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WordFest

A Weeklong Festival of Words

The SBWC WordFest is another opportunity to enjoy the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. It includes all the afternoon and evening lectures, panels, and presentations along with early admission to the pre-conference launch party at Borders downtown and 20% off coupons for purchases. It also includes the VIP reception with Sue Grafton prior to her receiving the Conrad award on Wednesday evening.

Think of it as an option for those who live nearby but can’t take that week off work, or reading enthusiasts who enjoy the cultural delight of listening to authors speak but don’t necessarily want to attend day-long writing workshops. Bring your book club or the avid-reader in your life.

How much does it cost?

The WordFest pass is $150, a portion of which supports the Young Writers Program and SBWC in the Schools. (Separately, the afternoon and evening events cost $195 dollars, and the VIP Reception is $50, so the pass is quite a deal!)

Register for a WordFest pass online.

Which events does it include?

All of the following:

Saturday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. Ray Bradbury speaks on writing and love for the 36th year!

Sunday, June 22, 4 p.m. “How to Pitch to an Agent/Editor,” a special presentation by NY Times best-selling author Bob Mayer.

Sunday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. Celebrated author Joseph Wambaugh speaks.

Monday, June 23, 3:30 p.m. The Writer magazine’s Agents and Editors Panel with top literary agents and editors from around the country. (Not open to the public, but included in SBWC WordFest pass).

Monday, June 23, 7:30 p.m. Jane Heller.

Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. New Book Panel with moderator Shelly Lowenkopf, featuring Meg Waite Clayton, Margaret McMullan, SBWC alum Lori Hartman Gervasi and others.

Tuesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. Pulitzer-nominated author Luis Alberto Urrea speaks.

Wednesday, June 25, 4:00 p.m. “The Road to Publication,” a special panel discussion on various avenues to getting published, including self-publishing.

Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. Best-selling detective novelist Sue Grafton receives the Barnaby and Mary Conrad Founders Award for Fiction. Q&A follows.

Thursday, June 26, 4:00 p.m. Ronald Cutler. “Journey of a First-Time Novelist.”

Thursday, June 26, 4:00 p.m. Screenwriting Panel discussion.

Thursday, June 26, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. SBWC Alumni and Workshop Leaders Book Signing.