Ada Writers

Writing Prompt

In honor of Extraterrestrial Abductions Day, March 20th

One of the most popular writing genres today is science fiction.

Here's your opportunity to test your comfort zone and write something about

aliens, extratrrestrials, outer space, invasion of earth, or anything else you want that has to do with this topic.

Use the photo as a guide or, if you prefer, come up with your own idea to

fit this genre.

Bring them to the next meeting! We will share them with the group!

Book Mobile Festival - March 30 10:00-2:00

Bookmobile Festival

Saturday March 30

10:00am - 2:00pm

Ada Library

Yes, the Bookmobile Festival is coming! Ada Library is hosting this event to let people know there are more things than books at the library. We have been asked, as a club meeting at the library, to participate.

Betty is the group leader for this challenge. We will have a table encouraging people to join Ada Writers, brochures about the upcoming Short Story Contest, members selling their books (and signing), members reading poetry or stories, a poster asking people to recommend a good book with sticky notes for their suggestions, a poster of our poetry contest winners and their poems, a hop-scotch mat for the kids, and possibly candy or cookies (of course).

Please plan on attending, at least for part of the time. If you would be willing to read a story or poem, have a book you'd like to sell. Let Betty know. If you'd like to help with anything else, let Betty know. This is a great opportunity to make ourselves visible to the community and encourage possible new members to join us.

Rennie St. will be closed for the block in front of the library.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the festival will be outside. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the tables will be set up inside. The bookmobile will be there no matter what. Have your kids or grandkids ever seen a bookmobile? Maybe this is their chance!

On a Personal Note...

We are into our 3rd month of 2019. I've changed the format of our meeting to include

talking about our art - writing. I'm trying to get members more involved in the meetings and to learn more about our craft. The first several meetings, I received great feedback. Everyone seemed on board. I thought we were moving forward as a club. We went from having four active members to eighteen at the end of today's meeting.

I'm not sure what happened but I've gotten the impression not everyone is not happy with the way things are going lately. No one has spoken to me about a problem. However, today several people chose not to vote on an issue. This is not good for the club. No one has to agree with me. You won't hurt my feelings. Just talk to me. I'm the president of the club, not because I asked to be. I was asked to run. I was voted in by the club members. Many people had talked about leaving the club unless something changed, including me.

I'm trying to move our club to do more writing and learning about writing. Things to help us improve our skills. I want us to support each other. To reach out into the community and encourage other authors. I want any child who wants to write to have the opportunity. I am not a teacher. I have taken many writing courses, but I am not an expert. I do not want to force my ideas on anybody. If you're not happy with the changes I've made, let me know. We can always go back to the way things were.

I'm part of Ada Writers Club. It's a club. A group of people with like interests. I am not the final say on anything - that's up to the club. I want what's best for the club, that's why I'm here.

If anyone wants to discuss any issues with me, please do so. You can add a comment to this post or you can call me directly. My numbers are 580-332-8373 or 580-235-5024. Like I said, you won't hurt my feelings. I won't be mad.

I love you all!

Debbie

Ada Writers President.

Today's Business Meeting

March 9, Business Meeting

First, I want to thank Clay for his presentation on computer storage. It was interesting and

informative. I wish we had more time so Clay could show us more. The business meeting went overtime. I've asked Clay to come back next meeting and teach us some tricks to help us be more efficient while writing. Thanks again, Clay.

The Book Mobile Festival is March 30th from 10-2 at the library. We agreed to have a table to represent our group. We will have books by Ada Writers club members for sale, hopscotch for the kids, a poster with the poetry contest winners, a poster for people to give book recommendations, and people reading poetry or short stories periodically. Thank you, Betty, for coming up with ideas for this project.

Janet from Legacy Portraits offered to take photos of each member of the club for the cost of $10 per person, to be used for Creations 2019. The club would be given a disc with everyone's photo to be used as the club sees fit. Any member who would like to buy additional photos for themselves can do so. Janet said she would give us a good discount for the extra photos. She wants us to come to her studio before or after one of our meetings so she can take all the pictures at the same time. The date for this will be announced. The club has agreed to accept this offer and to pay the $10 per person to assure everyone in the club is included.

Photos

Many of you have asked where I find the beautiful pictures I put on our blog. Well, here's my secret - Unsplash.com. Yup, A website of free photos that can be used at your discretion. I found it by accident. It's a collection of photos from various photographers who donate their works to be used by the public. It's their gift to the world. You can credit the photographer or not it's up to you. Plus, it gives the artist more exposure. So, try them out!

