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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T143000
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UID:31657-1777818600-1777824000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Strategies for Writing and Developing Environmental Scenes
DESCRIPTION:This program is being held on the FIRST Sunday in May since Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday.  \nCome join us on May 3\, at the Millhopper Library when author Benjamin Coward will share strategies for drafting\, writing\, and fully developing environmental scenes. \nDrawing on his background in Environmental Science\, he has interwoven environmental issues throughout his published books. And he has much to share concerning the importance of environmental scenes whether in fiction\, memoir\, or other nonfiction books. \nHe will reveal how we writers can use environmental scenes to enhance the story line\, plot\, and character movement. He will share his scene-writing tips that will help engage readers and draw them deeper into the story\, thereby helping them better understand the world around them. \nCoward earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the Southern New Hampshire University. He is originally from the Saint Louis area in Missouri. He moved to Florida in the spring of 2013 to further his education. He still lives in Gainesville with his wife\, Julia\, and two-year-old daughter. \nLike all of WAG’s Sunday programs\, this one is free and open to the public. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/strategies-for-writing-and-developing-environmental-scenes/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_20240901_192016505_HDR-scaled-e1770733298520.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260412T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260125T130234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T051045Z
UID:31488-1776004200-1776009600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Poetry Play: The Journey of Finding Surprise\, by Aliesa Zoecklein
DESCRIPTION:Come join us on Sunday\, April 12\, 2026\, at 2:30 p.m. when Aliesa Zoecklein will talk about poetry. \nZoecklein’s poems have been published in New Feathers Anthology\, Bacopa Literary Review\, Thimble Literary Magazine\, River Heron Review\, and other journals. Her chapbook At Each Moment\, Air won the Peter Meinke Poetry Prize and was published by YellowJacket Press. \n“The thrill of writing poems is in the discovery\,” Zoecklein says\, “so I love to talk about how we can journey ourselves toward that surprise. I’ll share some practices I use when first searching for my poems and then drafting.” \nShe will offer ideas about how to keep our initial attempts playful and wide-ranging. And how\, if we’re lucky\, these practices can dispel resistance or boredom. She’ll also discuss how shaping the poem—deciding on line breaks\, for example—can help open the poem in a generative way. \n“I am always learning anew how to trust language to lift me toward what I don’t already know. I look forward to exchanging ideas and taking the group through one or two fun exercises. \nZoecklein taught writing for twenty-five years at Santa Fe College. Happily retired\, she lives with her wife in Gainesville\, Florida\, where she writes\, gardens\, and studies Spanish. \nThe program is free and open to the public.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/the-thrill-of-writing-poetry-by-aliesa-zoeklein/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Poetry,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_1620-e1769202457417.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260405T235100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260405T235100Z
UID:31906-1775901600-1775908800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Dr. Rik Stevenson to Speak on Faith\, Communities\, and Resistance
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Stevenson’s talk on “Faith\, Communities\, and Resistance” is the final program in Part II of the “Other Book” series. Before schools were integrated\, Black teachers taught from two books…the official book sanctioned by the government\, and the “other book.” \nThis lecture\, like others in the series\, will discuss contributions of Black Americans to our country to help to fill in our history that has been “white washed.” \nThe program is free and open to the public. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/dr-rik-stevenson-to-speak-on-faith-communities-and-resistance/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Crop-photo-stevenson-e1745151093911.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260310T010536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T010536Z
UID:31843-1773482400-1773489600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Political Science Professor to Speak on Politics
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Sharon Austin\, a professor of Political Science at the University of Florida\, is to speak at the Matheson History Museum on March 14 about Black American political contributions. \nThis is the third lecture in “The Other Book” series\, Part II. The series is helping fill gaps in our history that has been “white washed.” \nBefore schools were integrated\, Black teachers taught from two books … the official book sanctioned by the segregated school boards\, and “the other book\,” teaching the truth about Black history. \nDr. Austin’s expertise includes African-American politics\, mayoral elections\, and women’s political behavior. She serves as an expert political analyst\, and is frequently cited by national and international media outlets\, including CNN\, the New York Times\, and The Washington Post. \nShe has written four books. Her most recent is Political Black Girl Magic:The Elections and Governance of Black Female Mayors\, published by Temple University Press. \nTo register for this program\, go to the Matheson Museum website. Registration is not required\, but seating is limited\, and registration helps us plan. \nThe lecture is free\, but a suggested donation of $5.00 would be appreciated. \nFree parking is available in the Museum’s parking lot\, next door at the Law Offices of Attorneys Folds and Walker\, and the Alachua County Public Schools District Office.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/political-science-professor-to-speak-on-politics/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tsva53jqp4j85uxkqv6uvv6yc24s.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260125T125240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T175601Z
UID:31502-1772980200-1772985600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Passion Dey Couldn’t Steal by Pamela Marshall-Koons
