Speaking to Valley of the Sun
Hi Erin, I'm writing to confirm your speech to Valley of the Sun Romance Writers on April 19th. We begin at noon Arizona time (3 hours behind EST) with a short business meeting and then we will begin your speech. April 19th (Zoom) – Erin Brown – Make Your Book a Page-Turner: How to Ramp Up Conflict and Create Raving-Fan Readers 1.5 hour program ($150) Here is the link to the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83495501989?pwd=TjJEcmZKT1h2VlU5dVJXd3owd0tGUT09 If you have any trouble getting in, please call or text me at 602-677-7004. We usually pay through PayPal unless you want me to mail you a check. I'll need the email address you want me to send the money to through PayPal. I'm looking forward to hearing from you, Tina McCright/Wheeler Valley of the Sun Treasurer
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update
So Lisa Heartman got back to me. She moved to South Carolina and did not renew her VOS membership. -- Tina
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Invoices
I sent PayPal invoices to Akira Angel and Janette -- Tina
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Member links on our website
Cathy wanted me to check to see if the members listed on our website are all still members. Jaycee DeLorenzo - did not renew Wendy - She didn't renew and is trying to move, but could change her mind and renew if she doesn't end up selling. Cheyenne - She is going to subscribe later, but with all she has done for us, I am not in a rush to take her off the website. She is easily offended. Lisa Heartman - I'm not positive of her status. I'm going to email her so hold off for now. -- Tina
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Fw: [Test] Join Us VALLEY OF THE SUN April Zoom Meeting
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Hi all, I threw together a quick newsletter. Can you look it over before I send it out? Thanks. Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Valley of the Sun Romance Writers <info@...> To: "cathymcdavid@..." <cathymcdavid@...> Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 01:00:13 PM MST Subject: [Test] Join Us VALLEY OF THE SUN April Zoom Meeting View in browser APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER GENERAL MEETING on Saturday April 19th at 12:00 p.m. Phoenix time Reminder - This is a ZOOM meeting and free to guests. Be sure to spread the word and share the below link. Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting We are pleased to have Erin Brown speaking on: MAKE YOUR BOOK A PAGE-TURNER- How to Ramp Up Conflict and Create Raving Fan Readers Imagine…Your eyes dart across the words—your breath quickens—your fingers hover, ready to flip the page—because the story’s hero is in profound trouble, and you simply have to know—what’s going to happen next? Readers seek the rush of a book we can’t put down and authors long to create pulse-thumping stories with raving-fan readers. But exactly how do we make it happen? The answer is in conflict—arguably the number one attribute at the heart of what makes a story great. Join this workshop and learn best-selling authors’ conflict-ramping secrets while we tap into tropes, tips, and techniques that can help you finally create that slam-dunk storyline you’ve always imagined. Whether crafting a picture book, creating a middle-grade story, composing a YA novel, or constructing an intricate and cathartic escape for adult readers – you’ll walk away from his workshop with actionable ways to make your story a page-turner. Note: This is a 90 minute workshop so please plan to stay a little longer than usual. Erin's Bio: For 30 years, Erin has been creating and guiding stories for print and screen, including novels, film, TV, and international advertising for global corporations. She is the author of 18 books and coaches/speaks to authors and writers many times a year. She also enjoys judging numerous contests each year for novel writing, book anthologies, and stories of all kinds. Since the 1980s, Erin has been featured in hundreds of articles, blogs, columns, websites, webinars, conferences, and on radio. Erin has designed and developed writing programs for three universities, served as a writing professor (17 years), created award-winning non-university online writing programs and courses, and is a corporate storyteller/writer, trainer, and supervisor of copywriters for well-known global corporations. She also created and continues to lead an award-winning online academic writing program with the largest and most decorated online fiction writing program for teens globally. When not writing books or working with TV or film, Erin enjoys working with writers one-on-one and in groups — speaking at workshops, conferences, and events throughout the year. Erin specializes in designing well-structured story arcs, creating characters who connect to the reader with emotional resonance and depth, and crafting crisp, believable dialogue. check out Erin's blog at: https://erinbrownconroy.blog/ ANNOUNCEMENTS Reminder - Our summer retreat is June 20th to 22nd at the Embassy Suites: 4415 E Paradise Vlg Pkwy S, Phoenix, AZ We will kick off with a casual get together on Friday starting around 4:00 p.m. in the hotel bar hosted by Cathy McDavid and Deloris Nash (drinks and food are buy your own). Everyone is welcome. We will have two board rooms open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One room is dedicated for (quiet) writing sprints and the other for workshops, brainstorming, and networking. Half of Saturday will be on AI Narrating Your Audio Book and using AI for graphics and bookcovers. In addition, we will have a workshop on Creating Your Vision Board, one-on-one coaching sessions, and Newsletters/Marketing. More to come. If you are interested in giving a workshop, contact the
