BrendaJoycePatterson
@bjoycepatterson.bsky.social
Poet. Writer/columnist. Literary talk show host. Librarian Emeritus. More at linktr.ee/Brenda.Joyce.Patterson
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
As always, the library card field is not required and can be left blank...
This weekend I'm hosting a FREE writers conference featuring, among other things, a full panel of literary agents just answering your questions. @bookbarrista.bsky.social @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social @sandraproudman.bsky.social @kellythomaslit.bsky.social & more
Ocls.org/writersconference
Ocls.org/writersconference
OCLS Writers Conference - Orange County Library System
The annual OCLS Writers Conference will be virtual in 2026! Make 2026 the year you finish and publish a novel. The OCLS Writers Conference will provide the tools and knowledge you need to reach your w...
Ocls.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:29 PM
As always, the library card field is not required and can be left blank...
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Most writing advice tells you to cut ruthlessly.
But what if some of the most powerful writing happens in the spaces between your “important” scenes?
Author Seth Harwood offers powerful insight into storytelling using Raymond Carver as an example.
But what if some of the most powerful writing happens in the spaces between your “important” scenes?
Author Seth Harwood offers powerful insight into storytelling using Raymond Carver as an example.
The Art of Connective Tissue: What Raymond Carver Teaches Us About Building Character and Showing | Jane Friedman
Small bits of action—descending the stairs, cleaning off the car—might not be insignificant if they tell something about a character’s world.
janefriedman.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Most writing advice tells you to cut ruthlessly.
But what if some of the most powerful writing happens in the spaces between your “important” scenes?
Author Seth Harwood offers powerful insight into storytelling using Raymond Carver as an example.
But what if some of the most powerful writing happens in the spaces between your “important” scenes?
Author Seth Harwood offers powerful insight into storytelling using Raymond Carver as an example.
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Measles can be fatal.
Do you know its symptoms?
🔴 Rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body
🔴 Fever
🔴 Cough
🔴 Red and watery eyes
🔴 Small white spots inside the cheeks
Seek health care if you suspect you or your child has measles. 🔗bit.ly/4iq4nkD
Do you know its symptoms?
🔴 Rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body
🔴 Fever
🔴 Cough
🔴 Red and watery eyes
🔴 Small white spots inside the cheeks
Seek health care if you suspect you or your child has measles. 🔗bit.ly/4iq4nkD
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Measles can be fatal.
Do you know its symptoms?
🔴 Rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body
🔴 Fever
🔴 Cough
🔴 Red and watery eyes
🔴 Small white spots inside the cheeks
Seek health care if you suspect you or your child has measles. 🔗bit.ly/4iq4nkD
Do you know its symptoms?
🔴 Rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body
🔴 Fever
🔴 Cough
🔴 Red and watery eyes
🔴 Small white spots inside the cheeks
Seek health care if you suspect you or your child has measles. 🔗bit.ly/4iq4nkD
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Tag a friend who should submit to our In-House Fiction and Poetry Contests! Use the link in our bio to submit your work for a chance to win a cash prize and publication. #writingcontest
January 23, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Tag a friend who should submit to our In-House Fiction and Poetry Contests! Use the link in our bio to submit your work for a chance to win a cash prize and publication. #writingcontest
Repost from TikTok:
"Megan Reid: My heart breaks following the recent murders carried out by ICE. One way I cope is by turning to picture books. They aren't a fix all, but I hope they help Eyou navigate things with vour little readers." #ICE #Deportation #FamilySeparation
www.tiktok.com/t/ZThDsXBhp/
"Megan Reid: My heart breaks following the recent murders carried out by ICE. One way I cope is by turning to picture books. They aren't a fix all, but I hope they help Eyou navigate things with vour little readers." #ICE #Deportation #FamilySeparation
www.tiktok.com/t/ZThDsXBhp/
January 24, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Repost from TikTok:
"Megan Reid: My heart breaks following the recent murders carried out by ICE. One way I cope is by turning to picture books. They aren't a fix all, but I hope they help Eyou navigate things with vour little readers." #ICE #Deportation #FamilySeparation
www.tiktok.com/t/ZThDsXBhp/
"Megan Reid: My heart breaks following the recent murders carried out by ICE. One way I cope is by turning to picture books. They aren't a fix all, but I hope they help Eyou navigate things with vour little readers." #ICE #Deportation #FamilySeparation
www.tiktok.com/t/ZThDsXBhp/
This thread. This poem.
