Mayland Writers' Group

Quotable Authors

2012-01-31T16:33:00.001-05:00

MEETING CANCELLED

2012-01-28T12:46:00.001-05:00

Due to a scheduling mix-up with the meeting space, the regular group meeting scheduled for Monday, January 30th has been cancelled.

Sorry for the short notice.

Shirley Phillips' Obituary

2011-10-29T22:27:00.003-04:00

I found Shirley's obituary online today, and decided to copy and paste it here, along with the picture they also had posted.

Shirley Styles Phillips

Shirley Styles Phillips, 75, of 389 Orchard Road, Bakersville, North Carolina passed away October 23, 2011 at home after a long illness. She was a native of Yancey County and the daughter of the late Theodore and Zona Harris Styles. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Scott Phillips.

Survivors include her husband Bobby E. Phillips of the home, and her beloved daughter Janet Kenniasty of Columbia, Maryland as well as three sisters, Teddie Styles Hall of Statesville, North Carolina, Erma Styles of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Doris Styles Laughrun of Midlothian, Virginia.

She was valedictorian of her Burnsville High School class, a graduate of Mars Hill College, Meredith College and received a graduate degree from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. She spent 21 years as a teacher in the post secondary schools of Osceola County, Florida.

She and her husband, Bobby, were married in Burnsville June 9, 1956.

She enjoyed active membership in First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine, the Blue Ridge Red Hats, the Mitchell County Extension Homemakers, and the Mayland Writers Club. She loved painting, writing short stories, and singing.

To remember Shirley, a gift to Hospice Of Mitchell County in Spruce Pine is suggested.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine, North Carolina on Saturday, November 5 at 2 pm. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall until 4:30 pm.

Henline-Hughes Funeral Home of Bakersville is assisting the family with arrangements.

We'll Miss You, Shirley

2011-10-24T18:14:00.002-04:00

We are so very sad to announce the passing last night (10/23) of group member Shirley Phillips.

Shirley was a wonderful woman. She always had a smile on her face (may be a cliche, but so true for her), and her stories always made us laugh. We always looked forward to hearing her read her latest work, all of which drew on her life experiences.

Shirley was also a painter and exhibited her work at local galleries alongside her husband Bobby's woodworking pieces.

There are no words to describe the sorrow we feel at Shirley's passing and our thoughts are with her husband and her entire family.

Carolina Mountains Literary Festival

2011-07-23T09:34:00.003-04:00

The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is fast approaching; September 9 - 10, 2011. (I am posting their press release about the workshops offered below.) It's always a fun weekend so if you've never been, you really should go. And if you've been before, you know you really should go again. Hope to see you there.

Workshops for Visual Artists, Poets & Playwrights at the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival

July 20, 2011 - Burnsville, NC -- The Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is offering three writing workshops in addition to their dozens of author readings. This year, they appeal to playwrights, poets learning about prose poetry and, most important to this area, artists wanting become better writers about their art. Each workshop is three hours long, and requires a $25 pre-registration, though participation in other festival events is free and does not require pre-registration. Participants may register through the website or by picking up a form at their local library.

Brenda Lunsford Lilly will lead Can my play be set on Mars? Creating Memorable Characters and Character Arcs

Just like a house furnished with cardboard tables and chairs, a plot filled with one dimensional characters will seem hollow and uninteresting. So, how do you create interesting characters that make your story ring true and make your play entertaining? In this workshop we will

explore exercises and techniques to enhance your creation of characters and bring them vividly to life. This workshop will help the playwright develop accurate character arcs within the story, streamline the number of characters needed to tell the story and allow the characters to naturally inform the story. The importance of dialogue will be discussed, as well, and exercises to enhance this important element of playwriting be discussed. (1:30-4:30 Friday, September 9 in the Yancey Library Meeting Room)

Lynn Ennis will lead What Words May Come: Visual Artists Writing About Art

Have you ever been completely stuck when asked to write an artist statement, a description for websites, information on exhibitions, philosophy of art/creation and/or articles for art publications? Does the thought of blogging leave you frozen? This workshop is designed to use creativity models that will help you connect your ideas and art to words. Come with issues in hand and we’ll explore various creativity models to help you in your writing. You will produce takeaways that you can continue to build on as you move forward. This will be a spirited interactive workshop that draws on a variety of techniques to get words flowing. (9 - 11:45 Saturday, September 10 in Mountain Heritage Center )

Holly Iglesias will lead What is Prose Poetry?

Just what is a prose poem? And isn’t it a contradiction in terms? We will explore the way prose poems overturn expectations of poetry simply by virtue of their appearance. Lacking the lovely curvature of lined verse, they seem like boxy, ordinary, blunt, pedestrian objects. But in fact, prose poems fulfill poetic expectations through the use of techniques common to all poetry—compression, fragmentation, figurative language, repetition, rhyme. In this workshop, participants will create prose poems that are textual equivalents of snapshots and postcards, those tiny, square-ish items that are dense packages of memory. (1:30 - 4:15 Saturday, September 10 in the Mountain Heritage Center )

For a complete schedule of events and to register online, visit cmlitfest.org.

