WRITERS GUILD OF TEXAS NEWS
Encourage ⋅ Educate ⋅ Engage
Update From the President
It's a busy time for everyone, including writers, and WGT is no exception. Our intrepid Program Coordinator, Tamara Warner, has been diligently trying to secure a speaker and a location for our October meeting. Despite her efforts, the speakers she approached had conflicts and were not able to share their expertise with us this month. The good news is that they are willing to join us at a later time, so we won't miss out. We are now putting our attention on a workshop for our members in November and our Christmas party in December.
In the meantime, enjoy the cooler weather and happy writing!
Tiffany Seitz
Newsletter, April 2023
WGT Newsletter, April 2023
Next Meeting: April 17th
WHEN: Monday, April 17 @ 7pm
TOPIC: Research Tips for Writers with Marj Atkinson
DESCRIPTION: As an author, you know the importance of research when it comes to writing. At times, you may find yourself researching for hours and still not getting the results you need.
Don’t sweat it! We’re going to Ask Marj for help!
👩💻🧑💻 Grab your notepads and charge your laptops! Don’t have a laptop? Well, thanks to advances to technology, we have the World Wide Web at our fingertips with tablets and smartphones. Whatever computerized doohickey you have to access on the internet, please don’t forget to that you’ll need it on April 17th because…👇
Research expert, Marj Atkinson, has designed a workshop session to help you understand the basics of research and how to perform effective online research for your writing projects, including keyword techniques to get more precise results. Why do we need to bring our laptop or fancy computerized doohickey? For doing research exercises together, but of course.
We will take a close look at the process involved in performing online research and how to use the information found on specific online resources. We will utilize search engines like Google and also navigate the public library databases. We will cover the fundamentals of research, including the importance of taking the time to consume what we’ve found and how it can help us discover new ways to search for information!
We will also discuss how to use AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Bard, Bing Chat, including their pros and cons.
By the end of this session, we’ll will be able to:
Understand the fundamentals of research and how to perform effective online research
Identify reliable online resources
Discover new search techniques to find relevant information
Combine ideas to create comprehensive content for writing projects
Utilize new AI such as Google Bard, Bing Chat, and ChatGPT to assist with writing projects
WHERE:
In-Person: Richardson Public Library (basement program room)
[no registration needed to attend in-person]
OROnline: Zoom, but you must register for the link.
2022 Flash Fiction Contest
2nd Place Award Winner:
"Bjorn Was Here"
by Tiffany Seitz
Bjorn stood at the helm of his decades-old light star cruiser, Icarus, ignoring the console’s flashing lights and incessant alarms. Glued together by his own blood and spit, the single-manned vessel had seen better days, but none so great as this. Today, he would reach his ultimate goal—Arrokoth—winning glorious accolades and wagered fortunes. The flat, snowman-shaped planetoid floated with Pluto in the icy Kuiper Belt beyond the rings of Neptune. No one had yet bothered to send a manned expedition to the Belt, deeming the frigid temperatures too dangerous.
Bjorn had nothing to lose in this quest—except maybe his cruiser and his life—but even his grandfather’s good name would not vanish from the annals of time thanks to this endeavor. He would be the first to do the unthinkable.
He checked the cartograph for the umpteenth time, then gave it a solid whack. Another alert lit up, but otherwise, nothing changed. His stiff hands gripped the wheel to keep a steady course. Visions of the Vikings of old crossed his mind. He caught his reflection in an uncracked window of the cockpit. He imagined himself as a sturdy Norseman, with frigid wind streaming through his unbound hair and a braided beard beating at his chest, commanding his longboat against nature’s unruly tempests in search of adventure and unplundered lands. A man whose name and claim on history were lost for eternity.
No one believed Bjorn could do it. Most predicted his ship would fall to its namesake’s fate. He ignored the lesser mortals who ridiculed his goal and doubted his fortitude. No one supported his success. Wagers had been placed with all odds on the manner of his failure and demise. He had ignored all the nay-sayers. He had evaded all attempts to capture his cruiser and put him in an asylum.
