Event--Writer's Guild of Texas Meeting on Monday, July 19, 2010

Monday, 19 July 2010

7-8:30 p.m.

Topic: Write Tight

Speaker: Melissa O'Neal

Richardson Public Library

900 Civic Center Dr.

Richardson TX 75080

Basement Room

Melissa O'Neal's first paid job was writing newspaper ad copy. Back then, she could help you sell a $100,000 house in 20 words or less. Today, she teaches writers how to strengthen their manuscripts by replacing unproductive words with more creative choices, or deleting the lazy words altogether. Melissa's Harris Street Editing clients end up with a more professional, salable piece whether it's fiction or non-fiction.

She gets annoyed with editors who allow "Dr Pepper" into print with a period, which in her world, is as bad as no capital letter on brand names such as "Jeep," "Kleenex," and "Google." She talks back to the media people who say "PIN number" and "close proximity." She cringes when she sees an invitation to the "First Annual" anything.

Her ultimate goal is to teach writers to self-edit so well that agents and acquiring editors will be blown away by the manuscripts and will beg to rush them into publication. During her talk, she'll give examples of good writing, poor writing, and writing that should have never made it into print. And she'll help you become a better self-editor.

It would be a good idea to take notes while Melissa talks to us on how to "Write Tight."

Kat Smith, Membership Chair, is developing a membership directory to help members find members with similar interests, etc. to partner for critique or support. The membership form will provide a clear picture of each member's profile. Take the opportunity to talk to her at the next meeting.

Annual 2010 WGT dues of $20.00 may be paid at meetings, by mail to Writers' Guild of Texas, 6009 W. Parker Road, Suite 149-175, Plano TX 75093, or online at http:/writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/.

All WGT events located at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. For information on the sponsoring organization, visit http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/.

· Monday, 16 August 2010. Kay Winzenried: Travel Writing—Opportunities and Realities.

· Monday, 20 September 2010. Cindy Vallar: "To Be or Not to Be and Other Editing Quandaries". http://www.cindyvallar.com/

· Monday, 18 October 2010. Ben Johnson, author of Sam Zell biography.

· Saturday, 6 November 2010. Workshop. Suzanne Frank, author of seven novels, including time-travel novel meticulously researched for historical accuracy. Director: Continuing and Professional Education Creative Writing Program, SMU.

· Monday, 15 November 2010. Clay Reynolds. TBA

· Monday, 20 December 2010. Christmas Party. WGT All-Stars Read In

All Writers' Guild of Texas events held at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. Visit WGT's website: http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/ .

Writers' Events Calendar (contact carol.woods@verizon.net to have your conferences, meetings, or other writing-related event listed here—no individual book signings, please):

· First Saturday each month: Dallas MWASW (Mystery Writers of America, Southwest). Texas Land & Cattle, 812 South Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5.00 door fee, cash only. All who attend are invited to remain for lunch. Contact info: rebecca@rebeccarussell.com. Permission to forward.

· 23-25 July 2010. Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. Grapevine TX. http://www.themayborn.unt.edu/MaybornConference.htm

· 17-19 September 2010. FenConVII. FenCon is of the fen, by the fen, and for the fen. http://www.fencon.org/

· The Dallas Area Writers Group (DAWG) has put together a summer reading list—including a reading list for writers. Check it out! The more readers in the world—the more opportunities for writers! www.alanelliott.com

· Second Saturday each month: North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop. http://www.ntsfw.com

· Visit http://www.writersleague.org/programs/classes.html for up-to-date information on Writer's League of Texas workshops held in Austin TX.

· Visit http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/ for guidelines to participate in the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest.

The Writers' Guild of Texas is a nonprofit professional organization whose primary purpose is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help members improve and market their writing skills; and to promote the interests of writers and the writing community.

If you don't wish to receive these announcements, please let me know.

Permission to forward this email is not only granted, but encouraged. Let's get the word out to as many in the writing community as possible.

Carol Woods, Communications

Writers' Guild of Texas

carol.woods@verizon.net

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