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Since 1935, Shreveport Writers Club has been a support group for writers. SWC includes writers from all stages of life. Many of us are published authors of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Others simply enjoy sharing their thoughts in written form with other people who love words.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
September Meeting
Flash writing was postponed this month due to our guest speaker, Barbara Rushing.
Congratulations to Marian Poe for winning this month's Members Only Mini Contest with her story, Without You.
The October MOMC was announced by Barbara Moore:
Write a short story of 250-1000 words (1-4 pages double-spaced) about a school prank.
We also had a great Round-Robin reading before our guest speaker.
The meeting was rounded out with a discussion by Barbara Moore about her own publishing past as well as the publishing history of her husband Troy during his life and posthumously.
*** This blog will be moving in the near future. More info to come in the near future ***
Congratulations to Marian Poe for winning this month's Members Only Mini Contest with her story, Without You.
The October MOMC was announced by Barbara Moore:
Write a short story of 250-1000 words (1-4 pages double-spaced) about a school prank.
We also had a great Round-Robin reading before our guest speaker.
The meeting was rounded out with a discussion by Barbara Moore about her own publishing past as well as the publishing history of her husband Troy during his life and posthumously.
*** This blog will be moving in the near future. More info to come in the near future ***
Saturday, August 27, 2011
August Meeting
We had four guests at our meeting - Francis Edwards, Letty Kerry, Ken Martin, and Cassie Martin.
Flash writing topics were:
- Going back to school
- Dog days of summer
- My special rain dance
- Open topic
Marian Poe won the Members Only Mini-Contest with her story, "Danger at the Mall".
The topic for this month was provided by Christy Cowden:
Write a dialogue driven scene of 500 words or less.
Jim McClain infornmed us of upcoming book signings in support of his novel Double-Team Trap (official dates to be announced):
Shreveport Elks Lodge - September
Barnes & Noble - October/November
As always, we ended the meeting with another Round-Robin reading session that showcased a lot of great writing!
***REMINDER - yearly dues of $20 are due.***
Flash writing topics were:
- Going back to school
- Dog days of summer
- My special rain dance
- Open topic
Marian Poe won the Members Only Mini-Contest with her story, "Danger at the Mall".
The topic for this month was provided by Christy Cowden:
Write a dialogue driven scene of 500 words or less.
Jim McClain infornmed us of upcoming book signings in support of his novel Double-Team Trap (official dates to be announced):
Shreveport Elks Lodge - September
Barnes & Noble - October/November
As always, we ended the meeting with another Round-Robin reading session that showcased a lot of great writing!
***REMINDER - yearly dues of $20 are due.***
Monday, July 18, 2011
July Meeting Writeup
Due to an issue with the facility (which has been resolved), the meeting was shortened, and Flash Writing did not take place.
We had one visitor - Kristi Allen.
The Members Only Mini-Contest was won by Marian Poe.
Bonnie McEwan provided us with the topic to be turned in at the August Meeting:
Write a free-verse poem of 1-50 words on any topic.
As always, the meeting was rounded out with a Round-Robin Reading session.
Since the meeting, it's been reported by Treasurer Dave Hicks that our issues with the bank. We have switched branches and spoken with more knowledgeable representatives who helped us sign up as a Not-For-Profit which helps us waive fees.
We had one visitor - Kristi Allen.
The Members Only Mini-Contest was won by Marian Poe.
Bonnie McEwan provided us with the topic to be turned in at the August Meeting:
Write a free-verse poem of 1-50 words on any topic.
As always, the meeting was rounded out with a Round-Robin Reading session.
Since the meeting, it's been reported by Treasurer Dave Hicks that our issues with the bank. We have switched branches and spoken with more knowledgeable representatives who helped us sign up as a Not-For-Profit which helps us waive fees.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June Meeting
This month's meeting started with Flash Writing. The topics were:
1) It's so hot...
2) The truth is out there
3) It was a miracle
4) My greatest invention
5) Open topic
Congratulations to this month's Member's Only Mini Contest winner - Marian Poe.
The current topic to be turned in at the July meeting was presented by Dave Hicks:
Write a fiction piece in story or play form (max 1000 words) in which a crime occurs.
3-4 pages of prose or 6-8 for script
We discussed some issues we are having with our current bank charging us fees. We are considering registering the organization as a Not-For-Profit. We need to do so in order to get a Tax ID number.
We lack the proper information on how to accomplish this, so anyone willing to help would be greatly appreciated.
We're still looking for members to bring in reflective pieces to help us organize a "talent pool".
As always, we ended the meeting with Round Robin readings.
1) It's so hot...
2) The truth is out there
3) It was a miracle
4) My greatest invention
5) Open topic
Congratulations to this month's Member's Only Mini Contest winner - Marian Poe.
The current topic to be turned in at the July meeting was presented by Dave Hicks:
Write a fiction piece in story or play form (max 1000 words) in which a crime occurs.
