The Society of Southwestern Authors- April 21, 2013 Forum Host Donna Young EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

a presentation by Donna Young at The Society of Southwestern Authors’ April 21, 2013 Writer’s Forum

Everyone these days is talking about Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In, but do you feel like you have no idea what they’re talking about?  Or do you have a Facebook page, and wish you could use it to build your readership?  Donna Young will discuss everything from the pros and cons of each social media outlet, to how to make it all work for you.  She will cover how to set up Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter pages and how to upload photos, links, and videos.  How to set up privacy options, settings, business pages, tips for getting your page noticed and building your platform will also be covered.  In addition, Donna will demonstrate how to access both of SSA’s pages, and how to utilize them for your benefit.

Donna is a Social Media addict.  She is the administrator for three pages on Facebook: the Society of Southwestern Authors page, the Wrangling with Writing page, and the 2012 Wrangling With Writing Conferences, and also taught a workshop at the 2010 WWW Conference on Social Media.  She is the author to books, DEFINING GOAN IDENTITY (May 2009) and MIRROR TO GOA (January 2010)  She also has published an article titled “Author Speak: A Sting of Peppercorns,” in the NAVHIND TIMES, in Goa, India. (Oct. 14, 2012)

Forums are now at the Tucson City Center Innsuites Resort  (Granda & Saint Mary’s Tucson, Arizona) 11:00 am-2 pm, every third Sunday

Please R.S.V.P by WEDNESDAY before the Forum

546-9382 or ssabrunches@gmail.com

$25 w/registration- $30 at the door – includes lunch & speaker

(No Credit Cards)

Taken from The Write Word, the newsletter of The Society of Southwestern Authors  Vol. 42.  No. 2  April/May 2012

The Society of Southwestern Authors- Hosts Author Betty Webb at March 17, 2013 Forum FIRST DRAFTS ARE SUPPOSED TO STINK

FIRST DRAFTS ARE SUPPOSED TO STINK

A Presentation by Author Betty Webb at The Society of Southwestern Authors’s March 17, 2013 Writer’s Forum

Shocking though it may sound, writing a terrible first chapter and a terrible first draft of a book is one of the smartest things an author can do.  Why?  Because writing slop the first time around means you’re writing from the heart, not your head … and it’s heart that will keep you going.  The author of 10 published books in 10 years, Betty Webb takes us through her writing process and explains why it works.

Betty Webb is the author of the nationally best-selling, Lena Jones mystery series (DESERT WIVES, DESERT NOIR, DESERT WIND, etc.).  Before beginning to write full time, Betty worked as a journalist, interviewing everyone from U.S. presidents, astronauts who walked on the moon, Nobel Prize-winners, and polygamy runaways.  She has taught creative writing classes and workshops at Arizona State University and Phoenix College, and has been a nationally-syndicated literary critic for more than 20 years.  Betty is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters of crime.

Forums are now at the Tucson City Center Innsuites Resort.  (Granada & Saint Mary’s Tucson, Arizona)  11 am-2 pm, every third Sunday

Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday before the Forum

546-9382 of ssabrunches@gmail.com

$25 with registration  $30 at the door … includes lunch and speaker

No Credit Cards

Taken from The Write Word, the newsletter of The Society of Southwestern Authors  Vol. 42.  No. 1.  February/March 2013

The Society of Southwestern Authors- January 20, 2013 Forum Alexis Powers MAKE YOUR WRITING DREAMS COME TRUE

MAKE YOUR WRITING DREAMS COME TRUE   Alexis Powers January 20, 2013 Forum

Novelist/columnist and SSA member Alexis Powers will address the January 20 meeting in Tucson on the topic of how writers can publish and promote their books.

Her presentation begins with her adventure in self-publishing that happened over twenty years ago  when self-publishing was not an everyday occurrence.  After receiving rejection after rejection from agents and publishers for her first mystery novel, KISS MY TATTO, Alexis got depressed.  Then she got angry.  When a colleague at her law firm offered to publish the book by Xeroxing it, Alexis went for it.

