Seattle is a hotbed of writers and readers, which means book signings and craft workshops galore. I’ve got my eye on the Valentine’s Day Victorian Tea–tea and romance novels? How can you go wrong? Also, Patricia Briggs will be signing the latest Mercy Thompson book in March. If I haven’t gone into labor, I’ll be there with bells on.

PNWA Craft Workshop: Story, Structure, Subplot, Scene, Style: Keys to Rewriting Your Novel by Robert J. Ray
Thursday, February 11, 7 pm
The key to rewriting your novel is a workable plan: Story first, then Structure, Subplots,  (Key) Scenes, and Style. The toughest rewriting task is fixing your subplots. Before you can fix a subplot, you must peel it away from the novel, using tools like Character Arc, Character Grid, Scene List, Scene List, Scene Profile, Scene Template, and Core Story. Learn how to use these tools and make your rewrite hum in a hands-on workshop (with writing in the room) led by Robert J. Ray, using techniques from his latest book, The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel.
Participants should bring a prose sample, two pages, double-spaced.
Chinook Middle School. Non-PNWA members are allowed to attend two meetings. Please see the PNWA website for more information.

Saint Valentine’s Day Victorian Tea book signing
Saturday, February 13, 2-4pm
Join local authors who delight in creating romantic stories set in the Victorian era at the Bellevue Library. Music, refreshments and a book signing will follow the program. Sponsored by Bellevue Friends of the Library. Books will be available for sale at this event. Organized by the King County Library System.

author of Prima Donna	author of All He Desires	author of Promise Me

What is your favorite fairy tale? Do you prefer the dark originals or the Disney retellings? In Neil Stevenson’s THE DIAMOND AGE, he writes that the original fairy tales encourage “subversiveness,” and that this lesson is imperative to grow an inquisitive, free-thinking mind. I had always thought of the original tales as being cautionary, not encouraging rebellion. Heroes and heroines break the rules and get set upon by evil. Have I been looking at them the wrong way?

I came across a new creative writing tool for Seattle area writers today. The Fairy Tale Factory offers workshops in writing fairy tales. Students will study the genre and learn to compose their own stories. The six-week workshops focus on learning to plot tightly and explore one’s own creativity. I have always loved Fairy Tales–Baba Yaga, the Firebird, Raven, along with Rapunzel and her ilk. Gruesome originals, humorous fractured retellings and Disneyfied happily-ever-afters. Patricia C. Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles (Book 1: Dealing with Dragons) is one of my favorites for the way she weaves in traditional fairy tales with a twist.

Wednesday nights, September 16 – October 21: Intro to Writing Fairy Tales

Spend six weeks in the land of Fairy. Learn the basic rules of the genre, plus a variety of approaches to fairy tales as readers and as writers. Study western European tales from the late middle ages to modern times. Write a lot! Writing exercises assigned after each class. By the end of the course you will have written at least one original fairy tale of your own. All experience levels welcome.

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).

Get the most out of your NaNo experience by taking advantage of these free writing workshops presented by local authors during November through the King County Library System. If you’re just joining us, the goal of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is to write a 50,000 word novel in thirty days. Supported by hundreds of thousands of other writers across the globe, NaNo is a great opportunity to motivate yourself to finally write that book you’ve always been meaning to write. The goal is quantity, not quality. Turn off your inner editor and give yourself permission to WRITE!

This is my second NaNo. Last year I wrote 17,000 words and was immensely proud of myself. It was a wonderful kick start to my first manuscript! Don’t be afraid. Dooo iiiiit. And friend me if you sign up (username = ciaralira).

Free Writing Workshops from King County Library

Join us for writing tips and ideas from accomplished, seasoned and published authors.

Writing a Novel: How to Get Started and Keep Going
Saturday, November 1, 10am-Noon
Richmond Beach Library
Presented by Kelly Jones and Brenna Shanks
Ages 8 and older welcome
Have you always wanted to write a novel? Join a novelist and one of KCLS’s selection librarians as they talk about practical concerns, creative strategies and how to stay in your chair long enough to get those words down. Bring your questions!

Writing with Your Head Down
Saturday, November 1, 11am
North Bend Library
Presented by Deborah Schneider
Discover tips and tricks from a published author to write faster, easier and better. Learn to kick-start your Muse, turn off your internal editor and find your core story.
This fast-paced, multi-media presentation will have you clicking away at the keyboard, eager to get your story on paper.

