Ina The Memoir Coach
  • Home
  • Services
    • Memoir and Fiction Writers' Services
    • Performance
    • Workshops and Appearances >
      • Footprints Memoir Workshop
    • Speaker Services
    • Educators' Services
    • Virtual and Other Options to Work With Coach Ina
    • Ask the Coach!
    • NEW! Momoirs
  • Books and Tools
    • You Are Who You Eat
    • How to Write Your Memoirs
    • Books by Our Authors
    • Ina's Weird Prompts
    • How to Get Reviews
    • Stories by our Authors
    • More Tools 'n Gifts to aMUSE the Writer in You
  • Testimonials
  • About Coach Ina
  • Press Room
  • Contact Us
    • Submit a Story
  • Blog

Seminar:
Writing Memoirs that People WANT to Read!

Writing Tips and Techniques to Bring Your Story to Life
Presented by Ina Hillebrandt
NEW DATE! Saturday, March16, 2019*
10:30 am – 1:00 p.m.


Picture
  • New Years Resolution time?
  • Come to this interactive seminar to tackle that memoir your mind, or family's been bugging you to write!
  • Special tips to make the process of writing even painful memories in a compelling style all your own.
  • You'll get a chance to write a short piece and get positive, constructive feedback that will help you enrich the stories of your life.
YES YOU CAN! AND YES, PEOPLE WILL WANT TO READ YOUR STORIES EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT "FAMOUS"!
Leading this IWOSC memoir writing intensive, Ina will draw on her expertise in the key areas of bringing your own story to life on the page. Having worked with survivors of trauma, including sexual abuse and the Holocaust, Ina knows exactly how to break the fear-cycle of “triggering” memories and get them down on the page as painlessly as possible. She will share her proven tips and techniques on memory recall, story structure, and telling personal stories in the most lively, page-turning fashion, including her unique ability to help writers inject humor into their work and into the writing process itself.

Reservations and information including address. Reg opens Feb. 1: https://iwosc.org/writing-memoirs-that-people-want-to-read/. 

*NOTE: Please also accept Ina's apologies for the re-scheduling need. A very mean bug bit her, but she is back in form and looking forward to seeing you in March.If you registered and pre-paid for the original date in January, please know you will be given a credit for the upcoming rescheduled event. You will be receiving an email from IWOSC to let you know details. And if you have not yet signed up, there are a few seats remaining. Just use the link above. Hope to see you soon!!!


Picture
Rose Colombo interviews Ina Hillebrandt on writing. Colombo Chronicles Live! CALL IN WITH YOUR WRITING QUESTIONS! (646) 564-9742 October 18th - 8-9pm PST. Or tune in online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/colombochronicles

Jump-Start Your Book Round 2 with Ina and fun and provocative radio host Rose Colombo Wed. Nov. 1, 8-9 pm PDT! 

Call   646-564-9742 to listen in to Ina's answers to questions on organizing and making your writing richer! Or tune in  and join the discussion online at Colombo Chronicles Live!

Ina will be tackling questions people have been asking on how to jump start your project. And how to keep on writing! Here are some topics she'll hit.

  • What can you do about writers' block?
  • What if you have 3 or more ideas you want to work on? How can you decide which one to choose? Do you have to pick one?
  • What does "glue" mean?
  • Once you get started writing a book, how can you keep on going?
  • If you get stuck along the way, what do you do?
  • What can you tell listeners about writing dialog?
  • How can you figure out when there is too much detail? Not enough?
  • Can you talk a little about character development?
  • Should you think about writing a book for specific audiences before you start writing?
  • Can you give listeners some ideas for structuring their book?

Picture

Publishing Magic Secrets Revealed:

Winning Tools  &  Techniques to Make Publishing Your Book  a  Profitable Adventure!

A PA-LA.org Special Event
DATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017
TIME: 6:30 -9:00p.m.
LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, 90230. Corner of Overland & Culver. COST: FREE!

