Setting the Scene – Building Your Character’s World with Joe Haldeman

For creating authentic settings in which your characters, fiction or non-fiction, live and interact, there is no one more knowledgeable than Joe Haldeman. One of the world’s renowned science fiction writers, Haldeman has spent his writing career creating believable settings for his stories and in addition to degrees in physics and astronomy he’s also earned an MFA in writing. This part-time MIT professor is also the former president of the Science Fiction Writers of America.

His latest novel is EARTHBOUND. Haldeman’s books have won awards such as the Hugo, Nebula, John W. Campbell, Locus, and Damon Knight Memorial.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. We have a brand new tool available to writers in the St. Augustine area! We now have a FACEBOOK® page, named ANCIENT CITY WRITERS. This is a place where you can let people know about local events, all about your new release, or if you need a critique partner, you can leave that request on the wall. Chances are there’s another local writer who will be happy to meet with you. If it’s about or for the St. Augustine area, this is a great place to post it.
Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. If you are a children’s writer and wish to connect with this group for more information, you can contact maryjanehayes@bellsouth.net, or speak with her at the monthly meeting.
FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information. FWA Membership is required.

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

$1000 AWARD w/possible publication: THE FLORIDA REVIEW – Deadline is MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu. No entry fee.

WIN PUBLICATION and PUBLICITY – www.tales2inspire.com. “Write up an Inspiring Tale to enter a contest to inspire others with the power of your words. If you are a Winner, your story will be published in an e-book along with your short bio, your photo (optional) and link to your website or blog. All for an entrance fee of $4.95 per story per category. Even those who don’t win get some special perks. Get all the details about this Tales2Inspire contest. This is a great way to help build your author’s platform and add another credential to your vita.”
ALSO:
Tales2Inspire will have an ongoing program on Sylvia Massara’s Internet TV show: The Lit Chick Show: www.litchickshow.com.

Every author of a tale accepted into this contest (Nominated, Finalists and Winners alike) will have the opportunity to showcase their inspirational tale on one session of Sylvia Massara’s Internet TV show under the Tales2Inspire banner – Free to all authors, but what makes it special for us is that “strength in numbers concept” – an ongoing feature for Tales2Inspire authors with Finalists and Winners returning at a later date as featured authors. interested, I suggest that those interested visit Sylvia’s website and watch a couple of author presentations, (skipping past Jew in Jail as it was taped at a conference with much background noise). Click here for further details about www.Tales2Inspire.comand also see the YOU VIDEO page for further Video Details: www.tales2inspire.com/YOUR_VIDEO.html

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com
HTTP://nquatrano.wordpress.com – information relevant to a successful writing career!

• Program for Next Month: “Setting the Scene” by Award-winning author Joe Haldeman

• Critique Group Information: go to FACEBOOK/ANCIENT CITY WRITERS
• Of Interest for Writers: Conference and Contest Information
• Local FWA Member News (See Page – FWA Member News)
• Area Writing Groups Directory (See Page – Area Groups)
DECEMBER 17, 2011

Communicate with Purpose: How to Optimize Your Impact with Maureen Jung, PhD.

Writing a book is one thing. What about all the other communication associated with getting published, attracting a following, and achieving your goals? This interactive mini-workshop focuses on how technology has changed today’s communication environment, how this affects our messages, and what we can do about it.

Holiday refreshments will be shared – bring lots of business cards for networking! Gently-used book sale, too – prices from $1.00 to $3.00 – bring dollar bills with you!!

JANUARY 21, 2012

Setting the Scene – Joe Haldeman, NYT Best Selling Sci-Fi Author.

Award-winning (Hugo, Nebula, Locus and Rhysling to name a few) writer of FOREVER WAR, FOREVER PEACE, WORLD WITHOUT END, and more than 30 other titles, also teaches writing at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Although setting the scene in an alternate universe must be done with great care to master the science fiction genre, it must be well done in any genre if you’re going to sell that novel. Come learn how it’s done – from a master!

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. We have a brand new tool available to writers in the St. Augustine area! We now have a FACEBOOK® page, named ANCIENT CITY WRITERS. This is a place where you can let people know about local events, all about your new release, or if you need a critique partner, you can leave that request on the wall. Chances are there’s another local writer who will be happy to meet with you. If it’s about or for the St. Augustine area, this is a great place to post it
Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. If you are a children’s writer and wish to connect with this group for more information, you can contact maryjanehayes@bellsouth.net, or speak with her at the monthly meeting.
FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information. FWA Membership is required.
If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful, professional, and compassionate critique meetings, please visit my website at www.NLQuatrano.com. I have posted several that you are welcome to download for free. NLQ
OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS – Contests and Conferences

SHOW THE WORLD YOUR TALENT CONTEST – Deadline is DECEMBER 28, 2012. $5 entry fee, $50.00 First Prize; top three entries get critiques. 750 words. Fiction and essays welcome. Award-winning published judges prefer no erotica! For details and entry form/payment, go to www.writechix.com.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – Deadline is MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu. No entry fee.

