BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Writers Alliance of Gainesville - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://writersalliance.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Writers Alliance of Gainesville
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20210314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20211107T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20220313T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20221106T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260111T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.05.04-Fight-Scenes-with-Dan-Sharp-e1745075415299.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screen-Shot-2024-08-13-at-11.59.41-AM-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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:20260514T121018
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/John-Hemingway.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230910T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230910T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cassie-Selleck-headshot-e1685457723454.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1612024875451.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230507T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230507T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
CREATED:20230311T170413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230312T043536Z
UID:27769-1683469800-1683475200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Creating Engaging Characters
DESCRIPTION:Join members of the Writers Alliance on Sunday\, May 7\, at the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library where Mary Bast and Wendy Thornton will present a program on Creating Engaging Characters. \nBast will discuss the use of the Enneagram\, a device that has been used for years by writers and screenwriters as a powerful tool to develop original and dimensional characters. She will give a simple overview of the nine Enneagram personalities along with fictional examples of each. \n“Whether you are writing memoir or fiction\,” she says\, “you can easily adapt this approach to strengthen your character’s descriptions and actions.” \nThornton will discuss Developing your Character’s Backstory. How do you create a character that will be engaging to your readers? “Sometimes it’s important for the writer to know more about a character than the reader\,” Thornton says. “If you develop the backstory\, you may be able to write more realistically\, and develop your character’s story in a more engaging way.” \nSome things to consider: \n\n     –  Is the character a good guy or a bad guy?\n     –  Is the character super-normal or super-defective?\n     –  What are your characters’ quirks?\n     –  What are their backgrounds?\n     –  How do you decide these things?\n\nThornton will answer these questions and offer suggestions and outlines to help you create your characters before you start writing your story. \nIf you would like to learn more before May 7\, go to “Deepening Written Characters with Mary Bast.” \nThere are also a number of books that delve into this topic. The most comprehensive is The Literary Enneagram: Characters from the Inside Out\, in which author Judith Searle shows how knowledge of this model can help writers create “credible character arcs and character-driven plot twists” and “sharpen conflicts between characters to make dramatic situations more compelling.” \nMary Bast\nBast has a PhD in Social Psychology. She retired in 2020 from a forty-year career\, first as Director of Executive Development for Federated Department Stores\, then for a decade as an independent leadership consultant\, and another twenty years as a personal coach and mentor using the Enneagram model of nine personalities. In addition to her published poetry and memoir\, she is the author of five Enneagram-based books that feature fictionalized stories of clients’ transformational journeys\, including the first Enneagram coaching book\, Out of the Box Coaching with the Enneagram. \nWendy Thornton\nThornton\, a Pushcart Prize nominee\, is a prolific freelance writer who helped found the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. Her many works have been published in Riverteeth\, Epiphany\, MacGuffin and other literary journals and books. Her memoir\, Dear Oprah: How I Beat Cancer and Learned to Love Daytime TV\, was published in 2013. Her latest book of essays\, Sounding the Depths: Memories with Music published in 2018. Bear Trapped: Blowback (June 2020) is the most recent mystery in her Bear Trapped Series. She has also published two books of short stories: Arrested Motion (2022) and Hanging On (2023). She teaches community ed writing courses at Santa Fe College in Gainesville.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/creating-engaging-characters/
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/2023/03/2979107.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230312T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230312T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
CREATED:20221026T192212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221119T134606Z
UID:27069-1678631400-1678636800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Polish Up That Manuscript!