And now he had arrived.
The unwelcoming Belt of Kuiper aimed to freeze the innards of the Icarus, while Arrokoth sat alone in space—fused together by a primeval force—its gray stone bland and barren. He drew the ship close to the smaller end of the planetesimal and released the anchor. The chain rattled through the chamber until a resounding thunk told him the ship was secure. A yellow warning light now blinked red. Bjorn gave it the same attention he gave the others. The chunk of floating, red-hued rock awaited him.
He could simply take pictures and return in triumph, but that would not be proof enough. No. Like the explorers of old, he would leave his mark for all to ponder.
Outfitted for the cold and burning with determination, Bjorn approached the portal. A small window creaked opened at his command. The sub-zero atmosphere filled the chamber. With the cruiser’s mechanisms glaciating, he worked quickly. Once finished, he secured the portal and returned to the warm helm to thaw and resume the course home to collect his due.
Glancing back from the cockpit as the Icarus raised anchor, he admired his handiwork. Etched in the rocky surface of the trans-Neptunian rock were the words meant to secure his immortality:
Bjornsson was here.
Newsletter, March 2023
WGT Newsletter, March 2023
Next Meeting: March 27th
WHEN: Monday, March 27 @ 7pm
TOPIC: "Lessons from a Cupbearer: Building the Walls of Your Writing Career" with Jeaninne Stokes
DESCRIPTION: All writers at some point consider how to use experiences and life lessons to aid in planning, developing, creating relatability in, and bringing life to our writing. Christian based writers and authors are not exempt from obstacles and the need to build these qualities into written pieces. Author and author coach, Jeaninne Stokes, will discuss how we are building the walls of our writing career by examining the lessons that can be learned from prophet Nehemiah as he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. This discussion is open to all writers.
WHERE:
In-Person: Richardson Public Library (basement program room)
[no registration needed to attend in-person]
OROnline: Zoom, but you must register for the link.
2022 Flash Fiction Contest
3rd Place Award Winner:
"Treasure Island"
by Yasmin Waring
She was his treasure he had told her when he took her from the island.
It was rainy season. The torrents poured hot, steaming the red earth with their heat. A girl as skinny as the limbs of the spiny trees that sprouted like endless fingers along the island’s coast caught the buccaneer’s eye at market as he haggled over sacked tendrils of vanilla. He indulged in the bargain on occasion, during port stops while the crew restocked.
He saw her glide through the muddy stalls with a strange bird perched on her shoulder—a pink-beaked, gray-feathered parrot that looked as if it weighed more than she did. The French had established a prosperous slave port here on the Red Island. He had no taste for trading in flesh, though he had no guilt over the duplicities that had fattened his pockets and equipped him with a ship and crew.
She was stunning, despite shapeless hips and a flat breast. Tall like the English Cypress in his homeland, her black the shade that could be found in a ruby’s prism. He found himself short of breath when she passed by. The bird eyed him, but she did not.
“What is your name Miss?” He called after her, hoping she spoke his language.
“No good! No good! Awwk!”
The bird spoke English.
He ran after the girl, reaching for her hand. The Vasa nearly attacked him for the offense, puffing up its chest while it squawked its alarm.
“What do they call you?” she said, still not looking at him as she quieted her pet.
“John Silver. Captain John Silver.”
She repeated his name with the hint of a French accent mingled with her native dialect. They stared at each other. Both had stopped breathing.
“Come away with me!” he said dizzy with affection.
“My father will ask a bride price you may not be willing to pay,” she said.
“Just tell me your name and I’ll gladly pay any price.”
She whispered it in his ear and he smiled.
They left the island as man and wife. His leg for her hand a bounty he never regretted.
Weiss Cracking
Monthly illustrations are courtesy of Jerry Weiss, former WGT President.
Newsletter, February 2023
WGT Newsletter, February 2023
Message from the President
Hello writers,
It's been so long since I've seen any of you. Due to illnesses, I was unable to attend the December Holiday Party and January's meeting with Kathryn McClatchy. However, I'm finally back to full-health and am looking forward to attending this Monday's meeting.
