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"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

January 1, 2022, Volume 5



Our mission: to support local writers and promote their development through education, recognition, and community.

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Last Call for Entries!


Click the Clock to submit your 750 to 2,000 words

articles, essays, memoir & true stories,

Our Nonfiction Contest closes at midnight on

January 2, 2022!

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President's Message:



Word by Word 100 Years!

We have so much to celebrate! In a sense "the past is prologue." In our golden year as a writing community we meet together celebrate the written word and each other’s successes just like the original group founded by A. L. Kimball. She needed fellow writers to help chase away her homesickness; we, the newest iteration of CWC have been combating the blues of this COVID time by connecting with our muse and with our fellow writers. Meeting together in person or online for critique groups or to read at an open mic—Zooming for the social write in to be inspired by what writers draw from the prompts Tiffany provides--and surprised by our own voices. And Zooming with members from all corners of the country. Join Us or if you are a former member this is a great time to reup, here's how, visit the CWC Membership page.


I recently read an article that referred to this time as the COVID era not just a year or two of virus but many years to come—I hope that writer is wrong. He also said we as a society would be dancing in and out of restrictions for the foreseeable future.

In December, we tiptoed out with our eyes on the future. We celebrated the holidays, being together in our new meeting home, created new critique groups and reformed for our next projects. Check out the fun on this Meeting Recap page. Click on the Power Point presentation link to get a copy of what was presented.


In the coming months, the latest variant of the coronavirus may require us to tiptoe back to our virtual space until its clear for us to dance out again. Stay tuned for more on where and how the party will continue, whether it’s on Zoom or at our room in the Tyvola Senior Center; 2022 is going to be a good year to be a CWC member. Are you ready to dance?


Keep Writing!

Caroline

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On the 3rd Tuesday of the month, door opens at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7pm.

Join us for the half-an-hour of social time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.






"Gathering of moments happy and sound remembering

We are One under the rainbow Love!"

Meet with Us

in Charlotte at our new home

2225 Tyvola Road,

in the

Tyvola Senior Center

Since COVID and its spawn remain part of the plot, we need your help to keep us all safe. To attend in person, we ask that you provide proof of COVID vaccination and while in the building, wear a face covering over your mouth and nose.



Members and guests, when you RSVP, you will be prompted to take a photo of your vaccination card and email it to

MembershipCWC@yahoo.com

You’ll only have to do it once and we will have you on our VIP List. As you arrive for the meeting, we will check you off the list. We will also accept showing vaccination cards at the door as a last-minute emergency—though prefer not to have to do this because we don’t want to have to turn anyone away as we follow city & county mandates.



If you have questions, concerns, or thoughts please CONTACT US.

Our Next Meeting:

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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Finding the Right Way to Tell Your Story


Megan Miranda, New York Times best-selling author of Suspense:

Such a Quiet Place, All the Missing Girls, The Perfect Stranger, The Last House Guest, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, and The Girl from Widow Hills.--is our speaker.



Visit the CWC Calendar of Events page for more on her presentation

and Online to learn more about Megan and her young adult novels. Join us as she shares her secrets.

To Be Revealed: The Winners of the Ruth Moose Flash Fiction Contest

Darrell Horwitz, co-contest chair, will announce the results of the 2021 Ruth Moose Flash Fiction Contest and the top finishers will be in the house to pick up their certificates, prize money and to read their work.

Club Information

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Seats are going fast!!


Flash Fiction 101 Essential Elements of Very Short Stories:


A Five Session Course with Annie Frazier Crandell. On Saturday mornings 10am to 1 pm, January:

8, 15,22,29 and February: 5 2022


Find out more about our instructor online and more about her course at the CWC Workshops Page


The cost for this multi-session craft course is $150 for members, $200 for non-members.

Resolve to sign up for this craft course:. REGISTER HERE.

"I consider whoever my words land on is my target, that's why I like flash fiction it's like using a shotgun."


Neal Leckman, Author of Dark Poems

Virtual Writing Salon & Social Time

is on vacation until February 8.

We'll miss our writing time together, but we look forward to brand new prompts from Tiffany, the master of virtual writing time.


Check out the particulars at Calendar of Events page.


After the first of the year, be on the lookout for your opportunity to

take 75 minutes to write and see where the prompts take you!


