, I've had some bad sessions since.  I've taken in chapters that went over flatly, received the opposite reaction I intended, and had one instance where I completely questioned my understanding of basic grammar.  

The feedback I receive is well and good, but honestly I might receive comparable feedback elsewhere.  I think the main reason this group works for me is that I trust these people.  I trust that they're helping me, and more importantly, I trust them with my work.  I know that several of these people have taken my work home to look at, because I gave it to them.  If they don't clean out their email, they probably have a full 45,000 word novella in a digital format, and I don't think for a second that one of them would do something I wouldn't want them to.  For me, that is the most valuable thing I've found in this writing group.

 LR

October 3, 2012

Next Meeting:  October 17, 2012

Last night, October 3rd's Meeting:

Missing in action: Lucio, Gene, Dawn and Greg.

We discussed a new bookstore opening in Riverside at the Canyon Crest Towncentre. Its owner, Linda Nurick, is actively seeking writer's groups for the store, so I'm going to try to talk to her about us. The reaction to this move was generally favorable. I'd like to target the new year, but we'll see how things develop. The place is called Cellar Door Books - and it you have to ask where the title came from - you're like me, because I didn't know either.

Don didn't bring anything with him due to a computer explosion in his home. He contributed, though, and that's always a plus. Don? Thank you for being there and helping us. You always do. Dave brought part 3 of "Why It's Hot This Summer". He's keeping his cards close to the vest, but the end of part 3 maybe showed a little bit of where's he's going with this. I like it, it's still very visual and I can't wait for part 4. Nancy? What can I say about your work that I haven't already said? It's brilliant and the chapter you brought last night was as brilliant as all the others. In it, she revealed a lot of what makes Uncle Stan tick. She also showed that Cass is still as strong as she's ever been. She offered a compromise to him about her place on his ranch and he took it. Cat brought in two more chapters from The Legion. We traded possible cover pictures for her story because it deserves publication somewhere. It's a complex tale that she is keeping straight and true. Excellent work, Cat.

And me? 11 chapters to go. But I proved that not all chapters are good ones. Chapter 29 got panned - even by me - which means I have some work to do.

See you on the 17th...

Gene, buddy? Hang in there. We really miss your stability.

 *Post by Jim Rozhon

September 19, 2012

Next Meeting:  October 3, 2012

Okay, it's in the bank. We met last night and I thought it was both productive and fun. We even picked up a new member from that far-flung fictional land of Michigan. I keep telling them that it's not real, but they insist...

Lucio especially caught my attention with the second chapter of "Lady Ansa". Not only was it a good chapter, but he was very meticulous with noting feedback from the group. He took - and takes - a lot of notes. As an aside? I've noticed that everyone's writing is getting better. Even mine, I hope. Anyway, I thought he had a good chapter. Cat brought in three chapters from her story "The Legion" and the feedback was good. Nancy remarked on how many characters there were and then complemented her on keeping them all straight. Nicely done, Cat. And then there's Nancy. I

really need to emphasize this: she has a GREAT novel on her hands. Last night? She has been painting Cassandra's character throughout the entire story as being good, honest and straightforward. Then he mother lands on her. Fair? No. But Cass is trying to overcome all the obstacles put in front of her. Nancy? This is greatness. Dave brought the second offering of "Why It's Hot This Summer". Visual? Very. Intriguing? Extremely. I can't wait for an answer to the problem he's painted. Very interesting, Dave, and very well written. Don brought the conclusion to "In The Line Of Fire". I especially liked it because it leads to a much larger work in that time frame? 1937 Italy. Don? I hope you do it because the subject matter is so interesting - especially an editor for a publishing house. There are literally a million different scenarios he could take and write about. Don? I liked it. A lot.

Me? chapters 27 and 28 of Suffer The Children. I got a few congrats from the crowd and I suffered through them. Gang? It was fun, informative and twice a month isn't often enough for me.

See you next month on the 3rd.

September 5, 2012

Next meeting:  September 19, 2012 @ Goodwin's

Yes, as a matter of fact, we DID meet on the 5th.

Nancy is writing a killer novel and her last installment just proved it once again. You can't help but root for Cass as she weaves her way through life. Very good work here, Nancy. Cat brought in a deluxe installment from The Legion. She got a lecture from Don about some grammatical issues, but Cat stood her ground. The novel has three main characters and she is keeping them all straight. Don brought in the end of his story, In The Line Of Fire. While a few of us didn't like the ending where our hero simply falls asleep, it was a very solid story nonetheless. Good job, Don. Lucio brought in the first chapter of his new novel, Lady Ansa. I especially liked the way he limited his POV to one in that chapter. It made the story so much easier to track. This is one I'm going to want to read. Dave brought in a showstopper. Why It Is Hot This Summer. Is it REALLY the doorway to Hell? Visually, it was superb. Wow. Great writing, Dave.

And me? Chapters 25 and 26 of Suffer The Children. The worry is that the kids will be killed. Would I really do that? Stay tuned.

So, until the 19th, that's it from this side of the desk!

*Post by Jim Rozhon

***

Grammar - is it important?

I'm not sure where to start this, so I'll share my opinion first:  KNOW YOUR GRAMMAR!  LEARN TO SPELL!  WE HAVE THESE RULES FOR A REASON!

However...this is creative writing.  How much do we need to adhere to the rules?

I grew up having phonics and spelling pounded into my head.  Though I've never won a Spelling Bee (I never participated--it's a stage-fright thing), I consider myself a "good speller."  Grammar was treated the same way, and though I don't always follow the rules when I speak (you should hear the way I slur some words together), in my writing I usually follow THE RULES.  I know there are things I screw up regularly--I apparently have a problem with "dangling modifiers," and it took me hours to figure out what the heck that was.  And then there's the whole prepositions thing--you know what I speak of.

See what I did there?
 
I'm a bit of a stickler for spelling and grammar, and while most computer-based word processors have a good spell-checker, the grammar check is wanting, to say the least.  Since our computers won't do it for us, we obviously still need to learn proper grammar, but we also need to learn them for the reason explained in more than just my creative writing classes:  You need to know the rules so you know when and how to break them. 

Ultimately my opinion is that if you're going to mess around with grammar, you need to know what you're doing, but go ahead and do it--but don't do it just because "that other famous author" did it.  My opinion, the spelling and grammar should be perfect, except between the quotations marks.  Between those quotation marks, do whatever you want.

If your concern is its presentation to an agent or editor and their opinion on the "creative" part of your creative writing--you need to work with this person, and have a business relationship with that person.  Opinions are going to vary, and a given agent/editor may or may not ask for changes, either way, regarding grammar, spelling, and how exactly you should write that person's speech pattern--it's one thing to want to work with you and make your work better.  However if that editor or agent going to poop on your work and reject it just because you did that one weird thing that broke the rules, you probably don't want to work with that person anyway.

LR


Lastly, we'll leave you with a video of Andrew Stanton's TED talk, filmed in February 2012.  Andrew Stanton is the writer behind many of Pixar's movies--you may have heard of this little film called "Toy Story."