The Last Class on Show vs. Tell You'll Ever Need

November 8, 2010: The Last Class on Show vs. Tell You'll Ever Need

Description: If you write fiction, you've doubtless heard someone say, "Show, don't tell." But what does that mean? Telling is the act of stopping your story to spoon-feed backstory or explanations to the reader (who probably couldn't care less). Showing is the act of illustrating that information in a way that doesn't stop the story and does engage the reader. Telling is much easier. Anyone can do it--but "anyone's" story would be weak. Showing is harder but a hundred times more effective. Learning to spot telling, and to convert it to showing, can be confusing. Come hear the best way to learn how to see it--and some fantastic ideas for how to transform it.

Speaker: Jeff Gerke has been called the de facto gatekeeper of Christian speculative fiction. After writing his own speculative fiction and spearheading the launch of a fiction imprint dedicated to Christian speculative fiction at a major Christian publishing company, Jeff branched out on his own to launch Marcher Lord Press, an Indie publishing house billing itself as the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction. His fiction how-to book, The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, is available through Amazon or Marcher Lord Press and his new craft book from Writer’s Digest Books is due out in late 2010. Jeff lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, teenage daughter, 9-year-old son, and 2-year-old adoptive daughter from China.

October: Tools to Avoid Clichés

October 11, 2010: Tools to Avoid Clichés

“I think my whole generation's mission is to kill the cliché.”—Beck Hansen

Description: Is your writing mission to kill those dreaded overused ideas and trite phrases. We all know we're not supposed to use clichés, but how can writers avoid them? Evangeline offers practical tools to transform clichés into memorable word pictures.

Speaker: Evangeline Denmark has storytelling on her heart and in her blood. The daughter of novelist, Donita K. Paul, Evangeline grew up living and breathing good stories. She has co-authored two children's books that are under contract with Waterbrook Press. Evangeline is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, serving as chapter secretary.

FREE September 13 Writing Workshop

How to Make Your Reader Care

When: Monday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.- 8.p.m.
Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Description: If you have a wonderful story to share but can’t engage your reader emotionally, your story has fallen short of its potential. This workshop will discuss techniques for drawing your reader in and keeping them involved, whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction.
Speaker: Renee Gray-Wilburn: After five years of writing for publication, Renee has accumulated over 125 published pieces, including numerous articles for Focus on the Family’s children’s and parenting magazines; several short stories and devotionals in anthologies such as the Cup of Comfort series, Life Savors, and Guideposts Incredible Prayers; and magazines such as Grand, KidZone, Christian Communicator, Quiet Hour, and Devotionals. In addition, she has co-authored eight children’s curriculum books for David C. Cook and Group Publishing, and writes regularly for several organizations. Her company, A Way With Words, has provided editorial services for publishers, independent authors, and businesses for over ten years. These services include basic proofreading to content editing for any industry or genre of writing. In addition to writing and editing, Renee endeavors to teach and inspire others in their writing journey through writing workshops, her blog, and  and her online picture book critique group--Picture This

June 14, 2010: Paulette Harris: Finding Your Voice: Make Your Writing Sound Like You

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Place: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road

Description: Would you mistake Brad Pitt’s voice for Bill O’Reilly’s? What about a gangsta rapper with Carrie Underwood? Why do you read certain authors? It’s called “voice,” often referred to as “tone” or “mood" or “style.” Your writing personality, original thoughts, personal feelings, worldview, and how you interpret life distinguishes your writing from other writers. Paulette Harris provides insights on allowing your voice to shine through your writing.

Speaker: Inspirational writer and speaker Paulette Harris founded “The Writer’s Gathering” at Woodmen Valley Chapel, which became Springs Writers. Her writing represents a new and distinct voice in the genre of inspirational literature. Crafting her stories in both fable and fantasy, she’s written four novels: Inca Gold, Vapors, Tentacles, and Mara's Challenge. Drawing the reader into other worlds as well as today's milieu, she underpins her novels with deep spiritual truths. Paulette contributed to Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. Visit Paulette’s website.

May Workshop: Off the Beaten Path Markets

May 10, 2010: Off the Beaten Path Markets

Description: With book publishers shortening their purchasing lists and many traditional magazines folding, writers need to adapt by looking beyond the mainstream writing markets. This workshop looks at some lesser known and perhaps never thought of ways to get your words in print.