DESCRIPTION:Get your manuscript ready for publication in this workshop\, led by small press owner Arielle Haughee\, where we will discuss tightening prose\, the most common copy editing mistakes to look for\, and how to format your document for submission. Leave with two(!) editing checklists to shine up your manuscript. \nHaughee (Hoy) is a six-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor\, speaker\, and writing coach\, and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020\, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. Her press\, Orange Blossom Publishing\, publishes books about love\, humor\, and wellness for women and children. \nShe has written a number of books. You may check them out on her author page on Amazon and in person on the day of her talk.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/polish-up-that-manuscript/
LOCATION:Millhopper Branch\, Alachua County Libraries\, 3145 NW 43rd St.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/arielleHAUGHEE-e1666466918789.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230108T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230108T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121018
CREATED:20221119T020800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T160950Z
UID:27307-1673188200-1673193600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How to Write and Publish Children's Books
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Sunday\, January 8\, at 2:30 p.m. at the Millhopper Library and learn how to Write and Publish a Children’s Book. \nLocal authors J. N. Fishhawk\, Bonnie Ogle\, and WAG’s President-Elect Jenny Dearinger will discuss the best way to write\, illustrate\, and advertise your children’s books. \nIn case you didn’t know . . . \nJ. N. Fishhawk is Editor in Chief of Bacopa Literary. Review. \nBonnie Ogle‘s book\, Miranda\, won gold in the recent RPLA competition. \nJenny Dearinger not only writes children’s books\, but she also illustrates them.  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/how-to-write-and-publish-childrens-books/
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/2022/11/p_kjvkvsh14-e1668818672797.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221009T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221009T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121019
CREATED:20220626T175949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220626T205809Z
UID:26239-1665325800-1665331200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:J. Elliott presents "The Classic Ghost Story Tradition"
DESCRIPTION:Many of the ghost stories that thrilled Victorian and Edwardian audiences were lost and forgotten. But the classic ghost-story tradition has recently enjoyed a resurgence\, thanks to dedicated anthologists and publishing houses. Hundreds have been republished. \nSupernatural tales are often dismissed as pulp fiction–not considered literature. But did you know that Harriet Beecher Stowe\, Charles Dickens\, Arthur Conan Doyle\, Edith Wharton\, Henry James\, Rudyard Kipling\, Frances Hodgson Burnett\, Virginia Woolf\, and Agatha Christie penned ghost stories? Or that Thomas Hardy penned a zombie poem? Did you know that Freud wrote a thesis on the uncanny? \nWhat exactly does uncanny mean\, anyway? It’s deep and fascinating! Far beyond a tingle or a jump scare\, there are psychological\, historical\, and sociological layers to a solid ghost story. \nCome to the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library on October 9 (just before Halloween!) for a talk by ghost-story author J. Elliott. She will present an entertaining and panoramic view of this genre while discussing these topics: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n     Fear of death\n     Desire for safety\n     The uncanny\n     The haunted house\n     The ghost wants justice\, acknowledgment\, or revenge (It’s about POWER.)\n     Leave the relics alone\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElliott is president of the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville and the author of three collections of short\, uncanny stories: Ghost Lite\, Tales from Kensington & Other Macabre and Unsettling Offerings\, and Uncanny Stout. Her humorous “Monkey” series about a Buddhist albino with a mid-life crisis\, is set in Alachua County\, Florida. It’s a Haint Blue Christmas follows Monkey Heart and Monkey Mind. Elliott is an artist\, author\, and mom to Basset hounds. Check out her website: https://hedonistichoundpress.com. Additionally\, her character Haint Blue has a blog at https://haintsretreat.com for all things related to Haint’s world.\n\n\nThis talk may be accessed via Zoom at the link below. Note that all in-person talks are subject to change to Zoom-only talks\, based on pandemic issues. \nZoom link: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89973131287?pwd=UWc4WXRaaDl0OWVQWmgwbTBiNHdVQT09\n\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nOne tap mobile\n+19292056099\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (New York)\n+13017158592\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (Washington DC)\n\nDial by your location\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kM2Sacyxx
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/j-elliott-presents-the-classic-ghost-story-tradition/
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/2022/06/girl-reading-ghost-story-starter-slide-More-Than-A-Jump-Scare-e1656255560872.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220911T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220911T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121019
CREATED:20220626T175836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220904T133313Z
UID:26297-1662906600-1662912000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Richard Gartee: How to Write Your 1st Novel (or 2nd or 3rd)
