Emerald Coast Writers

We had a wonderful program and turnout last night for our first open mic and meeting of 2023 with the theme of writing outside of the comfort zone. Thank you to our guest speakers, Andrea and Pat, for sharing wisdom, tips and examples with us. They were greatly appreciated. Thanks to our readers for sharing your beautiful words with us. We learned about haibun style, persuasive writing, writing in character voice, using light and dark elements in writing visually and in words and much more. We look forward to bringing you great programs this year. Stay tuned for more helpful, encouraging events happening within Emerald Coast Writers.

5 Research Tips for Writing Historical Fiction

Some more writing tips on historical fiction! A follow up to our successful virtual workshop in November led by Vanessa Riley.

5 Research Tips for Writing Historical Fiction Author Piper Huguley shares her five research tips for writing historical fiction that readers love and writers love as well.

10 Tips for Creating Your Own Graphic Novel

If you're looking for a new genre to investigate, consider the hottest one out there.

10 Tips for Creating Your Own Graphic Novel The graphic novel has had a major impact on readers and writers for years. Interested in writing your own? Graphic novelist Joe Lee shares his 10 tips to create your own graphic novel.

January Open Mic: Write Out of Your Comfort Zone!

(At a Special Date and Time)

Writers, we are entering a new year. And we are kicking off our first Open Mic at a new date and time for this month only. Join us for this one-time, special event on January 24th at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the first 30 minutes will be greetings, updates, and post-holiday talk. Since it's a new year, it's time to think outside your comfort zone and how you can write in new ways and possibly in new genres, formats, and styles. Two ECW members will serve as our guest speakers. Andrea Walker and Pat Black-Gould will share how they've pushed themselves outside their comfort zone and found a successful new path. Their stories will inspire you and hopefully cause you to think differently about your own writing goals and success. The open mic will follow. If you know you want to read, sign up ahead of time. Please read something new or at least new to ECW that hasn't been shared at an open mic before. If you know you'd like to read, let host Mandy F. know so she can plan for you. We hope to see you there. Pre-register your attendance at the link sent to ECW members in the January Legend newsletter. If you're not a member, you can join anytime or come as a member's guest!

MAD's Monday Muse | Always Observing

MAD's Monday Muse | Always Observing LIN MANUEL MIRANDA: "I think if you want to make a recipe for making a writer ..." [More at the link]

A submission opportunity!

The $10,000 Dorset Prize deadline is just over two weeks away! Send us your unpublished poetry manuscript for an $8,500 cash prize plus a week-long residency at MASS MoCA or a writing cabin in Port Angeles, WA, worth $1,500 - PLUS publication by Tupelo Press, 20 copies of the winning title, a book launch, and national distribution with energetic publicity and promotion.

https://www.tupelopress.org/dorset-prize/

Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023

A nice variety of what to expect in 2023

Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023 Happy New Year, readers. 2022 had its ups and downs, along with some very good books. But now that you’ve read all the books last year had to offer (right?) it’s time for a brand new li…

Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space | American Experience | PBS

Coming Jan.17 on PBS, Florida's noted author Zora Neal Hurston. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/zora-neale-hurston-claiming-space/?utm_source=whattowatchnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=secondarypromo6&utm_content=20230113&utm_campaign=americanexperience_2023

Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space | American Experience | PBS Meet the influential author and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Also a trained anthropologist, Hurston collected folklore throughout the South and Caribbean — reclaiming, honoring and celebrating Black life on its own terms.

Our Youth Writing Contest is now open for submissions. Please encourage young writers to enter. More https://wflf.org/news-details/post_detail/2023-youth-writing-contest

Lawrence author, musician Melvin Litton is driven by passion for creativity

Fascinating article about the author of the Indie Book of the Year! Of course if you've ever lived in Kansas or been to Lawrence, it's especially interesting!

Lawrence author, musician Melvin Litton is driven by passion for creativity Lawrence author and musician Melvin Litton walks his German shepherd, Jack, through the Barker neighborhood every evening. He might be shaping sentences in his head or exploring literary ideas as he walks, eager to scrawl them onto his sketch pad once he’s home again.

Conversations with Jeff Weeks | Dr. Pat Black-Gould | Season 14 | Episode 8 | PBS

Our ECW member and author Pat Black-Gould was featured recently on WSRE PBS TV Conversation with Jeff Weeks. Her interview aired in time to honor the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th.

She joined Jeff to discuss her book about a hidden child of the Holocaust, The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey. The link to watch the interview is:

https://www.pbs.org/video/dr-pat-black-gould-nalk7o/](https://www.pbs.org/video/dr-pat-black-gould-nalk7o/

Way to go, Pat!

