July 15: Kadena Library Conference Room, 10:30-12:30 This meeting will be a feedback session, which means that you are encouraged to share your work with group members for feedback. In particular, I would encourage you to email your requested submission for feedback to me (judith.mcneely@faculty.umuc.edu) at least one week before this meeting. Alternatively, you…Read more Upcoming Okinawa Events for Summer 2017
Feedback vs Feel Bad
"Well, I tried to read it, but... sorry, I couldn't get past the first page." If you've ever put your creative work out for other to see, you likely did so wincing with trepidation, unsure what to expect. Do they love it? Do they hate it? Did he just laugh? At what? Did she just…Read more Feedback vs Feel Bad
A Writer’s Strength: Knowing Your Type
Michael Phelps is one of the greatest swimmers in the world, but he only competes in certain relays. Usain Bolt is the fastest man alive, yet only enters select races. Why? Usain may be fast in the hundred meter, but stick him in a marathon, and he might not do so well. As a writer,…Read more A Writer’s Strength: Knowing Your Type
In Focus: Categories for Characters (PG-13)
The focus of your character. In this blog, I will most likely polarize readers. Everyone--well, almost everyone--wants their hero or villain to be memorable in some form or another, and most mistake unforgettable with the nobility of cause or menacing aura. In a little while, I will analyze the elements, but for now, let's explore…Read more In Focus: Categories for Characters (PG-13)
Uprooting and Taking Root
When we prepared to move back to Okinawa, my kids were dealing with the all-too-frequent hardship of leaving behind their friends. I wrote this free-verse poetry, thinking of the advice I’d rather not give them, even if it applies: Push those roots down But not too deep Widespread roots come up easy Ripping away some…Read more Uprooting and Taking Root
Poll
What would you like to read about? What could I write that would help you? Do you want me to post some of my work or would you rather me type up more on writing? Post comments or questions below to let me know!
Setting the Mood with Music
What puts you in the mood to write? Is it a sudden moment of inspiration? A nap? Watching a movie or TV show? Once you start writing, what keeps you there? I have found that my focus comes in the form of music while writing. Perhaps it is because I am a musician or that…Read more Setting the Mood with Music
Flawed to the Core: Building Character
Think back to a movie where the character unexpectedly came to life. What memorable role was it? Who was the actor? How did that person seem larger than life? Thinking back to movies where the actor went beyond the expectations are seldom, but they are with us forever. Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight…Read more Flawed to the Core: Building Character
