WRITERLY EVENTS, July & August

Posted on July 8, 2024 by waconiawriters

THIS WEEK!

WWG Meeting, Saturday July 13, 10:30am, Waconia Library Magazine Corner. Our monthly meeting of the writing minds! Bring what you’re working on, whether it’s the breakthrough you’ve had on your epic work-in-progress, your 700-word Flash Fiction piece for the ACCC event, or even just the spark of an idea that’s stuck with you. 

THIS WEEKEND!

ACCC ArtStock: Saturday July 13 & Sunday July 14, 11am-5pm both days. Parley Lake Winery (8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia)
The Arts Consortium of Carver County welcomes all artists and festival-goers to the 2024 Art Stock Art, Wine & Music Festival, which includes an assortment of exciting new artists, as well as old favorites, representing diverse media such as photography, sculpture, wearable arts, glass, fibers, painting, and more… there is truly something for everyone!
Visit the ACCC ArtStock website for more information.
(PS: Jen will be at the ACCC Literary Committee booth Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with copies of the WWG Anthology for sale!)

NEXT WEEK

WWG WRITER FUN NIGHT, Thursday July 18, 6-8pm, Lola’s Lakehouse (318 E Lake Street, Waconia)
Come join us for a writing session on the shore of Lake Waconia! Please note, these are casual social meet-ups and are less structured than our Saturday meetings. We will have a table either at the bar or outside. Come when you can, stay as long as you like.

AUGUST

ACCC Event on Tuesday August 6, 6:30pm, Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 145 Engler Blvd., Chaska 55318)
Flash Fiction Reading (RESCHEDULED EVENT!) Share your story of 700 words or less at the flash fiction reading event sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC). Sign up to read by entering 2024 Flash Fiction Reading in the subject line of an email and sending to:  literary@artsofcarvercounty.org  This is not a contest, there are no subject restrictions but be aware that the general public is invited and is not restricted to adults. Readings begin at 7 p.m., preceded by conversation and refreshments. We hope you will join us. Be prepared to introduce yourself and the title of your story.

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WWG Meeting NEXT SATURDAY, JULY 13!

Posted on July 5, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for another meeting of the writing minds (…but not quite yet)!

WHEN: Saturday, July 13, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

MEETING FACILITATOR: Jen

NOTE: We are meeting on the SECOND Saturday in July, due to the first Saturday landing smack dab in the middle of America’s birthday weekend. 

Takeaways from June:

At the June WWG meeting, we talked about our unique approaches to building story. How we outline (if we outline!), and how we come back to projects if we stepped away for a while. How we edit or determine whether or not a project is “finished.” How some of us save our words if they don’t fit because they might fit somewhere else eventually. 

Things to think about:

  1. If you are working on a part of a story that just isn’t working, could it turn into something else?
  2. Do you outline? If yes, do you outline at the beginning/before starting, OR once the story is written?
  3. How do you know when a particular story is “finished”?

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • ACCC Event getting rescheduled! 
    The Flash Fiction Reading event that was cancelled in June due to severe weather will be rescheduled for sometime in August. Exact date, time, location and details will be shared as soon as confirmed. In the meantime, if you’d like to put the finishing touches on your stories (700 words or less) that might not have been quite ready in June, you can still sign up to read at the event! Sign up to read by entering 2024 Flash Fiction Reading in the subject line of an email and sending to:  literary@artsofcarvercounty.org More details to come! (This event is sponsored by the Arts Consortium of Carver County’s Literary Committee.)
  • WWG WRITER FUN NIGHT, Thursday July 18, 6-8pm, location TBD
    Confirming location details for our third official meet-up! Wherever we end up, we’ll try to make some writing happen! Please note, these are casual social meet-ups and are less structured than our Saturday meetings. Come when you can, stay as long as you like.

 

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WRITERLY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Posted on June 18, 2024 by waconiawriters

TONIGHT!

ACCC Event on Tuesday June 18, 6:30pm, Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 145 Engler Blvd., Chaska 55318)
Flash Fiction Reading! Share your story of 700 words or less at the flash fiction reading event sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC). This is not a contest.There are no subject restrictions but be aware that the general public is invited and is not restricted to adults. Readings begin at 7 p.m., preceded by conversation and refreshments. We hope you will join us. Be prepared to introduce yourself and the title of your story.