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Pamela Marshall-Koons’ Passion Dey Couldn’t Steal\, a powerful one-woman theatrical work inspired by the life\, voice\, and legacy of author Zora Neale Hurston. \nThose who saw this performance at the Sunshine State Book Festival raved about it. Many said they would love to see it again. And if you missed it\, here is your chance. \nThe Writers Alliance is grateful to Pamela Marshall-Koons for her willingness to perform again on March 8\, 2026\, at 2:30 p.m.\, at the Millhopper Branch of the Alachua County Library. \nThrough story\, movement\, music\, and embodied narration\, the play explores Zora Neale Hurston’s unwavering devotion to truth\, creativity\, and self-definition in the face of racism\, sexism\, and erasure. \nThis intimate performance invites audiences into Zora’s world—from Eatonville to Harlem—while reflecting on the enduring power of voice\, cultural memory\, and spiritual resilience. It is both a tribute and a testimony\, reminding us that passion\, once claimed\, cannot be taken. \nPamela Marshall-Koons is a writer\, performer\, and cultural storyteller whose work centers healing\, forgiveness\, and remembrance. Her artistic practice blends history\, spirituality\, and lived experience\, bringing forward voices that have shaped American culture while inviting audiences into reflection and restoration. Through literature\, theater\, and community engagement\, she creates spaces where truth can be spoken\, stories can be reclaimed\, and the human spirit can be honored with grace and courage. \nShe is the creator of this acclaimed one-woman performance and the author of When Zora Spoke – I Remembered My Name. She wrote the book while writing the play. \n              Zora Neale Hurston’s last home\n“The book encourages us to Remember Who We Are\,” Pamela said. “That is what Zora inspires in me. I am donating the proceeds from the sale of the book and my performances to help restore Ms. Zora’s last home in Fort Pierce.” \nThe book can be purchased at www.pameladmarshall.com or at the event on March 8. A book signing will follow the program\, which is free and open to the public.  \nParking: If the library lot is full\, you may park in the Florida Credit Union lot at 2831 NW 43rd Street\, Gainesville\, Fl 32606. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/freedom-in-the-voices-black-women-writers-amplified-by-pamela-marshall-koons/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Theatrical Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pamela2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260220T191634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T191634Z
UID:31759-1772285400-1772290800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Carol Matthews to Speak
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-carol-matthews-to-speak/
LOCATION:Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park\, 18700 S CR 325\, Cross Creek\, FL\, 32640\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260203T211506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T211506Z
UID:31588-1771063200-1771070400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Science and Engineering with Dr. Kevin Winstead
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Kevin Winstead will be the speaker at the February program of “The Other Book” series\, Part II\, being held at the Matheson History Museum in downtown Gainesville (see address below). There’s one program each month through April\, 2026. For information on all programs\, click on “The Other Book.” \nAs the series flyer explains\, “Before schools were integrated\, Black teachers taught from two books; the official government sanctioned books and ‘The Other Book’ written by Black authors about the realities of the Black experience.” \nControversial new standards for teaching Black history in Florida’s public schools were approved in 2023. In response to this change\, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar stated: \n“How can our students ever be equipped for the future if they don’t have a full\, honest picture of where we’ve come from? Florida’s students deserve a world-class education that equips them to be successful adults who can help heal our nation’s divisions rather than deepen them.” \nWriters are encouraged to take advantage of this free educational opportunity about Black history. The lectures are free\, although a donation of $5 per class is appreciated. Registering is suggested but not required. To register\, go to this site: The Other Book. \nSeveral WAG members attended the Part I lectures last year\, held at four different locations: the Harn Museum\, City Hall\, Haile Plantation Homestead\, and the Cotton Club. WAG member Michelle Dunlap was a featured speaker at City Hall\, and WAG member Kathy Dobronyi\, a retired history teacher\, praised series\, saying\,”It humanize history.” \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/science-and-engineering-with-dr-kevin-winstead/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-02-at-6.26.02-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260111T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20260107T182709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T115022Z
UID:31467-1768141800-1768147200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Trauma-Informed Writing and Character Development
DESCRIPTION:Come join us at 2:30 p.m. on January 11 at the Millhopper Branch of Alachua County Library when Michelle Dunlap will share what she has learned about trauma-informed writing to help create characters with greater depth and complexity. Dunlap is the author or co-editor of five books and dozens of published articles and essays. She also is a sensitivity editor and writing coach. She draws on her multicultural and other relevant life experiences in her teaching\, storytelling\, and workshops. \nWhen we write about characters in fiction or non-fiction\, how do we present them as whole people? It’s fairly easy to totally demonize or idealize characters\, but we can lose a character’s breadth when we do that. \n“Consider the trauma a person may have endured and the impact trauma can have on an individual\,” Dunlap says\, “to help create fuller characters—characters who are not all-good or all-bad\, but complex humans—a mixture.” \nDunlap was born and raised in Detroit\, Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in psychology from Wayne State University and a master’s in social psychology and a PhD in social psychology from the University of Florida. She is Emeritus Professor of Human Development\, Connecticut College\, where she taught for 28 years (1994-2022). For further details about her\, see https://drmichelleteaches.com/. \nShe currently serves as WAG’s program coordinator and has brought many interesting programs and speakers to WAG. Her own talk last year\, “How to Fit Writing into a Vibrant Life (without going bananas)\,” was inspirational and fun. So\, you won’t want to miss this one. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/trauma-informed-writing-and-character-development/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DrDunlap-photo-e1739820752835.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20251224T185518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251225T125408Z
UID:31408-1768039200-1768046400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Art and Culture in "The Other Book" Series
