January 27

Multi-Purpose Room

AI is a new technology that can be helpful to authors if used correctly. Val Fassnight will give a presentation on various AI technologies, the pros and cons of using AI, and how it can be helpful to authors in plotting, writing, and other aspects of the craft.

Doors open at 11:00 a.m. The business meeting starts at noon and the presentation begins at 1:15 p.m. 

February 24

Multi-Purpose Room

SOCIAL MEDIA: Details pending

March 23

Multi-Purpose Room

BUILDING CHARACTER: Tips for making us care about your heroes, villains, and everyone else.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” ~ Hellen Keller.

We’ll discuss the 5 tips for creating fully dimensional heroes and heroines, as well as developing those all-important supporting players. Presented by romantic suspense author Jules Parker.

May 18

Multi-Purpose Room

PRODUCTIVITY BIT BY BIT:

How a little bit of writing each day adds up, what word counts to look for, and different writing methods.

June 22

Council Chambers

HOW TO USE THE ENNEAGRAM TO CREATE CHARACTERS:

This presentation will introduce writers to the Enneagram, explain the nine types of personalities, and offer ways to create characters readers will care about.

July 27

Multi-Purpose Room

COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, AND PLAGIARISM, OH MY!

Presented by Lisa Rayne (intellectual property lawyer turned romance author)

“That person stole my work!” But…did they? Over the last few years, you’ve probably witnessed a public battle or two between authors over works they claim have been infringed or plagiarized. Do you know whether they (or you) actually have rights to claim? What about the use of popular brands or song lyrics or movie lines you love in your next breakout novel? What can and can’t you do? These are all questions you’ll better be able to answer by the end of this talk covering the key concepts of copyright, trademarks, and plagiarism authors should know and understand.

August 24

Council Chambers

WRITING TIGHT. STRONG STORIES. FEW WORDS:

As a journalist, Morgan Chilson has shared powerful stories in short stories for 30+ years. While novels need more description than newspaper stories, packing powerful punches in fewer words can strengthen your work. Morgan will share editing processes to help you tighten your writing and a fun exercise that will push your creativity.

September 28

Multi-Purpose Room

FAN FICTION 101: How to Write Fan Fiction and Why You Should

Presented by Val Fassnight.

The phenomena of fan fiction is taking the publishing world by storm. Authors who cut their teeth on this form of entertainment are now superstars of the publishing industry.

Join me for this 1 hour slide show presentation as I explain the concept of fan fiction, how it began, why it’s relevant to our culture and why it’s not for the kids in their parents’ basement, but for the writing community to cut their metaphorical teeth on.

October 26

Multi-Purpose Room

LET’S TALK DIALOGUE:

Presented by Darlene Deluca.

We’ll discuss how to: 1. make dialogue believable and sound like real speech to your reader, 2. make dialogue distinct for each character, making it easier for your reader to know who’s talking, 3. use dialogue to provide information that advances the plot.

December 7

Multi-Purpose Room

Holiday Party

April 1

The Carla Contest 2023 Opens

The Carla Crown Jewel of Books Contest is for any traditionally or self-published author with an original copyright date of 2022

July 1

The Carla Crown Closes for Entries

Registration and contest fee must be submitted by 11:59pm CT

JULY 15

Books Due

3 copies of each entry must be mailed to Carla Bracale and received by July 15

October 31

Finalists Announced

Finalists will be notified by the last week of October and will be announced on the MARA Website and social media sites
 

November 15

Winner Announced

Winner of the Carla Contest will be announced on or about November 15