News

The 28th Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea is just around the corner.

The Symposium by the Sea will be extra special this year, featuring Pulitzer-winning writers William Finnegan, Anthony Doerr, Maria Hinojosa, and N. Scott Momaday. San Diego Writers Festival organizers had the pleasure of talking with Dean Nelson, Ph. D., director of the Journalism Program at Point Loma Nazarene University and the director of the Writer's Symposium by the Sea, to learn about this year's show!

SD Writers Festival — Five-Question Interview

1) When did the Symposium begin? What led to you saying, "Hey, I think I want to do this!"

When I was in grad school at Ohio University, the school had a week where they brought back significant writers, journalists, and filmmakers. So I wanted to try to do something similar. The first year, 1995, we brought in local writers to talk about craft. But what really launched the format we use now, where I interview the writer, was when I asked local writer Joseph Wambaugh to come give a talk. He said no, but then said he would come if someone just wanted to ask him questions. That event was such a success that I thought we had landed on a formula that could work from year to year. Thanks, Joe! All of the interviews have been recorded and televised by UCSD-TV, and they've been viewed more than five million times.

2) Can you tell us a little about this year's program; Who are your guests?

This year every one of our writers has won a Pulitzer Prize.

Anthony Doerr, whose book All The Light We Cannot See is one of the most highly praised books in recent history. It is being made into an HBO series. Personally, I think his most recent book, Cloud Cuckoo Land, is even more stunning.

Bill Finnegan is a long-time writer for the New Yorker, and his book Barbarian Days is about surfing. We have a built-in audience right there!

Maria Hinojosa can do everything. Her work on NPR's Latino USA is brilliant, and so is her podcast Suave (which won the Pulitzer this year), and so is her reporting about the border and immigration. Plus, she's an entrepreneur, plus she's written books that are quite moving.

N. Scott Momaday is one of the most celebrated Native American writers in the U.S. I started reading his work when I was in high school. He's still a phenomenal storyteller, and his stories about our connection to our land and heritage are more poignant now than ever.

Can you tell how stoked I am about these writers?

3) What makes you most excited about this program?

I love engaging writers in discussions about craft. These aren't readings — they're in-depth conversations about their work and the importance of storytelling. I love it when audiences leave these events inspired to become storytellers themselves. And I PROMISE you that you'll be inspired as writers. That's what gets me excited. Plus, they're all really interesting people. You'll see a side to them that you don't necessarily get in the curated settings.

4) Can you share a little bit of the behind the scenes; How do you approach and create each year's program?

First of all, I approach each writer with an invitation that shows them how this Symposium is different from most writers' conferences and workshops. Each event is a celebration in storytelling. I prepare by trying to read every book the writer has written, in the order the books appeared, so I can get a sense of that writer's evolution. I look for big themes and insights. What we'll be celebrating at our next Symposium is creativity, heritage, diversity, and STORIES!

5) Do you have any tips on how to best enjoy the Symposium? (When to arrive, places to eat, or any other tips?)

The PLNU campus is so beautiful. There are many open spaces, such as our Greek Amphitheater, where you can come in the late afternoon, have a picnic, and watch the sun set over the ocean. Or you can just walk the campus and enjoy the scenery and our friendly students. Several writers groups come in the afternoon and have their meeting here, then go to the interview together. Parking is always an issue, so I recommend being on campus by 6, which is when the auditorium doors open. We have special music for each of the nights, so when you come early, you get the additional benefit of hearing great music.

Dates for the event are Monday, February 20-Friday, February 24, 2023.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.pointloma.edu/events/28th-annual-writers-symposium-sea

Dr. Dean Nelson is a past Odin Award recipient and a long-time members of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.

One of our newest members, Richard G. Opper, will be signing copies of his new book, The Body In The Barrel, as part of the Point Loma Assembly Holiday Open House on December 8th from 5 to 7 pm.  If you’d like to join the party (and buy a signed copy of his book) drop by at 3035 Talbot St. in Point Loma.  

