Central Coast Writers Conference returns with full two-day format
Photo by Meagan Friberg.
Eight master classes cover AI tools, self-publishing, screenwriting, and more
– The 41st annual Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference returns Sept. 26–27 with its largest program to date, featuring 45 presenters, more than 50 workshops, eight master classes, two keynotes, a teen program, a bookstore, vendors, and networking opportunities.
This year’s theme, “It’s Time!” also marks the return to a full two-day format for the first time since 2019, when The Writer magazine named the conference the “Best Conference in the West.” In addition, master classes are being offered this year.
“Our master classes give writers the chance to work closely with industry-leading authors and professionals,” said Meagan Friberg, CCWC director. “They’re designed to sharpen skills, provide insider insights, and inspire participants to take their work to the next level.”
Master classes will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, covering topics including AI tools, self-publishing, launching a novel, character development, screenwriting, editing, author website design, and nonprofit storytelling. Registration is separate from the main conference and limited to 20 participants per class.
Hollywood director, screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards will teach a screenwriting master class, Everything They Never Taught Me About Screenwriting in Film School. In addition, plans are underway for him to host a film screening with a question and answer session in downtown San Luis Obispo leading up to the conference.
Brenna Humphreys, another master class instructor, will teach: Storytelling for Impact: Transforming Nonprofit Narratives with former CCWC Director Teri Bayus.”Great stories can make or break whether a nonprofit gets a grant, donation or sponsorship,” she said.
The conference officially opens Friday afternoon with motivational and interactive group sessions, writing workshops, a bookstore, and vendors. The teen writing program “Dream it, Draw it, Draft it!” runs from 3 to 6 p.m. with teens invited back to attend Saturday workshops.
Following a Friday evening social hour, the opening keynote features Brooke Warner, author, publisher, and memoir coach, who will present “Now or Never: Why the World Needs Your Words.”
Saturday sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., followed by Edwards’ closing keynote, “A Tankful of Inspiration for Your Drive Home.” The day will be broken into five time blocks, with sessions in genres ranging from fiction, nonfiction, and memoir to poetry, screenwriting, publishing, business writing, and more.
“This year’s schedule is packed with diverse breakout sessions and dynamic panel discussions,” Friberg said. “Writers will leave CCWC with new tools, inspiration, and connections to fuel their creative life.”
Conference registration costs $300 in advance and $325 at the door. Registration includes Saturday lunch. Workshop descriptions and conference details are available at centralcoastwritersconference.
