"This mark is like a mirror held up in front of the viewer. It reflects where inspiration, thoughts, ideas, and stories originate—in the mind."
Designer, Gordon Smith.
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October Volume 29 Issue 2
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Our mission: to support local writers and promote their development through education, recognition, and community.
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A Message from the President:
October, the month of shifting light, of amazing sunsets, last paddles before we put the kayaks away and those luscious odd-shaped, tomatoes pulled from spent vines before we move the pots off the deck to prepare for winter. The season of Halloween and next projects.
I am buzzing with story ideas thanks to two best-selling authors from our state who zoomed in recently. Between Charlie Lovett's Thoughts on Beginnings & Endings--during the first meeting of the program year and prompts and discussion from Jill McCorkle's, Finding a Story, the virtual workshop CWC North hosted, I am drawing new life on the page. I can't wait to dig into character development, on October 2 with Kevin Winchester's virtual workshop, The Flesh Made Word/The Word Made Flesh. Seats are still available--sign up y'all!
Two meetings and counting...
In October and November we will meet in cyberspace. CWC's Sarah Archer is our speaker in November. For October, Dave Collins has secured Milwaukee novelist Liam Callanan to speak to us. He is the author of best sellers, The Cloud Atlas and Paris by the Book, among others , Learn more about him, at his website, liamcallanan.com,
Get a printable copy of all our CWC Events and Activities Calendar HERE.
We will close 2021 with the annual Critique Groups meeting. Save this Date: Tuesday December 14th. Let's celebrate the holidays and meeting in person for the first time since February, 2020 by helping you. More on that next month.
Until then,
Stay Healthy & Keep Writing!
Caroline
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Join Us for Our Next Meeting:
on Tuesday, October 21, 2021 6:30 to 8:30 pm Via Zoom
Speaker: Novelist Ian Callanan
Visit the CWC Calendar of Events page to learn more about our presenter & subject. Members will receive an announcement with the Zoom link. If you want to be our guest, contact Axel Dahlberg and he'll send you a link.
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Club Stuff, Opportunities to Write & Submit |
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CWC North & Main Street Books Davidson:
October Guests
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Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle
Virtual Reading & Conversation, Thursday October 14, at 7 pm
EVEN AS WE BREATHE,
the author’s award-winning debut novel. Presented by Main Street Books of Davidson & Charlotte Writers’ Club North
911 Poetry Anthology Recalls Tragic Events, Advocates for Shared Humanity
On Tuesday, October 5th, 7 p.m. Main Street Books in Davidson, Outdoor Stage, join local poets as they share poems from Crossing the Rift: North Carolina Poets on 911 and Its Aftermath. No matter how you were touched by the events of September 11th, 2001, that moment continues to resonate.
This anthology, published by Press 53, brings together 116 poets from across the state, including six North Carolina poets laureate, in considering not only what happened that tragic day, but what continues to challenge us 20 years later: Islamophobia, the vilification of refugees and asylum-seekers, nationalism, supercharged military budgets, and rises in virulent racism and domestic terrorism.
Edited by former North Carolina poet laureate Joseph Bathanti and 911 family member and former literature and theater director for the North Carolina Arts Council David Potorti, Crossing the Rift takes head-on what Carolyn Forche calls “the poetry of witness” and its advocacy “for a shared sense of humanity and collective resistance.”
This event will be co-hosted by Main Street Books and Charlotte Writers’ Club North.
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Beyond Poems & Paintings
Ekphrastic Art Exhibit II
Poets, interpret an artist’s work through your words. Charlotte Writers’ Club North and Mooresville Arts are seeking poets and artists to participate in an ekphrastic art exhibition.
Eight works of art will be featured along with sixteen poets’ interpretations at a reception on June 10, 2022, at the Mooresville Arts Gallery. Poets and artists will have the opportunity to socialize with one another and comment on their efforts and interpretations.
This two-part event is a judged, non-compensatory exhibit open to members of CWC and poets in the Carolinas. For the first part, poets will select a piece of art of their choosing and write an ekphrastic poem. These entries must be submitted between now and October 20, 2021.
Only the first 50 poems will be considered of which sixteen will be selected by Diana Pinckney, an award-winning ekphrastic poet. These sixteen poets will participate in the second stage of the event.
Mooresville artists will post artwork online by January 31, 2022. Each poet will choose one piece of art and write an ekphrastic poem that will be exhibited with the art in June.
Submission Fee: $12 CWC members; $22 nonmembers
Deadline for submissions is October 20, 2021, or until we receive 50 poems, so submit early!
If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Phillips CWC North
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An ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the “action” of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning.
The term ekphrastic (also spelled ecphrastic) originates from a Greek expression for description. The earliest ekphrastic poems were vivid accounts of real or imagined scenes. Through effusive use of details, writers in ancient Greece aspired to transform the visual into the verbal.
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CWC Authors
Congratulations to
Jonathan Heaslet on his newly released book
Good News From
Osceola, Iowa
If you would like to have your book featured in an upcoming CWC Newsletter, please contact Teresa Taylor, Newsletter Editor
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"There is only one thing that can replace a book: the next book" |
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"I always feel freelance writers are leading a heroic life. I think that is the real writer's life. On the other hand, it's good to have another job. It gives you something to do."
