Meet Michael Ventrella – Writer, Editor, Lawyer, Musician, Wise Guy

Tags

Editor, Legal Advice for Authors, Michael Ventrella, Pennwriters, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Craft, Writing Workshops

Author Michael Ventrella, will be at the GLVWG Write Stuff Writers Conference™, “2020 Vision”, on Saturday, March 14, at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center.

He will offer three sessions.

How the Law Really Works

The Biggest Mistakes Made by New Authors

What Editors Look For

** Click “Continue Reading” for Interview and Course Details **

************************************************************

Biography:

Outside of writing, Mike worked primarily as a public defender; however, he also was a lobbyist for the liberal group Americans for Democratic Action (and later served as the Massachusetts chapter President for a year), taught political science courses at Bunker Hill Community College, and was a campaign manager for a state representative. Mike also wrote songs and performed in two prominent bands, Agent 99 and Big House, which played the major clubs in the Boston area and received airplay on local college radio.

Mike also started a magazine about animated films called Animato in the mid 80s which grew to be quite prominent. He was quoted in many publications as an animation expert, including Entertainment Weekly and in the book THE DREAM TEAM: THE RISE AND FALL OF DREAMWORKS by Daniel M. Kimmel.

In 1997, Mike and his wife, Heidi, moved to the beautiful Poconos, where Mike now works as an attorney. Heidi is a Niche award-winning artist whose work can be seen in galleries around the country and in Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museums all over the world, as well as on ABC TV’s To Tell the Truth. They love the pitter patter of little feet (they have five cats:  McGonigal, Mrs. Premise, Mrs. Conclusion, Doctor Who and River Song).

Mike is a regular fixture at science fiction conventions on the east coast, where he appears on panels to discuss fiction, animation, and gaming. However, to many people, he’s known primarily as the Guy Who Predicted The Hodor Plot Twist.

An Interview with Bob Mayer

Tags

Cool Gus Publishing, Novel Writing, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences

Bob Mayer is a New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books, including “Eyes of the Hammer” and the CEO of Cool Gus Publishing  www.coolgus.com.

The 2018 GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™  is proud to present Bob Mayer as our keynote speaker. On Thursday, March 22^nd, he will guide attendees through A ONE DAY NOVEL WRITING SEMINAR. The presentation begins with the original idea and heart of a story, developing plot and character, working with point of view and, in conclusion, pulling everything together to sell your book and the business of writing.

Friday and Saturday, he will present topics on Write It Forward: From Writer To Successful Author, E-Pub, POD and the Future of Publishing for the Writer, and The Military for Writers. Saturday, he will speak at our luncheon I Will Make it Work.

GLVWG’s Bernadette Sukley does the honors of interviewing Bob.

**********

Bernadette: Your first book, “Eyes of the Hammer” debuted in 1991, but at what age did you start writing?

Bob:  The key was that I was a voracious reader as a child. I read everything I could get my hands on; growing up in the Bronx; I’d bike to the local library. When I’d read through that, I biked further to the next nearest library. I’d take the subway to Manhattan to the main branch, guarded by Patience and Fortitude, the two lions.

At West Point, I wrote a psychology paper that was supposed to be a study of some historical figure, so I picked the protagonist of Pink Floyd’s The Wall and turned it in, inside the LP. Then I also wrote a short about a young man arriving at West Point in the mid-1800s based on some diaries I read in the archives. In the military I wrote lots of orders; also the Gettysburg Battle Staff Walk for the JFK Special Warfare Center.

But I jumped right into novel writing with a book in 1988. Technically, it wasn’t my first book published, but it was called Dragon Sim-13, based on a mission my A-Team had done.

Bernadette: A favorite author(s)? Why?

Bob:   A terribly unfair question. There are so many. I believe Stephen King said, “read writers who you aspire to be like.” Great writers. Not so much the literary canon, as I really doubt Ulysses was the best book of the 20th Century. Sorry. I heard enough drunken Irishman stories growing up. Off the top of my head, there’s Kate Atkinson, Larry McMurtry, Michael Connoly, Richard Russo. I read a lot of non-fiction. Currently devouring American Lion by Jon Meacham. I’ve read all of Pat Conroy’s books, which are an intriguing study in plotting and prose. He has operatic plots, way over the top, but when Jimmy Buffet can set your words to music, you can write any damn thing you like. We used to live across the Intracoastal from Dafuskie Island, the setting in The Water Is Wide.

I like authors who combine great characters with intriguing plots. I’m not a fan of books that I need to read four times and write a paper on in order to try to figure out what they meant. That’s not good writing in my opinion. I can grasp what Hemingway meant the first time. He was direct and to the point.

What to Look for in a Writer’s Conference

Tags

Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Craft

By Donna Brennan – Vice President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group

 

Maybe you’ve just started out on your writing journey, or maybe you’ve been diligently working on it for years. Wherever you are in the process, there are many benefits to be had from attending a writer’s conference. But not just any writer’s conference will do – you should look for a conference that fits your needs and where you are at the moment. Cost and location, although important, are not the most crucial issues to consider.

