Finding Your Writing Groove

Come to the January 11, 2012 meeting which will feature CCW authors C.B. Forrest, Nadine Doolitle and Brenda Chapman on a  panel exploring such issues as:  finding the time to write, getting started on a book idea and keeping the plot and series going.

Where did these authors come up with their ideas? How do they keep a manuscript on track? Is outlining the way to go or is it better to let the muse guide the writing?  All of these issues and more will be probed by moderator Wynn Quon as he attempts to get to the bottom of their writing processes, their experiences in  the world of publishing and their advice for up and coming writers.

Please note that we will be meeting at 7:00 pm at the Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch, Laurier & Metcalfe in the Auditorium.  

Panel bios:

Brenda Chapman is the author of the Jennifer Bannon mystery series for young adults. Hiding in Hawk’s Creek, the second novel in the series, was shortlisted by the Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians for the 2006 Book of the Year for Children Award, and was selected as an ‘Our Choice’ by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Brenda has also written several short stories that were published in an anthology (When Boomers Go Bad, RendezVous Crime 2004) and various magazines, including Canadian Living. Brenda’s first adult murder mysteryIn Winter’s Grip was released in 2010, and was followed in 2011 by The Second Wife, a Rapid Reads mystery, recently nominated for the 2012 Ontario Library Association  Golden Oak award.  Her YA novel, Second Chances will be released September 2012. Brenda is Past President of Capital Crime Writers and was Publicity Chairperson for Bloody Words 2009. She works as a senior communications advisor in the federal government.

Nadine Doolittle is a Theatre Arts graduate from Vancouver Community College Studio 58 Program. Her debut novel, ICED UNDER (Bayeux Arts Press, 2008) shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel in 2009. Her second novel, THE GREY LADY is scheduled for release February 2012 from McArthur and Company (Toronto). Nadine lives in Alcove, Quebec and is at work on her third novel, THE RIVER BRIDE. She is represented by Diane Banks Literary Associates (UK).

Wynn Quon has recently embarked on  mystery writing.  He has two Audrey Jessup short story Awards to his credit.  He is a finance and technology analyst/investor.  He has had articles published in the online edition of the Globe and Mail, the National Post and Readers’ Digest. He is the Program Director for Capital Crime Writers.

The Capital Crime Writers December dinner was held at KS on the Keys with special guest author Howard Shrier from Toronto.

He gave several readings and spoke about how he completed his first novel.  Based upon advice from well-known story guru, Robert McKee, he said he focussed on getting the story straight before writing any scenes. He filled three notebooks with raw material for the novel. He set himself a daily writing schedule and in a year he had 400 pages of what he thought was a final draft.  He managed to find an agent who took a look.  She liked it enough to ask for a rewrite. This took over a year but the effort was worth it.  Buffalo Jump won the Arthur Ellis for best first novel.

The evening was well-attended with over forty mystery buffs enjoying delicious food, pleasant company and an insightful guest presentation.  Thanks to all who attended and a special nod of appreciation to Howard!