DFW Ready Writers

February 2012: The Secret Life of Pansters

2012-01-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

The Secret Life of Pantsers—Magic Tricks and Delightful Games

Presented by

Kathleen Baldwin

Pantser: (pant´zər) 1: she who writes by the seat of her pants

Why do you write the way you write? Are you a frustrated Pantser living in a Plotter’s world? What do your brainwaves have to do with it? Come explore how your creative mind operates. Plotters and Pantsers alike will benefit from Kathleen’s tricks, tools and delightful games that make a writer’s life easier.

Did you know Pantsers are hardwired differently than Plotters? Take the quiz and find out where you fall on the Pantser vs Plotter scale. Learn why you write the way you write and how to take advantage of your incredible creative brainwaves.

The writer’s mind is fabulously brilliant, but also temperamental. We’ll discuss ways to care for and protect your “muse” and never lose her again.

Good News: Pantsers, you really can have your cake and eat it too--you can excel at craft and yet still hold onto the wild adventure of natural spontaneous storytelling. Put the joy of storytelling to work for you. Set yourself free by using post-production analysis magic.

Kathleen will share several of her ultra-fab, super-secret, story analysis tools. Every writer needs to be familiar with Swain and Bickham’s scene and sequel story analysis. Kathleen simplifies it for you. Learn how Pantsers and Plotters use these analysis tools in extremely different ways to create rich satisfying stories.

Join DFW Ready Writers on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00am for lunch, fellowship and our pantsers workshop, at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant on Highway 121 in Colleyville. We are the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers and meet the second Saturday of each month. Visitors welcome! We look forward to seeing you there.

Kathleen Baldwin graduated with a BA in Art/Design, and a minor in psychology. She also accrued enough credits to have graduated in Secondary Education with teaching minors in History and English. This enabled her to work with emotionally disturbed teens using art therapy. Kat loved college and would still be there if it weren’t for the siren call of money. During her college years she participated in groundbreaking studies delving into how the brain functions during the creative process.

Kathleen lives in Texas with her heroic husband of thirty years and their four, mostly grown, children. She is the author of four Regency romantic comedies published by Kensington and is currently writing Young Adult Romance.

January 2012: Taking Settings to the Next Level

2012-01-04T11:27:00.000-06:00

What exactly is setting? Why do you need setting details in your novel? How much is too much? How much is too little? Who cares?

For the answers to these and other questions about setting, come to DFW Ready Writers on Saturday, January 14th, 11:00am as multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley leads this workshop on setting. Be prepared to participate in the presentation, because not only will you learn about setting, you’ll get the chance to practice what you learn. Bring paper and pen or your laptop, netbook, or tablet that is charged and ready to use. And don’t forget your creativity and imagination. We’ll all journey together across the plains of middle America.

Award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has more than 690,000 books in print. She is a member of AmericanChristian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s a member of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends.

Her 2010 release was Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, from Summerside Press which recently won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western literature. Lena is currently under two 3-book contracts with Charisma House/Realms. The first book released in October 2011. It’s Maggie’s Journey, book one of her McKenna’s Daughters series.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally.

Join DFW Ready Writers at 11:00am for lunch, fellowship and our synopsis workshop, at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant on Highway 121 in Colleyville. We are the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers and meet the second Saturday of each month. Visitors welcome!

January 2012: The “I hate to write a synopsis!” Workshop POSTPONED

2011-12-17T12:57:00.003-06:00

UPDATE: Sharon Mignerey will be joining us later in the year. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, join us on January 14th when Lena Nelson Dooley will speak to us on "Taking Settings to the Next Level." Details in a separate post.

Sure some people like to write a synopsis. For most writers, the task is about as appealing as jumping into a frozen lake during sub-zero weather...even though some people like that, too. On Saturday, January 14th, Sharon Mignerey will host this workshop and help participants identify the elements required to put together a solid synopsis. Workshop participants leave with a workbook that provides concrete reminders of the steps and the techniques. In addition to discussing different types of synopses and synopsis conventions, the workshop covers techniques to deconstruct your story so you can construct an effective, clear synopsis.

Sharon Mignerey confesses to being a dreamer who believes that dreams to do true ... when you’re willing to work toward their achievement. She knows because it took her 15 years to sell that first novel. Sharon’s books have won several awards including The Golden Heart, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Colorado Romance Writer’s Keeper Award. She’s a long-time member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, was named the 1999 RMFW Writer of the Year, and was honored with the Jasmine Award in 1996. In addition to writing, Sharon is a frequent speaker at local and national writers conferences, which she says is a way of passing along the gift her mentors gave her. The topics of her workshops range from those centered on craft to the motivational. When she’s not writing, you can find her happily involved with her critique group of ten years or puttering around her garden.

December 2011: Our Christmas Celebration

2011-11-22T16:13:00.000-06:00

Join DFW Ready Writers as we enjoy fun and fellowship in the spirit of the season. Our current chaplain, Margo Carmichael will present a devotional, and our vice-president, Barbara Harrison (who writes as Leann Harris) will use sign language to interpret a Christmas song.

Then our annual gift exchange is back! Bring a gift valued between $10 and $20 and join in the fun and games of gift giving, the DFW Ready Writers way!

If you haven't visited DFW Ready Writers before, this meeting is a great time to come and meet fellow Christian writers in a easy and relaxed way. The celebration and lunch begins at 11:00am at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant off Hwy. 121 in Colleyville. Please join us!

November 2011 Speaker: Police Officer Doris Whitworth

2011-10-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

What's it like to be the modern policewoman? How has it changed over the last few years? Join us as Doris Whitworth tells us about her experiences in law enforcement.

Doris Whitworth has been working full-time in law enforcement since 1992. Doris joined the Allen Police Department in 2000. During this time, she has worked as a Patrol officer, in the Criminal Investigations Division, as a Juvenile Investigator, School Resource Office and Police Instructor.

