Next Meeting: Thursday, 9 April, at 6:30 p.m.
at the Tustin Marketplace Corner Bakery (13652 Jamboree Road, Irvine)
2 Apr meeting notes; 9 Apr reading list
26 MARCH MEETING NOTES
Eight people attended: Benafsha A., Donna R., Jo (two revised chapters from Dandelion Seeds), Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), Leighanne, Matthew M., Rosie (1.5 chapters from In Arcadia Ego), and our newest member, Darryl M.
NEWS & NOTES
Daryl brought flyers for the 26 April Sisters in Crime OC meeting, which will feature a tour of the audiobook studio AudioVision Production Services in Tustin.
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (often).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Monday, Apr. 6, 5 p.m.: Chris Epting, Theodore Roosevelt in California (at the Westminster Branch Library, 8180 13th St., Westminster)
- Tuesday, Apr. 7, 3:30 p.m.: Dianne Reeves Angel, Every Restaurant Tells a Story (at the Laguna Beach Branch Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach)
9 APRIL READING LIST
Leighanne (4/2)
Donna R. (4/2)
Joanne (3/19)
Matthew M. (4/2)
Benafsha A. (4/2)
Rosie (4/2)
Lance (4/2)
Jo (4/2)
Darryl M. (4/2)
Upcoming author events for April 2026
The following author events will take place online in April. 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.
- Saturday, Apr. 11, 2 p.m.: Jonathan Maberry, Red Empire: A Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International Novel
- Saturday, Apr. 18, 2 p.m.: Blake Arthur Peel, Fall of Radiance (Ranger’s Oath #1) (in conversation with Andrew Givler)
HUNTINGTON BEACH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
- No programs scheduled
LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
- April 18-19 at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- No programs scheduled
All events at Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach
- Monday, Apr. 6, 5 p.m.: Chris Epting, Theodore Roosevelt in California (at the Westminster Branch Library, 8180 13th St., Westminster)
- Tuesday, Apr. 7, 3:30 p.m.: Dianne Reeves Angel, Every Restaurant Tells a Story (at the Laguna Beach Branch Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach)
- Monday, Apr. 13. 6:30 p.m.: Emma Staub, American Fantasy (at the Tustin Branch Library, 345 E Main St, Tustin)
- Monday, Apr. 20, 5 p.m.: Danielle Hanson, The Night Is What It Eats (at the Laguna Beach Branch Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach)
- Tuesday, Apr. 21, 6:30 p.m.: Sally Hepworth, Mad Mabel (at the Curtis Theater, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea)
- Thursday, Apr. 23, 6:30 p.m.: Brad Taylor, Shadow Strike (at the Tustin Branch Library, 345 E Main St, Tustin)
- Tuesday, Apr. 28, 6 p.m.: Ellery Adams, Invasive Species (at the Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Av., Cypress)
- Saturday, Apr. 11, 10 a.m.: TBD
- Sisters in Crime L.A.: Sunday, Apr. 12, 2 p.m.: Michael DePasquale, “Homicide Investigation for Writers” (at the Radford Studio Center, Studio City)
- Sisters in Crime OC: Sunday, Apr. 26, 3 p.m.: Audiobook Studio Tour (at AudioVision Production Services, 14371 Franklin Av. Suite D, Tustin)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WRITERS ASSOCIATION
- Saturday, Apr. 18, 10 a.m.: TBD (in person at Mile Square Golf Course Banquet Hall, 10401 Warner Ave, Fountain Valley; $30-40)
26 Mar meeting notes; 2 Apr reading list
26 MARCH MEETING NOTES
Six people attended: Benafsha A. (1.5 chapters from Jewels of Herat), Jo (two chapters from Dandelion Seeds), Lance, Matthew M. (a chapter from Witch of the Wild Woods), Rosie, and potential new member Darryl M. (welcome!)
NEWS & NOTES
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (often).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Mar. 28, 2 p.m.: Gregg Hurwitz, Antihero (in person at Book Carnival)
- Saturday, Mar. 28, 2 p.m.: Naomi Hirahara, Crown City (at the Fountain Valley Library, 17635 Los Alamos St., Fountain Valley)
- Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2 p.m.: Kaira Rouda, We Were Never Friends (in person at Book Carnival)
2 APRIL READING LIST
Leighanne (3/19)
Donna R. (2/26)
Rosie (3/26)
Joanne (3/19)
Lance (3/26)
Jo (3/26)
Matthew M. (3/26)
Benafsha A. (3/26)
19 Mar meeting notes; 26 Mar reading list
19 MARCH MEETING NOTES
Six people attended: Benafsha A. (two chapters from The Jewels of Herat), Jo, Joanne (a short story, “Wandering in the Wilderness”), Leighanne, Lance (two chapters from Bluejay’s Riviera), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (often).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Mar. 21, 10 a.m.: Matthew Quirk, “From Novel to Netflix” (in person with SCWA at Mile Square Golf Course Banquet Hall, 10401 Warner Ave, Fountain Valley; $30-40)
- Sunday, Mar. 22, 3 p.m.: Matt Coyle (in person with Sisters in Crime OC at Book Carnival)
- Monday, Mar. 23, 12 p.m.: Author Luncheon with Kaira Rouda and Karen Palmer (in person with the Huntington Beach Friends of the Library)
- Wednesday, Mar. 25, 6:30 p.m.: Lisa Unger, Served Him Right (at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
26 MARCH READING LIST
Leighanne (3/19)
Donna R. (2/26)
Jo (3/19)
Rosie (3/19)
Matthew M. (3/12)
Joanne (3/19)
Benafsha A. (3/19)
Lance (3/19)
12 Mar meeting notes; 19 Mar reading list
12 MARCH MEETING NOTES
Five people attended: Joanne, Leighanne, Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), Rosie (a chapter from In Arcadia Ego), and our newest member Matthew M. (the other half of the prologue to a paranormal thriller, Witch of the Wild Woods).