A Place on the Keeper Shelf: How to Layer and Self-Edit for Emotional Structure
Saturday, November 1, 2pm
Fairwood Library
Presented by Jodi Henley
Learn some helpful editing tips from a line editor for the Wild Rose Press. Is your story good, but not great? Is something missing? This workshop will take participants through “double” plot layers, self-editing, practical structure, and in the process, make their story “one for the keeper shelf.

Techniques to Bring Your Novel Writing to Life
Sunday, November 2, 1-5pm
Mercer Island Library
Presented by Robert Dugoni
Kick off NaNoWriMo with New York Times Bestselling Author and acclaimed teacher, Robert Dugoni. Learn how toemploy time-tested techniques of best-selling authors to improve your novel writing. This workshop will focus on catching and holding the reader’s attention in the first three pages while avoiding common mistakes, taking ordinary characters and making them memorable, and learning how to create and sustain tension, the keys to keeping readers turning the page. The class will include a handout and is designed for both beginning writers and writers who have already completed a manuscript and are looking for techniques to make it better. Students are encouraged to bring the first three pages of their work for in-class use and gentle critique.
Registration required.

Building a Roadmap to Get You Writing
Thursday, November 6, 7pm, Covington Library
Thursday, November 13, 7-8:30pm, Valley View Library
Presented by Elizabeth Boyle
Learn simple techniques to build your story idea into a novel from this award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. Tips on plotting, character development, and brainstorming past the writing roadblocks will keep your writing moving right along through NaNoMo.

Write a Novel in a Month
Saturday, November 8, 11am-12:30pm
Bothell Regional Library
Presented by Mindy Hardwick
Congratulations! You have decided to write a novel in a month! Join us to learn some motivational techniques from a successful children’s writer. Keep the momentum going as you build up your word count each week.

Writing Tips for the Scaredy Cat
Friday, November 14, 3:30pm
Lake Hills Library
Presented by paranormal romance author Yasmine Galenorn
Is your computer screen a blank page, taunting you to fill it with words? Do you stare at the chair, wanting to write but just not knowing how to get yourself motivated? Your fingers are on the keyboard but you can’t shake the editor on your shoulder? USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn offers hints and tips on how to keep motivated when fear, time-sucking activities and the editor-within are all interfering with your writing. More books by Yasmine Galenorn.

SnoValley Writers Work Group
Sunday, November 2 and 16, 3–5pm
North Bend Library
Adults only please
Join other local writers for exercises, critique and lessons on voice, plot and point of view. Contact snovalleywrites@gmail.com for assignment prior to coming to class.

I just bought my plane tickets!!! I’ll be in San Francisco MONDAY, July 28 at 6 pm, and I fly out SUNDAY, August 3 at 7 pm. This will be my very first romance conference. Last summer I attended the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference, which I’m attending again this July even though it has half the workshops offered last year. I learned a lot, and I’m really looking forward to RWAcon so that I can bask in the glow of my idols.

The 2008 Romance Writers of America National Conference will be held July 30 through August 3 at the San Francisco Marriott.

Here are 13 workshops that I’m thinking of attending. Until Hermoine lends me her time toy, I won’t be able to attend all of them. Why I picked each is in red.

