April 18, 2015 California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch First Writers Conference was a huge success.
Attendees selected sessions in one of three tracks that included Craft, Marketing, and Self Publishing. Four one hour sessions were scheduled for each track. The first session I attended was Craft, “Romance, Crime/Thriller, Young Adult: Essential Elements for Writing in a Specific Genre.” Left to right: Shelley Adina. David Corbett, and Penny Warner.
Shelley Adina spoke about romance in her niche, Amish Women’s fiction from Hachette. Her latest traditional release is Keys of Heaven. She also writes steampunk in which her latest indie release is A Gentleman of Means. After lunch, Shelley was our keynote speaker with the topic “Why it’s a Good Time to Be a Writer.”
David Corbett discussed the Crime/Thriller genre. He is the author of The Art of Character (“a writer’s bible”) and four novels. His fifth, The Mercy of the Night, will appear by the end of this month.
Penny Warner’s topic was Young Adult. She has published over 60 books for both adults and children. Several books from her middle-grade mystery series, The Code Busters, were nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Children’s Mystery. Penny and David bantered between insightful information, causing loud laughter from attendees. A great way to start the day.
The winner of the poetry contest, Deborah Grossman, read her poem. 
Stacey Gustafson won first place in the short story contest:
At the end of the conference, four of the main organizers and volunteers had time to relax and smile, knowing it was an outstanding day. Left to right: Jordan Bernal, president of Tri-Valley branch and author of The Keepers of Eire. Linda Todd, club membership chair, Paula Chinick, past president of the chapter and author of Red Asscher, and Patricia Boyle, Vice President.
Thanks to everyone who worked many hours to make this event happen.