DFW Ready Writers is the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. We meet the second Saturday of every month at 11:00am at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville. Please join us!

For more information about American Christian Fiction Writers, please go to www.acfw.com.

Interested in Writing Christian Fiction?

2011-10-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

We are DFW Ready Writers, the local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. If you're interested in learning the craft of writing, or learning more about Christian Fiction, then join us Saturday, November 12 at 11:00am.

We have speakers and workshops devoted to Christian Fiction writing, plus amazing fellowship with other writers all working towards the goal of creating the book God wants us to write.

We meet the second Saturday of every month of La Hacienda Ranch restaurant in Colleyville. (see information in right sidebar).

For information about American Christian Fiction Writers, please visit our website at www.acfw.com.

See you at a meeting soon!

October 2011 Speaker: Leanna Ellis

2011-09-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

Get Your Manuscript Ready for Its Big Audition

Like auditioning for a musical, your manuscript has a short amount of time to make a big impression on the director, er…editor. You want that impression to be the best it can be. Leanna Ellis will share her secrets to polishing that manuscript and editing it for the big audition of submission.

Winner of the National Readers Choice Award, Leanna Ellis writes women’s fiction. After nineteen books published, Ellis is known for her quirky characters and wacky plots. But don’t let the quirkiness fool you as Ellis probes deep in the heart and plucks at the heartstrings. She lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband and children and an assortment of dogs and cat.

Join us Saturday, October 8 at 11:00am. See you there!

September 2011 Speaker: Marika Flatt

2011-08-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

Publicity, Promotion and Panache: Understanding and Implementing Media Relations

Do you have a book that needs media attention? Can you see your story on the morning shows? If so, this workshop is for you. Learn from a seasoned literary PR pro how to position your story, how to contact the media and get the most bang for your buck with each and every media placement. You will receive hands-on advice.

Award-winning book publicist Marika Flatt is the owner of PR by the Book and has worked with hundreds of national and regional media contacts on dozens of publicity campaigns since 1997. Flatt is a regular speaker at conferences around the country on topics related to publicity and promotion. See www.prbythebook.com for more details.

Marika launched PR by the Book, LLC in 2002, combining her love of the media and public relations. After garnering experience as the host of two cable television shows (The Teen Report & The College Report) in San Antonio, reporting for her college newspaper, producing for her college TV station, and working with the NBC affiliate in Dallas, Marika spent seven years leading the publicists of an Austin-based book publicity firm. While there, she was the director of the publisher services division, handling the company’s key publicity campaigns and serving as the company’s spokesperson.

Marika was awarded a Gold Bulldog Award for a publicity campaign, which resulted in exposure in over 700 media outlets. Marika is also the recipient of an Austin Public Relations Society of America Outstanding Mentor Award, an Anne D. Robinson Creative Initiative Award, and is a three-time nominee for the “Profiles in Power” Award.

In 2003-2004, Marika served as the president of the Austin chapter of the Association for Women in Communications. In 2009, she served as the Advanced Publicity track leader for IBPA’s Publishing University. Marika is a regular speaker at conferences around the country, educating audiences on topics related to publicity and overall promotion tactics. A cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University, Marika is the proud parent of three kids (with husband, Doug, who is Managing Partner).

Join us Saturday, September 10 at 11am. We look forward to seeing you!

August 2011 Speaker: Lena Nelson Dooley

2011-07-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

You have a good story, but something's missing. How can you know what that something is?

Lena Nelson Dooley will be teaching a workshop on "The Magic of Layering" at the DFW Ready Writers meeting on Saturday, August 13. Learn how to add new depth and other essentials to your own story. Come prepared to do some writing.

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (http://www.acfw.com/) and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

Her latest release is Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, from Summerside Press which recently won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western literature. Lena is currently under two 3-book contracts with Charisma House/Realms.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally.

Lena has an active web presence on Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books. You can check out her books and find out more about her on her blog by clicking the tabs across the top.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

DFW Ready Writers meets the second Saturday of every month. Visitors welcome! We are a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit ACFW's website to learn more at www.acfw.com.

July 2011 Speaker: Linda Kozar

2011-06-16T10:11:00.000-05:00

Fifty Ways to Say Yellow
Writers tend to use the same old, same old words instead of finding more creative ways of describing worlds real or imagined. "Fifty Ways To Say Yellow" utilizes The Synonym Finder in a lesson and practical creative writing exercise designed to expand a writer's word universe. Join Linda Kozar as she leads us through Fifty Ways to Say Yellow and much more on Saturday, July 9th at 11:00am.

Linda Kozar is the co-author of Babes With A Beatitude—Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of Faith (Howard/Simon & Schuster) and author of Misfortune Cookies (2008), Just Desserts (2011) (Barbour Publishing). She received the ACFW Mentor of the Year Award in 2007, and four previous writing awards, is founder/president of Writers On The Storm, a local ACFW chapter. In 2003, she co-founded, co-directed and later served as Southwest Texas Director of Words For The Journey Christian Writers Guild. She and her husband Michael, married 22 years, have two lovely daughters, Katie and Lauren and a Rat Terrier princess named Patches.

DFW Ready Writers meets the second Saturday of every month. Visitors welcome! We are a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit ACFW's website to learn more at www.acfw.com.

June 2011 Speaker: Dr. Megan Maxwell

2011-05-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

Dr. Megan Maxwell just completed her first year of medical residency and has lived to tell about it. This twenty-seven year old intern (the age of most of the heroines in our WIPs) faces 30-hour calls every four days; 80+ hour work weeks, overworked attendings, know-it-all second years…all while navigating a new hospital system with every 4 week rotation change. She’s learned to deal with drug seekers, emergency room trauma, the critically ill, the terminally ill, and a whole lot of Code Blues and death.

Peek beneath the white coat on Saturday, June 11th, for an extensive look at the heart of today’s young doctors. Hear the stories of tragedy and triumph that always sparks our creativity.