Tom Paulin
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Co-Program Chair
Volunteer your talents and learn the ins and outs of program planning, working with Dave Collins. Your main duties this coming year are likely to be technical; leading and or assisting our online audience with Q&A that follows monthly speakers. You and he will be searching for and booking presenters for our meetings in 2022-2023.
If you see yourself in this role, please contact Dave for more about this important post.
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Registration is Open Now for CWC's Fall Workshop in Cyberspace
Kevin Winchester will lead Flesh Made Word/Word Made Flesh, a virtual workshop that explores in detail all the elements of character building in fiction
on Saturday October 2 from 10 am to 1pm.
The fees for this craft class
is $30 for members, $40 for non members.
Once you register you will receive the Zoom link in your reminder emails. Visit the CWC Workshops page to learn more about Winchester's workshop.
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October 22, 2021
6:45-9:00 p.m.
Mugs Coffee
5126 Park Rd
Charlotte 28209
CWC presents another amazing night for members to share their awesome talent.
You must be a member and register ahead of time to read. Register Here
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CWC
Join in the fun.
It's your calling; your story
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Closes: October 19, 2021
Announce Winners: December 14, 2021
Short fiction of up to 500 words.
Opens: October 19, 2021
Closes: January 2, 2022
Announce Winners: February 15, 2022
Nonfiction from 750-2000 words.
Opens: December 21, 2021
Closes: February 15, 2022
Announce Winners: April 19, 2022
Poetry of fewer than 50 lines; haiku excluded.
Opens: January 18, 2022
Closes: March 15, 2022
Announce Winners: May 17, 2022
A short story between 1500-4000 words.
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Current Contest: The 2021 100-Word Contest!
Could you tell a complete story in just 100 words? Submit your best work in any genre, fiction OR nonfiction, in less than 100 words for your chance to win $1,000.
Deadline: October 5, 2021
Grand prize: $1,000 and publication in our magazine
Word count: 100 words or less
Please view contest information at:
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Freelance Writing
Is this for you?
A Freelance Writer is a writer who works as a self-employed contractor for an organization, as opposed to being a full- or part-time employee. Generally, freelancers work for multiple clients at the same time.
A Freelance Writer can be a generalist, writing content for various publications and channels, such as websites, press releases. blog posts, internal corporate communications, emails, grant writing, proposals, or newsletters. Many Freelance Writers choose to specialize in a specific communications channel or industry.
The best writing qualities of a Freelance Writer are:
- Exceptional verbal and writing skills with a strong understanding of creating content for digital and traditional channels.
- Research, write, proofread, and edit content; understand styles and standards (AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.); and, can establish and adhere to a brand’s tone and image.
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Manages multiple projects effectively; is a creative problem solver with excellent organizational skills; is able to work on multiple projects of varying complexity; can work remotely within a set budget and deadline; and, works well under pressure.
- Communication. Able to communicate effectively with an organization’s content strategists, web developers, and internal communication teams to understand which metrics are important to achieve specific business goals. As freelancers, they generally count on their clients to develop, study and evaluate those metrics.
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Virtual Writing Salon & Social Time
The Second Monday of the month: October 11 at
7 pm.
Give it a go! Then logon to see what prompts she comes up with next!
Take 75 minutes to write and share. We'll start with a little face time and catch-up time, bring your imagination; No pressure, no angst, just writing fun!
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The Ruth Flash Fiction contest is now open kicking off our 2021-2022 contest season. Gary Powell is this year's judge.
Visit the CWC Contest Page to learn more about Powell, who is a CWC member and get cracking on those pieces of short fiction--up to 500 words--and submit until October 19, 2021.
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October Facts
- Tourmaline and opal are the official birthstones of October.
- The birth flower of October is the bright orange calendula, also known as the marigold.
- The star sign of everyone born in October is either a Libra or a Scorpio. Libras are born between 23 September to 22 October and Scorpios are born between 23 October to 21 November.
- Shakespeare never mentioned October in any of his plays or sonnets!
Characteristics of October Born Persons
- People who belong to the October month are quite romantic and charming
- They are Optimistic
- They make the Moment Best
- They are Unique and Creative
- They are a Good Challenge
- Friendly and Kind Hearted.
Historical Facts
The meaning of October comes from the Latin word Octo meaning eight. The old Roman calendar started in March, so October was the eighth month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BCE, the new year started in January, and October became the tenth month.
October 3, 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
October 3, 1932 - Iraq gained independence from Britain and joined the League of Nations.
October 3, 1929 - Yugoslavia became the official name of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
October Fun
- Apple Picking
- Pumpkin Picking and Carving
- Hike
- Tour a Haunted House
- Attend a Fall Festival
- Tour a Winery or Brewery
- Make Smores
- Go the Mountains (view fall foliage)
- Bike Ride
- Read a Scary Book or Watch a Scary Movie
- *Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Recipe
Ingredients
1 c. milk
2 TBLS pure pumpkin puree
1 TBLS sugar
1/4 c pumpkin pie spice
1/4 c hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Sweetened whipped cream
Directions
- Combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumplin pie spice and vanilla in a microwave safe bowl, cover the bowl with palstic wrap and vent a small hole.
