Mieke Zamora-Mackay's Character Workshop

By Dawn Byrne

After taking Mieke Zamora-Mackay’s popular outlining workshop, I was thrilled she volunteered to cover another writing topic. Saturday, May 28th, I headed over to the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library on MacArthur Blvd. in southern New Jersey’s Haddon Township for her workshop titled, “Crafting Characters That Touch Readers’ Hearts.” Like other writers I know, I’m constantly sharpening my writing tools and looking to improve my craft.

Even with the holiday weekend in swing, the conference room filled with members of the South Jersey Writers’ Group. I wasn’t surprised - Mieke knows her stuff. Mieke’s two brave teenaged children were available to Young Adult Fiction writers for interviews to assist with realistic dialogue and characterizations.

I appreciated the folder of hand-outs to take home. The huge notepad Mieke wrote on not only spoke to my love of old school materials, but was kinder on my eyes than any digital screen I’ve had to squint at from the front or back row.

One of the writing exercises was to create a character sketch from pictures Mieke handed out. Mine was of three young woman dressed fashionably, sitting on padded bleachers. I’ve done picture prompts before but, because of Mieke’s presentation, I notice nuances I hadn’t before when doing one. Kevin Stephany, who also used a photo visual, commented on the SJWG’s Meetup site. “I may have enough material to generate a story off of it.” Me too.

Surrounded by my writing and critique partners, along with new and other established members, artistic energy comingled as our group took in the presentation and utilized the quiet writing time. This always incites me to begin and sustain fresh ideas.

My selfish self is wondering if Mieke will present yet another workshop, and which topic she’ll choose.

If you'd like to participate in one-of-a-kind workshops like this, please look into the South Jersey Writers' Group for more members only events like this.

Special thanks for the photos taken by SJWG members Ewart Rouse and Dawn Byrne.

Current SJWG Blog Roundup

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh, Mieke Zamora-Mackay, and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella continued reviewing films and shows for her blog, “I Think, Therefore I Review,” including Season Two of "White Chapel," which she thinks is slipping.

Dawn Byrne recollected a story about her green 1970 Chevy Nova in her post “Not So New Nova.” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t so reliable.

Joanne Costantino’s maintained the same group of girlfriends for over forty years, which is beautiful and impressive. There’s nothing like a day away from the family laughing with the girlfriends to recharge one’s batteries. She tells the story in her post, “Happenstance and God Giggles.”

Jennifer M. Eaton keeps very active over at her blog writing advice to help fellow writers learn from her mistakes, as well as reviewing books. Particularly helpful, considering she is quite accomplished despite having a full time job and a family, is her post answering the question: “How the heck do you write all this stuff?”

Marie Gilbert, who wears an awful lot of hats, has a group of friends to go with each one! She reflected on her many friendships in her post, “Walking the Tightrope of Friendship” at her blog, Gilbert Curiosities. Marie also reviews several television show for Biff Bam Pop!. This past month she also reviewed The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sarah Hawkins-Miduski continued writing about her many experiences in Disney World over at The Obligablog throughout January, but she also took a break to share her favorite reads of 2015.

Memoirist and short story writer Victoria Marie Lees takes a stab at writing a synopsis.

We have a real-life bull runner in our ranks. Peter N. Milligan clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about bull running in Pamplona.

Author Randy Ribay shares his #OscarsSoWhite thoughts.

Kevin Stephany reviews one of the most influential and controversial books on writing out there, "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty.

Jessica Walsh has a story in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog" and don't forget to check out her terrific blog, The Cracking Nut.

Founder Janice Wilson talks about "Total Worth" on her website Soothing Prose.

Our Outreach Trustee Mieke Zamora-Mackay has been reviewing "The X-Files" for Biff Bam Pop!. Check out what she thought of the new season here.

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to 'Like' the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, 'Follow' us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

SJWG Member Roundup for September 2015

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh, Mieke Zamora-Mackay, and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella reviews some interesting Spooky, Suspenseful, Short-Lived Shows.

Dawn Byrne shares a lovely memory of Grandma in Brown Vinyl and Gray Drawers.

Joanne Costantino honors a lovely lady named Kathy.

Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton is up for an award!

South Jersey Muicipal Liason MK England's got some pretty cool printables for NaNoWriMo.

Jord Fox is letting go and redirecting his efforts to something better.

