The Set-up The room was large and dark with charcoal gray soundproofing on the walls and ceiling. Immediately to the left, twelve chairs sat in three rows of four. To the right stood a high media desk holding a computer and some other technical equipment. Jason, a cop stood beside it. A huge screen covered the far wall, and halfway down the room was a “tree” against the right wall and a “concrete block” wall against the left. We were told those were two things that could stop a bullet. Four of us were about to experience various simulations of Read More
Tag: conference
Writers’ Police Academy #1 – Jumping In
Imagine me firing a gun. (All my family members are rolling on the floor laughing right now.) In case you haven’t noticed, I am a peacenik pacifist, so the decision to attend the Writers’ Police Academy August 9-12 in Green Bay, WI was a tough decision. Hanging around law enforcement people for three days thrust me out of my comfort zone in a hurry. But I have wanted to attend the WPA conference for a long time. When my friend Maris Soule encouraged me to go, it seemed the right time. (See Maris’s take on the conference here.) The Read More
5 Reasons Why Writers Need Support Groups
I’m basking in the glow of the Mid-Michigan Chapter of Romance Writers of America’s (MMRWA) annual Retreat from Harsh Reality. Our speaker this year was Katharine Ashe, author of historical romance novels. She was amazing! Once again, I realized the need for writers to spend time—quality time—with other writers. Here are only five reasons why: Shared Excitement Over Writing Craft (or “The Writing-Geek Files”) I’ve been scratching my head over the term “high concept” since I first heard it a couple of years ago. Katharine’s presentation “What is High Concept (and How Do I Write It)” was the best Read More