Meet My Tennessee Critique Group - Part 1

Last week I wrote about a day in my life as a writer. Today  I’m starting a 3 part post about the members of my Tennessee writing group. I’ve been with them for almost 2 years. Having a place to get good feedback is a blessing.

 
​Meet Rick Starkey! Rick's a founding member of the Tennessee group. He graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature. He’s sold a few pieces to Highlights Magazine and had his 1st book published.
I love working with Rick! He’s the catcher. He sees the small things that that don’t quite work. They’re close, but slightly off. Catching and changing them helps my story flow.

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​Rick has one book in print, ​Blues Bones. It’s this week’s feature on My Reads. Click on over!
On October 27th you can meet Rick and get an autographed book. He’ll be in Sevierville, Tennessee at the Book Market in Tanger Outlets. 

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Rick does 2 presentations.

Taming Technology: Using technology to help you write.
Rick is our resident techie. He believes technology isn’t scary, and I’m not scared, if I can ask Rick.

Working With a Small Publisher: Is a small publisher a good fit for me?
If you have a book that’s ready for a publisher, Rick can give you the pros and cons of a small house. His web site has a free handout. Click in the presentation section to find those tips.
                        His web address: https://rickstarkey.wordpress.com/
                        His trailer for BLUES BONES:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=Nxf7lxuaztM  

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​Rick is a busy guy! Not only does he write, but he carves too. With a chainsaw. Really! Look him up on Facebook  under ‘The Stump Brothers Chainsaw Carving.’
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Use this link to watch Rick carve:
https://www.facebook.com/gatlinburgtn/videos/318453908701681/  

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​Rick is magic too! He has the shop in Gatlinburg to prove it, Make it Magic. He sells mesmerizing tricks, and maybe a bear or two. It is the Smokies!
Rick also performs magic with his wife, Betty. It’s a family business. That’s Betty with the bunny.  Rick’s best magic tip— if you ever make a rabbit disappear in front of kids, make it reappear. Otherwise the kids won’t stop worrying about the poor bunny. Rick is a magic man, I think he should conjure up a tale about a magic bunny. Really!
PS- Betty is more than Rick’s wife and a magician’s assistant. Her stage name is Twinkles, and she knows how to clown around. Really! I wonder, if you visit the shop, would you meet Betty or Twinkles? Hmmm…

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