Her escapades in writing have taken her many places she never dreamed of going, one of them a writers’ conference at Asilomar.  While promoting, KISS MY TATTOO, Alexis wrote the second novel in the Leah Gordon series, KISS DADDY GOODBYE.  Although working full time at a law firm, she was relentless in selling her first novel and learned how to promote herself.  Newspaper coverage gave her an edge and she was asked to be the main speaker at a Writer’s Conference.  That led to other speaking engagements.

In addition to two mystery series, Alexis published a non-fiction book entitled PATHS TO FREEDOM, wrote a children’s book, MADI’S DOLLHOUSE, and recently published her memoir, DON’T DIE BEFORE PARIS.

Besides being a prolific author, Alexis writes a weekly column for the ARIZONA DAILY STAR.  For more than a year she has been conducting a Writers’ Workshop at the Oro Valley Library every other Wednesday.  Alexis has helped many authors accomplish their dream of getting published.

This  author’s talk promises to be lively, and filled with amusing anecdotes.  She will be prepared to answer any questions you have regarding writing, publishing and promotion of your product.

You can see a list of her books on her website.  www.alexispowers.net.

Forums are now at the Tucson City Center Innsuites Resort (Granada & Saint Mary’s Tucson) 11 am-2 pm, every third Sunday.

Please R.S.V.P by WEDNESDAY before the Forum

520-546-9382 or ssabrunches@gmail.com

$25 w/registration- $30 at the door- includes lunch & speaker

(NO CREDIT CARDS please)

Taken from THE WRITE WORD, the newsletter of The Society of Southwestern Authors  Vol. 41.  No. 6.  December 2012- January 2013

 

The Society of Southwestern Authors- Wrangling With Writing THE NEW CENTURY IN WRITING AND PUBLISHING Writers’ Conference Oct 12-14, 2012

Wrangling With Writing

THE NEW CENTURY OF WRITING AND PUBLISHING

Writers’ Conference

KEYNOTE SPEAKER- STEFAN KANFER

FEATURED SPEAKER- JA JANCE

Oct 12-14, 2012

DoubleTree Hotel

Tucson, Arizona

The Society of Southwestern Authors

http://www.ssa-az.org

THE CONFERENCE

THE NEW CENTURY IN WRITING AND PUBLISHING, October 12-14, 2012, is for all writers, from beginning to experienced. Guest professional writers, representing many genres, will host educational forums to lend their expertise and experiences in helping you become a published writer, or a more successful writer.

Also available are pitch sessions with agents, editors and publishers to provide you with one-on-one time with looking for the next great idea.

Register now! Conference is limited to 150 attendees!

COST & REGISTRATION

$215 (SSA member)
$245 (non-member)

Pitch Session Registration

$20 per session

Deadline for Registration: September 20, 2012

Registration after deadline will be subject to $20 penalty and is subject availability. 150 seats available

LOCATION

DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson- Reid Park
445 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711

Rooming Information
SSA Rate: $99 per night/ double occupancy + tax
Call: 520-881-4200 for reservations

Saturday Banquet Dinner Choice Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Flank Steak, or Vegetarian Strudel

WRITING COMPETITIONS

FIRST 100 WORDS Just like the hook line in a feature article needs to pull the reader into the story, so do the first 100 words of your novel. Put the words in the hook, cast us a page and reel us in!

BEST QUERY LETTER The title says it all. In one page, tell us about your project and why we should sink those valuable print dollars into your book. This can be a real project your working on, or something humorous- a letter you wish you could write to an agent/publisher. Include personal details on why you qualify to write this story, but remember, no name!

ARIZONA POEM Here is your chance to be a cowboy poet. Describe what you like most/least about living/visiting in Arizona, or whatever it is that makes your pen break out in stanzas of joy about our wonderful state!

ENTRY FEE AND FORM Entry fe is $12 per submission. You may submit an entry for each category. Go to http://www.ssa-az.org to down load entry form. Cash prizes of $25, $50 and $100 are awarded in each category.

THE BOOK ROOM

If you have a book to sell, bring it to the book room. There will be a dedicated area for creating our own little book store, library style! Some small tables will be available to use to sign your books. There will be a dedicated “book room” salesperson, so no need to bring your own box of change. The room will also be locked during lunch, dinner and overnight, so no need to haul you books from room to room and chance damaging them.

