Seminars for Aspiring Writers in the Bay Area
Upcoming Seminars
- Writing and Publishing the Short Story - June 2008
826 Valencia Adult Seminars FAQ
Oh, the many times we’ve been asked: When will 826 Valencia have a class for adults?
At the same time, we have long wondered how we could engage more with the adults in the city, while raising more money for our programs.
Now we have a solution. We are now holding monthly workshops/fundraisers for adults who want to write for a living, or simply improve their writing. The emphasis will be on the practicalities of getting one’s work published, finding agents, developing and sticking with good work habits, getting valuable feedback — generally, all the strategies important to a writer’s life.
These are three-hour seminars offered to the first 40 adults who sign up. All the proceeds go directly to student programming at 826 Valencia.
Each month, there will be a panel of writers, editors and agents — all volunteering their time — who will speak to the attendees, and then will break into smaller groups and be available to talk to participants one-on-one. We will talk about inspiration, self-editing, navigating the publishing world, and everything in between. This workshop is very much a hands-on affair. No details will be spared, all pertinent secrets will be revealed.
Questions you might have, and their answers:
Q: How do I reserve my spot?
A: Either through Paypal or by sending a check made out to "826 Valencia" and writing "adult seminar" and the date of the seminar in the memo. We will call you to confirm your spot; please include your phone number.
Q: Is my Paypal transaction or check to 826 Valencia tax-deductible?
A: Your payment is deductible as a work-related expense if you work as a writer.
Q: Will my work be read by these authors, and will they edit my work?
A: There will not be time to do this. Because there will likely be 5–6 attendees for every panelist, it will be impractical to have them read the attendees’ work. These are one-time seminars, focusing on finding editors, agents, self-editing, work habits, looking for publishers, sending work to magazines and quarterlies, writing groups, MFA programs, etc. The panelists will share their experiences and will be full of encouragement and advice. Attendees will leave with a wealth of new information and inspiration.
Q: Will we be reading our work aloud?
A: No. Attendees are encouraged to bring their work, for exchange with other attendees. But in this three-hour workshop, there won’t be time to give individual readings.
Q: Will I find potential writing-group members at this event?
A: We hope so. There will be a portion of the event when we will try to facilitate attendees joining similar-minded writers to meet regularly and review their work.
