San Francisco Writers Conference- Anne Perry added as a 2013 SFWC keynoter! & Writing Scholarships & Win $500! Enter the SAN FRANCISCO WRITING CONTEST!& Writing Events
R.L. Stine to offer a FREE session for his young fans at the SFWC
Still Time for a San Francisco Writers Conference SCHOLARSHIP
The Writer’s Calendar: Events, Deadlines and Happenings
More news and interesting stuff
ANNE PERRY–our remarkable new keynoter for the 2013 SFWC
We do it every year. We add a spectacular best-selling author to our line-up as the San Francisco Writers Conference gets closer! This year we are delighted to announce our newest keynoter–internationally acclaimed historical crime novelist Anne Perry.
Anne Perry’s books have received critical acclaim and huge popular success with over 26 million books in print world-wide. Her books have appeared on bestseller lists in a number of foreign countries, where she has also had excellent reviews. The Times selected her as one of the 20th Century’s “100 Masters of Crime”.
“I guarantee once you hear her speak, even spontaneously, you will be inspired. She’s amazing. I heard her give a keynote in Vancouver. Best speech I’ve ever heard,” gushed SFWU Dean Laurie McLean on learning Ms. Perry agreed to join us this year. That sure make me curious to hear what she has to say.
Her newest book, Midnight at Marble Arch, was released September 2012. Her next book, Blind Justice, will be released April 2013. As with all of our presenters, we encourage you to go to her website to learn more: http://www.anneperry.net/
“Everything that ever happened to me was an accident,” claims best-selling Goosebumps author R.L. Stine. Read more at: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/r-l-stine-everything-that-ever-happened-to-me-was-an-accident_b60905
Announcing a frightfully delightful FREE session for students at the SFWC with R.L. Stine!
When R.L. Stine comes to speak at the San Francisco Writers Conference, he won’t forget the teachers and young readers who made his Goosebumps series a publishing legend. He’s going to offer his best advice to help his young fans build the confidence and skills to write stories just like he does! On Saturday, February 16th at 10 a.m., Mr. Stine is presenting a FREE and frightfully delightful interactive session for 3rd to 8th grade students. Yes, he has sold over 350 million books, making him one of the best-selling children’s authors in history. But did you know R.L. Stine has a passion for teaching kids to write…based on his own ingenious techniques? Be sure to let the young readers and writers in your life know about this session.
Here are the rules for the session: Students must be preregistered. BUT REGISTRATION DOESN’T START UNTIL MONDAY, December 10th!!! So save the date. When you do register you will need the names of the students, your school or group, and your contact info so we can confirm your seats at the session. If you teach a class and want to bring a group of students, we require one adult chaperone per 10 students. All of this is mandatory.
We expect a big response for this session so we are telling you, our loyal readers first. So okay, you can tell your friends with kids…but be ready to go to our website on MONDAY! We are limited to an audience of just 200. http://www.SFWriters.org. For a sneak preview and handy materials to prepare the students for this talk, download Mr. Stine’s writing kit for teachers and students FREE of charge at: http://www.thenightmareroom.com.
THE GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME…For a Writer Friend or Yourself
I don’t know about you, but around this time of year I get a blank look on my face when my husband or mother asks me what I want for my Christmas present. Then I say, “Oh, nothing.” Luckily that’s not what they give me, but why not tap into the holiday magic? Sometimes all you need to do is say what you really want–and it can appear.
Each year several attendees come to the San Francisco Writers Conference because they told a friend or relative they wanted the ultimate gift for a writer. (Well, next to a book contract that is.) Then that someone gave them a registration to the SFWC!
Actually the timing is perfect. The conference is still two months away (February 14-17) so there’s time to seriously work on a manuscript! Imagine learning from R.L. Stine (Goosebumps), Anne Perry (Blind Justice) and Bella Andre (Hot as Sin)…pitching to dozens of top agents and editors…and connecting with people who can make you a successful author.
