Are you ready to embark on a literary adventure that will transform your writing journey? Join Christopher Howald and Jared Lovelady on the Creator Guild's Podcast as they delve deep into the creative process behind crafting compelling books. Chris and Jared take you behind the scenes as they author and promote their fantasy book series "The Chronicles of Duradim". The duo reveals insider tips and techniques on writing a book, navigating the intricacies of book writing, and becoming a better ...
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Chronicles Of Duradim Podcasts
So much time, so little to do. Strike that. Reverse it. From authors to 3D printers; from crocheting to acting...it's all at Tremendicon. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with awesome creators. Then go check them out: https://www.richardwgoldsmith.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiTMwuaY2SPVE3ShxZ8aMQ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9…
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It's another visit with authors at the Farmers Market. This time Jared and Chris dive in with Ed Lee and A. M. Aurelia to explore worlds filled with Voo Doo magic, and escape with characters through a portal into alternat universes. Never mind the rain. The mail man ain't got nothing on us!
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Have you ever played any of the versions of Munchkin? If not, you better take a chance on the fun. That's what Jared and his son tried, and they had to learn how to lose...to Chris. Join Jared and Chris as they go on a rambling walk discussing the fun and inspiration that comes with game play.
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Episode 57: Learning With Liz - Last Lines - How To Hit The Ending
1:30:31
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1:30:31First lines are important and all, but what about your last line? How do you leave your readers aching for more? Join Jared and Chris as they sit down for another great discussion with the amazing Liz Verity.
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Episode 59: Talking AI With Miller Thomas
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1:06:02Ever wondered how a simple chat about AI can turn into a wild ride through creativity, tech, and the future? This week, Jared and Chris go down the rabbit hole with Miller Thomas to explore the crazy potential of AI, from revolutionizing storytelling to sparking bold new ideas.
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Episode 58: A Trip To The Farmers Market - Round 2
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1:06:46Back at the farmers' market with more great authors. Some farmers need to come on here and talk about how creativity works with plants and animals, or maybe creatively repairing a tractor. And that's not being facetious... necessity is the mother of invention and there are some really inventive people who come up with great solutions. Anywho, join …
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Episode 56: Learning With Liz - Timing And Tension
1:14:44
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1:14:44To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. In storytelling, that includes time for tension. So how do you figure out when tension should arise, when it should increase, or when new tension should be introduced to help carry your story. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down with the amazing Liz Verity for another roun…
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Episode 55: A Trip To The Farmers Market
1:41:24
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1:41:24There are great people at farmers markets, and this market includes local authors. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down and have a conversation with some great writers from the Springfield Writers' Guild. C.A. Simonson writes inspirational family fiction about children in distress. Coming of age, dysfunctional families, abandonment, and abuse, com…
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Episode 54: Cozy Murders - A Visit With Susan Keene
1:24:25
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1:24:25Have you ever thought about murdering someone, but in a friendly sort of way so people find it entertaining or amusing? Well, Susan Keene has books that will be right up your alley. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down and talk all things murder, mystery, mayhem, and baking with a prolific Cozy Mystery author as she shares her writing journey and …
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Episode 53: Toothpaste Engineers And Metal Detectors
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1:22:44How does a conversation jump from metal detecting to toothpaste to strawberry flavoring? Well, you're about to find out. Jared is out this week, so jump into a crazy conversation as Chris is joined, once again, by Caleb, but this time there's no supervision!
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Episode 52: Learning With Liz - Plot Twists vs Plot Reveals
1:07:26
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1:07:26Bro! Do you even plot? Do you know a plot twist when you see one? One about a plot reveal? Hey, those sound like the same thing, right? Well, they are actually different aspects of plot creation. "But how do they differ?" one might ask, and we're so very glad you did. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down, once again, with the talented Liz Verity t…
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Episode 51: Know The Rules Before You Break Them
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52:27Is wrestling real? Maybe. But one thing's for sure: wresters are incredible athletes and have to be masters at their craft to pull off the feats they do in the ring. If you want to create great things, you have to work on becoming great and honing your skills, you also have to learn all the rules that make what you're doing good. Once you understan…
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Episode 50: Learning With Liz - Diversity Of Characters
1:14:40
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1:14:40Do you know how to make your characters jump off the page with their own unique personalities? The world you create needs characters, and those characters must have...character! Join Jared and Chris as they chat with Liz about the importance of giving your characters the diverse personalities that will make them each unique and make your readers fa…
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More stories after Duncan the Dragon? Absolutely! Author Lynn Combs is back and she is going strong. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about new children stories in the works, progress on on Avalina's tale, and upcoming events with Lynn. And, as always, travel with them down the warrens and ways that twist and turn in unimaginable directions.…
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Episode 48: Preaching and Monologues and Diatribes, Oh my!
