Thursday Group Events - EPIC GROUP WRITERS

FALL 2021

It was good to see many of you at our summer coffee time a couple weeks back. Looking forward to seeing you all on Zoom and hopefully some in person meet ups this year.

WELCOME BACK! We’re kicking off our fall 2021 writer’s craft sessions with Summer Reads.
What did you read this summer? What did you like, love, or hate about it? Be specific. You’re welcome to read one paragraph from a book or short story that really moved you. This is an opportunity to hear what other readers love about stories, so you can write better stories.

Reading and analyzing books and short stories you love informs your writing in ways nothing else can. Join us Thursday September 9th as we begin our fall writer’s craft sessions. We will meet twice a month on the first and third Thursdays from 10 AM-NOON on Zoom. Email Mindy for the Zoom invite.
On Thursday September 23rd, we will return to the Art of Character, by David Corbett.
On October 7th we’ll look at a character’s tragic wounds, and how they differ from fatal flaws.
October 21st is all about scary villains, of course. What makes a villain engaging, sympathetic and yet terrifying.

SPRING 2021

Our Thursday morning (10AM-12)writing group is taking a bit of a spring break from April to June.
During that time, the writing homework is to work through your story’s three act structure. This can be applied to any story, short story, memoir, novel, or screenplay. It’s fundamental #storytelling, straight from history, most often accredited to #Aristotle who said that a dramatic action must have a beginning, a middle and an end.
The three-act structure is a narrative model that divides stories into three parts — Act One, Act Two, and Act Three, or rather, a beginning, middle, and end–often called the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution.
Here is a good article to help explain it. https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/literary-devices/plan-novel-using-three-act-structure/
Do this by hand, old school with a pen and paper, preferably a spiral notebook dedicated to the structure and plot of your story. Don’t worry, we will go over this in class next week March 18th. But then we meet once a month for the following 90 days,
April 29th
May 27th
June 24th

We WILL meet March 18th and 25th, as originally scheduled. If you’d like to join in, please e-mail Mindy Halleck for the zoom link. Keep #writing.

Fall 2020
We're still on Zoom. We have a FREE writing group that meets once a week, Thursday on ZOOM 10 AM till noon, sponsored by EPICGROUPWRITERS.ORG . We do writing time, writing exercises and focus on the writer's craft by learning about the fundamentals of writing a GREAT story. This fall and winter we are working our way through David Corbett's book, The Art of Character. Whether you are writing memoir, short stories, essays, novels, or you aren't sure yet what you want to write, you just want to write, then this is the group for you.
Contact Mindy Halleck for additional information and the Zoom invitation.

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Hello Scribes! Since the Corona virus we have moved our weekly writers group to ZOOM. We have a FREE writing group that meets once a week, Thursday on ZOOM 10 AM till noon, sponsored by EPICGROUPWRITERS.ORG . We do writing time, writing exercises and focus on the writer's craft by learning about the fundamentals of writing a GREAT story. Whether you are writing memoir, short stories, essays, novels, or you aren't sure yet what you want to write, you just want to write, then this is the group for you. Contact Mindy Halleck for additional information.

NEW...MORNING PAGES with Mindy Halleck
Tuesdays all summer, From 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM It's FREE!
Jump start your creativity with morning pages. Writing can help us process our state of mind about the extraordinary happenings unfolding around us. But when we’re anxious and overwhelmed motivation and lucidity can be hard to find. To help spill the ink (get words flowing), join us during this free weekly write-in via Zoom, where you’ll get writing prompts, writing time, and the chance to connect with other writers. Whether you want to blog, journal, or produce other writing during this uncertain time, 30 minutes of quiet writing time will give you the appointment with yourself each week to ignite your inspiration. We’ll spend half an hour writing, and half an hour sharing and discussing issues related to writing during this global pandemic or beyond. No skill required, all writers welcome. Please click the below link to register for Tuesday morning pages.  Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83778291826

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. THERE WILL BE NO MEETING JUNE 23rd.
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Hello 2020!

March 5th we will discuss character goals, and Short Stories** (including the 750 word short/flash fiction) and begin a two week flash fiction challenge based on a theme (to be disclosed in class).

February 27th will be a critique day, where a writer form the group submits their work and the group critiques. There will be writing time.

February 20th Mindy Halleck will discuss writing goals and submissions. There will be writing time.

February 13th our guest speaker will be Carol Sanford who will speak about how she established her author platform and grew to be an award winning author of five books, a guest lecturer and a TEDx speaker, and more. Please join us. There will be writing time at the end of Carol's talk.

Last week, February 6th, we heard from our writing partner, Amber Hill who spoke on several motivating writerly topics. I’ll be asking her to elaborate on a few of them at a later date, if she’s willing. Her talk was inspiring.
I loved this quote she shared with us; Admiration for a quality or an art can be so strong that it deters us from striving to possess it. Frederick Nietzsche
And so my scribes, seize the day, write, create the art you want to create and DO NOT compare yourself to others—it’s paralyzing.

