ThrillerFest is an opportunity for writers to take classes and pitch their work. Click the image above for more information.

Today a member shared a breakthrough in her writing process when she began thinking of her writing as a “story” instead of a “book.” This mental shift freed her from the burden of writing a book, and allowed her story ideas to flow.

A new member told us about an opportunity to submit short plays (no more than 15 minutes) to their Playwright Festival. Find more information at https://carrollcountyartscouncil.org/playwright-festival/

A member shared the beginning of a humorous play in which two octogenarians celebrate their birthday with a sip of wine.

Today we heard from two members. The first was the beginning of a humorous story about being a student at a Catholic School in the 1950’s. The second was an excerpt from a novel about an arsonist’s revenge.

Today our members shared where they are at in their current projects. Some are deep into the project, some are rewriting (some not for the first time), while some are taking a break and toying with other things. Member F. suggested sharing your work with others as a way to up your motivation to write, The enthusiasm others may show in anticipation of reading your work can be contagious. And, you may feel accountable to others. Finally, we discussed the “R” word: rejection. For those wishing to get published rejection can be disheartening, but we must persevere. Even many of the most famous writers were, at one point, rejected by publishers. And even if your work is never published, you haven’t wasted your time.

This week, member B. shared a spoof on the Declaration of Independence based on his experience trying to buy an RV. It’s a tale of heartbreak, betrayal, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Today member Terry shared the idea of requesting a permanent space for us at the library where members can post their work. Please contact Kathleen if you have any input on this idea or would like to participate.

We discussed the similarities between Larry Gelbart’s musical “City of Angels” and the movie “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006). In each story, a writer’s character has come to life and confronts the author.

Finally, member J. discussed a portion of her autobiography in which she has a near-death experience in a blizzard.

The Westminster Agricultural Center Winter Market will host local authors on Saturday, November 4. Stop by to meet the authors, see their books, and maybe buy a copy.

A member shared their poem inspired by “Cubist Landscape” and Monet’s “Waterlilies.”

A member shared resources for character development, including the “Wheel of Emotions,” “12 Character Archetypes,” and questions to consider when developing a character.

Today in the Eldersburg Writing Group we discussed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs) This theory of psychology uses a pyramid to describe the needs that must be met for personal growth, from physiological needs (food, water, warmth, and rest) at the base to self-transcendence at the top. This pyramid could be used by a fiction writer to guide character history and development. Similarly, a non-fiction author refer to the pyramid to elucidate a person’s situation or motives.

We also welcomed three new members today. We hope to see more of them in the future!

A member introduced us to a reference book called “Descriptionary.” The Descriptionary is a thematic dictionary that lists and describes anything and everything, from types of hats to occupations and phobias. The poem “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins was shared. We also learned about “Poetry Unbound,” a poetry podcast, book, and more.