March 2023 Hybrid Program/Schedule

CCWC™ will be presented as a two-part event with consecutive topics. Instead of being limited to attend only part of the event  (as with a multi-track event and workshops running concurrently opposite each other) you are able to attend virtually everything from beginning to end.

March 3-8 Virtual: Friday • Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday
March 11-12 In-Person: Saturday • Sunday

On Friday March 03, the day the conference starts, all registered participants will be able to access the live program using the "Link to Event" buttons for each virtual meeting or webinar. (Yes, each email is confidentially programmed into our SecureZone System.)

6:00 PM
Pacific Time

It is estimated about 200 million people in the US have an idea for a book, yet most never become an author. Why is that? Because having an idea for a book is really easy, but writing a good book, getting it published, and marketed can be one of the more challenging accomplishments. In this helpful presentation, Keith Ogorek shares seven key things you need as a writer so you end up with a book, instead of just an idea and unfinished manuscript.

7:00 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

WC2 Executive Director Tony N Todaro has directed and/or programmed more than 1200 workshops, 200 special speaker events, 30+ conferences, and countless topics over the years. Tony looks forward to sharing a wealth of new and updated topics, plus a few popular favorites by request.

Plus, learn how you can thrive and benefit from this educational and inspiration event.

7:30 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

Welcome Keynote

"Why Are You A Writer?"

Are you seeking: Fame, Glory, Riches; Because you are always writing and want to better your craft; Because you are compelled to write; Because you want to write something that you want to read; Or because of something else?

John will discuss this burning question and provide you with the inspiration and direction to find your success a writer/author.

John Goodwin
President, Galaxy Press

10:00
Pacific Time

Meet the Agents, Editors, Scouts & Publishers - Virtual Edition

You've spent a year or more working on a great novel and now you feel it's ready to be shared with the world. Naturally, the first step is to pitch literary agents and find one who shares your passion for the work and is willing to sign you. While many authors submit countless query letters and emails -- without result, a few wise souls know that agents often look to conferences as a source for new talented writers. It is a unique window to have your work considered firsthand. But what do you say? How do you present yourself and your manuscript in order to have them ask for more?

This panel will discuss what they expect and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to hear what each needs in order to make a decision. Listen well, then rehearse before scheduling a pitch session with any or all of them later s at the conference.

Publisher
Sue Arroyo

Literary Agents
Eric L. Miller
Elizabeth Marshea
Lucy Hamilburg

The In Person panel
will be held
Saturday March 11
Embassy Suites
LAX South

11:15 AM
Pacific Time

The Four Most Powerful Words in the English Language

Tell Me A Story - These were the sentiments of the late Pat Conroy, the brilliant creator of "The Prince of Tides", "The Lords of Discipline" and "The Great Santini", among others. From caveman days around the cave fire to bedtimes spent reading to small children to making things up to settle down restless kids to eerie tales being told around a modern campfire, we humans have always been entranced by a compelling and entertaining story.

What are the elements of a story that bring listeners and readers into a writer-created world? What is needed to keep them entranced? And, most importantly for our workshop purposes, what's YOUR story? Learn more about the ways to spin a wondrous tale for an audience so they keep asking four other very important words: "And then what happens?"

Sara Anne Fox

(Solo Spotlight)

12:30 PM
Pacific Time

Creating Memorable Characters to Develop Your Plot

What makes a memorable character? His backstory? Her motivation? A certain quirk? A look? The way s/he talks and listens or the way s/he acts and reacts? Her psychological disposition or his strong moral code? Do characters have to be likable? Should readers feel compassion for a villain? How do I make my readers care for my characters? How do I make a character vulnerable? What are character flaws and do my characters need them? What is a rounded character? How do I write a dynamic character? Creating Memorable Characters to Develop Your Plot

Join successful authors and seasoned editors for a discussion of these and many other questions to explore what it means to write compelling characters that drive your plot forward.

Laurel Anne Hill
Ina S. Hillebrandt
Dianne Pearce

1:45 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

Is the First Page All that Matters?

In this workshop Beth will talk about the pitfalls that writers run into in the first page of their work, but we'll continue on to creating a full manuscript that will grab the attention of agents and editors.

