You’ve written a book, honed an “elevator pitch” and snagged an interested agent or publisher. After you submit your manuscript, you are told it is not publishable in its current state. The very first “reader” has rejected it. What is a first book’s most common flaw? It is probably not what you think.
Grammar, plot, character development? How about a lack of World Building.
Continue reading “Donna Galanti Reveals How to Get Your Manuscript Past “The Gatekeeper””
By Linda Donaldson
We welcomed a dozen members and our editors to our March 21st Writers Guild Zoom meeting. It was heartwarming to “see” each other for the first time in months. We had six writers’ selections to discuss.
First, a short story by John McCabe, “Virus Days with a Six-Year-Old” about the sweet interaction between generations. Some suggested that John’s initial paragraphs, that “set the stage” of the time and circumstances, should not be at the beginning. Everyone enjoyed the mystery of the toothpaste.
Next came a poignant, very frank expression of grief and coping, “A Place of In-Between” by David Werrett. Members all had a deep and emotional reaction to the raw sense of loss that David expressed. We agreed that the story might be a good one to share with family or friends experiencing loss. Continue reading “Writers Guild & Webinar News”
A Pearl S. Buck Writing Center Zoom Webinar
with Donna Galanti
Saturday, April 17th from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
All stories happen somewhere. Whether you write fantasy, dystopian, science fiction, or even about the “real world,” world building is key to creating a meaningful story.
With several science fiction and fantasy books under her belt for adults and children, Donna shares methods of world building that any writer can apply. From the smallest details to the rules of its universe, discover the way a considered approach to world building can govern the hearts of your characters and help drive your story.
Topics include: elements of world building, using world building to support conflict and tension, world building questions and resources, seven main areas that serve as the foundation for your world, and what to avoid in building your world. Donna also shares real-book examples to supplement her topics.
$25 registration fee required. (see registration info below)
Donna Galanti is the author of the middle grade adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road, which the Midwest Book Review called, “A heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish.” She’s also the author of the follow up, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, the popular Unicorn Island series, and the bestselling paranormal suspense Element Trilogy for adults.
Donna is also a writing contest judge at nycmidnight.com, regularly presents as a guest author at schools, and teaches writers through her online Udemy courses. Visit her at donnagalanti.com
Our 3-step Registration Process for All of our Zoom Classes:
By Linda Donaldson
Nearly every attendee to our October Writers Guild meeting brought writing selections to share. All told there were 11 different authors’ works read aloud, and some brought two works. Such a rich array of literary work kept us well past the two hour mark.
We welcomed a new member Archana Kokroo whose first poems proved conclusively that she has much to offer. Other member who contributed were: Melissa Triol, Jane Bleam, Dave Werrett, John McCabe, Bob McCrillis, Paul Teese, Meredith Betz, Kat Cerutti, Joe Vitella and Linda Donaldson. Continue reading “October Guild Meeting Notes Plus Sneak Peek”
Our Pearl S. Buck Writing Center and Writers Guild have been invited to participate in a Writer’s Retreat on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in nearby Kintnersville, hosted by Donna Galanti and Margaret Grandinetti at their Millhouse Fall 2017 Writer’s Retreat.
So, consider joining your friends at this Writers’ Retreat to revitalize your writing muse, to learn some tricks of the writing trade/craft, and to enjoy the process of writing with other writers.
Click here for a 4-page PDF of the event’s venue, biographies of the hostess and writing leaders, the day’s agenda, and payment information.
What do writers do when they are not writing?
Read? Do housework? Twiddle their thumbs? Get in trouble?
While all these solutions are possible, many writers enjoy a day to allow their creative muses out to play in the fresh country air with a like-minded group of writers. And what better place to let the muses frisk and scamper about than in an Upper Bucks County writer’s retreat. Continue reading “Brains, Butterflies, and Writers’ Retreats”
Pearl S. Buck Writing Center 