AUTHOR LENA COAKLEY AT FEBRUARY WCDR BREAKFAST

Saturday, February 16, 2013 - 8:30am

Ajax Convention Centre
550 Beck Crescent
Ajax, ON
L1Z 1C9

Quality Writing and Fast-Paced Plots? Yes, it IS Possible!

Author Lena Coakley has a foot in two worlds: the world of young-adult literature and the world of speculative fiction. On Saturday, February 16th, 2013 at the regular breakfast meeting of The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR), Lena will discuss both the limitations and the opportunities of writing in these genres and offer techniques for creating what librarians call "sweet-spot" fiction, books that have both high literary quality and a gripping, fast-paced plot.

The meeting will be held at the Ajax Convention Centre on Beck Crescent, south of Highway 2, off Chambers Drive, which is just off Salem Road. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registering is 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb 13th.

Lena Coakley’s first novel, Witchlanders, was called “one stunning teen debut” by Kirkus Reviews and won the SCBWI Crystal Kite award for the Americas. It is a 2013 MYRCA nominee and a 2013 OLA White Pine nominee. Lena is also the author of two children’s picture books, On the Night of the Comet and Mrs. Goodhearth and the Gargoyle. She is the former administrative director of CANSCAIP, the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers. Learn more about her at lenacoakley.com.

After the meeting, for an extra fee of $10 per person, breakfast attendees can take part in a mini workshop titled “What I Learned About Shameless Self-Promotion as a Debut Novelist.” Long before holding the printed copy of her first novel, Living Underground, in her hands, Ruth E. Walker knew she had some serious work ahead of her. Promoting her book in a market where thousands of books are published every year is not just the job of her publisher. She had to be an important part of the marketing plan. In this workshop, come develop your own marketing plan when Ruth shares her regrets and her wins in the journey to publicity heaven.

As an alternative, WCDR members attending the breakfast may choose to pay $10 extra to attend a 15-minute, one-on-one blue-pencil session with a published professional or editor after the meeting.

At the WCDR monthly breakfast meetings, experienced and aspiring writers gather, learn and connect. The February 16th meeting will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration fees include a gourmet breakfast. Fees are $20.00 for members who pre-pay, or $25.00 at the door. The non-member rate is $25.00 and MUST be pre-paid. Tickets for the breakfast are not available at the door.

Ask how you can save by becoming a member! Pre-registration for the breakfast meeting, mini-workshop and blue-pencil session is required. Register online at wcdr.org , by phone at 905-686-0211 or by email at breakfast@wcdr.org, no later than 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13th. Anyone who registers by phone or email must indicate their breakfast menu option or will receive the Chef's Special.

The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (WCDR) is dedicated to raising the profile of writers of all kinds, and at all levels, by offering a forum through which they can find support, education and networking opportunities. As a non-profit umbrella organization, WCDR has worked since 1995 to draw together individuals and groups with common interests in promoting the art and skill of writing, fostering literacy and providing moral support to members. Visit wcdr.org.