Author name: trivalleywriters

David Denny, Making Your Descriptions Pop, April 21, 2018

Whatever genre you are working in—fiction or non-fiction, scripts or manuals—the poetic techniques of imagery and metaphor can add color and verve to your style. Even in the most routine of expository tasks, a well-placed word picture or an apt comparison can enliven your prose and aid readability. In this craft talk, award-winning poet and …

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Mark Coker “How to E-Publish and Sell Your Book” March 17, 2018

Mark Coker, a former Silicon Valley publicist, started Smashwords in 2008 with the lofty goal of using technology to democratize publishing—allowing writers to appeal directly to readers without having to deal with gatekeepers such as agents and editors. To date, Smashwords has published over 475,000 books. Smashwords is a no cost, no frills, way to …

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Alan Rinzler presents “Once More Unto the Breach,” February 17, 2018

Alan Rinzler, a consulting editor, will speak to local writers Saturday, Feb. 17, about “how valiant agents and publishers are still taking chances on debut writers despite the dwindling unit sales and net profits of the book business today.” Rinzler will also discuss his 56 years of experience as Assistant Managing Editor at Simon and …

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Publications

 Jordan Bernal published her middle-grade spin-off fantasy novel, Reluctant Paladin, in October. Set in a modern day Ireland, protected by dragons and their riders, Reluctant Paladin is a coming-of-age story about a boy who must confront the school bully and keep the dragon clan secret while caring for an injured, wingless, newborn dragonet.   Ruth …

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C.S. Lakin presents “Shoot Your Novel: Cinematic Secrets to Supercharge Your Story”

Novelist, copyeditor, and writing coach, C. S. Lakin, will delve into screenwriting techniques to help authors write in a more visual and compelling way at our meeting on Saturday, November 18. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, 5115 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, for Lakin’s illuminating presentation, “Shoot Your Novel: Cinematic Secrets to …

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2017 Jack London Award Recipient Deborah ‘Jordan’ Bernal

On July 23, Deborah ‘Jordan’ Bernal received the California Writers Club Jack London Award in appreciation and gratitude for her many years of exemplary service to Tri-Valley Writers (TVW). Jordan has served as TVW president (2014-2016), vice-president (2012-2014), NorCal rep, and membership chair. Her vision includes extensive outreach to the community. She was instrumental in …

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Contest Awards

  Shannon Brown’s entry, “Facing the Music,” from her new adult romance novel Beyond the Music, won honorable mention in the Division 330 – Publisher’s Choice Novel Chapter Contest for the San Mateo County Fair.   Five TVW members have won awards in the Tri-Valley Writers High School Writing Contest: Vidhima Shetty, first place for her poem “When the Home No …

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Publications and Honors

Eight TVW members have been published in the 2017 Las Positas Literary Anthology, Beyond the Window: Connie Hanstedt: Four poems, “Taking Inventory” (first place, poetry category), “Beginnings,” “Night Watch,” and After “35 Years” Sally Kimball: Three short stories, “Betrayal” (second place, prose category), “The Scotsman,” and “Shadows of the Past,” and a poem “Poulnabrone Dolmen” Ellen Aubry: Two short …

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