Join HeRA for a special program presented by the Blue Springs SWAT Team.
Candice Green has been contracted to write the lore for Mufu Games' newest fantasy board game.
Published Author Alicia Dean releases her newest romantic suspense, Death Offerings.
Published Author Denise Grover Swank will present a program on Self-Publishing at Mid-America Romance Authors.
Published Author Denise Grover Swank announced she signed with literary agent, Amanda Luedeke.
Events, Workshops, and Happenings
Programs | HeRA Events | Bootcamp Classes | Retreat
2012 Program and Workshop Schedule
| JANUARY | ||
| Mastering the Critique | ||
| In this two-part setting, HeRA has connected with Longview Community College Professor, Erik Sullivan to learn critique structure, approaches to critique, beneficial ways of influencing writing partners, and detrimental approaches that can kill inspiration. Member work will be critiqued and the group will learn approaches for small group application. | ||
| FEBRUARY | ||
| What Is Conflict? | ||
| Conflict is detrimental for writing, no matter the genre. It furthers the story action, grounds our characters and gives readers a chance to identify with the actions our characters take. National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire will present why conflict is necessary and how to enhance this element, while keeping it realistic for the smart fiction reader. A short workshop after the presentation will differentiate between internal conflict and external conflict and participants will be allowed a hands-on opportunity to craft their own. | ||
| MARCH | ||
| Writing A Fight Scene | ||
Join HeRA's VP, Derek as he discusses the specifics of hand-to-hand combat, and the Warrior's Mind. Learn how to make a fictional fight scene more realistic, and discover where Hollywood has taken liberties that cannot happen. Questions and answers will be fielded liberally, and during the discussion there will be a live demonstration. Authentic Japanese weapons will be on hand for discussion and analysis as well. |
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| APRIL | ||
| S.W.A.T. Team Special | ||
Join HeRA and the Blue Springs S.W.A.T. Team for a special presentation on the tactical approaches, mental approaches and a presentation on the equipment involved. Thinking killers? Thinking retired sniper? Thinking Law Enforcement? All of these topics can apply to the presentation, and the officers will field your questions as they are able.
This Meeting is Off-Site. Please Contact Us for more Information. |
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| MAY | ||
| The Psychotic Mind | ||
Join HeRA's special guest, Sarah Lundsford, as she gives us a look at the psychosis of violent criminals. As a former prison guard, Sarah has encountered the truly chilling minds, not the least of which are crafty serial killers. This program is a great companion to our September workshop on criminal minds, which focuses more on everyday street incidents and the influencing background lifestyles / socio-economic factors. |
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| JUNE | ||
| TBA | ||
| JULY | ||
| e-Books and Pitching | ||
Denise will begin our afternoon with a presentation on e-Books; where they are in today's market, how they influence the consumer, and whether this is an avenue that's detrimental to an author, or whether it's still a slow player. In the second half of our program, J. F. Ridgley will help us prepare for RWA Nationals with a workshop on pitching and how to craft a professional, yet catchy pitch. |
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| AUGUST | ||
| Real Fire-Fighting | ||
HeRA has teamed up with a local fire department and we've managed to convince these guys to leave the firestation and come tell us what it's really like to be a dedicated first responder. We'll talk about the job, the personal effects of the job, and address writing-specific questions so we can better portray these men and women who are in high fictional demand. |
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| SEPTEMBER | ||
| HeRA Member Retreat | ||
This member-only retreat is an entire weekend of immersion in craft. This year we'll be solving a murder mystery, learning how criminal minds work, and taking an up close and personal look at what exactly it means to have a paranormal gift. Not to mention our craft workshops will help our members learn more about Point of View applications, showing emotions in different ways, and answering the age-old question of Should I plot?
For complete information, including the presenters and special guests we have attending, please see our Annual Retreat Information. |
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| OCTOBER | ||
| A Page Out of History | ||
Join HeRA's authors, Dyann Love Barr and J.F. Ridgley as they discuss the reality of historical times. With J.F.'s ancient civilization and Roman background, and Dyann's detail-oriented truths (do you know when the zipper was invented?) we'll learn about clothing, social customs, and even a bit about weaponry. Thinking of writing a historical romance? This is one program not to be missed! |
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| NOVEMBER | ||
| Elements of Fiction | ||
A panel of HeRA experts will address the elements that work in fiction, particularly romance. From the boy meets girl set up to the black moment, there are elements in all fiction writing that are detrimental to success. Not only are they almost required, they are expectations a reader looks forward to. We'll learn what these are and ways to employ them while still maintaining a fresh and unique approach. |
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| DECEMBER | ||
| Member Christmas Party | ||
At the end of each year, HeRA celebrates its members' accomplishments with a casual holiday party and white-elephant gift exchange. Service awards are given to those members who have gone above and beyond for the chapter, awards are given to members who have accomplished goals. And we select our annual charity that we wish to make a literacy donation to. But at the heart of the event, we eat, we laugh, we cheer each other on and get ready to welcome in a new year.
Location - TBA |
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| September, 2012 -- Show Me the Spark Contest | |
During the month of September, HeRA members will be judging our contest entries. We hope you've taken the time to enter and look forward to reading your work! Finalists will be announced on October 1, 2012. |
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Benefits of Membership
Critique Constructive Critique is one of the most valuable assets an author can have and HeRA facilitates these efforts.
Writer's Bootcamp As a member of HeRA all our Writer's Bootcamp classes are free of charge.
Annual Retreat Our Annual Fall Retreat allows members time to concentrate on writing, be that in workshop settings or simply time away to write.
Workshops Members enhance their Bootcamp Basics and further their craft with our monthly programs, guest speakers, and workshops.