See you there!

For more information:

https://richardopper.com

http://pointlomaassembly.org

Coming in May 2023

Independent Book Publishers Association  Publishing University, the premier educational event for independent book publishers, is coming to San Diego in May.

IBPA PUBLISHING UNIVERSITY (#PubU2023) is where hundreds of independent publishers and industry partners gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and more.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Independent publishers, hybrid publishers, author publishers (aka self-published authors), university presses, and association presses interested in advancing their book publishing know-how.

IBPA Publishing University 2023 will take place at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa from May 4-6, 2023. This idyllic retreat just across the bridge from San Diego features views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge and is ideally situated to provide easy access to Coronado Beach and San Diego attractions. As a guest of the hotel, you'll recharge in spacious, redesigned hotel rooms, suites, and private cottages while you attend the #1 conference for independent book publishers in the United States.

Sign up to receive updates as IBPA builds the schedule for the 2023 event: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/schedule

Check out Publishing University’s Sponsors: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/sponsorship

Register to attend: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/register

If you know of a teen or younger aspiring writer who would benefit from joining with other young writers, check out these offerings from San Diego Writers, Ink.

12/17 Teen Monologues

Do you have teens interested in Shakespeare or how to craft a monologue of their own? If so, be sure to have them join Robbie Hammel for Introduction to Shakespearean Monologues (For Teens)! In this class, we will discuss the basics of a Shakespearean monologue and go over the form and structure of the poetry involved. Bring paper and pen and leave with your own version of a sonnet! This one-day class will be held IN PERSON at our space in Inspirations Gallery (upstairs in Barracks 16) on Saturday, 12/17 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Sign up here!

12/19 Winter Writing Camp

Attention young writers! You might journal or make up stories or write the occasional poem. And if that’s you—we want to hang with you this winter break! At Young Ink Winter Camp with Kristen Fogle, you will meet other writers your age, write to fun prompts, and try your hand at different genres, styles, and writing activities. At the end you’ll have a book of writing, know a little more about the craft of the written word, and hopefully meet a writing buddy or two.

This one-week camp for kids will be held IN PERSON at our space in Inspirations Gallery starting on Monday, 12/19. We will have two sessions: 9am to 10:45am (recommended for ages 8-10) and 11am to 12:15pm (recommended for ages 11-13). Cost for the week is $85, and we have scholarships and equity pricing available. Sign up your Young Ink writers here!

Editor's Note: Many San Diego Writers and Editors Guild members are also members of San Diego Writers, Ink. The two organizations offer different benefits to their writer members. We encourage our members to check out San Diego Writers, Ink as well.

Dr. Mary Ann Horton is a transgender activist, an author, an internet pioneer and a computer architect. She earned her PhD in Computer Science from UC Berkeley, spent 20 years with Bell Labs and retired from San Diego Gas & Electric, where she protected the power grid from hackers. In 1997 she persuaded Lucent Technologies to be the first Fortune 500 company to add transgender-inclusive language to their nondiscrimination policy, earning her the Trailblazer Outie Award, and inspiring her to write her memoir, Trailblazer: Lighting the Path for Transgender Inclusion in Corporate America.

What aspect of editing or writing are you involved in?

I’m an author. My coming-of-age memoir tells of my life as a trans woman and a trans activist. It commemorates the 25th anniversary of Lucent’s historic policy signed 10/28/1997, the first Fortune 500 company to formally pledge not to discriminate against transgender workers. I was the instigator of that policy.

What first attracted you to writing/editing?

When I talk, I stumble. When I write, I can proofread, edit and clarify. This is important for sending email, and even more important for a memoir.

How long have you been writing?

When I was a kid, I wrote an eight-page children’s book A Beaver’s Story in pencil and crayon. As an adult, I wrote technical papers to explain how to use computer programs and internet domains, so I learned to explain clearly. This led to publication of my technical reference book Portable C Software in 1990. After retiring, I had a new challenge: write a memoir that real people would enjoy reading.

As a writer, what kind of books do you write? Any published? How about short stories?

Beyond my tech pubs and memoir, I wrote (with my friends Lisa and Bill Koontz) the 2004 parody, How the Grinch Stole Marriage, about same-sex marriage, which went viral. A short story based on the first chapter of Trailblazer will be performed December 8 in the IMWA Memoir Showcase in La Jolla.

What are you working on now either writing or editing?

My raw material autobiography has 200,000 words, partly computer stories, partly trans stories, partly just life. I’ll write a second memoir, telling about the computer stuff. My challenge will be to dig into technology and still make it fun to read.

How long have you been a member of SDWEG and why did you join?

I found the SDWEG table at the 2019 San Diego Book Fair. The meetings, members and resources were exactly what I needed as an author.

What benefits have you gained as a member?

The monthly meetings are beyond valuable to me. I’ve learned a ton about every aspect of writing, publishing, marketing, publicity and on and on. SDWEG membership is a great investment of my time and membership dues!

What’s something unique or special about you that you’d like others to know?

I’ve had an interesting life in technology as well as trans activism. One fun tidbit is that I invented the email attachment while a grad student at Berkeley in 1980.

What request might you have of other members? (joint venture promotions, launch team, referrals, reviews, advance readers…)

I’d love to see a “cook book” covering all the aspects of writing, editing, publishing, marketing, etc. If the membership wrote sections they’re knowledgeable about, and we edited it like a Wiki, we’d have a great resource for our members.

Contact Info

https://maryannhorton.com

https://www.facebook.com/maryannhorton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-horton-7a61a4

https://www.amazon.com/Trailblazer-Lighting-Transgender-Equality-Corporate-ebook/dp/B0B8F2BR9B

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trailblazer-mary-ann-horton/1142528504?ean=9798986520513

https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Horton/e/B0B8G6XP84

Each fall, San Diego Writers, Ink hosts a weekend of immersive writing sessions from some of their instructors identified as students' favorites. It's  an opportunity to sample their diverse range of classes or get better acquainted with instructors you may not have taken a class with. Think of it as a writing sampler—a way to try out SDWI classes and get a lot of writing work and inspiration in one weekend.

BONUS! When you sign up for Fall for Writing, you will be entered into a raffle. Prize details to come!

Unless specified otherwise, SDWI's Fall for Writing Sessions will be held IN PERSON at SDWI's space in Liberty Station above Veltz Fine Art (Inspirations Gallery, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd #204, Barracks 16, San Diego, CA, 92106). While masks are not required, they are encouraged. Thank you!

FULL CONFERENCE PASSES

Purchase tickets for the whole event for $99 for Members and $150 for Nonmembers. Like last year, SDWI also has a PAY WHAT YOU CAN for the entire conference! (For this option, please email info@sandiegowriters.org to discuss your preferred payment.) Full conference passes will grant you FREE access to ALL classes, social hours, readings, and offerings listed below!

For full information about the event, select this link.

Note: SDWI is releasing only 20 full conference passes for the time being, so be sure to get yours now! Please also select which sessions you plan to attend so that they have an idea of attendance.

SINGLE-SESSION PASSES

If you do not wish to attend the entire conference, individual sessions can be pre-purchased at $15 for Members and $20 for Nonmembers (unless specified otherwise). Be sure to secure your spots now, as they will fill up! Visit the links included here to learn more.

Note: Right now SDWI is releasing only 20 single-session spots for each in-person class. If you hope to attend a single-session class in person, be sure to secure your spot now!

COURSE OFFERINGS

Friday, November 11

5-6:45pm -- Online via Zoom

Memoir vs. Novel: The Best Format for YOUR Story with Robin "R.D." Kardon

Something happened. A series of events shaped your life. Now you want to write about them. But what format will you choose? In this in-depth workshop, we'll investigate whether to take real-life events and use them as the basis of a memoir or a work of fiction--and how to make the right choice for your story.

