Chico Writer's Group » 2009

Sunday, Sept. 6th 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Twitter

Kathie — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:16:52 +0000

Tonight starting at 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Twitter, tell about your best and worst critique story in 140 characters or less. The only rules that apply are:

Don’t out your critique partner(s)/group
Use the hashtag #bwcs for followers (best/worst critique story)
Keep tweets open for all readers (in other words, don’t start your tweet with @user, you may include @user after the first character)

Can’t make it then? Tweet your critique story any time, just be sure to use the hashtag #bwcs so it shows up in the search!

Hope you can make it, this should be fun!

Craft Chat: Describing Setting through Character’s Eyes

Kathie — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:55:44 +0000

The Chico Writer’s Group will be hosting a Craft Chat Saturday, September 12, 2009 on the topic of how to describe a setting through the character’s eyes. This is a free event, writers of all walks, all levels of experience, are invited to attend.

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Date:	Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time:	1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location:	Butte County Library, Chico Branch
Address:	1108 Sherman Avenue (cross 1st Ave.)
	Chico, California
	Public Meeting room directly across breezeway from the circulation desk.

What to Bring:	Pen/pencil, writing tablet or a laptop/notebook

	Agenda
1:00 – 1:20 PM	Free write. Using prompts, writers will be given the opportunity to write for fifteen minutes, then share what they’ve written to the other members of the group.*

1:20 – 1:30 PM	Craft Chat: What are some effective ways to describe the setting in your fiction through different character’s eyes that is unique to the character’s own voice? We’ll explore this question, exchange ideas, and review resources available to add to our writing toolbox.

1:30 – 3:00 PM CLOSED SESSION	Critique Workshop: Members in good standing will be offering critiques to authors of assigned manuscripts which are distributed prior to the meeting. Members: Please attempt to use the critique worksheet, available for download, when reading the manuscript, complete it and bring it with you to the meeting.

About:	Closed sessions are still open to the public, we just ask that anyone interested in this segment enters prior to the session, understands they are only there to observe, and may ask questions, enter into a conversation with the members after the session concludes (however, after session discussions should be conducted outside the meeting room). Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent at all times due to the nature of the conversations that take place. If, however, the authors do not feel comfortable having their manuscript reviewed in the presence of minors, we reserve the right to ask anyone under the age of 18 to please leave the room.

*Sharing written free write work	This portion of our group meeting is not critiqued. Other writers are encouraged to give feedback, provided it’s positive. The free write portions of our group meetings is meant to inspire, challenge and bring about new and exciting ideas about the written word to those participating. While you are not required to read your work aloud, this is an invaluable opportunity to hear the differences in points of view and often quite enjoyable both for the writer and the members of the group. Alternatively, provided your writing is reasonably legible, you may always invite another member to read your work out loud to the rest of the group.

Coming Saturday, September 26, 2009: Writing Conference Review. Chico Writer’s Group members who have attended writing conferences over the summer will be sharing useful information with us. This is also a free event, open to the public. If you are interested in attending this special presentation, please contact us (you may leave a comment here, just be sure to provide a working email address so we can reply. Email addresses are never published publicly.) as space is limited.

The Chico Writer’s Group, is not affiliated with the Meetup Group with a similar name.

Upcoming Write-Ins and What is a "Write-In"?

Kathie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:36:36 +0000

The Chico Writer’s Group started hosting “write-ins” November, 2008 to help NaNoWriMo participants in the group and throughout the Chico community, reach their writing goal of 50,000 words in 30 days. Since then, several members were so happy with the results, they elected to continue this popular motivator.

As we gear up for this coming November’s National Novel Writing Month challenge, we’re putting out the call to all interested writers to come participate in our weekly event. No dues, no membership fees and a lot of fun! If you’re interested, drop us a line or leave us a comment with your current, active email address (which is never published) and we’ll include you in the scheduling process.

Want to know more about our write-ins? Read on!

A write-in is where two or more writers gather in a mutually agreed upon public place (coffee shop, 24-hour diner, public library, etc.) for a period of time (anywhere from 1-4 hours, typically. It all depends upon what the writers agree on doing.) The purpose of the meeting is to write.

For some, setting aside time to write and then actually using it to write, is difficult. A write-in holds the writer accountable. It also makes the time go by quicker and having others surround you, ideas flying, words adding up, it’s also inspiring. We acknowledge it’s not ideal for everyone, but give it a shot before you write it off entirely! (Yeah, pun intended.)

