What else is there to say, but, “Cheers to you, SCWCers!” What a weekend. So many good, passionate writers in the room, staff abuzz from the sheer level of the crowd’s enthusiasm–even some of the agents were excited by the potential of the work they were reviewing. And for the first time in our O.C. history, the Sunday afternoon turnout was larger than Friday evening’s. That’s also saying something.
Thanks to all the conferees who once again placed their faith in the SCWC, along with all the workshop leaders and advance submission readers bringing their A-game to Irvine. Thanks to Rick, Wes, and Tway for running the floor while tech played up behind the scenes. To our special guest speakers, Jasmin Iolani Hakes (Hula), Cristina LePort (Dissection) and Derek “D.J.” Williams (Hunt for Eden’s Star), all your author journeys proved informational and inspiring.
SCWC*LA/Irvine20 Award Recipients
It’s been a while since we’ve not had a Topic Award winner, but no worries. The quality of some of the material presented to advance submission readers and presented in read & critique workshops more than made up. So much so that it took staff a few days to come to consensus. Here they are:
OUTSTANDING FICTION (YA/Science Fiction)
The Forever House
By Paul Kim of Torrance, CA
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Procedural Mystery)
A Rage On Harlem Avenue
By Dennis Crosby of San Diego, CA
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Historical Romance)
Lady Libertié’
By Laura Rader of Youngsville, NC
OUTSTANDING NONFICTION
(tba)
By Jung (Immy) Kwuon of Porter Ranch, CA
OUTSTANDING MEMOIR
Bearing Witness
By David Tlapek of Aliso Viejo, CA
Congratulations, all!
Next up, our 38th annual winter event takes place in San Diego Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2024. Steeply discounted Full Conference registration is now open. Check out all the latest here.
Before San Diego, we reprise our annual online “HallowRead.” Free, fun, and only for the SCWC, if you’re looking to shun the front door come Halloween, join us.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC
