How to write a story or novel or memoir.

Follow these easy instructions and have the mysteries of plot revealed to you.

1) Go to http://www.igoogle.com

2) In the upper right hand corner, click on where it says "ADD STUFF"

3) In the upper right hand corner, where it says "SEARCH FOR GADGETS" type POKE THE PENGUIN

4) Under the picture of the PENGUIN, click "ADD IT NOW"

5) Once the Penguin has been added to your Igoogle page, use the gloved hand to POKE the Penguin and see a representation of Aristotle's "Incremental Perturbation of an Unstable Homeostatic System . . ." and do it again and again. It's never the same twice.

6) Enjoy and happy holidays!


--Hildieblog

Well, here we are again back on the first of the month.

And here are the prompts.

Get writing folks, 2009 is almost gone . . . .


(you know the drill, set a timer for 10 minutes and goooooooo!)


1. Something happens in the shadows.

2. Someone has something to say, but keeps getting interrupted.

3. Taking flight.


Pick one!

--hildieblog

Today I am attending a funeral for a student of mine. It's one of those days that remind you that time is short, that we might not have all the time in the world to achieve our goals. That candles can be brief and unexpected snuff-outs happen. She was in her early 30s.

Well, maybe. Maybe it's just a day where we think about stuff. I look back at this student's emails and they are like so many others -- I've got this many pages -- I'll drop them by today (she didn't) -- oh, I wanted to tweak them some more -- I've got this many pages, but now I know what's going to happen . . . . sound familiar?

As we move into the month of December, the month where "no one writes" -- please take time to make a plan for next year. Let's get these books finished.

And at the same time (I'm waxing poetic here), let's also remember that sometimes, the journey is the thing and that the end is just the start of another. I mean if you did finish the book this year 2010, wouldn't you just start another one? Isn't the joy in the doing?

I hope so. I think that's the thought I want to leave you all with. Write today, not because we don't know what tomorrow brings, or because your book might someday be a bestseller and allow you to buy a small island in the Carribean where you can retire and drink Mojitos all day -- write today because it's fun, it gives you peace, and you like doing it.

Cause in the end, after the combine of life and publishing, no one can ever take away the fun you had creating your story.

--hildieblog

I received my Writer's Center Carousel yesterday and in the rush of Thanksgiving, only just had time to read it through. What an exciting collection of workshops in there for Winter! Brenda Clough is back with the Sci Fi and Fantasy, Mary Quattlebaum with writing for kids, lots of teen writing workshops (thank goodness -- 'cause I'm meeting teens who are doing NaNoWriMo, in between 5 hours of homework a night and applying to colleges . . .) and a one day worshop with Leslie Pietryzk on dialogue -- and there's more, too -- check it out at www.writer.org . . . . .

And of course, I'm leading a couple, too, but you knew that already. On Tuesdays, 10:30 a group of wily folks will be meeting to plan out their year in the New Years Resolution workhop and in February, I'll be leading an online fiction workshop.

Lots of support for you -- the writer in your family.

Also, if you are stumped about what to ask your family for for Christmas, how about time to write? A night in a hotel or cabin with no interruptions? Could be the best gift you ever got . . . .

Keep Writing!
--Hildieblog

Winter Workshop Discount Extended

Dear Members & Friends,

Due to popular demand, we've decided to extend the winter workshop discount until 5 p.m. Sunday. As an added bonus, anyone who registers for a workshop today through Sunday will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win one of these great prizes:

1 free 6-8 session winter workshop of your choice
1 free 4-session workshop winter workshop of your choice
1 free 2-session workshop winter workshop of your choice
1 free 1-session workshop winter workshop of your choice
1 free membership
2 free tickets to the annual birthday reading with Carolyn Forche and Pagan Kennedy

The drawing will be held Monday and we'll accounce the winners on Facebook, on First Person Plural, and in next week's member e-mail.

Restrictions: This promotion cannot be combined with other offers. Previous registrations are ineligible for the prize drawing.


The Carousel, the flagship publication of The Writer's Center, is now complete. It has been sent to the printers and will soon be mailed to members. In this issue you'll find the complete guide to winter workshops; articles about our featured birthday guests, Carolyn Forche and Pagan Kennedy; descriptions of our emerging writer fellows and Story/Stereo; and Special Holiday Gift ideas from The Writer's Center (which you can read about today at www.writer.org).

Visit our website at: https://www.writer.org

If you'd ever asked me what was Creative Nonfiction -- now's your chance to ask the man WHO COINED THE PHRASE. Pittsburgh's Lee Gutkin, editor of the Journal of Creative Nonfiction -- will be leading a very special workshop at the Writer's Center in February -- check it out!