DESCRIPTION:“The Other Book” series\, Part II\, will be held at the Matheson History Museum\, beginning on Saturday\, January 10\, 2026. \nThere will be four lectures\, one per month. For information on all programs\, which extend through April 2026\, click on this link: “The Other Book.” \nThe first lecture\, Arts and Culture\, will be presented by Dr. Ryan Travis. All programs are free and open to the public\, but please scan the QR code in the image below right to register for the Arts and Culture lecture. \n \nAs the series flyer explains\, “Before schools were integrated\, Black teachers taught from two books; the official government sanctioned books and ‘The Other Book’ written by Black authors about the realities of the Black experience.” \nControversial new standards for teaching Black history in Florida’s public schools were approved in 2023. In response to this change\, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar stated: \n“How can our students ever be equipped for the future if they don’t have a full\, honest picture of where we’ve come from? Florida’s students deserve a world-class education that equips them to be successful adults who can help heal our nation’s divisions rather than deepen them.” \nWriters are encouraged to take advantage of this free educational opportunity about Black history. The courses are free\, although a donation of $5 per class is appreciated. Registering is suggested but not required. \nLast year’s lectures (Part I) were held at four different locations: the Harn Museum\, City Hall\, Haile Plantation Homestead\, and the Cotton Club. WAG member Michelle Dunlap was a featured speaker at City Hall. Several WAG members attended the various lectures. WAG member Kathy Dobronyi\, a retired history teacher\, praised “The Other Book” series because of its ability to humanize history. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/art-and-culture-in-the-other-book-series/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-24-at-12.45.36-PM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20251103T155725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T155725Z
UID:31333-1762608600-1762614000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writers Talks Resume at MKR State Park
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writers-talks-resume-at-mkr-state-park/
LOCATION:Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park\, 18700 S CR 325\, Cross Creek\, FL\, 32640\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Writers-Talk_11082025_Cathy-Salustri.pdf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251012T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251012T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250728T015336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005414Z
UID:31156-1760279400-1760284800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mindfulness Techniques for Writers: A Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Pamela Cappetta\, Ed.D\, a licensed professional counselor and mindfulness teacher\, is excited to lead an experiential workshop designed to enhance your creativity\, confidence\, and creative writing through mindfulness practices. This presentation will be held at the Millhopper Library at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday\, October 12\, 2025. \nIn this workshop\, you will be introduced to the art of paying attention on purpose by setting your intention\, attitude\, and attention. We will explore how to move toward more gentleness in your writing experiences\, potentially opening new paths when you feel blocked in your writing. Additionally\, these practices can aid in focusing on character development. Through an awareness of noticing your five senses\, it is possible to have new ideas concerning set and setting in your writing. \nPlease bring your journal or notebook and prepare to immerse yourself in actual mindfulness practices. This workshop aims to inspire and connect writers of all levels within the writing community. \nKey Takeaways for Participants: \nHere are the essential insights and benefits you can expect to gain from our mindfulness practices: \n\nEnhanced Creativity: Learn how mindfulness practices can unlock new paths and ideas in your writing\, especially when you feel blocked.\nImproved Confidence: Gain confidence in your writing through mindfulness techniques that promote gentleness and self-awareness.\nCharacter Development: Discover how mindfulness can aid in focusing on character development and bring depth to your writing.\nExperiential Learning: Experience actual mindfulness practices that can be applied to your writing process.\nSensory Awareness: Understand how noticing your five senses can lead to new ideas concerning set and setting in your writing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the past 12 years\, Cappetta has taught mindfulness to children\, young adults\, teachers\, therapists\, lawyers\, parents\, social workers\, addiction therapists\, patients with chronic pain including folks with neurological deficits\, and private psychotherapy clients. \nHer book\, Mindful Moments with Maude\, published in 2022\, reflects her teachings in mindfulness for children. https://www.drpamm.com/ \n\nThe WAG board usually meets at 1:00 p.m. prior to the program. WAG members are welcome to attend board meetings but should contact WAG’s president in advance to confirm and request a copy of the agenda.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/mindfulness-techniques-for-writers-a-workshop/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dr.-Pamela-e1753472178192.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250914T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250914T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250718T024428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T005442Z
UID:31130-1757860200-1757865600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How to Fit Writing into a Vibrant Life (without going bananas)
DESCRIPTION:A Workshop\nDo you have major responsibilities? Perhaps you are raising children or grandchildren\, holding down multiple jobs\, caring for aging parents\, trying to make the world better through volunteerism\, or dealing with health issues that sap your strength. \nHow can we also fit productive writing into our lives? And meet deadlines? How can we do a good job of incorporating our writing without seeming rattled? How and when do we find time?  \nOn Sunday\, September 14\, let’s come together at the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library and figure it out. \nThis interactive workshop will offer strategies that writers and other creatives can use to write while juggling multiple roles. Participants should bring a notebook\, calendar\, and pen for sketching out a writing plan. \n\nThis session will be lead by WAG board member\, educator Michelle Dunlap\, who has never known a time when she wasn’t juggling multiple family\, work\, and community responsibilities. Yet\, she has managed to write a dissertation and 50 other published pieces. \nShe has authored two books\, and co-edited three others. She managed all this while a single parent raising two children\, caring for a terminally ill parent\, and holding major ministerial\, board\, and other service responsibilities within her community. \n“It was far from easy\,” she said\, but she had to find ways to get the writing done in order to achieve all of her goals. In this workshop she hopes her strategies will help you develop your own methods for consistently finding time to write. \n\n  \n\nThe WAG board usually meets at 1:00 p.m. prior to the program. WAG members are welcome to attend board meetings but should contact WAG’s president in advance to confirm and request a copy of the agenda.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/how-to-fit-writing-into-a-vibrant-life-without-going-bananas/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20241213_231440-e1752678479243.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250810T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250810T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250625T002030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T213225Z