Steampunk Granny Marie Gilbert reminds us that when we jump off ledges, we give ourselves a chance to soar.

Barb Godshalk welcomes September… Well, sort of…

Sarah Hawkins-Miduski presents an 'apples to apples' comparison of attractions at Disneyland vs. Disney World. Which on reigns supreme?

New member, Jessica Hunter, shares 6 Exercises To Find your Character’s Voice.

Victoria M. Lees shared her ideas for the beginning of her memoir and asked her readers for some opinions regarding at what point in her life to drop the reader. Beginnings are tough.

K.A. Magrowski reviewed At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past over at her “sort of blog” Literary Debauchery.

New member Peter N. Milligan, author of Bulls Before Breakfast, shared his interview with NPR about his book.

Robin Renee wrote about her recent travels, traveling companion and how she navigates polyamory. Also check out the post for some upcoming tour dates.

Randy Ribay debuted his first novel, An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes. Check out the book trailer, then be sure to pick it up.

Kevin Stephany memorialized Nobel Prize winning author William Golding.

Loretta Sisco toured the memorabilia of monsters and serial killers here and here.

Shelley Szajner published a short story in one of the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. You can buy Dreams and Premonitions here.

Rich Voza posted two more chapters of his work in progress, Dreamlands, here and here.

With the new TV season in full swing, Glenn Walker has picked up reviewing "The Flash," "Doctor Who," "Arrow," and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Jessica A. Walsh continued to uplift us all with her blog, The Cracking Nut, teaching us the language of love and support, and reminding us that meeting our goals is possible and attainable

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to Like the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, Follow us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

SJWG Member Roundup for August 2015

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh, Mieke Zamora-Mackay, and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella reviewed four Arthurian enchantments. King Arthur fans should check these out.

Dawn Byrne shared a brief but eloquent story about how she knows when she’s home.

Joanne Costantino shared her wisdom about the importance of letting go in her post, “Repurposing Bitterness, Cutting Loose the Emotional Ball and Chain.”

Jennifer M. Eaton posted a wrap-up of the ten-week series with guest author Donna Galanti on getting your manuscript past the gatekeeper. In this post you will find links to all ten parts, including topics such as character development, world-building and pacing and tension. Very helpful stuff!

While MK England awaits exciting news, she distracted herself by participating in the #PimpMyBio Contestant Blog Hop and elaborated on who she is, throwing in some .gifs for fun!

Mark Galarrita writes first drafts of short fiction and he’s posted another one this month called, “It’s Really Not a Big Move.”

Ron Geraci lost his mother to lung cancer on August 16. She was his best friend and best editor, and we offer Ron our deepest condolences. He wrote a beautiful tribute to his mother and posted information for how you can donate in her memory to the Joan Geraci Memorial Scholarship fund, which will help to support a Rutgers University student at the School of Social Work in Camden in New Brunswick.

Everyone's favorite Steampunk Granny, Marie Gilbert, had her first book signing since Saving Solanda, the second book in her Roof Oasis series, was published. She changed her look for this novel and her robot companion, Patty, who stars in the series, was dressed to match!

Jessica is breaking the rules here and simply linking to Sarah Hawkins-Miduski’s August posts because how can she possibly choose one Disneyland post out of five!? All the food, all the photos - she is ready to pack her bags and leave this roundup mid-sentence. Who else wants to stow away in Sarah’s luggage?

New member Jessica Hunter shared some excellent advice for dealing with writer’s block. Take it scene by scene.

Funny man James Knipp wrote about current events in a sense with his post on the awkward conversations thousands of men are having with their wives this month thanks to hackers.

Victoria M. Lees talked about restructuring her memoir over at her Adventures in Writing blog.

Lisen Minetti wrote an open letter to literary agents, examined her dreams, and fought in the Pitch Wars.

Gail Priest wrote a terrific blog post on her Three Tips for Getting back to Writing.

In between gigs in New Jersey and Ohio, Robin Renee continued to record with her podcast partners at Audacious Eleven this month for four new episodes. You can check them out here.

Randy Ribay has had a busy August, was interviewed by Geekadelphia right here, and is prepping for the release of his first book, An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes, on October 16th.

Kevin Stephany reviews Merrily We Roll Along presented by the Burlington County Footlighters.

Loretta Sisco shares the plight of the poor old black cat. Show a black cat some love on Black Cat Appreciation Day.