- Pour espresso or coffee into a large mug and add the foamed milk mixture. Top wiht whipped crea,, sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top.
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Your warmth slips past my eager lips as I take you in,
Your fall spice tickles my senses as I sigh, falling into the joy of our annual ceremony.
I am not alone in my adoration of you, but I do not grow jealous as others call your name,
Rather I find a sort of community in our shared appreciation,
Like a perfect song you were meant for the world, not one,
Yet each of us singular in the definition of our experience with you.
And so I wet my lips, again tasting the hint of a memory of your last kiss, I prepare to brave that soft beacon hill of whipped cream topped with a seasoning so familiar yet unknown.
By Michael Amery
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"Mere color can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."
Oscar Wilde
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Meet-a-Member: Nathan Nicolau
Bio:
While most kids wanted to be an astronaut or a firefighter when they grew up, Nathan wanted to be a writer. Ever since a young age, he has been captivated by stories and how they shape us. This passion for storytelling led him to pursue a B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and an M.A. in English at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. With his published debut Goodnight Youth: Poems in 2019, Nathan has established himself as an emerging young voice. His work has been featured in numerous websites and magazines such as Unstamatic Micro Lit Magazine, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, and South Florida Poetry Journal. He writes fiction, poetry, and essays. He lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two cats. Find out more about him at nathannicolau.com.
When and Where Do I Write?
I have a stand-up desk at home that I can raise or lower. Sitting down to write gets boring to me after a while. I have to be up and moving, or I start losing steam. I typically write the most at night. That's when work is all done, and I get some quiet time to myself.
Favorite writing tool?
I carry a notebook with a fountain pen everywhere. I love writing out my poems and ideas down on paper because there's a very personal relationship between me and my writing. It's probably my favorite tool. I collect nice notebooks, too.
A favorite writing resource:
My favorite writing resource is what I call "The Writer's Bible": Garner's Modern English Usage. This book has everything on writing, and I use it as a resource all the time. It covers punctuation, style, rhetoric, logic, errors, and so much more. Garner's is probably the best resource, in my opinion, for any writer, regardless of genre.
Best Writing advice you’ve received and actually taken?
The best writing advice I received was back in one of my earliest writing classes in college: "Writing is about connecting." I think about this a lot because I do firmly believe it. What I always love about writing is how people have their own different reactions and interpretations of my work. That always means to me that my writing connected with them. Now more than ever, we all need to be connected with someone. Writing is one of the best ways to do this because there's always an audience when you're writing, even if that audience is yourself!
One thing I would like help with?
One thing I always would like help with is keeping a firm writing schedule. I'm not a very schedule-heavy person; I like to go with the flow and get there when I get there. I'm always looking for tips on how to be diligent about writing every day!
To start a conversation with Nathan send him a message through the Member Directory
If you'd like to participate in Meet-a-Member please contact the newsletter editor,
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Celebrate all of those wonderful writing projects you've labored over.
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WRITE-some letters make a word
WRITE-some words make a sentence
WRITE- Some sentences make a page
WRITE-some pages make a chapter
WRITE-some chapters make a book
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Writing Chapters
There are no rules when it comes to chapter length. The important thing is to concentrate on making your chapters fit your story, not on making your story fit your chapters. Many novelists these days prefer chapters that are between 1,500 words—or six book pages— and 8,000 words, or 32 book pages.
"My life's a book; I've got a bunch of different chapters."
Phil Murphy
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The South Charlotte Fiction Group Seeks Two
For Peer Review
This fiction group meets in Pineville on the last Thursday of the month from 9-11 am.
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New Poetry Group Forming in Belmont
If enough interest is shown, the group will meet in Belmont, NC, near where Highway 74 (Wilkinson Boulevard) crosses the Catawba River (the border of eastern Gaston
and western Mecklenburg counties) at a private home with easy suburban on-street parking.
The host and hostess are offering their space for a monthly meeting either indoors or on their deck, and suggest a start time between 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. and end time no later than 8 pm, on a day, Monday- Saturday, that best suits the members of the group. During the odd time we're living in, masks will be required.
at (704) 689-5007.
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Inspiration and Motivations Starters |
Finding motivation and inspiration can be a daunting task, but there are things that one can do to help spark the motivation that can lead to inspiration, and they aren't the usual humdrum ideas. Let's take a peek.
- Look at famous art work.
- Listen to great music.
- Study famous historical events.
- Lucid Dream
- Awaken your sense of smell
- Take up photography
- Analyze your own life.
So the next time your mind is blank, don't despair. Take a walk around an art gallery or photographic exhibition. Turn on the radio, take a nap and dream, or just think about your own life and start writing.
Whichever method you choose, writing motivation and inspiration are sure to come. After all, you are a writer, and writers write.
"For me, the blank page to draw on is a window to adventure."
