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June 6 – You Can Be a Winning Writer: the 4 C’s of Successful Authors w/Joan Gelfand

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The 4 C’s of Successful Authors: Craft, Commitment, Community and Confidence

Not all writing careers are created equal. Why are some authors quickly catapulted to publishing success while other authors languish? Learn the secrets of how to become a successful author.

In this class, you will learn how to make the 4 C’s approach work for you.

During this workshop, Joan will discuss:

  • your writing challenges
  • how to put together a winning book proposal
  • the difference between a non-fiction and a fiction proposal
  • cover letters
  • finding the right agent (or publisher)
  • what to do once your book is published

Join us on June 6 at Noon for a fun, interactive session.

Where: Zoom  (link provided via email – RSVP below)

 

Joan-Gelfand

Author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller, “You Can Be a Winning Writer” (Mango Press), Joan Gelfand’s three volumes of poetry and chapbook of short fiction have garnered over twenty awards and commendations. Joan’s novel “Extreme” set in a Silicon Valley startup will be published by Blue Light Press in July 2020. Joan has taught the 4 C’s approach at conferences and in libraries in the US and Mexico. Her key publications include Los Angeles Review, PANK!, Rattle, Huffington Post, Poetry Flash, Prairie Schooner, Kalliope, Meridian Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Joan coaches writers in person, via Zoom and Skype. http://joangelfand.com

May 26 – Virtual Networking Goals for Writers w/Deb Eckerling

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Networking is essential for business and personal growth. Fortunately, companies and communities have been working overtime to keep people connected during this challenging time. Conferences are going virtual, while new online groups, mixers, and workshops are popping up each week.

To navigate the new way of networking, join Debra Eckerling, founder of the D*E*B METHOD® and author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals, for a Virtual Lunch N Learn for the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter, on May 26 at 12pm PT.

During this workshop, Deb will discuss:

  • Setting goals for virtual-networking
  • Finding your “people” online
  • Following up with new contacts
  • Networking best practices for writers
  • And more…

Grab your lunch, a cup of coffee, and a notebook. Join us for a fun, interactive session.

Title: Virtual Networking Goals for Writers

When: May 26, 12pm PT

Where: Zoom –Zoom (link provided via email – RSVP to deckerling@gmail.com – and in the Facebook Event)

About the Book: One of the biggest reasons goals fail is that people often don’t put enough thought into what they really want before diving in. Your Goal Guide by Debra Eckerling starts with that first, crucial step: figuring out your goals and putting a plan in place. Eckerling presents readers with her own tested and proven method: the D*E*B METHOD®, a brainstorming and task-based system, which stands for: Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. Through a combination of writing exercises and systems, Eckerling provides readers with a process for making and setting goals that is stress-free, easy-to-manage, and even fun.

Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals (Mango Publishing, January 2020), as well as the self-published Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages.
A goal coach, project catalyst, and founder of the D*E*B METHOD®, Debra works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on one coaching, workshops, and online support. Note: DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. She is the founder of Write On Online, a live and online community for writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat (Sundays at 7pm PT) and the Guided Goals Podcast.

May 29 – Virtual Mixer with WNBA-SF!

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Friday, May 29, 2020
5pm

Dear Friends,

We miss you! Let’s get together and catch up on what you’re up to and share how everyone is doing while sheltering in place. Any great reads to recommends? Movies to watch? Books to binge? Yummy recipes to share? We would love to spend time with you and have some fun and good conversation.

Everyone will get time to share including any writing, new articles, books, virtual classes or awards. Please do share your news as we need all the good news we can get nowadays.

Zoom is super easy: you just click on the link we will send you once you rsvp and host Elise Marie Collins will invite you in to the Happy Hour.

 

All you will need is a smart phone, laptop or desktop with camera so you can join via both audio and video. 

Some inspired ideas to consider:

Bring your own cocktail and snacks, wine and cheese, coffee, tea, or your favorite literary drink 

May we suggest a Margarita Atwood or a Dorothy Parker Sour? 

You might also consider a bookish background for your Zooming. Here are some fab options:

https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=great-libraries-for-your-zoom-background

Whatever you decide, we are really looking forward to connecting, hearing what you are up to and getting reinspired. Please rsvp and tell a friend!

