I'd like to say thank you to the Pflugerville Library for hosting such a wonderful Romance Readers event on February 13th! It was so successful that now they're planning one for mystery readers. I love when writers and libraries can support each other like this!
Meanwhile...Austin had SNOW yesterday! Yes, where I am we actually got a couple of inches. I grew up in a snowy part of the country so it wasn't really a new experience for me. Still, when something is so rare, one enjoys it much more. And it was fun watching my dog stare at these white flakes falling all around her, clearly baffled as to what it was.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Pflugerville Library Event
For anyone in the Austin area who loves to read, please come to the Pflugerville Library Romance Readers event Saturday February 13 from 10 am to noon. There will be games, refreshments, several romance authors on hand and a chance to win autographed books. Whether you prefer Regency romance, contemporary, African American or Inspirational, we've got writers who will be there.
I love libraries. Before the internet that's where I did all my research. Even now, I love going to libraries and looking through the books, thrilled when I find something unexpected. I suspect a lot of writers feel that way. Maybe that's why it was so easy to round up several of my fellow Austin Romance Writers to donate books and/or show up.
Here's more information on the event (sent out by the library):
Come to the Pflugerville Community Library to meet published authors and fellow romance novel enthusiasts at the Romance Readers Social on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet and mingle with other romance genre lovers and with published romance authors April Kihlstrom, Evelyn Palfrey, Jane Myers Perrine, Farrah Rochon, and Tracy Wolf. Bring along a gently used paperback book for our book swap and enjoy fun games like Romance Reader Five Square and Who Wrote It?, matching novel covers to authors. Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held to win several autographed romance novels!
For directions and more information on the library itself: Pflugerville Library
I love libraries. Before the internet that's where I did all my research. Even now, I love going to libraries and looking through the books, thrilled when I find something unexpected. I suspect a lot of writers feel that way. Maybe that's why it was so easy to round up several of my fellow Austin Romance Writers to donate books and/or show up.
Here's more information on the event (sent out by the library):
Come to the Pflugerville Community Library to meet published authors and fellow romance novel enthusiasts at the Romance Readers Social on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet and mingle with other romance genre lovers and with published romance authors April Kihlstrom, Evelyn Palfrey, Jane Myers Perrine, Farrah Rochon, and Tracy Wolf. Bring along a gently used paperback book for our book swap and enjoy fun games like Romance Reader Five Square and Who Wrote It?, matching novel covers to authors. Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held to win several autographed romance novels!
For directions and more information on the library itself: Pflugerville Library
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Book in a Week Class for February
Have you started a manuscript and not finished it? Does life or self-doubt seem to get in the way? Do you ever feel as if you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a book someone will want to buy? Would you like help brainstorming elements of your story? Explore the possibilities of who you can be as a writer? Would you like to write better, faster and more easily than you ever have before?
Book in a Week Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before)
Dates: February 1, 2010 to March 5, 2010
Deadline to sign up: January 29, 2010
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.
Weeks 1-3: Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one week
Creating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfiction
Planning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction book
Significance of names
Effective paragraph and sentence structure
Using imagery and sensory detail to add impact
Writing effective dialogue
Creating a productive writing environment
Enlisting the support of those around you
Mentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could
Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (February 20, 2010 through February 28, 2010) (This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!)
Week 5: Evaluating the writing experience itself
Making revisions
Sending out material
Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!
Those who have taken my classes before know that I like to ask the questions no one else thinks to ask. A number of people who have taken this class are now under contract with material they worked on during one of my classes.
Bio: April Kihlstrom is an award winning author of 31 published romance novels. She offers coaching to fellow writers as well as classes and workshops on writing and has spoken at many conferences including: the Romance Writers of America national conference (romance) and the East of Eden conference (non-romance).
Testimonials from students who have taken the Book in a Week class:
“I have taken several online classes, none of them writing related. Still, none of them have been as well planned, documented and executed as BIAW.”
“Wow...Let me begin by saying Thank you Thank you Thank you! What an amazing process and generous amount of information given in a relatively short amount of time!”
“This course was certainly value for the money. A price can't be placed on the invaluable information and experience you imparted during this course.”