500 Words or Less, Yikes!

Ada Writers is hosting a Short Story Contest beginning April 30th.

It must be 500 words or less, no exceptions.

I don't know about you but this seems impossible to me. How can you possibly tell a story in just 500 words? Several fellow Ada Writers have proven me wrong in the past few weeks. I will not divulge their names, yet. I'm sure they will be brought to the spotlight soon.

Meanwhile, I have done some research. I found this wonderful website of free short stories to download and read: https://www.theshortstory.co.uk/resources/free-short-stories/

The stories range in length but several have 500 words!

I do believe the best way to learn is to read. There are many short stories out there.

A short story is considered from 500 to 20,000 words. I suggest reading those at the low-end of the list to get the feel for what a 500-word story sounds like. Then try to write one of your own. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

I am a writer...

About Theme ...

Theme

What is theme?

Theme is the underlying message or 'big idea' of the story. It's the critical belief the author is trying to convey about life in the writing of a novel, poem, play, or short story.
It transcends cultural barriers, it is usually universal in nature. When a theme is universal it touches on the human experience regardless of race or language.
It's what the story means.
A piece of writing may have more than one theme.
It is a statement about life.

In order for writing to be meaningful and lasting, it needs to have a theme. It must have a deeper meaning than just the words on the page.

Following are examples of themes in some well-known stories:

Lord of the Flies by William Golding - All humans are capable of evil, even children. Evil lives in the hearts of man.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry - Love is more valuable than any material gift.
The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 - Love your neighbor.

This Saturday is Business Meeting!

Business Meeting This Saturday - March 9

We will be talking about all aspects of the club and we want your input - so please come!

Have questions about why your computer is doing something? Want to know how to use certain keys or how to make your computer do what you want to do? This is your chance!

Clay has agreed to do a presentation of using the computer. He will be answering your questions. By the way, thanks Clay, for doing this.

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Fat Tuesday (known as the French - Mardi Gras ) Originally was the preparation for the coming of Lent and Easter. During Lent, believers were not to eat any animal products - meat, milk, eggs, butter, etc. So, Fat Tuesday became the day to eat these items and use them up before Lent Began. Of course, like so many other things, it has become a day of indulgence, and for some people, a day of hedonism. Anyone who has observed a Mardi Gras parade knows what I talking about.

Ash Wednesday is the day after Fat Tuesday and the first day of Lent. It is a Christian Holy Day of repentance, fasting, and prayer. Many denominations apply a cross made of ashes on the forehead. Ash Wednesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Old Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and some Baptists.
Because it is the first day of Lent, many Christians, on Ash Wednesday, often begin marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that they will not partake in until Easter Sunday arrives.

Do you have a memory or experience pertaining to either Fat Tuesday or Ash Wednesday? Write it down. Can you make it into a story, poem, or memoir? We'd love to hear it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, fellow writers!

Our Valentine's poetry contest is now over and

the winners have been chosen by our judges.

A special thank-you to Paula who organized, sent out the fliers,

collected the submissions, removed any information (such as names) and forwarded them to the judges, collected the winning poems, printed certificates, collected checks and sent them to the winners, AND sent out emails to every member of the club!

Whew! That was a lot of work!

The hard work paid off. We had a wonderfully successful contest with nearly forty submissions!

We appreciate you, Paula!

Thank-you to all those who submitted poetry for the contest.

The judges wished there were more categories so they could have more winners!

The winners and their poems are following. I hope you

enjoy them as much as I did!

Debbie Anderson, President of Ada Writers

THE FIRST PLACE WINNER - IN THE 2019 ADA WRITERS POETRY CONTEST IS ...

Glenda Benefield!!

CONGRATULATIONS, GLENDA!

To Be

by Glenda Benefield

A starfish and a butterfly chanced a meeting on the shore.

They eyed each other curiously as they never met before,

Like creatures of two different worlds, no likeness could they see,

But crossing paths by happenstance -- perhaps was meant to be.

Said the starfish in a voice forlorn, "Just look how you can fly!

Without a care to hold you down as you waft about the sky.

If I could only ride the wind into those realms unknown,

I catch a breeze and drift away -- so far from home!"

"But, sir," the butterfly replied, "I've often wondered so,

What lies beneath that water's edge as deep as one could go.

I'd let the waves drench over me and delve the ocean blue.

