The South Sound Algonquins

Taking a Break

2007-05-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

This site has been neglected to the point of abuse. So, here's an update. June 2nd brings the incomparable Jessica Morrell for Plot is a Verb workshop. The Algonquins are taking a break until May 30th at 6:30. You know the spot.

The Hook Contest

2007-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

No, that's not some kind of urban legend reference, Fangs, Fur and Fey is holding a hook contest. What's a hook? It's sort of a movie trailer for your book. If you're writing in the urban fantasy (YA or adult), sci-fi/fantasy (light), mystery, or paranormal romance genres and can put together the best 300 word hook, it could snag you an agent at Lowenstein-Yost . No guarantees but it's worth a shot.

Plus!

I'm a judge. Yes, yes, for certain I'm judgmental, but I'm also a judge for the contest, and I vow to be H-O-N-E-S-T. No sugar coating here and I'll give some damn good suggestions. Check out the hook contest here and make it snappy.

March 19th Meeting

2007-03-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Four of us met in the alcove. Seems the fireplace wants privacy. The benefit is that the music was not so loud. An older gentleman approached us about joining. He writes poetry in his head. Sherylle asked him to write it down. We talked about sensory experience on the page, eradicating lovely adverbs, and momentum. We missed Tom and Megan, this week.

Manek's Great News!

2007-03-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

I just picked up an e-mail from Manek, who reports that his first fiction sale is up at Abyss & Apex. The story has garnered positive reviews from Tangent Online, so check it out. He's also a contributor to Bookmarks Magazine, with four reviews in this issue.

The Jessica Morrell workshop has a date, June 2nd from 10-4 pm, location: TBD. But probably at Manek's house. If "enough" people attend, Jessica will offer a scholarship.

So cool news all around!

Meeting Update: March 12

2007-03-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Big group tonight, the first with all six of us. For me, the mix of genres is exciting, and will undoubtedly broaden the focus of both future work and taste in literature. So far we have the following covered:

• Horror-Comedy (Urban Fantasy)
• Mystery
• Historical Romance
• Literary Fiction
• Sci-Fi

plus, I bet Sherylle could put out a helluva Western, if she put her mind to it.

As usual, we reviewed current work and critiqued, but also planned to attend the PNWA meeting with Alice Volpe, agent at Northwest Literary.

Workshop Opportunity

2007-03-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Manek is in talks with amazing developmental editor and author, Jessica
Morrell to provide a Washington area workshop. IF we can pull together
enough participants. Let's spread the word.

Here's the info:

Plot is a Verb
Cost: $75
Writing a compelling novel requires creating a world that's so
authentic that the page will disappear and lives amid a difficult
situation will rise into existence in its place. But although
specificity of details, authentic, fascinating characters, and a
gripping situation are required for this, first comes knowing the
underpinnings of fiction—structure, scene structure, opposition,
desire, character arc, plot points, set pieces, outer and inner
conflict, and a setting that adds to tension. With that in mind, this
workshop is a primer on plot and storyline, but it also illustrates the
more sophisticated and nuanced aspects of fiction writing.
Comprehensive materials and exercises will illustrate the discussion
and topics include: How to build a world of unease where each aspect
of the story lends credibility to the characters' struggles on the
page. How to build a story that is not a pale imitation of life, but
rather a rich reenactment that is larger than life. How plot points
push the story forward. How to avoid middles that languish or plod.
What balance and unity mean in fiction.

Jessica Morrell began teaching writers in 1991, creating workshops that
are lively, focused and filled with sensible insights. Workshop and
writing conference participants have described her as: "a torrent of
information," "lots of practical information with excellent concrete
examples" and, "absolutely everything she says is packed with value."
She is the author of Between the Lines: the subtler aspects of writing
fiction published by Writer's Digest Books and Writing out the Storm
published by Collectors Press. Also being published in 2007 is The
Writer's I Ching by Running Press and Voices from the Street by Gray
Sunshine and in February 2008 Bullies, Bastards and Bitches, the Bad
Guys in Fiction by Writer's Digest Books. Morrell works as writing
coach and freelance editor and hosts a web site www.writing-life.com .
She has been writing a monthly column about topics related to writing
since 1998 which currently appears in The Willamette Writer, writes a
monthly newsletter, The Writing Life, a web log, and contributes
articles to online sites, newspapers and public radio.