Dr. Megan Maxwell is an anesthesiology resident at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Abilene Christian University in 2006. Dr. Maxwell finished medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and graduated with her medical doctorate in 2010.

DFW Ready Writers meets the second Saturday of every month. Come by for a visit! DFW Ready Writers is a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit ACFW's website to learn more at www.acfw.com.

May 2011 Speaker: Leann Harris

2011-04-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

The DFW Ready Writers holds their next meeting on Saturday, May 14th. Our speaker will be author Leann Harris (aka Barbara Harrison) who will discuss "Understanding Your Unique Method of Writing...and why your best friend thinks you're nuts."
Learn how to understand your writing style and make those workshops you go to (and don't always understand) work for you.

Barbara Harrison is the author of 13 published novels, with two more in the works. She is a founder of both DARA and Ready Writers writing groups. She is a teacher of the deaf, who taught math to high school deaf students and currently teaches writing at Collin College for their continuing education. An active gardener, master composter, she has a photo gallery of her flowers on her website, www.leannharris.com, and www.barbharrison.com.

DFW Ready Writers meets the second Saturday of every month. Please join us. DFW Ready Writers is a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit our website to learn more: www.acfw.com.

Upcoming speakers include:
ER Doctor - Dr. Megan Maxwell
Author/Speaker Linda Kozar - "50 Ways to Say Yellow"
Marika Flatt discusses "What a PR Person can do for a Writer"

April 2011 Speaker: Lila Guzman

2011-03-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the next DFW Ready Writers meeting on April 9th: Writing For Young Adults. Join Lila Guzman for a workshop that explores the Young Adult novel. Learn strategies for writing for this age group and breaking into a unique, red-hot market.

Lila Guzman writes for children and young adults from her home in Round Rock, Texas. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated with a Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Kentucky in 1980. Soon after, she joined the U.S. Navy where she met her husband of 28 years, and where she taught instructors to teach their native language to military personnel. Lila has received the National TCARA Book Award and the Arizona Authors Literary Award. Her YA series (Lorenzo’s Secret Mission, Lorenzo’s Revolutionary Quest, Lorenzo and the Turncoat, Lorenzo and the Pirate) focus on little-known stories from the American Revolution.

DFW Ready Writers meets the second Saturday of every month. Please join us. DFW Ready Writers is a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Visit our website to learn more: www.acfw.com.

Upcoming speakers include:
Private Investigator - Brandon Parker
ER Doctor - Dr. Megan Maxwell
Author/Speaker Linda Kozar - "50 Ways to Say Yellow"
Author Leann Harris - "Understanding Your Unique Way of Writing"
Marika Flatt discusses "What a PR Person can do for a Writer"

March 2011 Speaker: Michelle Stimpson

2011-02-18T15:32:00.000-06:00

Join us on March 12th for a two-hour unique and intriguing workshop given by Michelle Stimpson who will speak on writing characters of color (multi-cultural characters - staying true to characters without stereotyping), then will discuss developing sentence fluency and organization in your writing.

Bestselling author Michelle Stimpson has penned several works, including Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road, Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, The Good Stuff, Trouble In My Way, and her latest release, Last Temptation. She also publishes short stories through her educational publishing company. Michelle is a part-time language arts consultant and serves in the Creative Tyme Ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog. www.MichelleStimpson.com.

The DFW Ready Writers meet on the second Saturday of the month at 11am at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant at 5250 Hwy. 121 in Colleyville. This special 2-hour workshop is $15, plus the cost of lunch. Visitors welcome!

Upcoming speakers include:

Lila Guzman - Writing for Children and Young Adults

Private Investigator - Brandon Parker

Don't forget about "The Many Faces of Christian Literature" free book fair on February 26th at Rush Creek Church. Details listed on our blog post from February 7th.

We hope to see you On March 12th at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant.

2011-02-07T17:38:00.000-06:00

Rush Creek Christian Church presents:

The Many Faces of Christian Literature

a Christian Book Fair

Eighteen authors of Christian/Inspirational literature will gather to sign and sell copies of their works to the general public.

Our goal is to educate the community about what is available via Christian authors and publishers.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

WHEN: Saturday, February 26, 2011, 9:00am-1:00pm

WHERE: 2401 SW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX (76017)

Enjoy the free cookie buffet, hourly door prizes, and entertainment.

Participating authors include: Janet Lee Barton, Renae Brumbaugh, Terry Burns, Vannetta Chapman, Mary DeMuth, Lena Nelson Dooley, Anne Greene, Leann Harris, Dr. Eldon Irving, Arlene James, Ronie Kendig, Jackie King-Scott, Beth Shriver, Lois Snell, Lynette Sowell, Michelle Stimpson, Arquila Todd, Rev. Chris Wilson

Performers: Storyteller Annalon Gilbreah, Actress Lynne Gentry

Schedule of Events:

9am - Doors Open

9:30am - Storytelling with Annalon Gilbreath

10:30am- Dr. Eldon Irving speaks

11:30am-Actress Lynne Gentry performs

12:30pm - Storytelling with Annalon Gilbreath

1pm- Doors Close

For additional information, please contact RCCC at 817-465-5261.

February 2011 Speaker: Mike Farris with Farris Literary Agency

2011-01-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

Join us Saturday, February 12th, when Mike Farris of Farris Literary Agency will discuss legal issues for writers, that can range from copyright and defamation concerns to selling your book to Hollywood. He has also graciously agreed to look at member's one sheets as time permits.

