This graphic contains the same details for the meeting as on this page. The photographs are, left to right, Sheila Redling and Tobi Doyle. Sheila is a white woman with blond hair gently curling towards her face. She's wearing a blude denim shirt. Tobi is a white woman with long curly black hair. She's wearing glasses, and a dark blouse.

DATE & TIME: July 13th 2024

  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Speaker

LOCATION   |   Zoom Community Room at Huber Heights Library. 6243 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424.
SPEAKER   | Tobi Doyle & Sheila Redling, in person!
TOPIC   |   Build a mystery using the Intensive Genre Workshop Story Magic Cards. 

Build a Mystery – IGW Story Magic Cards

This session

Join Sheila Redling and Tobi Doyle of Intensive Genre Workshop (IGW) for a workshop on building a mystery story. We’ll be using our Story Magic cards to help you create and understand what makes a mystery a mystery, how to create a story, and much more. Open to all, from curious writer to seasoned pro who just wants to brush up on their writing craft skills.

Unlock and Unblock Your Creativity

Story cards are more than writing prompts, they help strengthen your writing craft skills. Mix and match the twelve categories to practice your writing skills, build better characters, and even create a story! Unlimited ways to use these cards and categories. Great for writing groups and writing solo. We have a primary pack ($50) and a romance expansion pack ($10).

You can practice breaking open tired stereotypes, deepening your vocabulary for setting and emotion, even for plotting a whole story. 

Read even more about our Story Cards at our website, or watch the video we recorded of us in action, brainstorming after we’ve drawn our story cards.

Library rules prevent any sales from occurring on site, so if you’d like to acquire a set, please email AskIGW@gmail.com for how to pay in advance. Tobi and Sheila would hand off to you at the library.

About Our Speakers

Take a best-selling author and pantser, Sheila Redling, and a die-hard plotter, Tobi Doyle, who created content for the Romance Writers of America “Guide to Writing Romance” Pen to Paper program, add some wine, some audacity, some feminine power and you’ve got Intensive Genre Workshops—a place where genre writers, whether plotters or pantsers or anyone in between—will find resources that they can apply TODAY! Reality check: it’s loosely curated chaos, but the takeaways are fabulous. Today they’re happy to share their Build-A-Mystery workshop.

Sheila Redling, writing as SG Redling, is the author of nine novels of pure mayhem, including the bestselling thrillers FLOWERTOWN and the Dani Britton series. She is the co-founder of Intensive Genre Workshops and was the recipient of the 2022 WVLA literary merit award.    

Tobi Doyle, A hybrid romance author, has published over a dozen romance books. She writes HEAs with heat and humor, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. She is the recipient of the 2022 Romance Writer of America PRO Mentor of the Year, and a Service Award for her work on RWA’s Pen to Paper, a guide to romance writing.

Join IGW for their conference, August 17-18, 2024, details available at their website

Join COFW June 15 for Instagram Business Account Basics

DATE & TIME:

  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Speaker

LOCATION   |   Zoom and Whitehall Library, 4445 E Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213. We will be in Room 3. Directions from Dayton: I-70 to I-670 E in Columbus; I-670 E to 5th Avenue exit; turn right on 5th Avenue to Yearling Road; turn right on Yearling Road to Broad Street; turn left on Broad Street. Library will be on the right (south),
SPEAKER   |   Marisa Dillon via zoom.
TOPIC   |   Instagram Business Account Basics

Instagram Business Account Basics

This session

Would you like to earn more than hearts from your Instagram account? Learn what to include on your business account profile, including how to direct your followers to your books, website and more in this presentation by Marisa Dillon.

Instagram is constantly evolving, and you have to evolve with it. In this presentation, marketing professional Marisa Dillon will help you learn how to earn more than hearts from your Instagram followers.

In this virtual workshop, Marisa will explain:

  • What your Instagram business account profile should include.
  • How you should determine what type of content to share.
  • What Insta stories you should highlight.
  • The top five reel topics for authors.

