Working on the next book... See you on the other side;)
Spring/Summer 2019
Fall 2018
WNBA-SF hosts National Reading Group Month
Book Passage, Ferry Building, San Francisco
October 13th, 2018, Saturday
3:00-5:00pm
Kristina McMorris, Sold on a Monday: A Novel (Sourcebooks Landmark, 2018), is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her background includes ten years of directing public relations for an international conglomerate as well as extensive television experience. Inspired by true personal and historical accounts, her novels have garnered twenty national literary awards, and include Letters from Home, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, The Pieces We Keep, and The Edge of Lost, in addition to novellas in the anthologies A Winter Wonderland and Grand Central. A frequent guest speaker and workshop presenter, she holds a BS in international marketing from Pepperdine. She lives with her husband and two sons in Oregon.
Debbie Clarke Moderow is the author of Fast Into the Night: A Woman, Her Dogs, and their Journey North on the Iditarod Trail (Boreal Books, 2018). The memoir recounts her experience running Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and explores her deepening and inextricable bond with her team of Alaskan huskies. The memoir, her first book, was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in February 2016 and was released by Boreal Books of Red Hen Press in June 2018. Debbie earned a BA from Princeton University in 1977 and an MFA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University’s Rainier Writing Workshop in 2013. She and her husband, Mark, live in Denali Park and Anchorage Alaska.
Lauren Markham is a writer based in Berkeley, California. Her writing focuses on issues related to youth, migration, the environment and her home state of California, and has appeared in outlets such as Narrative, The Guardian, Orion, Harper’s, The New Republic, Guernica, The New York Times, and VQR, where she is a contributing editor. She is the author of The Far Away Brothers (Crown, 2017), which was the winner of the Ridenhour Prize, The Northern California Book Award, the California Book Award Silver Medal, and was shortlisted for an LA Times Book Prize and longlisted for the Pen America Literary Award. In addition to writing, she works at a high school for immigrant youth in Oakland, California.
Brianna Wolfson’s debut novel is Rosie Colored Glasses (MIRA, 2018). She shares her narrative non-fiction in the San Francisco writing circuit, having performed at The Moth and been featured on Medium. Thinks and writes about family stuff. Does the crossword in pencil. Plays the lottery on Fridays.
Mary Monroe, One House Over: A Novel (Dafina, 2018) is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over 20 novels, with over one million books in print. She is a three-time AALBC bestseller and winner of the AAMBC Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award, the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles Award, and the J. California Cooper Memorial Award. The daughter of Alabama sharecroppers, she taught herself how to write before going on to become the first and only member of her family to finish high school. She lives in Oakland, California and can be found online at MaryMonroe.org.
The moderator, Mary Volmer, is the author of two novels: Crown of Dust (Soho Press, 2010) and Reliance, Illinois (Soho Press, 2016). She teaches at Saint Mary’s College (CA).
Friends of the Applegate Library
with Robin Rice Martinez
3 – 5 pm
Applegate Civic Center is located at 18014 Applegate Road in Applegate.
Everyone carries secrets, but some are more precious and dangerous than others. What if your Spanish ancestors were not Catholic at all, but Secret Jews? What if the young boy, working alongside you in the California gold fields, is not a boy at all, but a woman on the run? At what cost are secrets kept? What are consequences of secrets revealed?
Join Authors Robin Martinez Rice and Mary Volmer as they discuss how secrets – and the threat of revelation – drives their fiction and their research.
The Applegate Civic Center is located at 18014 Applegate Road in Applegate. The tea is free, but space is limited. Email [email protected] to make a reservation. For more information on the authors, visit maryvolmer.com and robinmartinezrice.com.
with Robin Rice Martinez
3 – 5 pm
Applegate Civic Center is located at 18014 Applegate Road in Applegate.
Everyone carries secrets, but some are more precious and dangerous than others. What if your Spanish ancestors were not Catholic at all, but Secret Jews? What if the young boy, working alongside you in the California gold fields, is not a boy at all, but a woman on the run? At what cost are secrets kept? What are consequences of secrets revealed?
Join Authors Robin Martinez Rice and Mary Volmer as they discuss how secrets – and the threat of revelation – drives their fiction and their research.
The Applegate Civic Center is located at 18014 Applegate Road in Applegate. The tea is free, but space is limited. Email [email protected] to make a reservation. For more information on the authors, visit maryvolmer.com and robinmartinezrice.com.
