By MARGARET FRITZEL
WCPL Children’s Services
Professional Assistant

My brother loved the comics. When he was a boy he couldn’t wait until the Sunday paper came. He’d transfer a face onto some of his silly putty and then stretch it and laugh as the figure changed. Putty is an amazing product. It can be molded into different shapes as well as used to secure window panes, patch woodwork, and seal joints.

Those who have attended the Writer’s Club at the Warsaw Community Public Library become ‘putty’ on the third Monday of every month where they are molded and influenced in their craft. Ideas that previously bounced around in their heads become secure. Participants head home to patch up a story, perhaps tearing out a scene or rearranging several chapters, all because something new popped up when a club member gave an incredible critique. Like putty, they stretch and grow.

Speakers like Dr. Dennis Hensley from Taylor University have shared techniques about writing, talked  about how to “hook” an agent, and how to view rejection letters. Instructors explain the use of ‘color’ words, the importance of creating tension as a story unfolds, how characters are ‘putty’ and through conflicts they must be reshaped by the end of the novel.

Other guests have included picture book author Peggy Archer and award-winning Karen Lenfestey who publishes her own e-books. At this time, plans are in the works to have local author, Terry White, speak next spring.

Current club members present ‘mini lessons’ on what they’ve learned at conferences, like the Midwest Writer’s Workshop and the Write-to-Publish Conference. Web sites, books, and audio books are recommended as well as possible markets. Two members who chose to self publish their work, Mark Gray and Judy Broderick, recently enlightened us about that process.

Former club members return to share their experiences. Young adult author Michelle Weidenbenner, introduced us to story starts. Kandi Jaynes talked about her two published e-books, and Cindy Nash taught a series that included memoir and historical fiction.

Another aspect of the Writer’s Club is encouraging children to become writers.  Members give tips to participants in the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest and sometimes act as judges, selecting the winning entries in the local contest, which are then forwarded to the regional contest in Fort Wayne.

If you as a writer need encouragement, stretching and even re-shaping, join us at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14. Call 574-267-6011 for more information.