The Joys of Story

Week of September 7, 2024

Discover It, Write It, Publish It, Discuss It
Writers of all levels will learn actionable tips for brainstorming, writing and publishing everything from fiction to memoir to non-fiction.

Get Inspired! One Writer’s Journey from Lawyer to Journalist to Novelist
Hear from author Erin Gordon about how each of her four novels evolved, where she gets story ideas and how those ideas turn into books.

Everyone’s Got a Story – Learn How to Write Yours
Whether you’re a detailed outliner or a “pantser” (flying by the seat of your pants), discover tips for not just starting your fiction or non-fiction story but finishing it.

Practical Tips for Independent Publishing
Self-publishing is easier than ever. Learn to create a professional book, including tips for cover design, formatting, distribution, marketing and even audiobooks.

Short Story Discussion Group
Writers and non-writers alike will enjoy this discussion of Pet Milk, a beloved short story by Stuart Dybek. Included, tips for starting a vibrant short story discussion group back at home.

A big firm lawyer-turned-journalist-turned-novelist, Erin Gordon has published four books in the women’s fiction genre (Cheer, Heads or Tails, Beshert and PEEPS) and as well as romance novels under a pen name. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a master’s in journalism from Stanford University, Erin’s work has appeared in Parenting magazine, Writer’s Digest, California Lawyer magazine and on San Francisco’s NPR station, among many others. She’s taught writing, made book store appearances, and spoken to book clubs around the country. Erin loves knitting, practicing yoga and her side hustle working with high school seniors drafting college essays.