@ykhong.bsky.social , I hope, I wish, I pray I meet you as well. I look forward to that day.
@ykhong.bsky.social , I hope, I wish, I pray I meet you as well. I look forward to that day.
January 16, 2026 at 4:46 PM
This thread. This poem.
@ykhong.bsky.social , I hope, I wish, I pray I meet you as well. I look forward to that day.
@ykhong.bsky.social , I hope, I wish, I pray I meet you as well. I look forward to that day.
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
And for the full 2 week experience, here's the summer course
How To Write A Nonfiction Book Proposal July 13-24
(I am also offering a one week course in March, listed on this site) In this course, you will learn the basics of non-fiction trade book proposals,...
thinkingwriter.bigcartel.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:50 PM
And for the full 2 week experience, here's the summer course
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Due to popular demand I've set up a "mini" book proposal course for March. Shorter and more affordable. Help me spread the word?
Mini Non-Fiction Book Proposal Course, March 16-22
In this course, you will learn the basics of non-fiction trade book proposals, receive feedback on your proposals and queries, and become part of a...
thinkingwriter.bigcartel.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Due to popular demand I've set up a "mini" book proposal course for March. Shorter and more affordable. Help me spread the word?
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
What is happening in Minneapolis is also, and has been, happening in California. www.latimes.com/california/s...
Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana
A second man says he was blinded by ICE agents shooting a projectile at a protest in Santa Ana. Britain Rodriguez, 31, a resident of Orange County, said he was standing at the bottom of a set up steps...
www.latimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:59 PM
What is happening in Minneapolis is also, and has been, happening in California. www.latimes.com/california/s...
On February 8, the WORLD will dance... with Bad Bunny.
Re-post from IG:
@badbunnypr
www.instagram.com/reel/DTkvlQY...
Re-post from IG:
@badbunnypr
www.instagram.com/reel/DTkvlQY...
January 16, 2026 at 3:23 PM
On February 8, the WORLD will dance... with Bad Bunny.
Re-post from IG:
@badbunnypr
www.instagram.com/reel/DTkvlQY...
Re-post from IG:
@badbunnypr
www.instagram.com/reel/DTkvlQY...
Apply for MacDowel
Fall 2026/Winter 2027 residencies! They offer artists NO COST residencies & need-based stipends to cover expenses during residency, including rent, utilities, childcare and lost income. Travel reimbursements also available. macdowell.org/apply
www.instagram.com/p/DTiPbjVjsm...
Fall 2026/Winter 2027 residencies! They offer artists NO COST residencies & need-based stipends to cover expenses during residency, including rent, utilities, childcare and lost income. Travel reimbursements also available. macdowell.org/apply
www.instagram.com/p/DTiPbjVjsm...
Apply for a MacDowell Fellowship
MacDowell awards Fellowships in seven disciplines to about 300 artists each year. There are no residency fees, and need-based stipends and travel grants are available to individuals awarded a Fellowsh...
macdowell.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Apply for MacDowel
Fall 2026/Winter 2027 residencies! They offer artists NO COST residencies & need-based stipends to cover expenses during residency, including rent, utilities, childcare and lost income. Travel reimbursements also available. macdowell.org/apply
www.instagram.com/p/DTiPbjVjsm...
Fall 2026/Winter 2027 residencies! They offer artists NO COST residencies & need-based stipends to cover expenses during residency, including rent, utilities, childcare and lost income. Travel reimbursements also available. macdowell.org/apply
www.instagram.com/p/DTiPbjVjsm...
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Because AI is such a divisive topic, many individuals and businesses aren't transparent about such use. But hiding use is typically worse for everyone involved.
Poet Dave Malone proposes a transparency statement for those using AI as part of the creative process.
Poet Dave Malone proposes a transparency statement for those using AI as part of the creative process.
Writers and Artists Need a Way to Label AI Use: Here’s What That Could Look Like | Jane Friedman
To encourage transparency among creators and audience, one writer suggests a simple, two-category system for labeling AI use in works of art.
janefriedman.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Because AI is such a divisive topic, many individuals and businesses aren't transparent about such use. But hiding use is typically worse for everyone involved.
Poet Dave Malone proposes a transparency statement for those using AI as part of the creative process.
Poet Dave Malone proposes a transparency statement for those using AI as part of the creative process.
Re-post from TikTok.