March 5th Meeting

2007-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Algonquin's are growing. This Monday's meeting welcomed Manek to our group and his great feedback. Monica introduced her new allegorical fantasy to the group. She's searching for a title. Sherylle's horror-mystery set at a seaside retreat is coming along nicely. Manek shared a sci-fi short story with a promisingly flawed lead character. Mark brought the first few pages of his novel sequel and got great feedback that really jumpstarted the chapter (he's freaking out right now about being in the third person). Tom facilitated a discussion about the finer points of fiction writing and what to look for in the editing process.

All in all, a great meeting.

2007-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

I hope the beaming dries the air out a bit. Hey bring your book to the Monday madness's session. I tried to print the ad of the LOVING THE UNDEAD but it would print for me.
I have read some actors never see the films they work in, perhaps its an artistic type disease. But keep your BABY close.

Aftershock!

2007-03-01T14:49:00.001-08:00

My copy of Loving the Undead showed up in the mail today! But, reading it brings up an interesting subject (and a little of my lunch): Should a writer read their material after it's published? I'm going to go with a big NO on that one. I found way too many things I'd change, if I were even to submit it again.

Don't get me wrong, I'm beaming. But from now on I'll love my babies from afar.

2007-03-01T13:23:00.001-08:00

Have been surfing the net, and finding some interesting publishing outfits out there. Mostly trouble I think. But am doing the old research, why not? Its a freebe to do. It seems as though
there are lots of places just dying to get someone to publish with the, for a price of course. I plan to stay away from those. But one can garner a great deal of info on what is happening in cyber space. Don't you just love the language!!!
Sherylle

Loving the Undead, Available Now!

2007-02-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

Loving the Undead, An Anthology of Romance…Sort Of contains Mark's short story, An Acquired Taste. It's available at From the Asylum.

Last February Meeting

2007-02-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Two of us have been editing and brought nothing to read–naughty Monica and Me. But we've committed to three pages of new material a week, even during the editing of our manuscripts. Monica shared the story of her new novel, which sounds like literary fantasy (I think A Garden of Dreams would be a cool title). I'm going to bring in the opening of Road Trip of the Living Dead. Megan is plugging away at Chameleon Red (Yep, she settled on the title), and brought a sexy little piece from the middle of the book. Sherylle is untitled at the moment and focused on the Ann Rule thingy. Both Megan and Sherylle are committed to completion of their novels, prior to starting on other work.

February 12th Meeting

2007-02-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

This week we welcomed Tom Wright to the group, he's written a scifi/spiritual Crichtonesque manuscript, called In The Wild. The group discussed fine tuning a manuscript and a number of ideas for making the work "sing". We reviewed PNWA literary contest submission materials and traded our work for editing. Monica moved to meet on Saturday morning to review the edits and to allow time to finish the pieces prior to mailing on Tuesday the 20th (deadline). Megan agreed to email the first 25 pages of her ms, for editing. Reminder to all check out Tom's first chapter at http://www.inthwild.us/

Next meeting: Saturday 17 @ 9:00 am.
Next real meeting: Monday 26 @ 6:30 pm.

Great News!

2007-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

The following was posted in the Friday morning online issue of Publisher's Marketplace:

8 February, 2007
Fiction: Debut
Mark Henry's THE UNDEAD SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO NIGHTLIFE, about an ad-exec turned zombie trying to save a missing friend, "Shaun of the Dead" by way of Paris Hilton, to John Scognamiglio at Kensington, in a three-book deal, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (World).

February 5th Meeting

2007-02-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Sherylle presented a great story for submission to the PNWA literary contest, her goal is to rework it by the deadline. Monica has completed her synopsis and moved for trading our work at the February 12th meeting for deeper editing. Mark reported his great news that he'd just signed with an editor. So here's the plan: next meeting's focus will be on the final submission edit.

See you there.

January 29th Meeting

2007-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight's meeting concluded our discussion of synopses and the need to keep them short and have them prepared for the February 20th deadline for the PNWA literary contest. We discussed self publishing pros and cons. The suggestion was to bring the first 25 pages of our novels and take them home to provide a formal critique.

Writing Library

2007-01-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

I'd like to put together a list of books on writing that we could access from each other. I'll keep track of them on this blog, over there on the right hand side. Take a look. Feel free to email me with your list.

