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Honorable Mention

This has been an incredibly busy summer, especially in the realm of writing. For the first time ever, I signed up for not one, but two writing classes in the realm of short fiction. For the most part, the experience turned out to be a very beneficial one, helping to hone my writing skills, especially in the area of short stories, a genre I hadn’t done a lot of writing in previously.  

Having a story critiqued by the entire class as well as the instructor can be an eye-opening experience, especially if you’ve never had your work critiqued before. Having a thick skin helps. Some of the feedback is very beneficial and helpful, and will actually improve your writing. Other feedback is simply painful, and you wind up questioning whether the person offering up the critique actually read the story you wrote. Or worse – why you ever thought you had the ability and talent to become a writer in the first place. Take it all with a huge grain of salt and only take away the critiques that actually help or inspire you. Then, let the rest of it go. 

 
But it’s those little gems of feedback – moving the story to the next level, offering word suggestions, or praise of your work and/or skill – that makes the process truly worthwhile. Like all critiques, you also encounter classmates who misinterpreted your work, flat-out didn’t care for it and weren’t afraid to say so, or were the ‘know-it-all’ critics, telling you every single that needed improvement. But you also encounter classmates who offer suggestions and/or feedback that is genuinely helpful to you and will go a long way in improving your work.  

Since I took two writing classes through Gotham Writer’s Workshop (www.writingclasses.com) another benefit was the amount of fresh writing material I was able to develop. I wrote over a half-dozen short stories this summer, almost all of which are being entered into writing contests. That’s the marvelous thing about the Internet – not only can an author take classes on-line from New York City without leaving your den, you can also receive feedback, submit stories to contests, and even see your work published.

Since I took two writing classes through Gotham Writer’s Workshop (www.writingclasses.com) another benefit was the amount of fresh writing material I was able to develop. I wrote over a half-dozen short stories this summer, almost all of which are being entered into writing contests. That’s the marvelous thing about the Internet – not only can an author take classes on-line from New York City without leaving your den, you can also receive feedback, submit stories to contests, and even see your work published.

 

At this point in the summer, I have about six stories entered into various writing contests. In order to keep increasing the benefits, where offered, I’ve requested critiques from contest judges. It’s just another way of amassing more feedback on my work that will hopefully translate into ever improving writing. On the first contest I entered, a flash-fiction piece of 500 words or less for the organization WOW – Women On Writing, my story, Dispose of the Evidence, won Honorable Mention, which will be published on their site in September, and there’s a nice prize package. Can’t beat that. We’ll see how the other stories fare as the fall progresses.

Also this fall I start school yet again, this time in a Paralegal Certificate Program. This should take about a year and a half, and while I’m a firm believer that you are never too old to learn, this will be my fourth degree. By the time I graduate sometime in 2009, by then I’ll want to put some of this knew knowledge to use. But one thing that won’t change is the need to write.  

Also new to the Resources Page are editing services provided by Rachel Gurevich. Check out her site The Right Words, At The Right Time. Her services include Freelance Writing, Editorial, Copywriting, and Tutoring Services.

Kathryn Schleich

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Hollywood and Catholic Women

Part of the curriculum for the University of South Carolina's "Religious Women in Film" course

BOOK EXCERPT
Hollywood and Catholic Women provides an intriguing look into the portrayal of Catholic women in American film. Click here to read an excerpt.

HOLLYWOOD Q&A
Q: Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers and Other Images has aroused interest just with its provocative title. What’s the meaning behind it?
A: The title refers to several aspects of feminist theory discussed in the book. First, there’s the idea that for Hollywood actresses in general they are often relegated to three primary roles – that of the virgin, whore, or mother. Click here for interview.

BOOK REVIEWS
"Kathryn Schleich's well-researched and highly readable analysis of how Catholic women are portrayed in film should be a requirement for any serious student of either women's issues or film or even the role of religion as it relates to society. It contains a wealth of information and insight and draws a very interesting relationship between the static patriarchy of the Catholic church and the male-dominated Hollywood production system." Click for reviews.

PORTFOLIO
You’ve got approximately 30 seconds to attract a potential client’s interest (and that’s if you’re lucky). That’s just the first step. The second is even harder - keeping that interest and moving that prospective client or customer to action. Will your printed materials and web site get the results your business is looking for, or will prospective customers move on? Click here for portfolio.