A refreshing mystery without a murder, Good Sam delivers on many fronts. The debut novel from Dete Meserve, it has earned the 2013 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards Gold Medal. Kirkus declared it, “[A] solid feel-good romance sparked with mystery.” And Barbara Schroeder (Beverly Hills Confidential) raves, “Bravo! Author Dete Meserve takes us into a world not often explored, and writes fluidly, always leaving the reader wanting to turn the page… Hot stuff!” Not only our third Special Guest Speaker to be announced, Dete will also be conducting a workshop, “From Book to Screen: Turning Your Novel into a Film or Television Series.” As president of Wind Dancer Films, producer of TV hits such as Home Improvement and film successes like What Women Want, as well as several book-to-screen adaptations, it’s a subject she knows well.
Speaking of workshops, as we begin sorting out the schedule for September, please feel free to submit topic suggestions. Naturally, beyond our slate of critique and craft sessions, we’ll devote plenty of needed attention to the most pressing legacy, indie, and self-publishing issues. Despite what too many say, regardless of which route to publication you pursue, attaining success will ultimately hinge on inspiring confidence in your readers—and delivering on expectations roused—each and every step of your journey. Beyond writing an exceptional book, how best to do just that will be covered in our “Do Yourself Independence” (DYI, not DIY) track.
More SCWCer Books Out or Out Soon
SCWC veteran Teresa Burrell’s been busy. All five titles in her ongoing legal thriller series are newly available as audiobooks. The Advocate, The Advocate’s Betrayal, The Advocate’s Conviction, The Advocate’s Dilemma, and The Advocate’s Ex Parte can all be had and heard at Audible.
From longtime SCWC author/workshop leader Michele Scott, Dark Harmony: A Vivienne Taylor Horse Lover’s Mystery, the second in her Fairmont Riding Academy series, is out May 20… Also out next week, in a departure from the Peri Minneopa mysteries she’s best known for, author/workshop leader Gayle Carline introduces readers to new characters and a new venue in Murder on the Hoof.
Finally, on the young adult front, the second in Valerie Wicks’ 7-part Seven Spectral series is out. The Orange World Outlaw follows her 2012 debut, Into the Red World. Congratulations and best of success to all!
We’ll begin plugging in what authors, agents, editors, and other pros will be joining us on the staff page soon, along with what workshops are being lined up. Advance submission readers will start being listed early June. Remember that Newport Beach is more limited in attendance than our winter conference in San Diego. Discounted pre-registration is highly recommended.
More soon. In the meantime, we’ve begun recording the reading of SCWC Topic Award recipients. You can listen to LA11’s honored entry here, written by Stephanie Lewis. The topic was “bidet.” And don’t forget: Aim for awe. Settle only for exception.
—Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC
