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    • Friday, March 01, 2024
    • 12:00 AM
    • Thursday, March 21, 2024
    • 11:59 PM
    Register


    Announcing our next Challenge

    Character self-sabotage


    Challenge Registration Opens: March 1, 2024
    Submission Deadline: March 21, 2024

    About
    Write 500 words about "Character self-sabotage"
    (or the topic of your choice). How does your character (any of them) sabotage themselves? And get written feedback from a professional editor!


    PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

    We look forward to reading your entries!


    Entry Submission Rules

    Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kathy.weyer@att.net.

    1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
    2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
    3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $15 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
    4. Each entry is 500 word maximum
    5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
    6. One inch margins, double-spaced
    7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
    8. Indented paragraphs
    9. Title must be included in the document header. You may not use the contest theme as your title
    10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
    11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
    12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kathy.weyer@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 
    13. The subject line of your email will read the title of your work (not the contest theme name)
    14. Blind submission entries  are critiqued by a professional editor.
    15. Entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
    16. There are no refunds for this event.

    Judging Criteria

    1. Adherence to all rules above.
    2. Adherence to the theme or prompt.
    3. Compelling and original plot:
      a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
      b. However, if your piece is fiction, very short pieces often consist of a “slice of life.” The narrative should still exhibit a plot-like arc so that the story feels self-contained and complete.
    4. Compelling and original characters
      a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
      b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
    5. Consistency of narrative voice:
      a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
      b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
    6. Fundamental writing skills:
      a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.       
    7. The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
      a. Artistry and clarity of language.
      b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
      c. Distinctness of voice.
    Interested in becoming a PSWG Member? Click this button JOIN
    • Thursday, March 28, 2024
    • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • P.F. Chang’s 71800 CA-111 Ste C-104 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270


    Camaraderie, Creativity & Cocktails

    Free Write and Mingle



    Join fellow members to write and socialize!  We will have writing prompts to spark our imagination, then transition to happy hour! 
    Registration is not required for this free event, and please feel free to bring a guest!

    Location:
    P.F. Chang’s
    71800 CA-111 Ste C-104
    Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

    Registration is not required for this free event.

    Members only. Feel free to bring a guest.

    Free Write begins at 3:30 p.m.
    Mingle begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.
    Attend either or both.

    We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

    Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild?
    Please
    click here.

    Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
    pswg@geographilia.com

      • Monday, April 01, 2024
      • 12:00 AM
      • Sunday, April 21, 2024
      • 11:59 PM
      Registration is closed


      Announcing our next Challenge

      Payoff for not achieving goal


      Challenge Registration Opens: April 1, 2024
      Submission Deadline: April 21, 2024

      About
      Write 500 words about "Payoff for not achieving goal"
      (or the topic of your choice). What's the payoff for NOT achieving the goal? And get written feedback from a professional editor!


      PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

      We look forward to reading your entries!


      Entry Submission Rules

      Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kathy.weyer@att.net.

      1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
      2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
      3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $15 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
      4. Each entry is 500 word maximum
      5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
      6. One inch margins, double-spaced
      7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
      8. Indented paragraphs
      9. Title must be included in the document header. You may not use the contest theme as your title
      10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
      11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
      12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kathy.weyer@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 
      13. The subject line of your email will read the title of your work (not the contest theme name)
      14. Blind submission entries  are critiqued by a professional editor.
      15. Entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
      16. There are no refunds for this event.

      Judging Criteria

      1. Adherence to all rules above.
      2. Adherence to the theme or prompt.
      3. Compelling and original plot:
        a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
        b. However, if your piece is fiction, very short pieces often consist of a “slice of life.” The narrative should still exhibit a plot-like arc so that the story feels self-contained and complete.
      4. Compelling and original characters
        a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
        b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
      5. Consistency of narrative voice:
        a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
        b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
      6. Fundamental writing skills:
        a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.       
      7. The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
        a. Artistry and clarity of language.
        b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
        c. Distinctness of voice.
      Interested in becoming a PSWG Member? Click this button JOIN
      • Saturday, April 06, 2024
      • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
      Register


      Announcing Our Upcoming

      April Writers Forum



      In-person monthly gathering - free and open to the public. Come experience our new panel discussions and member-to-member knowledge sharing! 

      REGISTER

      Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at noon.

      We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

      Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

      Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
      santiagogo@aol.com

        • Saturday, April 06, 2024
        • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
        • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
        Register


        Announcing our next In-Person Workshop

        How to Cook your Book to Perfection
        Kathy Weyer

        About Kathy Weyer

        Kathy Weyer is an author, artist, and animal lover. She was awarded first prize (twice) by the Palm Springs Writers Guild for fiction and memoir contests, and has been published in several magazines. She is on the board of directors for the Friends of the Palm Springs Library and the Palm Springs Writers Guild. Kathy lives in Palm Springs with her husband of 42 years and their rescued pets. She is the author of Stitches and the sequels, Canvas and Pages.


        Description of talk:

        In this one-of-a-kind workshop, multi-published author Kat Weyer will walk you through the steps required to ensure your book-in-progress has what it takes to grab the attention of agents, publishers, and readers.

