Welcome our Speakers
Meetings and speaker presentations are in-person and Zoom.
Past Speakers 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2015-2019 Speakers | Handouts from Speakers
Upcoming Speakers
March 2024
Topic: Stories2Share Series Focus and Insights
March 16, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon In person and register here for Zoom attendance.
Sean Martinelli, journalist and host of NBC2 TV’s Stories2Share, will be the featured speaker at Gulf Coast Writers Association’s meeting on Saturday, March 16, at 10 am at Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd. in south FortMyers.The meeting of Southwest Florida’s 29-year-old forum for writers, editors and their associates is open to the public.
Martinelli, whose Stories2Share series focuses on unique and positive stories across Southwest Florida, will provide insight into what the media really looks for from authors whenconsidering them for shows. He should know: NBC2’s Stories2Share is the most recognized franchise in Southwest Florida, winning multiple regional and statewide awards, Emmys, and a National Edward R Murrow in 2022!
February 2024
Topic: Insights into the publishing business
February 17, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon In person and register here for Zoom attendance.
Arielle Haughee
Arielle Haughee, president and owner of Orange Blossom Publishing, will present her insights into the publishing business at Gulf Coast Writers Association’s meeting on Saturday, February 17, at 10 am at Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd. in south Fort Myers.
A six-time Royal Palm Literary Award-winning author, Haughee (Hoy) is, besides a publisher, an editor, speaker, and writing coach who was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair of the Florida Writers Association (FWA). In 2021 her book Pling’s Party received FWA’s Royal Palm Literary Award as Best Children’s Book of the Year.
At Orange Blossom, based in Maitland, Fla., she brings to market books about love, humor, and wellness for women and children. It is currently taking art and blog submissions. The company’s website is orangeblossombooks.com.
Numerous authors attest to Orange Blossom’s assistance in helping them with their books. “The more I see how things are going in the world of the big publishing houses, the more grateful I am for my traditional publishing experience with Orange Blossom Publishing,” says Tamatha Cain, author of Song of the Chimney Sweep (2022). “Individual support, industry connections, depth of knowledge. Don’t sleep on what this small press has to offer….”
And Stephania Thompson, author of Woven (2022), adds: “What a gift to have a publisher who believes in the story as much as I do. . . The team at Orange Blossom is professional, proficient, and best of all, fun to work with.
”Besides running Orange Blossom, Haughee also provides developmental, content, line and copy editing. She is the author of The Complete Revision Workbook for Writers.
January 2024
Topic: Navigating the modern publishing landscape, discussing the pros and cons of traditional, self and assisted publishing.
January 20, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon In person and register here for Zoom attendance.
Handouts from Speakers
Arielle Haughee March 2023 Handout_01 and Handout_02 [PDF]
Molly Jebber February 2023 Handout_01 and Handout_02 [PDF]
Clarissa Thomasson January 2023 Presentation[PDF]
December 2022 No Meeting (Holiday)
November 2022 No Meeting (Holiday)
October 2022 Speaker cancelled due to Hurricane Ian
Lucy Tobias September 2022 Handout#1 & Handout#2 [PDF]
Mary Lou Williams August 2022 Handout for Workshop [PDF]
Slides from Charley Valera’s July 2022 presentation [PDF]
Susan Grunin’s sample June 2022 Author Page. Make your own Author Page and bring to the next meeting.
Susan’s PowerPoint presentation
DJ Kristoff’s PowerPoint from April 2022 meeting [PDF]
March 2022 Winning Contest Entries
Angelina Assanti’s Presentation from February 2022 meeting [PDF]
The TED Commandments from Claudia Volkman’s November 2021 meeting.
Geneva’s Prompts for Writing from September 2021 workshop.
Members can obtain a recording and PowerPoint of our meetings by contacting Christie Zarria.
Presentation slides for March 2021 meeting with DL Havlin can be obtained by contacting Christie Zarria.
Handouts from February 2021 Panel Discussion
Handout from Eric Simmons January 2021 Presentation–
Getting Your Book Into Libraries
Handout from Rebeca Seitz October 2020 presentation
Handouts from Bob and Judy’s 2019 presentation on Self-Publishing
Legal handouts from Anne Dalton’s November 2019 Presentation
Presentation slides from Charley Valera’s October 2019 Presentation
Past Speakers
June 2023
Topic: FINISH THAT BOOK with The Chunky Method!
