Kansas Writers Association

This will be my last writing prompts, as it is time to turn this enjoyable task over to someone else. I have enjoyed doing these. It is fun to see how talented our KWA members are. Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year. Louise

1. Thinking in time, what is the most wonderful Christmas holiday you remember? Tell us what made it so special and why you remember it.
2. Do you think girls are raised differently from boys? If so, in what ways?
3. Write a physical description of your mother. Write as if you were looking at a movie rather than a photograph.
4. Imagine yourself as a teacher. What type of student would you like to teach, and why?

The December meeting is the “party” meeting. It isn’t required, but you are invited to bring something finger-food wise to share with everyone. There will also be a gift exchange for anyone wanting to take part in that. Bring something of $10 value approximately that is related somehow to writing: a new or gently-used book, pens, paper, etc.

I don’t know if there will be a time to share your writing prompt exercise, but in case there is or you just want to do a challenge, here are some prompts.

Words: heaven – bicycle – cradle – fox – wheelbarrow

Prompt: Write about someone interesting from your past.

The November 16th meeting was a great one with lots of enthusiasm and excitement about writing, sharing and caring about each other. It is always wonderful to be part of such an experience.

More and more people are sharing their hand at doing one of the writing challenges. It is fun to hear the different takes on using the challenge words or trying one of the writing prompts.

We discussed the idea of doing another KWA anthology in 2020, after having not done one in 2019. There was a lot of interest in the project. Sonny Collins said he would publish it, as he has done for us for many years. We will have a small committee to help with this project. Guidelines will be passed out in January and on the website. They will be pretty much like they were in the past, with a deadline for submissions of August 31, 2020.

Starla Criser presented dual programs on explaining Metadata and dealing with Sagging Middles. Handouts are available on request.

The 2020 Board of Directors/Officers were elected as follows:

President – David Heffelfinger

Vice President – Starla Criser

Recording Secretary – Wendell and Clystia Skinner

Treasurer – Chris Davies

Members at Large – Dustin Boetcher and Nicole Valek

As always, we have additional writing prompt choices to offer those of you interested in a challenge.

These are from Louise Pelzl.

1. Everyone needs to learn to do an elevator pitch. What is it, you ask? Pretend you are on an elevator, and you have seconds to interest someone; editor, agent or anyone in your story. It should only be two to three sentences and should give a description of your novel or short story.
2. Who is the person from history that you would most like to meet and talk to? Why? What would you like to ask?
3. I had never seen it used as a weapon before, but when he tried to attack me with a _______, I couldn’t help but laugh. I wasn’t going to let him take the treasure from me-I needed to save a life. (Write a story that follows these lines.)
4. Describe the one thing that gives you the most comfort.

This is a photo postcard from Jim Potter to be used as a prompt idea.

It was brought to my attention that KWA members with books to sell could bring them to the November meeting. I was not at the meeting and no one mentioned this to me.

But, in truth, our authors may bring their books for sale to any meeting. It is always just taking a chance that someone might want to buy a copy.

It’s almost time again for the KWA monthly meeting, which means it’s time for you to think about trying a writing challenge. If you haven’t tried doing so, now is your chance!

The words to play with are: violin – strawberry – cow – courage – nuts

Prompt: Turn an inanimate object into a character, maybe something from your home.

This is an important meeting for the membership. It is time to elect the board members for 2020. If you are interested in running for a position, let one of the current board members know.

The program will cover several topics and be presented by Starla Criser. As usual, she will have lots of handouts. Not every writer is at the same stage in their writing, but the handouts can be kept for when the information does work for you.

Topics to cover and be discussed by the attendees:

Metadata: What it is and why it is so important to understand

Memoirs: Basic information about writing a memoir

Sagging Middles: Tips on how to work around the problem

The following are links to many different potential paying markets for writers.

7 Print Publications that Pay Writers

10 Fiction Paying Markets for October 2019

Fiction Markets for October 2019 (want short stories)

27 Theme Calls for Submissions of Non-ficiton Articles, Essays, Etc.

In case you need some more writing prompts to challenge you, here are some additional ones.

• You’re walking home from work one night and are taking shortcuts through a labyrinth of dark city alleyways to meet someone on time. Suddenly, a stranger parts the shadows in front of you, comes close, and asks you to hold out your palm. You oblige.
• A friend who hates to garden asks you to tend the plants in her flower beds. While you are doing so, you find an old wooden box buried in the ground. What do you do with it?
• Describe the perfect day. Put in as many details as you can. Make it a possible day, not a “dream day.”
• Write about two things that your family has taught you.

As always, we like to challenge our members to test their writing skills and their imagination. If you haven’t taken part in this, you’re missing out on the fun. Bring your writing exercise to the meeting to share with others.

Writing Exercise Words: moth – bookcase – anger – rabbit – river

Writing Prompt: You’re a ghost looking for a new home in your neighborhood.