Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors!

Please check their services and products -- they are the good guys, supporting the same literacy, environmental and animal rights in which we believe!

Many thanks to the
for support at our event!

Contributors of funds/ in-kind support  

Gold Sponsors ($5,000)

Howard Westley


The organization that supports non-profits in fund raising efforts through making great music!

Ina with Orson Bean
Featured Veggie, p. 65
You Are Who You Eat

Ina Hillebrandt with
Ed Begley Jr.

Pawprints Literacy Plus Fund Raiser

INA TO APPEAR ON HOUNDSQUAD RADIO AUG 24 - AIR DATE TBD

Tune in to hear Ina being interviewed about the upcoming new edition of her Amazon best seller Pawprints, enchanting vignettes about close encounters between people and the furry and feathered -- cats, dogs, penguins, frogs, nose fur, for ex. -- and the occasional inanimate object. She'll also be talking about Pawprints Literacy Plus™, developed for the Jane Goodall Institute originally.

Houndsquad airs Mondays at 1:00 pm Pacific Time. Check out host Lucky Luciano's informative and lively dog, cat and other pet topics in previous shows at https://soundcloud.com/houndsquad. We'll be posting as soon as we have the air date for Ina's segment, and 24/7 streaming link!

Read press release!

Jump Start Your Book!

IWOSC South Bay Satellite invites you to participate in Ina's motivating workshop -- over brunch

DATE AND TIME: Tues., Aug. 15,
TIME: 10:00 am - 12:30 p.m.
PLACE: El Segundo, CA

A small group setting, good food, plus inspiration and tools to inspire you to dive in, finally, to that book that's been nagging you from the recesses of your mind!

DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS On the IWOSC Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2nttVUj

GLUE YOUR DERRIERE TO THE CHAIR™

A writing workshop to take your book to the next level!
10 MEETINGS WEEKLY WESTSIDE LA.
SAT. MORNINGS BEGINNING SEPT. 9

WHO'S THIS WRITING WORKSHOP FOR?

Writers of fiction, non-fiction, memoir, how-to books.
Jump Start Your Book! (JSYB), alums and others who have been working on one specific book, and want some help with structure, character, detail, story, dialog. And tips/support to stay on track!

Details and sign-up

LA TIMES BOOK FESTIVAL 2017

April 22, 23

Look for Ina at the Book Publicists of Southern California Booth 933
And IWOSC, Booth 131. She'll be signing books and will be happy to meet you!

IT'S AT USC
University Park Campus
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Map/Directions

BRAINSTORMING FOR WRITERS

Monday, April 24, 2017
7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA
If you have an issue that pertains to you specifically (need help editing, social media issues, internet issues, want suggestions for a cover illustrator, etc.) this is the place to discuss it. Some of our Board members, including Ina, will be in attendance, plus many of your fellow writers. We are confident that we can address your personal concerns.
Read more and register to attend….

Polishing your writing: The Rewrite Desk. Greg Miller and Ina Hillebrandt

Saturday, February 25, 2017
10:30 am – 1:00 p.m.

Finishing a draft of a book, script, or other written work is an awesome accomplishment – but we all know at least one more set of revisions will certainly follow because you probably won’t get it totally right on the first or second draft.

Assessment of a draft and deciding what to emphasize or cut is a very delicate stage of the writing process. This seminar will cover methods and principles that you can apply to books, scripts, memoir, personal essays, speeches, storytelling, etc.

Read more and register to attend, or get a recording if you missed it…

HOW TO INJECT HUMOR INTO YOUR LIFE, AND BOOKS

Dec. 8, 2016
6:30-9:30 pm
Sportsmen's Lodge, Sherman Oaks, CA

Ina Hillebrandt to speak on how to lighten up inside, and add humor to your life, and your work. And for authors, how to tickle the funny bone using the printed word.

Go to http://www.bookpublicists.org for information and reservations.

NEW! Check out Ina's Blog:
Featuring:
New Tales by Ina, Plus Writing Tips on Creating Memoirs/ Fiction that are
fun to read, and to write!
Listen to Ina on the web --
Lillian Brummet's Conscious Discussions show  

More tips for writing memoirs with flair!
Oops!  Sorry, this podcast is down but coming back up soon.

INA APPEARS On CU@USC's TROJAN VISION TV

LIVE AND STREAMING 6:30 p.m.

Tune in for cannibal lore, jokes, history of the book, and other work by author Ina Silvert Hillebrandt. Show will be available within two weeks of airing online. Check our websitet and Facebook page for info! http://YouAreWhoYouEat.net

FEARLESS TALK SHOW HOST ROSE COLOMBO INTERVIEWS AUTHOR INA HILLEBRANDT

WED. APRIL 13, 9:30-10:15 AM PST

Talk show host Rose Colombo trades cannibal history and barbs with Ina in a spearited interview. Tune in online if you missed it live, at Freedomizer Radio. And see what Rose had to say about the book and its author:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/freedomizerradio/2016/04/13/rose-colombo-n-the-justice-clubauthors-cornerina-silvert-hillebrandt
 

KJAG RADIO WITH JAMES LOWE

Tuesday, April 12, 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. CST,

Ina will be appearing with the wonderfully entertaining "Jiggy."
Why? To discuss her new book, You Are Who You Eat. Tune in for diet tips, cannibalia and just plain fun!

Look for the show online if you miss it live. http://kjagradio.com/themic/

Coming live April 20, 2016: Ina on TV in LA in interview on You Are Who You Eat

Stay tuned for de-tails

 

LA Times Book Festival

INA APPEARS FOR BOOK You Are Who You Eat
Women's National Book Association - LA, Booth 178, noon-2 pm on Sunday April 10

You'll also find her and a lot of terrific writers at IWOSC, Independent Writers of Southern California, Booth 148 at various times. Do visit!

