Writing is an isolating profession.
When writers face plotting problems, marketing struggles, and paralyzing fears, it helps to network with the people most likely to understand – other writers.
“The key is the association with the other people,” said Jack Russ, president and membership chairman of California Writers Club, Mt. Diablo. This association helps writers deal with writers block and isolation, he explained.
When Russ realized people were commuting from as far as Livermore to attend the club’s meetings in Lafayette where they were being held recently, he began organizing a new branch called Tri-Valley Writers. Based in Pleasanton, it has drawn several Alamo and Danville writers. In fact, many writers have dual memberships and reap the benefits of both organizations, enjoying the mix of people and the variety in programs.
New and experienced writers inspire each other.
“Writing is an isolating activity and … it’s important for writers to get together for that little bit of inspiration once a month,” said Cindy Fisher-Luck, Tri-Valley vice president. “They all have that passion for writing.” Tri-Valley president Sue Tasker agrees. She wants her organization to bring the writing community together so writers can “talk to others who understand the process.”
Many members of the Tri-Valley Writers are younger than those in the Mt. Diablo group but nonetheless more than half have had their writing published. Club members are eager to meet the needs of all writers and welcome everyone. The writers ask for feedback at every meeting, and provide hands-on training during Saturday morning workshops.
“Lots of people need this,” Tasker said.
More than 50 percent of the Mt. Diablo members are also published and many have been writing for years.
“In this technology-driven era, when there is less emphasis on the value of the written word, CWC is committed to promoting writers as vital contributors to the culture of America,” vice president Al Garrotto said.
Both groups offer several writing workshops each year. In November the Mt. Diablo group offered a four-author panel, with members sharing tips: Camille Minichino spoke on setting; Al Garrotto, dialogue; Liz Koehler-Pentacoff, characterization; and Charlotte Cook, editing. The event was so successful that a similar mini-conference is being planned for next year. Tri-Valley Writers’ April workshop presented tips on poetry and prose provided by Kirk Ridgeway, former Poet Laureate in Pleasanton, and novelist Linda Ridgeway. A literary showcase in which members read from their work was so successful that a second one is planned for May.
Tri-Valley Writers invites everyone to an upcoming membership drive and booksigning event from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 22, at the Barnes and Noble in Dublin.
“Authors Jessica Inclan and MJ Ryan, who have spoken previously at luncheon meetings, will be there to autograph copies of their books,” membership chairman Steve Workman said.
The Mt. Diablo writers club has offered two ongoing programs to the community for years. One is the California Authors Night, which is co-sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. Actors have brought 36 authors to life, portraying writers in the first person and in the dress mode of the day, Garrotto said.
Proceeds from California Authors Night help support the club’s Young Writers Contest, which is open to writers in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades throughout the county. It draws more than 200 entries per year.
“We’d like to motivate young people any way possible to pick up a pen, or turn on their computer and create a poem, a short story or an essay. Or all three,” said Liz Koehler-Pentacoff, a children’s writer who head up the contest. Entries were due April 1 and the winners will be honored at a dinner May 19.
Anyone searching for the company of other writers, or who wants to become a writer, can have their experience enhanced by these groups. Writers with expertise can help out others by sharing.
Writing is a lonely pursuit. Join one of these clubs for fun, inspiration and to end the isolation.
California Writers Club, Mt. Diablo
Meets at Concord Holiday Inn, 1050 Burnett Ave., from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. second Saturday of the month, September to June
Critique group meets Saturday morning before the meeting
Offers workshops and special events
Cost: $17 for members; $20 for guests
Membership: Jack Russ, telephone 820-4244 or jackruss@mac.com
Current members after 19 years: 155
Welcomes new members? Yes!
www.mtdiablowriters.org
Tri-Valley Writers
Meets at Girasole Grill, 3180 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, from 11:30 a.m.-2;30 p.m., first Saturday of the month, September to June
Critique group the Monday night following the Saturday meeting
Offers workshops and special events
Cost: $18 for members; $21 for guests
Membership: Steve Workman, telephone 485-1011 or skworkman@aol.com
Current members after one year: 55
Welcomes new members? Yes!
www.trivalleywriters.com
