23rd
February
Upcoming Writing Workshops and Author Signings
Deb Schneider, Library Goddess, author and Seattle RWA member, has planned some fabulous writing workshops through the King County Library system. The deadline for the 2009 Clarion West speculative fiction workshop is March 1. Urban Fantasy authors Kim Harrison, Mark Henry and Caitlin Kittredge and romance/erotica author Lauren Dane are reading and signing in Seattle in March. Portland is holding a celebrate romance conference for romance readers to meet local authors. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend, but if any of you are planning on going please tell me all about it!
- What’s Your Story??? A Writing Workshop
Newport Way Library, Sundays March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 1-3pm
We all have stories to share. This six-week workshop provides an opportunity to try creative writing – fiction, nonfiction, memoir – in a nurturing atmosphere. Marketing your material will also be discussed. All writing levels welcome. Please register online or call 425.747.2390.
Sponsored by the Newport Way Library Association. - Writing Novels for Kids and Young Adults
Sunday, March 15, 3:30pm
Ages 13 and older welcome
North Bend Library
Join local children’s author Kevin Emerson for a workshop and discussion about writing and publishing for young readers. Author of a hardcover novel, Carlos is Gonna Get It, and a paperback series, Oliver Nocturne, Kevin draws from his own experiences to cover topics such as generating ideas, developing a ‘voice’ for young readers, writing a manuscript, and getting published. Be prepared to write! - Power Editing
presented by thriller author Bob Dugoni
Sunday, March 22, 2pm
Mercer Island Library
Now that you have typed, “The End” – you’re finished. Or are you? Review the common mistakes novelists make and how to fix them before submitting to an agent or editor. Learn five steps to editing your manuscript including: making judgments about your protagonist and antagonist, evaluating secondary characters, tightening the manuscript, reviewing word and sentence choice and polishing your work to eliminate typos and spelling errors. - Monday • March 30 • 7pm
Fantastic Fiction Salon with Nancy Kress: Planning Your Novel
Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue, Seattle
What do you need to know before you begin writing your novel? The full cast and everything that will happen? Only the first scene? The ending? This workshop will explore decisions to help you plan that book you always wanted to write, or perhaps are writing now: plotting, choosing characters and point of view, starting strong, structuring and pacing for the long haul, research, and “the promise of the ending.” The day will include lecture, discussion, samples of professional work, and writing exercises. You’ll come away with a draft for what you want your novel to be.Sponsored by NW MediaArts, Richard Hugo House, and University Book Store. $5 donation at the door. - Getting Started and Moving in the Right Direction
presented by thriller author Bob Dugoni
Tuesday, March 31, 7pm
Bellevue Regional Library
From the initial query letter to your published novel, the writer must convey they understand classic story structure. This NY Times best-selling author will provide in-class exercises and assignments to help students better understand story structure so they can evaluate their novel’s plot. Learn the four stages to writing and determine if you should or shouldn’t, outline.
The Deadline for Clarion West applications is March 1:
Clarion West is an intensive six-week workshop for writers preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy, held annually in Seattle, Washington, USA. The 2009 workshop will run from June 21 through July 31. For more information on the workshop and how to apply, visit our Workshop page.
Author Signings:
- February 27th – March 1st
Celebrate Romance 2009
Portland, OR
Conference where romance readers and authors come together as equals to celebrate their love for the romance genre. Unlike many other conferences, this gathering has no other agenda but to support readers and their passion for romance novels. - Monday • March 2 • 7pm
Kim Harrison
White Witch Black Curse (The Hallows, Book 7) (WILLIAM MORROW)
Reading & Book Signing
University Book Store in Seattle - Saturday • March 7 • 5 PM
Mark Henry, Lauren Dane and Caitlin Kittredge
Signing books, giving stuff away, harassing customers
Barnes and Noble: 300 Andover Park W. #200, Seattle - Tuesday • March 17 • 7pm
The Paranormal Bender Tour: Four Authors, Seven Days, One Hell of a Road Trip
Mario Acevedo (Jailbait Zombie), Mark Henry (Road Trip of the Living Dead), Caitlin Kittredge (Second Skin), and Cherie Priest (Fathom) are cruising the west coast for five evenings of witches, vamps, shapeshifters, zombies and all things weird. Just look for the classic Impala and listen for the questionable content, as the authors read choice selections from their latest works, bandy about prizes and sign their new releases. The Paranormal Bender Tour is for mature audiences only—though an immature sense of humor is welcome and even encouraged. So bring your fangs, your cauldrons, and your appetite for brains. This is a night for kindred spirits and killer stories, from the demented minds of four of the most twisted purveyors of paranormal fiction (and a few special guests).