UID:31066-1754836200-1754841600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Your Road to Traditional Publishing
DESCRIPTION:Author Judith T. Fisher will be WAG’s guest speaker on Sunday\, August 10. Her presentation\, “Your road to securing an agent and a traditional publisher while avoiding pitfalls and scams\,” will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Room A of the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library. The discussion will include: \nAcquisition of agents \n\nquery letters\npress releases\nawards\, speaking engagements\, etc.\n\nPublisher’s Process \n\nsubmission acceptance calendar\nforms required\nsecure submission portals\n\nPitfalls and Scams \n\nthey won’t call you\nrepublishing scam\nhuge contract offers and the scams that go with them\n\nA journalism major\, Fisher first began writing a heartfelt blog to fill the time previously spent tending to her husband and two children. As she wrote and gained followers\, she decided to try pure fiction. She knew that women who grew up in her generation\, who struggled with fears\, questions\, and issues\, had no voice. They were silenced. She wanted to give a voice to those who still carry baggage\, coupled with shame\, embarrassment\, and skeletons that affect how they live their lives today. \nShe writes about experiences that affected her profoundly with the hope that her fictional protagonists’ successful solutions will give her readers encouragement. \nFour of her books are pictured in this article. Voices from the Ledge\, deals with social issues. A Life\, Well Lived is a fictional memoir. Okay\, So I Lied is about following your own bliss. Backfired is a study in unrequited love. Her most recent novel\, Two Lost Souls\, examines miscarriages and infertility. \nWith two grown children and six grandchildren\, Fisher currently resides in Central Florida with her husband and a four-legged “child\,” Mitzi.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/your-road-to-traditional-publishing/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Head-Shot-J-T-Fisher-e1750769879779.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250604T204042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T204913Z
UID:31053-1749393000-1749398400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:8 Book-Writing Tips from an Award-Winning Novelist
DESCRIPTION:Richard Gartee is the author of 32 published books—eight of them fiction. \nOn Sunday\, June 8\, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Millhopper Library\, he will offer key tips for keeping readers entertained and engaged by sharing examples of these elements: \n\nShow\, Don’t Tell: Rather than telling readers how characters feel\, he will show how to reveal their emotions through actions and dialogue.\n Strong Voice and Tone: He will demonstrate how establishing a unique voice can draw readers in and create a distinct atmosphere.\nPoint of View: Maintain a single character’s point of view per scene and avoid the dreaded head hopping. This allows readers to identify with a character.\nUse of Dialogue: Dialogue can reveal character\, advance the plot\, and create tension. He will share dialog-heavy excerpts and demonstrate how to minimize over-use of speaker attributes.\nSetting as Character: A well-developed setting can enhance the story and serve as a backdrop for character development. Gartee will share a passage that vividly describes Gainesville\, making it feel alive and integral to the narrative.\nPacing and Structure: Varying sentence length and structure can control the story’s pace and keep readers engaged. Pacing shifts during a high-energy event build suspense or excitement.\n Humor and Wit: He will share a scenario to illustrate how humor can be woven into storytelling to make the read more enjoyable and relatable.\nEditing and Revision: He will emphasize the need for professional editing and share examples of developmental editing\, line editing\, and copy editing.\n\nThis program is free and open to the public. Come join us! \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-writing-tips-from-an-award-winning-novelist/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RGhipp_nobook.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250504T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250407T161220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250419T151052Z
UID:30877-1746369000-1746374400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Dan Sharp: How to Write Fight Scenes
DESCRIPTION:Dan Sharp received the Outstanding Professor award at the University of Florida and has been to numerous countries around the world as an invited speaker. He is a member of WAG’s speakers bureau\, and on May 4\, he will present the program\, “How to Write Fight Scenes.” He will point out that conflict\, whether it involves fisticuffs or merely harsh words\, is a fork in the road for our characters\, and deserves careful attention to details. Sharp will provide insights into how a fight can develop and resources to improve our accuracy in describing them. He might even display or brandish some “weapons” but they will be fake and shown for demonstration purposes only. \nSharp is a research scientist by profession and a martial artist by avocation. He is also the author of hard-hitting action-adventure novels. His Mae Arnold —The Fifty-Niners is a historical thriller in which a young\, recently widowed\, woman seeks employment at Pinkerton’s Detective Agency in hopes of solving her husband’s grisly murder. Her first assignment pits her against a cold-hearted businessman who cancels people instead of their debts.  \nHe has always held an interest in brain function\, and through his studies\, it became clear to him that fear is a learned phenomenon and the ability to manage the fear reaction can be learned. The talk he gave to WAG a while back\, “12 Tips to Help You Beat the Public Speaking Jitters\,” was very well received. \nPlan to join us on May 4\, and in the meantime\, check out Sharp’s blog posts on his website\, https://dansharp-writer.com/fiction. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/dan-sharpe-how-to-write-fight-scenes/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20250114T224421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250223T190901Z