How to pick the best writer’s conference for you depends on your current needs and goals. Do you need to learn the basics? Do you need to understand how to market your book? Are you looking for a publisher, or do you prefer information on how to self-publish your work?

Some conferences are geared for a specific genre, which is great if you write in that genre. Some conferences cover a broader spectrum of genres and may include topics like marketing, pitching to an agent or editor, or self-publishing. Before you can choose the best conference on which to spend your time and money, you must determine what it is you need right now.

First, what do you write (or want to write)? Novels? Nonfiction books? Articles? Short stories? Poetry? Then narrow that down. What types of novels? Thriller? Romance? Or something else? What types of articles? Features? Self-help? Amusing anecdotes?

Next, where are you in your writing journey? Do you need to work on your craft? This includes things like pacing, dialogue, point-of-view, plotting, story arc, and self-editing. Do you think you have a pretty good grasp on the craft, but have no idea how to approach editors and agents, or how to compose a query letter? Maybe you want to learn the best ways to use social media to market your books or position yourself as an expert on a particular topic. Maybe you need help figuring out what kinds of book promotions work, and what kinds don’t.

Another important thing to consider, if you’re writing a book, is whether you want to self-publish it or go the traditional route. Or maybe you haven’t decided that yet.

Finally, what is the most important thing you want to get out of the conference? Is it to learn the skills necessary to get started or to improve your writing? Is it to learn how to market that book you’ve worked so hard on? Is it to meet with an agent, book editor, or magazine publisher? Is it to learn what you can about self-publishing? Or maybe you just want to network with other writers?

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can view conference listings with an eye as to how their offerings meet your needs. Read the titles and descriptions of the workshops and sessions thoroughly. Will the workshops provide you with the skills or knowledge you want? Go online and research the presenters to see what they write; maybe search for their books on Amazon and read the first few pages to see what you think of their work.

Are you writing a thriller, suspense novel, or mystery? Then maybe you should see if the conference offers any workshops on fight scenes, use of weapons, pacing, plotting. Do you write historical fiction? See if the conference offers workshops on how to conduct research for your story. Do you write romance? Beneficial workshops could cover topics such as dialogue, characters, or scenes.

Some workshops are geared for beginners. Others may expect a certain skill level or understanding. This applies to craft types of skills as well as technical types of skills. Read the descriptions carefully to see if it’s basic or advanced. You don’t want to waste your time covering material you already know or be lost in a complex topic your barely understand.

If your goal is to meet with an agent or editor, look to see if the conference offers appointments for pitch sessions. If they do, research those editors or agents to see if they handle the types of work you write. Go to their websites and blogs to get a better idea of what they’re looking for or what they might be like to work with. Go to sites like QueryTracker.net for more information about agents.

Other things to look for in a conference include opportunities to socialize with fellow writers, the presenters, and agents and editors. Are the meals included or do they cost more? Are critique services available, and if so, is there a cost involved? Can you make an appointment for advice with a marketing expert or book coach, and do these appointments cost anything?

A writer’s conference can be beneficial in so many ways. Do your research before you sign up, get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the conference, and have a great time once you’re there.

 

**********

GLVWG Write Stuff™ Conference Schedule – Saturday, March 25

Tags

Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Courses

7:00 a.m. Check-In table opens
Pick up registration materials at the check-in table

**********

Seminar Syllabus for Saturday, March 25

Kathryn Craft

GLVWG Write Stuff™ Conference Schedule – Friday, March 24

Tags

Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Courses

7:00 a.m. Check-In table opens
Pick up registration materials at the check-in table

 

**********

Seminar Syllabus for Friday, March 24

 

Kathryn Craft

GLVWG Write Stuff™ Conference Schedule – Thursday, March 23

Tags

Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Courses

Includes “Lunch with the Experts,” and Writers Café

Thursday Overview

8:30 12:00	Full day Michael Hauge seminar “Story Mastery”
12-12:45	Lunch with the Experts (included)
1:00 –  4:30	Michael Hauge: Continuation of “Story Mastery”
7:00 9:00	Writers Cafe: Informal Read and Critique (Included with ALL registrations)

 

The GLVWG Write Stuff™ Conference – The Fun Starts Thursday, March 23

Tags

Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Courses

It’s Here!

Greater Lehigh Valley Writer’s Group –  Write Stuff™ Conference

Starts Thursday, March 23.

Here’s the lineup of seminars for three days of awesome writer knowledge. Come early to learn, stay late to rub elbows with the presenters, agents, authors, and fellow writers.

 

Thursday March 23 : 

Interview with Amy Deardon – Award Winning Author and Publisher

Tags

EBook Services, Indie Publishing, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences

GLVWG’s Donna Sooy recently interviewed Amy Deardon, who will be at the GLVWG Write Stuff Conference™, Friday and Saturday, March 24 & 25, 2017.