PEN AMERICAN CENTER: THE BELLWETHER PRIZE – Deadline is DECEMBER 31, 2011. Socially-engaged fiction, minimum 80K word-length. Founded and funded by by Barbara Kingsolver, with 1st prize publication by Algonquin Press (of “Water for Elephant” fame). $25 entry fee. For more information visit www.bellwetherprize.org. Thank you Teza Lord for this information.
BRAND NEW: The FWA-ANCIENT CITY CHAPTER scrapbook is now complete. Covering mid-2007 to today (with lots of room for pictures and more articles) the book will be available for you to browse through before or after the meetings. I’ll leave it on the Information table we set up for each meeting. PLEASE look at the programs and local author accomplishments for smiles and inspiration! If you have photos you’d like to donate to be included, please let me know. (nquatrano@yahoo.com.)
Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com
HTTP://nquatrano.wordpress.com – information relevant to a successful writing career!

NOVEMBER 19, 2011

Writing on Contract: Ghostwriting Up Close
JEFF SWESKY and NANCY QUATRANO

There are many ways to make writing lucrative. Journalists write for hire, so do copywriters for ad and publicity firms. And then there is ghostwriting. People from 18 to 100 have fascinating stories to tell. Ghostwriting contracts can vary from no author credit and a paycheck, to payment with full credit for the work. And, as Jeff and Nancy will demonstrate, the incredible journey and experience involved with writing those books for other people is one of the major bonuses a ghostwriter will have long after the check has been deposited in the bank. Join this duo for fun, a freelance checklist, and a chance to win a WRITERS BASKET filled with powerful reference materials on book and CD! Once of Nancy’s clients will be attending to autograph his story.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

DECEMBER 17, 2011

Communicate with Purpose: How to Optimize Your Impact with Maureen Jung, PhD.

Writing a book is one thing. What about all the other communication associated with getting published, attracting a following, and achieving your goals? This interactive mini-workshop focuses on how technology has changed today’s communication environment, how this affects our messages, and what we can do about it.

Holiday refreshments will be shared – bring lots of business cards for networking!

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. We have a brand new tool available to writers in the St. Augustine area! We now have a FACEBOOK® page, named ANCIENT CITY WRITERS. This is a place where you can let people know about local events, all about your new release, or if you need a critique partner, you can leave that request on the wall. Chances are there’s another local writer who will be happy to meet with you. If it’s about or for the St. Augustine area, this is a great place to post it!
Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. If you are a children’s writer and wish to connect with this group for more information, you can contact maryjanehayes@bellsouth.net, or speak with her at the monthly meeting.

FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information. FWA Membership is required.

If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful, professional, and compassionate critique meetings, please visit my website at www.NLQuatrano.com. I have posted several that you are welcome to download for free. NLQ

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

WRITE LIKE AL – a PROSE and POETRY CONTEST – Deadline NOVEMBER 15, 2011
Contact the Melrose Public Library for all the details – but hurry!!!! 352-475-1237. No entry fee. Thanks to Jack Owens for this information.

HOLIDAY SHORT STORY CONTEST – Deadline is NOVEMBER 22, 2011. Visit www.staugustine.com and put CONTEST in the search. First prize is $50 and top three in adult and children’s categories will be published in the Christmas Day edition of THE RECORD. No entry fee.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – Deadline is MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu. No entry fee.

PEN AMERICAN CENTER: THE BELLWETHER PRIZE – Deadline is DECEMBER 31, 2011. Socially-engaged fiction, minimum 80K word-length. Founded and funded by Barbara Kingsolver, with 1st prize publication by Algonquin Press (of “Water for Elephant” fame). $25 entry fee. For more information visit www.bellwetherprize.org. Thank you Teza Lord for this information.
NEW: The FWA-ANCIENT CITY CHAPTER scrapbook is now available. Covering mid-2007 to today (with lots of room for pictures and more articles) the book will be available for you to browse through before or after the meetings. I’ll leave it on the Information table we set up for each meeting. PLEASE look at the programs and local author accomplishments for smiles and inspiration! If you have photos you’d like to donate to be included, please let me know. (nquatrano@yahoo.com.)

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com
http://nquatrano.wordpress.com– information relevant to a successful writing career!

OCTOBER 15, 2011

LITERARY AGENT HOLLY MCCLURE

WHAT AGENTS REALLY WANT (things that you should know!)
Just in time for the annual FWA conference and all those face-to-face editor and agent appointments, come meet Holly McClure and learn what YOU should know when submitting to editors and agents.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

NOVEMBER 19, 2011

JEFF SWESKY and NANCY QUATRANO

There are many ways to make writing lucrative. Journalists write for hire, as do copywriters for ad and publicity firms. And then there is ghostwriting. People from 18 to 100 have fascinating stories to tell. Ghostwriting contracts can vary from no author credit and a paycheck, to payment with full credit for the work. And, as Jeff and Nancy will discuss, the incredible journey and experience involved with writing those books for other people is one of the major bonuses a ghostwriter will have long after the check has been deposited in the bank.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.
 

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. We have a brand new tool available to writers in the St. Augustine area! We now have a FACEBOOK® page, named ANCIENT CITY WRITERS. This is a place where you can let people know about local events, all about your new release, or if you need a critique partner, you can leave that request on the wall. Chances are there’s another local writer who will be happy to meet with you. Oh – and remember to “like” the page when you get there.  For email contact, use cherileigh9@comcast.net.
Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. If you are a children’s writer and wish to connect with this group for more information, you can contact maryjanehayes@bellsouth.net, or speak with her at the monthly meeting.
FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information. FWA Membership is required.

