Online Writing Class: "Skips, Lies, and Videotape"

Hi everyone,

Here's another four-week online class that may be of interest to some of you. :)

I've never taken a workshop with this group or with these instructors, but it certainly sounds informative..."Skips, Lies, and Videotape: (How PIs Find the Missing, Nail the Fraudulent, and Obtain the Proof)" with Colleen Collins and Shaun Kaufman. I've posted some information and links below and you're welcome to forward to any friends who may be interested.

Hope you're all doing well and your writing is going smoothly!!

Take Care,

Michele


***Permission to Forward***

Skips, Lies, and Videotape: (How PIs Find the Missing, Nail the Fraudulent, and Obtain the Proof)

Instructors: Colleen Collins and Shaun Kaufman
Dates: May 4th – 29th, 2009
Cost: $20
Sponsored by: Heart of Dixie, RWA

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
If you have ever wondered what it was like to work at a PI and incorporate it into your books, then this is the class for you. This four-week class will cover the following: The Skips: Tracing Electronically. The steps of a skip and researching on the web, along with case examples. Tracing on foot and how to dig in public records. The fraudulent: from black market to white collar and the types of investigations. Types of proof and ways to obtain the proof needed for the case.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Colleen Collins (http://www.colleencollins.net/) has written 20 novels/anthologies for Harlequin (including one paranormal romance thriller for Dorchester w/a Cassandra Collins). As a private investigator, she specializes in skiptracing, witness interviews, surveillances, and infidelity investigations. She and her business partner Shaun Kaufman co-own Highlands Investigations in Denver, Colorado, and also teach workshops for writers who are developing PI stories and characters (http://www.writingprivateinvestigators.com/).

Shaun Kaufman is a retired trial attorney who specializes in forensic and financial investigations, domestic relations and civil surveillances, and criminal litigation assistance. Along with his investigative business partner Colleen Collins, he teaches the popular "Writing PIs in Novels" workshops (http://www.writingprivateinvestigations.com/). He has published articles on private investigations in PI Magazine as well as on the Internet.

Register at: http://www.heartofdixie.org
Questions? Contact _online@heartofdixie.org_
(mailto:online@heartofdixie.org)

The Need for a Happy Ending

Hi everyone,

Did you guys see this report on "NBC's Today Show" this morning? Apparently, during these tough economic times, people are turning to something they know will make them happy and the sales of romance novels are up, especially those stories published by Harlequin. :)

Executive Editor Margaret Marbury gives a brief interview, as well as a few readers and B&N workers.

Hope you're all doing well and the writing is going smoothly! I've been working on a story (actually 2 stories), so I've been a little scarce around the blogs... but I hope to catch up with you all soon!

Michele

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Online Class: "Show and Tell: An Interactive Workshop"

Hi all,

A few years ago, I'd taken an online synopses writing course (the blurb, short, and long synopsis) with Shannon Donnelly and had learned quite a bit from her... So, that's why I'm posting the information for Donnelly's April online class, "Show and Tell: An Interactive Workshop."

Hope you're all healthy and the writing is going well! :)

Take Care,

Michele

****permission to forward granted****

Show and Tell: An Interactive Workshop
With Shannon Donnelly
April 13, 2009 – May 9, 2009

Enrollment Information at http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassApr09.html

COST: $20 for OCC members, $30 for non-members
Enrollment deadline: April 12, 2009
If you have specific questions, email occrwaonlineclass@yahoo.com

ABOUT THE CLASS:

"Show, don't Tell" is a cliché that has almost lost its meaning. But "showing" and "telling" are both valuable tools for any writer. In this workshop, we'll use writing
examples to figure out the truth hidden in this tired phrase. The "telling" part of the workshop includes tips, tricks, and tech niques to help improve narrative and identify when it's time to tell your story. The "showing" part blends a set of exercises to strengthen an understanding of what makes a scene come to life.

