Writing my poems and what I was feeling was the easiest part. The part I found most difficult was formatting each page so each poem fit perfectly. It’s not a one size fits all. I couldn’t just make the text the same size because the lines would start another sentence which messes up how everything looked. Next was actually choosing what I wanted to add because I was sharing who I was down to my core and if it isn’t received well how would I take that. Lastly, self-publishing vs paying someone–what level of perfection do I think this book should have? Lots of choices for everything.

Mr JD is a retired military veteran that served as a US AIR FORCE JTAC. He experienced a lot of mentally and physically exhausting scenarios. These stressful situations eventually lead him to being diagnosed with PTSD. He did a total of five combat tours: three to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Due to his experiences overseas he faced a roller coaster of emotion from pits of disrepair to that of hope and peace. He wrote two books: A Patriot’s Journey – Forging Hope vol 1 & 2 which describe his journey.

When you look at the cover of most books, you only see one name. But behind every successful book, there’s a support team. You can write alone, but if you share the journey with fellow writers, not only will you enjoy the process more, you’ll also finish faster and make fewer mistakes. Regardless of where you are in the writing process, one of the most important things you can do is to participate in a writing community. 

There are many ways you can go about publishing and sharing your message with the world. By participating in a writing community, you can get guidance from fellow writers who have tried different strategies with writing, publishing, and marketing their books.

In today’s gathering, we’re going to have an open discussion about what you need most from a writing community right now. Each of our members is in a different place in the writing journey. We’re going to look for common ground where everyone can benefit from our time together. We launched Compass Writers on June 27, 2022. Since then, we’ve learned from dozens of fellow authors and writers. Where do you want to go from here? 

1. What are some of the things you like about Compass Writers? 
2. Do you have a writing goal that you’d like to achieve in the near future? 
3. Which areas are most relevant to you now: improving your writing process, learning how to blog, feedback and help with editing, learning more about the publishing process, tips for marketing your book…
4. What are some of your biggest challenges as a writer? 
5. How can Compass Writers help you accomplish your writing goals? 
6. What do you like about being part of a writing community? 
7. What can you contribute to Compass Writers to help us grow and help our members succeed with their writing goals? 
8. We currently meet the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. How do you feel about this schedule? Would you like to meet more frequently or less frequently? 
9. Do you have any suggestions on how we might improve Compass Writers? 
10. Many people say they want to write a book someday. Do you have any ideas about how we can promote Compass Writers to Casa Grande residents? 
11. What would you say to encourage fellow writers to come to Compass Writers?
12. Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Lorraine Haataia, PhD, is a passionate writer, educator, and entrepreneur committed to empowering fellow writers worldwide. With a diverse background spanning academia, content marketing, grants evaluation, and continuous improvement, Lorraine launched Prolific Writers Life, a Silicon Valley startup in 2019. This global platform breaks free from the limitations of traditional writing groups and conferences, providing writers with a lifelong community and access to expert solutions. 

As evidenced by her six college degrees, Lorraine’s passion for lifelong learning is evident. She eagerly explores new knowledge through reading, embraces diverse cultures through travel, and cherishes the opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds and experiences. Her insatiable curiosity fuels her writing and amplifies her ability to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level.

Independent authors– those who write, publish and market their work– are often asked, “why do you write? What’s your motivation?” The same questions are probably posed to all authors and writers, published or not. Most writers, especially indie authors, don’t pursue fame, riches, or an easy, stress-free life. For any writer, discovering why you put pen to paper –or fingertips to keyboard –is essential to developing your unique voice.

Susanne Perry is the author of the City Streets Series. These are mysteries set on the streets of the Pacific Northwest: Runaway, Veteran, and Gutter Punk. 

She is currently working on Swan Song, a novel of suspense and revenge. Mara Cordovan’s life was rough even before she learned she was dying, her demise the result of corporate greed. With nothing left to lose, Mara wants revenge.  

Susanne Perry was the youngest of ten children and the daughter of a teacher. Those two facts influenced her development as an avid reader and a fast talker, always ready with a story. She is originally from Washington State and has been a full time resident of Arizona for nearly four years. Susanne began writing novels and short stories after a career in social services supporting young children and their families.

Judi sent copies of her manuscript to three publishing companies and within two weeks she had been accepted by all three. She chose Covenant Books of South Carolina, and within five months, the second edition of The Red Wagon Heroes Find the Truth was published and is currently available online through Target, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle. 

