Central Valley
Fiction Writers
Central Valley
Fiction Writers
2025 Meetings
In-Person
Marie Callender's
1781 E Shaw Ave
Fresno
SW corner of Shaw & Cedar
(see map below)
​
via Zoom
Link will be emailed
Meetings are the second Saturday every month
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pacific time
Guests are welcome
to attend.
Please register using
the form on our Registration page.
​
~January 11~
Presentation
​
The Art of Description
​
Presented by John Bowers
John Bowers discovered his love of writing in the seventh grade. He began his first novel at age 13 and before he graduated high school, he wrote four more. Today he is the author of three popular science fiction series: the Starport series; the Nick Walker, U.F. Marshal series; and the Fighter Queen saga. Now retired, he is a computer programmer by profession, but a Born Novelist by birth. |
John will discuss the art of describing people, places, and action in fiction. He's published numerous articles on writing, including his Art of Description series with Part 1: What You Should You Describe, Part 2: Hold Your Reader Hostage, and Part 3: Remember Action Verbs.
~February 8~
Discussion
​
Resources for Writers
​
Led by Roh Morgon
Group discussion covering writers' resources such as writing tools, websites, and newsletters for both craft and marketing.
~March 8~
Cancelled
~April 12~
Presentation
​
The Challenges and Opportunities of AI
for the Independent Author
​
Presented by Steve Ramirez
This will be a look at the present landscape of generative AI as it pertains to indie and small press publications.
Previous Meetings
What does it take to finish
that manuscript?
What motivates you
to keep writing?
Bring your
journal and laptop
Grab a cup of coffee and perhaps answer that age-old writer's question.
​​​~~~~~~~~~
Learning Story
Development...
(in the 1st Grade?)
AND
Everyday Writers' Tools for
Character and Setting
Development
~~~~~~~~~
Got Blogging?
presented by
Tierney James
~~~~~~~~~
Use Poetry Concepts to
Improve Your Prose
presented by
Linda Addison
~~~~~~~~~
Writing Short Stories For
Periodicals and Anthologies
presented by
Eric J. Guignard​
​
~May 10~
Presentation
​
Editing 101:
The Basics of Editing and Choosing an Editor
​
Presented by Sara Sudol
In this presentation, Sara will demystify the editing process by exploring the various types of editing available—developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. She’ll also touch on where alpha readers, beta readers, and ARCs typically fit within a manuscript’s life cycle. You'll learn what each stage involves and how they can transform your manuscript. Sara will also share practical tips for choosing the right editor for your needs and budget
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Sara Sudol is a fiction editor with a passion for helping authors bring their stories out into the world. With a professional background that includes extensive training in editing, Sara has worked with a variety of genres, although her favorites are fantasy, romance, thriller, and women’s fiction. Her approach focuses on clarity, collaboration, and maintaining the author’s voice. You can usually find Sara with a cup of coffee in her hand while browsing the latest selection of aesthetically pleasing notebooks. Website | Instagram | Bluesky