I want to thank the other WGT Board Members (Alex Elfenbein, Gayle Franks, Tamara Warner, and Tiffany Seitz) for attending, planning, and running the meetings when I was unable to do so. It's great to serve on a Board with such supportive, hard-working people. (Side note: if anyone is interested in joining us, we have some Board openings, including Vice President. Contact us if interested.) Plus, I was surprised, but extremely grateful, when several of the long-time WGT members reached out to me via text or email to wish me well! I realized the WGT is like a family, and I'm fortunate to not only be a part of it, but to serve as its President. On that note, if any members have suggestions about anything WGT can improve upon in the coming year, please let me know.
The announcements continue below.
All my best,
David T Douglas
President, Writers Guild of Texas
Next Meeting: February 27th
This Monday's meeting will be on Zoom-only. We hope to return to the Richardson Library next month, but Zoom was the best option for our speaker this month.
WHEN: Monday, February 27 @ 7pm
TOPIC: "Writing Out of a Crisis" with Dr. Kerin Groves
DESCRIPTION: You've turned to writing to process feelings in a therapeutic manner in times of crisis, but have you considered the role crises or hardships play in your writing? How do you reorganize your writing life to get back on track? What about all of the experiences, new perspectives, and lessons learned while moving through a crisis? Can you use those in your writing? Is there a story hidden there that can help you stay motivated or enrich your writing?
You must register (via the WGT website) to receive the Zoom invitation.
Community Event
Breakfast, written and directed by one of my playwright friends, Pam C. Dudley, has two more performances this weekend at The Warehouse Living Arts Center in Corsicana, TX.
A few years ago, while running my playwright group, I had the privilege of hearing the early drafts of Breakfast, and I knew it was going to be a resounding success! So, I'm delighted the play received its World Premiere this weekend! Be sure to check it out, if you're able to make the drive down to Corsicana.
PLAY DESCRIPTION:
Breakfast is an award-winning intergenerational historical drama, set in Corsicana, Texas on the first day of school integration in 1970. With 17-year old Cora at the center, a series of interconnected, two person, one-act plays serve up the grits and grit of this small town coming of age story. Inspired by events in rural Texas towns.
REMAINING PERFORMANCES:
Saturday, February 25 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, February 26 @ 2:30pm (followed by a conversation with the playwright)
Submission Opportunity
I'm hoping to write a new story and enter this (Texas-based, horror) short story opportunity, and I wanted to share it with you all too. For more information, visit HellBound Books.
2022 Flash Fiction Contest
In recent years, the Kathryn McClatchy Flash Fiction Contest winning entries have been released in order from 1st Place to Honorable Mention. While in some previous years, the opposite has occurred. This year, I'm choosing to release the winners from Honorable Mention to 1st Place, simply because that's my preference. :)
Honorable Mention Award Winner:
"Hike Through the Woods"
by Ed Wooten
It was supposed to be a fun hike through the woods, but there must have been some “fine print” disclaimer about “fun” when I signed up for this venture.
“Hike through the woods” brings visions of a leisurely, relaxing walk through the shaded canopy of the trees.
I had been trying to get a date with today’s hiking partner for months. My visions and dreams of this day were made for the Hallmark Channel, and initially, all things were beautiful.
I had been trying to get a date with today’s hiking partner for months. My visions and dreams of this day were made for the Hallmark Channel, and initially, all things were beautiful.
The sun beamed radiantly in the bright blue sky dotted with an occasional puffy, white cloud.
My hiking partner was breathtaking. From her designer, cutoff jeans to her blouse that seductively covered her body to her beautiful, flowing hair, and the killer eyes that adorned her porcelain smooth face. The small picnic basket she carried provided a romantic foreshadowing of the wonderful meal and time we’d spend together at the top of the mountain.
Wow. Be still, my beating heart.
The nursery rhyme, “Over hill, over dell, we have hit the dusty trail” emerged from my memory. We didn’t hit a dusty trail, but every other scenario emerged: brightly lit paths; damp, musty caverns; dry rocks; slippery rocks; decaying tree trunks; and more.
