Expats have a lot to say! And they aren’t afraid to write it down.

It seems that lot of people who have moved to Costa Rica are frustrated writers who want to share what they have to say. Blogs abound, posts to bulletin boards are sometimes prolific and informative, and long letters to friends and family are common. Some people write informative pieces, others simply record the every day events of living in a different culture, while still others toil in the quietness of their own minds and computers, chronicling everything from their own early memories to flights of fantasy – stories that no one will ever see.

Writing is a solitary endeavor. Many of those participating often find a need to get out and associate with others who share their passion and, as a consequence, several small writer’s groups have come in to being. Informal gatherings are held in restaurants, private homes, and other places,where people can ask questions, receive support, and share their work. But even then a certain degree of frustration remains because many would like to go beyond just talking about what they are doing and yearn to see their labors-of-love exposed to a wider audience. And therein lies the problem; how to make that happen?

Blogs gain a certain audience, to be sure.

And, of course, getting something formally published isn’t difficult; if you have the money there are many tools available to the modern writer. Opportunities for self-publishing abound via the many companies (vanity presses) who will print and bind just about anything one wishes to pay for. But it’s not cheap and rip-offs are plentiful.

Now, the new age of E-publishing is providing a different opportunity for writers to reach an audience, but that too can become pricey. And, as in hard cover publishing, E-publishing leaves it up to the author to find a market to which they can distribute their works.

Some local writers have overcome those hurdles and their work has seen the “light of day.” To help others who are still hoping and dreaming on becoming published, a group of three expats, who have achieved modest success, have banded together to put on a seminar and share what they have learned.

Appropriately titled “Getting Published”, a seminar will be held February 15th at the Universal Baptist Church in Escazu. Presenters will be L. Michael Rusin, author of the novel Avalon, George Farrell, author, and Allen Dickinson, a contributor to the Tico Times and other local outlets. The four-hour session will consist of three short presentations, each followed by a Q & A, where the audience can ask questions and address their own particular concerns.

Cost for the seminar will be 5,000 Colones for those who RSVP, and 7,500 Colones at the door. Coffee and light pastries will be available.

If you are interested in attending, please email a reservation to.

L Michael Rusin: [email protected]
Allen Dickinson: [email protected]