Tri-Valley Writers Meetings

 

Meeting: Saturday, June 20 at 11:30 a.m.

Mark Curtis, former co-anchor of KTVU Morning News

An Insider’s Look at the Changing World of Journalism

Mark Curtis

Ever dreamed of hitting the road as a reporter for a winning presidential campaign? Local author, Mark Curtis did just that and chronicled his exciting journey in his recently published book, Age of Obama: A Reporter’s Journey with Clinton, McCain and Obama in the Making of the President, 2008. Get the inside scoop on this historic election and a rare insider’s report on the rapidly changing world of journalism today. Along with behind the scenes anecdotes and compelling stories from the candidates and those who voted for them, Mark will share valuable tips on interviewing, finding the heart of a story, deadlines, and what the future of journalism holds. As we vote in our own elections at Tri-Valley this month, enjoy this special opportunity to get a writer’s take on a transforming moment in history, and the “political road trip of a lifetime.”

Mark Curtis has thirty years experience as a Radio and TV professional. He has worked as a reporter throughout the U.S. and was with KTVU in Oakland from 1993-2008. A former Congressional Fellow and Capitol Correspondent, Mark has been honored numerous times for his work, including multiple awards from the Florida Associated Press Broadcaster’s Association for “Outstanding Spot News Coverage,” and “Outstanding Enterprise/Investigative Report.” In 2008, he launched his own freelance .news reporting, public relations and political analysis agency: www. MarkCurtisMedia.com

When: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Oasis Grille, 780 Main Street, Pleasanton (925) 417-8438.
Cost: Luncheon is $21 for members and $27 for nonmembers.
Reservations: Contact Fred Norman at Fnorman300@aol.com or at (925) 462-7495 by Wednesday, June 17 for a luncheon reservation.
Directions: From Livermore, go down Stanley, and turn right on Ray. From Hwy.680 take Bernal exit toward Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Continue on Bernal for 1.3 miles and turn left onto Main St. The restaurant is a half mile up Main on your right. Parking: Behind the restaurant or across the street in bank parking lot, or on Ray.

 

Last Month's Meeting:

Margaret Lucke Lecture and Workshop: The Art and Craft of Writing Short Stories

Margaret Lucke is the author of two how-to books on writing, Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories and Writing Mysteries. Her latest novel is called House of Whispers, and an earlier novel, A Relative Stranger, was an Anthony Award nominee for Best First Mystery. She has also published more than 60 short stories, feature articles, and book reviews. A former president of the NorCal chapter of Mystery Writers of America, she teaches fiction writing classes for UC-Berkeley Extension and is an editorial consultant for businesses and individuals.

April Meeting:

Finding the Extraordinary
In The Ordinary

Poetress

Kathleen Lynch

Poet Kathleen Lynch, who is known for her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, has written moving poems on such topics as crabgrass and breakfast. She discussed finding sources of inspiration, even in the mundane details of everyday life; using humor in poetry; and the process of writing a poem from the original idea to revision and the final product. Ms. Lynch also shared her expertise on how to get published.

February's Meeting

Noelle Oxenhandler

What do writing and wishing have in common? Plenty, according to Noelle Oxenhandler, author of the memoir, The Wishing Year, our speaker for the February meeting of Tri-Valley CWC. Part memoir, part history, and part metaphysical journey, The Wishing Year, is Oxenhandler’s chronicle of her year of Putting It Out There, a concept familiar to writers who experience their own version of Putting It Out There each time they face a blank page or screen, or send their fledgling manuscripts into the universe, hoping to find a home.