Meetings and Events
Networking beforehand from 12:00 – 1:00 MT
1:00 – Program MT
2:10: Business Meeting MT
Non-members are invited to attend two business meetings per year for free.
(Speaker events are a non-refundable $10 for non-members)
All events are also posted on the chapter’s Facebook page.
Meetings are on Saturdays: 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, No June meeting,
7/8, 8/5, 9/9, 10/7, 11/4, No December meeting
2023 Programs
October 7: Nanowrimo Tips and Strategies – How to Write 50K in 30 days with Melanie Olsen IN-PERSON ONLY at 1 PM MT @ Smoky Mountain Pizza, 415 E Parkcenter Blvd.
Melanie has participated in Nanowrimo seven times since 2009. She’ll share what has and hasn’t worked for her for each of the years she’s participated along with her strategies for writing 50k words in the month of November.
Melanie Olsen writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance. She enjoys writing imaginative characters with complicated backgrounds. She cherishes books with plot twists, humor, and happily ever after’s.
Born and raised in California, Melanie has also lived in Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, Idaho, and England. She served as a military spouse alongside her active-duty husband in the US Air Force for twenty-one years. She holds bachelor degrees in English, and Geology after discovering her love of rocks during a camping trip to a gold mine as a child.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult children, and one adorable golden retriever at their home in Boise, Idaho. She also enjoys gardening, gluten-free baking, and random home improvement projects.
Non-CBC members are welcome to attend IN-PERSON ONLY @ Smoky Mountain Pizza, 415 E Parkcenter Blvd. for the non-refundable fee of $10.
September 9: How to Choose Ideas that Best Resonate with Readers with Charlie N. Holmberg VIA ZOOM 1pm MT.
Are you stumped with what to work on next? Ever wondered how a favorite author came up with such an amazing premise? There’s a lot of frustration with the question, “Where do good ideas come from?” because nothing and everything is the answer. In this class, we’ll talk about where and how to mine great story ideas using a variety of strategies, and how to choose those that best resonate with readers.
Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, and writes contemporary romance under C.N. Holmberg. She is published in over 20 languages, has been a finalist for a RITA award and multiple Whitney awards, and won the 2020 Whitney for Novel of the Year for Adult Fiction. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, and owns too many pairs of glasses. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
Non-CBC members are welcome to attend VIA ZOOM ONLY for the non-refundable fee of $10.
August 5: Lessons learned from starting a new penname from scratch with Cate Lawley/Kate Baray IN-PERSON ONLY at 1pm MT. @ Smoky Mountain Pizza, 415 E Parkcenter Blvd
Cate Lawley writes humorous, action-filled mysteries that frequently contain a paranormal twist. And when she’s writing as Kate Baray, she writes page-turning urban fantasy with relatable characters.
When she’s not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she’s sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She’s worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She’s thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Non-CBC members are welcome to attend IN-PERSON ONLY for the non-refundable fee of $10.
July 8: Mini Writing Retreat IN-PERSON @ Main Boise Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd, in the Marion Bingham room 10am – 2pm
Come get some writing done with the group!
ZOOM will be available if anyone is interested in joining remotely.
Only beverages in closed containers and small, packaged snacks are allowed in the library so plan on taking a break for lunch.
June 8-11: Members Only Summer Retreat
May 6: Powerhouse Tactics and Strategies for a Successful Author Newsletter with Andrea Pearson VIA ZOOM 1pm MT.
From learning how to write killer subject lines to selling books in a way that feels natural, Andrea Pearson takes authors on a journey of self-improvement with methods that are guaranteed—based on studies—to get results.
In this presentation, Andrea will discuss the top reasons why subscribers report emails as spam, why being humorous in your subject line might put off recipients, and how to structure your emails so readers feel confident in the writer they’re supporting. You’ll learn multiple selling methods that harmonize perfectly with being an author, plus, Andrea will teach dozens of ideas for evergreen emails when you aren’t currently focused on a book launch or promotion.
Andrea Pearson, host of the popular Self-Publish Strong podcast, has published over two million words under three pen names, including 35+ novels, several non-fiction books, multiple novellas and short stories, and over a hundred articles for professional blogs and websites. She is an instructor for WMG’s Business Master Class for Authors, and she has been interviewed on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Marketing Podcast, the Rocking Self-Publishing podcast, and the Author Hangout.
Non-CBC members are welcome to attend VIA ZOOM ONLY for the non-refundable fee of $10.