Angela Cochran . 2025-12-26
Angela Cochran . 2025-12-26
January 13, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Re-post from TikTok.
Angela Cochran . 2025-12-26
Angela Cochran . 2025-12-26
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
Leymah Gbowee
2011 Nobel Prize for Peace co-winner
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace...
Song:
Play the Devil Back to Hell
Mon Rovîa
Listen on Qobuz - open.qobuz.com/track/356254...
Leymah Gbowee
2011 Nobel Prize for Peace co-winner
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace...
Song:
Play the Devil Back to Hell
Mon Rovîa
Listen on Qobuz - open.qobuz.com/track/356254...
Nobel Peace Prize 2011
The Nobel Peace Prize 2011 was awarded jointly to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full partic...
www.nobelprize.org
January 13, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
Leymah Gbowee
2011 Nobel Prize for Peace co-winner
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace...
Song:
Play the Devil Back to Hell
Mon Rovîa
Listen on Qobuz - open.qobuz.com/track/356254...
Leymah Gbowee
2011 Nobel Prize for Peace co-winner
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace...
Song:
Play the Devil Back to Hell
Mon Rovîa
Listen on Qobuz - open.qobuz.com/track/356254...
Authors --
Here's info on social media trends for 2026 from JaneFriedman.com by Lacy Phillips, social media coordinator for P.S. Literary Agency.
Here's info on social media trends for 2026 from JaneFriedman.com by Lacy Phillips, social media coordinator for P.S. Literary Agency.
January 12, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Authors --
Here's info on social media trends for 2026 from JaneFriedman.com by Lacy Phillips, social media coordinator for P.S. Literary Agency.
Here's info on social media trends for 2026 from JaneFriedman.com by Lacy Phillips, social media coordinator for P.S. Literary Agency.
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
Calm down, everyone, January 6th was just a bunch of peaceful grandmothers taking photos and exploring the building.
January 7, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Calm down, everyone, January 6th was just a bunch of peaceful grandmothers taking photos and exploring the building.
Reposted by BrendaJoycePatterson
This week on Planetside… Lake Bunyonyi’s beauty hides a history few outside Uganda know. Here’s why that matters for SFF worldbuilding.
“Beyond the Beauty: A Research Guide for Responsible SFF Worldbuilding” by @iampreciousck.bsky.social .
www.sfwa.org/2026/01/06/b...
“Beyond the Beauty: A Research Guide for Responsible SFF Worldbuilding” by @iampreciousck.bsky.social .
www.sfwa.org/2026/01/06/b...
Beyond the Beauty: A Research Guide for Responsible SFF Worldbuilding - SFWA - The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
by Kemi Cole. Discover Lake Bunyonyi’s hidden past and learn practical methods for SFF worldbuilding grounded in cultural respect and meaningful engagement with the communities that could shape…
www.sfwa.org
January 10, 2026 at 6:02 PM
This week on Planetside… Lake Bunyonyi’s beauty hides a history few outside Uganda know. Here’s why that matters for SFF worldbuilding.
“Beyond the Beauty: A Research Guide for Responsible SFF Worldbuilding” by @iampreciousck.bsky.social .
www.sfwa.org/2026/01/06/b...
“Beyond the Beauty: A Research Guide for Responsible SFF Worldbuilding” by @iampreciousck.bsky.social .
www.sfwa.org/2026/01/06/b...
Re-post from TikTok:
Walk for Peace Official
Not every road is flat.
Not every season is easy.
But we keep walking anyway - don't give up.
Keep choosing peace.
#WalkForPeace #BuddhistMonks
#PeaceWalk #Mindfulness
#Compassion
Walk for Peace Official
Not every road is flat.
Not every season is easy.
But we keep walking anyway - don't give up.
Keep choosing peace.
#WalkForPeace #BuddhistMonks
#PeaceWalk #Mindfulness
#Compassion
January 12, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Re-post from TikTok:
Walk for Peace Official
Not every road is flat.
Not every season is easy.
But we keep walking anyway - don't give up.
Keep choosing peace.
#WalkForPeace #BuddhistMonks
#PeaceWalk #Mindfulness
#Compassion
Walk for Peace Official
Not every road is flat.
Not every season is easy.
But we keep walking anyway - don't give up.
Keep choosing peace.
#WalkForPeace #BuddhistMonks
#PeaceWalk #Mindfulness
#Compassion