Hi ,

"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."– Babe Ruth

It’s risky when we start making sports analogies, as while Eileen knows hockey, her knowledge of baseball is way more limited. However, this quote has a lot of value for writers. Writing is risky. Sometimes the words don’t flow the way you wanted them to. Other times the words aren’t the problem, it will be the gatekeepers of publishing, or a book failing to have the success you were hoping to achieve. Putting your words out there for other people means sometimes you will “strike out.” The real question is- will you keep playing? 

We think you should. Baseball is never one time at bat, one inning, or even on season. Just ask a Chicago Cubs fan. Writing is the same. Don’t judge yourself by a single writing day or even a single book. Writing is who you are and those stories need you to bring them forward. 

Want some support on how to hit that ball? We got you covered. 

Workshop Wednesdays

April 2nd: Having Fun With Your Writing with Eileen: No April Fool’s tricks here, just some tips and tricks to bring the fun back to your writing. 

April 9: Deeper Dive with Jenny: Jenny will lead a discussion on the How to Have Fun presentation and provide chances for people to look at how they can apply it to their own writing practice. 

April 16 : Mind Mapping with Jacqui: Want an opportunity to brainstorm? Toss around ideas with other writers and be a part of that creative spark.

April 23rd: Blue Pencil with Bonnie: Here is your chance to get some feedback of up to 750 words reviewed with the group. 

April 30th: Craft Book Discussion with Jenny. Our first book will be Creating Conflict by Eileen Cook. Please join us even if you haven't read the book.

Events:

IN PERSON SOCIAL!! You’ve been asking and we’ve answered. RSVP on the online event listing if you’d like to meet up in person for a casual evening of raising a glass, chatting and sharing on April 17th at 630pm at Earls in Brentwood Mall. Be sure to RSVP by April 10 so we can make a reservation. 

NEW WRITERS: Are you a new writer, want to build up some craft skills, or just new to the Academy and looking for some friends, join us at our New Writers Meet-up the First and Third Tuesdays of the month at 5pm PT. The first Tuesdays will be a topic discussion. The third Tuesday of the month will be open mic night. All genres welcome. All members (even published) welcome.  

ATTIC JOURNAL: Wednesday April 2nd 9am PDT. We will be discussing March's Attic Journal experiences.

Find all our events here.

Hope to see all of you in sessions or around the Academy in the forums (or on Facebook!) 

xo

Eileen and Stephanie