Ventura Country Writers Club
February 9th Meeting, 7 p.m.
Borders Books in Thousand Oaks
Margaret Brownley to speak on writing book proposals
at next VCWC Meeting.
This month, the club welcomes the best-selling author of more than twenty novels, Margaret Brownley. And guess what folks… she’s a local. Margaret will present a topic that all writers definitely need to hear about: “KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF! The secret to writing great book proposals that will catch an editor’s or agent’s eye.”
Margaret’s successes are clear proof that she knows her subject. She has written for Penguin, St. Martin’s press, Time Warner, and Harlequin. She helped to launch the Topaz line of historical romances and she recently published her first nonfiction book, which has consistently been on Amazon’s top ten seller’s list for the category.
Margaret is currently writing inspirational historical novels for Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house. Her latest work, A Lady Like Sarah, has been chosen as a Women of Faith novel for 2010 and was a featured selection of Crossings Book Club. The second book in her Rocky Creek series, A Suitor For Jenny, will be published next September.
Known for her memorable characters and humorous writing, Margaret has been nominated twice for a Career Achievement award by Romantic Times. Her books have appeared in 15 languages, and one of her novels was optioned by an independent producer.
Read more about Margaret Brownley here.
Short Story Winners to be announced on January 12
The waiting is over: We have our winners!
To kick off the New Year, first second, and third place winners of the VCWC's 10th Annual Short Story Contest will receive their awards. Authors who received honorable mention will also be introduced. The winning writers will read from their stories which will be published by the Ventura County Star. Their stories will also be published in our VCWC anthology due out in August 2010.
VCWCMembers and guests are invited to arrive early and after our featured speaker, Dan Vining, stay to congratulate our winners and enjoy a reception in their honor.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VCWC MEMBERS
The California Literary Arts Society is sponsoring a three-part Book Proposal Workshop on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 and continuing on February 10 and 17. The sessions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bank of Books, 748 E. Main Street in Ventura.
Each section of the proposal will be covered. They are (1) Title Page, (2) Synopsis, (3) Author Bio, (4) Market Potential/Promotion, (5) Competitive Works, (6) Chapter Outline, and (7) Sample Chapters.
Authors would benefit by preparing a book proposal before they finish their first draft. Even before they begin writing their book, an outline of the proposal could be written as a guide to what needs to be included. This could save authors the process of reworking and rewriting.
The fee for all three sessions is $25 for CLAS members and $50 for nonmembers. Individual sessions are $10 and $20. Nonmembers may join CLAS and pay the member fee. All proceeds go to the California Literary Arts Society. Website: www.literaryarts-ca.org.
As seating is limited, paid reservations should be made in advance and sent to CLAS, P.O. Box 782, Ventura, CA 93002. For more information, e-mail maryembree@sbcglobal.net or call 805/643-3385.