3-4 pages of prose or 6-8 for script
We discussed some issues we are having with our current bank charging us fees. We are considering registering the organization as a Not-For-Profit. We need to do so in order to get a Tax ID number.
We lack the proper information on how to accomplish this, so anyone willing to help would be greatly appreciated.
We're still looking for members to bring in reflective pieces to help us organize a "talent pool".
As always, we ended the meeting with Round Robin readings.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
May Meeting
This month, we had one guest - Stephanie Newbern.
Flash writing consisted of the following topic choices:
1) My Momma Said
2) The Truth is Out there
3) It Was a Miracle
4) My Greatest Invention
5) Anything is Game
We discussed options for adding critiquing to our meetings. More to come on that in upcoming meetings.
MOMC - Congratulations to Marian Poe for winning this month's contest!
The topic for this month was presented by Christy Cowden:
Write a historical fiction piece of 1000 words or less.
As always, the meeting was rounded out with presentation of Making a Mark pens and Round Robin readings.
ATTENTION:
Members attending the June meeting are asked to bring a short writeup or background on themselves. What resources can you bring for other writers in the group? What interests and activities are you involved in? How can another writer use you as a resource?
Flash writing consisted of the following topic choices:
1) My Momma Said
2) The Truth is Out there
3) It Was a Miracle
4) My Greatest Invention
5) Anything is Game
We discussed options for adding critiquing to our meetings. More to come on that in upcoming meetings.
MOMC - Congratulations to Marian Poe for winning this month's contest!
The topic for this month was presented by Christy Cowden:
Write a historical fiction piece of 1000 words or less.
As always, the meeting was rounded out with presentation of Making a Mark pens and Round Robin readings.
ATTENTION:
Members attending the June meeting are asked to bring a short writeup or background on themselves. What resources can you bring for other writers in the group? What interests and activities are you involved in? How can another writer use you as a resource?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April Meeting
Guest speaker Jackie Lewis spoke to us about her writing endeavors as a local unpublished author as well as Editor of Minute magazine. Her talk was followed by a fascinating Q&A session.
Marian Poe told us of the Arkansas Writer's Conference and her contributions to Flashlight Memories, an anthology featuring work by her and Becky Haigler.
This month's Members-Only Mini Contest winner is Christy Cowden.
Cheryl Floyd presented the topic for this month:
Write a 750-1000 word short story in the genre of dystopia.
Dystopian stories are often set in the future and feature or have as the setting a society of bad circumstance in including oppressive control by the government, social conformity with no individualism, yet purport utopian achievement. Opposite of what one would call a "utopia" or perfect society of laws, customs, politics, and conditions.
Does not have to be futuristic.
Emphasize the setting or a protagonist's plight. Does he or she overcome as in the Giver, or succumb as in 1984?
As always, the meeting ended with a rousing Round-Robin session.
Flash-writing was pre-empted this month to accomodate time for our guest speaker.
Marian Poe told us of the Arkansas Writer's Conference and her contributions to Flashlight Memories, an anthology featuring work by her and Becky Haigler.
This month's Members-Only Mini Contest winner is Christy Cowden.
Cheryl Floyd presented the topic for this month:
Write a 750-1000 word short story in the genre of dystopia.
Dystopian stories are often set in the future and feature or have as the setting a society of bad circumstance in including oppressive control by the government, social conformity with no individualism, yet purport utopian achievement. Opposite of what one would call a "utopia" or perfect society of laws, customs, politics, and conditions.
Does not have to be futuristic.
Emphasize the setting or a protagonist's plight. Does he or she overcome as in the Giver, or succumb as in 1984?
As always, the meeting ended with a rousing Round-Robin session.
Flash-writing was pre-empted this month to accomodate time for our guest speaker.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March Meeting
We had four guests at the meeting - Anil Minocha, Jana Ferguson, BIlly Neill, and Laurie Powers.
Guest Speaker Jim McClain talked to us about the process of self-publishing his book, Double-Team Trap, followed by a lively Q&A.
Barbara Moore won this month's Members Only Mini-Contest. She also presented us with a new topic:
Write a short story of 500 words or less involving all five senses.
Upcoming MOMC presenters were listed as:
April - Cheryl Floyd
May - Dave Hicks
June - Pam Raintree
Flash writing topics were presented by Christy Cowden:
1) That's Awesome
2) My Favorite Character
3) Mardi Gras
4) My Momma Said
5) Open topic
As always, the meeting was rounded out with another spectacular Round Robin reading.
The club would also like to extend get well wishes to Marie Brass and Shirley Brown. Hope you both feel better soon!
Guest Speaker Jim McClain talked to us about the process of self-publishing his book, Double-Team Trap, followed by a lively Q&A.
Barbara Moore won this month's Members Only Mini-Contest. She also presented us with a new topic:
Write a short story of 500 words or less involving all five senses.