Don’t miss this opportunity! Get your specific book publishing questions answered by top industry experts! Cover or interior book design questions? Bring 'em! Marketing questions? Bring 'em! You'll get one-on-one input from experts.

You’ll also get the inside information on what’s hot in the publishing industry from our keynote speaker, Angela Bole, CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association, who will give you the scoop on “What’s New in Publishing” to help you navigate our industry’s constantly changing landscape.

RSVP requested
For more info on what we'll be covering, our guest experts, or to reserve your spot::

PA-LA.ORG

Reviews, excerpts, or buy the book on Amazon.
"Wise, warm, witty whimsy no animal lover would wish to miss."
Gerald Fried, award winning film/TV, opera composer, and writer

Read about the squirrel picnic on Ina's lap, and more....

 Ina Will Be In Studio with DASH Radio's Houndsquad     to talk about Pawprints

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. The program has kids saying, "I think I'll stop kicking the cat." And grown ups saying, "The stories are soothing, uplifting," "A bulwark against specie-ism."

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


Picture

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

 

Writing Coach Ina Hillebrandt with writer-attendees Chery, Wendy and Miranda at Inas' IWOSC seminar
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!

WHAT WILL WE COVER?

For those of you who attended June 17, and/or Aug. 15, we'll be picking up on your goals and checking on progress since our meeting. (Size limited to allow reading and feedback.) For all attendees, we'll tackle:


  • Organization and structure as it's emerging in your chosen project
  • Dialog -- we'll be listening to your dialog aloud, giving feedback on keeping characters' voices authentic and unique
  • We'll conduct character interviews
  • Review story arcs
  • Provide more glue and other process notes

NOTE 1: FOR ALL COMING "GLUE" ATTENDEES
Ina will provide keys to keeping your writing fresh, and making it fun to write! Ina's a big believer in "Yes and..." Focus will be on positive responses, with all efforts at keeping comments/responses/questions directed at how writers can build on what they've done, and strengthen the work.

NOTE 2: If
you have not got one specific book sorted out of what could be several you've been thinking about, check my new blog post for keys to choosing that ONE that will start you on the road to focus!
DATES, TIMES, PLACE
This will be a 6 month seminar. We will meet mornings once a month, on the last Saturday.
The first workshop meets Sat. July 29. Following months will continue on the last Saturday. In December, we will not meet due to holidays. Our final session will be Jan. 27, 2018.
Time:   10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Place:  Westside L.A. Exact location TBA by email prior to 7/29.

FEes
Fees for the 10 weekly Writing Workshop series:

IWOSC Members $350
Non-IWOSC participants $390
Single session: $79. IWOSC Members price $69.
I recommend the series to really keep "on the stick." Also this gives you a free session! Early bird discount prices. Reserve your spot by August 20! Series Prices go up $50 after this date. Individual workshops will be $10 higher after Aug. 15.

"I so enjoyed meeting you and attending the Jump Start workshop on June 17. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance."
Cheryl Hunter
Peer to Peer Program Coordinator for Operation SafeHouse


"I got a lot out of your seminar, Ina. You nailed a few of my blocks and really said what I needed to hear."
Vickey Kalambakal


"Excellent seminar. I especially liked your warm and competent manner; your experience-based knowledge of the topic; giving time for individual intros and targeted feedback; and always staying on topic. We came away motivated."
Flo Selfman, PR Consultant, Proofreader-copyeditor  (Wordsalamode.com)
Past President IWOSC
Way to go, Cheryl Hunter! 38 pages on the new book as of two weeks after  the June 17 seminar! How about you??
Glue Your Derriere to the Chair Writing Workshop
Space is limited to allow everyone time to read and get feedback.
Reserve your spot by Aug. 15.


