Our hearts go out to a member of our group of critiquers, Carolyn, on the death of her husband. Carolyn, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Although our group was small yesterday, Peg and Jane and I got a lot done, critiquely speaking. I was reminded once again of how essential it is to have other ears than mine listen to what I’ve written, and friendly but critical minds thinking of better ways to say what I want to say.
Peg has just started reading a new book, The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall Smith. She is looking forward to this book, that promises to be a really good one, well-written and exciting.
Peg has just finished reading Dial M for Mousse by Laura Bradford. She liked it because of the excellent characterization.
Another book, which shall remain nameless, Peg did not like. Why didn’t she? Because the author jumped around, leaving one character and situation and, in the next paragraph, jumping to quite another. Authors, beware! Remember all those good rules of writing we learned.
Jane has been working on a story about Blueberry, the carriage horse. She was inspired to write this because of a trip she made to Philadelphia. and the carriage horses there. She is also writing a story about walking to school as a child. Her route took her through the woods and Jane, ever observant, remembers fondly this time of childhood freedom and vivid imagination.
Peg and Jane listened to my chapter of the current work-in-progress, offering suggestions and reinforcement. “Have Ned call out to Pat, thinking it was Pat’s footsteps she heard.” “Tell us about Ned’s clothes. She was crawling through a dusty attic. Was she wearing jeans or coveralls?” “There should be more internal conversation once Ned hears someone. She isn’t scared at first.”
These were all valid and helpful observations. I am grateful for this group of Cozy Critters and the valuable input they provide to my cozy mysteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Blanche-Day-Manos/e/B0090018EI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1516886949&sr=1-2-ent
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