A Writing Retreat for Women

Posted in Blog with tags , , , , , , , on December 2, 2010 by James O. Barnes

Here is some information on a writing retreat designed for women. The information Deanna has listed can be found below. This is coordinated by Deanna Adams, a Cleveland area freelance writer, award-winning essayist, speaker and author. She also directs and coordinates the annual Western Reserve Writers Conference, held at Lakeland Community College. The information below was copied in it’s entirety from an email I received. If you have questions regarding this retreat, please contact Deanna directly through her website or email.

The 5th Annual Women Writers’ Winter Retreat  

Write, Read & Relax in Historic Downtown Willoughby

When:  Friday, February 25 – Sunday, February 27, 2011

 Where:  The Homestead House Bed & Breakfast, 38111 West Spaulding Street, Willoughby, Ohio

 **Note: This Event Books Fast!

Please contact Deanna at DeeNCR@aol.com asap if you’d like to attend as an overnight guest or a commuter.

Time to be Inspired. Time to Write. Time for Yourself . . . Event Coordinator, Deanna Adams, invites you to a winter weekend filled with motivation, education, and creation.

Whatever kind of writer you are – fiction, nonfiction, poet, or creative writer – you’ll have the opportunity to learn, write, and rejuvenate in an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth during the coldest time of the year.

This writers’ event will give you the excuse you need to take time for yourself and your craft – while meeting others who share your love for the written word.

Aside from the workshops, you’ll also have free time to write, read, shop, and explore this quaint historic town – or simply do nothing but absorb the knowledge and support of fellow writers.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those wishing to stay in this unique Victorian-style Bed & Breakfast should register early to ensure your spot and choose your room (accommodations include Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and home-cooked breakfasts). 

Join us and release your writing spirit! See www.deannaadams.com for all details! Also, makes a great Christmas gift for the writer in your life.

A pirate tried to steal my book.

Posted in Blog, Conventions with tags , , , , , on November 23, 2010 by James O. Barnes

A Pirate tried to steal my book. Last weekend I attended the Cleveland Christmas Connection representing myself and Loconeal Publishing. I had a good time and it was great to see the familiar faces of the other authors and vendors.

So anyway, about this pirate that tried to steal my book. I’m just sitting there minding my own business when down the gangway walks this pirate with a slightly disheveled look about him. I notice he seems to be a bit wobbly as he staggers his way towards my table. I have to give him credit though, he managed to narrowly miss each passerby as they stood back to gawk at the sight. Eventually he set his dark-rimmed and glassy eyes on me, more likely for a focal point to help get his bearings. He strolled up mumbling something about rum and bones wanting his treasure. Well naturally, as would anyone hearing of treasure, it drew my attention to the treasure chest he carried in front of him. Well I must say, after much discussion and trying to pry out of him where he had hidden his rum, things started to take a turn. He swore in a way that can only be described as well, like a pirate. He accused me of stealing his crown and best handmade knife, just before letting out a resounding belch of noxious fumes.

“No sir,” I replied, “I think I know where your rum went though.” Then his gaze fell to the table that separated us, and there it was.

“Me knife’n crown,” he pointed with an accusing finger. “Give’m back.”

This was not looking good. I tried to explain that it was just the cover of a book, but he was hearing none of it. I could go on about tussling with a pirate and spilling gold, but suffice it to say that you can’t argue with a drunken pirate and expect to win. In the end I think we came to a resolution that worked for both of us. As proof of this interaction, for you naysayers that think I might be spinning another story, I present the following evidence.

The next Book of Orenck, Imposter, is due to be out this summer.

MARCON ~ Multiple Alternative Reality Convention

Posted in Conventions with tags , , , , , on June 1, 2010 by James O. Barnes

Thief King: A Book of Orenck

Last weekend I made the annual trek to MARCON in Columbus, OH. This year’s theme was Necropolis. There were a lot of zombies, dead faerie, ghosts and gaming for all to enjoy. Of course, there was the usual fare of panels and workshops covering every aspect of fantasy or sci-fi writing you can think of. I presented a workshop on publishing and sat on three panels with other authors on the subjects of creating logical societies, finding time to write, and what makes something a work of fantasy. I also did a reading of some of my work and a couple of autograph sessions for Thief King.

All-in-all the MARCON people put on a great show. I even had time to take in a few events. Here is a picture of me with Richard Hatch, who played the original Apollo, on Battlestar Galactica, and Tom Zarek, on the newer version. He was this year’s Media Guest of Honor.

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