B.J. Hollars shared his vision for the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild on Thursday, February 25 in the Volume One Gallery at The Local Store in downtown Eau Claire. Image: Michael Lundebrek
By Erin Stevens
Rewind: BJ Hollars, “Jump Off The Cliff And Build Your Wings On The Way Down: A Welcome And A Look Forward"
Did you miss the CVWG’s kick-off Craft Talk? Can’t remember all the details from last month? Looking for the photo of BJ Hollars as a young Goosebumps enthusiast? Then you’re in the right place! (Though sorry to say, I can’t find the photo…)
BJ’s opening Craft Talk was a great way to bring everyone together to talk about why the Guild was formed. In short, there have been many individuals asking about writing groups and literary events in the Chippewa Valley; however there wasn’t a community for these individuals to turn to. Thus, the Guild was born!
Now that the CVWG has formed, our overall goal is to be inspired, and be inspiring to others. Through education, collaboration with others, and celebrating one another’s accomplishments, we want to create a safe place where our writing community feels comfortable sharing their work. We also want to build a community that inspires us to keep writing.
BJ also talked about the importance of being good, literary citizens. How can you be a good literary citizen? I’m glad you asked! You can do the following:
- Start or join a writing group
- Register for one of the residencies at Cirenaica
- Attend our Craft Talks and Open Reads
- Volunteer your talents
- Become a contributing editor or presenter
Ultimately, this community is what we make of it. Attend Craft Talks and participate in Cirenaica. Help fundraise or contribute a column to our newsletter. Be part of making the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild a truly great community.
Be inspired, and be inspiring!
Fast Forward: Patti See, "Writing Where You Live: Making The Most Of What You Have"
On deck for our next Craft Talk is the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s very own Patti See! Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 31st, at 7 p.m. at the Janet Carson Gallery, as Patti will talk to us about place, and using the setting you have for your story or nonfiction piece. Here’s the excerpt for her Craft Talk:
“How do you tell the real story that exists in your material? Pulitzer prize-winning author John McPhee says, “Creative nonfiction is not making something up but making the most of what you have.” Quality writing is built on choosing what to include, and, more importantly, what to leave out, especially when writing about where you live.”
So set an alarm on your phone or make a note on your hand, and be there. If you struggle with writing about place, then this is one Craft Talk you won’t want to miss!