My daughter posted a meme on Facebook called California English: yeah, no means no; no, yeah means yes; yeah, no, for sure means definitely. That is why I love eavesdropping on random conversations to help with character development. Dialogue can tell the reader so much about the character, sometimes without them being aware of it. […]
Dialogue and Character Development by Lani Longshore Read More »
RUE–Resist the Urge to Explain. Over-explaining is one of the quickest ways to get your readers to skim. The problem is, no one can define how much backstory is sufficient or can pinpoint the exact place to insert it. This is one of the aspects of craft that can drive even an experienced writer around
How to RUE by Lani Longshore Read More »
When the car passed in the dark street, my first thought was, “What sort of story will that driver tell about us later today?” My husband, son, and I trundled through the dark and cold, way-before-dawn, to view the eclipse of the Blue Blood Moon. Our neighborhood is filled with street lights, but within a
Point of View and People Watching Me by Lani Longshore Read More »
Creating interesting characters, rich settings and nuanced plots in as few words as possible is the mark of a skilled writer. Short stories present a wonderful opportunity to hone those skills—and lay the groundwork for longer works.
December 20, 2014: Someone, Something, Somewhere: Short Stories Made Simple Read More »
Sheldon Siegel will help us kick off the new 2014-2015 season as the guest speaker for the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch on Saturday, Sept 20. Sheldon Siegel is the New York Times best-selling author of seven critically acclaimed legal thrillers featuring San Francisco criminal defense attorneys Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez, two of the most beloved characters in contemporary
Sept 20, 2014: Essential Elements of Bestselling Crime Fiction Read More »
Linda Watanabe McFerrin will be the guest speaker at the next monthly meeting of the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch on Saturday, May 17. Learn how poetry surrounds our everyday lives. Join us for a few short exercises that will help develop your creativity. Linda Watanabe McFerrin is a poet, travel writer, novelist and contributor to numerous newspapers, magazines and anthologies. She
May 17, 2014: Poetry The Long and Short of It Read More »
Recently I took a workshop for an art technique I already know. I registered for the class to work with teacher. It was the best decision I made – on a variety of levels – and useful for writing as well as art. First, however, I had to commit to following her instructions. Following instructions is hard
Finding a Writing Footpath by Lani Longshore Read More »
Patricia Marshall will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at the Four Points by Sheraton, 5115 Hopyard, Pleasanton. Writer and editor Patricia Marshall, who has helped more than a dozen authors self-publish, will walk you through the steps you need to
Sept 21 Meeting: You’ve Written the Book, Now What? Read More »
Congratulations to Stacey Gustafson for “He Who Kills Weeds,” and “He’s Not That Into Me,” in Not Your Mother’s Book on Home Improvement. Her story “Sleepover Gone Bad” is featured in July 2013 A Long Story Short 10th Anniversary e-zine for writers.
Stacey Gustafson triple publications Read More »
You don’t have to wait until September to get together again with your fellow Tri-Valley Writers. Join the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch in collaboration with the Pleasanton Library for “Open Mic Night with My Friends” on Monday night August 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Avenue.
Open Mic Night with My Friends August 12, 2013 Read More »