“I'm a better writer. I'm a faster writer. I'm a more confident writer.”
Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal.
To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before. Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Book in a Week Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before)
Dates: February 1, 2010 to March 5, 2010
Deadline to sign up: January 29, 2010
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.
Weeks 1-3: Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one week
Creating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfiction
Planning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction book
Significance of names
Effective paragraph and sentence structure
Using imagery and sensory detail to add impact
Writing effective dialogue
Creating a productive writing environment
Enlisting the support of those around you
Mentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could
Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (February 20, 2010 through February 28, 2010) (This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!)
Week 5: Evaluating the writing experience itself
Making revisions
Sending out material
Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!
Those who have taken my classes before know that I like to ask the questions no one else thinks to ask. A number of people who have taken this class are now under contract with material they worked on during one of my classes.
Bio: April Kihlstrom is an award winning author of 31 published romance novels. She offers coaching to fellow writers as well as classes and workshops on writing and has spoken at many conferences including: the Romance Writers of America national conference (romance) and the East of Eden conference (non-romance).
Testimonials from students who have taken the Book in a Week class:
“I have taken several online classes, none of them writing related. Still, none of them have been as well planned, documented and executed as BIAW.”
“Wow...Let me begin by saying Thank you Thank you Thank you! What an amazing process and generous amount of information given in a relatively short amount of time!”
“This course was certainly value for the money. A price can't be placed on the invaluable information and experience you imparted during this course.”
“I'm a better writer. I'm a faster writer. I'm a more confident writer.”
Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal.
To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before. Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
2010 and a new class
New Year's are a funny thing. Just a date on a calendar. And yet we invest the date with such meaning. Maybe it's because it's so useful to have a reason to stop and rethink our priorities and our lives and the patterns with which we live them. The New Year is a chance to do just that.
If we're writers and we're writing about the new year, it can be really useful to consider how the people in what we're writing react. What they choose to look at and changes they choose to make or even the choice not to do these things highlights personalities in a very powerful way and create emotional points of connection for readers of the story or article.
I am offering an entirely new class this new year. It's for the Beau Monde and a real bargain. Here's the link to my class 7 Days of Motivation which is about jumpstarting your writing for 2010. Since it's being offered by the Beau Monde, you need to sign up through that link.
I hope that 2010 brings all of us joy, increasingly good health, love and much success in everything you do!
If we're writers and we're writing about the new year, it can be really useful to consider how the people in what we're writing react. What they choose to look at and changes they choose to make or even the choice not to do these things highlights personalities in a very powerful way and create emotional points of connection for readers of the story or article.
I am offering an entirely new class this new year. It's for the Beau Monde and a real bargain. Here's the link to my class 7 Days of Motivation which is about jumpstarting your writing for 2010. Since it's being offered by the Beau Monde, you need to sign up through that link.
I hope that 2010 brings all of us joy, increasingly good health, love and much success in everything you do!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Traditions
I can't believe I'm so late posting. But it's been a hectic month. As I write this, my daughter is flying in to spend Christmas with me. I find myself thinking about traditions and how they reflect our priorities.
What are your traditions? Or, if you're a writer, what are the traditions your characters have for major holidays? Do they change over time and if so how?
I know that for me, Christmas traditions changed after my divorce. Now I have an artificial tree instead of a real one and it goes up beginning of December instead of 10 days or so before Christmas. I have a few ornaments from when I was married but most are new.
Now that I have my dog, presents go under the tree right before we're ready to open them because otherwise she's likely to decide they must be for her.
I've gone from some holidays that used to be big family affairs to quiet times for just me. Others are now more than they were before. As my life has changed, so have some of my traditions.
With our characters, their traditions help to define them too. What matters most to them? Lots of presents? Time with family--or do they not have family to be with? Is their tradition to go and volunteer somewhere or do they celebrate at home? Do they always go to movies on Christmas day? Or is it important to them to play sports outdoors?
How do two people coming together in a relationship adapt so that what matters most for each in terms of tradition is honored but they also forge some new ones of their own?
For a writer like me, it's impossible not to ponder these things.