Conversations with Jeff Weeks | Dr. Pat Black-Gould | Season 14 | Episode 8 | PBS Jeff's guest is Dr. Pat Black-Gould

Writers, how do you feel about Mondays? Have you ever personified a day of the week, a month, a season, or an object? It makes for an interesting writing prompt and a way to get out some feelings too.

Years ago, one of our members of Emerald Coast Writers, Mandy, wrote an ode to the days of the week. Here was her short write-up about Mondays that she published...

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"Dear Monday,
You sneaky little b*tch! You just slipped right out from under me. Why do you whisper and tiptoe around acting like we don’t know you’re coming to ruin a perfectly good weekend? You make me manic. You’re not my fun day or my run day. You never have my coffee ready on time. Jimmy Buffet never serenades me like he promises so you better shower me with love, and not via raindrops. You know how rainy days and Mondays always get me down…."

(an excerpt from Mandy Fernandez from her Days of the Week published piece)

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Now don't you feel a little bit better about your Monday, today? We hope so. Share any of your thoughts and short writeups on days of the weeks or this season we're in. Remember that you can join Emerald Coast Writers at any time. Current members, remember to renew your membership soon! You can renew online at https://wflf.org/product-details/product/single-Membership.

We have a fun program planned for our January 24th meeting and Open Mic. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your work this year!

Not Just for Kids: 5 Techniques All Writers Can Learn from Picture Books, Part 1 | Florida Writers Association

Such a great read -- can't wait to read Part II!

Not Just for Kids: 5 Techniques All Writers Can Learn from Picture Books, Part 1 | Florida Writers Association Although fun to read, and short, picture books are not easy to write. They require laser-like precision, elegance, humor, and a deft hand at using writing techniques. The picture book writer must do everything—or almost everything—a long form novelist must do and do it in approximately 500 words...

Tune in to WSRE Friday, Saturday or Sunday to see member Pat Black-Gould!

2023 Sunshine State Book Festival

https://www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com/index.html?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

2023 Sunshine State Book Festival Book Festival celebrating Gainesville as Florida's Literary Culture center

Good advice for later in the year.

You Are My Sunshine with Sean Dietrich

An excellent interview with two regional writers with national audiences. Sean Dietrich (Sean of the South) tells of his latest book while also talking about editors, authenticity, his writing methods, research, writing daily, and his cycling adventure during the pandemic. Great listening!

You Are My Sunshine with Sean Dietrich In this week’s episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts bestselling author Sean Dietrich, the columnist widely known as Sean of the South.Listen as Se...

An interview with Melissa Smith of Bodacious Bookstore - Books Forward

An interview with Melissa Smith of Bodacious Bookstore - Books Forward What’s your favorite area of your bookstore? My favorite area of the bookstore is the cozy gray chairs near the window. The lighting is perfect for reading and the chairs are so comfy! I also absolutely love our children’s area, which looks like a lighthouse. It’s so magical. What’s the cool...

Please invite your friends to like our page and help us reach 1000 followers.

Writers’ Resolutions | Florida Writers Association

Writers’ Resolutions | Florida Writers Association As each new year approaches, we savor the feeling of a fresh start. We make plans, set goals, and even those of us who won’t openly admit it probably come up with a few resolutions for the new year. For many writers, those resolutions often involve word counts, page counts, … Read More »

Binge-Worthy Books of 2022

These regional favorites of 2022 look interesting! https://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/literature/binge-worthy-books-of-2022/

Binge-Worthy Books of 2022 Our annual roundup of the year's locally-inspired literature

Binge-Worthy Books of 2022

Need to catch up on 2022 reading? These regional favorites look interesting https://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/literature/binge-worthy-books-of-2022/

Binge-Worthy Books of 2022 Our annual roundup of the year's locally-inspired literature

One of our members, Patricia Taylor Edmisten, shared this poem "The Bicycle Helmet," in our recent December Legend publication. Enjoy this piece. We love showcasing our members' creativity. Join our group and share your words and inspiration with us! Members, it's time to renew for next year! We have a lot in store for you in 2023! Enjoy this holiday season, everyone!

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Title: The Bicycle Helmet
By Patricia Taylor Edmisten

It’s Thanksgiving.
My old muscles need to move
after the long car ride,
so I risk riding my son’s bike,
managing to swing a leg over
that killer bar.

My son gently places a helmet upon
my head. He fastens the clasp and
checks to see that the fit is good, asking
if I can get a finger under the chin strap.
I feel nurtured, as though a child,
and I love it.

60 Examples of Hooks for Books

60 Examples of Hooks for Books This post collects 60 examples of hooks for books. Also called elevator pitches, these book hooks show real-life examples in a variety of writing genres for fiction and nonfiction books.

