The gifts...
...to keep giving
Something remarkable happened at my monthly screenwriter’s group a couple months ago.
My script was first for the table read. I admit, what I wrote was a bit racy. As per the routine, after the table read, there’s a group critique. Normally, I get fantastic, useful feedback that I can incorporate to make my script better.
However, there were some new people in the group, and this time, everyone talked “around” my script. Superficial comments like, “Does your mother know you wrote this?” and “Why did you name your characters like you did?”
Soon it was time to move on to the next script, and I felt like we really hadn’t talked at all about the substance of what I had written. Disappointed, I shrugged it off as a fluke of the new constellation of participants.
And then… at the end of the session, after all the screenplays had been read aloud, one of the newcomers approached me. He was a writer/producer/consultant from LA and new to Pittsburgh. He ripped a sheet from his pocket-sized spiral notepad and handed it to me. “Here are some notes for you.”
My heart skipped a beat. Surely, there were pointed observations from his expert point of view on the small, folded piece of paper. “Thank you,” I said with a brave face. I shoved the note in my purse, not wanting to read it in front of other group members still milling about.
I took it out later and found he had scribbled just four short points. Among them were comments like, “Wonderful, campy, spot-on dialogue,” “Very clever visual device,” and “Curious to see where it goes.” My heart got that skipped beat back and then some!
His remarks made my day! I was so grateful he had paid attention and took the time to leave me some thoughtful words. Suddenly, I felt encouraged, emboldened, and empowered to go on with my screenplay.
His example is why I feel strongly about paying forward gracious feedback. It’s what many writers crave. It’s an invaluable gift to give any writer.
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Pop into the newsletter and check out the opportunities for writing, feedback, and fun through Ironed Words. They’re gifts to keep giving.
In This Issue
A Few Words on Quotation Marks
A Word from Our Sponsors
Can We Build It?
In the Circle
Retelling
Words of the Month
A Few Words on Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used to indicate that a word, phrase, or sentence is being quoted directly from another source. They can also be used to set off titles of articles, poems, and other works.
Here are some general rules for using quotation marks:
Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotations.
Place quotation marks around the entire quotation, including any punctuation that appears at the end of the quotation.
If a quotation is interrupted by another sentence, use quotation marks to enclose each part of the quotation.
When quoting a quotation within a quotation, use single quotation marks for the inner quotation and double quotation marks for the outer quotation.
Use quotation marks to set off titles of articles, poems, and other works.
Do not use quotation marks to set off the names of people, places, or things, unless they are being used in a figurative sense.
Use quotation marks to indicate irony or sarcasm.
Here are some examples of how to use quotation marks correctly:
"I'm so excited to go to the beach!" said Sarah.
The article was titled "The Importance of Recycling."
I'm not sure what you mean by "love."
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Every month, I’ll have tips on different elements of writing. If you have any requests, please let me know at IronedWordsProductions@gmail.com.
A Word from Our Sponsors
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Twitter Flames, Part I: Home by Em S. A’cor
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Catch up on the series so far at EmSAcorBooks.com.
Can We Build It?
The new blogcast, Building Books™, debuts in just a few days! In this subscription series, you will meet all the people you need to build a solid, marketable book, from editors, agents, publishers, cover designers, and more. Also, you’ll meet published authors and learn from their paths to publishing.
In January…
MEET THE EDITOR Sarah McKnight
MEET THE AUTHOR David Rullo
In the Circle
Resolve to get your writing on track! Join the Iron Writing Circle writing group. Submit 1,500 words weekly and meet for feedback, support, and camaraderie. Multiple options for in-person and virtual. The four-week January sections are filling up. February registration will open mid-January. Past participants have really enjoyed the experience.
"It's been a huge motivation and benefit to my writing!"
"I'm considerably more productive."
“Everyone has been respectful and truly interested in each other's work."
“There are really other local writers with similar experiences. Yay! I am not in this alone! Thank you! You are my people!"
Register here: https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/iron-writing-circle
Retelling
From the Tales with Friends™ archives…
Check out Stephen Cooper’s story: A Tale of Two Medals
Words of the Month
“Don’t worry if you’re not where you want to be yet. Great things take time.”
See you next month in another edition of “Hot Off the Iron!” Write on!
— Maria Simbra | Director & Principal | Ironed Words Productions, LLC