Meeting Minutes - 13 September 2010

First off – I want to thank everyone - from the heart of my bottom - that came to the Macomb Guild-of Writers meeting...

I think I'm safe in saying that the board - Jenifer Smythe DeBellis, Cathy Plum, Stella Wilfinger, Cynthia Anne Hurt, Michael Ciavone - appreciate your FABULOUS commitment.

Peer-to-Peer Workshops are about to begin!

HOMEWORK: Bring 3 hard copies of something you’re written for next week. No more than 2 pages. If you want to bring an excerpt, you are more than welcome to do so. Remember… bring your best work.

Another thing to remember… an open mind is important – not only in regards to the work of other writers, but also your own. Peer-to-Peer workshops are about improvement - providing and receiving constructive criticism. The goal is not only to improve as writers, but as readers. To be a good writer is to be a good reader... and being a good reader not only improves your knowledge, but it also helps you apply that knowledge to the craft of writing, adding to your already existent gift, style, and voice.

:)

Networking for Writers: RedBubble

“EXHIBIT, BE INSPIRED & SELL”

Personally, I really enjoy this site. There is an emphasis on community, which is quite lovely. It isn’t just about sharing work. Writers and artists share thoughts, as well.

When you want to add your work, this is what you see:

Art & Photography

T-Shirts – Hoodies & Stickers

Calendars

Writing – creative writing, short stories, poems

Journal – notes, announcements, how-tos

The range of art is immense, and the talent is surprising at first. I have read some of the most wonderful poetry on this site.

The only thing I could criticize is the lack of criticism. The comments are all positive, and as a writer, what I search for is constructive criticism. (Remember, you should never, ever be completely negative when critiquing someone’s work. Always lead with a positive remark. More to come on “Critiquing Effectively…” I have much more to say on this topic.)

Nevertheless, this site had taught me a lot. Reading others' work is helpful/educational to me as a writer. It opens my eyes to so many different ideas, types of writing, etc...

Members on Redbubble (that I know of... let me know if your name should be here, so I can add you to this list!):

President Jenifer DeBellis

Vice President Stella Wilfinger

Public Relations "Dude" Michael Ciavone

Sarah Sinnaeve

Milica Jokanovic
Courtney Brown
Brooke Kelley

Luisa Zavich

Honorary member:

Chris1249, a writer that Jen met on Review Fuse, another social netoworking site for writers. (Review of this site coming soon!) Chris is a perfect example of how wonderful online networking can be. His work is definitely worth the time.

Vice President Stella Wilfinger says:

"RedBubble has over 1,000 groups for everything imaginable. They are very easy to join, and usually welcome 2 submissions per 24 hours (each), and MOST hold weekly features and regular challenges. 

The challenges are much easier for artists, as RB does not have a system in place yet for writing challenges. When a group does hold a writing contest, you either have to attach your work to a photograph or painting, or the contest is held in the forums. It's rare. I think that's why Jen was saying it's hard for her to be in challenges, as she has more writing up than art; I have a lot more art up than writing. 

The more groups you join, submit to, and participate in, the better your chances of having your work noticed. I am in a ton of groups and plan to join many more. I love the opportunity to get my art out there, and I adore seeing the work and tastes of others. If one person belongs to 25 groups and another to 100, guess who'll have more luck getting wins or features? You MUST be active active active to collect regular accolades."

That's RB in a written nutshell. Hopefully, it's helpful. If there is any confusion, my e-mail is zavichl@aol.com, and questions are more than welcome!

Resources, Part I

Founding President Cathy Plum stressed at our last meeting that YOU CAN MAKE A CAREER OUT OF WRITING, and she could not be more right. It is important to know that as a writer, there are infinite opportunities available to you.

If you want to learn more… then pony up $139 for 8 sessions of Writing for Publication with Cathy Plum! The course is being held at Macomb Community College’s South Campus, on Mondays from 6-9 pm, beginning 25 October until 13 December of this year. This woman knows her stuff, and every ounce of her assistance is in complete earnest. The bonus of taking a course like this is the personal support. If you have the money, I highly recommend it.

The internet is also a helpful tool. I’ve been casually looking around for free things (there’s nothing I love more!) and found a few interesting sites:

• Poewar.com is an online “Writing Career Center.” Along with an extremely informative blog (that I am quickly growing addicted to), it also provides actual job listings for writers. You don’t even have to pay money to apply. This is a gold mine, baby. Check it out!

• Writingcareer.com has a lot of resources. I haven’t taken the time to really peruse this one, but I did download a free e-book on freelance writing that sounded really interesting. This site includes articles, blogs, even a resource link with a list of writing-related links! This is definitely worth checking out.

• Writing Careers for the 21st Century includes more in-depth definitions on a select few, but I found this independent article really helpful.

Important things to remember...

1. Apply yourself. Do not get discouraged if something (or multiple things) doesn’t go your way. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try, try, TRY AGAIN.
2. Most professions out there are “fickle.” You are not the only person in this type of situation. If you love it, you will do it. You CAN do it.
3. Before paying for any type of online writing resource, get a second opinion… at least. PLEASE… and thank you.
4. ATTITUDE… is crucial. Love yourself, love your work… but don’t get arrogant. Stay grounded. Being narcissistic can and will hurt you.
5. Don't be afraid.

Go forth, and write something.

I'll leave you with this Judy Garland quote: “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.”

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.