Past Meetings

Author Rachael Herron Will Speak on Memoir Writing, June 16, 2018

Past Meetings /

Rachael Herron’s most recent book is Fast-Draft Your Memoir. She is the bestselling author of the novels The Ones Who Matter Most (named a 2016 Editor’s Pick by Library Journal), Splinters of Light, and Pack Up the Moon, the Darling Bay and the Cypress Hollow series, and the memoir, A Life in Stitches. Join us on Saturday, June 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Four Points […]

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

Past Meetings /

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

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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

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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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Sofia Grant presents How to Create Emotional Depth in a Novel

Past Meetings /

Author Sofia Grant will speak to writers about how to create emotional depth in a novel at our final meeting of the year. This presentation offers an overview of emotion’s relationship to plot and character and introduces a variety of ways to add emotional depth. Learn to avoid common pitfalls and create your character’s “emotion palette.”

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

Past Meetings /

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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Jordan Rosenfeld Workshop: Get Intimate With Your Characters: Master Point of View For Dazzling Character Development

Past Meetings /

Jordan Rosenfeld, author, editor, and writing teacher, will present a three-hour, hands-on workshop, “Get Intimate With Your Characters: Master Point of View For Dazzling Character Development.”  Join us on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, 5115 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, for this special event. The workshop will take place

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