San Francisco Writers Conference is offering a discounted rate through December 31, 2012 and individual classes starting at $99. Mark Hopkins Hotel offers an SFWC Rate of $199. Hmmm…Why not give the gift of the SFWC to yourself…just so you get what you really want this year!
For details and online registration go to: http://www.SFWriters.org
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New Scholarships for the San Francisco Writers Conference
The directors of the San Francisco Writers Conference are proud to announce two more scholarship opportunities. Each scholarship will cover the cost of registration for the conference. Travel and lodging will not be included. If you are already registered and win a scholarship, you can save the prize registration for next year or pay it forward by giving the scholarship to a writer friend.
Kathi Kamen Goldmark Memorial Scholarship
Kathi Kamen Goldmark, creator of the Rock Bottom Remainders and author of the book And My Boots Keep Walking Back to You, passed away this year. In honor of our friend, board member, and musician-cheerleader, we are offering a scholarship to the woman or man who would best “fit into Kathi’s boots.” Send an essay of up to 250 words to SFWriterscon@aol.com, telling us why music and writing are an important part of your life. The deadline is December 29th.
San Francisco Writers Conference Veterans Scholarship
We will also award a scholarship to a veteran of any age, man or woman. Send an essay of up to 250 words or less to SFWriterscon@aol.com, telling us how writing can heal and offer hope to veterans. The deadline is December 29th.
The Kevin Smokler Scholarship Each year Kevin Smokler donates his time to give one-on-one consultations at the San Francisco Writers Conference. The money raised is then put into a fund for this scholarship. Here is how to enter. Write a 250-word article or story telling us why writing is important to you and/or why you want to write. Send submissions to Elizabeth Pomada at sfwriterscon@aol.com. Winners will be selected by Elizabeth and Kevin. The prize is a registration to the Conference. Deadline for entries is January 12th, 2013.
RECAP OF DEADLINES FOR SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Go to the SFWC Website for complete rules and guidelines: http://sfwriters.org/scholarships/
Dr. Melody Lynd ‘Power of Spirituality’ Scholarship
Dr. Lynd’s scholarship focuses on spirituality and spiritual awakening that empowers people and encourages respect for others through kindness. Deadline: December 10
The Dr. Ellen Taliaferro ‘Writing to Heal’ Scholarship
Long-time friend of the SFWC, Dr. Ellen Taliaferro, is once again offering a scholarship for the conference. Theme: Writing to Heal. Deadline: December 10
The Bharti Kirchner- Ethnic Writing Scholarship
Entry must be the first 5-8 double-spaced pages of a novel-in-progress in which the protagonist is a person of ethnicity, living in either the U.S. or abroad, contemporary or historical. Deadline: January 2
For more information, rules and guidelines for all of the SFWC scholarships: http://sfwriters.org/scholarships/
THE WRITER’S CALENDAR: UPCOMING WRITING EVENTS, CONTESTS & DEADLINES
December is INTERNATIONAL PLOT WRITING MONTH aka PlotWriMo! You’ve written a draft (or two or three) of a novel, memoir, screenplay. Rather than wonder what to do next, join the folks at the 5th Annual PlotWriMo. Daily exercises designed for you to re”vision” the plot arc of your story in preparation for a major rewrite. For more information: http://plotwrimo.com/
December 8 Fremont Area Writers Self-Publishing Conference with Mark Coker, Laurie McLean, Alan Rinzler, Nina Amir, Carla King and Joel Friedlander. 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place, 3101 W. Warren Ave., Fremont, CA 94538. $55 CWC Members- $65 Non-Members. Contact Geraldine Solon gsolon082007@gmail.com
December 8 Bay Area Independent Publishers Assn. (BAIPA) Monthly Meeting. Topic: Online Media Rooms. For details: http://www.baipa.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1254748&eventId=567942&EventViewMode=EventDetails
December 10 Deadlines for many of the SFWC Scholarships. Go to: http://sfwriters.org/scholarships/
December 15 Silicon Valley Romance Writers of America Holiday Party + two short programs: Mark Coker of Smashwords: “Next Steps in Self-Publishing” and Susan Mitchell of SVRWA: “Writers Salon: Confidence Building” For details: http://www.svrwa.com/
December 15 1:00-5:00pm,r Coach Teresa, Margie Yee Webb and Amy Gorman at the “Gifts of Words & Wine” event, Carvalho Family Winery at Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg, CA. http://WritingCoachTeresa.com for more info.