Picture
Ina's proud that workshop attendees write such comments as, "Thanks, Ina. I am thrilled to have been at your seminar. I really got a lot from what was said, and am ready to go full steam ahead." Joe Wallenstein, Author

Tune in to get tips from Ina on Jiggy Jaguar (James Lowe) show recorded live June 20

TOPIC: JUMP START YOUR BOOK WRITING PROJECT THIS SUMMER!

Much fun with lively radio host Jiggy Jaguar! We talked about the Jump Start Your Book program on air. So if you missed the workshop, and live anywhere other than La La Land, tune in and listen to the show online anytime.

We tackled:
  • Blocks to starting your book
  • Do you have more than one? Should you focus on one? Which?
  • How do you develop characters?
  • Keys to keeping your writing fresh, and making it fun to write!
  • What is "glue?"
And more.

LISTEN LIVE OR TO THE ARCHIVED VERSION: http://kjagradio.com/themic/

Ina Hillebrandt, speaking on ways to jump start your book writing project for IWOSC, 6/17/17. Los Angeles.
Wendy Kay Dinkel "I was so inspired and already the brain is buzzing! Thank you for the encouragement!"

 JUMP START YOUR BOOK WRITING PROJECT THIS SUMMER!  IWOSC SEMINAR, CULVER CITY, CA

Saturday, June 17, 2017
10:30 am to 1:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA
Limited seating. Reservations required. Deadline: Friday June 16.

Have you been thinking about writing a book? Wondering where to start? Or, have you started, but feel unclear about how to organize your writing? Looking for ideas to make your book a better read? Now's the time to get feedback and ideas for moving ahead!

In this workshop, we'll be using specially designed techniques that help enliven and enrich books of different genres – whether fiction or non-fiction -- and tools to sharpen your writing and organization skills. Including Ina's Weird Prompts™. 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. More info on topics we'll cover, or to reserve your seat now: http://IWOSC.org

Did you miss this one? Tune in to Ina's radio interview Tuesday, June 20, with Jiggy Jaguar.

Picture

Brainstorming at IWOSC

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….


Picture
LA Times Festival of Books - Say hi to Ina at the BPSC Booth #933
Get more info about speakers, books, activities at this Nationally Known Annual Literary Delight!

Find Ina at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

Check out the Book Publicists of Southern California
BOOTH 933

IWOSC - Independent Writers of Southern California
BOOTH 131

Ina, will be signing her books,
You Are Who You Eat, Pawprints, and How to Write Your Memoirs! She'll be delighted to (m)eat you!

Place: USC. Map/Directions


Picture

Find Ina at  The Rewrite Desk for IWOSC

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…

Picture

How to Inject Humor into Your Life, and Your 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.


Picture

Ina Guest on TV with Lorrie Hull Smithers
Talking about Memoir Writing and "You Are Who You Eat"

Ina was delighted to appear with Prominent Acting Teacher and TV Talk Show host Lorrie Hull Smithers in November, 2016. The show was live during the month of December, and is available online now at http://tvsb.tv/our-view-with-lorrie-hull-smithers-ina-silvert-hillebrandt/

Irwin Zucker, Founder of Book Publicists of Southern California, presents Ina Hillebrandt with the coveted IRWIN AWARD, for Most Provocative Book of the Year

Book Publicists of Southern California Bestow IRWIN Award upon Author Ina Silvert Hillebrandt 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
Sportsmen's Lodge, in Sherman Oaks, CA

The coveted IRWIN was awarded to Ina Silvert Hillebrandt for "Most Provocative Book of the Year" at the annual IRWIN Awards at the Thursday night. "This is a wild book!" BPSC founder Irwin Zucker said in his introduction. "You've heard the saying 'You are what you eat'? Well, She came up with a book called 'You Are Who You Eat.' It contains a 'revolutionary new cannibal diet.' And the book is loaded with laughter, and humor like crazy!  On every page!