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Paperwork needed for 2025 affiliation
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I was bumping around the VOS dropbox and couldn't find some of the stuff I need to upload. Maybe someone can help me or point me in the right direction: Proof of Corp Status Year Ending 2024 Income Statement (profit/loss) Member Count as of 12-31-24 Proof of IRS Filing Proof of Registered Agent Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid
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Two electronic forms we need to sign for our annual affiliation paperwork
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Confidentially agreement: Confidentiality Agreement Chapters Confidentiality Agreement Chapters Share with your colleagues and friends the simplicity of using Adobe Acrobat Sign to sign documents electronical... Conflict of Interest: Chapter Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form Chapter Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form Share with your colleagues and friends the simplicity of using Adobe Acrobat Sign to sign documents electronical... Please click on the two links individually and complete the process. Let me know when you've done it so I can check it off my list :) Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid
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idea for retreat
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Michele Venne <myjoyenterprises08@...> Date: Sat, Mar 29, 2025 at 6:41 AM Subject: idea for retreat To: Tina Swayzee McCright <suspensebytina@...> Hi Tina- I had this idea yesterday, but the conversation flowed, so I didn't interrupt. It might be helpful if participants came with a list (or emailed one to a board member) of websites of products/services they use, and maybe a sentence or two of how they use it? Even free stuff. Like Deloris always telling us to sign up for the Author's Guild free newsletter. Maybe newsletters or podcasts that we find helpful? Some of us know the same people (Dave Chesson, the K-lytics guy, etc.), but others may not. And it sounds like Deloris attends good webinars because of the lists she's on. Anyway, just a thought. Have a great weekend! Michele -- Michele Venne Writer of immersive and intriguing stories. www.michelevenne.com -- Tina McCright
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Group Reservation Booking Link - Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Retreat
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Thank you! Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid On Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 02:25:01 PM MST, Paul Kaczmarowski <paul.kaczmarowski@...> wrote: Cathy: Welcome Back! Below is the computer link you may forward to your members so that they can book directly into the Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Retreat block of rooms. The date range spans three days before the contracted dates until three days after the contract days to allow any interested members to arrive early or stay late and still receive the special rate. When initially making reservations this entire date range will appear, your members only need to edit the dates of their stay to reflect the dates they actually will need. This should begin the reservation process for your group but please hold onto my email address and phone number should you have any questions during the entire process. We look forward to being your host in June! Regards, Paul Kaczmarowski Reservation Specialist / Group Coordinator Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix / Scottsdale 4415 E Paradise Village Prkwy S Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 765 5800 Hotel (602) 765 5818 Office (602) 765 5890 Fax Paul.Kaczmarowski@... Click Here To Join Hilton Honors Today Virtual Tour & 360° Photos - Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale Embassy Suites Room Tour Hello Cathy, Your attendee website is live Congratulations! Your Hilton attendee website for Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Retreat is now live and ready to share. You can view your website using the following unique link: View your attendee website Guest room booking Event attendees can now reserve rooms by using the attendee website link above. As you have already reserved a room block, all attendees will benefit from your exclusive rate when booking a room. Need help? Please reach out to your on-site hotel contact, or planning partner, if