Workshops for Writers-Feb. 5: Love on the Page

Join author Sela Carsen from 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 5, for a writing workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild. This free workshop will be held online only.

Has Valentine’s Day got you thinking about writing romance or including a romantic arc in your books? Then let’s talk about getting some Love on the Page!

We’ll discuss what makes a book a romance (and what doesn’t), the wide variety of stories included within the romance genre, what readers are looking for in a great romance, and how to structure a romance novel… no matter what else may be going on in the story.

For the Zoom address, find the turquoise “Join current SLWG meeting” button at the top of the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (http://www.stlwritersguild.org/events), or use this address on Feb. 5:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Sela Carsen is an award-winning author of paranormal and sci-fi romance—with or without sex and dead bodies. Your pick. She maintains a permanent nerd-on for fairytales and mythology and openly hoards reference books about obscure folklore. 

She also writes as Silke Campion, penning hot, flirty, sweet, and dirty romances featuring heroes who will gladly take control to ensure their heroines get their Happy Ever After.

Workshop Aug. 7: Improve Your Writing and Sell More Books with Beta Readers

Learn how to identify, qualify, locate, and use an incredible writer’s tool known as beta readers at this Aug. 7 workshop featuring author and marketing professional Cherie Postill. 

During this online workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 7, you will learn the definition of beta testing, how to pinpoint your beta readers, and why every writer needs them. It is only one piece of the puzzle that ends with a published manuscript, but a vital one. 

For the Zoom address, find the turquoise button at the top of the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events), or click here on Aug. 7:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

“I will introduce a process that results in a comprehensive manuscript critique, including actionable feedback,” Cherie said. “We’ll discuss the techniques and tools used to beta test your manuscript for optimal results.”    

In today’s crowded market, your manuscript needs to stand out more than ever. Methods outlined in her workshop will give you a competitive advantage and make you a better writer. 

“Once you have followed my process, not only will you be assured your story is perfect for your target readers, but you will also know precisely who your ideal readers are,” she said. “You will learn where to find your target readers and how to use their talents to help you sell more books and attract a loyal fan base.”

Additionally, you will discover how to get reviews, referrals, and book comps (comparable titles) from your beta readers to use in query letters, on your book cover, and in promotional material. 

Cherie Postill is an author of fiction and nonfiction books, a marketing professional, and a speaker. She serves as a Vice President on the St. Louis Writers Guild Board and as its liaison for more than 20 school districts. Cherie is an active member of the St. Louis Publishers Association and Saturday Writers.  She presents workshops for writers of all ages. Connect with her at clpostill.com or email cherie@clpostill.com and check out her latest book on Amazon.  

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at http://www.stlwritersguild.org/

How to Con the Con – Get Noticed in a Sea of Convention Booths

With conventions, conferences, expos and many other sales opportunities opening up after the drought of COVID-19, getting noticed has become a serious priority for authors. 

From 10 a.m. to noon, July 10, authors Jennifer Stolzer and Jessica Mathews will share their tips and tricks for sales, con etiquette, display set up and more at this free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild. 

Access the workshop from the Events page of the Guild’s website (click the turquoise JOIN CURRENT SLWG MEETING button) or use this link:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

To call in: +1-312-626-6799 

Jessica Mathews began writing picture books for children at a young age. Her father would write down all of the stories she told him and they would read them together. Jessica wants to continue the tradition of making up stories for children, starting with her debut picture book, The Old Man and the Pirate Princess. Jessica wants to be able to work with schools, libraries, and after-care programs to help children discover their love of reading, writing, and creating. She wants her books to inspire others as much as her favorite books inspired her when she was growing up. Jessica also serves as President of the St. Louis Writers Guild.

Jennifer Stolzer is an author/illustrator from St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Webster University with a degree in digital media and animation and uses these skills to create bright and engaging characters. Her illustration company, Jennifer Stolzer Illustration, has served the St. Louis area and its authors for more than ten years. You can see samples of her work at www.jenniferstolzer.com or on Facebook under Jennifer Stolzer Illustration. Jennifer also serves as Secretary of the St. Louis Writers Guild. 

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org

Limited time offer ends 4/30!

 Meet new authors. Choose from 42 free SF&F short stories, 

including ELECTION DAY, a girapod adventure by T.W. Fendley!

(click image above)

Social Media Marketing workshop for writers May 1

Learn about social media marketing from 10 a.m. to noon, May 1, from Nicole Lanahan, nonprofit executive director and multi-published author, at a free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a magic day or time to post? She’ll answer that question and share tips on how to:

• build a platform

• engage readers authentically

• and turn followers into sales

To join the meeting, on May 1 click the turquoise button labeled “Join Current SLWG Meeting” on the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events) or use the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Nicole Lanahan is executive director of  the million-dollar nonprofit, Got Your Six Support Dogs, which she founded five years ago. She is the author of nine young adult and adult romance books under a different name. As a moonlighting superhero, she prefers to keep her alter ego a secret, but on weekends you can find her competing in agility trials with her Australian Shepherd or rocking out in a band.

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org.

How to Self-Publish Like a Pro

Join author education specialist Meghan Pinson from 10 a.m. to noon, April 3, for a free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild entitled, “How to Self-Publish Like a Pro: The Parts You'll Hate, but Have to Do!”

She'll cover the worst, least fun, least creative parts of the indie-publishing process, including:

• Tackling the administrative tasks that require precision and timing

• Choosing a distribution plan you can live with

• How to  get your book to look like a book, not a document with book-sized pages

• What you need to know about metadata 

To join the meeting, on April 3 click the turquoise button labeled “Join Current SLWG Meeting” on the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events) or use the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meghan Pinson is ringleader of My Two Cents Editing, a small band of specialists who provide expert editing, engaging critique, and fearless consulting to authors of novels and nonfiction manuscripts. She specializes in story development and author education and is the author of My Two Cents Editing's Indie-Publishing Workbook: A Guide to the Industry's Best Practices. Connect with her at www.mytwocentsediting.com.

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org. 

Find your next favorite story!

Free books and sample chapters --These 118 amazing authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books, including the opening chapters of my new adult sci-fi, Methuselah's Legacy. Offer ends March 31! (click graphic above)