Category Archives: conferences

Michael Larsen, Agent Extraordinaire, Believes Words Are Powerful

Writers…Celebrate the 4th of July!
This is Mike Larsen’s annual note to remind writers that their words are powerful. Want to  join Mike for the CHANGE event? There is a link to register at the end!

Celebrating the 4th:

Writing to Make a Difference

   “One useless man is called a disgrace, two are called a law firm, and three or more are a Congress.” – John Adams in the musical 1776

Despite its problems, the United States remains the world’s best hope for a just, thriving, sustainable future. Writers can play a vital role in envisioning our future and how to achieve it. Seeing even the Hollywood version of the writing of the Declaration of Independence will help you appreciate the anger and oppression that led to it, its vision of America, and our role in keeping its ideals alive.

This is the subject of the funny, timeless, wonderful musical 1776 that Elizabeth and I watch on Turner Classic Movies on the Fourth. The film shows how divided and ineffective Congress was, the huge odds against winning the war, and how one vote and a tragic compromise on slavery made the difference.

But a revolution won is a revolution lost when people think the struggle is done and devote themselves to the benefits of victory. A successful revolution can never stop working to keep its ideals alive, especially at a time of political impasse, accelerating change, and the growing urgency of the huge challenges the human family faces.

America can only thrive if we the people hold fast to the vision of the Declaration  by striving to fulfill its dream. As Benjamin Franklin warned: “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” Or as poet W. H. Auden echoed his words: “We must love one another or die.”

The planet is struggling to sustain a global family with a global economy. At the same time, it’s easier than ever for the right book or idea to change the world. As a writer, you are part of the luckiest, most powerful generation of writers that ever lived.

You have the ability, opportunity, and responsibility not just to make a living but to make a difference. Your vision, your passion, and your creativity for advocating solutions will make a difference. No matter what you write, or where you are in your life or career, heed Anne Frank’s advice: “It’s never too late to start doing the right thing.”

May the colonists’ unique achievement inspire the revolutionary fervor for helping to write our way toward a new vision for the human family.

Can your writing change the world?
This is an event where writers can learn, be inspired, and meet the people who can help them in their writing career.

Want to change the world?

You won’t want to miss this one-day event.

 SAN FRANCISCO WRITING for CHANGE CONFERENCE 

Saturday, SEPTEMBER 9th, 2017

NOTE: The early registration rate of $99 will only be available until midnight TONIGHT!

 

 CLICK HERE to register at the $99 rate before July 1st!

 

Overview of the SFW4C:
Stephen Dinan, bestselling author, CEO of The Shift Network, and a member of the prestigious Transformational Leadership Council and the Evolutionary Leaders group will be a keynoter at this event.

The 2017 San Francisco Writing for Change conference will take place on Saturday, September 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Center (Geary at Franklin).  There will be an inspiring faculty of authors, agents, editors and book promotion experts.

It is limited to no more than 100 attendees.

If your novel, nonfiction, or children’s story has the potential to inspire change from the personal to the planetary, this event is for you. The jam-packed day includes panels on writing, publishing options, promotion, a pitch session, one free editorial and publicity consult, a lunch buffet, refreshments, being part of a warm, spontaneous community of writers, free follow-up phone calls to co-director Mike Larsen, and an optional sunrise, no-host breakfast Pitchathon and no-host Chinese banquet at the end of day.

   The San Francisco Writing for Change conference website has more information about the event and you can register at the early rate ($99 until July 1): www.WritingforChange.org

Register Here at the $99 rate until July 1!
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
Benjamin Franklin

 

The 2018 San Francisco Writers Conference is also open for registration.

Join us  February 15-18 at the Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Go to www.SFWriters.org for details.

SFWC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

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New Book for Presenters to be Published and Tri-Valley Writers Conference Happening in April

Michelle Rene Goodhew designed this cover for my soon-to-be-published book,  Captivate Audiences to Create Loyal Fans.

Linda Todd, my good friend, is editing the contents and I spent most of today looking for photos to add.

I hope to have the book in hand when I attend The Tri-Valley Writers Conference on April 22nd. If you want more information on the conference, click here. The keynote speaker will be New York Times and international bestselling author, Anne Perry.  She has written over eighty-five novels which have sold over 28 million copies.  The Times, associated with Mystery Page Turners, selected her as one of the 20th Century’s “100 Masters of Crime.”  In 2015 she was awarded the Premio de Honor Aragón Negro. Anne won an Edgar award in 2000 with her short story “Heroes.”

I hope you had a happy Sunday.

