Joshua Williamson is the author of 150 graphic novels! He works for DC Comics and Marvel, and is paid to write monthly short books (like magazines) which, when the story’s done, get compiled together into complete graphic novels. Mostly these are YA, but he’s written other non-DC books (e.g. Nailbiter) which might be aimed at a somewhat older audience.
Continue reading You too can write a novel, graphic novel, comic, memoir, mini-book, … talk with Joshua WilliamsonCategory Archives: Guest Speakers
Writers’ Mill Minutes 2023 02 19
With eleven in-person and twelve online attendees, plus an excellent speaker, February’s Writers’ Mill meeting was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative occasion. We opened with contest results from Michael while waiting for stragglers to arrive, and Februarys Winter Days contest produced lots of great entries—if you’ve not read them yet, go to https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/contests/february-2023-contest-page/feb-2023-entries-voting-page/ and catch up on your free monthly magazine. March’s magazine will arrive on March 6th, at which point you’ll be invited to read, comment, and vote—and be writers helping writers!
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 2023 02 19What Novelists can Learn from the Movies—presentation by Cindy Brown, 2023 02 19
Cindy’s presentation can be found on our website at https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What-Novelists-Can-Learn-from-the-Movies-4.pdf : Please don’t share the link.
She gave us a very clear explanation (with examples) of the 3-act plot structure, which, apparently, dates from the time of Aristotle. If it’s lasted this long, as a way of telling stories, there’s got to be something to it!
Continue reading What Novelists can Learn from the Movies—presentation by Cindy Brown, 2023 02 19Minutes 2023 01 15
Nearly twenty people, evenly split between online and inperson, joined us for Maryka Biaggio’s presentation on description and dialog today. Unfortunately, several had to leave after the talk, but we still enjoyed a lively and helpful discussion during the critique, plus a rapid writing exercise where we looked at the difference between 3-sentence and 4-sentence structure (lacking the time for a full three or four acts!).
Continue reading Minutes 2023 01 15Detail and Dialogue, from talk by Maryka Biaggio, Jan 2023
Maryka Biaggio
If you missed Maryka’s talk from three years ago, I strongly suggest you look it up on our website (just type “Maryka” into the search on the left hand side of your screen).
Continue reading Detail and Dialogue, from talk by Maryka Biaggio, Jan 2023Writers’ Mill Minutes 20220918
Writers’ Mill Minutes, September 18, 2022
Cedar Mill Library, Beaverton and online Zoom—First Hybrid Meeting!
Eleven participants attended online, and seven were present in the library meeting room, for a total of 18. Jim Elstad led the meeting in Sheila Deeth’s absence. Angela Mollet managed the technology from the library, with assistance from Matthew McAyeal and Robin Layne.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 20220918Writers’ Mill Minutes 20220821
| There were between 16 and 20 members participating in the meeting; some had to leave early. As Sheila was absent, Ron headed the meeting. |
Writers’ Mill Minutes 20220619
Writers’ Mill Minutes June 19 2022
Around 20 members joined us for June’s Fathers’ Day meeting, and enjoyed a fun, interactive session on the history and evolution of the English Language, led by Lyndsay. Sheila opened the meeting with the contest results, and forgot to point out that the variation in voting—in the past we’ve asked for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, but his time we just asked for your three favorites. We’re delighted to announce the outcome was identical between total votes cast per entry AND weighing them as if cast for 1st/2nd/3rd… So perhaps that’s a good way to go, with places used as tie-breaks if needed. And thank you to the 15 people who supported these writers by voting:
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes 20220619Writing Advice from Steven Campbell, author of Hard Luck Hank, May 2022
Steven’s conversation touched on many writing topics, so I’ve tried to collect things under headings for you. Please let me know if I’ve missed any favorite nuggets from what he had to say.
Continue reading Writing Advice from Steven Campbell, author of Hard Luck Hank, May 2022Writers’ Mill Minutes May 15th 2022
Writers’ Mill Minutes May 15 2022
Sunday’s Writers’ Mill meeting was well attended with several new people joining us to listen to Steven Campbell talking about the writing life. The meeting started with a great presentation of the May “Reach for the Sky” contest results from Lyndsay.
Continue reading Writers’ Mill Minutes May 15th 2022