Lee Gutkind, the Godfather of Creative Nonfiction, to Lead a Master Workshop

The Writer's Center is pleased to announce that one of the leading figures of creative nonfiction, Lee Gutkind, will lead a a master workshop this winter at The Writer's Center. In addition to this workshop, look for details--to be announced soon--on a special March event at The Writer's Center featuring Lee Gutkind and the journal Creative Nonfiction. In the meantime, here's the description of the Master workshop.





STYLE AND SUBSTANCE: THE CREATIVE NONFICTION TRIPLE CHALLENGE

7 - 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb 8, Tuesday, Feb. 9, Thursday, Feb. 11, and Friday, Feb. 12

Fee: $300 for members; $350 for nonmembers




Whether you are writing memoir or writing about science, business, or history, the writer, to be successful, must find a way to communicate interesting and vital information along with his or her ideas and feelings--through scene or narrative.

Those are the first two challenges in creative nonfiction: Style or story blended with substance or fact. And then there's focus/theme--the awesome final challenge: What does all of this information plus narrative mean to the reader, to the writer, and to the world? What do we want our readers to think or do after they read our essay or our book?




These are the three challenges facing the nonfiction writer today--often the vital prerequisites of publication and communication.




In this workshop, Lee Gutkind, founder and editor of the landmark magazine Creative Nonfiction, will lead you through the creative nonfiction writing process from beginning to end. He will demonstrate the writer's pitfalls and the ways in which the writer might fulfill the creative nonfiction triple challenge.




In the first class, Gutkind will discuss and demonstrate the classic structure of creative nonfiction--how style and substance come together. In the second class, Gutkind will be joined by his colleague, Dan Sarewitz, a columnist for the journal Nature, and co-director of Arizona State University's Consortium for Science Policy & Outcomes. Sarewitz and Gutkind will focus on perhaps the most difficult of the three challenges: finding meaning in your work. For the third and fourth sessions students will be asked to write a short narrative that combines style, substance, and meaning--and share their work with the class.




This is a master workshop. To apply, you must submit 5 hard copy pages of a creative nonfiction piece (it can be an excerpt from a longer work). Please do not register for this workshop before you are admitted. Submission deadline for this workshop is January 4.




To learn more about Lee Gutkind, please visit

him at http://www.leegutkind.com/

You have ONLY DAYS to contact agents and book editors this year. Otherwise wait until about Jan 15. Your choice.

Most queries received between Thanksgiving and Christmas get auto-nos. Make a plan now.

Having trouble making a plan? Wondering where the year went? I have a New Year's Resolution workshop starting in January. Check it out at http://www.writer.org

--Hildieblog

Good morning -- here you are well rested and ready to tackle November! It's NOVEMBER PEOPLE! And that means 3 things.

ONE: You have only about 2 weeks to get anything out to agents/editors that you wanted for for this year. By Thanksgiving Week, the well is dry -- everything you send will come back with a form rejection, unread. The window reopens about mid January.

TWO: It's NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH! The tryptophan induced insanity that spawns thousands of writers to attempt the Writer's Iron Man -- writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Join in the fun at http://www.nanowrimo.org and get writing -- it's only about a 1700 words a day . . . . (6 or 7 pgs double spaced).

THREE: Prompts! A new month brings new prompts from Hildie! Hooray!

(set a timer and gooooooo -- or better yet, pick a prompt and head over to Dr Wicked's Write or Die . . .http://writeordie.drwicked.com/)

1) Turkey. The place, the bird, three strikes in a row, the jerk in the next cubicle. I don't care, just write about Turkey.

2) Ahhh, family reunions. Always rife with unresolved conflict. Write about a family reunion, holiday meal, or a homecoming.

3) Thanksgiving is about what? Making friends in unlikely places? Being thankful? Carbo loading? Tradition? Feasts? Surviving against the odds? You decide.

Okay, have at those and let me know how it goes.

--hildieblog

PS - thinking about next year? I'm offering a New Year's Resolution workshop -- starts in January, Tuesdays, 10:30-1 in Arlington thru the Writer's Center (it's not on their site yet,but it will be soon) and also, in February an 8 week online course. Check them out at http://www.writer.org

Structure You Book meets THIS SATURDAY and still has just a few seats. Why should you take it? are you working on a book? Confused about where it is going? If you'd achieved "plot" -- not sure how to get it all down? Want some support?

Structure is for anyone writing a book -- fiction, nonfiction, doesn't matter -- and needs some help getting it down. It's a 2 Saturday class that meets this Saturday, October 24 and Saturday Nov 14 from 9:30-1:30. It's only $125 for members of the Writer's Center, and $140 for non-members.

