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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171105T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171105T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170725T180217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171113T215755Z
UID:7557-1509892200-1509897600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:2017 Bacopa Literary Review Readings
DESCRIPTION:WAG members\, local authors with works in the 2017 journal\, and Bacopa editors read excerpts from winning entries: \n\n\n\n\nFLASH STORY \n“Excerpts From The Trakl Diaries” by Stephanie Emily Dickinson;\nCREATIVE NONFICTION \n“Caregiver’s Journal: How to Survive\, or Not” by Raphael Helena Kosek;\nFICTION \n“Ignis Fatuus\, and More\, at Eleven” by Chad W. Lutz;\nPOETRY \n“A Mote of Dust “by Claire Scott.\n\nProgram coordinated by Mary Bast\, Editor in Chief.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/readings-2017-bacopa-literary-review/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Readings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mic_1501008593-400x305-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171022T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171022T153000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170922T231431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171208T205641Z
UID:8275-1508682600-1508686200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Gene Cowell\, Local Author Series
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, October 22\, Gene Cowell was the featured speaker in the Alachua County Library’s Local Author Series. \nCowell discussed the evolution of popular crime fiction from its Nineteenth-Century roots through classic British “cozy” mysteries of the early Twentieth-Century\, and the enduring noir novels of famous American authors from Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain to Elmore Leonard and Dennis Lehane. \nHe also read from his second recently-published novel\, Bring Me the Gypsy\, inspired by true events; it follows American Gypsy Dix Arcos as he struggles to escape the lethal wrath of his gangster boss. \nAn Alachua resident\, Cowell touched on lessons learned over a 45-year career as an advertising copywriter\, ad agency owner and subscription newsletter publisher that he claims helped him in his fiction writing. He paid homage to Elmore Leonard’s immortal “Ten Rules for Good Writing\,” including the one rule he broke. \nThe program was held at the Headquarters Library\, 401 E. University Ave.\, Gainesville FL. \nThe Local Author Series features a new author each month. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/gene-cowell-local-author-series/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GeneCowell-photo-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171021T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171022T170000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170902T205821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:8145-1508580000-1508691600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Thornebrook's 33rd Annual Art Festival
DESCRIPTION:In booth #128\, WAG members dispensed WAG literature\, talked with festival goers about our organization\, and sold many of the fifty-four books on display by local authors. Thanks to all who participated in this fun event. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/wag-authors-will-sell-books-thornebrooks-33rd-annual-art-festival/
LOCATION:Thornebrook Village\,  2441 NW 43rd Street\, Gainesville\, 32606
CATEGORIES:Book Sale
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_1794-e1508851911945.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171008T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171008T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170724T184824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171208T210330Z
UID:7541-1507473000-1507478400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:M. W. Gordon - Ask Not for Whom the Pen Writes . . .
DESCRIPTION:Summary of M. W. Gordon’s talk by Penny Church-Pupke. \nRetired UF law professor turned mystery writer Michael Gordon (pen name M.W. Gordon) presented a program entitled “Ask not for whom the pen writes\, it writes for me.” A published author of nonfiction and fiction\, Gordon’s debut novel Deadly Drifts\, the first of nine in his  McDuff Brooks mystery series\, won the 2014 Royal Palm Literary Award for Published Book of the Year. \nThroughout his talk\, Gordon used anecdotes from his life and gave writing advice gained through publishing his book series. Gordon said his writing grew out of his examination of his life’s interests including law\, sports\, boating and fly fishing. After his retirement at age 73\, he sifted through his work experiences of teaching\, lecturing\, consulting\, and writing in international law as well as civil law. At the same time\, he assessed his other interests—he was a boat builder\, a certified fly-fishing guide\, an oboe and English horn player\, and an owner of Shetland Sheepdogs. At leisure\, with no thought of writing\, he began reading fiction. Eventually\, he wondered whether he could write dialogue and if he knew enough to write a book\, using the knowledge he had gained during his life. \nTwo years later\, Deadly Drifts was complete. Now\, he wondered what he should do with his 300-page manuscript. He tried traditional publishing\, but the publishing agent he contacted wanted a contract of five years to search for a publisher. Gordon didn’t want to wait that long. On his own\, he tried the Big Five Publishing Houses—Penguin Random House\, HarperCollins\, Simon & Schuster\, Hachette Book Group\, and MacMillan—but they weren’t interested. Going to a subsidiary of the Big Five\, what Gordon called a “sub of a sub of a sub” wasn’t satisfactory. His alternative was DIY publishing (Do-It-Yourself). He suggested authors use the term Do-It-Yourself rather than self-published. Gordon confessed he had made lots of mistakes as he learned the ins and outs of publishing. In addition\, he said DIY publishing took lots of his time\, and required him to make lots of choices. \nHere are some of his recommendations. \nGordon suggested that authors not edit their works themselves; he added that it is important to know what kind of editing is being contracted (grammar\, punctuation\, content). Referring to DIY books\, he said writers should make use of templates—5.5 x 8.5 is a good size. Once a template it used\, it can be reused through copy and paste. Use 1.5 line spacing for your final submission since double-spacing makes it look like a draft. He advised forming your own publishing entity LLC (Limited Liability Company) or create a fictitious name so you can say you are “published by a small publishing firm in (location).” Also purchase your own ISBN (International Standard Book Number) so the number belongs to the writer not the publisher—it is\, he emphasized\, a matter of control. \nGordon discussed the differences between print-on-demand (POD) publishers like IngramSpark and Amazon’s CreateSpace. CreateSpace publishes only softcover (paperbound) books sold by Amazon or by the author.  One positive is that a Kindle e-book can be made with just a click of a mouse. However\, some bookstores do not like to work with Amazon since they take a 25% cut\, and books are not generally returnable. Gordon recommends not using Amazon Kindle’s special programs—Kindle Select/Kindle Unlimited—because this may require an exclusive agreement with Amazon and may lower royalties by 20%. In contrast\, IngramSpark will publish a softcover or hardcover and the company distributes to bookstores and makes the books available to libraries. For ease of use\, Gordon suggested going to IngramSpark first\, then CreateSpace. \nWhen writing a series\, Gordon said\, it is essential to have a timeline; the timeline he created for his series is about 25-pages long. Equally important is to have a list of characters. He found that characters are easier to write if they come from a dysfunctional family. In a similar vein\, he said children grow up fast—in other words\, how long can a child be credibly enrolled in high school or college? He said adults age much better. Gordon suggested it is a good idea for the main character to have a pet; that pet can be a minor figure\, or it can be another character\, but it should have some quirks. He added that his dog character\, Wuff\, has appeared in all his books and was even shot. In a series\, if the main characters are married or are a couple\, one spouse/partner can be killed. Likewise\, if a character isn’t working out\, or if the author is worried that the readers are getting bored\, characters can be killed. However\, he added\, don’t bring back a character who was killed. Gordon said\, it is good to have a sinister character appear throughout the series\, much as Professor Moriarty served as a nemesis to Sherlock Holmes. \nGordon’s book display at October 8 WAG program\nAs for marketing suggestions\, Gordon said book tours and lectures are usually not arranged by publishers. He found book tours did not give him a reasonable return; he sold only 2 copies the first time\, 12 the second\, and 25 the next month. The most he sold was 62\, this past year. In contrast\, he has sold 2\,000 e-book copies. He said\, book sales come after radio and TV interviews. Another marketing tip (good for bookstores) is to create a one-page handout\, with a photo of the book cover on one side and a description and contact information on the other. \nGordon provided a handout\, which said “Enjoy what you are doing.” If you don’t enjoy writing\, do something else. His final recommendation\, written in bold letters was Write for yourself. \nWhen not writing\, Gordon has been involved in Project Healing Waters in Montana\, where fly-fishing is taught to former military personnel who were combat wounded. Next summer\, he hopes to become involved in Casting for Recovery in Vermont\, where fly-fishing is taught to women cancer survivors. According to his handout\, he sailed in the America’s Cup on America’s contender “American Eagle” in 1967. \nGordon has degrees from the U.S.\, France\, and Mexico\, and except for a case of malaria\, he would have had another degree from the Netherlands. He consulted and lectured at U.S. Embassies in a dozen or more foreign nations and was consulted on cross border issues by the Departments of State\, Commerce\, and Justice. He primarily fishes in the U.S. and Canada and is on pro-boards in fly-fishing in Simms  in Montana and Orvis in Vermont. He has never kept a fish he caught; his first trout was caught in 1944 and was immediately released because he said\, he was struck by its beauty. And fittingly\, he uses barbless hooks whenever he fishes.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/m-w-gordon-writer-mysteries/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Gordon2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171004T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171004T203000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170926T200920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170926T200920Z
UID:8328-1507143600-1507149000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Celebrate Stetson Kennedy's Life