Ina Hillebrandt author of 'You Are Who You Eat' represents team at Cartoon Library & Museum Exhibit Honoring Illustrator Dedini

Author Ina Hillebrandt represents You Are Who You Eat         Team at Illustrator Dedini Exhibit, OSU

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016,  4:-9:00 pm
Sullivant Hall, 1813 N. High St., at Ohio State University

Author Ina Silvert Hillebrandt Represents the "You Are Who You Eat" Team at the Opening Ceremonies of Dedini Exhibit at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & MuseumA special exhibit honoring the man and his art is being held at the Billy Ireland February 13 through May 22, 2016. Author Ina Silvert Hillebrandt was very pleased to attend the opening ceremonies, February 23. Peter Tonguette, of the Columbus Dispatch, had this to say about the exhibit, and Dedini as a man and artist. The free exhibits "Dedini: The Art of Humor" and "Wordless: The Collection of David A. Berona" continue through May 22 at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Do check it out and go if you can!


Picture

Picture

Find Ina at the LA Times Festival of Books

Women's National Book Association - LA
Booth 178, noon-2 pm on Sunday April 10, 2016


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!

Book Publicists of Southern California, Booth 913
Another group of fine writers and the people who help them get out to the world!

You Are Who You Eat will be there for your viewing, and dining info pleasure!

Place: USC. Map/Directions



Ina Hillebrandt appearing on Memoir Writing Panel for Independent Writers of Southern California


Writing Captivating Memoirs —Tips and Tools
Monday, September 28, 2015
7:30 to 9:15 p.m. (networking follows the program)

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
Picture
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.

Picture

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

ABOUT OUR 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.

Hollander has over 20 years of experience as a small business owner and is the only person to be featured in both Entrepreneur and Female Entrepreneur magazine in the same month. She has also been on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX Television, Bloomberg Radio and Remarkable Women.

Before she developed her sponsorship programs, Hollander started out worse than broke. She was buried in debt and couldn’t find a way out of the poverty trap and abusive relationships. But that’s not what really bothered her. It was that she was short and had frizzy hair to boot.

Despite that shortcoming, she and her best friend, Sheryl Felice, used their girl-power to the max. They launched a packaging business which sells custom-printed shopping bags to leading-edge companies.

Hollander devised a sales and marketing plan which made the fledgling business profitable in a very short amount of time. As revenues for the company increased every year, she met entrepreneurs, understood what motivates them and how she could increase their success. By the way, she is still short with frizzy hair. As she puts it, "Hey, some things you just can’t change."

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.

Tips and Tools to help you start, and keep on writing your life stories!Picture
"Got a Story to Tell?"
July 19, 2014, Southern California Writers Association   http://www.ocwriter.com/


Have you been thinking you'd like to write your Life Stories? Have you started 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.

About Ina ...
A recovering Fortune 500 Consultant, Ina Hillebrandt turned to writing a decade ago. Ina moved to California with her daughter in the mid-eighties. She has written and edited articles for the New York Times and LA Times and a range of radio, TV and video programs. Ina turned her focus to specializing in helping people create vivid, compelling memoirs and morphing them into performance on stage, screen, TV and Internet.


Time
Registration & Networking: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting: 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Program: 12:30 p.m.

Meeting Location
Claim Jumper Restaurant
Banquet Room entrance, rear of building
18050 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA
Restaurant telephone: (714) 963-6711
For information on membership and reservations: http://ocwriter.com/meetings.php

Meeting Fees (cash, check or credit/debit)
Reservation Type SCWA Member Student Others
RSVP by Early Bird Date (call to check for date)
     $25 $15 $35
RSVP after Early Bird Date or Walk-In
     $30 $15 $35


Memoir Writing Workshops -- New Summer Series Starting August 9!

Ina helps you work with Images to help you recall vivid memories!
Check out our new Orange County, CA Ten Week Intensive Memoir Writing Series

SATURDAY MORNINGS. Aug. 9-OCT. 25. 10:00 am-noon.
PLACE: 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 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, recent attendee, working privately with Ina on his memoir of being lost in the wilderness without food or water for seven days. He appeared, telling this story, on the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Survivor, and has appeared in other national print, television and radio programs/articles.  

