August 100 Words Or Less Writing Challenge

[Emily Wright]

August “100 Words Or Less” Writing Challenge:

This month we take a short summer “vacation” from creating words from pictures and turn, instead, to writing words from (gasp) the heart.

 

Possibly no literary image is more apropos to words written from the heart than the word “manifesto.” The U.S, Declaration of Independence (July, 1776) is perhaps our country's most memorable manifesto. July seems a good month for writing manifestos.

 

But manifestos aren't just about politics or class conflict; they're also about being good and doing the “right” thing. The Holstee Company, an eco-friendly clothing manufacturer, wanted to keep themselves on the “right” track and its founders wrote this:

 

http://shop.holstee.com/pages/about#the-manifesto

 

Did you know that there's a “Writer's Manifesto?” Several, in fact.  Here's just one:

 

http://sallyjenkins.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/a-writers-manifesto.jpg

 

All of which brings us to this month's “100 Words Or Less” Writing Challenge.” Using the above manifestos as guidelines, write a manifesto for the Alameda Writers Group! (It's somewhat embarrassing that, after twenty years, we don't have one.) Here's the basic format - all you have to do is change the words:

 

Today, we write a manifesto.

Today, our second sentence starts with the first word of the first sentence.

We write a short sentence.

Then a shorter one.

Then a really long one that maybe doesn't make any sense but is immediately followed by

One.

Word.

Sentences.

Then we make our point even clearer.

By using fragmented prepositional phrases.

By repeating that first preposition.
By doing it a total of three times.

And then we have another really long sentence that builds up excitement for our overarching concept that is summed up in a word that makes absolutely no sense.

Kumquat.

 

Did you notice that the example had exactly 100 words?

 

Your challenge: Write a stirring manifesto for the Alameda Writers Group! Write it in 100 Words Or Less.

 

How to enter: Simply fill in your entry as a "comment" to this blog (below), then click on "Add comment."  One entry will naturally follow another as they're added, so we can enjoy each one and see who the author is. AWG members are restricted to one entry and one entry only.

 

All entries will posted at our September 8th General Membership Meeting at the Glendale Central Library. Everyone attending will have to opportunity to vote for the entry he or she feels best represents the writing spirit of the Alameda Writers Group!

In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by the AWG Presidents Circle.

Deadline is Thursday, September 6th at 12 noon.

Good luck and have fun!

[Eli Green]

           Whether through pencil, pen, airbrush, ink-spray, toner, finger-painting, sand writing, chisel, charcoal on a shovel, chalk, lipstick on a mirror, toothpick in clay, Gutenberg, linotype, word processor, photography, word-assembly, skywriting, scroll, encryption, Braille, Morse Code, dictation, fingernail-scratches in blood, published or not, interpreted or not, interpreted correctly or not, using blind repetition or not,  AWG writers will use poetic license to express in words, and sentences, be them concise, or run-on, the conveyance of the language to communicate with or without grammatical rules or those of syntax, just anything she or he damn well pleases to.
Without limitation.
So there!

[Gerald W. Aho]

We write because we wish.

We write because we are compelled.

First an image.

Than an idea.

Now the ritual of putting that which is inside outside, in words, for others and ourselves to love and hopefully not hate.

Write.

Sell.

Repeat.

Because the writer’s cycle is never completed.

Despite our daily chores.

Despite our writer’s block.

Despite our procrastination.

Somehow the creative circle rolls on as we capture fragments of ideas and turn them into concepts and then turn the concepts, each in their own way, into works of art that amaze both us and others.

Alameda Writers Group

[James Schendel]

Alameda Writers Group Manifesto

Alameda Writers Group is here to motivate, to nurture, to educate, but mostly to inspire.  It's a group that gives writers a sense of community. Here, writers get feedback for their work. They are acknowledged for their determination to put pen to paper and express themselves.  It's a place to go for kudos when things are going well, and support when you're feeling lonely, frustrated, under-appreciated, or when the words just won't come. It's a place to share, to learn from our guest speakers and each other. It's a place to belong, and a place to be inspired.

