Next Meeting: Thursday, 5 November, at 6:30 p.m.
at Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine)
29 Oct meeting notes; 5 Nov reading list
29 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES
Nine people attended: Casey, Chris L., Jo, Joanne, Lance, Leighanne (a chapter from On the Steps of the Palace), Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), Paul D. (1.5 chapters from his untitled historical novel), and Rosie (a chapter from The Actress and Mr. Kennedy).
NEWS & NOTES
We’re now meeting in Great Park Ice’s Selanne Room, which is on the second floor at the back of Rink 1’s north side. It’s a nice setup that’s private and quiet. If you want to buy food from the restaurant, make it to go so you can take it to the meeting room. We should be able to use this room through 10 Dec. Thanks again to Leighanne for arranging this for us!
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m.: Carl Vonderau, Murderabilia (in person for Sisters in Crime L.A. at Radford Studios, Studio City) (registration required)
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.: Craig Johnson (in conversation with A. Martinez), Have Courage: Longmire Stories (in person at Book Carnival)
5 NOVEMBER READING LIST
Lance (10/29)
Chris L. (10/29)
Joanne (10/29)
Zaid S. (10/1)
Jo (10/29)
Herb W. (10/8)
Benafsha A. (10/15)
Donna R. (10/22)
Casey (10/29)
Darryl M. (10/22)
Rosie (10/29)
Matthew M. (10/29)
Leighanne (10/29)
Paul D. (10/29)
Upcoming author events for November 2026
The following author events will take place online in November. The featured guest will appear in person unless otherwise noted. Click on the venue links for more information and for registration or access codes. Events pop up unpredictably, so return to your favorite venues during the month to see if anything new has surfaced.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.: Craig Johnson (in conversation with A. Martinez), Have Courage: Longmire Stories
HUNTINGTON BEACH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
- No program scheduled
- No events scheduled
All events at Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Old Town Tustin (free)
- No events scheduled
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.: Mia Hopkins, “Go Deep: Deep POV and Narrative Voice” (online)
- Sisters in Crime L.A.: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m.: Carl Vonderau, Murderabilia (at Radford Studios, Studio City) (registration required)
- Sisters in Crime OC: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2:30 p.m.: Dr. Damon de la Cruz, “Secrets of the Mortuary” (at the Orange Public Library main branch, 407 E. Chapman Av., Orange)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WRITERS ASSOCIATION
- Saturday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m.: TBD (at Antonucci’s Restaurant, 24190 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo; $30-40)
22 Oct meeting notes; 29 Oct reading list
22 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES
Nine people attended: Casey (half a chapter from Agent Veruca Vaype), Chris L., Darryl M. (four chapters from What He Saw in the Darkness), Donna (a chapter from Monster Book), Jo, Lance, Leighanne, Paul D., and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
We’re now meeting in Great Park Ice’s Selanne Room, which is on the second floor at the back of Rink 1’s north side. It’s a nice setup that’s private and quiet. If you want to buy food from the restaurant, make it to go so you can take it to the meeting room. We should be able to use this room through 10 Dec. Thanks again to Leighanne for arranging this for us!
