I must admit, that July’s Meeting went very well. We had a good amount in attendance along with visitors.
The meeting was kicked off with a Writers Spotlight by our member JoAnn Horton. She is a playwright and also writes fiction/mystery. JoAnn spoke to us about the importance of dialog in a story. She explained that it is used to advance the plot in your writing. Dialog is also used to give your story and characters life. It also helps to paint a picture. JoAnn also gave advice to make your characters dialog as real as possible by learning about their environment. This will help them to develop a more believable voice.
We also talked about the club’s Anthology which is being edited and put together. Right now we are working on the club’s biography. Our activities director also suggested ways that we can sell and promote the anthology. He also gave ideas as to how we as a club, could also promote our own works together.
Our activity of the day was led by our President. He wanted us to get a better feel and idea for plotting. John explained that there is a beginning, middle and end and that there is no hard or fast rule in creating one. Everyone has their own way of creating one.
John explained that plot is driven by action. He started a chain plot by introducing a character and the action that he was doing. Each member around the table added their own action. At the end we had a very interesting plot that would have made a great story. The members enjoyed this activity so much that we ended up doing it a second time by request.
At the end of the meeting we held our Round Robin Reading. This is where we share short works and/or excerpts of our own work. We were able to hear a poetry and excerpts from stories and novels. Hearing members share their creative work helps to motivate of members and lets the writers showcase their work.
This Saturday, the 5th, we will be meeting at the Broadmoor Branch Library from 10am-12pm. We will have a Writer’s Spotlight by Jim Freeman. Come and join us. Visitors are always welcomed and we’re always happy to see returning faces.
And remember to “Write on!”.
Shreveport Writers Club 