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SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

April 4, 2023 by brooksadmin

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Welcomes Mystery Writer, Betty Webb

Author of over 20 Novels and winner of several Book Awards

WHO: ALL women writers!

WHY: Mission: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers/authors in camaraderie and support, and an alliance with professionals for writing, publishing, and marketing.

WHAT: SPEAKER BETTY WEBB, prolific author of over 20 novels!

Betty Webb is the author of the contemporary Lena Jones mystery series (Desert Wives, etc.) and the Gunn Zoo mysteries (The Panda of Death, etc.). But now she’s stepped into a time machine for her new historical mystery series with Lost in Paris, set in 1922. It debuts April 4, 2023. During her 20 years as a journalist, Betty has interviewed U.S. presidents, astronauts who walked on the moon, Nobel Prize-winners, and polygamy runaways. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Betty’s web site: www.bettywebb-mystery.com

Getting traditionally published has always been difficult, but mergers and buyouts have made that even more difficult. Betty Webb discusses how she jumped from one publisher to another. In her talk, she explains writing different “tones” in three different mystery series: the grim Lena Jones “Desert” series, set in Scottsdale; the cozy “Gunn Zoo” series, based on her work at the Phoenix Zoo, and now the Paris series with “Lost in Paris,” a historical set in 1922. She’ll also share sure-fire writing tips, from advertising copy, to journalism, to creative fiction.

WHEN: WED APRIL 26^th at 6:00 pm at our new IN PERSON location at the Panera Bread at Gainey Village, Scottsdale, 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, #302.

Please PAY on my PayPal at www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com $20.00 per person and confirm you will attend. Thank you. NO PAYMENT AT THE DOOR: the $20 on PayPal is due by 4:00 the Sunday before. Thank you for your cooperation.

GUESTS: If you have a guest, please notify Patricia, the host, and have them contact her directly. Guests may visit on two occasions, and then we ask they join as a member.

PRICING: THE COST OF THE MEETING ($20.00) covers the food and the room. The menu will consist of sandwich choices, salad choices, chips, cookies and a variety of beverages. The food at this venue is very good.

DUES: Dues are $50 annually. Upon joining, you receive a copy of the directory, the monthly newsletter and member support and camaraderie at all SSWW events, plus a plethora of professional speakers. Contact me for the form and pay on PayPal or mail to me – use [email protected] ONLY for PayPal, The membership form will be emailed to you. Thank you.

CHECK-IN: Please be on time and check-in to the restaurant between 5:15 and 5:30 pm. This allows you time to chat with members and guests, go through the buffet line and settle in for the meeting. The SSWW meeting starts promptly at 6:00 pm AZ Time (currently MST). All attendees must RSVP at least three days in advance. Thank you for allowing us to begin our new adventure with this venue.

Goals of the Group

Value all the professional women writers sharing their expertise.
Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing.
Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members forward.
Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers.
Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women.
Encourage participation by members as mentors, and volunteers.
Support and challenge each other to always be writing.
Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals.
Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams.

Choose or Create your own Critique Group

March 25, 2021 by Patricia Brooks

In an encouraging and insightful presentation, Patricia helps you determine what you are looking for in a critique group. She shares with you how and why a critique group is critical to the success of your writing. With tips and techniques from her 20 plus years of experience in and running such a group, you will go away filled with ideas.

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Michael Hale children’s author and illustrator

February 4, 2020 by Patricia Brooks

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Welcomes Michael Hale

Children’s Book Author and Illustrator

Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting

Wed FEB 26^th, 2020 5:30 pm – See PayPal info below*

Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Mission: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with professionals relating to writing, publishing, and marketing of books, and camaraderie and support.

____________________________________________________________________

SPEAKERS: Michael Hale, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator

George’s Curious History: What I’ve learned about Monkeys in the publishing business. Character driven picture books are a staple in children’s literature. Some characters can become so beloved that they create legacies that last for generations.

Join Michael Hale as he uncovers the history, controversies, and marketing ploys that surround some of the literary characters and authors that we grew up with.

A look back at lessons learned and a reminder that when it comes to traditional publishing, business comes first.

