November 2026 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11am

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

Robin Henry presenting

 

How to Prepare Effective Query Packages

Overview

This presentation provides actionable, step-by-step guidance for authors preparing to query literary agents and publishers. It outlines the core components of a successful submission package, practical strategies for crafting effective materials, submission etiquette, and key industry resources to track and target queries.

Key points include:

• What to Prepare (The Query Package)
• How to Create Effective Submission Materials
• Do's and Don'ts
• Submission Strategies & Industry Resources

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Robin Henry holds an MLS (Library Science) and MA in Humanities. She is a librarian, adjunct professor of Humanities and Library Science and an independent editor, specializing in Historical Fiction, Book Club, and Literary Fiction. She is an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach. She has over twenty years of experience working with books and authors, as a reviewer, book award committee member, writing teacher and coach.

A favorite pastime is gathering friends for an animated book discussion and afternoon tea. Life is too short to read (or write) bad books!

 

September 2026 Program Info

 

Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11am

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

Andra Dunn presenting

 

Newsletter Tune-Up:

Creating Emails People Actually Want to Read

In an inbox crowded with promotions, automation, spam, and AI-generated content, simply sending a newsletter isn't enough. This interactive session explores ways writers can make email feel personal again and turn their subscriber lists into engaged communities.

We'll look at what's working in email marketing now, which metrics can help you identify what's connecting with readers, and simple ways to create more conversation and interaction through your emails. We'll also explore email automations that strengthen reader relationships and practical ways to use AI for brainstorming, editing, and strategy without losing your individual voice.

Bring your ideas, creativity, and even a recent newsletter, and get ready to give your email marketing a tune-up.

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Andra Dunn is a digital marketing strategist, content creator, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience helping businesses and organizations connect with their audiences online. Her work spans website development, SEO, content strategy, email marketing, and digital communications, with a focus on practical strategies that build genuine engagement. As a business owner herself, Andra brings a hands-on perspective to marketing—testing, adapting, and using the same tools and strategies she recommends to her clients.

 

August 2026 Program Information

 

Image courtesy of IMGBIN.com.

Join us Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11am

at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

Jen FitzGerald

AI for Writers

Separating Fear from Fact

A year ago we dipped our toes into the world of artificial intelligence.

This year, we'll take a look at what actually happens when you paste your words into ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, demystify the technology behind it, and explore where the real ethical questions live.

Whether you've been experimenting with AI tools or haven't touched them yet, this program will give you a practical framework for making informed decisions.

 

July 2026 Meeting Information

 

 

Join us Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11am

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville to

Gather and Say So Long

Our July meeting will be a combination of a farewell party for Celia and a mid-year follow up on the goal sheets we created in January.

Celia and her husband are moving to Albuquerque at the end of July. She will remain a member of NT but this will be her last in person meeting.

Time to pull out your goal sheets and share what you have accomplished and what you are still working on with the group. We may even have time for some brainstorming!

 

June 2026 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11am

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

for LeAnn Robinson presenting

Visualizing Your World

What can you do to make your work more vivid and detailed?

We all want to create vivid descriptions in our writing. We want our readers to "see" the scene we're laying out. But how well are we succeeding? More importantly, how can we get better? New studies have revealed a surprising secret about why it's so hard. We will discuss ways to overcome our blocks so we can create settings, characters, and worlds that pop off the page.

* * * * *

About LeAnn

LeAnn's writing career began in the fourth grade, when she sold her first book, a hand-drawn, hand-lettered edition, on folded 8 1/2 by 5 1/2" paper for ten cents. Then there was a large lull while she worked a day job and studied the writing craft. Her introduction to romance was an old Georgette Heyer book, but now she enjoys books that are a little steamier!

2026 CRCA Winners

 

Congratulations to all the Winners

of the 2026

Carolyn Readers Choice Award Contest

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CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: LOW HEAT

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CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: MID/HIGH HEAT

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE

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INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE

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ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

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SPECIALIZED ROMANCE

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WOMEN'S FICTION

 

May 2026 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11am

via ZOOM for

Marcus Barton presenting

a combo presentation

From Manuscript to Audiobook

and

The Human Touch:
Why Voice Actors Outshine AI in Audiobooks

Marcus's presentation serves as a dual-purpose guide for authors, detailing both the practical steps to producing an audiobook and the artistic argument for using human narrators. He'll outline the process of bringing a book to market, starting with finalizing the manuscript and preparing a narration-friendly script.

He'll speak to choosing between self-narration and hiring professionals through platforms like ACX or Findaway Voices. He'll compare distribution strategies—exclusive deals with Audible for higher royalties versus wide distribution for broader reach—and offer marketing tips such as leveraging promo codes and partnering with influencers.

And Marcus will also argue strongly for the "human touch" over AI in audiobook narration. While acknowledging that AI offers speed and cost efficiency, Marcus emphasizes that human actors provide superior emotional depth, character differentiation, and storytelling artistry that AI currently lacks.

Human narrators can adapt intuitively to context and direction, whereas AI often struggles with pronunciation, nuance, and delivering a "soulful" performance, offering a more immersive experience for listeners.

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Marcus Barton is a Texas-based voice actor and audiobook narrator known for his deep, resonant, and authoritative voice. A retired combat veteran originally from Missouri, Marcus has established himself in the voice-over industry while also maintaining a career as a high school teacher.