If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful, professional, and compassionate critique meetings, please visit my website at www.NLQuatrano.com. I have posted several that you are welcome to download for free. NLQ
OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS – WHAT NOT TO MISS!!

ANCIENT CITY ROMANCE AUTHORS BOOT CAMP – OCT 21-22, 2011
St. Augustine, Florida. If you’re not going to FWA, this intensive writer’s conference is something that will move your writing forward! Karen Rose and Elizabeth Sinclair presenting, with literary agent Lois Winston from the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency meeting with interested authors! Price includes coffee, lunch, booksigning and special raffle for an Acer Netbook! Go to www.acrawa.com to sign up today!! Limited seating!!

FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE – OCT. 21 – 23, 2011
Lake Mary, Florida. This is the 10th annual conference, so this year there are special celebrations planned! This conference features outstanding workshops and speakers, great food, super soirees for networking and meeting editors and agents, as well as opportunities to pitch your work to those editors and agents. This conference is a great value if you’re serious about your writing. FWA membership is required. For more information, visit www.floridawriters.net.

WRITE LIKE AL – a PROSE and POETRY CONTEST – Deadline NOVEMBER 15, 2011
Open this file to see the details and get YOUR entry in!! NO ENTRY FEE – Prizes for winners!

ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS – FWA MEMBERS ONLY – visit www.floridawriters.net and click on the CONTEST tab for registration form and all the submission guidelines.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu.
BRAND NEW: The FWA-ANCIENT CITY CHAPTER scrapbook is now complete. Covering mid-2007 to today (with lots of room for pictures and more articles) the book will be available for you to browse through before or after the meetings. I’ll leave it on the Information table we set up for each meeting. PLEASE look at the programs and local author accomplishments for smiles and inspiration! If you have photos you’d like to donate to be included, please let me know. (nquatrano@yahoo.com.)
Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com
HTTP://nquatrano.wordpress.com – information relevant to a successful writing career!

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

Book Signing - Goodbye America

RITA MALIE
Award-winning author – Memoir, GOODBYE AMERICA

WRITING AND MARKETING MEMOIRS
A memoir is a telling about a snapshot in time that can provide unique and interesting marketing opportunities. Come learn about writing a memoir that is marketable, and learn some of the marketing venue’s that Rita has found have helped her sell a LOT of books!

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

OCTOBER 15, 2011

LITERARY AGENT HOLLY MCCLURE

WHAT AGENTS REALLY WANT (things that you should know!)
Just in time before the annual FWA conference and all those face-to-face editor and agent appointments, come meet Holly McClure and learn what YOU should know when submitting to editors and agents.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.
CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. We have a brand new tool available to writers in the St. Augustine area! We now have a FACEBOOK® page, named ANCIENT CITY WRITERS. This is a place where you can let people know about local events, all about your new release, or if you need a critique partner, you can leave that request on the wall. Chances are there’s another local writer who will be happy to meet with you. If it’s about or for the St. Augustine area, this is a great place to post it! Oh – and remember to “like” the page when you get there. Once we get 25 “likes” registered, the page can be more easily found by others when they put the title in the Facebook search box. Our thanks to Lorraine Haataia for getting this up and running this month.
Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. If you are a children’s writer and wish to connect with this group for more information, you can contact maryjanehayes@bellsouth.net. Or, speak with her after the monthly meeting.
FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit http://floridawriters.net for more information. FWA Membership is required.
If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful and professional critique meetings, please visit my website at http://nlquatrano.com. I have posted several that you are welcome to download for free. NLQ
OF INTEREST TO WRITERS

FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL WRITER’S CONFERENCE
Friday, September 23, 2011 from 9am to 4pm. Fee includes morning coffee, workshops, and luncheon. Authors will sell and sign books at 4pm. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Friends of the Library organizations in St. Johns County.  Sign up now to be sure you have a seat – and save some money! At the door, if there are any spaces (sold out last year) the fee is $90.00. For more information including all the speakers and programs, visit http://fhbookfest.com.

FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE – OCT. 21 – 23, 2011
Lake Mary, Florida. This is the 10th annual conference, so this year there are special celebrations planned! This conference features outstanding workshops and speakers, great food, super soirees for networking and meeting editors and agents, as well as opportunities to pitch your work to those editors and agents. This conference is a great value if you’re serious about your writing. FWA membership is required. For more information, visit http://floridawriters.net

ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS – FWA MEMBERS ONLY – visit http://floridawriters.net. Submissions closed for 2011, but 2012 will be open around the first of the year.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu.
BRAND NEW: The FWA-ANCIENT CITY CHAPTER scrapbook is now complete. Covering mid-2007 to today (with lots of room for pictures and more articles) the book will be available for you to browse through before or after the meetings. I’ll leave it on the Information table we set up for each meeting. PLEASE look at the programs and local author accomplishments for smiles and inspiration! If you have photos you’d like to donate to be included, please let me know. (nquatrano@yahoo.com.)
Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com
HTTP://nquatrano.wordpress.com – information relevant to a successful writing career!

