California: SoCal

Have you ever wanted to see your scene come to life? Get ready to look at your writing in a whole new way…and have some fun in the process! No acting skills required. Theater Camp For Writers responds to the question: What do the disciplines of directing, acting, and improv have to teach us as writers? Sessions will include lecture, writing exercises, and most distinctly, scene work for your stories in progress, with volunteer actors from the group taking part in live readings (for our initial online meeting) and “play rehearsal” style staging (for our in-person workshop), all while individual authors watch, direct, and receive feedback on character, action, dialogue, voice, narration, pacing, and more. Get ready to look at your writing in a whole new way…and have some fun in the process! Part 1: Jan. 14, 6:30-8:30 PM on zoom. Part 2: Jan. 25, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at Godinez Fundamental HS.

Are you a published author or illustrator and SCBWI member? Now’s your chance to sell and sign your books! SCBWI SoCal is renting a booth at the festival alongside SCBWI-LA. You can rent time in our booth, sharing your time with other SCBWI members. Registration opens in January.

Want to polish your middle grade or young adult novel? Join our four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild. You’ll be able to hone your craft and polish your manuscript with the guidance of industry professionals. This event includes four critique group sessions lead by an agent or editor, a 1:1 coaching session, and optional paid written critiques. Our faculty include editors Joy Peskin and Alexa Pastor, and Agents Hannah Andrade and Kathleen Rushall. Registration opens in January.

Our region includes Long Beach and the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange. We are a friendly group that provides meet-ups, critique groups, a spring MG/YA writers retreat and a fall conference. If you are just starting out or have a long-standing career as a writer or illustrator, you are invited to join us. We’re all about making connections!