Atlanta Writers Club Talks Writing

In the Coffee Shop, we have an extended conversation about writing. A panel of five writers gathered around our favorite table addressed “What’s Really Wise in Conventional Writing Wisdom,” with advice gleaned from years of experience writing and marketing their work. Many of their lessons apply to new writers and multi-book authors alike.

 

Joining us are:

 

  • Emily Carpenter (http://emilycarpenterauthor.com/), Amazon best-selling author of three suspense novels: BURYING THE HONEYSUCKLE GIRLS, THE WEIGHT OF LIES and the upcoming EVERY SINGLE SECRET, which is coming out May 1, 2018.
  • Ellie Jordan (http://elliedecker.com/), writer and actress, who has developed screenplays and appears in numerous films and TV shows, including THE WALKING DEAD.
  • JD Jordan (http://www.o-jd.com/), the author of the sci-fi Western CALAMITY, which he is now developing for television in collaboration with a production company.
  • Chris Negron (https://chrisnegron.com/), whose short fiction has appeared in a dozen online and print literary publications; his first middle grade novel is currently on submission with publishers.
  • George Weinstein (http://www.georgeweinstein.com/), who is making his second appearance in the Coffee Shop. He’s the author of five novels that span a variety of genres, the latest being the mystery novel AFTERMATH, which we discussed in 2017. He also is the former president of the Atlanta Writers Club (http://atlantawritersclub.org/) and runs the twice-yearly Atlanta Writers Conference (https://atlantawritersconference.com/about/).

 

 

They bring a variety of perspectives, having written extensively and across a wide span of genres, including suspense, middle-grade fiction, sci-fi Western, mysteries, historical fiction, and more, as well as screenplays. The common thread that connects them is that they all met each other in the Atlanta Writers Club writers critique group George has managed for more than a dozen years. During that time, they saw each other grow in many ways. Ellie and JD fell in love because of the critique group and George even performed their wedding ceremony! Both Emily and Chris obtained their first agents through the Atlanta Writers Conference. After years of helping each other succeed, overcome setbacks, and achieve milestones along their individual writing journeys, they remain a tight-knit, supportive network, assisting one other with contacts, advice, and opportunities.

 

In addition, they assist new writers by sharing lessons they’ve learned and, as often, dispelling wrong assumptions, misunderstandings, and outright bad advice these writers have been exposed to, especially from online so-called resources.

 

Among the alleged pearls of conventional writing wisdom they’ll support or dispute (or sometimes do both) during our extended conversation are:

 

  • Write every day
  • Restrict the points of view you use
  • Write what you know
  • Write about people like yourself
  • Pick a genre and stick with it
  • Create an outline vs. write by the seat of your pants
  • You’ll be set once you get an agent/publisher/bestseller
  • Writing is a solitary, non-collaborative activity
  • Write what you read
  • Read books to learn how to write; watching TV shows and movies doesn’t count
  • And much more!

 

So, join us for a special, multi-hour addition of the Coffee Shop!

 

Kallypso Masters Discusses Kate’s Secret

Single mother Kate Michaels wants nothing more than to continue providing a happy, stable life for her daughter, Chelsea. Then, after thirteen years, the return of her college sweetheart tilts Kate’s world on its axis. The thought of seeing Travis Cooper again sets her pulse racing—and not only because he reignites the flames that once burned too hot for them. What will happen when he discovers her carefully guarded secret?

A realistic dream involving a recently deceased Army buddy sends Travis on a journey back to Kentucky looking for answers that have gnawed at him since his sweetheart, Katie, sent him packing. The military-precise confrontation he’d planned evaporates as soon as he lays eyes on her. Will he find it in his heart to forgive and understand to give them a second chance at love?

Can the spirits of his friend and her father right some wrongs and help Kate and Travis overcome the past, especially since the one truth that could make everything right is the same one that could destroy everything they hold dear?

Kallypso Masters is a USA Today Bestselling Author with half-a-million copies of her books sold in paperbacks and e-books since August 2011. All of her books feature alpha males, strong women, and happy endings because those are her favorite stories to read. After dabbling at writing since high school (a very long time ago!) and hoping to become a Romance writer about as long, she’s living the dream and has been since May 2011.

Kallypso’s Website

You can e-mail her at kallypsomasters@gmail.com, or write to her at

Kallypso Masters
PO Box 1183
Richmond, KY 40476-1183

Karen Ann Wirtz Discusses Aster Finlay and The Great Elan

ASTER FINLAY AND THE GREAT ELAN by Karen Ann Wirtz

After living the nomadic lifestyle of a military child, Aster Finlay’s father retires and her family settles down into a more “normal” life; however, when Aster discovers she can communicate with animals, she realizes her life is going to be anything but normal.

Karen Ann Wirtz -For as long as she can remember Karen Ann Wirtz has loved to tell stories. Her third-grade teacher, Mary Matuzak, inspired her and believed in her talent for writing a good story. Karen has always loved to write poetry and short stories for the fun and entertainment of those close to her. Now she is excited to share her stories with more readers. When she’s not wrapped up in her imagination; she enjoys spending time with her husband, three wonderful children, and two rescue dogs in Medina, Ohio.
Karen’s Website https://karenannwirtz.com