DESCRIPTION:The Civic Media Center is honoring the life of Stetson Kennedy\, famous Florida folklorist\, human rights organizer\, and environmentalist\, on Wednesday\, October 4\, the day before he would have turned 101. Join the celebration\, which will feature a birthday cake\, and other refreshments provided by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. \nThe evening’s program\, “Living a Life of Purpose\,” covers 80 years of Kennedy’s activism\, from organizing against anti-Semitism as a 14-year-old to marching with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in their fight for higher wages as a 94-year old. Between those years\, Stetson infiltrated the KKK\, and he engaged in other organizing and journalistic endeavors in support of the Black Freedom Movement\, a series of protests that began with the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955-56. He wrote and published seven books and innumerable articles. He cultivated friendships with Woody Guthrie\, Studs Terkel\, Jean Paul Sartre\, and countless others. \nMusical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Kennedy’s longtime friend\, singer-songwriter\, and co-founder of the University of Florida Arts in Medicine program\, Cathy DeWitt. \nParking is available along SE 5th Ave.\, across the street on S.Main St\, or up at the Courthouse. The event is free. Donations are appreciated. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/celebrate-stetson-kennedys-life/
LOCATION:Civic Media Center\, 433 South Main Street\, Gainesville\, Florida\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Celebration
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Stetson-Kennedy-event.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170923
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170924
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170920T184735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:8251-1506124800-1506211199@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:WAG at the Life Expo
DESCRIPTION:WAG had the unexpected opportunity to participate in the LIFE EXPO on Saturday\, September 23\, 2017. The Gainesville Sun designed the event to publicize products\, services\, and opportunities for active boomers and seniors. It was held in the Holloway Touchdown Terrace\, an air-conditioned room at the north end of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. \nAttendees enjoyed visiting exhibits and seminars relating to health\, wellness\, hobbies\, sports\, travel\, home\, garden\, automotive and more. \nA big thanks to Joan Carter and Penny Church-Pupke\, who organized WAG’s participation in the six-hour event and to all the WAG Members who assisted in the booth\, promoting WAG and selling fellow members’ books. \nJoan reported that 156 books by 18 WAG authors were displayed\, plus Bacopas. Eleven authors participated in at least one aspect of the event\, from setup to cleanup. This is especially remarkable since some of the volunteers were still recovering from Hurricane Irma\, having had no electricity\, communication\, and water for several days. What a show of support! \nJoan Carter and Penny Church Pupke. Photo courtesy of Carol Ray Skipper\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/saturday-book-sale/
LOCATION:Ben Hill Griffin Stadium\, UF Campus\, Gainesville\, FL
CATEGORIES:Book Sale
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/214228143_LifeExpo_Image_1-e1505934090429.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170916T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170916T153000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170826T210237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:7728-1505572200-1505575800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mallory M. O'Connor\, first author to present in new "Local Author Series"
DESCRIPTION:Mallory M. O’Connor is first on the program for the Alachua County Library’s new Local Author Series. \nOn September 16\, O’Connor will discuss her debut novel\, American River: Tributaries\, which follows the entwined lives of three immigrant families as they settle along this river in Northern California during the turbulent 1960s. \nO’Connor\, who grew up in Northern California\, has degrees in art\, art history\, and American history and taught art history at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. \nShe is also the author of the non-fiction book\, Lost Cities of the Ancient Southeast\, and she and Gary Monroe coauthored Florida’s American Heritage River: Images from the St. Johns Region.  \nO’Connor resides in Micanopy and currently serves as vice president of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. \nThis program will be held in Meeting Room A\, Fourth Floor\, of the Headquarters library\, 401 E. Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL. \nThe Local Author Series will feature a new author each month. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/alachua-county-librarys-local-author-series-feature-mallory-m-oconnor/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Sale,Book Signing,Readings,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Headshot-5.2-e1503839035552.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170813T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170813T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170703T190321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170819T023404Z
UID:7258-1502634600-1502640000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Use Your Family Stories to Write a Historical Novel
DESCRIPTION:Nick West’s presentation\n\n– Summarized by Bonnie Ogle –  \nOn August 13\, novelist and local businessman Nick West spoke to the general meeting of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville about using family stories to create a historical novel. A fifth generation Floridian\, West has a plethora of family stories\, which he has used as the basis for his four novels. Raised by grandparents with no television\, West was entertained by his grandmother’s recounting stories about a family that traveled with the circus and weathered the American Civil War. \nAudience members chat with author Nick West.\nWith that kernel of information\, and inspiration from circus posters\, West sought out other descendants of circus members to hear their stories. Learning of his great grandfather’s circus friend Master Duffy\, he sought and found Duffy’s family. Duffy was a former slave who ran away when his sister was sold and their mother died of a broken heart. He became the “African Prince\,” riding a horse in the show\, using the job as a cover to search for his sister. \nPithy incidents retold to successive generations show up in West’s books. He had heard from his grandfather that the circus people split between north and south when war broke out. The circus owner’s parting words to the troops landed in one of West’s novels: “I hope the next time we meet\, it’s not at the end of a barrel.” \nAs a child living in Archer\, West frequently found arrowheads in the yard\, amassing a large collection. He wondered\, Who was the last human to touch this? Taking several pieces to the Florida Museum of Natural History for carbon dating\, he was surprised to learn they were 6\,000 years old. At the museum\, he met anthropologists who were familiar with the first people\, the Potanos\, who lived in the area. \nThis sparked enough interest that he created a Potano couple for his main characters. Studying ancient peoples of Florida gave West many ideas. He incorporated the people’s customs such as marrying outside their tribe and trading with coastal tribes. When his hero traveled to the coast he saw a “great ship.” This event evolved from historical accounts West found while studying first encounters with Europeans. \nNick West speaks to a packed house at the Millhopper Library.\nThe author advised fellow writers\, “The internet is a wonderful resource for you to get information about the locale\, daily life\, and current events of the time in which you set your story.” He cautioned writers\, however\, to use two or three sources to verify information. He reported spending half his time on research and twenty-five percent on editing. He recommended getting everyone you know to beta read your material\, particularly if you are self-publishing. \nWest’s presentation\, laden with anecdotal adventures and self-deprecating humor (“I am a non-profit organization – a self-published author”) piqued the audience’s interest in his four books\, all available on Amazon. They include The Great Southern Circus\, The Long Ride Home\, The Sandspur Special\, and To Light a New Fire. \n The Great Southern Circus (2010) entertains with stories of Orton and Older’s Great Southern Circus\, which performed in eighteen states from Wisconsin to Florida\, just before the Civil War. The author weaves together the tales passed down from his great-great-great-grandmother\, Miranda Madderra\, one of the circus performers. \n  \nHis most recent book\, To Light a New Fire\, chronicles the lives of a young Timucua native Floridian during the period of first European contact in the mid 1500’s. The book is based on the Potano village that existed for over 12\,000 years on the edge of Paynes Prairie. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/nick-west-writing-historical-novels/
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/2017/07/IMG_3037-e1503109148129.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170805T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170805T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170720T191054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170824T221039Z
UID:7474-1501923600-1501948800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Marketing Workshop a Huge Success
DESCRIPTION:WAG’s one-day Marketing Workshop on Saturday\, August 5\, at St. Leo University filled up days before the event and was a huge success. Speakers showed attendees how to market and promote their published works and covered these topics: \n\ne-flyers\nsocial media tools\nnetworking skills\nbook-signing kick-off party and possible venues\nthe importance of personal contacts\nbook reviews — how to get them\, how to use them\nadvertising and promotion\nspeaking opportunities\neffective written proposals\nbroadcast and print media\n\nTerry Martin-Back\, Richard Gartee\, Kassandra Lamb\, Roz Miller\, Kimberley Mullins\, Roger Robles\, and Carrie Dandridge Selleck presented. \n \nTerry Martin-Back is the author of Networking the Right Way. A realtor and a member of the National Speakers Association\, Martin-Back believes in the power of networking. This includes meeting and greeting strangers\, engaging in small talk\, and using brief “oral business cards” to your advantage. \nRichard Gartee has written twenty books including seven college textbooks\, a novel Lancelot’s Grail\, five collections of poetry\, and numerous chap books. His second novel\, Lancelot’s Disciple\, is scheduled to be published this fall. His third novel\, Ragtime Dudes In a Thin Place won the first place 2016 Royal Palm Literary Award for unpublished book-length fiction. \nKassandra Lamb is the author of the Kate Huntington mysteries and the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries\, which educate readers about psychological issues. In her mysteries\, she weaves unusual twists\, based on her twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist. At the workshop\, she will discuss the “Dos & Don’ts of Getting Book Reviews” — how to get them and how to use them in your marketing. \n \nRoz Miller\, an award-winning speaker\, artist\, and speech coach\, she’s also a freelance writer\, storyteller\, and public relations coordinator. She believes creative people need a variety of skills that translate into marketing their projects. Plus\, they need access to professionals who can provide the services they lack\, so their creative projects will sell. \n \nKimberley Mullins began writing during her 20-year career in the Navy. She has published a book of poetry\, Thinking Aloud: Dimensions of Free-Verse\, and two novels: The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged\, and In the Company of Strangers. At the workshop\, she will discuss how social media formats contribute to successful marketing\, regardless of the medium. \nRoger Robles works with clients around the world\, building websites\, mobile applications\, and helping brands build an online presence. Roger walks clients through the technical maze to create an effective website and grow the client’s online network. He loves helping brands connect with customers through custom experiences for phones\, tablets\, TV’s\, and other smart devices. \nCassie Dandridge Selleck‘s first novel\, The Pecan Man\, ranks as a best-seller on Amazon.com\, and movie rights have been optioned by BCDF Pictures. The self-published novel has been traditionally published for audio\, translated into two foreign languages\, and selected by the state of Arkansas for their 2017 common reader program\, “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book.” \nHer second novel What Matters in Mayhew was completed during the course of her studies at Goddard College where she earned a BFA in Creative Writing in 2016. Selleck has had a non-traditional experience with publishing and marketing\, and will share tips and tools that have helped make her work successful. This includes marketing on a very limited budget and taking advantage of publicity opportunities. Selleck is also the creator of the hybrid publishing company\, Obstinate Daughters Press. \nFees paid by those registered:\n\n$35 WAG members\n$50 Non-members\n\nThe fee included a tasty boxed lunch (chicken or vegetarian)\, plus coffee\, iced tea\, and water. \n  \n  \nsferrario1968 / Pixabay