I can't imagine what I'd see if I could just be you!"

They reasoned back and forth some more, preferring one another;

The only thing they knew to do was try to be each other.

So the starfish pushed with all his might …. but never left the sand,

And the butterfly touched on the sea …. just to wash ashore again.

They sat in silence for a time with nothing left to say;

No longer wishing they could change but glad they'd met that day.

Then the butterfly stretched forth her wings, content with thought of flight,

And the starfish flexed his spiny arms, waiting proudly for the tide.

SECOND PLACE WINNER - PAT CHILDERS

The Fourteenth of Forever

by Pat Childers

There's the Postman, headed right to the door.

He's one and the same I've seen here before.

He picked up the mail I'm sending away.

But, oh my, he left nothing, this Valentine's Day.

I glanced to the porch and happened to see

an extra-large envelope addressed to me.

It was a very nice day, though windy and cold;

yet I hurried outside and lo and behold,

I opened that envelope and read the card,

while the wind took the envelope across the yard.

I held the best part, right in my hand.

I read what it said, and oh, it was grand.

My heart was so full now, and nothing was wrong.

My husband, the postman, had delivered his love song.

THIRD PLACE WINNER - NORA RAY

His Valentine's Candy Heart

by Nora Ray

He had sea green eyes and chestnut hair, piled on a six foot frame.

I fell for him on sight, yes, I had no shame.

I was filled with romance, filled with wild, wild, wishes.

Then I found out all he wanted … was Hershey's Candy Kisses!

I thought he might learn to love me; he just needed a nudge,

but I caught him hiding in the closet … with a plate of chocolate fudge!

I wanted a ring, but he shattered my heart into pieces,

When he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out … a Reeses!

I thought my love unconditional, even from the start.

Until I learned all he ever had … was a Valentine's Candy Heart!

HONORABLE MENTION - MRS SHARLA CULWELL - ENGLISH TEACHER

Mrs. Sharla Culwell, English Teacher with Asher Public Schools

encouraged her students to enter this poetry contest.

Over twenty of her students submitted poems, including

Kendal Pine, who placed 4th.

We applaud, Mrs. Culwell for encouraging her students to participate in

the Arts in this way! Thank you Mrs. Culwell!

HONORABLE MENTION - 4th PLACE - KENDAL PINE

Love in Seasons

by Kendal Pine

My love for you is undying

Like the evergreens in the cold crisp winters

It is patient like the water droplets in

a cool spring cloud waiting to fall

It is beautiful like the radiant and

delicate daisies in a summer meadow

It is vibrant like the vivid colored

autumn leaves falling from the strong oak trees

Valentine Poetry Writing Contest

Deadline is February 10 at midnight.

Have you submitted your poem yet?

Happy February!

Welcome to February! The shortest month of the year. Black History Month. Valentines Day. The Academy Awards. Presidents Day. National Cancer Day. Wear Red Day. Etc., Etc., Etc. Even National Pizza Day is in February! It's cold outside! Chicago's been down to -20F. Makes today's 45F in Ada much easier to take. We are all busy, we all have responsibilities and to-do lists, but we are writers. WRITERS WRITE! So add that to your to-do list. I challenge you to write every day this month. Too much - too soon? Then write every day this week! Don't have anything to write about? I'm sorry I don't believe that, but here's an idea - write about this sweet little bird with the cute little hat and muffler. Then bring it to the meeting next Saturday. We'd love to hear it! Really, we would!

What is the most misused word in the English Language?

The most misused word in the English Language is Irony. So what is irony? Irony occurs when a "state of affairs or an event seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is wryly amusing as a result." (according to the Oxford English Dictionary). An example of irony is: in the McDonalds employee health page, which is now shut down, employees are warned against eating McDonalds hamburgers and french fries.
For more fun examples of real life irony, go to https://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/funny-examples-of-irony/.