This Thursday, January 30th we will chat about some writing and self-editing tips, how to make your writing come to life, and ways to enhance the stories you want to tell. I’ll be using Stephen King’s On Writing, and other examples. These tips are for fiction as well as non-fiction. We will also have some writing time, and then we will hear from one of our new members, Peter Moore, in a critique session.
Please remember that for the 3 page critiques you must make 22 copies (please number your pages) standard margins (1 inch) and a standard 12 point type (like, Times New Roman). If you would like to volunteer for a critique session please let me know.
Next week, February 6th we will hear from our other Peter, Peter Snyder who has volunteered for the critique session. Also on February 6th I will be talking about morning pages. Morning pages can be used for many creative, or general life endeavors. For writers, the magic in morning pages is often a deeper understanding of what you want to write, why you want to tell the story you are telling. Also, this practice can provide you with a tool for accessing deeper characterization for your characters (fiction or non-fiction). For this session I’ll use The Artist Way, by Julia Cameron. I hope you can join us. And yes, there will be writing time.

DUE TO SNOW THERE IS NO WRITERS GROUP AT THE EDMONDS LIBRARY THIS MORNING JANUARY 16TH, FROM 10-12. WE WILL RESUME NEXT THURSDAY.

In January 2020 we get back to serious writing time, a few surprise speakers, and more feedback on your work. We will look at doing group critiquing for those who want to, of 2 pages or less. I’ll explain more in class.

CHRISTMAS BREAK ! DECEMBER 26th thru January 9th there will be NO WRITING GROUPS, we will be on holiday break. No writing classes December 26th and Jan 2nd. We will resume on January 9th.

December 12th we have a return guest speaker, author, Elena Hartwell Taylor https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/ who is coming in to chat about landing an agent/publisher, and how outlining and structure can aid in writing and rewriting.

December 5th we have another guest, professor of literature and writing, editor and publisher, Bryan Tomasovich who owns The Publishing World where he and his team focus on professional editing, writing, and publishing advise. Bryan will talk to us about how best to query agents, what to expect in the querying and getting published phase and loads of other getting published how-to stuff. I hope you can make it. 10AM-Noon

November 28th 2019 Thanksgiving, NO WRITERS Group

November 21st

Marketing articles and essays to magazines. Write about what you love and get paid. Should you be pitching ideas to the New Yorker, or your local area magazines and newspapers? How to get started.

November 14th

Guest speaker, Roxana Arama. Roxana Arama who will be speaking about world-building. Roxana Arama has an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College and is a reader for the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest. Her writing has appeared in literary magazines and has placed in national literary contests. Her first novel, a historical fantasy, is on submission to publishers with a literary agent. She maintains a nonfiction website called Rewriting History: How writers turn history into story, and story into history at www.roxanaarama.com. In her free time, she loves playing video games and hiking with her family. No matter what you are writing join us for an interesting talk that will give a boost to your writing.

November 7th

We will continue our conversation about creating deeper characters in our writing. Our resource is The Art of Character by David Corbett.
'The Art of Character delves deeply and thoughtfully into the human heart of characterization, showing students and readers how to plumb the rich source material in their own lives and the world around them to fashion credible, compelling characters.'

October 31st

(Halloween) We will get back to The First Five Pages and talk about characterization (pg 136). In honor of characterization, and Halloween, let’s have some fun; Mindy plans on wearing a costume from a character in a book, and invites you to do the same. At least a hat or scarf that may have been worn by a favorite character in a novel. So join us in celebrating Halloween and a plethora of literary characters worth resurrecting for a day. As always, there will be some lecture, some writing, and some reading aloud of what's written. Grab pen and paper and join us.

October 24th
Mindy Halleck will delve into writers and SOCIAL MEDIA. Whether you’re a published author or a beginning writer who only wants to reach a blog audience, this information will aid you in developing a platform via social media. IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START BUILDING YOUR PLATFORM. HOWEVER, since 2016 when Mindy taught multiple classes and writer’s conference workshops on this topic, her advice to writers has changed dramatically. Social media is NOT the effective marketing tool it once was. A writer still needs some, but not all. Join us to learn what works, why, and what is now an effective tool for writers who desire to reach an audience. As always, there will be some lecture, some writing, and some reading aloud of what's written. Grab pen and paper and join us.

October 17th Mindy Halleck returned with a review of SHOW vs TELL from The First Five Pages.