[Thomas McClane]

Alameda Writers Group Manifesto

Writers and readers, the summary statement of our purposes is “Write, Sell, Repeat.”

Write - Good writing is a foundation of communication, amusement, excitement, and entertainment.

Sell - Serious presentations contribute to understanding how and where to sell written material, how to pitch ourselves and our work, and how communication and entertainment businesses work.

Repeat - Writing is a sustainable resource when nurtured by friendly competitions, critiques, and occasional nonsense. Everyone can transcend limits inherent in individual experience to write new material or revise old material when new awareness or ideas are given by other members.

[Lauretta Coumarbatch]

strive: to exert much effort or energy; endeavor.

 

We of the AWG strive to write!

 

Whether it's a potential summer blockbuster or that rom-com

that makes us believe in love again: we write!

 

We strive to write the great American play or novel

by writing the kind of characters that you can't get

out of your head so you can't turn that channel

or wait to turn the...  next .... page.

 

Yes, we strive to move you through imagination-fueled words 

leaping unto page or screen with flashing fingertips.

Tactile... sensory... uniquely satisfying... Ahhhhhh!

 

Come join us as we strive to write!

[Susan Osborn Templeton]

A writer’s journey begins with one word.

If you need help beginning your journey, open a dictionary.

Good writing doesn’t just happen.

Shit happens.

Great writing happens when good writing is rewritten lots of  numerous many copious oh so many times (sigh).

Rewrite.

The thesaurus is your friend.

View your words through another set of eyes.  

Seek feedback.

Without reaction words are only words.

Be gracious, you get the last word anyway.

Then rewrite.

Rearrange words until they are no longer words, but feelings.

Make your words sting.

Want to be a writer?

Just do it!…

…then do it again.

[Scott Melesky]

The Alameda Writers group is not just for writers. Its for dreamers, artists, teachers, and creators. It's full of verteran writers continuing on their way, newbies fresh to join the writing fray. Older writers trying to get back into the game and fresh writers that are naive and see this business as tame. We are all here for each other. We are stronger as a group- drawing inspiration from Kerouac, Burroughs, and Bradbury and other legendary writers in the loop. We are here to make a difference to add more creativity to this world. We have declared war on texting and Twitter and other medium cheapening the life and grammar of the written word.  Come join us and save the world from an illiterate and souless future. We are keeping the literary flame alive. We are to make each other better as writers and people. Please come to our next meeting and keep the AWG's writing dream alive.

[Emily Wright]

 

Today I write my Writer's Manifesto.

Today I move my writing forward,

Onward and upward!

My words explode across the page

In a brilliant shower of literary genius,

Dazzling insight,

Sparkling wit.

Critics gush and agents love me.

Book contracts roll in.

Film studios want to option,

Promise I will write the first draft.

I am at the height of my creativity

As my fingers dance above the keyboard.

Laundry buzzer.

[Ivan Jackovich]

Alameda Writers Group Manifesto.

Our Alameda Writers Group helps make your dreams become a reality.

A reality that comes alive.

We take all writers who dream,

 screenwriters, novelist, poets, freelancers, producers, directors, and educators.

From dreams to ink and paper, to all formats and genres.

Creativity equals dreams.

Dreams = creativity.

Our Alameda Writers Group is a community.

Our community is creativity.

Creativity is what counts in building our community,

bringing together all to learn from each other.

We are a Non-Profit Group .

Our profit is in writers helping writers,  

write more, more better.

Be part of our group.

[Vic Cabrera]

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS.

Writers helping themselves.

Desperate loners looking for inspiration.

Generating perspiration.

Frustration.

A diversion… something to do that’s not writing - coffee – lecture – donuts.

No more writing for another month.

Penny-loafers.