There will be time to share if you wish, no pressure, no angst, just writing fun! Hope to see you there!

CWC North Happenings

Poets Selected for Stage 2 of Beyond Poems & Paintings

CWC North is pleased to announce that these poets who have been selected to interpret the work of Mooresville artists. 


David Collins—"Ars Poetica”

David Radavich—"The Seed Doesn’t Die”

Emily Halpern—"To Protect and Serve”

Richard Allen Taylor—“La Chambre d’e’coute”

Linda Phillips— “Vincent”

Kenneth Chamlee—"Wreck of the “Ancon” in Loring Bay, Alaska”

Kat Bodrie— “Resist”

Christine Arvidson—"Unbroken"


This is the second year for this joint project with Mooreville Arts. The works of art will be featured along with poets’ interpretations in an exhibit at the Mooresville Arts gallery on June 10, 2022.

MEET-A-MEMBER: Joyce Compton Brown

Bio:


After earning degrees at Appalachian State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, Joyce Compton Brown taught English at Gardner-Webb University, continuing her studies in Appalachian culture, literature, and writing at Berea College and Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky.



She has authored a newspaper column and numerous scholarly publications but now focuses on creative non-fiction and most especially poetry. A Pushcart nominee, she has published in journals and authored three chapbooks: Bequest, Singing with Jarred Edges, and most recently, Standing on the Outcrop (Redhawk, 2021).




She spends time writing and drawing, playing a little banjo, tromping around the woods of Honeycutt and Linville mountains, and observing backyard critters and plants. She lives with her husband, biologist and Appalachian poet, Les Brown. They adore their cat.

To start a conversation with Joyce send her a message through the Member Directory

Login first, then go to Member Directory.





If you'd like to participate in Meet-a-Member please contact the newsletter editor,

Teresa Taylor or President Caroline Kenna.

Joyce says:


When and Where Do I Write?

I write almost every day, though sometimes that means nothing more than jotting down a few words, images or key words for possibilities. Usually I dig into writing in the evenings, often developing ideas and images that have been simmering over the course of hours. At home I keep a notebook and periodically swoop into the study, jotting down possibilities, settling in to larger projects in the evenings. I retreat to the study and suddenly three hours have passed! I always take a notebook when we travel, writing at a picnic table, in the camper, in the hotel room. 


Favorite writing tool?

I start with a notebook for the first draft. I don’t work as well straight from the keyboard. I find the messiness of the handwritten page enables me to focus more clearly on the imperfections of drafts. And there are many. But I must convert to early because of the scrawling semi-legible nature of my drafts. 


A favorite writing resource:

I have an assortment of literature anthologies, a Biblical concordance, Wharton’s Mythology, several standard handbooks to literature . These days almost all of the physical texts have been supplemented or replaced by basic internet research, which allows access to the same information and updates, adding layers of possibilities to the process of learning. I love being grounded in what has come before us in culture, belief, literary form.


Best Writing advice you’ve received and actually taken?


I have several memories of advice, direct or indirect. In response to a high school book report, my teacher said she loved my “subjectivity”. I had to go home and look up the word! But she had invited the personal self into writing. She had also stirred the need to know more, more words, more possibilities. My college grumpy professor for a required writing class established for me the importance of writing everything down, removing beloved passages, rewriting, allowing time before assuming a piece is finished. Wonderful poetry workshops at Hindman Settlement School taught me how to tear into poetry.


One thing I would like help with?

I wish I were more involved in the mainstream of the North Carolina writing community, especially the marvelous poetry being created across the state. Living in a rather isolated small town means making more of an effort to connect with others. I need to take advantage of Zoom and other media, overcome timidity and a bit of tech discomfort. Still, I am grateful to be within this community of those who find writing as their daily bread.

What's the Good Word?

Share your publishing news at MEMBER KUDOS

so we can celebrate too.

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Answer the Call for Volunteers:

Serve the Club on the Leadership Team


We need you; your ideas, your time, talents and expertise to sustain and to grow our writing community. We are looking for the 2022-2023 leaders to work with VP of Membership Axel Dahlberg and Dave Collins, program planner extraordinaire who will be the president during that program year and (we hope) the next.

See the job descriptions in our Policies and Procedures document and think about donating a year or more to serve our club.

