Sunday, July 30, 2017

August Speaker

Make plans to attend our August meeting on the 12th, 10:00 a.m. at the Library Station on N Kansas in Springfield, MO. Our speaker will be Claudia Uptergrove a retired correctional officer. This will be a great opportunity to learn about what happens after the criminal is caught. Bring lots of questions. 

In 1969, at the age of 18, Claudia started her professional career.  She worked in retail, then moved to banking.  In the later part of 1990 she began her career with the California Dept of Corrections as an office assistant.  From there she was promoted to a medical transcriber where she transcribed for the California Board of Prison Terms.  
On January 01, 1994, Claudia attended the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in California.  Upon completing a six week academy of vigorous training, she was promoted to Correctional Officer which changed her classification to custody level. From there Claudia promoted to Correctional Sergeant at Pelican Bay State Prison in California and later promoted  to Correctional Lieutenant there.  She remained a Correctional Lieutenant until her retirement in 2008.  

Claudia worked in Correctional Facilities in California that housed both male and female inmates. Her experiences in practicing positive work ethnics set an example for her peers and subordinates who could emulate.  Her experiences have been vast and the training an asset in her life.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Time Well Spent

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Have you ever attended a write-in? It can be a great way to jump start a project, or get unstuck in your current work. It really puts the energy back into your writing life.

This last Saturday our group sponsored one instead of our regularly scheduled meeting. The above picture is an example of the set up and from a few years ago. This time met at one of the local libraries in a reserved room. People brought snacks to share and whatever writing instrument they prefer to use.  

It's not all work and no play. There is catching up to do with each other, encouraging each other, all in a caring and supportive atmosphere. 

I believe the whole idea for these gatherings started with National Novel Writing Month. They encourage regional participants to attend write-ins as a way to up work count and get to know each other. That's where I first learned about them anyway. I've attended several over the course of my writing life and always came away with renewed dedication to my craft.

It doesn't have to be a large group. I've posted on Facebook on several occasions that I would be writing at Panera or a local coffee shop and usually one or two fellow writing friends with make an appearance. 

I encourage you to give it a try whether you are in a writer's group or not. I'm sure you will benefit from the experience. 


March Meeting

    Schyrlet Cameron-  Schyrlet is half of the writing team CC Brown. CC Brown is the pseudonym adopted by the two sisters,  Schyrlet Camero...