Judiann Lewinski is the author of The Red Wagon Heroes Find the Truth. In this book she encourages kids to be somebody’s hero today. “You don’t need the costume, just a smile and some love,” she says. This book was written to encourage kids of all ages to value themselves, treat others with love and respect, and become their own hero. 

During the pandemic, she felt the need to encourage children to focus on more positive ways to build up their self-esteem. This loving collection of adventures spark excitement and imaginations of the reader as the children search to see how they fit into the world and are introduced to God’s promises that empower them and their friends. 

Judiann Lewinski, a mother of seven and grandother of 13, stays busy painting and creating. A former personal trainer and flight attendant, she now focuses her retirement on painting landscapes, cowgirls, and now multicultural children with pets in her new book The Red Wagon Heroes Find the Truth.

Suzanne Bowman Williams presents a writing journey that brought her to an unexpected destination. Certainly her capable navigational skills would lead her to THE BOOK–or so she thought. In reality, her route to THE BOOK presented challenges along many switchback trails into her manuscript… and into publication… and even into marketing! Join Suzanne as she describes places along the writing process pathway that she never could have prepared for–and that was a good thing!

Suzanne Bowman Williams, a career elementary school teacher, presents a journey that is designed to motivate children of all ages to seize their daily opportunities to make wise, courageous, bold choices not only for their own benefit, but for that of their descendants. This goal is illustrated in her 2021, lyrical, rhyming, picture book, It All Started in Africa; a unique narrative which is based on true events! Young children gain an introductory understanding of Black History as they embark on a journey through generations of African Americans over the ages. They will witness the life-changing choices made by real life characters. Choices that, even to this day, are bringing about positive results. Join Suzanne for the ride of many lifetimes and recognize that “we can ALL be somebody’s North Star”!

Suzanne Bowman Williams enjoyed teaching elementary school students in Southern California for over 30 years. There she presented the story that led to the creation of her nonfiction picture book, It All Started in Africa, illustrated by her granddaughter, Evelynn Jeanette. Now living the freelance/retired life in Central Arizona with her husband/advisor, Suzanne enjoys presenting motivational multicultural stories in schools and on local radio. She is also actively engaged in crafting stories and studying family history, historic sites, cultures, and notable people. Investing in her family, especially her grandchildren, is what she considers her greatest blessing.

Bill Wargo sends out a morning prayer text seven days a week.  On May 16, 2017, he began texting out a prayer, starting with his son. He currently sends daily texts to 64 people that he loves and cares about. He will share how he came to a place in his spiritual journey that led him to start this text ministry.

“When It Was Saigon” is a compilation which includes two stories written by Bill Wargo. The book Titled “A Mission Trip to Indiana-Returning Transformed.”

Bill is currently working on a “Life Story” for family members and a fiction novel about a serial killer that is an undercover police officer, exacting revenge for the murder of his partner.

Bill Wargo enlisted in the US Army in 1964 completed Intelligence Training and served in Europe in Counter Intelligence. He served a year in Vietnam working with the CIA, 33 years with law enforcement, and 7 years Corporate Safety/Security and Risk Management. Most recently he has served 7 years as a Private Investigator in Arizona, working under contract with Homeland Security. 

Robert will talk about his experience as a writer and his attempts at marketing and advertising his books–some of his failures and successes.

He is the author of three novels: Jerry’s Story, Tunnel Secrets, and Raven and the Judge. The books are available on Amazon, Audible, and directly from his author website. He is currently working on his fourth novel: Horses, Cows, and Cattlemen. 

Robert W. Schrader writes about a fictional Sheriff in Banner County, Wyoming. Bob’s experience as a Licensed Embalmer, Horse Wrangler, Army Combat Medic (Vietnam), military experience (retired Lieutenant Colonel), Commercial Pilot (Single and Muli-engine, with instrument and flight instructor certifications), Attorney, Justice of the Peace, Wyoming State Insurance Commissioner, School Teacher (Jr. and Sr. High School), retired Judge and author help form his books. Betty and Bob Schrader live with Goldie, Bob’s service dog in training, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and vacation in Casa Grande, Arizona, at G Diamond Ranch. Betty and Bob have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Candace is an Award-Winning children’s author who lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and 7 children. She wrote the new Adventures of Logan and Lilly series. The first book in the series is ” The Lost Treasure.” Candace has always had a passion for writing and children’s fiction allows her to bring out her inner child.

