July 19, 2025 @ 9:30AM Pacific Time presented by Martin Lastrapes From Luke Skywalker’s hero’s journey to the Joker’s moral chaos, compelling characters are the heartbeat of great stories. This presentation breaks down the essentials of great character creation, revealing how to craft layered backstories, distinct physical and emotional traits, and transformative arcs. Whether you’re writing heroes, villains, or antiheroes, you’ll learn how to turn abstract ideas into living, breathing characters that make stories unforgettable. Martin Lastrapes is an acclaimed author and indie publisher known for his imaginative storytelling and signature humor. His works often explore unconventional characters, such as teenage cannibals, unicorn-killing superheroes, and fireproof college professors. His self-published works have earned numerous literary accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Paris Book Festival and the Gold Prize at the Self-Publishing Review Book Awards. A native of the Inland Empire in California (where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Composition) he now calls Las Vegas home. If you attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

We invite readers of this extraordinary anthology of poetry to explore the contrasts and parallels within the works of two internationally acclaimed poets, one from the United States and the other from Saudi Arabia. Approximately four decades ago, they resided a mere 65 miles apart in Northern California, yet destiny conspired to keep their paths unlinked. One was Nasser Alshaikhahmed, a young man from Saudi Arabia pursuing his academic endeavors at Sonoma State University, while the other, Kristy Raines, was a mother of two residing in the serene rural community of Lake County, blissfully unaware of the future connection that would blossom through an online poetry group. This fortuitous encounter would ultimately culminate in their recognition as distinguished poets and the collaborative creation of a compendium of poems. Each poet possesses a distinctive style, yet both share an abiding passion for the themes they articulate. They warmly invite your curiosity to delve into the pages of their hearts through this anthology, encouraging you to take in the richness of their poetic expressions. As you immerse yourself in the verses, you will encounter a myriad of themes that reflect their unique individual experiences. The anthology serves as a bridge between two worlds, showcasing not only the beauty of their distinct voices but also the universal emotions that resonate across oceans between the two friends.. Each poem stands as a testament to their artistic endeavors, eloquently weaving narratives of love, loss, hope, resilience, and nature. The juxtaposition of their perspectives offers readers an enriching experience, prompting reflections on the intricate tapestry of human existence. By embracing their artistic journeys, you will uncover the profound connections that bind us all, transcending geographical and linguistic barriers. This anthology embodies a celebration of creativity, inviting you to traverse a landscape where differences are honored and similarities cherished. Join us on this literary voyage, and let the poignant rhythms and vibrant imagery guide your imagination. Let the words of these exceptional poets spark your own creative spirit, and may their shared passion for poetry inspire you to explore the depths of your own heart.

September 20, 2025 @ 9:30AM Pacific Time presented by Liz Tolsma Point of view. What is it, exactly? And what is deep POV? We’ll delve into the two meanings of POV, why it’s important to stay in character while writing, and what deep POV is and how it can transform your writing. Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband. Her son, daughter-in-law, and oldest daughter are U.S. Marines, and her youngest daughter, who has special needs, lives at home. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at liztolsma.com  and follow her on Facebook , Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram , YouTube , and Pinterest . She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast . If you attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

This entertaining and informative picture book introduces the game of golf to your baby. Through simple explanations and well-crafted illustrations, John J. McBrearty will entertain both you and your baby with hours of enjoyment. This is an excellent way to introduce the wonderful game of golf to the youngest children. And remember, it is never too early to start learning the game of golf.

Meeting called to order by President Michelle Bassett at 6:34 pm Pacific.