Get a publishing insiders take on how many drafts of a manuscript you should do before you send that first query letter and talk about common mistakes new authors make that send red flags to agents. 

3:00 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

PowerPoint Notes

Why Hollywood Wants Your Book And What You Can Do to Seize The Opportunity

Now more than ever, producers, managers, directors and even studios are looking more closely at self published titles. What’s created this increased interest?

In this informative seminar, Keith Ogorek shares reasons why he thinks Hollywood has come calling and what you can do to seize the opportunity. From his vantage point as President of the Author Learning Center and Director of Fuzeframe, Keith and his team have developed relationships and partnerships in Hollywood and created events like the Book-to-Screen Pitchfest that expose entertainment executives to self-published titles and have enabled a number of authors to have their books optioned.

If you think you have a book or story that would play well on the screen, you don’t want to miss this special presentation.

Keith Ogorek
President of The
Author Learning Center

4:15 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

PowerPoint Notes

How to Structure Your Novel So Readers Can’t Put it Down

The Importance of Story Structure and How it Affects Your Book’s Readability

One of the most important aspects of storytelling that is often overlooked is story structure. Whether fiction or memoir, for a story to feel complete and satisfying to a reader, there are certain elements that are essential. These elements must be presented in an order that give the story purpose and a clear beginning, middle, and ending. Your story’s structure is its foundation and directly affects your book’s readability including the way the plot unfolds and how the characters, world, and conflicts are introduced to the reader. It also determines whether you will engage readers from the first page and make them care enough to keep reading to the end.

In this workshop with Sheila Manna, attendees will learn about the more popular story structure planning methods, key elements of each, and tips for determining which framework will work best for mapping out your story without being too formulaic.

Sheila Manna

Manager of Author Education for the Author Learning Center

5:30 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

What You Can Steal From Others and What Others Can Steal from You

Publishing Attorney Greg Victoroff will help writers understand What You Can Steal From Others and What Others Can Steal from You.

This includes preexisting material and public information in connection with books, articles, blogs, screenplays, scripts, dealing with life story rights, copyrights, trademarks, privacy rights, slander and libel, with time for individual questions.

6:45 - ? PM
Pacific Time

Social Networking with Attendees (YOU) and Faculty

Most virtual events don't provide the opportunity or time to network with other attendees or speakers. Well, this is your opportunity to "meet and greet" other members of the conference. So, mix up your favorite libation, pull up a comfortable chair in front of your computer, and feel free to spend the evening in a hospitable environment with your fellow writers, peers, and friends.

Dom Mahoney
Dennis A. Cherry
Neil Citrin

10:00 AM
Pacific Time

Diversity in Fiction

In this workshop we'll explore ideas centered around diversity. Why is diversity important in both writing and publishing? Through group exercises and discussions we'll explore different ideas on how value #ownvoices is and talk about who should write from the perspective of marginalized people. We'll work on getting in touch with our own voices and discover the contributions everyone can make to the world through their stories. 

11:15 AM
Pacific Time

Beyond the First Draft – Techniques for Editing Your Own Work and When to Hire a Pro

Like a legal client who tries to represent themselves, a writer who solely relies on their ability as an editor is probably headed for literary disaster. Beyond friends and first readers, there is a real need to have a professional editor review every manuscript, and bring it up to literary standards. This panel of editors will give you tips of how to best edit your work, and what to avoid, then explain how to prepare the MS for a professional and how to find an affordable one.

Deanna Brady
Dianne Pearce
Helga Schier
Ina Hillebrandt
Jennifer S. Wilkov

Debra Eckerling^(M)

12:30 PM
Pacific Time

10 Hot Writing Tips from Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss

Always learn — or, when necessary, steal — from the best. We’d all like to be artistic geniuses and enjoy smashing commercial success, so let’s see what we can learn from two writers who achieved both of those goals beyond our wildest dreams. Fortunately, Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss gave away the game: they couldn’t resist sprinkling their writing with tips about how they did it. From Hamlet’s “Use all gently” to The Cat in the Hat’s “It is fun to have fun but you have to know how,” it has all been laid out for us.

