SCWC Writing Conference Goes to ZOOM

Many businesses have taken to ZOOM to conduct business during these crisis filled times.  In April, I joined their ranks and have been conducting read and critique workshops twice weekly. To my amazement, I do not detect a deficit in this format. Writers read their works and other writers critique. This process happens much the same in real time as it does on ZOOM. Who knew? Writers’ conferences logistically are a bit more challenged. That said, The Southern California Writers Conference will be holding the annual Presidents’ Day Weekend Conference, 2/14-2/16/2021 virtually this year.  Per usual, I will be facilitating  PitchWitch Workshops with my partner, editor Jennifer Silva Redmond, as well as a Read & Critique workshop. I’ll also be facilitating a new workshop, Writing Through Dark Times, inspired by these circumstances and pitched to SCWC executive director Michael Steven Gregory.  He said ‘yes’ and here’s the blurb:

Writing Through Dark Times

Can you relate? Some stories are born from dark times. J.K. Rowlings and Stephen King wrote through dark periods that included abject poverty and addiction. Being a writer isn’t easy and our art form isn’t a science. We can’t follow a consistent formula to get a predictable result. Sometimes, it can feel as if no one understands what we’re going through, especially true if our interactions are devoid of fellow writers. Bring your story ideas and/or stories that have sprouted during difficult times (the pandemic?) and perhaps this workshop can help you root these ideas/themes into story form. Discussion and Read & Critique format.

If you’re interested in attending the SCWC virtual conference, click here to find out more about registration, cost and advanced submission critiques/1 on 1 appointments.  Because of these unique times, SCWC has decided to offer the keynote speakers segment of the conference to the general public for free. Since first attending writers conferences, I have always gravitated to the keynote speakers segment simply because these published authors usually offer wisdom and inspiration about their own writing process and road to publication.

(Early Bird rates apply until 2/1/21)

 

SCWC 2021 Keynote Speakers:

  • Dennis K Crosby: Death’s Legacy Acorn Publishing 2020
  • Isla Morley: The Last Blue, Pegasus Books 2020
  • Joy Lanzendorfer: Right Back Where We Started From,  Blackstone Publishing/May 2021

Click the SCWC site or join the Facebook group here to get updates re: keynote speaker events and when to ZOOM on.