Upcoming MOMC presenters were listed as:
April - Cheryl Floyd
May - Dave Hicks
June - Pam Raintree
Flash writing topics were presented by Christy Cowden:
1) That's Awesome
2) My Favorite Character
3) Mardi Gras
4) My Momma Said
5) Open topic
As always, the meeting was rounded out with another spectacular Round Robin reading.
The club would also like to extend get well wishes to Marie Brass and Shirley Brown. Hope you both feel better soon!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
February 12 Meeting
Phillip Volentine presented us with a skit entitled Megapixel Moment.
Flash Writing topics were presented by Barbara Moore:
1) Tell about a phrase evocative of your childhood, i.e. something your mother or father said
2) Write about a weird word you like (It has to be a real word)
3) If your name were a city anywhere in the world, what city would it be? (Paris, San Antonio, London, Hong Kong, Shreveport)
4) The kiss wasn't quite what I expected
5) Who is to blame for the Arizona shootings
We discussed compiling a history of the club (possibly on this page), and culling together various documents and other published works from and about the club. We will continue to work at getting a comprehensive club history documented.
Congratulations to Bonnie McEwan for winning the Verna Lee Hindgardner Award! Judge Sonia Coman Costanza remarked on her haiku, "In just seven words, this poem encapsulates a world of hope, transience, and change."
Marcy Simmons provided us with this month's Members Only Mini-Contest:
Hurricane Katrina was a devastating storm that will never be forgotten - it wrecked the lives of thousands, leaving them homeless and mentally shaken while killing hundreds more. People's lives were shattered, ripped apart, and life in the Big Easy became a living nightmare for those left stranded in its aftermath. It affected the nation in so many ways. Look at the picture (below) of real people after the storm and write a 500 word Fictional Narrative from the viewpoint of one of the young men in the photo - what was he feeling? What did he go through during the storm? Did he lose family members? Was he hungry? What was he feeling as he was trying to keep the battered boat afloat? Do you suppose hte other young man may have been his brother, son, or best friend? Suppose they had been trapped for days, and found the boat floating by in the garbage and rubble that floated through the streets. What was the one young man's reaction and how did he salvage the boat? Did he see this as their only tool for survival? Do you think he may have cried at some point and thought it was hopeless? Give him a fictional identity.
The December Mini-Contest was held over, so no winner was announced at this meeting. However, Bonnie McEwan added some flourish to the pass-around trophy:
The meeting was concluded, as always, with Making a Mark pens being distributed and a rousing Round-Robin reading.
Notes for upcoming meetings:
The April meeting will NOT be moved due to the conflict with the Christian Readers and Writers Conference.
Our March speaker will be Jim McClain, author of Double-Team Trap. He will also be bringing copies of his book for sale at $20 each.
Our April speaker will be Jackie Lewis, Editor of Minute Magazine.
Best wishes go out for a speedy recovery to Marie Brass who fell and injured herself recently. We all look forward to seeing her again at a meeting soon!
Flash Writing topics were presented by Barbara Moore:
1) Tell about a phrase evocative of your childhood, i.e. something your mother or father said
2) Write about a weird word you like (It has to be a real word)
3) If your name were a city anywhere in the world, what city would it be? (Paris, San Antonio, London, Hong Kong, Shreveport)
4) The kiss wasn't quite what I expected
5) Who is to blame for the Arizona shootings
We discussed compiling a history of the club (possibly on this page), and culling together various documents and other published works from and about the club. We will continue to work at getting a comprehensive club history documented.
Congratulations to Bonnie McEwan for winning the Verna Lee Hindgardner Award! Judge Sonia Coman Costanza remarked on her haiku, "In just seven words, this poem encapsulates a world of hope, transience, and change."
Marcy Simmons provided us with this month's Members Only Mini-Contest:
Hurricane Katrina was a devastating storm that will never be forgotten - it wrecked the lives of thousands, leaving them homeless and mentally shaken while killing hundreds more. People's lives were shattered, ripped apart, and life in the Big Easy became a living nightmare for those left stranded in its aftermath. It affected the nation in so many ways. Look at the picture (below) of real people after the storm and write a 500 word Fictional Narrative from the viewpoint of one of the young men in the photo - what was he feeling? What did he go through during the storm? Did he lose family members? Was he hungry? What was he feeling as he was trying to keep the battered boat afloat? Do you suppose hte other young man may have been his brother, son, or best friend? Suppose they had been trapped for days, and found the boat floating by in the garbage and rubble that floated through the streets. What was the one young man's reaction and how did he salvage the boat? Did he see this as their only tool for survival? Do you think he may have cried at some point and thought it was hopeless? Give him a fictional identity.
The December Mini-Contest was held over, so no winner was announced at this meeting. However, Bonnie McEwan added some flourish to the pass-around trophy:
The meeting was concluded, as always, with Making a Mark pens being distributed and a rousing Round-Robin reading.
Notes for upcoming meetings:
The April meeting will NOT be moved due to the conflict with the Christian Readers and Writers Conference.
Our March speaker will be Jim McClain, author of Double-Team Trap. He will also be bringing copies of his book for sale at $20 each.