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/marketing-workshop-full/
LOCATION:St. Leo University\, 4650 NW 39th Avenue\, Gainesville\, Florida\, 32606
CATEGORIES:Speaker,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/workshop_1494266766.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170723T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170723T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170720T012339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170720T012339Z
UID:7452-1500818400-1500825600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Liz Coursen: Writing Basics & Refresher Tips for Experienced Writers
DESCRIPTION:The ever-versatile Liz Coursen will go over writing basics and refresher tips for more experienced writers. You won’t want to miss a chance to see her “in action.”  A good time should be had by all! \nTo learn more about Coursen — author\, editor\, historian\, educator and publlc speaker — check out her website.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/liz-coursen-writing-basics-refresher-tips-experienced-writers/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Liz-Coursen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170709T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170709T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170611T135128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170714T011322Z
UID:7027-1499610600-1499616000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How to Turn Your Skills\, Experience\, and Knowledge into Nonfiction Books
DESCRIPTION:Terry Martin-Back enthusiastically told of using his background in construction and real estate to write and sell non-fiction books useful for homeowners at the July 9 WAG meeting at Millhopper Library. He emphasized that writing is a business\, whether you want to sell your work or not. At minimum\, both you and the reader invest time and effort in the book. \nTerry Martin-Back speaks at July 9 WAG meeting\nNon-fiction\, he said\, can be one of three types: \n\nPersonal story — of an individual\, second\, or third party\nBranding — provide information or commentary\nTechnical — how-to instructions or factual report\n\nTo choose a topic\, evaluate your life in segments and categories by experience\, achievements\, and lessons learned. Pick a subject you are passionate about — your enthusiasm will enhance your writing. Decide whose story you are telling\, and determine who your audience will be. Then\, decide what you want readers to think\, do\, or feel after they read your book. What in your book will they find interesting or learn from? Elaborate on your message by incorporating details and illustrative stories — which you may wish to exaggerate. \nStories are all around you. A writer must keep eyes open for them. A story may be standing next to you in the check-out line. \nWrite what you know. Martin-Back pointed out the difference between experience and expertise. Experience would be twenty years in building houses\, learning to use the tools; expertise might result from extensive research leading to useful knowledge about the business. Either experience or expertise can be the basis for a book. \nMartin-Back spoke at length about marketing\, especially using social media. He said your presence on Facebook\, Twitter\, and LinkedIn is essential\, and you should start at least three months before your book is published. He described ways to generate online followers. LinkedIn is especially useful because of the quality of its users. Other helpful sites include Fiver\, Square\, and Selz. Accounts with Square and Selz can be used to sell your book(s). \nHe advised us not to overlook alternate ways to get the book’s message out. Besides print\, consider an audio book — it’s been found that listening uses different parts of the brain from reading\, so it may appeal to a different audience and boost your sales. A how-to book might work well as an online course. Online training sites can teach you how to set up an online course. \nMartin-Back is a contractor\, realtor\, investor\, author\, and professional speaker. His knowledge of and experience in real estate\, coupled with client questions and clients’ lack of realty knowledge\, compelled him to write several nonfiction books to benefit homeowners — from Homeowners Manual to Tools\, Tips and Remodeling Plan. He is also the author of Networking the Right Way\, in which he emphasizes that networking is not about selling; it’s about getting to know people and learning about their business and how you can help them. \n  \nSummary of program by Roz Miller and Joan H. Carter. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/terry-martin-back-turning-skills-life-experiences-knowledge-non-fiction-books/
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/2017/06/Terry-Martin-Back.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170625T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170625T170000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170508T170932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:6678-1498399200-1498410000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Fun on Sunday at Sal's Place!
DESCRIPTION:In a private room at Sal’s Place\, a sports bar and restaurant in Northwest Gainesville\, thirty-seven audience members enjoyed music performed by Janet Barrett Suggs and Ken Booth and readings by Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) authors\, along with food and drink. \nJanet Barrett Suggs\nThe program was open to the public\, with no admission or cover charge. Sal’s Place\, 5109 NW 39th Avenue in Gainesville\, was pleased with the turnout and has offered their private room for future WAG events. \nA big thanks to Wendy Thornton who coordinated this program and who promises to plan another! Here’s her post on facebook: \nKen Booth\n“Thank you to all the writers who came out for our Writers Alliance reading at Sal’s. It was wonderful! Mary Bast\, J. W. Fishhawke\, David B. Maas\, Timothy Shamrock McShane\, Eddie Suggs\, Ann~Marie Magné\, Susie Baxter\, Jessica Lyn Elkins\, Richard Gartee\, you all were fantastic. We got great feedback from everyone. And thank you to Janet Barrett Suggs for providing musical entertainment and especially to Ken Booth for music and set up for our readings! And to the fantastic audience. Big success and we will plan another in the near future!” \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/readings-sals-place/
LOCATION:Sal’s Place\, 5109 NW 39th Ave\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Readings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Sals-Place-e1513698542917.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170611T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170428T004329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170630T181120Z
UID:6606-1497191400-1497196800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Editor Jackie Smith Gives Freelancers Advice
DESCRIPTION:At WAG’s June general meeting\, Advantage Publishing Editor Jackie Smith gave aspiring writers tips from the editor’s side of the desk. Freelancing allows writers a flexible schedule and the potential for earnings “on the side.” Editors like to use freelancers because it allows for more diversity in content. On the down side\, a freelance submission versus an assignment can mean you’re writing for free. \nWriters should be guided by their curiosity. “Write what you know and what you would like to know” (example: an interview). \nSmith encouraged writers to not be afraid to pitch to an editor. “It’s a skill you will develop the more you do it.” However\, writers should do their homework before submitting. Know the publisher’s needs\, style and word count preferences\, and seek feedback. The submission process is more casual these days\, particularly on the local scene\, so email submissions are acceptable and encouraged. \nEditor Jackie Smith (left) talks with Skipper Hammond (center) and Diane Childs (right)\nYou do not need a structured abstract. A basic resume and small sample is fine. A title and pull quotes are always appreciated. Submit only one subject\, not a “ton of content.” It is okay to ask when the piece will be published and what the pay will be. Advantage’s three publications pay $50 per page for the average six-page article\, but there is a wide spectrum\, both locally and nationally. Smith cautioned\, “You can\, of course\, be paid only in exposure but should know what your worth is and not be afraid to walk away. It is easy to lower your rates but impossible to raise them.” Writers should be cognizant of tax-reporting thresholds and submit a 1099. Develop an invoicing process. \nSmith noted that Millennials are reading more online publications\, but hard copies are regaining popularity. She advised writers to be sure to ask for a pdf of a final online article and a direct link to the published work. This is important for building a portfolio. Accept low resolution if pictures are included. \nDeadlines must be respected! Delays cascade among editors\, proof-readers\, designers\, printers. Writers should understand publishers’ timeframes. An “evergreen” article which could be printed at any time of year\, is not of great concern\, but articles related to holidays or seasons must be planned in advance. Home magazine works two months in advance. \nSmith reminded us writers that we likely won’t have editorial control when we make a freelance submission. The publisher then owns the piece and can edit or cut as its editors see fit\, without consulting the freelancer. Smith handed out a tips page which included industry vocabulary that writers should be familiar with and a list of local publications and helpful websites. \nAdvantage Publications in the Gainesville Area are: \n            Home: Living in Greater Gainesville\, bimonthly magazine \n            Business in Greater Gainesville\, monthly magazine \n            Guide to Greater Gainesville\, annual relocation guide \n  \nSummary of program provided by WAG member Bonnie T. Ogle. Thanks\, Bonnie!
