It’s a quiet week, but here are a few bits of great information for writers:

Local Author Events

For Writers

FEBRUARY 12-MARCH 26, SUNDAYS, 3:00-6:00 PM: FICTION FOR BEGINNING WRITERS: CASSANDRA ROSE CLARKE

Writespace
COST: Until Tuesday, February 7: $185 Members, $215 Non-Members. After February 7: $215 Members, $245 Non-Members

Telling stories has been a part of the human experience for as long as there have been humans, but the experience of formalizing those stories into a work of written fiction can be a daunting process. In this workshop, we’ll examine the basics of good fiction: plot, character, dialogue, and setting. We’ll read and discuss both classic and contemporary short stories, examine them to see how they work, and apply the techniques we learn in a series of fun, inspiring writing exercises. We’ll also set aside to time to talk about the process of actually writing: How do you make time to write? How can you find a good critique group? What happens after you’ve finished a story? And at the end of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to have their work—either a short story or a chapter from a novel—critiqued. All genres are welcome, from literary fiction to mystery to science fiction and fantasy!

FEBRUARY 18, SATURDAY, 9:30-4:00 PM: INTRODUCTION TO THE WRITING LIFE: ELIZABETH WHITE-OLSEN

Writespace
COST: Until Monday, February 13: $65 Members, $85 Non-Members. After February 13: $85 Members, $95 Non-Members

Want to write, but you’re not sure where to start? Come learn about the different genres and publishing opportunities available to you as a new writer. In this workshop we will explore an overview of the basic genres of creative writing, discover how to generate and maintain inspiration, and learn how and where to publish our manuscripts once they are completed. We will also study examples of excellent writing and investigate the aspects of craft that support their success, as well as try our hand at writing exercises inspired by the poems and stories we have examined. If you have a hunch that developing a hobby or career of writing could deeply enrich your life, you are right. Come find out why you are right and how to make your dream a reality.

FEBRUARY 18, SATURDAY, 3:00-5:00 PM: BAWL MONTHLY WRITE-IN

Cafe Express, 19443 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX
COST: Members-Free, Nonmembers, $5.00

Join fellow writers for the first BAWL (Bay Area Writers League) Monthly Write-In. Get inspired with writing prompts or work on your own projects. All genres welcome. Bring computer or pen/paper.

Conference Updates

For more conference information, visit the main conference pages. If you’d like to be notified of these weekly updates, please use the Subscribe to Updates form on the sidebars!

Agents & Editors @ Conferences

MARCH 18-19: LIBERTY STATES FICTION WRITERS CONFERENCE, ISELIN, NJ

AGENT: Lois Winston/Ashley Grayson Literary

EDITORS: Jessica Anderson/Macmillan; Mary Altman/Sourcebooks; Tera Cuskaden/Entangled

Retreats & Writing Workshops

MARCH 11: WRITING FOR CHARITY CONFERENCE, OREM, UT

WRITING FOR CHARITY is a day-long conference and workshop for writers of picture book, middle grade, or young adult manuscripts. This year Ally Condi will welcome attendees, and too many professional authors to list here will conduct writing and publishing industry instruction and give live manuscript critiques. Money raised from a silent auction of everything from signed books to lunches with your favorite writers from Utah will go to getting books into the hands of needy kids.