FRIDAY NIGHT PITCH CAMP

Been a while since you’ve pitched a book or idea to an editor? Then plan to attend a “Pitch Boot Camp” session! Time and location will be available at check in.

SUNDAY POETRY IMPROMPTU

If you’re a poet, feel free to hang out with SSA’s very own award-winning poet, Harvey Standbrough on Sunday afternoon in the hotel atrium. Informal and spontaneous!

THE SCHEDULE

Friday Night, October 12
5:30- 9:30 pm. Early Registration
Reception with refreshments and no-host bar. Mingle with conference attendees and faculty. Attend “Pitch Boot Camp.”

Saturday, October 13

7:30am – 8:55am Registration/Breakfast
A continental breakfast will be set up in the ballroom. If you require a more substantial breakfast, the hotel’s main dinning room opens at 6am.
7:00am-8:55 Book Room Open
9:00am-9:15am Welcome and Announcements
9:15am-10:30am Panel Discussion-Editors and Agents
10:30am-10:45 Bio Break
10:45am-Noon Breakout Sessions- See schedule in your registration packet or online
Noon- 2:00pm Lunch- Keynote Speaker- Stefan Kanfer
2:00pm-3:13 Breakout Sessions – See schedule in your registration packet or online
3:15pm- 3:30pm Bio Break
3:30pm- 4:45pm Breakout Sessions- See schedule in your registration packet or online
4:45- 6:00pm Book Room/ On Your Own
6:00pm-8:30pm Dinner – Contest Awards – Featured Speaker -JA Jance

Sunday, October 14

7:30am- 8:55am Breakfast/Book Room
9:00am- 10:30am Panel Discussion- Publishing Future
10:30am- 10:45 Bio Break
10:45am- Noon Breakout Sessions- See schedule in your registration packet or online

THE FACULTY

Steve Adelson- a former Military Logistic Management Specialist, he is now an author, lecturer, university instructor and researcher. His article appear in FINANCIAL HISTORY MAGAZINE, WRITER’S DIGEST, IRISH AMERICAN, BLUE MURDER MAGAZINE, TUCSON WEEKLY, MOUNTAIN VIEWS MAGAZINE, and THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR.

Dorothy Daniels Anderson- Author/storyteller, she specializes in telling tales about early Arizona. She is an Arizona Theater award nominated actress, and author of ARIZONA LEGENDS AND LORE: TALES OF SOUTHWESTERN PIONEERS. http://www.dorothyanderson.com

Sandi Ault- Author, Berkley Prime Crime’s WILD Mystery Series. Winner of a Mary Higgins Clark Award, the series has made nine regional best-sellers lists and received acclaim in reviews across the nation, including The New York Times. Sandi currently lives in Colorado with her husband, Tracy, a wolf Tiwa, and wildcat, Buckskin. http://www.sandiault.com

C. Michael Bennis studied at the Universitydad Complutnse in Madrid, and later graduated from the University of Colorado. He graduated from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He resides in Tucson where he has authored two published novels: SIGNS OF DESTINY and RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. http://www.cmichaelbennis.com

Hazel Dixon-Cooper has been a professional astrologer for more than twenty-five years and is the author of the internationally bestselling ROTTEN DAY astrology book series. She is research member of the American Federation of Astrologers and a member in good standing of the National Council of Geocosmic Research. http://www.hazeldixoncooper.com

Maxwell Alexander Drake is a dynamic and entertaining speaker always rated as one of the number one speakers of the events he attends. His GENESIS OF OBLIVION is an award-winning, six-novel series that has garnered the 2009 Moonbeam Young Adult Fantaasy Award Winner for Excellence in Literature and the Dragonroots Magazine Best New Fantasy Saga of 2009 Award Winner. http://www.maxwellalexanderdrake.com

Jan Holmes Frost is the author EIGHT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO WRITE A NOVEL, a compilation of materials she has taught at numerous workshops and conferences. She is the author of the award-nominated techno-thriller, WITHOUT SANCTIONS. Jan is partner and editor with Loose Leaves Publishing. http://www.janholmesfrost.com

