Tuesdays with Story

Writer’s Mail
Tuesdays with Story
January 18, 2019

Crowding around in ye olde book shoppe

Thirteen writers, including four guests, packed around the tables Tuesday evening at Barnes & Noble, to critique the works of six of their colleagues. Here is some of what was said:

Millie Mader (short story, final rewrite, “Stone Cold Stripper”): My work was on the agenda, but not critiqued severely, as I said it was the end of the short story. Thanks. Millie

Kashmira Sheth and Amit Trivedi (chapter 4-5, untitled novel): Kedar’s dream seems to be very logical. Need more description of the kitchen. Show Kedar’s thoughts/feelings when he is rescued by Abdul. Thanks

Amber Boudreau (chapter 3, Avice):

Tracey Gemmell (chapter 6, Lavender Wine): General agreement the chapter contained good humor and moved the plot forward. Some discussion about whether readers would know what ‘jitterbugging’ meant. Jerry felt some of Cassie’s comments were trite. Larry commented the chapter was a well-done presentation of an important moment in the story. Cindi felt the chapter wove humor and pain together well. Some discussion as to whether the chapter should end with Isabella’s POV or Cassie’s. Many thanks to all.

Jack Freiburger (chapters 26-27, A Walk upon the Water):

Cindi Dyke (chapter 4, The Mansion Secrets): Many good questions and suggestions on developing Wart’s character. His latchkey status in a fatherless home needs to be brought in sooner to explain the roving independence of a ten year old boy. To explain his adult language and perceptions, it is mentioned that he watches too many detective shows on TV. Some thought it might be more believable and humorous if Wart took on the persona of one of his detective heroes. Thanks to all for the interesting suggestions.

John Schneller (chapter 4, Broken): I turned around on my way to the group as I figured no one wanted to sit alongside my coughing fits. Submitted critiques were appreciated. The chapter placed Broken in a proactive role, moving beyond the victim stage. Numerous small suggestions … the most interesting one surrounds using the word swirlish to describe a pile of discarded rope. The group was split with half loving the word and half replacing it. Thanks to all!

Who’s up next

February 5

Larry Sommers (???)

Lisa McDougal (chapters 8-9, The Tebow Family Secret) Previously posted for December 18

Bob Kralapp (short story, part 4, Capacity)

Jack Freiburger (chapter, A Walk upon the Water)

Jerry Peterson (chapter, Night Flight)

Fifth Tuesday

Yes, it’s coming.

January 29, we will gather at Tracey and Scott Gemmell’s home in New Glarus at our usual time of 7 p.m. Tracey has a dog, just in case anyone needs to take an allergy pill!

This is a potluck supper gathering, so bring something good for the feasting table—a main dish, a vegetable side dish, a salad, perhaps a dessert. Contributions so far:

Tracey – pasta dish, wine, all plates/cutlery/cups

Amit – soft drinks

Cindi – salad

Yes, we do have a writing challenge. Here’s the prompt: It’s January in Wisconsin. We’re deep into winter. Where would you rather be? Maximum length for your story, poem, or essay is 500 words.

Email your mini-masterpiece to Jerry Peterson by Sunday evening, January 27.

New Writer’s Mail editor for February

Email Amber Boudreau thematerials you’d like included in our first issue of the month which will come out on February 7.