6pm

Social Hour with Dimestories: FREE!

Join us for a social hour with Dimestories! We will gather in Inspirations Gallery to enjoy time together as writers before the Dimestories Open Mic & Book Launch. FREE to all!

7pm

Dimestories Open Mic & Book Launch (FREE for full conference participants; $10 donation for single -ession purchase)

Join us for Dimestories Open Mic and Book Launch! Share a three-minute story at the open mic or come and enjoy some wonderful writing. We will also celebrate the launch of the Dimestories Anthology!

Saturday, November 12

9-10:45am

Intro to Memoir with Marni Freedman

New to memoir--this is for you. This session will walk students through an introduction to plotting, theme, and character arc for memoir.

11am-12:45pm

Writing to Visual Prompts with Jill G. Hall

Recharge your writing in this fun, interactive workshop. Through the use of visual stimuli such as gallery art, greeting and postcards, your poetry and prose will deepen, become clearer and more joyful. Some generated pieces may be shared in community. Bring journals, pens, and a smile. 

1-2:45pm

Playwriting 101 with Aleta Barthell

This Playwriting 101 session provides an opportunity to develop that idea in your head into a script, or hone and develop your current play-in-progress.

3-4:45pm

Story Structure with Rich Farrell

What does ‘structure’ mean in fiction? What defines story structure as applied to writing novels and short stories? This class will explore the elements of story structure, with practical tips towards building solid foundations for your writing. We will explore how writers use plot, character, setting, time, language, and drama to create the magic of fiction.

5-5:45pm

Social Hour at Inspirations Gallery: FREE!

Socialize with Ink staff and instructors and meet other writers. Check out our art show and grab free coffee! FREE to all!

6-6:45pm

Tammy Greenwood Reads & Discusses Such a Pretty Girl (FREE for full conference participants; $5 donation for single-session purchase)

Join Tammy Greenwood for a reading and discussion based on her new novel Such a Pretty Girl!

7-8:30pm

"A Year In Ink Through the Years": Hosted by Jill G. Hall (FREE for full conference participants; $10 donation for single-session purchase)

Join us for A Year in Ink Through the Years, a reading from A Year in Ink contributors from Volumes 1 to 15, hosted by Jill G. Hall.

Note: If you were in a past volume of A Year in Ink and would like to read, please fill out this interest form here. Thanks!

Sunday, November 13

9-10:15am -- Online via Zoom

Atlas of the Heart: A Generative Writing Session with Kristen Fogle

“Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection” is Brene Brown’s newest–and an amazing–resource in which she puts words to eighty-seven emotions and human experiences. In this online session, we will work through a few in the book by using timed writing prompts based on each.

9-10:45am

Podcasting with Adam Greenfield

Learn what it takes to not only prepare for your podcast but also how to record and what equipment you’ll want to consider using to make your podcast. After this class you’ll have the tools and motivation needed to get started.

11am-12:45pm

Prompt Church with Judy Reeves

This Sunday morning “call to workshop” is our literary version of Sunday Mass in which we’ll share communion with the page. Our services will be in two parts—the first hour is Confession, during which we’ll respond to prompts. Our second hour is Praise, and again we work from prompts to express in writing our poetic avowals, lyrical incantations, and prayers to the page.

1-2:45pm

Poetry for Memoir with Tania Pryputniewicz

Do you have a story about your own life that won’t let go of you? In this workshop, we will look at example poetry collections and memoirs as well as engage in several writing exercises designed to help you begin mining your life story on the page. This is a generative workshop, meaning it is a “Show up, Write, and Share” opportunity.