Bonnie Hearn Hill IS the author of six international thrillers from MIRA Books, as well as four young adult novels, several ghostwritten books and four nonfiction titles. A writing instructor and mentor, she is the co-author of DIGITAL INK: WRITING KILLER FICTION IN THE E-BOOK AGE. http://www.bonniehhill.com

JA Jance is the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author and creator of the J.P Beaumont detective series, as well as highly popular Ali Reynolds and Joanna Brady series JUDGEMENT CALL, #14 in the Joanna Brady suspense series was released in July, 2012, the Ali Reynolds novel, LEFT FOR DEAD was released earlier this year. http://www.jajance.com

Stefan Kanfer is a contributing editor of CITY JOURNAL He writes extensively on a wide range of political, social, and cultural topics. He was installed as Literary Lion at the New York Public Library, has been a writer in residence at CUNY, a visiting professor at SUNY-Purchase and Wesleyan University. His TOUGH WITHOUT A GUN, examines the reasons why Humphrey Bogart has endured as an icon more than 50 years after his final film. http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/kanfer.htm

Arthur Kerns Arthur Kerns joined the FBI with a career in counterintelligence and counterterrorism. His lengthy assignments took him to over sixty-five countries. His award-winning short stories have been published in a number of anthologies. In addition to an espionage thriller set on the French Rivera, he has completed a mystery based on the unsolved 1929 murder of an FBI agent in Phoenix. http://www.arthurkerns.com

Kris Neri writes the Lefty Award-nominated Magical Mystery series, HIGH CRIMES ON THE MAGICAL PLANE and MAGICAL ALIENATION. She has published some sixty short stories, including two Derringer Award winners and two Pushcart Prize nominees. She is co-owner of The Well Red Coyote bookstore in Sedona, Arizona. http://www.krisneri.com

Chris O’Byrne is the founder of Red Willow Publishing. Born on a farm in Minnesota, Chris did a stint in the Air Force and then received a degree in chemical engineering. After a boring career in the paper industry, he got his teaching degree and helped start a charter school for the arts where he taught every science and math class. Eventually, entrepreneurship took hood and now Chris runs Red Willow Publishing a niche non-fiction publisher. He lives near Moscow, ID. http://www.redwillowpublishing.com

Christopher Allan Poe is an author and touring musician from Los Angeles, CA. He writes paranormal fiction, with an emphasis in themes that shed light on social problems for women and children. His award-winning novel, THE PORTAL, is now available on Black Opal Books. http://www.christopherallanpoe.com

Denis Roesle, originally from California, is a professional copywriter and graphic designer. She is the former owner of a marketing communications firm in Northern California. SECOND-CHANCE MOTHER is Denis’s first book. Her essays and short stories have earned awards in writing contests. http://www.secondchancemother.com

Jo Russell is a writer, columnist, and speaker. Her inspirational stories, devotionals, and humor have been in dozens of magazines including OPEN WINDOWS and ARIZONA HIGHWAYS. She is a contributing author in CHICKENSOUP FOR THE SOUL- SHAPING THE NEW YOU (December, 2010), and HEAVENLY HUMOR FOR THE DIETER’S SOUL (October, 2011.) ww.button-to-god.com

Harvey Stanbrough is a successful writer of fiction and nonfiction, a freelance editor and a writing instructor. He also offers his knowledge in formatting Word.docs to ready them for epublication, creates ebook covers and designs and hosts websites. Harvey’s works have been nominated for the Frankfurt Award, the PushcartPrizeandtheNationalBookAward. Finally, heregularlypoststohisblog,whichmostoftencontainswritinginstruction, always free. wtwsolutions.com

http://www.ssa-az.org

SSA Writer’s Conference
P.O. Box 30355
Tucson, Az 85751

The Society of Southwestern Authors- September 16, 2012 Forum Hosts Gayle Martin”s Presentation KEEPING THE READER HOOKED

The Society of Southwestern Authors- September 16, 2012 Forum Hosts Gayle Martin”s Presentation KEEPING THE READER HOOKED

Gayle Martin has been a storyteller since 2001, when she started doing living history presentations for the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe. Her experiences in working with children inspired her to write GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL: LUKE AND JENNY VISIT TOMBSTONE, in 2006, GUNFIGHT AT O.K. CORRAL was the first in her Luke and Jenny trilogy about two modern-day youngsters who travel back in time and experience the real history of the American West. Her children’s books have won awards and have been endorsed by Marshall Trimble, the official Arizona state historian.