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/jackie-smith-speak-freelance-writing/
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/2017/04/Speaker-Jackie-Smith.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170507T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170507T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063126
CREATED:20170407T192419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170509T160204Z
UID:6558-1494167400-1494172800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Ronald W. Haase: The Good\, the Bad\, and the Surprising of Self-Publishing
DESCRIPTION:Professor Emeritus Ronald W. Haase\, who taught architecture for twenty years at the University of Florida\, shared his experience of transitioning from the college teaching environment to creating fiction\, while incorporating his respect for and knowledge of architecture. In his presentation\, Haase explored with good humor the good\, the bad\, and the surprising of self-publishing. \nIn retirement\, Haase is writing fiction with the same sense of structure and design. His hybrid first novel\, The Last House\, incorporates the journey of a husband and wife and their love of building houses\, examining four different regional architectures of Florida. The decades’ long journey introduces the reader to the ghosts of several notable Floridians who come along in support of the ride. Readers appreciating fine pen-and-ink drawings will enjoy viewing and studying Haase’s architectural designs illustrating the book. Haase is a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects. \n\nHaase discussed his first book\, Classic Cracker\, published by Pineapple Press. The press did the editing\, designed the book\, provided the cover\, and did the marketing. The book won an award and sold twenty thousand copies. Haase was very pleased with the job the press did and hoped to work with them again.\nHaase’s second book\, The Last House\, started as a non-fiction essay on four iconic Florida architectural styles: North Florida Cracker\, Sarasota School Mid-century Modern\, Art deco\, and Spanish Colonial. But Haase felt it would be more interesting if he fictionalized the story about a couple who built a house in each style over the course of their marriage. He illustrated the story with sixty-five drawings of the various architectural styles. He pitched the book first to Pineapple Press and then to a number of publishers\, but all said they didn’t know “how to market it” since it wasn’t a conventional genre and he was a first-time fiction author. So Haase decided to look into self-publishing.\nHe explored Create Space and found that publishing costs would be $1\,185. He felt the costs included several things that he could do himself\, such as the book cover. Ongoing disagreements and problems getting refunds eventually caused him to withdraw from the relationship.\nHe then tried Book Baby. Despite having to pay for editing and designing\, and agreeing to do most of the marketing\, he moved ahead with the project. There were some frustrations such as having to change the illustrations from color to black and white due to production costs.\nMarketing was a big challenge but Haase used a network of friends to organize events such as book signings. He also engaged members at his church\, friends at GFAA and the Melrose Bay Gallery\, local libraries\, and other professional contacts to assist with the marketing effort\, including getting endorsements from his architectural friends. Although his son has urged him to use social media to promote his book\, Haase isn’t yet comfortable with that strategy.\nThe book costs $8.00 to publish and sells for $19.95. Through the Book Baby agreement\, Haase gets 50% of net sales. It was an expensive investment and might not be a financial success\, he said\, but he has been generally pleased with his experience with Book Baby. And it was an adventure he preferred over a trip to Sweden.\nA book signing followed the informative program.\n  \n  \n \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nWAG thanks Mallory M. O’Connor for summarizing this talk. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/good-bad-surprising-self-publishing/
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/2017/04/photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170409T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170409T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20170306T155514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:6347-1491748200-1491753600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:"Show\, Don’t Tell" About Social Issues in Your Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Kassandra Lamb\, retired psychotherapist turned mystery writer\, presented seven lessons she has learned about including social issues in fiction: show\, don’t tell; do your research; make readers care about the character; don’t stereotype; keep it balanced; expect some push back; and be open to learning from your characters. \n“Authors must show readers how a social issue affects people’s lives\,” she said\, “rather than tell the author’s opinion on that social issue.” She noted that telling may annoy a reader who has a different viewpoint. She said no author wants his or her book to be put down in disgust—not over the development of the fictional situations and characters but—by the author’s offering personal opinions. \nKassandra Lamb signs books following her talk.\nLamb urged the careful development of a character who espouses an opinion on a contentious social issue. If the issue is one of contemporary importance and significant polarization (e.g.\, future of Obamacare\, Trump\, immigration\, or who bears the burden of a tax reform)\, this is especially important. \nIf the reader agrees with the viewpoint in the book\, he/she may not care whether the opinion comes from a character in the book or the author. But the reader is more likely to accept an opposing viewpoint if the character in the book has the standing and credibility to speak to the social issue—such as a farmer who needs immigrant workers discussing immigration or the head of a hospital discussing health care. \nLamb is the author of the Kate Huntington mysteries and the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries. She has also published a guidebook for novice writers\, Someday Is Here! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing and Publishing Your First Book. You can find out more about Lamb and her books at http://kassandralamb.com. She blogs about psychology and writing at http://misteriopress.com. \nThanks to M. W. Gordon for summarizing this talk.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/show-dont-tell-social-issues-fiction/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/lamb-closeup-photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170408T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170408T173000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20170224T214350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:6261-1491667200-1491672600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Book Discussion at Matheson Museum
DESCRIPTION:WAG member Mallory M. O’Connor and her co-author\, Gary Monroe\, discussed their book\, Florida’s American Heritage River: Images from the St. Johns Region at the Matheson History Museum in downtown Gainesville at 4:00 p.m. on April 8. This event was held in conjunction with the museum’s  exhibit\, River of Dreams: The St. Johns and Its Springs. \nThe mighty St. Johns River flows from its headwaters near Lake Okeechobee north through central Florida to Jacksonville. The river and its tributaries have been part of the cultural landscape of the peninsula for thousands of years. From the Native Americans who first settled along its banks to the French\, Spanish\, British and American settlers who followed\, it has been a source of food\, water\, transportation\, industry\, agriculture\, and recreation. In 1998 the St. Johns was declared an American Heritage River\, the only one in Florida and one of only fourteen in the country to be so designated. \nO’Connor is professor emerita of art history at Santa Fe College. Monroe is professor of fine arts and photography at Daytona State College. The lecture was free and open to the public. \nThe MATHESON HISTORY MUSEUM
’s hours are 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\, Tuesday–Saturday. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-discussion-matheson-museum/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Sale,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/51YULgWX53L.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170325T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170325T140000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20170303T194629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170519T145755Z
UID:6330-1490436000-1490450400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Community-Wide Event at Depot Park
DESCRIPTION:WAG participated in 352Creates\, a community-wide event at Depot Park (located off South Main Street at SE Depot Road in downtown Gainesville)\, from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday\, March 25. \nOpen to all 352 (area code) residents\, the event is founded on the idea that anyone\, using even the simplest of materials\, can create something amazing. WAG members provided fun word activities for those who stopped by our table. Book sales were not allowed\, but WAG member authors donated books that were given as prizes.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/community-wide-event-depot-park/
LOCATION:Downtown Gainesville\, 111 East University Ave\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32627\, United States
CATEGORIES:Games,Readings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/352logo-final-color.1200x0p50x50-e1488569870192.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170312T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170312T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20170204T222717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:6166-1489329000-1489334400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing a Romance Novel for Fun and Profit
