An unexpected murder of crows boded well for conference weekend, and our plot of writers seized the occasion to shine. From Wes, Chrissie and myself, Rick, Linda and Cricket, to all the workshop leaders, guest speakers, and agents–and most importantly to the conferees themselves, who placed their trust in us–THANK YOU. You made for a most memorable SCWC.
And, oh, if only we could share what stories will come from it. Have no doubt that there will be many.
Craft, of course, remained the emphasis in the bulk of sessions. By all accounts from workshop leaders, the effort to rise above writing “good enough,” to aim for excellence and settle only for exceptional, was evident in nearly everyone. (Except that one guy. But what do I know about poetry?) With so many stellar writers in the room, it’s tough to single out those whose work warranted special recognition, but single out we must.
This time around there were three strikingly notable honorees:
SCWC*SD32 Award Recipients
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Science Fiction)
Flight Recorder
By John Goshorn of Anaheim, CA
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Literary)
Echoes of St. Eloi
By Jason Hook of Bangor, ME
OUTSTANDING FICTION (Historical YA)
Nell: Marshal of Bodie
By John Mullen of Poway, CA
Congratulations to all.
We’ll return to our longtime San Diego home at Crowne Plaza Hanalei for our 33rd annual. Dates will be Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2019. Limited to 175 writers, discounted pre-registration opens July 1. Meanwhile, our exclusive Sunriver Writers’ Summit workshop intensive will be held near Bend, Oregon, May 26-27, 2018. As well, our 16th annual Fall conference will again be in Irvine. Dates are September 21-23, 2018. Discounted pre-registration opens March 1st. Limited to 150 writers, full details can be found here.
Remember to join our Facebook Group and contribute to the ongoing conversation between SCWCs. Until next time… Go forth. Fight. Write.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC/SWS