Our April speaker will be Jackie Lewis, Editor of Minute Magazine.
Best wishes go out for a speedy recovery to Marie Brass who fell and injured herself recently. We all look forward to seeing her again at a meeting soon!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
February meeting rescheduled
Due to weather cancellation, the February meeting for the club has been moved to this Saturday, February 12th. Same time, same location.
Monday, January 17, 2011
January Meeting
We welcomed visitor (and now new member) Angela Wells.
Flash writing topics were presented by Bonnie McEwan:
-What do you think about the birds falling from the sky and the fish floating ashore?
-What happens to me during The Winter Solstice?
-If I could change one thing about myself it would be...
-Who is my hero? Why?
-What can I do about the one thing or person that (which) really irritates me?
Congratulations to Bonnie McEwan for winning the December Members Only Mini-Contest!
The January MOMC has been extended to be turned in at the February meeting. John Brizzi has provided the following topic:
Write a short piece of 500 words or less that is dialogue-driven.
MOMC topics will be provided by the following people in upcoming months:
February: Marci Simmons
March: Barbara Moore
April: Cheryl Floyd
May: Dave Hicks
Making a Mark pens were given out to Marie Brass, Shirley Brown, and Carlos Colon
Phillip Volentine distrubuted Minute Magazine, featuring a column he writes.
Barbara Moore demonstrated the Flip Dictionary, which led to a discussion of book resources
Lee Adams gave a motivational speech about writing that made everyone smile.
Outgoing President Becky Haigler was presented with an engraved pen and pedestal as a thank-you for her hard work and dedication under her tenure as club President.
Incoming President Christy Cowden announced the appointment of Phillip Volentine as the new club Vice President.
As always, the meeting ended with a resounding round robin reading session.
Flash writing topics were presented by Bonnie McEwan:
-What do you think about the birds falling from the sky and the fish floating ashore?
-What happens to me during The Winter Solstice?
-If I could change one thing about myself it would be...
-Who is my hero? Why?
-What can I do about the one thing or person that (which) really irritates me?
Congratulations to Bonnie McEwan for winning the December Members Only Mini-Contest!
The January MOMC has been extended to be turned in at the February meeting. John Brizzi has provided the following topic:
Write a short piece of 500 words or less that is dialogue-driven.
MOMC topics will be provided by the following people in upcoming months:
February: Marci Simmons
March: Barbara Moore
April: Cheryl Floyd
May: Dave Hicks
Making a Mark pens were given out to Marie Brass, Shirley Brown, and Carlos Colon
Phillip Volentine distrubuted Minute Magazine, featuring a column he writes.
Barbara Moore demonstrated the Flip Dictionary, which led to a discussion of book resources
Lee Adams gave a motivational speech about writing that made everyone smile.
Outgoing President Becky Haigler was presented with an engraved pen and pedestal as a thank-you for her hard work and dedication under her tenure as club President.
Incoming President Christy Cowden announced the appointment of Phillip Volentine as the new club Vice President.
As always, the meeting ended with a resounding round robin reading session.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Annual Holiday Party
On December 4th, we had our annual holiday party. A great time was had by all as we read holiday stories, ate, and made merry!
Regular business: Phillip Volentine collected submissions for the song lyrics Members-Only Mini Contest after he presented his song "Movin' On". Barbara Moore announced Marcy Simmons as November's Members-Only Mini-Contest winner for her story based on the lighthouse picture presented at October's meeting.
John Brizzi announced the theme for December's contest - "Write a short story of 500 words or less that is dialogue-based."
Pictures to be added soon!
Many of you asked for Julie Brizzi's hummus recipe. Here it is:
Red Pepper Hummus
2 cans garbanzo beans, drained
1 12 ounce jar roasted red peppers in water, drained - reserve liquid
juice of 1 small lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Put everything in a food processor and puree until smooth, gradually adding a tablespoon or two of liquid from red peppers until mixture is slightly fluffy. Transfer to serving bowl and chill 1 hour.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Regular business: Phillip Volentine collected submissions for the song lyrics Members-Only Mini Contest after he presented his song "Movin' On". Barbara Moore announced Marcy Simmons as November's Members-Only Mini-Contest winner for her story based on the lighthouse picture presented at October's meeting.
John Brizzi announced the theme for December's contest - "Write a short story of 500 words or less that is dialogue-based."
Pictures to be added soon!
Many of you asked for Julie Brizzi's hummus recipe. Here it is:
Red Pepper Hummus
2 cans garbanzo beans, drained
1 12 ounce jar roasted red peppers in water, drained - reserve liquid
juice of 1 small lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Put everything in a food processor and puree until smooth, gradually adding a tablespoon or two of liquid from red peppers until mixture is slightly fluffy. Transfer to serving bowl and chill 1 hour.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Meeting Summary - 11-6-10
The meeting began with a flash writing provided by Marie Brass with the following topic choices:
1) Thansksgiving - traveling, food, family dynamics, appreciation thoughts, eating out, or whatever else.
