Jessica Made Me Do It

Jessica Rowan, of a.lobster fame, has asked for more activity within our writing community. She has noted that RV Writers is thus far a poorly formed idea. I take partial blame for this lack of activity, but her most recent post echoes my own question: "where were you?"

Without participation, this blog won't work. Let's keep our eye out for fellow writers. Let's scream our url to the entire valley. Let's get talking.

You'll note that I've revamped the links to reflect Jessica's suggestions. The first new link is "Challenges." Currently, I've listed one challenge courtesy of Writer's Digest, but welcome additional challenges whether they derive from a literary magazine like The Sun or Speak Easy, or whether you create something on your own.

The "Critique Me!" link offers works submitted by writers right here in the valley. Their names are removed so as to make the critiquing process easier, for when we know the writer, we usually hold back from honest criticism. We will note if the author wishes for a lighter touch or for us to focus on particular parts of the work. Submitted works can be from any genre—fiction, poetry, essay, etc. Write to rvwriters@roguewriting.com to submit a piece. We already have the first piece posted, "Lady Sings the Blues," and the author has requested a heavy hand. When critiquing a piece remember, there's a difference between contstructive criticism and antagonistic criticism.

Of course, I've added a link to "Upcoming Events." Check these events out and help keep our real time culture of writing alive in the Rogue Valley. We most prominently seem to post events in Ashland, but realize such events occur all over this place. Let us know if you know of any happenings in places like Medford, Central Point, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, White City, Shady Cove, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, etc. Then, show up. Community depends on participation.

Finally, we have links to our friendly neighborhood bloggers, to helpful writing resources, and to local 'zines. We hope to develop these links to ungodly proportions; help us do so by sending us the web addresses. Also, let us know if you'd like to join our team of moderators. I need help spreading the word and keeping links updated. Does anyone wish to create a flyer we can post around the valley to let others know about us?

I would like to make one final note: Jessica has asked some very pertinent questions regarding writing. Read her post titled, "Ok, I might have lied..." and tell her what you think. Until next time, I bid you all adieu.