Events & Classes
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Upcoming Class
Mystery Writing
UC Berkeley Extension
Via Zoom
10 Wednesdays, September 11–November 13, 2024
6–9 pm, Pacific Time
The mystery is the one of the most popular and pleasurable forms of storytelling for both readers and writers. In this class, we'll exploring the art, the craft, and the business of writing crime fiction in its many forms, including detective stories (from cozy to hard-boiled), police procedurals, thrillers, and suspense. You’ll gain clues and techniques for writing successful stories in this popular genre, including: * Understanding what excites crime fiction readers and what they expect from a story* Creating characters who come alive on the page* Developing a convincing plot with a satisfying resolution.* Building suspense with style* Giving your readers a powerful experience* Making the writing process easier* Marketing your work and getting it published
Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
The Building Blocks of Your Story:
How to Write Powerful Scenes
Bay Area Romance Writers
Via Zoom
Saturday, September 14, 2024
10 am, Pacific Time
A scene is a mini-story, a unit of action—a point in your narrative when Something Happens. Telling your story through vivid scenes is the best way to bring your characters to life, keep the action moving, and invite your reader to take part in the rich experience of your story world. This workshop will give you tips, tricks, and techniques for telling a riveting story that keeps readers glued to the page. Learn more here.
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Indie Author Fest
San Mateo County Library
Foster City Community Center
1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd.Foster City, CA
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11:30 am–4:30 pm
This free, all-ages event is for readers, writers, and publishing hopefuls and authors alike—a day packed with readings, book signings, community building and more. I'll be representing the NorCal chapter of Mystery Writers of America along with fellow mystery author Ellen Kirschman.
Learn more here.
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Keep Your Readers Turning the Pages:
Creating Tension, Pacing, and Suspense
Palm Springs Writers Guild
Via Zoom
Friday, October 11, 2024
1–3 pm
Discover how to create suspense, ramp up tension, and pace your story so that you earn that cherished accolade:
“I couldn’t put it down.” Learn more here.
Looking for a Speaker?
If you'd like to have a great speaker for a group or instructor for a writing class or workshop, please contact me.
I enjoy speaking to book clubs, library audiences, writers groups and community organizations, and sharing my enthusiasm for writing with participants. I have talks and workshops ready to deliver or I can develop one to suit your interests and needs.
I enjoy speaking to book clubs, library audiences, writers groups and community organizations, and sharing my enthusiasm for writing with participants. I have talks and workshops ready to deliver or I can develop one to suit your interests and needs.
A Sampling of Participants' Comments
"A wonderful class! It was so well organized, focused, and inspirational."
"You are a wonderful and inspiring teacher, thank you. I have been looking for a way to finally begin writing, and you gave me the tools and the courage to do it."
"[Margaret] was very insightful, committed and knowledgeable. The class was a sheer delight."
"I wanted you to know that Peggy was *outstanding* today, first giving a short story class all morning, then as luncheon speaker . . . She was so well prepared, amusing, informative, inspiring . . . the buzz was terrific!"
"You are a wonderful and inspiring teacher, thank you. I have been looking for a way to finally begin writing, and you gave me the tools and the courage to do it."
"[Margaret] was very insightful, committed and knowledgeable. The class was a sheer delight."
"I wanted you to know that Peggy was *outstanding* today, first giving a short story class all morning, then as luncheon speaker . . . She was so well prepared, amusing, informative, inspiring . . . the buzz was terrific!"