Assignment for Meeting: 1/29/07

2007-01-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

Complete a synopsis for your novel or novel in progress, using the mythic story structure prompts below.

Meeting Notes: Slow on the Updates

2007-01-22T21:14:00.001-08:00

Hey y'all! It seems we've been on the same topic for three weeks in a row. That's right, it's our foe, the synopsis. Me and Megan had a tete-a-tete with New York Times Bestselling Author, Bob Dugoni–he's had his name legally changed to include the first five words. Actually, it was just a tete, as neither Megan, nor myself, did any teting, except to make fun of New York Times Bestselling Author, Bob Dugoni. His advice on synopsis? Keep it short (1-2 pages), third person/present tense, and sweet Jesus, make sure to show the editor/agent that you understand story structure. If we follow NYTBA Bob Dugoni's 17 step plan, we'll have a finished synopsis. Just…

Write a single sentence for each question.

1. What is your character’s Ordinary World (comfort zone)?
2. Describe the character’s Call to Adventure (the event that moves the story)?
3. Does your character struggle with a Refusal the Call?
4. Who is your character’s mentor (Supernatural Aid)? Is there someone who provides lessons?
5. Describe your hero Crossing the First Threshhold (new zone of experience)?
a. Is this experience more of a Rebirth?
b. Does your hero undergo an Initiation?
6. Describe the hero’s Road of Trials?
a. Is there a Marriage (the ultimate trial)?
7. Is there a seduction (Woman as Temptress)?
8. Describe the hero’s Atonement with the Father figure (coming to terms with tyrannical/merciful aspects so to understand the father better, and likewise the self)?
9. Describe the hero’s Apotheosis (disintegration of ego/breakthrough).
10. (The Ultimate Boon) Describe the hero’s readiness to obtain that for which he/she has set out, an item or new awareness, that once returned, will benefit the society he/she has left.
11. Describe the hero’s Return.
12. Is there a Refusal of the Return? (Does your hero prefer to stay?)
13. When the boon’s acquisition—or the return—comes against opposition, a chase or pursuit may ensue (The Magic Flight), if so, describe.
14. Does your hero need to be rescued by forces from the ordinary world, either because he/she is blocked or refused to return (Rescue from Without)?
15. Describe the Crossing of the Return Threshold. Is there an acceptance of reality?
16. (Master of Two Worlds) does the hero, instead, perceive both worlds?
17. Describe the bestowal of the boon (Freedom to Live).

It seems he culled the information from Chrisopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey, which itself borrowed from Campbell's The Power of Myth.

Happy Holidays, See You in 2007

2006-12-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the South Sound Algonquins will be on January 8th at Cafe Pegasso in DuPont. Hope to see you all there.

Update: The Last Two Meetings

2006-12-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hey all. Wanted to bring you up to date on the last two meetings. Yes, three months now and we're still meeting. Although much less of us. I'm thinking we may want to put the word out for a few more members.

It has been posited that we take a break over the holidays, I seconded. Although, if anyone would like to meet on Monday, the 18th, I'd be happy to. Otherwise, the next meeting of the South Sound Algonquins will be on January 8th at 6:30 pm @ Cafe Pegasso.

The writing is going well. We could all probably benefit from a boost of enthusiasm. The holidays really seem to sap the energy.

Last Night's Meeting

2006-11-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone reads this, including the members (no one leaves comments). At last night's meeting I brought an editing checklist which fits onto the front and back of a single sheet, if you'd like one e-mail me.

Megan, Sherylle and I braved the weather. Megan introduced her new untitled YA fantasy which sounds really interesting, the first five pages hook! Sherylle brought a short story about an incident with a dove (she could use some help finding a rescue mission for the bird, in all reality). I brought a quick rewrite on my manuscript, which needs some work and a humor injection.

I hope that others can join us next week.

See you. Be careful in this crazy weather.