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Find Your Fall Writing Inspiration in Boone, NC
High up in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Tennessee border lies Boone, a town named after the well-loved American pioneer, Daniel Boone, who is said to have camped often in the area. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone has a lively vibe with plenty to do for young people despite its small population, which is under 14,000. Most of Boone’s attractions are natural wonders, like Grandfather Mountain and Elk Knob State Park, both nearby. The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby, as is the pristine Watauga river. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit, when the changing colors of the leaves will light up the mountains.
The beautiful scenic view is only one source of inspiration in Boone. While there visit Hickory Ridge History Museum set in the colonial era, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park and, of course Mystery Hill (the name says it all).
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"You are a writer. You were created by the Divine. For who else can create worlds from nothing and life by mere thought."
The Writing Manifesto
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Now Accepting Submissions for 2023 New Play Project
GREENSBORO, NC (September 14, 2021) – Creative Greensboro is now accepting submissions for the 2023 New Play Project. Submissions are open to any North Carolina resident or student playwright. The deadline for submissions is November 12.
The New Play Project has been presented for 29 years with support from the Mark Gilbert estate – annually awarding a $500 cash prize to a selected playwright along with a workshop production of the selected play. Creative Greensboro, the City of Greensboro’s office for arts and culture, continues to offer this opportunity to advance innovation and support the play-writing community.
Founded in 2019, Creative Greensboro provides support for, ensures access to and drives awareness of Greensboro’s creative community. Through a range of programs, services and partnerships, Creative Greensboro supports the development of a vibrant city.
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Charlotte Lit: $10,000 in Prizes Plus Publication — Charlotte Lit’s New Writers/South Awards. Charlotte Lit is excited to announce the inaugural Writers/South Awards. Four categories: poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, and flash. Four prize levels: $1,500 1st, $500 2nd, $250 3rd, $50 honorable mentions.
All prize winners published in the new Writers/South: Journal of Charlotte Lit. Judges include Ron Rash, Jessica Jacobs, Nickole Brown. Submissions open September 1 to December 1. More info: charlottelit.org/writerssouth/awards
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Waterbean Poetry Night at the Mic is Back
LIVE in Huntersville on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Mask Up to Mic Up.
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CWC Authors
We'd like to feature a few of our own authors each month. If you're interested in having your book listed, please submit author name and book title to the newsletter editor, Teresa Taylor by the 15th of the following month. Only 5 authors per newsletter and it will be first received, first printed. A list will be kept and used in the upcoming editions.
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The Editor's Notes
by Teresa Taylor
Affirming the Writer in You
People use affirmations for a variety of purposes. Generally speaking, affirmations are used to reprogram the subconscious mind, to encourage us to believe certain things about ourselves or about the world and our place within it. They are also used to help us create the reality we want—often in terms of making (or attracting) wealth, love, beauty, and happiness.
Self-affirmations actually buffer stress and improved problem-solving performance in underperforming and chronically stressed
individuals.
Now take the time to write your own affirmation. What do you want, where do you want to go, and how do you plan to get there? You are a writer, be self-assured and confident in the words you write, the sentences you structure, the paragraphs that make your chapters and the chapters that will eventually become your book.
"I am a writer, so I write. And continue to read books on writing and review my binders of articles on the craft, because this is what I do. I’m never going to rest or just “mail it in.” I’m going to write as long as I can, as well as I can, until they find me with my cold, dead fingers poised over the keyboard, hopefully after I’ve just typed THE END.
I am a writer.
I believe it."
James Scott Bell, Author of Plot and Structure
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You Will Never See Me Fall
Joyce Alcantara
You may see me struggle,
but you won't see me fall.
Regardless if I'm weak or not,
I'm going to stand tall.
Everyone says life is easy,
but truly living it is not.
Times get hard,
people struggle
and constantly get put on the spot.
I'm going to wear the biggest smile,
even though I want to cry.
I'm going to fight to live,
even though I'm destined to die.
And even though it's hard
and I may struggle through it
all,
you may see me struggle...
but you will NEVER see me fall.
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Writing Science Fiction
Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction that contains imagined elements that don't exist in the real world. Science fiction spans a wide range of themes that often explore time travel, space travel, are set in the future, and deal with the consequences of technological and scientific advances.
Science fiction has the components of other fiction work, including characters, plot, setting, and theme, but the genre is defined by four distinct elements: It deals with an element of science, like space, technology, or physics. It uses elements of science to create unfamiliar situations which is the sole purpose of sci fi. It gives readers the opportunity to explore unreal or what seems impossible consequences of innovations not yet made or happened; it is a literature of imaginative and futuristic concepts and ideas.
Sci Fi relies heavily on scientific facts, theories, and principles as support for its settings, characters, themes, and plot-lines, which is what makes it different from fantasy.
How did Science Fiction begin? Many credit Edgar Allan Poe, Jules Verne, author of Journey to the Center of the Earth and H.G. Wells, author of Ann Veronica as the founders of science fiction.
*****
"A good science fiction story should be able to predict not the automobile, but the traffic jam."
" You can't really predict the future all you can do is invent it."
Frederick Pohl, Author of
The Case Against Tomorrow
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African American Applachian Monologue Contest
The Barter Theater of Virginia is hosting a monologue contest for African American playwrights; the theme is Black Appalachian.