UID:30495-1741530600-1741536000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Fannie Lou Hamer: One-Woman Show with Author Pamela D. Marshall
DESCRIPTION:Fannie Lou Hamer\, an American voting and women’s rights activist\, community organizer\, and a leader in the civil rights movement.\nDon’t forget to spring your clocks forward one hour for Daylight Savings Time on March 9\, 2025. \nThen\, come join the Writers Alliance at 2:30 p.m. for a treat when author Pamela D. Marshall presents “The Speeches and Writings of Fannie Lou Hamer: A One Woman Show.” \n“As a writer\,” Marshall said\, “creating the Fannie Lou Hamer One-Woman Show taught me the power of weaving research and authentic voices and songs into storytelling. By delving into Mrs. Hamer’s speeches and legacy\, I found a way to bring history to life\, evoking emotion and inspiring action. \n“For writers\, this process demonstrates how to transform research into compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences\, creating work that informs and moves people to think\, feel\, and act. I hope this performance inspires you to uncover powerful stories waiting to be told in your own work.” \nA seasoned journalist\, public policy advisor\, and keynote speaker\, Marshall’s expertise earned her an interview at the White House during the Obama Administration. \nMarshall is also a Peace Ambassador and Executive Director of At The WELLness Network/Publishing. \nInspired by her journey and the fresh perspectives of her grandson BJ\, Pamela crafts stories that nurture young minds. She weaves themes of forgiveness\, environmental stewardship\, and emotional well-being into her works\, which include The Art of Forgiveness: An Expression of Peace and children’s books BJ and The Majestic Forgiveness Tree and BJ’s Big Mission\, Easie Turtle’s Healing\, Heals Earth. \nShe resides in Florida with her husband\, Scott\, and delights in being “Beanie” to BJ. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/fannie-lou-hamer-one-woman-show-with-author-pamela-d-marshall/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pamela2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250112T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250112T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20241128T124317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241207T104818Z
UID:30192-1736692200-1736697600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How to Eliminate Inferior Thoughts and Feelings that Hold You Back in Your Writing
DESCRIPTION:External influences and stressors can feel overwhelming. The daily demands from work\, family\, and finances are weighty enough\, and we’re also bombarded with media\, from news to advertisements and even entertainment. Is it even possible to maintain an optimistic outlook? The answer is yes! \nYou can learn to improve any situation with a mental outlook that focuses on love\, faith\, caring\, kindness\, empathy\, and gratitude. You can learn to use valuable techniques to help you keep your priorities in focus\, refuse to accept mental negatives such as worry\, doubt\, resentment\, and fear\, and accept new\, better ideas to restore your balance and optimism. \nAuthor\, speaker\, coach\, and mentor Dr. Pamela D. Grey will share ideas to help you avoid the pitfalls of complacency\, stress\, and inferior decisions that hold you back in your writing. \nGrey spent seventeen years on academic campuses. She served as an Assistant Scholar for Higher Education at The University of Florida and Director for Distance Learning at the Holmes Institute\, which offers a Masters of Consciousness Studies degree. A prominent business owner in North Florida\, she received her doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University and her master’s degree in Human Resource Economics from the University of Utah. \nGrey’s passion for life-building decisions led to her award-winning book\, Power Your Decisions Self-Study Workbook: A Personalized Roadmap to Success\, which teaches people how to make WOW decisions.  www.poweryourdecisions.com.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/how-to-eliminate-inferior-thoughts-that-hold-you-back-in-your-writing/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Updated-Pamela-Grey-headshot.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240813T173701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240813T174926Z
UID:30004-1728829800-1728835200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Your Deepest Darkest Secrets Are the Key to Your Next Bestseller\, by Award-Winning Author Lana McAra
DESCRIPTION:Award-winning author and writing coach Lana McAra will speak at the Millhopper Library at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday\, October 13\, 2024. The topic? “Your Deepest Darkest Secrets Are the Key to Your Next Bestseller.” \n\nMcAra won the Christy Award\, the Book Excellence Award\, and the Literary Titan Silver Book Award for her historical novel Reaping the Whirlwind\, which she wrote under the pen name Rosey Dow. \n\nMcAra writes transformational romance stories that explore personal development. She has created a career that combines her love for writing with her dedication to shining light into a dark world. Her forty-four published books show her commitment to elevating consciousness and vibration around the globe. Lana’s journey has led her down a remarkable path from the duality of strict religion to singularity and awareness\, with a lot of life lessons along the way. \nHer most recent novel\, The Englewood Medium: Shaken But Not Stirred\, stands as her most personal work to date. She tells the story of a woman with a stalker\, a situation she personally experienced in 2014. It shows how to take back your personal power and stand up for yourself. \nIn addition to being a prolific author\, through her interviews on various podcasts and platforms\, McAra inspires individuals to embrace their personal sovereignty and find their own true path. \n\nThis program is free and open to the public. Come join us for McAra’s inspiring talk.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/your-deepest-darkest-secrets-are-the-key-to-your-next-bestseller-by-award-winning-author-lana-mcara/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240618T171518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T202145Z
UID:29917-1725805800-1725811200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Bob Dekle to Speak About Ted Bundy Trial
