Once in a while we come across someone who leaves an indelible mark on us.  And sometimes that mark is so unforgettable, we feel obligated to turn and impress it onto the next closest person.  And they will turn and do the same.  So on, and so forth.  This is the way a legacy is born – starting quietly with one incredible someone who doesn’t realize the impact they are making by just being them.

For DFW Writers’ Workshop, our incredible someone was Jack Ballas.

Jack passed away this month at the age of ninety-one as a war hero, a father, a husband, an author, and as a DFWWW icon.  On the surface it would seem the legacy he left us could be found in the nineteen published books resting in our trophy case.  But, he actually bequeathed us something much bigger than books.  He is very much responsible for the culture which we live and love every time we gather.  As we sit around the critique table, we’re channeling our inheritance from him.  Honest, thoughtful critique.  Eager, obliging advice.  Tact.  Selflessness.  Respect.  Wisdom.

Jack Ballas showed us how it’s done, and we’ve been striving to do it like him ever since.  And though not all of us had the pleasure of meeting him, we have all -- in a way -- had a chance to get to know him.

The comments below are a tribute to his indelible mark on us.  Like his books, they are worth a read.

Are things slow at work as you head into the holidays?  Consider a little writing distraction to pass the time.  Here are a few free contests which require nothing more than a pen, paper, and your skills.  Odds are in your favor, DFWWW members.

In a fantastical mood?    Marvel Comics and Harley Davidson have teamed up to offer prizes for the best 500 word essay about you, a superhero, and your hogs.  Prizes include cash and, of course, a motorcycle.  Ride off into the sunset by clicking here.

Want to sharpen your non-fiction chops?  Clorox wants a flash (non)fiction story under 120 characters about your most bleachable moment.  Prize includes a cool 15K.  Go clean up the competition by clicking here.

Feeling romantic?  Villa Sandi Winery wants your 800 word engagement story, and will reward the best with a trip for two to Italy.  Vivere e amare!  Share the love by clicking here.

Good luck.  Hopefully these will carry you into 2013 and get you ready for your inevitable New Year’s writing resolutions.

The Young Adult Keller Book Festival

When:  January 19, 2013, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where:  Keller High School

What:  It's open to  all -- aspiring writers, lovers of YA literature, and old school groupies.  The list of confirmed authors is extensive, and includes DFWWW members Rosemary Clement-Moore and Jenny Martin.  It’s a full day of panels, readings, book signings, and more.  Even better – it’s in town, and it's free.

 Find the nitty-gritty details by clicking here.

A few  years ago, several non-fiction books hit the shelves claiming that inborn talent was either a complete myth or a small factor in a person’s overall success.  These books were based on the findings of social scientists who had studied experts in a variety of fields.  One of their main findings was that a person needed around 10,000 hours of practice (that’s about four hours a day for ten years) to become excellent at something.  More importantly, not any old practice would do.  This deliberate practice had to have specific characteristics.  It had to be regular.  It had to be hard and demanding.  Most importantly, it had to have immediate, expert feedback.

If you want to be successful at difficult things such as chess, gymnastics or violin playing, a well developed community for getting this sort of practice exists.  If you want to be successful as a writer in today’s society, it’s not so clear cut.  The bar is particularly high in a flooded market.

After I finished my first novel and the rejection letters came dribbling in, I came reluctantly to the conclusion it was not quite publishable.  But how other writers, especially first-time authors, had learned to produce properly publishable work was a mystery to me.

I now believe the secret may have something to do with writers’ groups.

One of these 10,000 hour books, Talent is Overrated, contains comedian Chris Rock’s method for preparing his big shows.  He tries out new material in local clubs, seeing what works, discarding what bombs.  At the end of this process, every single joke left in his act is supremely excellent, all delivered effortlessly. Who would have thought becoming excellent had anything to do with being crap?  It does.  But here is the secret: you have to be crap in front of other people, and they have to be the right people.

I’ve learned a great deal since joining DFWWW many months ago.  The first surprising thing I learned was that my novel was really bad.  Not just a little bit bad; it was a big, stinky pile of present tense and wooden characters.  The second thing I learned, after I dried my tears, was that it was ok to produce bad writing -- everyone starts out doing that. I might not be a special case, but I was in good company.

Then, over the coming weeks, I learned about all the varied and increasingly subtle ways my novel could be bad.  Then some of it got good.  Some of it is still pretty awful, but that’s ok because now I know which bits to discard. Every week, I leave the group with a stronger (if somewhat shorter) story.  I’m still on my journey towards becoming a published writer, but I do believe, at last, I am shoveling my way down the right road.

- Kim Moravec, DFWWW Member since 2012

DFWWW Member Jenny Martin, who has a two book deal with Penguin, the first of which is due in 2014, will be teaching a free 2-part class at the Allen Public Library.

The first class will focus on the craft of writing, while the second will unlock the mysteries of publishing.  Don't miss it --  especially if you’re searching for some pointers on finding your voice, or want an insider look into the world of agents, editors, and contracts.  And if you think you've already got a handle on all that, remember what good ol' Daniel J. Boorstin said:  "Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know. "  In other words, come enjoy anyway.

The hard and fast facts are...

It’s FREE.  (Did we already mention that?)

Where:  Allen Public Library (map)

When:  February 9^th and 23^rd, starting at 2:00 pm both days