2) The Chilean 70-Day mining drama, ending with a flawless rescue.
3) If you were in line to tell Santa what you'd like for Christmas, what would be on your list?
4) Do you listen to public radio? What are your favorite programs? Why?
5) What is your usual way of successfully having an article written in time for the SWC meeting?
Bonnie McEwan volunteered to provide the flash writing topics for January (There will be no flash writing at the December holiday party).
Congratulations to Cheryl Floyd for winning this month's Member's Only Mini-Contest!
Phillip Volentine gave a demonstration on songwriting and provided the topic for this month's MOMC:
"Write a song consisting of lyrics with chorus and verse, eight lines minimum, twenty-eight lines maximum. Any style or genre will be considered."
MOMC topics will be provided by John Brizzi in December, Marcy Simmons in January, and Christy Cowden in February.
Making a Mark pens were distributed to Dave Hicks, Phillip Volentine, Marie Brass, Bonnie McEwan, Becky Haigler, and John Brizzi.
The meeting ended with a spectacular round-robin reading.
It is with regret that we announce the departure of Becky Haigler as President of the club. She will be moving to St. Louis, MO after the holidays. Please welcome Christy Cowden as our new President.
1) Thansksgiving - traveling, food, family dynamics, appreciation thoughts, eating out, or whatever else.
2) The Chilean 70-Day mining drama, ending with a flawless rescue.
3) If you were in line to tell Santa what you'd like for Christmas, what would be on your list?
4) Do you listen to public radio? What are your favorite programs? Why?
5) What is your usual way of successfully having an article written in time for the SWC meeting?
Bonnie McEwan volunteered to provide the flash writing topics for January (There will be no flash writing at the December holiday party).
Congratulations to Cheryl Floyd for winning this month's Member's Only Mini-Contest!
Phillip Volentine gave a demonstration on songwriting and provided the topic for this month's MOMC:
"Write a song consisting of lyrics with chorus and verse, eight lines minimum, twenty-eight lines maximum. Any style or genre will be considered."
MOMC topics will be provided by John Brizzi in December, Marcy Simmons in January, and Christy Cowden in February.
Making a Mark pens were distributed to Dave Hicks, Phillip Volentine, Marie Brass, Bonnie McEwan, Becky Haigler, and John Brizzi.
The meeting ended with a spectacular round-robin reading.
It is with regret that we announce the departure of Becky Haigler as President of the club. She will be moving to St. Louis, MO after the holidays. Please welcome Christy Cowden as our new President.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Meeting Summary - October 2, 2010
This month’s meeting started with flash writing. The topics this month were provided by Dave Hicks: “The Drought”, “Watching day-time television”, “Give (to) me”, “Driving down my street”, “Election Day”, and “Topic of your choice”. Marie Brass has volunteered to provide the flash writing topics for next month.
Marcy Simmons gave writer’s tips to the group on the topic of “Using entries in Writer’s Market”.
The Committee on Conferences/Contests met on September 18th, and decided that we will not be hosting a conference at this time due to other local groups holding conferences in the next few months. The committee has decided to wait until the club grows some more before attempting to hold our own event, but discussion continues for the club to host something mid-2011.
The Club is expecting some changes to the board in the near future. Becky Haigler will be stepping down as President after her move to St. Louis around the end of the year, and Christy Cowden will be assuming the role of President. Christy will be speaking with individuals, per the by-laws, to assume the role of Vice-President.
The annual Christmas Party will be held either the first or second weekend of December from 11 am to 1 pm (official announcement to be made next month!). Members are welcome to bring a guest, some finger food snacks, and a favorite holiday story to read.
Congratulations to Marcy Simmons for winning last month’s mini-contest! The topic for this month is: Write a fictional story of 500 words or less about the following picture:
Entries are due at the next meeting.
Making a Mark pens were distributed to the following members for their writing submissions/successes: Phillip Volentine, Bonnie McEwan, Marie Brass, and Marcy Simmons.
The meeting ended, as always, with Round-Robin readings from members.
Marcy Simmons gave writer’s tips to the group on the topic of “Using entries in Writer’s Market”.
The Committee on Conferences/Contests met on September 18th, and decided that we will not be hosting a conference at this time due to other local groups holding conferences in the next few months. The committee has decided to wait until the club grows some more before attempting to hold our own event, but discussion continues for the club to host something mid-2011.
The Club is expecting some changes to the board in the near future. Becky Haigler will be stepping down as President after her move to St. Louis around the end of the year, and Christy Cowden will be assuming the role of President. Christy will be speaking with individuals, per the by-laws, to assume the role of Vice-President.
The annual Christmas Party will be held either the first or second weekend of December from 11 am to 1 pm (official announcement to be made next month!). Members are welcome to bring a guest, some finger food snacks, and a favorite holiday story to read.
Congratulations to Marcy Simmons for winning last month’s mini-contest! The topic for this month is: Write a fictional story of 500 words or less about the following picture:
Entries are due at the next meeting.