"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, please contact Ina if you have questions, including 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.

FEE:        $595. Register by July 26 and save $45!

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 get a special $45 discount. 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 Saturday mornings, 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 Early for Discount!

Picture

How To Sell More Books!

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

DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City
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.. A best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert, she is an Adjunct Professor teaching Self-Publishing for NYU. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most innovative Social Media/Internet book marketing campaigns. Sansevieri is the author of twelve books, including How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload on Amazon and Red Hot Internet Publicity, which has been called the "leading guide to everything Internet." You can find out more about this dynamo at 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, a man who has been published to the tune of close to 20 books, and whose books not only reach the best seller list on Amazon.com, but who has sold hundreds of thousands of copies of his works. Wolf's talents include being a nationally recognized photographer -- he began as a photo journalist for the U.S. Armed Services -- as well as accomplished writer. You can out more about Wolf and find his books on Amazon.com. 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. By way of background: In 1992, North Star Books, a micro-publisher based in north Los Angeles County 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, founder and CEO, Pawpress, and creator http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com. 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, Hillebrandt's first book, Pawprints, soon to be published 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. Pawprints, along with Hillebrandt's memoir students' Stories From The Heart, v. 2, were both named best sellers on Amazon.com. Hillebrandt has also adapted one of her books into a screenplay for film and TV, with writing partner Todd Liebman. They are currently working on a treatment for a webisode series for this project, and have another project, based on writings in her memoir workshops, in the works for the web and film/TV. http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com. http://InasPawprints.com 


_

Take your book to the Movies! Or TV, the Internet and Interactive Apps
A Panel Discussion for PA-LA (Publishers Association - Los Angeles Chapter)


DATE: May 13, 2013
TIME: 7:00-9:00
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City


So, you've got a book, and you've always thought it would make a great film. Or perhaps a "new media" darling -- a webisode series, or a TV movie or series? This panel of experts will provide you with proven tips on moving your book into both standard and new media development and distribution channels, how new media is opening up new markets, and getting sponsors to help you finance your project. The panel will also address optioning your screenplay for film, TV, internet development. Specific issues will include:
  • What steps does an author or independent publisher need to take to get a book made into film/TV/new media?
  • Should the author/publisher be pro-active?
  • What kind of money can an author/publisher expect to make? How does this differ with film, TV, new media?
  • What are the considerations when one options a book? Is this ever preferable to outright sale? What kind of monies for the author are involved?
  • What are the genres that are hot for the move to performance media? How do these differ for film/TV/new media? 
  • What do you have to do to create an interactive book for use on iPads, etc.? What types of books lend themselves to this platform?            
  • Opportunities on YouTube - should you put something from your book up on YouTube? How does the financial consideration work?

MODERATOR

Ina Hillebandt, 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, Hillebrandt's first book, Pawprints, soon to be published 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. Pawprints, along with Hillebrandt's memoir students' Stories From The Heart, v. 2, were both named best sellers on Amazon.com. Hillebrandt has also adapted one of her books into a screenplay for film and TV, with writing partner Todd Liebman. They are currently working on a treatment for a webisode series for this project, and have another project, based on writings in her memoir workshops, in the works for the web and film/TV. http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com. http://InasPawprints.com 

