Writers Outreach

At out last writer's meeting we had such a wonderful time and discussed many things.  It is wonderful seeing so many making so much become reality.  A simple idea for a story or project takes a lot of work, inspiration, dedication and perseverance to become a book.  The different individuals of this group in person and on line are amazing in all that they have done and are doing.

I am especially delighted when I hear the ideas and plans for the future.  That is something special.  We must live each day the best that we can and never forget how special it is, but there is excitement when we can plan and work to make those plans become reality.

Each individual of the group has projects in different stages of development and seeing the encouragement offered one to another inspires me even more.  This idea of people helping people is something real. 

One thing planned for July 10th in Jonesboro, Ar. at 311 Church Street 'The Arts@311 is an event I call   'Writers Outreach'

Guest Speaker CD Mitchell will be coming to Jonesboro.  This will be an evening of fun, enlightenment, and entertainment free to all who attend.  Linda Nance NEA Writers is proud to present this special guest speaker as a Writer's Outreach program for the community with readings, discussions and a time to ask questions, meet and greet the author and others of the the group.  This should be an interesting evening of fun and entertainment offering a chance to learn and grow.

If you have an interest in writing, publishing or the pure pleasure of a good story this will be an evening to come and join the fun.  Hearing the program is only a part as you and others can ask questions and hear first hand the story of the stories you find in the books and writings you often read and enjoy.  You can hear how you too can make dreams come true.  Meet CD Mitchell in person and several other published authors who have promised to attend.

Guest Speaker CD Mitchell has an MFA with concentrations in creative nonfiction and fiction. He served as an editor for the award winning and nationally recognized literary journal, The Pinch, published by the University of Memphis MFA program.

 He has seen the courtroom as a prosecutor, a defense attorney, a special judge, and as a defendant.

A professional boxing career ended with a record of 45-5 with 38 knockouts. Tommy Morrison, the former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion claimed one of his first Tough-man titles in fights CD promoted in Fayetteville Arkansas.

He has worked as a bridge man and track layer for the Union Pacific Railroad, owned his own construction company, competed in Memphis in May Preliminary BBQ competitions, owned his own BBQ stand, and worked on the locks and dams of the Arkansas River from Toad Suck to Ozark.

He has been a groom four times and a pallbearer four times, but has never been a best man, and that in itself is a story waiting to be written.

CD Mitchell has had several publications of both fiction and creative nonfiction in print and online journals that include Natural Bridge, River Teeth, The Southeast Review, Story South, Blood Lotus, The Evansville Review, The Appalachee Review, Big Muddy, North Dakota Quarterly, and others. His story, "The Execution" loosely based upon a true incident in Arkansas, has been selected for inclusion in a crime anthology forthcoming in the United Kingdom this fall. Another story, "Clovis" is part of a collaboration with Chicago photographer Jennifer Moore and will be included with the work of 5 other artists and writers in an anthology published by Flying House in August.

His website is cd mitchell.net and can best be seen using Mozilla Firefox.

CD is a man who has lived life, been there and done that with a gift to tell the tales and write stories to delight, entertain and even make you cry but always wanting more.

He has graciously agreed to come and speak sharing not only things he has written but answer questions and offers the opportunity to share knowledge and assistance to those working on their own projects, dream to write or have an interest to know more.  This promises to be an entertaining evening as well as informative and fun.

When you think of the idea of people helping people this is a beautiful example of someone doing something special to give to others and hopefully inspire them each in thier own projects or desires to create.  He is offering more than an evening of entertainment or a lecture or reading of works....he is offering the gift of sharing and reaching out to others.

For those who will be unable to attend in person I hope to be able to tell all about it and even have pictures.  Join me,even if it is with your best wishes and a kind word or encouragement to another.... passing a good thought along and helping to make dreams come true.