And also visit the folks at Book Publicists of Southern California, Booth 913. Another group of fine writers and the people who help them get out to the world!

IT'S AT USC
University Park Campus
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Map/Directions

IF YOU MISSED IT, AS THE LA Times says in the updated logo, see you next year!

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Ohio State University

Feb. 13-May 22, 2016
Exhibit featuring the artwork of Dedini, the artist who did the illustrations for Ina's newest book. And in Playboy, Esquire, The New Yorker. :) 
YOU ARE WHO YOU EAT

You can catch Ina there at the reception Feb. 20

Panel Discussion for PA-LA*
Topic: YouTube Video for Authors
May, 2016

Stay tuned for de-tails
*Publishers Association, Los Angeles Chapter

Writing Captivating Memoirs — Tips and Tools

Join Ina Hillebrandt (Moderator/Panelist), Barry Fox, Paolina Milana, Brett Paisel, and Kate Zental for a lively discussion of key memoir writing techniques.

Thinking about writing the stories of your life? Wondering where to start? Or have you started but feel unclear about how to organize your writing? Looking for ideas to make your tales a better read? Are you a published author looking for help writing in memoir form?

We will discuss techniques that help enliven and enrich books of memoir, and tools to sharpen your writing and organization skills. We’ll help you move to the next level of your work.

We will discuss:  

• Tips on writing a memoir that readers will enjoy reading!

• Detail -- how much is appropriate to include?

• Themes and Structure: considering a variety of ways to hook your stories together to draw readers in

• Dialog: adding life and spice to your stories

• Character: ways to give dimension to the people in your life, by showing, not telling your reader about them

• Marketing

• Objective criticism

• Mistakes and windfalls

• And more!

Location:
Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City, California
Parking entrance on Culver 
Corner of Culver Boulevard.
Map of location.
Parking is free.

Note: Wear layered clothing as the temperature in the room can vary.

Admission:
IWOSC members - free
Non-members - $15

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Reservations by email only.
Reservation deadline: space permitting, 5:00 p.m. Sunday, the day before the meeting.

To reserve:
Email the IWOSC office with "IWOSC Reservation" and the date or meeting month in the subject line.
Be sure to tell us your first name, your last name, a phone number, and whether you are a member or not.
Your name will be on a list at the check-in table.
For proof of your reservation, bring a printout of your email or show a smartphone version of your “sent” email or confirmation. Please arrive before 7:20 pm to be seated. Doors open to everyone at 7:20 p.m. and people will be admitted as space permits.

If you have a blocker such as Boxbe, be sure to add info(at-sign)iwosc.org to your OK list or you will never see your confirmation.

If you reserve and can not attend, please email our office to let us know.
For information call 310-773-8075.

SPINNING A BOOK INTO A SERIAL

Steps you can take enter the world of the serial writer
A Panel Discussion for PA-LA (Publishers Association - Los Angeles Chapter)

DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
TIME:  7:00-9:15 (Networking follows the program)
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

Would you like to find out how those authors whose books we can’t get enough of landed contracts to spin one title into a series? Join us for an illustrious panel who will take us through the steps, from different publishing, creative and sales perspectives.

Here are some specifics of what you’ll learn:  

• What does a series of books buy you, the author and/or publisher, that a single book may not?
• What kinds of books lend themselves to series? Are there particular genres that work better than others? Are there any genres that are not good fodder for a series?
• What kind of content/characters/stories work best for a series? How can you develop idea/story/character lines that will keep readers panting for the next release in your series?
• How do you go about attracting government buyers for a book series? And why is this a profitable avenue to pursue?
• How do you appeal to corporate or other types of organizational buyers for a series of books?
• What are the advantages/disadvantages of self-publishing book series vs. going with boutique and larger publishing houses?
• Are there differences in approach, content, style required for selling to different types/sizes of publishing entities? How can you craft a pitch to appeal to each?
• How do you keep your own voice when making the move one type of publishing and distribution channel to another?
• Can you create series for more than one type of publishing type? Would this be a good idea?

About Our Speakers

Joel Eisenberg is a writer and producer whose new book series, “The Chronicles of Ara,” an epic 8-volume fantasy saga written with Stephen Hillard, has been released to rave reviews by Incorgnito Publishing’s Topos Books imprint. Joel is a partner in Eisenberg-Fisher Productions and former head of EMO Films@Paramount Studios, feature film production companies. He is the co-founder of All Cities Media, an entertainment industry networking group. His events have been hosted by Warner Brothers, Paramount Studios, Sunset-Gower Studios and the Law Offices of Greenberg-Traurig, among others. Feature projects include “Unreleased” and “April Showers”, the latter based on the Columbine school shootings scenario. “January Rain” and “Assassin and Son” are presently in development, as is a new television version of an old horror comic book favorite (to be “re-announced” shortly). Joel is the writer of several award-winning independent feature films and producer of a slate of past and upcoming feature and television projects including “Mirkwood,” based on the amazon.com bestseller and the aforementioned “The Chronicles of Ara” fantasy novel series. In early 2007, Joel was fortunate to have received substantial international publicity by locating, identifying, organizing and archiving a long-considered lost handwritten John Steinbeck archive, collectively valued at nearly $1 million. Author: “How to Survive a Day Job,” “Championship Networking,” “The Mirkwood Codex” (upcoming). Contributor: “Tales of the Dead” and numerous others. You can find out more about Joel’s new book series here: http://ChroniclesOfAra.com

Erika Fabian -- A versatile writer/photographer, Erika Fabian had twenty-three books and nearly two hundred photo-illustrated articles published. Her varied career includes many years of travel on assignment for National Geographic Magazine and other publishers, which resulted in a six-series book on travel photography, and a three-series book for the Government on Indonesia. Her current work includes writing one of several forthcoming novels and editing books for other authors.