DESCRIPTION:Rebecca Heflin\, Gainesville author of contemporary romance\, revealed many secrets of writing for fun and profit in her March 12 PowerPoint presentation. Too bad we cannot include all of them here. \nShe stressed the importance of voice\, saying that “a bad editor can take away the author’s voice; don’t let that happen to you.” \nHeflin dreamed of writing romantic fiction from the time she was fifteen\, after reading Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss\, but she didn’t begin writing until she was in her late forties\, after she’d gone to law school and practiced law for fifteen years. She is now the author of six romance novels that are racking up awards — eleven to date. \n“Hook the reader with your opening line\,” she said\, and provided examples like this one: “What a waste of smooth\, shaven legs.” (Boss Man\, by Vi Keeland) \nThe opening scene should: \n\nconvey the time period\nintroduce the setting (small town\, big city\, another world)\nintroduce one or both of the main characters\ninclude the inciting incident\ngenerate empathy for the character(s)\nreveal the external conflict\nreveal the internal conflict\nset the tone (comedy\, thriller\, etc.)\npropel the story forward\n\n“Avoid ‘sense’ words like felt\, smelled\, thought\, wonder\, etc.\,” Heflin said. “Instead of saying ‘Becky felt the snake slither up her leg\,’ say ‘Becky’s skin crawled as the snake slithered up her leg.'” \nFor audience members\, the author provided copies of her entire PowerPoint slide presentation as well as a Vocabulary sheet. Two words that jumped out: BLACK MOMENT\, the scene toward the end of the book when the romance seems hopelessly doomed. PURPLE PROSE\, text that is extravagant\, flowery\, or ornate and detracts from the story; typically characterized by extensive use of adjectives\, adverbs\, and metaphors — something to avoid. \nAssistant Director of Research at UF by day\, Heflin said\, “I must set deadlines and goals for my writing.” She cannot follow instructions that tell you to sit down at the computer every day and write any damn thing that comes to mind. Instead\, Heflin said she arranges her schedule to write in a focused way\, one day a week. \nHeflin’s readers look forward to her new book\, Winning Dr. Wentworth\, available in June 2017\, and Educating Dr. Mayfield\, available in September 2017. \nShe is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA)\, Florida Romance Writers\, RWA Contemporary Romance\, Savvy Authors\, and Florida Writers Association. Follow her at http://www.rebeccaheflin.com/ \n  \nSummary by Susie H Baxter.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writing-romance-novel-fun-profit/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Heflin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170212T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170212T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20170106T025008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5890-1486909800-1486915200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Work Experience As Writing Resource
DESCRIPTION:“Write what you know\,” Fiordalisi said. Accurate details of the business or industry in which your book is set will increase your book’s credibility. You may think your work experience unworthy of a story\, but others will disagree. Secretaries\, for example\, have a wealth of knowledge they can base a story on. All professions have inside experiences—“seed nuggets” for stories. \nStart your story after the phone rings\, after a knock on the door. After that is when the action happens. A death notification might make a good starting point. \nFiordalisi\, who had a career in law enforcement\, told of police officers going to notify a man about the death of his wife. Normally\, the officers would say they had come to deliver some bad news. But when this man answered the door and began yelling at them—“Why are you here again! You’re always coming ’round!”—the officers dispensed with their normal courtesies and said\, “Your wife’s dead.” \nFiordalisi went on to provide a host of pointers for writers: \n\nUse inside knowledge gained from your profession in your writing; rules govern most professions.\nKeep a journal of the things you see and hear; your notes can provide a wealth of resource material.\nTake writing classes and attend workshops.\nParticipate in a critique pod.\nDo your research.\nWhen writing fiction\, stick to the facts; with factual information\, you can write a believable story.\nDon’t introduce errors that will make your reader say\, “This doesn’t ring true.”\nCreate situations with emotions that will bring your reader into the story.\nPay attention to voice—mood and delivery.\nKnow and use work vocabulary and jargon. “Cops don’t say ‘handcuffs\,’” Fiordalisi said. “They say cuffs.” Use the jargon of the industry you are writing about.\nUnderstand that jargon may be different in California than it is in Florida; learn the jargon of the region you’re writing about.\nAdd small actions to a story to show how people feel. Fiordalisi mentioned what John Gardner\, author of On Becoming a Novelist and other books on writing\, tells writers\, “You can tell a reader anything but you have to show feelings”— white knuckles\, red faces\, clenched hands.\n\nFiordalisi mentioned again the importance of critique and said\, “If you have difficulty writing about a character of the opposite sex as I do\, get a good beta reader of the same sex as the character to read your material and provide feedback.” \nFiordalisi’s talk was summarized by Roz Miller. If you would like to summarize a future program\, email Roz at programs@writersalliance.org.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/work-experience-writing-resource/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Fiordalisi-e1537365421624.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170108T144000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170108T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20161019T175050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5573-1483886400-1483891200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Five Common Mistakes Writers Make
DESCRIPTION:From looking at thousands of manuscripts over the last decade\, Belea Keeney has identified the five most common mistakes writers make. \n1. Problems with point of view (POV). The writer must establish with the reader which character’s head the writer is in. The omniscient narrator is out of fashion with publishers. Gone with the Wind would not get published today; publishers want only one point of view per scene. \nKeeney provided handouts with examples. She explained that if Alice is describing the scene in a restaurant (we’re in Alice’s head)\, then Alice can’t say “a guy at the table became furious” because Alice does not know what is in that guy’s head. Instead\, Alice can say\, “The guy’s face turned red as fire.” Alice can see the red face\, and when she tells the reader this\, the reader can make the assumption that the guy is furious. \nAnother example illustrated how the writer can show different points of view for the same scene through well-chosen words and emphasis. Keeney’s two examples described Patty who was watching movies on a Valentine’s weekend. Members of the WAG audience gave their opinions of Patty\, saying that in the first version she was a “hopeless romantic\,” whereas in the second version of the same scene\, she had a “real attitude!” Words that may have made the difference? First scene: “sighing\, fabulous costumes\, envying\,  happy\, dance\, romantic\, perfect.” Second scene: “binge watching\, rolling her eyes\, damn people\, constantly\, a six-pack\, headache.”\n \nBooks Kenney recommends for learning POV: \nWorld War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War\, by Max Brooks; the main character interviews a large number of diverse people (doctor\, Buddhist monk\, etc.) \nHarmony: A Novel\, by Carolyn Parkhurst—has shifting points of view. The story is told from three perspectives. \nHorse Heaven\, by Jane Smiley. The horses become characters with human qualities\, so they have their own points of view. \n“Allison Lurie is also good writer\,” Keeney said. “She has complete mastery of POV\, pacing\, and a good voice. Others are Thomas Harris\, Stephen King . . . ” \n2. Too much narrative. “We live in our heads a lot\,” Keeney said\, “but there needs to be interaction going on. Give your character a friend and have them interact.” Keeney’s handout illustrated the difference: The TV news anchor in the studio tells you the news\, but the reporter on the scene shows you. \n3. Too much backstory. Be careful with information\, facts\, and flashbacks. Ask yourself if a particular fact is needed. Is the flashback relevant? Is it important the aunt died in a certain year? Avoid flashbacks within the first 25% of your book\, and if you use them later in the book\, be sure to transition clearly. \n4. Not understanding types of editing. Developmental editing looks at the big picture—at the structure\, the forest—to see how scenes fit together. Copy editing looks at grammar\, punctuation\, spelling—the leaves on the trees; some publishers call it line editing. Proofreading comes last\, technically\, in galleys. \nBefore sending your work to an editor\, make sure it’s as good as you can make it—work with it to improve it until you’re sick of it. And understand that voice-to-text systems such as Dragon don’t always get homonyms right (petal/peddle\, bridal/bridle). \nTrust your editor\, and don’t argue about whether the spelling should be tee-shirt or T-shirt. That’s just a house-style thing. Sometimes\, style questions come up that are not easy to answer. For example\, if Merge refers to an important concept and is capitalized\, should unmerge be capitalized? Each manuscript should have a style sheet showing the style preferred throughout. \nIf you feel strongly about some element on which you and the editor disagree\, discuss it.  For example\, the editor might wish to take out your comma splices\, but if they are important to the story\, discuss it. If you have problems with an editor you can’t resolve\, though\, find another editor. \nBooks recommended to answer editing questions: \nThe Chicago Manual of Style—the one used by most publishers \nThe Elements of Style\, by Strunk & White \nWoe Is I\, by Patricia T. O’Conner \n5. Not knowing if you want to be a writer. Ask yourself if you really want to be a writer or just tell one story (e.g.\, write your memoir). If you want to be a vet\, you go to school before you stick your arm up a cow’s butt. To be a good writer\, you’re going to have to read\, study\, and write\, write\, write. \nQ & A\nQ:  “How do you find a good editor?” \nA:  “Check the website of Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).  