Saddleback Writers Guild (Contact Organizers for Active Meeting Dates)

The Saddleback Writers Guild meets weekly on Monday evenings near Mission Viejo Mall). We critique genres ranging from historical fiction, mystery/suspense, satire, fantasy, etc.

About our Group:

This circle has been designed for committed writers who are dedicated to collaborating through the process of novel revision and publication. Our main goal is to work together wisely, positively and productively. Our supportive circle and in-depth discussions inspire an exchange of creative insights, and ultimately, our success as authors.

Our Process:

-We gather weekly as a serious, cohesive group to collaborate on the craft of fiction.

-Focusing on the construct of the novel, we limit critiques to broad-level concerns, i.e., character and plot development, structure, action, conflict, setting, tension, suspense and point of view. We do not exchange sentence-level critiques or line-edit for grammar and mechanics.

-Our main goal: to work together through the process of completion, revision and publication.

Our Status:

This group, which welcomes dedicated writers willing to interact positively and exchange critiques in a professional format, is currently full. We do maintain a waiting list, however. If you are interested in being placed on our waiting list, please email Mel at InOtherWords AT msn DOT com (InOtherWords@msn.com).

A short list of published works by SWG authors follows:

Matilda's Story

Published August, 1997

by Jacquelyn Hanson (http://www.jandjbooksales.com/jacki.html)

Matilda's Story is a biographical novel based on the life of Matilda Randolph, a courageous pioneer woman whose colorful life led her from Illinois to Kansas, then across the California Trail in a covered wagon to California.

Matilda lived through a very turbulent period in American History. Matilda's Story is the history of the time as seen through the eyes of one young woman as she struggled to survive over odds that seem almost overwhelming to people of today.

The book has been well researched, and fictional episodes are based on contemporary writings. Readers who enjoy authentic, first hand accounts of pioneer days will appreciate Matilda's Story.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Mel