2012 Idaho Writer’s League Conference

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Idaho Writer's League, writing, writing conference, writing short story, writing workshops

I’m presenting at this year’s conference, held in Boise in September.  The conference theme is ‘WRITING UP A STORM’ I hope you’ll be able to join us, and take my class on “Essential Rain Drops to Write a Storm of Short Stories”  anyway, it’s going to be a lot of fun.  Hope to see you there.   www.idahowritersleague.com

Writers Critique Group – Meeting schedule

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critique, critique groups, writer's critique group, writing group

Meetings:  Both meetings are in a meeting room at a Smokey Mountain Pizza restaurant

2^nd Monday evening of each month, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (park center area of Boise)

(208) 429-0011
415 East Parkcenter Blvd.
Boise, Idaho 83706

4^th Saturday of each month, 11am – 1pm (Meridian)

(208) 884-1067
980 East Fairview Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642

Online – as needed (through blog or direct emails)

Each person receives a printout of all the participants, their contact information (phone and email) and the type of writing they do.

Each person also receives Critique Guidelines.  We don’t want you picking apart every little detail of someone’s work, and you don’t want anyone else doing that to you either.  These are just some easy steps, simple suggestions to keep us all on the same track.

We ask that you connect with the person who has work that is similar to your style and expertise of writing, so that you can help them the most.  Likewise, your work will be viewed by someone who enjoys your type of writing, and has skill and talent that they can share with you.

If you can make it to one or both of the meetings each month, great.  If you can’t then connect with us online.  I have a blog site where we can all post comments and connect as well:

http://sherryannelizabeth.wordpress.com

I look forward to working with, and getting to know each and every one of you.

Sherry A. E. Cann

sherryae@cableone.net

Portrait

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photography, portraits

my dear friend Judy

The Red, White and Blue, may she ever wave true

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America, essay, flag, funeral, memories, pledge of allegience, soldiers, taps

What does the American flag mean to you?  Do you have a special memory?  a poem?  Share your thoughts of the Stars and Stripes with us!

Here is from Ruth Simerly…

I remember the flag waving outside my elementary school where I could see it from my classroom window. Our janitor took pride in fulfilling his responsibility to raise and lower the flag each day. At that time, only the American flag was flown.  Although I have never served in the military, as a civilian employee I’ve seen the American flag fly over American bases in several countries and have paused during taps and the lowering of the flag at the end of the day. That would still send a shiver down my spine. I’ve stood near a flag-draped coffin at Arlington National Cemetery when by brother-in-law was buried with full military honors. I’ve watched community members place flags on all the graves of fallen men and women heroes in a small town cemetery for Veterans Day and heard the flags whip around their poles along the entrance to that cemetery. I’ve insisted as a substitute teacher that we pledge allegiance to the flag at the beginning of a school day, although I’ve been told “We don’t do that in here.” And, finally, I remember one Veterans Day when friends visiting from Seattle joined me for lunch at a cafe in New Plymouth and the waitress asked if any of us was a veteran. When a friend said he was, the waitress placed small American flags on each of our breakfast plates. It is good to spend a little time thinking about our flag.

Idaho Writers and Readers Rendezvous, May 3-5, 2012

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David Trottier, Dr. Format, Idaho Writers Guild, screenwriting, writing, writing conference, writing rendezvous, writing workshops

The Idaho Writer’s Guild and the BSU Story Initiative are proud to present an amazing conference for writers and readers!  www.idahowritersrendezvous.com is ready for you to register.  Hurry and get the Early Bird discount.  You’ll find agents, editors and publishers along with fellow writers of all levels.

For you screenwriters, come meet DAVID TROTTIER!  Dave Trottier (AKA Dr. Format) is an acclaimed script consultant, award-winning teacher, and produced screenwriter who has sold or optioned ten screenplays and developed projects for Disney, Jim Henson Pictures, Hill Fields (for ABC), and others. He is also the author of the top selling The Screenwriter’s Bible (now in its fifth edition) and is senior writer/columnist for Script magazine. As a script consultant and teacher, he has helped hundreds of writers sell their work or break into the biz. In addition, he hosts the popular website keepwriting.com.
Sign up to attend one or both of David’s workshops:

 

How to Keep the Reader Reading                                                                       Let Dave Trottier (Dr. Format himself) teach you the accepted spec writing standards to give your script a fighting chance with Hollywood readers. By applying Dave’s techniques, you will avoid common formatting errors and improve the readability of your script. Since formatting is the language of the screenplay, learn how to confidently use it to create a “great read.” Printed examples provided.

7 Common Blunders Screenwriters Make (and how to avoid them)

Gain a competitive edge by overcoming the mistakes that developing writers often make. Learn the secrets of writing crisp movie dialogue, compelling action, and great scenes. Enhance the cinematic moments in your screenplay and milk emotional beats. Get specific tips on how not to blow your pitch. Handout provided.

And don’t forget to enter one (or all) of the WRITING CONTESTS offered along side of the conference this year.

* Short Story

* Short Screenplay

* Poetry

Writing Challenge

It’s true a picture is worth a thousand words, but I want you to only write ONE PAGE for this picture.  Write one page of fiction, creating a story inspired by this photograph.  You can post it here, or email it directly to me at sherry.ae@hotmail.com, and I will post the best stories next month.  What do you see in this picture???

an eclectic Idaho City

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ghost towns, Idaho City, old west, photography, scenic photography, Sherry Ann Elizabeth

Writing to Win Contests

Being a Judge in three writing contests this year made me very aware of some helpful hints writers could use when entering contests.  So I put together a talk on the subject and have presented it at two writing groups.  If you are interested in having me talk to your group on this topic, please let me know.  I’m always happy to share!

MUSEletter

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creative writing, Museletter, photography, writing

I’m putting together a new email newsletter, titled the MUSE letter, if you are interested in receiving it, please let me know.  It will go out about once a month and will share ideas and information about life and writing.  I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Wedding in the country