April 1: Resurrecting sales with Amazon Attribution links + Facebook ads with Megan Bryce – IN PERSON ONLY 1pm Smoky Mountain Pizza, 415 E Parkcenter Blvd.
Learn how Megan used Amazon Attribution links plus Facebook ads to go from the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year to her best month ever in over a decade of self-publishing. Includes insights into Facebook ads for 2023 and a simplified plan to improve sales for those who don’t geek out on data.
A drawing for a marketing consultation with Megan will be held during the presentation. Tickets may be purchased for $1 (CASH ONLY) and all proceeds go to CBC-RWA.
Megan Bryce is a member of CBC-RWA and has published 11 romance novels, 6 German translations, and 8 audiobooks since 2012. She was a full-time indie author right up until last year (see above for her thoughts regarding last year) and loves spreadsheets, complaining about writing, and kdramas…not necessarily in that order.
Local non-CBC members are welcome to attend in person only for the non-refundable fee of $10.
RESCHEDULED: How to Choose Ideas that Best Resonate with Readers with Charlie N. Holmberg VIA ZOOM 1pm MT.
Are you stumped with what to work on next? Ever wondered how a favorite author came up with such an amazing premise? There’s a lot of frustration with the question, “Where do good ideas come from?” because nothing and everything is the answer. In this class, we’ll talk about where and how to mine great story ideas using a variety of strategies, and how to choose those that best resonate with readers.
Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, and writes contemporary romance under C.N. Holmberg. She is published in over 20 languages, has been a finalist for a RITA award and multiple Whitney awards, and won the 2020 Whitney for Novel of the Year for Adult Fiction. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, and owns too many pairs of glasses. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
February 4: Conflict For Everyone In Your Book with Laurie Schnebly Campbell VIA ZOOM 1pm MT.
Tools for determining naturally lovable (and intriguingly flawed) personality types include Adlerian birth order, Jungian thought/feeling scales, the Dewey priorities, and other theories of temperament. Learn which ones will offer the best opportunities for conflict between your realistic characters…whose “inborn” personalities will both oppose and attract.
Laurie Schnebly Campbell loves giving workshops that draw on her background as an advertising copywriter, a counseling therapist, and a romance novelist who beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year.” Her favorite book are those created in the classes she teaches for WriterUniv.com, with 51 first sales so far.
Someone at this presentation will win free registration to an online class by Laurie.
January 7: Goal Setting for Authors with Tracie Lee. In-person only at Smoky Mountain Pizzeria and Grill
415 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706. Chapter president Tracie Lee will lead a short program where we’ll use the Goal, Motivation, and Conflict (GMC) framework to set 2023 author goal(s). **No Zoom Available**
2022
December 3: Mark your calendars for our IN-PERSON annual members-only Christmas Party & Gift Exchange at 100pm MT at Smoky Mountain Pizza 415 E. Parkcenter Boulevard 83706
November 5: Researching Your Contemporary or Historical Novel—Panel: Panel by Joanne Pence and Louise Berlin w/a A.B. Michaels 100pm MT at Smoky Mountain Pizza 415 E. Parkcenter Boulevard 83706
Join us in person** for this panel on researching your contemporary or historical novel. Authors Joanne Pence and A.B. Michaels will share their tips on finding the information you need, weaving realistic details into your narrative, and knowing when to stop researching.
**Zoom option if host wifi is working: (members ONLY).
Joanne Pence is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling author of two mystery series as well as a supernatural suspense series, and romances. Her books have won or been nominated for a number of high honors, including the Willa Cather Literary Award for Historical Fiction; North American Book Award for Mystery; Daphne du Maurier Award, and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and Best Amateur Sleuth Award. She has been president of the local Sisters in Crime chapter, and is a founding member of the Idaho Writers Guild.
Louise Berlin, 
who writes under the pen name A.B. Michaels, is the author of nine novels. Six of them comprise the historical fiction series “The Golden City,” which takes place in and around San Francisco during the Gilded Age. Her contemporary series, ”Sinners’ Grove Suspense,” follows descendants of characters found in the historical novels. A native of California, Louise holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history (UC Davis and UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University). After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she turned to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in Boise, Idaho and is hard at work on her first historical mystery, using characters introduced in her historical fiction series.