NEWS & NOTES
Leighanne got a promotion at Great Park Ice. We expect her to own the place by the end of the year.
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (usually).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Mar. 14, 2 p.m.: A Celebration of the Life and Books of Thomas Perry (Jo Perry and her daughter Alix will be at Book Carnival for this event)
- Friday, Mar. 13. 6:30 p.m.: Markus Zuzak, The Book Thief (at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
19 MARCH READING LIST
Leighanne (3/12)
Donna R. (2/26)
Joanne (3/12)
Benafsha A. (2/26)
Jo (3/5)
Lance (3/12)
Rosie (3/12)
Matthew M. (3/12)
5 Mar meeting notes; 12 Mar reading list
5 MARCH MEETING NOTES
Five people attended: Jo, Leighanne, Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), Rosie (a chapter from In Arcadia Ego), and our newest member Matthew M. (half the prologue to a paranormal thriller, Witch of the Wild Woods).
NEWS & NOTES
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (usually).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Mar. 7, 11 a.m.: Katie Rose Guest Pryal, Your Kid Belongs Here (at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin)
- Sunday, Mar. 8, 2 p.m.: Gary Phillips in conversation with Dan White (for Sisters in Crime L.A. at the Radford Studio Center, Studio City)
- Wednesday, Mar. 11, 6:30 p.m.: Sonali Dev, There’s Something About Mira (at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
- Friday, Mar. 13. 6:30 p.m.: Markus Zuzak, The Book Thief (at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
12 MARCH READING LIST
Leighanne (3/5)
Donna R. (2/26)
Joanne (2/19)
Benafsha A. (2/26)
Jo (3/5)
Lance (3/5)
Rosie (3/5)
Matthew M. (3/5)
26 Feb meeting notes; 5 Mar reading list
26 FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES
Six people attended: Benafsha A. (two revised chapters from Jewels of Herat), Donna R., Jo (a revised chapter from Dandelion Seeds), Leighanne, Rosie (a revised chapter ending from In Arcadia Ego), and potential new member Matthew.
NEWS & NOTES
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (usually).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Sunday, Mar. 1, 2 p.m.: Kaira Rouda, We Were Never Friends (in person at Book Carnival)
5 MARCH READING LIST
Leighanne (2/26)
Donna R. (2/26)
Joanne (2/19)
Lance (2/19)
Benafsha A. (2/26)
Rosie (2/26)
Jo (2/26)
19 Feb meeting notes; 26 Feb reading list
19 FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES
Six people attended: Benafsha A. (two revised chapters from Jewels of Herat), Donna R., Jo (a chapter from Dandelion Seeds), Joanne (a short story, “Stymied by Black Gumdrops”), Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
PFL is looking for a few good writers to plug the gaps in our ranks. If you’re looking for a critique group or know someone who is, please check us out. We don’t bite newcomers (usually).
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.: Mark Sevi, “The Two Stories Inside Every Novel & Script” (in person for SCWA at 19 Restaurant, 24122 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills; $25-35)
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.: Jennifer J. Chow, Tell-Tale Treats; Daryl Wood Gerber, Murder by the Millions (in person for Mystery Ink at Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach)
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m.: Caitlin Rother, Hooked (in person at Book Carnival)
- Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m.: “Intrigue, Secrets, and a Deadly Undercover Assignment” with Nancy Cole Silverman, A Spy in Saigon (in person for Sisters in Crime OC at Book Carnival)
- Monday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.: Jason Reynolds, Long Way Down (at the Clifton C. Miller Community Center, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin)
26 FEBRUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/22)
Donna R. (2/19)
Rosie (2/19)
Jo (2/19)
Joanne (2/19)
Benafsha A. (2/19)
Lance (2/19)
12 Feb meeting notes; 19 Feb reading list
12 FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES
Five people attended: Benafsha A. (read 1.5 revised chapters from Jewels of Herat), Jo, Joanne, Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
Burt Golden, a long-time member of PFL, passed away on Monday. He joined the group on 18 October 2007 and has been a mainstay ever since. His family is planning a Celebration of Life for the end of March. In the meantime, his son is putting together a Book of Life. If you would like to contribute your memories of Burt, please send them to dane[@]danegolden.com by mid-March. We’ll all miss Burt, and we extend our fondest wishes to his family in this sad time.
