I’m in my post-Women Who Write phase; the rapture part that follows so much satisfaction from spending another afternoon with Ms. Vicki and the girls, (mostly).

Vicki Abelson’s Women Who Write meets monthly. Sometimes held in NYC but mostly Vicki hosts WWW in her LA home, 4 freeway exchanges away from mine though I don’t even think about the drive.  My monthly at Vicki’s is so worth it.

Women Who Write was born from passion that seeps through Vicki Abelson’s every pore; passion for family, friends and creative expression all blend into one powerhouse of a woman. Each month, we gather to hear women share their art. Almost always, Vicki’s guest speakers include at least ‘one name to drop.’  Last month, SNL founding cast member,  Laraine Newman read from her work in-progress: thoughtful prose mixed with so much funny and signature Laraine Newman. This month, her song writer sister Tracy Newman sang a love song  about her baby sister titled ‘Laraine’ that made me  mist up.

Jackie Collins joined us this month and though the woman who has sold over 400 million books – by right - took top billing, everyone on Vicki’ Abelson’s family room center stage shines. Kelly Carlin read from Dirty Laundry.  a collection of essays written by writers connected to famous people.  George Carlin was her dad. She  first realized he was famous when she was 9 years old which she writes about in her contribution. Candy Somoza read from Olivia Slept; more misting in the room. Vicki read chapter 16  from her novel, Don’t Jump, which is getting some attention. Not surprising; her protagonist’s voice demands attention–funny, hip, smart and riddled with self doubt. Jackie Collins read from her latest, Poor Little Bitch Girl,  by introducing the  four characters telling this  naughty vs. nice tale that’s vintage Jackie Collins.  Afterwards, she stood in Vicki’s kitchen signing lots of books and hanging out; one of the girls for the afternoon. 

Vicki wrapped up this month’s  Women Who Write by announcing that Jackie Collins volunteered to write a blurb for Don’t Jump. Won’t Ms. Vicki’s publisher be pleased?

In my earlier post,   The Future Is Here, I shared  highlights of David Mathison’s keynote address at SCWC, www.writersconference.com .  The author of bestselling BE THE MEDIA – launched by TWITTER connections – advised authors on the road to ”Do something remarkable.”

Vicki Abelson,  founder of WOMEN WHO WRITE and author of Don’t Jump is doing just that. 

Kelly Carlin, Vicki Abelson, Jackie Collins

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Bookstores struggle. A little optimism for struggling writers.

NY literary agent Jason Ashlock ignores Recession and opens literary shop.

While Borders & Barnes & Noble continue to struggle, Amazon Has Big Year-Publishers Weekly

In a recent Publishers Weekly article, BookExpo Canada’s (BEC) representative said the show will go on.

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At about 500 words, Michelle’s query letter was an ideal length. Divided into four paragraphs, each one delivers necessary information needed to hook an agent.

Following the letter, Jeff identifies portions that caused him to request the manuscript.

To view Michelle’s query letter & our analysis, www.thewritermag.com

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