Speaker: Renee Gray-Wilburn: After five years of writing for publication, Renee has accumulated over 125 published pieces, including numerous articles for Focus on the Family’s children’s and parenting magazines; several short stories and devotionals in anthologies such as the Cup of Comfort series, Life Savors, and Guideposts Incredible Prayers; and magazines such as Grand, KidZone, Christian Communicator, Quiet Hour, and Devotionals. In addition, she has co-authored eight children’s curriculum books for David C. Cook and Group Publishing, and writes regularly for several organizations. Her company, A Way With Words, has provided editorial services for publishers, independent authors, and  businesses for over ten years. These services include basic proofreading to content editing for any industry or genre of writing. In addition to writing and editing, Renee endeavors to teach and inspire others in their writing journey through writing workshops, her blog, and her online picture book critique group--Picture This

Springs Writers May Critique Group Meets This Saturday

Someone related an interesting perception regarding who attends our critique groups. Is the Springs Writers critique group only for people who write books?

Nope.

It’s for any writer—whether you blog, write web content, pen 100 word articles or 100,000 word books or family memoirs.

Do you …

• * want to brainstorm a book idea in a confidential, creative setting?
• * wonder how to get rid of passive verbs, adjectives and adverbs but don’t know how change empty words into an active, powerful statement or question?
• * question how to apply writing skills pointed out by the speakers to your writing?
• * have your book written, but need to figure out chapter formatting or write a query or book proposal?
• * want to improve your writing and editorial skills to be a compelling communicator?

A critique group bolsters your confidence to put your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and stories swirling in your head and heart onto paper. Springs Writers fiction and nonfiction critique groups focus on encouragement, support, insight, feedback, and editorial and marketing input to turn writing dreams into polished, marketable writing skills.
Feeling too scared, insecure or intimidated to attend?

That’s normal.

From concept to written word to publication, a critique group provides a mini-focus group of readers to inspire you. Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Do you want someone cheer you on to express your voice and God-given talent? Join others pursuing the passion to write. Springs Writers is here to serve you.

Springs Writers Fiction and Nonfiction Critique Groups

When: Saturday, May 1, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM

Where: 5209 Del Paz Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Get Driving Directions

Questions? Call or text: 719-209-9066

The fiction and nonfiction critique group meets this Saturday, May 1. Haven’t already emailed your manuscript for feedback? Bring copies to hand out. Those who submit by the two-week-before-the-meeting deadline are critiqued first. 

April: Springs Writers Critique Group

When: April 17, 2010, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Where: 5209 Del Paz Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80918

If you don’t have the courage to submit a manuscript, we encourage you to come and observe. Never participated in a critique group? Post a comment below, provide your email and we will send you a fiction and nonfiction critique checklist to review.

There are two groups—fiction and nonfiction. The current participants agreed:

• Each person e-mails their group (fiction or nonfiction) their submission.
• If you are new, bring five copies of your manuscript for a read through critique.
• You have two weeks to get your submission in to your group (fiction or non-fiction) and then you have two weeks to critique others' submissions.
• Bring copies of your critiques with you to give to the author—either "hard" copies, i.e. printed out, or on your laptop.
• Bring one printed copy of your submission, just in case someone new joins.

Springs Writers 2010 Critique Group Meetings and Submission Deadlines

Starting in May, our critique group will meet the first Monday of the month. We changed from the second Saturday of the month, because we don’t want to conflict with ACFW’s monthly meeting.

Below are the dates for submissions and the critique group meeting. Submissions are sent two weeks before the critique group meeting. If you want to send your manuscript to the group sooner, that’s gives critiquer’s even more time.

Summer critique groups and vacations often clash. Please note that the regular critique group attendees will decide whether or not to meet in June and July.  

• April Meeting: April 17, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: ASAP

• May Meeting: May 1, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: April 17, 2010

• June Meeting: June 5, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: May 22, 2010

• July Meeting: July 3, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: June 19, 2010

• August Meeting: August 7, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: July 24, 2010

• September Meeting: September 4, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: August 21, 2010

• October Meeting: October 2, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: September 18, 2010

• November Meeting: November 6, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: October 23, 2010

• December Meeting: December 4, 2010, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Submission deadline: November 20, 2010

Springs Writers Critique Group Manuscript Format

Please submit your manuscript in a Word document 97-2004 in the format listed below. This format reflects the professional guidelines required by most publishers.  If submitting to a particular magazine or publisher, please include the writer's guidelines. That way critiquers can provide feedback based upon the target audience and publisher's guidelines.

 

Header

Flush left

• Last name (or your pseudonym's last name)
• Book title or key word, if the title is long.