Meeting One Week Early

2011-05-14T15:10:00.004-04:00

Our group usually meets on the last Monday of the month at the library in Spruce Pine. This month's meeting will actually take place one week early, on May 23rd. The last Monday falls on Memorial Day, and the library will be closed. We'll still be there at the usual time, 6pm - 8pm.

So, come on out and join us. Bring something to read to the group, or just bring your ears to listen. We look forward to seeing you.

A Small Writing Prompt

2011-02-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

The month of February is more than half over. Hard to believe isn't it? Seems like it was just Christmas, and now Valentine's Day has come and gone. WOW!

How about a bit of a writing prompt?

This is a month when many people turn their thoughts to love and romance, whether they write about the wonders or the heartache. So, it would of course be very obvious to put love or romance or even hate out there for you to write about. We're not going to do that though.

Sit down, pick up that pen and write about a world without technology. And use the word "technology" is as broad a sense as you'd like. Maybe you just want to write about a world with no computers, a world with no television. Maybe you want to write about a world where those things were suddenly taken away, or one where they never existed in the first place. As with most writing prompts, the possibilities are practically endless.

So, there ya' go. Have fun.

Creative Ideas

2011-01-31T13:36:00.003-05:00

Ever hear of the 365 Project? It's an idea where you document a year of your life by taking a photo every day. (More info can be found here: http://365project.org/)

Now, as writers, maybe y'all don't think this would be something you'd be interested in, but give the idea a chance. We're not talking super great well-composed pictures here. We're talking just photographing something that illustrates your day; a cloud, a frozen dinner, a bird...whatever. Looking back on these pictures may give you some great ideas for stories, essays, poems, songs...who knows.

I'm starting my 365 Project tomorrow. What about you?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2010-12-25T11:36:00.004-05:00

It is snowing here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. A white Christmas.

We would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday, whatever holiday you celebrate.

Just for Fun

2010-03-01T18:56:00.001-05:00

What is Writing to You?

2010-02-27T20:14:00.002-05:00

This isn't really a writing prompt as much as an emotional exercise. You don't have to write about this at all if you don't want to. Just sit and think about it.

"Think about what" you ask?

Think about what writing means to you. What has it brought to your life? What has it taken away? And is it worth it to you in the end.

I for one write because I have to. I've tried to stop writing, and succeeded for a time, but not for long. I always end up taking pen in hand and starting all over again. It's not just something I do, it's what I am. I am a writer. Whether I am ever again published or not, I AM A WRITER!

And I'm sure most writers feel that way.

Apologies...With A Request

2010-02-24T14:47:00.005-05:00

Well, I must make apologies to our group members. I said I planned to post every other day, and here I've already missed that twice. Ah well....best laid plans and all that.

We've have talked off and on over the years about putting together a little chapbook of members' poetry and prose. We've also talked about opening it up to the community, in order to bring about even more goodies for the book. Many years ago, there was a regular writer's journal in our area that came out about 4 times a year. The couple who published it have since moved away, and my big dream has always been to start something like that up again. Ah, dreams....

For now, we are sending out the word to our members to see if the interest is there for a chapbook. Whether you write poetry, prose, essays...even if you take a picture or two...we're open to all kinds of stuff. We just want to gauge interest before we move ahead. We have many email members who follow our little group and check out our writing prompts, plus those who come to the meetings, so we're hoping there will be a lot of interest.

If you are a member, and are interested in our little endeavor, either leave a comment here or send an email. Don't send any submissions yet. If/when the time comes, we will let you know. Just send us a note letting us know you would be interested.

Thanks. I look forward to hearing from y'all.

Writing Prompt #7

2010-02-21T16:51:00.004-05:00

The kiss. Has anything else in the universe been written about more than the kiss? A kiss can be celebratory.....

...sensual...

...or just plain loving.

With one simple kiss we can tell someone we love them...or mark them for death. (The Godfather anyone?)

Today's prompt: write about your first kiss. Were you in the third grade kissing little Billy in the coat closet, the smell of modeling clay and paste wafting around you? Or maybe you were 15, sharing a timid kiss with your first boyfriend, hoping your braces would not lock together. Dig out and dust off those memories.

And most of all....have fun. :-)

How About Some Inspiration

2010-02-19T20:43:00.002-05:00

Gotta love NPR. They are sponsoring a three-minute writing contest. You draw inspiration from a photograph posted on their site, and write a short story that can be read in three minutes (which is about 600 words). Check it out and give it a try. I know I am.

