HE GREAT WHITE ART is what John Gardner called it, what it is that we, the writer, do.   While art it may be today's market realities dictate that it is the faceless reader, be it an agent, an editor, a bookseller, Hollywood bigwig or grocery store bagger who we the professional writer are ultimately writing for.   Communicating successfully to that reader is what the Southern California Writers' Conference is about.

For many, when appraising the words we've written and finally face in print, so often what we see are only the things left unsaid, the precious space between the lines left unfilled that might otherwise further enrich the work and make it commercially viable to that reader across the page; that one single individual who might well make the difference between a book or screenplay that sells and one that never does.

By providing both veteran and emerging talent a combination of authoritative critique and interactive disciplinary workshops led by working publishing and film industry professionals, the SCWC has facilitated some $3 million in book and screen deals over its 20 years.

So whether you're a writer unable to determine why your work's not working, a writer simply in search of some answers, a writer wanting feedback on what you've written, a writer just starting out, or just a writer who wants to hang with other writers, do yourself a favor and join us for the Fourth Periodical Southern California Writers' Conference *Palm Springs.

Your words are worth it!

LATEST NEWS AS OF 2/25/08
>> Online brochure (requires Acrobat Reader)
>> Frequently Asked Questions  I  Proper Manuscript Format
>> JJ's Opinion on Pitch Conferences  I   Choosing the Right Conference
>> Authors promote your books free at MySpace.com/WritersConference

WHEN IS PS4?: That's a question we're being asked a lot these days. The short answer is, we do not know. While the previous SCWC*PS events have been successful, we're considering doing future conferences there only periodically and not on an annual basis. As always, your input is welcomed. Please let Michael or Wes know how you feel about it. In the meantime, join us in our regular L.A./San Diego rotation for the writerly fix you crave!

POST-WRAP REVERIE (10/27/06): PS3 conferee Lois Joy Hoffman, now sailing around the world with her husband aboard their 43-foot catamaran, reports from Langkawi Malaysia: "This was my fourth conference. Not only has my writing improved a lot since the first conference, I am getting some magazine articles and some of my photos published while I am working on a book about our circumnavigation. I have six articles accepted (three published) and about 6 photos paid for." Congratulations, Lois! (Keep up on Lois' adventures at PacificBliss.com.) . . . And more feedback from those that ventured into the desert, starting with Dr. Lyly Rojas, who should have gotten an award for travelling from the farthest destination — the Alps!:

Everything you told me was possible if I came to Palm Springs did unfold in the postive way you predicted... Deep thanks! . . . To date I have attended two SCWCs and found both of them to be quite helpful. Based on feedback I have received regarding The Jaguar's Heart, my first novel, I hope to soon be making a deal. I received a good bit of that feedback at Palm Springs . . . Fantastic conference! I learned a lot, and had a blast! Aaron's [videogame writing] Fast track was EXTREMELY informative and fun . . . I really liked the conference — learned alot and best of all have joined Judy Reeves' group . . . This was only my second conference, but each time I have had a remarkable experience that made it all worth while. The open atmosphere of the conferences and the friendly, helpful attitude of the speakers and workshop leaders creates just the right mix to " make magic happen". Thanks to you and all the hard work that goes into these conferences. I look forward to the next one in San Diego. . . . You changed my life!

That's it for Palm Springs '06. Next up is the big one in San Diego, offering some 50 workshops/sessions, very little sleep and information overload. Dates for the Los Angeles conference will also be announced there. Til then... Write well!

IT'S A WRAP (10/4/06): Here's only a smidgen of what conferees have to say about SCWC*Palm Springs 3:

What a great conference. I am exhausted and inspired. What more could one want? . . . I had a fantastic time at the conference... it was money well invested! I came away with what I sought to gain . . . The conference actually exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasant surprise to this beginner who had to wrestle down inner demons and lock them in a closet before she could hope to show up in a group and say "I'm a writer". It's kind of amazing, actually, to be with a group of people of many levels of experience, ability and achievement in what is so obviously a hugely competitive field, and not feel any of the usual, you know... crap . . . What a conference!!!!

There's lots more, but you get the point. Thanks all who joined us. Now go forth and write great!

SCWC*PS 3 Award Recipients:

• FICTION - Laura Hout

  from Santa Barbara, CA for Fire Season

• TOPIC - Gayle Carline

  from Placentia, CA for Dino Cubed (read here)

• TOPIC RUNNER UP - Mark Versaggi

  from Duarte, CA for ICE (read here)

SCWC*PS 4 LOCATION: TBA.

SCWC*PS 4 SCHEDULE: TBA.

SCWC*PS 4 STAFF: TBA.

SCWC*PS 4 EVENING SPEAKERS: TBA.

HERE'S WHERE you can check out what's going on:

• Workshop Leader Bios & Staff – TBA
• Conference Schedule – TBA
• Registration – TBA
• Frequently Asked Questions – TBA

Click here to see how hot we were PS2.

THAT'S ALL for now.  Do check the website for periodic updates and be sure to remit your postal address to receive our free brochure. For more specific information, e-mail us or phone directly, (619) 303-8185.