Diane Vallere --After two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. CRUSHED VELVET, the second book in the nationally bestselling and Lefty-Nominated Material Witness Cozy Mystery Series, came out August 4. Diane is the current president of Sisters in Crime Los Angeles and was co-chair of the 2015 California Crime Writers Conference. She also writes the Madison Night and Style & Error Mystery Series. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since. You can find out more about Diane’s works at: http://dianevallere.wix.com/dianevallere

MODERATOR

Ina Hillebrandt, speaker, author, publisher, writing coach, and editor will be the moderating the panel. Known for her memoir classes and guide, How to Write Your Memoirs, she is putting the finishing touches on a sequel, How to Write Your memoirs – The Toolbox Edition. Hillebrandt's first book, Pawprints, coming as an eBook with new material and the subhead Your Furry Home Companion, is being considered for a webisode series. Launched at the L.A. Zoo, Pawprints led the author to TV and web appearances, and following work with educators for the Jane Goodall Institute, to developing a literacy program, Pawprints Literacy Plus, with a curriculum guide, Pawprints – The Student Prints. Both Pawprints and Hillebrandt's memoir students' Stories From The Heart, v. 2, were named best sellers on Amazon.com. Hillebrandt has also been working as a writing coach/editor on a book of the survival by a man lost in the desert for almost a week without food or water. Working with writing partner Todd Liebman, she has also adapted one of her books into a screenplay for film and TV. They are currently working on a treatment for a television series for other projects, including a scripted "dramedy," based on characters and writings in her memoir workshops. http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com . http://InasPawprints.com 

To be sure you have a seat, please make your reservation through our website, http://pa-la.org
COST: Free for PA-LA members. $15 for non-members.

Attract Corporate Sponsors - Top 5 Ways

Would You Like To Do What You Love and Have Someone Else Foot the Bill?

A Panel Discussion for PA-LA (Publishers Association - Los Angeles Chapter)

DATE: Wednesday, May 11, 2015
TIME:  7:00-9:30
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

Have you ever thought of approaching corporate sponsors for your book, publishing, speaking or events? America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not those of us in the publishing and writing world?

Our speaker, Linda Hollander, will provide solid steps you can take to attract corporate sponsors to help defray or even cover your marketing, publicity and other costs. You'll hear stories about steps she and those she has coached have taken to land sponsorships from a number of Fortune 500 corporations.

Here are some specifics of what you’ll learn:

• How to identify your potential sponsors

•  How to attract these sponsors

•  The biggest mistakes most people make

•  Creating your sponsor proposal to get big bucks

•  Spotlighting your assets

•  Know how much money to ask for (Don’t sell yourself short)

•  Getting your sponsors to renew again and again

SPEAKER

Linda Hollander. known as the “Wealthy Bag Lady,” is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps, Even if You’re Just Starting Out and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge and the Sponsor Secrets Seminar. She is the industry leader in teaching entrepreneurs about how sponsors can help you fund your dreams.

Her corporate sponsors include Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Fed Ex, Staples, Health Net, Citibank, American Airlines, Bank of America, Marriott, Wal Mart and IBM.

To find out more about Linda, check her website:

http://WealthyBagLady.com

MODERATOR

Ina Hillebrandt, speaker, author, publisher, writing coach, and editor will be the moderating the panel. Known for her memoir classes and guide, How to Write Your Memoirs, she is putting the finishing touches on a sequel, How to Write Your memoirs – The Toolbox Edition. Hillebrandt's first book, Pawprints, coming as an eBook with new material and the subhead Your Furry Home Companion, is being considered for a webisode series. Launched at the L.A. Zoo, Pawprints led the author to TV and web appearances, and following work with educators for the Jane Goodall Institute, to developing a literacy program, Pawprints Literacy Plus, with a curriculum guide, Pawprints – The Student Prints. Both Pawprints and Hillebrandt's memoir students' Stories From The Heart, v. 2, were named best sellers on Amazon.com. Hillebrandt has also been working as a writing coach/editor on a book of the survival by a man lost in the desert for almost a week without food or water. Working with writing partner Todd Liebman, she has also adapted one of her books into a screenplay for film and TV. They are currently working on a treatment for a television series for other projects, including a scripted "dramedy," based on characters and writings in her memoir workshops. http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com. http://InasPawprints.com 

To be sure you have a seat, please make your reservation through our website, http://pa-la.org
COST: Free for PA-LA members. $15 for non-members.
 

Got a Story to Tell?

Join Ina as she speaks at the Southern California Writers Association.

DATE: July 19, 2014
TIME: Doors Open for registration and networking at 9:30 a.m.
          Presentation:10:00 a.m.
          Lunch 11:30. Afternoon program: 12:30
PLACE: Claim Jumper Restaurant
             18050 Brookhurst Street
              Fountain Valley, CA 92708-6739
              (714) 963-6711
Info, interactive map: http://www.ocwriter.com/

Have you been thinking you'd like to write your Life Stories? Have you starting with notes in a shoebox? Need help organizing your notes? First time writer? Ina Hillebrandt has worked with folks of all ages some who've never written before as well as published authors. She has a wealth of proven techniques to help writers open up to new ways of thinking and writing. Her tools will help ignite your creativity, improve your writing form and structure, and help shape your life history. Learn how to write the book of your life.
 

Memoir Writing Workshops by Ina -- New Summer Series Starting August 9, 2014

SATURDAY MORNINGS AUG. 9 - OCT. 25.
10:00 a.m. - Noon
PLACE: Orange County. Address to be announced

In our 10 week series programs, Ina is able to focus on members' work in-depth, and employ special tools to help participants help each other as well. Our students learn how to recall details, write and organize their memoirs so that they are richer, and find -- or retain -- each writers' unique voice. And we have fun in the process! Ina's publishing imprint, Pawpress, is also available as an avenue to getting your books out in print, and published in downloadable e-book form as well.  So join us if you'd like to:

• Break through writer’s block! Ina’s Weird Prompts™ and books, including “How to Write Your Memoirs” make it easy, and fun!

