“When I used to teach creative writing, I would tell the students to make their characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaningless of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.”
Kurt Vonnegut
Six writers—Amber, Bob, Amit, Suzanne, Larry, and Mike–gathered together Tuesday evening. Mike dawdled in late, having lost track of time at some frivolous thing, I’m sure.
Submission Comment Summaries
Amber Boudreau, Second Act, Chapters 36-37 – Amber read from the beginning of chapter 36 of Second Act. Larry suggested she revisit the end of the chapter and the action happening in one location versus what’s being overheard from elsewhere. Amit was left wondering who’s the leader amongst a group of characters but didn’t let it distract him from the story. Bob liked the dialogue and thought it did a good job of blending humor with heavier stuff, like blood and gore.
Mike Austin, Nick at Sixteen, Chapters 1-2 – Bob felt that the characters and setting felt real, as did the conversation around the breakfast table. But I could go deeper with them. Larry said I did well introducing Nick’s character, and the coming menace of Ben. Amber thought that I need to bring up the locations sooner, and use the past tense rather than the past perfect. Amber’s editing was a great help at explaining this. Thanks everyone!
Suzanne Gillingham, Kaleidescope, Chapter 5 revised – Mike thought Chapter 5 of Kaleidoscope reads smoother than before. He also commented that Brandon overreacts. (Yes, he does). Amber wonders why Brandon doesn’t block his dad’s phone number. (I don’t know. Yet). Larry thought the chapter reads with more emotional urgency. I also violated the “logic of seeing.” (Heaven forbid). Thanks everyone for the feedback. And thank you Larry for sharing the Style Guide. Suzanne
Larry Sommers, Blood Mercy, Chapter 1 re-revisited
Our next meeting will be May 2nd. Presenters will be:
Kashmira Sheth & Amit Trivedi
Paul Wagner
Amber Boudreau
Bob Kralapp
Suzanne Gillingham
Jessica Smith
Mike Austin
Editor: Bob Kralapp takes over editorial duties for May. If you have any news you would like included in the newsletter, make sure to pass it along to Bob.
The Final Word:
“When you’re a child the adults f*** you over and you try to imagine some way to get back at them. One way is to become a famous writer. You can absolutely savage them and that will be their portrait for eternity. It’s better than killing them. Killing, you just get rid of the body. This way you can torture the spirit.”—
Andrei Codrescu
Tuesdays with Story 
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