Writing What You Know
Have you ever wondered if attending a writers' conference can be of significant help to you as a writer? I was freelancing light touch columns for a local monthly in San Luis Obispo, California, my fifth residence in ten years. One friend complained that inking in my addresses had already filled one page. This sparked a column titled, "Just Pencil Me In," warning correspondents to use pencil for addresses of ever-moving friends. I took a copy of the newly published article to a California Writers Club Conference at Asilomar. Among the presenters was Steve Mettee, then editor/publisher of Quill Driver Books, non-fiction "how-to's." (He has been a speaker at SSA conferences.)
The Asilomar conference offered attendees personal meetings with the presenters. I showed Mettee the published article. After a quick read of my column, he asked me to send him a proposal for a book on how to move. The result was my first published nonfiction book: Just Pencil Me In—Your Guide to Moving & Getting Settled. I'm still collecting royalties on that book and the next one for Quill Driver, Long Distance Grand Parenting. Lerner Publishing purchased Quill Driver last year and continues to publish how-to books. You never know what opportunities you may find at conferences.
My Forum presentation will include contact information about publishing with Lerner as well as Enslow, publisher of children's books for hire; recent publication of my memoir with Create Space POD, my long career of "writing what you know" for regional and national publications and currently, for anthologies, an excellent market for today's writers. Every person has unique experiences and can "mine" his imagination for more that can be written up and sold for publication.
Don't forget to call in your reservations to 955-9382 OR e-mail ssabrunches@gmail.com by the Wednesday prior (in this case, February 16).
Public Speaking Without Panic for Authors
In today's writing market, chances are you, as an author, will be expected to do major marketing to distribute, advertise, and sell your book. Even with a superlative technology program, sooner or later you'll have to actually speak about your writing. Don't let your fear of public speaking stop you from taking advantage of your most powerful marketing tool—YOU!
Ethel Lee-Miller's presentation is for anyone who wants to build communication skills and reduce anxiety.
- Get tips, tricks, and tools to: polish your "30-second commercial"; create programs that fit your book event; handle Q&As; and manage both the glories and difficulties of speaking about writing.
- Create your own package of fear fighters.
- Learn how to use S.P.E.A.K.©, a 5-point public speaking strategy.
- Whether your book is in stores, in production, or still a dream to be fulfilled, be prepared to be the most effective PR tool for your work . . . and enjoy the process.
Ethel blends three decades of education, public speaking and coaching, and writing in her presentations. As a retired teacher, she turned to writing about her personal experiences as an identical twin. The result was her first book, Thinking of Miller Place: A Memoir of Summer Comfort (©2007 iUniverse).
A member of the Society of Southwestern Authors, Arizona Authors Association, Easy Writers, and the Tucson area representative for the International Women's Writing Guild, Ethel continues her public speaking career of 13 years in Toastmasters International as a member of Tucson's Roadrunners Toastmasters.
Join us at the Sheraton Four Points Conference Center on March 20, 2011 for an enlightening luncheon with Ethel. As always, you can either call in your reservations to 955-9382 OR e-mail ssabrunches@gmail.com by the Wednesday prior (in this case, March 16).
Eat for less and enjoy Sensational Speakers and a bang-up brunch in 2011 WITH THE SSA FORUM/BRUNCH.
Starting in February, SSA Forum Brunch Buffets will take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month as usual but will run from 10 am—1 pm at the lower price of only $20 when you register (it will still be $25 at the door for walk-ins) . . . INCLUDING Delicious All-American or Mexican brunches on alternate months.
For RESERVATIONS, call (520) 546-9382 by Wednesday preceding the event.
Are you an SSA member? Do you have a book(s) you'd like to market from our booth at this year's festival? All genres welcome!
Cost for a spot in the booth will be $30 plus three-hours of general booth service. Exhibiting authors are encouraged to spend as much additional time in the booth as desired. We will have electricity to run a cash register, process credit cards, run computers, light the books and a PA to offer readings, book chats, etc.
The slots are filling fast, so get your reservation in to Mike Nicksic at menco1@gmail.com as soon as possible.
We want ALL members to volunteer to work in or help setup the Booth.
For those planning to attend, remember, free admission and free parking to the event itself!
We look forward to seeing you at this year's event!
REGISTRATION
To register, please get a registration form from Mike Nicksic (menco1@gmail.com), fill it out, and use Paypal for your payment. Please note that Paypal is for payments only, you must also fill out a form and send it in to the SSA at: P.O. Box 30355, Tucson, AZ 85751-0355.
Festival of Books Registration $30
|
|
|
