Got Plot?
You just got the best idea ever for the next great, American novel… but what do you do now? How do you take that kernel of a concept from inspiration to completion?
Join HSW members, Nicole Frens and Linda Enos, for an interactive discussion about the one thing every story needs – plot. Be ready to share your favorite plotting techniques.
Not a plotter? No problem! The methods highlighted by Nicole and Linda can also be used when you hit the “mushy middle” or worse…the dreaded writer’s block.
Next High Sierra Writers Meeting
September 14, 2019 at 10 am at Scheels at Legends in Sparks
It’s All About the Plot
Please come join us as Nicole and Linda conduct a lively discussion about plotting methods and how to make them work for you, even if you don’t like to plot. They’ll be looking for participation from you so come prepared with questions and your own tips.
FIRST PAGES
We will also be doing FIRST PAGES at this meeting, so if you want to participate, please bring in the first page of your manuscript, double-spaced, 12 point type. Include the title, if you wish, and genre. Do not include your name. Matt will read the first page for critique from the group.
From the President
As we get into Autumn, we’re at the end of a two-year cycle at which point we need to have elections. We also need members to step up and assist with a number of functions without which we cease to exist.
First, if you’ve been coming to monthly meetings for more than a few months, it suggests you are getting something out of the meetings. I’m known for my bluntness, so here it is: Stop freeloading and pay the membership fee. Do you think Scheels gives us the meeting room for free?
Do you think speakers are all volunteers? Some are, but if they come from out of town, we’re paying them something. Sometimes it’s a couple hundred; sometimes it’s a thousand or more.
Second, all of our officers are unpaid. Many of them have been in their positions for a long time. We have unfilled positions for Education, Membership, and Communications. A couple people for each activity would go a long way to relieve the pressure on the folks who have been wearing two, three, even four hats to keep this organization running.
Third, you don’t have to run for an elected position. If you just chip in a little help, it would be greatly appreciated. Have an idea for a speaker? Someone you met at a conference? Send the info to board@highsierrawriters.org Better yet, do a little legwork and find out if the person has given presentations, in what topic areas, and would they be interested in appearing before our group?
Can you do a presentation to the group on some writing-related topic?
This is just scratching the surface. It would be a great help if you offered even a little help in some area in which you’re interested.
‘Nuff said,
Matt
Election Time!
Here’s the HSW Board slate for the 2020-2022 term:
President – Matt Bayan
Secretary – Nicole Frens
Treasurer/Membership and Communication – Rene Averett
Education – TBA
Voting (voice vote) will take place at the October meeting. Any questions or concerns, contact Linda Enos – enoslinda@sbcglobal.net.
“Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of lies to arrive at a greater truth.” ― Khaled Hosseini
Membership Reminder
If you are new to High Sierra Writers and wish to join, you can do it at half price for the next two months. After that, the full membership will carry you through to December 2020. That’s the special for new members only.
If you are an HSW member and haven’t renewed for 2019, you still owe the full amount to be counted as a paid member. Not sure if you paid or not? Contact Rene at ruamor@sbcglobal.net to find out. She can check the membership records and let you know.
Renew online at the HSW website using PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to use your credit card to pay.
http://highsierrawriters.org/dues_payments/
Exciting opportunity available!
If you’ve ever thought, “Golly, I wish I had some control over what speakers we have, or what topics are covered at our meetings,” or maybe if you’ve said to yourself, “Wowzers, would I ever be delighted if I could give more of myself to the High Sierra Writers!”
Well, you’re in luck! We are looking to fill an Education position, which is KEY to what we offer as a group to our community of aspiring and working writers. The best part is – it’s not really that hard! We have a list of past speakers who could be contacted, plus, it’s your free pass to contact your favorite author or business owner on behalf of HSW to ask them to possibly come speak to us. No more feeling funny about expressing your love of their work, now you can contact them for Official Business. So easy!
We’ve been without our education position filled for a few years now, and we’re ready to have one again. And we think it should be you! Yes – you! All you need to do to volunteer is contact Matt (MattBayan@aol.com), Nicole (NicoleFrens@gmail.com), or Rene (ruamor@sbcglobal.net) and give us the good news (or ask questions).