CONFERENCE SCENE
Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference (MCWC)
Offering a mixed-genre emerging writers’ workshop for those who are attending a conference for the first time as well as seminars on publishing for seasoned writers ready to publish their manuscript, MCWC has been held annually for 32 years. Their goal is to produce a diverse, prestigious, and equitable event.
August 5–7, 2021. Virtual. $475. One-on-one consultations with writers, agents, and editors are available for $60/session. Consultations are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Open to writers at all levels of development, attendees can expect to meet those who are just starting out as well as those with MFAs, PhDs, and published books. “Our diversity (by all metrics) is our strength,” says executive director Lisa Locascio, “and we are committed to creating a safe and meaningful experience for BIPOC, queer, and other marginalized writers. Ours is a welcoming and inclusive environment, and we pride ourselves on having a handmade feel.” In 2020, online participants joined from all over the U.S., Canada, France, and Taiwan. Although in-person events welcome Their keynote presenter is Wendy C. Ortiz. Morning workshops: Alaya Dawn Johnson (speculative fiction), Chris Dennis (short fiction), Sam Krowchenko (emerging writers), Lillian Li (novel), Krys Malcolm Belc (memoir), Saretta Morgan (poetry), Suzanne Rivecca (nonfiction), and Alex Sanchez (middle grade and young adult). Agents include Elise Capron (Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency) and Tricia Skinner (Fuse Literary). Each workshop is limited to 10 participants and meets all three mornings of the conference. Afternoon events include craft seminars, open mics, and agent sessions including a Blind Critique and a Pitch Panel. Evening readings are opportunities to hear faculty and guests while kicking back and getting to know fellow participants after a long day of workshops and seminars. Virtually, they’ll also offer socializing via Zoom calls created for this specific purpose, both after and between official events. .