1:07:16
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1:07:16We all have things we're passionate about. Ideas. Moral quandries. Philosophical perspectives. When it comes to story telling, remember: It's about the story. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about the pitfalls of monologuing and embedding your world views into the stories you tell. What does that do to readers? How can you avoid falling into the …
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Have you tried wring and just can't get the story out of your brain fast enough? Caleb has been there, tried that, and that was enough. For now, he won't be a writer. Join Jared and Chris as they have another discussion with Caleb and dive into his thoughts and challenges around writing a story.
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Episode 46: Learning With Liz - Story Stakes
1:19:40
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1:19:40Steaks... no, stakes! What kind of stakes does your story have? Steaks or stakes? Or, maybe a little bit of both? Stories need stakes, and if your story already has stakes, maybe it needs higher stakes. Join Jared and Chris in another episode with Liz Verity as they talk about the importance of story stakes.…
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Sometimes things don't make it into a book, and sometimes those things are still fun to hear, read, or discover. There are plenty of parts that got cut from A Flight From Shadows, and there will be cuts from future books, too. But sometimes readers get a glimpse at those parts that didn't make the final cut. Join Jared and Chris as they share a los…
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Episode 44: Children's Lit and Nostalgia
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1:04:03Dr. Seuss Else Holmelund Minarik Gary Paulsen Roald Dahl Lynn Combs Children's books really can reach from the past and pull in memories. What were the stories that you grew up on that forever shaped you and still inspire you today? Join Jared and Chris as they discuss children's literature, some of the challenges you'll face if you want to get pub…
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Episode 43: Learning With Liz - Hypnotizing Readers
1:07:11
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1:07:11No pocket watches. No couches. No therapists. (Especially not the ones Sean Connery refers to on Celebrity Jeopardy) Just you, and the elements you need to pull your readers in and immerse them in your world. So how do you do it? Join Jared and Chris for another awesome discussion with Liz Verity as they dive into the strategies that can make your …
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Episode 42: Web Comics, Lemons, Cannibalism...I lost my train of thought
1:38:34
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1:38:34There are so many interesting ideas to pursue in the creative world, especially if you study art, which is just what Anja (Jared's daughter) has done. Join Jared and Chris as they talk about a degree in fine arts emphasizing entertainment with Anja. The discussion goes off the rails in so many directions - from lemons, to cannibalism, mayhem laws, …
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It's time for another personality test. This time it's Teth under the microscope. Join Jared and Chris as they do a deep dive on the personality of a crazy, torturous killer. Spoiler: it doesn't go as expected.
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Episode 40: Crafting Worlds That Sing
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1:16:47Chris had the privilege of presenting to the Springfield Writers' Guild on the topic of Worldbuilding. It was a fun experience with lots of participation by attendees. In fact, it was so fun, he wanted to share it with everyone! Join Jared and Chris as they discuss principles of worldbuilding and offer insights to help you create worlds that sing!…
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Episode 39: Learning With Liz - Log Lines and Tag Lines
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1:14:05Log lines and tag lines and bears, oh my! If the Wicked Witch of Writer's Block is keeping you from following the Yellow Brick Road of storytelling, then perhaps a log line is the Good Witch you need to help you reach the Emerald City. Join Jared and Chris in another deep dive with Liz as they discuss the difference between tag lines and log lines …
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Episode 38: A Personality Test For To'Ara
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1:04:43Well...if you wondered how taking a personality test on behalf of one of your characters, wonder no longer. Join Jared and Chris as they explore To'Ara's character traits and determine just how accurate they are in their assessment of who she is.
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Episode 37: Are Your Characters Really Just You?
