Midwest Fiction Writers meets on the second Saturday of every month
Our typical schedule includes:
09:00 - 10:00 - Preprogram Workshop
10:15 - 11:15 - Business Meeting
11:30 - 12:30 - Program
We meet in Room 334 or 351 (unless otherwise noted) at the Edina Community Center.
September 13, 2008
Room 351 at the Edina Community Center
Preprogram Workshop: Journey of a Novel ($8)
Come join J L Wilson as she tells you the trials and tribulations of the Pig Book -- CANDY, CORPSES, AND CLASSIFIED ADS -- and its roller-coaster ride to publication. This is the first book she sold in 2006 but it's not the first to be released. It's had 4 titles, 3 editors, 2 publishers, 2 releases, and now it will be in your hands if you come to the JoaN and hear the tale of how the Pig finally got released.
Program (No Fee)
September's meeting features three authors published with small presses -- Chris Columbus, Jannifer Hoffman, and J L Wilson -- whose work ranges from short stories to full-length novels. They'll share details about what it's like to work in two formats (e-format and print), and how it differs from 'real' publishing in terms of the publishing process, promotion, marketing, and sales. Be prepared to ask questions and see their finished work on e-reading devices and in print.
October 11, 2008
Room 334 at the Edina Community Center
Preprogram Workshop: Journey of a Novel ($8)
Program (No Fee)
November 8, 2008
Room 351 at the Edina Community Center
Preprogram Workshop: Journey of a Novel ($8)
Program (No Fee)
December 9, 2008, 2-5 p.m.
No meeting this month. We celebrate the holidays and the year with our annual Holiday Party and Chapter Auction. See the December edition of the Midwest Muse for details and location.
PREVIOUSLY AT MFW...
January 12, 2008
Pre-meeting Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($8)
Lois Greiman is back to tell us all about her latest novel, UNMANNED, the next installment in the sassy, sexy mystery series featuring L.A. psychologist Christina McMullen and Lieutenant Jack Rivera. Chrissy’s brother Pete shows up, bringing trouble with him. Chrissy always said her family would be the death of her, but she isn’t prepared for the truth behind her brother’s link to a dead stranger…or the killer who threatens them both. The $8 fee includes a copy of UNMANNED.
Program (No Fee)
Arc of a Screenplay
Michael Maupin will join us to talk about screenplays, story arcs, and other insider tips about writing for the big screen. Michael teaches The Elements of Screenwriting at the IFP Center for Media Arts. He received his B.A. in English and American Literature from Metropolitan State University in 1996 and currently works as a magazine editor in Minneapolis. His first screenplay, The Wandering Moon, was a semifinalist in the 1998 Barry Morrow Screenwriting Fellowship, and he has judged in numerous screenplay competitions. A die-hard story addict, he shares co-host duties at a writers’group at Open Book called “Think Tank Thursdays.”
February 9, 2008
Pre-meeting Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($8)
Connie Brockway will join us to share her experience writing SKINNY DIPPING, the most recent of her many successes. As described in the Library Journal review--“An exquisitely rendered setting, an abundance of complex family dynamics, a story that explores what it means to belong, and a beautifully developed romantic relationship guarantee the appeal of this well-crafted tale for both romance and women’s fiction fans alike.” The $8 fee includes a copy of SKINNY DIPPING.
Program (No Fee)
An Exercise in Exorcism: Get Rid of Your Inner Critic
Janet Lynne Roots teaches how to silence your internal editor and allow your creativity to flow. Janet hails from Denver, Colorado where she is an author, editor, teacher and speaker. MFW members can expect a lively discussion about how to exorcise your inner critic. Her many years of experience working with writers coupled with a sharp British wit will provide the group with an entertaining and interactive hour of fun.