Mike Farris is a literary agent with Farris Literary Agency and an entertainment attorney with the Dallas, Texas, law firm of Tipton Jones. As an agent, he has placed several award-winning novels for publication, including Balaam Gimble's Gumption by Mike Nichols, winner of the 2004 Texas Institute of Letters John Bloom Humor Award, and Dreams to Dust: A Tale of the Oklahoma Land Rush by Sheldon Russell, winner of the 2006 Langum Prize for Excellence in American Historical Fiction. Mike represents various university presses and has successfully placed subsidiary rights to their published books, including negotiating the sale of movie rights to producers and Hollywood studios. Most recently, he closed a three-book deal with Berkley Publishing for his client Sharon Pape's upcoming A Portrait of Crime mystery series and sold the rights for a potential television series to a major Hollywood studio. Mike is also a writer and award-winning screenwriter.

DFW Ready Writers meets:

Saturday, February 12th

11:00 am
La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant
5250 Hwy 121
Colleyville, TX
(See map in sidebar)

Visitors welcome!!

Upcoming Speakers include:

Michelle Stimpson - Writing characters of color

Lila Guzman - Writing for Children and Young Adults

Private Investigator - Brandon Parker

James S Rogers - January Speaker

2010-12-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

Do you need new ideas for a story?

Do you write suspense or crime novels?

Do you need infomation to make your other novels more interesting?

This meeting is for you.

Senior Forensic Investigator James Rogers has worked thousands of crime scenes ranging from simple vandalism to multiple homicides. He also teaches crime scene investigation techniques to his own and other law enforcement agencies. In his near quarter-century career he has observed much of the evil that man does.

As a follower of Christ and student of scripture he is: a Bible study teacher, prison ministry counselor, international mission team member, and phone/internet operator for NeedHim Ministries. In these he has seen the good that man—in Christ—can do.

Popular knowledge of C.S.I. and Christianity is wrought with inaccuracy. The combination of Crime Scene Investigator and Christian gives him a unique understanding of these indulgent errors.

He has a mission to expose the truth and set the record straight.

James’s non-fiction book, Blood and Light – Evidence of Truth:

• Reveals the truth of scripture found inside the crime scene
• Provides actual crime scene investigation training
• Investigates the greatest crime of all time and how it was solved

Saturday, January 8, 2011
11:00 am
La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant
5250 Hwy 121
Colleyville, TX
(See map in sidebar)

Visitors welcome!!

December, 2010, Ready Writers' Christmas Program and Party

2010-11-17T17:32:00.000-06:00

What a way to end the year and then usher in the new! Author, speaker, teacher, and Christian Advocate Gail McWilliams will be speaking on “Seeing Beyond” on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at DFW Ready Writers.

Have you been floundering with your writing? Are you unsure of your purpose or where you are heading with your talent? Gail will motivate you to “See Beyond” impossibilities and reach new summits.

You are invited to take part in “Seeing Beyond,” a challenge for most visual people. Many typically think they are limited or stuck. What if you began to see that you are positioned for greatness beyond anything you could imagine? Gail McWilliams will inspire you with her humor, experiences, motivation, and vision. She will help you “see beyond” impossibilities as you reach for new summits. She says, “When you choose to look past the horizon, the sky is the limit.”

Gail McWilliams has an instinctive ability to capture and lift the spirits of people, empowering them for a renewed reach toward dreams and purpose they once thought impossible. She has a vivacious personality, effervescent humor, and an uncanny capacity to deliver her life-message. No wonder Gail is met with such broad and energetic approval across the nation as she delivers penetrating inspiration, motivating audiences to ascend new summits.

Her love is people and her passion is leaders. Gail’s versatility generates invitations from a wide variety of organizations where she effectively customizes her life-message to benefit any audience, leaving them inspired and motivated. She couples courage with a joyful determination to seize every day for good and blaze a triumphant trail for others to follow. She has extensive experience in public speaking, television and radio, as a recording artist and life coach, and is a compelling author.

Her first book, Seeing Beyond: Choosing to Look Past the Horizon, with foreword by Zig Ziglar, is in its second printing. It captured the attention of people worldwide, leaving them wanting more. She responded with another book entitled Engaging the Heart: Understanding the Treasure Within. Both books are also published in Spanish. Gail is currently working on a new book.

Gail recently spoke at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is a recipient of the first Hope for Life Award given by The Justice Foundation. She appeared with the Governor of Texas twice last year and spoke throughout the nation of Spain this past spring.

Gail and Tony have been married for 32 years and she is the mother of five miracle children the doctors said she would never have. She gradually began to lose her eyesight with each baby. She states, “My eyesight is impaired but my vision is keen.”

Gail McWilliams resides in Dallas, Texas with her family.

Also in December, a break from the traditional party:

The December 11th, DFW Ready Writers will be a celebration Jesus Christ’s birth. Everyone, whether member or not, is invited to share the Christmas Party. This year, however, we will forego the usual exchange of presents to contribute toward one of our own. Please bring a gift card in any denomination from a major store. We'll commemorate the reason for the season with our writer friends and colleagues.

DFW Ready Writers Meetings for November & December, 2010

2010-10-12T20:15:00.000-05:00

Storyboarding

Have you ever had to leave your writing for a few days or even weeks? When you returned to your manuscript did you have a hard time getting back into the story?

Try storyboarding. It is a method of putting your story together in a visual way so that when you study the storyboard you are immediately drawn back into your book. The mood, the setting, even the characters come to life once again. A storyboard makes the writing flow easier, smoother, and gives you visuals of your characters, places, and things. With storyboarding, those sometimes illusive characters seem to jump off the board and right into the room with you, helping you write their story and keep you on track.

Janet will show you how she begins then adds to her storyboards. She’ll reveal little tricks of the trade and give you ideas for making one of your own at the DFW Ready Writers’ November 13 meeting. Join us while we learn a new technique when Janet Lee Barton presents: Storyboarding.

Born in Roswell, NM, JANET LEE BARTON has lived all over the southern U.S., but she and her husband now call Oklahoma home. Several years ago, they bought a house with a daughter and her husband. With two teenage granddaughters in the mix, life is quite an adventure! They laughingly call it their "Generational Living Experiment."

