Written by Celeste Wheeler —
OAKHURST — Five local published authors who write on a variety of subjects from children’s books to romance, mystery and the paranormal will share the “secret sauce” to becoming a successful published author at an Oakhurst Branch Library Workshop scheduled from 10:30 to noon on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Vicki Thomas
Authors Linda Kane, Krista Lynn, Sandra McCart aka Sandra Masters, Cora J. Ramos and Vicki Thomas will share their personal stories and the methods they’ve used to become successful published writers.
Vicki Thomas, a self-employed artist who also writes fantasy novels for young adults, will discuss the “Journey to Getting Published.”
“My topic deals with my journey as it relates to most writers’ challenges to get a book published,” she says. Thomas, who lives in Mariposa, also designed the cover for her debut novel entitled “The Long Dark Cloak,” about a young teen searching for his older brother in an ancient forest.
Cora Ramos
Cora Ramos, who writes award-winning short stories of mystery and suspense, will talk about “The Elements of a Best Seller.” She is also an artist who helps design her own book covers.
“I will talk about some of the neuroscience methods that reveal what goes into creating a best seller,” says Ramos, a retired teacher who lives in Fresno. She is also president of San Joaquin Sisters in Crime.
Linda Kane is a prolific mystery writer who will address “Characters: Origins, Dimensions and Contrasts.”
She believes it is important that your characters don’t resemble someone you know.
Linda Kane
The California author was a real estate broker earlier in her life who started college when she was 30 to become a school psychologist and counselor.
“At fifty, I took up horseback riding and at 60 I began my career as an author. It’s never too late to try something new,” she adds.
Krista Lynn, from Clovis, is a full-time author who will talk about self-editing a manuscript. The title of her presentation is “Self Edit, The Power Punch.”
“I will show examples of how my writing improved by doing a few simple edits and tweaks on my own manuscripts,” she explains.
Krista Lynn
Lynn is also a graphic artist for authors and others, who, without the benefit of a traditional publisher, need to find quality graphic work for their books. Currently, she is working on three book covers for independent authors. She notes that her prices are extremely competitive for those who are self-publishing.
Sandra McCort, the author of Regency Era romance novels, said writing is not a hobby or career for her – it is an “obsession.”
“I write in order to breathe and create characters a reader will fall in love with,” she confesses.
The theme of her presentation at the library workshop is “Learn Your Craft. Work Hard. Never Give Up.” According to Masters, it took six decades to finally achieve her dream of publication.
“Five years ago, after writing since I was a teenager, I decided I wanted to get published before I left the planet. I attended classes, seminars, conferences and networked with authors and others about the craft.
“Then in 2015, I published my debut novel “Once Upon a Duke,” a spicy Regency Era book with a small press publisher, The Wild Rose Press. Since then, it’s been nothing I expected, but everything I dreamed,” she continues.
Masters and her husband, Ron, live in Coarsegold with their dog Sophie. When she’s not writing, she’s cooking “way too much” rustic Italian food for family and friends.
The “Authors Reveal Their Secrets” presentation will be held in the library’s Community Room at 49044 Civic Circle Dr., Oakhurst. The authors will be available to sign copies of their books that will also be on sale that day.
The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library (FOBL). For more information, call the library at (559) 683-4838 or visit www.oakhurstfobl.com.