TOPICS:
1) Telling: Use of the Narrative Voice
2) Showing to Pull a Reader into Your Scenes
3) Descriptions: How to Make them Vivid
4) Deep Viewpoint to Show a Character's Inner World
5) Time, Transitions & Word Count--where Telling Helps
6) Showing and Telling--Not Absolutes
7) Write to Your Strengths: When to Show, When to Tell

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Award-winning author of romance novels, children's books, video games, and non-fiction books, Shannon's work has earned praise from Booklist and other reviewers, noting: "simply superb"..."wonderfully uplifting"....and "beautifully written." Her numerous awards for writing include past finalist in the RWA's RITA for Best Regency, winner of the Golden Heart Award, Grand Prize in the "Minute Maid Sensational Romance Writer" contest, (judged by Nora Roberts - which gave her a trip to Paris), the Laurel Wreath, Winter Rose, and multiple finalists in the Bookseller's Best, Orange Rose, Holt Medallion, Colorado ACE, and other contests. Shannon is a member of Los Angeles Romance Authors (LARA), Orange County Chapter (OCC) of RWA, East Valley Authors (EVA), and the Published Author Special Interest Chapter (PASIC).

She regularly teaches online workshops, including a class for UCLA, and has spoken at
RWA's National Conference, as well as at RWA chapter meeting s and other conferences.
She can be found online at www.shannondonnelly.com and www.myspace.com/randomfreshink.

Enrollment Information at http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassApr09.html
COST: $20 for OCC members, $30 for non-members
Enrollment deadline: April 12, 2009

Coming in May – "Writing the Synopsis" with Camy Tang
Whether you've got a complete manuscript or you've just started one, this class will help you write a complete synopsis for your story. She will take you step by step so that by the end of the class you will have written a one-page synopsis, a 4-6 page synopsis, and also a more organic "character" synopsis.

For a full class roster, go to http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html. Check out our full 2009 list of workshops.

Want to be notified personally two weeks before each class? Be sure you're signed up for our Online Class Notices Yahoo Group! Sign up at the bottom of http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html or send a blank email to OCCRWAOnlineClassNotices-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

********** permission to forward **********

The Closest I'll Probably Ever Get to The President

So, if you watched the news yesterday, then perhaps you know President Obama visited Orange County for a Town Hall meeting at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Well, turns out he flew directly over our house in Marine One, along with 4 other helicopters, as he made his way from Long Beach Airport to the Fairgrounds and then back. Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to get all 5 helicopters in 1 shot, so I captured what I could. Most definitely an impressive sight... Oh, and quite loud, I assure you! LOL

Yep, I'm fairly certain this will be the closest I'll ever get to The President of the United States of America. :)

Pretty cool for a West Coast girl who never gets to see stuff like this.

Hope you all are well!

Michele

Online Class: A Cop's Life A - Z

Here's another online writing/research class that may be of interest to you: "A Cop's Life A-Z" with Kathy Bennett, a Police Officer of the Los Angeles Police Department. This 4-week class begins April 1st, 2009 and is limited to only 70 people, so you'll want to register early (deadline is March 31st). It sounds very informative!

Take Care,

Michele


***** Permission to Forward Granted *****

A Cop's Life A - Z

Dates: April 1 - 30, 2009
Class Size Limit: 70 Attendees
Registration Deadline: March 31, 2009

Class Description:

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in a high-speed chase and then involved in a shoot-out at the pursuit termination? Do you think the cop who gave you a traffic citation was wrong? Do you know what it's like to tell a mother her only child was killed in a traffic collision? Kathy Bennett has experienced all these things and much more. She'll provide candid information on the life of a cop and answer those "burning" questions you have, but were afraid to ask or didn't know who to ask.

Instructor Bio:

Kathy Bennett has been a Los Angeles Police Officer for nineteen years and is currently assigned as a Senior Lead Officer with approximately five square miles of the City of Los Angeles assigned to her. Patrolling in her black and white daily, she is responsible for crime and quality of life issues within those five miles and if things aren't going well, the Chief of Police talks to her to find out why.

For More Information on Kathy and to register for the class please go to
http://www.lararwa.com/eclassshedule.html

If you have any questions on the class, please contact Niki Chanel at waysandmeans@lararwa.com or Tamera Flora at programming@lararwa.com

Weekend Fun with Coldplay.