September 12 thru October 10th

September 12th we (w/ facilitator Mindy Halleck) will continue our review of The First Five Pages, by Noah Lukeman, we will have writing time, and some time to share what you have written. Then, Mindy is off to Scotland for a month. During that time, Christine Pinto will be the guest facilitator. Please join her for some writing time.
Drop-ins welcome. All skill levels.
September 19 Join us Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing. 10:00 am: Writing to a prompt (Guest facilitator, Christine Pinto) 11:00 am: A Tall Tale About Self Publishing. Kizzie Elizabeth Jones will talk about her self-publishing adventures with her Tall Tales series of dachshund picture books and the upcoming book in the series. You can learn more about Kizzie and her books at her website: https://kizziejones.com/index.html. Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!    September 26 Join us Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing. 10:00 am: Writing to a prompt 11:00 am: Guest facilitator, Christine Pinto, will lead a discussion about editing, including what writers need to know before hiring anyone to edit a manuscript. Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!
October 3 Join us Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing. 10:00 am: Writing to a prompt 11:00 am: Writing Tech. Guest facilitator, Christine Pinto, will lead a discussion about representing technology in your work. Discussion will include historical accuracy, how much to include, practical strategies for what to do and what not to do, and making the most of dramatic possibilities presented when your characters use technology. Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome! October 10 Join us Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing. 10:00 am: Writing to a prompt 11:00 am: Writing Playground. Invigorate your creative process by letting your writing child out to play with a series of fun writing exercises developed by Christine Pinto, Guest facilitator. Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!
September 5th 2019

Every Writer's Writing Group -- Group facilitator, Author, Mindy Halleck
Every Writer's Writing Group - Thursday morning from 10:00 AM  12:00 PM - begins again! September 5th at the Edmond's Library we kick off our fall thru winter writing sessions by reviewing Noah Lukeman’s writing craft book,    The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile. This is a FREE writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers.  We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing.
In the 11:00 AM hour, we have writing time, occasional speakers, and critique opportunities.
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

JUNE 6 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group -- Group facilitator, Author, Mindy Halleck
Thursday, June 6, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM Join us Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers.  We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing.
In the 11:00 hour, we have writing exercises, occasional speakers, and critique opportunities.
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

JUNE 13 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group-- Group facilitator, Author, Mindy Halleck
Thursday, June 13, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM Join me Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. We support each other with a creative atmosphere, inspiration and sharing.
In the 11:00 hour, we have speakers, critique opportunities, or writing exercises.
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

SUMMER BREAK
RESUME September 5th 2019
Please check back in late July for upcoming fall and winter agenda.
Keep Writing.

Past Events

2019 MAY 9th 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group
Thursday, May 9, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM The Hero’s Journey Continues
Mindy Halleck will once again lead our group Thursday morning at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. Mindy will continue her discussion of the Hero’s Journey with a review and time for you to read a piece of writing inspired by our conversations. Please bring a 2-3 minute reading relating to the Hero’s Journey in your story.
Mindy Halleck is a Pacific Northwest author and instructor. Her novel Return to Sender, was a featured debut novel in Kirkus Review Magazine, January 2015. As an inspirational instructor, she urges writers to embrace social media early in their professional endeavors and skillfully shows them how. You can learn more about Mindy at www.MindyHalleck.com
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

MAY 16 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group
Thursday, May 16, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM The Hero’s Journey Continues
Mindy Halleck will once again lead our group Thursday morning at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. In our last discussion of the Hero’s Journey, Mindy invites you to read a piece of writing inspired by our conversations. Please bring a 2-3 minute reading relating to the Hero’s Journey in your story.
Mindy Halleck is a Pacific Northwest author and instructor. Her novel Return to Sender, was a featured debut novel in Kirkus Review Magazine, January 2015. As an inspirational instructor, she urges writers to embrace social media early in their professional endeavors and skillfully shows them how. You can learn more about Mindy at www.MindyHalleck.com
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

MAY 23 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group
Thursday, May 23, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM Vertvolta Press
Join me Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. In the first hour, we support each other with inspiration, sharing and free writing to a prompt.
In the 11:00 hour, Vladimir Verano of Vertvolta Press will discuss navigating self-publishing and the services his company provides. Vertvolta designs professional-quality books, covers, and e-books, and assists authors seeking to self-publish, either through small-scale print runs, or avenues such as Ingram, Createspace, or Lulu.
You can learn more about Vertvolta press at http://www.vertvoltapress.com/
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

MAY 30 10:00 AM

Every Writer's Writing Group
Thursday, May 30, 2019 10:00 AM  12:00 PM Join me Thursday mornings at the Edmonds Library from 10 am to noon for a free writing group sponsored by EPIC Group Writers. In the first hour, we support each other with inspiration, sharing and free writing to a prompt.
In the 11:00 hour, we have speakers, critique opportunities, or writing exercises.
Check back here for topics as our Winter schedule develops.
Designed for writers of all levels. Drop-ins are welcome!

EPIC Group Writers is an Edmonds-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering resources to writers since 2012. The purpose of EPIC Group Writers is to create and sustain a community of writers of all levels and backgrounds who share, encourage and nurture the literary and other creative arts for the benefit of the community at large. EPIC Group Writers will seek to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with other artistic and cultural entities.

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