Community Outreach: Becoming a Writer

WAG members Art Crummer and Karen Porter presented a program entitled “Becoming a Writer” to a small group of emerging writers at the High Springs Branch of the Alachua County Library on November 10.

Crummer, past president of the Writers Alliance and an award-winning musician, said he interwove real life anecdotes with fictional events to create Wrestling God, The All True Misadventures of an Elkin, N.C. Boy, the first novel of his trilogy Fixing Things. He discussed how he created a unique voice for each character through word choice and the importance of editing to eliminate unnecessary words.

Porter, author of several children’s books, explained how she and her daughter work together on the books, including the artwork, and how the concept came about for What to do When You Get the Bejeebers Scared Out of You. One day while driving, Porter exclaimed that another driver almost scared the bejeebers out of her. Her young daughter replied, “Mommie, what’s a bejeeber?” and the idea for the book was born.

Following their talks, the authors answered audience questions, which focused on e-book publishing, blogging, and establishing a platform.

If you are interested in participating in community outreach programs such as this, contact the WAG president or a member of the WAG Board.