My writer’s group & WFMAD approacheth

Are you ready?

Pencils sharpened, pens lined up, fingers nimble?

The Third Annual LHA Write Fifteen Minutes a Day challenge starts on Sunday, August 1st!

::cue roaring crowd and bawking chickens::

WFMAD is a bit like NaNoWriMo, but better. Because writing the draft of a novel in one month (which is the goal of NaNoWriMo) is a great challenge, but overwhelming for a lot of people. My approach is smaller and often, more effective. It simply requires that you write for fifteen minutes every day during the month of August.

Can you do that? Of course you can. Do you want to? That’s sort of up to you, isn’t it?

I will be posting every day during the month. My posts will be part writing prompt, part cheerleading, part gentle kick in your backside. (You don’t have to use the prompts if you don’t want to.  They are just to help stir your creative pot a bit.)

In a way, this blog can become your writer’s group for the next month. If you already have a writer’s group, no worry. You are not being unfaithful to them, you are expanding your circle.

My writer’s group met on Tuesday. We were missing Bruce Coville. I think he was off gallivanting with unicorns. One of our members, MJ Auch, was recovering from surgery, so she beamed into the meeting on Skype.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what MJ looked like on the computer sitting on the end of the kitchen table. (Note her cat lounging in the background.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suzanne Bloom is pointing the camera down at her latest amazing artwork so that MJ can see it. Standing with her back to the camera is author, cook, and amazing writer’s group hostess, Ellen Yeomans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is what we looked like on MJ’s computer!!

 

Distance and circumstance need not stop anyone who has the writing dream in their heart. I’ll be reworking the rules for this year’s WFMAD challenge a bit – details on Sunday. But the general guidelines are the same that they’ve been for the last two years. New this year will be prizes – tee-shirts and maybe an ARC of FORGE (or two) for the people who write the funniest or most moving comment each week.

Any questions??

One more thing…. I have shifted blog hosting sites. The Mad Woman in the Forest blog is now found at WordPress. The blog will continue to feed to FaceBook, LiveJournal, and a bunch of other sites, but if you want to make comments that I can guarantee you I will read (and will make you eligible for prizes), you need to make them on the WordPress version of the blog.

OK, now for real… any questions??

 

44 Replies to “My writer’s group & WFMAD approacheth”

  1. I have a question! Does the writing have to be fiction? Can I start with journal writing and end with fiction? I’m excited!!!

  2. So it dosnt matter what we write right? and can it be on a blog? because me and my friends are doing a blog during our senior year to write down anything memorable

  3. I’m in and excited to participate. I’ve been trying to get myself to write all summer (well, to be honest, for years) but always find an excuse not to.
    One thing, the general guidelines link is bad. I got an error message when I clicked on it.

  4. ok. going to give this a try. had a really late start on Adk Kids #10 last year. justin is still home this month on college break. this may be fun kick start for #11.

  5. I’m going to do it … even though I have always thought of myself more as a reader than a writer. ;X

    PS Awesome fun up in Provo, no? I’m not from there but I am a former BYU Cougar so I made it back. Thank you for a great dinner presentation and the fun informal chats.

  6. I’m in. Have deadline, will write! Always enjoy the tips and encouragements, Laurie.

  7. I’m really excited about doing my 15 minutes per day. I’ve been wanting to participate in one of these ever since I found your blog with the last one you did (missed the boat on that one). YAY!

  8. WFMAD — Yessum, this time I am not only ready, but psyched for WFMAD. Given that I’ve written 120 pages in the last 5 weeks, while chairing a conference that was held one week ago, I think I can make the daily 15 minutes and, with a bit of luck, use it as the incentive to finish the rough first draft I’m creating.

    P.S. For August 1st, I’ve created the “Awe-Gust Award,” for people to recognize 3 individuals or organizations that have done something positive for the world. If you’d care to participate, I’d be honored. The details are here: http://wordsrmylife.livejournal.com/146421.html

  9. This sounds awesome. I cannot wait to begin. School begins on August 11th and I will be challenging all of my students to write as well. Let the games begin. And, thanks.

  10. YAY! This is exactly what I need. I’ve heaped some extra helpings on my plate this time around, but I may just have to have my dessert first on some days :-).

  11. I just graduated from a MFA program. I gave myself a lovely break for two weeks, but now I need to get back in the game. Count me in. This gentle approach is so smart. I know that once I commit to the fifteen minutes I’ll be writing for much longer. Thank you, Laurie.

  12. Thanks, Laurie!
    I’ll give this a shot. I’m heading back for a second Master’s degree and this will be really good release (therapy) time from more heady things. . .the last time I tried working full time and getting a Master’s I ended up with a racing heart. . .I think this will be good therapy if I can keep it up.

  13. I’m in! Absolutely! Thanks, Laurie, for posting this. So, does revision count or are we talking only new material? If not, I’m sure I can scare up 15 minutes for new stuff.

    Cheers!
    Lynda

  14. I’m a buddy and classmate of Danette’s, and I’m up for this challenge. Thanks, Laurie! (and HI Danette!)

  15. I’m in too! I just registered for a novel revision workshop in the Fall, which means I have to finish a presentable draft of my WIP be September 1st. Eeek! The first half is looking good, and the last two chapters, so now I need to finish the rest.

  16. August is my busy month as I head back to my teaching job so 15 minutes sounds perfect. I am in and excited. Thanks Laurie.
    PS.I’m glad you love Utah. I’ve lived in SLC for 30+ years now and love it too.

  17. I’m in for this challenge! It will be great for me! Thanks for the nice push Laurie!!!

  18. Laurie, Suzanne, MJ, Ellen:

    I’m in!
    Actually, I’d committed to do this last week with another writer friend. So now we’re part of something bigger! How fun. Thanks.

    -Kyra

  19. yes, i’m definitely doing this. i’ve been making excuses for too long, now is the time to do.

  20. Count me in to WFMAD. I love this idea. It will help me to continue you developing my writing practice.

  21. This is a great idea! I need to some motivation to try and get back into some creative writing. I’m going to try my best–you are one of my favorite writers and so I’m feeling inspired 🙂

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