Schedule of Programs 2024
January 20th
Najla Mamou
Common Mistakes in First Chapters
Via Zoom
Bio
Najla brings an excitement to read everything that comes in to Savvy Literary Services. As a self-taught writer, she combed through the endless resources, from online articles, podcasts, videos, conferences, and books, to enhance her skillset and help other writers. Her favorite part in the editing and marketing side, which she admits garners a few strange looks from most writers. She’s an avid reader and loves great first chapters, immersive world building, deep character profiles, and well-rounded dialogue. Prior to joining Savvy Literary, she worked as a project manager for fifteen years. In that role, she took high-level ideas and transformed them into strategic and operational deliverables, on time and within budget. She’ll be applying that skillset to lead and shepherd fiction and non-fiction novels to book shelves across the world.
February 17th
Tanya Michna
It’s Cold Out—Do You Have Enough Layers?
Via Zoom
Bio
Tanya Michaels is the award-winning author of nearly 50 books and novellas, including the recent Harlequin Desire title One Night with the Cowboy. In addition to being an eight-time RITA finalist, Tanya has been the recipient of the Maggie Award for Excellence and the Nancy Knight Mentorship Award. Tanya lives in Kennesaw with her college student son and cover artist daughter as well as a trio of spoiled rescue pets. Tanya is hard at work on her next book. Except when she’s binge-watching The Bear or Our Flag Means Death or The Gilded Age.
March 16th
Jillian Liota
Writing Secondary Characters That Matter
In person
Relationships are everything – in real life and in romance novels. But an emotionally compelling
main storyline can’t reach its full potential without intriguing secondary characters. They are
the best friends, family members, co-workers and bullies of our heroes and heroines, and they
deserve just as much thought and care in the creation of their stories.
In this 60-minute workshop, Jillian will:
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define the role of secondary characters,
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discuss the difference between dynamic and static secondary characters and what impact this has on your story,
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provide examples of successful secondary characters, and
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review how to approach secondary character creation as both a plotter and a pantser
Bio
Jillian Liota writes romance novels that will stay with you long after you’ve read 'The End.' Her work has been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
Jillian is a Southern California native currently living in Suwanee, Georgia. She is married to her best friend, has a three-legged pup with endless energy, and acts as a servant to a very temperamental cat.
April 20th - All Day Meeting
Jeannie Moon
Writing with Intent: The Myth of the Muse
Via Zoom
Talk
Tired of waiting for inspiration to strike?
This course, led by USA Today bestselling author and writing coach Jeannie Moon, equips writers at all levels with the tools and strategies to overcome procrastination and write consistently, regardless of inspiration. What we will cover:
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The myth of the "natural writer" and the power of intention.
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Setting clear, reasonable goals and building a writing routine.
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A variety of techniques to jumpstart creativity, meet deadlines, and improve focus.
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Fostering a growth mindset to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.
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Strategies to fuel creativity, maintain motivation, and prioritize well-being.
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Planning your writing journey, building a sustainable practice, and balancing writing with life.
Bio
Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jeannie Moon has always loved stories. The author of nineteen contemporary romances, Jeannie is married to her high school sweetheart, has three grown kids and two grandchildren, and has lived on Long Island, NY, her whole life. A retired teacher and librarian, Jeannie is also an editor and author coach with a growing freelance practice.
May 18th
Dianna Shuford
Creating Stronger Villains (to keep readers turning pages)
In Person
Talk
This workshop will explore the development of believable and memorable villains. Strong villains help strengthen story development, deepen hero/heroine characterization, and intensify conflict, which will keep your reader engaged through the final scenes.
Bio
Dianna Shuford writes inspirational romantic-suspense fiction. She is a 2021 Maggie Award Finalist and a 2021 NERFA award winner. She enjoys working with other writers and networks with other writers and potential readers through Facebook (@diannashufordauthor), Twitter (@diannawrites), and her website www.diannashuford.com.
June 15th
Sharina Harris
Via Zoom
Talk
From Words to Worlds: The Art of Immersive Storytelling through World Building
Welcome to our Romantasy Writing Workshop, where we will explore the art of blending romance and magic to craft compelling Romantasy tales by drawing inspiration from current bestsellers.
The workshop will include:
1. An examination of the timeless rules of romance and the importance of incorporating familiar tropes while maintaining originality.
2. How to distinguish between fantasy romance and romantic fantasy, ensuring their stories fulfill readers' expectations.
3. Tips for creating interesting characters, world building and how to balance romance and fantasy elements.
Bio
Sharina Harris, also known as Rina Gray, has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember. She never had a talent for singing outside the shower, but her writing flourished. When she’s not writing, she can be found with her head stuck in a book, kickboxing, or dominating game night with friends and family. Sharina resides in Atlanta with her husband and son.
July 20th
Grace Wynter
Media Mastery: How to Talk About Your Book in Ways
That Boost Brand Awareness, Buzz, and Business
Via Zoom
Talk
Editor Grace Wynter sits down with Media Strategist and Consultant Linda Duggins for a Q&A and workshop that will help authors craft the story behind their stories. During this virtual event, authors will engage in conversations and hands-on exercises that will provide them with strategies for talking about their books in ways that can generate maximum buzz among readers and the media.
Bio
For over twenty years, Linda Duggins was the Senior Director of Publicity at Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group where she led successful national campaigns for authors such as Misty Copeland, Jane Goodall, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. She passionately believes that literature, the arts, community engagement, and reading are crucial elements to create and live in a more respectful and kinder world. Linda also serves on the board of directors for the National Book Club Conference.
Grace Wynter is a writer and professional editor who has worked with an array of indie and traditional publishers including Catapult, Macmillan, Harper Collins, and Penguin Random House. She has an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University and a Professional Certificate in Editing from the University of Chicago. Grace has also taught workshops for Writer Unboxed, Sisters in Crime, and the Atlanta Writers Club, where she is also a freelance editor for their biannual conference. You can learn more about Grace by visiting https://gracewynter.com/.
August 17th
TBD
In Person
Bio
September 21st
Michele Glessner, writing as Kathryn Amurra
Copyright Basics for Authors
Via Zoom
Talk
In this presentation, you will learn about what copyrights are, how they differ from other types of intellectual property, and why obtaining a federal copyright registration for your work is important. We will also walk through how to apply for copyright registration of your novel using the Copyright Office application process.
Bio
Michele Glessner is an intellectual property attorney at Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, NC. As a lawyer, Michele assists clients with patent, trademark, and copyright issues. When night falls, however, Michele puts her husband and three girls to bed and becomes Kathryn Amurra, the author of sweet and sensual love stories. Her Soothsayer’s Path series of clean historical romance novels set in Ancient Rome includes Soothsayer, Admonition (which won a Maggie Award for Excellence in 2020), and Birthright. Her newest book is called Amulet, and it is the first book in a new contemporary paranormal romance series, Heart’s True Desire.
October
No monthly meeting.
Annual Moonlight and Magnolias Conference
November 16th
TBD
Via Zoom
December 14th
TBD
In Person