Poetry Blog

2010-02-17T20:00:00.002-05:00

Interested in writing and talking about poetry? Check out Robert Brewer's Poetic Asides blog. He puts up prompts every Wednesday, and even does daily prompts during National Poetry Month. It's a great place to go for inspiration.

Writing Prompt #6

2010-02-15T18:52:00.009-05:00

OK, so this is kind of an obvious prompt. Write about snow. Well, not just snow in general. Write about a snowflake; one, single, solitary snowflake. Let's see what you can come up with for this one?

Writing Prompt #5

2010-02-13T21:24:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm late with writing prompt #5. But, as they say, better late than never. (Ever wonder who "they" are?)

Anyway, here we are with the fifth writing prompt for 2010.

As tomorrow is Valentine's Day, many people will be turning their minds (and hearts) to love. Poems will be written. Songs will be sung. Great soliloquies will be spoken. So, you probably think I am going to tell you to go out and write something about love. Well, you're wrong.

Let's do just the opposite of what everyone else will be doing. Let's write about hate. You can write about someone/something you hate. You can write about how hate is ruining the world around us. You can write about how you can't have love without hate. Anything that comes to mind.

So, you have your assignment. Get to work.

Writing Prompt #4

2010-02-09T15:40:00.004-05:00

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood. What were you afraid of? The dark? Monsters under the bed? Or was it something much more real, more tangible? Spiders maybe?

Grab a piece of paper and write about what you were afraid of as a child. You could write a poem, a short story, whatever you feel like writing. Take that fear and run with it, embrace it. Deal with it.

When you're done, feel free to either keep what you've written, or destroy it if you wish. Maybe writing the words down only to set them on fire so the ashes can float away is what will finally banish the fear forever.

Oklahoma!

2010-02-07T11:11:00.004-05:00

Last July, I was privileged to see the musical Oklahoma! at the Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. I haven't been to a play since high school, and this was my first musical. I had recently watched a DVD of a London performance starring Hugh Jackman, and let me tell you, that man can sing. But I digress...

Myra McCoury (l) and Stephanie Poling (r)

Group member Stephanie Poling and Myra McCoury (daughter of group member Suzan McCoury) were in this version of Oklahoma! so I felt a bit of an obligation to be there. I was worried though, as money was a bit tight. Parkway Playhouse to the rescue. They offered free tickets to the final performance taking place on July 4th. How cool was that. I piled into the truck with fellow group members Chrissy McVay and Judith Smith and off we went.

If you haven't seen a musical live, I highly recommend you do. And if you get a chance to see it on a smaller, local stage, all the better. What fun the actors seem to be having. It really makes you want to get up there with them.

Everyone in this production did a wonderful job, and I look forward to attending many more productions in the future. They're doing Annie this summer, so who knows. Maybe I'll take in a show.

2010 Writing Prompt #3

2010-02-05T03:28:00.001-05:00

Well, I promised myself I would post at least every other day. Best laid plans and all that.

Today’s writing prompt comes from the Creative Writing Prompts website. “Use the following words in a story: college student, crumpled paper, train, laptop.”

Now, that should be fairly easy. The challenge is to take it in a totally different direction from the all to obvious one. And don’t forget, if you aren’t a story writer, you can write a poem, an essay…whatever you feel is appropriate.

So, that’s it for today. Have a good one.

Congratulations and Good Luck Alessa

2010-02-01T20:15:00.006-05:00

Group member Alessa Leming recently completed a month-long poetry challenge on the Poetic Asides blog with the goal of completing a chap book to submit for publication. She not only completed the chapbook, but out of over 150 entries, her manuscript is among the 21 finalists. The winner will be announced on Groundhog Day....tomorrow.

Congratulations Alessa and we're still keeping our fingers crossed for you.

Photo Writing Prompt

2010-01-30T23:01:00.004-05:00

Today's writing prompt is this cool photo taken by Cory Shubert of Minnesota. Awesome picture. Let's see what kind of "images" it brings to mind.

Writing Exercises

2010-01-28T11:35:00.004-05:00

I've had this book in my "arsenal" for some time now, but have only recently pulled it out and started looking through it. The exercises in it will work not only for fiction writers, but for those who write in other genres as well. Here is our first one from it:

**"Write a composition on the subject 'My Pet.' The only requirement is that this must be a pet you have never owned. It can be anything from a kitten to a dinosaur, from a fly to a dragon. Describe what your pet looks like, how you acquired it, what it eats and where it sleeps, what tricks it can do, and how it gets on with your family, friends, neighbors, or the people at work."**

Yeah, this is mostly a fiction exercise of course, but imagine what kinds of poetry you can get out of it as well. :-)

Meeting Cancelled

2009-09-28T12:07:00.003-04:00

Due to some work at the local library where we meet, tonight's group meeting has been cancelled. The date of the next meeting will be posted here once it is set.

