Hi, my name is Mary Lamphere and I’m a lonely writer. Even after so many, many months of very limited exposure, zero to no socialization, and hardly any work demands, I find myself struggling to finish a manuscript.
I would have thought that with ALL THAT TIME, I could have cranked out a couple of novels, short stories, and, what the heck, a few personal essays, too, just for fun and time-filler–but alas, I did not.
I have been writing for over ten years. I’ve met a few goals, achieved some personal successes, and hope to celebrate more. I have several novels in the works and come up with ideas all the time. Unfortunately, I suffer from many procrastinatory ailments such as laundry, Netflix, and Facebook. I need external deadlines. I need to be held accountable. I need to share work and exchange ideas. I need to learn and experience and expand my writing world. I need people!
I strongly believe that writers need other writers. That’s why I’m rebooting the DeKalb Area Writers Group. DAWGs was my very first collaboration of committed writers. We focused on short stories based on a shared prompt, editing of those stories to a mandated 1,000 word limit, and the reading and critiquing of these monthly flash fiction submissions. We also shared our struggles and successes as authors. DAWGs has continued in various forms since its inception, but, much like me, lost its steam during lockdown. The reception of the news and support of the new group has been wonderful. I feel reinvigorated already!
DAWGs is a dedicated community of authors who have decided to take their passion for writing seriously in pursuit of completion, submission, and/or publication.
All genres, styles, and levels of experience are invited to join. We will meet monthly to work on short stories based on a selected prompt and share literary lessons, successes, concerns, and opportunities.
DAWGs will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Bilder Room at the DeKalb Public Library from 6 to 8 pm.
If you are interested in joining DAWGs, check out the website, DeKalb Area Writers Group or contact Mary at DeKalbAreaWritersGroup@gmail.com
Mary Lamphere 
Yahoo!! I’m so glad you’re doing this!
Speaking of needing people, what are you doing on July 31st from 2-4? Have you heard that Mary Kay Morrison is having a Book Signing Garden Party at 322 Canary Drive, Caledonia? I plan on going. I’d love to see you there. Maybe we could grab dinner/drinks after?
Thanks so much for the beautiful sailboat card you sent me. I love getting mail from you! Is the kitchen renovation complete? Send pictures!
Hope to see you on July 31st.
Hugs, Kristin
From: Writers’ Institute The
Reply-To: Mary Lamphere
Date: Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10:06 AM
To: Kristin Oakley
Subject: [New post] About a DAWG
Mary Fran Says posted: ” Hi, my name is Mary Lamphere and I’m a lonely writer. Even after so many, many months of very limited exposure, zero to no socialization, and hardly any work demands, I find myself struggling to finish a manuscript. I would have thought that with “
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