Flush right

• Page number

Margins

• 1-inch on all sides

Paragraph indent

• .5

Font:

• Times New Roman
• Font style: regular
• Size: 12

Spacing:

• Double space

First page format

• Upper left hand corner:
• Name
• E-mail
• Word count
• Middle of page:
• Chapter 1 (for fiction)
• Title
• Byline (only for articles)

 Springs Writers Critique Group Submission Guidelines

• Spell check before submitting your manuscript.
• Submit two weeks before the group meets.
• Send the entire article or chapter, however, members are only required to critique five pages.

Critique Comment Boxes and Highlight Colors

Highlight words, sentences or passages, then highlight with the appropriate color. Of course, every writer loves to see green.

Use Comment Boxes

• Highlight word, sentence, or paragraph
• Click on ‘Insert’
• Click on ‘Comment’
• Type your critique in comment box.

Use Highlighting

• Highlight word(s)
• Click on ^ABC on toolbar.
• Choose highlight color

Critique Highlighting Colors

Highlight words, sentences or passages, then highlight with the appropriate color. Of course, every writer loves to see green.

• Blue (rework)
• Yellow (passive)
• Fuchsia (repetitive)
• Green (love it)
• Red (adverbs/unnecessary words)
• Grey (delete)

FREE Writing Workshop April 12, 2010: Capture Your Reader from Start to Finish

Capture Your Reader from Start to Finish

“A reader is not supposed to be aware that someone's written the story. He's supposed to be completely immersed, submerged in the environment.”—Jack Vance

When: Monday, April 12, 2010, 6:30 PM- 8 PM

Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Description: How often do you start to read a blog and stop because it’s too long or you can't stay focused? Internet reading differs from relaxing in your recliner to enjoy a good novel. Online readers either want a mega dose of information or inspiration in bite-sized morsels. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a ministry worker, or a writing professional, the fast-paced, Internet mentality makes writing online tough. It doesn't matter if you write an article or chapter for publication or a blog post, Tiffany talks about how to:

• grab your readers’ attention from the start and keep it until the last sentence
• make every word count
• write for maximum effectiveness to touch your readers' hearts
• connect with others to build community

Tiffany also reveals how your writing/blogging voice inspires your tribe, developing a strong foundation for your writing, speaking, ministry, or marketing platform.

Speaker: Tiffany Stuart's powerful insights and writing voice speaks life and truth into the lives of other fellow strugglers. After completing the Christian Writers Guild Apprenticeship Course, Tiffany won Honorable Mention in the inspiration category of the Writers Digest 75th Annual Writing Contest. Some of her publishing credits include: Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, The Upper Room, CBN.com, www.troubledwith.com, www.ungrind.org, www.heartlink.org, and parenting and marriage articles for Focus on the Family. Visit Tiffany's blog.

Facing Your Writing Fears and Foes

When: Monday, March 8, 2010, 6 p.m.- 8.p.m.

Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Driving Directions

Description: What are your fears about writing, the obvious and the hidden? What are your foes--the things and people that deter your progress as a writer? Judith Couchman helps you

• Determine the fears and foes that keep you from writing.
• Understand you're not alone with these fears, and you can overcome them.
• Discover practical ways to overcome your writing roadblocks.

After a short presentation, you will spend time in small groups exploring your inner and outer blocks to writing. Then discuss ways to overcome them.

Speaker: Judith Couchman is the writer or compiler of over 40 faith-based books. She founded and taught the Write the Vision retreats for women writers, and has taught writers and editors in Eastern European countries. Her most recent book is The Mystery of the Cross (IVP). Judith also teaches art history courses as a part-time instructor for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Judith holds a B.S. in education (English and journalism), an M.A. in journalism, and an M.A. in art history. She lives in Colorado. Visit Judith's blog and website.

Check out the upcoming 2010 Springs Writers’ workshops.

February Workshop Cancelled Tonight

The roads are predicted to be icy tonight, plus the speaker can't get out of her street. The February workshop tonight is cancelled. We've rescheduled Evangeline's workshop in October. Check out the upcoming 2010 workshops.

February FREE Workshop: Tools to Avoid Clichés

“I think my whole generation's mission is to kill the cliché.”—Beck Hansen

When: Monday, February 8, 2010, 6:30p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Workshop Description: Is your writing mission to kill those dreaded overused ideas and trite phrases? We all know we're not supposed to use clichés, but how can writers avoid them? Evangeline offers practical tools to transform clichés into memorable word pictures.