 

Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Written Across the Genres

Captivate Audiences to Create Loyal Fans

Hada’s Fog

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Lisa Sasevich Bootcamp At Paradise Point Resort in San Diego Was Awesome

Lisa Sasevich and me

Lisa Sasevich and me

I’m back from Paradise Point Resort in San Diego where I enjoyed several days at Lisa Sasevich’s Bootcamp. The cold, gray weather didn’t diminish the tropical environment. In the evening I’d walk from the conference building to my cottage, which was between the swimming pool and the ducks’ pond. Shuttles were available, but I like to walk.  The fearless mallard ducks greeted me each morning and followed me for a few paces.

Paradise Island used to be called Vacation Village. It’s a popular place for conferences.  Couples or families also visit to swim, kayak, bicycle around the island, canoe, and participate in other activities.

 

 

On the shuttle from the airport to Paradise, I met Jan King from San Antonio, Texas. After putting our luggage in our cottages, we went to dinner at the Barefoot Grill where Jan took this selfie. Since the event included lunch each day, Jan and I had dinner at the Barefoot every night. The shuttle driver corrected me when I called the grill Big Foot. Jan King and Me at dinner first night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later the first evening, Ed and Satore networked with us. Satore, on my right, is a member of Lisa Sasevich’s Mastermind and answered some of our questions about it.

Ed Satore Jan King and Me

 

 

 

 

The last night three attendees we hadn’t met yet joined us. Jody Gundersen, next to Jan, is a writer from my home state, Wisconsin. In the bay behind us,  a little shark with a yellow fin, swam close enough to pet which no one did, of course.

Five of us in a row before lunch

 

 

 

The photo below is our last lunch and our last photo, but Jan and I plan to Skype and work together on  Lisa’s five steps for giving a talk. Then we will organize a transformative speaking event in a state midway between Texas and California, maybe Las Vegas. I’ll let you know when that happens so you can join us.

Jan King and Me last day by water at lunch

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California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch First Writers Conference

Shelley, Corbett, Penny PanelApril 18, 2015 California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch First Writers Conference was a huge success.

Attendees selected sessions in one of three tracks that included Craft, Marketing, and Self Publishing. Four one hour sessions were scheduled for each track. The first session I attended was Craft, “Romance, Crime/Thriller, Young Adult: Essential Elements for Writing in a Specific Genre.” Left to right: Shelley Adina. David Corbett, and Penny Warner.

Shelley Adina spoke about romance in her niche, Amish Women’s fiction from Hachette. Her latest traditional release is Keys of Heaven. She also writes steampunk in which her latest indie release is A Gentleman of Means. After lunch, Shelley was our keynote speaker with the topic “Why it’s a Good Time to Be a Writer.”

David Corbett discussed the Crime/Thriller  genre. He is the author of The Art of Character (“a writer’s bible”) and four novels. His fifth, The Mercy of the Night, will appear by the end of this month.

Penny Warner’s topic was Young Adult. She has published over 60 books for both adults and children. Several books from her middle-grade mystery series, The Code Busters, were nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Children’s Mystery.  Penny and David bantered between insightful information, causing loud laughter from attendees. A great way to start the day.

Barbara Grossman reading her award winning poemThe winner of the poetry contest, Deborah Grossman, read her poem. Stacey wins short story contest

Stacey Gustafson won first place in the short story contest:

End of Conference happy organizersAt the end of the conference, four of the main organizers and volunteers had time to relax and smile, knowing it was an outstanding day. Left to right:  Jordan Bernal, president of Tri-Valley branch and author of The Keepers of Eire. Linda Todd, club membership chair, Paula Chinick, past president of the chapter and author of Red Asscher, and Patricia Boyle, Vice President.

Thanks to everyone who worked many hours to make this event happen.

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Tri-Valley Writers Conference this Saturday, April 18th

TVW-logo1-150x150Tri-Valley Writers Conference 2015

The Tri-Valley Writers Conference is a full day event on the art and business of writing. Share your passion for writing and network with writers and industry leaders.

Featuring three tracks: Craft, Marketing, & Self-Publishing

  • Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015     Time: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS:
JIM  AZEVEDO is the marketing director at Smashwords.

DARIO CIRIELLO’s  indie press is Panverse publishing https://www.panversepublishing.com

DAVID COLIN CARR is a freelance editor since 1988. https://www.DavidColinCarr.com
DAVID CORBETT, author and presenter, https://www.davidcorbett.com
CONSTANCE HALE, has written three books on language and literary style https://www.sinandsyntax.com
STEPHANIE  CHANDLER is founder and CEO of https://nonfictionAuthorsAssociation.com
JASON HOVEY is a former educator with over 15 years experience in online media.
LINDA LEE is a writer, speaker, educator, and website designer.
PENNY WARNER has published over 60 books for both adults and children. https://www.pennywarner.com
The keynote speaker is SHELLY ADINA, award winning author.
It’s not too late to register. Five openings are left.  http://www.trivalleywriters.org/conferences/2015-conference/registration/
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