DESCRIPTION:George “Bob” Dekle\, who served as the prosecuting attorney in the 1980 trial of serial killer Ted Bundy\, will be our guest speaker on Sunday\, September 8\, 2024\, at the Millhopper Branch of the Alachua County Library. \nDekle has lectured extensively nationwide and is the author of numerous books on trial advocacy and legal history. His most recent book\, The East River Ripper: The Mysterious 1891 Murder of Old Shakespeare(True Crime History) was published in 2021. His book about the Bundy case\, The Last Murder: The Investigation\, Prosecution\, and Execution of Ted Bundy was published in 2011. \nTed Bundy confessed to 30 homicides that occurred between 1974 and 1978. His last known victim was 12-year-old Kimberly Leach\, who was murdered in Lake City\, Florida\, 47 miles north of Gainesville. His trial lasted a month and a half. \nDekle served for two years as an assistant public defender and thirty years as a prosecutor\, handling dozens of homicide cases. He also served as a Legal Skills Professor at Levin College of Law\, University of Florida\, from 2006 through June 2016. \nHis many books include Six Capsules: The Gilded Age Murder of Helen Potts\, which was awarded a gold medal by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and silver medals by the Independent Publishers Association Book Awards and Royal Palm Literary Awards of the Florida Writers Association. \nPrairie Defender: The Murder Trials of Abraham Lincoln won a scholarship award from the Illinois Historical Society and gold and silver medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. Dekle has also coauthored books\, including The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case: A Critique of the Trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann. \nFor a more complete list of his books\, see his Authors Guild page. Also\, check out Dekle’s blog. \nA book signing will follow Dekle’s talk on the Bundy case. The presentation is free and open to the public. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/bob-dekle-to-speak-about-ted-bundy-trial/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Dekle-e1572899974481.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240811T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240811T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240527T223458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240611T102700Z
UID:29815-1723386600-1723392000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing a Prequel to a Series - by Marie Q Rogers
DESCRIPTION:  \nNote that this program is being held at the Headquarters Library downtown.\n  \nSo\, you’ve finished your novel and readers ask\, what happens next? That’s when you decide to turn it into a series. Sequels pose their own challenges\, but what if you want to write about what happened before the original story takes place? The prequel? How do you keep characters and events consistent with what has already occurred? Your readers will certainly pick up on any discrepancies. \nPat Caren\, who writes as Marie Q Rogers\, the award-winning author of Trials by Fire and Quest for Namai\, decided that the back story to this series was worthy of being told. She will discuss constraints she encountered in keeping characters\, names\, and events consistent with what had already been written. She will also give you tips on how to craft your story so it will flow seamlessly into the future. \nHer other novels\, Season of the Dove and Notebooks Hidden in an Abandoned House are self-contained stories for which no pre- or sequel is currently planned.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writing-a-pequel-to-a-young-adult-series/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters Downtown\, 401 E. University Ave.\, 4th Floor\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Pat-Caren-blog-e1506374950222.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240714T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240714T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240507T193916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T095154Z
UID:29760-1720967400-1720972800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:The Value of Using Both Your I's in Writing by Bill Boe
DESCRIPTION:As a Vietnam combat veteran\, Bill Boe has written for military and commercial publications\, and his journal and collected letters from the Vietnam War were the primary sources for the best-selling book LZ Bingo by Reid Tillery. The book has over 700 reviews on Amazon.com and has been sold in eight countries. \nHis talk will include stories about his research while writing Public Involvement and Response Plans at multiple Federal sites\, commercial writings for Florida Wildlife\, and a co-authored investigative news story that initiated a sequence of events that led to a Broadway play and motion picture. He will share some of the documents researched and written for military and private clients\, especially DuPont’s Pompton Lakes Works\, which made national network coverage. \nBoe is a native of a South Florida farming family. He attended UF and UGA and earned a BS in ED degree from SW Texas State University\, majoring in journalism\, which has been a foundation of his professional life. He is now selectively writing fear management plans and serving as a guest speaker at public and private schools on the history and culture of the Vietnam War. \nFor samples of Boe’s writing\, see FloridaLiteraryBazaar.com. \nThis event is free and open to the public. \n\nNOTE: Prior to Boe’s presentation\, WAG members will vote on WAG’s Revised Bylaws.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/the-value-of-using-both-your-is-in-writing-by-bill-boe/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240413T202524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T124441Z
UID:29640-1717943400-1717948800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:What’s in a Name? The Perks & Pitfalls of Pen Names by Rebecca Heflin
DESCRIPTION:Bestselling Author Rebecca Heflin\n  \nHeflin’s PDF presentation is available here!\nThinking of writing under a pen name? Before you buy that domain name and set up a social media platform\, learn the strategic advantages and potential challenges they present for writers. Whether you’re an aspiring author seeking anonymity\, a seasoned writer exploring new genres\, or simply curious about the psychology behind literary personas\, this session promises to enlighten and inspire. \n  \nJoin Rebecca Heflin on Sunday\, 9 June at 2:30 p.m. at the Millhopper Library Branch as she discusses pen names and their impact on creativity\, branding\, and beyond. \n  \nThis event is free and open to the public. \n \n  \nRebecca Heflin is a bestselling\, award-winning author of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. She has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister sneaked a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna to her and told her to read it. Rebecca has received the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Literary Award four times\, among many other recognitions. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA)\, RWA Aged to Perfection Seasoned Romance Writers\, RWA Contemporary Romance\, and Florida Writers Association. \n\n\n\nwww.rebeccaheflin.com\nFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/whats-in-a-name-the-perks-pitfalls-of-pen-names-by-rebecca-heflin/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240505T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240505T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240310T202829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240314T125033Z
