Wekiva Writers is a writing critique group, the focus of which is to offer respectful, constructive criticism that honors the writer and the writing in order to help the writer make his or her work the best it can be.  The group’s purpose is not to impose anyone’s ideas on the writer or the writing, but rather, to give thoughtful and careful feedback for the writer’s consideration.  They meet every Saturday at Wekiva Presbyterian Church in Longwood.  Meetings begin at 9 a.m. and continue until they’re finished (which depends on how many people attend and how much work is up for discussion).  This fun, informal group is open to anyone who would like to attend—and it’s free!

On July 17, Jamie Morris, with Woodstream Writers, will be a guest facilitator to conduct a writing workshop.  She’ll demonstrate the popular Amherst Writers and Artists method that she uses as a writing coach and workshop leader.  Jamie is offering this terrific opportunity free of charge.  If you’d like more information or have any questions, please email Marcia Brooks at mlbrooks1@embarqmail.com

July 2010 Orlando FWA Meeting:

The Importance of Being Descriptive

Gerald Schiffhorst, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English at UCF and author of nine books and numerous articles and reviews is our speaker July 7, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Orlando FWA meeting at the University Club in Winter Park.  He will look closely at examples from recent fiction and non-fiction to see how important vivid, sensory details are to engaging the reader’s interest. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the FWA blog at www.fwa-orlando.org  or contact Rik Feeney, group leader UsaBookCoach@gmail.com.

 August 2010 Orlando FWA Meeting:

L.A. Screenwriter – Ron Riekki

My novel U.P. was nominated by National Book Award winner John Casey for the Sewanee Writers Series and two producers in L.A. have it in-development to turn it into a film.  I have an MFA in Theater Arts/Playwriting from Brandeis University, an MFA in Creative Writing/Fiction from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Literature &Creative Writing from Western Michigan University.  I’ve also been nominated for two Illinois Press Awards, have had my plays produced in seven states, and have had poetry in over about twenty publications.

September 2010 Orlando FWA Meeting

Julie Compton

Bestselling author of “Rescuing Olivia” and “Tell No Lies.”

Cup o Soul, a wonderfully cozy coffee house at 711-A Orange Avenue in Winter Park, Florida, will be hosting two events for local writers, one an old favorite recently revived, the other brand new. Many poets have lamented the loss of the Monday night poetry open mike, but it’s back(!), 7-9 p.m. every Monday.

The new event is the Second Saturday Pajama Party, 7-10 p.m. (to which you’re genuinely welcome to wear your PJs), featuring a different exceptionally talented local storyteller each month. This will be followed by an open mike. For both of these events, the format is family friendly and children are welcome, so we request that language and content be appropriate for all ears.

If you are interested in being featured on a Second Saturday, please contact Kathryn DiBernardo at kathryndibernardo@gmail.com  ASAP, because the schedule is filling fast. We look forward to seeing you at both of these events!

Check out Cup o Soul’s Web site at www.cuposoul.com .