Tag Archives: writing

Meeting July 17: Publication News

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At the meeting were six attendees: Tim, Kook-Wha, Jon, Claire, K.L., and John. We did feedback rounds for two submissions.

Jon’s piece was the setting for a story about climbing a mountain in the North-East of the US. It was a foreshadowing of a more difficult climb of the same mountain a year later. We explored the balance of details and context with setting the scene for the dangerous and dramatic climb up and the return.

The second piece was by John. It was an opening to a story about hunting vampires. The group talked about how word choice helped to elevate a sense of tension and horror. There were areas to improve, which the group provided helpful details.

The author, K.L. Baxton shared a copy of her physical book, The Book Witch, that recently launched on Amazon. The reviews are positive for this engaging book. She is working on social media marketing to improve its reach.

The Book Witch by K.L. Baxton

Lastly, the group began conversations about the focus of the next anthology. There was consensus to identify one to two themes to incorporate as the focus of our next anthology. Lots of ideas were shared. We are hoping to decide by the end of our meeting in the third week of August. Check in then 🙂

Meeting June 4: The Art of Feedback

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Meeting Minutes by Claire Murray:

The Deadwood Writers’ Group met tonight, June 5, at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Livonia. It was a good meeting!

Feedback Sessions

We had two pieces of writing to review. One was by Tim Franklyn and the other by Claire Murray.

The feedback for Tim Franklyn’s piece focused on whether or not we noticed any foreboding in the story as well as what did we see as suspenseful? We also talked about what genre we thought his piece would fit in.

The focus of the feedback for Claire Murray’s story focused on whether the readers found the story interesting. And, what could be done to make the story more interesting? Also, would the people giving feedback like to hear more? If so, would they prefer it in story form or as an essay?

After the feedback session, the meeting was adjourned.

Takeaways

Note by John McCarthy:

Giving feedback at the Deadwood Writers’ meeting is a process that is honed and polished from over 23 years of practice. Sessions begin with the author sharing up to 3 areas that they would like feedback from the group. Each area or goal must be specific. For example, instead of saying, “Give me feedback about anything in the draft,” they can ask, “Did you notice any foreboding in the story? If so, please share references. Also share how any spaces where ‘foreboding’ could be improved?”

By asking for feedback in specific areas of the draft, the author sets the focus. This enables readers to hone in on up to 3 specific areas, leading to a rich conversation.

While the group dialogs about the draft, the author remains silent and takes notes. This is a fishbowl where the group talks inside the bowl and the author is on the outside as a spectator.

Finally, the author joins the group to reflect about the feedback. The focus is on what they took away, not on justifying decisions that the readers critiqued. Sometimes more topics for feedback arise that the author asks for during this post-feedback conversations.

Join us for the experience. See what you think.

Next Meeting Information

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
at 7:00 pm in the Cafe
Barnes and Noble in Livonia, MI (map)
17111 Haggerty Rd., Northville, MI 48168

Looking forward to seeing everyone then!

Meeting May 7: Show Don’t Tell and Book Launch

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Member Updates:

The Book Witch: An Urban Fantasy Coming-of-Age Novel, written by K.L. Baxton from our group, is published and available on Amazon. Over part of 2024 and 2025, the group read and discussed the chapters as they were shared. The compelling storytelling led to praise and spirited conversations about author craft ideas. Finally, the book is available for purchase so that the wider audience can enjoy what the Deadwood Writers experienced. Already, the reviews are promising for the novel. Congrats!

Feedback Sessions:

We had two drafts to discuss. Because one writer was not able to attend, we had an engaging conversation about author’s craft regarding Tim’s piece. His story was an action thriller with traces of humor revolving around a man, haunted by choices he made in the past. When he opens his door, the bill may have come due.

Based on Tim’s direction, the focus of our conversation dealt with the concept of “show, don’t tell.” He explored theme, imagery, and word choice in several places of the story to present the main character without directly telling the audience what’s what. For the most part, he nailed it. There were some side bar conversations about the ending of the story, as a cliffhanger or the ultimate show don’t tell mystery, when the final scene shows the main character with the villain pointing a gun at him. However, on the main focus, there were rich moments in the story that the group delved into for conversation about the use of craft. One example that was compelling to me is the poignant memories of his father’s voice from the past juxtaposed with the theme: what does it mean to be a hero? The approach was thoughtfully crafted without heavy handed messaging.

Takeaways:

Stories are created in many ways. One approach is what I call triangulation of ideas. For example, a writer has a character in mind, a situation, and a theme. That combo could be the start of a story. This is not a new idea, but remains relevant. It is a way to get started composing.

What if the triangulation of ideas was combined or enhanced with a classic story premise? For example, there are many books that use the premise of characters thrown into a battle royale.  A group goes into the arena, but only one comes out alive. For example: The Squid Games (show), The Hunger Games (novel), Battle Royale (manga), Lord of the Flies (novel), gladiatorial battles (Roman history). Each holds the same premise, yet stand on their own with different characters, situations, settings, and motivations. However, all are remembered by a fan base.