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea for a novel that follows you to bed\, and it’s all you can think of during your morning shower. Where to start and how to finish? \nAward-winning novelist Richard Gartee will discuss the process of novel writing from first draft to final proofread. First-time novelists or even those starting their second or third books will pick up helpful tips on how to keep creativity flowing and reduce the number of revisions. \nGartee has authored seven college textbooks\, six novels\, five collections of poetry\, and a biography. A complete list of his available titles\, upcoming events\, and forthcoming books are available at www.gartee.com where you can also sign up to receive updates on his newest publications as they become available. \nThe program will also be available by Zoom: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89973131287?pwd=UWc4WXRaaDl0OWVQWmgwbTBiNHdVQT09\n\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nOne tap mobile\n+19292056099\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (New York)\n+13017158592\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (Washington DC)\n\nDial by your location\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kM2Sacyxx\n  \n  \n \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/richard-gartee-how-to-write-your-1st-novel-or-2nd-or-3rd/
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/2022/06/Richard-gartee-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220730T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220730T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121019
CREATED:20220714T131259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220714T131259Z
UID:26430-1659187800-1659195000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Digital Marketing for Authors
DESCRIPTION:Having a social media presence is now required for both indie authors and traditionally published ones. Major publishers are beginning to insist that their authors get on the social media bandwagon immediately. \nWe all have questions and concerns about how to effectively market our books these days. Most creatives are not geared toward taking care of the business requirements of our artistic endeavors. There is no real right way or even a wrong way to get started. But bring your questions and concerns to this July 30 meeting where Jolene MacFadden will walk you through how to develop and implement a digital marketing strategy that will assist you in branding yourself and your books. \nThis will be a beginner’s discussion. Patience\, persistence\, and perseverance will help you obtain your readership and book sales goals in the long run. \nMacFadden is a published writer\, blogger\, website designer\, and social media coordinator. She is the author of Top Ten Ways to Market Your Book for Free: And Other Tidbits of Information for Writers. She enjoys reading mysteries\, science fiction/fantasy\, and historical novels on a variety of subjects. \nWe will be simulcasting the program. \nThe presentation will also be available via Zoom. Join with this link: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84747261615?pwd=TVlsQU9FcEczWllIOU5rN3NlUnY3Zz09 \nMeeting ID: 847 4726 1615 \nPasscode: 047270
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/introduction-to-digital-marketing-for-authors/
LOCATION:The Library Partnership: A Neighborhood Resource Center\, 912 NE 16th Avenue\, Gainesville\, Fl
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/marketing_meeting_1494328911-e1494346525388.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220710T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220710T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T121019
CREATED:20220526T065010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220526T071225Z
UID:26062-1657463400-1657468800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How to Turn a Play into a Movie
DESCRIPTION:Join playwright Shamrock McShane and multi-talented artist Tom Miller on July 10 to learn how to turn a play into a movie. The program begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Millhopper branch library\, 3145 NW 43rd Street\, Gainesville\, Florida. \nMcShane is the author of Seven Sides of Shakespeare\, a play that became a movie at the hands of screenwriter Miller. Their talk will include a discussion of: \n\n     – the inspiration for the play\,\n     – the software used to create the movie\,\n     – type of equipment used\,\n     – filming of the movie\, and\n     – how they entered and did so well in screenwriting contests.\n\nMcShane\, who stars in the film\, is a Shakespearean-trained actor whose credits include the award for Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. \nWith 30 years of service as a public school teacher and a passion for the arts\, McShane is also the author of Hall of Fools\, a revealing look at education in the U.S.; and his narration of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is available as an audiobook. Learn more about McShane on his website: https://shamrockmcshane.wordpress.com/author/afn32221/ \nTom Miller is a nationally recognized American screenwriter\, performance artist\, playwright\, actor\, sound designer\, painter\, poet\, and musician. He lives in Gainesville\, Florida\, which he considers the center of the universe. He holds a BA from the University of Florida in Theatre\, and an MFA in Screenwriting from the David Lynch School of Cinematic Arts at Maharishi International University. \nMiller is the host of the longest-running continuous open-mic show in America\, the Tom Miller Show (a.k.a. The Reverend Angeldust’s Tabernacle of Hedonism). His screenplay\, Elmer’s Saucer is currently in a Hollywood development deal. More information is available at his “Secret” official webpage: http://millerworks.weebly.com and https://millerworks.journoportfolio.com/ \nThis Writers Alliance of Gainesville talk may be accessed via Zoom at the link below. Note that all in-person talks are subject to change to Zoom-only talks\, based on pandemic issues. \nZoom link: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89973131287?pwd=UWc4WXRaaDl0OWVQWmgwbTBiNHdVQT09\n\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nOne tap mobile\n+19292056099\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (New York)\n+13017158592\,\,89973131287#\,\,\,\,*316819# US (Washington DC)\n\nDial by your location\n        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)\n        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)\n        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)\n        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)\n        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)\n        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)\nMeeting ID: 899 7313 1287\nPasscode: 316819\nFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kM2Sacyxx\n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/how-to-turn-a-play-into-a-movie/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Seven-Sides-of-Shakespeare.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR