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by Michele Barrett
Dear Writers,
Thank you for another terrific afternoon together. Our August 6 gathering gave us plenty to carry into our own writing: practical advice from guest author Tracy Slonaker, conversation about editing and revision, new goals from around the Circle, and some important plans for the weeks ahead. The Writers' Circle meets on Thursday afternoons at the Boyertown Community Library.
A special thank-you to Tracy Slonaker, who joined us to talk about her writing and editing process and the lessons she has learned through publishing her work.
Tracy writes across genres and under different names. Her work includes the Angelmen series, The Color of Water, Closed Door Practice, and How the Game Is Played. She shared cards featuring several of her books and QR codes for anyone interested in learning more.
Much of Tracy’s conversation centered on revision and the importance of taking the editing process seriously. A few ideas worth carrying with us:
* The first draft is lying to you.
* Don’t cut corners.
* Don’t skip steps.
* Don’t let just anyone help you—and don’t rely on only one person.
* Reading aloud helps uncover errors.
* Believe in your work.
* Listen to people who know more than you.
* Trust your gut.
* Rise to the challenge of making the work better.
We also talked about AI and editing tools. Tracy uses tools such as Grammarly as part of her process, but the larger point was clear: technology can assist a writer, but it cannot replace careful readers, qualified editors, or the writer’s own judgment.
Around the Circle: Our members continue to work on an impressive range of projects—novels, poetry, young adult fiction, fantasy, and works still finding their shape.
We ended by putting our individual writing goals on paper: Michele M’s goal is especially useful for all of us: before you read, tell us what you need from us. Are you looking for encouragement? A reader’s reaction? Help with structure or character? Questions? Something specific that isn’t working? Knowing what the writer needs helps us become better listeners and better readers for one another.
Beginning August 20, Writers’ Circle will meet Thursdays from 3:30–5:00 PM.
August 13 — Diane Lauer Hallman
Diane will talk about what happens after the writing: building an audience and getting published work seen. Drawing from her experience with self-publishing, bestselling anthologies, and Substack, she’ll discuss podcast pitching, paid advertising, Amazon categories and algorithms, and building an audience before publication.
3:30-5:00 PM
August 20 — Rebecca P. Minor
Writing and Wrangling: The Symbiosis of Writing, Equipping Others, and Bookselling
Rebecca is a fantasy author, president of Realm Makers, and bookseller at Bookish in King of Prussia. Please remember: our new 3:30–5:00 PM meeting time begins this week.
August 27 — John Yamrus
John has been writing and publishing for more than 50 years and recently reached his 4,000th published piece. He’ll share some of his work and talk with us about his life as a writer.
September 3 — Focus on the Circle
September 3 will be devoted to the Writers’ Circle and its members. Members are invited to bring original work in any genre and at any stage of development. Reading aloud is always optional. Writers who choose to share will tell the group what kind of response would be useful to them. Fellow writers will listen and offer feedback with curiosity before criticism, focusing on ideas, organization, voice, and the reader’s experience while identifying both “glows” and opportunities for growth.
The gathering will also provide protected writing time to work on current pieces, develop new ideas, or respond to insights from the conversation.
The emphasis is on writers supporting writers: sharing work, exchanging feedback, making progress, and building a community with the encouragement and accountability to keep writing.
September 10 — Evan Brandt
Veteran local journalist Evan Brandt of the Mercury will join us. More information about his visit will follow.
August 13 featured Diane Lauer Hallman
Bring what you’re working on, your current goal, and—as always—something to write with.
From August 6: Thank you to Tracy for sharing her experience with us, and thank you to everyone who continues to bring work, questions, ideas, encouragement, and curiosity to the table.
More News from Boyertown
- Szczurowski Appointed To Fill Seat on Boyertown School Board Jason Szczurowski, who narrowly lost last year’s election for the Boyertown Area School District’s Region 2 seat, has been appointed to the same seat following a resignation.
- When the Heavens Speak: August 12, 2026 Sometimes it seems the Heavens are in sync with us here on earth.
