Central Coast Writers Conference celebrates 35 years
Save the date! The 35th Annual Central Coast Writers Conference, named the “Best Conference in the West” in 2019 by The Writer magazine, will take place September 26-28 on the campus of Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.
Forty presenters will offer 112 classes in screenwriting, beginning writing, poetry, memoirs, novels, nonfiction, children’s stories, young adult, critiques, keynotes, and many other unique craft lectures. Experience insightful dialogue, networking, unrivaled access to an award-winning teaching staff, and expanded classes and workshops for writers of all ages and experience levels.
“We’ve decided to shoot even higher for 2019,” said Teri Bayus, CCWC Director. “We’re keeping what works while also offering exceptional new opportunities.”
Opportunities for Youth
Disney writer Ricky Roxburgh returns to teach the popular teen track, and there will also be a “find your voice” track for fifth, sixth, and seventh graders. This is the first time CCWC will include opportunities for those under 13 years of age to participate in the event including topics on journaling, public speaking, and more.
“[This] age range is precisely when we need to encourage children to find their voices and know that what they say is important,” Bayus said. “Teach them now, and they’ll know it forever.”
Master Classes & More
During last year’s conference, six Master Classes were offered at 20 students per class and all sold out. Due to increased demand, additional Master Classes have been added for 2019 including novel writing, memoir, poetry, young adult, e-book publishing, and making a living off of your book.
Also new this year are one-on-one “pitch sessions” with editor Chantelle Aimee Osman and screenwriter Doug Richardson offering feedback for attendees’ novel and screenwriting pitches.
“We want to make sure there is something for everyone,” said Bayus. “No matter where you are in your writing career, every single person who attends this conference will enter feeling welcomed and leave prepared to take their writing to the next level.”
Find info and registration forms at CentralCoastWritersConference.com or email Teri Bayus at centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com.
Harvest, Hope, and Healing Benefit
Enjoy an “Enchanted Evening” of fine dining and fundraising on the grounds of the beautiful Rava Winery on Saturday, August 17 at the 4th Annual Harvest, Hope, and Healing Gala benefiting the Cancer Support Community-California Central Coast.
“We encourage community members to reserve their place at a table now and join us for our biggest event of the year,” said CSC Executive Director Shannon D’Acquisto.
The gala includes a silent and live auction, a delicious menu, local wine, spirits, music, and more. The event at Rava Winery, located at 6785 Creston Road in Paso Robles, will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Cocktail attire is recommended.
In addition to fabulous offerings from Rava Winery, wines and spirits have been donated for the event by Pear Valley Winery, Austin Hope Wines, J Dusi, and many more. Major sponsors include Rava Wines, Circle 6 Ranch, Pear Valley Winery, Thom Schulz, Radiology Associates, and Coastal Radiation Oncology.
More than $200,000 was raised last year and the goal is to increase the funds being raised in 2019 to further support local cancer patients and their families being by expanding CSC programs free of charge.
Individual tickets are $175 and table sponsorships are $2,500 which includes 10 tickets and sponsorship recognition. Purchase tickets at cscslo.org/Support-Our-Work/Harvest-Hope-Healing or call 805-238-4411.