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

This program is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the members-only Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com. Please note, the link spans from the moment we open the room to the social and introductions through the business meeting and this program.

It is unknown if the library permits food and drinks. You might google the library and find out, before bringing food and drink in.

 

About Our SpeakerMarisa Dillon is a white woman with long brown hair. She is holding a book about Celts, and is seated with what looks like a castle door behind her.

Marisa Dillon’s fascination with historical places started at an early age. Add in a love of all things romantic, a passion for writing, and a fully charged laptop, and you’ll find her creating adventures not for the faint of heart.

Marisa is the author of The Ladies of Lore, a three-book Tudor romance series distributed by Soul Mate Publishing. And she will have a new Regency Era release this Spring called The Duchess Heist.

Learn more about Marisa at her website.

DATE & TIME:

  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Let your novel brainstorming begin!

LOCATION   |   Zoom and Huber Heights Library. It’s on Brandt Pike, and a straight shot from the I-70 exit.
SPEAKER   |   Teri Wilson via zoom.

TOPIC   |   Being Cute (and Safe) Online

Being Cute (and Safe) Online

This session

No, you don’t have to dance on TikTok to sell books (unless you want to, and dancing’s your jam). But you do need a social media presence. In this workshop, we’ll explore the ways to build a social media identity that is authentically, uniquely you. The same way I’ve built my identity.

And, you just might sell some books and have fun at the same time.

If you were to visit my Instagram or Facebook pages, or my website,

  • What might you expect of me as an author?
  • Of the experience you’ll have when you read one of my books?
  • Of what it’s like when you follow me and I pop into your feed?

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

This program is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the members-only Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com. Please note, the link spans from the moment we open the room to the social and introductions through the business meeting and this program.

It is unknown if the library permits food and drinks. You might google the library and find out, before bringing food and drink in.

 

About Our SpeakerTeri Wilson is a white woman with long, gently curling blond hair.

USA Today Bestselling Author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including Unleashing Mr. Darcy (plus its sequel Marrying Mr. Darcy), The Art of Us, and Northern Lights of Christmas, based on her book Sleigh Bell Sweethearts.

She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Learn more about Teri at her website.

Building a Following as a Writer Means Thinking Like a Business Owner, the April 13, 2024 program, for COFW by Gery Deer

DATE  | April 13th, 2024

TIME:
  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Speaker

LOCATION   |    Zoom and  Meeting Room of Urbana Public Library, 1060 Scioto St, Urbana, OH 43708-2228. Room is just to the right as you enter the library. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Gery Deer: Building a Following as a Writer Means Thinking Like a Business Owner

Building a Following

If you want to build your reader base, join us!

Expert Gery Deer will provide tips for building your brand and answer questions about promoting yourself and your work.

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

This program is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the members-only Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com. Please note, the link spans from the moment we open the room to the social and introductions through the business meeting and this program.

It us unknown if the library permits food and drinks. 

 

About Our Speaker

Gery Deer is a white man with blond hair, wearing glasses

As Gery says, “I can’t give you my biography, I’m not done with it yet.” So our webmistress had to hunt for information. Here’s what she’s found. Gery Deer is the CEO and PR Director of GLD Communications. He has been a freelance journalist since 1987. He’s been nominated for multiple journalism awards, including a 2010 Pulitzer Prize nomination.

Gery is a writer, an entrepreneur, a speaker, a bullwhip artist, a coach, a cyclist, and more.

Learn more about Gery and his PR firm at his website.

Join COFW March 16 for Real-Time Brainstorming, where you work on your novel in small-group sessions

DATE & TIME   |  UPDATED Time, second time we are trying this:

  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Let your novel brainstorming begin!

LOCATION   |   Zoom and Community Room at the Burkhardt Library, 4704 Burkhardt Ave., Dayton, OH 45403.

TOPIC   |   Real-Time Brainstorming
.