June 17, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
Meeting Location: Fort Myers, FL 33919
FINISH THAT BOOK with The Chunky Method
Do you feel like you can never find the time to write? Have you been chipping away at the same manuscript forever without much progress? Do you need a system that can get you to typing “The End” with success and satisfaction? Wrangling a fickle muse to meet a deadline—or just to get rid of that looming blank page—is a life-skill for everyone who wants to get serious about their writing.
What others have said about The Chunky Method Workshop:
Implementing the Chunky Method has charged my writing with confidence, quadrupled my productivity, organized my days, and enhanced my enjoyment of life. Allie is my hero! — Linda H.
“I was overwhelmed, but now I feel fantastic” — Michelle S.
Before The Chunky Method, I spent years worrying about how I was ever going to finish my novel, let alone a series of stories, with a busy schedule and a demanding day job. I feel far more confident now, and the method works – it’s my custom method, after all. I’ve already written far more than before the Chunky Method. — M.V.
I feel empowered. I feel much more in control of the process now. I feel good that I have a plan and schedule that work with me. I feel like I am going to achieve success, and in a timely manner instead of a scattered one. Thank you again for some of the most valuable, and applicable information I’ve received in over fourteen years of conferences and online classes.” — Becki
Allie Pleiter bio:
Award-winning bestselling author Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time. She teaches writers how to be consistently, dependably productive and create the content today’s market requires. The author of over 60 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.6 million books sold worldwide. In addition to her own writing career, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on resilience, the creative process, authorship, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management.
Links:
website: alliepleiter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-pleiter-6a021b139
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliepleiter (@alliepleiter)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Click the link below to review a short video of Allie promoting the Chunky Method Webinar on Jun 17, 2023
May 2023
Topic: The Importance of the First 100 Words
May 20, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
Meeting Location: Map Word of Life Church
Fort Myers, FL 33919
You only have one opportunity to make a memorable first impression. “The First 100 Words” is based on a book by the same name, written by Stephen Parish and editors at Lascaux Books, a literary publishing house. According to the blurb in the book, the first 100 words of a manuscript are as important as all the words that follow. They comprise a first impression. If poorly chosen, they may be the only words an editor reads.
April 2023
Topic: Develop Your Hurricane Ian Story
April 15, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
March 2023
Speaker: Arielle Haughee
Topic: Crisp Up That Prose!
March 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person and Zoom – Register here
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Crisp Up That Prose! – Tight writing is a necessity for attracting agents and editors as well as keeping readers interested. In this workshop, we’ll discuss frequently used fluff words, strategies for cleaning up sentences, and bad habits that can make prose cumbersome. We’ll utilize three strategies–cut, replace, and trim down–to make your writing as efficient as possible. Bring some of your writing that needs revision for a hands-on portion of class. You’ll leave with easy strategies to use in your writing and an editing checklist to help you spot fluff.
Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a six-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor, speaker, and writing coach, and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. Her press, Orange Blossom Publishing, publishes books about love, humor, and wellness for women and children. She is currently taking submissions for romance, women’s fiction, young adult, and nonfiction of interest to the female audience. More information at orangeblossombooks.com.
*Arielle is presenting via Zoom; however, like usual, we are meeting in person and on Zoom.
February 2023
Speaker: Molly Jebber
Topic: Let’s Talk Agents, Publishing, and Marketing
February 18, 2023, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person and Zoom meeting
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Molly will provide what to have in place before you acquire an agent and/or publish. She’ll share what editors and agents expect and are looking for when they consider acquiring your work in today’s market. She’ll also give us marketing tips she’s found successful.
Molly Jebber is a best-selling and award-winning author. Her Amish Historical Romance books have made Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, USA Today, and have been in featured interviews on newspaper sites, and popular magazines across the U.S. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection. She has served as a keynote speaker for writing conferences, and as a guest lecturer at libraries and events across the U.S. on writing, publishing, and marketing. Molly just signed a contract with Sony Pictures/Pureflix to make a movie of LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE. She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to cupcakes, and no to coconut!
Visit http://www.mollyjebber.com for her full book list, new releases, speaking events, and her Sony/Pureflix Liza’s Second Chance movie updates!
January 2023
Speaker: Clarissa Thomasson
Topic: Suspending the Disbelief
January 21, 2023, 10a.m. to Noon
In Person and Zoom Meeting
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
“Suspending the Disbelief” reflects the writings of Florida Historical Authors: Marjorie Rawlings, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Patrick Smith, Carl Hiaasen, and my own Florida books. The Florida setting of each of these authors directly affects both the characterizations and the plot and makes their stories come to life.
