Speaker

May 24: Vicki Lewis Thompson

Writing Motivation

Vicki Lewis Thompson's writing career took off after reading Dwight Swain's “Techniques of the Selling Writer.” According to Vicki, if writers can afford only one how-to, this is the book to buy. In her talk at our May 24 meeting, she will revisit her love affair with Swain's teachings through an examination of his first and most basic technique, the motivation-reaction unit.  

A New York Times bestselling author, Vicki sold her first book 25 years ago and it's been a roller-coaster ride ever since. She has written more than 90 books for Dell, Harlequin, Bantam, St. Martin's Press, and NAL in both series romance and single title. Besides being an eight-time RITA nominee, she's won numerous RWA chapter contests and will receive the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award at RWA's national conference this summer. Her next book is Wild & Hexy, out from NAL Onyx on June 3.

Morning Speaker: Jill Knowles

Editing in Color

You've worked hard on your manuscript for Write for the Roses, and your entire “draft” portion of the progress chart that's up in front of everybody at chapter meetings is colored bright red. Now what? Editing a manuscript is one of the most difficult tasks any writer takes on. The balance between copyediting, editing for story, and ensuring that your characters are well-rounded three-dimensional people can have you chewing your nails down to nubs. It's time to give your fingers a rest! In the morning Nuts & Bolts segment of the May meeting, Jill will give you tips on a multi-layered editing approach that will help you whip your book into shape without damaging your psyche or your pocketbook.

Jill writes romance, horror, and fantasy. She currently has short stories published in both the United States and England, and has two full length erotic romances and an erotic novella published by Loose-Id. Her next book, Burning Kisses, will be out later this summer.

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