It shows specialties—medical\, for example. I’m a member of EFA.” \nQ:  What do editors charge? \nA:  Some charge by the job\, some by the page\, some by the word. I charge 2 to 3 cents a word—or 4 to 5 cents a word if I’m working with a writer whose manuscript takes a lot more work. Most editors will edit a 3- to 5-page sample for you. I can tell in a page and a half if the person can write. By the way\, you need to know how to use Microsoft Word’s “Track Changes.” \nEditor’s Secret Bits of Advice \n \nTip 1: Start out by writing short. Don’t jump into a 400-page novel. Get rejections. Get published. “I wrote 35 short stories before writing a novel\,” Keeney said. “Don’t start with a dream sequence. And don’t start with the character waking up in the morning. Don’t have the character look in a mirror to analyze appearance.” (Upon hearing these don’ts\, an audience member commented that she’d have to toss out her entire manuscript and start over!) \nTip 2: Write what you know. Don’t get bogged down with research. While research is a good way to learn about a topic you’re interested in\, it can bog down your writing. If you must look something up\, make a note of it and keep writing. \n“If you want to write for magazines or journals\, study them before you submit. And try contests. This gives you a deadline for completing the manuscript. Look in Poets and Writers magazine—it lists contests in the back.” \nBooks on writing that Keeney recommends: \nSelf-editing for Fiction Writers\, by Renni Browne \nFiction First Aid\, by Raymond Obstfeld \nThe Weekend Novelist\, by Robert J. Ray \nManuscript Makeover\, by Elizabeth Lyon \nBookLife\, by Jeff VanderMeer \n\nBelea T. Keeney’s novel\, The Tiger Whisperer\, won the 2014 Cat Writers Association Best Book Award\, and she has sold three short story collections. Her stories have placed in the Writers in Paradise Short Story competition\, the 2010 Florida Review Editor’s Choice Award\, the 2007 Left Coast Writing Contest\, and the 2011 Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Short Story contest. \nKeeney works as an editor for Samhain Publishing\, JMS Books\, and for a variety of private freelance clients. She especially enjoys working on paranormal\, horror\, romances\, memoirs\, and most anything written about animals. Find out more about her editing services and books at www.beleatkeeney.com. \n\nKeeney’s talk was summarized by Susie Baxter and copy edited by Joan Carter. If you would like to summarize a future program\, email roz57@cox.net.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/five-common-editing-mistakes/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/speaker-e1484002626144.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170108T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170108T144000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20161119T153338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170510T103247Z
UID:5833-1483885800-1483886400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Meet WAG's New Officers
DESCRIPTION:Immediate Past President\, Susie Baxter\, (center) presents mock book “Herding Cats” to Kimberley Mullins\, President\, as Mallory O’Connor\, Vice President\, looks on. \n  \nKimberley E. Mullins\, President \nKimberley Mullins is a Jacksonville\, Florida\, native and has enjoyed reading and writing since her early childhood. She began her writing career while in the Navy by venturing into poetry. Her first piece\, “My One Last Cent\,” was published in the literary journal\, Amistad\, Howard University\, 2007. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a major in Marketing\, and she has an MBA in Finance from National University. She has published a book of poetry\, Thinking Aloud: Dimensions of Free-Verse\, and two novels: The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged\, 2013\, and In the Company of Strangers\, 2015. She was a winner of the 2015 NaNoWriMo\, completing just over 50\,000 words in thirty days. She has also participated in several spoken word venues including the Urban Grind in Atlanta\, Busboys and Poets in Washington\, D.C.\, and the Thomas Center here in Gainesville. She currently works as a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Instructor in Gainesville. \n  \nMallory M. O’Connor\, Vice President \nMallory O’Connor is the author of the American River Trilogy and three additional novels. Long an admirer of a variety of American writers like John Steinbeck\, Anne Rice\, Dan Brown\, and Howard Fast\, she strives to meld her knowledge of the past with her love of music and art and her passion for social justice and environmental issues. Mallory has a BFA in Painting\, an MA in American Cultural History and an MFA in Art History—all from Ohio University. She has taught art history at Ohio University\, the University of Florida (UF) and Santa Fe College (SFC). She served as gallery director at SFC and as Visual Arts Coordinator for the City of Gainesville. She is the author of two non-fiction books\, Lost Cities of the Ancient Southeast and Florida’s America’s Heritage River. She served as staff writer for the Institute for Food and Agricultural Science at UF and as a feature writer for Business to Business Magazine. Since 2013 she has served as a juror for the Florida Book Awards. Born in Illinois and raised on a ranch in Northern California\, Mallory now resides in Micanopy with her husband\, artist John O’Connor\, and her cat\, Minnaloushe. \n  \nBonnie Ogle\, Secretary \nBonnie Ogle is a retired public school teacher\, now teaching children at the Florida Museum of Natural History\, University of Florida (UF) campus; she is also a volunteer interpreter at UF’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi Educational Honor Society and Girl Scouts USA. Bonnie is also an avid ballroom dancer and a member of Word Weavers International\, a Christian writers’ group. Publications include “The Muffin Lady\,” in the e-zine Word Weavers International\, November\, 2016; “Beaver Woman” in Boys’ Quest Magazine\, April\, 2015; “Bewitched” in THEMA Literary Journal\, Spring\, 2014; and “Santa’s Point of View” and “Souvenir” in Marco Polo Art Magazine\, April\, 2013. She is a contributor to Bacopa Literary Review\, May\, 2013\, and Open Doors: Fractured Fairy Tales\, December 2012. Bonnie’s first children’s book\, Arthur the Arthropod\, published in 2012\, and she now has three more books in various stages of production. Bonnie blogs about environmental issues; check out her website here. \n  \nConnie Morrison\, Treasurer \nConnie Morrison grew up in a rural setting of central Delaware\, attended the University of Delaware\, and in 1963\, met and married her husband\, Jim. In 1978\, she and her family moved to Gainesville to be near other family members.  Professionally\, she was a bookkeeper\, but after retirement\, with pencil still in hand\, she focused on her life-long passions of writing and art. In 2012\, she visited a WAG program\, and soon after\, signed up for a writing class where the memoir bug bit her. Connie’s short stories and essays have been published in a local magazine\, e-zines\, and an anthology\, and for the past few years she has been working on a personal memoir. She hosts a WAG critique pod and is part of a life-history writing group. Since her husband passed away in 2012\, she has enjoyed volunteering for WAG\, first as Critique Pod Coordinator and now as Treasurer. She serves as a transcriber for the Sam Proctor Oral History Program at UF\, as Millhopper Library’s Book Club recorder\, and as a commissary sales person for Dudley Farm Historic State Park. She lives near Gainesville with her 13-year-old tabby cat\, Mopsy\, who directs many of her daily activities. She also blogs on her website\, Connieann’s Corner.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/installation-wags-newly-elected-officers/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-installation-e1484012237410.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20161208T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20161208T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20161207T200123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170110T155603Z
UID:5868-1481220000-1481227200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Holiday Open House & Local Author Book Signing
DESCRIPTION:The staff and Board of Directors of the Matheson History Museum invited local authors and members of the community to celebrate the holidays with food\, shopping\, book signings\, and a cookie baking contest. \nAttendees took advantage of the Matheson’s gift shop sale (25% for museum members\, 20% off for all others). Proceeds support museum programming. \nCopies of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’s Cross Creek and Cross Creek Cookery were available at a special table operated by the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm\, which is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of these two classics in 2017. \nAuthor Ibram X. Kendi\, winner of the 2016 National Book Award for nonfiction\, signed copies of his new book\, Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. \nSeveral WAG authors were among those invited to participate: \nRie Burton – author of The Thomas Center: Illustrated History and Guide\nLola Haskins – http://lolahaskins.com/\nKate Dupes Hawk – author of Florida and the Mariel Boatlift of 1980\nKaren Kirkman – author of The Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation\nRobert Knight – author of Silenced Springs: Moving From Tragedy to Hope\nSandra Lambert – http://www.sandragaillambert.com\nMichele Leavitt – https://michelejleavitt.com/\nDarlene Marshall – http://www.darlenemarshall.com\nAnn Browning Masters – 12th generation Floridian and author of  Floridanos\, Menorcans\, Cattle-Whip Crackers: Poetry of St. Augustine\nRobert F. Moore – author of Magnesia Springs in Alachua County\, Florida\nDorothy Smiljanich – author of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park\nCarol Ray Skipper – author of Funalicious \n\n\n  \nLink to the Matheson’s Facebook page.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/holiday-open-house-local-author-book-signing/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/matheson-history-museum.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20161204T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20161204T163000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160904T145844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5367-1480861800-1480869000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Bacopa Literary Review 2016
DESCRIPTION:On the 1st Sunday in December\, Bacopa Literary Review’s editorial board and local writers read from the newly published edition of WAG’s annual literary journal. Editor-in-Chief Mary Bast and Associate Editor Susie Baxter facilitated the program. \nBacopa continues to garner national and international recognition with almost fifteen hundred submissions in 2016. \nEach WAG member receives a free copy of the journal\, priced at $10.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/bacopa-literary-review-2016/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Party,Readings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/bacopa-2016.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20161113T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20161113T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160904T145039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5361-1479047400-1479052800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:How Do You Prepare for a Successful “Grit Lit Book Launch”?