While the phrase, “Behind every dark cloud is a silver lining” may be true, the reciprocal is also accurate: “In front of every silver lining is a dark cloud.”
I quickly discovered there was more sunlight penetrating the treetops than I had anticipated and within an hour, I could feel the tingle of a pending sunburn.
Not only did I not use sunscreen, but also no insect repellent.
Romantically, one envisions colorful butterflies fluttering in the air, gracefully gliding from plant to plant. Nope. Not hardly. From aggravating, minute gnats to mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds, I slapped my skin so often I anticipate bruises.
My charming date was bubbly with excitement and handled the trek along the trail with ease and grace. She named the various trees that we passed and she identified the numerous plants growing in the forest along the mountain slope. I could tell she enjoyed nature and was very familiar with all aspects of it.
I brushed away a plant that somewhat impeded our progress. She didn’t point out its name until after I touched it. Poison ivy. I should have paid more attention in high school during my forestry course in vocational agriculture or more recently during my horticulture class in college.
As we rounded a bend in the trail, I heard a shuffling sound emanating from the sparse vegetation near an ancient rock. The rattling sound became more intense as I searched for the source. Jake the Snake! Damn, I’d seen videos of snakes and some in the zoo, but never this close. Almost face to face. I’m not sure if snakes have ears, but if they do, I’m sure my shrill shriek ruptured this one’s eardrums. In an attempt to be chivalrous, I announced, “The serpent is gone. They retreat from loud sounds. I remember that from my Boy Scout days.” Not sure she accepted that answer, but she was gracious enough to not dispel it for the moment.
I discovered that wild bears do indeed poop in the woods and sometimes right in the middle of the path.
When we needed to navigate a slippery, rock formation, I extended my hand to assist her, a gentlemanly thing to do. As she gripped my hand I felt my ankles tingle. Love? No. Chiggers.
I now questioned my decision to wear sandals and forego socks.
Whoever said, “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it….”, should have heard the sounds I made when a decayed tree discovered gravity and crashed loudly and without warning. I was so glad I was wearing my dark shorts.
Walking through the babbling stream was fun and stirred images of old love stories on TV. All was beautiful until I discovered creatures that lived in the water—leeches.
When we stopped for our picnic, it was a well-needed break. My visions of a private, maybe intimate picnic with the lovely creature that talked me into this adventure were shattered when creepy, crawly things called ants and buzzing creatures called bees invited themselves to our picnic feast. So much for lying on the blanket, embracing, and enjoying a tender moment.
We trekked back to the car and as I was putting away the picnic basket, I questioned if today’s venture was really worth it and be remembered as a successful date.
I discovered the answer as my date’s lips brushed mine, ever so gently and tenderly, and whispered, “I had a great time.”
Ahhhh.
Weiss Cracking
Monthly illustrations are courtesy of Jerry Weiss, former WGT President.
Newsletter, August 2022
WGT Newsletter, August 2022
Message from the President
Hello writers,
I have several announcements this month...
First, our next meeting is TOMORROW (Monday, August 15th). Daniel Wells will be speaking to us about Stages of Development, an easy-to-navigate, five-stage blueprint for beginning—and completing—a creative work of writing. This all came together last-minute (which is why the newsletter is also late), because our originally scheduled speaker fell through. When Tamara (our excellent Program Director) couldn't find a quick replacement, I had two individuals in mind, and I contacted Daniel first. Thankfully, he was eager and able to volunteer right away, and I look forward to his presentation! Full information will be posted in the section below, but you can register here to attend via Zoom or just show up tomorrow at the Richardson Library.
Second, it's (almost) that time of year again! It's time to launch our 2022 Kathryn McClatchy Flash Fiction Contest! The contest will open for entries on Thursday, September 1st, and the deadline will be Tuesday, October 25. We've made a few changes to the rules this year, so please review them carefully before submitting. One rule addition that I proposed, which was approved by the Board, is to accept co-authored/collaborative flash fiction entries. A few years ago, when I ran stage play competitions/festivals, I consistently received short plays written by more than one playwright. Many of which advanced and were performed in the festival. So, I'm happy to see that option available for the WGT contest!