These executive board seats will be open by the end of June:

  • Treasurer: John McGillicuddy who has held this post for two years is ready to step down and would like train his successor. Email him at Treasurer.

  • VP/President-Elect, as Dave steps into the role of president. Who will be our president in training?


  • Secretary: Tiffany Grantham who served in this capacity since 2018, has already stepped down as she is adding an online graduate program to a busy schedule which will still include leading our social write-ins.


And

  • Webmaster: Debra S. Wallin, will step aside in June to focus on her own writing. In the last decade or more as a leader of this writing community, she has worn many hats and as our Tech Guru, has brought us into the 21st century. She will train her successor or successors and Blair Peery will be on hand to assist. Contact her at Webmaster.


A list of advisory board positions will be posted in the next newsletter.

Do you want to help? if you have the time and would like to serve please contact Caroline Kenna for information.

Help Us Create a Communications Plan for 2022 and Beyond:


Instead of sending out yet another survey in this age of surveys, take a minute to consider these questions our student intern Noah Mathis asked leadership team and members at our November meeting.

1. What attracts/attracted you the most about CWC? 

2.  In what areas is the club communicating effectively? How do you think communications could be improved?

3.  How should CWC use social media to communicate more effectively to members and non-members? 

4.  From a communications and marketing perspective, how could the CWC website be improved?

5.  Are there any specific things you would like to see the club do more of? Anything the club should do less of? 

6.  How do you feel about utilizing YouTube as another social media channel for the CWC? 


If you want to add your thoughts to this conversation please contact Caroline.

Coming Mid-Month:

We're launching a second newsletter all the rich club & community content & this new feature:

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We've Got You Covered!

Snap a selfie of your book cover and submit it to the newsletter editor. We will feature a few each month. The deadline is January 10th

Be the First!

News You Can Use

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Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities


The North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame celebrates and promotes the state’s rich literary heritage by commemorating its leading authors and encouraging the continued flourishing of great literature. It is more than a museum housing photographs and archives. Working closely with libraries and schools, the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame honors North Carolina

writers  through programs, services, and opportunities for children and adults.



**The North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony has been postponed to Sunday, October 16, 2022.**

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Attention Playwrights:


The 2022 North Carolina Playwrights Lab will develop 2 original plays, written by NC playwrights, over 2 weeks in September with 2 staged-reading presentations for a public audience. At the heart of this experience is the opportunity for playwrights to receive moderated feedback sessions with a panel of 4 local and national industry professionals after each presentation of their work to inspire brave edits in the week between presentations and beyond!

Click on the image above to learn more about the 2022 Playwrights Lab.

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CWC Members' Fresh Ink:


Congratulations!

Judy Hovis, for All the Seasons Never Lived

&

Kathy Thorson Gruhn for Fighting Naked.

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Look Who's Coming to Charlotte's Park Road Books In January!

See the list of authors & their date Here.

Click the image for more on the bookstore.

Small Town In North Carolina That Offers Nothing But Peace And Quiet


North Carolina has so many amazing small towns. Some of those are the oldest in the state, others fly under the radar yet still retain a significant amount of their very own culture. Yet, with so many gorgeous, quaint, small towns…it can be hard to find the perfect fit. If you’re already wanting the small town life, it’s safe to say you also want some peace and quiet as well. Sure, we have great small towns, but during certain times of the years, those small towns can get bogged down with tourist and terrible traffic. If you’re seeking a life of solitude, these 10 towns might just be the perfect fit for you.


For peace, quiet and loads of history try visiting Rutherfordton, NC.

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Start the New Year Off with Contests!


Attention CWC members and poets living in the Carolinas The submission period for the 2022 Poetry Contest is now open. Deadline for entry is February 15, 2022 for poetry of fewer than 50 lines but no haiku please.


David Radavich is this year's judge. For eligibility & guidelines and to submit visit the CWC Poetry Contest Page


Prepare your 1,500 to 4,000 word fiction short stories the Elizabeth Simpson Smith Short Story Contest opens on January 17.

More on that in the next newsletter.

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Wednesday Jan 12 2022

7:00pm - 8:00pm


Spend a virtual evening with DIANE CHAMBERLAIN

author of The Last House on the Street, and her audio-book narrator, Susan Bennett.