Submissions open September 1st at noon  and close October 11th at 11:59PM . You MUST be a 2025 PAID Member in order to submit and read! Members may submit multiple pieces, but due to time constraints, slots are limited and will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. If any changes are made to the submission, please re-submit your work for re-review. Send your submissions with “ Prose Reading Submission ” followed by your name in the subject line to Jessica Bruce at DVWritersGuild@Gmail.com Word count limit is 1800 words (name of piece excluded from word count) Microsoft Word .docx file, Double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman Name , email , and wordcount in the header section of the document Follow the “3-Ps” … No Politics, Proselytizing, or Pornography

October 19, 2024 facilitated by Jessica Bruce Elections will be held for the Vice-President , Secretary , and Member-At-Large  positions on the Board of Directors. Then we wrap up another amazing year of meetings with our annual Prose Readaround. Just like our annual Poetry Appreciation, this is an opportunity for members to share their hard work and creativity with the entire guild. 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.

California is more than beaches, sunshine, and vineyards. Two dozen horror authors are about to drag you into their nightmares, taking you on a wild tour behind the sun-soaked glamour, promising chills and thrills that linger long after the last page. With stories ranging from cosmic to body horror, to the comedic and the strange, Dread Coast: SoCal Horror Tales is a descent into the darkest corners of Southern California. These pages carry the whispers of sinister secrets in the Hollywood Hills, ancient evils stirring beneath the sands, and twisted tales behind San Diego’s sun-soaked streets, making this anthology the perfect read for lovers of the macabre. Twenty-four writers, including New York Times bestselling authors, Peter Clines, Jonathan Maberry, and Scott Sigler; and USA Today bestselling author Luke Dumas will be your guides … to the shadowy side of the Golden State. And the best part? Your terror helps others . Proceeds from sales go to support the vital recovery work from the Palisades and Eaton fires.

June 21, 2025 @ 9:30AM Pacific Time presented by Bing Bruce Podcasting is the new mainstream media. For authors, landing an interview on an established podcast is an opportunity to share your author’s story arc, build your audience, and promote your work, which translates into more book sales ... if the podcaster knows what they’re doing. Unfortunately, many don’t. In this interactive session, Bing will show you techniques to keep the interviewer on track, steer the discussion in order to get your message out, and, when necessary, take over the interview without offending the host. Bing Bruce is the creator of Rise Above the Noise Podcast Academy and the author of Rise Above the Noise: A beginner’s Guild to Podcasting . Through a program of hands-on instruction, he helps individuals and groups master the art of professional podcasting. His extensive background in radio, television, and live production includes hosting morning radio shows, commercial and radio play voice work, and event emceeing. He’s also produced and directed numerous music videos, commercials, two nationally syndicated TV shows, and co-produced an award-winning short film. Bing has built a dynamic career as an on-air personality, producer, and educator. He owns and operates Raptor Films and maintains two recording studios in Southern California. If you attended this meeting, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. You must be logged in to post comments.

Many of us commute daily to work or school. Often the trip is monotonous and uninspiring. One evening William Benchley finds his commute anything but boring. After leaving work at Cal State LA, he takes the Metrolink Express home. Looking forward to dinner with his wife, events soon spiral out of his control. Forced off the train at gunpoint, he is robbed of his ID and keys to the University. Left with nothing but questions, he struggles to make sense of it all. Benchley calls on a friend for help and the mystery only deepens. It is more than just a simple robbery and the FBI soon becomes involved. What is William Benchley caught up in?

MaryBelle the cow loves her daily farmyard adventures with her best friends, Molly and Maggie—until one day, something magical happens! When the schoolchildren notice the unique shapes on her coat, MaryBelle becomes the star of the farm. But as the excitement fades, she realizes that being famous isn't as special as she thought. Join MaryBelle on this heartwarming journey to discover what truly makes her shine!

We often view hardship as something grim—just another obstacle to endure because “life happens,” right? But on a summer day in 2008, Kassidy Brewer faced the unimaginable: a life-altering event that no one could predict or prevent. It wasn’t caused by anyone—it was sudden, unrelenting, and beyond anyone’s control. Yet her story didn’t end that day. It began. Despite the overwhelming challenges she’s faced, Kassidy lives each day with intention, purpose, and grace—making the most of what she has. Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope is still alive, even when the world tries to convince us otherwise. “Hope is a choice you make, not a feeling you get!”