Your Mission Starts Today

For our Thursday, January 11th Meeting, veteran, former CIA officer, and author Andrew Bustamante will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Your Mission Starts Today

BIO: Andrew Bustamante is an award-winning speaker with a history shrouded in intrigue and espionage. A decorated combat veteran and graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. Andrew's military career includes wartime service in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following a successful military career, Andrew was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and trained as covert intelligence officer. Specializing in Asia and South Asia field operations, Andrew played key roles in covert action and human intelligence operations.

After spending more than 15 years in service to his nation, Andrew has chosen to embark on a new mission as a professional speaker; to inspire positive change through new thinking. Andrew is a dedicated husband and father and proud to call St. Petersburg, Florida home. If he is not on stage, behind a microphone or engaging his community, Andrew can be found enjoying the beaches, beers, and boats that make the Tampa Bay region great. 

Learn more about Andrew at www.AndrewBustamante.org 
and see his mission come to life at www.MeNowMovement.com!

Book Title and background: Everyday Espionage: Winning the Workplace

People make decisions every day based on direct influences like personal experience, formal education and religious beliefs. But people are less aware of the decisions they make based on indirect influences like ego, emotions and individual biases. In the world of big business, politics and international espionage, indirect influence rules the day.
Espionage uses indirect influence to drive human behavior and win objectives. Everyday Espionage: Winning the Workplace takes proven espionage tactics and applies them to the corporate workplace, equipping readers to cultivate influence and win professional objectives. Espionage is no longer an art form reserved for covert operatives and deep cover agents. This book shows how the fundamentals of espionage can be learned and applied by anyone to achieve anything. Your mission starts today.

Potluck-Style Christmas Party at Miami Ave Wine Bar in Indian Rocks Beach

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FWA ST. PETE!

We're very excited about our holiday celebration in December. We hope you'll be able to join us.
Here's everything you need to know, including what to bring (and what not to):

Potluck-Style Christmas Party at Miami Ave Wine Bar

When: Thurs, Dec 14th at 6 PM

Where: Miami Ave Wine Bar (LIKE them on FB)
311 1st Street, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 (parking and entrance around back)

Who to Bring: FWA and non-members welcome
Spouse or Significant Other- Yes
Friends Who Enjoy Writing- Yes
Children under 18- No (infants okay)

What to Bring:
-Side dish to share

-Cash for the cash-only bar (sodas and non-alcoholic options available)

-A book you're ready to hand off to someone else for the book exchange.

-Items for the Raffle (See "What to Bring" below)

NOTE: Please do not bring drinks
The owner of Miami Ave Wine Bar is not charging us to use her amazing venue, so please purchase beverages there WITH CASH (no credit card payments). Wine, hard liquor, mixed drinks, sodas, etc, will be available for purchase, and water will also be available for us.

What to Bring For the Silent Auction Raffle:

In preparation for next year's Silent Auction at the FWA Conference which promotes children's literacy in Florida, we're getting the baskets started. We will be holding a raffle for two $10 Starbucks gift cards plus a bunch of other fun stuff!

How to enter the raffle: Good items to donate would be books you've written, candles, "like new" books, new DVDs, wine stoppers, wine glasses or poolside wine glasses, wine openers, French presses, or coffee grinders, wine decanters or some things for an exercise or a cooking themed basket. Each donation receives one entry but EACH BOTTLE OF WINE DONATED WILL RECEIVE FOUR TICKETS! (A good place to get nice bottles that are still cost-effective is Trader Joe's).

Why: Win free stuff, eat good food, drink the best wine, and celebrate the holidays all while networking with local writers. Plus there is some great stuff at the Wine Bar and Art Gallery if you're looking for Christmas gifts.

Any questions? Need ideas for a side dish?

Feel free to email me at fwastpete@gmail.com

What's the Secret to Becoming a Best Seller?

For our Thursday, Nov 9th Meeting, author & owner of Soul Attitude Press John Rehg will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: The Untold, Amazing, Shocking! Secret Formula for Becoming a Bestselling Author Finally Revealed

Details: Scamming the Dream - how others promise you the moon as long as you pay them. Includes an open discussion about writing and publishing.

