As aspiring writers well know, authoring a book is one thing, getting it published is another.

An opportunity to bridge that gap will be offered at the Puerto Vallarta International Writers Conference at Bibioteca Los Mangos March 6-8. Evelyn Bryne of White Bird Publications will be attending to give tips on how to get books published and also to consider manuscripts.

“I hope everyone will learn the best way to hone their writing skills,” she says of the seminar she will present. “I will mainly focus on the things needed to prepare a manuscript for publishing. The process a manuscript goes through. What editors look for in a manuscript and why manuscripts are rejected.” 

In addition to representing the publishing firm, Byrne is the author of five books – three paranormal romances, an inspirational book and a children’s book. She is currently working on a sixth.

Conference participants with manuscripts are invited to email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the February 15 deadline. Byrne says she will consider the first five pages of a manuscript along with a short synopsis. Manuscripts must be professionally edited and be double spaced with one-inch margins in New Times Roman 12 point. She is limiting the number of manuscripts to 20. White Bird accepts most genres with the exception of erotica.

Elise Capron, representing the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency, will also attend to consider manuscripts.

Texas writer Caleb Pirtle, author of more than 55 books, also promises to motivate as keynote speaker. Apropos to the conference theme of Leaving Our Mark ... Awakening More than Memoir, Puerto Vallarta’s Maurice Monette, author of “Confessions of a Gay Married Priest,” will offer tips on memoir writing. 

The conference is being organized jointly by Puerto Vallarta Writers’ Group and the library and will be held at Los Mangos. Registration is US$125. Registration forms and information are available by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Payment can be made via Paypal.

After more than two decades wintering and living on the Jalisco coast, Barbara McKinley Morrison has used her experiences to pen her first novel.

A warm welcome to all snowbirds from the north as they flock back to the coastal towns of Barra de Navidad and Melaque. November marks the traditional beginning of the high tourist season on the coast.

The extravaganza combining dance, music and theater has returned to Teatro Vallarta, Uruguay 184, for another exciting run.  Fandango is a contemporary musical interpretation of Mexican cultural traditions. The production has 30 dancers and 15 musicians.

Organizers are inviting one and all to enjoy “six days of music, singing, art, dancing and creativity” at the first Chacala Village Music Festival from March 24-30.

The 5th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic is taking place from March 7 to 9 in Sayulita, Nayarit, just about 40 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta.