November 2024 Newsletter
Hello Writers!
Welcome back to the newsletter!
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and we’ll be kicking it off with a write-in THIS SATURDAY! Meet us at Pizza Ranch at 11:30 a.m. for some prompts and writing time. Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for more information.
Send your bio to mvwguild@gmail.com and we will feature you in an upcoming newsletter!
Motivation
“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
-E.L Doctorow
Send your motivational memes, tips, tricks, and resources to mvwguild@gmail.com
Victory! News from the Guild
Tracy Schuldt Helixon, board member and a member of the Rewrites group, was invited to be a featured author in the Literary Corner at Milwaukee Irish Fest this past August. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other six featured authors, talking with readers, and signing copies of her Fields of Promise historical fiction trilogy.
On October 10th MVWG member, Amanda Zieba, visited Eagle Crest North in Onalaska and shared a presentation with their residents. She talked about why she chooses to write REGIONAL feel-good-ficiton, (https://amandazieba.com/bookstore) and how a life spent living, learning, working, and writing in the Midwest has helped shape not only her stories but the writer that she is. Afterward, Amanda read aloud chapter 1 of her La Crosse based series, Close Quarters and then took questions from attendees. It was a lovely afternoon. This is a reminder that if you are interested in starting to speak in front of an audience, that a small, local crowd is a fun, safe space to do so. Brainstorm a list of locations and people in town that might want to hear what you have to share... and then reach out!
Have a victory you want to share? Let us know!
Writing Prompt
Amanda was listening to an audiobook the other day... her most frequent form of reading if she’s being honest, and was blown away by the story coming out of her ear buds. In the Briar Club, author Kate Quinn included the most unique character... THE HOUSE! The house itself had its own thoughts and perspectives, feelings and opinions. Every so often in this multiple POV story readers get a chapter from the house and get to hear what it is thinking and what it sees that others do not. She couldn't help but think... she wants to write something like that. Maybe you do too! So here's your chance. First, read the prologue of The Briar Club to see how it's done, then give it a try! If you love what you write, send it back to us. Maybe we'll feature it in a newsletter!
Guild Events
NaNoWriMo Write-In
When: Saturday, November 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Pizza Ranch, 3130 Chestnut Pl, La Crosse
What: This event will be a loosely structured afternoon with tips and motivation to kick off National Novel Writing Month. We will have prompts, quiet writing time, and writing sprints with prizes for the most words written.
Register at: https://forms.gle/rGZB5ArfnM7HAww58
Help us plan more events by completing the member survey!