Writing Classes and Reader Events

With a blog called Joy of Reading it won’t surprise anyone that I like to read.  As a novelist and writer of creative nonfiction, it makes sense that I like to write.  What may be a secret, now-revealed, is that I love to read more than I like to write.  In fact, one of the rewards I give myself for diligent writing is undisturbed reading time.    

Because I’m both a voracious reader and an extroverted writer, I get invited to participate in more cool events than my schedule allows.  Now that I’ve got this forum, I can do something more than offer reluctant regrets when a fun reader event is scheduled or when my inability to break free of a prior commitment gets in the way of a useful writing class.  With your indulgence, I’ll occasionally pass along tips about events I wish I was attending.

First on the calendar is I Love You Silly:  Crafting the Perfect Romance taught by Zoe Archer at the Los Angeles-based Writing Pad on Sunday, February 12.  When I last checked, there were still two spots available in the class.   Zoe is a RITA award-nominated romance author, a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a fellow member of LARA.  When you see her, be sure to tell her that Rick said "hi".

There’s still time to register for this year’s Southern California Writers’ Conference in San Diego AND get an early-bard discount.  While I will be at the conference, I'll be working most of the time and so won't be able to attend many workshops.  If you check the schedule of workshops you can see what a hardship that is.  If you're a writer looking to improve your manuscript and connect with other writers, I urge you to attend SCWC.  

Finally later this month, the inaugural Passion and Prose will be held in Long Beach. This "daylong conference specially designed for romance readers and  the writers who love them" will be held Saturday, February 25th.  Bestselling authors Meg Cabot, Christina Dodd, and Gail Carriger headline a group of 50 writers representing the width and breadth of the romance genre.  

Even if you can’t make all of these events, I hope you’ll spread the word to book lovers or writers you know.  Thank you for your time and attention.  And thank you for visiting Joy of Reading.