Tuesdays with Story

Writer’s Mail March 27, 2014
Tuesday with Chaos March 25, 2014

Roxanne Aehl read her first chapter of her Heart with Blinder novel. The heroine with Alzheimer’s is introduced, a bit confused in the grocery store with enough coffee in the cart for a year or two. Discussion of the need to set the scene, don’t make a chapter into a set of lists of what happened, but show it, need for an over view to set the lady in time and place and set up a sympathetic attachment.

Karen Zethmayr tested another set of pages from Where’s Bear’s Stuff on the crew. This is her cut, fold, color and make your own book project that she has been designing, just slightly less complicated than building a super computer from its parts. Only Ruth showed the dexterity appropriate to complete the project and will be rewarded with a one way ticket to Sri Lanka where she has a job waiting in a lingerie factory for her nibble fingers. The rest of us fused and floundered about and blamed (not unreasonably) the directions, the scissors and the quality of the glue.

Jack Frieburger brought in the first chapter of long done Bray Head to see if anyone would continue to read after the first two pages. Andy found a tense problem and others saw a few pronouns that needed to be nouns. Jack asked if they’d continue reading and all said they would. He then pressed his luck by asking “would you purchase it? That was not a good idea, but Jenn kindly noted there is always a market for free books.

Who’s Up Next?
April 1: Georgia NeSmith (chapter, memoir), Millie Mader (chapter 52, Life on Hold), Andy Pfeiffer (chapters fromThe Void), Cindi Dyke (chapters, North Road), Bob Kralapp(???), Kashmira Sheth & Amit Trivedi (chapter, novel)

April 8th: Kristin Oakley (short story). Karen Zethmayr, Origami, Jack Frieburger, Bray Head, Ruth Imhoff (???)

On Sunday, March 30, 2pm, Jerry Peterson will be doing book readings from both of his books Iced and The Last Good Man at Raven’s Wish, 101 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville, WI 53548. Give him a heads-up if you intend to attend.

In the March/April issue of Poets & Writers, there is a great article on The Art of Networking by Brian Gresko. He mentions that the temperament of most writers tend to be solitary but that they, too, are not immune from needing help and suggests:
1. Relying on friends who are more sociable, particularly when attending social functions when a good conversationalist would help break the ice for you.
2. Be aware of the environment that you are entering. He cited a case where there was a major art event and one of his favorite artists was going to be in attendance. He was writing for Huffington Post and wanted to interview the artist. The artist in question was surrounded by people trying to get autographs and catch a photo-op with him. When Mr. Gresko managed to get his way to the front of the line and asked for an interview, the artist snapped at him, refusing to do the interview in that setting. So he lost out on an opportunity by not tuning into the environment.
3. Be direct. He suggests that if you are asking someone for help, not to bury your request in a lot of small talk—trying to edge up it.
4. Flattery—only if it is honest. He suggests to write rapturous phrases about a work of art, or the artist for yourself. Then edit out the surplus flattery before mailing or e-mailing.
5. Don’t come on too strong with people who are colleagues, not friends.

These are great suggestions. Read the full article in this issue.

Well, we are heading into April next week, so keep in mind the 5th Tuesday event on April 29th.