BIO:

JOHN REHG has been writing and rewriting since 2006, after taking 30 years off to pursue a career. He's still working, fitting in writing at odd times of day or night. After getting several short stories published in various anthologies, he started his own publishing business, Soul Attitude Press, to control the revenue on his stories as well as to help others realize their dream of holding their own book in their hands. He has published his own short fiction and non-fiction, and has helped others publish their stories. His novel is currently in its second revision, which he hopes to complete this year.

www.soulattitudepress.com

Writers Conferences and How to Pick One

For our Thursday, Oct 12th Meeting, author Diana Lund will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Finding a Writers Conference

BIO:

DIANA LUND has been writing since she was a teenager. It started with bad poetry then progressed to lyrics for a local R&B band to creating teaching material and writing articles for a real estate magazine. Now Diana spends her time writing fiction, specifically novellas. She has attended multiple writers conferences, joined/attended a few writers groups, had a writing partner, belonged to the North Carolina Writers Association and attended its Wonderland Book Club for writers. Currently she is a member of the Florida Writers Association.

NOTE: Upcoming Conference

FWA Annual Conference

Oct 19th-22nd

Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs

350 Northlake Blvd., Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701-5297

407-830-1985 | Website

Conference Rate: $109

To reserve at this reduced rate for any day of the conference, call 407-830-1985 and reference the Florida Writers Association.

Should you wish to share a room and costs with another conference attendee, leave a message on our Facebook page or on the FWA Network.

Whether you’re just getting started, or midway through a 400-page opus, or have published multiple books, the Florida Writers Conference is the one writers conference for you.

This year there are even more reasons why you should attend, ranging from the lineup of agents and editors from leading literary agencies and publishing houses, to our National Guest of Honor David Morrell, and Steve Berry, the Florida Writer of the Year.

TO REGISTER OR TO FIND OUT MORE DETAILS:

https://floridawriters.net/conferences/florida-writers-conference-2017/

September 14th Meeting for FWA St. Pete is Cancelled

Meeting Tomorrow Cancelled

Due to Hurricane Irma's extensive reach across our state and for those who may have evacuated, who have power out, etc, the FWA St. Pete meeting is cancelled tomorrow, Sept 14th. John Rehg's presentation is being moved to our November meeting.

Seeking New Leader for FWA St. Pete

Looking to Volunteer? Become a Writers Group Leader!

A note from WGL Bria Burton:
It's been my privilege to serve FWA as a Writers Group Leader since January 2015. As of December 1st, I will be stepping down from the position. I'm hoping that someone else will be willing to step up!
Is that you? If you (or multiple people as co-leaders) are interested in becoming the St. Pete Writers Group Leader, please email me at fwastpete@gmail.com. Or if you simply have questions about what the position entails, feel free to email me as well. There are benefits, too, like receiving a discount at the Annual FWA Conference. I can help the new person (or people) smoothly transition into the role. So don't hesitate to contact me!

A Mini-Workshop to Help Writers Get Past Stuck in August

For our Thursday, Aug 10th Meeting, author & writing mentor Heloise Jones will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic:
The Writer's Block Myth: Get Past Stuck with the Evidence Journal

Details:
A mini-workshop drawn from the principles in the #1 bestselling book: “The Writer’s Block Myth - A Guide to Get Past Stuck & Experience Lasting Creative Freedom.” Gain insights and tools for how to sustain your creative life through the ebb and flow of work, family, and obligations.

BIO:

HELOISE JONES is an author, speaker, and mentor for creatives. She assists writers and others getting to the heart of what they need to complete their projects & sustain their creative lives. Her background includes years of study in craft, process, & the publishing industry + fields of wisdom and experience from a host of supportive holistic tools. Most importantly, she knows all the ways writers and creatives get waylaid. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Website: www.heloisejones.com

What Authors Need to Know About Copyright in July

For our Thursday, July 13th Meeting, author Gary "Dutch" Hinkle will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Facts, Rules, and Myths of Book Copyrights

BIO:

GARY "DUTCH" HINKLE is a three-time #1 Bestselling Author internationally on Amazon. Dutch has an extensive martial arts background that spans fifty years and includes training and teaching internationally in over two dozen different martial arts in the U.S., Europe, South America, and the Orient. Master Hinkle is also an author of many published books and articles in self-defense, martial arts, Oriental philosophy, Oriental tactics and strategies, and Oriental pressure point defense.

