News Bulletins
- We've got our first ten Writers in the Field instructors live online - and we think you will be pleased! (That 'fired up' metaphor was perfectly literal, by the way - Jo Smith is bringing his forge and turning up the heat!)
- Are you ready for the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference? It's happening right here in DFW on July 20th-22nd, and the theme has never been more relevant in an age where responsible journalism is so much in the spotlight: "Are You Not Entertained? Real People, Real Stories, Real Storytelling". Whether you are working on a memoir, telling a true story, or eager to see your articles and essays in glossy print - don't miss out!
- Sign up for the first-ever Fledgling Writers Camp on July 14th - a half-day boot camp packed with information about: website basics (WordPress), editing, conference attendance, audio books, community building, resources, and more - and all for only $25!
- And if this gridlocked asphalt summer is all too much, run away to sweet and shady Nacogdoches for the Writers League of Texas' summer retreat! It's a writers' paradise from July 29th to August 3rd, with classes and activities that will leave you spoiled for choice. Friendship bracelets included!
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July Events
Mastering the Art of Promises & Payoffs in Fiction
Sunday, July 8th, 3 to 6 PM
Writing Workshops Dallas Presents: Mastering the Art of Promises & Payoffs in Fiction Writers must make compelling story promises in their opening lines, as well as deliver surprising yet satisfying payoffs by THE END. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to apply these principles to your own work in progress with hands-on exercises. Register here and use Discount Code WORD at checkout for 10% off.
The Foundry Club at Mockingbird Station in Dallas
$60 general admission / $45 for WWD students and alums
Living Literature with Author Sanderia Faye
Thursday, July 10th, 7 to 8:30 PM
The Dallas Area Writers Group presents: Sanderia Faye
As a successful accountant turned successful author, Sanderia Faye is living the dream. An award-winning novelist, creative writing instructor at SMU, and co-founder of Kimbilio Fiction, Faye will share her insights with a riveting, in-depth discussion on literature.
Zula B. Wylie Library – 225 Cedar St., Cedar Hill, TX, 75104
Attendance is free. New memberships are always welcome.
Bring your books for signing, questions, notebooks, pens and a few friends!
Forward Momentum!
Thursday, July 10th, 7 to 9PM
The DFW Self-Publishing Group presents: Forward Momentum!
With our dues-members now in place, let's look to the future. We'll outline our first workshops, and take a fresh, geographic look at our new membership and how that affects meeting/workshop.event locations. We will also open up to any thoughts and suggestions by attending members as to what they would like from the group, as well as discuss new group policies. These are exciting times ahead - do come along!
Bedford, TX - RSVP for address
$30 annual dues
Granbury Writers’ Bloc Annual Writing Workshop
Saturday, July 14th, 8AM to 4:30PM
The Granbury Writers' Bloc presents: Annual Writing Workshop
Arianne ‘Tex’ Thompson from Dallas and Charise Olson from Cleburne will be headlining this year’s workshop. Tex will speak on how to avoid and correct ‘The Seven Deadly First Page Sins,’ and on how to host ‘Bigger, Better, Author Events.’ In the afternoon, Charise will show us how to ‘Build Your Publishing Business.’ Whether you are pursuing traditional, indie, or hybrid publishing, this talk is for you. Club members will serve a pot luck lunch.
Waterview Clubhouse - 100 Watermark Blvd, Granbury TX 76048
$25 conference fee / potluck lunch included
Make it Bigger with Brainstorming!
Saturday, July 14th, 9:30AM to 1PM
The Writer's Path at SMU presents: Make It Bigger with Brainstorming!
Ideation is the process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas. Through a myriad of idea generation exercises and visual stimuli, we can find the threads of your story and get them on the table to help develop your world, your characters, your stakes, and your story. Don't miss out!
Southern Methodist University (room TBA)
$75 / no prerequisite
Writing the Bad Guys: 5 Ways to Effectively Write Antagonists
Saturday, July 14th, 10:30AM to 12PM
ACFW DFW Ready Writers presents: Writing the Bad Guys: 5 Ways to Effectively Write Antagonists with Susie Finkbeiner
Through the magic of Skype, Michigan author Susie Finkbeiner will share five ways to effectively write antagonists, without stereotypes or cardboard cutouts. She is the bestselling author of the Pearl Spence trilogy – “A Cup of Dust,” “A Trail of Crumbs,” and “A Song of Home,” in addition to others.
Arlington Community Church – 1715 W. Randol Mill Rd, Arlington
Meetings free for guests (up to two visits)
Fledgling Writers Camp: Back to Basics
Saturday, July 14th, 2018, 1 to 5 PM (doors open 12:30)
CLeaRly Creative presents: Fledgling Writers Camp: Back to Basics
Four hours packed with information - WordPress websites, conquering writing conferences, connecting with your community, attention to audio books, and mastering first edits for manuscript - and writing coach sessions as well. Open to secular and Christian writers alike; writers of all levels welcome.
Further information, including speaker bio’s, presentation descriptions, and Q&A
Arlington Community Church – 1715 W. Randol Mill Rd, Arlington.