5-7 monologues will be selected to do a reading in the early part of 2022. The winner of the reading will be awarded a $300.00 prize. The submission deadline is October 1. For more information contact:
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Anthology of Personal Stories, Trouble, debuts
The latest Personal Story Publishing Project anthology Trouble that was released in September includes nine CWC stories. Kudos to:
Janet Baxter
Nikki Campo
Sarah H. Clarke
Carlton Clayton
Mary Alice Dixon
Randell Jones
Lisa Kline
J.P. McGillicuddy
Landis Wade
Beginning on October 2, the 6-minute Stories podcast will showcase those voices.
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Since 2018,calls for personal essays have produced five anthologies of 45 stories each on themes of “Bearing Up,” “Exploring,” “That Southern Thing,” “Luck and Opportunity,” and “Trouble.” Learn more about Personal Story Publishing Project at RandellJones.com. Or at t Personal Story Publishing Project on Facebook.
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Of Earth and Sky:
Three CWC Poets
Works Selected
Christine Arvidson,Nathan Nicolau and Madison Rosenberger are among the local poets whose words are scattered across the central streets of Charlotte. Of Earth and Sky, is a large scale outdoor exhibition that runs until October 31st.
Click the Of Earth and Sky image to get a map of the walking tour of poetry and to see the line up of poets and hear them read their works.
Over 200 poems were submitted, with the final selections curated by Emmy Award-winning poet Boris “Bluz” Rogers and National Poetry Slam champions Jay Ward and Jordan Bailey.
Way to Go!
Christine, Nathan & Madison.
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"Poets are the sense, philosophers the intelligence of humanity."
"Everything you invent is true: you can be sure of that. Poetry is a subject as precise as geometry."
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If you're you looking to get more involved or have an idea share it
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"No matter how difficult and distracting life is, our job is to focus to work through it, to keep our eyes and efforts where they belong."
Richard Pitino
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If you wait for inspiration to write, you're not a writer, you're a waiter."
Dan Poynter, Author of
The Parachute Manual
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Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful
according to Zdravko Cvijetic
Sometimes, to become successful, we do not need to add more things, we need to give up on some of them.
Even though each one of us has a different definition of success, there are certain things that are universal, which, if you give up on them, you will be more successful.
Some of them you can give up today, while it might take a bit longer for others.
Give Up On The Unhealthy Lifestyle
If you want to achieve anything in life, everything starts here. First, you have to take care of your health:
-healthy diet
-physical exercise
Give Up The Short-term Mindset
Successful people set long-term goals, and they know that these aims are merely the result of short-term habits that they need to do every day.
-Healthy habits should not be something you do; they should be something you are.
Give Up Playing Small
If you never try and take great opportunities, or allow your dreams to become realities, you will never realize your true potential.
Moreover, the world will never benefit from what you could have achieved.
-Voice your ideas, don’t be afraid to fail, and certainly don’t be afraid to succeed.
Give Up Your Excuses
Successful people know that they are responsible for their life, no matter their starting point, weaknesses, and past failures. Realizing that you are entirely responsible for what happens next in your life, is both frightening and exciting. However, it is the only way that you can reach the success because excuses limit and prevent us from growing personally and professionally.
-Own your life; no one else will.
Give Up The Fixed Mindset
In a fixed mindset, people believe that their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits and that talent alone creates success — without effort. They are wrong. Successful people invest an immense amount of time on a daily basis to develop a growth mindset, acquire new knowledge, learn new skills and change their perception so that it can benefit their lives.
-Remember, who you are today, it is not whom you have to be tomorrow.
Give Up Believing In The “Magic Bullet.”
Overnight success is a myth.
Successful people know that making small continuous improvement every day, will be compounded over time, and give them desired results.
-Plan for the future, but focus on the day that’s ahead of you, and improve just 1%.
Give Up Your Perfectionism
Nothing will ever be perfect, no matter how much we try.
Fear of failure (or even fear of success) often prevents us from taking action and putting our creation out there in the world. However, many opportunities will be lost if we wait for things to be right.
-So, “ship,” and then improve (that 1%).
Give Up Multi-tasking
Successful people know this. That is why they choose one thing and then beat it into submission. No matter what, a business idea, a conversation, or a workout.
Give Up Your Need to Control Everything
Detach from the things you cannot control, and focus on the ones you can, and know that sometimes, the only thing you will be able to monitor is your attitude towards something.
-Nobody can be frustrated while saying “Bubbles” in an angry voice.
Give Up Saying YES To Things That Don’t Support Your Goals
Successful people know this that to accomplish their goals, they will have to say NO to tasks, activities, and demands from your friends, family, and colleagues.
-You may sacrifice a bit of instant gratification, but when your goals come to fruition, it will be worth it.
Give Up The Toxic People
People we spend the most time with, add up to whom we become.
There are less ambitious people, and there are more ambitious people than us. If you spend time with the ones that are less driven than you, your average will go down, and with it your success.
-Take a look around yourself, and see if you need to make any changes.
Give Up Your Need To Be Liked
Think of yourself as a market niche. There will be many people that like that niche, but there will be individuals who do not, and no matter what you do, you will not be able to make an entire market like you.
-The only thing you can do is continue being authentic, and know that growing number of “haters” means that you are doing important things.