Our dear Vince Sparks haplessly finds himself in the middle of the US Women’s World Cup ticker tape parade.

Author Cassandra Ulrich shares with us why she wrote A Beautiful Girl.

As writers, it is incumbent upon us to elevate our writing to a professional and mature level. Rich Voza shares a few examples of how to show that your piece is written by a grown up.

Glenn Walker and the team at Biff Bam Pop! honor the late Wes Craven.

Jessica A. Walsh continues her journey of self discovery through her empowering post "Story-telling: The Work 101."

Inspiration Sunday returns to Mieke Zamora-Mackay's blog, Love and Joy, in the hot month of August.

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to Like the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, Follow us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

SJWG Member Roundup for June 2015

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Kristin Battestella shares the New Jersey Author Network's upcoming events in this post

Dawn Byrne reminisces about boring Saturdays at Grandma's in "Faith, Science, Cigarettes, and TV Tea Leaves." She has also recently joined Twitter, Follow her here.

Joanne Costantino channels her father when she suddenly declares the kitchen a "No Phone Zone."

Jennifer M. Eaton shares exciting news that her novel Fire in the Woods was picked up for national distribution by Barnes & Noble in this post. She also explains what an option book is here

MK England recommends 25 books for summer reading. See the list here.

Ron Geraci shares some thoughts on iconic news personality Brian Williams, and liars in general in this post.

Survivalist Marie Gilbert lives to tell the tale after a tornado and getting lost at her grandson's graduation over at Gilbert Curiosities. She also continued reviewing the television series: "Penny Dreadful," "Defiance," "Twin Peaks," and "Orphan Black" for Biff Bam Pop!.

Traveler Sarah Hawkins-Miduski recaps her recent trip to California with posts on Balboa Park in San Diego and the Welk Resort in Escondido

Amy Holiday reviewed five books this month, including The Fault in Our Stars and Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time.

James Knipp expresses thanks to everyone who attended the Philadelphia Writers' Conference this month at the PWC blog here. He also finished weekly reviews of "Game of Thrones" for Biff Bam Pop!. You can read the Season Five finale recap here. Now, Jim is reviewing "True Detective" for the site - check out the first episode of the second season here.

Victoria M. Lees reflects on her desire to go back to school later in life on her Adventures in Writing. She also shares what summertime means to her and her family at her Camping with Kids blog.

Robin Renee celebrated Marriage Equality and reminisced about Joan Armatrading's classic album Track Record.

You can preorder Randy Ribay's new book An Infinite Number of Parallel Universe here.

Kevin Stephany remembers the late Yes founder Chris Squire on his blog here.

Loretta Sisco writes about the perseverance of Twisted Sister, and the evil of The Night Stalker.

Vince G. Sparks breaks the stigma of mental illness and celebrates marriage equality.

Rich Voza's serialization of his latest work in progress, Dreamlands, continues with chapters 21, 22, 23, and 24.

Glenn Walker remembers Christopher Lee and Patrick Macnee, and tries to get a President on his podcast.

Jessica A. Walsh makes an emotional admission, then forms a plan of attack to make things better. .

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to 'Like' the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, 'Follow' us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

SJWG Member Roundup for May 2015

Compiled by Jessica A. Walsh and Glenn Walker

There is so much talent in the South Jersey Writers Group, and as we've mentioned in the past, so many bloggers. And many of these bloggers produce content on a fairly frequent basis, so we thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of each month's more intriguing and interesting blog posts and present them here.

Please give a click and a read, and we hope you will like the samples enough to become regular readers. Check them out!

Jennifer M. Eaton wraps up her wonderful series Lessons from a Manuscript Red Line, so much to learn here!

MK England's great two-part feature on the pros and cons of fan fiction can be found here and here.

Ron Geraci compares cooking to writing here.

Marie Gilbert took a look at church, trains, the film Ex Machina, and also found time to interview Snake Blocker.

Barb Godshalk ponders motherhood in her special Mother's Day post here.

Amy Holiday of Hypothetical Press reviewed the Young Adult books Vagabonding, Still Just Grace, Fangirl, and No Passengers Beyond This Point at her blog here.

Victoria M. Lees talks about revision over at her excellent Adventures in Writing blog, and you can read that post here.

Rosanna Martella talks about Our Macrobiome on her blog right here.

Patti O'Brien rails against traffic and traffic radio in this post.