Florida Writers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Program for Current Month: “Power of Your Online Presence” – Carol O’Dell
• Program for Next Month: “Memoirs & Marketing – Perfect Together” –Rita Malie
• Critique  Group Information: Monthly, 1st Saturday, Main Library. Looking for a new Critique Group Leader
• Of Interest for Writers: Conference and Contest Information
• Local FWA Member News
• Area Writing Groups Directory

AUGUST 20, 2011

Carol O’Dell

Award-winning author

The Power of Your Online Presence: For
Authors and Writers

It’s not enough to just have a website. Authors and writers can tap
into a vibrant readership and powerful online community by knowing how to
utilize online tools such as blogs, forums, social media, and more. Learn how
to maximize your online presence in just 30 minutes a day!

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

 SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

 Rita Malie – a memoir is a telling about a snapshot in time that can
provide unique and interesting marketing opportunities. Come learn about
writing a memoir that is marketable, as well as see some of the marketing
venue’s that Rita has found have helped her sell a LOT of books!

CRITIQUE GROUPS

NEW ITEM:

New critique group meeting in St. John’s – home of Cheri Leigh. Starting September 15th. For more information, please contact her at cherileigh9@comcast.net.

Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. The ACC-FWA Critique Group is currently not meeting and although the meeting room is reserved for the first Saturday of every month, there is no group leader at
this time. Feel free to meet and critique informally, or someone step up and
take over the meeting! Let me know what you all decide!

Several of our members are children’s authors. They have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month. This is the opportunity available through networking at the meetings! Reach out to others in the group and put together a meeting!

FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more
information. FWA Membership is required.

If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful, professional, and
compassionate critique meetings, let me know. I have several from very
reputable sources that I can send to you. NQ

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

 AN EVENING WITH THE AUTHORS – AUG 16, 2011 5-7PM

Books, authors and wine – “One Book, One Putnam” – Women’s
Club of Palatka! Local authors are supporting this event that benefits literacy
programs in the community.

MYSTERY WRITING WORKSHOP – MANDARIN HIGH SCHOOL – STARTS 9/8/11

Author June Weltman will teach an 8 week adult ed workshop on “Writing Mysteries for Children and Teens” at Mandarin High School starting 9/8/11 from 7-9 p.m. Registration is 5-8 p.m. 8-23-8/25 at the High School. Ages 16 and older. Contact Kathy Cook at904-260-3911 Ext 1043 or visit www.duvalschools.org/mhs

ANNUAL LITERARY DAY – SEPTEMBER 17 – CALLING ALL AUTHORS!

Riverside Arts Market – Brand new event. Tables still available $37.45 for authors – more than 5,000 visitors anticipated! Contact Teri Coutu at director@riversideartsmarket.com

FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL WRITER’S CONFERENCE

Friday, September 23, 2011 from 9am to 4pm. Fee includes morning
coffee, workshops, and luncheon. Authors will sell and sign books at 4pm.
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Friends of the Library organizations in
St. Johns County. Registrations before July 31 are $50! Sign up now for the
best value. At the door, if there are any spaces (sold out last year) the fee
is $90.00. For more information including all the speakers and programs, visit
www.fhbf.com.

FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE – OCT. 21 – 23, 2011

Lake Mary, Florida. This is the 10th annual conference, so this year
there are special celebrations planned!  This conference features outstanding workshops
and speakers, great food, super soirees for networking and meeting editors and
agents, as well as opportunities to pitch your work to those editors and
agents. This conference is a great value if you’re serious about your writing. FWA
membership is required. For more information, visit www.floridawriters.net.

ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS – FWA MEMBERS ONLY – visit
www.floridawriters.net and click on the CONTEST tab for registration form and
all the submission guidelines.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida
Review, Department of English/UCF.
Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are
possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit
www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu.

MEMBER NEWS

If you have member news to share with the group, please send it to me via email by the 1st of the month. Put FWA MEMBER NEWS in the subject line, please. Thank you. NQ

We have several authors in our group who will be featured authors on September 24, 2011, during the Saturday Author Event at the Florida Heritage Book Festival. Among them is MJ Hayes, author of the Emma Book Series. Also, authors Mike King, Jeff Swesky, Bridget Callahan and Nancy Quatrano, otherwise known as the Rogues Gallery Writers will also be there on Saturday! Stop by and say hello!!

Marie Vernon just released her latest novel, GRACELAND EXPRESS.

Hardy Jones newly released (July 2011) THE VOICE OF THE DOLPHINS is now also available in Kindle and enhanced ebook format with embedded video, as well as in traditional print format.

SALES/SIGNING OPPORTUNITY:

The non-profit boutique shop CHRISTMAS COME TRUE in Flagler Beach on Central Avenue is always willing to support local authors! Stop in and speak with the Kings, who own and operate the shop. Take your book with you and discuss setting up your own attention-getting-book-selling event!!

WRITING GROUPS

ANCIENT CITY POETS

Hold poetry readings the last Sunday of every month at Gifts for Living, 215 West King Street, St. Augustine from 3 – 5pm. If you’re a poet, would like a venue for your work, and are interested in supporting other local artists, feel free to check this out at Ancient City Poets Facebook page.

PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Meet the first Thursday of every month in the meeting room at the South Branch of the library, on Route 1, near SR 206. 530 – 745. Brown bag it from 530-6, followed by program and critique that ends at 745PM. This meeting is for professional writers who are published or nearing publication in their genre. For more information, contact beth@mansbridge.net.

PALM COAST FWA GROUP

Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Palm Coast activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapalmcoast.wordpress.com.