In 2011 Gayle switched gears and began writing adult romance novels under the name Marina Martindale. Her purpose is not only to tell an entertaining story, but to also delve into human psychology and try to gain more of an understanding of why people make the choices in life that they make. Her latest novel, THE REUNION: A TALE OF LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION has had five-star reviews from readers on Amazon- it seems their only criticism are that they can’t put the book down, and the the story had to come to an end. Read more at LukeandJennyBooks.com.

On Sunday, September 16, 2012, Gayle will present “Storycrafting 101.” She will discuss how to create believable, three-dimensional characters and how to build and how to develop a plot line that will keep readers hooked.

You can check out Gayle’s books at marinamartindale.com and LukeandJennyBooks.com.

Again, our venue is at the InnSuites at 1-10 and St. Mary’s. Tucson, Arizona. We will start at 11 a.m. and it will be $25 with registration ($30 at the door). Call in your reservation to 520-546-9382 or e-mail ssabruches@gmail.com by Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Mabel Leo Author- Nine Published Books Now Available on Kindle

Mabel Leo Author- Nine Published Books Now Available on Kindle

Mabel Leo’s nine published books are no available on Kindle. She found the process easier than she expected, just time consuming. One great feature of Kindle is seeing a preview of the finished work before it’s actually published. And after it’s published, it’s still easy to make necessary changes. Now she’s ready to tackle doing the same for Barnes & Noble’s Nook. So don’t hesitate- this is a great way to let the world see your talent!

Taken from THE WRITE WORD, The newsletter of The Society of Southwestern Authors Vol. 41. No. 4. August/September 2012

The Society of Southwestern Authors- 40th Wrangling with Writing Conference & The New Century in Writing and Publishing Writing Contest

The Society of Southwestern Authors- The New Century in Writing and Publishing Writing Contest

40th Wrangling with Writing Conference October 12-14, 2012

Deadline September 15, 2012

Requirements at http://www.ssa-az.org

Categories/ $12 per Entry

Your Novel’s First 100 Words

Your Best Query Letter (1 page, max)

Poem Celebrating Arizona’s 100th Year of Statehood (40 lines. max)

Multiple entries may be submitted with one check, in one envelope. No membership dues, no conference fees or other fees are accepted with contest entries.

Contest Descriptions

FIRST 100 WORDS: Just like the hook line in a feature article needs to pull the reader into the story, so do the first 100 words of your novel. Put the words in the hook, cast us a page and reel us in!

BEST QUERY LETTER: The title says it all. In one page, tell us about your project and why we should sink those valuable print dollars into your book. This can be for a real project you’re working on, or something humorous — a letter you wish you could write to an agent/publisher. Include personal details on why you qualify to write this story, but remember, no name!

ARIZONA POEM: Here is your chance to be a cowboy poet. Describe what you like most/least about living/visiting in Az, or whatever it is that makes your pen break out in stanzas of joy about our wonderful state!

Winner will be notified prior to the conference that they are a “finalist” in the competition. You do not have to attend the conference to enter. You do not have to present to win. If you are a finalist, and are not attending the conference, you may attend the Saturday night banquet and awards presentation at a cost of $50, payable upon notification of finalist status.

PRIZES AWARDED IN EACH CATEGORY 1st Place- $100 * 2nd Place- $50 3rd Place- $25

FINALIST RIBBONS will be given out during conference registration with winners announced Saturday evening. All winning entries will be posted to the SSA web site after the conference. All entries should be original and unpublished.

For more information visit ssa-az.org or e-mail to info@ssa-az.org (put SSA Conference Contest in the subject line).