Take Care of Yourself

I recently found out that writers, in general, are some of the most unhealthy people in our society. That was surprising to me! What makes writers any worse off than other people? The answer is easy - it's the senditary lives they live. Let's face it, we sit in front of our computers or a notebook, slumped over, writing away. We get little exercise. Our butts are spreading, our eyes are dry and red, and our eating habits consist of a donut and cup of coffee, rather than a meal. I know that's what I do and I'd be willing to bet you do too. So what can we do about it? We have to write our books and stories. Are we just destined to bad health because of our choice of careers? Some of you are saying - "This isn't really my career - it's just a hobby!" Okay, but how much time are you in front of your computer during the day (or night)? How much exercise do you get? Following are some tips to help you pursue your dreams while still being healthy:

1. Once every 15 minutes, look away from your computer screen. Find a point across the room and look at it for several seconds. This gives your eyes the opportunity to refocus. Blink several times. Most people don't blink while staring at the screen. Blinking lubricates the eyes and will help with eye strain and dry eye. Use eye drops if you need them. Dry eyes can lead to infections, cateracts, poor vision, even loss of vision. Don't risk it. If you use eye drops often - use drops without preservatives. These drops come in small individual vials and can be used as often as you like. If you use eye drops with preservatives (anything in a bottle, like Visine) read the directions and only use them as directed. Most say something like not more than two to three times per day. That's right - Two to three times per day! Using them more often can cause a build up of the preservative in your eye and can make your eyes drier!

2. Get out of your chair at least once an hour. I can hear you now - "how am I going to finish my story if I'm getting up all the time?" Trust me you will, plus you will be healthier doing it. Get up, stretch, straightening your whole body. Do some twists, roll your shoulders, take some deep breaths, then walk. If you take 250 steps every hour you will average 10,000 steps per day! That is the guideline for normal living. Anything more than that is even better. While you are up, drink a glass of water and get rehydrated. I promise, when you come back to the computer you will feel refreshed and more productive.

3. Eat healthy. We all need to do this even if we don't write. Most of us are beginning to understand the ramifications of not taking care of ourselves. I know the last thing on your minds is cooking.After all, that novel isn't going to write itself! No problem. Take advantage of modern technology. Use your crock pot, make sheet pan meals, microwave a meal. Stay away from sugar! Sugar is toxic to your body! It is poison! Instead, make healthy, low salt soups. Im not talking about from a can although that is an option if necessary, make a pot of soup from scratch. It's easy to do and you control what goes in it. Make a large pot. Freeze individual servings for quick meals later. Same with stews, roast, beans, etc. All freeze well and can be divided into individual servings.
On the same note, if you have to snack make it a healthy snack - a piece of fruit, baby carrots and celery with home-made hummus, jicama sticks, apples with peanut butter. Put together individual servings and keep them in your crisper drawers, ready and easy to get to.

4. When you hit a block and can't figure out what comes next in your story - walk away! Not for ever but for a little while. Chances are your mind will figure out the answer if you stop and do something else. In my case, I usually end up doing the dishes or washing a load of clothes, but taking a short walk outdoors, playing with the dogs, working in the garden, all could provide the break you need.

5. Get enough sleep. Most people of a certain age need 8-10 hours of sleep. Many of us don't get that much. We have trouble shutting of our brains. Determine a decent bedtime. For some of us that may be 9:00 for others midnight. Whatever you decide, start preparing 30 minutes before. Take a long, leisurely bath. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Read a book. If you have a nightly ritual, your body will get in the habit of preparing for sleep. Then, turn off the light and go to sleep. If you can't fall asleep - try reading, listening to music, pay attention to your breathing. If this doesn't work and you find yourself tossing and turning - get up. You are going to frustrate yourself otherwise and exasperate the problem. Read more of your book, do a crossword puzzle, make a list of what you will do tomorrow. Eventually you will fall asleep. Try again to meet your bedtime tomorrow.

Whatever you do, incorporate some exercise into your day - every day. Do what you are capable of doing. That maybe walking a mile, riding a bike for 5 miles, swimming, or it maybe doing chair aeorbics, yoga, taking a zumba class. As the Nike slogan says - Just Do It!

Hello Writers!

Signs, Stumbling, Stumble, Fall, Warning

We held our first meeting of the year yesterday (1/12/2019). It was good to see everyone again after our holiday break! The new officers took their places and we got off to a good, but rocky start. We hit a few bumps in the road. I hope the issues we had won't discourage you from being at our next meeting. The actual meetings notes will be posted shortly, but meanwhile, I want to update you on some of the issues we were having problems yesterday -

1. I was trying to pull up our Facebook Page when what I had actually updated was our Ada Writers Blog. I admit😕 I am not a computer expert! To access our blog go to https://adawriters.blogspot.com.

2. I will check-in to getting out Facebook Page up and running. I will update you further regarding Facebook when I have more information.

3. Nora, our lovely treasurer did not have a current list of members yet. We will be sure she has one for our next meeting.

