Holiday mixer update

Hello! Some of us will be gathering tomorrow at the bar in Peppino's Pizzeria, which is next door to  Panera in Lake Forest. The original time was 6:30 to 9:30, but I'm moving the time up an hour -- to 5:30 -- because we have some party animals who like to get started early  RSVPs aren't necessary, but you can get more info here:http://www.meetup.com/OC-Writers/events/154086972/

Launching the O.C. Writers Workshop with WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK

ANNOUNCEMENT: Starting January 6, I'll be tackling the Donald Maass "Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook" over at OCWritersWorkshop.wordpress.com. One section (they're short!) each week until we run out of sections (26 weeks? 36 weeks? Can't remember exactly and the book is still in packing boxes). I'll put up a post about each section, and we can share, ask questions, commiserate, etc. in the comments section. Also, the blog will be closed so only participating members can see the content to protect those concerned about privacy and sharing story ideas with the general public. If you're interested in trying this experiment with me, please email me at deanna at deannacameron dot com.

Vote on an Official Group Name

I've been thinking about how to grow O.C. Writers and new things we can add next year. But, there's one thing I've heard from a few people that I'd like to discuss first: our name. A few of you have suggested that "O.C. Writers" sounds like a nickname, but not an official name. So, to the right you'll see a poll with a few options for an official name. Want to weigh in? 

O.C. Writers Anniversary

O.C. Writers turns 1 this week! I can't believe it's been a full year since I started this forum with the hope that there were others looking for a motivated, supportive and encouraging writers group in O.C. Between the Facebook group, the Meetup.com group & the folks who stay connected through OCWriters.org, we have well over 150 members. And we've done some awesome things. Nyx leading the Meetup group, the critique group & a weekly write-in is a huge part of that. Jennifer shepherding the anthology is another huge part. And the people like Skylar, Wendy and Frank who lead write-ins is also huge. 

I think we've only scratched the surface of what's possible, though. I've put together a small survey to find out what people want most and where we should focus our efforts. If you can, please take a moment to fill it out. There are only a few questions, so it won't take long. And thank you in advance 

Click here to take survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7N5PNYT

Mid-October Update

Hi, O.C. Writers!

We've had several new members sign up recently, so I think it's a good time for an update.

* We are now up to 80 members on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/ocwriters), and a dozen more on the OCWriters.org mailing list!

*  We have at least three member-run write-ins -- two in Santa Ana, one in Lake Forest-- scheduled every week. In November, to help members participating in Nanowrimo (www.nanowrimo.org), a Friday night write-in in Orange will be added to the lineup. Details on all this and more can be found at http://www.meetup.com/OC-Writers. Also, we're happy to help anyone who wants to organize other write-ins. If you don't see something that is convenient for you, there's a good chance you're not alone. Pick a time and a spot, and I'll be happy to help you get the word out among other O.C. Writers.

*  We have a critique group that meets from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Santa Ana. It's run by Nyx. And again, I'm happy to help anyone who wants to get another critique group going. Let's talk!

* The anthology of member-written stories that Jennifer Levine has been spearheading is entering the editing phase, and may even be completed and ready in time for holiday gift-giving. Hurray!

* Twelve members attended our first-ever Plotting Workshop, which was held at Kas's house on September 21. Kas & I shared information and handouts on several plotting methods, and then did a viewing and story analysis of "Pretty Woman" based on the notes I took in a workshop with the excellent writing coach and screenplay consultant Michael Hague. It was great, and we could certainly do this kind of thing again, if members want it.

* The June 22 bonfire write-in Nyx organized at Newport Beach was such a success that Jennifer is planning a follow-up full moon write-in at her home in Dana Point THIS SATURDAY! All are welcome. You can get details and RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/OC-Writers/events/138571782/.

Finally, I have two things I'd like to get your feedback on:

1. Would you be interested in participating in a holiday get-together? And if so, what times do (or absolutely do not) work for you?

2. Since we now have so many members who are published and so many more who are very close, I'd like to find out how many of you would be interested in doing a book-signing at the L.A. Times Festival of Books in April. An O.C. Writers booth could feature book-signings by one or two members at a time, and we could divide the time (and cost) among the authors who want to participate.

Here's an example: Featuring two authors each hour, we'd have 30 spots available. Booths cost about $1,500, so that would cost $50 per hour to be one of two featured authors, or $100 for a solo author spot. It's steep, I realize. That's why I'd like to get the ball rolling on this if it is something you'd like to do. I'll provide an O.C. Writers banner and extra table, and probably anything else we might need.

Please feel free to comment here, or to send me a private message at ocwritersnetwork at gmail dot com.

 I think that's it for now.

Thanks!

DeAnna

Possible Plotting Workshop

Hello!

A couple members had the great idea to hold an O.C. Writers Plotting Workshop to help us prepare for Nanowrimo. The likely day is Sat., Sept. 21 and it will probably take place over a few hours at a private home.

We're thinking we'll begin with a discussion/refresher on various plotting methods (traditional 3-Act, 8-sequence, notecarding, etc.) and then watch a movie to see them in action. (I have extensive notes from writing coach Michael Hague's analysis of Pretty Woman, but that doesn't have to be the movie if the consensus of people prefer something else...)

Anyway, we're just trying to get a sense of whether others would be interested in joining us for this....

 

Please send an email to ocwritersnetwork@gmail.com by Tuesday, Aug. 13, if you would like to be included.

Happy writing!

DeAnna

July Update

* Work is progressing on the O.C. Writers anthology. The call for stories between 2,500 and 4,500 words with an Orange County connection went out a few months ago, and the writers who answered that call are doing their final edits. When the stories are finished and submitted to anthology coordinator Jen Levine, the next phase of editing will begin.

*  We're still looking for O.C. Writer members interested in contributing to a group blog.

* The Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/OCWriters/) continues to be our primary means of communication, but member Nyx Goldstone has launched an ancillary group at http://www.meetup.com/OC-Writers to help track the weekly write-ins and crit group meetings.

* Member Wendy Van Camp has started offering a Flash Fiction Friday prompt for anyone wishing to participate. She has also set up an OC Writers Flash Fiction Group at
http://www.writing.com/main/handler/item_id/1940220-OC-Writers-Flash-Fiction-Group where the flash fiction can be posted and critiqued. (To use the group you will need a free account on writing.com. After starting your account, ask to join the group).

If I've missed anything, feel free to post it in the comments section.

Thanks, and happy writing!
DeAnna