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A Basic Guide to Starting Your First Blog

10/1/2016

 
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Rachel Britz spoke at our September meeting. She graciously agreed to summarize her thoughts on blogging.
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My blogging journey began 8 years ago. And like many good things it fell right into my lap. It was during a season that I was being awakened to a God-sized dream of writing and speaking. I had a pastor who came alongside me and helped me hone in and develop this dream. He gave me several opportunities to share an encouraging message at church and with our women’s program.


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Beyond the Label

3/4/2016

 
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​Chawna Schroeder spoke to our February meeting on the two approaches to  Christian Fiction and how they affect our writing.

Teachers talk on it at conferences. Editors and agents weigh in with their opinions on panels. Writers debate for hours and flood writing loops with scores of emails about it—only for everyone to walk away more confused than ever. What is “Christian” fiction?

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Writing and Art

10/26/2015

 
​MN-NICE ACFW October 2015 -  - Delores Topliff
 
“Why do writers write? Because it isn’t there.” ~ American novelist, Thomas Berger (1924-) 
Creating a scene is like setting up camera shots, or combining elements and style for paintings:
     
Writing Styles: Simple Realism (literal and concrete) - Grandma Moses, Andrew Wyeth
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​Character Archetypes–Creating Characters for the Plot-First Novelist

9/30/2015

 
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​Recently I was honored to be able to speak at the MN NICE Chapter of the ACFW. We’re a happy band of Minnesota writers who love fiction, craft, and encouraging fellowship.  I’ve been a member for almost a year now, and though it is quite a hike for me to get to the meetings (over 100 miles) I love going.

My talk was on creating characters using character archetypes, using information gleaned from The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes & Heroines: 16 Master Archetypes  by Viders, Cowen, and LaFever.

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Getting Started with Scrivener

8/24/2015

 
In several Minnesota NICE meetings we have heard references to the Scrivener writing program. Some people seem to be intimidated by its huge capabilities. But you don’t have to use all of them to find the program useful.  I am by no means an authority, but I love what I can do with Scrivener. In our August Minnesota NICE meeting I led members through a hands-on session to get to know Scrivener and hopefully get over their confusion. Obviously, this blog won’t work for a hands-on session, but perhaps I can start you on your way.

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How to Write 50,000 words in 30 Days

5/18/2015

 
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Pat Trainum (who writes as Patricia Bradley) was the speaker for our May meeting. Here are her notes on plotting and planning.

Are you a Plotter or Panster or Tweener?

Plotter: Outlines every scene, labels them action/reaction, has an Excel spreadsheet listing each scene, has ever plot point (turning point) fixed. That’s not to say his characters can’t suddenly surprise him and take the story in another direction, but when it does, he goes back and re-outlines. Her joy comes in the outlining. This is where she discovers her story.


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Writing Wisdom from Writer Off the Leash

5/1/2015

 
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Guest post by Michelle Griep
[Based on her talk at our March meeting]

I started my writing journey like every poor writerly slob out there . . . penning freebies for e-zines or church newsletters, but eventually my skills advanced, and so did my knowledge of the writing craft. I’ve learned a trick or two as I circle the writerly block, and I’d love to share a few nuggets of encouragement and wisdom with you.

Writer Hacks For Writer’s Block
It happens to every writer. Their muse packs up and takes a vacation, leaving zero creativity behind. How will you cope when that happens? Here are a few ideas . . . 

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SOS Contest Winner, Plus Bethany House Editor Guest Appearance

8/29/2014

 
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Our August 2014 chapter meeting was packed with news to celebrate and a wealth of information on solid fiction writing practices and the publication process.

Congratulations to Michelle Lim, who has received two requests from publishers for full manuscripts, and to Gabrielle (sorry I didn't catch Gabrielle's last name), who is now under contract for two novellas. We also shout a hearty "bravo" to our own Chawna Schroeder, winner of the 2014 Save Our Synopsis contest!

This month, we were privileged to have as our guest speaker Julie Klassen's editor Karen Schurrer.  During her career as fiction line editor for Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group,  Karen has edited such bestselling authors as Tamera Alexander, Kristen Heitzmann, Karen Hancock, Patrick Carr, Karen Witemeyer, and of course our own Julie Klassen, among others.

Karen shared insight on such topics as how to make a good impression through your proposals and at writing conferences, what to expect while working with an editor during the publishing process, and what she looks for in a novel. The wealth of knowledge and experience she brought to us was enhanced by her down-to-earth, friendly nature. After her presentation, she lingered to chat with group members about all aspects of publishing, showing genuine interest in authors at every stage of the process.

To read a detailed account of the six elements Karen listed as components of a great novel, check out this post at Light's Scribe blog. Also, here is an informative interview with Karen.

November Chapter Meeting - Elections and NaNoNICE

11/6/2013

 
NaNoNICE (The MN-NICE Version of NaNoWriMo) will be held at Stacy's house this Sunday, November 10.

Doors open at 3:00pm for those who want to get some serious writing done.
Official start for NaNoNICE is 5:00pm.

We're also holding elections for new Board officers. A brief meeting plust  voting will take place at 6 pm.

Stacy will provide pulled pork sandwiches, coffee, and water. Those attending are asked to bring something to share - veggies, chips, fruit, chocolate, dessert,pop, etc.

Watch the MN NICE loop for Stacy's contact information.

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