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UID:32145-1787495400-1787500800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Finding Unheard Voices in Public Records and Documents
DESCRIPTION:Note that this program will be presented on the fourth Sunday in August.\nVersion 1.0.0\nIn this program\, Finding Unheard Voices in Public Records and Documents\, WAG member Coleen DeGroff will share how she published the first book on African American enslavement in Alachua County. \nShe will describe her approach to creating and publishing a book using public records and historical archives\, and how her discovery of long-hidden documents led her to finding accounts of hundreds of enslaved people who were brought to Alachua County to labor on nearly five dozen plantations for half a century\, generating a significant amount of wealth for the region. \nAlachua County Black Book: Accounts of Enslaved People Discovered in Ancient Records uses bills of sale\, wills\, mortgages\, and more to give a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved and the people who enslaved them between 1815 and 1865. \nDeGroff hopes that this compilation of long-buried accounts found in public archives will help other writers share the tales of these unheard voices so that they are not forgotten. \nFrom the time Coleen DeGroff could pick up a pen\, she has been a writer. From poetry and songs in her teen years\, to writing articles for newspapers and magazines (including a stint as a humor columnist for a small Colorado magazine) to a fifteen-year career as a blogger and a real estate agent\, writing has always been a part of her life. After making the decision to retire from real estate\, Coleen followed her dreams back to writing about subjects close to her heart. She says she didn’t set out to write Alachua County Black Book. Instead\, she believes the book found her\, and she will always be grateful that it did. \nMore can be found about her writing career at https://www.coleendegroff.com/.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/finding-unheard-voices-in-public-records-and-documents/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
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UID:32281-1789309800-1789315200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Create a Compelling Elevator Pitch
DESCRIPTION:How do you\, as an author\, talk about your book(s) in a way that captures attention and sparks interest? \nIn this interactive session\, Julia Sander will show authors how to identify the true value of their work\, connect with what readers want\, and confidently share their story through a compelling elevator pitch. \nUsing practical examples\, audience participation\, and a simple framework\, you’ll gain the skills to start meaningful conversations that lead to stronger reader engagement. Whether you’re promoting your first book or your tenth\, this presentation will help you turn a brief introduction into a memorable opportunity. \nJulia Sander earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and is a passionate Gator fan\, especially when it comes to softball\, gymnastics\, and football. \nA dedicated Disney enthusiast\, Julia loves exploring Disney park history\, uncovering hidden details\, and testing her knowledge with Disney trivia. \n“My life is a perpetual mess\,” she says\, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Family is my greatest joy and the center of everything I do.” \nJulia is married to Benjamin Coward\, WAG’s Critique Pod Coordinator. They have an energetic two-year-old daughter\, Annalise\, who keeps life exciting and—they say—”just a little chaotic.”
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/create-a-compelling-elevator-pitch/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
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