News: The Fifty-Eighth Issue

February 2025! 

The shortest month of the year.  By now, the Super Bowl has been played, Cupid has made his deliveries and Spring (hopefully) is just around the corner.

Here are my thoughts on writing, works in progress, a writing contest, notification of a new release, an interview with another author and this month’s music selections.

​To quote the legendary comic Jackie Gleason “And away we go!”

Writing

Once a month, I facilitate a workshop at the Portage District Library for people interested in writing.  We’re in our third year and it pleases me that the group continues to thrive.  Recently the weather was obnoxiously cold and cruel on the night we were scheduled to meet.  After confirming the library was indeed open, I didn’t expect many people would show up.

Shows ya what I know!

Eleven people gathered to talk about writing, share some of their latest efforts and get feedback from everyone else.  The different genres covered that night included poetry, children’s books, memoirs and several variations of fiction.   There was a steady hum of interest and excitement.

Unless you’re collaborating with someone on a project, writing is a solitary venture. You may have conversations with the characters who inhabit your stories, but it’s not the same as interacting with real people. Getting reactions from others who are interested in writing is priceless.

​If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, check with your local library to see if they sponsor a group. Some bookstores or coffee shops might be willing to host a gathering.  Groups like this are a great way to keep your creativity flowing.

 A Writing Contest

There is still time to enter this writing contest.  I’m not a contestant or a judge.  Diana Kathryn Penn is hosting this effort. There are cash prizes available.  Diana has three elements to the prompt, to help get you started.  Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2025.  All qualified submissions, whether you win a prize or not, will be published in an upcoming anthology.

Click on the link for more information. https://www.pagespromotions.com

Works in Progress

“Part Time Criminal” is in the final stages.  The edits were completed in a timely fashion and it didn’t take long to create a cover.  A proof copy has been ordered.  Once that’s been received a final review completed, it will be ready for publication.

“Agonasti’s Dilemma” is the working title for the crime novel that is my main project.  With over 55,000 words written, it has been coming together nicely. 

Since I don’t use an outline when writing, early drafts can resemble a jigsaw puzzle.  It takes a little time after rereading the various scenes to put them into an order that makes sense.  This also gives me the opportunity to determine what scenes are needed to tie the storylines together.