SPEAKERS

Marilyn Anderson is an award-winning writer for television, film and theater. On TV, she has written for Murphy Brown, Sherman Oaks, FAME, and Friday the 13th – the Series and she was on the writing staff of Carol & Company starring Carol Burnett, Richard Kind and Jeremy Piven. The organization Women in Film awarded Marilyn with a LUMINAS Award for the positive depiction of women in Film & TV. Her movie scripts have been sold to various studios and in 2008 one of her romantic comedies aired on Lifetime TV. Three of her original screenplays won screenwriting contests: Scriptapalooza, Writer’s Digest Screenwriting Competition and the American Screenwriting Contest. Ms. Anderson is also a judge for the Nicholl’s Screenwriting Fellowship, sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that awards the Oscars. She is currently producing two feature films for which she wrote the screenplays. Marilyn wrote and produced a Web Series springing from her book, Never Kiss a Frog: A Girl's Guide to Creatures from the Dating Site. Her series airs on various web channels and is licensed to a broadband movie company. Marilyn's recent book, MUTTweiler: An AutoDOGography, became the # 1 Dog Book on Amazon Kindle in its second week of PUPlication. In addition, Marilyn has an upcoming book, How to Live Like a Millionaire... When You're a Million Short, and a new website, http://.HowToLiveLikeaMillionaire.com. You can find out more about Marilyn and her work, and contact her through her Never Kiss a Frog website at: http:// neverkissafrog.com.  


Linda Hollander, the Wealthy Bag Lady. Linda is the industry leader in teaching entrepreneurs about corporate sponsorships. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Bags to Riches: 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business. She is also the founder of the Women’s Small Business Expo and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Her sponsors include Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Dun & Bradstreet, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, American Airlines, Staples, Health Net, Smith Barney, Wal Mart, Bank of America and IBM. She has over 20 years of experience as a small business owner and she is the only person to be featured in both Entrepreneur and Female Entrepreneur magazine in the same month. She has also been on NBC, CBS, FOX Television, Bloomberg Radio and Remarkable Women. You can reach Linda through her site: http://www.wealthybaglady.com/

Patricia Payne is an Australian screenwriter and film producer. Her credits include "For the Term of His Natural Life," a six-hour miniseries starring Anthony Perkins, Colin Friels, Patrick Macnee and Samantha Eggar, based on the book by Marcus Clarke, a project Ms. Payne wrote and produced with Wilton Schiller. She is about to release the newly adapted interactive app for the iPad, and is speaking about the process to an international audience April 18. Her writing credits also include longform projects for CBS, Universal, and TORSTAR, and include "Captain America," a movie-of-the-week adaptation from the Stan Lee Marvel Comic Book which was released internationally as a theatrical film. She produced the film "California Dreaming," starring Lea Thompson, Patricia Richardson and Dave Foley, written and directed by Linda Voorhees. Her next project will be the comedy feature film, "No Kava for Johnny," based on the book by John O'Grady. Ms. Payne began her career as a casting agent. She became president of Trainco Talent Agency in Toronto, Canada, and later set up Patti Payne Casting, where she worked with an wide group of American, Canadian and British actors including Michael Douglas, Blythe Danner, John Candy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Anthony Perkins, Stefanie Powers, Leslie Neilson, Martin Sheen, and William Shatner. For a preview of "For the Term of His Natural Life" interactive story app for the iPad, release date May 2, please see: http://forthetermofhisnaturallife.com. To contact Ms. Payne: http://nohofilms.com

Marion Zola: Originally from N.Y., Marion came to the West Coast with a screenwriting deal for 20th Century Fox. Though the movie didn't get made, she stayed and wrote sitcoms and movie scripts. In 1981, she wrote her first book, All The Good Ones Are Married, which finally became a movie for Lifetime, airing in 2009. That was the culmination of seven movie deals before it was made. Marion also produced a feature entitled "Midnight Kiss;" was an associate producer of "Te Amare' in Silencio," a telenovella for Univision, and currently co-produces "Shelter Me," a show now airing on PBS about the great value of shelter dogs. Her new book, an Amazon bestseller, is Romancing the Dog, The Struggle to Make a Pound Dog Happy in Beverly Hills, chronicling the life and times of one such shelter dog. http://romancingthedog.com


Reservations are not needed for PA-LA events, but do plan to come early to be sure you get a seat!
COST: $5 for PA-LA members. $15 for non-members.


