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.

Meeting July 14th with Live Readings

For our July 14th Meeting, anyone who would like to do a reading of their First Page is welcome to participate in a live critique session. 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.

July 14th~ First Page Critique

What to bring: First 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 first 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.

FWA St. Pete Meeting June 9th with speaker Sara Im

For our June 9th Meeting, Author Sara Im 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.

June 9th~ Hope, Love, and Determination

BIO

Author SARA IM endured four brutal years in a forced labor camp that became known as “The Killing Fields” in Cambodia, suffering multiple serious diseases simultaneously. With no access to medical care, nutrition, proper rest nor adequate sleep, she had gone near death several times. However, with God’s grace, her strong love for her family and her hope had compelled her to survive. Sara found her way back to good health through good nutrition and proper total self- care, body, mind and spirit. Sara escaped from Cambodia and arrived in US in 1981. She graduated from college in 1987. Today, Sara run a business “Smart Healthy Living” that enhances people’s life through the use of effective natural nutrition and safe personal care products. She is an author of her inspirational award-winning book “How I Survived the Killing Fields: A Story of Hope, Love and Determination.”

Sara's website: www.smarthealthylivingtoday.info/

FWA St. Pete May 12th Meeting

For our May 12th Meeting, author Brigitte Moore 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.

May 12th~ A Writer's Journey from Post-War Germany to America

BIO

BRIGITTE MOORE was born and reared in Germany. She worked twenty-five years for a small Import/Export company in Long Island, NY. Apprenticing as clerk, she worked her way up to Vice President of Sales and Product Development. In this capacity she travelled across the United States, in Europe and the Far East. Now retired, she lives in Florida where she enjoys reading, writing, and Tai Chi. She has been a Hospice Volunteer for nineteen years. Brigitte is the proud grandmother of two grandsons, who inspired her memoir, Finding Home.

Her website: www.brigittedmoore.wordpress.com

Mini-Conference and Multi-Genre Author Book Signing

Writer's Nest Mini-Conference

Where: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs

350 Northlake Blvd., Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32701-5297
Telephone: 407-830-1985

When: April 30th from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost: $89 for FWA members

$109 for non-FWA members

$54.50 for non-member guest**

To Register: www.floridawriters.net/conferences/mini-conferences/writers-nest

All-Day Workshops

• The Role of the Male Character in Today’s Stories, Larry J. Leech II & Joanne Lewis
• Short Stories, John Hope
• Creating a Fictional World, Kate Maier

Morning Workshops

• Writing for Children, Jaimie M. Engle
• Business Tools for Every Writer, W. Terry Whalin

Afternoon Workshops

• Poetry, Peter Meinke
• Writing for the Inspirational Market, Carol J. Post

Faculty who teach half-day workshops are available for 15-minute appointments when not teaching. Appointments are $25. All-day faculty will not be available for appointments.

** Available to members only. Bring a guest who isn’t a member of FWA, and your friend gets in at half the non-member price. You must include your non-member guest when you register for the mini-conference in order to qualify for this special pricing

Includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks

FWA Multi-Genre Book Signing Event (the day after Mini-Conference)

Where: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs

350 Northlake Blvd., Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32701-5297
Telephone: 407-830-1985

When: May 1st from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost: General admission is free

More details on the website: www.floridawriters.net/conferences/multi-genre-book-signing

Readers, come and learn about different authors, and purchase signed books. You may discover a few you have never read as well as some of your favorites.

Why go to this signing?

• 50 authors for you to meet and learn about their books
• “Author Bingo” allows you to mingle and get the chance to win a prize
• VIP readers can attend a brunch with all the authors
• 4 hours of fun to buy books and support Indie authors
• So many genres represented, from children’s to romance and everything in between

What are you waiting for? Add it to your calendar now!

General admission is absolutely free.

But if you want more perks, become a VIP Reader, and enjoy a brunch with the authors, get into the signing early, and grab some raffle tickets for cool prizes!

Join our Facebook page so you can see the excitement build!

General Admission is Free! Enjoy meeting the authors from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

While general admission is free, we would appreciate it if you’d click here to email and let us know you’re coming.

VIP Reader

Fee: $50 Includes:

• Brunch with the authors from 10:00 AM – Noon
• Early admission to the book signing room, 12:30 PM (30 minutes before the general public)
• Two raffle tickets for prizes awarded throughout the day

Writers Picnic for All Pinellas County Writers

Local writers in Pinellas County, come out to the annual Writers Picnic! Meet and mingle with other local writers and enjoy a meal and and afternoon at Taylor Park.

What: Annual George Ewing & Diane Marcou Memorial Writers Picnic

When: Sunday, April 17, from about 10 am to 4 pm 

Where: Taylor Park, 1100 8th Avenue SW,  Largo, in Covered Pavilion #5 or possibly #6. (They share a parking lot, on on each side of the lot.
Look for the banners of the sponsoring clubs).

Who: All Pinellas County writers are invited including families

Sponsors: Event is co-sponsored by BAPWG, the St. Pete Writers Club (SPWC),
Pinellas Writers and David Edmonds for the Tarpon Springs Fiction Writers Group.
However the event  is open to  ALL Pinellas writers.

What to Bring:
Please bring a finger food entree, side dish, appetizer, salad or dessert to share.
The sponsoring clubs will provide hotdogs, buns, and condiments,
and of course plates, cups, and plastic utensils.