The Cleckheaton Writers Group meeting took place tonight at Cleckheaton Library where Kathy, Mandy, Sarah, Andy, myself and John R were in attendance.
The minutes from the last meeting were passed and then each member gave an update on their WIP since the last meeting. Mandy had written a poem and two flash fictions; Kathy has written a flash fiction which she brought along for feedback from the group; Sarah has been outlining her new novel and developing characters; Andy has been having plenty of ideas and has written one and a half thousand words of a new WIP with a MC and protagonist who are two very different people; I have written a new scene for one of my WIP and been editing the synopsis and first three chapters of Thorde for entry into an open submission (deadline today, Pushkin Children's open submission) - John had not yet arrived for this section of the meeting.
Kathy shared her new flash fiction entitled Mistaken Identity which featured an engaging MC and an excellent twist, the group were so drawn in by the brilliant inner dialogue of the MC that most did not see it coming.
There was then a discussion about endings and another flash fiction WIP that Kathy has that she will bring to the next meeting for feedback and help with how to finish it.
Andy then shared his first draft of his new piece which was intriguing with two well-drawn and differing characters. Andy discussed some of the ideas he has for the work, including his theme and thought processes.
The group then had a discussion about how long to leave a finished first draft, before returning to look at if for editing. It was agreed that you need to stay away from it long enough that you have fresh eyes, so if you have been working on something (or lots of 'somethings') else, then a shorter time is acceptable, but if not, around three-six months so that the shape of it has left the writers mind.
Upcoming writers festivals include Indie Lit Fest 23 July at St James Hall, Bradford (for free tickets from Eventbrite, http://ukindielitfest2016.wix.com/indiefest, Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival 21-24 July, Harrogate www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com and Wakefield Literature Festival 23 September - 2 October www.wakefieldlitfest.org.uk and Mandy informed the group about a new flash fiction competition for a charity anthology, 500 words on why the baby shoes would be for sale but never worn, see The Baby Shoes Project.
We then finished with a timed writing session with the prompt 'You know the person you are talking to is lying, do you confront them or let them continue?' from the book 642 things to write about. Three of the pieces were shared with the group.
The next meeting is in a fortnight Monday 4 July, 6-8pm at Cleckheaton Library.
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