Dean Sluyter is the award-winning author of six books. He has led meditation workshops and retreats throughout the US since 1970, and he taught literature and writing at a top-rated Northeast prep school for thirty-three years. His latest book, The Dharma Bum’s Guide to Western Literature: Finding Nirvana in the Classics, was published last year by New World Library.

Dean Sluyter

1:45 PM
Pacific Time

Writing for the Short Story Market

Everybody claims they can write a short story, even if it's little more than a grocery list. But how does a pro identify the markets and readers for that short story, and fine-tune your efforts as a writer to fill those needs?

A panel of experts will discuss the paths to success and pitfalls to avoid.

Gary Phillips
Chrome Oxide
Howard Hendrix

Dianne Pearce {M}

3:00 PM
Pacific Time

World-building – It’s not just for Science Fiction

When most people read a story, they don't think of the setting as a character. But it is. Whether it's a Tale Of Two Cities, or Mitchner's Hawaii, Bridge on the River Kwai, Steven King's The Dome, or Jurassic Park, the world that an author imagines and place his/her characters in, often takes on a personality all its own. Join this panel as they explain their process and how it benefits the story.

Guy Morris
Laurel Anne Hill
Mike Robinson  

Debra Eckerling^(M)

4:15 PM
Pacific Time

Joni Labaqui

Moderator,
Contest Director, 
Writers and Illustrators
of the Future

5:00 PM
Pacific Time

Start Your Story

Every great story has a great plot and effectively uses creative story elements. But what does a story plot include, and how do you use story elements successfully? This workshop is an excellent place to start if you have an idea for a story but need help knowing where to begin.

During this session, you will learn how to develop your story elements, establish your plot, and structure your story. You'll also learn about storyboarding for writers and get some tips on writing consistently. 

Near the end of this session, we'll experiment with your story idea, and you'll walk away with some plot pointers to help you develop your outline and start your story.

Lakisha Baker

6:15 PM
Pacific Time

Publishing Dream or Nightmare: 5 Publishing Pitfalls Every Author Needs to Know

You’ve worked hard to get a book deal and there’s nothing more exciting to hear that a publisher wants to go to contract. However, the honeymoon can quickly fade if you’re not aware of what you’re signing away. 

In this lecture, Publishing Attorney Tisha Morris walks you through the biggest publishing pitfalls to look for in traditional and hybrid publishing contracts.

• -Should a big advance be your primary objective? Know how and when you’ll get paid. 
• -What to know about negotiating subsidiary rights for TV, film, and podcast.
• -Should you give up or negotiate to keep audio rights?
• -What are you agreeing to in the fine print? 
• -And the newest subsidiary right to be aware of - NFT rights

Tisha Morris

7:30 PM
Pacific Time

42 M

Carissa Ann Lynch

Carissa Ann Lynch is the USA Today bestselling author of the Flocksdale Files trilogy, Horror High series, Searching for Sullivan, 13, 13: Deja Vu, Grayson’s Ridge, Shattered Time, Things Only the Darkness Knows, Shades and Shadows, and This Is Not About Love. She resides in Floyds Knobs, Indiana with her husband, children, and collection of books. Besides her family, her greatest love in life is books.

Reading them, writing them, holding them, smelling them…well, you get the idea. She’s always loved to read and never considered herself a “writer” until a few years ago when she couldn’t find a book to read and decided to try writing her own story. With a background in psychology, she’s always been a little obsessed with the darker areas of the mind and social problems.

5:00 PM
Pacific Time

Social Networking - What's the Big Deal?

These days, it isn’t enough for an author to have a website for their bio and book – a digital storefront extends to social media marketing sites like Facebook and Twitter, and it’s time to start capitalizing on it. Admit it: you are a brand in the marketplace. If you don't have social media accounts, it’s time to get with the program and bring yourself up to speed with this important marketing tool and strategy.

Authors and social media experts will explain the "why's" and the "how's" that lead to a solid platform as an author and successful selling of your books.

Amy Reiley
Guy Morris
Jennifer S. Wilkov
Dominique Mahoney
Eric L. Miller  ^(M)

6:15 PM PST

Whitepaper

3 Phases of an Effective Book Marketing Campaign 

For many authors, marketing is a mystery and creates some unique challenges. Unlock that mystery by joining us for this session where we will present the three phases of an effective book marketing campaign. You will learn the crucial questions to ask as you build your marketing plan and craft an action plan to help you connect with potential readers.