Michael Hale has over 30 years’ experience as a Creative Director, entrepreneur, writer and illustrator. He has illustrated many picture books and written two himself. His book Bad Monkey Business was awarded a Spark Honor by SCBWI in 2018. He also serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI’s Arizona Region. When he is not writing or illustrating, he devotes his time to coaching others looking to forge their own path in children’s publishing. You can see more of his work by visiting:

Michael Hale www.michaelhale.me 602-579-9735 [email protected]

NOTE:

RSVP before NOON the Friday morning before the meeting The Starfire Golf Club needs to order food a week in advance, and must receive a guaranteed number at that time, the confirmed deadline for an RSVP! Thank you for appreciating our contract with the Starfire Golf Club.

*Please PAY IN ADVANCE with PAYPAL on this website only – see home page www.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com NOTE upper right corner for the link. Please fill out the form and pay with your credit card before NOON the FRIDAY before the meeting! Meeting information on the left of the main page. Thank you!

PRICING: $30 for members and guests. We no longer take checks or cash at the door, except for payment of Annual Dues. Thank you for moving forward with SSWW.

CHECK-IN: Please check-in between 5:15 and 5:45 pm. The buffet is available by 5:45 Themeeting starts promptly at 6:00.

All those attending the meeting must pay for the dinner/room/speaker. The cost is noted above. Pick up your name badge at the front table and ENJOY a wonderful night!

Guests pick up a membership signup sheet too.

AGENDA: The agendas will be on the dinner table with a lot of wonderful announcements for you, including the schedule of upcoming meeting speakers. Remember, the announcements are reviewed at 6:00 with dinner. The member introductions follow at 30 seconds each.

DIRECTIONS: From the 101 Freeway, exit Shea Blvd and go West to Hayden Road and then North a quarter mile, the club is on the West side (Left) of the street. From the South, cross Shea Blvd going north on Hayden Road, again, it is on the West side (Left) of the street. 11500 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale.

Goals of the Group

Value all the professional women writers seeking to share their expertise
Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing
Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members forward
Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers
Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women
Encourage participation by members as mentors, and volunteers
Support and challenge each other to always be writing
Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals
Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers invites Jan Holmes Frost to speak Feb 19th

February 20, 2012 by Patricia Brooks

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Welcomes editor/author/speaker to Feb “Leap” Meeting!

WHO: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and Jan Holmes Frost

WHAT: Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting

WHERE: Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd. at Chaparral Rd light, NE corner – Enter off Chaparral Rd – 4^th Floor Grill entrance, take elevator, exit 4^thfloor, left to the Cactus Room

WHEN: Feb 29^th Wed 5:30-7:30 – Celebrate your “Leap” with us!

WHY: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.

HOW: PLEASE – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or [email protected] See Details Below

SPEAKER: Jan Holmes Frost [email protected] and

www.janholmesfrost.com

How Important Are Your First 100 Words?

They are your sales pitch, your resume, they welcome the reader into the story, or they are a dismal disappointment.

What elements are key to grabbing a reader, or agent or publisher’s attention?

How can you develop an enticing through-line in one or two sentences?

What does your first sentence reveal?

In this Workshop/Discussion you’ll learn the answers, and more.

Jan Holmes Frost received her education in Boston, MA. She is the author of EightThings You Need to Know to Write a Novel and has taught workshops in Texas, Arizona and Colorado, and at the Central California Writer’s Conference. She works as a managing editor for Fireship Press of Tucson, and also does freelance editing. Her novel, Without Sanctions, a
techno-thriller, is due to be released in early 2012.

notes below for dinner fees, format and location directions. Thank you.

MENU: Salad, dessert, beverage and roll or a sandwich/soup, dessert, beverage and roll – both with tax and gratuity included – make your choice the night of the meeting.

COST: $22.00 for members – $25.00 for guests (able to visit twice before joining)

CHECKS: Please make check payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers prior to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table. Thank you.

CHECK-IN: Please check-in between 5:15 and 5:45 at the table at the door, the meeting starts promptly at 6:00 – thank you.

(1) Leave your check made payable to SSWW

(2) All those attending the meeting must pay for the dinner/room/speaker

(3)Have your name checked off the RSVP list and Pick-up your name badge

AGENDA: The agendas will be on the dinner table and the format remains the same.

DIRECTIONS: Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Rd just north of Fashion Square Mall – Chaparral Rd has a light. Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots Note: best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4^th Floor Grille. From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Rd and go west. Just prior to Scottsdale Rd enter the side drive at 4^th Floor Grille and come up that levator. There is an awning marked 4^thFloor Grille. This is the easiest way
– not through the lobby. The parking lots are in the back of the complex.

