November 9, 2013: Social Media: How much is enough?

Lori Devoti will lead a discussion on social media. What are the options that are out there? What method is the best fit for you? What's worked for you in the past? What hasn't? Bring your questions and experiences and be ready to share! Lori will also talk about ways to cut down on your time on social media while upping your impact.

October 19, 2013: Show off your tools!

Do you use a nifty tool to help your writing? Whether it’s Scrivener, The Magic Spreadsheet, or something none of us has heard of, if it helps your writing, share it with the group! Bring your computer and get ready to do a little demo (approx. 15-20 minutes per tool, at least the first go-round). Internet will be available.

If you're planning to share something, please give Jennifer Scratch a heads-up for planning purposes!

September 14, 2013 Meeting: Everything Critique

What kind of critique partner do you need? Someone to help with the building blocks? Someone to help you fill your plot holes? Or someone to help you polish to perfection? Come to the next meeting to get some guidance!

We'll have a questionnaire to cast the type of critiquer you are, tips on selecting and working with a critique partner, and a fun session critiquing opening pages.

  

This is an interactive workshop, so be sure to bring your first page or two.

August 24, 2013 Meeting: Plotting Party: or How To Lie Convincingly

Wondering what your next project is? Painted yourself into a plot corner? In dire need of interesting characters? 

Bring your coffee and your thinking cap. MadCity writers will break into groups to plot your next book, brainstorm solutions, and tell you all about Aunt Edna. Be ready to take notes and practice the art of prevarication.

If you have a favorite plotting tool, bring it along to share with the group; charts, graphs and turning points welcome.

Save the Dates!

Here are the dates for our upcoming meetings:

• August 24
• September 14
• October 19
• November 9 (NOTE DATE CHANGE!)

More information on topics/speakers coming soon!

July 20, 2013 Meeting: Write in!

Bring your notebook or laptop and WRITE! Other writers are handily nearby for brainstorming or problem solving. (Please bring beverages/snacks for yourself and/or to share with the group.)

Save the Date - 2013 Summer Meetings

We'll have more information at the June meeting, but for now, mark your calendars for our July and August meetings: July 20 and August 24.

June 22, 2013 Meeting - Deconstructing Christine Feehan's Dark Nights

Analyzing someone else's work is a great way to learn more about what works and what doesn't, and WHY! And talking about someone else's work with a bunch of your fellow authors can make the analysis even more interesting and insightful.

Join us on June 22 to talk about Christine Feehan's Dark Nights. (Note: this book was voted on by you all, so I'm counting on people reading it!!)

There are a number of copies of the book available from the library.

Come ready to discuss! If you'd like the discussion worksheet ahead of time, please contact Rachel B-VH.

May 11 Meeting - Weight Loss for Your Writing

Storytelling is obviously a key part of writing a good book, but the way you write and the words you use (and don’t use) are equally vital. It’s just as important for your manuscript to be fit as it is for your body. 

Join Amy Knupp as she uses in-depth examples to discuss concepts such as trimming the fat from your writing, adding bulk without bulge, and toning your words to give them more muscle. 

Whether you’re self-publishing, writing for a traditional publisher, a newbie or seasoned writer, you can make your writing more powerful, which will keep your readers engaged, improve your pacing, and make for better storytelling in the end.

April 20 Meeting - Can We Build It?

Scenes are the building blocks of story. If your scenes are weak, the whole structure will fail. 

Join Ann Voss Peterson to discuss what makes a scene strong and how to construct yours to support a spectacular story.

March Meeting - Plotting Party!

Have an idea but you're not sure where to go with it?

Know the first part of your story but not how to finish it?

In love with a character but not sure what to do with her?

Bring them all to the plotting party on March 23! Your fellow writers can help you figure out GMC, Act Breaks, Black Moments and more!

Don't have an idea you need help with right now? Come and help your friends!

February 23 Meeting: e-Publishing Roundtable

You've heard a lot about indie e-publishing. Maybe you’ve dabbled in it, but feel like there has to be a better way. Or perhaps you've had one too many “Thanks, but we're going in a different direction” traditional publishing rejection letters. Whatever your path, we can help!

Join Mad City Romance on February 23 for an e-publishing roundtable. We have a number of authors who’ve chosen the e-publishing route, and there should be some great discussion on process, experience, and the good, the bad, the ugly and the awesome in the e-publishing route. Get answers to your questions, some tips and tricks, and a solid blueprint for publishing and making sure you have everything covered.

The session will be moderated by Lisette Carrithers, who has 11 self-published novels and also teaches a Mechanics of e-Publishing course through the Wisconsin Union. She likes to think she's learned a thing or two. There will be plenty of other people participating, including Ann Voss Peterson and Angie Tyler, who have seen success in both traditional and e-publishing. So bring tons of questions. We look forward to a frank, fun conversation on the exploding world of e-publishing!