Website: http://garyhinkle.wixsite.com/books

Talking Points - Writing Great Dialogue in June

For our Thursday, June 8th Meeting, author and musician
Ricko Donovan will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Talking Points - Writing Great Dialogue

BIO: 

RICKO DONOVAN is an award-winning singer/songwriter who plays a variety of stringed instruments, a hammered dulcimer virtuoso, silent film composer, and a critically acclaimed novelist. His debut novel Sunnyville made Nashville Lifestyle Magazine’s 2014 Summer Reading List Picks. His second novel, The Broken Promised Land, begun in 1994, was completed and published in 2015.

Website: www.rickodonovan.com

14 Ways to Find More Writing Time in May

For our Thursday, May 11th Meeting, authors of Now SC Press Liza Garcia and Shirley Jump will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: 14 Ways to Find More Writing Time

BIO: 

LIZA GARCIA of Now SC Press is a C-level executive mom who has supported her employees, her former husband, and her children fully with the technology company she founded in Seattle for more than fifteen years. She has two published books and recently completed a nationwide book signing tour for Barnes & Noble and speaks regularly to business professionals.

SHIRLEY JUMP is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She's published more than 60 books in 24 languages. For author news and a booklist, visit www.shirleyjump.com. She's also a mother of two who competes in triathlons.

Website: www.nowscpress.com

Journey to Publication with Cheryl Hollon in April

For our Thursday, April 13th Meeting, author Cheryl Hollon will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: My Journey to Publication

BIO: CHERYL HOLLON writes full time after leaving an engineering career of designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Fulfilling a lifetime dream, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind the house, Cheryl and her husband design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass and painted glass artworks. Cheryl is an officer of the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime, and a member of Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. A mystery conference addict, she regularly attends SleuthFest in Florida, Malice Domestic in DC, Thrillerfest in NYC, and Magna Cum Murder in Indianapolis, IN. You will also find her at Left Coast Crime and Bouchercon, wherever they are being held. Cheryl and her husband live in St. Petersburg, FL in a 1920’s Craftsman Bungalow.

Website: www.cherylhollon.com

Writing Retropunk and Futurism in March

For our Thursday, March 9th Meeting, author Charles A. Cornell will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Writing Retropunk Fiction & Retrofuturism
Speaker: Charles A. Cornell

BIO:
Author CHARLES A. CORNELL writes speculative fiction ranging from the mysterious to the macabre; blending science fiction, fantasy, alternative history and horror. He is a regular contributor to podcasts, seminars and conferences, and conducts webinars and workshops on his specialty, retro-punk fiction (Steampunk, Dieselpunk). His mystery thriller, Tiger Paw won the Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller in 2012 and was nominated for Best Indie Thriller by Kindle Book Reviews. His dieselpunk novel DragonFly was a Finalist in the 2014 Royal Palm Literary Awards in the Science Fiction category. Crystal Night from The Prometheus Saga won First Place Published Novella at the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Check out his world of DragonFly at www.DragonFly-Novels.com featuring galleries of retrofuturistic aircraft and other illustrations from DragonFly.


Website: www.charlesacornell.com

Live Critique at FWA St. Pete February Meeting

For our Thursday, February 9th Meeting, writers are welcome to join us for a Live Critique Session. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: One Page Critique
Moderator: Bria Burton

What to bring: A singe page of your novel, short story, or other writing (double-spaced, up to 250 words)
Who can participate: First-come first-serve, members and non-members

What will the critique look like:

• After the author reads their page, the critique will open up to the audience
• Audience will be encouraged to provide positive feedback and constructive criticism in combination
• Author will not be allowed to talk during the critique (a buzzer will be on hand--if the author talks, they will get buzzed)
• The critique will be timed for each author. At four minutes, the timer will announce that the critique is over and the next author will be allowed to read their First Page

Does everyone have to read?