• Organize your ideas.

• Fire that inner critic! 

• Practice a bit of fiction to free up writing muscles.

• Create memoirs even people who are not your mother will savor!  

• Enjoy sharing your stories with people from different worlds. 

• GET PUBLISHED WITH US! Our second collection is an Amazon.com bestseller.  

• Or, get guidance on publishing yourself, and marketing your book.         

Testimonials...What people who have attended Ina's Footprints Writing Workshops say....

“Ina has the gift of getting people to open up. She got me writing in a direction I never would have gone on my own.”   Chrystine Julian, poet, "The Sensual Spirit"

"Opens the floodgates to memories long buried but not forgotten." Kay Roberts, first-time book contributor, actor and stand-up comic

“Ina’s spirit is magical. I’ve become one with my gastrointestinal tract.” Larry Yurdin, Corporate Computer Consultant

"This is a really great class!" Ed Rosenthal, current attendee, working on his memoir of being lost in the wilderness without food or water for seven days. He will appear, telling this story, on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Survivor, July 2013

"This class has been a kick in the butt to my writing. Tremendous! It's so motivating because of the process we do here. I can just be freed up to let the words flow. My critic is gone. He's somewhere in the Bahamas. I realize OMG, I've got so many stories to write, and it's not traumatic, the way it used to be. And listening to others telling stories, reminds me of others of my own." Michael McCarty, Internationally Renowned Storyteller, Current attendee

Attendees, Saturday workshop for IWOSC

"After seeing you do this workshop, I feel I can trust you, Ina. I look forward to working with you."

"I really got my money's worth!"

For more information, click here. Please contact Ina to find out if you have questions, and how to set up a series for six to ten folks. You can also sign up to receive information in your email inbox about other upcoming series around the Los Angeles area.

PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED. THESE WORKSHOP SERIES SELL OUT FAST. Sign up below and reserve by July 26 to insure you have a seat. And remember -- these series make a great gift for someone you love, and whose stories you will treasure.

You can sign up online to reserve your space using our secure online Paypal server, below.

Footprints Memoir Writing Workshops Memoir Writing Series Thursday evenings, Aug. 9-Oct. 25. Both for folks who have not yet written, or have written and would like help starting and figuring out a structure and game plan for completing a book of their life stories, for family and friends or publication. 

Register By July 26 for Discount!

Early Bird Price $545.00 USD After July 27 $595.00 USD

HOW TO SELL MORE BOOKS!

DATE: Oct. 15, 2014
TIME: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

PA-LA (Publishers Association - Los Angeles Chapter)

Are you a publisher? Or an author who is publishing your own book? Or perhaps you are published by an independent or large press? This forum will give you plenty of ideas, and step-by-step help to boost sales! Our panelists and topics include:

• How to Sell Books by the Truckload! Penny Sansevieri, founder and CEO, Author Marketing Experts, Inc. http://amarketingexpert.com

• How to get to the top of the Best Seller List on Amazon.com, and how to sell more actual books as well as eBooks! Marvin J. Wolf, best-selling author and award-winning photographer/photo journalist. http://www.amazon.com/Marvin-J.-Wolf/e/B000AQ3Z5Q

• Brenda Avadian, founder of North Star Books, will be speaking on how to plan and execute direct sales, including planning pre-planning for events/;launch and the need for quality production standards and outsourcing. In 1992, North Star Books started with a career development title. Late in the nineties, the company pioneered the art of books by and for caregivers. Today,  North Star Books focuses on creatively executed titles for baby boomers (e.g., celebrating healthy aging, simplicity, de-cluttering, and caregiving)http://thecaregiversvoice.com/about-us/north-star-books/

• Moderator: Ina Hillebrandt, speaker, author, publisher, writing coach, and editor.

Taking Your Book to Film, TV, the Web, Interactive App

THURSDAY EVENINGS. MAY 16 - JULY 25.
6:30-9:30 p.m.
PLACE: Westside private residence. Address will be e-mailed to you on signup.

In our 10 week series programs, Ina is able to focus on members' work in-depth, and employ special tools to help participants help each other as well. Our students learn how to recall details, write and organize their memoirs so that they are richer, and find -- or retain -- each writers' unique voice. And we have fun in the process! Ina's publishing imprint, Pawpress, is also available as an avenue to getting your books out in print, and published in downloadable e-book form as well.  So join us if you'd like to:

• Break through writer’s block! Ina’s Weird Prompts™ and books, including “How to Write Your Memoirs” make it easy, and fun!

• Organize your ideas.

• Fire that inner critic! 

• Practice a bit of fiction to free up writing muscles.

• Create memoirs even people who are not your mother will savor!  

• Enjoy sharing your stories with people from different worlds. 

• GET PUBLISHED WITH US! Our second collection is an Amazon.com bestseller.  

• Or, get guidance on publishing yourself, and marketing your book.         

Testimonials...What people who have attended Ina's Footprints Writing Workshops say....

“Ina has the gift of getting people to open up. She got me writing in a direction I never would have gone on my own.”   Chrystine Julian, poet, "The Sensual Spirit"

"Opens the floodgates to memories long buried but not forgotten." Kay Roberts, first-time book contributor, actor and stand-up comic

“Ina’s spirit is magical. I’ve become one with my gastrointestinal tract.” Larry Yurdin, Corporate Computer Consultant

"This is a really great class!" Ed Rosenthal, current attendee, working on his memoir of being lost in the wilderness without food or water for seven days. He will appear, telling this story, on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Survivor, July 2013

"This class has been a kick in the butt to my writing. Tremendous! It's so motivating because of the process we do here. I can just be freed up to let the words flow. My critic is gone. He's somewhere in the Bahamas. I realize OMG, I've got so many stories to write, and it's not traumatic, the way it used to be. And listening to others telling stories, reminds me of others of my own." Michael McCarty, Internationally Renowned Storyteller, Current attendee

Attendees, Saturday workshop for IWOSC

"After seeing you do this workshop, I feel I can trust you, Ina. I look forward to working with you."