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m.: Kelli Stanley, The Reckoning (in person at Book Carnival)
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.: Walter Mosley, Hanging & Burning (in person at the Tustin Library, 345 E. Main St, Tustin)
29 OCTOBER READING LIST
Lance (10/22)
Chris L. (10/22)
Joanne (10/1)
Zaid S. (10/1)
Jo (10/22)
Rosie (10/22)
Matthew M. (10/8)
Herb W. (10/8)
Leighanne (10/22)
Paul D. (10/22)
Benafsha A. (10/15)
Donna R. (10/22)
Casey (10/22)
Darryl M. (10/22)
15 Oct meeting notes; 22 Oct reading list
15 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES
Eight people attended: Benafsha A. (another revision of the first chapter from Landed), Casey, Chris L., Darryl M., Lance, Leighanne (a chapter from On the Steps of the Palace), Paul D. (1.5 chapters from his untitled historical crime novel), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.: Dr. Cristina LePort, “Raising the Dead: Cryogenics, Thrillers, and Writing What You Know” (in person for SCWA at Antonucci’s Restaurant, 24190 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo; $30-40)
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m.: Kim Davis, Essentials of Homicide; Daryl Wood Gerber, Murder in a Lavender Haze (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2:30 p.m.: Marjorie McCown and Elizabeth Crowens, “Mysteries with a Hollywood Twist” (in person for Sisters in Crime OC at the Orange Public Library main branch, 407 E. Chapman Av., Orange)
22 OCTOBER READING LIST
Donna R. (10/1)
Lance (10/15)
Chris L. (10/15)
Joanne (10/1)
Casey (10/15)
Darryl M. (10/15)
Zaid S. (10/1)
Jo (10/8)
Rosie (10/15)
Matthew M. (10/8)
Herb W. (10/8)
Leighanne (10/15)
Paul D. (10/15)
Benafsha A. (10/15)
8 Oct meeting notes; 15 Oct reading list
8 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES
Ten people attended: Benafsha A., Casey, Chris L., Darryl M., Herb W. (our newest official member), Jo (three chapters from Dandelion Seeds), Leighanne, Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), Rosie (a chapter from The Actress and Mr. Kennedy), and yet another potential new member, fantasy writer Michael C. (welcome!)
NEWS & NOTES
The PFL road show has moved to Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine). We meet at the southernmost end of the Between the Rinks restaurant and bar near Rink 1, second floor.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m.: Eric Beetner, A Wound That Will Not Heal; Kasey Lansdale, First Chance (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.: Celeste Barclay, “Celebration of Romance” (online and in person at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center for OC Romance Writers)
- Monday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.: Min Jin Lee, American Hagwon (at the La Habra City Hall, 110 E. La Habra Blvd, La Habra)
15 OCTOBER READING LIST
Donna R. (10/1)
Leighanne (10/8)
Paul D. (9/17)
Lance (9/24)
Benafsha A. (10/8)
Chris L. (10/8)
Joanne (10/1)
Casey (10/8)
Darryl M. (10/8)
Zaid S. (10/1)
Jo (10/8)
Rosie (10/8)
Matthew M. (10/8)
Herb W. (10/8)
1 Oct meeting notes; 8 Oct reading list
1 OCTOBER MEETING NOTES
Eleven people attended: Benafsha A., Casey (the second half of a chapter from Agent Veruca Vaype), Chris L., Darryl M. (five chapters from What He Saw in the Dark), Donna R., Jo, Joanne (a short story, “A Twisted challenge”), Leighanne, Rosie, our officially newest member Zaid S., and potential new member Herb W. (welcome!)
NEWS & NOTES
The PFL road show has moved to Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine). We meet at the southernmost end of the Between the Rinks restaurant and bar near Rink 1, second floor.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m.: Barbara Pronin, A Moon at the End of the World
(in person at Book Carnival) - Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.: Olivie Blake, Dreamland (at the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Branch Library, 12700 Montecito, Seal Beach)
- Sunday, Oct. 4, 2 p.m.: Mark Steensland, “Mystery, Murder & Black Magic” (in person for Sisters in Crime LA at the Radford Studios, Studio City) (registration required)
- Thursday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.: Reyna Grande, Migrant Heart; Leslie Priscilla, Chancla (at the El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest)
8 OCTOBER READING LIST
Donna R. (10/1)
Leighanne (10/1)
Jo (10/1)
Paul D. (9/17)
Rosie (10/1)
Matthew M. (9/24)
Lance (9/24)
Benafsha A. (10/1)
Chris L. (10/1)
Joanne (10/1)
Casey (10/1)
Darryl M. (10/1)
Zaid S. (10/1)
24 Sep meeting notes; 1 Oct reading list
24 SEP MEETING NOTES
Ten people attended: Benafsha A. (another revision of the first two chapters of Landed), Casey, Chris L. (two chapters from The Dreamers), Darryl M., Donna R., Lance (an “Author’s Notes” chapter for Bluejay Rises), Leighanne, Matthew M., Rosie, and potential new member Zaid S. (welcome!).