Real-Time Brainstorming Your Novel

This session

Come with your book ideas, and get ready to brainstorm in small-group sessions. Each person has a turn to share where they could use group help brainstorming anything. Are you stuck figuring out a beat in your romance arc? Trying to figure out your characters’ wound? Wondering what moment will drive our two lovers apart, and what will bring them together? Maybe trying to figure out something about their backstory, or situations to throw them into? Which tropes to use? Or maybe it’s the premise itself you’d like help on. What you talk about in your small group is up to you!

What’s said and done in brainstorming stays in brainstorming. This is a safe space to work yourself out of whatever plot hole has stalled you. Members have used these sessions to make great progress on their novels, some of which are currently published!

If you have ever joined us on one of the “Plotting Groups,” monthly sessions, this is the same concept. For those unfamiliar, read on.

To prepare your group to assist you:
  • Be prepared to give us background on your premise and the place you’re blocked.
  • Be prepared for us to ask additional questions to gain the context we might need to help you.
Bring what you need:
  • Whatever you use, bring it with you:
    • Pen and paper?
    • Laptop?
    • Posterboard for mind-mapping?
    • Post-it Notes?
    • Notecards?
  • An enquiring mind! Take the ideas in the spirit they are meant, to help unblock you.
Get to work!

Assuming we can break into groups of 4, each member will have approximately 15 minutes to work on the issue or issues they’d like to brainstorm.

Members who are on Zoom, you will be plotting in your own “room” that we will set up. If we have enough members, we will have more than one room. In person, we will break into small groups.

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Brainstorming session is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this real-time brainstorming via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com.

DATE  | February 17th, 2025

UPDATED Time, first time we are trying this:
  • 12:00 pm, Networking
  • 12:15 pm, Introductions & Incentives
  • around 12:30-12:45 pm, Business meeting (we are not sure how long Intro & Incentives will take)
  • 1:30 pm, Speaker

LOCATION   |    Zoom and Hilliard Room of Hilliard Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, OH 43026. See below for further instructions. Speaker will be via zoom.
TOPIC   | Libby Waterford: Self Publishing Basics

Self Publishing Basics

If you are considering self-publishing your book, join us!

Your self-publishing journey is as unique as your writing journey, and this workshop will help you understand what you need to consider as you start down the self-publishing path. We will cover:

  • Working with editors to get your book publication-ready
  • Packaging your book
  • Distributing the finished product
  • Marketing
  • Advertising

This comprehensive overview includes helpful resources so you can explore each area on your own after the workshop. You’ll get a clear picture of what self-publishing involves (including what it costs!) and can ask questions from a self-published author of twenty novels, novellas, collections, and anthologies.

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

This program is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the members-only Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com. Please note, the link spans from the moment we open the room to the social half hour through the business meeting and this program.

Per library policy, “Prepared food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in meeting rooms.”

 

About Our Speaker

Libby Waterford is a white woman. Her brown hair is tied back behind her head, and she is wearing glasses and a lacy blue top.

Libby Waterford is the author of the Sawyer’s Cove: The Reboot and the Never a Bride series. She’s obsessed with her pollinator garden, DIY fermentation, and writing swoony first kisses and hopeful happily ever afters. Her steamy contemporary romances mix witty banter and all the feels with a solid dollop of good old-fashioned sexual tension. Libby wrangles her two ever-growing sons and a husband in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

The former President of the Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writers of America®, Libby is also an instructor at the Westport Writers’ Workshop where she teaches classes on romance and genre fiction. She has participated in National Novel Writing Month every year since 2008 and is an eight-time “winner.”
Learn more about Libby at her website.

Announcement for January 13, 2024 program by Jules Bennett. Jules is in a pink dress and high heels. She has moderate-length dark hair

DATE & TIME   |   January 13th, 2024 – Social at 12:00 PM, Business meeting at 12:30 pm, Speaker at 1:30 pm or later–after the business meeting concludes.
LOCATION   |   Meeting will be Hybrid via Zoom and Community Room at the Burkhardt Library, 4704 Burkhardt Ave., Dayton, OH 45403. This is a newer location for us, in the Dayton Metro Library System. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Jules Bennett & Breathing Life Into Your Work. Presenting in person, so long as weather permits travel, otherwise, via Zoom.