Speaker: Evangeline Denmark has storytelling on her heart and in her blood. The daughter of novelist, Donita K. Paul, Evangeline grew up living and breathing good stories. She has co-authored two children's books that are under contract with Waterbrook Press. Evangeline is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, serving as chapter secretary.

November: The Last Class on Show vs. Tell You'll Ever Need

November 8, 2010: The Last Class on Show vs. Tell You'll Ever Need

Description: If you write fiction, you've doubtless heard someone say, "Show, don't tell." But what does that mean? Telling is the act of stopping your story to spoon-feed backstory or explanations to the reader (who probably couldn't care less). Showing is the act of illustrating that information in a way that doesn't stop the story and does engage the reader. Telling is much easier. Anyone can do it--but "anyone's" story would be weak. Showing is harder but a hundred times more effective. Learning to spot telling, and to convert it to showing, can be confusing. Come hear the best way to learn how to see it--and some fantastic ideas for how to transform it.

Speaker: Jeff Gerke has been called the de facto gatekeeper of Christian speculative fiction. After writing his own speculative fiction and spearheading the launch of a fiction imprint dedicated to Christian speculative fiction at a major Christian publishing company, Jeff branched out on his own to launch Marcher Lord Press, an Indie publishing house billing itself as the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction. His fiction how-to book, The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, is available through Amazon or Marcher Lord Press and his new craft book from Writer’s Digest Books is due out in late 2010. Jeff lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, teenage daughter, 9-year-old son, and 2-year-old adoptive daughter from China.

September: How to Make Your Reader Care

September 13, 2010: How to Make Your Reader Care

Description: If you have a wonderful story to share but can’t engage your reader emotionally, your story has fallen short of its potential. This workshop will discuss techniques for drawing your reader in and keeping them involved, whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction.

Speaker: Renee Gray-Wilburn: After five years of writing for publication, Renee has accumulated over 125 published pieces, including numerous articles for Focus on the Family’s children’s and parenting magazines; several short stories and devotionals in anthologies such as the Cup of Comfort series, Life Savors, and Guideposts Incredible Prayers; and magazines such as Grand, KidZone, Christian Communicator, Quiet Hour, and Devotionals. In addition, she has co-authored eight children’s curriculum books for David C. Cook and Group Publishing, and writes regularly for several organizations. Her company, A Way With Words, has provided editorial services for publishers, independent authors, and businesses for over ten years. These services include basic proofreading to content editing for any industry or genre of writing. In addition to writing and editing, Renee endeavors to teach and inspire others in their writing journey through writing workshops, her blog, and her online picture book critique group--Picture This

June: Finding Your Voice: Make Your Writing Sound Like You

June 14, 2010: Paulette Harris: Finding Your Voice: Make Your Writing Sound Like You

Description: Would you mistake Brad Pitt’s voice for Bill O’Reilly’s? What about a gangsta rapper with Carrie Underwood? Why do you read certain authors? It’s called “voice,” often referred to as “tone” or “mood" or “style.” Your writing personality, original thoughts, personal feelings, worldview, and how you interpret life distinguishes your writing from other writers. Paulette Harris provides insights on allowing your voice to shine through your writing.

Speaker: Inspirational writer and speaker Paulette Harris founded “The Writer’s Gathering” at Woodmen Valley Chapel, which became Springs Writers. Her writing represents a new and distinct voice in the genre of inspirational literature. Crafting her stories in both fable and fantasy, she’s written four novels: Inca Gold, Vapors, Tentacles, and Mara's Challenge. Drawing the reader into other worlds as well as today's milieu, she underpins her novels with deep spiritual truths. Paulette contributed to Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. Visit Paulette’s website.

May Workshop: Off the Beaten Path Markets

May 10, 2010: Off the Beaten Path Markets

Description: With book publishers shortening their purchasing lists and many traditional magazines folding, writers need to adapt by looking beyond the mainstream writing markets. This workshop looks at some lesser known and perhaps never thought of ways to get your words in print.

Speaker: Renee Gray-Wilburn: After five years of writing for publication, Renee has accumulated over 125 published pieces, including numerous articles for Focus on the Family’s children’s and parenting magazines; several short stories and devotionals in anthologies such as the Cup of Comfort series, Life Savors, and Guideposts Incredible Prayers; and magazines such as Grand, KidZone, Christian Communicator, Quiet Hour, and Devotionals. In addition, she has co-authored eight children’s curriculum books for David C. Cook and Group Publishing, and writes regularly for several organizations. Her company, A Way With Words, has provided editorial services for publishers, independent authors, and businesses for over ten years. These services include basic proofreading to content editing for any industry or genre of writing. In addition to writing and editing, Renee endeavors to teach and inspire others in their writing journey through writing workshops, her blog, and her online picture book critique group--Picture This

Springs Writers Critique Group

This critique group will meet the Saturday following the Springs Writers monthly workshop.