As a former Daycare Director, Kindergarten teacher, and mother, Candace has read countless children’s books, therefor her love of reading extends outside of writing. Candace loves to get in front of children and read or make up creative stories on the spot. She loves to get the kids she is reading or talking to involved. She does this by using the children’s directions on what the character will do or where they will go. For Candace, writing has always been a way of escape and adventure.

Education and fostering a love of reading is something that Candace and her family are passionate about. Candace earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and has an extensive background in photography. Writing continues to be one of her passions.

When not writing, you can find Candace spending time with her family and friends, creating projects in her craft room, reading, taking pictures, traveling, watching her children compete in hockey, swimming, and cheerleading. She states “Having 7 children keeps her grounded and the stories flowing. With the size of her family, there’s always a story to be told.”

 FUN FACT- Candace’s son Logan and his best friend, doll Lilly are the muses for the Logan & Lilly series. 

Jim Schmitt will talk about his experience setting up a website and marketing J.A. Manier’s book, The Kind: Awakened

He will give you a quick look at the stuff behind the writing of The Kind: Awakened by J.A. Manier.

Jim Schmitt will talk about his experience setting up a website and marketing J.A. Manier’s book, The Kind: Awakened

He will give you a quick look at the stuff behind the writing of The Kind: Awakened by J.A. Manier.

Even a great book won’t sell itself if nobody knows about it. He will go over some of the tools they used that helped them build their advertising platform for their first book.

Jim says he is “just Jim” and that Janene is the superstar. He does the things that she needs done.

Being a self taught computer user he believes that you can do almost anything if you watch enough videos.

He has a background in helicopter maintenance and repair. He and Janene had a small home remodeling business that they closed in 2020. They are now putting their efforts into starting a micro farm, oh, and writing books too.

Even a great book won’t sell itself if nobody knows about it. He will go over some of the tools they used that helped them build their advertising platform for their first book.

Jim says he is “just Jim” and that Janene is the superstar. He does the things that she needs done.

Being a self taught computer user he believes that you can do almost anything if you watch enough videos.

He has a background in helicopter maintenance and repair. He and Janene had a small home remodeling business that they closed in 2020. They are now putting their efforts into starting a micro farm, oh, and writing books too.

Writing a novel is both an adventure and a learning experience. Whether never intending for it to be read by others or hoping to make the bestseller list, a lot more goes in to the process than many may think. I found this out when I sat down in 2019 and opened my computer to a blank Word document.

I had to choose a format for the computer, organize my thoughts, take notes for research and keep track of my characters. Once the novel was complete I found the work had only begun. I had to submit the novel to agents and publishers, get through the publishing process and market the book.

It can be overwhelming but I with a few simple tools, a support system and a lot of prayers it can be done. Luckily I had my husband to help me through it all.

What I can tell you, or more like it, what I will tell you is this. I sat down in August of 2019 and began to type. I had many ideas in the past but was, I don’t know, too lazy, and certainly never brave enough to write any of them down, let alone form them into a novel. For some reason earlier in the year I had gotten enough courage to jot down the beginning of an idea.

Well, I’m not sure courage is the right word. I typed it into the “Notes” section on my phone. No one would ever see it; I would make sure of that. I’m not even sure why I did it. I never planned on anyone ever seeing it, but I thought maybe I would expand on it one day. A few months after that my husband and I began a Bible Study group. It was one of those deep, find your purpose kind of studies. I had never been to one but right away they had us doing homework.

Much of it was writing things down. Prayers, thoughts about what we read or talked about, what you hear God telling you… That last one got me. How was I going to hear God? The instructions were to go find a place away from the rest of the class, then sit quietly and let God speak. I am not that good with just sitting still. I took a walk, but I tried to follow the directions anyway.  When we got back the instructions were to write down your thoughts. The only thing that came to my mind was “He said write.” It was very clear, but I thought, “that can’t be it. I must be just echoing the instructions of write it down by the leader,” but I wrote that down anyway.

Janene Schmitt is a pediatric nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She is the author of The Kind: AWAKENED using the pen name JA Manier. She lives in Casa Grande, Arizona with her husband Jim. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Stories are one of the most fundamental and effective ways to engage and teach our fellow human beings. After the death of her son, Jack, from a rare congenital muscular dystrophy, author Ann F. Schrooten partnered with Dr. Barry P. Markovitz, a pediatric critical care doctor, to write Shared Struggles – Stories from Parents and Pediatricians Caring for Children with Serious Illnesses, the first book to tell true and poignant stories from both sides of the physician-patient/parent relationship. By giving a voice to both parents and physicians and by listening and learning from their stories, Shared Struggles is Jack’s legacy as it seeks to improve communication and foster trust and compassion among physicians, patients and families. Ann will share her personal story behind her book and her journey of getting the book published.