1. Dialogue: Writing Between the Lines (CRAFT) — Elizabeth Hoyt
   Writing fantastic dialogue can lift your book from good to sold. This workshop will cover the mechanics of dialogue, how to tell if your dialogue is working, and how to show what your characters are thinking when they’re not speaking. Dialogue is the hardest part of writing for me, and I’ve been told to read The Raven Lord more times than I can count. I’m making a new TBR pile – one with an end of July deadline!
2. How to Layer and Texture Your Novel for High Impact (CRAFT) — Cherry Adair
   New York Times best-selling author Cherry Adair explains why there has to be a balance of dialog, narration, research, and description in your novel, which can be achieved by adding layers and texture. (2 hours) Cherry is a Seattle author. I’m still learning the craft of writing.
3. Writing the Best Seller: Six Magic Words (CAREER) — Susan Elizabeth Phillips
   Learn from New York Times best-selling and RITA Hall of Fame author Susan Elizabeth Phillips the six magic words that lead to bestsellerdom. I heart SEP and my critique partner told me not to miss her workshops cuz they are fabulous.
4. Writing the Unputdownable Novel (CRAFT) — Joan Johnston
   New York Times best-selling author Joan Johnston shares eight ways to “hook” your reader so she can’t put your book down. Another TBR author, that several DIK girls have rec’d.
5. Make ‘em Scream: How to Write Amazing Romantic Suspense Editors Will Buy (CRAFT) — Hilary Sares
   Editors are always looking for a hot mix of tough stuff and true love. This Kensington editor presents an insider’s guide to breaking in and staying the course in romantic suspense—covering pace, atmosphere, plotting, technical elements, and romance. I’m not writing romantic suspense, but fast pacing and keeping your readers hooked are good to know for any genre.
6. The 21st Century Heroine: How Far She’s Come and Where She’s Heading (PUBLISHING) — Michelle Monkou, Kate Duffy, Caridad Ferrer, Tracy Montoya, Monique Patterson, Candice Poarch, and Francis Ray
   A panel of editors and authors facilitate a discussion that will highlight the past, focus on the present, and analyze the future of the romance heroine. This sounds like an excellent blog post topic. How can I refuse? And The Kate Duffy herself is speaking. I’m intimidated already.
7. World Building: Creating Your Own Universe (CRAFT) — Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush
   New York Times best-selling author Lisa Jackson and author Nancy Bush discuss how to build a believable, fictional world. I heart world building. The more I learn the more I want to jump head over heels into my next paranormal project.
8. Writing for the Historical Market (PUBLISHING) — Elizabeth Boyle, May Chen, and Laura Lee Guhrke
   The historical market is a vital and wonderful opportunity for new romance writers, but the ins and outs of selling and continuing to sell can be baffling without an insider’s perspective. Join best-selling, award-winning authors Elizabeth Boyle and Laura Lee Guhrke and HarperCollins editor May Chen at this workshop to discover the opportunities that abound by taking a step back in history—without making costly missteps. Elizabeth is a Seattle author. I’m writing a regency, so this sounded important to know.
9. Bad Boys and Naughty Girls (CRAFT) — Allison Brennan, Jordan Dane, Cindy Gerard, C.J. Lyons, and Lucia Macro
   Best-selling authors, debut authors, and an executive editor discuss the seductive nature of villains and anti-heroes. Discover how authors create the darker characters we love to hate and who’ve become our guilty pleasures. Another great blog post topic. Anti-heroes are on the rise. Drake Vireo anybody? And more TBR authors than I could shake a stick at.
10. Secrets of the Best-selling Sisterhood (PUBLISHING) — Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Ann Krentz
    Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Ann Krentz reprise their very popular workshop on what it’s like to be New York Times best-selling authors. SEP and JAK, need I say more?
11. Writing the Hot Historical (CRAFT) — Janet Mullany, Helen Breitweiser, and Pam Rosenthal
    An agent and two authors guide you to creating a convincing historical world (while turning up the heat), with a glance at the market today. Like I said, I’m writing a historical. Would be nice if it were hot. or Hawt.
12. Writing—and Selling—Crossover Fiction (CRAFT) — Eileen Wilks, Ann Aguirre, Catherine Asaro, and Cindy Hwang
    The panel, including a newly published author in urban fantasy, an established paranormal romance author, a best-selling science-fiction author, and an editor who buys and publishes crossover fiction, will present a variety of viewpoints on this timely topic. More TBR authors! This time on the dark paranormal side. Fun, fun, fun! And another great blog topic too.
13. Take Five! The Agent Cartel Reveals Its Top Five Pearls of Wisdom for Career Success (PUBLISHING) — Kristin Nelson, Pam Ahearn, Roberta Brown, Natasha Kern, Lucienne Diver, Elaine English, Carolyn Grayson, Pam Hopkins, Jennifer Jackson, Patti Steele-Perkins, Deidre Knight and Michelle Grajkowski.
    A dozen agents offer five pearls of wisdom for success in publishing. (2 hours) Sounds like something I need to know. Agents intimidate me even more than published authors.

Are you going to the 2008 RWA National Conference? Have you picked out the workshops you are going to yet? What looks good to you? On which workshops would you like me to go and report back? I take fantastic notes, if I do say so myself.

This month I will be Interviewing Regency author Jenna Petersen about her upcoming Lessons from a Courtesan sometime close to the release date of June 24th.

June 16-18, when Mr. Wonderful gets back from his whirlwind tour of Europe, I will be tagging along with him to Chicago. I’m looking for good books that are set in the Windy City in either the romance or urban fantasy genres. So far I have Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series and Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars series. What else should I read? Any restaurant recommendations?