In the meantime, if anyone would like a writing prompt to help them along for the next meeting, how about writing something with a Halloween theme. We would love to hear some ghost stories at our next meeting. You can also find some prompts at the Creative Writing Prompts website.

Happy Writing.

Happy Belated Birthday

2009-06-12T14:11:00.004-04:00

Friday, June 5th was group member Margaret York's birthday. I cannot believe I forgot to post it here. (I apologize for that, Margaret.)

Anyhoo, Margaret is a wonderful poet and a great addition to our little group. And she's such a nice person, I know she'll forgive me for forgetting to post her birthday. :-}

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY, MARGARET!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-10T10:20:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in our group and those who read our blog.

Quotes

2009-05-05T08:55:00.008-04:00

I love quotes. Many writers do. We collect them like knick-knacks, setting them up on "shelves" to be brought down and used later as a jumping off point for our writing. We get ideas just from looking at them, observing them, letting them roll off our tongues. These ideas sometimes take seed and grow into full-fledged stories, essays or poems. You just never know where a simple quote is going to take you, and you never know when you will hear such a quote. I've pulled my little notebook from my purse in dark theaters just so I can write down something I just heard in the movie, something I felt I may be able to use later.

Today, I am going to share a few of my favorite quotes and where I first heard them. Maybe they can inspire your own creativity.

"[R]emember, no matter where you go, there you are."
-Buckaroo Banzai (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension)

"You see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push."
-The Joker (The Dark Knight)

"The shrinks diagnosed me as a sociopath with paranoid delusions. But they were just out to get me because I threatened to kill them."
-From the TV show Heroes: don't remember the character's name

"There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line."
-Oscar Lavant

"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."
-H. L. Mencken

Take those and run with them.....

Happy Birthday Shirley Phillips

2009-04-12T16:17:00.002-04:00

Today we say happy birthday to group member Shirley Phillips.

Shirley is not only a writer of great stories inspired by her childhood, she is also an artist. She hasn't been able to come to as many of the meetings lately as we'd like, but she is still a much loved and very valuable member of the group.

We look forward to her next visit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY!

Happy Birthday Susan Picciotto

2009-04-08T14:23:00.001-04:00

Today we are wishing a happy birthday to an absent member, Susan Picciotto. Haven't seen her in a while, but she's still a part of the group.

Susan writes some great essays, and we hope to hear from her again soon.

Where ever you are....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!

Blue Moon Bookstore

2009-04-03T06:39:00.004-04:00

Independent bookstores have a hard time staying open when the economy is good, but an even harder time when things are tough. The latest casualty is Blue Moon in Spruce Pine. We've held our monthly meetings here for years. The building used to be a pharmacy complete with soda fountain I'm told, and it has such great historic charm. Hopefully it won't stay empty for long. (There's even talk of someone else wanting to try their hand at the bookstore thing, with maybe art classes and such as well.)

This is my friend Sharon Huskey. She bought the bookstore (building is rented) a few years ago and has been a downtown fixture ever since. She held on as long as she could, but it just wasn't meant to be. But Sharon has come out the other side with a bushel of friends at her side and a strength only a woman, especially a red-headed woman, can have. ;-)

Judith Smith, a member of my writers' group, organized a pot luck at the store on Tuesday evening, the last day of business. Lots of people came to offer Sharon support and she really seemed to be enjoying the company. Great people hang out at bookstores.

Literary Magazines

2009-03-27T06:25:00.015-04:00

Here are some literary magazines that are accepting submissions. We're highlighting those that take electronic submissions although some of them also accept snail mail manuscripts if you prefer. Check out their websites for more information.

Returning to print after a four year hiatus is XENITH. This magazine accepts many forms of writing, not just fiction. Pieces can be as short as you want, but should not be any longer than 8,000 words. Response time is usually one to two months, which isn't too bad actually. You can get more information on their submission page.

Epiphany only publishes two print and two online issues a year, but it could be worth checking out. Mind you, their response time is five months at least, so there is a bit of a wait. They are currently so flooded with submissions they are holding off accepting any more until May, but it wouldn't hurt to take the time to familiarize yourself with the magazine.

I think this description of Pank speaks for itself: "PANK comes from the end of the road, the edge of things, a north shore, up country, a place of amalgamation, and unplumbed depths, where things are made and unmade, and unimagined futures are born. PANK is a ghost town around the next bend. It is hidden in caves in the withered hills. It is buried under impassable drifts of snow. An Ultima Thule, PANK – no soft pink hands here. It bears old scars, fresh scabs, callous, blood, and dirt. It is serene melancholy, spiritual longing, quirk, and anomaly. PANK inhabits its contradictions." It only publishes one print issue a year, but it's online monthly. Take a look at their submission guidelines for more info.