Some Writing Advice

2006-11-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

I recieved this in an email:

As you know, my happiest writing is done at night when everyone (but you, me, and the other night owls)is asleep, especially husbands, children, and telemarketers. I think I need to renew my Do Not Call request. LOL. I don't do enough PR. It's the writing I really like.
My advice to novice writers is that you read a lot of what you want to write before you start, when you have something to sell attend conferences where you'll meet editors and agents to whom you can pitch your work; exploit connections you might have in the publishing world, never submit a book that hasn't been thoroughly proofed, start the next book as soon as the first one is in the mail, continue doing that until you get an acceptance, file the refusals and never think about them again, and don't quit your day job, divorce your husband, or in any way give up your means of support until you're making enough writing to eat and pay your bills. LOL.

Her website is HERE.

I have no clue who this Nancy Fairbanks is, but the advice is sound.

The First Draft Is Done!!!

2006-11-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

I have great news to share. At 5:30 today, I typed the last words into the first draft of The Undead Socialites Guide to Nightlife. I'm so excited to begin another process not yet tackled in earnest, editing.

Now I'm really going to need the group's help.

Thanks for all your support.

Thanksgiving Week Meeting

2006-11-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

Our meeting was small but productive. Sherylle was sick, and Megan had family obligations. Monica and I discussed marketing to a variety of genres based on themes that pop out from the material. We discussed the editing process and what publishers might be looking for.

Hope to see everyone at the next meeting.

November 13th Meeting

2006-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

The creativity is flowing like gas through a pump nozzle, ready to ignite. The work being presented is looking great. The more cleaning we do in critique, the better the writing comes out the other end (so to speak).

Goals for the week:

Mark: 90 more pages by next meeting.
Megan: A start for her new fantasy novel.
Monica: three more chapters of revisions.
Sherylle: A short story with supernatural undertones.

See you next time.

Site Review: Bookslut

2006-11-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Looking for interesting book reviews, interviews and insights into literature? Look no further than Bookslut, a literate exploration of the authors craft.

Check it out!

Meeting Update

2006-11-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

The writing group is a success. We have all made progress toward the goal of completing our manuscripts.

This week, we discussed becoming bored with your work and delving into the whys, and hows to alleviate the situation.

We didn't have time, but I brought an exercise that we agreed to start at home (I list), for character exploration. If you weren't at the meeting on Monday, and would like a copy. Email me.

Stephen King Lecture Notes

2006-11-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, so, I didn't actually take any notes. But I was entertained. Last night, My wife, two friends and me went to see Stephen King at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. The man can scat. Two hours and only a brief reading from his new book, Lisey's Story.

Some thoughts:

King likened writing to a tennis match, bouncing ideas off reality and writing down what comes back. This statement was in regards to how much of our 'selves' are in our characters.
He discussed some of his favorite adaptations to film (Shawshank, Misery, The Green Mile) and some that he thought were shit (Sometimes They Come Back Again). He reported that Eyes of the Dragon was being made into an Animated Film, and John Cusak had just wrapped a film, called 1408, from the short story of the same name.
On the popularity of Horror, King offered that people like to explore their darker thoughts, films and books are an easier way to do that than writing and filmmaking (stuck in the dark thoughts). He suggested that when people have to deal with extreme violence in reality, that is reflected in popular culture outlets (Saw, Texas Chainsaw).

An interesting night, full of anecdotes from his family life and medical issues (his recent pneumonia and subsequent infection, directly influenced the new book). He even conjured up a scare for the audience, bringing up reports that 1 in 50 people leave their cars unlocked and 1 in 100 leave their houses unsecured. That there would be someone waiting for those people in the rearview mirror or in a dark closet was assured. The only question: would they be carrying a kitchen knife or power tools?

Note: Another film currently in the works, The Mist, one of my favorite of King's short stories, is being directed by Frank Darabont (The Green Mile).

Willamette Writer's Conference Dates

2006-11-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

I know it's a drive to get there but the Willamette Writer's Conference is massive. Last year 50 agents and editors were on hand to mingle with, or schedule one on one or group pitches (these are always a small fee to arrange).

The conference is scheduled for August 3-5. But will usually start the evening prior with pitch rehearsal.

We should plan on attending as a group.

Challenge: PNWA Literary Contest

2006-11-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

I hope I have figured this out! I have a link to the Pacific Northwest Writers Assoc Literary Contest.

Click HERE.

We have until February to submit something!

Monica

4th Meeting Update

2006-10-30T22:34:00.000-08:00

After brief debate, the decision was made to change the meeting start time to 6:30 pm. 6:00 has been a hardship for the majority of members.

