The 25th Annual Writers’ Workshop
Fannie Flagg and other notable scribes talk shop with would-be novelists.
When: Saturday Feb. 2, 9 a.m. 4 p.m.
Where: Tannahill Auditorium, Schott Center, 310 W. Padre St.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Do you harbor a secret desire to write a novel, a book of poetry, a nonfiction tome or a screenplay? Or maybe you’ve already written something and are looking for tips on how to market it and how to find an agent. If so, get thee down to the Schott Center this coming Saturday for the Annual Writers’ Workshop. Celebrating its 25th year, this workshop is one of the most highly acclaimed events of its kind on the south coast.
Fannie Flagg is on tap to get things started at 9 a.m., with the keynote address. You might remember Fannie as the author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which spent 36 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. She also earned Academy Award and Writers Guild of America nominations for writing the 1991 film adaptation Fried Green Tomatoes.
Following Fannie’s presentation, there will be 21 workshops to choose from where you’ll have to the opportunity to learn tips of the trade from a number of professional writers, agents and editors.
According to local lore, mystery novelist Sue Grafton got her start as a writer through Santa Barbara Adult Education and was a SBCC Writers’ Workshop leader in the early days. Some of the writers who will be leading workshops this year include Perie Longo, the Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara for 2007-2009; Cork Millner, moderator & coordinator for the event author of 18 books and over 500 magazine articles; novelist & screenwriter S.L. Stebel; and children’s book author Mary Hershey.
Quote: “I counsel any writer to focus on the job at hand–learning to write well–trusting that when the time comes, the Universe will step in and make the rest possible. Writing isn’t about the destination–writing is the journey that transforms the soul and gives meaning to all else.”
-Sue Grafton