"I really got my money's worth!"

For more information, click here. Please contact Ina to find out if you have questions, and how to set up a series for six to ten folks. You can also sign up to receive information in your email inbox about other upcoming series around the Los Angeles area.

PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED. THESE WORKSHOP SERIES SELL OUT FAST. Sign up below and reserve by May 1 to insure you have a seat. And get a special free book, a $20 value, as our gift! And remember -- these series make a great gift for someone you love, and whose stories you will treasure.

You can sign up online to reserve your space using our secure online Paypal server, below.

Footprints Memoir Writing Workshops Memoir Writing Series Thursday evenings, May 16-July 25. Both for folks who have not yet written, or have written and would like help starting and figuring out a structure and game plan for completing a book of their life stories, for family and friends or publication. 

Sunday, March 10

Marina del Rey Hotel 13534 Bali Way in Marina del Rey
 

* Learn to PITCH your BOOK

* Listen to PANELS of EXPERTS

* PITCH to a LITERARY AGENT at the lunch break

* WIN wonderful PRIZES at our RAFFLE

Marina del Rey Hotel - 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

FREE PARKING - for directions, visit: www.marinadelreyhotel.com/

ANNUAL BOOK SAVVY CONFERENCE

JOIN INA AT THE SELF-PUBLISHING PANEL,
AND A PACKED SCHEDULE OF INFORMATIVE, INTERESTING AND FUN PANELS AND PEOPLE

This all-day workshop includes:
+ 7:30-8:30...pitch prep session (optional)
+ 8:30-9:00...registration
+ 9:00-4:30...continental breakfast, four panels of presentations, lunch, pitching to an agent at the lunch break, raffle prizes

Plus! Discount on WNBA/LA chapter membership--just on the day of the workshop--$30.00 (regularly $47.00)

Click here to Register Now!

Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland Avenue,
Culver City
Corner of Culver Boulevard.
Parking entrance on Culver. Parking is free.

NOTE: Please bring a brief sample (one-three pages) from what you have written, for review.

If you have not yet begun, that’s perfectly fine. We’ll be writing one to two short pieces, sharing them with the workshop leader and others in the class, giving you feedback on various aspects of memoir writing.

IN THIS WORKSHOP, we use  specially designed techniques that help enliven and enrich books of memoir, and tools to sharpen your writing and organization skills. We’ll get you started, and you’ll find you won’t want to stop. Or we’ll help you move to the next level of your work in progress.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? DO JOIN US IF THIS IS YOU...

• Thinking about writing the stories of your life, but wondering where to start?

• Or, have you started, but feel unclear about how to organize your writing?

• Looking for ideas to make your tales a better read?

• Are you a published author looking for help writing in the memoir form

WHAT WILL BE INCLUDED?

• Tips on writing a memoir even folks who are not your mother, or kids, will savor
   

• Detail derail: how much is too much, too little?
   

• Themes and Structure: considering a variety of ways to hook your stories together to draw readers in
   

• Dialog: adding life and spice to your stories
   

• Character: ways to give dimension to the people in your life, by showing, not telling your reader about them.

DATE: FEB. 25, 2013

MODERATOR
INA HILLEBRANDT

SPEAKERS

Erika Schickel: author of You're Not the Boss of Me: Adventures of a Modern Mom. Her essays can be found in several anthologies and the LA Observed column, "I On LA." She teaches, writes book reviews and ad copy for a number of outlets and is currently at work on a full-length memoir. She can be reached at Erika at http://ErikaSchickel.com

Dinah Lenney wrote Bigger than Life: A Murder, a Memoir, published in Tobias Wolff’s American Lives Series at the University of Nebraska Press, and co-authored Acting for Young Actors. She's been published in many journals and books, including The New York Times and Kenyon Review She has an  MFA in writing, and has teaches writing at USC  and elsewhere.
http.//dinahlenney.com

Lee Gale Gruen: In a complete turnabout from her long career as a probation officer, Ms. Gruen became an actress and writer. Her Memoir, Adventures with Dad: A Father and Daughter’s Journey Through a Senior Acting Class, will be published on May 15, 2013. She has been interviewed about the book and her life on TV and in print. She is now also an advocate for seniors.
http://leegalegruen.com,

Michael S. Klein, esq. has a broad range of transactional experience in the areas of entertainment law and business transactions, and a deep knowledge of literary legal issues.  In addition to his legal work, Mr. Klein is the long term chair of the First Amendment Committee of the ACLU of Southern California. In that capacity and as an individual, he has also spoken frequently on civil liberties issues....Cont'd. to your right.

• What is memoir? How much does it have to do who’s telling the story? Everything, maybe, and if that’s so, how to create an authentic and credible narrative persona?

• How much do we know when we start?

• What do we stand to discover in the writing (and reading)? 

• Writing into what you don’t know ... when the narrator doesn't know where the characters and events are going to lead.Truth in nonfiction -- how much can one stray, if at all?

• What can the writer reveal about characters -- especially if they were "bad guys" -- without getting hauled into court?

• Structure -- do you have to start your life story at the beginning? Effective themes and other options for writing a page turner.

• Dialog -- use and caveats in memoir writing

• Once you've got your book, do you get an agent? How?

• Pros and cons of self-publishing

* * *

Did you miss it?
Get the tape here!

* * *

Below, more about the lawyer who has so generously helped IWOSC members as well as many other clients for many years....