        Takeaways

        You will learn:

        • How to plan your manuscript for what agents and readers expect: a beginning, a middle, and an end that tells your story clearly and effectively.
        • Tips and hints about how to work with your characters so they shine through and keep the reader engaged.
        • How to avoid the mid-book slump by planning your characters’ actions and plot twists.

        Bring a notebook or laptop; we’ll be working with your story doing exercises that may open some windows for you.

        REGISTER

        To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration. 

        We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

        Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. 

        Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

        Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
        santiagogo@aol.com

          • Monday, April 15, 2024
          • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
          • Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
          • 50
          Register


          Announcing our next Special Event

          So You Want to Write?
          Kathy Weyer



          Description of talk:

          Free workshop open to non Guild members who want to get started writing. We will do writing exercises, have open discussions, and answer questions. Bring paper and pen or a laptop and be prepared to get energized.

          Five things you will learn:

          • How to feel the fear and do it anyway - get writing!
          • Basics of what’s expected by agents and publishers.
          • The difference between self publishing, working with an agent, and directly with publishers.
          • We will have a short but fun exercise that shows you how to get creative easily.
          • Discussion of various software to use that makes the work easy and fun.

          About Kathy Weyer

          Kathy is the Membership Chair and Treasurer for PSWG. She has published three books of Women’s Fiction and several short stories and articles.






            REGISTER

            To cancel your registration so someone else may register, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration. 

            We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

            Meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. 

            Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

            Event Contact: Kathy Weyer
            kathy.weyer@att.net

              • Friday, April 19, 2024
              • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
              • Zoom Online
              Register


              Announcing our next Online Lab

              Not a Heroine's Journey
              Stacey Simmons, PhD



              About Stacey Simmons

              Stacey Simmons is a writer and psychotherapist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She discovered an analog to the Hero’s Journey that is NOT a heroine’s journey by examining myths, films, sacred literature, and stories. In her practice at Hope Therapy Center she specializes in the unique needs of creative professionals. You can learn more about her writing here.


              Description of talk:

              Not a Heroine’s Journey: Don’t Tell Your Women-Centered Story like a Hero’s Tale!

              What you will learn:

              • Why a Woman-centered story fails using the Hero’s (or Heroine’s) Journey model
              • How to use the Queen’s Path to make your story connect with readers
              • Who is the Divided Woman and how do you make space for her in your stories?
              • How can you make sense of the Happily Ever After drive to help your story connect with readers?
              • How to drive home your character arcs by underlining the relevant aspects of their personal journeys along the Queen’s Path

              What you should bring

              • A character synopsis for your protagonists and antagonists
              • A beat sheet of your plot points

              Location: Zoom Online

              To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.

              REGISTER

              Unable to attend? No problem, all paid registrants will receive a video replay.

              You will receive an invitation to the Zoom online meeting after you have registered and payment is complete.

              We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

              Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

              Event Contact: Ariella Moon
              authorariellamoon@gmail.com

                • Thursday, April 25, 2024
                • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
                • 849 Restaurant and Lounge 849 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262


                Camaraderie, Creativity & Cocktails

                Free Write and Mingle



                Join fellow members to write and socialize!  We will have writing prompts to spark our imagination, then transition to happy hour! 
                Registration is not required for this free event, and please feel free to bring a guest!

                Location:
                849 Restaurant and Lounge
                849 N Palm Canyon Dr
                Palm Springs, CA 92262

                Registration is not required for this free event.

                Members only. Feel free to bring a guest.

                Free Write begins at 3:30 p.m.
                Mingle begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.
                Attend either or both.

                We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild?
                Please
                click here.

                Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
                pswg@geographilia.com

                  • Wednesday, May 01, 2024
                  • 12:00 AM
                  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024
                  • 11:59 PM
                  Registration is closed


                  Announcing our next Challenge

                  What's your ending?


                  Challenge Registration Opens: May 1, 2024
                  Submission Deadline: May 21, 2024

                  About
                  Write 500 words about "What's your ending?"
                  (or the topic of your choice). Write the first half the way you've planned it, then switch it around to an alternative ending.  And get written feedback from a professional editor!


                  PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

                  We look forward to reading your entries!


                  Entry Submission Rules

                  Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kathy.weyer@att.net.

                  1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
                  2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
                  3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $15 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
                  4. Each entry is 500 word maximum
                  5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
                  6. One inch margins, double-spaced
                  7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
                  8. Indented paragraphs
                  9. Title must be included in the document header. You may not use the contest theme as your title
                  10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
                  11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
                  12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kathy.weyer@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 
                  13. The subject line of your email will read the title of your work (not the contest theme name)
                  14. Blind submission entries  are critiqued by a professional editor.
                  15. Entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
                  16. There are no refunds for this event.

