SECTION II: Writers' Wednesday

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Writers' Wednesday - Tools

In this month's newsletter from the Gotham Writers' Workshop, there's a brief article about tools for the writer.

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Text from the newsletter article:

Here are handy tools to help organize and inspire any writer:

A Working Writer's Daily Planner -

This nifty (not my word - Cat) tool makes it easy for writers to keep track of the practical, business end so that they can pay more attention to the real work of writing. (Look for contests on the website - http://www.writingclasses.com/index.php - for a chance to win your own Working Writer's Daily Planner. - Cat)

The New Yorker 2010 Desk Calendar -
The perfect way to stay organized with style and humor - http://www.amazon.com/.
(The direct link to the desk calendar - actually, it's the 2010 New Yorker Desk Diary - could not be copied. - Cat)

The Grammar Devotional -
Grammar Girl serves up 365 tips for successful writing that are sure to engage and inspire in a tip-of-the-day devotional. (Available through Barnes and Noble or Amazon. - Cat)

The Writer -
For expert advice that is served up every month, subscribe to our favorite monthly magazine: http://www.writermag.com/wrt/. (Writers Magazine has a free online newsletter, also. - Cat)

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Gotham Writers' Workshop (GWW) has 6-week and 10-week classes available online, as well as one-day intensive seminars in New York City. For course lists, visit http://www.writingclasses.com/.

The fiction writers' class guide is available through GWW, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The book, entitled, Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide, covers everything from creating characters to publication.

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Mini-Profile

I am a "Man From U.N.C.L.E." first cousin (I realize I've just told you I'm old, but I'm not ancient - yet), and I've learned that there are a lot of first, second and third cousins who love UNCLE!

Because of UNCLE, I have followed the careers of both actors, although I admit that I'm a devoted, non-stalking, David McCallum fan.

After being unknowingly side-lined in December 2008 by my employer and further side-lined by a health issue, I decided to take one of my 2008 Christmas presents, my MFU DVD set, and renew my love of UNCLE. When I watch the episodes now, I'm surprised that I remember many of the scenes and even bits of dialogue. It makes me feel like a kid again - almost.

With time to devote to my personal interests now, I have a few creative writing projects underway:

- An UNCLE story that will be submitted to "Eyes Only" when it's completed. It has evolved from a short story to a series of vignettes from the life of Illya Kuryakin from his stepping on the plane at the end of "Seven Wonders" until sometime in the early 1990's. A few months ago, after starting the bio project, I realized how events should flow. Once I have finished a rough sketch of the story, it will move aside for awhile so I can finish two other projects.

- An Illya bio or "Idol Reflection" for Live Journal. I've finished the first season, and the reflection is longer than the LJ limit. I have decided that a summary will be posted online, with the full text to be published.

- A true-to-the-series resolution for "Sapphire and Steel". I was 80-90% finished with the resolution when I watched the video, "Counting Out Time". In the video, Joanna Lumley made a comment about bringing Sapphire and Steel out of "The Trap" in the present day. I thought, (oh crap!) okay, I know how to make that happen. It's back to the storyboard for "Miles and Virginia". Because of the time-frame, this story is my first priority.

When I began my research for the Illya "Idol Reflection" in July 2009. I was given a two-month deadline. (Who's kidding whom?) With all the fanfic and episodes to review, it could take me the rest of this year to finish!

In joining the UNCLE world online, I've made several friends, as well as adopting a few cousins and a sister. From my extended family, I've realized there is a niche for a slash-free site to discuss MFU and MFU-based gen/het fanfic.

On Section II, gen/het fanfic authors have a forum to promote their work. As I've learned writing is a craft that is perfected through both effort and education, I'm including writers' resources on this site.

As a final note, since many Vaughn and McCallum fans have followed their careers since "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", this site provides a forum to chat about other roles.

I hope you will visit Section II often. Please share your thoughts on the discussion topics and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your creativity. I also hope you will find something valuable in the information passed along on the site.

Thanks to all of you who have expressed your support for the site and have sent me kind words of encouragement!

All the best,
Cousin Cat

VOTE FOR DVDS OF MOVIES!

Please visit the Turner Classic Movie website and database search the MFU movies and other MGM movies from the 60's. These movies will be put on DVD if sufficient votes are received!

Voting is simple: In the database search bar, type in the name of the movie. A list of movies with the title (and any similar titles) will show in the center. Select the title to go to the movie. Most movies have trailers that can be watched and downloaded.

To the right, look for the box with the word "vote". Click on vote, type in your email address and submit. You are not obligated to buy the movies, and you won't get a bunch of emails from TCM. Only one vote is allowed for each movie per email address.

Here is a list of titles:

"To Trap a Spy"
Vulcan Affair
"Spy with My Face"
Double Affair
"One Spy Too Many"
Alexander the Greater Affair
"The Spy in the Green Hat"
Concrete Overcoat Affair
"One of Our Spies Is Missing"
Bridge of Lions Affair
"Karate Killers"
Five Daughters Affair
"Helicopter Spies"
Prince of Darkness Affair
"How to Steal the World"
Seven Wonders of the World Affair
"Around the World under the Sea"
"Three Bites of the Apple"
"The Venetian Affair"
"Sol Madrid"

SECTION II