December 29 Deadline for the Kathi Kamen Goldmark Scholarship and the Veterans Scholarship for the San Francisco Writers Conference. https://sfwriters.org/scholarships/
DECEMBER 31!!!! Last day to get the early rate of $625 for the 2013 SFWC. Wait until January 1st and it will go up to $695. Wait until February and if there are any seats, registration will cost $745. http://www.SFWriters.org
January 7 Deadline for San Francisco Writing Contest! Grand prize: $500 and recognition at the 2013 San Francisco Writers Conference. http://sfwriters.org/how-to-participate-2012-indie-publishing-contest/
February 14 San Francisco Writers University @ SFWC Intensive Writing Classes. Half-day sessions with San Francisco Writers Conference presenters on various topics writers want to learn about in depth. Mark Hopkins Hotel. Open to general public. Online descriptions and registration for these sessions are available now! http://sfwriters.org/pre-conference-and-post-conference-in-depth-writing-intensive-classes/
February 14-17, 2013 It’s the 10th Annual San Francisco Writers Conference at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Spend Valentine’s Day with us and help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary! Register now for the conference at an enticing early price! The conference fee is $625 through December 2012. It will rise to the full fee of $745–but only if seats remain. (Speed Dating with Agents is an additional $50.) Go to http://www.SFWriters.org to register and you will get immediate confirmation that you are registered. (This is crucial as we get close to selling out again this year!) You can also register by mail or fax with the registration form on the website. If you need a registration help, contact Rich Santos at registrations@sfwriters.org or 925-420-6223.
February 18 San Francisco Writers University @ SFWC Intensive Writing Classes. Online descriptions and registration for these sessions are available NOW! Full and half-day sessions with San Francisco Writers Conference presenters on various topics writers want to learn about in depth. Mark Hopkins Hotel. Open to general public. http://sfwriters.org/pre-conference-and-post-conference-in-depth-writing-intensive-classes/
Win $500! Enter the SAN FRANCISCO WRITING CONTEST! http://sfwriters.org/how-to-participate-2012-indie-publishing-contest/
The other SFWC, the San Francisco Writing Contest, offers not only the prestige of the San Francisco Writers Conference name, but a cool $500 cash for the grand prize and lots of $100 prizes, too. The deadline is January 7th. Click here to get the details and enter the 2013 San Francisco Writing Contest: http://sfwriters.org/how-to-participate-2012-indie-publishing-contest/
Audio Tapes of the 2012 San Francisco Writing for Change Conference
If you missed the 2012 San Francisco Writing for Change conference in September there is still a way to hear the speakers. AUDIO TAPES! You can purchase and download tapes of the sessions at: http://vwtapes.com/writingforchange.aspx . To order tapes by mail, use the order form on our website at: http://sfwritingforchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/orderform-WRITINGFORCHANGE-2012.pdf
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KIND WORDS FOR SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS CONFERENCE
Dear Michael,
I am so grateful to you and Elizabeth for being the heart and soul of the writing community here in the Bay Area. Please know I appreciate you both very much.
Warmly, Mary
Mary Reynolds Thompson, CAPF, CPCC, Author, Embrace Your Inner Wild
“These noted authors who stand before you, once sat in the audience,” the moderator said at the 2012 San Francisco Writers Conference. Those words instilled a drive in me to accelerate the completion of my novel so one day I too, might stand on the other side of the aisle.
