All workshops and events will take place at the conference hotel, Sheraton Mission Valley, located conveniently at 1433 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108.
Workshops: Read & Critique
Cold Openings: Your First Five Pages (All-Genre)
Leader: Marla Miller
Objective: Troubleshoot potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Early “Bard” Read & Critique (All-Genre)
Leader: Jennifer Silva Redmond
Objective: Sunday 7 a.m. troubleshooting of potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Pitch Witches: Query Letter Critique (All-Genre)
Leaders: Marla Miller & Jennifer Silva Redmond
Objective: Troubleshoot query letters to agents and acquisition editors.
Read & Critique (All-Genre)
Leader: Claudia Whitsitt
Objective: Troubleshoot potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Read & Critique (Memoir, Narrative & Straight Nonfiction)
Leader: Cherie Kephart
Objective: In this workshop, be prepared to experience reading and critiquing in a new way. Also, be ready to read aloud, listen intently, and support each other as we elevate our words to a more inspired level. Bring any writing up to five pages you want to work on. If you don’t have anything to share, you are absolutely welcome to join us, since there will be plenty of interesting of ways to participate and learn. While specifically geared toward non-fiction, fiction folks are welcome too.
Read & Critique (Mixed-Genre)
Leader: Kristi Fox
Objective: Troubleshoot potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Rogue Read & Critique (All-Genre)
Leader: Laura Taylor
Objective: Troubleshoot potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Rogue Read & Critique (Genre Fiction)
Leaders: Laura Perkins
Objective: Troubleshoot potentially problematic aspects of works-in-progress.
Workshops: Craft & Execution
Avoiding Stereotypes, Cliches and the All-Too Common
Leader: Gayle Carline
Objective: Does your world-weary detective fight an uphill battle with his gruff police captain? Does your big-city young woman find true love when she moves back to her small hometown and opens a bakery? Maybe it’s time to think outside these boxes. This workshop will discuss the various ways to take the all-too common and make it special, crafting a unique story that will keep readers engaged.
The End is Just the Beginning
Leader: Gayle Carline
Objective: If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll never know when you arrive. Every writer has a different process for telling their story, but at some point, they need to know how it ends, and whether they’ve told the tale they intended. This workshop will discuss how to work toward a satisfying ending to your story, and what to look for in your manuscript to ensure it’s a tale told well.
How to Craft a Strong & Believable Villain
Leader: Dennis Crosby
Objective: Villains have traditionally been depicted as the ultimate in evil—doing bad things for the sake of being bad. In recent years, writers have given villains some incredible backstories, making them much more complex, giving readers a chance to watch the journey from innocence to evil. This workshop explores this shift and provides tips on methods to add depth to villains to create believable tension and conflict between them and the hero.
Infusing Micro-Tension Into Your Story
Leader: Claudia Whitsitt
Objective: Micro-tension is achieved on a line-by-line basis. We will delve into not just “how” microtension works in a novel and memoir, but “how to” infuse the small, subtle changes that keep a reader engaged throughout your story.
Novel Boot Camp (Stand-Alone Track)
Leader: Janis Thomas
Objective: Using concepts from the popular Novel Intensive, the Novel Book Camp combines informative lessons with hands-on writing, beat dissection, and read & critique. Participation is limited and advance sign-up is required prior to the conference. >>Full Details (SOLD OUT; WAITING LIST ONLY)
Novel Boot Camp consists of the following sessions:
- What’s it All About, Author?
- The Structure of it All
- Who Comes First?
- The Beats Go On
- We’ve GOT the Beat
- Brass Tacks and Hard Facts
- The End Is Just the Beginning
- Last Words, Final Thoughts, Post Mortem
<>
Putting Heart Into Thrillers
Leader: Carl Vonderau
Objective: Thrillers are much more than plot. You, as the writer, feel the story. But more important is that the reader feel it. There are more affecting ways to express emotion than saying the character is happy or sad. This course will delve into how to do that through underlying character motivation, linking the emotions of the past to the present, the power of contradiction, the importance of protagonist engagement, the timing of emotional evocation, how to use outer and inner description, metaphor and objects, confirmation of character traits through points of view, the pitfalls of voice and action scenes, and other methods for creating emotion. Participants will be given some exercises to explore these techniques.
Romance Writing: The Nuts and Bolts of the Fictional Happily-Ever-After
Leader: Laura Taylor
Objective: This workshop will provide an overview of the romance genre and its many sub-genres. We’ll start with this premise: everything that occurs in a romance novel revolves completely around the love story. Romance book sales constitute more than a billion dollars in profits globally each year for traditionally published, hybrid published and independently published books. It is one of the most viable and accessible fiction lanes a writer can opt to pursue, but … those writers must willingly and fully grasp the expectations of romance readers. If the writer fails to meet those expectations, readers will simply say, “Next.” Lots of information to share in this workshop, so don’t be shy. And, yes, romance writing can get a little sexy. Sky’s the limit!