Register for the Zoom event here.

Click the image to learn more about this book store located in Davidson.

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Time is running out

to Enter Your Poems for Pinesong Awards 2022.

Deadline to Submit is Wednesday, January 12.

For categories, guidelines & eligibility visit NCPS-Pinesong2022


Click the image to learn more about the North Carolina Poetry Society.

CWC Members Teaching @ Lit in 2022

Melinda Ferguson,

The Gift of Personal Writing, Thursday January 6, learn More here.


Kathie Collins & Larry Sorkin,

Mythology & Depth Psychology a Crash Course for Writers, January 13 & 20 more here.


Dannye Romine Powell:

Poetry Workshop MFA Style 6 sessions Thursday February 24 to April 7. Sign up Here


Paul Reali:

Scrivener Essentials Unlocking the Best Software for Writers Tuesday February 15 & 22. Learn more here.


Novel Structures Save the Cat, Hero's Journey & More, Tuesday March 15. Sign up here.

Novel Jumpstart,4 weeks asynchronous sessions Saturday April 3 to April 30. More here.


Irene Blair Honeycutt:

"I would almost say they saved me," --Trees as metaphor in Poetry, Sunday April 2. Register Here.


Judy Goldman:

Everything, Really Everything! Judy Goldman knows about writing creative nonfiction. Thursday April 21,2022.Sign up here.


Check out the rest of the catalogue here.

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Tell a true story from your life in 2021…in 21 words or fewer.

A personal story which can be hilarious, heartbreaking, puzzling, uplifting, or just plain strange. Look for something intriguing, perhaps something with emotional or intellectual resonance.


Click the image for more information and to enter your unpublished story.

Submission is free. Deadline is February 28, 2022.

The memoir that is the most captivating wins a free class from

Gotham Writers Workshops.

Support Our Members & Community Partners

visit our Member Resources page


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Charlotte Lit:


Click on the image to see what else Kathie Collins and Paul Reali, CWC members and Co-founders of Charlotte Lit have planned for 2022.



Check out the list of CWC members teaching classes this winter and spring.

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Charlotte Readers Podcast



Click on the image to see how CWC member Landis Wade, the host and creator of Charlotte Readers Podcast is bringing in 2022!

Before the ball drops check out these

December episodes including Mark West's best books in 2021.

The Personal Story Project &

Six-Minute Story Podcast


The submission period for sixth anthology of true stories, Curious Stuff is closed. That collection will be will be released this spring.


Click the image to learn more about member Randell Jones, his personal stories anthologies, including Trouble, which was published in the fall of 2021, that includes a number of CWC voices.

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Last Call!

The final judge of the 2022 Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize is Jacinda Towsend, author of Saint Monkey and the winner of the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize and the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for historical fiction.

The Jacobs/Jones African-American Literary Prize

honors the best in short prose by African-American writers in North Carolina. The submission period for works of fiction and creative nonfiction, no more than 3,000 words closes on January 2, 2022.

The contest, sponsored by NCWN and administered by the Creative Writing Program at UNC-Chapel Hill, is open to any African-American writer whose primary residence is in North Carolina.

Learn More & Submit Here.

The Rose Post Creative Nonfiction Contest


Deadline to enter: January 15, 2022

Pieces must be no more than 2,000 words.


The Rose Post Creative Nonfiction Competition, sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network, encourages the creation of lasting nonfiction that is outside the realm of conventional journalism and has relevance to North Carolinians.

Subjects may include traditional categories such as reviews, travel articles, profiles or interviews, place/history pieces, or culture criticism.

Josina Guess is this year's judge for more on her and this contest

see NCWN-Post






The Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize


Deadline: January 30, 2022 to submit 3,000 words



The Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize, sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network, honors internationally celebrated North Carolina novelist Thomas Wolfe. The prize is administered by the Great Smokies Writing Program at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The winner receives $1,000 and possible publication in The Thomas Wolfe Review. For Guidelines & More visit NCWN-TWFP

Don't Forget This!

Open Mic Night at Mugs Coffee

Where members practice reading their work


Click the image to learn more and see who read at open mic the previous month. Open Mic is Every fourth Friday of the month

(Only Members can register to read - all others welcome to hear great stories!)

7:00-9:00 p.m.


Register here to Read



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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