Next Noble Pen Meeting
July 14th, 2011 7 pm
1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
News
LuLu has a special deal right now for a free proof copy of things published through them through July.
Writing contest: For one of the July 21 slots, let’s each write one paragraph which could be the beginning of a story. We’ll read them to the group, and vote on which one is best, with discussion of why.
Victories
Nick was asked to write 5 short articles with photos for his railfan magazine. It is a paying job.
Dylan received a request to reissue one of his older stories.
Kris got a job. Although it isn’t as an author, she says she will still have time to write.
Bob is rewriting his short story and has Chapter 2 done.
Education
I’m sure we won’t agree on our paragraph contest. I’ll repeat the link to 355 opinions on what makes a good first paragraph.
Tony offered this semi-educational, humorous look at the History of English in 10 Minutes.
If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison
Upcoming Schedule
July 14th
Kris
Tyree Bill
Dylan
July 21 st
Nick
Ciuin
All: paragraph contest
July 28 th
Shanna
Kris
Dylan
August 4 th
Tony
Nick
Open slot
Keep Writing,
Bill
The Noble Pen for July 7, 2011
Next Noble Pen Meeting
July 7th, 2011 7 pm
1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
News
Writing contest: For one of the July 21 slots, let’s each write one paragraph which could be the beginning of a story. We’ll read them to the group, and vote on which one is best, with discussion of why.
Victories
Tyree sold a werewolf story to an anthology, to come out this fall, and has already been paid.
Ciuin finished the biggest of the documents she is doing for the World Artists Initiative, with one more to go, and says she won’t sign up for that much work again.
Education
A link to 355 opinions on what makes a good first paragraph. Here’s a sampling of diverse comments from there:
I want an opening paragraph to grab me by the throat and thrust me into the middle of the action. Make me catch my breath, don’t bore me with details, or set up–I will look elsewhere for something to read.-AE Rought
I was going to say the opposite… The ones that catch my eye are the ones that describe the main character calmly and in a fairly normal everyday setting. One opinion, one quality of the character’s, one memory. The action beginnings leave me exhausted.-Deniselle
A feeling that the author is going to take care of you. To lead you along. That he is saying: here is what my story is going to be about. Here is how I’m going to tell it. Relax. You’re in my hands now. We will have ups and downs, we will have surprises and disappointments, but i will lead you through it all, like a guide in a strange land.-Mark Cecil
Any work that can be judged on its first paragraph alone isn’t worth reading. – Joe B.
I want my mind to start whipping out questions, which will be answered in the author’s own sweet time.-wendy kovitz
Upcoming Schedule
July 7th
Tony
Kris
Nick
July 14th
Kris
Tyree
Dylan
July 21 st
Nick
Ciuin
All-paragraph contest
July 28 th
Tony?
Open slot
Open slot
Keep Writing,
Bill