THURSDAY

WWG WRITER FUN NIGHT, Thursday June 20, 6-8pm, Schram Vineyard (8785 Airport Road, Waconia, 55387)
We liked the vibes so much, we’re going back! Bring your notebook or laptop and cozy up to a glass or a pint and good company, and let’s write! Come when you can, stay as long as you like.

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WWG Meeting tomorrow, Saturday June 1!

Posted on May 31, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for another meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

MEETING FACILITATOR: Jen

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • UPCOMING ACCC Event on Tuesday June 18, 6:30pm, Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 145 Engler Blvd., Chaska 55318)
    Flash Fiction Reading! Share your story of 700 words or less at the flash fiction reading event sponsored by the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County (ACCC). Sign up to read by entering 2024 Flash Fiction Reading in the subject line of an email and sending to:  literary@artsofcarvercounty.org This is not a contest.There are no subject restrictions but be aware that the general public is invited and is not restricted to adults. Readings begin at 7 p.m., preceded by conversation and refreshments. We hope you will join us. Be prepared to introduce yourself and the title of your story. 
  • WWG WRITER FUN NIGHT, Thursday June 20, 6-8pm, Schram Vineyard (8785 Airport Road, Waconia, 55387)
    We liked the vibes so much, we’re going back! Bring your notebook or laptop and cozy up to a glass or a pint, and let’s write! Come when you can, stay as long as you like.

 

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WRITER FUN NIGHT CANCELLED May 16

Posted on May 16, 2024 by waconiawriters

We’ll have to have some fun another time. 😦

While we are excited for future WWG Writer Fun Nights, due to the rain yesterday and the subsequent soggy conditions today, we’ve decided that sitting in wet grass in a park is: a) NOT fun, and b) not necessarily conducive to writing.

So alas, the May “third Thursday” (a.k.a WWG Writer Fun Night) planned for Cedar Point Park is cancelled. But don’t despair! We’ll be back next month (June 20 or thereabouts) for a whole lot of fun!

In the meantime, join us at our next regularly-scheduled WWG meeting at Waconia Library! Saturday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m.

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WWG Meeting TODAY, Saturday, May 4!

Posted on May 4, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for another meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

MEETING FACILITATOR: Jen

OPTIONAL PROMPT: “In the mirror, I saw…“

AGENDA ITEMS: It’s writing time! Today we will reserve most of the meeting time for some free writing. Bring your notebook, iPad, typewriter or laptop, and let’s get inspired!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • UPCOMING ACCC Event on Friday May 10, 7pm, Chaska Community Center Theater (1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska)
    The Triumph Of Spring: Words and Music is a live performance and a joint partnership between the ACCC Literary and Music Committees. Writers, poets and musicians are invited to perform to these prompt words: Sweet, Perfect, Long Ago, Roll, Flawed, That Was Fun and Make It Stop. To participate, send your request to info@artsofcarvercounty.org on or before May 6!
     
  • WWG WRITER FUN NIGHT, Thursday May 16, 5:30-8pm, Cedar Point Park (W. Lake Street & N. Cedar Street, Waconia)
    We’re going to enjoy a spring evening outdoors (if the weather cooperates)! Bring a blanket or a beach towel for seating; bring your notebook or laptop for your imagination! Come when you can, stay as long as you like. Let’s write!
     
    May the Fourth be with you!
     

 

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WRITER FUN NIGHT! Sponsored by WWG

Posted on April 17, 2024 by waconiawriters

Time for some fun!

WWG members have agreed that we’d like to try to arrange more opportunities to get together each month! We wanted to add some dates to the WWG calendar for casual meet-ups where we can read together, write together, and share our news on all things writing!

The date for our first meet-up is here! Thursday, April 18, 6:30-9pm, at Schram Vineyards.

Here are the details for this new series of meetings:

    • We are going to try Thursday evenings, once per month. Dates will be added to the WWG Calendar. We may adjust this to a different day if more people can attend.
    • Locations may vary for a while, as we figure out what works best for everyone. We’ll also try to find those fun off-the-beaten-path spots where we can enjoy some food and beverages too!
    • Attendance optional. Come when you can, stay as long as you like!
    • Bring your notebook, iPad, or laptop! Let’s write!
  • NOTE: We’re also keeping our first-Saturday-of-the-month meetings at the library, for readings, prompts, and sometimes critiques upon request. 

 

 

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3/2/24 WWG meeting recap, + exciting things coming up for WWG in April!

