Gini Grossenbacher

Gini writes careful, engaging, detailed stories/novels of people in historically-accurate fiction. Whether in the 1850s California, WWII Europe, or an American boarding house in the hard-scrabble Great Plains, her characters are engaging, spirited, and a bit saucy in their ways. If intrigue, deception, some amorous glances, a sharp mind and adventurous spirit, are your stuff, go find her books, and enjoy!

Robert Pacholik

President, Action-Adventure Press, Sacramento, California

:

After a presentation to California Writers Club, Sacramento Branch:

Gini,

On behalf of the CWC Sacramento branch, I wanted to thank you again for a truly excellent presentation. Your insights about character development have sent me back to the drawing board, and I really appreciate that. Several other attendees shared with me how much they got out of your presentation as well.

Tim Schooley, CWC Sacramento

About a poetry class:

What was strong was the concentration on imagery. The book we used in class was so helpful in understanding how poetry developed. What stays with me is how we all ended the class with three or four poems.

--K.T.Torian Taylor

**

Gini's classes have taught me so much about writing. The Wired for Story class helped me learn how to put my characters through the wringer and how to set up plot points. Gini is an excellent teacher and the classes are great fun.

--Emily Boyd

Lots of practice writing and sharing what we've written. The writing info is very helpful and will go a long way towards making any future books better.

--Barbara Barrett

I liked reading and learning together, with robust discussions about the book's content. The examples reviewed together and the handouts which capture the main points of each chapter Wired for Story were strong. What stayed with me was "the story is not in what happens; it's in how the characters react to what happens."

--Evangeline Freathy

Thought-provoking. From "Hook the Reader" to "Setup and Payoff," excellent, clear and cognitive secrets to writing success.

--Loy Holder

I liked the book by Lisa Cron, Wired for Story. The handout summaries and the shared readings were strong. I found the following memorable: the (instructor's) efforts to make those handy notes; the fellowship of serious writers; the "Aha" moments--I had one today in class during the free write. and that's how AWA writing is for me.

--Judith Vaughan

I loved Lisa Cron's book. The Introduction and Chapter One were life-changing for me. My writing is transforming as a result of this book; Gini's weekly notes emphasized the key points. What stayed with me was the recognition that tapping into human needs is key to hooking readers.

--Liz Abess, MFA 

Fascinating introduction to flash fiction--a gentle lead-in to our writing of very different stories which we got to hear and feel...I feel very blessed by the whole day--.

--Brady Rubin, Ashland Writers Retreat

What I really liked was how quickly our group writing became so intimate. We have opened our hearts and our writing with trust. What was strong was your (Gini's) set-up for the poetry writing. Listening to the music, talking to one another, thinking about the subject matter. Opening into deep conversations and deep writing. The amazing companionship!

--Bethany King, Ashland Writers Retreat

I love the way you draw me in, step by step, to producing a piece that I did not know was there. Thank you, Gini. I can't wait until you return next year!

--Janet Boggia, Ashland Writers Retreat

What I liked--writing poetry...the positive feedback encouraged me to move forward to publishing some of my poems. Learning about twists and turns in poetry helped me...finding a twist and emerging into a realization, sometimes about myself.

K.T. Torian, Poetry Series

I like that you (Gini) are a professional writer and experienced writing teacher. What stays with me is the continuity of the class and the development of a "library of pieces." I love the mutual friendships and caring, and knowing the others' voices.

Amanda Williams

About the Manuscript Critique Class:

I have belonged to various critique groups over sixteen years of writing fiction, but Gini Grossenbacher's "Writers of Elk Grove," an Amherst Writers and Artists Affiliate, has been the most beneficial due to her professionalism and leadership. Each month, my gratitude increases for the honest feedback and guidance I receive from members of this group. Using Gini's own words, "I consider our AWA manuscript review to be the garden where our new plants are tended as they flower."

Margaret Duarte, Author and Editing Professional,

Elk Grove, California

I've been a member of Gini's writing group for three years. She has been extremely helpful and encouraging in memoir, prose and poetry, and currently working on flash fiction. I am now a member of her advanced manuscript group. Before meeting Gini, I did most of my writing alone in my office. I have found that writing with the group gives me instant feedback. Gini has inspired me to move forward toward getting my writing published.

K.T. Torian, Author, Galt, California

***

I consider Gini to be a master of creative writing and recommend her to anyone. She is a natural leader in our manuscript critique group with remarkable resiliency. She hasproven she can communicate smoothly with people from different backgrounds and cultures. She's been a wonderful encouragement to to me as a new writer. Her overall advice has helped to develop my writing craft toward a whole new level. I'm very impressed with her knowledge in writing structure, dialogue exchange and how available she is for writers to network with her online.

Lorna Norisse, Webpage Writing Consultant

***

We meet at Peet’s Coffee.

Will Gini think I haven’t listened to her advice? She gives me a four-page critique, and then orally reviews the progress made in the current draft. We discuss character, touching on gestures and how to include backstory. We refine methods to reveal the relationship of the protagonist to others.

Gini ends the meeting with more encouragement; she praises my work to move towards a professional standard of writing.

I leave ready to write more, write better. Gini’s developmental edit is more than a professional service; it’s gift of her care for my work and for me.

Judy Vaughan

Gini is a longtime reviewer for the Historical Novels Review, having contributed many beautifully written reviews since 2008. Not only do her reviews clearly express her thoughts on the strengths and/or weaknesses of each book (in 300 words or fewer!), but they’re also engaging to read. Gini has a wide range of historical knowledge and reading interests, and her enthusiasm for history is evident throughout her work.

Sarah Johnson, Professor of Library Services, Eastern Illinois University,

Book Review Editor, Historical Novels Review

And here’s your reviewer link if you need it: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviewer/gini-grossenbacher/

As John F Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” When I joined the California Writers Club – Sacramento Branch, my first contact was with the VP of Membership— none other than Gini Grossenbacher. Immediately I noticed that Gini was highly motivated, ethical and possessed a strong passion about writing and her willingness to help others become successful. Her effervescent smile and easy going personality was catching while setting a great example for the organization. Leadership is unlocking people’s potential and Gini does this on a daily basis with fellow writers and friends. It is a pleasure to know and work with Gini.

Michael Brandt, Writer, Speaker, Global Adventurer

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