3-4:45pm

Poetry Karaoke with Judy Reeves & Steve Montgomery (FREE for full conference participants; $5 donation for single-session purchase)

Drop by for a lively session of Open Mic Poetry Karaoke with hosts Judy Reeves and Steve Montgomery. Grab a binder filled with poems of all kinds—from Angelou to Yeats, Brooks to Whitman—and select the one you’d like to read. When your name is called, come on up and spin the Big Wheel of Musical Genres, then read your selected poem aloud to the beat of the music. Join us for some raucous fun and some dang good poetry.

5-5:50pm -- Outside Barracks 16 (promenade side)

The Social Experiment for Writers with Rebecca Jane: FREE

Come get outside and partake in this fun game to meet other writers! Created by SDWI instructor Rebecca Jane. Cost is FREE to all!

5-6:45pm

The Travel Writer's Map: An Introduction with Lenore Greiner

In this class, we’ll learn how to hone your observations through journaling, develop the craft of travel writing, and more. Whether writing blog posts, personal essays, magazine articles, or literary longform stories, you’ll emerge from the Travel Writer’s Map as an inspired travel writer.

Monday, November 14

9:30-10:30am

Monday Morning Prompts with Kristen Fogle & Amy Wallen (FREE for full conference participants; $7 for single-session purchase)

Join us for our Monday Morning Prompts group! The group will be co-hosted by Kristen Fogle and Amy Wallen.

10:30am-12:30pm

Room to Write with Kristen Fogle & Amy Wallen (FREE for full conference participants; FREE for SDWI members AND for single-session participants who purchase Monday Morning Prompts!)

Bring a laptop or notebook, your muse, and enjoy a quiet, comfortable place to do your work in the company of other (silent) writers.

5-6:45pm -- Online via Zoom

Healing Through Story: Tell Yours on Stage! with Brenda Adelman

Learn the art form of telling your secret stories on stage in a one-person show! Brenda gives her proven process for turning dramatic events from your life into impactful and entertaining stories that will move your audiences to laughter and tears. Bring your ideas, your experience, your talent and a notebook to write.

7-8:45pm -- Online via Zoom

Intro to Songwriting with Suzanne Yada

Let me introduce you to the world of songwriting, using guided prompts and fun collaborative exercises to explore new musical aspects of your creativity. We'll also explore turning your prose and poetry into seeds for songs, and introduce you to some free online tools that can guide the process. This introductory course is open to all levels and musical backgrounds, beginner to advanced.

Greetings San Diego County Authors

Did you publish a book or ebook in 2022?

If the answer is yes, and if you reside in San Diego County, you are invited to participate in the upcoming 57th Annual Local Author Showcase!

The registration period is September 9th to November 28th

As the crowning event of the library’s Local Author Program, the Showcase offers our published authors an opportunity to present their work to a large audience of readers, publishers, and fellow book people and residents. The event will run the entire month of February 2023 in the beautiful San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common. There will be a special reception to honor participating authors and officially unveil the exhibit to which authors and guests will be invited.

For information and to register, please visit the Library’s Local Author website, and follow the instructions below:

1. Complete the online registration prior to submitting your book.
2. If you use a pen name, please register under your pen name and NOT your real name.
3. If your book is in both print and digital formats, submit the PRINT version only.
4. All authors must submit a high-resolution photo of their book cover to complete registration. Accepted formats: JPG or PNG. No PDFs

After registering please send or drop off your book at the Central Library.

You may put your book in the Central Library’s book-drop at the corner of J and 11th Streets. If you choose that option, place the book inside a sealed manila envelope labeled:

“LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK”
SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
HUMANITIES DEPT. ATTN:
330 PARK BOULEVARD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101-7416

and remember:

LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND SUBMIT YOUR BOOK IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022

Be sure to add localauthor@sandiego.gov to your contacts so that further correspondence does not end up in your junk mail. If you have any questions or comments, please reply to this e-mail. Emails will be answered in the order they are received. Thank you and we appreciate your patience!

Calling all indie book authors and publishers!

