Writer’s Mail
Tuesdays with Story
October 2, 2018
October gathering
Eight writers came in to critique the work of five of our colleagues. Amber’s ginger snaps kept the evening, well, snappy. Here’s some of what was said:
Jack Freiburger (chapters, A Walk Upon The Water): I sent out a long read for the 4, including Black Ice, which the group had read early on. It was gratifying that while our hero/anti-hero is not necessarily likeable, at least he seems interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention. Larry and others noted that the melt-down scenes struck a chord.
Bob Kralapp (poem, “Passage from a Letter”):
Tracey Gemmell (chapter 4, Lavender Wine): Consensus: the chapter was entertaining and well-written. Isabella still steals the show but Claude is hot on her heels. The chapter answered questions for Meg as to how the children were taking Cassie’s move to France. Larry felt some switching between modes of transportation could be confusing. Cindi also noted poor driving skills on Cassie’s part. This needs clarifying because Isabella was actually driving. Jack noted some missed opportunities to tie Cassie’s emotional state to Isabella’s close shaves with tractors. Many thanks for your help.
Cindi Dyke (book blurb, The Mansion Secrets): Most agreed that the first paragraph should be deleted. Tracey mentioned a back-cover summary should be limited to 200 words. Interesting discussion regarding the two main characters, Michael and Wart. Can a story have two protagonists? If Wart is the more colorful/interesting of the two boys, why isn’t he the protagonist? The author believes that Michael, though less colorful, is the one most changed by the story and therefore he is the protagonist and the story comes from his point of view. Good discussion and very helpful. Thank you!
John Schneller (chapter 28, Final Stronghold): The unnumbered chapter of Final Stronghold, to be fit in somewhere, was found easy to follow by some, and maybe too easy due to an excessive amount of stage directions. There is a need to clarify the penalty for subversive speech violations in the story. The well-meaning but manipulated guard was found likeable. Thanks for all the input. One more chapter wraps this storyline up before sending them back into the conflict (escalating) at Nor.
Who’s up next: October 16
Lisa McDougal (chapter, The Tebow Family Secret)
Millie Mader (???)
Mike Austin (chapters, Backroads)
Bob Kralapp (???)
Meg Matenaer (chapters, Write in Time)
Amber Boudreau (chapter, ??? )
Jerry Peterson (???)
Fifth Tuesday
Yes, October 30, 7pm, the night before trick-or-treat night—All Hallows Eve. “A howling good time” is the prompt for our writing challenge. The story, poem, essay, or memoir you write for this one doesn’t have to be a Halloween story, but it could. Maximum length: 500 words. Jack confirms he will be able to host.
Our editor Tracey Gemmell takes on the job of editor for our e-newsletter for October. Email your good stuff to her for the next issue.
Writer’s Resource: contributed by Jerry. The follow link takes you to the article by K.M. Weiland: 3 Tips for Improving Show, Don’t Tell. A good read.
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/show-dont-tell/#
Other News: Tracey has been invited to read from her debut novel, Dunster’s Calling, at the 1st annual Exmoor Book Fest in Minehead, UK November 9-11, 2018.
TWS alumnus gets an agent! Our friend and colleague Eva Mays has been offered representation by Amanda Jain at Bookends Literary Agency for her historical novel The Starling and the Empress. She signed contracts this morning! No one who read Eva’s work will be surprised by this as it’s an extraordinary debut. All at TWS send their congratulations.
Book Release: Two TWS members, Tracey Gemmell and Pat Edwards, submitted comments on the writer’s life to West Coast author Pauline Wiles for inclusion in her writer’s resource, Indie With Ease. Their comments made the cut and can be found in the ebook released September 29th. Paperback to be released in October 2018.
Indie With Ease: Practical ways to conquer stress, boost productivity, and love your self-publishing career. Here’s the link for more information: https://www.amazon.com/Indie-Ease-Practical-productivity-self-publishing-ebook/dp/B07HP9KBBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538568699&sr=8-1&keywords=indie+with+ease+pauline+wiles
Pauline kindly interviewed Tracey for her blog and this can be found on Pauline’s website at https://www.paulinewiles.com/author-interview-tracey-gemmell/
Tuesdays with Story 
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