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.: Bill Clevlen, Presidential Road Trips (in person with the Huntington Beach Friends of the Library)
19 FEBRUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/22)
Jo (2/12)
Donna R. (1/29)
Joanne (2/12)
Rosie (2/12)
Benafsha A. (2/12)
Lance (2/12)
5 Feb meeting notes; 12 Feb reading list
5 FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES
A cozy four people attended: Benafsha A., Jo, Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), and Rosie (a half-chapter from In Arcadia Ego).
NEWS & NOTES
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m.: Rob Osler, The Case of the Murdered Muckraker (in person at Book Carnival)
- Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.: Paula McLain, Skylark (in person at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
12 FEBRUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/22)
Jo (2/5)
Donna R. (1/29)
Joanne (1/29)
Burt (1/29)
Benafsha A. (2/5)
Rosie (2/5)
Lance (2/5)
29 Jan meeting notes; 5 Feb reading list
29 JANUARY MEETING NOTES
That’s more like it! Six people attended: Benafsha A. (two revised chapters from Jewels of Herat), Burt (chapters from The Class of 1942), Donna R., Jo, Joanne, and Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera).
NEWS & NOTES
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m.: Rachel Howzell Hall in conversation with Naomi Hirahara (in person for Sisters in Crime LA at Radford Studio in Studio City)
5 FEBRUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/22)
Jo (1/29)
Donna R. (1/29)
Rosie (1/22)
Joanne (1/29)
Burt (1/29)
Benafsha A. (1/29)
Lance (1/29)
22 Jan meeting notes; 29 Jan reading list
22 JANUARY MEETING NOTES
Three people attended (where is everyone?). We decided to try again next week.
NEWS & NOTES
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.: Dave Putnam, Imogene’s Grand Fiasco (in person for Mystery Ink at Studio 14 in Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach)
- Saturday, Jan 24, 2:30 p.m.: Dion Leonard, Finding Gobi (at the Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach)
- Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 p.m.: Sisters in Crime OC‘s “2026 Crime Fiction Kickoff” (at Book Carnival)
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.: Duff Goldman, Duff Bakes (at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
29 JANUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/22)
Jo (1/15)
Donna R. (1/8)
Burt (1/8)
Benafsha A. (1/8)
Rosie (1/22)
Lance (1/22)
Joanne (11/20)
15 Jan meeting notes; 22 Jan reading list
15 JANUARY MEETING NOTES
Four people attended (where is everyone?): Jo, Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), Leighanne, and Rosie (1.5 chapters from In Arcadia Ego).
NEWS & NOTES
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: Nancy Klann, Kathleen Troy, and PJ Colando: “Beyond ‘The End’: Turning Your Book into a Published Reality” (in person for SCWA at 19 Restaurant, 24122 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills; $25-35)
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m.: John McMahon, Inside Man (in person at Book Carnival)
- Thursday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.: Marjorie McCown, Final Cut (in person at the Laguna Woods Library, 24266 El Toro Rd., Laguna Woods)
- Thursday, Jan. 22, 5 p.m.: Ruth Reichl (in person at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills)
22 JANUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (1/15)
Jo (1/15)
Donna R. (1/8)
Joanne (11/20)
Burt (1/8)
Benafsha A. (1/8)
Rosie (1/15)
Lance (1/15)
8 Jan meeting notes; 15 Jan reading list
8 JANUARY MEETING NOTES
Five people attended the year’s first meeting: Benafsha A. (2 revised chapters from The Jewels of Herat), Burt (chapters from The Class of 1942), Donna R., Lance (a chapter from Bluejay’s Riviera), and Rosie.
NEWS & NOTES
Upcoming author events for the next week:
- Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m.: Lauren Sapala, “Writers Who Can’t Write”; Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, “Using Dictation to Draft” (virtual for OC Romance Writers)
- Monday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Amy Meyerson, The Water Lies (at the Los Alamitos-Roosmoor Library, 12700 Montecito Rd., Seal Beach)
15 JANUARY READING LIST
Leighanne (11/20)
Jo (11/13)
Rosie (1/8)
Donna R. (1/8)
Joanne (11/20)
Burt (1/8)
Lance (1/8)
Benafsha A. (1/8)
No PFL meeting on 11 Dec
The assembled crowd at the 4 Dec Holiday Party decided that it’s too much of a hassle to have a meeting on 11 Dec (this Thursday). So we’re not.
See you on 8 January at our first meeting of 2026. Merry Saturnalia!
Pure Fiction League 