A special welcome to new members. If you would like to contribute a 500-word story (topics below) in February, that would be excellent, however don't feel you have to. It's fine to 'pass' until you feel comfortable. Feel free to use and develop your own writing style, to use your own voice. While 500 words is suggested as a word limit, there is no penalty if you go over this!
if you haven't written for a while and are finding it hard to get started - I've attached two documents which might be helpful. There's a Tip Sheet on writing your 500 words story published for the ABC Open program which provided the structure for our course when we first started. There's also a guide for planning a story using the topic 'Failure' -‘Write about a failure you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the catastrophic – in 500 words’. While these sheets may be helpful, it is not compulsory to follow them.
Topic Details for Monday 20th February
The 500 word topic for February, ‘The (season) I’ , was inspired by Jenny’s story ‘The Summer I Saved a Life’ and Michelle’s 2022 member’s choice topic ‘Summer 1977’. ‘Develop a title and share a story on a memorable season in your life using the season you remember it happening in as a backdrop or prompt.’
Alternative topics for new class members (or members who haven't written on these topics)”
· ‘New in Town’ ‘Have you ever been the new person in town, or did someone else's arrival have a profound impact on you? Share your story in 500 words’ or
· ‘The Year that Made Me’ ‘Write about a year which made a particular difference in your life’s journey. Over to you!’ or
· 'I Was There' 'Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words’.
The topic list for 2023 will be handed out on Monday. Thank you to class members who sent in ideas for new topics.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Monday at 2pm. Please call me if you have any questions or would like to run something past me.
Beverley Lee
0478 607 838
if you haven't written for a while and are finding it hard to get started - I've attached two documents which might be helpful. There's a Tip Sheet on writing your 500 words story published for the ABC Open program which provided the structure for our course when we first started. There's also a guide for planning a story using the topic 'Failure' -‘Write about a failure you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the catastrophic – in 500 words’. While these sheets may be helpful, it is not compulsory to follow them.
Topic Details for Monday 20th February
The 500 word topic for February, ‘The (season) I’ , was inspired by Jenny’s story ‘The Summer I Saved a Life’ and Michelle’s 2022 member’s choice topic ‘Summer 1977’. ‘Develop a title and share a story on a memorable season in your life using the season you remember it happening in as a backdrop or prompt.’
Alternative topics for new class members (or members who haven't written on these topics)”
· ‘New in Town’ ‘Have you ever been the new person in town, or did someone else's arrival have a profound impact on you? Share your story in 500 words’ or
· ‘The Year that Made Me’ ‘Write about a year which made a particular difference in your life’s journey. Over to you!’ or
· 'I Was There' 'Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words’.
The topic list for 2023 will be handed out on Monday. Thank you to class members who sent in ideas for new topics.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Monday at 2pm. Please call me if you have any questions or would like to run something past me.
Beverley Lee
0478 607 838