Take very good care and see you soon!

May 21 – Publishing Pros Coaching for Writers Virtual Event

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Thursday, May 21, 2020
Noon – 1pm
Have you wanted to write a book, but you don’t know how to begin? Or maybe you’re writing one now, but you don’t know what to do when it’s finished. Is the manuscript complete, and you’re wondering how to market it for sale? In the fast-changing world of e-book and printed book publishing, there’s a lot you need to know. And we have it for you. Join our panel of publishing industry experts, all members of WNBA-SF, moderated by board member and author Sue Wilhite for a lively and illuminating discussion about writing, publishing and marketing your book.
 
Moderator: After spending 20 years in programming and database design,  Sue Wilhite knew she needed to catch up and develop her right brain. She is now a best-selling author, publisher, Law of Attraction coach, and sound healer, and is known as the “Profit Attraction Mentor.” Sue specializes in getting her clients unstuck and encouraging them to fulfill their own destinies.  SweetSoundOfSuccess.com
 
Distinguished panelists:
 
Brenda Knight, author of  Women of the Beat Generation, will read new work and a tribute to “Beat Goddess” ruth weiss. Brenda began her publishing career at HarperCollins. An author of ten books, she won the American Book Award for “Women of the Beat Generation.”  In 2015, she was named Indiefab Publisher of the Year. She is Editorial Director at Mango Publishing and is President of WNBA-SF Chapter.
 

Michael Larsen co-founded  Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents in 1972. Over four decades, the agency sold hundreds of books to more than 100 publishers and imprints. The agency has stopped accepting new writers, but Mike loves helping  all writers. He gives talks about writing and publishing, and does author coaching. He wrote  How to Write a Book Proposal and  How to Get a Literary Agent, and coauthored  Guerrilla Marketing for Writers. Mike is co-director of the San Francisco Writers Conference and the San Francisco Writing for Change Conference.   larsenauthorcoaching.com/

 
Nina Amir, the Inspiration to Creation Coach, is an 14-times Amazon bestselling author of  How to Blog a Book, The Author Training Manual,  Creative Visualization for Writers, and a host of ebooks. As an Author Coach and one of 700 elite Certified High Performance Coaches world-wide—the only one working with writers—she helps her clients  Achieve  More  Inspired  Results. Nina founded the Nonfiction Writers’ University and the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge. She helps her clients get from the lightbulb moment to the realization of their dreams (without letting anything get in the way) and make a positive and meaningful difference with their words.  www.ninaamir.com

Mechanics Institute presents -How to Create and Run a Virtual Writing Group

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Carla King in conversation with Taryn Edwards over Zoom

Thursday, April 23, 2020 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

In partnership with the San Francisco Writers Conference and the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter.

Whether you need to move your writing group online or you want to start a new group, find out about the tools and processes that can help you make it a success. We’ll discuss tools for document submission and commenting, videoconferencing, plus membership and mailing list management tools. Processes include meeting frequency, submission guidelines (word count), critique guidelines (etiquette), moderating, timing, and more. There will be time for Q&A.

This meeting will take place over Zoom. To receive an invitation to the meeting, please click here.

Carla King has been a member of many different kinds of writing groups over the years. In 2001, her group self-published an anthology, titled Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel, that was later sold to a New York publishing house. In March of 2020, she set up a Virtual Travel Writing Group in response to the shelter-in-place order. Carla is the author of multiple memoirs on her travels and how-to books on self-publishing. She is Director of Business Development for San Francisco Writers Conference, an editor, book coach, publishing coach, publishing consultant, and speaker. Check out her Self-Pub Boot Camp series of workshops, online courses, and free resources for authors.

Taryn Edwards is a Librarian, Historian and Strategic Parnterships Manager for the Mechanics’ Institute. She manages the writers activities there and works with other nonprofits to achieve mutual goals. Currently the Mechanics’ Institute hosts 13 writers groups and a wealth of other activities aimed at the writing community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

April 30 – Social Media Goals for Writers w/Deb Eckerling

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A social media presence is essential for any business. This is especially true for authors who want and need to build relationships with their readers and community.