Clarissa Thomasson was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She received a BA in English Literature from Duke University and a MA in English from the University of
Florida. Thomasson taught English, journalism, and creative writing in Montgomery County, MD, until her retirement. Her first two novels, Defending Hillsborough and Reconstructing Hillsborough were chosen by the North Carolina Association of Public School Librarians for use in the high school study of the Civil War. Lorinda’s Legacy was “pick of the month” at Greensboro, NC Barnes and Noble.
In 2000, Thomasson returned to Florida and now resides in Venice, FL. She has written five children’s books in her Little Green Monkey series, four novels: Florida Shadows, Florida Secrets, Florida Sunset and Surviving Sarasota set in Southwest Florida, a World War II novel—Over the Bridge—and Venice Dreamers, which highlights Venice’s original settlers. Thomasson’s stage plays, Over the Bridge and Florida Shadows, each won first place in the Clarence “Bud” Jones Playwriting Competition at the Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle, FL, in 2014 and 2015.
Thomasson is also a freelance writer–having written for GRAND magazine, Yesterday in Florida—where she won a 2005 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award for her contributions to Florida history—and Eastside Venice Neighbors—where she authored monthly articles on Florida history. She is also a contributor to the Venice Gondolier.
Thomasson’s newest book, Forgotten Florida, tells the story of the earliest American settlers on Florida’s west coast, was released September 1, 2022. More information at saltmarshpublications.com.
December 2022
No Meeting (Holiday)
November 2022
No Meeting (Holiday)
October 2022
No Meeting (Hurricane Ian)
September 2022
Topic: Capturing Undiscovered Florida in Words and Photos
In person and Zoom meeting
Note: Google maps or your GPS may direct you to the back of the building. The entrance to the parking lot is on South Point Blvd. between Quigley Eye Specialists and Buckets Restaurant.
Lucy Tobias will give a PowerPoint presentation of undiscovered Florida (translation — drop dead beautiful photos); she presents ways to combine photos, video, and audio to your stories. How much of Florida still remains a mystery to some of us?
Lucy will bring magic and excitement to the podium. One additional benefit you will obtain from this presentation is a short exercise on writing the “hook”– the all-important first sentence of any book! In journalism, this valuable tool is called a “grabber.”
Lucy Tobias is an award-winning author and blogger who looks at life and finds humor, beauty, and reasons for hope.
Tobias is a former newspaper reporter for the New York Times Regional Group. She writes narrative non-fiction – taking readers on a guided tour to undiscovered parts of Florida and beyond with her adventures augmented with photographs and illustrations.
Her book, The Zen of Florida Gardening, won first place in outdoor books in the excellence in crafts awards (2021) for the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.
Wednesday Notes, published in 2022, is her newest book. A five-star review on Amazon said in part: “Wednesday Notes invites the reader to reflect on the moments of goodness and grace that happen in life. The author’s insights and wonderful sense of humor shine through. Written during the pandemic, there is a tenderness and authenticity that shines through. Lucy Tobias is a faithful, thoughtful, fun-loving friend in the journey of life.”
Tobias is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, and ABC Books Inc.
She lives in Sarasota, Florida, sharing space with one dog, two cats, and an ever-expanding group of goldfish. Her weekly blog, Wednesday Notes (free), explores the profoundness of everyday life, and she hosts a podcast called Pivot Points that interviews people about turning points in their lives.
Her website is: www.LucyTobias.com
August 2022
Speaker: Mary Lou Williams
Topic: The Art and Craft of the Personal Story
August 20, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Using two tried and true techniques, the Memory Map and the “StoryBox,”
participants will learn a fun, easy way to pull numerous story ideas out of their
own personal life experiences and turn any one of them into a well-rounded tale.
Participants will leave the workshop with one new piece that will contain all the
bones of a good story. Whether a story lover, a family storyteller, a performing
teller, a writer or a public speaker – this workshop will help participants build their
repertoires, enhance any presentation and transform life experiences into spellbinding narratives.