Give Up Your Dependency on The Social Media & Television
Impulsive web browsing and television watching is a disease of today’s society.
These two should never be an escape from your life or your goals.
-Unless your goals depend on either, you should minimize (or eliminate) your dependency on them. Moreover, direct that time towards things that can enrich your life.
In spite of what it seems like one must give up to be successful there is still a silver lining at the end. Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. Remember success is a journey not a destination. Enjoy the trail and take in the beauty along the way; stay focused on the prize.
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Encouragement Quotes
Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock."
Unknown
"Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful."
Zig Ziglar
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"Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary."
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Got the Theatre Itch?
Check out these upcoming shows and save the date:
Wicked-Now-October 3
Immersive VanGogh Exhibit Charlotte-Now-October 31
*****
"Secure writers don’t sell first drafts. They patiently rewrite until the script is as director-ready, as actor-ready as possible. Unfinished work invites tampering, while polished, mature work seals its integrity." ~Robert McKee
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Getting to Know You
KC Freeman, paranormal romance/mystery author from Charlotte, NC and winner of the 2021 Firebird Book Awards for Paranormal Fiction.
After leaving the corporate world to raise her five rambunctious children with her husband, KC Freeman eventually found her way back to her lifelong desire to write fiction. First, she dipped her toes in the writing world by ghostwriting cozy mysteries and romance novels.
She struck out on her own to write urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Rekindled Prophecy: Greylyn the Guardian Angel Series Book 1 was originally published by Zimbell House Publishing November 2019; however, due to the publisher closing their business, KC has chosen to relaunch the first book in the Greylyn series. Additionally, she contributed a paranormal romance short story to the Autumn/Winter 2017 anthology The Bowman’s Inn; as well as another paranormal romance short story released March 21, 2019 with the After Dark anthology where readers will be introduced to an upcoming character in the Greylyn saga.
KC writes mostly fantasy and paranormal romance novels, especially angels and demons. When she is not writing, KC is running her children to practices, football games, swim meets, wrestling tournaments, and generally all over town.
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"We know you're strong, but accepting help is it's own kind of strength."
Kiera Cass, author of
The Selection series
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The Sangorski Curse:
A Book of Poetry Followed by Death and Destruction
Is it possible for a book to be cursed? You may think so after learning the tale of one of the world’s most glamorous bindings, “The Great Omar.”
The word Rubái means quatrain, so this book of poetry basically translates to: “The Quatrains of Omar Khayyam.” Loved by many, including Oscar Wilde, the message of the stanzas resonated across the world. One of the main themes throughout the work is the importance of living in the moment. This might be because the poet can’t compel himself to believe in an afterlife, and so he feels powerless against the hand of fate.
Before books were mass-produced with the same bindings, the process was an art form. Binding began as a way to protect the pages when the world began to stray away from scrolls. The cover was a chance for all kinds or artists to show off their work, from jewelers, carvers, embroiderers, leather workers, and more. Though it goes against the old saying, many people did (and still do) judge a book by its cover.
The binding of a book has a huge impact on its value. Many magnificent books were covered with gold and jewels, but none were quite as ambitious as this. Renowned book binder Frances Sangorski set out to design the most ornate book binding the world had ever seen. The bookstore Henry Sotheran’s commissioned one such book, and it’s said that the only instruction the store’s manager gave Sangorski was that it should be the greatest example of bookbinding the world had ever seen — money was no object.
And so, Sangorski covered the tome in more than 1,000 stones (including rubies, turquoise, and garnets), royal green leather tooling, and 600 sheets of real gold. One side of the book featured three peacocks, the other a gilded Greek bouzouki (a mandolin-like instrument). In some cultures, like Eastern Europe, peacocks are a bad omen. The plume of the bird was worn by invaders in the 13th century, and some people even believe that keeping a feather in your home will bring you bad luck. Then there’s the old saying, “bad luck comes in threes.” So, could the book have been doomed from the start? The book was put on a ship to New York to find a buyer. While the lowest Sotheran’s would take for the book was £1,000, U.S. customs wanted to charge them an enormous customs fee to bring such an expensive book stateside. They refused to pay, and it made its way back to England by sea. Unfortunately, a coal strike caused the economy to halt. It’s hard business selling one of the most ornate books when few people were buying luxury items. Thus, it went up for auction, where it sold for less than half of Sotheran’s reserve price. Its new owner, having scored a bargain, attempted once again to get the book back to New York by boat. Unable to put it on their first-choice voyage, the buyer sent it on the next best ship headed that direction — the Titanic.
“When the Titanic went down on the night of April 14, 1912, in the sea off the New World, its most eminent victim was a book,” wrote author Amin Maalouf. While that’s a strong statement to make seeing as more than 1,500 people died, the ship that was meant to carry “The Great Omar” back to America was indeed the Titanic, and what remains of the incredible book now lies somewhere at the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean. Tragically, just a few weeks after the sinking, Sangorski met a similar fate. Though he couldn’t swim, he jumped into water to save a drowning woman — only to drown himself. Sangorski & Sutcliffe recreated the Great Omar as it was called in the late 30's, but it too was lost, this time in a bank vault during the Blitz. Sutcliffe then suffered a stroke. Before he died, he passed the firm to his nephew, Stanley Bray. Undeterred by the trail of tragedy that seemed to follow this text, his nephew set about creating the third version of the book. When he finally completed it decades later in 1989, he died just 5 years after it was finished
The book was then donated to the British Library, where it has survived to this day. Just before his death, Bray was asked about the curse. He replied, “I am not in the least bit superstitious, even though they do say that the peacock is a symbol of disaster.”