PONTE VEDRA FWA GROUP

Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Ponte Vedra activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapontevedra.blogspot.com

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION

This is the best money you’ll ever invest in your writing quality, knowledge, and career. To join up or renew, visit www.Floridawriters.net

SISTERS IN CRIME – Jacksonville

Mystery/crime writing group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the Southside Branch Jacksonville library. Writers and readers welcome. www.Floridasistersincrime.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITERS OF JACKSONVILLE –
SCBWI

Meets third
Saturday each month. Janet Walter jgwalter@comcast.net

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano

www.nlquatrano.com

Florida Writers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Program for Current Month: “PACING: Why you need it, how do you do it?” – Maggie Toussaint
• Program for Next Month: “Creating Your Author Presence” – Carol O’Dell
• Critique Group Information: Monthly, 1st Saturday, Main Library
Looking for a new Critique Group Leader
• Of Interest for Writers: Conference and Contest Information
• Local FWA Member News
• Area Writing Groups Directory

JULY 16, 2011

Maggie Toussaint

Maggie Toussaint
Award-winning author

PACING -

Are you antsy driving behind someone who is going slower than the speed limit? What about when everyone on the road is going too fast? In both situations discomfort occurs because of your expectation of a certain speed or pace. Readers feel the same disconnect if the pacing is off in your book. As tension and emotions build, pacing must change. Award winning author Maggie Toussaint will answer these questions: what is pacing? Why do you need it? How do you do it?

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

AUGUST 20, 2011

Carol O’Dell, author of MOTHERING MOTHER – “Creating Your Author Presence” will encompass electronic and other applications.

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills.

•  The ACC-FWA Critique Group is currently not meeting and although the meeting room is reserved for the first Saturday of every month, there is no group leader at this time. Feel free to meet and critique informally, or someone step up and take over the meeting! Let me know what you all decide!
• Several of our members are children’s authors. Tired of the lack of resources for their genre in the St. Augustine area, they have formed their own critique group that meets twice a month.
• FWA membership provides the FWA NETWORK and the opportunity to form and participate in on-line and local critique groups. Visit www.floridawriters.net for more information. Membership is required.
•  If you are interested in some guidelines for powerful, professional, and compassionate critique meetings, let me know. I have several from very reputable sources that I can send to you. NQ

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

LET YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT SOAR – AUG 5 – 7, 2011
University of North Florida campus – Jacksonville, FL.
Attend all or part of the conference – programs designed to move writers to the next level in their work and their career. REGISTER TODAY! For all the details, visit http://www.unfwritersconference.com

FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL WRITER’S CONFERENCE
Friday, September 23, 2011 from 9am to 4pm. Fee includes morning coffee, workshops, and luncheon. Authors will sell and sign books at 4pm. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Friends of the Library organizations in St. Johns County. Registrations before July 31 are $50! Sign up now for the best value. At the door, if there are any spaces (sold out last year) the fee is $90.00. For more information including all the speakers and programs, visit http://www.fhbookfest.com.

FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE – OCT. 21 – 23, 2011
Lake Mary, Florida. This is the 10th annual conference, so this year there are special celebrations planned! This conference features outstanding workshops and speakers, great food, super soirees for networking and meeting editors and agents, as well as opportunities to pitch your work to those editors and agents. This conference is a great value if you’re serious about your writing. FWA membership is required. For more information, visit www.floridawriters.net.

ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS – FWA MEMBERS ONLY – visit http://www.floridawriters.net and click on the CONTEST tab for registration form and all the submission guidelines.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit http://floridareview.cah.ucf.edu

MEMBER NEWS
If you have member news to share with the group, please send it to me via email by the 1st of the month: nquatrano@yahoo.com. Put FWA MEMBER NEWS in the subject line, please. Thank you. NQ

We have several authors in our group who will be featured authors on September 24, 2011, during the Saturday Author Event at the Florida Heritage Book Festival. Among them is MJ Hayes, author of the Emma Book Series. The Rogues Gallery Writers will also man a table and offer a charity raffle basket – The Rogues as solo writers are Mike King, Jeff Swesky, Rebekah Hunter, Bridget Callahan and Nancy Quatrano.

Rita Malie, author of GOODBYE AMERICA  had a beautiful, multi-page (one of those was the front page of the Sunday edition) article in the St. Augustine Record on 7/3/11. Also, Rita is getting ready to leave for Slovenia next week to promote the book in the native land of her grandparents. Many festivities have been planned for her visit and we hope to hear all when she returns! Bravo, Rita!

Marie Vernon’s latest novel, GRACELAND EXPRESS  is being released next week. YOU are warmly invited to attend her launch party at the Kingfish Grill from 5pm – 7pm on Saturday, July 16 for books, food and drinks. YOU MUST RSVP no later than July 8th to hrfeist@comcast.net or call 904-461-0614.

WRITING GROUPS
PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Meet the first Thursday of every month in the meeting room at the South Branch of the library, on Route 1, near SR 206. 530 – 745. Brown bag it from 530-6, followed by program and critique that ends at 745PM. This meeting is for professional writers who are published or nearing publication in their genre. For more information, contact beth@mansbridge.net.

PALM COAST FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Palm Coast activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapalmcoast.wordpress.com.