What participants will get from this workshop:
- The Memory Map technique for finding a personal story
- The “StoryBox” technique for crafting a personal story
- A new tale that contains all the bones of a good story
Mary Lou Williams, DTM, is a retired teacher. She holds a Master of Education degree from Columbia University and has spent 35 years as an educator of English and mathematics on the secondary level. She has been a storyteller for the past 16 years. She was a member of the board of the Florida Storytelling Association from 2010 to 2014 and received their Distinguished Service Award for 2014. She is a member of Toastmasters and has achieved the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster, Toastmasters’ highest award. She has published a book of her stories called Ten Fractured Fairy Tales. She won first place in the Story Slam contest at the 2018 Florida Storytelling Festival and was a featured teller at the 2018 Stone Soup Festival, the official state storytelling festival of South Carolina. She won first place in the District 48 Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contest on May 13, 2022.
Website: Story-Theatre.com
July 2022
Topic: Pitch Your Writing
July 16, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Charley Valera has appeared on NBC/NECN, WPRI and other TV outlets. He’s been featured in magazines, newspapers and radio throughout the country. Valera writes articles and blogs for various media on topics from WWII, real estate and aviation. My Father’s War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers covers both theaters and all branches of war during WWII. This book features more than a hundred personal photos and stories from WWII veterans. A licensed commercial pilot, Realtor, author, filmmaker, public speaker, father of two boys and husband to Cheryl, they live in southwest Florida. He can be reached through www.charleyvalera.com.
June 2022
Speaker: Susan Grunin
Topic: Hybrid Publishing
June 18, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
The presentation will look at Using a Hybrid Publisher including:
- Defining a Hybrid Publishing Company
- The Three Models of Hybrid Publishers
- Key to Understanding the Differences between a Hybrid Publisher and a Vanity Press
- Ways to Tell is a Hybrid Publisher is Legit
- 8 Signs Your Publisher is a Scam
- The Guidelines for Recognizing a Legit Hybrid Publisher from the Independent Book Publishers Association (2018)
- What type of Author is Most Likely to Benefit from a Hybrid Publisher
- Deciding Whether to Use a Hybrid Publisher – It Isn’t for Everyone!
Susan’s sample Author Page. Make your own Author Page and bring to the next meeting.
Susan’s PowerPoint presentation
Dr. Susan K. Grunin is a retired college professor, who taught for over 2 decades for the University of Virginia (UVA) and a number of other colleges and universities. Dr. Grunin also authored a text book for the University of Virginia Graduate School. She is a retired Executive who has been an Executive Coach, a CEO, a Human Capital Consultant and who also worked for the Federal Government, where she served in various positions for the Federal Courts, including over 20 years as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer.
Susan is currently a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association of SW Florida and is writing a series of children’s books, Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit.
May 2022
Speaker: DJ Kristoff
Topic: Writing with a message for young people
May 21, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
How dinosaurs, Harry Potter, and Jack Canfield changed this writer’s course of history. It’s a major feat to write a book; it’s a whole other adventure to market it.
D.J. Kristoff presents her journey from an award-winning science teacher digging dinosaurs in Montana to being inspired by the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios to writing her first book and having Jack Canfield, coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, show her how to market it.
Kristoff offers her insights on how to write for middle-grade kids based on her world travels and real-life experiences that she brought back into the classroom. “Writing my book was an adventure in itself as I followed the threads of the storyline and researched my new discoveries.”
Other topics include writing with a message, marketing, and making your story relevant in a nonfiction world to sell more than books.
April 2022
GCWA Writing Contest Winners
April 23, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Winners of the 2022 GCWA Writers Contest announced and read their winning entries.
March 2022
Speaker: Brenda Spalding
Topic: How to Publish Children’s Books
March 19, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
In person or Zoom meeting.
Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Note: Google maps or your GPS may direct you to the back of the building. The entrance to the parking lot is on South Point Blvd. between Quigley Eye Specialists and Buckets Restaurant.
Brenda Spalding will present what she has learned about creating and publishing children’s books.
Brenda is the founder and president of ABC-Books, Inc. a networking organization to help other self-published authors connect and share information. They are a 501c3 and promote literacy in the area.
February 2022
Speaker: Angelina Assanti
Topic: Turning a Book into a Movie
February 19, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Angelina Assanti’s Presentation from February 2022 meeting [PDF]
Angelina Assanti is an award winning author. Her humorous non-fiction cancer book is being made into a documentary. Writers don’t realize their books can be made into film, right here in Florida. Angelina will give writers information about finding sponsors, producers, and grants to make a movie in Florida.
