Central Valley
Fiction Writers
Central Valley
Fiction Writers
2026 Meetings
to be announced
Mark your calendars:
Click Here for
2025 Meetings
~January 17th ~
CVFW Planning for 2026
CVFW Members' Writing Goals
~February 14th ~
CVFW Planning for 2026
CVFW Members' Writing Goals
~March 14th ~
CVFW Round Table Discussion
~April 11th ~
CVFW Round Table Discussion
~May 9th~
Internet Presentation w/slides
Be Seen, Be Heard, Begin Today
Presented by J. Alex Greenwood
Writers today have more tools than ever to reach readers, but also more noise to cut through. In this updated session, author, podcaster, and communications consultant J. Alexander Greenwood shares what actually works now, and what no longer does.
Building on his popular presentation, Alex will cover the evolution from traditional blogging to a multi-channel approach centered on platforms like Substack, where writers can own their audience and build direct relationships with readers. He'll also address the growing role of AI in the writing process where it helps, where it hurts and how to use it without losing your voice.
The session also explores podcasting as a powerful way to expand your reach and connect with audiences, along with a candid look at advertising and whether it’s worth your time and money. This is a practical, no-nonsense look at how writers can build visibility, grow an audience, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Presenter Bio
J. Alexander Greenwood is an author, podcaster, and communications leader specializing in audience growth and modern media strategy. He writes All the Fits That’s News on Substack and hosts award-winning podcasts including Going to Killing City, Mysterious Goings On, and Central Speaks, the official podcast of the University of Central Missouri (UCM). Author of the John Pilate Mystery Series, he brings decades of experience in storytelling, PR, and content strategy, with a focus on helping writers thrive in an AI-driven, multi-channel world.The session also explores podcasting as a powerful way to expand your reach and connect with audiences, along with a candid look at advertising and whether it’s worth your time and money. This is a practical, no-nonsense look at how writers can build visibility, grow an audience, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Contact:
1. https://jalexandergreenwood.com/
2. https://alex715.substack.com/
~June 13th~
Presentation
Writing for the Children's Market
Presented by Rebecca Langton-George
Find out the different age categories of children's writing as well as te typical word count, best-selling genres and hallmarks of each category.
Presenter Bio
Rebecca is the author of 19 books for children. A retired teacher and board memeber of the California reading Association, she is the regional advisor for the Central-Coastal Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, helping others learn the craft. She writers and mostly rewrites, on a treadmill desk at on mile per hour
You can find Rebecca at:
instagram.com/rebecca langston george/
facebook.com/rebeccalangstongeorge
Meetings are the second Saturday every month
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pacific time
Guests are welcome
to attend.
Please register using
the form on our Registration page.
In-Person
Marie Callender's
1781 E Shaw Ave
Fresno
SW corner of
Shaw & Cedar
(see map below)
via Zoom
Link will be emailed
Marie Callender's Restaurant
1781 E Shaw Ave, Fresno
Presenter Bio
Top 40 Amazon bestselling author Michele Mills has an unhealthy obsession with all things Science Fiction Romance. She is known for her #1 bestselling series, Monsters Love Curvy Girls and the spin off, Monster Bites. To her husband’s horror, Michele left a behind a twenty-year teaching career to write steamy romance full time and is now luckily the author of 50 books and counting. She lives in California with her husband, younger son and two very spoiled cats. Website | Amazon | Facebook
~July 11th~
Presentation
AI Tools for Writers: What's Here, What's New,
How to Use It
Presented by Michele Mills
AI is rapidly changing the publishing landscape — and authors who understand the tools available to them right now have a real advantage. In this presentation, six-figure indie author Michele Mills will walk you through the AI tools already integrated into platforms you use every day, including Amazon’s new audio and translation features and Facebook’s AI tools for advertising. She’ll also demo how authors can use AI assistants like Claude and editing tools like ProWriting Aid to streamline marketing copy, editing, outlining, and research — without replacing the creative work that makes your books yours. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or ready to dive in, this session will give you a practical, honest look at where AI stands in our industry today.