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Website Archives

Articles

Poetic License Poetic License - Learn the rules about breaking the rules of the English language. Find some rigidity to your freedom of speech! By R. Michael Burns.

Plot Versus Focus Plot Versus Focus All books that are picked up for publication have one thing in common. They all have good focus. No, plot and focus are not the same thing. You can have a great plot, but if there is no focus, your writing isn’t going anywhere.. By Hollie Snider.

Show vs Tell Creative Writing 101: Show Versus Tell - Anyone who has ever taken a creative writing course or picked up a book on the subject has surely encountered the famous refrain: show, don’t tell! What I wasn’t so frequently told, though, was what exactly that dire entreaty meant.. By R. Michael Burns

The Country in the Mist The Country in the Mist - In ancient Greek theater, whenever things got too difficult for the merely mortal characters to handle, some deity would intervene. The actor portraying the divinity in question often was suspended over the stage by some impressive mechanical device intended to make the entrance properly awe-inspiring. From this theatrical form of divine intervention we get the expression deus ex machina — the “god from the machine.” And in modern writing, it is generally considered a major cheat. By R. Michael Burns

Wrier's Block: A 12-Step Cure Writer's Block: A 12-Step Cure - Most of us have stared at that blank page/screen with frustration, knowing that we have good ideas, just forgetting where in the heck we put them. Here's a few ideas on how to cure the most hated writer's problem. By Hollie Snider.

It's All English It's All English - This list is far from exhaustive, and it should also be remembered that in both the U.S. and the U.K. regional expressions and usages are common.. By R. Michael Burns

Brand X
This Article is Brought to You by the Fine Folks at Brand X - Brand names add a quality of specificity. Saying that Lisa drinks sparkling water is generally less evocative than saying she drinks Perrier. Familiar brand names can help define characters. By R. Michael Burns

Talking head Syndrome
Talking Head Syndrome - Ever try to stay awake while reading a full page of strictly dialogue? This article shows how to add a little action to spice things up without ruining the mood. By Hollie Snider.

He Said . . . She Said . . . Who Said? He Said . . . She Said . . . Who Said? - Ah, pronouns -- those wonderful words that cry out to the writer, “Love me, use me, I’m convenient,” only to whisper, “Identify me.” Think co-dependent. Without a noun to depend on, pronouns get questioned and can’t stand up in the spotlight. They become vague.. By Hollie Snider.

AFter the First Draft
After the First Draft - So, you’ve finished your manuscript or short story. Congratulations, that’s quite an achievement. Still, how do you know if it’s any good? Let someone else read it. Scary thought, isn’t it? By Hollie Snider.

On Honesty
On Honesty - It might seem a strange demand to make of an art which is, by its nature, concerned with making things up. But I would humbly suggest that honesty is vital to writing good fiction.. By R. Michael Burns

Interrobang
Interrobang: The Forgotten Punctuation - Need that startled, questioning exclamation for your prose? A nearly forgotten punctuation mark is revisited. By Hollie Snider.

Creating REalistic Scenes 1
How to Create Realistic Scenes Part 1: Physical Description - Having three dimensional characters is the key to a good story, but what about they interract with the world? This article tells the best way to offer description without overdressing the experience. By Hollie Snider.

Becoming a Novelist
Becoming a Novelist -People have asked me, "How do I become a novelist?" The answer is easy; hard work. The process is not.Becoming a novelist is not like becoming a doctor or an accountant. College creates these folks. It does not create the novelist. By Hollie Snider.

Writing Fiction
Writing Fiction . . . Why Bother? - Those of us interested in fiction talk a great deal about how to write -- and why not? Insightful analysis of our craft is an indispensable means of honing our skills. What we seldom discuss, however, is why we bother to write. By R. Michael Burns

Scene Versus Sequel
How to Create Realistic Scenes Part 2: Scene Versus Sequel - Scene versus sequel? It’s not what you’re thinking. A sequel is not just Part Two of something. Scenes and sequels are writing terms, and both are types of scenes. Confused yet? You won’t be. By Hollie Snider.

Fallacy of Minimalism
The Fallacy of Minimalism and Transparent Style - The concept that minimalist prose is somehow the optimum stylistic choice. By R. Michael Burns

Creating Believable Characters
Creating Believable Characters - Creating characters in prose is difficult, but creating three-dimensional ones is truly a challenge. This article helps authors get past the two-dimensional barrier. By Hollie Snider.