DESCRIPTION:Hartley Stevens\, author of the Tales of the Cable Counties Thriller series\, presented the nuts and bolts of launching his first two books\, Buck Wild and Absolute Bull. His April 2016 launch party\, attended by more than 300 people\, resulted in the sale of over 200 books. \nHis book-launch event was designed to introduce attendees to his Cable series and to engage them with the series’ themes—a fictional cohort of thirteen actual north central Florida counties where down-home residents “pool their resources to protect themselves from Florida’s panhandle Yankee tourists and the liberal sinners to the south.” \nStevens’ launch party goal was to help build his author platform and generate media interest beyond the event itself. After selecting a local brewery for the location\, he solicited local and regional businesses and groups to participate\, such as restaurants and musicians\, in exchange for offering exposure to their products and services. \nStevens discussed the ingredients for his large-scale launch—including advance publicity and invitations as well as the value of book cover visuals\, original music and games\, and book-related food and drink. He also offered concrete ideas for small-scale\, inexpensive book launch parties with suggestions such as book-related free or low cost locations—parks\, churches\, libraries\, and retail sites. \nHe uses and highly recommends the website www.fiverr.com  for a myriad of low-cost\, customized promotional materials. He also suggested three books—Story Grid by Shawn Coyne\, You Are A Writer by Jeff Goins\, and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield—as motivating resources for writers to approach their craft as they would any other job: show up\, work hard\, don’t give up. And prepare to launch! \nStevens’  talk was summarized by Jani N. Sherrard. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/plan-hold-book-launch-party/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Hartley-Stevens-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20161009T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20161009T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160816T231748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170519T150641Z
UID:5273-1476023400-1476028800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:NaNoWriMo: Write a Novel in a Month!
DESCRIPTION:At the WAG General Meeting on October 9\, panelists Pat Caren\, Kimberley E. Mullins and Wendy Thornton (right to left in photo) — all are members of WAG — described their participation in previous NaNoWriMo events. The panelists summed up how to write a novel in 30 days. The program encourages aspirants to write 50\,000 words in the month of November\, National Novel Writing Month. \nPat described the challenges she faced. “Due to travel\, I had to up the usual 1500 words a day. Accustomed to writing by hand\, I was unable to write\, then type that much. Slightly OCD\, I also had to learn to ignore the red underlines and just upload to the [Nanowrimo] site.” The exercise forced Pat to write three to four hours a day. She said it also improved her typing skills. \nKimberley emphasized to the audience the need for discipline. “I set the goal of writing a sequel to two previous novels\, then set the alarm clock. I wrote from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m.\, before work and got up early on weekends.” At one point Kimberley reached writer’s block. Driven to get words on the page\, she jumped to the end of her story and worked back. \nWendy assured the audience\, “It doesn’t matter what you write\, NaNoWriMo only counts words. It doesn’t judge; no one will steal your work. It is a computer program on a secure website. The goal is to get your draft done.” Wendy has participated in the program four times. “I ‘won’ twice\,” she said\, “entering with ideas I’d been formulating for years. I was not as successful with new ideas. ”Wendy cautioned listeners: “50\,000 words is not a book. Agents are looking for 75-100\,000 words.” \nWendy provided attendees with an outline including a one sentence description of a novel: Act 1: Exposition; Act 2: Rising Action; Act 3: Solution; Scenes. She also distributed Caitlin Jan’s Six Month Novel Writing Plan.  \nA homeschool family attending the meeting described their participation in the youth division\, encouraging children to use NaNoWriMo as a learning tool. \nNaNoWriMo is an international event sponsored by the nonprofit Office of Letters and Light.  Participants include professional and amateur writers who work toward the goal of writing a 50\,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. In 2015 there were 300\,000 participants world-wide\, with 1595 members from Gainesville. Forty thousand entrants were “winners.” \nProgram chairperson Roz Miller summed up the program\, saying\, “You will be both challenged and encouraged by NaNoWriMo.” \nPat Caren decided to become writer when her third-grade teacher read Little House in the Big Woods to her class. As a youngster\, Caren realized that stories are written by actual people. After college\, she worked as a teacher and social worker\, writing when she could\, making sporadic efforts to get published. While raising four children\, there was little time for writing. But after retirement\, she wrote and self-published a novel. She also dabbles in short stories and poetry. Last year for NaNoWriMo\, she wrote a new novel\, which she’ll polish once other projects are complete. Her pen name is Marie Q. Rogers. \nKimberley E. Mullins has enjoyed reading and writing since her early childhood. She began her writing career while in the Navy by venturing into poetry. Her first piece\, “My One Last Cent\,” was published in a literary journal\, Amistad\, in 2007 at Howard University. Mullins has published a book of poetry\, Thinking Aloud: Dimensions of Free-Verse\, and a novel\, The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged. She was a winner of the 2015 NaNoWriMo\, completing just over 50\,000 words in thirty days. She has also participated in spoken word venues—the Urban Grind in Atlanta\, Busboys and Poets in Washington\, D.C.\, and at the Thomas Center here in Gainesville. \nWendy Thornton is a freelance writer and editor who has been published in Riverteeth\, Epiphany\, MacGuffin and many other literary journals and books. Her memoir\, Dear Oprah or How I Beat Cancer and Learned to Love Daytime TV\, was published in July 2013. Her mystery\, Bear-Trapped: In a Trashy Hollywood Novel\, was published in February 2015. Thornton has won many awards for her work\, was nominated for a Pushcart Prize\, and has been Editor’s Pick on Salon.com multiple times. She has participated in NaNoWriMo four times and finished twice. \n  \nArticle by Bonnie Ogle
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/nanowrimo/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nanowrimo-panel-2015-e1476548609270.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20161001T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20161002T170000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160822T031808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5307-1475316000-1475427600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:WAG Book Sale at Thornebrook Art Festival
DESCRIPTION:October 1 – 2\, 2016\n10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.\n\nFor the second year in a row\, WAG participated in the Thornebrook Village Art Festival. The work of artist Roz Miller\, WAG’s program coordinator\, was selected for this year’s poster (above) by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association\, the sponsor of this annual event. \nOur thanks to Gene Cowell for coordinating this event and to WAG members who staffed the booth. This year\, our booth featured a new sign\, “Meet Our Local Authors.” \nBook sales under sunny skies were steady both days\, and a number of writers stopped by to ask questions about our organization and to pick up literature; two joined WAG on the spot. \nThe festival featured the works of 130 artists (including writers)\, food\, and live music. WAG member and pod leader Patsy Murray performed on two different stages with her voice and violin. \nOur next book sale will take place at the Downtown Arts Festival\, November 5-6. Don’t miss the fun! Mark your calendar now. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-sale-32nd-annual-art-festival-thornebrook/
LOCATION:Thornebrook Village\,  2441 NW 43rd Street\, Gainesville\, 32606
CATEGORIES:Book Sale
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/poster-2016.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20160911T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20160911T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160717T214857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160912T214649Z
UID:5210-1473604200-1473609600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing a Memoir of Love\, Loss and Survival
