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    • Wednesday, May 01, 2024
    • 12:00 AM
    • Tuesday, May 21, 2024
    • 11:59 PM
    Register


    Announcing our next Challenge

    What's your ending?


    Challenge Registration Opens: May 1, 2024
    Submission Deadline: May 21, 2024

    About
    Write 500 words about "What's your ending?"
    (or the topic of your choice). Write the first half the way you've planned it, then switch it around to an alternative ending.  And get written feedback from a professional editor!


    PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

    We look forward to reading your entries!


    Entry Submission Rules

    Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kathy.weyer@att.net.

    1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
    2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
    3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $15 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
    4. Each entry is 500 word maximum
    5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
    6. One inch margins, double-spaced
    7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
    8. Indented paragraphs
    9. Title must be included in the document header. You may not use the contest theme as your title
    10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
    11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
    12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kathy.weyer@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 
    13. The subject line of your email will read the title of your work (not the contest theme name)
    14. Blind submission entries  are critiqued by a professional editor.
    15. Entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
    16. There are no refunds for this event.

    Judging Criteria

    1. Adherence to all rules above.
    2. Adherence to the theme or prompt.
    3. Compelling and original plot:
      a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
      b. However, if your piece is fiction, very short pieces often consist of a “slice of life.” The narrative should still exhibit a plot-like arc so that the story feels self-contained and complete.
    4. Compelling and original characters
      a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
      b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
    5. Consistency of narrative voice:
      a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
      b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
    6. Fundamental writing skills:
      a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.       
    7. The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
      a. Artistry and clarity of language.
      b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
      c. Distinctness of voice.
    Interested in becoming a PSWG Member? Click this button JOIN
    • Thursday, May 09, 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Desert Hot Springs Public Library, 14380 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
    • 49
    Register


    Announcing our next Special Event

    So You Want to Write?
    Kathy Weyer



    Description of talk:

    Free workshop open to non Guild members who want to get started writing. We will do writing exercises, have open discussions, and answer questions. Bring paper and pen or a laptop and be prepared to get energized.

    Five things you will learn:

    • How to feel the fear and do it anyway - get writing!
    • Basics of what’s expected by agents and publishers.
    • The difference between self publishing, working with an agent, and directly with publishers.
    • We will have a short but fun exercise that shows you how to get creative easily.
    • Discussion of various software to use that makes the work easy and fun.

    About Kathy Weyer

    Kathy is the Membership Chair and Treasurer for PSWG. She has published three books of Women’s Fiction and several short stories and articles.






      REGISTER

      To cancel your registration so someone else may register, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration. 

      We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

      Meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. 

      Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

      Event Contact: Kathy Weyer
      kathy.weyer@att.net

        • Thursday, May 09, 2024
        • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
        • P.F. Chang’s 71800 CA-111 Ste C-104 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270


        Camaraderie, Creativity & Cocktails

        Free Write and Mingle



        Join fellow members to write and socialize!  We will have writing prompts to spark our imagination, then transition to happy hour! 
        Registration is not required for this free event, and please feel free to bring a guest!

        Location:
        P.F. Chang’s
        71800 CA-111 Ste C-104
        Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

        Registration is not required for this free event.

        Members only. Feel free to bring a guest.

        Free Write begins at 3:30 p.m.
        Mingle begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.
        Attend either or both.

        We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

        Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild?
        Please
        click here.

        Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
        pswg@geographilia.com

          • Friday, May 17, 2024
          • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
          • Zoom Online Meeting
          Register


          Announcing our next Online Lab

          Is Scrivener Write For You?
          Matthew Lancellotti



          About Matt

          He is currently Professor of Marketing (Consumer Psychology) in the Department of Marketing at Mihaylo College of Business, Cal State Fullerton. Matt has published numerous research articles for academic journals and business-trade and -advice publications. At the same time he has always enjoyed writing fiction, and has done so in fits and starts since childhood. He has finally just finished writing his first novel, and is in the final editing process. Matt has found tremendous value and camaraderie as a member of the PSWG to help him through that journey. He lives in Palm Springs, a truly inspirational place for writing, with his loving husband and adorable pooch Ollie.

