by Nate Hoffelder | Sep 22, 2024 | Events
The Heart and Craft of Memoir Writing
with Linda Joy Myers
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
FREE
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When you write a memoir, you must bring everything you have to it—your past, your present and the shadow. You put your heart on the page, create a world for the reader, and offer a universal message. In this presentation, we’ll investigate the skills that memoir writers need to create a world that the reader can enter, including theme, powerful scenes, dialogue, and characterization. To write a heartful memoir, you need to dig deep and at the same time, take care of yourself. Some memories are painful. And in the end, what does the reader learn from you that they can apply to their own lives?
Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of award-winning memoirs Don’t Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains, and two books on craft The Power of Memoir, & Journey of Memoir. She co-authored Breaking Ground on Your Memoir and Magic of Memoir & co-teaches Write Your Memoir in Six Months with Brooke Warner. Linda is teaching a new course, The Craft of Writing a Successful Memoir, an ongoing class with Carla King. A memoir coach for 30 years, she helps memoir writers find their voice and get their story into the world. Linda has just ventured into novel writing land, and her first novel, The Forger of Marseille, a WWII historical fiction novel won four awards in historical fiction and is published by She Writes Press. http://namw.org
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by Nate Hoffelder | Aug 28, 2024 | Events
Who’s Afraid of Social Media?
Author Platform Two-Part Workshop
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
FREE
In the self-propelled world of modern publishing, writers must promote themselves. You need a website, social media followers, and speaking engagements. But where to start? What if you’re technically challenged? How can you create content to promote your unique story? The California Writers Club of Marin partners with Dominican University to answer your questions and provide actionable advice in this two-part workshop.
Pt. 1 Author Platform Primer: After all the work you’ve done, your writing deserves to be seen and heard. Dominican University Professor Claudia Morales and Communications student Elizabeth Rosales make the case for getting outside your comfort zone. Their fresh ideas will educate and inspire you.
Pt. 2 Instagram 101: Bring your laptop or mobile phone to this 90-minute workshop and leave with an Instagram account to which you have posted. If you already have an account, bring your questions about hashtags and SEO algorithms. Dominican student Elizabeth Rosales will lead the workshop, sharing what she learned working with CWC Marin authors over the summer. Other Communications and Media students will also be on hand to provide one-on-one help.
Prof. Claudia Morales Ramirez hails from Chiapas, Mexico, where her debut novel, No Habrá Retorno, won the National Rosario Castellanos Prize for Short Novels. Her work has been supported by the Fulbright Program and the Foundation for Mexican Novels. She is Assistant Professor of English at Dominican University in San Rafael.
Elizabeth Rosales is studying Communications & Media and Creative Writing at Dominican University, where she edits the Dominican Beat and contributes to Tuxedo literary magazine. CWC Marin is supporting her internship in author social media this fall.
by Nate Hoffelder | Jun 13, 2024 | Events
10 Myths About Publishing
With Steven Radecki
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
FREE
Register here
Getting your book published is easier than ever, but it is also more confusing. How do you choose between traditional publishing, hybrid, indie, vanity, or self-publishing? How much is it going to cost? Do you need an agent? How do I promote my book? Is it even possible to make money? Steven Radecki will debunk the myths and help you come up with a plan.
Steven Radecki is the Managing Editor of Paper Angel Press and its companion imprints Water Dragon Publishing, Unruly Voices, Graveside Press, and Cupid’s Arrow Publishing. He produces the podcast Small Publishing in a Big Universe. (https://paperangelpress.com)
This event is presented by the Mill Valley Library in partnership with the California Writers Club of Marin. The registration link will be available shortly.
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by Nate Hoffelder | May 20, 2024 | Events
Summer Salon
Open-Mic Nights
Sorry, August Salon is full up! We’ll schedule another Salon soon!
Join us in August for an evening of socializing and sharing our work. Summer Salons are always popular so we are asking members to renew their membership for 2024-25 to ensure we can hold your reading slot.
- First ten people with renewed 2024-25 membership are guaranteed a speaking spot. Renew your membership early to hold your spot!
- Readers have the floor for five minutes only (about 750 words). We use a stopwatch, so plan ahead!
- Any original work is welcome (essay, excerpt, poem, etc.)
- You don’t have to read, you’re welcome to come and just listen
- Members Only (plus one guest), please. This is a great time to join (www.cwcmarin.com/memberships/)
- Potluck – please bring a drink or hors d’oeuvre to share
- Exact address will be sent just prior to the event to registered guests
- Questions? Ask at marin@cwcmarin.com
by Nate Hoffelder | Apr 11, 2024 | Events
Ask-Me-Anything
with Literary Agent Kimberley Cameron
Wednesday, June 12, 6 – 7:30 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
Looking to get your novel published but don’t have an agent yet? This event is for aspiring writers seeking representation. In this program, literary agent Kimberley Cameron will take your questions on changes in the publishing industry and tips for how to get an agent. Aspiring authors can leave this program feeling empowered to take the next step in their publishing journey.
Kimberley Cameron is president of the successful literary agency that bears her name, based in Tiburon, CA. She has been a literary agent for thirty years, representing both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. She has found success with many different genres, and loves the thrill of securing representation for debut authors.
This event is presented by the Mill Valley Library in partnership with the California Writers Club of Marin. Register for the event on the Library website at: https://millvalleylibrary.libcal.com/event/12201246
by Nate Hoffelder | Mar 17, 2024 | Events
How to Write a Killer Book Blurb
Saturday, May 18, 10 – 11:30 am
Book Passage Corte Madera
$5 for CWC Members, $10 for Non-Members
Having a killer book blurb for the back cover of your book and online sales page is critical! Only your cover and title are more important in attracting readers. In this hands-on workshop, John will walk us through the art of creating a teaser that grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to know more.
Submit your blurb in advance (100 words or less, one per participant) if you’d like a live critique! Send it to marin@cwcmarin.com by May 10 or share with us during the workshop. We will collaborate to make your hook stronger and sharper.
John Byrne Barry is a writer, designer, actor, director, and crossing guard. He is author of four novels and three plays, including “Sausalypso Houseboat Wars Murder Mystery,” which he wrote and directed in 2023, and has adapted into a novel called Pirates of Sausalito: Houseboat Wars Murder Mystery. johnbyrnebarry.com
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