NEWS & NOTES
It’s official: the members voted unanimously to move our show to Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine) starting next week. We’ll meet at the southernmost end of the Between the Rinks restaurant and bar near Rink 1, second floor.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Sep. 26, 2 p.m.: Jennifer J. Chow, Tell-Tale Treats; Kemper Donovan, Sweet Spot (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Sep. 26, 2:30 p.m.: Jennifer Rose, “The Psychic Medium: Communicating with the Dead” (in person for Sisters in Crime OC) (at the Orange Public Library main branch, 407 E. Chapman Av., Orange)
- Tuesday, Sep. 29, 6 p.m.: Kaelynn Partlow, Life on the Bridge (in person at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin)
1 OCTOBER READING LIST
Donna R. (9/24)
Leighanne (9/24)
Jo (9/10)
Paul D. (9/17)
Joanne (9/17)
Casey (9/24)
Rosie (9/24)
Darryl M. (9/24)
Matthew M. (9/24)
Lance (9/24)
Benafsha A. (9/24)
Chris L. (9/24)
17 Sep meeting notes; 24 Sep reading list
17 SEP MEETING NOTES
Eleven people attended: Benafsha A., Casey, Chris L., Darryl M. (three chapters from What He Saw in the Dark), Donna R., Joanne, Lance, Leighanne, Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), Paul D., and Rosie (1.5 chapters from The Actress and Mr. Kennedy).
NEWS & NOTES
On 24 September, we’ll still be test-driving Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine) as a potential new meeting place. It’s at the junction of the 5 and the 133 (see map). We will meet in or near the “Between the Rinks” restaurant on the second floor. Look for Rosie and/or Leighanne for in-building directions. After this test, we’ll discuss the experience, then decide whether to make the jump.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Sep. 19, 10 a.m.: Jonathan J. Brown, “The Inspired Writer: Build Resilience, Find Your Spark, and Keep Writing” (in person with SCWA at Antonucci’s Restaurant, 24190 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo; $30-40)
- Monday, Sep. 21, 12 p.m.: Jennifer J. Chow and Daryl Wood Gerber, “A Cozy Mystery Luncheon” (in person with the Huntington Beach Friends of the Library)
- Wednesday, Sep. 23, 10:30 a.m.: Marjorie McCown, Final Cut and Star Struck (in person at the San Clemente Branch Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente)
24 SEPTEMBER READING LIST
Donna R. (9/17)
Lance (9/17)
Leighanne (9/17)
Jo (9/10)
Paul D. (9/17)
Benafsha A. (9/17)
Joanne (9/17)
Chris L. (9/17)
Casey (9/17)
Rosie (9/17)
Darryl M. (9/17)
Matthew M. (9/17)
10 Sep meeting notes; 17 Sep reading list
10 SEP MEETING NOTES
Eight people attended: Benafsha A. (a revised first chapter from Landed, and a potential query for Jewels of Herat), Casey (half a chapter from Agent Veruca Vaype), Chris L. (a chapter from The Dreamers), Jo, Joanne (a short story, “The Lag before the Finale”), Lance, Leighanne, and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
For the next two weeks (17 and 24 September), we’ll be testing Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley, Irvine) as a potential new meeting place. It’s at the junction of the 5 and the 133 (see map). If all goes to plan, we will meet in the “Between the Rinks” restaurant on the second floor. Look for Rosie and/or Leighanne for in-building directions. After this test, we’ll discuss the experience at the 1 October meeting back at Corner Bakery, then decide whether to make the jump.
PFL alumna Gloria’s novel The Haunting of Fenleigh Manor has been picked up by Wild Rose Press for publication. She will be joining the ranks of PFL published authors sometime in the near future. She says, “Thanks for all your encouragement when I was part of your group. I really miss everyone.” Congratulations, Gloria!
