Our writers group started a discussion about creative nonfiction that I want to continue. We all know CNF is grounded in “truth” – but what kind of liberties can the CNF writer take? In a memoir, for example, how accurate must conversations from decades ago be? Jump in with your thoughts.
Poetry for Valentine’s Day
Gina Raye Felts, who just happens to have been in my creative writing class last semester, has a poem published in this month’s Nashville Arts Magazine. Her beautiful poem, “Lyric,” is just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Freedom of Expression
Nashville artist Jorge Arrieta has his work in this art show in New York City. The exhibition, “Visual Voices: Freedom of Expression,” is sponsored by Fordham University. In Jorge’s words, there are “some freakin incredible artists” in the show. Way to go, Jorge!
Celebrating Robert Burns
Every year our writers group celebrates Robert Burns’ birthday in January with a night of poetry. Some of us write our own; some of us read favorite poems. Always at Doug’s house because he started the tradition, the poetry night has become one of our favorite Tuesdays of the year. Wearing plaid is mandated and there is even a kilt now and then. Where was the camera?
Manuscript to Publisher
This week Doug Jones and I finished our manuscript and submitted it to our editor at Berkley. A Season of Darkness is the Marcia Trimble story. It won’t be out for months, but I’m hoping to spread the word. People in Nashville have been captivated by the murder of the nine-year-old Girl Scout for almost 35 years. At last, her killer was convicted in the July trial. Doug and I have made every effort to tell the accurate and very detailed story. More about this in the months to come.
New Year’s Resolution
I resolve to be better about posting news on the website!
Halloween at our writers group
Each year we read original Halloween stories on the Tuesday night before Halloween. We were at Doug’s house, and Doug took the prize for the best Halloween story – but they were all wonderful! Phyllis dressed as Morticia and served as judge. And a good time was had by all.
Southern Festival of Books, 2009
For writers and readers alike, this is the best value of the year in Nashville – three days of free events, October 9-11. Check out the Southern Festival website for more information, including a list of the sessions you can attend. If you’ve never been to the Southern Festival, you will be amazed. And another amazing thing – for more than fifteen years now, the weather has always been perfect for the weekend of the festival.
True Crime Book in the Works
My friend and fellow writer, Doug Jones, and I are working on a new true crime book, A SEASON OF DARKNESS: THE COLDEST COLD CASE SOLVED. Read about it on our agent’s website here. We have sold the book to Berkley. Watch this site for more information about publication date.
Thank you for visiting my site.
Please take a look around and let me know what you think. This is a new adventure for me, and I’m looking foward to meeting other writers and readers – making new friends and connecting with old ones.
Have fun browsing!
Phyllis