Author shares how to publish in today’s economy

Elizabeth Lyon, an author, professional editor, teacher and speaker presents a lecture entitled “Writing--and Publishing--Through Hard Times” for the Portland Willamette Writers on July 7. Her upcoming presentation’s focus is on helping writers understand the condition of the current publishing market, and arming her attendants with knowledge that will help get them published in any economic environment.

Lyon describes the information she has to share as being useful for anyone concerned about changes in the writing and publishing industry.

“Aspiring writers at all levels will benefit from replacing guesswork with facts about this industry at this time. I hope unpublished writers will also gain a more expansive view of how to build their writing careers (or avocations),” Lyon said.

In effort to aid writers, Lyon sought out the professional assistance of six literary agents to find out what industry sales actually look like. Groundwork laid, the goal of the author’s presentation is to help attendees become aware of their options.

“Besides a specific and broader understanding of how the publishing industry has responded to the recession, from acquisitions to publishing to sales, I hope participants will leave with knowledge that they are not helpless and instead have many avenues not previously considered,” Lyon said.

The Willamette Writers meeting starts at 7 pm; doors open at 6:30. Entrance fee is $10 for non-members, free to members of Willamette Writers and students. For more information, visit the Willamette Writers website at www.willamettewriters.com.

Willamette Writers host literary mixer to benefit kids

Salem Willamette Writers host their annual Salem Chapter Mixer and Books for Kids Drive on July 11th. This casual get-together is an opportunity for local writers, book lovers, and published authors to mingle while helping provide books for local children.

The event takes place at The Beanery off Liberty in Salem, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cover charge, and entrance is open to anyone. There is a suggested donation of one new or gently used children’s or young adult book, any age, any type. Last year, according to Salem Willamette Writer’s representative Marilyn Ebbs, the mixer raised 124 books for the Salem Women’s Crisis Center. They hope to top that number this year.

Ebbs describes the event as a casual get-together, and a chance to hang out and talk about writing. She expresses the three-fold purpose of the book drive.

“First, is to raise books for kids. Giving kids a chance to have a book to call their own. Second, is to have fun, meet some new local writers and authors. Third, is to raise awareness of the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers.”

For more information about the book drive or the Salem Willamette Writers, contact their website at www.willamettewriters.com