Newsletter
​Starting in 2026, we have moved to a quarterly newsletter published in January, April, August, and November.
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Beginning July 2024, the newsletter of SJVW is called Valley Voices and is published bi-monthly (i.e., July, September, November, January, March, May). Click on the links below to access archived newsletters.
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July 2024 Craft Chat Gathering
Events
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If you are a member of SJVW, you will automatically receive Zoom information for any event via email.
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January 10, 2026
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Second Saturday Zoom: Speaker Jill Lubin will discuss publicity and networking.
January 24, 2026
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Fourth Saturday Craft Chat: Dialogue with Purpose
February 14, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Speaker June Gillam will present “CHARACTERS TO LOVE, or at least remember.” Prepare for the 2026 SJVW Contest. Learn 14 techniques for creating multi-dimensional characters that readers will root for, remember, and emotionally invest in from the first page to the last.”
February 28, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Bring whatever you're working on – a short scene, poem, or passage. General Writing Feedback
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March 14, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Grant Faulkner on "The Art of Brevity"
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March 28, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Opening Lines Workshop to prep for contest (CONTEST DEADLINE May1) -- John Britto
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April 11, 2026
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Faraway Places Panel: Researching Setting Abroad -- Ann Reh, Pamela Pan, & June G (Absent)
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April 25, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: General Critique Feedback with Pam VA -- bring 1-2 page excerpt/short piece, double-spaced
May 9, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom Meeting with speaker Jackie Alcade Marr -- Coaching Your Characters
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May 23, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Critique Group Protocols & General Critique Feedback - bring 1-2 page excerpt/short piece, double-spaced
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June 13, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Embracing Your Inner Pantser—Writing Prompts with Poet Nancy Schoellkopf​
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June 27, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Flashbacks with John
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July 11, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Do's and Don'ts of Tropes - Deborah Grochau
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July 25, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Trope assignment with Deborah
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August 8, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: James L’Etoile:
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BOOKSTORE RELATIONSHIPS Building Author-Bookstore Relationships Every author wants to see their book displayed in a bookstore, or dreams about holding a real live author event. With so many books competing for space and attention in bookstores, the path to those goals is not easy. Author James L'Etoile will share lessons learned - what works and what to avoid - for authors hoping to build bookstore relationships. He will also share tips for successful book launch events.​
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August 22, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Writing Towards the Truth & Vulnerable Writing with Angie
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September 12, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Anne Da Vigo
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“Creating Fiction from Real Events” Anne Da Vigo is the author of Night Flight, inspired by the real-life 1955 airplane bombing out of Denver airport. It was released early this year. Her other thrillers include Bakersfield Boys Club and Thread of Gold, also based on actual events. She is a former journalist who covered police and the courts for newspapers throughout California, including the trial in the first of the infamous Lords of Bakersfield murders.​
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September 26, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat:
October 10, 2026
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2nd Saturday Zoom: Creating Engaging Settings with Tomas Moniz
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October 24, 2026
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4th Saturday Craft Chat: Save the Cat with Todd
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November ..... 2026
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Celebration Event in person TBA
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More 2026 Events will be updated soon.
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2nd Saturday: Monthly Membership Meeting & Presentation
On the second Saturday of every month, members are invited to gather on Zoom from Noon to 2pm. We start with announcements and introductions and a designated speaker will present on a topic related to writing craft, publication, marketing, etc. Check out the schedule in Upcoming Events below.
4th Saturday: Craft Chat
On the fourth Saturday of every month, members are invited to gather at the Lodi Library from Noon to 2pm. We focus on a narrow topic related to the craft of writing and share ideas, examples, and related thoughts. It's fun and interactive--and a great way to mingle with other writers! Check out the schedule in Upcoming Events below.