Setting and Place Masterclass
Leader: Jackie Cangro
Objective: In this workshop, we will uncover the myriad ways to use these detail to make the story sing. We’ll discuss what a writer should make the setting a natural extension of the character how to choose the right descriptive details.
Slice of Life: Sculpting Your Memoir’s Story
Leader: Cherie Kephart
Objective: Memoir is a slice of life. It’s about a timeframe or event in which you went through some sort of transformation. Identifying the part of your life you want to share is only one component. How do you then shape your story? How do you decide what to include and what to leave out? Where does it begin? How do you end it (after all, you’re still alive, right)? Lastly, how do you immerse readers in your world? Together we will explore the answers to these questions and more through interactive discussions and exercises. You will leave with concrete tools on how to successfully navigate the common pitfalls and challenges of the beautiful craft of memoir.
Soul Therapy: The Spiritual Side of Writing Memoir
Leader: Cherie Kephart
Objective: Writing a memoir is a journey beyond words. It’s a soulful experience. Enter the unwritten and learn about writing a memoir from a spiritual vantage point. It’s about relinquishing the power your story has over you. By learning to let go of the story that is holding you back, you can craft the story you were meant to tell. In this workshop, we will explore the fears that block us, the truth behind our intentions for writing our stories, how to discover the real message we are communicating to the world, what to focus on, what to let go of, and how this entire experience transforms us.
Supporting Cast: Crafting Purposeful Secondary Characters
Leader: Claudia Whitsitt
Objective: The world in which a protagonist exists is often populated by a variety of characters, each with their own perceived life, or at least their own agenda, even if appearing in only one scene. We’ll explore the tricks of infusing secondary characters with meaningful purpose to bring main characters truly to life.
The Three Ps of Constructing Compelling Nonfiction
Leader: Jennifer Silva Redmond
Objective: Person. Place. Point. Whether you are writing a memoir or other narrative nonfiction, readers need just enough info to entice, intrigue and inform to compel them to keep turning pages. Point-of-view is the gateway to story, but which POV should you use to most effectively communicate it? Place—setting, location, bearing—anchors readers to the immediacy and senses of the moment. Point, ultimately, is the purpose of writing–and readers being rewarded—for your having done so. In this workshop we’ll dissect the elements that form the bedrock of solid, satisfying nonfiction storytelling.
Unlocking Your Inciting Incident
Leader: Jackie Cangro
Objective: The inciting incident is an important beat in a story that moves the protagonist toward a new course of action. It’s a gateway scene from the before to the after for the protagonist, from the what was to the what will be. We’ll debunk the myths about inciting incidents and review examples from published works. Then we’ll unpack recommendations for making a story’s inciting incident dynamic and compelling.
Voice: Finding Your Unmistakable Own
Leader: Claudia Whitsitt
Objective: How one lays out the plot is not “authorial voice.” Authorial voice is what distinguishes one writer from all others. Comprised of far more than simply sentences containing a subject, a verb, and main clause, voice is prose that speak singularly and almost always immediately to the stranger across a page. Voice pops to attention. In this workshop we’ll focus on how to recognize “voice,” and apply what tools are available to cultivate one uniquely your own.
What’s the Point? Story, Subtext, and Plot
Leader: Gayle Carline
Objective: Authors write books because they have stories to tell to the world. Whether it is to impart a lesson, or provide entertainment, the author who understands what story they are trying to tell and why they are telling it, is more capable of producing a book that resonates with readers. This workshop will discuss ways of drilling down to the core of your story, and layering it throughout your book.
Writing Good, Bad and Ugly Better
Leader: Kristi Fox
Objective: Calling all writers who want to write faster and freer. In this session, we’ll explore the power of fast writing, the liberation of no editing, and the inspiration found in focused sprinting sessions. Together, we’ll empower your creativity and kindle the spark that fuels your passion for writing. If you’re a plotter, bring your outline. If you’re a pantser, bring your ideas. And if you’re somewhere in between, bring whatever you’ve got. But most of all, come ready to write and bring your willingness to embrace imperfection and leave your inner editor behind. Let’s unlock the words within and set your stories free!
Writing Non-Human Characters
Leader: Dennis Crosby
Objective: In fantasy, our characters can do anything. They can fly, turn invisible, wield magic to protect or destroy, and heal from wounds that would otherwise be fatal. They are gods, witches, superheroes, Fae and other creatures of legend—superpowered beings that we often aspire to be. But how do you keep the otherworldly interesting? With all their power, how do you keep the human, in superhuman? This workshop will explore methods to keep your all-powerful being grounded and thus relatable to your very human reader.
