I like to bring a lightness to writing itself, no matter the difficulties and trauma of stories. Many have heard me say, “have fun writing.” And that’s the truth. It does not mean that writing isn’t hard work just because it’s “brain and heart work.” But for ourselves AND our READERS we need to sprinkle the light touch among the heavy scenes of thrillers and romances, of historicals and Sci-Fi, creative nonfiction and more.
Plotting Penny will give us a hand. She’ll be “pointing” to particularly important tips and suggestions for writing a publishable memoir or story or essay. Look for this image, Plotting Penny – I call her “my scruffy sailor” – residing (presiding?) over the big middle of story. Those who know me won’t be surprised to see the sailing background. And with the help of graphics, a cartoon likeness.
Have you hit a roadblock on the story you’re writing? Gone so far and no farther? Not sure what needs to be included? Not sure where to start?
YOU’RE A PERFECT FIT for one of our Writers’ Circles Meeting in 6 week sessions.
Writers’ Circles gather Tuesdays at 7 pm in person in my West Fort Worth home.
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, in-person or zoom.
Thursday night group, 7 pm, ZOOM.
Writers Circles: “They are a little creative ecosystem”... said one.
Ongoing Writers’ Circle Benefits
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A place to ask questions and find answers among writers who gather and their differing life experiences.
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A camaraderie. Writing can be lonely when on a long stretch.
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Others who want you to succeed offer praise plus suggestions.
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Small groups (8 max) to raise conviviality and crush intimidation.
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University level instruction to name a few.
People often choose to continue on, letting the weekly meeting serve as a “deadline” for writing the next chapter or piece. Six Week Circles are 2.5 – 3 hours, once a week and an ongoing writing experience for those who choose…
“Carmen’s life experience as a reporter, author, activist, lecturer and world class storyteller is invaluable in helping writers find their own stories.”
SO SAYS , Kay Dial, Dallas essayist and memoirist, Producer and host of The ’76 Nation, a podcast has been a regular participant in Carmen’s classes, Writers’ Circles and SMU classes.
- As a teacher of classes called “Writers Circles” where up to 8 people gather – in person or online weekly, I present info on writing and story crafting, each participant (if they wish) reads their writing and receives reinforcement about what’s good as well as how to make it better.
- Special interest workshops and writing retreats
- Occasional conference or guest speaking gigs about writing.
- AND a small e-book, “Let’s Write…and have Fun!” published last year.
- This year a couple of special interest workshops have been: “Memoir Writing” and another, “Spiritual Writing Workshop.” More to be scheduled.
This small e-book is chock full of writerly tips from the basic how-to of story and style to the wisdom of a plethora of writers. It’s about various strategies from breaking free of “writers’ block” to fine-tuning your writing, so that it sings, not stumbles across the page. Consider it a short and snappy “how to” or an easy stroll for review.
An E-book on how to write…better:
Let’s Write…and Have Fun, $9.99.
THE BEGINNINGS: A Simple Request launched Carmen’s
Fort Worth Writers’ Circles:
Sixteen years ago, while looking to write a book, a Fort Worth man, Jim B. asked: “Will you teach me? At your house?”
That simple question and a “yes” began two Writers’ Circles in my living room. COVID chased us onto Zoom and now one group has returned to the living room; another is a split decision, and the newest, THE THIRD, has remained on Zoom with writers from different towns, cities and states. All are a good mix, engage in vigorous discussion and readily accept ways to “make it better” whether “it” is a poem, short story, memoir, nonfiction or a novel.
A founding principle, “brag first and then offer suggestions for making it better” I learned from Dr. Pam Kelly head of instruction for the former Writer’s Institute in Connecticut where I trained as a teacher. She was a master teacher. And it makes sense that we can more readily accept critique if we’re not hit with “what’s wrong” right off the bat.
That guiding philosophy prompted Writers’ Circle members to make a sign and name us “Scribblers’ Sanctuary,” now also the name of the newsletter.
By the way. Sign up for “Scribblers’ Sanctuary”
if you haven’t; share it with another. It’s FREE! Readers receive a monthly (generally) issue. One month is devoted to writing and the next to Texas history.
Writers’ Circles
To begin each class, I offer bits ‘n pieces of writerly wisdom on some element of story or style. Then members read their work and receive responses.
- Novels
- Short Stories
- Essays
- Articles
- NonFiction books
- Memoir
Each Circle session runs for six weeks, then a new one begins for another. Many writers continue, relishing the camaraderie, feedback, motivation and learning while working on longer writings.
These groups are small, 8 people max.
To talk more about how a Writers’ Circle might fit your writing and your schedule, or to register, get in touch by phone or EMAIL.
“I’ve been attending the Tuesday Writers’ Circle for over six years, as I have worked on two historical fiction novels. Carmen’s guidance and feedback has been invaluable for my projects, and the group feedback has been a powerful resource also. The weekly meetings keep me motivated and making progress…”
For 16 years, men and women have knocked on the door of my writing place, my home, “Scribblers’ Sanctuary,” nicknamed by those early students who made the sign on the front door.
David Ekstrom
I speak and teach at writing events – conferences, conventions, retreats and writing organizations. — Carmen Goldthwaite
Some of what others have said about conference programs where I spoke or conducted a workshop:
“Dear Carmen,
Houston writer/editor and beautiful poet Sarah Cortez at East Texas Writers Guild Conference
I have to confess that I felt as though I could listen to you all day long! Thank you for your graceful and classy presence at the conference!”
“You alone made the conference worth attending, and I’m looking forward to hearing you again.”
Caleb Pirtle after Northeast Texas Writers conference
Previous events & topics
Storytelling Events, multi years, at Pioneer Farms – Telling stories of the “little known or long forgotten” women at Pioneer Farms, a living history museum on the northern outskirts of Austin.
Weatherford Public Library – “Weaving Genealogy into Stories” and “Finding Your Story.”
The Texas Writers Guild, Point of View
East Texas Writers Guild conference—Scene & Setting & Point of View
Northeast Texas Writers Organization, Point of View, Description with Movement.
Fort Worth Public Library, Finding the Story & Memoir
Dallas Fort Worth Writers Workshop Conferences 2011 – 2014: Addressing Dialogue, Creative Nonfiction, Finding the Story, Setting Scenes & Description & Movement, Narrative Nonfiction.
Professional Insurance Communicators of America (PICA); “Storycraft”
The Texas Writers Guild, “Creative Nonfiction”
National Novel Writing Month in November (NaNoWriMo), “Dialogue, the Tension Engine of Fiction”
Texas Writers League Annual Agents Convention, “Voice, Suspense & Style,” Austin, TX
Creative Writing department, “Dialogue” and “Story,” Woman’s Club of Fort Worth
Novice writing classes at First Christian, First Methodist and Arlington Heights Christian Church, all in Fort Worth
If you’re a writer, want to be one, or pro, “have fun writing.” If you’re a reader, enjoy! And thank you.
–Carmen Goldthwaite