Submissions are open to enter Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors who have a book written in English released in 2021, 2022 or 2023 or with a 2021, 2022 or 2023 copyright date are eligible.

Offering 80+ Categories - More than 80 Awards – with over 80 monetary prizes totaling over $10,000 in cash, including $1,500 cash prizes plus trophies for best fiction book and best non-fiction book, $750 cash prizes plus trophies for second best fiction book and non-fiction book and $500 cash prizes plus trophies for third best fiction book and non-fiction book!

Entry deadline for the 2023 awards program – February 10, 2023.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers and the only book awards program of its kind offering more monetary prizes, more awards, more recognition and more exposure including exposure to a leading Literary Agent for possible representation in areas such as distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights!

Presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) in conjunction with Marilyn Allen (formerly of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency), the Next Generation Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honor the top independently published books of the year. IBPPG was formed to provide support and recognition for the independent book publishing profession. All independent authors and publishers are encouraged to enter their books in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards so that they too can earn recognition and receive other benefits from having an award-winning book!

Awards given to the Finalists and Winners of the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are:

▪ $1,500 cash prize and trophy for the best Fiction Book
▪ $1,500 cash prize and trophy for the best Non-Fiction Book
▪ $750 cash prize and trophy for the second best Fiction Book
▪ $750 cash prize and trophy for the second best Non-Fiction Book
▪ $500 cash prize and trophy for the third best Fiction Book
▪ $500 cash prize and trophy for the third best Non-Fiction Book
▪ $100 Cash Prize & Gold Medal for all 80+ category Winners
▪ Finalist Medals for each finalist in the 80+ categories

Winners and Finalists will also receive:

▪ An invitation to the gala awards reception.
▪ Exposure for a full year at Next Generation Indie Book Awards as a Winner or Finalist.
▪ All Winners will be listed in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Catalog which will be distributed to thousands of book buyers, media, and others!
▪ The opportunity to display Finalist or Winner gold award stickers on your book.
▪ Other benefits of an award-winning book (such as potential increased revenue).

Entry deadline for the 2023 awards program – February 10, 2023.

All books (hard copies or digital uploads) must be received in the office of the organizers by the entry deadline date to be eligible for the 2023 awards.

Note: This Awards program is not affiliated with SDWEG. This announcement is offered as information of possible interest to our members. Be aware that there is a submission fee to enter this contest.

Elections are coming up in October. The new Board won’t take over until January, but the time to begin planning for the transition of responsibilities is now. 

A number of responsibilities traditionally been held by Board members could be handled by volunteer members. If you have skills and time to provide assistance in a variety of areas, members of the Board would like to know.

A spreadsheet with tabs that identify tasks needing volunteers are on Google Drive. 

Look for Tabs labeled Anthology, Board Admin, Mss Review, Zoom Pro, Membership Support, Marketing, Social Media, and Mentoring Program.

If you are willing to take on one or more of the responsibilities, add your name and contact information on the spreadsheet.

Board members will provide training in all the tasks that are already being handled. The final tab, Mentoring Program, has no specific tasks identified yet as we envision the new Board will hold meetings to discuss what a Guild mentoring program will require. If you are interested in being part of those discussions, add your name.

The International Memoir Writers Association announced the ten winners whose works will be performed in the 2022 Memoir Showcase. Two of those winners are also members of San Diego Writers and Editors Guild: Lindsey Salatka (“I Am Ajumma”) and Mary Ann Horton (“My First Day as a Woman”).

In addition, four of the 25 authors selected to have their works in Volume VI of Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir. to be published in 2024, are also Guild members: Anastasia Zadeik (“Inconceivable”), Janet Hafner (“Janet vs. Goliath”), Lenore Greiner (“My Father’s Moon”), and Laura Engel (“Scars”).

Congratulations to these authors on their success at having their works recognized. The Memoir Showcase judging team indicated the entries were incredible, making this the most difficult showcase to pick winners.