In this session, we'll cover the following topics and more:

• Developing an audience profile
• Creating the right title and subtitle, which is one of the first marketing decisions you make
• Using social media and mailing lists to cultivate a reader base
• Planning events to celebrate the publication of your book
• Plus other important elements of an integrated marketing campaign

Keith Ogorek
President of The
Author Learning Center

7:30 PM
Pacific Time

Interviews with Best-Selling Authors

A VIrtual Author Visit with J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter Reading Club presents  from Edinburg, Scotland

50 min

 

5:00 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

5 Ways to Publish Your Book to Build Your Audience

Every writer writes a book with the intention to publish it, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction or a children’s book. However, deciding which ways to publish it, understanding what it takes to actually publish it, getting your book out into the marketplace, and attracting attention and/or growing your sales can seem like a mystery of its own.

In this presentation, Jennifer S. Wilkov, sought-after book consultant at Your Book Is Your Hook! and the host of the popular podcast by the same name, will show you how to master the art of publishing your book! Break through the bottlenecks, discover the 5 ways you can publish your book, get published, and start using it to attract more readers, agents, publishers, publicists, press and clients to your book and work.

Jennifer S. Wilkov

6:15 PM
Pacific Time

(Solo Spotlight)

Writing Screen Dialogue: "How to Develop A Good Ear"

Mike Nichols said that every scene in a movie is one of three things: A fight, a seduction, or a negotiation. All three require the use of one's good ear in writing dialogue, the engine that propels forward the character development, necessary conflict, and plot of a screenplay. Screen dialogue isn't real talk; rather, it's highly selective language that is succinct, quirky, with a rhythm and style particular to each character. It makes creative use of ordinary words and minimizes direct exposition. A good ear enables a screenwriter to discover how a script's characters will act and react in any situation.

Former feature film development executive and story editing consultant Sara Anne Fox will explore how to develop that good ear and discover what makes the words flow in your screenplay.

Sara Anne Fox

7:30 PM
Pacific Time

What topic did you miss?

While we have the schedule set up so you can see and hear every topic, sometime real time life get in the way. So if there is a topic from the last 5 days you really want to revisit, please email tony@wcwriters.com by 7:00 pm, and we will try to rebroadcast it for whatever gets the greatest number of votes.

Attendee choice...

The Best of CCWC - so far!

Subject to
individual
availability

Meet top industry professionals for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule In-Person meets and appointment at the Registration Desk. Schedule in-Person or Virtual meets and appointments by calling our 1-on-1 studio. Some may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details.

We recommend that you attend the "How to Pitch" session in order to help identify the best professionals for your individual genre and work.

Reserve an appointment
by calling the
"1-on-1 Desk"
at 310.379.2650
or at WC2 Hotel
Hospitality Desk

Meetings are held
in confidence.

10:00 AM
Pacific Time

Meet the Agents, Editors, Scouts & Publishers

You've spent a year or more working on a great novel and now you feel it's ready to be shared with the world. Naturally, the first step is to pitch literary agents and find one who shares your passion for the work and is willing to sign you. While many authors submit countless query letters and emails -- without result, a few wise souls know that agents often look to conferences as a source for new talented writers. It is a unique window to have your work considered firsthand. But what do you say? How do you present yourself and your manuscript in order to have them ask for more?

This panel of agents, editors, and publishers du jour will discuss what they expect and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to hear what each agent needs in order to make a decision. Listen well, then rehearse before scheduling a pitch session with any or all of them later any day at the conference.

Eric Lincoln Miller
Paul S. Levine
Steven Hutson
Lucy Hamilburg
Ken Sherman

Tony N Todaro^(M)

11:45 AM
Pacific Time

Practice Before You Pitch

Before a writer pitches an agent or publisher, you should plan how to get that YES in a few minutes or less. This OPEN table session will allow attendees to practice pitching a coach BEFORE that critical 1-on-1 meet. Come tough and learn how to improve your chances for success. Learn what you may be doing right or wrong.

