California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch https://www.trivalleywriters.org/ Tri-Valley Branch Mon, 18 May 2026 20:30:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 TVW is Celebrating 20 Years, June 20, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2026/05/18/tvw-is-celebrating-20-years-june-20-2026/ Mon, 18 May 2026 20:24:14 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18516 Join Tri-Valley Writers on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn Dublin as we celebrate 20 years of Tri-Valley Writers! Get ready to party and hang out with your writing friends. The branch will be closing at the end of June, but we have much to celebrate. Here are the many accomplishments TVW has achieved during our time in the community:
• TVW published five (5) members’ only anthologies, Voices of the Valley, that was an excellent venue for our members to earn publication credentials.
• TVW hosted four (4) biennial full-day writers conference on the art and business of writing. Each conference featured three tracks: Craft, Marketing, & Self-Publishing for attendees to choose from.
• Members of TVW were encouraged to participate in critique groups to strengthen their writing and editing skills. Participation began by joining the STEM critique group. As the STEM group grew, smaller critique groups branched out on their own, often specializing in a particular genre. There are several novel groups. For poets: there was a special poetry critique group. Members worked online and/or participated in face-to-face critiquing. With both formats, there was a commitment for reciprocity. Participants who submitted materials committed to reading and critiquing the materials submitted by others.
• To support writing in schools, TVW sponsored an annual writing contest among local high schools. Members volunteered to judge hundreds of submissions in fiction, poetry, and essay forms. Winners were given cash prizes and read selections of their work at the awards ceremony. TVW just completed our 15th annual contest!
• Write Around the Valley, the branch newsletter, was comprehensive with meeting details, member benefit info, writing tips, upcoming events, information on writing contests (including those sponsored by external organizations), and a column celebrating the latest publishing successes of our members.
• For an opportunity to write in a relaxed setting in the company of other writers, members met on Thursday afternoons at Inklings Coffee and Tea. This was an informal, drop-in group; there is no obligation to sign up or come every week.
• Sit Down and Write on Zoom met on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. This was a come-when-you-can opportunity, so participants could attend any or all sessions as it fit with their schedule.
• TVW’s Author Support Group was an online or in-person meeting benefit. Each meeting a topic was chosen and members could ask questions, respond to questions, or chat about problems or successes.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, June 18, 2026. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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Join Tri-Valley Writers on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn Dublin as we celebrate 20 years of Tri-Valley Writers. Get ready to party and hang out with your writing friends. The branch will be closing at the end of June, but we have much to celebrate. Here are the many accomplishments TVW has achieved during our time in the community: 

  • TVW published five (5) members’ only anthologies, Voices of the Valley, that was an excellent venue for our members to earn publication credentials. 
  • TVW hosted four (4) biennial full-day writers conference on the art and business of writing. Each conference featured three tracks: Craft, Marketing, & Self-Publishing for attendees to choose from. 
  • Members of TVW were encouraged to participate in critique groups to strengthen their writing and editing skills. Participation began by joining the STEM critique group. As the STEM group grew, smaller critique groups branched out on their own, often specializing in a particular genre. There are several novel groups. For poets: there was a special poetry critique group. Members worked online and/or participated in face-to-face critiquing. With both formats, there was a commitment for reciprocity. Participants who submitted materials committed to reading and critiquing the materials submitted by others.
  • To support writing in schools, TVW sponsored an annual writing contest among local high schools. Members volunteered to judge hundreds of submissions in fiction, poetry, and essay forms. Winners were given cash prizes and read selections of their work at the awards ceremony. TVW just completed our 15th annual contest!
  • Write Around the Valley, the branch newsletter, was comprehensive with meeting details, member benefit info, writing tips, upcoming events, information on writing contests (including those sponsored by external organizations), and a column celebrating the latest publishing successes of our members.
  • For an opportunity to write in a relaxed setting in the company of other writers, members met on Thursday afternoons at Inklings Coffee and Tea. This was an informal, drop-in group; there is no obligation to sign up or come every week.
  • Sit Down and Write on Zoom met on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. This was a come-when-you-can opportunity, so participants could attend any or all sessions as it fit with their schedule. 
  • TVW’s Author Support Group was an online or in-person meeting benefit. Each meeting a topic was chosen and members could ask questions, respond to questions, or chat about problems or successes.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, June 18, 2026. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

The post TVW is Celebrating 20 Years, June 20, 2026 appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

