Romance Author Patricia Rice to Speak at Saturday Writers

From the Saturday Writers website:

On July 26 PATRICIA RICE will host the workshop, "Writing Realistic Fiction." Be sure to bring a pen and paper for this hands-on workshop.

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA PATRICIA RICE is one of romance's hottest authors.

MYSTIC RIDER, her forty-fifth book and the second in her Mystic Isle trilogy is a July 2008 release about an ancient island invisible to anyone except the mysteriously gifted people who live there.

Patricia Rice's emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and the Bookrak Bestselling Paperback award. Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky, a past resident of North Carolina, she currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, and now does accounting only for herself. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Authors Guild, and Novelists, Inc., as well as numerous professional accounting organizations and local charities. Here’s her website http://www.patriciarice.com/

St. Louis Wash. U Creative Writing Class

Missouri Writers' Guild Conference by Tricia Grissom

Want to get serious about your writing? See this class announcement from Cathering Rankovic. (All bolding is mine).

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING – University College at Washington University in St. LouisU11 EComp 225 Fall 2008 Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Catherine Rankovic, M.A., M.F.A. Phone: W (314) 935-4807; H (636) 587-2257 E-mail: clrankov@wustl.edu

This course introduces and explores three types of creative writing -- poetry, short fiction and the writing of personal essays -- through studies and writings in each genre. Each genre is given equal time and weight. This course is for people who want to try out creative writing in general, or creative genres they've never written in before. You do not need experience in creative writing or a degree in literature. But competence in writing plain English, and an above-average desire to do so, are expected.

You will need time during the week to do the homework assignments. Consider whether you can give your writing class four to six outside-of-class hours per week, because the one thing every writer quickly learns is that writing takes time. Otherwise we begin study of the language's artistic possibilities -- "creative writing" -- from square one.

Our work consists of: -Some self-exploration. (Who are you, and what might you write about?)-Readings in literature and in handbook-type material.-Discussion and evaluation of readings.-Acquiring the vocabulary, habits and techniques common to creative writers.-Writing exercises, in class and as homework.-Reading and evaluating your own and others' work.-Revising and polishing your writing.-Developing a writer's approach to reading and writing.-Possible visits by and talks with guest writers.

This is an introductory course, so we will not be delving into highly specialized writing fields such as horror fiction, performance art, songwriting or screenwriting. This course focuses on producing literature for a general reading audience -- and this experience will help you no matter what kind of writing you wish ultimately to do. 15 weeks, beginning August 28, 2008. Tuition: $1,485; Over age 60: $742.50

To register: to go http://ucollege.wustl.edu, click on Courses and Registration button; course is titled EComp 225 (U11-225), Introduction to Creative Writing.Email the instructor with any questions at clrankov@wustl.edu

Margo Dill on Getting a Book Published

Margo Dill, former Missouri Writers Guild president, children's book author, and freelance writer is guest blogging again today at Scribe's Tribe.

Today Margo describes her journey in getting her middle-grade novel, Finding My Place, published by White Mane Publishing in 2009. It's definitely not an overnight process, and Margo gives a realistic view of the time it takes to get a book to press. But she did it!

So don't give up. Query on.

Guide to Literary Agents Blog on Non-Fiction Agents and Memoirs

Check out the Diana Finch Literary Agency profiled on the Guide to Literary Agents Blog. It also has a great post on four things you should do when writing your memoir.

I'm really liking the Guide to Literary Agents Blog. They have an Agent Advice series that Q&A's agents on the publishing industry.

My Grandma should have written a memoir. This  is her as a Harvey Girl, peeking over the woman third from left.

The Evil Dr. Horrible Has Overcome His Technical Difficulties

Despite a website crash, Dr. Horrible will prevail. Most of the technical difficulties seems to be resolved if you're trying to view it in the U.S. If you're out of the country, I don't know. If you miss this installment you can download it on iTunes. There is a link at the bottom of this article.

Don't miss Nathan Fillion with his hair blowing in the wind (roflol) as Dr. Horrible makes his debut in Act I.

Chicken Soup Wants College Stories, Resolutions Stories, and Extraordinary Teen Stories

Wiltshire Chicken by Protohiro Creative Commons

Chicken Soup for the Soul is seeking stories in the following categories: (quoted from their website)

...Results Stories...

Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.

Cancer Stories

We are collecting stories of support and discovery from people diagnosed with cancer and their families and support networks. The book will cover everything from the diagnosis, to planning the treatment, to living through the treatment, to coming out the other side. Stories from patients, medical professionals, family members, and friends are welcome. The deadline date for story submissions is September 1, 2008.

Stories about Cats

Another wonderful collection of stories about cats. No deadline date has been established

Stories about Christmas and holidays

We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting stories for our next holiday book. There is no deadline date for story submissions.

Stories About College

We are looking for true stories and poems about your experiences in college, whether you are in college now, or a recent graduate. Stories about everything from leaving home, to classes, to roommates, to personal growth, to funny moments, to travel abroad...anything you have done in college that you would like to share with other college students. The deadline for story submissions is December 31, 2008

Stories about dogs

Another wonderful collection of stories about dogs. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.

Stories about endurance sports

The stories in this book will be about running, cycling, swimming and all endurance sports. No deadline date for story submissions has been established.

Stories about Extraordinary Teens

Teenagers can do the most amazing and positive things. They can overcome obstacles and make wonderful contributions to the world. Do you know a teenager who has made a difference? We are looking for stories about these terrific teens. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2008.

Stories about resolutions

We all do it!! We make those New Year's resolutions each year and we try so hard to keep them. How did yours work out? We would love to hear from you about the resolutions you made, those that worked and those that didn't. What did you learn? The deadline date for story submissions is August 31, 2008.

Stories about seniors and retirement

This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" No deadline date for story submissions has been established.

Margo Dill Guest Blogging on How to Make Money as a Freelancer

Margo Dill, former Missouri Writers Guild president, children's book author, and freelance writer is guest blogging today at Scribe's Tribe. Her blog article has great tips on where to find steady paying work as a freelancer, including links to some great resources. She's telling you how to live the dream people. Check it out. If you leave a comment, you're entered to win a free ten-page critique from Margo, so be sure to add to the conversation with your tips about how to make money as a freelancer.