The information for the February 2026 meeting is listed below. You can view the video recording at https://vimeo.com/user4514446/feb2026?share=copy.

Creating an Author Brand with James Irwin

Writers are under a lot of pressure to create a ‘platform’ to promote themselves and their work, whether they’re traditionally published or completely independent. For those with no experience or interest in marketing it’s a huge source of anxiety!

There are so many questions: “What does ‘platform’ even mean, exactly?” “Is this just another word for marketing, or is it about something else?” “How much time and effort am I expected to spend on that?” “How do I start, and when can I stop?”

This session provides a simple framework for creating a platform that is a natural complement to you and your work, and one that is appropriate to the time, resources, and skills you can afford to invest.

About the Presenter: About the Presenter: James Irwin is the author of the novels NINA’S FRIENDS and LUCKY GUY. He’s published many short stories, essays, and creative non-fiction pieces, is associate editor of the Atlantic Journal of Communication, and was a co-founder of the film journal Cinematograph. This session draws on his professional background of leadership roles in national and
global marketing communications. He lives in northern New Jersey and can be found at jrirwin.com.