A challenge!

Last night's talk by Andy McAleer, author of MYSTERY WRITING IN A NUTSHELL and three mystery novels, was excellent. We had a nice turnout; thanks! Andy is a lawyer, works for the Department of Corrections, teaches mystery writing at BC in the evenings, and edits a literary magazine called CRIMESTALKERS CASEBOOK (see crimestalkers.com). In that semi-annual publication, he includes only short short stories (200 to 1200 words) and each issue ideally has a piece by a recognized mystery writer. He also has a book coming out this fall, 101 HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL NOVELISTS with a forward by Bill Pronzini. He left copies of the magazine for us.

He also donated a copy of UNIT PRIDE, a novel by his late father John McAleer and Billy Dickson; the pair met when Billy was incarcerated and wrote to John. It's a novel of the Korean War and was blurbed by Lt. General James M. Gavin, who served as Ambassador to France and then chairman of Arthur D. Little, Inc. (during my tenure; we used to exchange pleasantries in the halls.)

I am challenging Write Stuffers to write a short short story, 200-1200 words; make it a mystery and we can hone them and perhaps submit them to Andy for CRIMESTALKERS CASEBOOK. Let's say a September 30 deadline.

Mark your calendars, too, for two upcoming programs.
On Monday July 28, at 7 pm, attorney Dan Polvere will talk about Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band of Boston (that's not a title...). Should be interesting--let's quiz him on what makes Holmes so memorable and so lasting a character (it's over 100 years now...)

Then on Wednesday July 30, PLEASE PLEASE come hear JoAnne Deitch speak on "Publishing Your Book." She is an editor and former publisher with a lot of experience and will cover self-publication, the editing process, and if there's time, we may be able to present a short piece (say an opening sentence) for critique. (The opening sentence from your short short story, right?)

Have a good summer, keep cool (the AC has been repaired in the Tarbell Room) and keep writing. Jeanne

That's a good question

It's strange how much in the group develops by osmosis. It's only when someone new asks questions that this becomes evident. This blog is as good a place as any to record 'the way we work' when 'rules' would be too strong a term to describe it.

Question.

I see people provide written comments at the meeting, sometimes with every page covered in annotation. Is this required and what comments are acceptable?

Answer.

The basic rule is two things that worked well, two that can be improved. Many people choose to provide more, suggesting grammar and spelling corrections that would not be appropriate or a good use of time in the face to face setting of the meeting. In general writer's appreciate comments covering all aspects of their, including words of encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Question

Should a person providing comments assume that the piece submitted is for publication and address its suitability in their comments?

Answer.

Many people write for themselves and for the pleasure it gives them.

Others seek fame and some even fortune and openly declare such intent. Either way, it is a good idea when sending out work for comment to provide some idea of the target audience, e.g. young adult, mystery readers, cooking fiends, not for publication etc. and if the writer is seeking to have the work published, the potential markets considered/targeted.