Making a Mark pens were distributed to the following members for their writing submissions/successes: Phillip Volentine, Bonnie McEwan, Marie Brass, and Marcy Simmons.
The meeting ended, as always, with Round-Robin readings from members.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 4th Meeting
At left, see the terra cotta sculpture created by PAMELA RAINTREE which will serve as traveling trophy for our monthly MEMBERS-ONLY MINI-CONTEST. Thanks to MARCY SIMMONS for the photo! BECKY HAIGLER got to take home THE MUSE figure for "Summer Dress," her entry in the August contest themed "Summer in Shreveport / Bossier."
Several members turned in flash fiction entries for the September contest. The winner, announced at the October meeting, will take home THE MUSE next.
BONNIE McEWAN presented the next assignment--a nature haiku (include a seasonal cue) of three lines, with 17 or fewer syllables but not limited to the old 5-7-5 format. Bonnie shared several websites, including wikipedia, where writers not familiar with modern English haiku can find information. Since haiku are not titled, include the first line of the poem on the entry coversheet--no personal info on the poem itself.
We welcomed visitor/new member CHERYL FLOYD. Treasurer DAVE HICKS distributed the updated roster and gave the Treasurer's report. Meeting minutes for July and August were distributed online prior to the meeting and future treasury reports will be shared the same way, with opportunities for questions or corrections in the meeting time.
FLASH WRITING topics were presented by BECKY HAIGLER and an entertaining variety of work was shared after the writing time. Contact Becky to volunteer to prepare FLASH WRITING topics for October.
MAKING A MARK pens were distributed to members who entered the Members-Only contest and/or had submitted work for publication since the last meeting.
The meeting concluded with ROUND ROBIN READING, after which several members enjoyed continued conversation with lunch at the Boomtown Buffet.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Notes from August 7 meeting
Many thanks to Vice President CHRISTY COWDEN who had to carry the August 7 meeting alone, as all the other officers were out of pocket! Several faithful members were also out sick, including SHIRLEY BROWN, ROSE COX, DONNA STONE, and BONNIE McEWAN. However, it sounds as if the meeting went well, with good attendance in spite of the many who could not be there. If we could get us all together at once....
The new meeting place at Bossier Arts Council was adequate in some ways but reported to be very unkempt. We will talk with the management there before our next meeting.
We welcome several new members this month, including CATHY AMY, MARJORIE BULL, and MARCY SIMMONS.
Thanks to MARIE BRASS who provided Flash Writing topics this month.
CARLOS COLON brought a copy of BRENDA FRIED’s new book Bridging the Gap of Faith, which he helped edit. Brenda joined SWC at the December meeting/party, but has not been able to attend often. Visit BrendaFried.com for more information.
CHRISTY COWDEN provided information on screen writing format and shared some examples. She suggested the purchase of Syd Fields screen writing books, such as Screenplay: Fundamentals of Screenwriting, for those interested in that genre.
PHILLIP VOLENTINE shared some examples of his songwriting, including a recording.
MARCY SIMMONS shared a website members may want to investigate: fundsforwriters.com
We hope members are ruminating and getting ready to write something for the September Members' Only Mini-contest. The theme is 'flash fiction,' an extremely brief short-story form. See this wikipedia entry for more on the genre: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_fiction
Our resident flash fictionista is PAM RAINTREE, who holds to the 300 word limit for flash fiction, but the September contest was announced as a 500 word limit. Remember to prepare a cover sheet for your entry with name, title and contact info. Your name should not appear on any page of the actual entry. (By the way, Making a Mark SWC pens are being awarded to all who participate in the mini-contests.)
P.S. this blog needs more photos! Anyone who'd like to catch a few faces at the meetings?
The new meeting place at Bossier Arts Council was adequate in some ways but reported to be very unkempt. We will talk with the management there before our next meeting.
We welcome several new members this month, including CATHY AMY, MARJORIE BULL, and MARCY SIMMONS.
Thanks to MARIE BRASS who provided Flash Writing topics this month.
CARLOS COLON brought a copy of BRENDA FRIED’s new book Bridging the Gap of Faith, which he helped edit. Brenda joined SWC at the December meeting/party, but has not been able to attend often. Visit BrendaFried.com for more information.
CHRISTY COWDEN provided information on screen writing format and shared some examples. She suggested the purchase of Syd Fields screen writing books, such as Screenplay: Fundamentals of Screenwriting, for those interested in that genre.
PHILLIP VOLENTINE shared some examples of his songwriting, including a recording.
MARCY SIMMONS shared a website members may want to investigate: fundsforwriters.com
We hope members are ruminating and getting ready to write something for the September Members' Only Mini-contest. The theme is 'flash fiction,' an extremely brief short-story form. See this wikipedia entry for more on the genre: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_fiction
Our resident flash fictionista is PAM RAINTREE, who holds to the 300 word limit for flash fiction, but the September contest was announced as a 500 word limit. Remember to prepare a cover sheet for your entry with name, title and contact info. Your name should not appear on any page of the actual entry. (By the way, Making a Mark SWC pens are being awarded to all who participate in the mini-contests.)