12½ Writing Rules

2009-03-13T05:46:00.003-04:00

I saw this poster online and thought it would be perfect to post on our blog.

Now go write something.

Happy Birthday Walter Rein

2009-03-11T10:34:00.004-04:00

Today we're celebrating the birthday of group member Walter Rein.

Besides being a continuous contributor to our little group, Walter has published two books: Wonderful Wawa's Words of Wisdom (which can be found on Amazon.com) and The Purple Rain in Zanzibar, his children's book which besides being carried by the publisher and Amazon, will soon appear nationwide on the shelves at Barnes & Noble.

I'm sure Walter is spending his birthday today with his wonderful wife, Janell, another person we all adore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALTER!

The Purple Rain in Barnes & Noble

2009-03-02T05:34:00.003-05:00

Dr. Seuss was born 105 years ago today. And what better way to celebrate than to give a pat on the back to a group member whose children's book, in my humble opinion, is a work of art along the lines of anything Seuss did?

Walter Rein was informed by his publisher (Grateful Steps) that Barnes & Noble will be carrying his book The Purple Rain in Zanzibar in their stores nationwide. This is wonderful news and we are very proud of both Walter and illustrator Jack Ferrell.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Paul Harvey: 1918 - 2009

2009-02-28T22:49:00.003-05:00

The Mayland Writers' Group salutes the legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey who passed away today at the age of 90. He will be greatly missed.

Happy Birthday Taylor Reese

2009-02-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

Today we'd like to wish a very happy birthday to group member Taylor Reese.

Taylor has written several books of humor including Humor is Where You Find It and Humor and a Whole Lot More, a collection of poetry titled A Glimpse at Life and two volumes (so far) of his memoirs.

Taylor has coauthored (with Jack Pyle) books on using the almanac and moon signs for planting and life in general: Raising with the Moon and You and the Man in the Moon. (You can check out their website at http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!

Congratulations Suzan McCoury

2009-02-24T16:32:00.005-05:00

Congratulations are in order for group member Suzan Tanner McCoury. Her children's novel The Crystal Swan was recently published by Grateful Steps Publishing. The description on the publisher's website reads:

"No one would suspect that a mysterious adventure could start in a nursing home, but that is precisely what happened to thirteen-year old Leah Ward. Leah wanted to spend time with her friends. The last thing on her mind that fateful day was to go with her mother on a visit to Shady Springs rest home. A reluctant teenager went with her mother and was given an object that would change the way she saw the world forever.
The Crystal Swan is a little bit mystery and a little bit adventure. It follows the story of a thirteen-year old girl who receives an unusual gift. The gift changes the course of the end of one school year through the beginning of another. Follow along with Leah and discover the mystery of, The Crystal Swan."

This is Suzan's second book and can be purchased at the publisher's website, on Amazon.com or through your local bookstore. Her first novel, the self-published The Most Unusual Adventures of Black Shadow Smokey and The Blue Streak, can be found on Amazon.com or through your local bookstore.

Besides being a member of our little group, Suzan belongs to The Society of Children's Book Writers and The Appalachian Author's Guild. We look forward to her future works.

Congratulations, Suzan.

2009 Writing Prompts II

2009-02-17T03:49:00.003-05:00

Time for some new writing prompts. I have searched the 'net and here's what I've found for us today.

1) What was the first CD (or record or cassette) you ever purchased? Write about the way that particular album made you feel then. Write about how it makes you feel now.

2) What's your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.

3) Who had the stronger influence on you? Write about a person who made you feel like a writer compared to someone who didn't.

There ya' go...three to choose from. Take one, two or take them all and run with it.

Congratulations Chrissy McVay

2009-02-09T17:00:00.003-05:00

Author and group member Chrissy K. McVay recently entered The Movie Deal screenplay contest (http://www.themoviedeal.com/). Her screenplay Souls of the North Wind, based upon her novel of the same name, was named among the top ten in the action/adventure category. And her screenplay Only Eagles Know My Name received an honorable mention.

We are very proud of Chrissy and look forward to the day when we can go to the theater to see a movie based on one of her screenplays. (It will happen.)

Chrissy's novel, Souls of the North Wind, can be found at Amazon (www.amazon.com). Check it out.

Congratulations Chrissy.

Walter Rein Wins Book Award

2009-01-30T05:33:00.009-05:00

Group member Walter Rein recently received much deserved recognition for his book The Purple Rain in Zanzibar. It was chosen to receive the Silver Mom's Choice award for a Children's Picture Book in the Bedtime Stories category. (The entire list can be viewed here: http://www.momschoiceawards.com/celebrate09.php.)

The judges for this award include the creators of Reading Rainbow and the Baby Einstein Series.

This is a great honor and we are proud of Walter and the book's illustrator, Jack Farrell.

