Law & Authors: A Legal Handbook for Writers coming out August 4, 2020, from University of California Press. Order direct from the publisher's website and enter code 17M6662 at checkout for a 30% discount.
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Webinar: Legal Issues in Social Media Marketing/Websites, March 21, 2019 (9pm EST)
Come and join a discussion of basic legal issues relating to your social media presence/website at Savvy Authors online. We'll talk about online branding, copyright protection, and anything else on people's mines. Registration information here. Webinar: Legal Issues for Indie Authors, February 21, 2019 (9pm EST)
Come and join a discussion of basic legal issues for indie authors at Savvy Authors online. We'll talk about e-books, print on demand, and making and marketing your own audiobooks. Registration information here. 
Cleveland Indie Author Conference and Showcase, October 13, 2018
So looking forward to speaking on legal issues for indie published authors at this event in October. More details and early registration info here. Lit Youngstown Fall Literary Festival, September 21-22, 2018
If you're in the Youngstown area in late September, you might want to join me and a host of amazing writers and mentors for the Lit Youngstown Literary Festival. I'll be talking about legal issues for authors, and fiction writing and maybe doing a little reading of some of my own work. Hope to see you there! More info here. 
Law for Authors/Creative Artists ONLINE,
March 6, 2018 (7-9pm central time), The Writing Barn Legal issues are becoming increasingly relevant for authors and illustrators, particularly those who self-publish without the benefit of an agent or attorney. The most common legal issues that impact these creators in the publishing industry are copyright, contract, and, to some extent, trademark, defamation and privacy law. This 2 hour workshop provides an introduction for both self-publishing and traditionally published authors and artists to basic legal issues they may confront when creating, submitting and marketing their work. It also explains what legal situations authors and illustrators can most easily handle on their own and when it would be useful to consult an agent or attorney, as well as provide some resources for where to find accessible and affordable legal assistance. More details and registration information available here. New KidLit Course at Savvy Authors (Online)
March 19-April 15, 2018 Looking for a simple, supportive introductory online course on writing for children and young adults? Why not venture into my new Savvy Authors two week online introduction? Registration details here. 
Fiction Writing: Plot and Story Structure, March 14-April 11, 2018 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Pittsburgh Many writers struggle to pin down the overarching plot of their stories either in first drafts or in revision, often both! This can lead to a manuscript becoming unfocused, and its pace lagging. This class addresses the concepts of story, plot, and structure, and the relationship between them. It explores strategies for both character-driven and plot-driven writers to utilize more effective plotting techniques to tell their stories, both in first drafts and revisions. Registration Information Available here. New Column on Legal Issues for Authors
My new ON THE BOOKS column on legal issues for authors debuted today (December 5, 2017) on Luna Station Quarterly. The first post is on using other people's trademarks in your writing. Check it out here. Legal and Business Issues for Authors and Illustrators, October 28, 2017 (SCBWI South Central Ohio)
If you're in the Columbus, Ohio area on October 28, you may be interested in this workshop from 2-4:30pm. Registration details here. |
Back By Popular Demand: Novel Beginnings (Online at Savvy Authors), November 5-December 2, 2018
I'll be presenting a slightly updated version of my "novel beginnings" course online at Savvy Authors, starting November 5. The new version runs over a month, instead of two weeks, to give students more time to work on class exercises. Registration and additional information here. SavvyWriterCon 2018: Free Webinar on Trademark Issues for Authors, Sept. 16, 1pm (EST)
Over the past year there has been a lot of confusion in the publishing industry about the extent to which authors can trademark words used in book titles or in their books generally. The recent trademark registration by romance author Faleena Hopkins of the “cocky” trademark is one example that has caused a lot of concern, but previous cases have arisen involving terms like “muggle” in the context of the Harry Potter franchise. This webinar will explain the basics of trademark law as applied to the publishing industry, including the use of trademarks in the context of book titles, book texts, and social media branding initiatives. It will also explain the important differences between trademark and copyright law in this context. Registration info here. Plot and Story Structure (Online, Savvy Authors), September 10-October 7, 2018
If you're interested in tightening up your plot prior to submission or publication, feel free to join me online in the month of September for my class on Plot and Story Structure at SavvyAuthors. Registration info here. SCBWI Informal Chat on Trademark and Copyright Issues for Authors and Illustrators (Texas: Austin), September 9, 2018
I'll be visiting Austin in September and looking forward to chatting in the Book People cafe with anyone interested in learning about trademarks in the context of book series titles, and the difference between trademarks and copyrights after the September 9 SCBWI meeting. Details here. Law for Authors/Creative Artists (Online), The Writing Barn, October 14, 2018
In case you missed in the first time around and want to chat about legal issues for authors and creative artists online with me in October, the Writing Barn is repeating my webinar on October 14. Registration details here. Note that the time is in CENTRAL format so if you're on the east coast it's 2-4pm, if you're on the west coast it's 11am to 1pm, and if you're anywhere else, you're most welcome but you'll have to work out the time difference on your own! 
New Nonfiction Class at Savvy Authors (Online), May 21 to June 17, 2018.
