tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post2765392065404367682..comments2023-11-30T07:21:38.040-08:00Comments on Writers in Residence: R.I.P., Alameda Writers GroupBonnieShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-76708037554631688342016-10-26T09:47:01.912-07:002016-10-26T09:47:01.912-07:00It saddened me to hear of AWG's demise. It was...It saddened me to hear of AWG's demise. It was established by a dedicated group of people. Then it diminished somewhat, but grew again with efforts of a few. I was one of them. A great team of people. I still have a few of the short story publications that were published and sold and given away to our friends. Fantastic group. Yes, it began devoting its interest to screenwriting, but that is but one feature of a writing guild. The SIGs (better name than critique group) were instrumental in improving the writing of the members. I relocated to the Palm Springs area following my retirement from a career in a field other than writing. But, I maintained my membership for a period of time. I now belong to the Palm Springs Writers Guild. I assisted in the formation of this group which now has more than 150 members. I present a writing program at a Senior facility here in Cathedral City. Have been presenting it since 2014. Its title: Writing Great Stories. I've found that one must continue writing, no matter the age of the writer. Best to all writers I know and have known. It is an exciting field.Bob Hurlberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468311385440524229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-36074715850809315832015-06-04T15:59:12.409-07:002015-06-04T15:59:12.409-07:00Yes it's sad. But thank goodness for our WinRs...Yes it's sad. But thank goodness for our WinRs to keep the writing flame alive among us.BonnieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-49855155104727087782015-06-04T15:18:20.827-07:002015-06-04T15:18:20.827-07:00It seems that I'm one of the few writers who d...It seems that I'm one of the few writers who didn't belong to AWG, but it has to be sad to see a great support group drift away.My condolences.Jacqueline Vickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17066655287551999883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-72069917500084563432015-06-04T08:32:09.425-07:002015-06-04T08:32:09.425-07:00"Was" is the operative word, MM, but you..."Was" is the operative word, MM, but you would have liked it a lot and fit right in. BonnieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-91046278631298062162015-06-04T08:31:13.238-07:002015-06-04T08:31:13.238-07:00The friendships will continue on as AWG's lega...The friendships will continue on as AWG's legacy, GB.BonnieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-36144716965529732612015-06-04T08:30:28.469-07:002015-06-04T08:30:28.469-07:00Thanks for the absolution, Miko. You sure tried ha...Thanks for the absolution, Miko. You sure tried harder than I did to keep AWG going.BonnieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-2266597088657198392015-06-04T08:29:16.294-07:002015-06-04T08:29:16.294-07:00I remember that publication announcement! And ther...I remember that publication announcement! And there is nothing more gratifying than sharing sucesses, large and small, with your fellow writers, because they understand how much it took to get there.BonnieShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12642142065722406733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-20861249618701136702015-06-04T06:54:22.223-07:002015-06-04T06:54:22.223-07:00I've tended to think some groups/organizations...I've tended to think some groups/organizations I've been in (even friendships) will go on and on, will always be there. When they weren't, it's always been and shock, and definitely sad. So I certainly understand your feelings about AWG, Sounds like it was a great group.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-53202521662687015122015-06-03T11:29:12.878-07:002015-06-03T11:29:12.878-07:00AWG was a great launching pad for a few writers. S...AWG was a great launching pad for a few writers. Since I was a member of the Novel SIG for several years, I know the benefits it brought. And the friendships that came from that encounter make it even more satisfying. So adieu, AWG. Thanks for the great memories... and for the friends I made because of you.GBPoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12190573764848658894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-46171633826533859712015-06-03T11:11:15.418-07:002015-06-03T11:11:15.418-07:00Hearing of the demise of AWG saddened me, but I wa...Hearing of the demise of AWG saddened me, but I was not surprised. When I joined over ten years ago, it became a lifeline for me. Like you, I met many other writers who helped me produce my first novel, and made some great friends in the process. But the group focused on screenwriting more than writing in general, a trend that grew over the years. Only two SIGs were devoted to fiction and the general SIGs that were supposed to apply to all writers had a decidedly script writing bent (one moderator scoffed at novel writing as being "too wordy" for him). <br /><br />Nevertheless, I took a position on the AWG Board, became the moderator of the Novel SIG for several years, submitted articles to the newsletter and made a presentation to the general membership explaining the advantages writing fiction - "win an Oscar for best adapted screenplay". Few listened, fewer cared. The two fiction SIGs fizzled out.<br /><br />I share your appreciation for the AWG's role in our writing careers, but I can say with certainty - don't feel guilty. It wouldn't have mattered if you had tried. Miko Johnstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02877203657513631557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1628814011025215047.post-9520183346664987562015-06-03T10:13:56.938-07:002015-06-03T10:13:56.938-07:00Fantastic post, Bonnie. I too have to say "Me...Fantastic post, Bonnie. I too have to say "Mea culpa" for I was a member of AWG for years before moving to Orange County. And I too saw it decline and did nothing but murmur and stop attending. <br />I also enjoyed and profited from the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) of both Fiction and Novel Writing, although my forte was journalism. It was in a SIG that I announced my first published article in a local newspaper. <br />I've written a few short stories, but I believe it was the camaraderie and encouragement from the fellow writers that kept me writing and selling.<br />Thank you for giving the Alameda Writer's Group the praise it deserves.Jackie Houchinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01753758587434594531noreply@blogger.com