Believe it or Not!
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Ready. Set. Write!
National Write a Novel Month is just around the corner.
Click the image to visit the NaNoWriMo website. Take the challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. The clock starts on November 1.
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"Be a worthy worker and work will come," Amit Kalantri |
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Verse & Vino: November 4, 7 pm. Online
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s signature annual fundraiser. This celebration of reading, writing and the joy of libraries – shared with a community of readers and New York Times best-selling authors – Check out the line up & get tickets HERE
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Reading Challenge Book Club
book for October
is Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, a selection to fit spooky season.
and step out of your comfort zone.
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Resources, grants and places to submit your work at NCArts.org.
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North Carolina Poetry Society emuse at NCPS.
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Curl Up With New
October Releases
Adult
- The Death of Jane Lawrence
Young Adult:
Children
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A writer is simply a Photographer of thoughts.
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Knowledge is Power!
Charlotte Writers Club Members
CWC writers share your writing tips for the November issue to Teresa Taylor by October 15.
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The Gypsy Farm Fair
is waiting for you!
Saturday, November 13, 2021
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6533 Fallston Rd.,
Lawndale, NC 28090
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Beating the Odds
Octavia E. Butler
was born in Pasadena, California, she was raised by her widowed mother. Extremely shy as a child, Butler found an outlet at the library reading fantasy, and in writing. She began writing science fiction as a teenager. She attended community college during the Black Power Movement, and while participating in a local writer's workshop was encouraged to attend the Clarion Workshop , which focused on science fiction.
She worked as a telemarketer, a dishwasher, and a potato chip inspector, among other temporary jobs, to make ends meet. She would wake up at two or three in morning to write. Despite her dyslexia and several years of nothing but rejection, Butler refused to give up on writing, scribbling down mantras of success to inspire herself. Her hard work paid off when she sold her first story to author Harlan Ellison, who encouraged her to attend a science fiction writing workshop. Butler went on to become one of the most successful and groundbreaking sci-fi authors of all time.
Books by
Octavia E. Butler
Kindred, Xenogenesis, Wild Seed, Mind of My Mind, Blood Child, Fledgling, Patternmaster, Adult Rites Clay's Ark
Octavia passed from a stroke at age 58.
"No one was going to stop me from writing and no one had to really guide me towards science fiction. It was natural, really, that I would take that interest."
"And by the way, I wanted to point out that Kindred is not science fiction. You'll note there's no science in it. It's a kind of grim fantasy."
"Science fiction let me do both. It let me look into science and stick my nose in everywhere."
Octavia E. Butler
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- What character has been played by the most actors?
- Which author created Brier Rabbit and Brier Fox?
- Which author wrote The Rights of Man and The Age of Reason?
- Who created the famous children's character Pinocchio?
- In 1924 the world's first book of what was published?
Look for answers in the lower right column of the newsletter.
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WHEN GHOSTS COME HOME:
Wiley Cash at the Mooresville Public Library on Tuesday October 12, 2021, 6:30PM - 7:30PM.
Join Main Street Books and the Mooresville Public Library for a reading and signing with WILEY CASH @ 6:30 pm. Books available for purchase via MSBs website or on site at the event.
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Shepherd's Center of Charlotte - Seeks Volunteer Poetry/Creative Writing Instructors for Fall Courses
The Shepherd's Center (3115 Providence Rd) provides services for senior citizens in the community, in particular the Adventures in Learning series that offers classes on a variety of topics.
Typically this involves doing 1 hour sessions - 1 per week for 4-6 weeks. In person and via Zoom. If this interests you please contact Alicia Celek to volunteer your talent.
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Laugh a Minute
A JOKE for
WRITING JOKESTERS
A novelist went to a psychiatrist and said anxiously, “Doc, I keep having the same dream, over and over. I wake up and I know the dream is a great idea for a best-selling novel, then I go back to sleep and, when I wake up the next morning, I can’t remember the plot! It’s driving me crazy!”
“When you go to bed at night,” the psychiatrist suggested, “leave a notepad and pencil on the bedside table. When you awake from the dream, with the memory of it fresh in your mind, write it down.”
That night, the writer placed a pad and pencil next to his bed. As usual, he had the dream again and woke up more convinced than ever that it was a terrific idea for a book. He snatched up the pencil, jotted a brief note, then, relieved, turned over and went back to sleep.
When the novelist awoke in the morning, he couldn’t remember a single thing about the dream, but he knew he’d followed the psychiatrist’s sage advice. Excited, he grabbed the notepad and read his note to himself:
“WRITE IT DOWN.”