Mr. Klein He received his J.D. from Yale Law School, and is a speaker for, as well as member of the bar as well as many law schools. He has written a number of articles and books, and appears regularly on CNN as an expert on legal matters. Mr. Klein is a partner at Klein & Weisz,

We are proud to announce our new Pawpress book

Gene Zahn's Of Politics, Ladies and Bagels

Buy or download your copy

Poetry Provocative and Punny, on:

• Ladies

• Solving Today's Political Issues. Hint: Bagels Play a Roll

...and much, more more. Penned by the witty, thoughtful and slightly raunchy Gene Zahn.

Available as a softcover or free downloadable eBook online, or ask at your favorite bookstore.

Click the cover for excerpts reviews.

PA-LA* Panel Discussion for anyone interested in getting a book out!

BOOK PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS THAT WORK

• The best PR techniques (what steps to take and when)
   
• How and when to contact reviewers and schedule radio,
  TV, and web appearances
   
• Whether to use electronic or paper galleys and press
  documents
   
• How to work with social media to sell more books
   
• How blog appearances and author videos can be a part
  of your overall marketing plan
   
• How to create an event that will fill the room,
  highlight your author, and sell books
   
• Ideas that can backfire

For PA-LA members, guests and interested authors/publishers:

Panel moderated by Ina Hillebrandt,

Panelists: Tyson Cornell, founder of Rare Bird Lit, Julia Drake, founder of JuliaDrakePR.com, Flo Selfman, President, IWOSC, and foundinh partner of WordsalaMode.com

DATE: MONDAY, September 10, 2012

TIME: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Building. 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

COST: $5.00 for PALA members; $15.00 for nonmembers. Advance admission can be purchased with PayPal on our website: www.pa-la.org.

This promises to be a fact-filled program. Plan to arrive early to be sure you have a spot to sit.

* PA-LA is the Los Angeles chapter of the Publishers Association, a national organization dedicated to the education, support and promotion of independent publishers

PASADENA LIT FEST!Saturday, May 12
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the city’s Central Park.
Admission is free.

Come talk to Ina at the IWOSC Booth, and AAA Booksellers Booth for mini memoir workshops

Rub shoulders with famous authors who will be appearing at book signings and onstage.

Come to UNIQUE LA 
May 12 & 13 (Saturday & Sunday)11am – 6pm

The California Market Center (110 East Ninth Street, LA, CA 90079)

You'll find a huge selection of designer items made right here in L.A., and craft projects for you to do! Awesome Mothers' Day gifts!!!

We'll have "How to Write Your Memoirs" live sessions, and you'll find some wonderful books from Rare Bird as well as Pawpress.

Plus, crafts to inspire the artist, storyteller and all-round talent sharer in you!

Cost: $10 at the door, buy online for extra perks (Kids 12 and under are free), 10% of all ticket sales go to the local non-profit organization CicLAvia.

Performer WillB reads a Pawprint by Ina, in Hip Hop at the Ice Cream Social Celebrating the Launch of Stories From The Heart, vol. 2, dubbed Top Seller by Amazon.com

Memoirs: Ina Introduces and emcees the Book Book Reading Shows, appears in other videos you'll see on our new channel

June 14-Aug. 23
Thursdays 7-9 pm

Refreshments
2 hr. free parking adjacent

Are you finally ready to take the plunge?  Have the relatives been driving you to distraction?

Now's the time to find out how to start, how to organize and how to enliven the stories of your life that only you can tell! For beginners, and those who have already got a work in progress.

A few spaces left. For de-tails, savings, and to reserve your spot, or Contact Ina to learn more!

April 17

Comes to WEHO

Sunday, Sept. 26

Showtime:
11:20-12:10
The Storytellers Stage

West Hollywood Park
647 N. San Vicente Boulevard
West Hollywood, California
 

Join us for a chance to be part of the show!

Visit us at the Pawpress booth, too! That's Booth # E68

We'll have live readings, book signings and excerpts from
our show.
Plus free prizes

Wine, Women, Whispers
By Alon Mintz

Designed and Edited by Ina Hillebrandt

Reviews, Excerpts
Press Release

May 20
10--11 am PDT

Did you miss it? No worries. The show is archived:

http://www.blogtalkradio.
com/
consciousdiscussions/
2010/05/20/pawprints-literacy-plus-org
 

Ina was pleased to be the featured guest on Conscious Discussions, hosted by Lillian Brummet. About the show...

Ina Hillebrandt is here today to talk about childhood literacy. She is the author of Pawprints - an uplifting collection of short "tails" about close encounters of the furry kind. This book project grew into a literacy program that began as a workshop for the Jane Goodall Institute. Ina is also the president of Pawpress and founder of the Pawprints Literacy Plus organization. Find today’s guest at: www.InasPawprints.com & the host at: www.brummet.ca

Fun is a serious topic.

http://onepersonsviews.
blogspot.com/

For a good read by a -- gasp --  high level military man, Larry N. Beard, Col. (Ret.) US Army, check out this blog. Larry's mind is far-ranging, and he is very concerned these days about literacy for vets. Grapevine says he will be mentioning a book or two of Ina's in an upcoming piece, but his work and his writing to be commended anyway. :-)

April 9, 9-9:15am PDT. Call-ins invited!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
authorsread/2010/04/09/
ina-hillebrandt--pawprints

The show will also be archived for anytime listening

Ina is pleased to be appearing with Canada-based author and talk show host Lillian Brummet on her internationally renowned show Authors Read. Ina will be reading from her book of wry observations on human meetups with 2- and 4-legged critters. The show also will have lively discussions between host Lillian Brummet and Ina.

Write-in guests are welcome! Check the link for details on how to get on air with your thoughts or questions.

Ms. Brummet also hosts a show called Conscious Discussions, featuring ideas about how we can live in equilibrium with the planet. Ina will be appearing on that show as well, on May 20. Check here for de-tails. Please also take a look at Lillian and husband Dave's inspiring book Trash Talk.