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Jen Lynn Anderson

Group Updates:

  • A small but mighty trio of writers met today, March 2. Although we did not tackle the prompt from last time (yet!), we were inspired by the multitude of directions such a fantastical prompt could take us! We talked about how sometimes it’s good to try out new styles, voices and genres of writing – for the writers who are entrenched in their genre of preference, and for the writers who are finding their voices!
  • A few of us are making the courageous step toward publishing, and we talked about how painful rejection can be (although it comes with the territory for any writer seeking this path). Whether it’s from agents or publishers saying no to the story of your heart, negative reviews on Goodreads, or entering a writing contest and never hearing back…. rejection can ache and discourage even the most seasoned wordsmith. It can be difficult to remind ourselves that just because something doesn’t work out in the now, it doesn’t mean it never will. And it absolutely does NOT mean you are a bad writer. We have stories that need to be told, and need to find the right people someday! Stay tuned for a blog post from Jen on this very topic, which will be posted under WWG’s “In Our Own Words” blog very soon!
  • WWG members have agreed that we’d like to try to arrange more opportunities to get together each month! We’re keeping our first-Saturday-of-the-month meetings at the library, for readings, prompts, and sometimes critiques upon request. We’d like to add some dates to the WWG calendar for casual meet-ups where we can read together, write together, and share our news on all things writing! Here are the details:
    • We are going to try Thursday evenings, once per month. Dates will be added to the WWG Calendar. We may adjust this to a different day if more people can attend.
    • Locations may vary for a while, as we figure out what works best for everyone.
    • Our first meet-up will be Thursday, April 18, 6:30-9pm, at Schram Vineyards.  

Anthology Updates:View from the Shore

    • Vendor News:
      • Two of our primary vendors closed their doors in recent years and we are looking to grow our audience for View from the Shore. We are continuing to seek out new vendors and expand our outreach to include bookstores in the Twin Cities area. If members have ideas or suggestions for possible vendors, please contact Jen.

Announcements:

    • ACCC events coming up in March:
    • For other March Events (check out Events page for full descriptions):
    • Call for blog posts authored by WWG members!
      • WWG is looking to showcase blog posts from members about life, experiences as writers, writing tips and tricks, the sky is the limit!
      • We want to feature WWG members, so we can continue to learn from each other and develop our craft, even outside of our monthly meetings.
      • If you’re interested, connect with Jen at WWG’s email to start that process.
      • Editing help is available too!

April Meetings:

Saturday, April 6, 10:30am. Waconia Library (Magazine Corner).
Thursday, April 18, 6:30pm. Schram Vineyards

Prompt for April 6: “In the mirror, I saw….”

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WWG Meeting Saturday, March 2!

Posted on March 1, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for another meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

MEETING FACILITATOR: Jen

PROMPT: (From a book of story generators, picked by attendees in the previous month’s meeting): “After being fired, a licensed cat-hair stylist slowly transforms into a centaur.”

AGENDA ITEMS: Let’s talk characters!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Poem submissions for the 2024 ACCC Poetry Contest are due March 15!
    • Residents of Carvery County (youth and adults) and adult non-residents, are invited to submit a poem for consideration in the annual Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Arts Consortium of Carver County’s Literary Committee!
    • Poems can be on the topic of the poet’s choice.
    • The deadline to submit poems will be Friday, March 15, at 11:59pm. 
    • INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION 
    • Winners will be notified in early April. A poetry celebration event is being planned for later in the month of April.

 

 

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WWG Meeting Saturday, February 3!

Posted on February 1, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for another meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, February 3, 2023

WHERE: Waconia Library, Magazine Corner

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

MEETING FACILITATOR: Mona

PROMPT: Bring a piece you’ve been working on in the new year to share!

AGENDA ITEMS: What are your writing goals for 2024? Let’s talk about our writerly hopes and dreams!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • CALL FOR POEMS (ACCC Poetry Contest 2024)
    • Residents of Carvery County (youth and adults) and adult non-residents, are invited to submit a poem for consideration in the annual Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Arts Consortium of Carver County’s Literary Committee!
    • Poems can be on the topic of the poet’s choice.
    • The deadline to submit poems will be Friday, March 15, at 11:59pm.
    • Additional instructions for submission will be shared early in February.
    • Winners will be notified in early April. A poetry celebration event is being planned for later in the month of April.
    • Stay tuned, more details to come!

 

 

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