Reminder about Happy Spot…

What puts you in your writing ‘happy spot’?

The Newsletter Editor challenged members to relate or take a pic of their Happy Spot for writing or reflecting.

We are about to open the topic to our Facebook followers. Send us a description or a photo of your happy spot (reading/writing nook, under a favorite tree in the garden), and we can share it here with everyone.

Send it to writersforumeditor@gmail.com, and see it in the next newsletter. If you prefer good ol’ snail mail send it to Editor, c/o PO Box 492282, Redding, CA 96049-2282.

Special Writers Forum Workshop…

Writing for Children: Anyone Can Do It, Right?

Special Writers Forum Workshop: Saturday, March 12 from 10:30-2:30 (1/2-hour lunch break at noon) $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers

If you have ever read a book to a child and thought, Hey, I can do that…how hard could it be? then this four-hour special program presented by Writers Forum is for you. A skilled and accomplished panel of speakers representing the genres in children’s literature will share insights, experiences, and advice from their journeys as authors and illustrators.

Discussion will include what differentiates children’s literature from other types of literature; tips on pursuing a career in this rewarding industry; and an introduction to the premiere organization of the children’s book world, SCBWI, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The program will include audience participation as attendees are divided into groups to practice writing a query letter to an editor or agent, how to deliver an elevator pitch for your work-in-progress, or how to write a clear synopsis for your manuscript. Each group will be moderated by one of the panelists.

Presenters are Jessica Taylor, Elizabeth Stevens Omlor, Ellen Jellison, Cynthia Saye Kremsner, and Linda Boyden. To cover expenses for our speakers, there will be a minimal charge of $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Our customary refreshment table will be available; however, attendees are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch if they desire.

Pre-registration is not required. Attendees may pay at the door. The event takes place at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2150 Benton Drive, Redding, CA 96003. For further details, contact Writers Forum Program Chair.

Editor’s Message for March

Has everybody been enjoying the unseasonably warm stretch as much as I have?l know, we really need more snow pack to relieve the drought, but as long as the nice weather is here, I might as well enjoy it, right? Getting outside in the sunshine and fresh air puts me in my ‘happy spot’ to write. The crisp air makes everything brighter. Flocks of honking geese cruising by low and slow give me energy and motivation to pick up my pen and pull out my notebook.

I would expect the great weather to help my outdoor writing, but I have found that all of my writing benefits from a good turn of the weather. Blog posts, technical writing for work, my big memoir project, and even letters to the Record Searchlight get a jump start when I can write a first draft in my notebook while leaning against my truck in the sunshine.

Another thing that puts me in my happy spot is finding out what motivates other writers. I bet others writers would be interested, too. Send us a descripton or a photo of your happy spot (reading/writing nook, under a favorite tree in the garden), and we can share it here with everyone.

What puts you in your writing ‘happy spot’?

Send it to writersforumeditor@gmail.com, and see it in the next newsletter. If you prefer good ol’ snail mail send it to Editor, c/o PO Box 492282, Redding, CA 96049-2282.

George Parker