PONTE VEDRA FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Ponte Vedra activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapontevedra.blogspot.com

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION
This is the best money you’ll ever invest in your writing quality, knowledge, and career. To join up or renew, visit www.Floridawriters.net

SISTERS IN CRIME – Jacksonville
Mystery/crime writing group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the Southside Branch Jacksonville library. Writers and readers welcome. www.Floridasistersincrime.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITERS OF JACKSONVILLE – SCBWI
Meets third Saturday each month. Janet Walter jgwalter@comcast.net

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com

Florida Writers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Program for Current Month: “Fearless Interviews from Both Sides of the Microphone” – Leslie Halpern
• Program for Next Month: “Pacing” – Maggie Toussaint
• Critique Group Information: Monthly, 1st Saturday, Main Library
Pat Gaydos-Grillo at adobexpert@gaydos.com
• Of Interest for Writers: Conference and Contest Information
• Local FWA Member News
• Area Writing Groups Directory

JUNE 18, 2011

Leslie Halpern
Entertainment journalist and author

FEARLESS INTERVIEWS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE MICROPHONE

Leslie, author of several non-fiction books, including the most recently released, Passionate about their Work: 151 Celebrities, Artists, and Experts on Creativity (BearMedia, 2010) will discuss how authors can overcome their fear of interviewing important people, and their own fear of being interviewed by TV hosts, radio disc jockeys, and print journalists.

Visit with Leslie at my Faith, Hope and Grace blog this Wednesday! We got to chat about why interview techniques are important to all writers! Hope you’ll drop by.

Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

JULY 16, 2011

Maggie Toussaint
Award-winning author

PACING -

Are you antsy driving behind someone who is going slower than the speed limit? What about when everyone on the road is going too fast? In both situations discomfort occurs because of your expectation of a certain speed or pace. Readers feel the same disconnect if the pacing is off in your book. As tension and emotions build, pacing must change. Award winning author Maggie Toussaint will answer these questions: what is pacing? Why do you need it? How do you do it?

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. Please feel free to network with other authors before or after the meeting and set up critique meetings that will strengthen your work! The ACC-FWA Critique Group is currently not meeting – will give you more information when I have it. NQ

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

LET YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT SOAR – AUG 5 – 7, 2011
University of North Florida campus – Jacksonville, FL.
Attend all or part of the conference – programs designed to move writers to the next level in their work and their career. REGISTER TODAY! For all the details, visit www.unfwritersconference.com.

FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL WRITER’S WORKSHOP DAY
Friday, September 23, 2011 from 9am to 4pm. Fee includes morning coffee, workshops and luncheon. Authors will sell and sign books at 4pm. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Friends of the Library organizations in St. Johns County. Registrations before July 31 are $50! Sign up now for the best value. At the door, if there are any spaces (sold out last year) the fee is $90.00. For more information including all the speakers and programs, visit www.fhbf.com.

FLORIDA WRITERS CONFERENCE – OCT. 21 – 23, 2011
Lake Mary, Florida. This is the 10th annual conference, so this year there are special celebrations planned! This conference features outstanding workshops and speakers, great food, super soirees for networking and meeting editors and agents, as well as opportunities to pitch your work to those editors and agents. This conference is a great value if you’re serious about your writing. FWA membership is required. For more information, visit www.floridawriters.net.

ROYAL PALM LITERARY AWARDS – FWA MEMBERS ONLY – visit www.floridawriters.net and click on the CONTEST tab for registration form and all the submission guidelines.

THE FLORIDA REVIEW – DEADLINE MARCH 17, 2012. Sponsored by the Florida Review, Department of English/UCF. Fiction, essay and poetry invited. $1000 award and publication are possible. Can’t win it if you aren’t in it! Visit www.floridareview.cah.ucf.edu.
MEMBER NEWS
If you have member news to share with the group, please send it to me via email by the 1st of the month. Put FWA MEMBER NEWS in the subject line, please. Thank you. NQ

•  We have several authors in our group who will be featured authors on September 24, 2011, during the Saturday Author Event at the Florida Heritage Book Festival. Among them is MJ Hayes, author of the Emma Book Series.
•  Speaker and author Elizabeth Sinclair’s latest novel, Hawk’s Mountain, published by Belle Bridge Books, has just been purchased for large print rights, by Thorndike. Her UK rights have also just been sold, so UK readers can enjoy this charming West Virginia series as well.
•  Kathy Bain, FWA member, Royal Palm Literary Award winning-author, and President of the Florida Sisters in Crime (Jacksonville) group announced yesterday that she has sold her award-winning manuscript to White Rose Publishing, a Christian book publisher. The news was so new, she didn’t have a release date yet.
•  Jeff Swesky, co-author of the Royal Palm Literary Award-winning “Flight from Fear” has just announced that they have gone into a second printing of the powerful memoir. A California agent has signed Jeff and the Rabbi with the intention of selling the story for a screenplay.

 WRITING GROUPS

PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Meet the first Thursday of every month in the meeting room at the South Branch of the library, on Route 1, near SR 206. 530 – 745. Brown bag it from 530-6, followed by program and critique that ends at 745PM. This meeting is for professional writers who are published or nearing publication in their genre. For more information, contact beth@mansbridge.net.

PALM COAST FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Palm Coast activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapalmcoast.wordpress.com.

