Next Noble Pen Meeting

October 9th, 2014 at 7 pm

Scott’s Family Restaurant

1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids

News

The American Library Association recently celebrated Banned Books Week.  They have several lists.  Some of them are perhaps unsuited to the age group in elementary schools, but it is a slippery slope.  A commentator reminds us to be aware of the power of books.

Victories

Dylan found two beta readers for Sand and Ash, who both said it’s better than Sand and Blood.

Cassie worked every day this week on revisions to Dreams in Red and added 500 new words to a chapter.

Barbara and Rachel’s names appear on the cover of Disturbed Digest as the editors.

Riley came back after a long absence, fully prepared with critiques, and Victor found the group.

Education

How do you create suspense and tension to keep the reader absorbed in your fiction? Here are five tips.  Stretching out the scene may increase suspense, if it is crafted so that the reader feels what the character does, and the action doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

Here is another list of suggestions for suspense, and a more detailed article (part 1) and (part 2).

“Suspense is achieved by information control.  What   you know.  What the reader knows.  What the characters know.  You balance that properly, and you can really get the reader wound up.” ~Alfred Hitchcock

Upcoming Schedule

Oct 9
Ciuin
Eugenia
Dylan

Oct 16
Tyree
Dylan
Aimee

Oct 23
Cassie
Eugenia
Tyree

Oct 30
Open slots

Nov 6
Open slots

Keep Writing,
Bill