There’s nothing quite like sharing a few days – and nights – with a plot of writers immersed in the work, aspiring for excellence and determined to settle only for exceptional. And what a weekend it was. So many fascinating stories came through; so many new friends made. Wes, Rick, Linda and I applaud all the conferees who placed their trust in the SCWC, and especially the terrific workshop leaders who so generously threw their all in getting them where they strive to be.
Big shout out to our terrific guest speakers, Claudia Whitsitt (Lingering Clouds), Scott McGaugh (Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin: The Glider Pilots of World War II), and Gayle Carline (New Dragon Soaring). Knocked it out the park, folks. Thank you.
With yet another rapturously exhausting conference now behind us, let’s get on to which conferees were recognized for pages put forth in read & critique workshops and advance submission consultation.
SCWC*San Diego 37 Award Recipients
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Epic Fantasy)
Far Corelay
by Greg Uke of Escondido, CA
OUTSTANDING MEMOIR
Mother Matter
by Pamela Garvey of Saint Louis, MO
OUTSTANDING SHORT STORY
If You Stay, You Will Die
by Greg Laskaris of San Diego, CA
Also, each SCWC holds a contest in which all writers are invited to participate. The rules are simple: Write a piece in any form you wish of no more than 250 words based on the one-word topic announced Friday night. The topic for SD37 was “Flight.” Here’s the winning entry…
OUTSTANDING TOPIC STORY
San Diego Word Bar
by
Diana Fulton
of Irine, CA
Welcome. We pride ourselves on our vast selection of words, offering carefully curated flights to satisfy the most discerning patron.
Perhaps you’d like to begin with our Classic Flight. This includes a rich collection from aged words. You’ll start with the Dante, a blend of hot and cold, fire on the tongue, ice in the belly. From there, move to the French original, Voltaire, with its philosophical jewels. The Austin selection is full and robust, pure of spirit, rich with humor and acidic undertones. Dickens completes the flight with an extraordinary energetic pigment, not bleak at all. We also carry our savory Shakespeare flight with the Romeo Reserve, Multilayered Macbeth, Caesar Cellar and Hamlet Heritage.
Our latest collection includes contemporary words for the adventurous palate. The SDWC Flight provides a multidimensional sensory experience. Begin with the Whitsitt, a mysterious and complex bouquet with a hint of sweetness that will leave you wanting more. Next, taste the deep and smooth McGaugh with a bouquet that lingers on the palate long after digestion of the words. The Carline, with its opulent textures, is easy to imbibe late into the night. And finally, if you dare, take a walk on the wild side with the Reeves’ exotic elegance.
If any of these samples tantalize your tongue, complete works are available for purchase to enjoy in your favorite reading corner.
Congratulations, all!
Dates for our 38th annual San Diego conference will be Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2024. Limited to 175 writers, discounted pre-registration opens August 1. Between now and next year, our 20th annual Fall event will again take place in Irvine, September 15-17, 2023. Discounted pre-registration opens March 1st. Limited to 150 participants, full details can be found here.
Until next time, write more, suck less, and be the writer you aspire to be.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC
