Things that go bump in the night

   That was the topic for the Halloween-themed short story contest when the Baldwin Writers Group kicked off their 2012-2013 year of writing. The BWG convened October 20 at the Daphne (AL) public library where the staff graciously (fearfully?) turned a blind eye to the costumed members and guests that arrived for the meeting. 

BWG President
Nolan White

   Nolan White, president of the BWG, empaneled five published local authors of stories in different genres to field questions from the members about the challenges to writing and publishing all those marvelous and important words that are swimming around in writers’ heads. Writing, whether it's non-fiction or fiction, ghostly even, is a messy (you should see my office) and solitary (necessarily so) process. Carving out time and a place can be more than a little difficult, and we all have different problems to resolve. The meeting, I think, offered encouragement to the members that the work can get done. It just takes some patience, planning, and persistence. 
   I joined an author panel comprised of . . . 
 

L-R: Margaret, Elizabeth, Sheila

* Margaret P. Cunningham, the author of three romantic comedies. One of her favorite characters, Aunt Maisy, appears in all three of her books.

* Elizabeth Parker, author of true ghost stories (that’s right, true). She also writes short fiction and maintains a blog about paranormal happenings in the Mobile Bay area.

* Sheila Booth-Alberstadt, author of three children’s books. Sheila also has her own publishing company. Her Maggie McNair series features a wonderful impish child and is aimed at helping children in difficult situations. 

* And my Lyrical Pens partner, Mahala Church, who is the published author of short stories, personal essays, is a professional editor (including editor of four published anthologies), and the Azalea City Center’s in-residence creative writing instructor for students that range in age from the fifth grade to adult.

   It seemed to go well, lots of Q&A after the meeting plus I managed to chow down a good bit of the frightfully good finger food and wicked witch’s brew.

   That’s all for now. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I'll try to do the same. 

cj