57:39
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57:39Have you ever thought about writing an autobiography? If you have, would it include dragons, or magic, or maybe even murder? If you're writing a story, whether it be high fantasy, or cozy mystery, perhaps your autobiography is being written through the eyes and experiences of your characters. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss how much we, as wri…
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Episode 36: Lynn Combs - Duncan the Dragon
1:25:17
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1:25:17HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYY KIIIIIDS!!!!! If you love dragons, and you love picture books, and you love fire, then author Lynn Combs has a book coming out that is right up your alley. Lynn Combs is a fantasy author who wants to share her love of dragons and all things fantasy with up-and-coming readers. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss the new c…
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Episode 35: Learning With Liz - Creating Engaging Characters
1:25:15
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1:25:15What does it take to create engaging characters? Are there any methods or metrics you can measure against to determine just how engaging your characters really are? The answer is: yes! And Liz Verity is here to tell us how to use some helpful devices to create characters that readers will love, or love to hate! Join Jared and Chris as they take som…
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Adam and Jackie are back in town! Actually, Jared and Chris are out of town and recording from a hotel. Whatever! It's another episode with Adam and Jackie reviewing all the things in book one. Dive in for another discussion with Jared and Chris as they discuss book one and look ahead to book two and many more to come.…
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Episode 33: Merry Christmas and Happy Epilogue!
58:26
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58:26We have reached the end! Not of the story, but of book one and 2024. Join Jared and Chris for the last episode of the year as they wrap up A Flight From Shadows and look forward to plans in 2025. Thank you for riding along thus far. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
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Episode 32: Do you like herbs in your stew?
1:20:03
1:20:03
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1:20:03What flavor stories do you like? What seasonings do you prefer? Do you like subtle hints of things to come? Or do you prefer to be overwhelmed by wave after wave of new and exotic flavors? Do you fall in the savory or sweet camp, enjoying rich undertones, or is your pallet more attuned to honeyed, sugary treats? Yes, we're still talking about writi…
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Episode 31: Learning With Liz - Character Arcs
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1:22:01Were all the animals on Noah's Arc real characters? If so, would that be considered the biggest character arc ever? Food for thought... Liz Verity has some insights into how to make a good character arc and the challenges in writing them. Join Jared and Chris as they sit down for another episode of Learning with Liz and do a deep dive into the crea…
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Episode 30: That Really Grinds My Gears
1:16:03
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1:16:03Caleb is back and he agrees with Jared and Chris: there are some things in stories that just grind my gears! Annoying characters. Frustrating tropes. Unrealistic processes. Just some things that creators could avoid to make story telling better, right? Well, maybe they don't grind your gears, but for some people, the little annoyances really impact…
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Food is the best!! Unless it's garbage food. Then it's debatable. What about when it comes to writing about food? Do you like hearing about food in stories? Does it enhance the tale if you get to experience new dishes, or some of your favorite foods, through the eyes of a character? Join Jared and Chris as they dive into a discussion about getting …
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Episode 28: Take out the papers and the rehash!