March 8, 2008
Pre-meeting Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($8)
Kathleen Eagle talks about turning a secondary character from one book (RIDE A PAINTED PONY) into the hero of his own story (MYSTIC HORSEMAN), what makes the character and his story worth pursuing, and how she came up with a premise to fit the character and his rather unheroic backstory. Connected stories and continuing characters are popular among romance readers. Find out where they come from for this author. The fee includes a copy of MYSTIC HORSEMAN.
Program (No Fee)
Bring Sense to Your Scene
Join us for a hands-on brainstorming session!
Are you looking for a fresh perspective on a scene? Searching for a way to infuse a scene with sensuality? Bring a short, draft scene to share. We will break into smaller groups of 4-5 members. Each person will be allotted 5-10 minutes to read their scene. Then the small group will brainstorm ways to bring the five senses into the scene.
April 12, 2008
Pre-meeting Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($10)
Susan Kay Lawwill share her thoughts and experiences writing, The Paper Marriage, her newest contemporary. A review in the Library Journal calls The Paper Marriage “touching, exceptionally well-done novel.” The program fee includes a copy of The Paper Marriage.
Program (No Fee)
Copyright and Publishing Law - The Answers to Your Questions
David Koehser discusses Copyright & Publishing Law. The program will include a brief overview of the topic followed by an opportunity to ask questions. So bring your questions to April’s educational program. For more information about David, visit his website at http://www.dklex.com.
May 10, 2008
Preprogram Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($8)
Helen Brenna will talk about her book PEAK PERFORMANCE, her first book for Harlequin's NASCAR series.
Program (No Fee)
Nita Abrams discusses ancient prototypes for the heroe and heroine. Bring yoru mythology questions and be prepared to hear some obscure (and shocking) tales from the legendary past.
June 14, 2008
Preprogram Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($8)
Patti O'Shea shares her journey of writing IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW, Light Warriors, Book 2. Patti will discuss issues associated with writing a second book in a series as well as other things unique to writing IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW. JoaN program fee includes a copy of IN TWILIGHT'S SHADOW.
Program (No Fee)
Critiquing, Chicago North Style
Blythe Gifford will talk about the Chicago North Chapter's highly successful critique process. Without it, Gifford says she would not be published and other members of the chapter feel the same. Other chapters have adopted their style and experienced the same kind of success. She'll present a detailed description of the process, the rules of the chapter, why she thinks it works so well, some pitfalls, and some tips for moving to this system.
We will 'test drive' the Chicagot North style critique for a half-hour and Gifford will serve as manuscript coordinator. Please contact us on the member loop if you are interested in entering the first 10 pages of your work-in-progress. There will be a drawing to determine whose submission will be used for our example.
July 12, 2008
Room 351 at the Edina Community Center
Preprogram Workshop - Journey of a Novel ($11)
Do you believe in magic? Join us as Tate Hallaway talks about her journey writing ROMANCING THE DEAD, Book 3 of her Garnet Lacey series.
Program (No Fee)
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
If your characters were real people, would they love each other? In a movie, the audience falls in love with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and so no one much worries about why Rick and Ilsa would have loved each other. Similarly, it isn't enough to have your heroine be the prettiest person in the book and your hero the tallest and the richest. Kathleen Gilles Seidel will offer a variety of theoretical frameworks through which to consider why one particular person falls in love with another.
Kathleen Gilles Seidel has a PhD in English from Johns Hopkins. Her writing career includes books for Harlequin American Romance, single title contemporaries, a Rita in 1995 and currently women’s fiction. Her 14th book and latest novel is Keep Your Mouth Shut and Wear Beige.
August 9, 2008
Room 350 at the Edina Community Center
Preprogram Workshop - Critique (No Fee)
Join us for an overview of the chapter cirtique process and a review of the guidelines prior to starting the Midwest Fiction Writers' inaugural critique session. Be patient as we're all learning this process. If there is time, we'll experience two cirtique sessions.
Program (No Fee)
Come join us for our annual After National Conference Get Together. Share your experiences in San Francisco with other MFW members at an informal gathering with food provided by MFW.