TBA
Leader: TBA
Objective: TBA
TBA
Leader: TBA
Objective: TBA
TBA
Leader: TBA
Objective: TBA
TBA
Leader: TBA
Objective: TBA
Workshops: Business & Alternative
Against All Odds: Publishing WELL from Scratch
Leader: Tway Huynh
Objective: Are you torn between traditional and self-publishing, but the appeal of full creative control draws you towards going solo? This workshop offers an inspiring look into a successful self-publishing journey that bypassed Amazon and relied on minimal social media. Discover how to create a captivating website, negotiate with overseas production houses, and explore unique marketing strategies that go beyond the usual playbook. Gain rare insights into an unconventional path to publishing, filled with creative ideas and practical tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be uplifted and empowered to take your publishing dream into your own hands.
Build a Better Author Bio: A Powerful Tool to Attract Readers
Leader: Patricia Wilkinson
Objective: The author bio is often key to whether an editor, agent, or reader will read your work. Come find out what to include–and exclude–in a rockin’ author bio, practice what you learn, then give and get feedback for polishing. You’ll leave this workshop with a clear understanding of a bio’s objective across media and how to craft one that entices people to engage.
Editing Explained 1 and 2
Leaders: Cherie Kephart & Laura Perkins
Objective: Don’t panic. Editors aren’t scary monsters waiting to rip your words apart. We’re here to help. We’ve created this workshop to do just that. Sharpen your writing by learning everything you ever wanted to know, and more, about editing — such as: the top ten most frequent pieces of feedback editors give to clients, how to edit your own work, the different types of editors and what they do, and how to determine when your manuscript is ready and for what.
For a Few Dollars More: The Cost of Selling Yourself Short
Leaders: Jennifer Silva Redmond & Eric Peterson
Objective: How much is too much to invest in your book. While there are countless valid reasons for investing in publishing your work–independently, or via hybrid press–many try to achieve excellence on a cut-rate budget. After publication, faced with poor reviews and sales, those authors find themselves wishing they’d spent more. In this session, author Eric Peterson and editor Jennifer Silva Redmond will address what is meant by money well spent.
How to Make the Most of the Conference
Leader: Janis Thomas
Objective: The vital relationships forged at any given SCWC often extend well beyond the close of any given conference weekend, ultimately resulting in many of our notable publishing success stories. In this interactive overview, learn how to navigate the schedule and best take advantage of opportunities over the conference weekend.
Networking for Introverts
Leader: Dennis Crosby
Objective: From first to final draft, a writer works with a very select few individuals. All that changes as you near publication, and beyond. As a writer you now must market your work, and yourself. That’s a tough job. It can be even tougher when you’re an introvert. In this workshop you’ll learn your introvert type, and the natural abilities that come with that type. We’ll talk about how to use those hidden skills to grow your network and readership in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Extroverts welcome!
Painting with Prose: Crafting Children’s Picture Books
Leader: Henry Herz
Objective: Unleash your inner child and grab your most colorful crayons for a deep dive into the vibrant heart of children’s picture book creation. Unveiling the secrets of blending lyrical language with arresting artwork, we’ll explore how simple stories can weave complex emotions and teach young minds without preaching; delve into dynamic design and visual storytelling that captivates evolving brains. Exceptional structure, plot, character development, word choice, rhyme, pacing, themes and humor remain–they’re all as essential to pic-lit as excellent adult fiction.
Pitch Witch: What’s Your Book About?
Leader: Jennifer Silva Redmond
Objective: Whether you’re an author-publisher or are querying agents and editors, knowing how to summarize your story in as few words as possible is key to selling it. Commonly referred to as your “elevator pitch,” write it down and bring your best so “Pitch Witch” Jennifer Silva Redmond can work her “magic” to make it shine.
When is ‘Done!’ Done Enough?
Leader: Marla Miller, Jessica Berg, Jake Lovell and Cathie Hendrick-Armstrong
Objective: You’ve written “The End,” now what? The rewrite begins, then the next, and maybe one, two or three too many after, but at some point one must birth their child into the world. The challenge is determining whether it’ll be a preemie, late delivery, or one predictably on time. In this roundtable discussion we’ll explore how to introduce (hopefully) a vibrant, healthy manuscript to the commercial publishing world; one that might inform, inspire, possibly entertain–if not all three–and ultimately win over vital passionate advocates without risk of being orphaned.
Writing Coach 101: Saving Time, Money, and Your Sanity
Leader: Laura Perkins
Objective: Whether you are just starting out or have been writing for years, a writing coach can provide personalized feedback, accountability, and support to help you overcome challenges. From brainstorming to writers’ block, story arcs to character development, and worldbuilding to craft, a writing coach has your back. In this workshop, I will cover ten ways coaching sessions can be a game-changer for your writing, productivity, and confidence. We’ll dive into different tools and techniques coaches use with clients and how they assist at different stages of your writing process. To help you achieve your goals, come see how an hour with a one-on-one writing coach can make all the difference.
Panels, Appointments and Events
- Advance Submission One-on-One Consultations
- No-host Mixer
- State of Publishing Panel
- Saturday Evening Banquet
- Special Guest Speaker: Elle Jauffret
- Special Guest Speaker: TBA
- Special Guest Speaker: TBA