Macomb Guild of Writers, Year II, Take I

It’s official… Cathy Plum, the fabulous founder and irreplaceable first President of the Macomb Guild of Writers is now the Founding President. The first official meeting of the second year has taken place.

President: Jenifer DeBellis

Vice President: Stella Wilfinger

Secretary/Treasurer: Cynthia Anne Hurt

Public Relations: Michael Ciavone

Faculty Advisor: Clark Iverson

Congratulations to all of you!

Homework time!

The key word this week is “bio.” Bios are important to writers. They’re written in third person, and they generally include your name, occupation, and any information that is relevant to you as a writer. This week, Cathy and Jen asked each of us to write two bios, one with 25 words, and one with 50.

Sample bio: Luisa Zavich is a Macomb Community College student on the road to becoming an English major. Along with writing, her time is often occupied with the sounds of her blue guitar, reading, and insane amounts of schoolwork. Her hopes are to become a professor and write professionally.

Other things of note…

- Vice President Stella Wilfinger mentioned community outreach is in the works for the Macomb Guild of Writers. (i.e. library readings, adult foster homes, senior centers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, blanket drives, etc…)

- Our very own Cathy Plum is teaching a Workforce and Continuing Education class called Writing For Publication. It’s on page 41 of the booklet (I know this because I circled it and drew a smiley face next to it on my copy). Cathy is very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and she is one of the most authentic people in the history of people. Take her class. You will learn and you will love it.

Writing for Publication with Cathy Plum:

It’s $139 for 8 sessions.

Mondays from 6-9 pm at Macomb Community College

Center Campus 8/23-10/18

OR

Mondays from 6-9 pm at Macomb Community College

South Campus 10/25-12/13

- Twyla Tharp, dancer, choreographer, and author, is going to be at Macomb Community College on 14 October 2010 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15, $5 for students, $30 for a meet and greet. Twyla wrote The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life, a book Stella brought for show and tell. It sounds like an encouraging, relevant book for you writers.

Thanks to EVERYONE for attending. :)

Poetry Party...

...was truly enjoyable. Most of the audience read, and a couple members graced us with a musical performance. Macomb Guild of Writer member Michael Ciavone sang an original, along with a song called "Ghost Dance," and it was so pretty, I had to look it up when I got home. (I played "Little One," and didn't forget any of the words this time.)

The event was held at Biggby Coffee on Hall Road and Romeo Plank.

The two lovely ladies addressing the audience and participants are Jenifer DeBellis and Cathy Plum, the President and Founding President of the Macomb Guild of Writers. 

Whatever flavor you were in the mood for, this event had it. The last summer reading of 2010 showcased a wide range of styles. I'm terribly pleased to say that there were a few new faces. A profile on each member is in the works...

A little background information: The Macomb Guild of Writers was recently voted the best new club of Macomb Community College, and is open to community members as well as students.

One surprising turn of events was guitar instructor and local musician Emily Rose, who played two original songs for us (and tuned my guitar, which I very much appreciate). The talented songstress has won the  Outstanding Acoustic Songwriter award at the Detroit Music awards for the past two years, so this was a real treat.

Taken from my humble seat in the back while President Jenifer DeBellis was reading. The coffee cup in the bottom right corner is my Uncle Joe's! So awesome of him to come, especially since though I'm no Stevie Ray Vaughan.

I always have a great time at events thrown by the fabulous Macomb Guild of Writers. Can't wait until the next one.