Picture
Ina at the IWOSC (Independent Writers of Southern California)
TIPS AND TOOLS TO HELP YOU WRITE A CAPTIVATING MEMOIR
An Interactive Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013  Did you miss it? Get the tape here!
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (networking follows the discussion)
  •        Have you been 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 the memoir form?

In this workshop, we will be using 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. 

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, including:
  •      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

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

Wear layered clothing; the room is usually comfortable, but the temperature can vary.

Cost: IWOSC members: $15
Non-members: $35

Reservations Required — Space is limited.
Reservation deadline: 5 p.m. the Friday before the seminar.
Tel. 310-773-8075 or email the office.

For further information about this workshop, contact Ina


Picture

KEYS TO WRITING A SUCCESSFUL MEMOIR

DATE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2013 --- DIDJA MISS IT? GET THE TAPE! VISIT IWOSC
PLACE: Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City

A memoir panel of experts to address questions about writing, structuring and marketing your life stories. Topics will include:

  • 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

SPEAKERS

Erika Schickel is the author of You're Not the Boss of Me: Adventures of a Modern Mom. Her essays can be found in several anthologies and online at LAObserved.com, Moli.com and The Huffington Post. She is a regular book critic and op-ed contributor for The Los Angeles Times and also contributes to The LA Weekly, Los Angeles City Beat and The Chicago Tribune. She teaches at the UCLA Writers Program, and is working on a reading series for the LA Review of Books. A stay-at-home writer, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters. All further damning, personal details can be obtained by purchasing and reading her book. She can be reached through her website: 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. A longtime actor, herself, she’s appeared on stage, in movies, and in countless episodes of primetime television. Her prose has been published in many journals and anthologies--The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Agni, Creative Nonfiction, The Kenyon Review Online, and Ploughshares among them—and she received special mention in the Pushcart Anthology 2010 for an essay in the Water~Stone Review. A graduate of Yale and the Neighborhood Playhouse, Dinah serves as core faculty in the Master of Professional Writing Program at USC, in the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University, and in the Bennington Writing Seminars, where she earned her MFA in creative nonfiction. You can reach her through this link: http.//dinahlenney.com


Lee Gale Gruen's memoir, Adventures with Dad: A Father and Daughter’s Journey Through a Senior Acting Class, will be published on May 15, 2013. Prior to taking this turn in her life, she had a 37 year career as a Probation Officer. After retiring, she and her 85 year old father started attending an acting class for seniors at Emeritus College in Santa Monica just for fun. Ms. Gruen wrote the scenes they performed together for 3 years in the class showcases, bonding more than at any time in their lives. She went on to become a working actress, appearing in television, short films, commercials and community theater. She regularly performs at her alma mater, UCLA, for the UCLA Medical School, portraying patients for student training, and was also one of 6 supporting exercise/dancers in a 2011 Jane Fonda exercise DVD. Her transition to becoming an actress as a senior has been written about in Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. She is currently working on her next book of memoirs, told in short story form, and continues to be an active advocate for senior community programs. You can reach her through her websites, http://leegalegruen.com, http://adventureswithdadthebook.com.


Michael S. Klein, esq. has a broad range of transactional experience in the areas of entertainment law and business transactions. 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. He has been a frequent radio and television commentator on CNN and on programs such as “Saving the American Dream.” Mr. Klein is also a frequent speaker on legal topics. He has spoken for CEB, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, the State Bar of California, UCLA Law School, USC Law School, Pepperdine University School of Law, Loyola Law School, Southwestern University Law School and other groups. Mr. Klein is also the founding counsel for IWOSC. He has helped numerous IWOSC members since IWOSC’s inception with free initial telephone conversations and reduced rates for IWOSC members. Mr. Klein attained his with B. A. from Indiana University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained his J.D. from Yale Law School, and did graduate studies in Economics at Yale University. He is a partner at the law offices of Klein & Weisz,

