Noble Pen Meeting

February 25, 2010
Happy Chef, 1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids

Pundits are always blaming TV for making people stupid, movies for desensitizing the world to violence, and rock music for making kids take drugs and kill themselves. These things should be the least of our worries. The main problem with mass media is that it makes it impossible to fall in love with any acumen of normalcy. There is no ‘normal,’ because everybody is being twisted by the same sources simultaneously.
— Chuck Klosterman, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto

Victories

Dylan is submitting a short story to a cyberpunk romance collection, a genre in which the Blazing Saddles quote, “We’ll make Rock Ridge think it’s a chicken that got caught in a tractor’s nuts” actually makes sense.

Nick wrote the ending of his current manuscript, which will cease to be a secret in two weeks. I hope it’s a love story involving dolphins.

I sent out 2 queries, got one rejection, and followed up with and editor, to whom I may not have a current email address, or he just wont talk to me.

John joined the group and received a form rejection–the two events were deemed unrelated.

Lena read some of her stories to an audience and was well received. She received two tomatoes and three eggs.

News

The Intern tells you why editor’s email responses suck.

The BBC has some information about the current state of Google Books.

Housekeeping

We tried a new critique method this week, and it seemed to work pretty well.  We’re going to stick with it for the time being.

Here’s the rundown:

1. Author is coned
2. We go around the table and everyone gives up to three positives and up to three things that need work
3. Author has a chance to ask questions
4. Group conversation

A few people talked less than usual and a few talked more, but the consensus seemed to be a more streamlined and useful critique.

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, February 25th. Happy Chef, 7pm Welcome and Victories, 7:30pm Critique