JUNE 2008

• June 4: Mercer Island Library Writing Workshop. Author Bob Mayer presents on “The Original Idea—The Core of Writing and Selling Your Book and Idea“, 7pm Mercer Island Library.
• June 7: Greater Seattle RWA meeting – author Terry McLaughlin presents First Kiss Scenes, 11 am – 1 pm, Shoreline Library.
• June 7: The Lusty Wenches Book Club discusses The Duke of Shadows by debut author and Gather.com winner Meredith Duran.
• June 7: Richard Hugo House Write-O-Rama, workshops on writing, fundraiser, 9:30 am – 5 pm, Richard Hugo House, Seattle.
• June 10: Muli-award winning author Jo Beverly speaks to the Eastside RWA Chapter, 7-9pm, Newport Way Library Bellevue.
• June 16-18: WANDERLUST – Ciara visits the Windy City
• June 17: Elliot Bay Bookstore Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Group discusses Elizabeth Bear’s Dust, 6:30 pm, Seattle.
• June 18: Mercer Island Library Writing Workshop. Paranormal Romance Author Alexis Morgan presents on “Get Organized–Get Writing!”, 7pm Mercer Island Library.
• June 19: PNWA Meeting – Agent Alice Volpe presents on “How to Pitch to an Agent,” 7pm, Chinook Middle School, Bellevue.
• June 23: Author Jacqueline Carey reading and book signing of Kushiel’s Mercy, 7pm, University Bookstore, Seattle. (I just bought Kushiel’s Dart thanks to the overwhelming recommendation by Sarai and the lovely Desert Island Ladies!)
• June 24: Author Jacqueline Carey reading and book signing of Kushiel’s Mercy, 7pm, Powell’s Books at Cedar Hill Crossing, Beaverton, Oregon.

Anything else I should add?

Photo: If Mercy Thompson was a pinup girl.

So you may have noticed that I have a gazillion ideas and sometimes I fail to follow through with them. There simply isn’t enough time to do everything, so sometimes I’ll announce “upcoming” and you will never see anything come of it. It doesn’t mean I don’t try to do everything I say I am going to. Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.

1. New Design: Most of the pinup girls in the header are by Gil Elvgren. The chick on the broom represents wanderlust. That’s right. My other car is a broom. What do you think?

2. Upcoming Guest Post: I finally got one of my friends to read a romance novel and talk to me about it. My friend Scott has agreed to write us a book review of his impressions of DARK LOVER, the Black Dagger Brotherhood Crack sensation by J.R. Ward. Stay tuned.

3. Aspiring Romance Author Book Club: Our next meeting is June 7, discussing THE DUKE OF SHADOWS by Meredith Duran. I have heard fabulous things about this book and am looking forward to reading it.

4. Mercer Island Library Writing Workshops: Join us for a series of free writing workshops that will spark your creativity, get you organized and guide you through the publishing maze. This series is co-sponsored by Pacific Northwest Writers Association

• The Original Idea—The Core of Writing and Selling Your Book and Idea: Presented by Bob Mayer Mercer Island Library, Wednesday, June 04, 7pm. Can you say what your book is about in 25 words of less? This is essential to both writing a tight book and selling it. We will discuss ways to find and state your original idea so that you stay on course while writing the book and excite those you tell when trying to sell it.
• Get Organized–Get Writing!: Presented by Alexis Morgan. Mercer Island Library, Wednesday, June 18, 7pm. Best selling author Alexis Morgan shares tips on how to get organized to write. Learn how to set both long and short term goals that will help you achieve success in your writing career. Alexis is published in several sub-genres and her paranormal romances feature warriors charged with defending humans from an ancient threat. This August she will release her seventeenth full length book, Dark Warrior Unleashed, the first book in her Talions series, as well as her first short story.

5. Emerald City Writers’ Conference registration is now OPEN! Conference dates are October 10-12, 2008 in Bellevue, Washington.

