Coffee and Critique Member Marcia Gaye's Work on Display in St. Peters

Marcia Gaye's Display at
St. Peters Cultural Arts Center

Award-winning writer Marcia Gaye, shown at left, is a prolific member of Coffee and Critique.

Her poetry, short stories, articles, and essays have appeared in a wide variety of literary and commercial publications.

Marcia recently had the opportunity to display more than a dozen books containing her work at the City of St. Peters Community and Cultural Arts Center.

You can check out Marcia's eye-catching display at the City of St. Peters Community and Cultural Arts Center. 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.(at City Hall), St. Peters, MO 63376. Phone: 636-397-6903.Her work will be on display until the end of 2015.

The hours of operation are: 

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, Closed

Congratulations, Marcia. Way to represent!

Just Released: J.J.Zerr's Historical Novel: THE HAPPY LIFE OF PRESTON KATT

Coffee and Critique long-time member Jack Zerr has released his latest novel: The Happy Life of Preston Katt.

Not only is Zerr a talented writer, he also is very generous. He recently presented members of Coffee and Critique autographed copies of his novel. Once I began reading my copy, I had a hard time putting it aside.

Zerr's historical tale opens on the Island of Oahu on December 7, 1941, "a day that will live in infamy."

After a night of reckless abandon, Seaman First Class Preston Katt sneaks back aboard the USS Callahan scant hours before the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor.

Preston Katt's naval service began right after high school graduation. He joined the Navy to escape his alcoholic and neglectful mother and to leave behind painful memories of growing up in the fictional town of Saint Ambrose, Missouri, where the only kindness he was shown was by his beloved teacher, Sister Ralph, and the charitable and warm-hearted shopkeeper, Frau Grossman.

In the Navy, Katt has found a new home as a sailor serving on lookout duty during the heat and chaos of the war in the Pacific. Katt has a unique talent. Using his favorite pair of Navy-issued binoculars, Katt's eagle-eye vision is responsible for spotting enemy warships and planes far away, saving several US vessels from being destroyed.

As the story unfolds, we learn about the daily grind of Navy life, as well as Katt's struggle with guilt and insecurities and his strong and sustaining faith.

As a Navy combat aviator, Zerr writes with authority and compassion. His  vivid writing, strong characterization, and attention to detail make The Happy Life of Preston Katt a compelling read.

Doyle Suit and Baker Mountain Featured in the Montgomery County, Arkansas, News

During last Tuesday's Coffee and Critique session, Doyle Suit shared some exciting news about his recent book signing.

Last weekend Doyle returned to his roots in Mount Ida, Arkansas, for a signing and discussion at the Montgomery County Library of his YA novel, Baker Mountain.

Suit's YA novel, Baker Mountain, is a story about Gary Hill, a 17-year-old sent to live with his grandparents in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains during the Great Depression.

Doyle's Mt. Ida connection and novel resonated with many of the locals who visited the library for his discussion and signing -- because Doyle sold out of books!

In addition to his appearance at the library, Doyle and his book were featured in the September 18 edition of the "Montgomery County News."

Congratulations, Doyle! We're all proud of you and your many accomplishments!

Alice Muschany's Book Signing at Barnes and Noble in St. Peters

Alice Muschany, aka Coffee and Critique's "fastest red pen west of the Mississippi," is one of four  St. Louis area authors whose stories of survival are included in Gloria Gaynor's recently released anthology,  We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song.

In addition to Alice, local writers Lynn Obermoeller, Linda O'Connell, and Cathi LaMarche have stories in the anthology and will be on hand to sign copies of the book.

The event will be this coming Saturday, December 7 at Barnes & Noble, Mid Rivers Center Drive, St. Peters, MO from 1-3:00 p.m.

Nick Nixon's Visit Surprises and Delights

Today was an extra special day for members of Coffee and Critique.

Shortly after I got up this morning I received a call from Coffee and Critique co-founder and my best writing buddy, Lou Turner, telling me that Nick Nixon was going to stop by our critique group today for a visit.

Nick is a gifted writer, award-winning songwriter, and chart-topping Country entertainer who has belonged to our group for several years.

Since then, he has entertained and inspired us with his beautifully written, passionate, and humorous essays at our Tuesday morning meetings.

To say Nick has a way with words is an understatement. He also gives thoughtful and spot-on critiques.

Several months ago Nick informed us that he was diagnosed with cancer, so he hasn't been able to attend our group regularly for some time, but we've kept in touch with him through calls and e-mails -- and we've always kept a seat for him at the table.

This morning Nick, his lovely wife Kim, their beautiful daughter Autumn Rose, and Nick's good buddy Nick Berry (in the photo on the left) who is visiting from Ohio,  graced us with a surprise visit.

Nick read an essay about his first paying gig as a Country singer. It was a delight! He also gave comments on stories other writers read.

Before they left, I managed to snap a few photos, and Kim took a couple more of our group members who were present today.

Those in the group shot are (from left): Stan, Janet, Bill S., John, Rebeca, Doyle, Nick B., Lou, Nick, Donna (me), Marcia, and Bill M.

I think these photos capture the joy of the occasion.

Thanks, Nick and family for sharing your time with us.

You are the best!

We hope you'll come back and visit us soon.

Take Ten with Coffee and Critique - First Up, Doyle Suit

Take Ten with Coffee and Critique is a new feature intended to highlight the writers who belong to the Coffee and Critique group and to share some of their writing wisdom.

The Take Ten feature includes an introduction and a bio of the member, followed by an interview with ten questions, plus one bonus question.