Art of Flashback
The Art of Flashback - The tangled issues of when (and how) to use a flashback effectively are addressed. By Hollie Snider.

10 Things
10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Writing - 10 of the most common, but often unmentioned, things about writing. By Deb Courtney-Bertha.

Interviews

PD Cacek Interview
P.D. Cacek Interview - I first met "Trish" Cacek at World Horror Convention 2000 in DColorado. She wore a fashionable black dress and an ape mask. I stared like a geek and wondered if I should introduce myself. She was,after all, the first editor to accept one of my stories for inclusion in an anthology (the Horror Writers Association’s Bell, Book & Beyond from the Design Image Group) and was also a frequent and friendly e-correspondent. But she also had a creepy ape mask on. It’s surprisingly hard to introduce yourself to someone in an ape mask.. By R. Michael Burns

Books For You
Spotlight on Books For You - A look at a well-stocked Colorado Springs Bookstore. By Henry Snider.

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Spotlight on the BookBroker - Colorado's largest New/Used/Closeout bookstore is showcased. By Henry Snider.

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Spotlight on the Front Range Fiction Writers - A Colorado Springs area critique group is showcased. By Sue Allen.

Reviews


Columns

We Made It
We Made It - CSFWG members win awards, teach and enjoy the battle of words at the 2007 Pikes Peak Writer's Conference. By Matthew Maloney.

Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl: "Split Infinitive" - The Grammar Girl answers the question of Split Infinitives. By Deb Courtney-Bertha.

Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl: "Too Tense" - The Grammar Girl addresses proper tense usage. By Deb Courtney-Bertha.

Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl: "Misplaced Apostrophe Syndrome" - A simple mark in the wrong place can have hilarious results. By Deb Courtney-Bertha.

Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl: "Politically Correct" - The Grammar Girl address politically correct name forms. By Deb Courtney-Bertha.

 

Literary News
BOOK SIGNING - REBECCA DUNNING
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:00PM at the Briargate Borders. Borders is located at 1710 Briargate Boulevard #209, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (in the Chapel Hills' mall) (719) 266-1600. "Join Zoë as she is captivated by the story of the peasant, Michaela. In this tale of poverty and pageantry, Michaela discovers that she was never made to be a poor, dirty servant, but a princess instead. The Real-Life Princess is a powerful tale about the beauty and identity every girl's heart can find when she encounters the One True King."
 
SPRINGS WRITERS
August 2nd, 2010 at Woodmen Valley Chapel, Rockrimmon Community, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (in the Stone Chapel). We are a group for any individual interested in writing. We provide networking opportunities, encourage writers to explore their creativity, write, and be published. We offer workshops taught by professional writers, agents, and editors to help writers sharpen their writing and marketing skills. We offer a FREE writing workshop the first Tuesday of every month, writing Intensives Monthly Newsletter Publishing opportunities in our publications, critique groups , book launch parties and book signings. Do I need to be a member of Woodmen Valley Chapel? No. Any writer in the Colorado Springs community and beyond can attend Is there a cost to join? No. However, some special events may require a fee to cover costs. Newsletter Sign-up or for more details call Scoti Domeij at (719) 209-9066 or Caroline Thurston at (719) 388-4980 Email: info@springswriters.com
 
WRITERS' GROUP
August 5th, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Working on your bestseller? Join the Writers' Group, which meets Thursdays in our Cafe. Dedicated writers hone their skills through a variety of writing exercises. Join them!
 
BOOK SIGNING - SUE ELLEN HANING
August 6th, 2010 at 2:00PM. Barnes and Noble Booksellers is located at 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (in the Citadel mall parking lot). (719) 637-8282. Please join us as we welcome author Sue Ellen Haning. Ms. Haning will be signing copies of her new book, Two Nuts in Italy, her three-month journey through Italy with her daughter. Please come meet our author and get your signed copy.
 
BOOK GROUP
August 10th, 2010 at 7:30PM. Barnes and Noble Booksellers is located at 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (in the Citadel mall parking lot). (719) 637-8282. Please join us for this month's discussion on The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi. For more information, please contact Mary Jo at 719.471.4592.
 
