The regular writing craft meeting took place Tuesday October 16th at 6:00 pm. Eight members were in attendance: Barb M., Barbara C., Alice, Catherine, Donna, Lynn, Mindy and Diane.
We had a short discussion on book printers and self-publishing, then a 15 minute discussion on filter words. To learn more about filter words, visit Diane’s blog post: Filter Words – Who Knew? Not Me.
From our homework, each member answered the following two questions:
- What is it you want out of your writing?
- How do you define writing and publishing success?
There was a wide range of answers including the overwhelming urge to tell stories, to make money, and to touch readers with their stories. Success meant readers discussing their stories, looking for the next book and having an emotional response to the stories. Making enough for financial freedom and winning awards were also considered success.
Also from the homework file, members introduced the main character from the story they plan to write between now and June 2019.
A quick presentation was given on the elements of Act I.
HOMEWORK
Write the first scene (or more) of the story involving the character created from the character sheet exercise. If possible, write all of Act I. Choose approximately 400 words to read to the group in November.
The story written over the winter can be any size, from a 2,000-word short story to an 100,000-word novel. It’s up to the writer.
WRITING TIPS
Write in Sprints: This means set the clock for 20 or 25 minutes, then write. At the end of the sprint, take a 5 to 10-minute break. Sweep the floor, put laundry in the machine, take the dog out for a pee, run to get the mail, take a walk around the yard, etc. Then come back to do another sprint. Keep track on a sheet of paper and colour in every sprint you complete. Do one or as many sprints a day as you want.
Don’t Break the Chain: Write every day. Set the same word count or make different ones up every day. But write a minimum of 100 words a day. If you write every day, the story stays fresh in your mind, and it is easier to keep writing. Make it a habit, and it becomes a life habit.
East Hants Writers 