Revisited Garden: Myosotis Secunda

Sense & Setting

Happy November!

The Sense & Setting exercise is all about details.

Details can be our friends, writers. Use them carefully.

Using concrete and significant details, you can say a lot about a character -

Concrete details appeal to the senses.

i.e. The old coffee was growing a greenish-white mold.

Significant details convey ideas, emotions and/or judgements.

i.e. The putrid, greenish-white mold growing out of the cold coffee cup was becoming unbearable.

For this prompt, write about a setting to reveal a character. Describe the environment using all of the senses - sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste.

I wrote about a female's bedroom. You could write about another space, such as a kitchen, a car, a garage, a basement, etc.

This need not be more than a page - around 250 words.

Good luck!

Halloween Open Mic Night At Macomb Community College

I thought I'd post a couple clips of two talented writing group members reading at the Macomb Community College event given by Student Life and Leadership in P building on Thursday, 28 October, 2010.

This first video is of Milica Jokanovic, a new member of the writing group and Macomb Guild of Writers, slamming one of her pieces at the open mic night. She has a captivating style; I'd highly recommend checking this one out.

This next video is a clip of Brooke Kelley, another talented member, reading two of her pieces (one of which is published in our latest Half Book). She also put a plug in for our 9 November 2010 event before her read, so hats off to this unique and talented lady! We're happy to have her in our club.

 

As well as an open mic contest, there was a costume contest, pumpkin painting, and free pizza and soda at the event. Below is a photo of the pumpkin painting table.

SPOTLIGHT: Professor Clark Iverson

Quote from President Jenifer DeBellis:
"Professor Clark Iverson, aka Professor Top Hat, was a natural choice for faculty advisor when the founding officers were developing MCC's Writing Club. His commitment and interaction within this organization have contributed to the overall success of the club. Whether he is leading a writing exercise during a meeting, contributing to the open discussions, or simply counseling the officers behind the scenes, his guidance and contributions are highly valued. Professor Iverson is an invaluable asset to this discourse community."

Q: Officially, you are the faculty advisor to the writing group at Macomb Community College. What does that mean to you?

Part of what it means is simply bureaucratic. Beyond that, it means an opportunity for advice and mentoring, since the writing club converges with my area of professional expertise.

Q: What happened on the day Cathy approached you with the idea of writing group?

I cannot remember the details clearly, but I remember being happy about it.

Q: Members who may not have otherwise been published have been featured in other publications along with the Half Books. How does this make you feel, and what do you think it says about the writing group?

I am very pleased that those members are getting the experience, beyond the creative practice, of submitting their pieces. Also, the production of the Half Books is just a marvelously inspired project. It tells me that the group is very healthy and that the movers and shakers within it are remarkably self-motivated. It all makes me feel enraged. No, wait. It all makes me feel happy for the young people becoming active in the artistic community, and at times a tiny bit proud.

Q: You're an admired professor here on campus. What's the best part of your job? The worst part? Would you recommend teaching as a career?

The best part of my job is simply the teaching. That is why I wanted to be at a community college instead of a university, where research and the publish-or-perish rat race take priority. I believe in undergraduate teaching, and that’s what I like. Within that practice, I like students who listen to me and work hard. 

The worst part is dealing with plagiarism. I regard it as a betrayal of learning and as something that ultimately harms civilization.

As for recommending teaching as a career, the answer is a qualified yes. It’s not for everybody, and you certainly don’t become an educator in order to get rich. For those who love ideas and who want a more thoughtful world, it’s a good profession.

Q: The other day I was in a class that shall not be named for purposes of keeping my reputation intact and a fellow student who took a class of yours referred to you as "The Top Hat Guy." How do you feel about this label?

I think the label is a little silly, but it doesn’t bother me. What concerns me more is that a student took a class from me yet afterwards still focused on my attire instead of ideas from the course.

Q: What inspires you?

Inspiration comes from a constantly shifting cornucopia. At the moment I’ll limit the list to Gluttony, Rage, Lust, Sloth, Envy, Pride, and Avarice.

Q; Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? Advice for anyone who aspires to something?

Yes to both.

To aspiring writers: pay your dues. Write a lot. Be good readers. Care more about your craft than about getting your feelings validated. Stick with it.

To anyone: the learning never stops. You aren’t out of the woods yet, so enjoy the woods. 