Breathing Life Into Your Work

Make your characters and even your settings come to life with realistic descriptions. Fun concepts to make your manuscript stand out!

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Presentation is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com.

 

About Our SpeakerJules Bennett is a white woman with brunette hair well past her shoulders, wearing a green blouse.

USA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has penned more than 100 contemporary romance novels since the start of her career. She knows a thing or two about love considering she met her husband when she was 14, dated him all through high school, and they have been married nearly 25 years. They have 2 teen girls and live in the Midwest with their rescue pup, Maggie. Jules loves to travel and spend time with her family. In her spare time, she’s a true crime junkie.

Contact Jules: julesbennett.com

 


This graphic is the headshot of Otescia Johnson (a black woman with short black hair). It's advertising the COFW Nov. 18, 2023 program she is presenting: Using the "F" Word in Marketing (Fun)

DATE & TIME   |   November 18th, 2023 – Social at 12:00 PM, Business meeting at 12:30 pm, Speaker at 1:30 pm or later–after the business meeting concludes.
LOCATION   |   Meeting will be Hybrid via Zoom and Community Room at the Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio 45459. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Otescia Johnson & Using the “F” Word in Marketing (Fun). Presenting via Zoom.

Using the “F” Word in Marketing (Fun)

Marketing should be a natural extension of the things that you already enjoy. 

What Attendees Will Learn: the ins and outs of making marketing fun, not that other word, including:

  1. Identify what makes their characters human and how to implement those traits into their marketing- i.e. A main character who is always late would be an excellent subject for social media memes but also gives readers a chance to make light of themselves. Authors will learn how to help readers see themselves in the characters.
  2. Apply the breaking news angle- No one wants to be the last one to hear about a news story and many people will often lie and say they’ve heard of something when they haven’t. Authors will learn to use FOMO as a conversation starter to promote their fiction books.
  3. One link leads to another- Authors will learn how to use links inside of Kindle eBooks as well as references to other works inside of their story.
  4. Keep it Real- Authors will learn how to incorporate the nuances of their fictional world into their marketing. For example, if the world ended on August 1, 2030 in their story, August 1st becomes a significant marketing day.
  5. Parties, Character Costumes, and Special Appearances- Now that the world is “back outside” authors have a unique opportunity to reconnect with fiction readers. Making special appearances at book club meetings, creating an Amazon list of items needed for character costumes, and book themed parties are all fun ways to engage readers without breaking the bank.
  6. GIPHY Magic- GIFS are still a fun and easy way to engage readers. Authors will learn how to use GIF touchpoints to connect with readers and promote their books including how to have GIFS created from their own books.

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Presentation is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com.

 

About Our SpeakerOtescia Johnson is a black woman with short, black hair. She's wearing a magenta blouse, and is standing in front of a bookcase.

Otescia is the bestselling author of 12 published books and multiple screenplays. She is also a multi-gifted captivating orator who expertly navigates both religious and secular spheres. Her warm personality allows her to connect with listeners in a way that provokes thought while providing inspiration for personal growth. Though she holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration, Otescia is a creative at heart and has found a way to merge her creative passions with her savvy business skills. Not only does she run multiple companies of her own, Otescia travels teaching others how to turn their passions into revenue streams that provide for the lifestyle they were born to enjoy!

Contact Otescia: https://www.otesciajohnson.com/

 


DATE & TIME   | October 14th, 2023 – Social at 12:00 PM, Business meeting at 12:30 pm, Speaker at 1:30 pm or later–after the business meeting concludes.
LOCATION   |    Zoom and Hilliard Room of Hilliard Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, OH 43026. See below for further instructions. Speaker will be in person.
TOPIC   | Lisa Thompson: High Crimes and Misdemeanors, with a Dash of Divorce. Presenting in person.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors, with a Dash of Divorce

If you want a legal professional in your book, join us!

