St. Simons Island Writers Retreat:
The Atlanta Writers Club, Georgia Writers Museum, and St. Simons Island Writers are presenting a writing retreat designed to help you relax, recharge, and write!
When: Wednesday, November 6-Saturday, November 9, 2024
Unlike many such events that are so intent on offering value that they overwhelm participants with activities, leaving no time for creative output, the AWC-GWM-SSIW retreat is designed to give you ample networking and learning opportunities while also providing long stretches where you can further develop your work-in-process, get inspired to start something new, or just rest and rediscover your muse in the stay-cation setting you get to call home.
Our featured speakers are award-winning memoirist and journalist Wanda Lloyd, debut novelist Celestial Holmes (aka Mbinguni), and award-winning historical fiction writer and SCAD professor Jonathan Rabb. In addition, Atlanta Writers Club officers and members of St. Simons Island Writers will participate in writing panels on the paths to publication and marketing tips. (Originally the line up included the award winning novelist Tina McElroy Ansa, however, regretfully she passed away in September and Wanda Lloyd will speak on behalf of her friend and talk about her work.)
The registration fee of $250 covers all activities above, but as a special offer to SSIW members who might only be interested in the speaking events, a discounted fee of $100 is available by using coupon code SSIW2024 when completing the registration form.
October Author Highlight
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I’ve been writing in one form or another all my life. As a small child I would write stories about my imaginary friends. During my teens I was fortunate to have an English teacher who encouraged and mentored me to use my creative imagination to write short stories. It was during a graduate program I was taking that my husband sustained a cerebral aneurysm and nearly died. My professor, seeing my devastation, asked me to detail the events surrounding my husband’s illness and how it had impacted my life. Through his encouragement I published my first non-fiction novel, Connie’s Story: A Triumph of Love. It was later used by the brain injury unit of the hospital where my husband was treated as a guidebook for survivors.
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My greatest strengths as a writer are my character development. I am an observer of human nature. I understand love and loss. Through my personal as well as my professional experiences I have learned so much from listening to people. Being a good listener is critical to becoming a good storyteller. My earliest memories were stories told to me by my grandmother. Her struggles as a young girl arriving in this country from Italy with nothing but a small suitcase and a dream.
I struggle with keeping my descriptions short. I love to ramble on about the details. To me a book is like a tapestry. It is the richness of color, the depth of design, and the story it shares with those who see it.
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My publishing journey has been thrilling, humbling, and at times scary. As authors we share our most intimate thoughts with the world.
It can be intimidating and wonderful all rolled into a perfect bound tome. Will the readers love it? Will the publishers print it? Can my fragile
ego handle the harsh reviews as well as the generous ones? I was told long ago by my mentor, “Write from your heart. Write for yourself.”
I've also written a historical fiction series, Lucia-Mistress of Monteforte, The Ruby Heiress, The Gypsy’s Prophecy and The Child Bride
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The Chameleon Chronicles: Book One-The Missing Lieutenant which was just released July 24th, 2024 is based on a true story which I have fictionalized. It is a psychological thriller with a poignant exploration of personal loss and recovery. It is an intricate plot, featuring a charismatic yet ruthless conman, a resilient widow, and a determined crime unit leader. The setting takes place in the opulent Hamptons. It is a mix of thriller, crime, and romance all set against a ticking clock. What ensues is a battle of wits where two equally matched opponents try desperately to outdo the other.
With the resources of his elite team of investigators, Commander Jonathan Meyers is determined to not only capture Michael Pearson an international criminal but to save Abigail Baxter from his clutches. Who will be the victor?
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The advice I share with anyone who wants to write is to be true to yourself. Writing is a gift we share with others to bring them joy. When I read I want to feel something. I want to experience what the characters are feeling. Sometimes when I’m writing a particularly sad scene I cry. I want my readers to feel the way I do. These are not just words on a page. These are emotions; sometimes happy, sometimes sad or angry. The reader needs to feel it. This is a creative craft that needs to be nurtured. Write everyday of your life. Write only a sentence but discipline yourself to write daily.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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We offer Writing Workshops and Seminars where authors, publishers, and editors from across the country come to discuss their process and help us grow. We also have monthly Critique Groups for fiction, nonfiction/memoir, poetry, and children’s literature. Finally, we host social events to connect local authors - because we’re all better at our craft when we have the support of our wonderful community.
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Critique Groups usually meet monthly to read and give feedback on current works in progress. They have approximately 4-8 people per group, and groups meet at various times during the day to accommodate a variety of schedules. Our members are constructive, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable to guide and encourage one another. Several of our members are published and have a wealth of wisdom to offer all stages of the process. There are groups for any genre of literature you are working with, and we’d love to have you join! Email Melinda at melinda@mfarris.me to join.
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Membership in the SSIW is included with your membership to the Literary Guild - which starts at $10 annually. Contact Melinda to be placed in the critique group that best suites your needs: melinda@mfarris.me