Writers' Group

July 2009

Introductions:

  • Name
  • Age &/or grade
  • What you like to write
  • Writing experience (How long have you been a writer? Have you been published?)
  • Personal Preferences (paper, pens, pencils, computer software, etc.)

The Group:

  • How often should the group meet?
  • What do you want to get out of the writers’ group? (critique, publication, etc.)
  • Critique guidelines
  • Writing related subjects you want to know more about
  • Do we want to sponsor any events in the future? (e.g., writing contests, poetry slams, readings)

Structure of the Meetings:

  • (Writing prompts, sharing of work & critique)
  • Ideas?

Topic of Interest: Publication

  • “The Basics: Before Your First Sale” from 2008 Writer’s Market
  • Query Letters and Cover Letters from 2008 Writer’s Market and 2008 Poet’s Market
  • “Publications for Young Writers: Young Writers Are Getting Published” by Ginny Wiehardt (about.com)
  • “Markets for Teen Writers” from www.davidbarrkirtley.com
  • Preparing a Piece for Publication and/or Working with Editors from my own personal experience

Writing Prompts for Today’s Meeting:

  • Write a story, poem, essay, etc., in the voice of a famous person, living or dead. Try to give the reader an intimate glimpse of this person, one that couldn’t be gotten from the media or history books. (The Poet’s Companion by Addonizio & Laux)
  • Write from another person’s point-of-view. Examples include a turtle turned on his back by kids, a major league outfielder, a widow, a young boy who is proud of a pocket knife he has stolen, Michael Jackson, or Count Dracula’s housecat. (Writing Poems by Wallace)
  • Similes/Metaphors (page 184 of Everyday Creative Writing by Smith & Greenburg)