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Sep. 12, 10 a.m.: Teddy Smith, “How to Launch Your Romance Book in Europe and Beyond” (virtual for OC Romance Writers)
- Sunday, Sep. 13, 2 p.m.: Jaime Parker Stickle, “From the Stage to the Page” (in person for Sisters in Crime LA) (registration required)
- Wednesday, Sep. 16, 5:30 p.m.: The Literary Guild of Orange County’s Fall Literary Salon with Naomi Hirahara, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Mary StJohn-Putnam (in person at the Mission Viejo Country Club, 26200 Country Club Dr.) (register in advance)
17 SEPTEMBER READING LIST
Donna R. (8/20)
Lance (9/10)
Leighanne (9/10)
Rosie (9/10)
Jo (9/10)
Darryl M. (9/3)
Matthew M. (9/3)
Paul D. (9/3)
Benafsha A. (9/10)
Joanne (9/10)
Chris L. (9/10)
Casey (9/10)
3 Sep meeting notes; 10 Sep reading list
3 SEP MEETING NOTES
Nine people attended: Benafsha A., Casey (two chapters from Agent Veruca Vaype), Chris L. (two chapters from The Dreamers), Darryl M., Joanne, Lance, Matthew M., Paul D. (two chapters from his untitled historical crime novel), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
Author events scheduled for the next week: None
10 SEPTEMBER READING LIST
Donna R. (8/20)
Lance (9/3)
Leighanne (8/27)
Rosie (9/3)
Jo (8/27)
Benafsha A. (9/3)
Joanne (9/3)
Darryl M. (9/3)
Matthew M. (9/3)
Paul D. (9/3)
Chris L. (9/3)
Casey (9/3)
27 Aug meeting notes; 3 Sep reading list
27 AUG MEETING NOTES
A bumper 11 people attended: Benafsha A., Casey (the first chapter of Agent Veruca Vaype), Chris L., Darryl M. (four chapters from What He Saw in the Dark), Jo, Joanne (a short story, “Risky Chance on A Fly”), Lance, Leighanne, Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), Paul D., and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
Rosie returned from the Historical Novel Society convention in Ireland. An agent may be interested in In Arcadia Ego (stay tuned!).
Author events scheduled for the next week: None.
3 SEPTEMBER READING LIST
Donna R. (8/20)
Lance (8/27)
Leighanne (8/27)
Rosie (8/27)
Paul D. (8/27)
Jo (8/27)
Benafsha A. (8/27)
Chris L. (8/27)
Casey (8/27)
Joanne (8/27)
Darryl M. (8/27)
Matthew M. (8/27)
20 Aug meeting notes; 27 Aug reading list
20 AUG MEETING NOTES
Ten people attended: Benafsha A. (a chapter from Jewels of Herat), Chris L. (the first two chapters of a novella, The Dreamers), Darryl M., Donna R., Jo (two chapters from Dandelion Seeds), Joanne, Lance, Leighanne, Matthew M., and Paul D.
NEWS & NOTES
Rosie is in Ireland at the Historical Novel Society convention. She will return next week.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m.: Michael Chatfield, The Two Week Curse (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 2:30 p.m.: Naomi Hirahara, Crown City; Elisabeth Rhoads, Haggard House (in person for Sisters in Crime OC at the Orange Public Library main branch, 407 E. Chapman Av., Orange)
- Saturday, Aug. 22, 4 p.m.: Lee Goldberg and Tod Goldberg, “An Afternoon of Crime Fiction” (in person for the Huntington Beach Friends of the Library)
27 AUGUST READING LIST
Donna R. (8/20)
Lance (8/20)
Leighanne (8/20)
Rosie (8/6)
Casey (8/13)
Joanne (8/20)
Darryl M. (8/20)
Matthew M. (8/20)
Paul D. (8/20)
Jo (8/20)
Benafsha A. (8/20)
Chris L. (8/20)
13 Aug meeting notes; 20 Aug reading list
13 AUG MEETING NOTES
Nine people attended: Benafsha A., Casey, Chris L., Darryl M. (four chapters from What He Saw in the Dark), Jo, Joanne (a short story, “A Roll in the Weeds”), Lance, Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), and Paul D. (the first chapter of an untitled historical novel).