Robin Renee remembers B.B. King by reminiscing about interviewing him in 2004 in A Few Words with B.B. King.

Randy Ribay shares a personal story about a recent tragedy in Nobody Taught me to Mourn.

Kevin Stephany had a busy month reviewing several books and plays performed in the South Jersey area, including Bonnie and Clyde: A New Musical at Burlington County Footlighters.

Loretta Sisco uncovers the truth of James Franco and Jonah Hill in True Story for Biff Bam Pop in this post.

Vince Sparks writes about ageism in this post.

Rich Voza shares Chapter 16 of Dreamlands.

Glenn Walker continues reviewing "Marvel's Daredevil" on Netflix here.

Jessica A. Walsh holds the first-ever Cracking Nut Contest. Enter by June 1 for a chance to win one of two prizes.

Janice Wilson shares a song that soothes her and reflects on personal motivation and missions in Mission (almost) Complete.

Mieke Zamora-Mackay shares exciting news of her new venture teaching private knitting classes in Handmade Love & Joy.

We hope you liked this month's selections from SJWG member blogs, and will not only read more at their respective sites, but also come back here next month for more. Don't forget to Like the South Jersey Writers at Facebook, Follow us at Twitter, and check us out on Pinterest. Thank you!

AAUW Book and Author Champagne Brunch

Marie Gilbert with the SJWG anthology

By Marie Gilbert

Four of the writers featured in South Jersey Writers' Group's anthology Tall Tales and Short Stories from South Jersey, were invited to speak at the Medford Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Champagne Brunch held at the beautiful Medford Leas Community Center on Route 70 in Medford.

This event was to help benefit AAUW’s 2014 Scholarship Fund for women returning to college. The four SJWG writers and guests of the event were Dawn Byrne, Joanne Costantino, Jennifer M. Eaton, and Marie Gilbert, who were warmly greeted by everyone there at the Champagne Brunch.

The AAUW’s goals are to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The President of the Medford Branch of AAUW is Mary Ann Brookes and was helped in preparing for the brunch by Elsie Behmer, Nancy Sauer, Lynne Poag, Cidnie Richards, Dian Hattrick, Gladys Lowden-Metz, Linda Chamberlain, Mary Strickler, and Rita Manno.

Rita Manno and Elsie Behmer

Rita Manno, who has promoted our group since our book’s launch, interviewed the writers a few weeks ago and her interview of us was featured in the Burlington County Times and the Central Record. Dawn and I set up the book table as soon as we arrived, which gave us time to chat with the lovely members of AAUW.

After brunch, Joanne Costantino stood at the podium to give the AAUW members a little background history of the South Jersey Writers’ Group and what the group’s goals are and where we’re heading. Joanne spoke about her writing and her inspirations for her stories. Before introducing Dawn to the members, Joanne read one of her poems called “A Flowing: An Ode to a Kidney Stone” to the rousing applause of the assembly.

Dawn Byrne

Dawn Byrne then stood at the podium to talk about her published works with Chicken Soup for the Soul, and about her facilitating the Critiquing Program with fellow SJWG member Kevin Stephany. Dawn explained to the AAUW members the importance of a critique group and how she and Kevin go about orchestrating this program for our group. Dawn also detailed the work she and Marie do with marketing and promoting the group and the anthology.

Marie Gilbert was up next and explained where she gets her inspiration for her horror and ghost stories, using her ghost hunting investigations as an example. Marie also talked about writing for the Pop Culture website Biff Bam Pop!, and Go Jane News and ended with her blog stories on family and especially the weekly Life with Fred & Lucy posts. Marie was asked to read one of her stories from Tall Tales and Short Stories.

Elsie Behmer and Mary Ann Brookes

Jennifer M. Eaton was last up at the podium and spoke about her books, her experience in getting her books published, and the pros and cons for a writer in today’s publishing world. The members of the audience asked Jennifer questions on publishing, agents and her newest books, The First Day of the New Tomorrow and Paper Wishes. The floor was then opened for people to ask questions from all four writers.

It was an enjoyable day spent with the lovely members of the AAUW and it was for a great cause. Check out the Medford Branch of the AAUW or their main national website to see all the good work they’re involved in.

We sold a lot of our books and we’re hoping to be invited back again when our group’s next two anthologies are published. Thank you to everyone with the Medford Branch of the AAUW responsible for this wonderful event.