Goals of the Group

Value all the professional women writers seeking to
share their expertise

Honor all genres and all forms of professional
writing
Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members
forward
Learn and share in the experiences of monthly
professional speakers
Grow the group to a membership of active and
contributing women
Encourage participation by members as presenters,
mentors, judges and volunteers
Support and challenge each other to always be
writing
Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty
personal goals
Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

THANK YOU for
your interest in our group!

WRITE NOW WRITING CONFERENCE – what I learned and share with you

September 4, 2011 by Patricia Brooks

What I learned at the Write Now writing conference

Aug 20^th, 2011 – Scottsdale, AZ

Patricia L. Brooks [email protected]

PICK UP THE PACE

Sophie Littlefield and Juliet Blackwell, authors, speakers

Motivating you to finish your work

These women are delightful. They are determined to inspire everyone in the audience to feel as passionately as they do about writing and publishing. Thank you Sophie and Juliet for a tremendous effort shown to us; we appreciate it. The following questions were posed to us for reflection.

What are my True Writing Goals?

- To tighten the structure of my current manuscript
- To define my query letter and prepare for submission
- To not give up no matter how many rejections I receive
How important are these Goals?
- Top priority – will not be put aside for
  even one day
- They will be a part of my morning schedule along with my exercise and daily
  meditations
- They will be connected to everything I do as I live the writers life
What am I willing to Give Up?
- Social activities that I deem unnecessary to my goals listed above
- TV time and Internet usage to have more writing time
- Certain reading material that does not further my goals
How will I Get in the Chair?
- Maintain my home-office for writing and make it very workable for that purpose
- Write and think and breathe this work each day while moving the project forward
- Appreciate the time I have to write and take advantage of this writing opportunity
How Will I Stop Sabotaging Myself?
- By not allowing myself off the hook with my commitment to write each day for a minimum of two hours
- By telling myself I can do this again in a bigger and better way
- By not allowing my perfectionism to get in the way of my desire to finish this
  work

Now more honest with myself about my writing, I take these goals and commitments seriously. I know my strengths and will capitalize on them and make them work for me such as being early and working alone.

These authors advise staying ENGAGED and working on something all of the time. I will remember that being able to write full-time is a privilege and I should not take it lightly.

These women also preach “anything you write is practice, so keep writing” and never give up. Keep writing and learn your voice is their mantra!

My stories are valid. I respect my fellow writers and their work too. I seek their encouragement and support as part of my plan to write daily and I pledge to continue to give it in return.

Thank you Sophie www.sophielittlefield.com and Juliet www.julietblackwell.net for a wonderful session at the conference

FIVE TECHNIQUES FOR SHAPING YOUR SUBMISSIONS

Carol Test, writer and editor

www.caroltest.net

Thank you Carol for the valuable feedback you gave me on the work I submitted at the conference. Here is what you prompted us with followed by
my takeaways from your wonderful talk.

1)
Write Fast First Drafts (and skinny seconds)

Almost overwrite and imbue later

Don’t edit as you go along
Write calorie and go “all-in”
Cut back with the second draft
1. My takeaway is to write with fierce abandon

2)
Beg the Question (in the intro)

Ask a rhetorical question – no need to answer

Leave this for the reader to define and answer
Hook us in with the story’s question
Start action with the hook
1. My takeaway is do it now

3)
Shape your Scenes (timing them)
Scene moves you forward in the story

Clock is critical – how long does it take?
Progression is paramount to the story
Take us back to the opening at the end
1. My takeaway is the form and flow are crucial

4)
Answer the Post-it Question

Theme ( use rhetorical question instead of a statement)

Define theme on a post-a-note
Be succinct and clear
Stir interest
1. My takeaway is less is more

5)
Know the Elements of Craft – do double duty

Narrative – shape – movement – through character in to action

Mirror characters to make point
Concrete detail
Sculpt in to a work of art
1. My takeaway is paint beautiful pictures with my story

The use of structure to organize your work is one important thing I needed to hear. Don’t tie it up too nicely is another. Let the reader do some of the work, but shape it and make it attractive to the reader still another. Let the reader answer the questions you set forth. The best advice yet – thank you
Carol.

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