Write-in Rules:

Talking is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. You are there to write!
     Things like “Hey, what are some types of weapons other than a knife or gun, that a woman of medium size and height, could wield to stave off her attacker?” or “What’s the word for that thing that chops off heads, usually in a public forum?” are ok.
     Ordinarily those types of questions could be Googled, but during National Novel Writing Month (November), that can be too time consuming and big distraction, keeping you from reaching the goal at the end of the month of completing the 50K words.
     Asking for others to listen to you plot out your entire novel or read a chapter isn’t okay. Save that for our regular critique workshops.
If you say you’re going to be there and for some reason can’t or decide you’re not up for it, be courteous and drop a line to the organizer, the earlier the better. It’s not fair to the others in your group to just “not show up.” Same applies if you’re no longer interested. Let the organizer know!
Be sure to bring your writing materials including a plug for your laptop/notebook, couple extra pens/pencils, notepads, etc. Remember, if you’re meeting in a coffee shop or restaurant, less is more. Space will be limited, so don’t plan on bringing all your resource books and spreading them out.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to arrive and leave the times the write-in is scheduled to start and finish?
A: No. You’re welcome to arrive earlier and leave later, arrive later and leave earlier. If you do arrive earlier, try to find a spot large enough for everyone. Arriving later or leaving earlier? Please be courteous of your fellow writers. Quietly set up and break down. Be sure to bus your table before leaving if meeting at an eatery.

Q. Are all write-ins at the same time/same day of the week?
A: No. The November write-ins are “any time we can get a couple of people and a couple of hours that all coordinate.” They can happen any time of any day of the week and usually more than once a week. Most writers are trying to squeeze in as much time as possible to reach that 50K goal. However, after NaNoWriMo, we do tend to meet on the same time/same day of the week, but that’s not written in stone. Yup, ‘nother pun. Sorry! If you’re interested in the non-NaNo month write-ins and see that the schedule doesn’t fit with yours, drop us a line (or comment – just be sure to give us a working email address to respond to you at), let us know you’re interested and what days/times work best.

Q: Why are your non-NaNo month write-ins always at the Chico Public Library?
A: They’re not. But usually they are. The reason is it’s free. No one feels obligated to buy a coffee or drink, there’s no charge for parking, it’s quiet and there’s usually plenty of room to write. Downtown Chico has metered parking and during the school year, there aren’t many “quiet” places to write. There aren’t any completely free places to write, either, other than the library.

Q: I want to come to a write-in, but I don’t always have access to transportation. Does that mean I’m excluded?
A: No. However, you might want to arrange for a ride or take the bus/a taxi the first time to make sure it’s something you want to do and have the opportunity to meet and get to know the others in our group. During that time, you can ask if there’s anyone willing to give you a ride.

Q. I’m an obsessive Googler because it helps me with on-the-fly research as the story I’m working on develops. If I come to a write-in, will I be able to access the Internet and Google?
A: Usually. The Chico Public Library now has free Internet Wi-fi and most of the locations we’ve picked in the past have offered free access. If you’re a habitual Googler and this is imperative you have access, let us know in advance so we can keep that in mind when looking for locations.

Q: I’m a full-time college student and only have free time between midnight and 2:00 a.m., does that mean I won’t be able to attend a write-in.
A: No. But don’t expect it to be a write-in we’ve organized! Of course, if there’s enough of a demand, we might be willing to entertain the idea. (But seriously, midnight to 2? Have you heard of this much needed thing called “sleep?”)

Q: My daughter is interested in attending, but she’s fourteen. Can she come to a write-in?
A: Yes. However, special arrangements for drop-off attendees under the age of eighteen is required for safety and legal purposes. We require the parent/legal guardian to contact us prior to attendance unless the parent/legal guardian will be accompanying the minor and staying on the premises the entire time.

Q: So can my nine year old son attend, too?
A: No. Male and female minors between the ages of 13 and 18 may attend (see above Q/A), however we’re unable to accommodate anyone under the age of 13. As a suggestion, contact your child’s school and ask the language arts department about hosting write-ins and writer group meetings for students interested in writing but under the age of 13.

Q: I’m not a writer, but I am an avid reader. May I come and offer to read some of the works in progress novels, maybe give a few suggestions, kick around some ideas with the writers?
A: Thanks, but no. At least not at a write-in. If you are truly interested in reading some of the works in progress and provide feedback, please drop us a line!