Ann Schrooten is an estate planning and probate attorney with Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande. She is the founder of The Willow Tree Foundation, an Arizona non-profit organization that funds respite for parents of medically fragile children. She lives in Chandler, Arizona, with her husband and their three adult children. She blogs at Jack Schrooten and Inching Onward.

Local news media receive many press releases from the community and sometimes use stories written by community members and freelancers. Don will talk about what writers need to know about their local newspaper: how to write an article for your local newspaper, how to write a press release about your book launch, and more. 

Don Kramer is the co-publisher and managing editor at Casa Grande Valley Newspapers. He has been the local newspaper editor in Casa Grande at Pinal Central for more than 40 years and has lived in the community most of his life. He is the father of three grown children and a longtime member of Casa Grande Rotary Club and Signal Peak Toastmasters.

Self-publishing my books has been the right decision for me, as it enabled me to learn new things (e.g., the ISBN and copyright process, setting up an Amazon shop, building my own web site, etc.), and it kept me connected to every part of the writing, publishing, marketing, sales, and shipping process. To be sure, it was a steep learning curve and new things must be learned constantly to stay informed and pivot as necessary. For example, if someone ordering a book wants it signed in a special way, I can do that because I personally package and ship every book. 

If you think about it for a moment, the Bible was self-published by God. It was His Spirit that moved the writers of Holy Scripture to write down exactly what the Lord wanted them to write so that He could connect His heart to your heart. Aren’t you glad God didn’t hire an editor or sales director that would demand changes to the Bible in order to make it more marketable?  

The Gift of Courage, The Gift of Justice, and The Gift of Unity are 40-day devotionals that address difficult seasons of life, injustice, and conflict. Each devotional was written to connect our heart to the heart of our Creator. As such, each book includes a devotion, scripture, prayer, and a note section to write down personal reflections. 

I am glad that I am self-publishing my devotional books. Though it requires extra effort and some late nights, self-publishing is a way to keep the purpose of my books connected to the readers of my books. When you read The Gift of Courage, The Gift of Justice, and The Gift of Unity I think you will agree. 

Dr. Calvert has been a missionary, professor, entrepreneur, consultant, mentor, and pastor for over 25 years. He has been coaching people in these various roles over the course of his career. Dr. Calvert has a heart for helping those who need it the most, and has been doing so all his life. He is the author of three books. These 40-day devotionals are: The Gift of Courage, The Gift of Justice, and The Gift of Unity. You can read more about these books at Shaped by Grace.  

Frank G. Davis will discuss the pros and cons of hiring marketing agents to help sell his books. In the past three years, Frank has written and published eight books. A ninth book is scheduled to be published in Autumn of this year. All of his books were self-published through Kindle Direct Publishing and all of them would be considered in the Science Fiction/Action Adventure/Christian genre. “All of my books are fast-paced action stories set in the future with significant Christian overtones. My first book, Future Histories, contains three short stories and one novella. All the stories were inspired by comments made during various sermons by my pastor. Christian beliefs are present in all the other books as well.

“I love writing. Once I get an idea for a story, all I want to do is tell the story as quickly and completely as I can and then move onto the next story. Unfortunately, marketing my books is not a talent I possess and as much as I’ve tried, my sales are not going anywhere. I’ve tried selling through Amazon and purchased online classes on how to increase sales of my novels, but nothing has worked. 

In June 2022, I hired two women who are experts in marketing. They have done wonders at upgrading my webpage and showing me how to advertise using social media. I will share with you how they have helped me and the results of their help.

Frank G. Davis began writing novels three years ago and has published nine books to date. All of them are action/adventure novels set in the future. He relies heavily on personal experiences and the personalities of his friends to make his characters come alive. The future technology used in his books are based on possible extrapolations of current technology levels. The inspiration for his novels comes from a variety of sources from Christian sermons, to breaking news stories and daydreams of things to come.

