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/

 


A banner graphic with picture of Scott Ellis, a middle-aged white man wearing a brown hat with a brim. It has the details for the meeting, which are in the post text.

DATE & TIME   |  March 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   |    Zoom and Community Room at the Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio 45459. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Scott Ellis, Audiobook Narration: Psst… Wanna Know the Secrets to Success?

Audiobook Narration: Psst… Wanna Know the Secrets to Success?

Learn About Audiobook Narration, Whether Hiring or Trying it Yourself

As an audiobook narrator and retired teacher, Scott is always looking for ways to engage more people with audiobooks. He’s looking forward to being with COFW to walk through the entire process of audiobook production, including:

  • Searching for the right narrator on the right platform
  • Understanding the lingo used in the industry (especially as it relates to pricing and royalties)
  • Outlining the step by step process of how to vet narrators
  • Explaining your responsibilities as the author
  • Answering all your many questions, except for “Why is the sky blue?” and “What is the meaning of life?”

If you’re interested in narrating your own books, have those questions at the ready. Some public libraries, such as the Westerville Public Library in central Ohio, now offer recording rooms. Scott and his wife rent out their recording studio in the Berkshires.

 

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

Scott Ellis is an audiobook narrator having narrated over 70 audiobScott Ellis is a middle-aged white man wearing a brimmed hat.ooks. In addition, he has helped many narrators and authors bring their first projects to audio. With a degree in theater and nearly 30 years as an educator teaching Language Arts, Scott is all about performing and teaching. He is pleased to join COFW and discuss the ins and outs of audiobook production, plus be a part of helping authors think through all options of putting their stories in audio.

He is a trained actor, a musician and a recently retired children’s librarian, waking up every day to entertain. When behind the microphone, his sole purpose is to bring life to the characters he’s voicing, to convince listeners that they’ve been transported to another place, and to make them emotionally connect to the topic.

 

Connect with Scott

Please visit Scott’s website to learn more about his production Company.

Interested in narrating your own books? Check out his paid option for online audiobook narration instruction.

If you like podcasts, hunt him up at Let’s Talk… with Scott Ellis • A podcast on Anchor

 

DATE & TIME   |   January 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   |   Meeting will be Hybrid via Zoom and Community Room East at the Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, Ohio 45459. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Michelle McCraw Orloff: Manage your Writing Like a Boss

Manage your Writing Like a Boss

Use Project Management Skills to Get the Most out of your Writing Time

Join Michelle McCraw Orloff as she teaches us what it takes to manage your writing like a boss.

Do you struggle with finding time and focus to do your writing? Do you have a writing project that’s languishing from neglect, but you just can’t muster the energy to pick it back up? Does your writing feel like an endless slog? Ever wish you could find more discipline for your writing?

Course topics include

  • Adopting a project management mindset
  • Incorporating project phases and milestones into your writing work
  • Developing a project plan
  • Developing a book plan/outline
  • Expanding project management principles to a series and/or your writing life overall

At the end of the course, participants will have a plan to follow for their next writing project. Michelle will share tools and templates she uses to manage her own writing projects.

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Write-in 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 write-in.

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

 

About Our Speaker

Michelle McCraw Orloff is a certified project manager (PMP) with a master’s in business administration (MBA). While working full time as an information technology program manager, she has published five books in her Synergy contemporary workplace rom-com series since 2021.-+

Leveraging more than 20 years of project management experience, Michelle will teach writers how to apply project management principles to their writing to gain more focus, organization, and discipline.

Learn more about Michelle at her website.

DATE & TIME   |   August 13th, 2022 – Networking at 12:00 pm for those on ZOOM–we don’t have the meeting room until 12:30. We will hope to slip in earlier if the previous meeting has ended.  Business meeting at 12:30 pm, Speaker at 1:30 pm or later–after the business meeting concludes.
LOCATION   |   Meeting will be Hybrid:  Zoom and Hilliard Room of Hilliard Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, OH 43026. See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | J.E. Irvin: Ignite the Flame Contest Judging

Ignite the Flame Contest Judging

Our Program

Join Contest Chair J.E. Irvin as she presents a workshop on how to judge the Karen Harper Memorial Ignite the Flame Contest. As part of the session, we’ll practice judging, scoring, and providing feedback on a 10-page sample entry that she will provide.

 

Attending Our Hybrid Meeting

Presentation is free for members and all judges. 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.

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

This meeting will be recorded, and all judges are asked to watch it if they cannot attend the meeting.

 

About Our Speaker

J.E. (Janet) Irvin is a career educator and the award-winning author of five mystery/thrillers. She holds degrees in English, Teaching, and Spanish from Ohio University, the University of Dayton, and the University of Cincinnati. Her short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in a variety of print and online publications, including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Hawaii Pacific Review, creosote, Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, and FLIGHTS. An avid nature lover, canoeist, and hiker, Irvin, her husband, and their two crazy cats live in Springboro, Ohio, where she serves on the city Park Board.

Visit J.E. at www.janetirvin.com

DATE & TIME   |  July 16th 2022 – 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 Southeast Branch Library, 21 Watervliet Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420 See below for further instructions.
TOPIC   | Michelle Grajkowski: Talking Agenting

Talking Agenting

Our Business Program

Join Agent Michelle Grajkowski of ThreeSeas Literary Agency as she talks agenting–she’ll decide whether she speaks on what’s hot in romance and takes questions, or just takes questions.

 

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 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.

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

 

About Our Speaker

From the moment Michelle Grajkowski first opened the doors to the 3 Seas Literary Agency in August of 2000, she has been living her dream. (What could be better than surrounding yourself with amazing authors and their exciting and imaginative books?) Since then, her agency has sold more than 900 books to all the major publishing houses, and has grown from one agent to three!

Michelle’s client list includes New York Times Bestselling Authors Katie MacAlister, Cathy McDavid, Kerrelyn Sparks and C.L. Wilson. She primarily represents romance, women’s fiction, young adult and middle grade fiction along with select non-fiction projects with a terrific message. She is currently looking for fantastic writers with a voice of their own.

When not curled up with a great manuscript, Michelle loves to spend time with her husband, children and her crazy puppy who refuses to grow up.

Visit Michelle at https://www.threeseasagency.com/michelle-grajkowski, or see her Query Manager.