More than forty writers braved the torrential rain this morning to pitch their projects in hopes of landing an agent or publisher.  I was proud to chair the event with the help of the officers and volunteers of the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter.  Our keynote speaker, Zoe Carter, read from her novel Imperfect Endings, and shared her journey to publication.

Just got word that my editor’s new novel, Pictures of You, has been chosen as the January book selection at all Costco stores. Check out her interview in the Costco Connection.  If my book wasn’t chosen, I’m happy that her’s was.

Members of WNBA with Joyce Maynard

Book Passage, Corte Madera, October 14, 2010 — Enjoyed a delicious lunch and listened to famed author, Joyce Maynard, (far right) talk about her writing process.  Can’t wait to read her new book, “The Good Daughters,” which she graciously autographed for each attendee.

I joined a group of dynamic women yesterday in Tiburon at the home of Lynn Henriksen, President of the San Francisco Chapter of WNBA, for the purpose of planning the fall schedule of exciting events.  WNBA is a non-profit organization with some 800 members across the country with a mission to promote reading and support the role of women (and men) in the community of the book.  If you live in the Bay Area and would like to join us, you can get more information here.  Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events soon!

Linda Lee, owner of Askmepc-webdesign, Allegra Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager at North Atlantic Books, and Glenda Ewing, Poet and author of MIRROR OF MY SOUL, shared their knowledge of online marketing, book promotion, and computer skills at the East Bay Mixer.  The next WNBA event will be “Speed-Dating” by the Bay, on March 27th, 9-12:30 p.m. at Sinbad’s Restaurant, Pier 2, San Francisco.  If you live in the SF Bay Area, don’t miss this exciting event.  I know I won’t.

Today I’m happy to feature fellow author Micki Peluso, from Staten Island, New York.  After a tragic accident, Micki wrote …AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG as a catharsis for her grief, salvation and for her sanity, as she and her husband learned to weep . . .to laugh . . .to grieve . . .to dance.  This funny family memoir of love, loss and survival, can be purchased or ordered at any bookstore, on Amazon and other online bookstores.

I love to find out why other authors write.  Below is Micki”s poignant essay on why she writes. 

ESSAY ON WHY I WRITE
AKA
“A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME”

Writing is how I express the emotions not exposed through any other outlet. All the feelings that encompass my psyche, subconscious mind, and yes, even soul, must be written down on a large yellow legal pad with an Erasermate pen. This most sacred experience allows me to examine my feelings, to cope with the school of life. To pass the test.

Who and what I am and hope to become are evident in my stories. In romance, I am the character searching for love, in paranormal, I am the character facing his/her demons, real or imagined. Humorous stories disguise me in my character’s blase’ take on the foibles of daily living. In every story that I write, I am there.

My losses, sorrows, joys, loves and dreams are forever etched in print. They cannot exist without me, nor me without them. Yet, I do not write to live, or live to write. Writing helps me make sense of the drama called life. Writing soothes my soul, heals my sometimes broken heart. I will one day pass on to another realm, but my writing will be my epithet.

It is an avenue of escape in an uncertain, sometimes frightening world – where love is fragile, dreams shatter, hope is dashed, then renewed. Writing takes me through the dark tunnel to the awaiting light. Writing is not what I do . . . It is who I am.

Find out more about Micki and her writing here.

Celebrating National Reading Month on October 15th with fellow WNBA members, plus food, wine and readings by local authors Kathi Kamen Goldmark, C.W. Gortner and Tanya Egan Gibson.

Enjoying a moment with Vice President, Allegra Harris, and President, Lynn Henriksen.

Looking forward to attending my first meeting of this dynamic group next week at the San Francisco Library.  My old friend and former critique buddy, Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart, is a member and my new friend, Lynn Cook Henricksen, author of TellTale Souls, is the President.  I met many of the other members at last year’s San Francisco Writers Conference and I’ve been meaning to join for some time.  No more excuses.