Ventura County Weekend : Literary Toilers Can Learn From Pros

There are rich opportunities this week for literary folk to learn from veteran authors and public relations experts how the writing process and publishing business works. They will share their expertise on radio, in classes and at seminars.

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Ventura’s noted storyteller and writer Jim Woodard will perform tales with surprise endings at 11:30 a.m. Sunday on KCLU Radio 88.3 FM. Woodard began his storytelling career as a counselor at Boys Town in Nebraska and now directs a storytelling club every Friday at 3:30 p.m. for youngsters 7 to 12 at the Ventura Eastside Boys and Girls Club. Call 658-6697.

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The Southern California chapter of the American Society of Journalists & Authors, founded by Ventura writer and radio personality Ross Olney, will host an event open to the public on how writers can attract media coverage to enhance their careers. The dinner meeting, which costs $20, is scheduled at 6 p.m. Monday at the Brentwood Holiday Inn. For reservations call 969-1955.

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Dennis Lynds, acclaimed for his short story collections, and who writes Edgar Award-winning mysteries as Michael Collins, will address the Ventura County Writers Club at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Orchid Professional Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo. Lynds, the author of 18 novels, will describe the strategies needed to write and market both commercial and literary fiction. Call 482-5648.

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Get Ready, Get Set, Get Published, a five session-class for writers of novels, nonfiction and poetry, will be taught by author and magazine writer Jan Johnson beginning 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Simi Valley Adult School, 3192 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Call 527-4840 for details.

Information on literary events should be sent to Frances Halpern at least two weeks in advance. Write to her at 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001, or send faxes to 653-7576.