WRITERS' GROUP
August 12th, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Working on your bestseller? Join the Writers' Group, which meets Thursdays in our Cafe. Dedicated writers hone their skills through a variety of writing exercises. Join them!
 
BOOK SIGNING - ALLEGRA GRAY
August 13th, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Author Allegra Gray will be joining us to sign copies of her newest book: Nothing But Deception -- the story of artist Jean-Philippe Durand and his beautiful muse, Beatrice, Lady Pullingham. Looking to end summertime with a scandal? Come join us!
 
BOOK SIGNING - DONALD SAMSON
August 15th, 2010 at 2:00PM at the Briargate Borders. Borders is located at 1710 Briargate Boulevard #209, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (in the Chapel Hills' mall) (719) 266-1600. Join us as author Donald Samson signs his book The Dragon Boy and Dragon of Two Hearts. Books 1 & 2 of the Star Trilogy.
 
COLORADO SPRINGS WRITERS READING SERIES
August 16th, 2010 from 7:30-8:30PM at Poor Richard's Inner Space. Poor Richard's is located at 322 N. Tejon St. #224, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. An open mic for writers, with three to five minutes allotted for each author to share his or her short story, novel excerpt, poetry or non-fiction work. Donations appreciated.
 
WRITERS' GROUP
August 19th, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Working on your bestseller? Join the Writers' Group, which meets Thursdays in our Cafe. Dedicated writers hone their skills through a variety of writing exercises. Join them!
 
BOOK SIGNING - LINDSEY "MO" MORRIS II
August 21st, 2010 at 11:00AM. Barnes and Noble Booksellers is located at 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (in the Citadel mall parking lot). (719) 637-8282. Please join us as we welcome author Sue Ellen Haning. Please come join us as we welcome author Lindsey "Mo" Morris II. Mr. Morris will be singing copies of his new book, Mo Betta Cookn', a cookbook with traditional recipes and kitchen advice. Come meet our author and get your signed copy.
 
WRITERS' GROUP
August 26th, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Working on your bestseller? Join the Writers' Group, which meets Thursdays in our Cafe. Dedicated writers hone their skills through a variety of writing exercises. Join them!
 
CSFWG MONTHLY SATURDAY GROUP MEETING
August 28th, 2010 from 3:00-6:00PM. Panera Bread is located at 3120 New Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922 (in the Best Buy parking lot). (719) 637-3500. The monthly Saturday critique group meeting for the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. Submissions from the previous month are orally critiqued and discussed in a relaxed environment.
 
CSFWG MONTHLY SUNDAY GROUP MEETING
August 29th, 2010 from 12:00-3:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ the Citadel - 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 637-8282. The monthly Monday critique group meeting for the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. Submissions from the previous month are orally critiqued and discussed in a relaxed environment.
 
UNDER-GROUND WRITING PROJECT
August 29th, 2010 from 3:00-6:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ the Citadel - 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 637-8282. You are welcome to share your writing with the Under-Ground Project every last Sunday of the month from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. For more information, contact John Ridge at johnridge_2000@hotmail.com.
 
CSFWG MONTHLY MONDAY GROUP MEETING
August 30th, 2010 from 6:00-9:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ the Citadel - 795 Citadel Drive East, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 637-8282. The monthly Monday critique group meeting for the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. Submissions from the previous month are orally critiqued and discussed in a relaxed environment.
 
BOOK SIGNING - DONITA K. PARK & EVANGELINE DENMARK
August 21st, 2010 at 7:00PM at Barnes and Noble Booksellers @ Briargate - 1565 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 266-9960. Authors Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark will be here to sign copies of their new children's picture book The Dragon and the Turtle. When adventurous Roger the turtle gets lost, Padraig the dragon helps him find his way home. Get a signed copy!
 
CSFWG MONTHLY TUESDAY GROUP MEETING - NEW GROUP!
August 31st, 2010 from 6:00-9:00PM. Panera Bread is located at 7344 North Academy Shops, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 522-1100. NEW GROUP STARTING THIS MONTH! The monthly Tuesday critique group meeting for the Colorado Springs Fiction Writer's Group. Submissions from the previous month are orally critiqued and discussed in a relaxed environment.
 

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