Have you seen this Coldplay video yet? It's the Official Promo Video for one of their singles, "Life in Technicolor ii," and I thought I'd share it with you guys this weekend because it made me laugh. And I happen to like this song. :)

"Life in Technicolor ii" is off their Viva La Viva album (Prospekt's March Edition).

Take Care,

Michele

Online Class: Layering a Story Concept

Hey everyone...

Just posting some information that may be of interest to you. It's a four-week online writing class, "Layering a Story Concept" with Sylvie Kurtz, and it begins March 16th.

Hope you're all doing well and the writing is going smoothly! :)

Take Care,

Michele

*******permission to forward granted******

Layering a Story Concept
With Sylvie Kurtz
March 16, 2009 – April 11, 2009

Enrollment Information at http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassMar09.html

COST: $20 for OCC members, $30 for non-members
Enrollment deadline: March 14, 2009
If you have specific questions, email occrwaonlineclass@yahoo.com

ABOUT THE CLASS:

Use the seven elements of story concept to put together a blurb that is complete, conflict-filled and concise enough to use as a selling tool.

TOPICS:
1. Introduction
2. Story Concept
3. Flaw
4. Backstory
5. Redeeming Quality
6. Journey
7. Enabling Circumstance
8. Goal
9. Opponent
10. Ally
11. Ally's MO
12. Lifechanging Event
13. Jeopardy
14. Objective Line/Subjective Line
15. Blurb
16. Conclusion

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Flying an eight hour solo cross-country in a Piper Arrow with only the airplane's crackling radio and a large bag of M & Ms for company, Sylvie Kurtz realized a pilot's life wasn't for her. The stories zooming in and out of her head proved more entertaining than the flight itself. Not a quitter, she finished her pilot's course, earning her commercial license and instrument rating. Since then, she's traded in her pilot's license for a keyboard, where she lets her imagination soar to create fictional adventures that explore the power of love and the thrill of suspense. Her first Harlequin Intrigue, One Texas Night, was a 1999 Romantic Times nominee for Best First Category Romance and a finalist for a Booksellers Best Award. Her Silhouette Special Edition, A Little Christmas Magic was a 2001 Readers' Choice Award Finalist and a Waldenbooks bestseller. Remembering Red Thunder was a 2002 Romantic Times Nominee for Best Intrigue. She was a 2005 and 2007 Romantic Times nominee for Lifetime Achievement for Series Romantic Adventure. Ms. Longshot has been optioned by Twin Star Entertainment as a
possible TV movie. She has written twenty novels. Visit her at http://www.sylviekurtz.com/

Enrollment Information at http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassMar09.html
COST: $20 for OCC members, $30 for non-members
Enrollment deadline: March 14, 2009

Coming in April – "Show and Tell: an Interactive Workshop" with Shannon Donnelly
"Show, don't Tell" is a cliché that has almost lost its meaning. But "showing" and "telling" are both valuable tools for any writer. In this workshop, we'll use writing examples to figure out the truth hidden in this tired phrase.

For a full class roster, go to http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html. Check out our full 2009
list of workshops.

Want to be notified personally two weeks before each class? Be sure you're signed up for our Online Class Notices Yahoo Group! Sign up at the bottom of http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclasses.html or send a blank email to OCCRWAOnlineClassNotices-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

********** permission to forward **********

A Magical Beginning. And a Contest.

I've already pre-ordered my copy...What about you? :)

Tomorrow, February 24th, is the official release date for Jennifer Lyon's BLOOD MAGIC!! Woo-hoo, Jen! Can't wait for this novel!! It's the first book in her newest paranormal romance series.

Back in January, I'd blogged a bit about this novel, as well as all the fantastic reviews here.

Oh, and don't forget to head over to Jennifer Lyon's site and join her Cyber Launch Party... She's been giving away prizes! Tomorrow she'll be giving away the Grand Prize... a gorgeous necklace that's similar to the one the heroine wears in BLOOD MAGIC. Very cool.