Epic Reads: Secrets to Crafting Historical Fiction
Author Lunch, Mechanics Institute Library
Friday, August 17, 2018, 12:00 Noon
57 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Floor 4 (Free to Public, refreshments available)
The Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter is thrilled to present member writers who have authored highly successful historical (and prehistorical!) novels that readers and reviewers rave about. Learn what role research plays and how to make your scenes, settings, and characters realistic and compulsively readable. Epic Reads will be moderated by WNBA-SF President Brenda Knight. There will be Q&A followed by book signings; bring your notebooks and plenty of questions!
Mary Mackey, New York Times Bestselling author of The Village of Bones, will discuss how she brings the Goddess-worshiping cultures of Prehistoric Europe to life by drawing on extensive archaeological research, the surviving art of the epoch, and her own imagination. Mackey’s novels take us on an epic journey to the past that has vital importance for the present. Novelist Mary Volmer will discuss research strategies that will help you unearth, organize, and effectively utilize historical information in any creative project. Learn the difference between static and living details, how to avoid superfluous detail, and how to use objects as windows into a character’s heart and mind.
Author Lunch, Mechanics Institute Library
Friday, August 17, 2018, 12:00 Noon
57 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Floor 4 (Free to Public, refreshments available)
The Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter is thrilled to present member writers who have authored highly successful historical (and prehistorical!) novels that readers and reviewers rave about. Learn what role research plays and how to make your scenes, settings, and characters realistic and compulsively readable. Epic Reads will be moderated by WNBA-SF President Brenda Knight. There will be Q&A followed by book signings; bring your notebooks and plenty of questions!
Mary Mackey, New York Times Bestselling author of The Village of Bones, will discuss how she brings the Goddess-worshiping cultures of Prehistoric Europe to life by drawing on extensive archaeological research, the surviving art of the epoch, and her own imagination. Mackey’s novels take us on an epic journey to the past that has vital importance for the present. Novelist Mary Volmer will discuss research strategies that will help you unearth, organize, and effectively utilize historical information in any creative project. Learn the difference between static and living details, how to avoid superfluous detail, and how to use objects as windows into a character’s heart and mind.
Spring 2018
The Craft of Fiction and the Importance of Storytelling
Authors Sarah Ladipo Manyika and Nayomi Munaweera in conversation with Mary Volmer about the craft of fiction and the global importance of storytelling
Saturday, April 21st, 3:00 pm
Hagerty Lounge, De La Salle Hall
Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga, CA 94575
The Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter, presents an afternoon conversation with internationally acclaimed authors Sarah Ladipo Manyika and Nayomi Munaweera. Come to hear these two remarkable women discuss the craft of fiction, the global importance of storytelling, and their impressive philanthropic endeavors. Reception to follow.
Sponsored by the Saint Mary’s College of California MFA in Creative Writing. Co-sponsored by the Saint Mary’s English Department, the Intercultural Center, and the Women’s Resource Center.
$15.00 WNBA members, $20.00 non-members (Prepay online, or at the door)
FREE for SMC students with a valid student ID
All proceeds benefit the WNBA-SF and the Saint Mary’s College MFA’s Hedgebrook Scholarship.
To sign up: http://wnba-sfchapter.org/serious-play-craft-fiction-storytelling/
Authors Sarah Ladipo Manyika and Nayomi Munaweera in conversation with Mary Volmer about the craft of fiction and the global importance of storytelling
Saturday, April 21st, 3:00 pm
Hagerty Lounge, De La Salle Hall
Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga, CA 94575
The Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter, presents an afternoon conversation with internationally acclaimed authors Sarah Ladipo Manyika and Nayomi Munaweera. Come to hear these two remarkable women discuss the craft of fiction, the global importance of storytelling, and their impressive philanthropic endeavors. Reception to follow.
Sponsored by the Saint Mary’s College of California MFA in Creative Writing. Co-sponsored by the Saint Mary’s English Department, the Intercultural Center, and the Women’s Resource Center.
$15.00 WNBA members, $20.00 non-members (Prepay online, or at the door)
FREE for SMC students with a valid student ID
All proceeds benefit the WNBA-SF and the Saint Mary’s College MFA’s Hedgebrook Scholarship.
To sign up: http://wnba-sfchapter.org/serious-play-craft-fiction-storytelling/
Winter 2018
Festival of Women Authors
Saturday February 3, 2018; 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
24th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WOMEN AUTHORS
Join us for four authors and their stories.
H’s Lordships, Berkeley Marina
Dr. Arlie Russell Hochschild | Mary Volmer | Shanthi Sekaran | Faith Adiele
Includes continental breakfast, lunch, four speakers, book sales and autographing sessions.
Click here to reserve your seat online (will be redirected to BrownPaperTickets.com)
Other Registration Options:
By Phone: 510-848-6370
In Person: YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley 94704
By Mail: Complete registration form (you can download brochure here) with a check made out to YWCA. Further instructions on brochure.
