Novelist Molly Dwyer, author of Requiem for the Author of Frankenstein, will teach a historical fiction writing workshop in Ukiah on June 20. Courtesy photo.

UKIAH – Registration is now open for “Story Stalking: Historical Fiction Writing Workshop” with novelist Molly Dwyer in Ukiah.

This historical fiction writing workshop, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 20 takes place at Mariposa Center, a rural retreat in an oak-filled canyon 10 minutes from Ukiah/Highway 101 in Mendocino County.

The $75 workshop fee includes a copy of Dwyer’s award-winning novel, “Requiem for the Author of Frankenstein” and a box lunch. Early registration is advised, as space is limited. For registration forms and workshop details, go to www.mollydwyer.com or call Dot at 707-463-2736 or 707-272-8305.

Molly Dwyer’s debut novel, published last year, won a national award for historical fiction and was recently nominated for the Northern California Book Award in Fiction as one of the best works by a Northern California author published in 2008.

During the daylong workshop, Dwyer will use guided and free writing experiences, conversation and presentation to explore four aspects of writing historical fiction: research, framing, structure and ethics. She goes beyond standard linear approaches to research, such as Internet and primary sources, to include intuitive methods, such as dreaming and synchronicity.

In framing a story, Dwyer addresses how to shape fact into fiction and develop a strong sense of time and place with special attention to the sensibilities of characters living in another period or culture. She’ll suggest ways to structure a complex story that facilitate movement between research and writing, exploring background, foreground and back-story elements.

Finally, she will examine ethical questions in writing historical fiction, including how to stretch the facts to fit the fiction and how to transform fiction to fit the facts, as well as how to strike a balance between the two.

Dwyer has received glowing reviews for her presentations and workshops throughout the western United States and internationally.

“Molly Dwyer gave one of the best, most articulate presentations about writing I have ever experienced, at any venue,” says Cindy Pavlinac, vice president of the California Writers Club Marin Branch. Molly’s perspective is grounding, informative, inspiring, and current."

One poet and one fiction writer from California will receive a $500 honorarium and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, where they will meet with agents, editors and prominent writers, and give a public reading of their work in Spring 2010.

The winners will be selected by Karen Tei Yamashita (fiction) and Juan Felipe Herrera (poetry).

The contest is open to poets and fiction writers who:

• Have never published a book, or;

• Have published no more than one full-length book in the genre in which they are applying, and;

• Have resided in California for at least two consecutive years prior to the date they submit their manuscripts.

An application must accompany all manuscripts and be postmarked no later than Aug. 31.

For complete guidelines and an application, please visit www.pw.org/about-us/california_writers_exchange_award.

The concert starts at 6 p.m.

The suggested donation is $5. Seating is limited.

Dixon and Werner present a warm selection of original traveling songs delivered with humor. Please come and show them a Lake County welcome.

They will be promoting their new album "Travelers" and will be interviewed on KPFZ 88.1F.M., June 4th on the “Bluegrass Traveler” show hosted by Don Coffin from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Singer Sonia McAlear will perform at Harbor Village Artists in Lucerne on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Courtesy photo.

LUCERNE – Join songstress Sonia McAlear for an afternoon of lite rock at the Harbor Village Artists complex on Saturday, June 13.

McAlear will perform from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

She moved to Lake County in 1997 and discovered her passion for music.

McAlear's new career has taken her on several musical endeavors around the county, including performances at Mary Lou's in Lucerne and Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino.

Harbor Village Artists Colony is located at 6197 E. Highway 20, Lucerne.

For more information, call 707-274-2346.

Vocalist Neon Knepalm and guitarist Mike Wilhelm. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE – Guitarist and vocalist Mike Wilhelm and vocalist percussionist Neon Knepalm will give a brunch concert in the courtyard of the Tallman Hotel/Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake on Sunday, May 31, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Appearing as their very special guest will be the award-winning American Indian actor, musician and activist Gary Farmer who will supply harmonica and vocal.

Knepalm was formerly lead singer with Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers whose current tour brings Farmer to Northern California.

A few highlights from his long film career include 2006’s “Disappearances” with Kris Kristofferson, “Adaptation,” “Smoke Signals,” “The Score,” “Ghost Dog,” “Dead Man,” “Dark Wind” and “The Brave.”

This combination of musicians and personalities is a truly rare event well worth experiencing.

For further information go to www.BlueWingSaloon.com or www.TallmanHotel.com.