What will we talk about??? Our books of course! What's in them, what needs to be in them, how that can be structured. What kinds of structures to use? How to organize your notes, your thoughts and your time to get this together. What a reasonable commitment is and a reasonable goal. How to fix your work area so it actually, uh, works for YOU. You'll get to workshop a book flap type description of your book, and later a structure that you create. Folks will help each other connect to books that are somehow "like ours" so we can research how others have done what we are trying to do! And we can peek at who their agents and editors are! Fun Fun Fun!

Sign up is at www.writer.org -- class starts on Saturday! Will join us? Bring a bag lunch, 15 copies of your book's description and a cup of coffee. Class meets in South Arlington, near Shirlington, with ample parking! Come on! It's fun!

--hildieblog

1) Today is the F. Scott Fitzgerald conference in Rockville. One of them there things we is lucky to have locally. Julia Alvarez is there. And many others. Check it out at :

http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/potomacreview/fscott/


2) Also, Writer's Digest's free bi-weekly newsletter, Writer's Market is going to weekly. Today's issue highlights 3 magazines accepting fiction. At first I was like yahhhoooo! And then I looked at them. Yeah, well, who cares. Go to http://www.duotrope.com and find ALL the magazines accepting what you are writing . . . .

and if you still want to check out WritersMarket -- it's here: http://links.mkt230.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDI1ODk4MgS2&r=Njg3NTEzMzM4S0&j=MTM5NDY2MjMyS0&mt=1&rt=0


--hildieblog

PS -- also still a few seats left in Structure Your Book on 10/24 and 11/14. Registration and info at http://www.writer.org

Welcome back to your desk! Here's the prompts for October!

(you know the drill, set a timer for 10-15 minutes, pick a prompt and just write!)

1. She thought she heard someone coming.

2. Orange

3. Think about things that happen as it gets colder -- what are they? sure, leaves fall, acorns pound your roof, but what else happens? Muse on it.


--hildieblog

PS Still seats available in Structure You Book -- 2 Saturdays 10/24 and 11/14 9:30-1:30 -- register through the Writer's Center at http://www.writer.org

Curious about the year long WRITE YOUR BOOK class? Come hear the alums read from their books!

Tonight, 7pm, The Lyon Park House 414 N. Fillmore St, Arlington.

Free, of course, and snacks, too!

It will be a fun celebration of what we all can do when we put our minds to it!!!

Come join the fun!

--hildieblog

PS My 8 week long Write Your Life workshop starts Tuesday, Sept 29 (10:30-1) at the Arlington Cultural Affairs Building. Registration and details at www.writer.org -- nice sized class, but room for a few more . . . .

Once upon time a student in a fiction workshop told me that he and some of his buddies were putting together a lit mag -- he was so excited, like a puppy meeting a new friend -- and I just patted him on the head and smiled in a benevolent yet condescending way. Getting some buddies together and starting a lit mag, because you are frustrated with what's out there and hey, at least this will publish US, is about the same as the frat boys who sit around talking about opening their own bar. Yeah, they might do it, but it won't end well. But it WILL be a learning experience.

How wrong I was.

First, the student, Aaron Pease is ridiculously talented -- as are many of his buds and in about 15 minutes, Barrelhouse became a force to be reckoned with, not only on the local lit scene (as the original buds and editors are now flung far afield) -- but on the national stage. They get big names involved in every issue, and while the themes and tone of the mag might not be for everyone, it has a theme and tone and that's something in and of itself.

But that's not what this is about -- it's not about their tribute to Patrick Swayze issue either -- it's about their new TeeShirts. Check them out. They'll make you smile and maybe click on "cart."

http://skreened.com/barrelhouse



--hildieblog
PS my Tuesday daytime workshop Write Your Life starts on Sept 29. Will you be there?

Ah, for those of you who long for the old "crap-o-meter*" days with Miss Snark, know that her alter ego, Janet Reid has created a blog for you --

Query Shark is a great place to see queries commented on. There's even some there that have gone out into the world and come home with a publisher (yay!).

And yes, you can submit your own -- at your peril if you don't give it a solid read first . . .

http://queryshark.blogspot.com/




Have at it!

--hildieblog

*"crap-o-meter" was a contest where Miss Snark commented on queries and first pages. Highly entertaining, highly educational. Check out the archives of Miss Snark at http://www.misssnark.blogspot.com/

and you really should be back in school!

Yes, I know. You want to write. You do. Now and suddenly. On any scrap of paper you can find.

And there's this: http://www.3daynovel.com/



Yes, write a novel this Labor Day weekend! Okay, it won't be stellar -- it won't be done. It will be a skeletal draft and a really good start. More than you got right now, right? And even if it is trash, heck, you only wasted 3 days, right? I waste more time than that watching In Treatment . . .




But that's not why you came today, is it? You came for the prompts . . . .

And here they are:

1) Write about someone working hard on an arduous task and something unexpected happens.