Flash! Fiction.

The Individual Elements Prompt/Flash Fiction Exercise we introduced at the last meeting will be a learning experience for you writers.

You must remember that with only 150 words to spare - you do not have the time to introduce everything and everyone. It is acceptable to start in the middle of the action/scenario.

You must include the elements we voted on at the meeting - - -

Characters: Female Acrobat, Male Detective, Male Poet
Setting/Environment: Cruise Ship
Foil: Holiday

If you have any questions, any of the board members would be happy to answer them. My email is zavichl@aol.com

Get writing.

Creative Reading Photos Courtesy of Leigh C. Grant

Leigh C. Grant, a professor at Macomb Community College, was our feature reader.

NPR Three-Minute Fiction Contest Round Five

"Hey MCC Writing Club members, check this link out. Even if you don't have time to get this done before the Sunday deadline, challenge yourself to the prompt. All qualifying submissions received within the next week will be published in a "Some People Swore that the House Was Haunted Half Book." What are you waiting for? Get me tho...se stories!" ~ President Jenifer DeBellis (Compliments of JensHead Publications. Submissions may be posted in this forum via blog, redbubble, or deviantart link, or emailed to macombguildofwriters@gmail.com)

Official Contest Rules


Submit Story Here


Here are the basic guidelines:
Your story must begin with the following line:
"Some people swore that the house was haunted."
Your story must end with this line:
"Nothing was ever the same again after that."
Including these lines, your story must be 600 words or less.
One entry per person
DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m., EDT, on Sept. 26.


C'MON GUYS... 600 measly words. Let's all get rejected together.

Optional Prompt: Do You Elucubrate?

Burning the midnight oil originally meant working late into the night. (Source.)

Around the time that saying became popular, the use of the word elucubrate was common - though it really isn't used now. Henry Cockeram defined elucubrate in his 1623 The English Dictionarie: "To doe a thing by candlelight."

Here's a prompt for you. Write a poem or short story, but include:

• Burning the midnight oil, and/or
• Elucubrate

You can post a response here, or send me an e-mail at zavichl@aol.com

My attempt will be posted as a response. Keep in mind that this is just a prompt - it's for fun! Along with being enjoyable - writing exercises help you grow as a writer. Practice is effective... and that's a proven fact!

Happy Tuesday, writers.

Critiquing Effectively, Part I

Critiquing is a valuable skill, and an important part of communication. Not only does it improve your writing, it improves your ability to write. There is a wrong way to critique, unfortunately – which is why I am going to give you a few tips that have helped me.


It is possible for you to get as much out of critiquing as the recipient of your critique. Looking at another writer’s work will encourage self-criticism – you’ll learn how to apply your newfound critiquing skills to your own work.

• Honesty is important. As a writer, you should want to improve, and you should know that the people whose work you’re critiquing want the same thing. Lying doesn’t help you learn – and it hurts the growth of the one being critiqued as well.

• Be constructive. If you can’t criticize with kindness and be encouraging to your fellow writers, then you should spend some time practicing this. One harsh comment could incite your fellow writer into a depression. This brings me to…

• Develop thick skin. If you want to improve – as you should – then you need to remember that writing is a FICKLE profession. You could be a writing prodigy, but lacking the basic knowledge and proper tools, along with not being able to take criticism, can only hurt you.

• Objectivity! You must avoid being biased – it is possible, and it is essential to improvement. It is impossible to be completely objective, but you should try to be as unbiased as possible.

• Revise revise revise. That is what critiques are for. To make sure your best work makes it to the forefront. Don't leave things unless you are absolutely sure you want them and if a critique makes you doubt something, try and see their point of view. Bottom line is - it's your work, so if you don't want to use the suggestions, you don't have to. (Courtesy of Milica Jokanovic)

The first time you read through the piece, you shouldn’t read too intently. Getting a general impression of the writing is important. Major grammatical errors may be marked, but don’t delve too deeply into the content. Think about what stood out to you and write it down – be constructive with each remark. You can read it again after, more carefully, after you’ve acquainted yourself with the writing and style. Repetition only moves along the writing and editing process in a positive direction.