DESCRIPTION:Nancy Rankie Shelton\, professor\, researcher\, and writer\, showed us how the process she used in writing her memoir\, 5-13: A Memoir of Love\, Loss and Survival\, can be used by anyone writing a personal story of surviving a lost love. Her book details her husband’s battle with lung cancer\, which was diagnosed after he suffered a seizure. The numbers 5-13 are symbolic\, and not just because she and her husband were married on May 13. For the full story\, read the book. \nSheldon said she kept a daily record of her husband’s illness\, but when writing the book\, she used scenes and dialog to pull the reader in. She discussed the importance of obtaining feedback from readers\, while reminding the audience that the author has the final say in what goes in and what is left out. \nShelton teaches courses at the University of Maryland at Baltimore in Reading and Language Arts\, Literacy/Culture\, and Composition Theory/Practice. Her research interests\, after teaching ten years in Florida schools\, focus on children’s writing development\, the effects of mandated instruction on elementary literacy development\, connections between literacy and art\, and children’s literature. \nShe has 23 publications that appear in premier academic journals or with leading publishing companies that specialize in literacy research and/or education policy. She earned her Ph.D.\, Ed.S\, and M.A. from the University of Florida. Her B.A. is from SUNY at Albany. \nClick here for a review of her memoir and more biographical information. Also see the Kirkus review. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writing-memoir-love-loss-survival/
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/2016/07/Nancy-Rankie.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20160910T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20160910T163000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160831T174320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:5320-1473501600-1473525000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Local Author Showcase
DESCRIPTION:The Alachua County Library invited WAG authors to participate in their “Local Author Showcase” held at the Headquarters Library in downtown Gainesville. WAG members Stephen Smitherman and Sandra Gail Lambert were among the five authors who spoke about their books during in the morning session\, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. WAG members Hugh E. (Eddie) Suggs\, Susie Baxter\, Terri Depue\, Sandra “Lee” Phillips\, and Richard Gartee made up most of the roster in the afternoon session\, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. A book signing followed each session.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/local-author-showcase/
LOCATION:Florida
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Panel Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LASflier-768x994-cropped.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20160807T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20160807T163000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160628T145328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160912T215354Z
UID:5158-1470580200-1470587400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Writing Songs\, Writing Stories
DESCRIPTION:WAG member\, successful author\, and architect Ron Hasse had this to say about Crummer’s August 7 presentation: \n“Art Crummer has a magical way of combining music with wise words about writing. He told us how to write a first sentence and why. His talk had a lot to do with comic reality. He’s a great storyteller whether as an author or a troubadour. He has a knack for explaining how to organize our storytelling in ways that parallel songwriting—first line/story arc/resolution—in words and in chords. Art says a rant is not a song! Good advice to all writers. Clichés should be avoided. You are not the best judge of your own work; you need criticism and feedback—join a pod.” \nTruly\, Art presented an entertaining program as he described and demonstrated the essential elements common to successful songs and stories from the writer’s perspective. He addressed several song types including narrative\, humorous\, political\, poetic\, message\, mystical\, religious\, and taboo. He generously shared his notes; they may be seen by clicking here. \nArt is the winner of ten blue ribbons in the Florida Old-Time Championships in singing and in multiple instruments. He has produced two instructional booklets and three musical CD’s and has written numerous original songs in addition to publishing Book 1 of a trilogy Fixing Things. He is past president of the Writers Alliance\, teaches guitar\, and writes poetry\, creative memoir\, and fiction. He is working on the second book of his trilogy and regularly returns to the Piedmont region of Western North Carolina\, the locale of his novel Wrestling God\, which is available on Amazon. He and his wife live in Gainesville.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/writing-songs-writing-stories/
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/2016/02/ArtCrummer2-169x200.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20160710T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20160710T143000
DTSTAMP:20260620T063127
CREATED:20160507T185110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170318T115551Z
UID:4585-1468161000-1468161000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Getting Your Work Noticed
DESCRIPTION:Mohana Rajakumar shared with us a host of ideas to help market our writing\, methods that have worked for her. She based her presentation on establishing your “Brand Story” by answering three questions: \n\nWhat are you passionate about?\nWho do you want to read your book? What types of readers will find value in your work? Why? How will you connect emotionally with your readers? Why should they care?\nHow can you use your strength? How is your work different from that of others? How do you wish your reader would describe your work to a friend?\n\nYour brand. The first step in your marketing campaign is to define your brand\, including not only an image but a tag-line\, motto\, or slogan. This will be your image for your readers. It must be visually consistent—same colors\, same fonts\, same logo or photo—everywhere you present your writerly self. \nYour media. Choose the appropriate social media to reach your readers. Choose those you will update on a regular basis\, weekly or oftener\, to keep their attention. Where do your readers hang out? Different websites reach different audiences. For example\, older folks use Facebook. Young people no longer use Facebook—find them on Instagram and YouTube. Find professionals on LinkedIn. Set up special accounts for your author persona—you’ll want it separate from your personal life. \nBesides all the major websites—Facebook\, YouTube\, LinkedIn\, Instagram\, Pinterist\, Twitter\, Google+—brainstorm for other ways to connect: your own website\, a blog\, a newsletter. Write a bio to access by a tab on your website. \nFor input ideas\, remember the audience you want to reach. Who are your ideal readers? What are their wants\, desires\, values\, interests? Who are their influences? Where online are they spending their time? What do you have in common with them? \nUpdate. Contribute something unique to each medium at least weekly. Use pictures to help hold attention. Interact with people online\, reminding them who is behind the writing. Participate in discussions. Time your entries to your readers’ schedules\, entering blog posts to be read Monday morning when they first sit at their desks. Post Facebook entries to be read right after work. \nMohana emphasized giving something of value to the reader of your promotional material. Share news or ideas four times as often as you mention the work you want to sell. Link your entries to each other\, and link to additional information—that’s a freebie you give the reader. Send a free short story\, for example\, in exchange for an email address. \nHelp is available online\, much of it free: \nTo develop your brand\, try http://www.yourwriterplatform.com. \nFor ideas on many aspects of marketing your work including building a contact list\, try https://janefriedman.com. Other sites: http://www.novelpublicity.com\, http://katetilton.com. \nFor working with a long list of contacts\, as you might have with a newsletter\, try MailChimp. \nGet reviews to show someone has read your book. To get a review of your book to post on Amazon or elsewhere\, contact Bookbloggers. The cost of the service covers administration only—the reviewers are not paid for their work\, so treat them kindly. They sign up to read only books they want to read. Even if the reviewer gives your book only one or two stars\, at least that’s evidence your book has been read. Appreciate the effort. \nMohana gave pointers for arranging in-person events\, such as book signings and making contact by phone. “For book signings\, choose a location where you won’t be sitting alone\,” she said. “There’s always the chance no one will show up. And in trying to set up an event\, prepare yourself for unanswered phone calls. To promote your work\, you need a tough skin!” \nShe also mentioned that IngramSpark is a print-on-demand alternative to CreateSpace. \nA book signing followed the program. At left\, Mohana signs a book for WAG member Lee Phillips\, author of Child of the Land. \nFor a free copy of Mohana’s Coloured and other Stories from her newsletter\, click here. To learn more about Mohama and her work\, check her website or follow her latest on Twitter: @moha_doha. \nMohana’s talk was summarized by Joan Carter.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/getting-your-work-noticed/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Speaker
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