First up is Doyle Suit, interviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

Doyle is a cherished and loyal member of C&C. He has belonged to C&C since the group's founding in 2007 by Donna Volkenannt and Lou Turner. 

Introduction: We can always rely on Doyle to share a great story and give insightful and thorough critiques. Friendly and welcoming to all members, Doyle embodies the Coffee and Critique motto of being "candid but kind." 

Bio: Doyle and his lovely wife of a half century live in St. Charles, MO near their children and grandchildren. He and his wife play golf and bridge and enjoy bluegrass music. Doyle's stories appear in Cactus Country, Thin Threads, Our Favorite Pets, My Dad is my Hero, Bigfoot Confidential, Cuivre River Anthologies, and various magazines.
 

Interview: Here are Doyle Suit's Take Ten Q&A with Coffee and Critique:

1. What inspired you to become a writer?
 

Doyle:  I can’t pinpoint a single inspiration. A high school English teacher sparked my interest in literature. Failed attempts to write when I was younger made me want to improve my skills. Family members who were published encouraged me. Finally, writing technical proposals in the aircraft industry sounded like a good background for fiction writing. It didn't quite work that way.
 

2. What is your writing specialty?
 

Doyle: I write primarily novels and short stories, but occasionally I get sidetracked into writing memoirs, essays, articles, or even songs.
 

3 What is your writing process?

Doyle: I write almost every day and avoid detailed outlines. The seat of the pants method usually works for me. Deadlines tend to improve my efficiency.

 

4. What is the best part of being a writer? The worst part?
 

Doyle: The best part of being a writer is satisfying an itch to create stories. The worst part is waiting for a publisher to decide, or maybe it’s people who tell me writing is a nice hobby.
 

5. What is the best writing advice you’ve received?  The worst?
 

Doyle: The best advice I’ve received is to apply my butt to a chair and don’t let the truth get in the way of telling a good story. The worst is encouragement to write whatever I think will sell.
 

6. Which books on writing can you recommend for other writers?
 

Doyle: Numerous books can be helpful. My standbys are Plain English Handbook, Roget’s Thesaurus and The Elements of Style.
 

7. How has belonging to Coffee and Critique benefitted you?
 

Doyle: Constructive advice from talented writers at Coffee and Critique fostered discipline to pay attention to fundamentals and write about what’s important to me.
 

8. If you’ve been published or have won awards, which are the most special to you?
 

Doyle: I’m proud of all my publications and awards. Having my work included in My Dad is my Hero, Thin Threads, Cactus Country, Bigfoot Confidential, and Cuivre River Anthologies is special. My YA novel, Baker Mountain, will be published in the near future. First place award for Saturday Writers short story contest and Springfield Writers Guild Jim Stone Fiction Award grace the walls of my office.
 

9. What three words best describe you?
 

Doyle: Right-brained Engineer
 

10. What is your writing dream? 
 

Doyle: I want to publish work that entertains and reinforces values like self-reliance, honesty, thrift and respect for others. These were expected when I grew up. I fear they are not sufficiently emphasized in today’s world.
 

Bonus question: Anything you’d like to add?
 

Doyle: To those who suggest I’d be better served to do real work instead of writing stories, writing is work. I learned the hard way.

 

Thank you, Doyle, for giving us a glimpse into your writing world and for sharing your wisdom. 

 

To learn more about Doyle, visit his website http://www.doylesuitstoryteller.com

Announcements and Welcome to our New Members

Something's always brewing at Coffee and Critique.

In the past month or so we've had some new members join us, so I'd like to formally welcome them to our group.

Bill S. -- not to be confused with Bill M, whom Bill S. refers to as Bill the Elder -- has traveled the world during his military and civilian career. His stories reflect his many adventures, mostly with women who become his girlfriends or wives.

John is a busy father of two-year-old triplets and a four-year-old son. John writes faith-based epistles and true stories infused with spiritual messages. John's readings inspire and uplift, and at times have moved me to tears. Yesterday he announced that his manuscript "Letters to Jack" has been accepted by Treehouse Publishing Group.

Janet is a talented writer and thoughtful critique giver who has already published a book. She's been busy of late helping with the 2013 MWG conference, but after the conference is over we're hopeful she'll visit more regularly.

Sarah, our newest member, visited for the first time yesterday. Sarah is a gifted writer who has already completed an historical fiction novel. She read the first chapter yesterday, and I'm already hooked and want to hear more.

Announcements

In other news, Lou reports that she saw Nick over the weekend, and he seems to be doing well. We are all praying for his recovery. Nick Nixon's memoir, Dreams Worked Magic, has been re-released by High Hill Press with five new stories.

Several members from C&C dropped in for Jack's book signing last Saturday at All on the Same Page Book Store. Sadly, because of a family event I couldn't make it, but yesterday both Charles and I purchased copies of Jack Zerr's latest book, Sundown Town Duty Station.

Becky has been busy moving and is finalizing her memoir.

Claudia has an agent who is looking for a publisher for her women's fiction novel.

Donna, Jack, Marcia, and Karen had works accepted for publication in the 2013 Edition of Well Versed, published by the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild. 

If you are a member of C&C and have some news to share, please let me know.

Posted by Donna Volkenannt.

Congrats to Alice on Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors

Coffee and Critiquer Alice has not one, but two stories under contract with Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors. Her two essays were also submitted to Redbook's essay contest in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Cup of Comfort collection.

Good luck, Alice. We love your essays!

WooHoo Pat Wahler - Published in Cup of Comfort

Coffee and Critique memeber Pat Wahler's story "Motherly Ties" will appear in Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers, scheduled to be released in Spring, 2008.

Way to go, Pat. She ran the story through the critique group. See, it works people!