]]> 15th Annual HSWC Awards Ceremony, May 16, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2026/04/25/15th-annual-hswc-awards-ceremony-may-16-2026/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:59:43 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18481 Join Tri-Valley Writers on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn Dublin as we celebrate the winners of the 15th annual “My Story, My Vision” high school writing contest. High school students in Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon submitted works in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. As writers know, and as TVW Member Patricia Boyle once said, “It takes great courage for students to submit writing to strangers to evaluate and comment on it. I’m proud of the students who entered the contest and took the risk of sharing their work.” So come support local high school students’ successes as the winners receive their awards and read their submissions.
This event is free and open to the public. While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, May 14, 2026. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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Join Tri-Valley Writers on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn Dublin as we celebrate the winners of the 15th annual “My Story, My Vision” high school writing contest. High school students in Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon submitted works in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. As writers know, and as TVW Member Patricia Boyle once said, “It takes great courage for students to submit writing to strangers to evaluate and comment on it. I’m proud of the students who entered the contest and took the risk of sharing their work.” So come support local high school students’ successes as the winners receive their awards and read their submissions. This event is free and open to the public. While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, May 14, 2026. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Keynote Speaker, Helen Hu, a sophomore at Monte Vista High School has always been a passionate writer. She believes words make a change, with writing being a tool of delivery, Writing inspired her to think bigger and impact more, to keep an open-mind and challenge herself into trying new things. Helen has participated in an International Business Trade Fair where she, alongside the manager of an actual company, won second place. She has also used writing as a structure through a passionate project of helping the poor that couldn’t afford organic food.  Helen’s aspiration has been to “do more.” 

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]]> Poetry-Writing Process to Polished Poems, April 18, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2026/03/22/poetry-writing-process-to-polished-poems-april-18-2026/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:36:23 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18443 Join Tri-Valley Writers on April 18, 2026 for National Poetry Month as several TVW members will discuss various aspects of writing poetry. Ashley Kim, Pamela Pan, and Ilana Tal will discuss the process of writing poetry and read some of their own work, showcasing the variety of poetry TVW poets write. There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun. While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, April 16, 2026

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Join Tri-Valley Writers on April 18, 2026 for National Poetry Month as several TVW members will discuss various aspects of writing poetry. Ashley Kim, Pamela Pan, and Ilana Tal will discuss the process of writing poetry and read some of their own work, showcasing the variety of poetry TVW poets write. There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun. While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, April 16, 2026

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]]> Member Panel, March 21, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2026/02/20/member-panel-march-21-2026/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:12:42 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18410 The March 21, 2026 meeting will be designed for members, and the community, to get to know several of TVW’s members in depth. The three members for this panel will be: Rose Owens—fiction & storytelling, Haihong Liao—creative nonfiction & historical memoir, and Art Tenbrink—poetry. Each writer will discuss aspects of their writing, motivations, and things they have learned during their writing journey.
There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.
While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, March 19, 2026

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The March 21, 2026 meeting will be designed for members, and the community, to get to know several of TVW’s members in depth. The three members for this panel will be: Rose Owens—fiction & storytelling, Haihong Liao—creative nonfiction & historical memoir, and Art Tenbrink—poetry. Each writer will discuss aspects of their writing, motivations, and things they have learned during their writing journey.
There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun. While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, March 19, 2026.

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]]> Writing, Sharing, & Networking: Feb. 21, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2026/01/19/writing-sharing-networking-feb-21-2026/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:04:44 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18371 Join us for a writing session from prompts, meet-and-greet, and informal discussion of all things writing. There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at Treasurer by Thursday, Feb. 19.

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Join us for a writing session from prompts, meet-and-greet, and informal discussion of all things writing. There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, Feb. 19.

The post Writing, Sharing, & Networking: Feb. 21, 2026 appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

]]> Winterfest: “The Craft of Writing” Round Robin Workshop, January 17, 2026 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2025/11/20/winterfest-the-craft-of-writing-round-robin-workshop-january-17-2026/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:16:03 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=18096 January Winterfest: “The Craft of Writing” Round Robin Workshop

Are your characters flat and stale? Do they carry your story by being unique, or do they drag it down because they are stereotypes? Or are you unsure how to write effective dialogue that says what needs to be said, yet also gives the reader more information about your characters? Have you added enough tension and/or suspense to keep your readers turning the pages? Never fear, it’s Round Robin Workshop time.

Tri-Valley Writers members will lead four distinct topic presentations, which are designed to impart tips of the writing trade. Each attendee will receive a handout packet with valuable information to take home with them. Workshop topics include: “Crafting Well-rounded Characters” (B. Lynn Goodwin-Brown), “Writing Dialogue for Impact” (Bruce Overby), and “Creating Tension and Suspense to Keep Readers Reading” (Ann Parker).

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: Treasurer by Thursday, January 15, 2026.

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January Winterfest: “The Craft of Writing” Round Robin Workshop

Are your characters flat and stale? Do they carry your story by being unique, or do they drag it down because they are stereotypes? Or are you unsure how to write effective dialogue that says what needs to be said, yet also gives the reader more information about your characters? Have you added enough tension and/or suspense to keep your readers turning the pages? Never fear, it’s Round Robin Workshop time.

Tri-Valley Writers members will lead four distinct topic presentations, which are designed to impart tips of the writing trade. Each attendee will receive a handout packet with valuable information to take home with them. Workshop topics include: “Crafting Well-rounded Characters” (B. Lynn Goodwin-Brown), “Writing Dialogue for Impact” (Bruce Overby), and “Creating Tension and Suspense to Keep Readers Reading” (Ann Parker).

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, January 15, 2026.