• No. But the audience will be encouraged to provide feedback, even those who choose not to read their work to the group.

Crafting Characters in January

For our Thursday, January 12th Meeting, author and former CIA agent T.J. Waters will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Creating a Cast of Characters Your Readers Can't Resist

BIO

Author T.J. WATERS resides in St Petersburg with his wife and their two children. He previously worked as a Senior Consultant in Intelligence Operations for U.S. Special Operations Command. Prior to that he was a Sr. Counterintelligence Analyst for U.S. Central Command, served undercover for the Central Intelligence Agency, and was Vice President for an intelligence consulting firm. He enjoyed a successful private sector career before his government service, including with Celotex Corporation, Lexis-Nexis, and BASF. Waters spent five years as an adjunct professor in the Intelligence Management and Analysis program at Eckerd College. When he's not working, he enjoys volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay.

T.J.'s website: www.tjwaters.com

Potluck-Style Christmas Party at Miami Ave Wine Bar in Indian Rocks Beach

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FWA ST. PETE!

I'm very excited about our holiday celebration this week. I hope you'll be able to join us.

Here's everything you need to know, including what to bring (and what not to):

Potluck-Style Christmas Party at Miami Ave Wine Bar

When: Thurs, Dec 8th at 6 PM

Where: Miami Ave Wine Bar (LIKE them on FB)

311 1st Street, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 (parking and entrance around back)

Who to Bring: FWA and non-members welcome

Spouse or Significant Other- Yes

Friends Who Enjoy Writing- Yes

Children under 18- No

What to Bring: 

-Side dish to share

-A book you're ready to hand off to someone else for the book exchange.

-Donation items to enter the raffle like a bottle of wine (see DETAILS below).

NOTE: Please do not bring drinks

The owner of Miami Ave Wine Bar is not charging us to use her amazing venue, so please purchase beverages there. Wine, hard liquor, mixed drinks, sodas, etc will be available for purchase, and water will also be available for us.

Why: Win free stuff, eat good food, drink the best wine, and celebrate the holidays all while networking with local writers. Plus there is some great stuff at the Wine Bar, Book Nook, and Art Gallery if you're looking for Christmas gifts.

DETAILS:

We will be holding a raffle for two $10 Starbucks gift cards!

In preparation for next year's Silent Auction at the FWA Conference, we're getting the baskets started.

How to enter the raffle: bring donations for FWA's Silent Auction baskets to promote children's literacy in Florida. Good items to donate would be books you've written, candles, "like new" books, new DVDs, wine stoppers, wine glasses or poolside wine glasses, wine openers, French presses, or coffee grinders, wine decanters or some things for an exercise or a cooking themed basket. Each donation receives one entry but EACH BOTTLE OF WINE DONATED WILL RECEIVE FOUR TICKETS! (A good place to get nice bottles that are still cost-effective is Trader Joe's).

Any questions? Need ideas for a side dish?

Feel free to email me! I look forward to seeing you Thursday!

fwastpete@gmail.com

FWA St. Pete November 10th Meeting with Author Bonnie Paull

For our Nov. 10th Meeting, author and professor Bonnie Paull will be speaking. As usual, we'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.


Topic~ Curiosity Kills Cats, Not Writers: How to Find Inspiration and Interesting Subjects to Write About

BIO:

Bonnie E. Paull is a professor emeritus in English from the College of Alameda in California. In addition to her 40 years as a classroom teacher, she has been a dean of students, consultant, writer, researcher, and public speaker. During her years as a teacher, Ms. Paull wrote and published articles, poems, and books, reflecting her teaching experiences and her study of the history of education. Her concern for the declining quality of education, particularly in the basics, led her to establishing an award winning program for students called “The Little Red Schoolhouse for Adults.” Here her college students were able to study and learn their missing basics. Now, in her retirement, Ms. Paull has more time to devote to research, writing, and to studying music, another passion. “As much as I love good fiction, my interest as a writer is in telling real stories of real people who by their courage and persistence overcame obstacles and achieved their goals in life. They inspire us to reach for the stars.” Her most recent book, Lincoln’s Springfield Neighborhood, published by The History Press, reflects this interest.

