The November meeting of SLO Nightwriters features a presentation by former San Luis Obispo Tribune reporter Pat Pemberton.

Suggesting that a descriptive, anecdotal lead can draw readers into a story and—most importantly—keep them reading, his topic is “The Powerful Lead.”

A former award-winning journalist, Pemberton’s stories for the Tribune took him from death row to the back of a bull. His features appeared in major newspapers and magazines nationwide, including the Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone, Miami Herald, and Houston Chronicle.

Pemberton now serves as director of communications at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business.

SLO Nightwriters, founded more than 30 years ago, meets monthly and welcomes writers of all ages and levels of experience. Annual memberships begin at $25.

This month’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chandler Hall, UCC San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road.

By David Congalton

David Congalton is an award-winning writer and veteran radio host who has been published in various formats over the last 30 years. He is the former director of the Central Coast Writers’ Conference at Cuesta College and currently serves on the faculty of the Rocaberti Screenwriting Retreat in Spain and France. His work has appeared locally in the San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune, Central Coast Magazine, New Times, and SLO Journal.