PONTE VEDRA FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Ponte Vedra activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapontevedra.blogspot.com

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION
This is the best money you’ll ever invest in your writing quality, knowledge, and career. To join up or renew, visit http://www/floridawriters.net

SISTERS IN CRIME – Jacksonville
Mystery/crime writing group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the Southside Branch Jacksonville library. Writers and readers welcome. www.Floridasistersincrime.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITERS OF JACKSONVILLE – SCBWI
Meets third Saturday each month. Janet Walter jgwalter@comcast.net

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com

http://nquatrano.wordpress.com

Florida Writers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Program for Current Month: “Voice, POV, and Style” – John Boles
• Program for Next Month: “Fearless Interviews from Both Sides of the Microphone” – Leslie Halpern
• Critique Group Meeting: Monthly, 1st Saturday, Main Library, St. Augustine, FL.

Contact   Pat Gaydos-Grillo at adobexpert@gaydos.com

• Of Interest for Writers: St. Augustine to Orlando
• Calling our authors – Ancient City Book Fair – July 16
• Local FWA Member News
• Area Writing Groups Directory

ALL MEETINGS HELD AT THE MAIN LIBRARY, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. ADDRESS IS 1960 N. PONCE de LEON BLVD., St. Augustine, FL

  MAY 21, 2011

John Boles

Writer, producer, actor

VOICE, POINT OF VIEW AND STYLE

Award-winning writer, producer, director, editor, and actor John Boles says that writers often give too little thought to the voice, point of view, and style in their work. The result is often poor prose and unhappy readers. John will cover various options writers have when choosing point of view and voice as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. John’s 25 years of entertainment industry experience include more than 2,000 commercials, winning an EMMY, two Gold medallion Awards, and seven ADDY awards. He’s worked with Columbia Pictures, Spelling/Goldberg, ABC, and NBC.  

JUNE 18, 2011

Leslie C. Halpern, entertainment journalist and author of three non-fiction books, will discuss “Fearless Interviews from Both Sides of the Microphone,” an anecdotal presentation about overcoming the fear of interviewing important people – and coping with the fear of being interviewed by television hosts, radio personalities and print  journalists. Her third non-fiction work, Passionate about their Work: 151 Celebrities, Artists, and Experts on Creativity.

CRITIQUE GROUPS

Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. If you are interested in our online Yahoo critique group and/or face-to-face critique meetings, please contact Pat Gaydos-Grillo at adobexpert@gaydos.com. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month in the small conference room at the main library.

OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS

ORLANDO AREA WRITING EVENTS – FEB through MAY

• SPRING WRITERS’ CONFERENCE – May 11-14, 2011 Rosemary Beach, Florida

Four days of writing exercises, craft classes, and  evening  reading receptions. For conference details, visit http://conferenceforwriters.comor contact Malayne DeMars, at malayne.demars@gmail.com.

• Oasis 24 – Sheraton Downtown Orlando. May 27 – 29, 2011. Sci-fi convention, featured guest David Drake. www.oasfis.org/oasis/
•  FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL - WRITER’S CONFERENCE
• September 23, 2011   9:00 A.M. – 4:00 pm P.M.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JULY 31, 2011

  For your reservation, visit www.fhbookfestival.com

This third annual FHBF Writers Conference will be another full day of dynamic workshops and luncheon speakers , followed by our speaker-author book sale. Workshops include topics that include, Know your Author Rights, a birdseye view of contracts, plagiarism, copyright issues and book piracy; Historical Figures and creating great characters from historical icons; and Tools of the Detective where private investigator  will discuss how technology affects the private eye. For all the workshops and speaker information, visit www.fhbookfest.com and click on Writers Conference. Get registered early – this conference sold out last year!!!

MEMBER NEWS

STILL HAVE 5 AUTHOR CHAIRS – DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR BOOKS????

On July 16, 2011 from 1230 to 3, we will be hosting our first Ancient City Chapter Book Signing Extravaganza. This event will include finger food between meeting time and start of the event while we set up tables for the book signings. I have 20 slots open and 15 authors committed to signing and selling their books. We’ll also be offering a free chance to win a Sony e-Reader to anyone who buys books at the fair, so spread the word! Look for publicity starting in May.

If you are interested in being a signing author with us that day, please contact me at nancy@nlquatrano.com. Will also need volunteers to help set up, clean up, assist with sales and raffles. Email me for more information.

WRITING GROUPS

PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Meet the first Thursday of every month in the meeting room at the South Branch of the library, on Route 1, near SR 206. 530 – 745. Brown bag it from 530-6, followed by program and critique that ends at 745PM. This meeting is for professional writers who are published or nearing publication in their genre. For more information, contact beth@mansbridge.net.

PALM COAST FWA GROUP

Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Palm Coast activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapalmcoast.wordpress.com.