UID:29390-1714919400-1714924800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Vic DiGenti's Workshop: The Suspense is Killing Me
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, May 5\, at 2:30 p.m.\, Vic DiGenti will speak at the Millhopper Branch of the Alachua County Library. \nOne of the keys to hooking readers and keeping them hooked is to infuse the story with abundant quantities of suspense. There are many ways to add suspense\, and in this workshop\, DiGenti (aka Parker Francis) will share some of the secrets used by bestselling authors—and the late “Master of Suspense\,” Alfred Hitchcock—to keep the reader in a constant state of anticipation. \nDiGenti is the award-winning author of six novels\, a collection of short stories\, and eight works of nonfiction. His novels include the Windrusher trilogy of adventure-fantasies\, and the Quint Mitchell Mystery series published under the pen name Parker Francis. \nWorking as a ghostwriter and biographer\, he has penned biographies for many clients. He has also helped other individuals edit and publish their books through his imprint Windrusher Hall Press. \nAs a working author and publisher\, he has taught writing classes at the University of North Florida and workshops at writers’ groups and conferences throughout Florida. \nHe’s the FWA Regional Director for NE Florida and serves on the Board of the Beaches Museum based in Jacksonville Beach. He lives and works in Ponte Vedra Beach with his wife and four frisky cats. \nA book signing will follow DiGenti’s presentation.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/vic-degentis-talk-the-suspense-is-killing-me/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Vic-CU.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240414T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240414T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20240309T132822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240314T125109Z
UID:29331-1713105000-1713110400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Lola Haskins\, Guest Speaker for National Poetry Month
DESCRIPTION:In celebration of National Poetry Month\, WAG’s guest speaker is Lola Haskins! The program is free and open to the public. Join us at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday\, April 14\, at Millhopper Library and enjoy Haskins’ talk\, “How to Keep Growing and Stop Worrying — for Poets and Everyone Else.” She will also share some of her delightful poetry. \nHaskins’ 14th collection of poetry\, Homelight (Charlotte Lit Press 2023)\, was named Poetry Book of the Year by Southern Literary Review. The one before that\, Asylum (University of Pittsburgh\, 2019)\, was featured in the NYT Magazine. \nPast honors include the Iowa Poetry Prize\, two NEAs\, two Florida Book Awards\, narrative poetry prizes from Southern Poetry Review and New England Poetry Review\, a Florida’s Eden prize for environmental writing\, and the Emily Dickinson prize from Poetry Society of America. \nHaskins serves as Honorary Chancellor for the Florida Poets Association. \nA book signing will follow the talk. Enjoy samples of Haskins’ work on her website: www.lolahaskins.com/other-works/. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/lola-haskins-national-poetry-month-guest-speaker/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lola-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20231103T181304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240203T181148Z
UID:28789-1707661800-1707667200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing Accurately About Mental Health Issues - Kassandra Lamb
DESCRIPTION:Kassandra Lamb\, a retired psychotherapist/college professor turned mystery writer\, will speak at the Millhopper Branch of the Alachua County Library at 2:30 p.m. on February 11\, 2024. In her talk\, she will clarify several misconceptions and misrepresentations she has encountered as a reader of fiction. \nWhile most writers are astute observers of human nature\, they may not know the ins and outs of the psychotherapy field or the specific symptoms and etiology of various mental disorders. \nAmong the topics Lamb will discuss are: \n\n     * Confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship\n     * The nature of therapy ~ much more than listening\n     * The difference between schizophrenia and multiple personalities\n     * Terminology ~ psychopath\, sociopath\, or neither\n     * Matching backstory to the mental disorder\n     * The fickle nature of human memory\n\n Lamb says she now spends most of her time with her characters in an alternate universe. She lives and writes in North Central Florida where her husband and her dog catch occasional glimpses of her. \nShe has authored 36 novels/novellas in three mystery series and a romantic suspense trilogy\, plus a guidebook for novice writers\, Someday Is Here! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing and Publishing Your First Book. Her latest Kate Huntington series book is The Twelve Heists of Christmas. \nYou can read more about Lamb and her books at https://kassandralamb.com.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writing-accurately-about-mental-health-issues-kassandra-lamb/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1-Kass-Lamb-lighter-reduced.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240114T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240114T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20231103T150819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231103T195106Z
UID:28780-1705242600-1705248000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing Accurate Historical Fiction by Ray Allen Smith
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendar! On Sunday\, January 14\, 2024\, at 2:30 p.m.\, Ray Allen Smith\, author of historical novels based in Florida\, will give a talk on how to write accurate historical fiction. \nSmith molds his words into poetry and short stories. According to him\, he came to Florida in the early 1970s to sample fishing and boating. His years in Miami were studded with motoring and sailing throughout the Keys and Bahamas. A move to Leesburg put him back in the woods and ponds. Still an outdoorsman\, he tempers the Florida sun with stints at the computer. \nHis books include So It’s Been Told: Tales From The Riverside (2015) and Oklawaha Run (2018).  \nOne reviewer (Indiana reader) said of Oklawaha Run\, “I couldn’t put it down! If you like historical Western thrillers (good ones like Olmstead’s Savage Country) and/or post-civil war Southern drama (such as Cold Mountain) this book is for you. It combines those two genres with the interesting twist of locating the story in Florida (a place the author obviously knows intimately.) Most people don’t associate post-civil war south with Florida–but it is. Most don’t associate Florida with logging or cattle drives–but they were there. And it is written in beautiful poetic language with a superbly fast-paced plot. What a delightful combination of characteristics! I highly recommend it.”