One of our members, Mandy Babin Fernandez, shared this reimagined poem that is to be read in tune with the song, "O Christmas Tree," in our recent December Legend publication. Enjoy this piece that she personalized after decorating her tree this year with family and reflecting on the years of ornaments and memories in her family. We love showcasing our members' creativity. Join our group and share your words and inspiration with us! Members, it's time to renew for next year! We have a lot in store for you in 2023! Enjoy this holiday season, everyone!
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Our Christmas Tree, Our Family
(a reimagined poem to be read in tune with the song, “O Christmas Tree”)

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
Showcase the past and present day
Fun memories with each display
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
Childhood painted feet and hands
Pinecones, princesses, frying pans
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
We laugh at poorly painted crafts
Dismayed we ever wore those hats
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
Our first Christmas together needs a shine
Yet Disney World ornaments still look fine
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
From candy canes to a banana split
Coffee mug, Captain Kirk, each one’s a fit
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
Grandma’s hand painted figurines
Two of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
Though not the prettiest on the block
Each fixture truly means a lot
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
You illustrate our family
By: Mandy Fernandez

(Photo of the Fernandez family decorating their tree in 2022).

Congratulations to ECW member Pat Black-Gould on the second big award for her book The Crystal Beads: Lalka's Journey. The book was one of the two winners in the Children's Picture Book (All ages) category.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Northern Lights Book Awards! https://northerndawnawards.com/2022-northern-lights-book-awards-winners/

Carve out some writing time in the holidays. Try a three-liner for starts!

Pondering 2022 Writing Life Lessons

A interesting view as we consider our writing goals for 2023.

Pondering 2022 Writing Life Lessons By Julie, planning on decking the halls after I schedule this post Some months coming up with a blog topic for the Wickeds is easier than others. This month, because of the season, I’m a bit …

THROW BACK THURSDAY. Though our name has changed, our legacy and library remain because of the generous gift of a loving widow. Thank you, Cassidy Family, for helping preserve the writing and inspiring writers of Northwest Florida.

Check out our 12 Gifts for Writers --an Emerald Coast Writers holiday gift-giving guide for the writers in your life, or for yourself! Thank you to ECW member Mandy Fernandez for compiling and writing this list and article for you to check out! 'Tis the season! Make it a memorable one and make it a practical tool for the wordsmiths you love.

https://wflf.org/Christmas-Gifts-for-Writers

Congratulations ECW member Karen McAferty Morris who recently published her poetry book entitled "Significance: Poems of Small Encounters." This book is now available from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Karen's collection of poetry is an expanded version of the chapbook that was awarded Third Place Overall in the National League of American Pen Women's prestigious 2021 Vinnie Ream Medal Competition. The publication also contains color photographs that complement the poetry.

Thank you for sharing your words with us and the world.

Submit!

Tupelo Press wants to read your submissions for a poetry anthology, The Last Milkweed. Send us poems on, about, over, under, or inspired by milkweed, autumn grasses, autumn leaves, or anything else autumnal in feel or in fact, for a photography / poetry anthology on, of course, the autumn season! Jeffrey Levine will supply the photos. You’ll supply the poems. Please include some element of hybridity in every poem. Interpret that as you will. Fresh work only, nothing previously published.

Starts now, ends December 15th.

https://tupelopress.submittable.com/submit/242889/the-last-milkweed-anthology

New owners and a historic partnership open Jack Kerouac’s St. Pete home to the public

You may be familiar with the Orlando Kerouac home which hosts writers-in-residence, but now Florida has another genuine Kerouac home working with writers and poets.

New owners and a historic partnership open Jack Kerouac’s St. Pete home to the public A decade of grassroots organizing, and the city's historic designation, has opened the door.

We hope our attendees had an enjoyable and educational experience today at our virtual writers conference! Our board members and volunteers worked hard behind the scenes putting it together. Special shout out and thank you goes out to our president, Tom Roberts, who put in hours and hours of time to create the website, schedule, guides for volunteers and so much more! He was the driving force behind today's event. Please leave a kind comment and feedback for him if you attended and / or after you watch the recordings. Great job, Tom, and the conference team!

Our virtual writers conference is happening all day and off to a great start! Thank you to our speakers, participants and volunteers for making this possible!

Award winning author Chris Crutcher tackles a tough subject as one of our top ten authors during a daylong virtual workshop on Saturday, Nov. 12. Recordings available to all tickets holders. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emerald-coast-writers-writing-conference-tickets-433238958387

10 Top Authors. 10 Topics. Prose and Poetry. No matter you're genre, there's a workshop for you. Saturday, Nov. 12. Join us for our virtual workshop. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emerald-coast-writers-writing-conference-tickets-433238958387