During this session, Magistrate Lisa Thompson will teach us about :

  • Overview of the criminal justice system, specifically how a crime ends up being charged and the process in Ohio.
  • The process one would go through for a divorce.
  • What it takes to be a lawyer, and
  • The different types of things someone with a law degree can do.

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

This program is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the members-only Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com. Please note, the link spans from the moment we open the room to the social half hour through the business meeting and this program.

Per library policy, “Prepared food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in meeting rooms.”

 

About Our Speaker

Lisa Thompson is a black woman with short, tightly curled golden-brown hair.

Lisa Thompson passed the Ohio Bar in 1997.  She spent twenty-three years practicing primarily in the areas of criminal and juvenile law.  She has worked as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, and spent time as counsel to the Democratic Caucus of the Ohio House of Representatives.  In 2020, she became a Franklin County Juvenile Court Magistrate.  In her role as magistrate she conducts hearings on juvenile delinquency matters, and hears cases in which Franklin County Children’s Services has to remove children from the home.

 

Mrs. Thompson in not yet published, but is working on many projects.  She hopes to publish book one of a romantic trilogy soon under the pen name Elise Brasfield.  She enjoys international travel, spending time with her family, and creating imaginative back stories on everyone she meets.  She and her husband, Alfred, are empty nesters and reside in Berwick.

Katherine Smits is a white woman with blond hair below her shoulders. This image is for the Veterans in Fiction program she leads on 9/16/23

DATE & TIME   |   September 16th, 2023 – Social at 12:00 PM, Business meeting at 12:30 pm, Speaker at 1:30 pm or later–after the business meeting concludes
LOCATION   |   Meeting will be Hybrid via Zoom and Community Room at the Burkhardt Library, 4704 Burkhardt Ave., Dayton, OH 45403. See below for further instructions. This is a new location for us, in the Dayton Metro Library System.
TOPIC   | Katherine Smits & Veterans in Fiction. Presenting via Zoom.

Veterans in Fiction

Including veteran characters in your fiction will add depth, emotion, and realism to your work.

Discover how to incorporate veterans in your books to address challenges faced by these heroes and their families and relate these issues to larger societal themes.

Katherine Smits, MSW is an award-winning author of five romance books. For 20 years, she worked as an independent clinical social worker with veterans and their families in VA Medical Centers in Ohio, Florida, and West Virginia before retiring to write paranormal romance novels which address real life problems of self-acceptance, body image, relationship dynamics, fears, and phobias. Her stories of fantasy and romance include mages, mermaids, and magical creatures. Mystery, suspense, and a little sex add spice to her books.

Learn how including veterans in your novels can enhance your:

  • Concept
  • Characters
  • Theme
  • Plot
  • And More

Don’t miss this brand-new workshop with innovative ways to freshen up your fiction by including veterans!

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Presentation is free for members and prospective members who have not yet visited for two complimentary meetings. For those members who cannot join us in person, join us via Zoom. The password will be posted in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Google Group, and on the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Facebook page.

If you are not a COFW member and wish to attend this presentation via Zoom, email cofwpresident@gmail.com.

 

About Our Speaker

Katherine Smits is a white woman with long, blonde hair

Katherine Eddinger Smits holds a master’s degree in social work and is a retired Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). In her 20 year career, she worked at four VA medical centers in Ohio, Florida, and West Virginia and assisted veterans and their families in almost every program in the VA including primary care, medical/surgical inpatient, nursing home, psychiatry, substance abuse, outpatient mental health, Spinal Cord Injury, Visual Impairment, and OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom). She has worked with veterans in individual, group, marital, and family therapy and has done home visits, managed programs for veterans, and has supervised and trained MSW students.

 

Since retiring from social work, Katherine has focused on her love of writing. She has published five paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and currently serves as the Chair of the RWA Unpublished Member Benefits Committee and Program Manager for the RWA Pen to Paper program. 

Contact Katherine: http://katherineeddingersmits.weebly.com/