May 2026 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, March 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.

* * * * *

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.

 

North Texas Two Step Conference 2026

 

For all the details click here.

Join us Saturday, April 11, 2026,

for an all-day conference featuring

AMANDA ARISTA

 

Amanda will be presenting three workshops, two short and one long:

The WRITE Stuff: Tools for prewriting through editing to the right words (@ 4 hours)

Most writers have had that moment when they realize they made a left in their manuscript ages ago and might have to chunk thousands of words and precious hours. But what if there was a way to help your brain build a train-track before the story really got chugging.

Amanda will teach you focusing tools from pre-writing all the way to editing to make sure that your words are all chugging in the same direction. Using brain patterns and tested methods, she will help you get the right words on the page and them polish them up.

* * * * *

Why These Monkeys: Strengthening Heroines and Villains in Women’s Fiction (1-2 hours)

Readers want real, bruised women who shake it off and get back up. They want situations that are tough but relatable. Readers want stumbling, but the grace to keep on walking. It is a balancing act between traumatized and unscathed, between faking it and making it.

During this workshop, Amanda will walk you through her tried and true tips to help amp up the heroine’s character arc, create a logical character wound, and help define the meatier areas to explore in woman’s fiction heroines. To oppose that, she will take you through the strengths your antagonist will need to have and how to create sympathy in both.

and

Down and Dirty Character Development (@ 1 hour)

Why spend months developing a character only to find that it's the wrong character for the story you want to tell? Using this boiled-down amalgamation of three top screenwriting teachers, Amanda will show you how to create a character that will leap off the page with their own backstory, voice, and deep connection to the story you want to tell.

 

March 2025 Meeting Information

 

Join us Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11am

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

Dawn Alexander presenting

Beyond the Bedroom:

Using Physical and Emotional Intimacy

to Create Authentic Character Relationships

Creating authentic character relationships is essential in every genre—whether you're crafting a swoon-worthy romance, developing a fierce rivalry, or building a deep friendship. In this workshop, we'll explore how to layer both physical and emotional intimacy from first glance to Happily Ever After. You'll leave with a clear guide for developing believable relationships that resonate with readers and intensify the emotional engagement of your story.

* * * * *

Dawn Alexander is a developmental editor and story coach who collaborates with both emerging writers and accomplished authors to strengthen their stories and refine their voices. Her clients have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, as well as the Amazon Top 100.

Leveraging her two decades of experience in education, she designs and teaches writing courses that offer comprehensive insights and practical strategies that can be applied across genres to create compelling plots and authentic characters.

She's been a featured speaker at Inkers Con, Pike’s Peak Writers Conference, and local writing chapters, in addition to providing one-on-one coaching to numerous successful authors.

When she's not analyzing plot structures or crafting characters, you can find her spending time with her two college-age kids or off-roading in her Jeep Wrangler with her husband and their dog, Teddy.

 

 

Carolyn Contest Now Closed

And we are no longer accepting judge applications.

February 2026 Meeting Information

 

 

Join us Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11am

at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for

Abigail Anderson of Storytellers Bookshop

Abigail Anderson is the owner of Storytellers Bookshop, an independent bookstore dedicated to celebrating Texas authors, special editions, and bookish goods sourced from small businesses and local artisans. She works directly with both independently and traditionally published authors and regularly hosts author signings for local writers, as well as bookish markets that provide opportunities for authors to connect with readers face to face. Abigail holds an undergraduate degree in finance and economics with a minor in music theory, as well as a master’s degree in personal financial planning. After spending nine years in corporate America within the finance industry, she made the decision to leave her career to chase her dreams as an independent bookstore owner and to create a space where writers and creatives are encouraged to chase theirs as well.

 

What She'll Share With Us

Ready to be inspired? Drawing on her unique vantage point as independent bookstore owner who regularly works with both authors and book lovers, Abigail will speak to us about the importance of writers and the role we play in our community and in the world.

 

January 2026 Meeting Information

 

Image courtesy IMGBIN.

 

Join us Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11am at

La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant Colleyville

for

New Year, New Goals, & Planning Activities

Start the year with intention and momentum. The January program will be focused on helping each other clarify our writing goals for the year and turn big ideas into achievable plans. We'll guide each other through goal-setting and simple planning activities, break down what you want to accomplish, identify priorities, and map out next steps that feel motivating. Whether you’re in the drafting, revising, or publishing phase, we'll help you begin the new year with focus, confidence, and a clear path forward.

 

December 2025 Meeting Information

 

Image courtesy IMGBIN.

 

Join us Saturday, December 13, 2025

at La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant in Colleyville for our

ANNUAL HOLIDAY GATHERING

Bring a wrapped ornament ($10 or less) and join us for

FUN, FOOD, and FRIVOLITY!

Festivities begin at 11AM.