P.S. this blog needs more photos! Anyone who'd like to catch a few faces at the meetings?
Monday, July 5, 2010
IN TRANSITION
MORE CHANGES IN MEETING PLACE
There is a saying that the only constant in this life is change. We're beginning to feel that may be true for Shreveport Writers Club! After many years of meeting at the same time, in the same place, we made a series of decisions this year to alter our meeting date, time and place, for a variety of reasons.
Some of those changes are working well, but unfortunately the issue of our meeting place is proving difficult. After two months, our new location informed us we would need to start making some contributions for the use of the facility and suggested we 'pass the hat' at meetings. However, our first contribution in that mode was pronounced insufficient and a request was made for $50 for each use of the space. Given our current membership, that fee is impossible as twelve meetings would take us past the amount of our annual income!
The SWC executive board did quite a bit of research and has found that free meeting space is nearly impossible to find, and where it exists it is not reliable, as far as our being able to claim priority on a regular basis. Our best option for the short term is the Annex building of the Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City, which we can use for a fee of $20. The space is large, easy to access on the ground floor and has ample parking very close to the entrance at the back of the building. This is also the location of the East Bank Theatre. If you are not familiar with the area, drive by before August 7 to learn the best route for you and plan to meet with us there August 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
MINI-CONTESTS
Now something fun! SWC members have accepted a suggestion from the board that we try some monthly mini-contests, open to paid members only. Volunteers will take turns choosing a topic or genre or writing exercise to assign each month. Members may participate for no fee and will bring their entries to the following meeting. The member who initiated the contest will find a volunteer judge, someone who enjoys reading and who will remain anonymous. The judge will be asked simply to read all the entries and pronounce one the favorite. Pamela Raintree has offered to create a traveling trophy/vase to go home with the contest winner each month.
For August, members may write a personal essay of 1000 words or less on the theme of "Summer in Shreveport/Bossier." DAVE HICKS proposed the topic and will find a judge. Bring your essays to the meeting with a cover sheet including the title, your name and contact info. No personal information should appear on the pages of the essay. At the September meeting DAVE will bring back the essays and the judge's selection and our first monthly winner will take home the traveling trophy.
In the meantime, other volunteers will make assignments for mini-contests in August and September, etc., so there is always a little friendly competition in the works, just another way to keep us writing.
DUES
We welcome new SWC member JOHN BRIZZI. As of the July meeting, Treasurer DAVE HICKS reports we have 17 paid members. If you are not one of them, please plan to get your dues paid by the August meeting. New rosters will be distributed in September and we want to include you. Also, you are only elegible to share in Round Robin Reading, Making a Mark submission awards, and now the new mini-contests if you are a paid-up member!
There is a saying that the only constant in this life is change. We're beginning to feel that may be true for Shreveport Writers Club! After many years of meeting at the same time, in the same place, we made a series of decisions this year to alter our meeting date, time and place, for a variety of reasons.
Some of those changes are working well, but unfortunately the issue of our meeting place is proving difficult. After two months, our new location informed us we would need to start making some contributions for the use of the facility and suggested we 'pass the hat' at meetings. However, our first contribution in that mode was pronounced insufficient and a request was made for $50 for each use of the space. Given our current membership, that fee is impossible as twelve meetings would take us past the amount of our annual income!
The SWC executive board did quite a bit of research and has found that free meeting space is nearly impossible to find, and where it exists it is not reliable, as far as our being able to claim priority on a regular basis. Our best option for the short term is the Annex building of the Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City, which we can use for a fee of $20. The space is large, easy to access on the ground floor and has ample parking very close to the entrance at the back of the building. This is also the location of the East Bank Theatre. If you are not familiar with the area, drive by before August 7 to learn the best route for you and plan to meet with us there August 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
MINI-CONTESTS
Now something fun! SWC members have accepted a suggestion from the board that we try some monthly mini-contests, open to paid members only. Volunteers will take turns choosing a topic or genre or writing exercise to assign each month. Members may participate for no fee and will bring their entries to the following meeting. The member who initiated the contest will find a volunteer judge, someone who enjoys reading and who will remain anonymous. The judge will be asked simply to read all the entries and pronounce one the favorite. Pamela Raintree has offered to create a traveling trophy/vase to go home with the contest winner each month.
For August, members may write a personal essay of 1000 words or less on the theme of "Summer in Shreveport/Bossier." DAVE HICKS proposed the topic and will find a judge. Bring your essays to the meeting with a cover sheet including the title, your name and contact info. No personal information should appear on the pages of the essay. At the September meeting DAVE will bring back the essays and the judge's selection and our first monthly winner will take home the traveling trophy.
In the meantime, other volunteers will make assignments for mini-contests in August and September, etc., so there is always a little friendly competition in the works, just another way to keep us writing.