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/how-to-write-accurate-historical-fiction/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-03-at-11.05.21-AM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231104T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231104T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20230911T192251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T142749Z
UID:28581-1699104600-1699110000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:John Hemingway to Speak at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, November 4th\, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park will host a Writer’s Talk with Ernest Hemingway’s grandson\, John Hemingway\, author of A Strange Tribe: A Family Memoir. The book is an intimate chronicle of the tumultuous relationship between John’s father Gregory Hemingway and grandfather Ernest. \nThe book tells the often harrowing story of surviving in the legendary clan—manic depression\, drinking bouts\, suicide\, cross-dressing\, and yes\, enduring love\, understanding\, and forgiveness. \nA translator and magazine writer\, John Hemingway is also the author of three novels including Bacchanalia: A Pamplona Story\, Murder in Key West 3\, and most recently\, Murder on the Florida Straits. \nMeet the author at 1:30 p.m. and stay for his presentation at 2:00 p.m. The talk will be followed by questions and answers and a book signing. \nThis talk is made possible by the Friends of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park at Cross Creek\, 18700 County Road\, Cross Creek\, Florida. Call 352-466-3672 for more information. \nAdmission to the talk is free with park admission. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/john-hemingway-to-speak-at-marjorie-kinnan-rawlings-state-park/
LOCATION:Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park\, 18700 S CR 325\, Cross Creek\, FL\, 32640\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Speaker
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20230905T215119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T215444Z
UID:28550-1696775400-1696780800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Character Building: Outside the Box - by Kathy Dobronyi
DESCRIPTION:Kathy Dobronyi\, a passionate storyteller and writer\, will speak at the Writers Alliance of Gainesville meeting on October 8\, 2023\, at 2:30 p.m. at the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library. (See the address and map below.) Come join us! The program is free and open to the public. \nEvery writer has strengths and weaknesses in different areas. One writer can think up exciting plot twists for every scene but struggles with bringing characters to the page. Another writer presents sharp dialogue but isn’t so great at creating settings. Dobronyi says she is guilty of being that sort of writer. \n“In my last life\,” she says\, “I was a high school drama coach who taught the development of morgue books to help create characters and scenes. With portfolios of pictures saved in folders\, envelopes\, or three-ring binders\, morgue books help to bring abstract individuals and scenes to life.” She also taught high school special education programs\, introducing students to hands-on projects for language arts\, history\, communication\, and drama. \nDobronyi was born at Fort Monmouth\, New Jersey\, and baptized three years later at Fort Meade in Maryland. She was in Hawaii when it became our fiftieth state and in Vietnam when it became the American War Zone. \nHer narrative memoir\, Under the Wings of a Good Luck Phoenix\, shares her story of being one of 4\,000 American civilians living in Saigon in 1963 when she was twelve. \nShe is now working on her first historical novel\, Echoes of War\, the story of Amos Hillyard\, a seventeen-year-old boy\, who was captured with thirteen other Quakers by the Virginia Militia in Winchester\, Virginia\, on September 23\, 1777\, on the eve of the Battle of Germantown.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/character-building-outside-the-box/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kathy-headshot.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230910T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230910T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20230529T211858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230530T144250Z
UID:28112-1694356200-1694361600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Cracking the Story Code™ - presented by Cassie Selleck 
DESCRIPTION:Cassie Dandridge Selleck\, author of an Amazon bestseller The Pecan Man\, will present a program for writers on the basics of the Story Code™. Please join us on Sunday\, September 10\, 2023\, at 2:30 pm at the Milhopper Branch of the Alachua County Public Library. \nHow do you predict the success of a novel or play? Is it even possible? What makes a good story? \nIf you’ve been writing for a while\, you’ve undoubtedly learned how plot drives a story. And\, yes\, plot is important. However\, according to researcher Katherine J. Farmer\, the most accurate way to predict the appeal of a story to a national audience lies in the role functions of the characters. \nThe Story Code™ is a system of narrative analysis discovered\, developed\, and substantiated by Farmer through extensive research. While a deep analysis of a particular work is complex\, the basics of the system are relatively simple and incredibly helpful to writers. \nUnlike the classic plot mountain and other structure-based writing methods\, the Story Code™ does not focus on plot\, event structures\, or archetypal patterns like the hero’s journey. Instead\, this system’s character-centered lens reveals structures that focus on relationships and their conflicting power dynamics. A key finding in Farmer’s research is that story is all about power. Things to consider include: \n– Who has the power in the story and who wants it? \n– What are characters willing to do to get or keep power? \n– How does power shift over the course of the story? \n– How does the power balance change at the end of the story? \nThe Story Code™ shows you how to track the power and harness it for the good of your story. \nIn addition to character functions\, Selleck will discuss the importance of identifiable themes within each story. Farmer’s research found that when the theme was not clear or not easy to state\, the work received low ratings in appeal and quality. Writers often debate the importance or relevance of theme\, but the findings affirm its central nature. \nSelleck will talk about the impact of the audience’s emotional response to the end of the story. \nShe will also discuss how the kind of hero who emerges will determine the story’s genre. Each genre of story comes with a pattern. Understanding these patterns helps writers decide what kinds of stories they want to create\, and it can provide a roadmap on how to get there. \nIn addition to The Pecan Man\, Selleck has written three other novels of character-driven Southern Fiction. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College and a Master of Arts in Communication and Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. She currently teaches Public Speaking at the University of South Carolina but still makes her home on the Suwannee River in Mayo\, Florida.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/cracking-the-story-code-presented-by-cassie-selleck/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T110214
CREATED:20230416T233539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230526T014332Z
UID:27891-1686493800-1686499200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Superhero Workshop\, Michael Tomaino
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever been the hero of your own story? \nCome join us on Sunday\, June 11\, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for Michael Tomaino’s Superhero Workshop. PLEASE BRING SOMETHING TO WRITE ON! You will learn how to find your real-life superpowers and discuss creating your own stories. \n Tomaino is the author of How To Be A Superhero: The TOP SECRET Official Guide\, which is heavily inspired by his time teaching in Gainesville. The book is being used by Guardian ad Litem\, Shand’s Children’s Hospital\, and Partnership For Stronger Families. The book was also featured as a giveaway by Santa Fe College at the 2023 Spring Arts Festival. \nTomaino is a multiple award-winning game developer. You can learn more about him by watching his TEDx Talk on “The Power Of Being A Superhero” (currently titled “How To Be A Real Life Superhero”). \nWant to meet Michael before June 11? Join him for his free frisbee events where he teaches kids and adults to play frisbee: GainesvilleFrisbee.com \nTomaino’s author website is SuperheroHill.com\, and his Portfolio Website is MichaelTomaino.com. \nA book signing will follow the presentation.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/superhero-workshop/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Workshop
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