Social media may appear to be overwhelming. However, there are things you can do to make the process much more user friendly.

Want to learn about Social Media Goals for Writers?

Join Debra Eckerling, founder of the D*E*B METHOD® and author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals, for a Virtual Lunch N Learn for the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter, on April 30 at 12pm PT.

  • During this session, Deb will share tips on:
  • Getting Started on Social Media
  • Branding Your Profiles
  • Best Practices for Posting & Engaging
  • Setting Social Media Goals
    And More

Grab your lunch, a cup of coffee, and a notebook, and join us for a fun, informative, and interactive session.

Title: Social Media Goals for Writers

When: April 30, 12pm PT

Where: Zoom –Zoom (link provided via email – RSVP to deckerling@gmail.com – and in the Facebook Event

About the Book: One of the biggest reasons goals fail is that people often don’t put enough thought into what they really want before diving in. Your Goal Guide by Debra Eckerling starts with that first, crucial step: figuring out your goals and putting a plan in place. Eckerling presents readers with her own tested and proven method: the D*E*B METHOD®, a brainstorming and task-based system, which stands for: Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. Through a combination of writing exercises and systems, Eckerling provides readers with a process for making and setting goals that is stress-free, easy-to-manage, and even fun.

Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals (Mango Publishing, January 2020), as well as the self-published Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages.
A goal coach, project catalyst, and founder of the D*E*B METHOD®, Debra works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on one coaching, workshops, and online support. Note: DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. She is the founder of Write On Online, a live and online community for writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat (Sundays at 7pm PT) and the Guided Goals Podcast.

April 14 – Goals for Writers, No Matter What w/Deb Eckerling

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Have you suddenly found yourself with extra time on your hands? It’s the perfect opportunity to move forward with your writing goals!

Debra Eckerling, founder of the D*E*B METHOD® and author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals, will be leading a Virtual Lunch N Learn for the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter, on April 14 at 12pm PT.

During this session, Deb will share:

  • A Variety of Goals for Writers

  • Strategies for Rethinking Your Goals

  • Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Success

Grab your lunch, a cup of coffee, and a notebook, and join us for a fun and informative interactive session.

Title: Goals for Writers … No Matter What

When: April 14, 12pm PT

Where: Zoom – https://zoom.us/j/354714993

About the Book: One of the biggest reasons goals fail is that people often don’t put enough thought into what they really want before diving in. Your Goal Guide by Debra Eckerling starts with that first, crucial step: figuring out your goals and putting a plan in place. Eckerling presents readers with her own tested and proven method: the D*E*B METHOD®, a brainstorming and task-based system, which stands for: Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. Through a combination of writing exercises and systems, Eckerling provides readers with a process for making and setting goals that is stress-free, easy-to-manage, and even fun.

Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals (Mango Publishing, January 2020), as well as the self-published Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages.
A goal coach, project catalyst, and founder of the D*E*B METHOD®, Debra works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on one coaching, workshops, and online support. Note: DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. She is the founder of Write On Online, a live and online community for writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat (Sundays at 7pm PT) and the Guided Goals Podcast.

Mechanics Institute presents -Publishing in the Time of Coronavirus

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a conversation with Brenda Knight and Laurie McLean over Zoom

Thursday, April 9, 2020 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

In partnership with the San Francisco Writers Conference and the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter.

Join us and publishing veterans Brenda Knight and Laurie McLean for a timely discussion about how the publishing industry may be irrevocably changed by the global pandemic.  

This meeting will take place over Zoom. To receive an invitation to the meeting, please email Taryn Edwards tedwards@milibrary.org.

 

Laurie McLean spent 20 years as the CEO of a multi-million dollar marketing agency and 8 years as an agent/senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents before co-founding Fuse Literary in 2013 with her business partner Gordon Warnock. At Fuse Lit Laurie specializes in middle grade, young adult and adult genre fiction including romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and westerns. Laurie is also the Director of the San Francisco Writers Conference, in its 18th year, and co-founded two ePublishing companies: JoyrideBooks.com for romance, and Ambush Books for tween and teen books (acquired by Short Fuse Publishing in 2015). Find out more at FuseLiterary.com and on Twitter @FuseLiterary and @AgentSavant.