Janet loves being able to share her faith through her writing. Happily married to her very own hero, she is ever thankful that the Lord brought Dan into her life, and she wants to write stories that show that the love between a man and a woman is at its best when the relationship is built with God at the center. She's very happy that the kind of stories the Lord has called her to write can be read by and shared with women of all ages, from teenagers to grandmothers alike. You can find out more about Janet at: http://www.janetleebarton.com/ .

Coming Opportunity!

2010-10-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

Vice President Janice Olson has just set a date with speaker, writer, and literary agent Mike Farris of Farris and Farris Literary Agency in Dallas, and also an entertainment attorney with Tipton Jones. He will be speaking to our group in February 2011. Mike handles CBA and ABA clients, has had several clients’ books turn into movie contracts, and is very knowledgeable about the publishing and movie industry.

Mike has graciously offered to take a look at one sheets from of our members. If you are looking for an agent, or would like to have an agent look over your one sheet, over the next few months get busy and polish that baby of yours and bring a one sheet with you at the February meeting. If you are in doubt of what a one sheet should look like or say, many of our authors and writers would be willing to send you examples of what one should look like. But remember: a one sheet is just that—one sheet, and no more.

So please don’t abuse Mike’s kind nature by bringing multiple one sheets. Only one per person. He will not look at a manuscript, synopsis, or chapters. He will not discuss that gem of an idea you have running around in your head. Take advantage of this opportunity that is just around the corner.

If you have any questions about this, please email Janice@jkolson.com.

Brag Lines October 2010

2010-10-09T20:52:00.000-05:00

Did you know that our member Richard Pickett is a musician and songwriter as well as playwright and prose writer? He recently sent query letters "all over Texas" concerning his Christian opera and, so far, Wayland Baptist University and Abilene Christian University BOTH took it, and said they'd read it after Christmas, and consider premiering it next year.

His Christian songwriter-partner, Karen Kite of Abilene, met a successful Christian TV writer. The three are going to write a "children's Christian musical TV show" and pitch it to producers. Also, Karen signed a contract with an Oklahoma outfit who will book her to sing their Christian songs all over the country, and release them on a national CD. So things are lookin’ up for Richard. Hallelujah!

Lena Nelson Dooley signed a three-book contract with Strang, taped an interview with TheChristianAuthorsShow.com which aired October 11-12, was interviewed by Romantic Times at the ACFW Conference, and had a video interview at Conference with www.ChristianRetailing.com . She’s working hard on deadline right now.

Beth Shriver sold:
Reclaiming Tess—Release date June 2011 and
Love is a Rose—Release date December 2011
Check out the link below to watch Beth’s interview and make a comment:
http://www.thebalancingact.com/story/?id=2090

Leanna Ellis was a guest blogger this weekend, talking about how she wrote Facelift when the words wouldn't come right after her dad died. Stop by http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2010/10/when-words-wont-come.html , read it and leave a comment.

Fringe member Lisa Buffaloe is proud to announce Nadia's Hope placed runner-up in the women's fiction category of the Genesis contest. She’ll be the speaker at her church's women's retreat October 22-24th. The topic is "Living free".

Lynne Gentry's submission to B&H for an African series wasn't picked up, but maybe another publisher will recognize this gem.

Jane Thornton's latest article, “Alone at Midnight,” is available at
http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2010/10/14/alone-at-midnight/

There you are, folks! DFW Ready Writers are writing, selling, blogging, talking, and even singing!

October 9th: Voice with Michelle Stimpson

2010-09-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

Voice

Voice is what keeps readers coming back to your work page after page, story after story, book after book.  Though every work has its flaws at some level, voice forgives a multitude of sins and engages your reader from beginning to the end.  The beautiful thing about voice is that it's unique and natural – it’s YOU!

Let’s face it: next to a great idea, voice is what appeals most to editors and readers. Absent this essential human trait, a computer could have been programmed to spit out your novel. So how do you include your own voice without overwhelming the reader? And how can you bring “you” into a third-person narrative so that readers will fall in love with the way you tell a story? In this session, we’ll take a stab at those questions by analyzing bestselling authors’ works to discover their unique voices and practice techniques to kick up the voice in your own novels.

Bio:

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.  She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002.  She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults. 

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking.  Her works include Boaz Brown, Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), The Good Stuff, Trouble In My Way, and the upcoming release, Last Temptation.  She has written and published over 40 short stories through her educational publishing company at www.WeGottaRead.com. She also ministers to women through her blog.

Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband and their two teenage children. She is active in the Creative Tyme Ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Visit Michelle online at www.michellestimpson.com.

September 10, 2010, Speaker Pamela Ewen

2010-08-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

Pamela Binnings Ewen practiced law for twenty-five years and is a retired partner in the international law firm of BakerBotts, L.L.P. She is the author of The Moon in the Mango Tree, a 2009 Christy Award finalist. Her first book was the acclaimed non-fiction Faith On Trial endorsed by her law partner, former Secretary of State, James A. Baker III. In connection with Faith On Trial, Pamela is also featured along with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Stroble, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production. Secret of the Shroud will be released by B&H Publishing Group on September 1, 2010, and Dancing On Glass is set for release in 2011. Secret of the Shroud is the fast-paced, tense story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.

Pamela and her husband, Jimmy, live in Mandeville, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, across Lake Pontchartrain. She is on the board of directors of The Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans, The Faulkner Society, and co-founder of the Northshore Literary Society. In 2009 Ewen was honored as Literary Artist of the Year by the Cultural Arts Commission, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Join Pamela on http://www.pamelaewen.com/ for more information.

Following the meeting at La Hacienda Ranch, Pamela will have a book signing at Mardel's in Hurst.

Brag Lines for August, 2010

2010-08-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

The blog mistress apologizes that some of these are coming out a bit late. To compensate, this article is being mounted from a hotel room in Brazil. Y'all keep the credits coming.

Lisa Buffaloe will be the speaker at the ladies retreat for Summit Church, (Boise, Idaho) October 22-24, 2010.