Congratulations guys!

First Writing Prompt for 2009

2009-01-13T19:39:00.004-05:00

It's time for a new writing prompt for the new year. And what a year this is going to be. History was made last November when we elected the first African-American to the highest job in the land. And history continues this coming Tuesday, January 20th, as Barack Obama takes the oath of office in Washington, D.C.

This brings us to our writing prompt. Your assignment, if you choose to accept, is to watch the inauguration and write about it. If you're upset that Obama won, write about it. If you're happy, write about it. You can write a poem, a short story, an essay...anything. Just take this time to reflect on history in the making and write, write, write.

December Happenings

2008-12-31T03:49:00.007-05:00

Many of my photos from our Christmas party on December 8th were too blurry to use. Seems I still need practice with my camera.

Walter and Janell again hosted out little get-together. He read for us, and we were lucky enough to hear his wit put to good use when they received a sales call that evening. I'm betting they won't be dialing his phone number again. :-)

Members John Pierce, Taylor Reese and Jack Pyle listen on. John's hard at work on his first novel and Taylor & Jack are veteran authors who always have great advice for the rest of us. (http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/)

Our Christmas party was also a "Bon Voyage" gathering for group member Alessa Leming who is in the process of moving to Virginia. She did make our regular meeting on December 29, but we knew more members would be able to make the Christmas party. I put together some photos of her and had them put on a cake. Turned out pretty well for the most part. (The photo in the lower right ended up kind of washed out, ghostlike. Alessa as Casper?)

On December 29th we had our usual monthly meeting and had a pretty good turn-out considering the holiday time of year. Seven members shared poetry, prose, advice and coffee. It was a good meeting.

But then, they usually are.

Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday

2008-12-25T13:03:00.004-05:00

May your holiday be a bright one.

Last Birthday of the Year

2008-12-21T17:34:00.005-05:00

I do hate photos of myself, but since I've done this to other members of the group, it's only fair I post mine here as well. I'm 39 today, and like Jack Benny, I may just stay 39 for the rest of my life. :-)

For the record, besides "running" our little group, I write poetry, essays, short stories and (hopefully) a novel. I also knit, read like crazy and recently started my own pet sitting business.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!

:-)

Miscellaneous Prompts

2008-12-16T10:55:00.007-05:00

Here are some random photo prompts I found on the internet. Have a look and run with it....

(Is this the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner maybe?)

(No matter how small the home, you can still show your Christmas spirit.)

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:09:00.004-05:00

The Mayland Writers' Group would like to wish everyone, everywhere a very happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with love, laughter and peace.

Thanksgiving

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway,

Thanksgiving comes again!

~Old Rhyme

Weather Stuff

2008-11-24T03:34:00.004-05:00

This was my yard on the morning of Friday, November 21. I think we got about 3 inches of snow that day, and how beautiful it was.

I think a weather related writing prompt is called for today. How about a story, poem, essay or whatever about...well...snow. (Give me a break. What do you want at 4am?) :0)

Really, you can do a lot with snow. Not that it hasn't been written about incessantly already, but there's always more to write.

As much as I love snow, I think my neighbor's cat Tango is ready for it to be gone. Too bad they're calling for more tomorrow into Wednesday.

Birthday Wishes VI

2008-11-06T21:32:00.006-05:00

Today we wish a very happy birthday to group member Gera Girard.

Gera, an artist and writer, spent her birthday in a most wonderful way...with her new great-granddaughter Isabela. She was born on Tuesday night, just missing sharing a birthday with her great-grandmother.

Four generations come together for this photo: Gera, Isabela, granddaughter Ashley and daughter Danielle. Definitely a great birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GERA!

Halloween Writing Prompts

2008-10-30T16:12:00.011-04:00

Tomorrow is Halloween, one of my favorite holidays. (Well, is it really a holiday? HMM.) Any way, this is a good time to harness our inner scaredy cat. Today's prompts are all in the spirit (pun not intended, I swear) of Halloween.

First, a picture prompt...or two.

That second photo has been one of my favorites since I first saw it when I was a kid. I've always wanted to have a poster of it made and hung up in my writing room. (When I get a writing room set up that is.)

OK, time for some non-photo prompts.

*Pretend that you are a jack-o-lantern. Describe Halloween from a jack-o-lantern's point of view.

*Write a Halloween acrostic using one of these words: ghost, monster, mummy, skeleton, vampire, witch. (For those new to this {I had to look it up myself.} , write a poem where each line begins with a letter in the chosen word.)

Well, that should be plenty to get you started. Happy Writing.

Birthday Wishes V

2008-10-15T05:05:00.007-04:00

Today is group member Kate Groff's birthday. I tried to get a more recent photo of her for the blog, but wasn't able to. So, I just grabbed some that were already "out there." (So there Kate.) :-) She has a great looking family, doesn't she.

