Events & Classes
Upcoming Events
Worthy Opponents: How to Create Memorable Protagonists and Antagonists
Facebook Live with Mystery Writers of America – NorCal Chapter
Saturday, May 14, 2022, 1 pm
Conflict lies at the heart of any story. Readers want to find out if the protagonist will prevail. To reward their interest, the author needs to create someone they’ll root for to succeed and someone who will put that success into doubt. How do you make these adversaries so compelling that their contest will keep readers turning the pages? That is the question that this presentation will explore.
Classes
Mystery Writing
10 Wednesday evenings, September 14–November 16, 2022
UC Berkeley Extension
Via Zoom
The mystery is the one of the most popular and pleasurable forms of storytelling for both readers and writers. In this class you will explore the art, the craft, and the business of writing crime fiction in its many forms—detective stories (from cozy to hard-boiled), police procedurals, thrillers, and suspense. Discover clues to creating successful mystery novels and short stories: creating strong characters, portraying vivid settings, building suspense, and developing a convincing plot with a satisfying resolution. This course will guide you through the process, from finding ideas to marketing your work.
Check back for more details and registration info—coming soon.
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!"