Defeating Self-Defeating Behavior

Margie Lawson will present her one-day Master Class "Empowering Characters' Emotions" on October 22 next year at the FWA Conference. I've taken this course before and I can hardly wait to take it again--it's that good. Margie teaches an editing method that is the perfect diagnostic tool for writers looking to make their prose sizzle. She also analyzes how contemporary best-selling authors like Harlan Coben and Laura Lippman pack their stories with emotionally evocative language that keeps readers turning the pages. If you want to write gripping stories, you owe it to yourself to register for this course.

But you don't have to wait until next fall to learn something from Margie. A practicing psychologist, Margie teaches more than empowering characters--she also empowers writers. Whether you struggle with writer's block or simply feel that you could be more effective at accomplishing your writing goals, Margie provides tools to help in her on-line course, Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors, offered through Writer University. In this one-month workshop, Margie provides advice and strategies for overcoming paralysis, silencing your inner critic, managing your moods, making time to write, and more.

I took this course last year. I was already pretty good at time-management, but I struggled with a vocal inner critic that had kept me from realizing my full potential. Thanks to "Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors," I now recognize several varieties of "faulty thinking" (pessimism and perfectionism are my biggest problems) and have created strategies to counter them. I also picked up some great techniques for managing my mood--and when I'm in a good mood, I write better. This class, like "Empowering Characters' Emotions," is a bargain at twice the price.

Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors costs $30 and runs from January 2 through 30. What better way to kick off the New Year than to dedicate yourself to realizing your full potential as a writer?

December Meeting Review

Dianne Ochiltree gave a very informative presentation last night. We learned not only about the effort that goes into writing a children's book, but also about the promotion side of the business and some of the details about the different types of children's books. Dianne read her latest upcoming book and shared the story of her writing journey. We had 15 people in attendance, and I want to thank those who were able to make it. Next time I'll have to take pictures from up close!

Here's Dianne and I after the meeting.

May your holiday celebrations be filled with joy.
See you next month!

John

Dianne's Books for Sale

As promised in the final reminder for this month's meeting, here is the list of books (with prices) that Dianne will bring to the meeting. Would make great Christmas gifts.

CATS ADD UP!, a math early reader paperback in the 'Scholastic Reader' series, for ages 5-8, at $4 per copy.

PILLOW PUP, a hardcover picture book from McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, for ages 2-6, at $15 per copy.

TEN MONKEY JAMBOREE, a hardcover picture book from McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, for ages 4-8, at $17 per copy.

LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE, a hardcover picture book from G.P. Putnam's Sons, for ages 0-4, at $17 per copy.

Hope to see as many there as can make it.

John