President's letter

Dear fellow writers,

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

W. Somerset Maugham

I love this quote because even if someone produced a list of rules, most of us would break them. 

We all bring our own style to the pen or, more likely, to keyboard.

I am currently struggling with introducing a scene where my newly created villain is trying to make peace.

My next opus will be better planned. 

Usually I'm what is called a plotter.

A plotter is a writer who has some kind of detailed plot or list of events and sometimes even a chapter by chapter outline. I am more comfortable with this style, though I often change things

when I get into the story.

Pantsers write by the seat of their pants though many folks who consider themselves passers have a general idea of where they're going. Some pantsers prefer not to know the ending because

it would upset some of the tension.

Many of us do a blend of both, plotters and pantsers.

Central Coast Writers (CCW) meets on the third Tuesday of the month.

Our September meeting will be on

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

At the

Center for Spiritual Awareness

522 Central Ave.

Pacific Grove, CA

It is across the street from the Pacific Grove Public Library.

If you want to help set up, doors open at 5:30.

Scotty Cornfield, our Vice-president, will lead a fifteen minute networking discussion beginning about 6 p.m. Our meeting will start right after.

This month's speaker is Brad Herzog. He will be discussing creativity and clichés—"Think Right, Write Wrong."

CCW Salon usually meets the Sunday after the monthly meeting.

September's Salon meets

On

Sunday, September 22, 2024

at

PG Meetinghouse.

(Formally known as Juice n Java)

599 Lighthouse

Pacific Grove, CA

Usually, when we share our writing, we bring a few extra copies for people to follow while you are reading aloud. Before you read you can establish how you want us to respond, feedback no

feedback, gentle or "tough love."

EXAMPLES

Today I'm sharing the beginning of my memoir (or novel or short story). I'm not ready for suggestions for improvements or revisions. I just want to share what I'm working on.

Or "This is a rough draft. Is it clear character A is in love with character B (Or obeys, wants to

kill, enjoys the company of etc.)"

Or "This is something I'm thinking of entering into a contest. Please correct any typos, misspellings, grammar etc."

If you're reading an excerpt from a longer work, it is helpful if you give one or two sentences about what came just before.

EXAMPLE:

"My main characters are werewolves, Sharptooth and Fluffyfur, who just survived an attack by vampires. In this scene they are discussing why he forgot her birthday." (A moment of silence for

poor Sharptooth.)

September often reminds us of starting back to school. (BTW some folks find it slightly depressing because they are reflecting their childhood's end of summer sadness).

Instead I say September is fresh start month. Use this month to reenergize your writing. Get everything set up the night before. (Coffee/tea, laptop or notebook, quiet location, and bars and

bars of chocolate)

Maybe set the alarm for a little earlier than usual and put yourself into the chair and WRITE.

Whatever your style, enjoy,

Sarah E. Pruitt