Taken longer than ever before, but we finally have a new home for our annual San Diego event: Marriott Mission Valley, located roughly three miles from where we’ve dug in for so many years. Given the number of workshops debuting in February, it’s only fitting a fresh environment was warranted to introduce them.
Also, our second Special Guest Speaker has been confirmed. Author of the debut novel First Second Coming, none other than SCWCer Jeff Pollak will join us Friday evening to discuss his raucous mash-up of romantic fantasy, suspense and theology. The first in a planned series, which tells the story of the New Testament God retiring after more than two thousand years of service, only to be replaced by a new deity who must decide the fate of humanity, the novel has already been acquired for development as a feature film by Voyage Media. We look forward to hearing all about it.
Novel Boot Camp and More
As usual with all things SCWC, the deeper into the literary weeds we go, the better writers we grow. In addition to our regular focus on craft-centric and troubleshooting workshops geared to elevate material to a level that distinguishes it from the writerly rabble, author Janis Thomas will introduce a stand-alone track, strictly limited in attendance. Consisting of six workshops that cover everything you need to write a novel, from story idea to completion, the Novel Boot Camp requires advance sign-up and ancillary participation. It’s been a while since we’ve done a track like this, and we can’t imagine anyone better than Janis to tackle it. >>Full details
The bulk of advance readers, agents, editors and workshop leaders have been announced on the Staff page. Advance submission readers are also now open for selection. Given the months-long lag on getting up to speed as a result of the hotel thing, everybody’s on a short timeline. Submission deadline is January 16, 2022. Now is the time to get your work the personal attention it deserves. Do it.
Merry Good “Muse”
Tis the season, after all. So much to report after so long. Among the SCWCers with books recently out are Sandra Montanino’s coming-of-age The Weight of Salt: A Gripping Story of Love and Courage, which won Outstanding Historical Fiction way back at LA11. Kirkus Reviews called it “An engaging story set in an eventful era.” … Mikel J. Wison’s third in The Mourning Dove Mysteries, A Light to Kill By … Bethany Lopez’s Trophy Wife, The Jilted Wives Club, Book 2 … and Claudia Whitsitt’s Black Ice (Love and Loss Series, Book 1) …
From Eric Peterson, author of the sublime The Dining Car, its follow-up, Sunshine Chief (Book 2 in The Horace Button Series), which Midwest Book Review heralds as “[A] top recommendation for fiction collections looking for something different” … Dennis Crosby’s second Kassidy Simmons novel, the urban fantasy Death’s Debt … Dot Caffrey’s coming-of-age fantasy The Drageal War, the fourth in her World of Drejon series …
Winner of an Outstanding Fiction Award at SCWC*SD34, Shawn C. Butler’s Beasts of Sonara … Leslie Ferguson’s memoir When I Was Her Daughter …
On the future-front, David Putnam’s The Sinister (A Bruno Johnson Thriller Book 9) releases February 2022 … and Janis Thomas’ Finding Grace drops from Blackstone Publishing in April.
Best of success to all!
It’s been a slog for most all. We had a fantastic in-person conference at this past September’s conference, and we’re certain February in San Diego will be even better. Discounted pre-registration and lodging is open. Ring in the new year with us and WRITE! Here’s a taste …
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC/SWS