So, You Want To Write A Novel?
Lakeshore Writers Workshops – Oakland, CA
Master Class with novelist Mary Volmer
January 14th from 9:00-2:30 in Oakland, CA
Are you working on a novel but lost traction? Do you have a first draft but are not sure what's next? Having trouble knowing where to begin? In this one day intensive workshop, you will learn how to clarify your artistic intent and to refine (and in some cases define) the unique dramatic structure of your story. You will learn how to manage and incorporate research, historical and otherwise. You will leave with a clearer notion of how to attack the writing and/or revision process.
Come prepared to work! Bring a notebook and something to write with. If you have a draft, bring it along.
Contact workshop director Teresa Burn Gunther for cost and details: [email protected]
https://www.lakeshorewriters.net/previous-master-classes
Fall 2017
Sept 19th at 7:30pm
In Conversation with Louise Marburg about her début collection The Truth About Me
at Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts
October 12th at 7:00pm
Why There Are Words Reading Series
Studio 333 in Sausalito
333 Caledonia Street
October 28th
Girls of the Golden West and Gold Rush Symposium 9:00am - 4:00pm
1:30 pm Women, Culture and Politics in the Gold Fields
with Mark McLaughlin, Christopher O'Sullivan and Mary Volmer
Moderated by Kip Cranna
Summer 2017
May 26th 6:30 pm
Join Debbie Bennett, Margaret Holbrook and I
at
Holmes Chapel Library, in Cheshire, England
for a lively discussion about writing, publishing and all things books.
Tickets on sale in the library and at the door.
Click here for more information.
Join Debbie Bennett, Margaret Holbrook and I
at
Holmes Chapel Library, in Cheshire, England
for a lively discussion about writing, publishing and all things books.
Tickets on sale in the library and at the door.
Click here for more information.
Winter 2017
February 8-11th
AWP Conference 2017
Panel Discussion: The Political Woman (1:30 on Thursday 2/9/17)
AWP Conference 2017
Panel Discussion: The Political Woman (1:30 on Thursday 2/9/17)
Fall 2016
October 8th, Books Inc., 2:00 pm
Celebrate National Reading Group Month with bestselling authors Cara Black, Jessica Chiarella, Patricia V. Davis, Mary Mackey, and Mary Volmer.
Moderated by Laurie R. King.
Free book club materials and refreshments from Max’s Opera Café next door! 2:00 pm
November 6th, Livermore Public Library, 2 pm
Join me at the Livermore Public Library to kick off NaNoWriMo.
Join me at the Livermore Public Library to kick off NaNoWriMo.
November 19th, 11:00
California Writers Club - Sacramento
2409 Folsom Blvd. (at Hazel), Rancho Cordova, 95670
($15.00 for members; $20.00 non-members)
California Writers Club - Sacramento
2409 Folsom Blvd. (at Hazel), Rancho Cordova, 95670
($15.00 for members; $20.00 non-members)
Spring/ Summer 2016
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Feb 5th, Redwood High Author Talk
Redwood High School, Larkspur, CA
February 26th, Cleave: Bay Area Women Writers
Octopus Literary Salon
With Rashaan Meneses and Candace Eros Diaz
2101 Webster Street at 22nd in Oakland
7:00 pm
March 17th, Swan's Fine Books Lecture
Imagining History's Lost Voices: The Women of the California Gold Rush
Swan's Fine Books
1381 Locust Street, Walnut Creek
7:30 pm
March 19th, Wellstone Center in the Woods
Author talk with Ruth Galm
Moderated by Steve Kettmann
858 Amigo Road, Soquel CA 95073 (831) 471-8459
2:00 pm
May 14th, Reliance, Illinois BOOK LAUNCH!
Orinda Books
276 Village Sq, Orinda, CA 94563
3:00 pm
May 25th, Andersons Bookshop
123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
7:00 pm
May 26th, Full Circle Bookstore
50 Penn Place • 1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
6:30 pm
June 1st, Book Passage, Ferry Building
With Gina Mulligan
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
6:00 pm
June 24th, Stories On Stage, Sacramento
1719 25th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
7:00 pm
July 9th, Sundance Books
121 California Ave, Reno, NV 89509
3:00 pm
July 14th, Yuba Lit Event @ The Open Book
671 Maltman Drive, Grass Valley, CA
(530) 273-4002
7:00 pm
July 22nd, Reading @ Face In A Book
4359 Town Center Blvd., #113
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
6:30 pm
July 24-28th, Squaw Valley Community of Writers Conference
Squaw Valley Olympic Village
August 18th. Reading @ A Great Good Place For Books
6120 LaSalle Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
7:00 pm