Moderator: Ina Hillebrandt, writer, speaker, writing coach and editor/publisher specializing in memoir. She also works with fiction, to help both new and published authors create books of their life stories -- or flights of fancy -- with flair, and fun. Ina’s experience includes 20+ years as a creative and communications consultant for Fortune 500 companies, and 10+ years writing/coaching clients from different continents. Books Ina’s written include "How to Write Your Memoirs...Fun Prompts to Make Writing...and Reading Your Life Stories a Pleasure!" The follow-up Toolbox Edition will be out by spring, 2013. Her first book, “Pawprints,” the book of close encounters of the furry kind, became an Amazon.com best seller, led to the Pawprints Literacy Plus™ program, and a curriculum guide for educators, “Pawprints-The Student Prints,”  revised and reissued Dec., 2012. Books Ina has helped others develop and publish include the “Stories From The Heart” series, the second volume dubbed a top seller by Amazon.com, “Wine, Women, Whispers,” by Alon Mintz, “Of Politics, Ladies and Bagels,” by Gene Zahn, and other books of memoir and poetry.  She can be reached via http://InaTheMemoirCoach.com

Cost: IWOSC members: Free. Non-members: $15
Reservations Required — Space is limited.
Reservation deadline: 5 p.m. the Friday before the seminar.
Tel. 310-773-8075 or email the office.
For further information about this panel, contact Ina


DID YOU MISS IT? WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHAT EVERYONE SAID? VISIT IWOSC.ORG TO GET A COPY OF THE TAPE.

Join Ina at the Self-Publishing Panel at WNBA's Annual Book Savvy Conference

Picture

DATE: Sunday, March 10
TIME: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
PLACE:  Marina del Rey Hotel 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292



* 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

The Marina del Rey Hotel provides a beautiful seaside location for this all-day workshop. Your registration fee includes an early morning pitch prep session (optional), a continental breakfast, a delicious buffet lunch, panel presentations from experts in the fields of BOOK PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY, SELF-PUBLISHING, LITERARY TRENDS (WITH AN EMPHASIS ON YA DYSTOPIAN NOVELS), and PITCHING TO LITERARY AGENTS...plus the opportunity to pitch your idea or book to a literary agent during the lunch break.

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!

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


ONGOING SENIOR SPECIAL

Check out our ongoing free memoir writing workshops for seniors (and gate crashers who are young whippersnappers in their twenties or thirties on occasion). The group always has fun. We work on memoirs, and do a lot of impromptu writing based on Ina's Weird Prompts ™ in class -- these stimulate folks to write both memoirs and fiction, which Ina feels strongly improves memoir as well as fiction writing.
WHO IS THIS SERIES FOR? People who have never written, as well as published authors new to the memoir form.

TIME/DATES: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
LOCATION: Felicia Mahood Senior Center
11338 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Scroll down for options for other times/places below.

NOTE: Private coaching services for writing, editing and publishing your memoirs are also available, in person, by phone and virtually. Contact Ina to find out more.


Website, stories, videos, photos, audios and tools © 2010 Ina Hillebrandt ꟾ Updated regularly
Revised 2021. Updated March 2022
.
Some stories copyright by individual authors. Please do not share any material as is, or altered, re-packaged in any way. Short excerpts for review purposes only permitted. For other reprint information, please contact us.
  • Home
  • Services
    • Memoir and Fiction Writers' Services
    • Performance
    • Workshops and Appearances >
      • Footprints Memoir Workshop
    • Speaker Services
    • Educators' Services
    • Virtual and Other Options to Work With Coach Ina
    • Ask the Coach!
    • NEW! Momoirs
  • Books and Tools
    • You Are Who You Eat
    • How to Write Your Memoirs
    • Books by Our Authors
    • Ina's Weird Prompts
    • How to Get Reviews
    • Stories by our Authors
    • More Tools 'n Gifts to aMUSE the Writer in You
  • Testimonials
  • About Coach Ina
  • Press Room
  • Contact Us
    • Submit a Story
  • Blog