Lecture: Janis Cooke Newman
This is terrain historical novelist Janis Cooke Newman knows well. Her novel, Mary, about Mary Todd Lincoln, was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist and #3 on the Bay Area Best Seller List in 2006. Janis will explore the unique challenge writers of historical fiction face, and share her personal journey in bringing to life one of the most misunderstood women in American history, whose captivating story included love and war, sex and seances, assassination, infidelity, madness, and politics. Learn the essentials of tackling a book of this scope, including how and where to dig for information, and how to imbue your writing, and your subject with a vividness that transcends time.
Workshop: Jordan Biro
History specialist Jordan Biro, of the California Council for the Promotion of History will present a forty-five minute workshop, “Research Secrets Uncovered,” directly following the November Tri-Valley luncheon meeting at Oasis Grille in Pleasanton. This nuts and bolts presentation will cover how to get started researching, knowing where to look, and when it’s time to stop seeking and start writing. Other points covered will include: what’s effective research and what isn’t; how to discern between primary and secondary sources; using an archive; how to mine the Internet for research gold – and how to avoid potential online pitfalls – and finding the right experts to assist you in your search. Expect some surprise resources and detailed handouts in this don’t miss presentation