Events & Classes
Upcoming Events
California Library Association – CLA Virtual Conference
Self-Published Books: Out of the Closet and into the Library?
Thursday, May 13, 2021 • 2–2:45 pm
I'm looking forward to being on this panel at CLA, taking place May 11-14, at which library workers from around the state will gather online for learning and networking. For this panel, collection development librarians, an indie author (me) and industry professionals from Ingram and Baker & Taylor will discuss how libraries can find high-quality self-published books and add them to their collections. Find out more here.
Classes
Writing Genre Fiction
SCIENCE FICTION, MYSTERY, ROMANCE AND MORE
Tuesdays, February 23–April 27, 2021
UC Berkeley Extension
One joy of writing fiction is the many kinds of stories you can tell. In this class, you will explore several popular genres of fiction—literary, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, horror and romance. Learn techniques of craft that are essential to all fiction while examining the characteristics, conventions and reader expectations associated with each particular genre. As you write and revise a short story or chapters of a novel, you will acquire an understanding of the basic elements of fiction writing and of your own viewpoint and skills as a writer.
Learn more and register for the class 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!"