The following is a clip of Beth Shriver’s interview on the Morning Show SFL: http://southflorida.sun-sentinel.com/videobeta/e5552e7f-7371-4f56-bc9d-41ec8efe1b90/News/Parent-teen-relationships
Beth’s article is up on Gina Welborn's blog http://inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/ . She invites us to stop by and comment.

Lena Nelson Dooley was featured on Shawna Williams’ e-book blog: http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/2010/08/love-finds-you-in-golden-new-mexico.html . Lena will have an interview on Friday Aug 6th, and you can see the postings at Writing Career Coach [http://writingcareercoach.com/] and at Examiner http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9910-Writing-Examiner]

The August 14th meeting will be followed by a booksigning by our guest speakers at Mardel Christian store at the corner of Grapevine Highway and Hurstview in Hurst at 3 PM. Come see the authors there.

Deborah Rather’s Baby Makes a Match is the Romantic Times Top Pick for the month

On January 11, Barbara Harris’ (aka Leann Harris) Second Chance Ranch for Steeple Hill will come out.

KNEO Radio in Neosho, MO did a taped interview with Lena for Love Finds You in Golden, NM on their show, Author’s corner. This station reaches Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. The show will be broadcasted about two weeks after the interview.

Beth Goddard heard from her agent that her Redwood Coast proposal was sold to JoAnne (Heartsong). She will sign the contract in November so it’s not “official” yet, but we’re already congratulating her.

Did we miss anything? Email the blog mistress to send in additions. Good work, Ready Writers!

Janice Thompson & Kathleen Y'Barbo

2010-07-17T13:13:00.000-05:00

DFW Ready Writers’ Red Hot Summer Special
Saturday, August 14th DFW Ready Writers will present a
Double-Hitter – Two Phenomenal Speakers for the Price of One!

Janice Thompson & Kathleen Y’Barbo

What a Deal! 2 Speakers, 2-Hour Workshop for only $15.00 per person.

While you’re sitting in your bathrobe or warm-ups, drinking the now-cold cup of coffee or tea, writing that next New York Times best seller, wouldn’t you like to earn cash on the side to keep you writing habit afloat? Or maybe, just maybe you’d love to add to your little bag of writing accomplishments … well then … you won’t want to miss hearing Janice Thompson.
Janice Thompson, multi-published author, speaker, mentor, and all around woman of many talents with a great sense of humor (If you don’t believe me just read her books), will be giving a one-hour presentation on "Supplementing Your Fiction Habit." This is a fast-paced course that will give fiction writers eight different ways to earn money with their writing (outside of fiction novels). Ms. Thompson will discuss goal setting, write-for-hire work, magazine article writing, public speaking, non-fiction books, and much, much more.

Then after hearing Janice Thompson and before you cozy up to your next villain or contemplate your romantic love scene, wouldn’t you want to know just how edgy that next scene should be? Will you cross that proverbial writer’s line of no return? Wouldn’t it be nice to know how edgy is too edgy? … well then … you must hear what Kathleen Y’Barbo has to say about “Over the Edge: Edgy Fiction in the CBA Marketplace.

Kathleen Y’Barbo, bestselling author of more than 35 award-winning novels and novellas with over 950,000 books in print, a tenth generation Texan, graduate of Texas A&M University and a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, will give us all some idea of pitfalls of writing Edgy for CBA. Edgy fiction has become a much-used term to describe the latest trend in the Christian market, but what does it really mean to write "on the edge"? And how does an author know when he or she has stepped over the edge of realism into the realm of shock value? This workshop will visit the topic of edgy fiction and offer writers much to think about on topics that were once considered off limits in Inspirational novels.
Plan now to attend this workshop and meet two incredibly talented authors that will hold your attention with two chucked-full hours of inspired insight into the CBA writing world.

Both of these authors are multi-published in a number of different venues, and they're experts in their fields.

Come join us for lunch and a special time of learning. A book signing at Mardel in Hurst will follow the meeting.

Brag Lines, July 2010

2010-07-16T19:10:00.000-05:00

Jane Thornton has a new article online, “I Think I Can’t”. Her pieces are always practical, uplifting, and hard-down honest. The address: http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2010/07/15/i-think-i-cant/

Anne Greene is on a roll. White Rose Publishing contracted for her book, Masquerade Marriage. This Scottish historical proves that she isn’t locked into a time, a country, or a genre. Got any great marketing ideas? She’s listening.

Tyndale House is using seven of Lisa Buffaloe’s devotions for their book, tentatively titled The One Year Book of Laughter and Joy. Publication is August, 2011. Her inspiring story is on http://www.lisabuffaloe.com/

Lisa posted a true story about a young man who is an evangelist overseas. Lisa writes, “His story blows my socks off! I need these wonderful reminders that God is an amazing God.” http://www.lisabuffaloe.blogspot.com/ . Read and be blessed. I did and I was.

And Marilyn Eudaly’s submission, "Serpent in the Basement", will be in the same book!

Ronie Kendig will be signing NIGHTSHADE and doing a small talk on PTSD at Legacy Books in Plano on August 17th at 7pm. This is a very nice independent bookstore, the same one that hosted Sarah Palin when she came. She urgently requests that we show up to support her. It matters.

Beth Shriver is going to Florida to do a book tour and be on two television shows to talk about her book, Peace for Parents of Teens.

Lena Nelson Dooley had a live podcast with Christian Work at Home Mom on July 15th.

Becky Yauger posted a blurb on the August meeting, a two-hour, two-speaker mini-conference, with the online Dallas Morning News. Read it at http://listings.guidelive.com/coppell-tx/events/show/128670445-dfw-ready-writers-meeting .Thanks for the publicity, Becky.