More specific things to look for: theme, word choice, form, grammar/punctuation/mechanics, setting, point of view, development, pacing, dialogue, characterization.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Jenifer DeBellis

Jenifer DeBellis, president of the Macomb Writing Club, couldn't be more deserving of the title. The organization started as a humble idea for fellow Macomb Community College student and Founding President Cathy Plum, and it would not be what it is without the immaculate efforts put in by Jenifer. She has spent endless time, her own money, and given her genuine heart to the one-year-old club. Thanks to her determination and devotion, the Writing Club and Macomb Guild of Writers have published five Half Books, hosted numerous events, and continue to bring together creatively gifted minds in an environment that inspires education, versatile growth, and lifelong friendship.

Q: The Writing Club and Macomb Guild of Writers have come a long way since they were first established a year ago. What were your original intentions when you began this project with Cathy?

Returning to school as a legitimately seasoned adult has been more advantageous than I dreamed possible. Not wanting to experience college life as a hit-and-run student like I did the first time around, I immediately sought out MCC’s offerings for writers. To my dismay, there weren’t any extra-curricular outlets for creative writers. But I wasn’t alone in my desire for this type of interaction. One email and phone call later – a two-hour conversation, I might add – and Cathy Plum and I could be confused for long lost friends finding each other again. And she’s not the only one: Stella (Wilfinger) Rothe and Nancy Washburn were equally as passionate about uniting for this cause.

Our combined passions and desires for these creative networks were harmonious. We planned on creating a nurturing and safe environment for aspiring writers and artists to come together, learn the tools of the trade, and inspire one another in their creative pursuits. Our intention was to grow and have fun together. The aspect of self-publishing a student publication was one dear to all of our hearts. And with Cathy’s dream of the Half Book, our baby was born.

Q: Members that may not have otherwise been published in a major publication have been featured in other publications along with the Half Books. How does this make you feel, and what do you think it says about the writing group?

Well, as part of my bio states, I am passionate about inspiring the creativity in others and watching their dreams become a reality. Encouraging other writers and artists to submit their work for publication in the Half Books, as well as steering them toward SEVERAL other submissions venues, has been so rewarding. It’s such a blessing to work with such amazingly beautiful minds, and it’s an honor to publish their work. A highlight on this note is that the 2010 spring issue of the Bac Street Journal included the works of five MCC students. It was exhilarating to be published with four of my classmates that I personally encouraged to submit to this Chicago based publication.

Q: What are you present goals for the writing group? What do you wish to accomplish?

My goals are to continue nurturing these groups with the original vision statement in mind. I am also excited about implementing peer-to-peer workshopping during club time, as well as bringing in MCC faculty members who will be sharing areas of specialty. As I prepare to transfer to OU in the winter, it is also important to me to continue structuring the bridge that spans the gap between the two networks.

Q: Of course, you would not have joined the group if you weren’t also the talented and passionate writer that you are. What inspires you? What type of writing do you do the most?

Ah, to narrow down my passions – I will do my best. I am inspired by everything! Life is one big playground of inspiration: interesting people, music, places, things… it’s hard not to be inspired into a creative mindset. I live life hard, love even harder, and see things through unique eyes.

Poetry is my strong suit and largest passion, but my love of writing short stories is evolving into a serious contender. One thing that can be said about my style is that I tend to focus in on little details, and I can’t resist painting a picture with words through unique metaphors and surreal symbolism.

Q: Along with being an exceptional student, talented writer, and cherished president of the writing group, you are also a supportive wife and dedicated mother. How do you balance it all? Do you have any advice for the students, especially ones with children?

Here is the million-dollar question! Balance is an illusion, one that can steal one’s peace if not careful. Learning how to prioritize has been a work in progress and learn-as-I-go journey. Before returning to school, I was overly dedicated to my family. This truth, combined with the distractions and change in focus, was challenging for my entire household. A year later, we have managed to work through many disappointments, rebuild relationships, and collectively establish reasonable expectations. And we are all better for the experience!

My advice to students with children is to understand there will be obstacles along the road to achieving any of their dreams. However, complete self-sacrifice is a temporary phase in a mother’s life; it isn’t healthy for anyone in the household if she remains in this position permanently. Finding ways to bridge the gap of both worlds is well worth the effort.

It’s been quite a journey. You’ve done a Herculean job with this organization, and I think every single member would agree with me when I say that as a member and a friend, you are irreplaceable. Being a part of The Macomb Guild of Writers means a great deal to me; I’m certain that I am not the only one who feels this way, and I want to congratulate you on it all.