2019 is nearly upon us, which means another year of writing, rewriting, reading, rewriting, rewriting some more and, finally, hopefully–through fate, hard work, great storytelling and exceptional crafting–your book lands a passionate advocate, finds a good home, gets published and reaches an ever expanding readership. As always, your words, your stories, and your publishing options will remain our focus in February. So many new workshops are being introduced, drawing from issues many of us are finding rife in manuscripts as of late. Also, we’re paying a lot of attention to publishing trends that have emerged over the past year, and the dilemma so many writers are now having to contend with: Traditional, small press, hybrid, vanity, or self-publishing. Which route is best for your book?
Short answer: It’s complicated. We’ll unravel it.
The working Schedule-at-Glance has been posted. There will no doubt be tweaks over the next few weeks. For details on each session, please visit the Workshops and Events page.
The advance submission deadline is January 15, 2019. Am sure a few of the readers–especially agents and editors–will begin selling out before then. Visit All About Advance Submissions to learn more.
The deadline for discounted lodging at the Crowne Plaza Hanalei San Diego, the longtime home of the conference, is January 15, 2019. Details here.
The 2-part “Best Foot Forward: Polishing to Impress” workshop, conducted by editor Jean Jenkins, is limited to the first 12 participants that sign up. Submission of required materials is due by no later than February 1, 2019. Complete details can be found here.
“The Publisher Is In: Your Post-Conference Publishing Plan,” a one-on-one time strategizing consultation with Acorn Publishing co-founder Holly Kammier, is also limited to 12 slots, available to conferees on a first come, first served basis. Details here.
Recent Good “Muse”
What a better way to close out 2018 than with the recognition of so many book recently out from SCWCers. Among them: Roger L. Liles’ The Berlin Tunnel, a Cold War thriller … Eugene (E.A.) Fornier’s novel Still Breathing, the aspirational story of two women whose cultures collide in Uganda … Maiden: Book One of Teresa A. Harrison’s young adult fantasy Lightwalker Series.
Death Opens a Window, Mikel J. Wilson’s second installment in the Mourning Dove Mysteries, and follow-up to his nationally bestselling Murder on the Lake of Fire … David Kennedy’s action thriller Ricochet, which introduces readers to Brenda Roseberry, kick-ass dispenser of her own particularly potent brand of justice … Matthew J. Pallamary’s latest, AfterLife: The Adventures of a Lost Soul, a supernatural occult thriller “inspired by real life events, William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist, and the dynamics of demonic possession.”
Brain Stages: How to Raise Smart, Confident Kids and Have Fun Doing It, by Patricia Wilkinson and Jacqueline Frischknecht, grade-by-grade guide through the formative elementary school years for parents and caregivers … Poetry of Peace, by A Few Minor Adjustments: A Memoir of Healing author Cherie Kephart (who’ll be conducting “Soul Therapy: The Spiritual Side of Writing Memoir” and a read & critique workshop devoted to memoir and narrative nonfiction).
Coming out January, we’ve got Lori Oliver-Tierney’s Trudge: A Midlife Crisis on the John Muir Trail, chronicling her struggle to overcome overwhelming obstacles to achieve the extraordinary … Robin D. Kardon’s novel Flygirl, an action adventure that’s heavily informed by her career as a corporate and airline pilot.
Out February: The Winner’s Circle, a novel by PJ Colando, follows a trio of gal pals mired in middle age, Middle America, and other people’s problems, who long to escape, and get the chance … And Mary Vensel White’s long awaited follow-up to The Qualities of Wood, Bellflower is “a novel-in-moments.” Mary will also be conducting a couple of new workshops at SD33.
Congrulations, and best of success to all!
Until next time. Discounted pre-registration remains open. Do so by January 1st and save $75 off Full Conference attendance. Your work is worth it. You’ve earned it. Join us.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC/SWS