          Description: 

          Writing a book can be an organizational nightmare. You find yourself scribbling ideas, scenes, research notes, you name it, on napkins, in notebooks, on sticky pads, or saving stuff in myriad files you can’t find later on your computer. Scrivener is designed for writers, and lets you write, manage, and store every component of your novel all in one neatly organized file. This writing lab will cover its benefits, features, and basics on how to use the software so you can decide.


          Location:
          Zoom Online Meeting

          To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.

          REGISTER

          Unable to attend, no problem, all paid registrants will receive a video replay of this presentation.

          You will receive an invitation to the Zoom online meeting after you have registered and payment is complete.

          We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

          Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

          Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
          pswg@geographilia.com

          • Saturday, June 01, 2024
          • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
          • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
          Register


          Announcing or upcoming

          June Writers Forum



          In-person monthly gathering. Come experience our new panel discussions and member-to-member knowledge sharing! 

          REGISTER

          Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at noon. Refunds are not available for this event.

          We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

          Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

          Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
          santiagogo@aol.com

            • Saturday, June 01, 2024
            • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
            • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
            Register


            Announcing our next In-Person Workshop

            All About YOU: Turning Your Life Into A Novel
            Byron Lane



            About Byron Lane

            Byron Lane is an author, playwright, and screenwriter. His latest novel, Big Gay Wedding, is a Golden Poppy Award finalist and named a Best of the Year by Audible. His debut novel, A Star is Bored, is inspired by his time as former assistant to actress Carrie Fisher and hailed by The New York Times Book Review as "wildly funny." Lane is a two-time regional Emmy Award winner from his time as a television news journalist, he wrote the acclaimed play Tilda Swinton Answers An Ad on Craigslist, and he lives in Palm Springs, California, with his husband, author Steven Rowley, and their rescue dogs, Raindrop and Shirley.


            Description of talk:

            Prepare to be inspired as award winning journalist, playwright, and author Byron Lane shares practical tips and tricks for turning your real life story into the novel you've always wanted to write.

            Takeaways:

            • Find out where to start when writing your life story.
            • How to elevate your writing style from basic to brilliant.
            • Discover the "north star" of your story so you don't run astray.
            • Turn your writing weaknesses into strengths.
            • Harness your imagination into your secret weapon. 
            REGISTER

            To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration. 

            We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

            Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. 

            Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

            Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
            santiagogo@aol.com

              • Friday, June 07, 2024
              • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
              • Zoom Online Meeting
              Register


              Announcing our next Online Lab

              Social Media for Writers
              Ariella Moon, Author YA



              About Ariella Moon

              Award-winning author Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. She won the Aspen Gold Readers’ Choice Award for Best Romantic Short Story for “Covert Hearts,” which appears in Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection. Discover her medieval Two Realms fantasy series and her contemporary Teen Wytche Saga novels at online book retailers and at www.ariellamoon.com.


              In addition to teaching writing labs, Ariella Moon leads seminars on healing, women’s spirituality, and Defense Against the Dark Arts at local and international women's conferences. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.

              Description: 

              “Social Media For Writers,” presented by Ariella Moon, is back by popular demand. A dynamic presence on social media can elevate your name recognition, foster reader engagement, and help you build a following that can translate into book sales.  The class will answer questions including:

              • Do you need to be on all social media platforms?
              • Which social media platform do your readers likely use?
              • How do you balance creating content for social media with writing your book?
              • What is the “must have” platform for every writer?

               In “Social Media for Writers,” Ariella Moon will answer these burning questions, plus give writers tips on blogging, using Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and explain how to use social media to connect with readers.

              Location:
              Zoom Online Meeting

              To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.

              REGISTER

              Unable to attend, no problem, all paid registrants will receive a video replay.

              You will receive an invitation to the Zoom online meeting after you have registered and payment is complete.

              We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

              Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

              Event Contact: Ariella Moon
              authorariellamoon@gmail.com