Visit Bonnie's website: www.bonniepaullwriter.com

Synopsis Workshop Oct 13th with FWA St. Pete

For our Thursday, October 13th Meeting, publishing wizard Molli Nickell will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6:00 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: Synopsis Workshop

How to prepare: Send Molli the Synopsis of your story by Oct. 6th
Note: To prepare ahead of time, Molli will have a private page on her website with info about how to write the synopsis and a simple template. Visit this LINK for that info. 

She will be giving feedback to those who submit their synopsis by October 6th. Or you can bring your synopsis to the meeting, but those will be on a first-come first-serve basis.


BIO:
Former publisher, Time-Life and acquisitions editor, MOLLI NICKELL, has been in the publishing biz for 35+ years. She’s authored hundreds of articles and seven books, acquired and edited manuscripts, presented keynotes, designed projects, and led workshops for industry giants including Workman, HarperCollins, Better Homes and Gardens, Simon & Schuster, the SCBWI and ABA. Molli, THE Publishing Wizard, helps writers learn everything they need to know about the submission process to help them achieve their goals of agent/book contract/shelf space at Barnes and Noble.

Molli's website: www.getpublishednow.biz/

FWA St. Pete September Meeting with Patzi Gil and Bill Larson

For our Sept 8th Meeting, radio host Patzi Gil and her entertainment lawyer Bill Larson will be speaking. As usual, we'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 6 PM. Networking/mingling begins at 5:30 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Sept 8th~ Soaring to a Best Seller? Why You Need a Legal Eagle!


About Joy on Paper: For writers and those who dream of writing -- and for everyone who wants to know the story behind the book. It is my JOY to talk every week to amazing authors -- from best selling New York Times authors to authors who have just released their first book. For me it is always fun to hear about the passion to write and what it takes to become a published author. It is fun for me to hear their stories and I hope that their words will inspire new writers. Listen in: Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11 o'clock at home, in your car or on your phone. Download the TuneIn app. I am happy to have this opportunity to share my joy of reading with so many people. Remember to find the joy and share it. ~PatZi Gil

Free Writing Workshop on Action Scenes

August 20th~ Topic: Action Scenes That Pack a Punch

A Free Writing Workshop! Open to the public.

When/Where: Sat, Aug 20th from 10:30 AM to Noon at St. Pete Main Branch Library
Speaker: Cheri Roman
www.brassragpress.com

CHERI ROMAN is a writer, editor, teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, in whatever order works best in the moment. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Florida with a degree in English literature and a passionate desire to promote great story-telling. With five years of editorial experience, Cheri is comfortable on both the author and editor sides of the page. When she isn’t writing or editing, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and their ever-expanding family somewhere in the wilds of North Florida.

FWA St. Pete Aug 11th Meeting at 5:30 PM with Barbara Harrington

For our Thursday, August 11th Meeting, screenwriter and producer Barbara Harrington will be speaking. We'll meet at the Main Branch St. Pete Library at 5:30 PM. This is earlier than our usual start time. Networking/mingling begins at 5:15 PM. This meeting is open to the public.

Topic: From Novel to Cocoon to Screenwriting

BIO: BARBARA HARRINGTON is a novelist, a screenwriter, and a producer. She worked as Assistant Casting Director in several feature films with Beverly McDermitt (Cocoon, Absence Of Malice, Stick) and still cast for Indie Productions. She has conducted many writing/publishing workshops, and formed FSAC, the Florida Screenwriters & Actors Connection about 15 years ago. She had a short lived radio show, Take One Talk. She's earned several awards, such as the Florida State Group Merit Award for the filming production of the International Association Of Personnel. For fun, she went on Safari in Africa and was almost thrown in jail by Idi Amin.