NEWS & NOTES
Leighanne has proposed that PFL try out the restaurant at Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley in Irvine) as a potential new meeting place. This may solve the noise and space issues we’ve experienced at Corner Bakery. The test run may happen at the beginning of September. Stay tuned!
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.: Pam Sheppard, “Beyond Grammar: Editing That Transforms Stories” (in person for SCWA at Antonucci’s Restaurant, 24190 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo)
- Saturday, Aug. 15, 1 p.m.: Naomi Hirahara, Crown City; Patricia Smiley, A Cold November Murder (in person at Mystery Ink, Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach)
20 AUGUST READING LIST
Donna R. (7/30)
Jo (8/13)
Lance (8/13)
Leighanne (8/6)
Rosie (8/6)
Benafsha A. (8/13)
Casey (8/13)
Chris L. (8/13)
Joanne (8/13)
Darryl M. (8/13)
Matthew M. (8/13)
Paul D. (8/13)
6 Aug meeting notes; 13 Aug reading list
6 AUG MEETING NOTES
A bumper 10 (!!) people attended: Benafsha A., Darryl M. (four chapters from What He Saw in the Dark), Joanne (a short story, “Fear as a Foe or Friend?”), Lance, Leighanne (the first two chapters of On the Steps of the Palace), Matthew M., Paul D., Rosie (a chapter from The Actress and Mr. Kennedy), and two returning PFL members, Casey and Chris L. (welcome back!). This is the highest meeting attendance since September 2024.
NEWS & NOTES
Leighanne has proposed that PFL try out the restaurant at Great Park Ice (888 Ridge Valley in Irvine) as a potential new meeting place. This may solve the noise and space issues we’ve experienced at Corner Bakery. The test run may happen at the beginning of September. Stay tuned!
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.: David Corbett, “Finding Your Story in Moments of Helplessness” (online for OC Romance Writers)
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m.: Ellen Byron, A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras and All Aboard for Murder; Nicole Maggi, A Murder in Zion and Lost in Yellowstone (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m.: Dr. Cristina LePort, Defrosted (in person at the Fountain Valley Branch Library, 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley)
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 4:30 p.m.: Ellen Byron, A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras and All Aboard for Murder; Nicole Maggi, A Murder in Zion and Lost in Yellowstone (in person at Mystery Ink, Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach)
13 AUGUST READING LIST
Leighanne (8/6)
Donna R. (7/30)
Jo (7/30)
Joanne (8/6)
Lance (8/6)
Rosie (8/6)
Darryl M. (8/6)
Matthew M. (8/6)
Paul D. (8/6)
Benafsha A. (8/6)
Casey (8/6)
Chris L. (8/6)
30 July meeting notes; 6 Aug reading list
30 JULY MEETING NOTES
Nine (!) people attended: Benafsha A. (a new chapter from Jewels of Herat), Darryl M., Donna R., Jo, Joanne, Lance, Leighanne, Matthew M. (a chapter from A Taste of Ink), and Paul D. (two chapters from an untitled historical adventure novel).
NEWS & NOTES
Last call: Burt’s family is hosting a celebration of his life on Sunday, August 2, 1-3:30 p.m. at the Oasis Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Room 1AB, Corona del Mar. RSVP at https://burtgolden.com/burt-golden-celebration-of-life/.
Author events scheduled for the next week:
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 2 p.m.: David Lewis, The Paris Chase (in person at Book Carnival)
- Sunday, Aug. 2, 2 p.m.: Victor Wong, “The Thought Process of a Crime and Intelligence Analyst” (in person for Sisters in Crime L.A. at Radford Studios in Studio City) (registration required)
6 AUGUST READING LIST
Leighanne (7/30)
Donna R. (7/30)
Jo (7/30)
Joanne (7/30)
Lance (7/30)
Rosie (7/23)
Darryl M. (7/30)
Matthew M. (7/30)
Paul D. (7/30)
Benafsha A. (7/30)