Looking for an introduction to the various nonfiction genres (memoir, commercial/trade nonfiction, "how to" books), how to write a proposal and hook an agent or editor? Why not venture into this new class at Savvy Authors. Details and registration info here. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Pittsburgh), Fall 2018 Fiction Writing Course: Revision and Marketing Your Work, August 27-September 29, Wednesdays 1-2:50pm
Anyone in Pittsburgh in the early fall may want to take a look at the new 4 week class on revision and marketing your work. The fall 2018 course catalog is available here. Consumer Privacy Law,
January 31 to February 28, 2018 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Pittsburgh In the digital age, concerns are rife about protecting our personal information from those who might use it for personal gain (from unsolicited targeted marketing to identity theft). The digital technology itself makes protecting our information extremely challenging. This course will introduce the digital and legal frameworks covering consumer privacy concerns in the modern technological age. It will focus on American laws, with some comparative reference to regulatory approaches taken in other countries. Registration information available here. 
Legal Issues for Authors Webinar: Savvy Authors, October 26, 2017
Registration now open for this two hour webinar on the basics of the legal landscape for authors. Plenty of time will be left for Q&A. Details and registration information here. Legal Issues for Authors - Navigating Through the Legal Landscape, Vermont College of Fine Arts, June 16, 2017
I'm thrilled to be presenting a "legal issues for authors" workshop as a proud alum for the VCFA M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults (WCYA) Mini-Residency in Montpelier, VT this year! Full program here. Registration information here. 
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New Online Course: Introduction to Fiction Writing (October 2017)
If you're completely new to fiction writing and are interested in a simple intro course, you might be interested in this one. Offered through Orange Community Education & Recreation Center in partnership with L.E.R.N.
Register online here.
If you're completely new to fiction writing and are interested in a simple intro course, you might be interested in this one. Offered through Orange Community Education & Recreation Center in partnership with L.E.R.N.
Register online here.
Pitches and Queries: Presenting Your Work to Agents and Editors, Orange Community Education & Rec Center, October 7, 2017
Want to perfect your pitch or your query? Feel free to sign up here.
Want to perfect your pitch or your query? Feel free to sign up here.
Marketing and Promoting Your Work (and Yourself), Orange Community Education & Rec Center, October 7, 2017
If you're on the eastern side of Cleveland and want to talk about marketing yourself as an author, feel free to sign up. Registration information here.
If you're on the eastern side of Cleveland and want to talk about marketing yourself as an author, feel free to sign up. Registration information here.
Legal Issues for Authors (Made Simple): Emerald City Writers' Conference, October 13-15, 2017
If you're in the Seattle area in October, I'll be speaking on legal issues for authors at the Emerald City Writers' Conference on Sunday morning, October 15.
Registration information and further details about the conference here. Conference schedule here.
If you're in the Seattle area in October, I'll be speaking on legal issues for authors at the Emerald City Writers' Conference on Sunday morning, October 15.
Registration information and further details about the conference here. Conference schedule here.
Legal Issues for Authors and Illustrators Workshop (North Ohio SCBWI) on May 6, 2017.
Registration information here.
Registration information here.
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Writing Fiction: Plot and Structure Online Workshop (Savvy Authors)
I'll be presenting a two week workshop online for Savvy Authors on plot and structure in fiction writing commencing on March 29, 2017. Registration information and further details about the workshop here. |
Austin SCBWI Conference 2017 (May 20-21) Registration Opens 2/15/17 I'll be presenting a "legal issues for authors and artists" workshop as well as providing critiques and business/legal information for authors and artists. There's an amazing lineup of presenters and critique opportunities. Info here. If you're in the Austin area, sign up!! |
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New Workshops on Writing Kidlit, and the Business/Legal Aspects of Publishing (Orange Rec Center, Ohio, April-May 2017)
I'll be presenting three new workshops for OCER in April/May: Writing for Children and Young Adults, Self Publishing versus Traditional Publishing, and Legal Issues for Authors. Registration opens March 4: http://www.orangerec.com/Registration.aspx |
Commencing Feb 6, 2017 ...
New online workshop at SavvyAuthors.com "Promises to the Reader: Engaging First Chapters in Fiction Writing" Details and registration information here. |
TEACHING NEW WRITERS' WORKSHOPS AT ORANGE EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTER, Jan-Feb 2017
Introduction to Fiction Writing
Ever wanted to write a novel, but don’t know where to start? Have a short story inside you that’s burning to get onto the page? Everyone has a story to tell, and fiction writing is fun at all ages. This 6 week class is an introduction to writing novels and short stories for those who don’t know where to start, or for those who have written before, but have taken a break and want to get back to it. We will cover: different fiction forms, with a focus on novels and short stories; developing engaging protagonists and antagonists; plot structure; point of view; writing in different genres; and, setting.
To register, call OCER (216 831 8601) or register online at www.orangerec.com. Course number 17WAE806. Thursdays 1/19/17 to 2/23/17, 6:30-8:30pm, Pepper Pike Learning Center, Room 22. ($89/Orange Resident ; $99/Non-Resident).