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"My gentle Reader. I perceive/How patiently you've waited./And now I fear that you expect/Some tale will be related./ O Reader! had you in mind/such stores as silent thought can bring./ O gentle Reader! you would find/ A tale in every thing.
William Wordsworth
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OCTOBER
O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—
For the grapes’ sake along the wall.
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What is Science Fiction?
Science fiction (or speculative fiction) is one of the most popular, varied, and enduring genres. It encompasses everything from H. G. Wells’s War of the Worlds to modern dystopian and cyberpunk variations.
Science fiction takes readers to a new world that’s an extension of our own. The key here is that the reality of the science-fictional universe diverges in some key way from the real world as we know it. In other words, science fiction authors and short story writers ask the question: What if?
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley asks what might happen if humanity found a way to create life. Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles asks what life might be like if humans settled the red planet. Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot asks what social and political situations might arise from the creation of semi-conscious robots. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Nebula-award winning The Left Hand of Darkness asks how human society might change if there were no such thing as gender.
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"Writing is one of the few professions in which you can psychoanalyze yourself, get rid of hostilities and frustrations in public, and get paid for it."
Octavia E. Butler
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Sign Up PANDEM!C: Stories of COVID-19 Artist Conversation
Tuesday, October 5
6:00-7:00 PM. Online with artist Makayla Binter. PANDEM!C: Stories of COVID-19,is a graphic novel. Learn more about this collaboration & SIGN UP HERE
Write Like You Mean It, Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 am Join from the comfort of your space to write and share our work. Contact
Prolific Pens Writing Group 11:00 am– 1:00 pm
The first and third Saturdays of the month with the exception of holidays to learn more contact
North County Regional Wordsmiths, Thursdays, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Writers of poetry and prose, all experience and skill levels are invited to meet every Thursday Group contact
Chapter Three Book Club
meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1pm.
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Literary Dishes Inspired by a Good Novel
Blessed Are the Cheesemakers
by Sarah-Kate Lynch
An irresistible tale about taking life's spilled milk and turning it into the best cheese in the world.
5 minute Recipe: Chili Cheese Toast (serves 4)
Ingredients
4 slices of bread
2 TBLS softened butter
2 finely chopped garlic cloves
1 finely chopped green chili
1/2 c mozzarella cheese
1/2 c chili flakes
Directions
- Add the finely chopped garlic cloves and green chili to softened butter.
- Mix well with butter
- Spread butter mixture to both sides of the bread slices
- Add cheese evenly to buttered bread
- Sprinkle some chili flakes on top (to your taste)
- Bake in oven at 200 degrees until crisp (about 5 minutes) or use a heavy bottom pan
Serve immediately.
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Trivia Answers:
- Sherlock Holmes
- Joel Chandler Harris
- Thomas Paine
- Carlo Collodi
- Crossword Puzzles
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A few sci-fi authors to know:
Issac Asimov
Cixin Liu
William Gibson
Dennis E. Taylor
Ursula K. Le Guin
"Today's science fiction is tomorrow's science fact."
Issac Asimov
"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom."
Issac Asimov
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"I like people in the abstract but not in the concrete."
Dennis E. Taylor
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Support CWC Members & Community Partners
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CHARLOTTE READERS PODCAST
Celebrates the 250th episode on October 5th!
Landis Wade marks the milestone with a visit to Craig Nova, award-winning author of “Double Solitaire,” the first in a new series of LA-based thrillers featuring modern-day fixer Quinn Farrell.
Click the calendar image to see who else podcast creator, host and CWC member is bringing to the party this month.
Wade also hosts a community blog and a community vlog. Visit CRP's Community Voices to "find readerly and writerly content." and maybe contribute your own. |
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The Personal Story Publishing Project
Call for submissions for the 6th anthology. The theme is “Curious Stuff—mementos, treasures, white elephants, and junk.” Stories about items in your possession—or things you once had and wish you still did (or not)—and the stories connected to them.
Your true, personal stories of 750-800 words sharing your lived experience, and leaving the reader a lesson or a laugh or a caution for us all. Deadline for entry is December 15 with publication in March 2022.
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Doris Betts Fiction Prize
Submissions accepted: September 15 – October 31, 2021.
The Doris Betts Fiction Prize awards the first-prize winner $250. Up to ten finalists will be considered for publication in the North Carolina Literary Review. Learn more HERE
Eligibility & Guidelines HERE
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LIVE and IN-PERSON AGAIN!
Every 4th Friday, arrive by 6:45, readers will begin at 7 and continue until 9 pm,
Members Open Mic readings at Mugs Coffee. Mask Up to Read & to Drop in for a listen!
5126 Park Rd #1D, Charlotte, NC 28209
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Charlotte Writers Club entitles you to participate in workshops, critique groups, contests, and guest speaker programs. The cost is a modest $35 per year for individuals and $20 for students.
We welcome all writers in all genres and forms to join our Charlotte-area literary community. Your membership in the Charlotte Writers' Club helps support writers, readers, and literacy at a critical time in our nation's and our city's history.
To Join or Renew click this Membership Link and follow the instructions.
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Charlotte Writers Club PO Box 220954, Charlotte NC 28222
Please "LIKE" our Facebook page to encourage discussion among fellow
writers and keep up with the club offerings.
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