Fall Contest Time

I certainly don't wish to create more work for our contest VP Tara Coyt. But I also wish that every AWC member enters our Fall Contest. Why? Well, it's free. So that's a good enough reason. Then you also have that opportunity that your entry just may win, with the blip on your writing resume far exceeding the monetary award. After all, you're not writing, editing, and then re-writing just to win $30 in a contest. Let's hope not. No, you're writing because of your passion, and then recognition, and lastly, for that million dollar book contract. Most of us will never pass the second level, but a notch on your resume belt from The Atlanta Writers Club is a worthy achievement.
So buckle that seat belt around that chair in front of your computer and pound eloquently at those keys.
Today the AWC contest winner, tomorrow the NY Times Bestseller List. Perhaps there are a few steps in between, but every accomplishment counts. So beware, Tara, here comes that last minute flurry of contest entries.
(For contest details, visit www.atlantawritersclub.org, or review your latest edition of our E-Quill Newsletter.)
Marty

A View from a Different Lifestyle

How quickly can your life change? We all know change can occur in an instant. But of course, that always happens to the other guy, your neighbor, or co-worker.

I have come to respect one of our guest speakers in October just a little bit more now that I am living her book, Mothering Mother. Carol O’Dell wrote one of those books that I felt were just for women (I am very judgmental like that). But as I determined that my own 87-year old mother would not likely maintain her independence much longer, I tossed my bias out of a the speeding car that I drove to Pennsylvania to pick up the frail woman that I have called Mom for all these years.

So here I am, rapidly advancing through middle age and now the custodian of my mother. What the hell am I supposed to do now? Alright, I read the book that Ms. O’Dell wrote and enjoyed it. I also learned a great deal. But this is my mother, not some woman in a book. And of course, she has her own quirks and oddities. Why else did I vow that I would leave home as soon as I was legally able? I made this decision at age 4 and renewed these vows annually until our government proclaimed me able to get a lease in my name at age 18.

So here I am, doing the right thing. Her doctor says she is in great shape for her age. Her mind is reasoning as sharply as ever, which is really not good news for me. But I can’t kill her. I checked with the police and mercy killings are still illegal. I even explained that I wasn’t trying to be merciful to her, but to me. That seemed to raise too many eyebrows so I told them I was joking and left the police station. I believe they got my license plate on camera so now I really have to be careful with her.

So go ahead. Laugh. Chuckle. When we signed up Carol O’Dell to speak to our club, I actually thought of kidnapping her for the purpose of caring for my mother. Then I learned she had a family of her own and I decided that just wouldn’t be fair. So Carol, if you’re reading this, don’t worry. However, if you want to write a sequel, this experience would truly be transformed into a bestseller. I’d do it myself but I doubt I possess the mental toughness to survive.

Any ideas?

Decatur Book Festival - Wow!

Writing wisdom tells us to limit the use of the exclamation point. But the recent Decatur Book Festival is one occasion that truly deserves this rare exception. If you were an attendee, I'm confident you agree with my assessment. If you disagree, please let me know why.
The Atlanta Writers Club was honored to be a sponsor and exhibitor this year. We proudly hosted the Critique Group Success Story with guest authors Darnell Arnoult, Virginia Boyd, Lynn York and Pamela Duncan. All four of these authors were members of the same critique group, and are celebrating 2007 as the year that each will have a published book. This is a remarkable achievement and their panel addressed the importance that their critique group had on their success.
To me, the entire festival was well organized and managed. Sure, there were a few minor glitches. But the vast majority were well below the surface, so the visitors were free to enjoy the events at will. I'm certain that some events could have received better attendance, while others were standing room only. When I viewed this happening, I just nodded and accepted this as a very minor issue for a festival of this size in only their 2nd year. Almost everything ran perfectly.
The authors and other guest speakers seemed to enjoy the event as well, and this bodes well for 2008. So make your plans now. If you have never attended and consider yourself part of the literary community, it's time to make plans for Labor Day weekend in 2008. You won't be sorry.

AWC Friends - Resources

Thanks to some of our members, we have added some excellent links to web sites and blogs in our AWC Friends area. Check them out. If you have some blogs or sites that you would like to add, send me an email and list them. If you can categorize, that will be greatly appreciated.

And coming soon...an example of a Virtual Book Tour.

A blogging we shall go…

The concept for this blog originated at one of our monthly meetings when a confused speaker schedule created an opportunity for an open forum with our member attendees. We received many great ideas from our members on that Saturday. A recurrent message suggested that The Atlanta Writers Club needed a blog for membership participation.

Well, it’s been nearly six months, but here we are. The AWC blog is still a work in progress, but now is tangible and available for member comments. Review the pages, submit postings, place a link to your personal site, announce your accomplishments and publications. If you would like to assume more responsibility for a particular section of the blog, please let me know.

Marty