Writing Flash Fiction
Flash fiction can be described as an extremely short short story, usually between 500 and 1,000 words. This 6 week class will investigate techniques for writing flash fiction both for potential publication and as a useful craft exercise that authors of longer works might use to develop elements of their writing such as character, setting, or point of view. We will also cover techniques like experimenting with time and point of view, worldbuilding in flash fiction and genre flash fiction (sci-fi/fantasy, romance, kidlit etc).
To register, call OCER (216 831 8601) or register online at www.orangerec.com. Course number 17WAE805. Wednesdays 1/18/17 to 2/22/17, 6:30-8:30pm, Pepper Pike Learning Center, Room 22. ($89/Orange Resident ; $99/Non-resident).
Introduction to Fiction Writing
Ever wanted to write a novel, but don’t know where to start? Have a short story inside you that’s burning to get onto the page? Everyone has a story to tell, and fiction writing is fun at all ages. This 6 week class is an introduction to writing novels and short stories for those who don’t know where to start, or for those who have written before, but have taken a break and want to get back to it. We will cover: different fiction forms, with a focus on novels and short stories; developing engaging protagonists and antagonists; plot structure; point of view; writing in different genres; and, setting.
To register, call OCER (216 831 8601) or register online at www.orangerec.com. Course number 17WAE806. Thursdays 1/19/17 to 2/23/17, 6:30-8:30pm, Pepper Pike Learning Center, Room 22. ($89/Orange Resident ; $99/Non-Resident).
Writing Flash Fiction
Flash fiction can be described as an extremely short short story, usually between 500 and 1,000 words. This 6 week class will investigate techniques for writing flash fiction both for potential publication and as a useful craft exercise that authors of longer works might use to develop elements of their writing such as character, setting, or point of view. We will also cover techniques like experimenting with time and point of view, worldbuilding in flash fiction and genre flash fiction (sci-fi/fantasy, romance, kidlit etc).
To register, call OCER (216 831 8601) or register online at www.orangerec.com. Course number 17WAE805. Wednesdays 1/18/17 to 2/22/17, 6:30-8:30pm, Pepper Pike Learning Center, Room 22. ($89/Orange Resident ; $99/Non-resident).
PAST EVENTS ....
INDIE AUTHOR CONFERENCE AND SHOWCASE
Cuyahoga County Public Library / Parma-Snow Branch
November 12, 2016
Details here.
I will be selling signed copies of Inside the Palisade, winner of the 2016 Purple Dragonfly Award for YA sci-fi/fantasy at this event. Please feel free to stop by, say hi, and talk writing, sci-fi or anything else that catches your fancy!
INDIE AUTHOR CONFERENCE AND SHOWCASE
Cuyahoga County Public Library / Parma-Snow Branch
November 12, 2016
Details here.
I will be selling signed copies of Inside the Palisade, winner of the 2016 Purple Dragonfly Award for YA sci-fi/fantasy at this event. Please feel free to stop by, say hi, and talk writing, sci-fi or anything else that catches your fancy!
SELF PUBLISHING ROUNDTABLE
If you're in North East Ohio on March 3, drop by our self-publishing roundtable discussion at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. Details here.
WIN A COPY OF FIRST LAST FOREVER: A COLLECTION OF FIRST DATE DISASTERS
Share your own horrible first date story here to win a free copy of the book.
FIRST LAST FOREVER: A COLLECTION OF FIRST DATE DISASTERS releases on February, 5, 2016. Pre-order a copy here.
Love them or hate them, we’ve all had first dates. From the blush of romance to the slamming of a door, nothing can capture—or repel—our hearts so fully. Do we swoon with desire? Hope for tenderness? Or does the first meeting shatter any chance of two souls connecting?
In First Last Forever, each story follows the passionate, sometimes accidental rendezvous between two people as they fight to overcome the one obstacle between them and happiness—the disastrous first date. Will they end with a promise, a parting, or a pledge? Read these stories to find out.
Love them or hate them, we’ve all had first dates. From the blush of romance to the slamming of a door, nothing can capture—or repel—our hearts so fully. Do we swoon with desire? Hope for tenderness? Or does the first meeting shatter any chance of two souls connecting?
In First Last Forever, each story follows the passionate, sometimes accidental rendezvous between two people as they fight to overcome the one obstacle between them and happiness—the disastrous first date. Will they end with a promise, a parting, or a pledge? Read these stories to find out.
INSIDE THE PALISADE is featured in the December SCBWI book launch party. There's a giveaway for it along with many other featured books. Enjoy!
INSIDE THE PALISADE book giveaway this week (October 13, 2015) on Cynsations blog. Click here.
I will be signing copies of my debut YA sci-fi novel, Inside the Palisade, at the Learned Owl Bookstore in Hudson, OH, on Saturday October 17 from 1-3pm.
My publisher, Lodestone Books, has arranged a Goodreads giveaway of two copies of my debut YA sci-fi novel, Inside the Palisade, running from September 24 to October 1. Full details here.