2026 CROW Meetings are held the third Saturday of every month at the Belle Isle Library: 5501 N Villa Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. and is also available virtually via Google Meet.

We do not have a meeting in September (annual retreat) or December (Christmas party)

 

January 17:

Slow Burns and Boos

Author Mark Jones leads a discussion on writing slow-burn tension versus sudden shocks, and how those techniques work across genres. Using short examples from fiction and film, the session focuses on practical ideas writers can try in their own work.

An author, editor, and literary judge, Mark has over thirty years of experience in public budgeting and higher education finance, along with a background in creative writing. When not writing, he teaches creative workshops, including “Time to Write” and “Let's Talk Writing.” He also operates an editing business called 25 for $20.

February 21:

Forensics with Dr. Rhonda Williams (biochemistry major OU)

16 years combined as DNA Analyst for Harris County Medical Examiner's Office (Houston) and CODIS analyst for OSBI.  Worked over 100 death scenes. Testified 25+ times. Worked on several serial killer cases. Ran trace team in Houston and was on first 48 tv show. Still DNA expert for defense. 

March 21:

Homelessness and addiction with Chad Pierson:

Chad and a friend will speak on their experiences with drug and alcohol addiction, arrests, and living on the streets. Many of us write characters that suffer with these issues but if we don’t have first-hand experience, our stories might not sound authentic. This is an opportunity to get a real first hand account of the issues that can be encountered in that way of life, and how these people overcame their problems and found happy endings.

April 18:

Promoting Your Books on Podcasts with Jay Hall

Most authors didn't sign up to be marketing experts, but that's what we've had to become in the current publishing landscape. In this interactive session, you'll learn about using podcast appearances to promote your book to listeners all over the world. We'll walk through pitching to podcasters and everything you need to know about appearing on podcasts to give you a new set of tools for your marketing toolkit.

J Hall is an author, educator, and podcaster. Since 2021, J has hosted and produced the Okie Bookcast, a podcast dedicated to connecting curious readers with their next great read through interviewing authors and storytellers connected to Oklahoma. J is also a regular podcast guest, talking about everything from books to pop culture to fatherhood and more. In 2023, J released his first book - God Help Me! I’m a Young Dad: 10 Essentials for Becoming the Dad Your Kids Need - which highlights ten important characteristics every dad needs and provides practical tips for developing these both in their lives and the lives of their children. In March, J released his second book - College Unpacked: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Preparing For, and Excelling in College - which walks students and their families through every step along the college journey.

May 16:

AI: Enemy or Friend? With Mel Odom

With the advance of technology, and the fact that AI now seems everywhere, how can a writer safely use something like Microsoft Copilot? Does the software aid a writer, or does the software cripple a writer and rob creativity?

Is using this kind of technology legal in today’s world? Can just anyone use it? Where do New York publishers and Amazon stand on an author’s use of the software?

Most of all, how can you use it as an office assistant, archivist, and sounding board?

Join professional writer Mel Odom in a discussion of how Microsoft Copilot and other AI programs can be used productively to plan and create fiction. Using this kind of softwear

(Mel will also give some tips about writing dialogue and using non-repetitive and more meaningful dialogue tags)

June 20:

Book Brush Virtual Program: Designing effective Amazon A+ Content

July 18:

Writers’ Roundtable

Join us for a relaxed gathering where we exchange ideas, discuss craft and marketing, swap tips, and brainstorm. You’re welcome to ask questions and/or offer information on your own experiences.

August 15:

Lou Berney Writing crime fiction — character woven through character

Lou Berney is the USA Today best-selling author of seven novels, including, most recently, Crooks, Dark Ride, and November Road. He has been awarded the Edgar, Hammett, Barry, and Anthony awards, and is a three-time finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize. He also writes from the FX television drama The Lowdown.

September 18-20 Retreat

Each September, at a local Airbnb, the CROW group holds a weekend retreat with writing games, writing exercises, food, and fun. For members who wish to say overnight, the fee is $50 per night, per person (Friday and Saturday, so $100 total per person). Rooms are limited, so if you plan to stay overnight, you must pay a deposit of $50 to reserve your room. For members, the weekend is free other than the overnight accommodations. For non-members, the fee for overnight accommodations is $75 per night per person and $50 for the retreat. For those who wish to attend and not spend the night, the fee is $50. Meals are included. NOTE: The retreat is for writers only. Non-writer spouses, friends, or children cannot attend.

October 17:

Writing Through Grief with Maxine Douglas and Tianne Quoetone and…

Romancing the Monster contest!

As part of our October meeting, members are invited to enter our Romancing the Monster contest. (Only members are eligible)

Write a 500 to 1,000 word romance story with a movie or literary monster, villain, creature or famous murderer as the hero or heroine. (the 'monster' must be a love interest)

Submit to me at Alicia@AliciaDean.com by September 27, 2025. Send as an email attachment with your name and the title of the story in the body of the email. NO NAMES ON THE DOCUMENT PLEASE, only titles. The subject of the email needs to be: Romancing the Monster Entry

These do not need to be an entire story, just a scene, as if it were plucked out of a story. Or it can be a complete mini story. They do not need to be love scenes, they can just be a 'connection' scene, as long as there is a romance/attraction.

****!!!! The monster MUST be either the hero or heroine of the story AND the scene MUST be romantic in nature

You do not have to be at the meeting to win/place, but by entering, you are giving permission to have your story possibly read aloud at the meeting and shared with the group.

Rather than general creatures like vampire, shifter, ghost, etc, we want scenes with specific monsters/creatures.

• Deadline: September 27, 2026

• Email an attached Word Doc to me at Alicia@AliciaDean.com

• Subject of Email: Romancing the Monster Entry

• 500 to 1,000 words

• Prizes: Trophy and certificate for each place. 1st Place: $20 Amazon Gift Card, 2nd Place: $15 Amazon Gift Card, 3rd Place: $10 Amazon Gift card

November 21

Imposter Syndrome/Scene Building with Alicia Dean

Many writers suffer from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, a persistent, internal, and often irrational feeling of being a "fraud," where they doubt their competence, talent, or right to call themselves writers. This is similar to writer’s block, in that, if we feel like imposters, our writing will naturally be ‘blocked.’ Learn some tips for overcoming Imposter Syndrome and receive guidance on building scenes (the elements of a scene and scene and sequel.) These topics go hand in hand, because having a formula and feeling confident about creating scenes can help combat Imposter Syndrome.

December 12

Annual Christmas party. Members only.