“Better late than never!” describes this author. People started telling her 30 plus years ago that she needed to write a book. She always laughed, but the first line of the book ran through her mind. Living life with a disability was challenging enough without writing for others. Two countries, two languages, a husband, two children and teaching the Bible, English, ESL/ELL, and Spanish have filled her life. When health issues removed her from teaching high school, she found herself in waiting rooms being asked familiar questions and being told, “You should write a book.” A Bible study friend made it a serious endeavor. Speaking about her story and faith came naturally, but writing? Her journey from start to publish was a roller-coaster ride with a couple derailments that cost way too much. She would like writers to learn from her amateur mistakes and encourage them on their journey .

Pamela Saletri Parron has lived with a physical disability for most of her adult life. She is married with two adult children. She taught high school in two languages in two countries. She has served in many roles in church over the years, but most recently as a women’s Bible teacher. Learn more about her Bible studies at Loved By God. She is the author of Broken in All the Right Places. 

“Tell me about your story in fifty words or less,” you may hear from your editor or publisher. How important is this in selling your work? We will talk about this and other ideas to help you successfully attract attention to your work. 

How do you organize your thoughts for your story? Do you just pick up a pencil and start writing? Do you think about the characters, places, actions, sequences and other things that pertain to your story, and make notes or “cheat” cards to help you through the actual writing? Is one way right and one way wrong? Gene will use two of his own works to illustrate writing strategies that worked well for him. 

Eugene Carr is the author of Sonto Diaries and Twenty-Six Minutes Plus Two. He is an acclaimed story teller. He takes you where you may not want to go. In Twenty-six Minutes Plus Two you will be on the edge of your seat, as he takes you on the ride of a lifetime. This story can only be told by someone who has been there. Carr holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate and has an Instrument Rating. Other stories that he has told delve into the realm of the fantastic—worlds that are familiar, but you can’t get there from here. Raised in the Chicago area, he has spent his life traveling across the United States and around the world. He now lives in Arizona with his wife. He leads Inklings writing group which meets at the Casa Grande Library the first and third Thursday of every month. 

“The most important thing is to get your story down,” Jaine says. Then you get the people who can help you. Learn how to go through your manuscript and clean it up. Your first draft might seem boring, but you can play with it and tighten it up. You don’t have to be super talented to get started, and it’s easy to learn how to improve it. Jaine will share her story of how she started writing her book the day her father passed away. She continued writing stories about her dad and then her mom. Then a friend encouraged her to publish them and she did! 

Why write? “The heart is like a box, and language is the key. Only by using the key can we open the box and observe the gems it contains,” says Jaine. “Writing is a tool to put you in touch with your true self. Let’s explore how to do it.”

Brooklyn-born and California-raised, Jaine is a former columnist for Carpinteria, California’s Coastal View News and, locally, the Eloy Enterprise. She also wrote for the Carpinteria Historical Society’s newsletter, The Grapevine, and has had several poems and stories published. Jaine won first place in the Carpinteria Creek Association’s poetry, and she is a longtime contributor to bahaiteachings.org. Jaine developed and presents a memoir-writing workshop, started and facilitates the Robson Ranch writers’ group, and co-facilitated a week-long writers’ retreat at the Desert Rose Baha’i Institute. Dizzy Izzy & The Red Witch: Memories of My Parents, begun as an exercise in grief therapy, is Jaine’s first (but not last!) book. Jaine loves to write—but honestly—she’d rather be acting.

Click here to read more advice for writers from author Jaine Toth.

Click here to watch “Get Your Story Down” by Jaine Toth.

Jim Marshall has compiled a lifetime of arduous study, observation, experience, and research of human phenomena into discovering Septemics, the philosophic system he describes in his book. In retrospect, he realizes that the philosophic system he shares in this book is what he was born to share with the world. He will discuss the challenges he had to overcome in writing this book and getting it published.  

Jim Marshall, B.S., is the author of Septemics: Heirarchies of Human Phenomena. He is a polymathic intellectual whose areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, thology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, metaphysics, military science, policital science, physical culture, organization, education, and music. He has had several successful careers and a lifetime of experience in education.

Click here to read more advice for writers from author Jim Marshall. 

Click here to watch “The Book You Were Born to Write” by Jim Marshall. 

Dr. Lorraine Haataia kicked off our first-ever Compass Writers gathering with a discussion on how writers can take their writing to a new level by participating in a writing community. The writing life can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Find friendship and collaboration, improve your writing skills, and network with experts at Compass Writers. 

Dr. Lorraine is the president of Compass Writers, and the founder of Prolific Writers Life, an online community for writers to expand their writing skills, connect with writing industry experts, and finish their writing projects.