Q: What if I haven't written anything yet, and don't quite know where to start?
A: You will. There are many workshops geared to writers just starting out--
as well as those of every level.
Q: What awards are given at the SCWC?
A: The conference recognizes notable accomplishments in Fiction,
Non-Fiction, and Screen. These awards are given only when work is deserving
of such recognition. Such work is discovered during Read & Critique
Workshops and one-on-one consultation, and is determined through a consensus
of the workshop leaders. We also bestow an SCWC Flash Fiction Award for the best
piece, in any form, of 250 words or less based on the one word subject named
Friday Night. Recipients are awarded Sunday. As a result of their
being honored, several SCWC award-winners have had their recognized manuscript go on to publication.
Q: Is the SCWC Banquet a formal affair?
A: While not quite formal, it is semi-formal, or at the very least "business
casual." Figure it as the one chance we have all weekend to shed our grubbies and
look less like writers!
Q: Can I attend more than one workshop during a session?
A: Yes. If you find that a particular workshop is not for you, or if you'd
prefer to simply tap into another, you are encouraged to do so. There are
at least four individual sessions running concurrently during every
mid-morning, afternoon, and late-afternoon session.
Q: How does a Read & Critique Workshop work?
A: Each workshop is run according to the preference of its Leader. In
Read & Critiques and Troubleshooting/Lecture/Q&A Workshops many allow the
author to read his/her material, then selectively request feedback from
members, while others address the work directly and move on to the next. One
simple rule for workshop read & critique is that the author is not
allowed to respond to the critique unless directly asked. You can review the Read & Critique Workshop
Rules here.
Q: What is a "Rogue" Workshop?
A: Unlike the 3-hour daytime read & critique sessions, the Rogue
Workshops begin at 9 p.m. and are limited in length only by the stamina of
their participants. It is not uncommon, by the way, for these sessions to last up until 2-4 a.m.
Q: Do you charge extra for Advance Submission Critique?
A: Yes. An additional fee of $50 applies to submit a limited number of pages, determined by the
respective reader, for private, one-on-one evaluation. This fee applies
only to formal Advance Submission Critique & Consultation. Because of the considerable amount
of material we receive, ASC&C is available only to those who register for Full Conference or
Saturday & Sunday. Check the Staff page to find out who is accepting which
genres, as well their respective criteria.
Q: What should I expect from an Advance Submission Critique consultation?
A: At the very least, what you should expect is a knowledgeable assessment of your manuscript pages, complete with written
comments for follow-up (depending on reader) and 15 minutes of private consultation with the reader. Thing to keep in mind,
however, is that there's generally a difference between how authors and agents deal with advance submissions.
Author/readers are most often able to address issues of craft & execution substantively in effort to improve the material,
if need be. Most agents tend simply to react to whether the material is something they can sell. While some agents can
and do address content substantively, their objective is primarily to find properties that they can sell.
Q: Can I arrange for more than one Advance Submission Critique?
A: Yes. You can select as many readers for advance submission as you wish be paying an additiional fee for each additional
reader.
Q: Does attending The Novel Cram preclude advance submission consultations?
A: Not at all. Given its unique structure, requiring that you attend every Novel Cram workshop, you are permitted to
leave the Cram at the scheduled appointment time(s) with your advance submission reader(s). As a Novel Cram participant,
you also are free to attend any and all scheduled events that do not conflict with your workshop schedule, including
evening and morning speakers, Saturday evening's banquet and late-night workshops.
Q: If I'm planning to stay at the hotel, do I call the hotel to reserve a room?
A: Yes. The Crown Plaza - Irvine is the physical site of the conference. Its address: 17941 Von Karman Ave.,
Irvine, CA 92614. Phone: (949) 863-1999. Discounted lodging rates are available to SCWC*LA conferees. Be sure
to mention the SCWC when booking to ensure you receive the discount rate. Those planning to register for the conference
with hotel lodging must do so by no later than September 12, 2009.
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