Invitation to Write

For the next meeting, each person will bring at least one page of writing on any topic or genre that they choose. Consider trying the triangulation approach based on a classic premise.

Or not 😉

Join us

Next meeting: May 14 at BN

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

Time: 7pm up to 9pm
Location: 
Barnes and Noble in Livonia MI (Map) in the Spring/Summer/Fall
Virtual meetings in the Winter

A Writer’s Confessional – Part One

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Trying to figure out what process I want to take this year for the Deadwood Writers Voices has been a swirling dilemma for me this past couple of months. And I discovered through my creative process last year writing the meet-cutes drew me away from writing my novels and editing my works in progress. It helped with future story ideas, but my other works got sidelined. I’m striving to balance each piece of my writer’s life, and my artwork—which I’m developing more to open my own business—by using the scheduling process I’ve launched. I’m hoping it will allow me to see how to accomplish everything I want to each week, month, and year.

My weaknesses to this end are reading too much of my favorite genre, romance, and leans heavily on procrastination which is a result of my fear of failing what I’m trying to accomplish. The fear of failure is another reason driving me to schedule things. I can hold myself accountable.

One of the highlights of writing things down has been, aside from the monthly schedule, my bullet journal. I started this along with the scheduling so that I could see my progress. It has helped. I write down every accomplishment. I’ve blocked off six columns which are designated as follows, each day of the month, Hot Blacktop (I needed to fix some grammar and word confusion issues, so I could upload the new content), A New Life (work in progress), Hot Turns (the sequel to Hot Blacktop), DWriters (our blog), and Other (which could be a new story idea or even my artwork). What is exciting about using the bullet journal is I can focus on the accomplishments. If I can see what I’ve done every day, I know I’m progressing even if it is baby steps. It might not be even more than a couple of hundred words, or questions I’ve answered regarding characters and content that will make the work stronger. It’s progress, so I’m going to record it.

Talking about progress, learning more about writing techniques to improve my skills or getting advice from experienced authors on how to be a better writer is on top of my to-do list. Compiling a list of books to read this year has been fun, so I’m sharing the non-fiction list I’ve gathered so far. These are in no particular order, and each is linked back to Goodreads.com.

I hope you would comment and add any books that have helped you in your writing journey, or any book that has helped you in life.

The window into my writer’s life at the beginning of this year has been a short one so far, but insightful. I hope you’ll continue along on my journey and see what happens in the coming editions of my writer’s confessional.

Happy Writing!

Editor’s Log: Brain Training – Commitments not Resolutions for 2018

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Have you every wondered why it was so hard to do something that you want to do, but seem to avoid doing it? For example, wanting to write for an hour to get started on that story–suddenly the dishes need hand washing, the trash cans need clearing out, and the dogs need walking. While completing these chores, the plan to write is still present, but never happens.

I listened to a scientist on NPR talk about how the brain builds connections that solidify the habits we engage in. The brain wires and rewires, in part, based on what we focus on doing. Spend lots of time doing the same things in the same way, and the brain records those practices. This might explain why habits are so difficult to change.

There is hope. The brain is adaptable. We just need to plan reasonably and patiently what is to be accomplished, or what new habits to create. Using the above example, writing for an hour in a day might not be where the person’s can find success. Start with 5-10 minutes of dedicated writing. This goal is easier to accomplish than the hour. If you write longer once, celebrate the moment with a fist pump. Then get back to it. At some point, in a week or month, add 5-10 minutes. Again, keep it “easy”–writing is never easy 😉 This repeated practice can lead to the brain recording new habits.

Keep the rules and boundaries simple and limited. Less is more. It’s not important that you write in the morning, use a specific journal or word-processor, or sit at a certain cafe table because that is most conducive to your writing. Those restrictions can be obstacles to the important outcome: Just write. When those conditions are available–great–just do not allow them to get in the way.

Failure is not an end, it’s a growth opportunity. If I write everyday and then I miss two days, stopping is not an option. Reflect on what caused the lost practice. What it just chance or some obstacle that needs to be addressed. Next: Jump back in.

As you create your writing resolutions, what are you willing to do that is already in your habits? What will take some brain growth over time? Be intentional and reasonable so that success will come.

Here are some writing commitments shared:

Wendi Knape

  1. Dive deep into A NEW LIFE, book 1 in my vampire series, and see what needs to be done so it’s ready to be published.
  2. Write on a schedule instead of when I feel like an idea is brewing.
  3. Market HOT BLACKTOP more.
  4. Continue to develop new stories in a loose format so when I’m ready I can start writing the novel.

John McCarthy

  1. Expand promotion of my book: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation
  2. Read at least 12 books this year.
  3. Write 1-2 short stories.

What are your Writing Commitments for 2018? Share them in the comment section.