December 2024 Newsletter

Hello Writers!

Welcome back to the newsletter! 

Our friends at Wisconsin Writers Association are assembling the Midwest Writers Room Podcast schedule for 2025. If you are interested in being a guest for either of the episode types below, contact podcast@wiwrite.org. 

Midwest Writers Room encourages, educates, and celebrates writers of the Midwest. Meet fellow writers, discover new inspiration, get actionable craft advice, and learn about the publishing industry. Hosted by WWA members Luella Schmidt and Ken Humphrey, the podcast publishes two episode types:

  • Writers Room - Full length episodes that focus on author journeys, industry discussions or craft advice. Usually 40-45 minutes long.

  • Chapter Breaks - Shorter episodes focusing on a recently released novel, memoir or other book publication. Usually 20-25 minutes long.

Don’t forget to send your bio to mvwguild@gmail.com and we will feature you in an upcoming newsletter!

Motivation

This month’s motivation is for our picture book writers (and for those looking to branch out with their creativity.) Check out Tara Lazar’s Storystorm, a month-long brainstorming event that takes place in January. Registration is free and begins in late December. 

Here’s what Lazar has to say about Storystorm on her blog:

Tired of watching novelists have all the fun in November with NaNoWriMo, I created Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) as a free 30-day challenge for picture book writers. PiBoIdMo began in 2009 and was held annually every November.

But In 2017, PiBoIdMo was moved to January and the name changed to Storystorm to reflect a broader scope. Any writer eager to brainstorm ideas can now participate—professionals, amateurs, teachers and students.

The Storystorm challenge is to create 30 story ideas in 31 days. You don’t have to write a manuscript (but you can if the mood strikes). You don’t need potential best-seller ideas.

For more information and updates, head to https://taralazar.com/storystorm/. 

Send your motivational memes, tips, tricks, and resources to mvwguild@gmail.com 

Victory! News from the Guild

Mary De Merle Schams from our Re-Writes group has a children’s book coming out! Follow her at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064824065858 for updates and announcements! You might even see a sneak peek of her characters, such as this photo. Look closely for three pairs of legs sticking out from under this pile of leaves:

I be-leaf I spy 3 pairs of feet! #characterdesign #ispy #picturebooklove #fallvibes #authorlife #newbook #comingsoon #socialemotionaleducation #writingcommunity #playmatters #kidsliterature

Scott Blanke, MVWG board member, has a short story titled “Punishment” being published by an English group as a podcast and in an anthology of short stories. 

Congratulations to Tuesday Edition member, George Kroker, who has a new grandchild. George is writing a book to honor the baby.

The La Crosse Public Library’s Dark La Crosse series will wrap up this season with two episodes written by Jess Witkins, leader of our Re-Writes group. Check them out on the La Crosse Public Library’s YouTube page. 

Have a victory you want to share? Let us know! 

Writing Prompt

Five prompts from 300 Writing Prompts

  • A new Broadway musical is about your life. Come up with a title for the big show and write a mini-review of it. 

  • Imagine you are out to dinner with a movie character.

  • Write about an item you use frequently that you think (or hope) will be obsolete in 20 years.

  • Write about something nice a stranger did for you.

  • Write about a heated argument you had with someone, but take their side. 

Guild Events

The board is busy planning some great events, including a social and a write-in in January. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates!

Help us plan more events by completing the member survey!

Mississippi Valley Writers Guild