NaNoWriMo Returns
November 1, 2023
Launched in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days, now, each year on November 1, NaNoWriMo invites hundreds of thousands of people around the world to begin to write. Determined to end the month with a first draft, they enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave as novelists.
NaNoWriMo officially became a nonprofit organization in 2006, and their programs include community writing challenges such National Novel Writing Month in November and Camp NaNoWriMo in April and July. To learn more and participate, visit nanowrimo.org/about-nano
CWC Branches Mark
California Writers Week
As established by State Legislature and Gubernatorial Proclamation, California observes California Writers Week the first third week of October.
CWC branches will celebrate with special events across the state, from Sacramento Branch’s readings and book signing by their member authors at bookstores (Avid Readers in Davis, Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m., Ruby’s Books in Folsom, Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m., and Avid on Broadway in Sacramento, Oct. 19, 4:30-6p.m.); Tri-Valley Writers’ ”How to Build Your Writer’s Platform Using Storytelling Crossover Tips” program by Chris Hennessy on Oct. 21, 2 p.m., Las Positas College, Livermore (RSVP required); and Redwood Branch’s “Gratitude, Attitude, Collaboration” by Jill Lublin plus a pop-up performance by Off the Page Readers Theater on Oct. 21. In the south, the East Sierra Branch will have a month-long display on California Writers at the Ridgecrest Branch of the Kern County Library, and an hour reading of stories, poems, and songs in the Children’s Room of the library, Oct. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
CWC High Desert Branch
Presents the Book Architecture Workshop
in Hesperia, CA
Saturday, September 30, 2023
The High Desert Branch of the California Writers Club announces a special workshop by Stuart Horwitz in the Percy Bakker Conference Center in Hesperia, CA, 9333 “E” Ave. The event takes place from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Starting with the premise of “Finish your book in three drafts: crafting fiction and creative non-fiction with the Book Architecture Method,” this workshop will introduce writers to a process for organization and revision that includes in-depth exercises to complete throughout the day so that attendees leave with a new perspective on their book’s core, its structure, and where the work of revision lies most clearly. The workshop assumes nothing of a writer’s previous knowledge of technique, nor how much of their manuscript is complete.
Horwitz’s clients have reached the best-seller list in both fiction and non-fiction, and have appeared on Oprah!, The Today Show, and in the most prestigious journals in their fields. The program’s admission price does not include lunch. For details, visit hdcwc.com.
Eastern Sierra Book Festival
Returns to Mammoth Lakes, CA
Sunday, July 16, 2023
The 6th annual Eastern Sierra Book Festival celebrates books, writing, reading, and publishing on Sunday, July 16, on the grounds of Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin in Mammoth Lakes, California, on the east side of the Sierra Nevada.
Sponsored by Whistling Rabbit Press and hosted by the Southern Mono Historical Society, it offers speakers, food & drink, music, games, books for sale and giveaway, and vendors. Entrance and a good time are free; find details at easternsierrabookfestival.com.