Marylee MacDonald, author, writing coach, and speaker, was the Writer-in-Residence at the Mesa Public Library recently. She generously shared notes plus links to a number of resources from her ongoing presentations See Links to Mesa Public Library Presentation Files. Marylee coaches writers as well. See her website for information, more resources and a free ebook, “7-Day Writer’s Bootcamp.”

$500 scholarship opportunity for graduating seniors -help spread the word!

Rim Country chapter of Arizona Professional Writers, a local non-profit group, is offering a $500 scholarship to graduating seniors in Rim Country. Eligible students must intend to study journalism or another area of the communication field at an accredited Arizona university or community college in fall of 2017.

Applications and supporting materials must be received by April 25, 2017.  Students or parents can find more information and an application at http://www.paysonbookfestival.org  Go to the website and click on the Scholarship tab to see requirements and download an application. Information also is available from scholarship counselors at Payson High School and other schools.

For questions contact carolosmanbb@gmail.com or call 928-468-9269.

2017 PBF Scholarship call flyer

The February 2017 issue of the TypeRider is here.  Learn more about the life of long-time member Marion Peddle who passed away December 25, 2016. In her column, Betty Webb shares that she finds it hard not to write. Do you relate? Read Marie Fasano’s write up of the January Rim Country District meeting; CPA John Wilson talked about the business side of professional writing. And catch up with members who have been busy speaking to the pubic.

Upcoming February APW events:

• Feb. 14: Noon. APW Colorado River Chapter, Regular Monthly Luncheon.
• Feb. 26: time, location TBD. APW Board Meeting. Info: westwoman@aol.com.

See the newsletter for other writing events and news.

On Wednesday, November 16th, at noon, the Rim Country District of the Arizona Professional Writers will meet in the Majestic Rim Living chapel. Majestic Rim is located at 310 East Tyler Parkway, Payson. The meeting is free and open to the public.

After a short business meeting, we will present the featured speaker, J.A. Marlow. Marlow writes across many genres, including science fiction, young adult, romance, and others.  A private pilot with several years of flying experience in Alaska, J.A. Marlow enjoys adding to stories a touch of the mystery and exotic nature of the land sometimes called “the last frontier.” Popular series include “The String Weavers,” ” Salmon Run,” and “Redpoint One.” She can be found at http://jamarlow.com/.

Her presentation is titled Cover Design and Branding. Creating a good cover is more than a pretty picture with text. We will go over a few of the elements of good cover design with an aim towards using covers to increase and boost the writer brand. Highlights include font choices, genre expectations, basic designs, contracting for cover creation, and what is cover branding.

Don’t be left out. Cover design is critical for every author’s book.

Contact Program Manager, Connie Cockrell if you have any questions. Pre-registration is not required.

Read all about the State Conference happenings plus summaries of chapter meetings in the November 2016 issue of the TypeRider. You’ll find tips on blogging from the October meeting of the Colorado Chapter, several types of poetry you’ve probably never heard of from the write up of Rim Country Chapter’s October meeting and key websites for hashtags from Raleigh Pinsky’s afternoon presentation at the State Conference. Also included is the calendar with listings of local writing events and more. Don’t miss it!

Another issue of the TypeRider is here. Click on October 2016 to view the latest issue. Get details and registration form about the State Conference to be held October 15 in Scottsdale. Inside are also reports on chapter meetings, an article on lyric poetry by Liz Mastin, Patricia Myer’s Paris Journal #4 and many upcoming writing events. Check it out!