1:06:15
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1:06:15Don't you love it when you get told the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over..... No? Didn't think so. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss storytelling and some of the things they like and dislike that authors do. They will share their thoughts on character perspective, keeping in a character's view, and why NOT to rehash t…
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Episode 27: Learning With Liz - Story Structure vs Plot
1:13:41
1:13:41
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1:13:41Do you know what a plot is? What bout story structure? Do you know the difference? How do you know which is which and where to focus in your writing? Liz Verity is here with all the answers to your writing questions. Join Jared and Chris as they do another deep dive with Liz into the writing process and the areas of focus that will improve your wri…
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Episode 26: A Roundtable Discussion With Friends
1:39:44
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1:39:44"That's so hilarious!" is not typically a response you'll hear from someone who just watched Schindler's List. But why is that the case? Does humor belong in serious stories? How far can the boundaries be pushed before it becomes inappropriate? And would making it more inappropriate increase your desire to read or watch? Join Jared and Chris as the…
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Episode 25: Fantasies, Dragons and a Chat With Lynn Combs
1:13:06
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1:13:06From cozy mysteries, to children's stories; dragons to detectives, author Lymm Combs spins tales across genres, bringing worlds and characters to life. Lynn is part of the Springfield writers' guild and is part of multiple writing groups, dipping her quill into various inkwells. Her mystery short story can be found in the sleuth story anthology "A …
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Episode 24: Updates and Characters with Miller Thomas
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1:11:13Do creators love their own stories and characters? How can you tell? Over the years are there stories you've loved in the beginning only to find that the depth changed when it became popular? Are there characters you felt that the author betrayed? Join Jared and Chris as they converse with Miller Thomas. Find out what he's up to these days and hear…
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Episode 23: Learning With Liz - Try/Fail Cycles
1:22:17
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1:22:17Never try, never fail! No, that's not what we are talking about. What does it mean, then, you ask? Well, when a mommy try loves a daddy fail, they get together and... Oh, wait, that's not how that works at all. If you're a writer, you need to understand try/fail cycles. While this may, indeed, relate to the romance novel you're writing, the try/fai…
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Episode 22: A Conversation with Malcolm Tanner
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1:06:57MURDER! DECEPTION! SINISTER GOINGS ON! Detectives Hayes and Braxton are on the case. Malcolm Tanner is an award-winning thriller author. He has written multiple series and even branched out into the horror genre. Join Jared and Chris as they discuss thriller series with Malcolm and his newest books coming out later this year.…
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Extremicon, where CosPlay is the name of the game. Jared and Chris are at another con, and they made some new friends. From new readers who are excited to discover their world, to other creators who write, paint, and make lots of other cool stuff. Even kids like hanging out with them. (For real. There's an actual kid who spent most of the con hangi…
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Episode 20: How Deep Should You Build A World?
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1:04:19Jared and Chris are back again, this time to talk about world building. From "The Big Oyster" to "The Wheel of Time" the question arises: How deep should you go in world building? It's a common question that nearly all authors must ask themselves...and then come up with an answer that will please everyone, because everyone has a freakin opinion abo…
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Episode 19: Push Pull Twist Blow! (We're talking about glass)
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1:30:28Eleven-Hundred-degree glass is the same color as room temperature glass, and that can be dangerous! Glassblower, creator, and owner of the Laughing Dragon, Trent Mall talks about his past in creative endeavors and how he got into glass blowing. He shares some of his techniques and why glass blowing has become an integral part of his life. Join Jare…
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Episode 18: Learning with Liz - Character Emotions
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1:14:09Do you ever feel sad? Do you ever feel angry? What about suspicious? Awkward? Adrontis? We all feel emotions at times, but how do you show those emotions in your writing without being cliche or over explaining (telling rather than showing)? Today, Liz Verity returns to share her insights with Jared and Chris on how to do this, and why it can be so …
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He's back again to share his insights and wisdom with adoring fans! Jared and Chris return to have another discussion with Caleb...or as he will henceforth be known...Glub Glub. Thoughts run deep into the realm of moral relativism in stories. How do writers and creators determine the morals of the worlds they create? Do the morals and traditions of…
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Episode 16: The Power of Procrastination
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1:08:36Do you put things off till the last minute? Believe it or not, so did some very famous creative geniuses. You're not distracted, or lazy, or unmotivated, you're just a super creative person. Maybe even a savant. It just takes the pressure of the last minute for your genius to express itself. At least, that's what we're going with... Join Jared and …
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Episode 15: Liz Verity and Epic Fantasy
1:12:46
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1:12:46What is your favorite epic fantasy? (Hopefully the answer is the Chronicles of Duradim...) On this episode Jared and Chris sit down with content editor and epic fantasy writer, Liz Verity. The genre is not for the faint of heart. Thousands of pages, hundreds of thousands of words...in the words of the grandpa from The Princess Bride: "Are you kiddi…
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Have you worked to perfect your creativity, only to feel like it isn't where you want it to be? We've all been there. It's a dilemma we all face, that fight between perfection and good enough. So, how do you face it? Join Jared and Chris as they discuss this conundrum and how they've reconciled the fact that they're still learning, with the desire …
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With the summer Olympics in full swing, Jared and Chris decided that going for the Guild was the right move…The Springfield Writers’ Guild that is… There are lots of creative people out there and it’s a rewarding experience to rub elbows with them and share in the creative works they produce. The Guild members come from varied backgrounds and ages …
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