Deborah Rather aka Arlene James has finished the fourth book in the Chatam House series from Love Inspired (Steeple Hill Books). She’s now working on the 2nd book in a new continuity series set in Colorado. You can find her at:
http://www.arlenejames.com/http://www.chatamhouseseries.com/

Dr. Richard Mabry’s second novel of medical suspense, MEDICAL ERROR, was to be released Sept 1, six months after the release of CODE BLUE. However, it's already available on Amazon, Cokesbury, and a few other sites. The publicity for it won't really get underway until Sept 1, but if you encounter anyone who just can't wait to read it, please pass on the information that it's available. To investigate his “Medical Suspense With Heart,” go to http://rmabry.com/ and http://rmabry.blogspot.com/ .

DFW Ready Writers is a moving and shaking group. Sometimes we get published, and sometimes we don’t, but we’re always out there writing and and learning.

July 10, 2010 Meeting

2010-06-29T17:21:00.000-05:00

The words pour from your mind into your fingers as they fly across the keyboard. Your masterpiece, your baby’s coming alive. Then your critique group takes a look at your manuscript and tears your work of art to shreds. And those red marks on every page.... (Oooh! Shivers down the spine.) It’s downright humiliating. Why?

You’ve used weasel words, too many "wases ," "its," "has beens," "beginning to," on and on with words that say zilch and do nothing for your manuscript or your readers. Would you like to improve your writing? Would you like to know how to tighten your work and make it zing—grab your readers’ attention?

DFW Ready Writers presents “Getting the Words Right,” a one-hour guide to self-editing. Lena Nelson Dooley, multi-published author, mentor, critique guru, and wordsmith, will show you how to look at your work and make it shine so that it will grab the attention of that editor and agent.

And as a bonus, attendees will receive several handouts with handy tips, critique savvy, and what to watch for when reading your work or other writers’ manuscripts. Make plans now to attend Saturday, July 10, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at our usual place: La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, 5250 Highway 121, Colleyville, Texas.

June 12, 2010 Meeting

2010-05-22T13:40:00.000-05:00

What's Your Pitch?
Using analogy to baseball pitches, learn how to condense our stories into 25 words or less then expand to a blurb then back cover copy. Slow pitch, fast ball, curve, split finger, or slider, which is yours? You want your pitch to glide right over home plate for the perfect strike. You want a pitch that will catch the editor’s eye. Bring a short synopsis and brief description of your book.

Although Martha’s primary writing experience is in non-fiction, she has been writing fiction for a number of years. Her novel, Not on the Menu (May 2007), is a part of Sugar and Grits, a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y’Barbo.

Martha’s background includes a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Education, twenty-eight years as a secondary teacher, four years as supervisory teacher for student teachers at University of Houston Clear Lake and eight years as an instructor of English Composition for freshmen at Houston Community College.

Martha served as editor of an eight page monthly newsletter for the writer’s organization, Inspirational Writers Alive! for six years and is the state President. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer’s Conference and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers for whom she writes a weekly devotional. Recently, Martha revised seven Bible studies for First Place Health Program, published by Gospel Light, and wrote one original, Begin Again. She also had several articles appear in Christian magazines.

Brag Lines, April 2010

2010-05-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

We are thrilled to announce three finalists in the ACFW Genesis contest: Mindy Obenhaus in the Romantic Suspense category, Anne Greene (of our South Korea division) in Historical Romance, and longtime member Lisa Buffaloe, who recently moved to Idaho, in Women’s Fiction. The Genesis contest is only open to unpublished writers. Great start, ladies!

Jane Thornton has had an article published monthly in http://www.thechristianpulse.com/. She writes with wisdom and humor, as you can see by these samples: “Goodbye Bunny Sweater” published 5/24 http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2010/05/24/goodbye-bunny-sweater/
and also “A Little Cheese with that Whine” was published on 4/26 : http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2010/04/26/a-little-cheese-with-that-whine/#more-5113

Dr. Richard Mabry has a book signing for his tremendously successful first book, Code Blue, on Saturday, June 12th, at the Cokesbury Store in Dallas from 11 to 1, with four other authors. Then he packs up and goes to the Barnes & Noble in Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, where he and Ronie Kendig will be signing from 2 to 4. We look forward his second release, Medical Error, in September, 2010.

Beth Shriver also will be signing Peace for Parents of Teens on June 12th, 2-4, at The Shops at Highland Village, Texas, on June 12th 2-4. See an excerpt on Hartline Literary Agency’s blog now: http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/ .

Our publisher rejections prove that we’re a hard-working group, striving for publication and supporting each other through the process.

Lynne Gentry’s Ghost Heart went to committee for the second time at Cook, but was declined.
Sheaf House turned down Jane Thornton’s Encouraging Kelsey, a book of ideas for encouraging people who are struggling with illness and depression.

Lee Carver’s proposal of Blessed Insurance was rejected by Steeple Hill. Romance on a Distant River, formerly known as Jungle Nurse, is still floating around out there in Publisher Land.

DFW Ready Writers voted last week to issue certificates for rejections as encouragement to continue honing our craft and sending out well-critiqued manuscripts. Sales of books will be acknowledged in a manner currently being decided.

2010-04-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

The Personal Mission of Curt Iles:
To walk closely with Jesus, be a man God can use, and be respected by my wife and family.

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, DFW Ready Writers is happy to present speaker and author Curt Iles. He will speak on "Making Opportunities Happen: Developing Your Speaker’s Platform".

Curt Iles is self-published. Yet being self-published hasn’t stopped him from making over 20,000 sales with his fiction books.

How does he do it? Curt will explain how he developed his speaker’s platform and at the same time created opportunities to sell his novels.

In these economic times, writers are discovering it harder and harder to find publishers that will accept and publish their books. And some of the first questions asked by publishers are, “What do you bring to the table? Do you have a platform?”

Do you even know what a platform is? Do you have one? A publisher may be interested in your book for publication, but they will want to know—What do you have to bring to the table? Can you show them numbers? Strong numbers? Would you like to know how to make your platform even stronger with more opportunities to present your work?