All attendees are welcome to attend as an audience, but NOT comment. This is not your final "at bat" for a pitch. Afterwards, you should feel better qualified to schedule private 1-on-1 pitch meetings either in person or virtually with any of our agents and editors. 

Eric Lincoln Miller

1:00 PM
Pacific Time

Lunch Break, 1-on-1 Pitch Meets, Expert Consultations

Meet top industry professionals for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule In-Person meets and appointment at the Registration Desk. Schedule in-Person or Virtual meets and appointments by calling our 1-on-1 studio. Some may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details.

We recommend that you attend the "Practice before You Pitch" session in order to help identify the best professionals for your individual genre and work

1:00
Pacific Time

Gold Attendee Lunches with Agents (Round table)

For Gold Attendees and the agent or editor of their choice
(pending availability)

1440 Embassy Restaurant

2:15 PM
Pacific Time

You might think that you don’t need to worry about submitting your manuscripts to agents and publishers until you are done. This is not true. In fact, the earlier you know what distinguishes a publishable manuscript, the better.

In this session, editor Helga Schier briefly explains what goes on behind the scenes of a publishing house and will discuss how an awareness of submission procedures can help you write a better manuscript. Fundamentals of the submissions process such as genre or page count or theme or even punctuation are not arbitrary; they are among the elements steering an acquisition editor’s decision – for good reasons. This session touches upon developing a query letter and sample chapters, using an awareness of required elements not only to pitch, but to make sure that your manuscript develops naturally, your plot is paced well, your characters are likable, and – most importantly – your work is unique and has universal appeal.

Helga Schier, PhD

3:30 PM
Pacific Time

Book events are a great way to meet new fans, sell books, and take your career to the next level, but how do you use them effectively? USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty will show you how to plan for a book event, what to say, and how to pack to make your next convention or book signing the best it can possibly be for you!

Russell Nohelty

4:45 PM
Pacific Time

How do you “pitch” your project to the studio / production company / network / cable channel / streaming service executive so that you’re not ripped off? Which rights that you have acquired do you “sell”, and which, if any, do you keep? How is that “sale” done? And just what kind of money can you make from all of this, anyway? Some of the best legal experts on the West Coast will discuss the pitfalls to avoid, and reveal the secrets to reach success with your project.

Ken Sherman
Paul S. Levine, Esq

Dan Watanabe [M]

6:00 PM
Pacific Time

Agents & Editors Happy Hour - In Person
Networking + Q&A

Hang out with professional editors and talk about your work—and your writing! Ask anything; debate grammar, style, and wordcraft with us, whatever makes you happy. This is a no-host gathering in the 1440 Bar.

Dianne Pearce
Mike Robinson
Helga Schier

1440 Embassy Bar

Daylight saving time in United States will begin at 2:00  AM on Sunday March 12, 2023The Business of Writing - Part 2

10:00 AM
Pacific Time

Ask The Pros (Literary Agents & I.P. Attorneys)
Bring your questions: they may have the answer!

 

 

 

Note: NO attorney/client relationship is created by this event.

Paul S. Levine
Ken Sherman
Eric Lincoln Miller
Helga Schier, PhD

Tony N Todaro (M)

11:45 AM
Pacific Time

An Invitation to Victimhood

Have you ever tried to seek out advice to get your book published? If so, then chances are that someone has warned you about the many scams, scandals, and sharks in the business.

Don't miss this presentation by a top literary agent, the Principal of Wordwise Literary Agency.

Steve Hutson
Literary Agent

How To Go from Fingers on Keyboard to Dollars in the Bank
Four Ways Book Authors Make Money from Publishers

Few beginning writers have very little idea of how they can go from slaving away on their keyboards at night and on weekends to actually quitting their day job. Examine the four major ways authors make money from traditional book publishing.

This session, taught by a literary agent / attorney, will explain advances, royalties, subsidiary rights, and much more. If you’re curious how money works in the publishing process, this class is for you.

Paul S. Levine, Esq
Literary Agent, IP Attorney

2:15 PM
Pacific Time

Closing Speaker Address, Attendee Q&A

Plus, we will give away stacks of books, and hold a drawing for free scholarships for the Annual Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference in August (a $500 value).

You must be present to win.