Kate is one of those multi-talented individuals. She is not only a writer but an artist as well, working in several mediums. Some of her work, as well as purchase information, can be found at www.katework.com.

Kate also works with the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) helping promote the artwork of many local/regional artists. I love her sense of humor and straight-forwardness, and I'm glad she is a member of our little group.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

The Purple Rain in Zanzibar

2008-09-30T15:01:00.015-04:00

So begins the new book by Walter Rein, The Purple Rain in Zanzibar. This book is a wonderful read...along the lines of Dr. Seuss. Walter wrote this story back in 1968, and after 40 years, it still sounds fresh, new and fun.

After some prodding by his wife Janell and various friends, Walter finally decided to try and get this fairytale published. He got together with friend and neighbor Jack Ferrell, an award-winning artist, and the book finally came together. Grateful Steps Publishing in Asheville, NC saw the potential and immediately snatched up the book and began the long process that is publishing.

Walter's book is finally out there, and would make a great Christmas gift for anyone with children. (Check your local bookstore, Amazon.com or the publisher's site.)

We are very proud of Walter and this book. It is bound to become a classic.

Photo Prompt

2008-09-17T19:05:00.006-04:00

I saw this photo while doing research for a PowerPoint presentation I am putting together for a class and thought it would be a great photo prompt for the group.

Pick up those pens and let's see where this goes.

Writing Exercise

2008-09-05T05:52:00.004-04:00

Time for some writing exercises. I surfed the net and found this site: http://www.meredithsuewillis.com/writingexercises.html and this exercise.

Who left the broom? Who left the door open? What is happening in the dim interior? What will happen outside in the light?

Pick up that pen, pencil or computer and get writing.

Birthday Wishes IV

2008-08-24T12:51:00.005-04:00

One more August birthday. Today it's group member Janell Rein. (That's her with her husband, author Walter Rein.) Janell isn't a writer, but I'm betting she could be. She comes to our little group with her husband and has become a very integral member. She is always ready to give wonderful critiques and is very supportive of all our writers, not to mention that she is one of the strongest women I have ever met.

Personally, I have to say that Janell is one of my favorite people. She is so nice and has often been there to give me support and reassurances as "leader" of this group. And I know she is very supportive of Walter, as he is with her. They have been married 51 years now, and they are so perfect, so RIGHT together. If my husband and I have half the love they obviously have for each other, we are off to a great start.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANELL!!

Just Stuff

2008-08-13T19:41:00.004-04:00

Today, I decided to post some "stuff" that I found interesting or funny. Enjoy.

Check out this story about a 93-year-old woman who just had her first novel published: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/11/1/print

Birthday Wishes III

2008-08-12T01:20:00.006-04:00

Well, here we go again. I think our group is really covering August when it comes to birthdays. Today it is author Chrissy K. McVay. (She's going to kill me for using these pictures, but since she has them posted elsewhere on the net, they're fair game. That's Chrissy and her husband Tony above.)

Chrissy is the author of the novel Souls of the North Wind as well as numerous essays and short stories. You can check out her work and latest info at http://www.authorsden.com/chrissykmcvay and http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1I7QGUDP043DG/ref=cm_blog_blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISSY!!

Birthday Wishes II

2008-08-09T16:02:00.007-04:00

Group members John Pierce and Alessa Leming share a birthday today. John is hard at work on his first novel, and Alessa is a wonderful poet and essayist. They are both names to keep an eye out for in the writing world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN AND ALESSA!

New Picture Prompt

2008-07-31T13:31:00.005-04:00

I love this photo. I wish I could take credit for it, but I found it on the web. Let it inspire you to write a poem, essay, short story...whatever. If you'd like, post some comments about the picture; give us an idea of the thoughts it provokes. You might help some other writers along, or get some ideas from their replies.

If you have some prompt ideas you'd like to share, let me know. You can post it in the comments, or go to our profile page and send an email.

Happy Writing!

Birthday Wishes

2008-07-24T03:46:00.004-04:00

Today is group member Jack R. Pyle's birthday.

Wish him a happy birthday by checking out some of his books on his website: http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/index.html.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK!

Group Member Loses Faithful Friend/Family Member

2008-07-14T15:49:00.015-04:00

(Chrissy McVay's author photo)

About a year ago, group member Chrissy McVay was told her dog Angel Michelle (in photo above) had bone cancer and wasn't expected to make it past Christmas. With the help of their vet, and the hard work of the McVays, Angel beat the odds. They cooked special food for her, giving her the people food she probably spent most of her life begging for anyway. And for nearly a year, Angel practically thrived. (You can read an essay Chrissy wrote here: http://www.angelanimals.net/stories020.html)

(Angel and her sister as puppies)

I received an email from Chrissy this afternoon saying they'd finally had to let Angel go. The decision was basically taken out of their hands. It seems she was running down the hall (she never stopped running) and broke her shoulder. The vet says her bones had just gotten too weak and couldn't hold her any longer.