Tickets $25
Questions? Contact fledglingcamp@gmail.com
Writing Better Villains (and Heroes)
Sunday, July 15th, 3 to 6PM
Writing Workshops Dallas Presents: Writing Better Villains & Heroes
JR. Forasteros, author of Empathy for the Devil, will give you the secrets and strategies to write villains and antagonists who make your stories shine, ratchet up the tension, and make for compelling drama. Register here and use Discount Code WORD at checkout for 10% off.
The Foundry Club at Mockingbird Station in Dallas
$60 general admission / $45 for WWD students and alums
July Bloc Buster Writing Challenge
Deadline: Sunday, July 15th at midnight
Granbury Writers’ Bloc presents the July edition of this year’s Bloc Buster Challenge writing contest. This month’s challenge is of the ‘Wild Card’ no-prompt variety – write a short story in less than 1500 words on anything you desire – any topic, any genre. Submit your story and receive detailed scores and comments from three professional judges, plus a chance at a cash prize! See www.GranburyWritersBloc.com for full rules and scoring criteria.
$20 contest entry fee
WGT Summer Series – Part 2
Monday, July 16th, 7 to 8:30PM
Writers Guild of Texas presents: WGT Summer Series – Part 2
Our two-part summer series includes viewing portions of the official MasterClass course, "James Patterson Teaches Writing," followed by hands-on writing exercises.
Richardson Public Library - Basement program room
Free to attend!
Play Reading & Discussion
Thursday, July 19th, 7 to 9PM
Stage Writers presents: Play Reading & Discussion
Playwrights and theatre fans are invited to come together to discuss story ideas, read scenes aloud, and critique each other's new works.
Houlihan's | 5225 Belt Line | Dallas
Free to attend!
The Steps to Romance with Amanda Arista
Saturday, July 21st, 4 to 6 PM
Saturday Night Write presents: The Steps to Romance
Avon author and SMU instructor Amanda Arista will break down the steps to writing a romance or including a romantic subplot. Bring your questions about romance as a genre — or how to complicate your characters’ lives in any genre!
The Flying Fish in Arlington
free to attend!
The FBI Investigative Process
Sunday, July 22nd, 2:30 to 4:30PM
Sisters in Crime North Dallas presents: FBI Investigative Process
Retired FBI Special Agent Mike Krenek will discuss the "investigative process" and how criminal case rulings are contingent upon the investigator's approach.
Frisco Public Library - 4th Floor | McCallum Room
Free to attend!
Criminal Minds: The Elements of Crime Writing
Sunday, July 22nd, 3 to 6 PM
Writing Workshops Dallas Presents: Criminal Minds: The Elements of Crime Writing
This three-hour class with Edgar-nominated author Kathleen Kent (The Dime) will focus on effective strategies for writing exciting stories in the crime and mystery genre. Participants are encouraged to bring their own short stories, or outlines and extracts from their novels-in-progress. Register here and use Discount Code WORD at checkout for 10% off.
The Foundry Club at Mockingbird Station in Dallas
$60 general admission / $45 for WWD students and alums
How to Create Web Content to Sell Your Book
Thursday, July 26th, 7 to 9 PM
The Dallas Nonfiction Authors Association presents: How to Create Web Content to Sell Your Book
Every author needs a platform - and one way to build it is by producing quality content relevant to your demographic. In this workshop, you'll begin laying the foundation for a content strategy that establishes you as an authority in your topic and reaches readers.
Deep Vellum Books - 3000 Commerce St. in Dallas
Free for first-timers! $10 online / $15 at the door. Limited to 30 attendees.
How to Self-Edit: 50 Essential Tips for Honing Every Manuscript
Sunday, July 29th, 3 to 6 PM
Writing Workshops Dallas Presents: How to Self-Edit: 50 Essential Tips for Honing Every Manuscript As featured in D Magazine's "Five Things You Must Do in Dallas," this seminar, led by full-time editor and author Blake Atwood, will delve deep (or is it deeply?) into the challenging and robust process of self-editing. As an included bonus, every student will receive a digital copy of Blake Atwood’s Don’t Fear the Reaper: Why Every Author Needs an Editor, as well as a digital download of the seminar’s tips. Register here and use Discount Code WORD at checkout for 10% off.
The Foundry Club at Mockingbird Station in Dallas
$60 general admission / $45 for WWD students and alums
Dallas Area Writers Group 2018 Poetry Contest
Deadline: August 17th, 2018 at midnight
Gather your cowboy poetry, odes, haikus, elegies, sonnets, free verse, ghazals, tanka, and shi. We’re on the lookout for poems of all styles and forms! First, second, and third-place winners receive cash prizes and recognition in DAWG publications. For complete rules, submission guidelines, and registration, please visit www.dallaswriters.org.
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Until Next Time!
That's all, folks! And if you read this far, here's a special message just for you: remember that you're the only person who's permanently stuck with yourself. To the rest of us you are a rare commodity (and a wonderful break from our own tiresome constant selves!) So next time you're sick of yourself, your problems, and your writing, come out and find your kindred spirits, at one of these events or elsewhere. We positively guarantee that someone out there will *love* to trade your same-old bologna sandwich for their same-old PB&J!
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