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop Sat. May 16

Kathie — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:08:18 +0000

(We are not affiliated with the Chico Writers Meetup Group*)

Chico Writer’s Group Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

“Describing Sounds”

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 3:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico
Room: Butte County Library – Chico Branch conference room (directly across the hall from the circulation desk)
Fees: None

Agenda

3:30 – 4:00 PM Free write – We always have a fun writing exercise assigned that inspires creativity (and has resulted in poems, short stories and even the beginnings of longer pieces!). Come join!
4:00 – 4:30 PM Craft Chat: Describing Sounds
What was that noise – and how can you describe it to your reader? Whether it’s the creak of a basement door, the babbling of a brook, or the rush of the wind, your characters encounter sounds. We’ll talk about ways to describe those sounds so your reader hears them too.
5:00 – 6:30 PM Critique Workshop
All manuscripts have been turned in and distributed to members in good standing.

*Chico Writers Meetup Group is through a paid membership site, Meetup. We do not have anything to do with this group and are not affiliated. We never charge membership dues or collect fees.

Crafting Opening Lines and Critique Workshop

Kathie — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:41:41 +0000

Agenda

4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Flash Fiction Writing Exercise and Craft Chat: Opening Lines

How do you pull your readers into your story from the very first line? What makes for a good first line? When should you write it?

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Critique Workshop

Manuscripts have been turned in and distributed to the members in good standing. Order of critiques are as follows: R. A., K. L., D. H.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Place: Butte County Library, Chico Branch – Conference Room
Address: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico (cross street – First Avenue)

The Critiquey Critique Workshop

Kathie — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:13:36 +0000

Getting the most from critiquing and being critiqued

Host: CWG: Chico Writer’s Group
Type: Education – Workshop
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Chico Branch Meeting Room, Butte County Library
Street: 1108 Sherman Avenue
City/Town: Chico, CA
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Agenda

11:00 AM – Craft Workshop: Getting the Most from Critiquing and Being Critiqued

You’ve written your heart and soul out. Worked long, tireless hours perfecting your manuscript and now you ache for feedback other than from Grandma, the cat and your significant others. Fellow writers, perhaps. A critique group. But the size, type and availability of these groups might be far and few between, how can you go about getting the most out of your time spent with them and get the valuable insight you crave and desire? How do you, in turn, provide enough feedback to other authors so they are equally rewarded? We’ll be presenting effective, useful methods which will help you and your fellow writers achieve their goals during this session which is free to the public.

12:00 pm Closed session (members only) Critique Workshop
Manuscripts have been already sent out and members should be in receipt and have responded to the like. The order of these is: R.S.A. followed by K. L.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th, 2009 from 3:30 – 6:30 pm

Craft Chat: Race and Ethnicity

Kathie — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:30:23 +0000

How do you make characters of a race (describing biological descent) or ethnicity (describing cultural heritage) other than your own realistic? How can you avoid reducing them to a stereotype? Where do you go for information? What obvious traps should you avoid?

We’ll be answering these questions and enjoying some free write time during our regular writers group meeting. Visitors are welcome! This is a free event.

Critique Workshop and Craft Chat

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Times: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room (directly across from circulation desk)
Chico Branch, Butte County Library
Address: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico

Agenda

4-4:30 p.m. Free Write followed by Craft Chat
4:30-6:30 p.m. Critique Workshop
- m.s.s in this order:
  - D. H.
  - R. A.
  - L. H.*

Writers Workshop Sat., March 7

Kathie — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:48:04 +0000

Agenda

Craft Chat: Creating Suspense
You want your reader to both understand what’s going on and want to keep reading. How do you create mystery without either giving away too much or losing the reader?

Critique Workshop
This segment is only for members-in-good standing. Manuscripts have been delivered, please be prepared to actively critique the three manuscripts. We’ll be working in the following order:

R. A. S.
L. H.
L. G.

Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Place: Chico Branch Meeting Room
          (directly across from circulation desk)
          Butte County Library
          1108 Sherman Avenue (cross street 1st Ave.), Chico

Please note: members are requested to help put everything away after our sessions and check with the organizer before leaving. Thank you.

Saturday’s Craft Chat Blurb

Kathie — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:43:26 +0000

" When we’re telling a story, we need to tell our readers something about where it takes place. How do we bring the reader into the story’s space? What kind of physical details are important? What’s best left to the reader’s imagination? "

For more information, check out the previous post announcing our upcoming meeting this Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop

Kathie — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:46:07 +0000

Agenda

1-2 p.m. Craft Chat and Writing Exercise
Topic: Physical Description – Setting

2-4 p.m. Critique Workshop
Members will critique manuscripts
which have already been distributed.

Note: If you have not previously attended
a Chico Writer’s Group workshop, you are
welcome to attend the craft chat session.
Critique Workshops are for members only.

Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2009
Location: Butte County Library, Chico Branch
1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, CA
Meeting room directly across from Circulation Desk

For further information, leave a comment
below with your current, functional email address.