At tonight's meeting, we revisited Megan's mystery and loved the direction of spirited humor that has been injected into the piece. Sherylle's Detective Waterbury continues to create a feeling of nostalgia and her prose flows like lyrical poetry.

Next week: Lets do a free write!!!

Mark's Great News

2006-10-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

I'm ecstatic to announce that I sold the rights to my first short story, An Acquired Taste. The small publishing house, From the Asylum Books and Press, has plans to go to print in November and set for release, shortly thereafter.

The story will appear in the anthology book (that's right, book - I'm dying), Loving the Undead, an Anthology of Romance, Sort of.

Here's hoping that this is the first of many. I'll keep the group updated as to the actual publication date and will provide a link to Amazon, after its release.

Thanks to the group for much support.

6 Word Stories

2006-10-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

The magazine Wired, put out a request to scifi, fantasy and horror authors for very short stories - no more than 6 words. For example, Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and the new Son of a Witch, came up with this gem:

From torched skyscrapers, men grew wings.

I challenge the group to come up with their own 6 word stories. Here's mine:

Binding laces, coaxing favors. Harlot's work.

2006-10-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ha! I did it. Although that is an awfully l o n g something to type in.

Any way, am enjoying the Monday night gathering. It gets a little noisy in the shop at times, but oh well, it IS comfortable.
Will be working hard to meet my goals. This group helps me do it.
Thanks
Sherylle

New Stuff...

2006-10-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Check out Miss Snark, the Literary Agent. Her blog is pull no punches stuff. Very informative.

I've added links to the Book Reporter and Booksense. I think it's really important to keep up with the trends in genre fiction.

In addition, I've been updating my own blog, Burlesque of the Damned, with weekly book reviews, some freewriting and weird stuff I find on the internet.

So, pull up a chair and stay a while.

Another Resource

2006-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

This one came from an agent, at Full Circle Literary, along with a pretty fair rejection of my children's novel.

Meeting 3 Recap

2006-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Monica joined in for the third meeting of the South Sound Algonquins. Submissions and rejections seemed to be the theme of discussion. We also discussed going to a conference as a group. If anyone is aware of upcoming area conferences please feel free to post to this blog. Invitations have been resent.

We each shared from our work and the critique was helpful and constructive. Particular focus was given to showing in scene rather than telling the reader.

Goals for the week included: finishing chapters and editing past work.

Good Luck, all. Remember, writing as little as thirty minutes a day can turn out a novel in a year.

Second Meeting!

2006-10-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

The South Sound Algonquins met again last night. Decided to go ahead with this name for the group, as there was not a lot of interest in a vote.

We reviewed goal accomplishments set last week and proceeded right into the critique. Our group is producing a variety of interesting writing, literary, genre and memoir.

I encourage everyone to attend, next Monday's group. It looks like we'll start around 6:00 pm.

See you there.

Campaign for the American Reader

2006-10-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have, sort of, become enamored of this blog, of late. Particularly the "Page 69 test," described here.

Two Great Resources

2006-10-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

For those unaware, Stephen King will be in Seattle for the Seattle Arts and Lectures Series, on November 1st at Benaroya Hall (cheap seats $25).

Additional lectures this year by Frank McCourt (11/21), Edwidge Danticat (1/8), and Jonathan Lethem (4/18).

Tickets through www.lectures.org.

Writing Group Parameters

2006-10-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

At our first meeting (October 9), we made the following decisions.

Frequency: Meetings will be held weekly on Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cafe Pegasso, in DuPont, offers us the most flexibility, as it is owned by group member Megan.
Goals: At each meeting we will set and review individual and group goals, to stress progress and accountability to our writing.
Critique readings: Limited to three double spaced pages (supply copies for readers).
Group Name Suggestions: Pegasus Writing Group, The Vicious Circle, South Sound Algonquins.

Members in attendance (weekly goal)

Mark: 1 Chapter complete in each novel (2).
Sherylle: 1 Chapter complete in novel, and completed "snapshot."
Megan: Wrap up scene from novel.
Katherine: Review previous chapters and write 1 new.

We discussed our reading preferences and current projects. New members should be prepared to do the same.

Welcome

2006-10-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

The South Sound Algonquins are a writer's critique group. Our goals are to challenge each other to better writing and publication.