July | 2017 | Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

July 31, 2017
mandyevebarnett

events

Writers Foundation Strathcona County

Tuesday is the date of my writing group’s meeting. Due to my on the spur of the moment road trip last month, I missed the last one – this doesn’t happen very often but a whole three days of writing, fantastic scenery and great companionship cannot be taken lightly or for granted. This month’s meeting will follow the usual format – announcements of events, calls for submissions for our newsletter and the Never Been Better page. Sharing of stories, constructive critique and general discussion on our current projects, Q&A on any writing related topics and suggestions for presentations or themes for the next meeting.

Every meeting is unique not just because of the topics or stories read but the attendees who may be regulars or new faces. We never know how many will turn up – some meetings the room is full to capacity and lively or others where only a select few attend, making the meetings intimate. No matter the number each meeting is geared to supporting and encouraging writers – any age, any stage of their writing career.

I attended Kurios – Cirque du Soleil’s steampunk show. It was stunning with many heart stopping moments as the acrobats performed routines that were mind blowing and incredible. Such skill, such strength and precision. For the safety of the performers no photography was allowed once the show started. All I can say is if you get a chance to go – then do it!

The costumes, the choreography and sheer organization it takes to put such a show on is extraordinary. The accordion man was one of my favorites. The costume moves just like the musical instrument. Check out the link for more images: https://www.google.ca/search?q=Kurios+costumes&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh-ryaubHVAhXr7IMKHSSeCsAQ_AUICigB&biw=1216&bih=615#imgrc=OYk3AGT2sszZsM:

nico_the_accordeon_man

As a writer I also appreciated the show for the time traveler story line and the fantastic world the traveler witnessed.

Upcoming events:

GENEVIEVE GRAHAM: PROMISES TO KEEP

Saturday, August 5, 2017 Owl’s Nest, Calgary
2:00pm 4:00pm

Saturday Signing with bestselling historical fiction author

Summer 1755, Acadia

Please add your local events in the comments…

Friday Fun for Writers, Authors & Readers…

July 28, 2017
mandyevebarnett

friday_fun

Two things rituals

muse

A writers desk:

writer workspace

Are you brave enough to share yours? Here’s mine.

Desk 2015

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

July 26, 2017
mandyevebarnett

writing-hub

Writing:

My weekend was rather unsettled so reading and writing did not become my focus. However, I did edit the 12,000 or so words in Bubble the Gruggle. And finished The Long Walk. To make up for this I have two opportunities this week to escape to the local library to write. One prior to a writing workshop (see below) and the other prior to hosting a seniors writing group. These library sessions are always successful, so I am looking forward to them. On one visit an author friend will be joining me for a while as she is purchasing three of my books!

The workshop I attended last night was so much fun! Wine & Whine.

wine

As you can imagine there are a plethora of subjects and ideas raised from the starting point of alcohol. How it affects a characters life, behavior, social interaction etc. We also looked at how you can write about a drunk person without saying it – movement, attitude, gestures and more. A good exercise in writing techniques.

Books:

The Long Walk

My review:

An excellent insight into the minds of young men under emotional, physical and spiritual duress. As always Richard Bachman/Stephen King delivers strong characters and world building, leaving the reader with empathy for the personalities inhabiting his narrative.

The Mermaid Garden Settled into this narrative quickly, which is always a good sign.

Writing Tips:

While spell-checking programs serve as a good tool, they should not be relied upon to detect all mistakes. Regardless of the length of the article, always read and review what you have written.

Instead of adding tags (he said/she said) to every bit of dialogue, learn to identify the speaker by showing him/her in action. Example: “Pass that sweet-smelling turkey this way.” With knife in one hand and fork in the other, Sam looked eager to pounce.

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

July 24, 2017
mandyevebarnett

After a quiet weekend dabbling in a manuscript and reading, this week I have a couple of writing related events. The first is a workshop organized through my writing group. It is an interesting theme and I’m sure we will have fun with it.

wine

How can I add wine or alcohol to a story to enhance it? Can a drunk add interest to a story? How can I talk about these topics believably in my writing?

And, as for whining – what could that possibly add and how can one whine in writing?

Do you attend workshops? What benefits did they give you?

My second event is the regular writing group for seniors I co-host with another member of my writing group. It is always a fun and enlightening evening. The stories of days past and the experiences these wonderful seniors have lived though are always amazing.

Have you heard stories from your elders? Did you write them down?

Our group’s memoir guide book can help organize memories into a cohesive format utilizing photographs, objects and letters etc. It gives a great kick start to your memoir.

http://dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/your-lifetime-stories