“My name is Angelina Assanti and I am a humor writer. My first book, The Lottery Heiress came out in 2013. My second book, Mark Taylor’s Checkered Past came out in 2014. While I was writing the third book in that series, I was diagnosed with cancer and wrote my most-successful book to date, Thank God I Got Cancer…I’m Not a Hypochondriac Anymore! which won two national awards and was a finalist in the International Readers’ Favorite contest. It’s also an Amazon Bestseller.”
Angelina’s website: https://angelinaassanti.us/
January 2022
Speaker: Stephen J. McGuire
Topic: Challenges of Self-publishing
January 15, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon
Stephen J. McGuire, retired Chief Judge of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), wrote Prior Restraint, a political thriller.
Steve will discuss how he wrote the book, challenges of self-publishing, and his inside perspective about DC which influenced the storyline. Steve will also provide tips on how self-publishers can market their books.
Prior Restraint--America’s most famous news anchor is brutally murdered by terrorists on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC and the entire media establishment is paralyzed by the fear of who may be next. Seemingly overnight, a pernicious wave of self-censorship grips the airways and no one dares to further criticize religious fanaticism. When a leading newspaper columnist and her editor are soon thereafter kidnapped and murdered in New York, the media hysteria reaches a frenzy.
When Chief Judge of FTC, Steve presided over well-publicized, antitrust enforcement proceedings. He was honored by President George W. Bush for his service to the nation’s judiciary and received the FTC’s Distinguished Service Award. Now a full-time resident of Naples, Steve has been coming to the area since the mid-1980s. He has traveled extensively to over 65 countries, including memorable trips to Africa, India, Vietnam and Japan. He and his wife Doris taught English to high school students in the Fujian Province of China in July 2019. His letter on the culture and lifestyle of Havana, Cuba was published by Cigar Aficionado magazine. In addition to writing, he enjoys classic cars, fine wine, and sharing life with his wife Doris, their golden retriever, Henry, and their mini goldendoodle, Alftie.
November 2021
Speaker: Claudia Volkman
Topic: What Authors Can Learn from the TED Commandments
November 13, 2021, 10 a.m. to noon.
The TED Commandments from Claudia Volkman’s November meeting.
When a speaker is accepted to give a TED Talk, they are given a stone tablet engraved with the “TED Commandments,” written by the founder of TED, Richard Saul Wurman, to provide a guide for the speakers. The result: TED Talks are generally exceptional. These ten commandments are geared for speakers, but with a bit of adaptation, they can easily apply to authors wanting to write an exceptional book.
Claudia Volkman has more than thirty-five years of experience in acquisitions, product development, editing, and typesetting, and has worked full-time for several trade publishing houses. Now, as the owner of Creative Editorial Solutions, she assists publishers, authors, entrepreneurs, and speakers with their editorial needs. A Chicago native, Claudia and her husband reside in Southwest Florida with their two charming Corgis.
October 2021
Speaker: Royce Gomez King
Topic: Marketing your book before publishing
October 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to Noon
Zoom and in person meeting
Royce King has been a serial entrepreneur for more than 25 years and is an SBDC Certified Coach, Certified Direct Response Copywriter, and frequent trainer on online marketing strategies. Her education in Nonprofit Management and working with executives extends internationally through speaking and consulting. Her columns and business advice have been published in the Small Business Expert Forum, Huffington Post, Carol Roth, Charity Magazine, and more.
September 2021
Speaker: Geneva Kelly
Topic: Writing Workshop
Geneva’s Prompts for Writing from September workshop.
New Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
The GCWA Writing Contest is starting soon. If you want to write something for the contest and are suffering from writer’s block, Geneva is full of ideas to get you started. She has created a fun workshop for writers of all genres and capabilities.
Note: Our original September speaker had to cancel due to Hurricane Ida’s destruction.
August 2021
Panel: Hunter Leake, Christie Zarria, Bob McCarthy, and Jen Yontz-Orlando
Topic: The Features and Benefits of Being in a Critique Group
August’s meeting features four members of the Gulf Coast Writers Association who have developed and refined their critique group experience. They will share what they have learned about being a member of a critique group.
The panel will be composed of Hunter Leake, Christie Zarria, Bob McCarthy, and Jen Yontz-Orlando. Their presentation will highlight the features and benefits of belonging to a critique group, including the importance of group diversity, trust and rapport, and the “Do’s and Don’ts” of analyzing a member’s written work. They will also provide personal anecdotes on how their participation in a critique group has affected their writing.
July 2021
Speaker: Cherie Postill
Topic : Improve Your Writing and Sell More Books with Beta Readers – What Every
Writer Needs to Know Before Publishing
PowerPoint and Zoom recording available to members. Contact Christie Zarria.