Our weekly meeting of the Footprints Writing Club has been changed. Beginning April 1 we will meet Thursdays, 9:30-11:30, at the Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center on Santa Monica Blvd. and Corinth, in West L.A. No fooling!

http://www.tribecafilm.
com/
 

This is where Ina wishes she could be this weekend!

If you're lucky enough to live in New York (yes, even with all the crummy weather), The Tribeca Film Festival has some neat news. Starting Saturday, Mar. 6, they are running a super kids film series, Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club, with fab films and fun happenings. Check out de-tails on the link.
 

Listen on the web, or download, free!*

Memoir Writing Tips and a few laughs

Featuring Ina,
the Memoir Coach

Guest on WriteOn! The writing show for writers, sponsored by IWOSC**

Interview Segment
Writing Tips
 

Using creative writing in memoir?

Find out what Ina's talking about and how the creativity in memoir method could help you!

Tune in when you like! Motivational speaker and authors' PR guy John Seeley interviews Ina, and then Ina joins Gary Young, award winning playwright and author, in a quickie segment on tips for writers. You can find both shows at:

Saturday mornings
10-noon
.
De-tails

Sign up by Dec 15 for
An Early Bird Discount!

Got a story to tell? Want help getting started? Getting organized?

Whether you're writing for family and friends or the world at large, sign up for the Footprints Writing Club. You'll find lively folks, fascinating stories, fun writing excursions and motivation!

Led by Ina, and using her specially designed Ina's Weird Prompts to get your mind's creative channels wide open!

Very small class ensures you get attention and time to get feedback as you develop your project!
 

MONDAY, NOV. 23 7:30-9:00 pm

Editors -- Don't let the books you write leave home without one!

If you want to get picked for a book deal from among the huge crowd, and if you want to create a better book in a world where publishing houses depend on authors for final prose.

Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland (at Culver Boulevard)
Culver City
Parking free, enter on Culver
Reservations required. Deadline is noon Monday, Nov. 23.
Call in CA
(877)799-7483, or
e-mail info@iwosc.org

Join Ina as she moderates a panel of Editing Experts for IWOSC. In today's publishing world, getting your own editor is invaluable! Our panel will show you how to greatly enhance the chances of selling your book, and the potential to  create a prize winner!

Panelists include:

Ron Kenner. An author himself, since founding RKedit, www.rkedit.com,  Ron has edited more than seventy-five published books, including several winners of prestigious literary prizes.

Flo Selfman. As owner of Selfman & Others PR, Flo has handled celebrities, theatre and arts events, and book and author tours for more than twenty years. A self-proclaimed “professional nit-picker,” Flo gets the bugs out of scripts, manuscripts, and other business and professional documents.

Roberta Edgar. For over 20 years, in addition to writing screenplays and treatments, Roberta has been ghostwriting and editing nonfiction books, particularly memoirs and autobiographies. She blogs on journaling and memoir (www.robertaedgar.wordpress.com)and writes articles, web content, biographical profiles, query letters, and a wide range of business material.

Robin Quinn is an editor of over 250 books including the best-selling The Detox Solution, the award-winning Soul-Full Eating, and the newly released Celebrity Leverage.

Monica Faulkner. As an editor and publishing consultant, my goal is to help writers solve any problems that may be keeping their books from reaching their greatest creative potential – and their rightful place in today’s competitive publishing market.

Lisa Marguerite Mora is a freelance editor, prize winning poet and writing teacher.

Ina will be holding a mini How to Write Your Memoirs workshop for the Daughters of the American Revolution

For information on setting up a workshop for your group, contact us at: annap@InasPawprints.com

PANEL ON WRITING BIOGRAPHIES AND MEMOIRS

7:30 to 9 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland (at Culver Boulevard)
Culver City
Parking free, enter on Culver
Reservations required. Deadline is noon Monday, July 29.
Call in CA
(877)799-7483, or
e-mail info@iwosc.org

Every life tells a story!

Whether you're thinking of putting the story of your own life down on paper, or writing a profile of a historical or celebrity figure you've long admired — or just one of the millions of readers who devour books on history or Hollywood — this panel is for you.

Moderator: Telly Davidson — film and TV critic
Panelists: DIGBY DIEHL, NAT SEGALOFF, INA HILLEBRANDT, DIANNE De La VEGA, and JENNIFER SKY BAND.

For details on the program and panel please click the logo:

Attention Kids in Middle School--Join Ina for a Pawprints Literacy Plus Creative Writing and Kindness to Animals program. Hear stories from "Pawprints," the book kids like you read to their parents, and then write your own! It's fun, and easier than you think!

New! Tips 1-3 on opening those mental doors, and starting your memoirs or fiction project. Published in SelfGrowth.com online self-improvement expert site. More in series coming. Check here for information.

Boardroom.com's BottomLine publications interview with Ina on writing memoirs, and publishing tips

Practical tools for coping with the loss of a loved one: for TIAA/CREF

MORE ON INA: GO TO MEDIA

More on writing tips: free, coaching and classes, please scroll down or hit one of the lavender writing buttons on the right.

Find out how Pawprints turned from a gaggle of squirrels on Ina's lap into a book and literacy  program

Memoirs books and stories of salty senior students
 

Join Pawpress and Ina in toasting Author Chrystine Julian as we celebrate the birth of her new book of provocative, entertaining and sensual books ---
Meandering Mindfulness... Poems from the place where wander and wonder merge.

Budding author? Want to get published by a traditional publisher? First step, snare an agent. Not so easy, eh? Well, our workshop Monday will focus on how to prepare yourself. Do homework on what other books yours comes close to, and bring a brief sample of your book. Plus, think of the audience your book would attract.

2:30-3:30 p.m.
 

