An esteemed list of Hollywood writers, producers and industry professionals spoke to more than 80 authors and writers, discussing ways to get your foot and your manuscript in the door of television and motion picture executives. Pictured (from left) Russ Woody, Neil Citrin GLAWS Vice-president, Dan Watanabe, Tony N. Todaro GLAWS President, Deborah Pratt, and seated Ace Hall GLAWS Moderator/Event Chair and Michael Steven Gregory. [ More »»

Three veteran authors with over 30 books published and one new author with a hot new book were joined by top literary agents for a spirited discussion on Writing for the Young Adult Market. Pictured (left to right) are Kaleb Nation, Mary Hershey, Valerie Hobbs, R.L La Fevers with Ashley and Carolyn Grayson (photo right). [ More »»

David Morrell, New York Times Best-selling author of over 30 novels including First Blood, appeared in person and spoke about the craft of writing based on his book, "The Successful Novelist". Mr. Morrell also autographed his latest novel, "The Shimmer" and his many other books for an enthusiastic crowd of members and attendees. In a ceremony beforehand, GLAWS donated signed copies of his books to the Palms-Rancho Park Library. [ More »»

Marla Miller, creator of "Marketing the Muse", an industry veteran and published author spoke at GLAWS on how to write an effect query letter to an agent or publisher. She also took members from the audience and did a spot critique on some of their letters. This was a terrific event that should help more authors get an agent or publisher, let alone better define their work. Learn more about Ms. Miller at http://marketingthemuse.com/ »

The Barnes & Noble / GLAWS Book Fair was held at the Grove in Los Angeles, the largest bookstore on the west coast. On June 13th and 14th 2009, GLAWS presented almost twenty authors at the third floor author's stage. (We are currently compiling additional photos of all the authors and will have a special expanded page to celebrate and document this terrific event soon.)

Murder Mystery writers Penny Nickelbury, Jack Maeby, Joan Del Monte, and Gary Phillips explored the shadowy world of writing a successful murder mystery, and how to keep your story and characters fresh for your next best-seller. We also had a guest appearance by Dave Cunningham and Jamshid Hossini, who just released "Travel Within: The 7 Steps to Wisdom and Inner Peace", and spoke about their new collaboration.

GLAWS had its biggest success ever at the 2009 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. At times, attendees were four deep trying to get into the booth, either to meet authors and buy their books, or learn more about the organization. As we have many photos from this event, we are preparing a special additional scrapbook page with highlights -- coming soon.

The novel writing teams of Aaron Mason & Doug Warr, Dani Kollin and Eytan Kollin, and the screenplay writing team of Denise Dumars and Francisco Arcaute explored the process of writing in collaboration with a partner. They also discussed their methodology, experiences, as well as the trials, tribulations and rewards. [ Full details »

GLAWS partners with Palms-Rancho Park Library to honor Ray Bradbury - A standing-room only crowd of fans and writers attended the February 21st dedication of the Ray Bradbury Meeting Room and Terrace at the Palms-Rancho Park Library. Bradbury grew up using the library and attributes his success to the library, where he wrote the first draft of his first novel on a rented typewriter. Mr. Bradbury spoke to the audience for over an hour and signed copies of his latest book, "We'll Always Have Paris".

In addition to awards presented by the CIty and Library of Los Angeles, The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society presented Ray Bradbury with a Lifetime Achievement Award "In recognition for his contributions to American Literature and his boundless love and compassion to inspire writers of all disciplines."

In the official photo above, Mr. Bradbury is flanked by (top left) Jay Greenstein, Senior Field Deputy, Council District 5 of Los Angeles; William Allen, President of the Los Angeles High Alumni Association; Richard Harmetz, Westside Neighborhood Council; Maggie Johnson, Senior Librarian, Palms-Rancho Library; John Weiskopf, Events Chair of the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS); Neil Citrin, Vice-president of GLAWS; Tony N. Todaro, President of GLAWS; James Greenwood, President of the Friends of the Palms-Rancho Park Library; and (kneeling) "Ace" Antonio Hall and Sherry Gideons-Martin, GLAWS members.

Eric Swelstad, Chair of the Media Arts Department at Los Angeles Valley College appeared at our January GLAWS Special Speaker Event. He used a terrific video presentation to overview the paths to writing a good screenplay from your novel and how to avoid the pitfalls.

He also shared information and answered questions on all the programs at LAVC for writers. Learn more about LAVC programs »