Changes

As we near the end of this president's term, many changes have been suggested. Case in point critiquing, there is talk of having a early critique session prior to the meeting. This may work well for some, but I believe it should be put to the membership for a vote. To make sweeping changes without input of the membership is a great way to alienate people. Apparently this change will be tested this next meeting. Someone implied it would be easier to do some of the preliminary critiquing online. This may be so, but to create so much structure and rules in my opinion defeats the openness of the process. I scramble to write each day and to blog every Tuesday. I do not have time to look over a body of work of another writer as part of my work day. I hold a critique session every Wednesday and anyone is welcome. Just e-mail me you are interested.
But I digress. In view of the success of our conference, with so many stepping up to the plate I believe we need fewer rules and regs. We are here to help one another not to throw obstacles on the path of the writer's journey. This is of course just my opinion and as such should be taken only as a single view. I, for one, welcome more discussion on the subject before it is cast in stone.

Improving the LCRW experience

At this time of year most folks take stock and see what areas in their life they can improve and make resolutions to do just that. I think LCRW has come a long way from where it was when I left. It is now a vital organization, but I think it could be even better. Scuttlebutt has it some folks, me included, wishing the critique portion of meetings could be reinstated. Some years ago (I don't remember exactly when) folks who arrived early could read a few pages and the group would offer helpful suggestions. At the last meeting one member was having a down experience with one of her manuscripts. The group was able to offer her some insight and it is my belief that the main reason for the group is for members to aid one another with writing issues.
Critiques are the most concrete method of improving ones work. I have a critique partner who is very good , but I think she humors me because I am published. Being published does not mean you can be a island that is always right. You need contact with other writers.
I have tried to hold monthly meetings at my house for critique but, find they are under attended. This time of year the weather is not always nice and my driveway is a very steep hill. So since most of us come to the meetings why not set aside a portion of the meeting for critiques?
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the next meeting and I hope you all had wonderful holidays and have the finest New Year. It doesn't seem possible it is 2010 already. Yesterday was the first day of spring wasn't it?

new directions

The first meeting of the Westside Critique Congregation was last Wed. Though not attended my many the evening was fruitful. Each of us learned something from the others. I would personally like to see more unpublished authors at the next meeting. Those seem to offer less technically hindered critiques, that is more like readers. This feedback is most valuable because we write to readers. Though most writers are readers prepublished readers offer the most pure critique, at least in my experience.
I was talking to Donna Collins and she suggested the group have an on line subscription to the Writers Market. I think it is an idea that merits consideration. We would only need one subscription, each member of the group with paid up dues would be given the common password. Each year when dues are due the password would be changed. Think about it.

On another matter that plagues me, I would like to see instituted a market plan. I hate to do the publicity, which is why my sales are low. If everyone who knows anything about publicity could put together a plan it would be most helpful to the group. Wouldn't it be nice to have a member who sells in this tight market? I for one would like to know about Face Book, Twitter and other networking plans. I am no kid, so am not as technially savy as you younger folks. It can't be all that hard, yet I fear to try. I like to have things all laid out before I jump in the pool. Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.
Continuing in this vein we have within this group a member who should be called the Queen of Networking and to my knowledge she does not have a lot of computer skills. Come on Kathy tell us how you do it. She has the knack for remembering folks names and situations and always offers assistance to everyone. I noted this knack sometime ago and have yet to figure out how she does it. Ms. Cottrell please share.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am off to visit my grandson who is turning 18 and the worst of it is he's my youngest grandson. I've gone from koolaid to medicade. Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. Stay well and take care of each other.
Dee Carey
The Foxlady