Cleckheaton Writers Group (CWG) met on Monday 1 August where we welcomed new members Sandy and Michelle and Karen, Barbara, Gemma, Kathy and Cassie were also in attendance, Alice having given her apologies.
CWG members introduced themselves to Sandy and Michelle, Sandy informed members that he attends Otley Writers and the WEA, He has now moved to the area and has self-published on Amazon and Smashwords including a memoir and he is writing a novel inspired by his grandfather who was killed in WWI, The Lost Souls of the Missing, ghost story and is at 96k words, plus at 70k words on a Spanish Civil War story that takes place in London and Spain. Michelle is new to writing, she has an English degree and written some poems, and wishes to start small with some articles and a short story, setting some goals each week.
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed.
WIP updates: Karen has edited chapters 17-24 of her crime novel, pitched #OneDay2022 Digital Originals with BFY, subbed a picture book to Clare Wallace of Darley Anderson Literary Agency and to the SCBWI July Slushpile competition, subbed 3 chapters and a synopsis of her MG fantasy novel to Serene Marie of Panda Literary, edited chapters 1-11 of Christmas Evie, written some new poems and plot scenes at the Writers Retreat she attended last week in Scarborough and pitched today for #JWPitchFestival. Cassie has written a chapter on her WIP. Kathy has been editing on Tobias and sorting her backstory for Jade and Adrian. She is now undertaking a synopsis of the history of priests at her church due 16/17 September. Barbara is looking into self-publishing and Sandy kindly offered to help with Amazon publishing, informing members that eBooks have no upfront costs, they take printing costs from profits. Gemma has been researching her WIP. Sandy stopped writing for 2 months due to his move, except for writing a poem for son to give to his bride which kick-started him editing his novel.
CW comps/workshops/events: @serenemaria open for YA and MG queries, Jericho Writers Pitch week 1-5 August #JWPitchFestival, Searchlight Awards close 22 August (2 competitions, with a fee to enter each) and ProWritingAid Sci-Fi Week is 29 August - 2 September featuring author Ian Douglas.
Karen shared with members a brilliant resource from Ali Taft on How to Write a Synopsis:
The Secret to Writing the Perfect Synopsis (novel-software.com)
Feedback sessions: Sandy shared a drabble entitled Millicent the Mermaid and explained these can be sent to Cafe Lit who may publish them online (a drabble is 100 words, a dribble 50 words). This was well received, provoked discussion and inspired Michelle to want to attempt one. Karen shared a chapter of her crime novel which members believed was thought-provoking, contained a sense of menace with shocking content, but that you almost felt for the baddie.
Writing Plans: Karen will be editing her rom com due out in September, writing a new 'ordinary world' introductory chapter to her fantasy MG, taking part in #JWPitchFestival until Thursday and editing five chapters of her crime novel. Cassie will write another chapter on her WIP. Kathy will be writing on the heritage priests project. Barbara will be looking at links for her short story series. Gemma will be editing. Sandy will be editing and getting his novel towards the end. Michelle will be writing a short story and/or drabble.
Writing challenge: August theme is Holidays.
Next meeting: Monday 15 August 2022, 5.30 - 7.00pm at Cleckheaton Library. New members always welcome.
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