In my workshop I show you how to identify, qualify, locate, and utilize an incredible writer’s asset know as Beta Readers. They are often overlooked and frequently misunderstood. You will learn the definition of beta testing, how to identify your beta readers, and why every writer needs them. I introduce a process that results in a comprehensive manuscript critique, including actionable feedback. We discuss the techniques and tools used to beta test your manuscript for optimal results.
The methods outlined in my workshop will give you a competitive advantage and make you a better writer. In today’s crowded market, your manuscript needs to stand out more than ever. Once you have followed my process, not only will you be assured your story is perfect for your target readers, but you will also know precisely who your ideal readers are. You will learn where to find your target readers and how to utilize their talents to help you sell more books and attract a loyal fan base.
You will also get reviews, referrals, and book comps (comparable titles) from your beta readers to use in query letters, on your book cover, and in promotional material.
Cherie Postill is a writer, a marketing professional, and a speaker. She is the author of How to Train a Beta Reader and Sell More Books, a nonfiction guide for writers. Cherie presents workshops to writers across the country, teaching her unique strategy and step by step process. Her debut fiction novel for middle-grade readers, and the first in a planned series, Cory Summers and the Wrath of Naytas, is scheduled for publication in Fall 2021. Her upcoming humor/adventure novel for middle grade readers is targeted for release in early 2022. Ms. Postill is on the board of the St. Louis Writers Guild where she holds the title, VP of contests and works as the liaison for more than 21 school districts. She teaches workshops for writers in grades 4th – 12th, and is an active member of the St. Louis Publishers Assoc. When Cherie is not writing or presenting, she enjoys time with friends and family, reading, camping, hiking, cooking, and mentoring aspiring writers. You can learn more about her writing at www.clpostill.com. She loves to connect with readers and fellow writers and welcomes your emails at cherie@clpostill.com. Find out what she is up to at https://twitter.com/postillc, and www.facebook.com/Cherie.Postill.
June 2021
Speaker: Lucille Ponte
Topic: Copyright or Copy Wrong?
The Basics of Copyright for Authors
What are my rights to my creative works as an author? Can people use the contents of my books and stories without my permission? Are there limits on my uses of another’s creative works in my books? In this educational talk, author and former law professor Lucille Ponte will help unravel the mysteries of the basics of copyright and address issues of copyright registration and infringement of creative works. Her presentation will also consider key defenses to claims of copyright infringement, such as public domain and fair use. A great opportunity to learn more about protecting your rights to your literary works. (for educational purposes only, not intended as legal advice)
A legal educator for more than 31 years, Lucille Ponte taught a wide range of business law and intellectual property courses. She published textbooks on dispute resolution and contract law and wrote scholarly articles on copyright, trademark, and legal policy. She previously served as in-house counsel for technology firms and governmental agencies in Massachusetts. As a fiction author under the pen name Bridges DelPonte, her legal mystery, Deadly Sacrifices won a Royal Palm Literary Award (2d place – unpublished mystery) from the Florida Writers Association. She has also published an underwater fantasy novel, Bridles of Poseidon, a children’s book, The Little Dusties – The Roar of the Silver Dragon (with illustrator, Michelle Bakay), and numerous short stories in anthologies. She is represented by Kelli Martin at Wendy Sherman Associates, Inc., a literary management firm in New York. To learn more about Bridges, check out her author website: bridgesdelponte.com
May 2021
Speaker: Kathleen Sweeney
Topic : How To Create Professional Looking Images to Market Your Books and More with Book Brush
May 15 2021, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Join Kathleen Sweeney from Book Brush for a fun live walk-through of the Book Brush tools. Get ready to embrace the marketing side of writing & see why authors say Book Brush saves them both time and money! Learn how easy it is to use Book Brush to create your own eye-catching marketing images for all things social media. Plus explore video effects, create Box Set images, design your own book covers, animation and more! Kathleen will share handy tips & tricks along the way and have time for Q & A, too.
Bio: Kathleen is the Manager of Marketing and Customer Service at Book Brush. She has over 19 years of client service and business assurance experience. She thoroughly enjoys working with authors and helping them create eye-catching images. She lives in central Illinois with her husband and three busy boys. Her hobbies include reading and turning socks right side out.
April 2021 Zoom meeting
GCWA Writing Contest
Winners submission here
April 24, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Zoom meeting
Winners of the writing contest will be announced and authors will read their winning submissions.
