For those who missed the entire article as submitted here is the original version to enjoy. Rich K.
OV Writers Group Lending Support
Article: Rich Knoblich
Photo: by Bill Orkoskey
Imagine the glamor of being an author! The book tours, celebrity status, and rubbing elbows with the literati when your publisher announces to the media that your latest novel is being turned into yet another blockbuster movie project! Rumor has it that Oprah put you on her book club list. The money talk flows with the champagne at receptions. What will you wear to the book signing in LA? Excuse me, I better check the cellphone. It may be the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize people calling. It’s only Sis and you ease out of your Walter Mitty fantasy.
It seems many individuals have a desire to be published, not so much for the allure of fame and fortune, but for the personal satisfaction of having one’s work read by others. But time limitations and a lack of support puts a damper on their writing enthusiasm. The desire to be published remains an unfulfilled dream.
However, in August of 2009 a group of enthusiasts organized the first meeting of the Ohio Valley Writers Group. The informal group dedicates each monthly meeting to sharing information and experiences towards the goal of helping one another become published. Among the nearly two dozen aspiring writers are Jomana Krupinski and Joanie Murray.
Although the members of the OV Writers possess various talents and expertise levels, Krupinski and Murray developed a common approach. Each looked to Writer’s Digest, a magazine ‘devoted to helping writers develop their craft and hone their publishing acumen.’ Since 1920 the company has encouraged writing and publishing through its monthly magazine. Yet, WD keeps up with technical advances and has evolved into an Internet presence with a website containing a discussion forum, on-line classes, an e-newsletter, writing links, and writing conference information.
Krupinski, who has a BS degree in Environmental Studies from Wheeling Jesuit University, wanted to expand on her education. Acknowledging a creative desire she regarded freelance writing as a viable alternative. It allowed her the flexibility to work at home, raise her two children, and continue her education.
After subscribing to WD magazine she quickly discovered the many course offerings on their website. Dozens of online classes were listed ranging from six to 15 weeks with reasonable costs. Coursework and communication support was done online with email support from a knowledgeable instructor. Encouraged by her husband Mark, Krupinski successfully tackled many course assignments about writing.
Encouraged after a couple of articles got published Krupinski then wanted to venture into fiction. “I always dreamed of becoming a novelist, and as soon as I found out Writer’s Digest offered a course on the fundamentals of fiction writing, I knew it would be perfect for me.”
The online class addressed setting, plot, and crafting scenes in the first week. The feedback received “was incredible and extremely thorough” with the instructor also considering grammar, voice and viewpoint. The critique, by an editor who had published thirteen novels, was done in a professional and supportive manner.
Joanie Murray caught Krupinski’s enthusiasm quickly and was impressed with the information offered on the magazine’s website. Her search revealed ‘The Editor’s Intensive,’ a weekend conference held in Cincinnati, OH.
After a registering she emailed her manuscript two weeks before the intensive began to allow the editors time to read and critique. An appointment for a 30 minute one-on-one critique was made the week before to accommodate each writer.
“I was hoping to learn the secret to landing an agent,” explained Joanie. She received, “Positive feedback on my work. Though I still have a great deal of work ahead of me, I feel I now have the tools to make my manuscript the best it can be. I knew I needed help to find the flaws in my work and get it publishable.” Also, Joanie learned she needed a good hook in a great query letter to gain the attention of an agent.
Now the hopeful authors have the support of a local writing group for direct face-to-face feedback. And with the perseverance these women are showing towards their writing, readers may soon enjoy a satisfying book from these aspiring Ohio Valley authors.
The OV Writers group is open to everybody interested in writing or publishing. The informal meetings are held at 7:00 PM the third Monday of each month at the Joe Muggs Cafe located within Books-a-Million at the Highlands in West Virginia. For information contact Rich Knoblich at knoblichr@verizon.net or 304-232-6436.
Recommended Sites for:
Writing in general see Writer’s Digest - www.writers digest.com
Help on Children/Young Adult genres see - Alice Pope’s blog - www.cwim.blogspot.com
Literary agents see - guidetoliteraryagents.com
While Jomana Krupinski was a student in Wheeling Jesuit University’s MBA program she contributed to the book Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion by Edward Younkins. She has been published in several online magazines and contributed business articles for WJU’s website. She is currently working on a young adult novel Ordinary. ReviewFuse.com awarded her second place in a contest for initial chapter.
Joanie Murray and her husband Bryan have been married for 13 years. She works as an office manager for DRD Consulting in St. Clairsville, OH. This Mount de Chantal graduate attended WVU and the Community College of Southern Nevada. She competes on the Hunter Circuit with their three horses. Two dogs and three cats help fill the house.
Rich Knoblich is author of Talking ‘bout the Relatives a collection of his award winning tall tales from the WV Liars Contest. He is currently working on a book of ghost stories and was the ‘Ghost Host’ for Steel City Bus Tours in Pittsburgh.
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