by Lorie Lewis Ham

Recently I discovered a relatively new organization for fiction writers here in the Central Valley, the Central Valley Fiction Writers. The group came to the book launch of my new Tower District Mystery at the Book Barn in Clovis in July and introduced themselves. I joined their group and am looking forward to learning more about what they have to offer. I thought it would be interesting to share that learning journey with our readers so I interviewed their Treasurer and Interim President Roh Morgan.

KRL: How did Central Valley Fiction Writers come to be?

Roh: CVFW was formed in 2022 from the now-closed Yosemite Romance Writers chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

KRL: What parts of the Valley does it cover?

Roh: Although CVFW is based in Fresno, we cover the entire Central Valley. Our meetings are a combination of in-person and online so that even members who live several hours away can participate.

KRL: What is the purpose of the group?

Roh: CVFW provides education and support for writers located in California’s Central Valley region, from Stockton to Bakersfield, and is open to both published and unpublished fiction writers.

KRL: What are the benefits of joining?

Roh: CVFW offers programs and networking opportunities geared toward beginning and established writers and those in between. We share information on craft, publishing (both traditional and indie), and marketing.
This year, CVFW participated in several book fairs, promoting both the organization and its members and their books.

KRL: Do you have to be published to join?

Roh: We are open to both unpublished and published writers.

KRL: Do you have a critique group?

Roh: No, we do not offer a critique group at this time. However, members who belong to outside critique groups are happy to share information about joining those groups with other CVFW members.

KRL: What type of things do you talk about at your meetings?

Roh: Upcoming book events such as members’ book launches, book fairs, writing contests, and conferences, as well as the latest trends in the publishing industry. We typically end our meetings with a focused discussion or presentation. Past topics have included how to maximize your book’s Amazon landing page, Amazon’s A+ content, and the controversy regarding AI.
In our September meeting, I presented tips and tricks on essential items to bring when selling books at a book fair. We also occasionally hold hands-on workshops in which members bring their laptops—this past June, we held a keyword workshop on how to select your categories and keywords in Amazon’s KDP dashboard.

KRL: When and where do you meet?

Roh: We generally meet the second Saturday of the month at Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1781 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. It’s recommended that attendees arrive at least a half-hour early to order and receive their food prior to the start of the meeting. In October we will be meeting on the third Saturday instead, on October 19.

We ask that guests let us know via email (president@centralvalleyfictionwriters[dot]com) if they plan to attend to ensure we have enough seating for everyone or to receive the Zoom link if they wish to attend online.

KRL: How many members do you have?

Roh: We currently have 20 members.

KRL: What different genres are represented?

Roh: Our authors write in a wide variety of fiction genres—from contemporary fiction, romance, and women’s fiction to mystery, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and horror. We also have several children’s and YA authors.

KRL: Any events coming up?

Roh: We just participated in a book faire hosted by the Book Barn in Clovis on September 21. Our next event is the Heart of the Valley Book Faire in Madera on November 16, with 40+ authors attending. CVFW is assisting the Friends of the Madera County Library in organizing that event.

KRL: What are your goals for the future?

Roh: To continue providing education and support for Valley fiction writers in all stages of their careers.

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Roh: We welcome new members, especially those who want to learn more about being a writer, as well as those who would like to share their experiences in the publishing industry.

KRL: Where can people find you online?

Roh: Our website address is centralvalleyfictionwriters.com. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082956837996. You can check out our members and their published work in the members section of our website.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!<