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]]> Writing Trivia Game, Dec. 20, 2025 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2025/10/27/writing-trivia-game-dec-20-2025-2/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:57:29 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=17695 See below for Reservation details*

The December meeting will be held on Zoom and with feature a Writing Trivia Game for TVW members ONLY. Attendees have a chance to win prizes in a Trivia Game about well-known authors and their written or spoken words. Come prepared to test your knowledge of writers of all genres (including song writers) from the 19th century to present day. There will also be time for socializing. So brew up your favorite holiday beverage and be ready for some laughter and fun.

Join us on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. RSVP by Friday, December 19, 2025. An Email RSVP is REQUIRED at President (Without your email, we can’t send the Zoom invitation to you).

*Zoom Meeting link will ONLY be sent to those who have RSVP’d by the RSVP date.*

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Writing Trivia Game

See below for Reservation details*

The December meeting will be held on Zoom and with feature a Writing Trivia Game for TVW members ONLY. Attendees have a chance to win prizes in a Trivia Game about well-known authors and their written or spoken words. Come prepared to test your knowledge of writers of all genres (including song writers) from the 19th century to present day. There will also be time for socializing. So brew up your favorite holiday beverage and be ready for some laughter and fun.

Join us on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. RSVP by Friday, December 19, 2025. An Email RSVP is REQUIRED at president@trivalleywriters.org (Without your email, we can’t send the Zoom invitation to you). 

*Zoom Meeting link will ONLY be sent to those who have RSVP’d  by the RSVP date.* This meeting will be free for Tri-Valley Writers members.

CONSENT TO BE RECORDED

By registering for this meeting, you acknowledge that the meeting may be recorded. Your consent is implied when you register. You have the option once you’re in Zoom to use video or not.

Questions? Email Jordan Bernal at president@trivalleywriters.org

 

 

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]]> Member Panel, Nov. 15, 2025 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2025/09/22/member-panel-nov-15-2025/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:59:52 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=17397 The November 15, 2025 meeting will be designed for members, and the community, to get to know several of TVW's members in depth. The three members for this first panel will be: John Bluck—fiction, Daniela Fritter—memoir, and Connie Hanstedt—poetry. Each writer will discuss aspects of their writing, motivations, and things they have learned during their writing journey.
There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, November 13, 2025.

The post Member Panel, Nov. 15, 2025 appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

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The November 15, 2025 meeting will be designed for members, and the community, to get to know several of TVW’s members in depth. The three members for this first panel will be: John Bluck—fiction, Daniela Fritter—memoir, and Connie Hanstedt—poetry. Each writer will discuss aspects of their writing, motivations, and things they have learned during their writing journey.

There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, November 13, 2025.

 

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]]> Critique Groups & Best Practices, Oct. 18, 2025 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2025/09/22/critique-groups-best-practices-oct-18-2025/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:10:43 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=17375 The October 18, 2025 meeting will focus on critique groups. Lani Longshore will discuss the importance of joining a critique group, TVW's best practices, and the challenges and benefits of making the critique process work. And members who would like to join a critique group will be able to network and start the process of setting up their own critique group.

There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The post Critique Groups & Best Practices, Oct. 18, 2025 appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

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The October 18, 2025 meeting will focus on critique groups. Lani Longshore will discuss the importance of joining a critique group, TVW’s best practices, and the challenges and benefits of making the critique process work. And members who would like to join a critique group will be able to network and start the process of setting up their own critique group.

There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, October 16, 2025.

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]]> Goal Setting, Obstacles, & Overcoming those Obstacles https://www.trivalleywriters.org/2025/09/09/goal-setting-obstacles-overcoming-those-obstacles/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:29:24 +0000 https://www.trivalleywriters.org/?p=17097 The September 20, 2025 meeting will focus on goal setting, various types of obstacles, and ways to overcomes those pesky obstacles. The discussion will include setting reasonable goals, including specific steps (with deadlines) for achieving those goals, and brainstorming fixes when life just gets in the way. Each monthly meeting going forward, TVW will ask attendees to share their goal successes and encourage those who are struggling.

There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

Please note that our location has changed. We are now meeting at:
LaQuinta Inn—Dublin
6275 Dublin Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The post Goal Setting, Obstacles, & Overcoming those Obstacles appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

]]> The September 20, 2025 meeting will focus on goal setting, various types of obstacles, and ways to overcomes those pesky obstacles. The discussion will include setting reasonable goals, including specific steps (with deadlines) for achieving those goals, and brainstorming fixes when life just gets in the way. Each monthly meeting going forward, TVW will ask attendees to share their goal successes and encourage those who are struggling.

There will also be time for socializing and getting to know your fellow TVW members. So, bring your favorite writing implement and snack/beverage and have some fun.

Please note that our location has changed. We are now meeting at:

LaQuinta Inn—Dublin

6275 Dublin Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568

While there is no fee for the meeting, we would like to know how many people to expect, so please register at: treasurer@trivalleywriters.org by Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The post Goal Setting, Obstacles, & Overcoming those Obstacles appeared first on California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

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