When: Saturday, January 16, 2010

Where: 5209 Del Paz Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

This Saturday Springs Writers will host its first critique group session. This group is open to anyone who wants to attend. You are welcome to come and observe.

The goals of this group include:

· Learn each critique group member’s responsibilities

· Teach writers how to give and receive critiques

· Critique submitted pages from manuscripts

· Channel participants into ongoing, healthy critique groups.

Submission Guidelines

To make sure the critique sessions are on target and beneficial, please provide the following when submitting a chapter or article.

· Submit a complete article or chapter, but realize we may only partially critique each submission. (In some critique groups, members are only obligated to review 8-10 pages per person.)

· Spellcheck your article before submitting it.

· Email your submission to scotidomeij at gmail dot com before Saturday.

· Submission deadline: We’ll discuss this on Saturday.

· Bring six copies for critique group members.

· Please read the information below. If possible, include the information that’s listed under your submission category with your emailed submission.

FICTION/NOVEL

What is the genre?

Who is the target audience?

One Sentence Summary: What is your book about?

1. Elements of the one-liner

a. 25 words or less.

b. Packed with emotion and suspense

c. Evokes character, suggests motivations, and strongly suggests plot.

d. Hooks readers into wanting more.

e. Sells your story to agents and editors.

2. Samples:

a. A slain cop is reborn as a fearsome cyborg and takes revenge, regains his identity.

b. A paleontologist contends with man's hubris on an island resort where dinosaurs have been revived.

c. After the death of his only friend, a dwarf must re-connect with new people, situations.

d. A rogue physicist travels back in time to kill the apostle Paul.

e. Check out the New York Times Bestseller descriptions

3. Links regarding one sentence summary by Randy Ingermanson

a. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php

b. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2008/03/26/whats-your-one-sentence-summary/

Brief synopses of your novel.

· Should read like back cover copy.

· Punchy, to the point, and invitational to the reader.

· 75-500 words.

· Avoid deep details; it’s an overview.

· Focus on character’s goals and motivations.

· Establish the setting and tone.

· Write the synopsis in present tense, third-person, even though your project may be first person.

· Includes all important plot points, conflict or topics of your book.

· What does the character encounter in story events and how the character emotionally/physically/spiritually reacts to those events?

· How does the character change as a result of the conflict?

· Describes the story setup, major disasters, and ending of the novel.

· Links to articles regarding writing a synopsis.

a. http://www.charlottedillon.com/synopsis.html

b. http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=171

c. http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/The+Rock+Synopsis.aspx

NONFICTION BOOK

Who is the target audience?

What is the book about?

1. Write a 90 second elevator speech. This is similar to a synopsis—a verbal pitch of your book—a brief explanation of what your book is about. No more than 3 sentences.

ANTHOLOGY

Note: The easiest way to provide this information is to go to the Web site and copy and paste it into a document. Include the link to the Web site.

What is the name of the anthology?

1. Examples: Cup of Comfort, Chicken Soup for the Soul

What description did the publisher provide?

2. Example: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Topic: New Moms: Becoming a new mom is the most amazing experience, unique and unlike any other. From the moment that baby is placed in your arms, there is an incredible feeling only a new mother can know. This book celebrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of having a child and creating a family. We are looking for heartwarming, insightful, and humorous stories about raising babies and toddlers that share with our readers the wonders of early motherhood. The deadline for story submissions is February 28, 2010.

What are the publisher’s writing guidelines?

ARTICLE

Who is the target audience?

What kind of article is this?

What magazine or e-zine are you planning to send the article to?

Which column are you targeting?

1. Example: Relevant magazine:

a. The God section explores spiritual topics (spiritual disciplines, relationship with God, others and the church, worship). 600-1000 words

b. Life covers just that: life (relationships, career, finance, travel, psychology and ethics/morality). 600-1000 words

c. Progressive Culture talks about what's new and noteworthy in culture—trends, fashion, film, TV, arts and music. Reviews: 400-600 words; features 600-1000 words.

What are the magazines’ writing guidelines? Once again, the easiest way to provide this info is to cut and paste from the magazine’s Web site, include the link.