2) The phone rings in the middle of the night.

3) A first day of school. A first day of work. A first day.

Okay, so pick one, and then set a timer and goooooooo.


--hildieblog

It's almost that time, you know, that first cool morning, when you just feel like you MUST run (not walk) to CVS and buy a notebook RIGHT NOW! And a new pen, which you spend 10 minutes picking out. Yes?



Okay so to make that easier --

The Writer's Center Open house is on Saturday September 12 -- with lots of cool stuff going on -- (need I sing the praises of new director Charlie Jensen YET AGAIN?) So I have a couple of workshops with room still this fall -- a daytime workshop called "Write Your Life" that's Tuesdays 10:30-1 in Arlington and the ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS 2 Saturday "Structure Your Book" -- but other cool stuff is ongoing at the Center -- check it out --



OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 12 (Noon-3p.m.)

The Writer's Center will hold its fall Open House on September 12. Don't forget: We'll be handing out prizes to everyone who attends. The prizes will range from one free winter workshop to, well, you won't know unless you come to the Open House!



SUDDEN STORY CONTEST

In the weeks leading up to the Open House, The Writer's Center challenges its members & friends to write one short short or prose poem no longer than 250 words and submit it to thecarousel@writer.org (deadline for submissions: September 8th). The 10 finalists will be posted in the Jane Fox Reading Room during the Open House. Attendees will then be able to vote for the winner. That winner will be the recipient of a major prize. Visit www.writer.org for details. Look under "what's new."



FIRST PERSON PLURAL: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Would you like to write for First Person Plural, The Writer's Center's blog? The blog is undergoing a facelift. We'll soon have new regular features, including interviews with authors, book reviews, member essays, small press & literary journal profiles, and more. Do you have a story idea you'd like to pitch? Send us an e-mail to thecarousel@writer.org.




Keep Writing!
--hildieblog

National Geographic on 17th Street NW has the funkiest things. The stuff you'd expect, sure, Polar Expeditions and photos of the skeleton of Lucy, but -- Justin Roberts (the kids musician), and now this ::: (oh yeah and it's sponsored by . . . Michelob?)

NG Live New Season Highlights



An Evening With Amy Tan
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, will discuss with National Geographic Traveler contributing editor Don George the life-changing challenges of living in two cultures, the importance of fate and family in her life and work, and the places that have moved and inspired her.

This event is part of the two-part series National Geographic Traveler's Journeys: Conversations With Great Writers. Purchase as a series and save!

Ticket price includes 6:30 pm reception sponsored by Michelob Brewing Company.

NG Member: $20 / 2-part Series: $35
General Public: $25 / 2-part Series: $44


more info: http://newsletters.nationalgeographic.com/PS!HUJa5bBTYbAFBgIAAAAGCgFICgg1NzgxOTkyNQoKMjQwMjkwNzE0NQkAL97MCgk0MTI4NTM4NzUF

Okay, so you've heard that it takes a while for a book to come out after it's accepted, right? You figured that was because oh, the back and forth of editing with your editor . . . well, here's the real truth . . . from MoonRat, a recovering editor's assistant . . .

http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2009/08/reasons-to-make-your-delivery-date-or.html

h.

Because The Writer’s Center believes writers of all backgrounds and experiences should have an opportunity to devote time and energy toward the perfection of their craft, we are accepting applications from promising writers earning less than $25,000 annually to apply for our Undiscovered Voices Fellowship. This fellowship program will provide complimentary writing workshops to the selected applicant for a period of one year, but not to exceed 8 workshops in that year. We expect the selected fellow will use the year to make progress toward a completed manuscript of publishable work.

The selected fellow will be able to attend writing workshops offered by The Writer’s Center free of charge. In addition, the fellow will give a reading from his or her work at the close of the fellowship period (June 2010) and will be invited to speak with local high school students on the craft of writing.

To apply, candidates should submit
a) a cover letter signed by the candidate that contains the statement: “I understand and confirm I meet all eligibility requirements of the Undiscovered Voices Fellowship.” The cover letter should include information on the impact this fellowship would have on the candidate.
b) contact information for two references who can speak to the candidate’s creative work and promise
c) a work sample in a single genre:
• 8 pages of poetry, no more than one poem per page
• 10 pages of fiction, double-spaced, no more than 1 work or excerpt
• 10 pages of nonfiction (essay, memoir, etc), double-spaced, no more than 1 work or excerpt
OR
• 15 pages of a script or screenplay

These items should be sent in hard copy to The Writer’s Center, Attn: Undiscovered Voices Fellowship, 4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD 20815. The deadline is September 15, 2009.

Suspected agent Miss Snark, Janet Reid's blog today gives a really good reason why it's not too early to have an author website . . . yeah you . . . get on it . . .

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/


--hildieblog