                  Judging Criteria

                  1. Adherence to all rules above.
                  2. Adherence to the theme or prompt.
                  3. Compelling and original plot:
                    a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
                    b. However, if your piece is fiction, very short pieces often consist of a “slice of life.” The narrative should still exhibit a plot-like arc so that the story feels self-contained and complete.
                  4. Compelling and original characters
                    a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
                    b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
                  5. Consistency of narrative voice:
                    a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
                    b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
                  6. Fundamental writing skills:
                    a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.       
                  7. The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
                    a. Artistry and clarity of language.
                    b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
                    c. Distinctness of voice.
                  Interested in becoming a PSWG Member? Click this button JOIN
                  • Saturday, May 04, 2024
                  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
                  • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
                  Register


                  Announcing Our Upcoming

                  May Writers Forum



                  In-person monthly gathering. Come experience our new panel discussions and member-to-member knowledge sharing! 

                  REGISTER

                  Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at noon. Refunds are not available for this event.

                  We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                  Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

                  Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
                  santiagogo@aol.com

                    • Saturday, May 04, 2024
                    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
                    • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
                    Register


                    Announcing our next In-Person Workshop

                    Tall Tales: The Art of the Short Story
                    Noel Alumit



                    About Noel Alumit

                    Noel Alumit is a multidisciplinary artist who wrote the novels Talking to the Moon and Letters to Montgomery Clift. He won the Stonewall Book Award from the American Library Association and the James Duggins Mid-Career Prize. He was named one of Out Magazine’s “Out 100” and was a California State Commissioner on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. His new book, Music Heard in WiFi & Other Stories was released this year by Rebel Satori Press and will be available for sale at the event.

                    Description of talk:

                    Whether you write novels, memoirs, or short stories, you don’t want to miss this one! Short stories do everything longer stories do, but backward and in high heels! They have to establish character quickly, often in just a few words or sentences. Plot is also condensed in short stories and, because of its small scope, it is often easier to see and understand how plot is working in a short story than in a longer work. Short stories often contain some kind of revelation or significant turning point in a character’s thought and/or action. This moment of realization is a major, defining attribute of the short story genre. Tradition and innovation meet in this unique workshop.

                    Five things you'll learn:

                    • To identify or create demographic factors (age, gender, race, class, etc.).
                    • To define what an epiphany is and how it works in literature.
                    • The purpose of secondary characters in relation to the protagonist(s).
                    • To use material details to focus on the immaterial, such as a character’s emotions.
                    • To your cultural background, even if you don’t find it very exotic, for inspiration and innovation.

                    REGISTER


                    To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration. 

                    We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                    Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. 

                    Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

                    Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
                    santiagogo@aol.com

                      • Thursday, May 09, 2024
                      • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
                      • P.F. Chang’s 71800 CA-111 Ste C-104 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270


                      Camaraderie, Creativity & Cocktails

                      Free Write and Mingle



                      Join fellow members to write and socialize!  We will have writing prompts to spark our imagination, then transition to happy hour! 
                      Registration is not required for this free event, and please feel free to bring a guest!

                      Location:
                      P.F. Chang’s
                      71800 CA-111 Ste C-104
                      Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

                      Registration is not required for this free event.

                      Members only. Feel free to bring a guest.

                      Free Write begins at 3:30 p.m.
                      Mingle begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.
                      Attend either or both.

                      We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                      Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild?
                      Please
                      click here.

                      Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
                      pswg@geographilia.com

                        • Friday, May 17, 2024
                        • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
                        • Zoom Online Meeting
                        Register


                        Announcing our next Online Lab

                        Is Scrivener Write For You?
                        Matthew Lancellotti



                        About Matt

                        He is currently Professor of Marketing (Consumer Psychology) in the Department of Marketing at Mihaylo College of Business, Cal State Fullerton. Matt has published numerous research articles for academic journals and business-trade and -advice publications. At the same time he has always enjoyed writing fiction, and has done so in fits and starts since childhood. He has finally just finished writing his first novel, and is in the final editing process. Matt has found tremendous value and camaraderie as a member of the PSWG to help him through that journey. He lives in Palm Springs, a truly inspirational place for writing, with his loving husband and adorable pooch Ollie.

                        Description: 

                        Writing a book can be an organizational nightmare. You find yourself scribbling ideas, scenes, research notes, you name it, on napkins, in notebooks, on sticky pads, or saving stuff in myriad files you can’t find later on your computer. Scrivener is designed for writers, and lets you write, manage, and store every component of your novel all in one neatly organized file. This writing lab will cover its benefits, features, and basics on how to use the software so you can decide.


                        Location:
                        Zoom Online Meeting

                        To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.

                        REGISTER

                        Unable to attend, no problem, all paid registrants will receive a video replay of this presentation.

                        You will receive an invitation to the Zoom online meeting after you have registered and payment is complete.

                        We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                        Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

                        Event Contact: Matt Lancellotti
                        pswg@geographilia.com

                        • Saturday, June 01, 2024
                        • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
                        • The Mizell Center, 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
                        Register


                        Announcing or upcoming

                        June Writers Forum



                        In-person monthly gathering. Come experience our new panel discussions and member-to-member knowledge sharing! 

                        REGISTER

                        Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at noon. Refunds are not available for this event.

                        We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.

                        Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.

                        Event Contact: Eduardo Santiago
                        santiagogo@aol.com