there are any issues with your attendee website. Terms and conditions You can view our terms and conditions at any time. Please do not reply to this email, as mail sent to this address cannot be answered. If you have questions please visit our Customer Support page and select the applicable contact method. Hilton Honors? membership and redemption of Points are subject to Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions. This email advertisement was delivered to paul.kaczmarowski@.... Click here to unsubscribe. Unsubscribing from all marketing email will prevent you from receiving your Hilton Honors Monthly Statement. You can continue to check your account by logging into your profile, contacting by phone or chatting with us. You can also visit our support center for additional questions. ? 2025 Hilton | ? indicates a trademark of Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. or its subsidiaries | Privacy Policy Hilton Reservations and Customer Care | 7930 Jones Branch Drive | McLean, Virginia 22102, USA 2025-03-26_EM_Trigger_2361_Attendee_Website_Planner_PROD_202305_EN This transmission is not a digital or electronic signature and cannot be used to form, document, or authenticate a contract. Hilton and its affiliates accept no liability arising in connection with this transmission. Copyright 2025 Hilton Proprietary and Confidential
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2024 Income and Expense Report
I saved this in Dropbox/Treasurer/FOR RWA CHAPTER RENEWAL PACKETS/2024 Paperwork for 2025 Packet -- Tina
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Retreat
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1. Is the hotel going to give our group a link for rooms? Attendees might not want to give their credit card info over the phone. 2. Is Kayce Lassiter giving a speech at the retreat? -- Tina
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Valley of the Sun Writers Retreat Hotel link
Hi Shelley, I was going through the paperwork and emails and couldn't find a link for our attendees to make their hotel reservations. I did find the code for them to give in order to receive the discounted rate, but is there a link available for them to make their own reservations online? Or do they need to call the hotel? Thanks for your help. Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid
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Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Webinar Pitches for 2026
Great! We thrilled to have you :) Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 03:30:39 PM MST, Lisa Rabey <hithere@...> wrote: Oh my gosh, Cathy! I am so sorry! Must have missed it in the shuffle. :) I'll take February 21st, 2026! :) $100 is fine for payment. I accept check or PayPal. I'm EST so what time are your meetings? Again, apologies! Lisa Lisa Rabey (she/they) Nerd Girl Industries 203-998-1583 hithere@... https://nerdgirl.net
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Possible new member
Deloris, can you send an io group invite to lauralewis320@... She is moving here from Chicago in April and thinks we might be a good match for her. I already added her to our newsletter.-- Tina
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Fw: Retreat workshop?
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Hi all, I've been conversing with Lori about giving a workshop on AI graphics for the retreat. She's game :) What do you think? We could make a full day of AI - voice narrations, graphics, book covers, etc. I'm wondering if we could waive her registration fee in exchange for a two hour workshop. Also maybe Melissa's if she gives two hour of her time. Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Kayce Lassiter <kaycelassiter@...> To: Cathy McDavid <cathymcdavid@...> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 06:06:24 PM MST Subject: RE: Retreat workshop? Hi there. Sure. I’d be happy to do that, and I will include book covers if you have a 2 hour slot. I’ve had a lot going on this year and have been focused on planning for a move to TN that I thought might happen this summer, so I hadn’t planned to subscribe or join this year. But the move has pushed out, so I will go ahead and subscribe this week. Are you planning to hold the retreat at the Hilton? Lori From: Cathy McDavid <cathymcdavid@...> Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 11:33 AM To: Kayce Lassiter <kaycelassiter@...> Subject: Retreat workshop? Hey friend, We were talking about workshop ideas for the retreat June 20-22nd, and I thought of you. Don't know if you're planning on coming, but maybe we could twist your wrist and get you to give an hour workshop either Sat or Sun. Would love to have you talk about making AI graphics, especially for promo/marketing/social media, etc. If you think we can expand it into bookcovers, perhaps you could give a 2-hour workshop. We would pay an honorarium, though I can't quote the amount yet. What do you think? Cathy
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Draft agenda for tomorrow
