Most of our counties have one or two Netwest representatives, but we still need people in Transylvania County, Graham County and Cherokee County. We are able to reach more writers when we have a representative who makes himself or herself available to members, and who cares about those she represents. The best writers are generous writers, and I hope you will think about being generous in your county.
What can we do for others during a pandemic?
In this time of having to give up so much in our lives, I see our fellow writers lending a helping hand to others. I see people searching for ways to make their lives meaningful during this crisis.
I don't have money to give away, but I want to help our local food pantry which is feeding many, many people who can't work because their places of business are closed, who don't have a paycheck coming in and need to feed their children.
Estelle Rice, member and co-author of Paws, Claws, Hooves, Feathers and Fins, joined with me in offering all profit for the next month from sales of our book to the Clay County Food Pantry. This is done through City Lights Books in Sylva, NC where you can order online, and they will ship the books at a deep discount. I sent out a few emails and posted it on Facebook and my blogs, but hope you will help us spread the word. This helps our favorite bookstore as well as helping the food pantry.
I have been surprised at the response. One person thanked me for reminding her that she should send a check to the food pantry in her county. Another person who was once a member of NCWN-WEST simply sent a check for the Clay County Food Pantry. We all want to help when we can. Be creative. How can you use your talents to help others?
For four weeks in March, I taught a creative writing class for Tri-County Community College. We met once at the college, but three of the classes I taught online using Google Classroom. The students enjoyed it so much, I decided to teach another six weeks, but at no charge.
While we are home and looking for things to do, taking an online class is a way to keep motivated to write. It is good for me as well. I have learned a new skill and find that Zoom gives us a perfect way to stay connected. My students enjoy sending in a writing piece each week that we all read and offer helpful comments. I critique each individual story and send back to the author.
So, although I am self-quarantined, I am using this time to help others as well as myself.
On Friday evening, 7:00, May 8, we plan to hold another Writers' Night Out on Zoom. The April WNO was well-attended and enjoyed. I will host, and we will send out instructions on how to join us.
Rosemary Royston, our Netwest treasurer, wrote a post on her blog today that I want to share with you. https://theluxuryoftrees.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/the-art-of-losing/
NCWN will hold an online course on May 20, 7:00 PM.
Topic: "Revealing Character Through Dialogue" with Xhenet Aliu
I have been teaching this subject, and I hope to learn some new tips to pass on to my students. I believe that dialogue is such an important part of writing and often the hardest part. It is a perfect way to reveal character. If you haven't received an email about this class, go to www.ncwriters.org and you can register.
What are you doing to help others while staying at home and being safe?
Email me, pcncwnwest@gmail.com or leave a comment on this site.
From: Diane C McPhail
ReplyDeleteTo:
Hi there!
In breaks, many of them longer than I intended, I am making face masks for folks who need them. I’ve been posting them in batches on Facebook as they go. I happen to have volumes of excess fabric of all kinds of color and design stashed away in my art studio for various retreat projects. Now they are covering every surface in my office, where I have set up the sewing machine on my desk. Writing has moved to a sofa pillow on my lap in another room. I read about some people who make hundreds a day. I can’t accomplish that, though I’m becoming more speedy as I go. Yesterday I was able to finish sixteen. People respond to my posts wanting to buy one. No, these are to give away. It is a necessity that I can provide, a community need that I can fulfill. It makes me happy to create all these different designs. I actually applique' flowers , lady bugs, and butterflies on many of them. Interestingly, my WIP involves a seamstress who must depend on her skills to survive her husband’s abandonment. So in many ways, my “breaks” from writing are helping me to get inside my character.