"What are you afraid of?" asked award-winning author Naomi Baltuck at today's writing group. "You have to start out with what scares you most." For Baltuck, that meant tackling social media by starting her blog, Writing Between the Lines, and adding photos and observational stories to augment the writing tips she posted.

Baltuck's debut novel, Keeper of the Crystal Spring, written with her co-writer sister came from a reverence for storytelling. "I taught my children to frame their world as stories," said Baltuck. Those children have gone on to win awards and scholarships for writing.

Baltuck also advised today's group to join PNWA, the Evergreen chapter of RWA (even for non-romance writers), and SCBWI for children's authors. And if the idea scares you, then you know it's something you really need to do now.  -Janette

On Monday writer Jacquie Rogers visited EPIC's morning writing group to give a prod in the right direction. She expects writers to be clear about their market, join Facebook and RWA, and embrace the reality of self-publishing. Thanks for the whippin', Jacquie!

As always, the public is invited to join EPIC's Monday morning writing group, which meets at the Edmonds Library, Mondays at 10 a.m. Free.

Want to know how to complete a novel in a month? Kim Votry's NaNoWriMo book, "My Own Magic," lays out the path. Votry recently visited EPIC's Monday morning writing group and shared tips on preparing for the write-a-thon,. Watch for info on EPIC's NaNoWriMo write-ins and kickoff set for Nov. 3.

As always, you are invited to join EPIC's Monday morning writing group, which meets Mondays, 10 a.m., at the Edmonds Library. Free.

Join EPIC and the Edmonds Literary Series on Thursday, September 13, for a workshop on "Writing Your Story." Marcia Woodard and Jessica Star Rocker will discuss turning nonfiction narratives into essays and books. Bring paper and pen, and you may want to arrive at the Edmonds Library a few minutes before the start time of 6:30 p.m. FREE.

Now that EPIC's wildly successful first season has wrapped-up, let's look to the future. One model is the Ballard Writers Collective, which brings together community authors for live open mic events and online book marketing. From their site, clicking on a book takes you to the local book store -- wouldn't it be great to do this with the Edmonds Bookshop?

Let us know what you would like to see for the future. We have some great literary events planned for the fall, including an evening with Kathleen Flenniken, Washington State Poet Laureate, and the Monday morning writing group, which starts back up on September 17. Enjoy summer and prepare for a busy, literary season!

Today's EPIC Writing Group tacked wind to sails, storms and razor blades. Our featured guest was Emily Hill of AV Harrison Publishing -- thank you, Emily! I am certain we shall see many of our group published (traditional, micro and indie) soon.

We will not meet on May 28, so for June 4, bring your five metaphors from other people's work, and five of your own metaphors. Our last group is June 11.

Have a wonderful Memorial week! -- Janette