4. Our email address is: writersada@gmail.com

I think those were the main issues. If I think of anything else, I will let you know.

Debbie

President Ada Writers

Poetry Contest

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways ..." Elizabeth Barrett Browning

It's Poetry Month

We encourage you to write a poem with love as the theme.

After all, Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Your poem may be any style, it does not have to rhyme.

Here are the rules:

This contest is open to everyone, including members of Ada Writers, students, and the general public.

Next Meeting: January 12th, 11:00am. All are welcome!

Hello Fellow Writers!
   Just a reminder of our meeting this coming Saturday. January 12 at 11:00 am. Ada Public Library, upstairs in the 'Music Room.'
   Please, invite your friends!
   Remember, as this is a new year, dues are due.
That's $1.00 per month - $12.00 per year. What a bargain!
   See you Saturday!

New Officers for 2019

New Officers Elected for 2019

Debbie Anderson - President

Nora Ray - Vice President/Treasurer

Paula Pettit Skender - Secretary/Historian

Ada Writers Logo, designed by Sterling Jacobs

Hello fellow writers! This is my first post in my new position as Ada Writers President.
I must admit, I am a little bit intimidated. We have had some wonderful officers in previous years. I've had to wonder what I can bring to the table. Here's what I have come up with:

A love of all things writing!
A desire to support and inspire my fellow writers.
A fresh approach
A love of reading.
A desire to bring new writers to our group.
A desire to provide interesting speakers to teach and inspire us.
A desire to get to know more about our members.
The hope I can be a good leader.
The chance to work with our new officers.
A desire to somehow reach our community.

I know the list isn't much and it doesn't mean anything without action. So, I ask each of you to support me and the rest of the club this coming year. I know not everything will go smoothly. I'm sure I will stumble along the way, but with you here to help pick me up, we should be an even better success! I hope I can make a difference!

Debbie Anderson

President Ada Writers

Happy New Year, Ada Writers!

Join Us!

Now on Sale!

Buy from Lulu!

2/14 Presentation - Working with a Creativity Coach vs. Self-Coaching

We had great discussion and interaction while talking about working with a creativity coach or self-coaching. The audio file is taking longer to edit, but will be posted soon.

New officers!

Ada Writers elected new officers at its regular meeting January 24, 2015.

President: Jen Nipps
Vice-President/Treasurer: Kathy Akins
Secretary/Historian: Judy Walker-Clayton

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year!

from

Ada Writers

See you January 2015!

Ada Writers hosts program on unconscious bias in writing

ADA—Ada Writers will host a special presentation of “Hidden Ideas: Unconscious Bias in Writing” by Professor Rhonda Ragsdale at their last regular meeting of the year at noon, Saturday, November 22, upstairs in the Ada Public Library.

"Growing up, most of us were taught language rules that were designed by people who weren't thinking about inclusion," Ragsdale said. "Many of us don't realize the rules have changed."

“We’re excited to have Rhonda speak to us on this important topic,” said Ada Writers President Stephen B. Bagley. “It promises to be a lively, fascinating program. Her presentation will begin at noon after the Ada Writers regular meeting at 11 a.m.”

Ragsdale said that unconscious bias can be found in the work of many authors. "Every day, language all around us reveals old habits of speaking with bias; these are often biases we aren't even aware we are perpetuating. While some people want to diminish the effects of sexist, racist, or otherwise negative language, there are words that push readers away, create distance between people, and shape the way children and others think about the world."

Ragsdale is an Associate Professor of History at Lone Star College - North Harris, and a PhD candidate at Rice University concentrating on the fields of Southern History, African American History, and Sociology. The working title of her dissertation is "Black Towns of the United States: 1700s-1900s."

She completed her undergraduate work at Texas Woman's University, where she graduated with honors. She continued her academic career at the University of North Texas where she received a Master of Science degree, culminating with her thesis "A Place to Call Home: A Study of the Self-Segregated Community of Tatums, Oklahoma: 1894-1970."

After receiving a full fellowship award from Rice University, Ragsdale completed coursework, received a Master of Arts degree, and passed comprehensive examinations in the summer of 2007. Her ongoing studies include a certificate from the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexualities, which will be presented upon completion of her PhD.

Ada Writers is dedicated to the joy of writing and to aiding writers in any facet and level of their ongoing pursuit of writing well. It meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. upstairs at the Ada Public Library. Occasionally meeting times are changed to accommodate holidays and special events.