Tuesdays with Story

Writer’s Mail
Tuesdays with Story
March 9, 2018

Welcome home

Nine writers noshed on Thin Mints provided by Tracey, Tuesday evening, while critiquing the works of seven of their colleagues. Here’s some of what was said:

Millie Mader (chapter rewrite, Stone Cold Stripper
Paul Wagner (short story rewrite, “Mad Jack”) . . .
John Schneller (chapter 20, Final Stronghold) – Jerry pointed out several details that were implausible and can be corrected simply. Tracy pointed out that Kotel’s goal has been unclear to her and makes the story one fight after the other without a reason to read on. As the author could not verbalize this clearly in the story or the elevator summary, it provided the impetus to think this through and make it clear.  Valuable at this point!! thanks. 
Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapter 18-19, untitled novel) – Larry wondered if ‘class conflict’ was developing as Kedar is living with to the Maldharies whereas Uma moves in elite circle. John asked why Kedar wants to wait to see Uma. The writers need to explain the cultural aspect of the situation.
Bob Kralapp (short short story, “The Quality of Mercy”) . . .
Tracey Gemmell (chapters 4-6, Accidentally Fine) – The group enjoyed the relationship between Cassie and Isabella. The scene in the clothes shop provided comedic relief from the rage and resentment, while showing the beginnings of Cassie’s transformation. Larry likened the scene to the dressing of a toreador. Tracey needs to be carefully she doesn’t make Cassie too maudlin for too long. John cautioned on making Cassie overly whinny about post-divorce life or she could become unlikeable. Many thanks for all your diligent help.
Jerry Peterson (short story, pages 20-38, “Reunion with Molly”) . . . Tracey Gemmell, in her written notes, fingered several sections that slowed the story. John Schneller, in his written notes, suggested that, rather than Early offer to mail the Santa suit and beard back to the Taylor sisters, that he offer to bring them back. “These three people are so similar, suggest that a friendship or something more might develop here,” he said. “I assume Early is not married at this point.”

Who’s up next

March 20
Larry Sommers (chapter 10, untitled novel)
Jack Freiburger (???)
Mike Austin (short story, “Second Chance)
Bob Kralapp (???)
Tracey Gemmell (chapters, Accidentally Fine)
Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapters)
Jerry Peterson (short story, “Visit to the Vampire”)

April 3
Millie Mader (chapter, Stone Cold Stripper)
Paul Wagner (short story, part ???, “Mad Jack”)

Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapters)

Amber Boudreau (???)

John Schneller (chapter, Final Stronghold)

Our editor

That’s Amit Trivedi. If you have stuff you’d like in our next issue of Writer’s Mail, do email it to Amit.

Working our Yahoo group

Here are things we know:

– The group page is temperamental. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes we can get into a meeting file to post or to download something someone else has posted; sometimes we can’t. But just about always, we can get to the Conversations.

So, if we can’t get into a meeting file to post, we can post to the group by making our piece an attachment to a conversation, to a message we post to the group on the Conversations page.

– If we post our piece Monday before a meeting or, worse, Tuesday – the day of the meeting – we’re going to have colleagues spitting nails because they don’t have the time to give to a thorough reading.

So be a friend to everyone. Post early. Best, do as Larry did for March 20, When he got home after this week’s meeting, he posted the chapter he wants us to critique for March 20. He gave us two weeks to work his chapter into our reading schedules.

Love that!