Pawprints Literacy Plus Creative Writing and Kindness to Animals program for middle school age youth, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library in Carson, CA

OK, so many people said how can you not be on Facebook Ina finally caved. You can find her there sometimes, and see friends and their doings. And to her surprise, it's fun!

http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/
ina_hillebrandt.html

LA Times Festival of Books

Look for Ina at the IWOSC Booth 10-noon this Sunday.

And do come to the Festival. It's great for everyone who reads books or writes them.

Location
UCLA
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Google Map...                          Event Map...

7:30 to 9 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland (at Culver Boulevard)
Culver City
Parking free, enter on Culver
Reservations required. Deadline is noon Monday, March 30. Call in CA (877)
799-7483, or e-mail info@iwosc.org

IWOSC PANEL -- “A Writer’s Platform: The Jumping-off Place for Success.”
Join Ina and a talented panel for IWOSC, Independent Writers of Southern California Let’s say you want to write a book on a certain topic. And speak about it. But you’re not well-known yet. How do you reach that place of expertise so that you’re called upon as The Expert? How do you become the one sought out by the public and the media? Learn how at IWOSC’s March meeting.
 

Pawprints Literacy Plus Creative Writing and Kindness to Animals program for middle school age youth, at the Hollydale Public Library in Southgate

Ina is featured memoir coach, in an article about creating and publishing your  memoirs, based on classes and her book, How to Write Your Memoirs...Fun Prompts to Make Writing...and Reading Your Life Stories a Pleasure!

Stay tuned for the link.

Ina featured guest on
radio podcast for writers. Irreverent hosts: John Seeley, getunstuck.com, and Gary Young, www.lossandfound.com, for Independent Writers of Southern California. Ina's topic: memoir writing secrets, plus writing tips segment for all writers

Senior (and younger adults) programs in West Los Angeles
Grief Lifters™
Felicia Mahood
11338 Santa Monica Blvd.
LA, CA 90025
 

10:00-11:45 am

Felicia Mahood
11338 Santa Monica Blvd.
LA, CA 90025

Got a story to tell? Stumped about where to begin? Come to

Ina's Memoir Writing Clubs for Grownups™ -- join award winning writers who never wrote before, along with folks who have!

Fun, and really helps you get started organizing those scraps of paper!

Grief Lifters™ with Ina in  www.Intelecom.org
class series, "Our Families, Ourselves," episode #17. Scroll down for more info.

New via the 'net and tv! We are very pleased to report that Intelecom.org, renowned online educational program producers, has included our work in Grief Lifters™, Ina's program aimed at helping people find ways to get through and beyond the loss of a spouse, in a segment in their college course series on aging. Available by subscription online at Intelecom.org.

*PBS The Intelecom segment, #17, in the series, "Our Families, Ourselves," is also appearing on PBS stations in various parts of the U.S. Check listings in your area, or request your local station to contact Intelecom.org about ordering the program. Intelecom has been providing programming to  colleges and universities for thirty years.
 

De-tails on the Writers Store site

Flyer
 

See flier enlarged

Read media story about the program

See photos

The Living History Project at UCLA

• Promoting intergenerational understanding and communication
   

• Recording oral histories and the intergenerational experience for the web and other media

A program conceived as a part of the UCLA student-designed curriculum, this series is incorporated within the university's Center for Community Learning programs. Student participants will be interacting with our Footprints Writing Clubs™ (formerly "Pawprints Writing Clubs™") seniors. Seniors will have a chance to tell their life stories, both in written and oral form. Interactions will be both in group and one-on-one form. Students receive course credit and experience in community service learning.

If you are a senior, 55+, and wish to become a part of history, and learn/teach the "younger generation, please read the flyer to see how to participate.

UPDATE: FEB. 3 -- Sorry, our classes are filled. For more info on the program, read the press release.

OUR THANKS TO the Donald A. Strauss Foundation for their generous grant to help make this program possible. We are grateful also for support from the Hillel at UCLA, Kathy O’Bryne, Director of the UCLA Center for Community Learning, and Ellen Gaines, Director of the Felicia Mahood Senior Multipurpose Center of The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
 

Available for appearances, locally, nationally and internationally

The Un-Workshops
for Health Care providers

We also offer Humor Un-Workshops --
Comic Release™  -- to help us all lighten up in our very stressful world. These are for personal and professional growth, stress reduction, improved communication with others. We have been conducting these Un-Workshops for more than fifteen years for community groups and businesses such as SEARS and Citicorp.
 

Are you interested in banishing the "I'm not creative" monster? Call us about Ina's
Creativity Un-Workshop -- Idea Magic™ . Find out why an HR director from Banana Republic said, "After Idea Magic, I had a dream, and I was going through a door. The next day, I found myself thinking about problems in a whole new, creative way."
 

Contact us if you would like information about booking Ina for any of our writing or Un-Workshops for your organization or business. Call us for information. (310) 471-5048, or send an e-mail to Annap@InasPawprints.com.
 

Library programs for young people have been planned for 2008. January, in Los Angeles, to dovetail with LA County Library celebrations of Meg Cabot's upcoming novel Princess Mia. One hour programs features book discussions and creative writing exercises. The programs are  available for young people grades 1-12.  Scroll down for dates and times.


School programs (after school, intersession options as well as teacher coaching and classroom) available. Please click here for info.

De-tails on the flyer.

Gonna be in the Bay Area? Plan to check out the Publishers' Association of Los Angeles booth (PA-LA.org, an affiliate of PMA, national Publishers Marketing Association), at the NCIBA, at the Oakland Convention Center.  Pawpress and Ina will be there holding the fort along with Gil Sperry, Author, "Mariachi for Gringos."

(click logo to find maps and more about the day's exciting events, etc.)

Pawpress/Pawprints Literacy Plus
Booth #12F, and ....