Whatever your traditions are, I hope they bring you some joy and comfort at this holiday season.
What are your traditions? Or, if you're a writer, what are the traditions your characters have for major holidays? Do they change over time and if so how?
I know that for me, Christmas traditions changed after my divorce. Now I have an artificial tree instead of a real one and it goes up beginning of December instead of 10 days or so before Christmas. I have a few ornaments from when I was married but most are new.
Now that I have my dog, presents go under the tree right before we're ready to open them because otherwise she's likely to decide they must be for her.
I've gone from some holidays that used to be big family affairs to quiet times for just me. Others are now more than they were before. As my life has changed, so have some of my traditions.
With our characters, their traditions help to define them too. What matters most to them? Lots of presents? Time with family--or do they not have family to be with? Is their tradition to go and volunteer somewhere or do they celebrate at home? Do they always go to movies on Christmas day? Or is it important to them to play sports outdoors?
How do two people coming together in a relationship adapt so that what matters most for each in terms of tradition is honored but they also forge some new ones of their own?
For a writer like me, it's impossible not to ponder these things.
Whatever your traditions are, I hope they bring you some joy and comfort at this holiday season.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving
Today I'm more conscious than ever of how lucky I am for all the wonderful people in my life--both those who are in my life now and those who were part of it at other times. I'm also grateful for all the dogs that have been part of my life--now and in the past.
I'm thankful for the glorious weather here. I find myself remembering other Thanksgivings and driving places in snow and ice or pouring rain.
I'm thankful that some of my friends are finding their ways out of crises of one kind or another and that others are enjoying remarkable good fortune.
I'm grateful for all those who take my online writing classes and for the communities of writers to which I belong.
I'm grateful for all the little blessings every day--even when there are also challenges.
I hope that each of you reading this have wonderful blessings in your lives, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm thankful for the glorious weather here. I find myself remembering other Thanksgivings and driving places in snow and ice or pouring rain.
I'm thankful that some of my friends are finding their ways out of crises of one kind or another and that others are enjoying remarkable good fortune.
I'm grateful for all those who take my online writing classes and for the communities of writers to which I belong.
I'm grateful for all the little blessings every day--even when there are also challenges.
I hope that each of you reading this have wonderful blessings in your lives, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Life Happens
Life happens. A couple I know, friends, found that out last week. He was laid off with only 3 weeks severance pay after more than a decade with his company. Like many people, they lived paycheck to paycheck. They had to cash out their 401k earlier this year to pay off bills. They have medical conditions that will make it difficult if not impossible to get private medical insurance. And she doesn't have a job either.
Life happens. In an instant everything can change. As a writer, I know that it is how people respond to what happens that matters most.
My friends are scrambling to find out options. What services might they be eligible for? What job opportunities can he apply for? Who do they know who might have information that might be useful. They are cutting expenses, pulling together, reaching out for support and finding ways to laugh even when they most want to cry.
Other people might have reacted very differently. As human beings, it's good to remember that. If we're writers, then it's good to remember that it's not just what happens to our characters that matters but rather how they choose to respond to those events. Every person/character will be a little different. It is those differences that are interesting and what we and readers want to know about. Will the characters surprise us? Teach us something new--a way of responding that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves? Or is it an object lesson from which we learn how not to be?
Life happens. We get to choose how we--and our characters!--deal with it.
Life happens. In an instant everything can change. As a writer, I know that it is how people respond to what happens that matters most.
My friends are scrambling to find out options. What services might they be eligible for? What job opportunities can he apply for? Who do they know who might have information that might be useful. They are cutting expenses, pulling together, reaching out for support and finding ways to laugh even when they most want to cry.
Other people might have reacted very differently. As human beings, it's good to remember that. If we're writers, then it's good to remember that it's not just what happens to our characters that matters but rather how they choose to respond to those events. Every person/character will be a little different. It is those differences that are interesting and what we and readers want to know about. Will the characters surprise us? Teach us something new--a way of responding that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves? Or is it an object lesson from which we learn how not to be?
Life happens. We get to choose how we--and our characters!--deal with it.
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