HE GREAT WHITE ART is what John Gardner called it, what it is that we, the writer, do. While art it may be, the realities of today's expanding transmedia marketplace — from books and magazines to movies, interactive narrative and graphic novels — dictate that it is the faceless reader, be it an agent, an editor, a bookseller, Hollywood bigwig or grocery store bagger who we, the commercial writer, are ultimately writing for. Communicating successfully to that reader is what the Southern California Writers' Conference is about.

Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent authoritative guidance to help distinguish material that is ready for market consideration, having facilitated nearly $4 million worth of first-time authors' book and screen deals. With extended one-on-one evaluation of advance submissions and dozens of read & critique and Q&A workshops available, the SCWC is uniquely tailored to empower the writer with the vital tools, networking and industry experience needed to sell their work.

So whether you're a writer just starting out, a writer unable to determine why your work's not working, a writer simply in search of some answers, a writer wanting feedback on what you've written, or just a writer who wants to hang with other writers, join us for the Seventh Annual Southern California Writers' Conference *Los Angeles (in Irvine).

Your words are worth it!

LATEST NEWS AS OF 1/4/10
>> Print LA8 Brochure  I  Print LA7 Flyer
>> View Proper Manuscript Format Sample  I  MSG on Writing a Synopsis
>> JJ on "Pitch" Conferences  I  MSG on Choosing the Write Conference

[ Note: Agents wanting to participate contact Michael Steven Gregory only if you're accepting clients. There are plenty of other conferences that provide reps who have no sincere intent of acquiring new clients with free weekends at nice hotels in desireable locales. The SCWC is not one of them. ]

WE, THE SCREENWRITER on DVD or Video On-Demand

NEW LOCATION FOR LA8: While we're a long way off from our 8th Annual SoCal Writers' Conference *LA(ish), just wanted everybody to know that we're moving to a new location this time around, one that exudes the wonderful island getaway resort vibe of our San Diego event: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Dates are September 24-28, 2010. Updates and pre-registration will begin on the site in a few months. Meanwhile, we hope to see you at SD24.

LA7 RAP & AWARDS (10.1.09(: So many terrific memories of LA7. What with such an unprecedented turnout of SCWC first-timers pumped up and rarin' to go, it's tough to know where to begin. For starters, how 'bout... what a crowd! What a wonderfully spirited, talented bunch of writers who chose to join us in Irvine. Genre writers, nonfictionalists, poets (Haiku, even) and screenwriters — all were there kicking it with the authors, editors, agents and other publishing professionals on staff and nary a one who didn't bring material to bare that didn't warrant the effort. Congratulations all.

SCWC*LA 7 Award Recipients:

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Lori Hartman Gervasi

  from Rancho Cucamonga, CA for Untitled

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> G.M. Lawrence

  from Dallas, TX for The Q Awakening

• OUTSTANDING FICTION >> Alwyn Martin Pinnow

  from York, PA for Untitled

• OUTSTANDING SCREENPLAY >> Jeff Michaels & Jill Q. Weiss

  from Huntington Beach, CA for A Father's Love

• TOPIC >> Paul Durant

  from Long Beach, CA for Shoe: A Memoir (read here)

• TOPIC >> Walter Golden

  from Placentia, CA for Untitled (read here)

SCWC*LA 8 LOCATION: The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, located a mere minutes commuter-friendly John Wayne Airport in Irvine. Address: 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone: (949) 729-1234. Discounted lodging rates are available to SCWC*LA conferees. Conference dates are September 24—26, 2010. Be sure to book your room by no later than Sept. 1st to ensure the super-discounted SCWC rate. Just mention the writers' conference.

HERE'S WHERE you can check out all the information:

• Special Guest Speakers >> SCWC*LA 8
• Workshop & General Session Leaders >> SCWC*LA 8
• Agents and Editors >> SCWC*LA 8
• Conference Schedule >> SCWC*LA 8
• Registration >> SCWC*LA 8
• Frequently Asked Questions >> SCWC*LA 8

THAT'S ALL for now.  Do check the website for updates and be sure to remit your postal address to receive our free brochure. For more specific information, e-mail us or phone directly (619) 303-8185.