Next Noble Pen Meeting

Sept 13th, 2018 at 7 pm

Scott’s Family Restaurant

1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids

News

If you create a good enough character, that persona can live on after you are gone.  Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan is a good example, as other writers have continued the series and written a TV show.

Victories

Dylan got a fan letter (but can’t read much of the writing).

Nick wrote 20 pages.

Randy will have a table at the Iowa Library Association reception.  He has scheduled a party after his Bellevue signing with one of the characters from the book actually there performing music.

Stacy continues doing books on CD.

Education

Should you use adverbs?  Most well-reasoned advice says yes, but in moderation.   Adverbs aren’t only words ending in -ly, but include any modifier of an adjective or verb, including adverbial phrases Here’s a list of 3732 adverbs (just in case you didn’t think they were numerous).  If you aren’t clear, see this  Basic explanation of adjectives and adverbs.

Overuse can be a problem for writers.  They are overdone if they are being used in place of active verbs, strong dialog, and good adjectives.   For the choice  (“Hurry,” he said loudly.),  or (“Hurry,” he yelled.)  the strong verb is better than the adverb. “Very” is an adverb that rarely adds anything to a sentence.

So  use them carefully. There are times when an adverb is the best choice.  “An overly long phone call upset her schedule,” “He entered silently,” and “He ate quickly” make good use of adverbs.

Upcoming Schedule

Sept 13
Amie
Nick
Stacie

Sept 20
Laura
Aime-discussion on writing villains.
Open slot

Sept 27
Open slots

Oct 4
Nick
Open slots

Oct 10
Open slots

Keep Writing,
Bill