Now's also the time of year to begin thinking about WGT Board nominations. As of now, we'll have at least three Board openings for 2023.
Vice President.
I have no desire to serve as President for four years, instead I plan to serve for two. Meaning: My term as President will end in December 2023. So, we need someone to come aboard next year to learn the ins and outs of running WGT, so that person can take over for me in 2024.
If you're interested in the role of Vice President, talk to me at the meeting or contact us.
Official Vice President description: Assists the President; exercises the powers of the president during that officer's absence.Secretary and Membership Director.
Currently JoAnne Turner serves as both WGT Secretary and Membership Director, but per the term-limit in the ByLaws, she must leave the Board at the end of this year. JoAnne has been doing a fabulous job in both roles, but hopefully, we can split these duties amongst two people next year. If you are interested in either of these roles, please talk to a Board member at a meeting or contact us.
Official Secretary description: Maintains a written record of all formal actions and votes of the General Membership; keeps the minutes of the Board meetings.
Official Membership Director description: Maintains the membership list in good order; welcomes new members and welcomes back renewing members; campaigns to educate members and guests on membership, especially during the last quarter of the year; maintains and promotes the members-only discord.
Lastly, here are some upcoming local writer events that some of you may be interested in attending...
Writers in the Field returns to Mansfield, TX on October 8-9!
DFWCon returns to the Hurst Conference Center on (also!) October 8-9!
David T Douglas
President, Writers Guild of Texas
Next Meeting: August 15th
Development and You! From Four Development Stages to Hundreds of Pages
with Daniel Wells
Completing a work of writing, a novel, or a screenplay can be a challenge!
That's why Daniel created the Stages of Development - an easy-to-navigate, five-stage blueprint for beginning—and completing—a creative work of writing.
In this workshop, we'll cover these stages in-depth, and give attendees the chance to troubleshoot their ideas and/or their work-in-progress!
JOIN US: Monday, August 15th @ 7pm
In-person: Richardson Library (basement program room)
or
Online: Zoom, but you must register for the link.
Daniel Wells is a writer of screenplays and historical fiction, a script consultant, and the founder/lecturer of DFW Writers Room: For Television and Film.
As the Development Executive for Dallas Filmmakers Alliance, Daniel leads workshops and takes writers through the development process for film, over a dozen of which went into production and screened in DFW. Daniel’s spoken on panels and presented workshops with The Writers Guild of Texas, Romance Writers of America, and Dallas Screenwriters Association, and wrote/produced Lily is Here, a feature-length drama with Carpe Diem Pictures that screened January, 2020, and was distributed in 2021.
Critique Group Meeting
Wednesday, August 17th @ 7pm
(In-Person Only)
led by Anthony Lucchi
The Writers Guild of Texas organizes a critique group session on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Basement program room of the Richardson Public Library. By sharing their work with peers, writers obtain valuable, constructive feedback and, in turn, provide the same to others.
Sign-in and writerly banter begin at 6:45pm, and critiquing begins promptly at 7:00pm. Each read/critique will be timed, allowing everyone a turn. If time allows at the end, the critique group leader may guide attendees through some writing exercises.
Attendees, please bring at least five copies of your work-in-progress, which should be no longer than 3500 words. Visitors are welcome to attend!
JOIN US: Wednesday, August 17th @ 7pm
In-person: Richardson Library (basement program room)
Weiss Cracking
Monthly illustrations are courtesy of Jerry Weiss, former WGT President.
Newsletter, October 2021
Newsletter of the Writers Guild of Texas
Featuring:
President's Message
Program Update
October General Meeting
Flash Fiction Contest
Cartoon
Newsletter, September 2021
Newsletter of the Writers Guild of Texas
Featuring:
President's Message
Program Update
September General Meeting
Flash Fiction Contest
Cartoon