March 2021 Zoom Meeting
Speaker: D. L. Havlin
Topic: Building a Platform for Both Non-fiction and Fiction Authors
What’s a writing platform? It’s not built on the top of telephone poles, but it is a requisite for non-fiction authors and a valuable addition to the fiction writers marketing arsenal. This class deals with the way to build one, a legitimate one, in the field which you wish to write. Is a doctorate necessary? No, but a real, thorough, and defensible knowledge of your subject matter is critical. Ways to construct that “pulpit to preach from” are offered in this class.
DL Havlin is an unretired businessman who has traveled a large portion of the world, having visited over 100 countries. He managed offices in places like London, Singapore, Frankfort, Acala Spain and many more. He has visited the jungles on the Sepic River in New Guinea, the Buddhist temples in Bangkok and the Babi Yar Monument in Kiev. In his travels he has discovered that humans have very similar appearances but their cultures make them as distinct as visitors from another planet.
He’s been writing 30+ years. DL writes historical, literary, women’s mainstream, and suspense/mystery novels. He has ten books published. The latest is Escaping Skeletons, a mystery/suspense series.
He is represented by the Seymour LiteraryAgency and Taylor & Seale is his current publisher. His books, manuscripts and short stories have won 14 awards, including five Royal Palm Literary Awards from the Florida Writers Association.
February 2021 — Zoom meeting
Subject:
A panel of authors will discuss the pitfalls of publishing (the good, the bad, and the ugly).
Bob McCarthy: All publishers are not created equal. Some homework tips before you sign a contract.
Rick Pullen: The ups and downs of the writing life. You’re on top one minute and plunge to the depths the next thanks to the vagaries of the book publishing business.
Marty Ambrose: Dodging the Pitfalls of Publishing Today:Finding an agent, Working with an editor, and Marketing a book.
Carol Kennedy: Don’t Forget Who Your Readers Are And Don’t Forget Who Will Actually Be Purchasing Your Book
Judy Loose: Lessons learned while working with an agent. Do your research before signing any contracts.
GCWA January 2021 – Zoom Meeting
Speaker: Eric Simmons
Subject: How to get your book into libraries
Eric’s third book, “Getting Your Book Into Libraries,” which he will be discussing today, evolved from his well-received article, “How To Get Your Book Into Libraries” The article is currently the top Google search result, excluding Ads, out of over 2 billion, on the subject of “getting your book into libraries.” In his book,which opened at #1 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” in the Library & Information Science Category, Eric breaks down his strategy and methodology for contacting Libraries. “Getting Your Book Into Libraries” is believed to be the first book ever written on how self published Authors can get their books into libraries.
Since Eric began introducing his books to Librarians two and a half years ago, 117 Libraries, including 7 of the Nation’s largest, have ordered 157 copies of his books. Using email as his primary means of communication, 114 Libraries or 97% of his customers purchased after receipt of, on average, 3.7 emails.
Eric’s Bio…
November 2020 — ZOOM meeting
Speaker: April O’Leary
Topic: What Publishing Path is Perfect for You?
April’s website: www.olearypublishing.com
Decades ago aspiring authors had only two options secure a traditional publishing deal, or if you couldn’t get one, publish your work yourself for a small fortune. Fortunately, writers have many more publishing paths available to traverse today that include various levels of difficulty. In this presentation, April O’Leary, founder of O’Leary Publishing, will discuss the pros and cons of each path including the amount of time and technology skills required for the author, the upfront cost, the opportunities for distribution and ownership of your work. You’ll walk away with a clear trail guide to help you publish your book with success. See you at the top!
About April
April O’Leary is the founder of O’Leary Publishing, a hybrid book publishing company that serves independent authors who want a book to grow their brand, share a message or build a community. She is the author of six books and the host of the I’m Booked podcast. For more information you can visit www.olearypublishing.com and download The Influencer’s Path to Successful Publishing free today.
