Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

The first week of Craig Clevenger's 200 Proof Storytelling writing course is over.  Reading material consumed, Sexy Beast case study completed and first writing assignment turned in.   The experience has been intense.  The excitement of meeting everyone and learning from Clevenger is a few days has left my head spinning.  Over the weekend, the class was divided into critique groups.  Each of us were in charge of critiquing our groups' dialogue assignment.  What a great idea!  Not only can I take in the lectures from the comfort of my home, but I don't have to travel anywhere for the workshop.   Wrong!  Reading a peer's work and making comments isn't too hard.  When I have more to say than the comments written on the writing I find myself in a jam. My feedback felt light and unhelpful.  In a more traditional setting I'm afforded the opportunity to verbally explain myself to the writer.  In the online classroom, you ...

Yesterday marked the first Bucks County Writer’s Group meeting.  Two fellow NaNoWriMo participants and I met up in the café at Borders Bookstore in Langhorne, and with cookies and coffee in hand we dove into the critiques.  Alex  submitted the beginning of her Young Adult (YA) novel and I submitted a horror short story.  I was nominated to go first; Alex wasn’t ready to face the firing squad.  To avoid interruption and to keep the discussion moving, the author is “killed”.  My frazzled nerves and motherly protectiveness over my short story made it difficult to remain “dead” during the critique, so I shoved cookies in my mouth to stifle any attempt to defend or respond. I took notes to refer to later and realized all the constructive criticism was spot on.  Their feedback mirrored all the questions I asked them to focus on while reading my piece.  I was convinced I would want to throw myself out a window after listening to my piece being rippe...

Everything requires bubble wrap and warnings to avoid complaints and lawsuits when someone invariably gets hurt or offended by something they encounter in the world. The Internet immediately brings information to us when asked, and with the lack of restrictions comes the responsibility to ensure visitors are aware of the dangers and possible PG or higher-rated material. The following material (violence, sexual content, foul language, etc.) may not be suitable for you. I knew I might discuss controversial topics or use adult language on my blog, so I included a warning. Is this necessary? I believe it is and isn't. I wouldn’t want someone to stumble upon something only to have the disturbing images permanently burned into their memory, although, a little shock could do them some good (I am still battling with my public image). Living in a bubble causes damage as well, folks. And I certainly wouldn’t want children to see something that might possibly steal away the...