October 1: Don’t be a Hermit: Working with Retailers, Libraries and Other Authors by Skye MacKinnon 1:00pm MT via Zoom
Being an author isn’t all about sitting at a desk by yourself. Sometimes, it can pay off to reach out to others and work together. Bestselling author Skye MacKinnon will talk about improving sales and visibility through engaging with retailers and libraries, as well as how best to work with fellow authors to bundle our energy and audiences to reach as many readers as possible.
Skye MacKinnon is a USA Today bestselling romance author from the West coast of Scotland with over 100 books published. Having lived in several different countries, she now embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she’s writing about Celtic gods, aliens in kilts or the streets of Edinburgh.
She also writes fiction for children and young adults as Isla Wynter, and non-fiction for authors as Skye B. MacKinnon (starting with a book about German translations). Her books have been translated into five languages and she prides herself on having an international publishing strategy.
Skye moved her books wide in 2018 (the same year she became a full-time author) and hasn’t looked back since. She’s passionate about making her books available in as many places as possible, as well as making the most of her backlist and increasing its value through audiobooks, translations, fiction apps and so on.
Other specialist subjects include cowriting, organizing multi-author projects, optimizing metadata, newsletter strategy, branding and cover design.
Website: skyemackinnon.com
Website for authors: perytonpress.com
Facebook: facebook.com/skyemackinnonauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/skye_mackinnon
Instagram: Instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor
September 10: Virtual Book Club 1:00pm MT via Zoom
Members, bring one fiction and one non-fiction book to recommend to the group. Fiction may be romance or another genre. Non-fiction may be craft or something of general interest to our members.
August 6: How to Structure and Analyze a Great Scene with Abigail K. Perry 1:00pm MT via Zoom
Abigail will also pull examples from love stories (films and/or novels) to demonstrate how these structural elements work, and will encourage viewers to participate in the presentation.
Abigail K. Perry is the host of the podcast Lit Match and a book coach and certified developmental editor who specializes in Upmarket/Commercial fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, MG/YA fiction, and YA fantasy. Abigail holds a B.S. in TV, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University and a Master in Secondary Education from Endicott College. Abigail worked as an editorial intern and the Agency Relations Assistant for P.S. Literary Agency, is fluent in book and movie quotes, and loves a long walk with good company, which includes audiobooks and two and four-legged loved ones and buddies.
Learn more about Abigail on her website https://www.abbyjperry.com/ if you need help researching literary agents or want to learn more about the writing craft.
Speaker events are free for CBC Members.
July 9: One-day writing retreat. 10 am -3 pm In-person at Group One Sotheby’s International Realty
913 W River St, Ste 300, Boise.
Bring your notepads, laptops, and creative mojo to this one-day writing retreat. Pack a lunch and, if desired, bring snacks or treats to share. The facility has a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, hot/cold water cooler, and Keurig coffee maker.
June 9-12: Members only Summer Retreat. Contact Tracie Lee or a member of the board for more information or to get on the waitlist.
May 7: Getting the Most Out of Solo or Group Writing Retreats with Kyrsten Bell 1:00pm In-Person OR Zoom (see Link at top of page)
In-Person Location: 913 W. River St. Suite 300 Group One Sotheby’s International Realty – Boise Office
Retreat — verb, to withdraw or retire, especially for seclusion. Are you planning to attend a writing retreat this year? Whether your answer is yes or no, this presentation will help you prepare for everything from a group retreat to a just-for-you mini-retreat. You’ll get tips for goal setting, what to bring, how to get in the right mind-space, and post-retreat recovery.
Kyrsten Bell is a fundraiser trained in event management by day. By night, she’s a yet-unpublished romantic mystery author with five novels in various stages of completion. When it comes to retreats, she has attended, organized, and mentored several. Most were memorable in a good way, and then there was this one in Garden Valley — well, every plot needs a big-black-moment.
April 2: Strength-Based Writing with Becca Syme 1:00pm VIA ZOOM
Surely, you’ve heard someone say, “this is how I found success with my writing” (or even, “you should do X to be successful as a writer”) and it may have made you want to try that tactic or that strategy. But will it work for you? Anyone can say, “this worked for me” and they may say, “it might not work for you” but they can’t tell you why. Becca can tell you why. Come to this presentation about using your Strengths in writing, and how you can become a better decision-maker in your writing career.
Becca Syme is Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with a Master’s Degree in Transformational Leadership and a decade and a half of coaching. She’s coached more than 5000 individual writers in how to become the version of themselves that will find success in their writing career. Becca writes fiction and nonfiction and lives in the mountains of Montana where it is always winter and never Christmas.