by Nate Hoffelder | Nov 8, 2023 | Events
Topic: Sharpen Your Writing with a Poetry Game
Saturday Dec 9, 2023
12:30 – 2 pm
Free
In-Person at Mill Valley Public Library
Anyone who aspires to be a better writer knows the importance of thoughtful word choice and editing. The best writers exercise these muscles every day—but sometimes we forget how much fun writing can be, especially when we do it with friends.
The game is a riff on the Japanese linked verse game known as renga, played by Japanese aristocrats a thousand years ago. In it, each person composes a haiku then passes it to a neighbor, who completes it with a 14-syllable couplet. This simple, limited poetry form encourages participants to choose words and metaphors with care. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a poet, you just have to be ready to play with words.
Back by popular demand! If you missed the first running of this workshop, here’s your chance.
About the facilitator: Jean has been a student of the Japanese language since she first went to Japan as an exchange student in the 1980s. After a career in the US intelligence community and in Silicon Valley as a strategic geopolitical analyst, Jean retired to focus on writing a book about Japanese feminist poet Yosano Akiko (1878-1942). She has translated hundreds of Akiko’s poems and posted them online. She also writes her own haiku, two of which were recently selected for publication by the Japan Foundation of the UK. Jean is a Board member of the California Writers Club of Marin and a member of the Marin Poetry Center, the Tanka Society of America, Left Coast Writers, and the Japan Foundation. www.accidentalfeminist.net
This program is brought to you in partnership with the Mill Valley Public Library.
Reserve your seat at https://millvalleylibrary.libcal.com/event/11416176?hs=a
by Nate Hoffelder | Aug 15, 2023 | Events
Topic: Ask Book Agent Andy Ross
Sunday, October 29, 2023
3:30 – 5:30 pm (talk begins at 4 pm)
In-Person at Book Passage, Corte Madera
“I can learn a lot about a writer’s style and voice by reading the first paragraph of the manuscript. But I’m looking for the book, the one that has me up at 3 in the morning, reading the last 6 letters: T-H-EE-N-D, and crying like a baby.”
Andy Ross is a literary agent representing authors in a wide range of fiction and non-fiction categories. His clients’ books have won international awards. Among the authors he represents are Susan Griffin, Fritjof Capra, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Daniel Ellsberg, and Linda Watanabe McFerrin. Before becoming a literary agent in 2008, Andy was the owner of the legendary Cody’s Books in Berkeley. He is the author of The Literary Agent’s Guide to Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal.
Andy welcomes your questions about the changing publishing landscape and what agents are really looking for.
Meetings: $5 for CWC Members (any branch), $10 Non-Members
by Nate Hoffelder | Jul 25, 2023 | Events
Topic: Writing California – A Local Writers Panel
THURSDAY, SEPT 21 6:30 – 7:30 PM
FREE, IN-PERSON
MILL VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Write what you know! California is an inspiring place, filled with diversity, beauty,
and history. Learn how your fellow Marin writers are tapping into the richness of our Golden State home.
Writing California is a panel discussion co-hosted by the Mill Valley Public Library. It will take place in the Library’s beautiful Creekside Room.
The panel will feature fiction authors Daniel Bacon, John Byrne Barry, Susanna
Solomon, and moderator Joanne Orion Miller – all published writers using California as their inspiration.
Read more about these CWC members’ published works at the Mill Valley Public Library website and reserve your spot today. Seating is limited. If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry! This event will be recorded. Let us know at marin@cwcmarin.com, and we will send you a link to the recording a few days after the event.
https://millvalleylibrary.libcal.com/event/10662689
by Nate Hoffelder | Jun 19, 2023 | Events
Topic: August Social Soiree (Members-Only)
Sunday, August 13th, 7:00-8:30 pm
Join us at the beautiful San Rafael home of CWC Marin President Daniel Bacon for an evening of socializing and sharing our work. We can’t wait to get to know you better.
Registered participants will have five minutes each to read their work. It can be an excerpt from your book, an essay, a poem, whatever you like (750 words or less). The first ten respondents will be guaranteed a chance to read. As ever, you can come just to socialize only, no need to read.
Please bring a drink or hors d’oeuvre to share. Members may bring one guest — please indicate on the RSVP form.
Exact address will be sent just prior to the event to registered guests only.
RSVP Here
by Nate Hoffelder | May 24, 2023 | Events
Topic: July Summer Salon
Wednesday, July 19th, 7:00-8:30 pm
Join CWC Marin for an in-person Social / Open Mic / Ask A Question event. Participants will be allocated 5 minutes each to read an excerpt or or blurb, practice your pitch, discuss a writing insight or challenge, showcase cover options, or ask a question. Feedback is optional. The first 10 to respond will be guaranteed an opportunity to share, and others if time allows. Priority is given to members, but the event is open to all. Location will be sent to those who RSVP before the event.
by Nate Hoffelder | Sep 9, 2022 | Events
Lisa Tener will be speaking on Wednesday, November 16th, at 6 pm.
Topic: Choosing Your Publishing Path: Traditional, Hybrid, or Self
Choosing how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. In this presentation, you’ll learn:
- How each path words (roles/responsibilities)
- the pros and cons of each option
- tips for choosing based on your vision, goals, platform, budget and skills/interests
- what traditional publishers and agents are looking for
- steps to take for each path
Plus, we’ll have plenty of time to answer your specific questions.
About the speaker
Lisa Tener is an award-winning author, book writing and publishing coach, and speaker. Her recent book, The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day, won the three prestigious awards including the Nautilus Book Award. Lisa received the Stevie Award for Coach/Mentor and has helped thousands of writers tap into their creativity and publish. Her clients have signed 5- and 6-figure book deals with Hachette, Random House and other top publishers. Lisa is quoted in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Vice, and appeared on national and local TV, including PBS. Lisa is also expert at helping writers access creative flow and the wisdom of their inner muse, as she does in her popular Get Your Writing Done program.
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