Scheduled Speakers

• Welcome: Susan Mallery
• Key Note: Julia Quinn
• Closing: Allison Brennan
• “Write the DAMN Book!” Challenge: Cherry Adair

Agents and Editors

• Carolyn Grayson of Ashley Grayson Literary Agency
• Angela James of Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
• Kevan Lyon of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
• Leis Pederson of Berkley Books, Penguin Group (USA)
• Barbara Poelle of Irene Goodman Literary Agency
• Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks, Inc.
• Kim Whalen of Trident Media Group, LLC

Learning the Craft:

TITLE: Empowering Characters’ Emotions
DATE: March 2008 (Registration Deadline Feb 27th)
INSTRUCTOR: Margie Lawson
COST: Cost of each workshop is $15.00 US for KOD members, $30.00 US for non-KOD members. (RWA membership NOT required)

Margie Lawson, a counseling psychologist, developed innovative psychologically-anchored editing systems and techniques that will teach you how to write a page-turner. Margie has taught a dozen on-line courses and presented full-day Master Classes in over thirty cities across the U.S and Canada. Margie will cover the following topics and more: The EDITS System, Emotional authenticity, Basic, complex, empowered, and super empowered passages, The Full Range of Body Language, Backloading, Writing fresh, Projecting Emotion for a Non-POV character.

Margie’s resume includes college professor, clinical trainer, sex therapist, Director of an Impotence Clinic, hypnotherapist, and keynote speaker. She presents 1) Empowering Characters’ Emotions, 2) Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices, and More, and 3) Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors in one and two day master classes.

TITLE: First Drafts, Outlining Your Novel
DATE: March 1 – 15, 2008 (Registration Deadline Feb 25th)
INSTRUCTOR: T.L. Gray
COST: $15 for CRW and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers members, $20 for all others.

Outlines aren’t just for plotters! Pansters can also benefit from this workshop full of tools and tips to quickly organize, set goals, and outline your novel. It can also help revise an outline on a novel already in progress and aid in spotting and eliminating potential problems in a stalled project. Detailed worksheets can be tailored to your specific needs and will help keep you on track and away from writer’s block. You’ll save time and become much more productive.

Award-winning author T. L. Gray writes single title contemporary and romantic suspense for Cerridwen Press, the mainstream arm of Ellora’s Cave. She also teaches writing courses for Jefferson County Public Schools Adult Education program. She’s given workshops at RWA National and online classes for various RWA chapters. Currently, she’s working on a series for Cerridwen featuring Delta Force Heroes. Watch for her next romantic suspense, SAINT, in 2008. You can visit her at www.TL-Gray.com.

TITLE: Regency Miscellany: The Fascinating world of England in the early 19th century (1798-1822)
DATE: March 3 – April 4, 2008 (Registration Deadline March 2nd)
INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Mayer
COST: $15 Outreach Member/Others $25

Though some of the basics of the period, England in the early 19th century (1789-1822), will be covered, new material will also be presented as well as a new perspective on some older material. The workshop will also include the use of Google books. Questions are welcome as are suggestions as to what subjects would be of most interest.

Nancy Mayer has been studying the Regency world for more than a decade and always finding more and more interesting facets to be uncovered. Nancy was invited to give a talk on Regency Marriage at the BeauMonde Convention in 2005 and expanded the talk into a workshop on getting into and out of Marriage Across the ages which was presented by HHRW chapter. She has given other workshops for both BeauMonde and HHRW including Regency 101, WHO’s who and what’s what of Regency England, Errors to Avoid in writing a Regency, Food in the Regency. Nancy owns many books on the Regency period as well as some published in the years from 1800-1824. She also owns a dance book and several newspapers.

No, not like I do – like published authors from the Pacific Northwest do. Lucky us!

826 Seattle, one of my favorite non-profits, is starting a new series of workshops for adults this year. The series is called “How to Write Like I Do” and all the proceeds benefit 826′s children’s writing programs. Workshops cost $27 and are held about once a month. They cover everything from plot and structure to writing from the perspective of a quadruped. In particular, I am looking forward to attending the following workshops:

Tuesday, February 26 – 7PM
HOW TO BE FUNNY (FUNNY HA HA, NOT FUNNY STRANGE)
with John Moe and Ryan Boudinot

Tuesday, June 17 – 7PM
HOW TO COUGH UP YOUR OWN HAIRBALL (on developing your unique voice)
with Rick Stevenson

Tuesday, July 8 – 7PM
HOW TO WRITE FOR—AND ABOUT—HUMANS (on character development)
with Warren Etheredge

Tuesday, July 22 – 7PM
HOW TO BUILD IT RIGHT (on plot and structure)
with John Jacobsen

Tuesday, October 14 – 7PM
HOW TO PULL NOVELS FROM NATURE
with Jim Lynch