My Talk to Writers Society of Jefferson County

Today in St. Peters, MO: Mostly cloudy, high 51 degrees.

Last Saturday the weather outside was brisk, but inside I was greeted to a warm welcome by the members of the Writers Society of Jefferson County. The group meets at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Festus, Missouri. My hands-on presentation, which focused on revision, was titled "Thirteen Ways a Bad Haircut Can Make You A Better Writer."

I'm always excited to get out and meet other writers, and the members of WSJC are a creative and lively bunch One gentleman in the back of the room sported a cap that read "Pearl Harbor Survivor." I wish there would've been more time to talk with him. Verna, who set up the meeting, was a charming host. She met me at the door and escorted me to the meeting room. She mentioned she attended Afton High School, where George Clooney did part of the filming of his latest movie. Ann, the WSJC president, mentioned she attended Little Rock High School during the "Little Rock 9" historic event, when President Eisenhower sent in the National Guard to ensure integration in the high school. What an amazing group of writers--each with a fascinating story to tell. I wish we got to visit more, but we got down to the business of writing.

Several members dazzled us when they read their on-the-spot writing exercises. During my wrap-up I encouraged them to attend workshops, network wth other writers, and enter contests. I reminded them of the Saturday Writers Workshop with Pat Carr and Regina Williams on Oct 24. I hope to see some of them there so we can visit some more.

Speaking of the Saturday Writers workshop, acclaimed writer Pat Carr will talk about "Vision, Voice, and Viewpoint." Storyteller Magazine editor Regina Williams will give tips on "Writing Query Letters" and will take pitches during the workshop. The early-bird deadline to register for the workshop and enter the contest is October 15. For details, visit the www.saturdaywriters.org website.