PONTE VEDRA FWA GROUP

Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Ponte Vedra activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapontevedra.blogspot.com

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION

This is the best money you’ll ever invest in your writing quality, knowledge, and career. To join up or renew, visit www.Floridawriters.net

SISTERS IN CRIME – Jacksonville

Mystery/crime writing group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the Southside Branch Jacksonville library. Writers and readers welcome. www.Floridasistersincrime.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITERS OF JACKSONVILLE – SCBWI

Meets third Saturday each month. Janet Walter jgwalter@comcast.net

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano

www.nlquatrano.com

Florida Writers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Program for Current Month: “Revision Process” – Vic DiGenti
• Program for Next Month: “How-To’s of a Publishing Project” – Jim Kern
• Critique Group Information: Monthly, 1st Saturday, Main Library
Pat Gaydos-Grillo at adobexpert@gaydos.com
• Of Interest for Writers: St. Augustine to Orlando
• Local FWA Member News
• Area Writing Groups Directory
MARCH 19, 2011

Vic DiGenti
Adventure and Mystery Writer

BATTLE PLANS for ATTACKING the REVISION PROCESS

Award-winning author and FWA Regional Director, Vic DiGenti, introduces strategies and tactics for attacking the revision process to help both the new and veteran writer revise with confidence. Then you’ll have the opportunity to put your battle plan into action!
Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

APRIL 16, 2011

Jim Kern
Author and Photographer

THE HOW-TO’s INVOLVED IN A PUBLISHING PROJECT

For everyone who has ever wanted to know how to put a book together, Jim will take us step by step and show us how he successfully published “The Wildlife Art & Adventures of Jim Kern.” Laura Jaffe, a representative of Jim’s printer, InterPress, will be at the meeting to answer questions as well. Visit Jim and his works at www.jimkern.us.com.
Book sale and signing to benefit the Friends of the Library will follow this program.

CRITIQUE GROUPS
Critique is one of the most powerful ways to improve your writing and editing skills. If you are interested in our online Yahoo critique group and/or face-to-face critique meetings, please contact Pat Gaydos-Grillo at adobexpert@gaydos.com. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month in the small conference room at the main library.
OF INTEREST FOR WRITERS
MARCH 5, 2011
New York Times Best Selling Author –

STEVE BERRY EVENT – funds will benefit the Florida Heritage Book Festival. One-day intensive workshop. Door admission, if available, is $110.00. To register for this terrific event, visit www.FHBookfest.com.

FESTIVAL OF MUSES
to celebrate Women’s History Month at the Limelight Theatre
11 Old Mission Ave.
St. Augustine, FL. 32086
Four Sundays in March
All events are free and open to the public

March 6 – 1-2 PM – Opening Reception for Art Show
Much Ado About Women – Portraits in Diversity
March 13 – 4-6 PM – Tale Tellers of St Augustine, Cyprian Song in Signs Ensemble
ROWITA Awards to – Betty Fell and Dr. Mildred (Mili) Koger
March 20 – 4-6 PM – SeaQuills Writing Group, North Florida Women’s Chorale
ROWITA Awards to – JoAnne Engelbert and Jean Troemel
March 27 – 4-6 PM – Jane’s Stories Press Foundation, St. Johns County Dancin’ Oldies, Oasis Dance Group
ROWITA Awards to – Georgie Altenbach and Sally Walton

Refreshments will be served
A silent auction will be held each Sunday with proceeds going to the Jr. ROWITA Fellowship fund

ORLANDO AREA WRITING EVENTS – FEB through MAY
• MegaCon – March 25-27, 2011. Star-studded lineup includes Stan Lee,William Shatner, and Denny Crane.  Convention Center, Orlando. www.megaconvention.com
• UCF Book Festival – UCF Arena, Orlando. April 16, 2011 830-4PM. 50 authors of all genres, all events free. http://education.ucf.edu/bookfest/authors.cfm.
• Oasis 24 – Sheraton Downtown Orlando. Sci-fi convention, featured guest David Drake. www.oasfis.org/oasis.

MEMBER NEWS
Author and speaker Rita Malie speaks about SUPREME SACRIFICE, her new book. The book trailer is now available. You should not miss this! Supreme Sacrifice.

Author Tim Robinson is going to be a guest author at the MEGACON at the Orlando Convention Center March 25-27! Support Tim and meet William Shatner, Stan Lee, and many other stars!! For more information, visit www.megaconvention.com. For information regarding Tim’s books, visit www.tsrbook.com.

Author and speaker N. L. Quatrano was interviewed on 2/16/11 by Judyth Piazza of “The American Perspective,” an international Internet radio program(www.sop.org.) To hear the program visit Judyth Piazza interviews author/speaker Nancy Quatrano.

WRITING GROUPS
PROFESSIONAL WRITERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Meet the first Thursday of every month in the meeting room at the South Branch of the library, on Route 1, near SR 206. 530 – 745. Brown bag it from 530-6, followed by program and critique that ends at 745PM. This meeting is for professional writers who are published or nearing publication in their genre. For more information, contact beth@mansbridge.net.

PALM COAST FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Palm Coast activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapalmcoast.wordpress.com.

PONTE VEDRA FWA GROUP
Speakers and critique groups are part of the monthly agenda. To stay on top of the Ponte Vedra activities and schedule, visit their blog at fwapontevedra.blogspot.com

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION
This is the best money you’ll ever invest in your writing quality, knowledge, and career. To join up or renew, visit www.Floridawriters.net.

SISTERS IN CRIME – Jacksonville
Mystery/crime writing group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the Southside Branch Jacksonville library. Writers and readers welcome. www.Floridasistersincrime.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITERS OF JACKSONVILLE – SCBWI
Meets third Saturday each month. Janet Walter jgwalter@comcast.net

Remember – a writer, writes!

Nancy Quatrano
www.nlquatrano.com