(Angel hamming for the camera)

Chrissy and her family have many years of wonderful memories to fall back on. With that, and the help of their other dog Sasha, they'll keep a warm space in their hearts especially for their Angel Michelle.

(My favorite picture of the puppy that was Angel)

Angel has gone on to the Rainbow Bridge, but her essence remains here in the hearts of her family.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

... Author unknown...

Inspiration Everywhere

2008-07-12T19:39:00.005-04:00

(View from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller in Little Switzerland)

Looking for some writing inspiration? Look around you. Whether you live in the mountains, the city, flatlands....it doesn't matter. There is inspiration everywhere. You can write a poem about apartment living, and the noisy neighbors. Or maybe an essay about the horses who reside in the field next to your house. How about a short story about the lovable town drunk who spends every Friday night in the local jail? The world around you is a colorful tapestry. Open up your imagination and let the ideas flow.

(Flowers and butterflies on the Little Switzerland homestead of Chrissy and Tony McVay)

Looking around you...at where you are and where you've been...is the best way to jump-start your imagination.

Websites

2008-07-08T05:08:00.004-04:00

Today I'm going to highlight some websites that may be of interest to writers out there.

*http://www.writing.com/: "Writing.Com is the online community for writers and readers of all interests and skill levels. Whether you're an enthusiastic, creative writer looking for the perfect place to store and display your writing online or a casual reader searching for a good story, Writing.Com is the website for you!
With 633,131 members and 1,348,206 literary items created since inception,this community is bursting with activities, inspiration and creativity."

*http://www.writing.org/: "Writing.org offers how-to articles for writers (and especially for new writers). The goal is to help you break into the writing business and avoid being victimized by scam artists."

*http://www.6ftferrets.com/: (This is one of my very favorites.) "Writing can be a lonely business—unless, of course, you're in a writers' group.The 6' Ferret Writers' Group has developed this web site to provide tips for those of you interested in setting up your own groups, as well as ideas for exercises and events for existing groups."

Check out all these sites, and let me know if you have others we should check out.

Jack Pyle and Taylor Reese

2008-07-01T16:39:00.016-04:00

Jack Pyle and Taylor Reese are two of our most prolific authors. Together, they have written books on the use of the almanac in gardening and every day life.

These books come in handy, especially if you have tried to use an almanac of any kind, and just can't seem to understand it. They take those almanac lessons and put them in plain English.

Jack Pyle's solo works run the gambit from a young-adult mystery to love stories to short story collections.

Taylor Reese has published books of poetry, humor and even his memoirs.

Jack and Taylor's books can be found on Amazon.com as well as on their website at http://pylereesebooks.tripod.com/index.html.

Writing Prompt #1

2008-06-21T12:52:00.008-04:00

OK, today I am posting a writing prompt. For those of you who are new to this kind of thing, a writing prompt is a tool to get you started, basically. It doesn't matter what you write either; poetry, essays, short stories, etc. The prompt works for any of it. Also, a prompt can be a word, a phrase, a photo...most anything. For our first blog prompt, I am going to use a couple photos I found on the net.

Here are the first two photo prompts. Take a look and see what kind of ideas start to form. Use either picture, or both if you'd like. Maybe they bring to mind a story from your childhood. Run with it. Maybe they form the basis for one or two poems. Go for it.

One rule: Have fun with it.

Another Book Recommendation

2008-06-17T14:44:00.005-04:00

Group member Chrissy McVay has a big hit with her first book Souls of the North Wind. It has been described as "reminiscent of Jack London’s Call of the Wild" and is hailed as not only entertaining but educational as well. It is the adventure of two young inuit boys crossing the dangerous tundra, a mythical beast in hot pursuit. You've got to read this book.

Chrissy is working on a sequel to Souls of the North Wind. More information on her writing can be found at http://www.authorsden.com/chrissykmcvay.

Starting Over Again

2008-06-14T10:40:00.003-04:00

Hi. I'm Susan and I run the Mayland Writers' Group.

I started this blog months back, and then gave it up when it didn't seem there was much interest from the group. But, here I am again. I will try to keep it going this time with updates from the group, hightlights of members' published works, writing prompts/ideas, etc.

This time around, I want to showcase member Walter Rein's first book Wonderful Wawa's Words of Wisdom. This book is both funny and thought provoking. You know you are in for an interesting read when at the beginning you see a warning: WARNING: The Believer General has determined that reading this book could be harmful to your faith. You can read a summary and/or purchase the book at Amazon.com and other online bookstores. It's a great read and I look forward to more from Walter's so very creative mind.