April 20, 2024 presented by Clay Stafford Heard about the newest writing method? There isn’t one. But there are plenty of slick players who’d like to sell you their latest spin. Avoid them. The best way to write is to write. In this presentation, we will be discussing the time-tested methods writers have used for hundreds of years to write the world's great fiction...or nonfiction. There are no gimmicks, no formulas, no tropes, and nothing to buy. The only thing you need to bring is your imagination. Clay Stafford is an American bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, film, and stage reviewer as well as public speaker. He has sold nearly four million copies of his books and has had his work distributed in sixteen languages. He is founder and CEO of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine with his online column, “Killer Writer”. For more information visit, www.claystafford.com . If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

May 18, 2024 presented by Allyson Adams We all have stories to tell. So many ideas, so little time! What project excites you and why? With a series of exercises, we will discover the creative spark that brings your story to life. Allyson Adams is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and costume designer who made her acting debut at two years old playing opposite Elizabeth Montgomery. She has had over 30 plays produced, and her most recent musical Howl with music by George Winston and Kali Armstrong, played to sold-out audiences in Big Sky, Montana. Adams wrote, directed, and acted in the Montana PBS docudrama, Peace is a Woman's Job , about first Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and toured the one-woman show for a decade. In 2012, Allyson published The Rebel & The King written by her late father, Oscar-nominated actor Nick Adams, about his friendship with Elvis Presley, and launched the book at Graceland, and has recently completed the short film Lana Turner's Eyes . For more information visit, www.allysonadams.com . If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

Jun 15, 2024 presented by Dennis K. Crosby From the Noir to the Cozy, mystery novels and short stories have relied on the Private Investigator to solve crimes in a logical, methodical, and sometimes comedic way. But how do you create a PI with intelligence and charm without falling into big screen cliché? How do you keep them authentic? In this workshop writers will learn some tricks and tips from a former Private Investigator that will add authenticity to your PI without dragging your story into the weeds. You’ll learn the best places to collect information, the best methods to follow someone (on foot and otherwise), tips on how to gather information from the subject of your investigation without revealing who you are, and more. We’ll explore investigative techniques to keep your protagonist true to their craft, your antagonist unaware, and your readers anxiously turning the page. Dennis K. Crosby is the award-winning author of the Kassidy Simmons novels, DEATH’S LEGACY , DEATH’S DEBT , and DEATH’S DESPAIR . Since 2020, he has published three urban fantasy novels and nine short stories in the horror and supernatural thriller genres. Dennis holds a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing. With experience in retail sales, private investigation, and social service, Dennis uses his knowledge and experience to craft compelling characters experiencing real world challenges against the backdrop of magical, supernatural, and mythological phenomena. He's been the subject of several interviews and podcasts, a guest speaker at multiple conferences, and a panelist at both WonderCon and Comic-Con International. If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

August 17, 2024 facilitated by Lynette Tucker The DVWG tradition of celebrating beautiful words and phrases continues with our ninth annual poetry event. Guild members will have an opportunity to read up to two poems and share why their selections are meaningful to them. Pieces can be original or the work of a favorite poet. Join in the readings and discussion or just sit back and enjoy the experience. If you’re interested in sharing your work or the work of your favorite poet, please email DVWritersGuild@gmail.com Can’t make it to the live meeting? No problem. We have readers available, so send your work in to be shared. Join in the discussion or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience. Perhaps you'll find your next favorite poet or special poem! NOTE: Poetry month will be moving to April next year to coincide with National Poetry Month. If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

September 21, 2024 presented by DiAnn Mills The purpose of a story is for the reader to hook arms with a character and walk together into an adventure—to imagine, envision, care, and feel. The writer journeys a character from an ordinary world into an extraordinary tale, one in which a challenge is accepted, paving the road for potential growth in one scene after another. The problems encountered along the way initiate a desire for the character to rectify a situation. The writer uses a character to persuade readers to experience life from a different point of view. Not only does the reader enter the character’s personality, but also finds a bit of him/herself in the character’s pursuit to solve a problem or reach a goal.  In this workshop, utilizing hands-on exercises, the writer will learn how to develop unique, three-dimensional characters. DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, won two Christy Awards, Golden Scroll Awards, Selah Award, and finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. She is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing all over the country. Connect with her at diannmills.com If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

January 18, 2025 presented by Benjamin Spada Whether you're working on your first manuscript, trudging through second or third draft edits, or already published many times over and looking to improve your process, this presentation will help you kick your writing year off on the right foot and with the right mindset. Push back against universal writing obstacles like the mythical writer's block, dreaded imposter syndrome, and the perpetual cycle of unending revisions to ensure you reach 'The End' in 2025. Four-time award-winning thriller author of The Black Spear Series, Benjamin Spada is a proud Fil-Am, dedicated taco and lumpia aficionado, avid sci-fi and horror movie fan, tattoo collector, comic enthusiast, and two-time holder of the Platinum Trophy in Elder Scrolls: Skyrim . For the past decade, Benjamin has served in the United States Marine Corps where he’s taught martial arts, operated as a section leader in the Wounded Warrior Battalion, and served overseas to help train our foreign military allies in defense against chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. He has trained Marines, sailors, federal agents, and other friendly forces in individual survival measures. Despite these grim assignments, he has carried on with equal amounts of sarcasm and stoicism, all the while managing to retain his lifelong passion for storytelling. Born and raised in California, Benjamin lives in Fallbrook with his wife Jacqueline and their four daughters. Connect with him at benspada.com If you watched or attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

Meeting called to order by President Michelle Bassett at 7:09 pm PDT.

Book Two in the Dragon Singer Series As Deryth Taylor's bond deepens with the majestic black dragon, Hyssstryona, she is tasked with guiding her new friend, Nathan Doyle, in the adoption of his first canine companion. But trouble brews for the boy and his dog when both are targeted, then endangered, by a group of boys whose teasing escalates into cruel bullying.

Abducted by Aliens and Thrown into the Future Pamela Delanie Pamela falls asleep after having a little too much wine at a celebration dinner with her best friend. When she wakes, she's confronted with a chilling truth: she's been abducted and placed into cryogenic slumber, alongside thirteen other females from earth. Two centuries have elapsed since they were stolen.... They find themselves in an entirely different galaxy and thrust into a thrust into a strict patriarchy society. Magnar Jacoat, King of Onus King Magnar and his warriors intercept a vessel intruding in their space. They stumble upon a wonder beyond imagining: fourteen women of otherworldly beauty. Together Amidst challenging trials, Pamela and Magnar’s love blossoms. Lurking in the shadows, is a malevolent Lord, driven by an unquenchable thirst for power and vengeance, who threatens their world and galaxy. Plagued with plots and betrayals, they put their trust and honor to the test.

A collection of poetry and other writings of Richard David Newby whose life was cut short in doing a good turn.

A collection of the poetry, prose, and drawings of Robert Paul Nichols whose short life was lived passionately and turbulently. Some were created during his high school years and on into adulthood. Some originated behind prison bars and some while under the influence or out of control.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY A Short Story: A Lonely Wife's Love For a Rescue Puppy With her husband traveling for business and their son deployed on a destroyer, Jane lives a lonely life. She spends anniversaries and birthdays without her husband and struggles with anger and loneliness. Then a stray dog enters her life.