Brenda Knight began her career at HarperCollins, working with luminaries Paolo Coelho, Dr. Dean Ornish and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Knight was awarded IndieFab’s Publisher of the Year in 2014 at the ALA, American Library Association. Knight is the author of Wild Women and Books, The Grateful Table, Be a Good in the World, and Women of the Beat Generation, which won an American Book Award. Knight is Associate Publisher at Mango Publishing. She also serves as President of the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter and resides in the SF Bay Area.

10 Goals for Writers for 2020

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By Debra Eckerling, author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals (January 2020)

[Editor’s note: In this time of world chaos, we wanted to present something positive for you to focus on, as you deal with the changing times.]

It’s an opportunity to jump into new writing projects … and perhaps revisit some old ones. Whether your long-term goal is to sell a manuscript, get an agent, or break into a new publication, start by setting some short-term writing goals. 

I’ve made it easy, and listed some goals to get you started. Keep the ones that resonate, tweak the ones that don’t quite hit the spot, and add new ones that will help you reach your long-term goals.

Here are 10 goals to set you up for writing success in 2020.

  1. Journal Regularly. I’m not going to say journal daily, because for most people that’s not realistic. However, you can make some time for journaling. Spend 5 or 10 minutes, a few days a week, brainstorming your projects, retelling funny people-watching stories, or sharing thoughts of what’s going on in your life. A journal is multipurpose, in that it’s a tracking document for what’s going on in your life, personally, professionally, and creatively. Use it as such.
  2. Research. This is going to be the year you get a leg up as a professional writer, right? Well, if what you’ve been doing is not quite working, try something new. Research new publications, agents, and professional development groups. And don’t stop there. Write a pitch, send a book proposal, go out networking, or all of the above. You never know where research and new connections may lead.
  3. Explore a New Genre or Format. Just like researching new places and people to pitch, why not switch up your writing too. Are you a horror writer? Try writing something personal. A technical writer? Give poetry a try. Here’s a secret, this is for fun. You don’t have to show your work to anyone, unless of course you love it and you want to. 
  4. Learn. There is no shortage of continuing education opportunities for writers, both in person and online. Find a conference or workshop to attend. Even better, offer to volunteer at one. By working at an event, you will make even more connections, in addition to learning new things.
  5. Do Something Creative. What – besides writing – gets your creative juices flowing? Painting? Playing or listening to music? Cooking? Gardening? Dancing? If you don’t have a go-to creative outlet beyond writing, it’s time to find one. Try new things throughout the year, and stick with the ones that resonate.
  6. Refresh your Website or Blog. You are a professional, and your website should showcase that. Give your website a mini-makeover. Re-read and re-do your bio page, upload a new headshot, and write a new blog post. And, while you’re at it, send out a newsletter. I’m sure your readers and followers would love to hear from you.
  7. Clean up your LinkedIn Profile. As a social network for professionals, LinkedIn is often the first place people search for you after you meet. Make sure your Summary and Experience sections are up-to-date, and that each includes one or two multimedia links or files. 
  8. Spend Time on Social Media. A social media presence is necessary in any business, and that includes writing. Even if you have not yet become known, you should have public social media pages for yourself or your business. It’s another one of those things that gives you a professional leg up and enables you to showcase your expertise by sharing your own content, as well as links your readers will find interesting.
  9. Have Fun. Add fuel to your writing background by going on adventures. These can be close to home – or even at home – or in faraway places. The point is to have fun, enjoy experiences, and learn new things that you can bring back to your writing and in turn share with your audience.
  10. Revisit a Passion Project. Give yourself permission to spend time on a passion project. You know the one – it’s that book, essay, or screenplay that you always wanted to write. Even if it’s an hour a week – or a few hours a month – the time adds up. Stop thinking about it and start doing it. This is your year.

As a writer, it’s important to constantly hone your craft, have new experiences, and put your best foot forward. These goals will give you a head start for a productive and writing-infused 2020.

Best of luck reaching your writing goals.

Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals (Mango Publishing, January 2020), as well as the self-published Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages.
A goal coach, project catalyst, and founder of the D*E*B METHOD®, Debra works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on one coaching, workshops, and online support. Note: DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. She is the founder of Write On Online, a live and online community for writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat (Sundays at 7pm PT) and the Guided Goals Podcast.

Hone your book’s pitch at Pitch-O-Rama PLUS 2020!

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You’ve polished your manuscript, now polish your pitch! Pitch-o-Rama, hosted annually by the San Francisco chapter of the Women’s National Book Association, is a great opportunity to not only practice your pitch with coaches and fellow writers, but also try that pitch on publishing professionals who can provide advice, direction, and next steps for your writing project.

Pitching your book to an agent or editor might seem like a daunting or terrifying experience. But it’s necessary if you want to publish traditionally. We’ve assembled top agents and editors from all genres for this event, who are excited to hear about what you’ve been working on. Pitch-o-Rama provides a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere to talk with them, and you’ve got six whole minutes per session. That’s twice as long as other pitch events.

Author Nisha Zenoff loves to tell her Pitch-o-Rama success story. “I walked in with a book project that had been turned down a dozen times. I was giving my book one last shot at Pitch-O-Rama. When I left, I was on cloud nine as I got excellent feedback on a new title and ideas to make my project more viable. I got an agent who sold my project to a big New York publishing house, and all because of the support I got from the Women’s National Book Association, SF Chapter at their event. Brava!” 

Pre-pitch coaching

If you’re feeling those pre-pitch jitters, coaching can help you get in the zone. We have two coaches this year to give you feedback and be the sounding board you need to get your pitch down. By practicing in front of others, you can build confidence so that you don’t get stuck when you’re trying to pitch to an agent. The atmosphere is supportive and encouraging, with personal, targeted feedback that helps authors succeed at sharing what their books are about. Michelle Travis, now published author of My Mom Has Two Jobs, says, “The pleasant atmosphere that provided an initial coaching session to get into the proper frame of mind, and then the possibility of speaking for six minutes with our agents of interest, was valuable.”

And Dr. Susan Allison says, “I really liked the pre-pitch session. Hearing other people’s pitches helps me hone my own. Plus, people were so very helpful, a very supportive/non-competitive group! Thank you for putting it on!”

Meet your Pre-pitch coaches

Betsy will again be sharing her expertise in a group setting, as part of your Pitch-o-Rama experience. Or if you’d like one-on-one coaching to get your pitch down, you can sign up on the day of Pitch-o-Rama for a time-slot with Elisabeth.

Betsy Graziani Fasbinder MS, MFT, is an award-winning author, a licensed psychotherapist, and a communications trainer. She has coached the reluctant and the phobic in public speaking in Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States and abroad, helping even the most introverted to be comfortable, engaging, and inspiring to their listeners. She coaches presenters to conquer stage fears and connect to listeners. Her favorite clients are writers and artists. For the past five years she’s offered pre-pitch coaching to help nervous writers practice their pitches. And she’s watched newbie writers and seasoned authors alike walk away from these pitches with pros requesting their work.

Elisabeth Kauffman is an editor, an author, and an artist. She edits fiction and memoir for independent clients as well as for publishing companies, and coaches writers to find their voices and connect to the magic in their creative lives. Additionally, she’s been coaching writers with National Novel Writing Month for the past six years, helping them overcome writing blocks and get their stories out. Using creative writing exercises along with tarot, visualization, and more tactile forms of art, she encourages her clients to take risks and tell stories that matter. She regularly volunteers for and speaks at the San Francisco Writers Conference, and with local writers’ groups. She is currently represented by Bradford Literary Agency and hopes to publish her first book (a tarot deck and guide for writers) in the near future.

Saturday, March 21, 2020Register for Pitch-O-Rama!
8:00 am – 1:30 pm 

It’s Pitch-O-Rama PLUS – now Virtual!

Includes pre-pitch coaching.

Registration:
$65 WNBA members,  $75 Non-members, Men Welcome!
Limited to the first 70 ticketed attendees.

Come join the fun – register here!