Writing: Think of It as an Adventure!
February's speaker is Jennifer J. Stewart, who writes seriously funny books for children. Her latest novel is Close Encounters of a Third-World Kind, based upon her family's real life adventures working as medical volunteers in Nepal. Kirkus Reviews says "the comedy-adventure will surely please its intended audience . . . just enough danger to keep the pages turning and an authentically voiced narrator." School Library Journal adds, "This lighthearted book will lead readers into a totally different kind of life from their own."
Jennifer will tell the story behind her stories, explain how she got published, and give members a heads-up on what they need to succeed in the children's book business.
Jennifer co-founded and serves as President of the board of MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS (www.makewayforbooks.org), a non-profit organization giving young children the chance to fall in love with books and reading. She lives with her husband, three daughters, and "far too many pets" in northeast Tucson. For more information about Jennifer, please visit her website at www.jenniferjstewart.com.
From Inspiration to Publication
Stephen Mertz, our March speaker, has published more than fifty novels, under his own name and a variety of pseudonyms, that have been widely translated and sold in the millions of copies worldwide. His novel, Fade to Tomorrow, was published in 2004 by Five Star, as was his previous novel, Night Wind. Booklist called Night Wind "fast-paced," while Reviews Today called it "tautly written . . . a white-knuckle read." Steve's most recent novel is Devil Creek (Five Star, 2004), with The Korean Intercept due in 2005.
Stephen will facilitate an all-day forum to help you get published.
Total cost for the four workshops and lunch will be $35.00.
9:00am Registration w/Cofee & Tea
9:30-10:15am Getting Started. What to Write & How to Focus
10:30-11:15am The Foundation: Characters, Plot & Setting
11:15-12:30pm LUNCH
12:30-1:15pm Developing an Effective Writing Style
1:30-2:15pm The Business of Writing & General Q&A