October 2020 — ZOOM meeting
Speaker: Rebeca Seitz
Topic: New opportunity for your writing — Podcasts
Rebeca’s company website: justonec.com
Get your questions answered and learn about a new opportunity for your writing! Throughout her 16-year career, Rebeca’s abiding passion has been helping writers find an audience for their works. This interest led her forays into book publishing as well as film and television development. In 2019, at the behest of friend Micheal Flaherty (Walden Media), Seitz began exploring the podcast industry in depth. In 2020, she released her newly-formed company’s first scripted podcast production, MAKING THE CUT (makingthecutpodcast.com), based on the memoirs of Dr. Michael Meguid. The show – featuring 99 characters voiced by over 60 actors from studios across the world – quickly climbed into the top 30% of podcast shows worldwide. Rebeca had hit on a new way for her writers to get their stories to the public: the scripted, spoken word. Now, she’s bringing that knowledge to you. According to PodcastHosting.org, 50% of all U.S. homes are podcast fans…and the number is growing. Over 100 million people in this country listen to podcasts monthly. Studios and publishing houses alike have developed divisions specifically to acquire rights to podcast shows. Bottom line: if you aren’t considering a podcast show for your words, you could very well be missing out. Rebeca will share information about the podcast industry and the process of converting the written word into a scripted series. Drawing from her long history in multiple parts of the entertainment business, she’ll also answer your questions about publishing, film, and television paths for getting your work out there.
September 2020
Speaker: Jill Clark
Topic: How to Velcro Your Writing and Make It Stick
Jill’s blog: www.jillswriterscafe.com
Jill will provide tips on how to find markets that fit your writing style and genre, how to use social media to your advantage, and creative ways to market your work once it is published.
Jill Clark freelances prose and poetry. Among others, her writing has appeared in Lerner Publications, Pocket Change Literary Magazine, Hedge Apple Literary Magazine, Ariel Chart Literary Review, The Nature Conservancy, and The Henry David Thoreau Institute. She hosts workshops, lesson plans, and activities for children in libraries and schools around Florida-based on characters, themes, or literary techniques generated from her recent publication Loose Balloons.
Please blog Jill at www.jillswriterscafe.com if you would like her to host an event or presentation, purchase her book at a reduced rate, or if you would like the author and illustrator to personalize the book.
To preview a portion of the book from Amazon select:
July 2020
Speaker: Geneva Kelly
Workshop: Writing from prompts
The Military Museum was a great venue for us
and the meeting was a success. We had some
delightful stories written on the spot from
prompts given by Geneva.
February 2020
Speaker: Ronnie Walter
Topic: 5 Secrets to Make Your Self-Published Book Stand Out in a Sea of Professionals
Visit her website at:
http://ronniewalter.com
The difference between a typical DIY self-published book cover and an eye-catching, genre appropriate sales-generator by a professional designer can be the difference between sleepy sales and exciting daily results.
That’s because people DO judge a book by it’s cover.
Author and designer Ronnie Walter will share with you how to identify the visual language of your genre, how your cover can help potential readers discover your book, and also will walk you through the “Crimes of Bad Covers.”
Whether you choose to design your own cover or hire a designer, the more you know about what works (and how to say it), the more your cover will represent the amazing writing on the inside!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to position your book for success!
Ronnie Walter, artist, writer and business coach for creatives, knows her way around publishing. She is both a self-published author and also has books with several traditional publishers. She is the author of License to Draw—How to Monetize Your Art through Licensing and More, Gruesome Greetings—A Georgie Hardtman Mystery, several gift books, numerous journals and has illustrated and published over 20 coloring books for adults. Her newest book, Gratitude with Attitude—How Journaling Thankfulness for Five Minutes a Day can Change your Life was released in October 2019, and Start here, Start Now, Start Anywhere—A Fill-In Journal to Discover Your Best Year yet! is scheduled for release in April, 2020.
Ronnie lives in Cape Coral with her husband, writer Jim Marcotte and the best shelter dog ever, Larry. She can be reached through her website at www.ronniewalter.com
January 2020
Speakers: Bob McCarthy and Judy Loose
Topic: The 3 Ps of Self-Publishing — Preparation, Publishing, and Promotion
Bob and Judy will give a presentation on self-publishing covering subjects and suggestions on preparation, publishing, and promotion of your book.
Bob is a professional writer and editor with experience in both freelance and in-house writing. His articles have appeared in regional, national, and international magazines. He writes web content, video scripts, training manuals, social media content, and collateral material. More about Bob at gulfwriters.org.
Judy worked as an IT professional installing corporate computer systems and managing IT departments for thirty years. For the last twenty-plus years she has owned her own company, Loose Links. She designs and maintains websites, edits and formats books, and creates book covers. She has self-published two novels, The Janus Code and Mangrove Madness. More about Judy at judyloose.com and gulfwriters.org.
Handouts from Bob and Judy’s presentation on Self-Publishing