 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Workshop Calendar Monthly meetings are from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Rockwell Library unless otherwise noted. They are open to members and non-members. Aug. 21 Sept. 18 |
NEXT MEETING: Aug. 21 Critique Groups 1:30-4:00 p.m. Many of our members regularly ask how to find or form a critique group. In August, we'll not only talk about how it works, we'll reserve some time to practice! Bring a sample of your writing that you're willing to share and open up to others for critique. You may even find other people willing to start a regular group. We also reserve some time to discuss an element of the writing craft at every meeting. |
| About Our Past Speakers |
Ronda led us through interactive exercises to help us develop the relationships between our characters. We discussed the seven meta-skills for strong relationships and the four most toxic things you can do to poison them. Ronda spent 15 years as a legal assistant, eight of which she spent helping people through divorce and custody cases. She was also a Kansas Supreme Court approved mediator for the divorce courts. The next level of her journey seemed natural when she became a trained relationship coach. Her website is www.resolveittogether.com.
Phyllis runs a business helping others write their memoirs called The Memory Catchers, and she is the author of the workbook How to Write Time of Your Life Stories in Ten Easy Steps.
KWA member and author Brian Johnson gave us a crash course in storm chasing and talked about writing his horror novel, Hell to Pay. Visit his blogs (including weather photos) at ruminationsofthunder.blogspot.com and thatdamndash.blogspot.com.
KWA member and author Mike Klaassen shared his expertise on "Scene & Sequels: The Ebb and Flow of Fiction," and led us through an excellent workshop to practice this method of pacing your action. Mike is the author of two young-adult novels -- Cracks and The Brute. He has also written numerous articles and book reviews about the craft of writing fiction. And he publishes a monthly e-newsletter, "For Fiction Writers." Visit his website at MikeKlaassen.com
Jerry's first book, Just Folks: Earthy Tales of the Prairie Heartland, has been in reprint, and his second book, A Heartland Voice: Just Folks Two, has shown the same kind of success rate. His latest collection is Highly Embellished Truth & Some Poetry: Just Folks Three Jerry hears often that readers find his short stories uplifting and unique. Jerry has a long history in newspapers and agriculture, and now writes for the Hillsboro Free Press. He lives near Marion Reservoir where his wife, Belinda, runs a horse farm. Find out more about him at JerryEngler.com or at his site on Authors Den. Writer and screenplay analyst Elizabeth Stevens gave us illuminating insights into Hollywood and the art and craft of screenwriting. Plus, check out the extras from her talk that weren't in the September newsletter. CASTS System for Scene Revision Author and KWA member Hazel Hart walked us through the CASTS system for revising your scenes, to maximize the use of fundamental story techniques. KWA member Vicki Hermes-Bond gave some great tips for jump-starting a short story. Check out the exercises she suggested. Dos and Don'ts of Author Websites Check out our panel's tips and find links to sites mentioned at our workshop on building your own website. |
Phyllis Rowland
Brian Johnson
Mike Klaassen
Author Jerry Engler