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Hi all, Here's the draft agenda for tomorrow. Please review and offer feedback :) FYI, I will have a second page with all the retreat details that were in the newsletter. Cathy Cathy McDavid http://www.cathymcdavid.com http://www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks http://www.twitter.com/cathymcdavid http://www.tiktok.com/cathymcdavid
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Proposed Budget
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Take a look at this. We need a vote on the budget at this meeting.-- Tina
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Agenda Items
Finances: Bank $11,355.71 PayPal $841.90 Total $12,197.61 Members: Subscribers 12 Members 24 Total 36 -- Tina McCright
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Fw: Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Webinar Pitches for 2026
Hey all, This workshop speaker reached out to us, and I asked for some info on her workshops. This is what she sent. I think a couple of them look pretty good. Cathy ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Lisa Rabey <hithere@...> To: "cathymcdavid@..." <cathymcdavid@...> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 04:06:54 PM MST Subject: Re: Valley of the Sun Romance Writers Webinar Pitches for 2026 Hi Cathy! I'm in N. Michigan and we finally got a break in the snow. But while the weather hits the 50s and 60s in the next few days, it will snow on Sunday. Times like this I wouldn't mind living in the SW! :) A bit more about me and my experiences teaching: In addition to being a writer, I'm also an academic AND public librarian (there are surprising differences), and I also worked in IT for many years. I've been teaching classes on various topics since the late '90s when I worked in Silicon Valley and also taught when I was an academic librarian. I'm a public librarian in N. Michigan with my side hustle of Nerd Girl Industries! Social Media on a Budget Length: 1 or 1.5 Hour Workshop or Four Week Email Class Social Media for Authors: The Budget Edition gives writers tips, tricks, and tools, from creating a content calendar to doing a social media audit so they will always be ahead of the game. Writers will spend more time writing their best novel ever while easily keeping their community engaged. TAKEAWAYS Learn current stats and trends in social media Defining your voice Determining who your audience is How to create a content strategy, content audit, and website evaluation What kind of content to post, how often, and at what times WHAT ATTENDEES RECEIVE Copy of slide deck Free list of social media apps comparisons https://bit.ly/NGISMApps Free list of email list comparisonshttps://bit.ly/EmailListComparisons Free list of lead magnets for authors https://bit.ly/NGILeadMagnets The Source Whisperer: Research Beyond Google and AI Length: One Hour Workshop or Four Week Email Class In the age of misinformation, determining fact or fiction is becoming harder. The Source Whisperer: Research Beyond Google and AI will give attendees the knowledge and tools to go beyond search engine and AI results. You will discover different online resources, divide fact from fiction, determine currency and credibility, and more. Your readers will thank you. TAKEAWAYS Evaluating sites for currency, context, authority, coverage, goals, and sources The different types of online resources (blogs, vlogs, podcasts, websites, etc etc) and their purpose Learn about freely available public research databases How to use libraries for research Learn about the different types of research management apps WHAT ATTENDEES RECEIVE Copy of slide deck with links to all resources discussedTelling Your Story: Creating Engaging Content For Your Website and Newsletter Length: 1 hour or 1.5 Hour Workshop or Four Week Email Class A complement to Social Media for Authors (but not needed to take this class), Telling Your Story gives you the tools and knowledge to create amazing content for your website and newsletter. Learn about defining your persona and audience, creating a content calendar, and more. TAKEAWAYS Defining your voice How to create a content strategy, content audit, and website evaluation Defining the timing of your newsletter Defining the currency of your website Choosing the right web host or newsletter provider to meet your needs and budget WHAT ATTENDEES RECEIVE Copy of slide deck with all resources discussed Circulate! Getting Your Books into Libraries Length: 1 hour Workshop Circulate! Getting Your Books into Libraries gives writers the tools and knowledge to create great relationships with libraries that support and promote the writer's work. TAKEAWAYS Prep work needed before you contact the library Creating a sell sheet to present to libraries Writing a cover letter why the library should acquire your books What and how to contact the appropriate librarian How to engage with new readers via author signings and book talks WHAT ATTENDEES RECEIVE Copy of slide deck
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Need Lunch Choices from Speakers
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Cathy, can you ask our speakers what they want for lunch? Thanks-- Tina
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