DUES
We welcome new SWC member JOHN BRIZZI. As of the July meeting, Treasurer DAVE HICKS reports we have 17 paid members. If you are not one of them, please plan to get your dues paid by the August meeting. New rosters will be distributed in September and we want to include you. Also, you are only elegible to share in Round Robin Reading, Making a Mark submission awards, and now the new mini-contests if you are a paid-up member!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June meeting
SWC met Saturday, June 5, under the able leadership of new VP CHRISTY COWDEN. We welcomed visitor John Brizzi. Members passed an amendment to the bylaws which made some minor changes in assignment of officer duties.
Membership fees for 2010-2011 are DUE NOW! Several members paid dues at the June meeting. Others are reminded to take care of that quickly, as new rosters will be distributed soon and only paid members will be included. Also, some of our activities are reserved for members only, such as Making a Mark awards and Round-Robin Reading. Members will also enjoy reduced contest fees for the 2011 contest and will be able to participate in some mini-contests planned for members only this year.
MARIAN POE and BARBARA MOORE agreed to serve on the planning committee for a one-day conference to be held in conjunction with the 2011 Shreveport Writers Club contest. A third volunteer is sought for early planning. President BECKY HAIGLER will join the committee as well. Please let one of these ladies know if you would like to be on the core committee, or if you just want to contribute some suggestions for the event and logistics of the conference/contest.
Members voted to make a memorial donation to Willis-Knighton Hospice in honor of Marjorie Clayton.
New bookmarks with updated meeting information were distributed. Members are encouraged to watch for opportunities to share them with potential members.
Membership fees for 2010-2011 are DUE NOW! Several members paid dues at the June meeting. Others are reminded to take care of that quickly, as new rosters will be distributed soon and only paid members will be included. Also, some of our activities are reserved for members only, such as Making a Mark awards and Round-Robin Reading. Members will also enjoy reduced contest fees for the 2011 contest and will be able to participate in some mini-contests planned for members only this year.
MARIAN POE and BARBARA MOORE agreed to serve on the planning committee for a one-day conference to be held in conjunction with the 2011 Shreveport Writers Club contest. A third volunteer is sought for early planning. President BECKY HAIGLER will join the committee as well. Please let one of these ladies know if you would like to be on the core committee, or if you just want to contribute some suggestions for the event and logistics of the conference/contest.
Members voted to make a memorial donation to Willis-Knighton Hospice in honor of Marjorie Clayton.
New bookmarks with updated meeting information were distributed. Members are encouraged to watch for opportunities to share them with potential members.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
New Officers!
SWC members enjoyed an informative presentation by area author WINNIE GRIGGS on making effective transitions in writing. We also welcomed new member PHILLIP VOLENTINE.
After Winnie's presentation, our business meeting included election of officers for the next two-year term. BECKY HAIGLER will serve another term as President, CHRISTY COWDEN will serve as Vice President, PAMELA RAINTREE as Secretary, and DAVE HICKS will be our new Treasurer. Becky expressed thanks to out-going officers VP SHIRLEY BROWN, Secretary BARBARA MOORE, and Treasurer JUNE DOWIS. June has actually served the club for three two-year terms.
The club approved a proposed amendment to the bylaws to make our meeting time a half-hour later, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. New information pages for visitors and new bookmarks with meeting info will be available next meeting.
Membership dues should be paid in June. This $20 fee is virtually our only source of income. Members who do not renew in June will receive a reminder in July. If dues are not received by the August meeting date, the member will not be included in the new roster to be made available in September. Thanks for taking care of this obligation quickly.
After Winnie's presentation, our business meeting included election of officers for the next two-year term. BECKY HAIGLER will serve another term as President, CHRISTY COWDEN will serve as Vice President, PAMELA RAINTREE as Secretary, and DAVE HICKS will be our new Treasurer. Becky expressed thanks to out-going officers VP SHIRLEY BROWN, Secretary BARBARA MOORE, and Treasurer JUNE DOWIS. June has actually served the club for three two-year terms.
The club approved a proposed amendment to the bylaws to make our meeting time a half-hour later, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. New information pages for visitors and new bookmarks with meeting info will be available next meeting.
Membership dues should be paid in June. This $20 fee is virtually our only source of income. Members who do not renew in June will receive a reminder in July. If dues are not received by the August meeting date, the member will not be included in the new roster to be made available in September. Thanks for taking care of this obligation quickly.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Author Winnie Griggs at May Meeting
WINNIE GRIGGS, Louisiana author of historical romances, will be our speaker for the May 1st meeting. Winnie is an officer in other local writers' groups and has been a key figure in the Author! Author! events held each summer at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.
There are also some important items of business to deal with after Winnie's presentation. We will be voting on a suggestion to amend the bylaws to move our meeting times to 10:30 a.m. And, we will elect new officers for the next two-year term.
As always, members may bring copies of work in progress to share for Round Robin Reading at the end of the meeting.
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