Good Luck!

Michele

Writing Contest: Fire and Ice

Here's the information for the Chicago-North Fire and Ice Contest. A few years ago, one of my manuscripts was a finalist in this writing contest and I'd learned quite a bit from the judges--good things!--that strengthened my writing skills. That was my experience, of course...it's all subjective. But I did like this contest very much. :)

Good Luck!!

Michele

** Permission to forward granted**

The Fire and Ice Contest Now Open for Entries!

Five great reasons to enter the Chicago-North Fire and Ice Contest:

1. Experienced first round judges.

Chicago North is a critique chapter, so all members have received extensive training in providing productive feedback. Many judges are multi-published in romance. Chicago North members are not eligible to enter the Fire and Ice Contest.

2. Great line up of final judges:

Historical Romance: Alex Logan, Grand Central Publishing
Paranormal Romance: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Series Romance: Victoria Curran, Harlequin SuperRomance
Single Title: Tessa Woodward, Avon
Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements: Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management
Young Adult: Elaine Spencer, The Knight Agency

3. Feedback on the first 25 pages of your manuscript for only $25

4. Chicago-North's Fire and Ice contest has gone electronic. Entries may be send via U. S. mail or email as RTF attachments.

5. Payment can be made via PayPal.

Entries for Chicago North's Fire and Ice Contest must be received by March 31st, 2009.

For more information and to enter, visit www.chicagonorthrwa.org

"Won't You Be Good to Yourself?"

As I think back on the past 9 months, it floors me just how much those in the music industry helped bring us even closer as a family through their music and lyrics, helped us unite in our cause to raise money and fight cancer, and/or through an act of kindness helped us in our desire to show a loved one there's ALWAYS hope.

As I'm sure you see, this isn't a post about writing fiction... but it's definitely about two important aspects of my life: good, kindhearted people and fantastic music. Combine those two and suddenly folks breathe in a renewed hope for humanity.

L.A.-based rock band The 88 are the real deal, the good guys. Their music helped our entire family get through some tough times as we helped Matt in the fight for his life and for that we'll always be grateful to them. I know I've blogged about this band before... oh, last March or so... when I told you guys how much my husband, Eric, loves this group. Okay, so now I'm right up there with him, asking everyone I run into, "Have you heard about The 88?"

Well, just in case the name doesn't ring a bell yet...the band members of The 88:
Keith Slettedahl - vocals & guitar
Adam Merrin - piano
Anthony Zimmitti - drums

On The 88's MySpace page, you can listen to quite a few of their songs... I happen to love every single one featured on there! Be sure to check out "Sons and Daughters" from their most recent album, NOT ONLY... BUT ALSO, and "All 'Cause of You" from their previous album, OVER AND OVER (iTunes). So much fun!

Also, most likely you've already heard their music before now, as their songs have had placement in movies and on television, such as: YOU, ME & DUPREE, FAILURE TO LAUNCH, GREY'S ANATOMY, WHAT ABOUT BRIAN, MEN IN TREES, KYLE XY, GREEK, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NUMB3RS, 90210 (the new one), GOSSIP GIRL, ONE TREE HILL, and many, many more.

Oh, and just to offer up some proof behind my praise of their musical talent, as well as their generosity and sincerity, here's one of their videos for their popular song, "Coming Home." Okay, so we all remember several months ago when gas prices reached an all-time high? Absolutely. Well, Island Records gave The 88 a budget for a video and they chose to spend that money buying gas for people in the L.A. area and ice cream for kids at a soccer game. I mean, how fantastic is that? You've got to check it out! :)

This will take you their YouTube page and the "Coming Home" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJOODpoQHPA

I LOVE this song: "It's A Lot."
They put together a "Behind the Scenes" video to the song. Gotta see this one, too. Aww, and aren't they lovely in those dresses? :) That was from their Halloween performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic."



And this one is the full performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic," so it's longer. But totally worth it!


In my family's opinion (and definitely mine), this world is a better place because of Adam, Anthony, and Keith. Thank you, guys.

Take Care,

Michele