By the end of the four-day conference, I felt I needed to soak my aching brain in a bucket of ice water from all that I gleaned.” from a blog posted by Paula Chinick on the CWC Tri-Valley website.http://trivalleywriters.org/2012/03/15/ready-set-write-by-paula-chinick/
Hi Michael,
I’m working on a novel that the Donald Maas Agency liked and wanted chapters from when I was at your conference, but it’s not finished. Thankfully, with a great writer’s group which includes Antoinette May, I will be able to finish by end of this year. I am planning on coming back to the SF conference in 2013, pitching the completed novel, which is quirky, strange and people in the groups who are workshopping it like it tremendously.
I just wanted to thank both you and Elizabeth for inspiring writers to produce quality work and providing the SF conference as a stimulating catalyst to believe in themselves.
Thank you both so much!!!
Monika Rose
Linda Lee passed this along to me. “Check out this blog post by Simon Gervais: http://simongervaisbooks.com/writing/san-francisco-writers-conference-part-2/ ” I did and all I can say is, we love you Simon!
We have many more letters singing the praises of the SFW4C and SFWC. If you have something to say about either event, and want to share it in the SFWC Newsletter, send it to Barbara@sfwriters.org. If you would like to share your thoughts specifically about the San Francisco Writing for Change conference, please send them to sfwritercon@aol.com.
NEWS, BOOK DEALS, and Interesting things!
Elizabeth Pomada was tickled by a festive Christmas Tree made out of books, she posted it on our Facebook page! It might tempt you to leave the artificial tree in its box this year. http://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoWritersConference
Support your fellow writers. Forget the silk ties and fluffy robes they will never wear any way. Give books. Still looking for the perfect books for holiday gifts? Publishers Weekly offers its annual Best Books list: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2012/top-10#list
I just heard about a great resource for authors and publishers who are marketing their books online. The EZBuyButton is a widget for your online promotions that will allow buyers to purchase exactly the book format they need. There are so many book formats and readers these days you don’t want to miss a sale because a potential buyer can’t find the version they need! The widget is easy to customize for your website with all the ways a book buyer can buy your book…and it is FREE! http://www.ezbuybutton.com/how-it-works
SFWC Postings, Tweets, Blogs and Websites…Let’s Connect!
Facebook PAGE: ‘San Francisco Writers Conference’
TWITTER: Follow us at @SFWC or http://twitter.com/SFWC
SFWC YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/SFWritersConference
WEBSITE: http://www.SFWriters.org
ADS… for the SFWC Newsletter or printed 2013 SFWC event program–contact Barbara at Barbara@SFWriters.org
2013 SFWC SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
Author Solutions/Penguin and Author Learning Center–Sponsor of Opening Gala
Writer’s Digest–Sponsor of Speed Dating for Agents
The Writer–Media Sponsor
John Wiley & Sons, PublishNext, BookBaby.com, Smashwords, Book Expo America, Bookshop West Portal, Joyce Turley, Harvey Pawl, ExpertClick, AgentQuery.com, Write Brothers/Dramatica Pro, Mendocino Wine Company, Red Wheel, Weiser/Turning Stone Press, Antrim Group, http://www.SFWritersU.com, Bharti Kirchner, Dr. Melody Lynd, Ellen Taliaferro, Kevin Smokler, NATPE, The Review Review, Drexel University, UPublishU.
SFWC is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization Contact Barbara at Barbara@SFWriters.org or Elizabeth at sfwriterscon@aol.com if you would like to be a sponsor or supporter of SFWC, too. To see sponsorship benefits, go to: http://sfwriters.org/become-a-conference-sponsor/
Happy Holidays…Cheers and keep writing!
Elizabeth Pomada & Michael Larsen sfwriterscon@aol.com
Barbara & Rich Santos Barbara@sfwriters.org and Registrations@sfwriters.org
Laurie McLean Laurie@agentsavant.com
Linda Lee lindalee-sfwc@comcast.net
1029 Jones St., San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