Yearly, Curt speaks at over 100 events. This has allowed him to make many new friends, spread the word about his books, and the result? Over 20,000 books sold by word of mouth. On May 8th, Curt will show you how to spread your writing influence by speaking opportunities. He’ll explain how to go about booking engagements to various groups.

Whether you are a multi-published, conventional author, a self-pubbed author, or even an unpubbed author, every writer needs to know how to build the best platform possible. Curt is the man with the experience and know-how and the numbers to back his claim. Learn how you too can build your platform and get your numbers up so the publishers will take notice.

Curt Iles is a full time author/speaker writing from his hometown of Dry Creek, Louisiana. As a popular speaker, Curt enjoys traveling, telling stories, and making new friends. He and his wife DeDe travel extensively on mission trips to Africa, Asia, and Central America.
He recently released his seventh independent book, A Good Place. His previous six books have sold a cumulative 20,000 copies. curtiles@aol.com http://www.creekbank.net/

Brag Lines for April/May 2010

2010-04-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

Mindy Obenhaus took third place in NTRWA's Great Expectations Contest.
Mindy and Lisa Buffaloe finaled in The Great Expectations Contest. http://www.ntrwa.org/contest/contest.aspx .

Lisa was interviewed by Julie Gorman of His Love Extended Ministries on her BlogTalk Radio show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/03/31/his-love-extended .

Lisa had a speaking engagement with the IdaHope writers group on 04/22/10.

Deborah Rather (aka Arlene James) just landed a 3-book contract with a continuity series to come, making that 4 books sold in one week to Steeple Hill. Color her tickled. See more at http://www.arlenejames.com and http://www.chatamhouseseries.com .

Lena Nelson Dooley had a successful book signing party last week for Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. You will be able to buy a pre-release copy at the meeting Saturday. Lena was at the North Texas Book Festival, Denton, Texas, Saturday, April 17, as an exhibitor and panelist.

Lynne Gentry published another short story with Simon & Schuster in God Encounters with James Stuart Bell.

Utilizing the Internet, Presented by Lena Nelson Dooley

2010-03-15T14:52:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, April 10th, multi-published author and speaker, Lena Nelson Dooley will explain how to maximize your impact with a minimum amount of time you spend online.

Publishers today want their writers to have a platform and be able to promote their books. They want to know what you are bringing to the table besides your wonderful novel.

So how do you get known? How do you get a following?

Lena Nelson Dooley is the woman with the know-how.

The Internet can be a tool to help us promote our books, or it can consume great amounts of time. Lena has learned how to utilize the Internet to the best of her ability and make it pay off. Over a relatively short period of time she has garnered a large Internet presence. Her blog has over 3,000 hits per month with a couple thousand feeds. She's also on several social networking sites sharing her expertise. However, she doesn't spend as much time on the Internet as readers perceive that she does.

Lena will explain how to make yourself a force to reckon with and become known on the World Wide Web, and all this can happen with very little expense of your time. She will share the little known secrets, hidden wealth of how, and her expertise in utilizing the Web.

Lena Nelson Dooley is a multi-published, award-winning author who loves to mentor other authors. With her 25th book release, she has close to 650,000 books in print. Her next release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, will be on sale May 1, 2010. Look for it bookstores everywhere.

Lena has spoken at conferences and writers’ meetings in four states. She also speaks at women's retreats and event of all kinds. She lives in Hurst, Texas with her husband of over 45 years.

Lena’s door and heart are always open to those God places in her path. She seriously considers her ministry as a mentor, prayer warrior, even a champion of the downtrodden, her life’s work.

Bragging Rights for Ready Writers!

2010-02-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

The release date of Beth Shriver's devotional book, Peace for Parents of Teenagers, is May 1st. Barnes & Noble of The Shops at Highland Village, TX, (4100 Deer Creek, Suite 100) will host the signing party on Saturday, May 22nd. Beth is also scheduled for a speaking engagement at First Baptist Church of Lewisville, TX, (1251 Valley Ridge Blvd.) on Wednesday, April 23rd. Congratulations, Beth. Way to go!

Mindy Obenhaus is a finalist in NTRWA's Great Expectations contest. Final round judge is Natalie Hanemann with Thomas Nelson.

Lee Carver came in second in Christian Writers of the West’s Phoenix Rattler Contest. The final judge was Melissa Endlich with Love Inspired Harlequin.

Lynne Gentry and Lisa Harris have launched a new blog at http://oneextraordinarygod.blogspot.com/

Dr. Richard Mabry is now working under a three-book contract with Abingdon Press. His first novel of medical suspense, Code Blue, launches April 1. The launch party will be 7:00-8:30 PM on April 8 at Legacy Books (toll road and Legacy). Ready Writers is so fortunate to have a medical doctor who volunteers opinions on our literary efforts. Let’s show our support and appreciation by turning out for his launch party.

Book two, Medical Error, publishes in September, book three next April--all are completed, and he’s getting good feedback on them. Dr. Mabry has a number of signings and blog interviews coming up, and he'll try to let the group know about them in advance.
He also has a meditation in the March-April Upper Room.

Marilyn Eudaly presented the workshop, Characters in a Writer's Zoo, at the February meeting of the CenTex chapter in Round Rock on February 20. We were treated to this presentation at our May, 2009, meeting. She has created a good seminar product.

Lena Nelson Dooley's book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, will release May 1. There will be a Book Release party at Mardel Christian Store in Hurst, Hurstview Drive and Grapevine Highway on Saturday, May 1, 1-3 pm. You can sign up to receive a giveaway basket and you'll meet the people she dedicated the book to and find out the reason for each one. And she'll read a scene from the book.

Barnes & Noble, NE Mall, Hurst, TX will host an authors signing on Feb. 27th, 3-6pm. Featured writers are Shayla Black, Leanna Ellis, Gina Lee Nelson, Beth Shriver, Wendy Watson and others.