Finding Joy in our Writing (in the Time of Apocalypse) with Nazelah Jamison – April 19th, 2025
The world seems to be ending: wanna-be dictators are being elected, the planet is heating up and glaciers are melting, the number of natural disasters is at an all-time high, and our enemies seem to be joining and actively conspiring against us. In a time when internal and global conflict is more prevalent than ever, how does a writer still find actual joy in writing? From changing paths to changing direction, Nazelah Jamison invites you to seek, and find, the joy.
We're excited to present ...
Researching and Writing about History with Liam O’Donoghue – March 16th, 2025
Since 2016, East Bay Yesterday host Liam O’Donoghue has been transforming his local history research into articles, podcasts, and tours. In this presentation, he’ll share some helpful tips he’s learned over the years for turning facts, oral histories, and raw data into compelling narratives. This talk will cover researching, developing sources, conducting interviews, writing, and promotion (because we want people to actually read our work, right?)
About Liam
Liam O’Donoghue is ...
Finding the Right Editor with Romance Author/Book Coach Gala Russ – February 16th, 2025
Loose or Lose? Why Editor's Are Crucial.
Should hiring an editor be part of your 2025 writing journey? Join Gala Russ—book coach, author of eight romance novels, and mentor to emerging writers—as she demystifies the editorial process. From developmental editing to proofreading, Gala will break down what each type of editor does and how to determine which (if any) aligns with your goals. Whether you're pursuing self-publishing or a traditional deal, this workshop will show you how to ...
“I’ve Got a Notion” —Top Productivity Apps for Creative Writers with Mel Lee Smith — January 19th, 2025
Organizing drafts and outlines, staying on top of of tasks and research, budgeting projects and tracking submissions—writers have a lot to keep up with! At our first meeting of 2025, we are excited to host Mel Lee-Smith, a Notion consultant and a creative writer whose flexible systems help writers create smooth work flows. Mel will share an overview of some available options for staying organized, then take us on a a deep dive into Notion, perhaps the most powerful and versatile productiv...
“Top 10 Tips for Grant, Fellowship, & Residency Applications” with Lyzette Wanzer—November 17th, 2024
Lyzette is the recipient of 10 artist residencies and 11 grants and fellowships. In this session, Lyzette shares the top tips you need to know to position yourself as a competitive applicant for literary grants, fellowships, and artist residencies. Being a good grant writer is not enough. Did you know that these opportunities do not always go to the most talented writers or the most compelling proposals? There’s both an art and a science to curating your candidacy as a successful applic...
“Unconventional Book Launches” with Isidra Mencos—October 20th, 2024
Attract Audiences Creatively!
Unless you’re already a bestselling author, a book signing in a bookstore can fall flat. A fun event in an unusual venue will attract a crowd and foster book buzz. Learn how other authors launched their books with a bang, and get some tips to start planning your own.
About Isidra Mencos
Promenade of Desire: A Barcelona Memoir, was a si lver medal winner of the IPPY Awards for Best European Nonfiction 2022, a finalist for Best Multicultural ...
“Genre Bending: Writing Outside the Lines” with Carole Stivers—September 15th, 2024
Running around in "Literary Circles"
When scientist Carole Stivers began writing science fiction, she dreamed of readers she’d never met, enjoying and discussing her work. But she also dreamed of acceptance in “literary circles.” She secured an agent unfamiliar with sci-fi who saw cross-over potential for her debut novel, The Mother Code. What happened next was a crash course in the impact of genre classification on book marketing. Carole will tell you what she wished she had ...
“Secrets To Getting Your Books in the Stacks” — Librarians Panel on May 19th, 2024
Discover the great benefit to having libraries loan out your book for free in this exciting moderated discussion with Cristina Deptula and three local librarians. We'll be meeting at 1955 Broadway in Oakland, right at the BART station. Before the panel we'll enjoy coffee, cookies, and conversation...and our annual board election!
MEET THE PANELISTS!
OPL/MLK Branch: Brian Guenther
Brian Guenther has over two decades of experience working in libraries. He ...
Poets on Earth: Environmental Write-In, Reading, and Open Mic
ATTN: Wolfpack Writers! Let's howl!
We interrupt our regularly scheduled speaker series with an urgent call to gather and raise our voices!
From Earthday.org:
"We have just over a decade to halve our emissions to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change on our food supply, national security, global health, extreme weather, and more."There is simply no time to waste. We need urgent and ambitious action at every level, from heads of state submitting increased ...
“Retirement Planning- Snapshot Advice for Authors” with Mike Lockwood on March 17th, 2024
Snapshot Advice for Authors
Mike Lockwood, author of Decision Decade – A Financial Roadmap for your Golden Years, will give some insight on his 35+ year of providing advice to help you not only get to, but get through retirement. He will share some easy to understand concepts that anyone can implement as they prepare for that next phase.
About Mike Lockwood
Buy Decision Decade
Mike Lockwood is the Owner and Founder of Oakwood Wealth Partners, a financial planning firm with ...