On Friday, Amy will give conferees tips on Insider Self-Publishing: Separating the Amateurs from the Pros. Saturday, she’ll conduct two sessions, What’s the Right Type of Publishing for My Book?, and Does My Book Have What it Takes?

 

**********

DS:  I read you are an award-winning author, publisher, and budding online entrepreneur. Congratulations. What is a budding online entrepreneur? 

AD: Writing/Publishing is a wide-open field, with more options now for people to create and sell information than ever before. I am constantly looking for methods to deliver helpful products that will allow others to reach their goals… and hopefully allow me to help support our family in the process. A win-win!

DS: There are times when people relax at home, they read, crochet and color in the Mandela pattern books. What is your favorite pastime when relaxing?

AD: I tend toward the crafty side with sewing and needlework, although don’t do nearly as much as I used to. It seems I’m always working on a writing project and the computer is never too far away.

I’m fortunate enough to be able to do a lot of work from home, and since it’s not healthy to be too closed in I get out to exercise, or to meet with friends for coffee, or go to Bible study. Evenings are nice when my husband and kids and I cook dinner together as we talk.

Meet Jaime Saloff -Helping Authors Write More, Sell More, and Be More.

Tags

Author Entrepreneur, Book Marketing, Self-Publishing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences, Writing Courses

Last December, we announced that Jaime Saloff will be attending The GLVWG WriteStuff Writer’s Conference™, March 24-25, 2017, with “What’s the Right Type of Publishing for my Book”, and “Self Publishing on a Budget”.

GLVWG member, Mitzi Flye, had an opportunity to interview Mitzi about her views on the writer as an entrepreneur and her business that helps boost your self-published book, Bookectomy™

**********

MF: Thank you so much for being a presenter for The Write Stuff conference. Your bio and your website seem to show that your business caters to women. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I wondered how that happened. Was that a conscious decision or did it “just happen”?

 

There’s two answers. The first is that it was a marketing decision. The more focused one can be in marketing, the easier it is to find and connect with a target audience. (This is also important when marketing books.) However, my younger son, who helps me with my graphics, recently said I was being sexist, so we changed the logo to include a male. (He is, of course, not pregnant like the women, but he is holding a bouncing baby book.) In addition, I guessed. I thought I worked with about 1/10th the amount of men as women over the years. But after my son’s prodding, I went and counted. Turns out I worked with about 50/50 men and women. I seem to get along very well with critical ex-military, chiropractors, psychology specialists, and cranky lawyers, where on the women side I tend to work with a lot of doctors, healers, and the metaphysically inclined. After nearly twenty-years in the business, I find I can work with almost anyone, men or women.

An Interview with Kathryn Craft

Tags

Women's Fiction, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Conferences

Kathryn Craft

Last month, we announced Kathryn Craft will be conducting one of the Friday half-day workshops to explore MAXIMIZING THE EMOTIONAL POTENTIAL OF YOUR NOVEL, and two additional working sessions on Saturday at the GLVWG WriteStuff Writers Conference™ , March 24 and 25, 2017.

GLVWG member, Tammy Burke, had the opportunity to interview Kathryn about her upcoming seminar at the conference.

*****

What a delight that you’ll be at the 2017 GLVWG “Write Stuff” Conference as a presenter. You have been a motivating inspiration for GLVWG for many many years in various capacities. We’re happy to have you!

Kathryn Craft: Thanks Tammy! It will be so fun to be back home. I attended this conference every year straight from 2000-2012, when it was my honor to host my brand new agent on the agent panel, and then returned as a presenter in 2013. I’ve missed it.

Could you tell us a little bit about what got you into the writing world? Was it when you became a freelance dance critic for the Morning Call or was it before then? What was the spark?

Kathryn Craft: In 1983, when a company I was dancing with approached The Morning Call about a review, I learned they needed a dance critic. I wrote a sample review. The editor read it and said, “Don’t write in the first person because we don’t yet know who you are. Don’t say, ‘It seemed as if’—it weakens your writing. Don’t use more than five sentences per paragraph. Can you start this weekend?”

When you  have an area of expertise and know how to string sentences together, it can sometimes be just that easy to get paid to write nonfiction.

Fifteen years later I entered the longest labor of my life when my family suffered the kind of tragedy that can make a novelist out of you: my first husband committed suicide after a day-long standoff on our idyllic little farm. In the years to come, it grew clear that for me, the medium of story would be crucial to finding hope within this darkest trial of my life.

I quickly met the first of many fiction-writing obstacles, and each came stamped with the word “humility.” I took a voluntary downgrade from the nominal pay of a dance critic and wrote fiction without pay for a decade. I learned that stringing lovely sentences was no longer enough. An informed opinion was no longer enough. Desire was not enough. I needed to make a substantial investment of time and money in a storytelling education. I quickly realized I could no longer go it alone, and came to my first GLVWG meeting in 2000.